Sangamon County, Illinois - City of Springfield 563, 1881 (part 10 of 25)

Thomas Rees comes of a family of journalists. His father, the late Wm. Rees, Sr., was an editor of many years standing, and several of his brothers are at present following the "art preservative of all arts" in different portions of the "West. Mr. Rees was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 13, 1850, and came with his father to the West when a small child. He served his time as a practical printer in his brother's office at Keokuk. Since his manhood he has ever occupied responsible positions in connection with various newspapers in Missouri and Iowa. When the firm of which he is a member, and which own the Register, purchased the Keokuk Constitution, he became business manager, and has gained and deserves the reputation of being one of the best business managers in the West. He occupies the position of business manager of the Register, and under his skillful and honorable tactics the business department of the paper is kept up to the highest and most successful standard. The Eegister, under its present proprietors, has been improved in every department, until it is one of the handsomest, ablest and best conducted papers in the State. The daily has a large and increasing circulation. The proprietors have enlarged the weekly to an eight column quarto, each page being twenty by twentysix inches in size - eight pages, eight columns to a page. A new dress has been put on. It is now the largest paper in the State, not excepting the Chicago papers; and will bear comparison in appearance, make-up and general character of its contents with any paper in the country. No men ever met with a warmer or more cordial reception than they met from the people and Press. Every Democratic paper in the State felt and expressed satisfaction that the recognized organ of the party at the State Capital had fallen into the hands of men with capital, brains and backbone to make the paper a true representative and worthy exponent of Democratic views. The Republican papers, while not Avishing them any success politically, wished them every pecuniary success. In the "Proprietor's Announcement," the publishers said:

" In assuming control of the Illinois State Register, its new proprietors take off their hats to the citizens of Springfield and the people of Illinois, in acknowledgment that they are the obedient servants of a g^eat constituency, entrusted wdth the guardianship of great interests. We profoundly feel the importance of our new position. We do not mean to be prolific in promises, nor boastful of our ability; but we desire with becoming modesty to take possession of a field of labor that has been enriched and adorned by the culture, the talents and the genius of the distinguished gentlemen who have preceded us in conducting the paper during the many years of its useful life. The responsibilities of conducting the Register, in view of its past history and the important possibilities of the future, are manifold and great, and in assuming them we shall endeavor to perform the duties devolving upon us with earnestness, zeal, industry and courage. In doing this we trust too, and are confident we shall, receive the cordial support and warm sympathy of the business community and the citizens of Springfield and the State of Illinois.

" We have purchased the Register and paid for it. It is our property so far as the material is concerned; but in a broader, wider sense we want the Register to be the people's paper. We intend to be its defender of theirrights andaconserver of their interests in every contest waged against the people, either by monopolizing corporations, corrupt political parties or selfish individuals. Above capital, above parlies, above the most conspicuous man or men, above the Nation with a big N, tower the PEOPLE, every letter big, every right belonging to them inviolable. We are convinced that it is not only important, but absolutely essential to the safety of the republic and to the preservation of the liberties of the people that pure Democratic principles shall prevail. We shall maintain the courage of our convictions. The Register will, therefore, ever be found advocating those pure and patriotic Democratic pi'inciples, handed down through generations of freemen from the founders of the republic. In doing this, it shall respect those who honestly differ with it as to methods. While waging an unrelenting warfare upon every form of encroachment upon popular liberty as a Democratic paper, it will recognize that in eveiy party there ai'e good and pure men, battling for what they conceive to be the best interests of humanity, and will deal courteously with its unerring opponents. Strongly, intensely Democratic, the Register will be the organ of no man or set of men. With cliques and factions it will hold no fellowship.

"The new proprietors of the Register have come to Springfield to become citizens and to identify themselves with the interests of the city, the county and the State. The ' Springfield idea' and the 'Illinois idea' will be the object of our most earnest exertions. Our efforts will be largely devoted to making the Register a valuable local paper - an indispensable visitor at every home in the city, and a most influential factor in the growth and prosperity of the city and State. We come among the people of this section of the State comparative strangers, but with such indorsements as but few newspaper men have ever received at the hands of a generous Press throughout the states of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. We are confident we shall soon feel at home, locally and socially. We shall strive to prove worthy of the confidence and esteem of the people.

"The business of the Register will be conducted on business principles. Thomas Rees, the junior member of the firm, becomes manager, and will make his own anuouuceuients in the local department of the paper. Mr. Georo-e W. Weber, who has filled the editorial chair for a year and a half, retires, and H. W. Clendenin becomes managing editor. Mr. Weberhas our best wishes for success in whatever field he may select.

"No change is contemplated in the local or mechanical departments, except that Mr. George Smith, the senior proprietor, will have general supervision of the mechanical work of the establishment."

As soon as all necessary arrangements could be completed, both the Daily and Weekly Register appeared in new type, presenting a very handsome appearance. The weekly was enlarged to an eight column quarto, making it the largest paper in the State.

As a printing office, the Illinois State Register establishment is mammoth and complete. It occupies a building erected especially for the business, fronting on Monroe street, between Fifth and Sixth, and extending back to the alley, one hundred and fifty-seven feet. On the ground floor are located the business office, subscription department, job room, press room, stock room, and boiler room; also a fire-proof vault for the preservation of the files of the paper. On the floor above are located the editorial rooms, and back of same, the composing room. The building is well lighted wdth windows on both sides the entire length, and heated by steam, conveyed in pipes throughout the entire structure. In addition to the newspaper, an extensive book and job business is carried on, which gives employment to a large number of persons.

The whole establishment is laid out on a scale for carrying on a large business. The press room is supplied with six first-class presses, a steam paper cutter, and other suitable conveniences. Four of the presses are expensive cylinder machines, three being of the world-renowned Hoe pattern.

There are about forty hands employed in the business, besides a corps of correspondents scattered throughout the country. The pay-roll is in proportion to the business carried on, and amounts to thousands of dollars more, every year, than the amount collected from the citizens of Springfield; so, that the city is constantly receiving a greater financial benefit from the Register, than the Register receives from all the people living in the city, - to say nothing of the indirect benefit that a live paper is to any community.

Under the management of Smith, Clendenin & Rees, the daily has more than doubled its circulation, and the already large list of the weekly has received many new names. The list will be at least trebled the first year.

Daily Illinois State Register

The Daily Register was commenced in 1848, and its history is substantially that of the weekly, already given. The same editors and publishers of the one have been publishers of the other. It is now under the control of Smith, Clendenin & Rees; a large eight-column folio, printed on new type, and filled each day with general and local news. In every department it shows good management and business tact.

Sangamo Monitor

On the first day of May, 18*73, the first number of the Sangamo Monitor appeared, with T. W. S. Kidd, editor and proprietor. The Monitor presented a very neat appearance, being an eight-column folio, and filled well with readable matter. The editor was well known to every citizen of Springfield and Sangamon county, and not altogelher unknown throughout the State, especially by those having had business in the United States Court or the Supreme Court of this State, having been Crier of the United States District Court for many years. Being a cajiital story-teller, of the Lincoln school, he made many friends. Of course the j^eople looked for something spicy in the newspaper line, nor were they disappointed. The salutatory of the editor read as follows:

" We would rather the readers of the Sangamo Monitor would watch the course pursued for the first year of its existence and draw their own conclusions in reference to our position on matters of i^ublic interest, than to set ourselves about defining the same. Custom has made the practice of newsj^apers foreshadowing the course pursued by them, obligatory upon us to intimate where we may be found on the questions of the day.

"We loill be independent - we ?co?i'^ occupy a neutral position on any question, if we have concluded as to the right course. We know the truthfulness of the old adage, ' Wise men change, fools never,' too well however to say that we will not change front on matters of public interest, when convinced of error.

will, have much to do in forming our opinion on public topics, and ve are perfectly willing to trust them. American all over, in our National pride - Democratic ( not in a partisan sense) to the marrow, in our sentiments and principles, - educated by an honest woman, and naturally disposed to take the golden rule as our guide, and the side of the underdog in the fight, in the relations of life, we will ask an indulgent public to credit us in the outset with a reasonably good basis, on which they can rest assured that the chances for our being right in the main aie at least good. ' No pent up Utica' shall confine our power to wield what infiuence we have on the side of the people. Springing ourselves from the forge, used to the hard knocks of the apprentice, then the jour, and lastly having ' bossed' it a little, we think we possess, in a reasonable degree, such sympathies as will lead us not to forget the ' int from whence we have been digged.'

"Politically, the Jtonest man, when placed by his party friends upon a ticket, or struggling independently for a place in the service of the people, can fully expect justice at our hands, while the manipulator of cliques and the cat'spaw of rings, need expect no mercy, let him be the nominee of any convention held by whatsoever party. We naturally detest deceit, whether practiced by cliques or individuals, under the cloak of religion, politics, law, or morals, and we intend to wage war against all such with all the energy and vim of our nature, regardless of greenbacks or relations, leaving consequences to take care of themselves.

"In a word, the Monitor will aim to be just what its name indicates, watching the acts and doings of the world at large, and reporting the same with impartial truthfulness to the readers every week; the iron-clad and double-turreted coaster, watching our National and State prosperity; ready with shot and shell to do battle for the 'greatest good for the greatest number.'"

The Monitor from the beginning has made war against monopolies, and in favor of the rights of the people. Starting at a time when the people, especially the farming community, had raised the standard of anti-monopoly, the Monitor naturally sided with those battling for this cause, and its columns will bear witness of the many points made in defense of the doctrines advocated.

In the fall election, in 1873, the Monitor advocated the election of the Democratic nominees, and has since continued to support the men of that party, though feeling and exercis-

The Monitor was started under what might be termed very unfavorable circumstances. Possessed of but little capital, as regards dollars and cents, but with plenty of pluck and perseverance, its editor and publisher has triumphed over every obstacle, and has made the Monitor a success in every particular. Few daily or weekly papers in this country have been established without sinking a large amount of capital, but the Monitor can boast of no such experience. From the start, it has had a living patronage, and from its profits has been gathered together the material of a complete newspaper and job office. Both the daily and weekly pay the publisher a fair profit, having each a large circulation and a good advertising patronage.

Sangamo Daily Monitor

The Sangamo Daily Monitor made its first appearance Thursday, June 28, 18Y7. The following characteristic editorial appeared in the first number:

"Shake - Fathers, Give Us a Grip - Sons, Pass Us Your Paw^ - Mothers, Accept Our Most Profound Bow - Sisters, We Embrace You - R Delicate Duke - Bless and Believe Us, FOR We Mean Business. - Like the gaily bedecked merry-maker of the big show, we bounce into the ring of daily journalism, hoping to be able to hold our own for another 'thirty days" trip into the sea of journalistic troubles, and a daily change of programme. We have grown tired of seeing and unfolding our bosom and budget to you but once a week. We want to talk to you daily, and tell you all we know of war, of crops, of politics, of religion, of law, and what we have heard in our rambles, about news and matters transpiring during the fast-unfolding events of twenty-four hours. We have grown chafed and weary of seeing those whom we hope to stir up to a little more evidence of life, have six words to our one, when 'talk's cheap,' and printers can be had for nothing; when paper-makers and type foundries furnish freely and gratis, and when close corporated monopolistic champions of the freedom of the Press are gaining such enviable notoriety by furnishing news to the people at a penny a line.

"We are among you. You all know us, and can trust us or not, as you like; of this we have no fear. Our motto, 'Do your best, with correct motives; then let the consequences take care of themselves,' has seen us through so far, and we hope will to the end. We propose to take a hand in 'posting the people.' not to prejudice them, but letting everybody know what everybody else is doing who don't, won't or can't behave themselves according to the old ten, or new or eleventh commandment. Naughty humanity, behave yourself, if you don't desire a blast from the Monitor. ' Hold your horses,' fast youth, or crooked beauty, unless notoriety is more precious than the quiet calm of virtue's peaceful abode, and the joy of domestic felicity irksome to the speed of untamed nature, when without the balance wheel of wisdom and the pleasure-producing quality of proper motive. Remember us editorially, bearing in mind the fact that if you desire your hens to be emulated, 'lay your largest egg' on ou7' editorial table. We are ever ready to chronicle events; our journalism teaches us a broader and more general definition than the style of making reading only to the fev.\ 'personal' distinction to fewer, while those upon w^hom the smile of total endorsement is to be 'smolen' are fewest. If you want to know a little bit of everything, dive into your breeches pocket, get a three-cent piece, and stop the cry of the newsboy by buying a Daily Monitor.

"We ask and shall expect your encouragement, not as a craven, but as an honest man who knows he will give an equivalent in every respect. It may seem a trifle; it is - but remember your 'littles ' are our ' nickels,' and while you are many and we few, a stoppage of your little for a week or two, by enough of you, might make a hole big enough to sink even a Monitor. Much depends upon trifles in this world; the ocean would cut but a sorry figure swimming fellows like our Grant or Tom Hendricks to England to show our bully old relative how we have 'skipped out' of our 'short frocks and things' since we swelled up his left optic in 1812, if not for trifles; and a great many big fellows around our own neighborhood were oncevery trifling little trifles. 'Despise not the day of small things!' Small beginnings make heavy endings, as the fellow said of the avalanche; and it may be that the little Monitor may yet be big enough to defy a torpedo. Give us your hand; your helping hand is the one asked for - we have several of another kind now pressing close on our skirts - and it might be while entertaining the Monitor you may be entertaining several small angels in disguise, floating around the homes and firesides of the boys depending for their bread upon the success of this enterprise.

drawback is ' tbe feather that breaks the camel's back' of our success, and the welfare of our set of printers. When we get to the level plain and the load is not so burdensome, we will have lots of time and take bushels of pleasui-e in returning you our grip of satisfaction at your action by our frequent notices of your 'style,' business, 'gait,' etc., in an occasional send-off on business, pleasure, when you marry, run for office, trade horses, swap dogs, or get into jail. We stand ready with the Monitor to fight to the blue for the honest in life matters, whether clothed in 'purple or fine linen,' or the scanty wardrobe of a tramp, while you live, and when dead will do just as we would you should do with us, bury our faults and foibles, and string togetheramong life's cherished ornaments the sparkling beads of wortli found in every nature. Shake!"

Thomas W. S. Kidd, editor and proprietor of the Monitor, was born in New Castle, Delaware, October '22, 1^28. His parents were John and Ann (Smith) Kidd, both natives of Delaware, but of Irish descent. His grandfather Kidd, was a farmer, and grandfather Smith, a Presbyterian minister. Both families came across the water on the same vessel; being four months on the ocean. The mother of Thomas died about three years after his birth, quite suddenly after giving birth to his only brother; and his father, about one year after, partly from a cold contracted by exposure, and partly by grief from the loss of his wife.

On the death of his father, young Kidd was taken by a most estimable aunt, Mrs. M. J. Mc- Pherson. Remaining in New Castle about one year, the family moved to Quarryville, where his aunt had taken the contract to board a large number of hands who were employed by the Government, in getting out stone for the Delaware Breakwater, then being constructed by the Government. Here they remained four years, and where Thomas attended a school about six weeks, which comprised the entire time spent in the school room. Returning to New Castle when he was about nine years old, he spent the next four years in such labor as a boy could do, in order to help the family to a comfortable existence. In 1840. the family moved to Philadelphia, where Thomas engaged as an errandboy in a merchant-tailoring establishment, and served about two years. At this establishment T. S. Arthur and other literary celebrities were wont to congregate, and young Kidd, in listening to their conversation, first conceived the idea of learning something of books and of the world. At the expiration of his two years' service as an errand-boy, he entered the printing office and stereotype foundry of John Fagin, to learn the trade. At this time he could scarcely read, and knew nothing at all about writing. By patient endeavor he learned to read well and write a fair hand, and before many months expired he was made one of the proof-readers in the establishment; but the life of a printer did not suit him. He had for many years a desire to learn the trade of a machinist, and when two years had passed of his printer's life, he ran away to Wilmington, Delaware, and applied for a situation in the railroad and machine shops of that city. He was told they could not give any attention to his application without recommendations. He then went on foot to New Castle and asked old friends of his father, and those who had known him when a small boy, to recommend him. This they did; and armed with his recommendations he returned to Wilmington, to be told that he must wait three weeks before an opening could be made. This he could not do; he was away from home, without money and without friends. Starvation was staring him in the face; he must get work - and at once. He therefore bound himself to the firm of Hollingsworth & Teas, to learn the trade of blacksmith and machinist. Before the expiration of his term of service the firm failed, and he then engaged with Elliott & Huston, locomotive builders, of Wilmington. Here he remained until 1849, when he received an invitation from Mr. Hollingsworth, who had removed to Chicago, to come to that city and take charge of the iron-shops that he was about to establish. He accepted the invitation and entered upon the work, where he remained a short time, and then received and accepted the appointment of traveling agent of an agricultural firm. In this line of business he continued with success until 1857 - save for a short period in 1853-4, when, his health having failed him, he returned to his old home in Delaware. While east he was married, July 1854, to Charlotte, daughter of Jesse Janney, of Cecil county, Maryland. Six children have been born unto them, two of whom are now living - Lizzie G. and Presco Wright.

In February, 1856, Mr. Kidd brought his family to Springfield, where they have since continued to reside. In 1857, he served as bailiff in the United States Marshal's office. In 1858, he was elected Coroner and was also appointed Deputy Sheriff. In the winter of 1858-9 and 1859-60, he served as Sheriff" of the Supreme Court of Illinois. In 1860, be was appointed by Judge Treat, Crier of the United

States District Court, which position he continued to hold until the spring of 1S77. In addition to the offices mentioned, Mr. Kidd served as Assessor in Springfield for a period of fifteen years, and Collector by election, two years.

While serving as Deputy Sheriff, Mr. Kidd read law, and passing a successful examination before Judge Walker, of the Supreme Court, was licensed to practice. He never opened an office and tells upon himself that he never had but two cases, in the latter one he took offense at the answers of a colored witness, and struck him over the head with an iron square, and vvas fined by the Justice of the Peace three dollars for contempt of court. He then retired from active practice.

As a writer Mr. Kidd has a peculiar style of his own. He follows the model of no man. When he writes a sentence, no man can mistake its meaning. It is plain and to the point, yet so worded that it cannot be thought to be from the pen of another.

The Springfield Times

In 1844, the Democratic party in Sangamon county was somewhat divided on purely local issues. The Register espousing the side of one faction, left the other without representation. This necessitated the starting a second Democratic paper in Springfield, and S. S. Brooks, who in 1829-30 published the Illinois Herald, was induced to make the venture. The new paper was called the Springfield Times. It was a small folio sheet, but edited with the vim characteristic of the Brooks family, who were born newspaper men. The Times only existed about one year, the party not being able to support two organs, and the breaches in the party being healed. Mr. Brooks, though an excellent newspaper man, was no business manager, and never succeeded in his chosen profession. An old man, he wandered back to Springfield occasionally, and worked at the case in the Register and other offices, to secui-e a livelihood for himself and family.

Harmon G. Reynolds, the founder and editor of the Masonic Trowel, is one of the oldest Masons in the State, having taken his degrees in Warsaw Lodge, in 1843. He was Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge in 1848, and was elected Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge and Chapter, and continued as Grand Secretary of the Lodge until 1851. In 18G8, he was elected Grand Master, and held this position for two years. He remained Seci'etary of the Grand Chapter until 1869. He assisted in the initiatory work of forming the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters, and was the first Recorder of that body. Mr. Reynolds has been Master of three lodges, and High Priest of three Chapters, and was first Commander of El wood Commandery No. 6, of this city. All of Avhich positions he filled with credit to himself and honor to the fraternity. He also received, in 1854, the thirty-second degree ol the Ancient Scottish Eites, and the thirty-third in Boston, in 1864. In 1858, he located in this city, and established, in 1862, the Masonic Trowel, with which paper he retained his connection until 1868. He has always had the editorial control of its columns, and his labors therein have redounded to the general welfare and prosperity of the craft at large. By the fire, on the night of the 22d of February, by which the Trow^el was destroyed, he was stripped of every dollar of his earthly possessions.

Iljlinois State Democrat

In 1857 a paper under the above name w^as started in Springfield by J. J. Clarkson, with Elliott B. Herndon, editoi-. As its name implies it was a Democratic paper, and was started to combat the heresies supposed to exist in a portion of the Democratic party, headed by Stephen A. Douglas. It lived about three years.

The Sunday Mail Illinois Frei Presse

Many attempts have been made to publish a German paper in Springfield, but until the Frei Presse was started, all prior to that had proven failures. On the eleventh day of January, 1872, Edward Rummel, then Secretary of State, commenced the publication of the Frei Presse, an eight column folio, in support of the Liberal movement then being advocated by such men as Horace Greeley, Charles Sumner, John M. Palmer and others. Mr. Rummel only retained connection about three months, and then sold to Gehring & Hotze,two practical German printers. Mr. Gehring assumed editorial control of the paper, and has since continued to act as managing editor. The success of the paper was assured from the start, the Germans largely supporting the new movement. It has had a uniform, steady growth, and is not only regarded as the most successful German paper, but is said to be the most successful German or English paper in Springfield. The office is well supplied with type and presses, and does a general book and job business in connection with the publication of the paper. After a time, Mr. Hotze retired, and Mr. Gehring became sole editor and proprietor.

Frederick Gehring was born in Baden, Germany, March 4, 1841. His early life was spent in that country, in attendance upon the common and high schools. In 1856, he came to America, and settled in Lafayette, Indiana, where he entered a German newspaper office, to learn the trade of a printer. Here he remained about three years, and then went to Indianapolis and worked as a journeyman printer. From Indianapolis he drifted on to St. Louis, where he was when the war for the Union commenced. Returning to Indianapolis, he enlisted as a private in the Fifteenth Indiana Infantry, and served three years, being wounded at the battle of Stone river. On his recovery he was placed on detached duty, where he remained until the close of his term of enlistment, when he was discharged. Returning to Indianapolis, he served for some years as local editor of the Telegraph, rf that city, and for about six months as political editor of a German paper. On the 19th day of October, 1805, he was united in marriage to Miss Ivathrina May, of Indianapolis. They have had six children, three of whom are now living - two boys and one girl. In April, 1872, Mr. Gehring and his family came to Springfield, and he purchased an interest in the Frei Presse. In 1874 he was elected a member of the legislature, by the combined Liberal and Democratic vote, and was classed in the House, i)olitically, as a Democratic-Liberal. He now claims to be a Liberal-Democrat, and the Frei Presse as a Liberal-Democratic paper. In the legislature, he was placed on the committee on mines and mining, the committee on printing, and also on education. The committee on mines and mining framed the law that was passed regulating the government of mines. Mr. Gehring is a member of the A. O. U. W., and Turn-Verien. He was the originator of the Building Associations of Springfield, and has taken great interest in their work. Lie is a good writer, and a practical business man.

of 1878, its first number bearing dale November 21, H. Schlange is the editor and proprietor. The Wochenblatt has been a success from the start, it i^ow having a bona fide circulation of fifteen hundred copies weekly. Mr. Schlange was born November 16, 1844, at Hanover, Germany, As soon as sufficiently advanced he entered the Jacobson Institute, where he remained until he was sixteen years of age. He then entered the army as a private, and passed the various grades of promotion until he was made Assistant Quartermaster. In 1865 he came to America and landed at New Y^oik in the early part of December, where he remained a few days and proceeded to Springfield, Illinois, his destination, arriving there January 2, 1866. At Springfield, he learned the trade of cigarmaker, and continued in that business until he established the Wochenblatt, in 1878. At this time there was no Republican German paper in Springfield, and Mr. Schlange thought it to be a good opportunity to establish one. The result has more than exceeded his most sanguine expectations. Mr. Schlange and Anna Ahrtns were married in Lincoln, Illinois, February 25, 1868. Two children have been born unto them - August and Lena.

Auburn Citizen

In 1873 Lowdermilk & Stover commenced the publication of the Auburn Herald, a six column folio. The paper was started mainly for the purpose of affording the business men of Auburn an advertising medium, but the citizens believed it should be something more, and therefore the experiment was tried of giving the community a good local paper. Not having an office of their own, the printing was done in Yirden at the office of the Virden News, and the paper circulated from Auburn. After the expiration of about five mo]iths, a stock company was formed for the purchase of office material, and the outfit was purchased of the Virden News in August, 1874, M. G. Wadsworth, of Auburn, and W. F. Thompson, of Virden, becoming publishers, by^ purchase from the stock company.

A sketch of the senior proprietor of the Herald - W. W. Lowdermilk - will be found in connection with the History of Auburn. A. B. Stover, the junior, came from Havana, Illinois. He was at one time editor of the Mason County Herald. When he came to Auburn he engaged as a clerk in a dry goods store, retaining connection after engaging in editorial work. He was an easy and fluent writer. After the Herald changed hands, he made a profession of religion and conducted a series of meetings in Auburn with great success. He was induced to go before the Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and by that body was licensed to preacli the Gospel. He is a good talker and is now meeting with success in the ministry.

When Wadsworth & Thompson became the proprietors of the Herald they rented a room in the bank building and continued its publication. At the commencement of the second volume the name was changed to the Auburn Citizen, and the paper enlarged to a seven column folio. The following spring the senior bought out the junior partner's interest, and has since been sole jDroprietor. The Citizen was enlarged to an eight column folio April 22, 1880, and changed to a five column quarto, December 9, 1880. The Citizen has no political bias, its si^ecial mission being local news. It is at present the only paper published in Sangamon county outstde of Springfield.

Moses G. Wadsworth was born in Hallowell, Kennebec county, Maine, February 3, 1826, and is the son of Daniel and Margaret F. Wadsworth. His parents were of English and Welsh origin, the father being descended, on the father's side, from Peregrin White, the first white child born in America. Moses G. came to Illinois, m his fifteenth year with his parents, settling in (old) Aixburn, where the parents are still living, the father in his eighty-third and the mother in her eightieth year. They have resided in the same house about thirty-eight years. Moses G. Wadsworth was married in September, 1849, to Elizabeth F. Wheeler, of Macoupin county, who died in May, 1857, leaving five children, four of whom are living. He was married again in November, 1862, to Mary E. Day, of Chatham, who has borne him seven children, four of whom are living. Until after the death of his first wife, Mr. Wadsworth followed farming. After that he worked principally at carpenter work, until his connection with the Auburn Herald (afterwards Citizen,) in 1879. He was clerk of his township three years; assessor one year, and tax collector nine years. He has been school trustee ten or more years, and Secretary of Ark and Anchor Lodge of Masons, eleven years.

The Evening Tost

The only evening paper at present published in Springfield, was established in January, 1880, the first number being issued on the 3d. Its publication was decided upon by a number of printers and newspaper men of the city, who were out of employment at the time, caused by a strike in the composing room of the Register oftice. There being no evening paper in the city, they decided to occupy the field, and incorporated the Capital Co-operative Publishing Company, with a capital of l^ljOOO, which was subsequently increased to |2,000. Charles W. Bovard, F. H. B. McDowell, Andrew McWeeney, J. H. Duggan, W. H. Mursinna, William F. Aitken, T. F. Harrington, J. M. Higgins, Louis Souther, and Louis Schuckers, were the original stockholders. F. H. B. McDowell was elected editorin-chief, with J. M. Higgins and Louis Souther as associates. During the first month, Messrs. Souther and Higgins withdrew from the company. Mr. McDowell continued as editor-inchief until the latter part of May in that year, when, owing to a dissatisfaction among the stockholders and a desire on their part to sustain the principles of the Greenback party, he withdrew. At that time, the paper had become well established, and its circulation was the largest it attained during the year. Mr, J. K. Magie was elected editor-in-chief, on Mr. Mc- Dowell's withdrawal, and occupied that position until August 1, when, the business of the paper having been badly damaged by his administration, at the request of the Board of Directors, Mr. McDowell again assumed its management, and he now owns nearly all the stock of the company. The paper is a handsome sevencolumn folio, having been enlarged from a sixcolumn folio on the 16th of October, 1881. Its political tone is of the stalwart Republican order, and it exerts no little local influence. Its circulation is largely among the working classes. Its subscription price is |5 per jear.

Among those who have contributed to the success of the paper, a mournful tribute is due to the late Henry G. Fitzhugh,who died November 13, 1880, at the age of twenty-two years, at the time of his death being its city editor. He was one of the brightest young journalists the city has ever produced, and his sad death, after a short illness of pneumonia, was a shock to all who knew him. His remains were interred at Oak Ridge.

Mr. McDowell was born at Freeport, Illinois, January 7, 1854. Compelled at the age of thirteen to leave the High School, by the necessity of his earnings for the 8up])ort of his father's family, he entered the oftice of the Freepoi't Bulletin, in March, 1868, as an apprentice, and acquired the printer's trade. In January, 1872, he left his home for Chicago, Avhere he remained until the fall of 1876, working at his trade in the Chicago Tribune composing room. In November of that year he formed a partnership Avith W. W. Lewis in the publication of the Carroll County Gazette, at Lanark, Illinois. The jjartnership continued until February, 1878, when Mr. Lewis retired, and he continued its l)ublication until January, 1879, when he disposed of the paper and removed to Chicago. In September of that year he was elected Secretary of the State Bureau of Labor Statistics, which position he now holds. He was married to Anna Magnusson JeM'ett, of Chicago, in November, 1876.

S. P. V. Arnold, associate editor and business manager of the Post, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1854, where he resided until twelve years of age, when he removed to Columbus, Ohio. He was educated at Otterbein University, at Westerville, Ohio, and graduated at the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1875. Previous to and after graduating, he taught school for seven years. In the fall of 1878, he went to St. Louis and established the American Trade Journal, which he continued until August, 1881, when he sold his interest in the paper and came to Springfield, and became connected with the Post as associate editor and business manager,

Campaign Papbes

Many campaign papers have been issued in Springfield; the most noted of which were the '-Old Soldier," published in 1840, by the Whig general committee; and the "Old Hickory," published by the Democratic general committee. Each of these papers had a circulation of 35,000 copies, and were very effective campaign sheets, and will readily be called to mind by the old settler.

The "Conservative" was a seven-column folio, issued during the presidential campaign of 1856, and supporting Millard Fillmore for the presidency. It was edited by a committee of the Springfield Fillmore Club, and was an interesting political sheet.

Reed And Donner Emigrant Party

Since the discovery of the New World by- Christopher Columbus, there has ever seemed a disposition to push on toward the setting sun. Like the story told children of the sack of gold placed at the termination of the rainbow, which creates an earnest desire in their hearts to secure the treasure, so there appears before the eyes of all men, in dazzling splendor, visions of untold wealth and honors, to be secured in the great West

Early in the spring of 1 846, a party was organized in this county for California and the Pacific coast. Gold had not then been discovered, but a knowledge of the beautiful Sacramento valley had been obtained, and it was thought a home could there be made which would he delightful and pleasing to all. The party left Springfield April 14, 1846, full of hope and spirit, looking forward to the time when they should reach their destinations and be at rest. Little did they anticipate the trials and tribulations that awaited them as they passed over the mountains and across the great American Desert. When they left Springfield, the party numbered thirtyfour persons. The following named were among the number:

James F. Reed and Mrs. Margaret W. Reed, his wife, with their four children, Virginia E. B., Martha J., James F., Jun., and Thomas K.; also Mrs. Sarah Keyes, the mother of Mrs. Reed.

Jacob Donner and Mrs. Elizabeth Donner, his wife, with their five children, Isaac, Lewis, Samuel, George and Mary; also William and Solomon Hook, children of Mrs. Donner by a former marriage.

Leaving Springfield, their first point of destination was Independence, Missouri, where they were to make the final preparation for crossing the plains. They were joined at various points by parties from other places, as follows:

From Lacon, Illinois: Jay Fausdick and Mrs. Sarah F'ausdick, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Graves, with their eight children, Frank, Mary, William, Ellen, Lavina, Nancy, Jonathan and Elizabeth. Mrs. Fausdick was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Graves.

From Iowa: Patrick Brien - spelled, in some places, Brei-n and Breen - Margaret Brien, Margaret J., John, Edward, Patrick Jun., Simon, James and Peter Brien, and Patrick Dolen.

From St. Louis, Missouri: William Foster, Mrs. Foster and George Foster; and from Ray county, Missouri: William McCutchen, Mrs. Mc(^utchen and Harriet McCutchen.

At Independence the party laid in their supplies for the long journey across the plains. At that time it was absolutely necessary that emigrants should travel together in large bodies in order to protect themselves from the Indians, and it was never safe to start until the grass had

Early in May the journey began from. Independence. No trouble was experienced until they came to Big Blue river, four miles above its month. They found the stream quite full, and had to provide themselves with rafts before crossing. Just before reaching this place, Mrs. Keyes, the mother of Mrs. Reed, became ill, and while here, on the morning of May 29, breathed her last. All work was suspended and each person vied with the other in rendering to her the last tribute of respect. A neat coffin was constructed, the remains placed in it and buried on a beautiful elevation, near a burr-oak tree. Religious services Avere conducted by a minister present with the party. The grave was sodded and the tree made to serve the purpose of a headboard. On it was cut the following inscription:

Between Independence and Blue river the Reed and Donner party fell in with Colonel W. H. Russell and company, who had left Independence a few days before them. Passing Blue river, they all traveled together until they reached Little Sandy river, where a sej^aration took place, the majority of them going to Oregon; Colonel Russell heading the latter. The day after the separation the Reed and Donner party elected George Donner, Captain, and from that time it was known as the "Donner Company." They continued their journey up the valley of the Platte river, passing Fort Laramie and crossing the Rocky Mountains to Fort Bridger without any serious mishap. This had occupied the entire summer. They tarried at the Fort four days. Letters had been left here for the party, warning them against taking the Plasting's Cut- Off, and advising them to go by the Foit Hall route. The latter was an established and well known route, but much longer than the former, and required a detour to the northwest. The Hasting's Cut-Off passed through Webber's canyon to the south end of the great Salt Lake, near where the city of Salt Lake has since been built. This route being more direct and some three hundred miles shorter, was an inducement to emigranis to go that way. Unfortunately, the

Approaching the mouth of the Webber canyon, they found a letter sticking in the top of a sage bush from Hastings, the discoverer of the new route. He was then piloting a company through, and proposed to the Donner Company that, if they would send messengers for him, he ;would return and pilot them through a better way than the one by which they were directed. In response to the letter, Reed, Stanton and Mc- Cutchen, of the Donner party, hastened on to accpt the offer of Mr. Hastings. The latter then came back part of the way and after piloting the three men a few miles, gave them directions, and returned to the first party he was piloting through. Reed, Stanton and McCutchen then returned to their own party, and all went to work, and by digging and cutting timber, made a road passing to the south end of Salt Lake, crossing the outlet of the lake, now" called the river Jordan. Passing to the northwest around the lake, they were detained a few days by the death, from consumption, of Mr. Halloran, one of the company.

A few more days' travel brought them to the springs where they were to provide water and grass for crossing Hasting's Desert, an akaline desert, destitute of water and vegetation. They were led to believe it was less than fifty miles across, but it proved to be nearer eighty. It was understood that they must travel day and night, stopping only long enough to feed and water the cattle. When about two-thirds of the way across, the stock manifested signs of being exhausted, and Mr. Reed vas requested to go forward until he found water and then report. After traveling about twenty miles he found water, and returning, about eleven o'clock at night, he met his teamsters driving the cattle, having left their wagons. After directing them how to proceed, he went on to meet his family and the remainder of the company. Soon after leaving his teamsters one of their horses sunk down in the road, and while they were endeavoring to raise it, the cattle scented the water, scattered, and nine yoke of them were never found. Only one ox and one cow remained.

About daylight the next morning, Mr. Reed succeeded in reaching his family, and found them alone, the remainder of the party having continued their journey, none of them having taken their teams from the wagons except Mr. Reed's men. Not knowing that his cattle were lost, Mr. Reed waited with his family all day, expecting some of his men to return and haul them to water. Not receiving any information, and their supply of water being nearly gone, he started with his family on foot, carrying his youngest child in his arms. In the course of the night the childi'en became exhausted, so they spread a blanket on the ground and all lay down on it, covering themselves with shawls. A cold wind commenced blowing soon after they lay down, and the children could only be kept warm by having their four dogs lie down against them outside the shawls.

About daylight they moved on, and soon came to a wagon which belonged to Jacob Donner and which contained his family, Mr. Donner having gone forward for water. He soon after returned and took his own and Mr. Reed's family to the source of the supply, where they remained in camp for about one week, spending the time in searching for the lost cattle. The search was unavailing, it being believed the Indians had secured all of them. Mr. Reed, as soon as he became convinced his cattle could not be found, divided among others his provisions, except what he could haul in one wagon, and leaving seven wagons on the plains, the party again resumed their journey. Winter was close upon them and the party was hundreds of miles from any human habitation.

After proceeding some days on their journey it was found that provisions were running short. An estimate was made of the quantity it would take for each family. It was now proposed by Mr. Reed, that two of the number should hurriedly proceed forward to Captain Sutter's, in California, and secure supplies, Mr. Reed becoming personally responsible for the payment. William McCutchen, of Missouri, and Mr. Stanton, of Chicago, volunteered for this purpose. They started upon their journey and weeks passed without any tiding from them. It was now suggested that Mr. Reed go in advance to see what had become of them, and hurry up supplies.

At this time the two Donner families were in advance of the main body. Walter Ilerron was with the Donner's and when Mr. Reed overtook them, Herron volunteered to go with him, which offer was accepted. Having but one horse, they rode by turns. Their provisions giving out, they traveled for days without food, except wild geese and other game which they occasionally killed on Truckee river. When they reached the Sierra Nevada mountains, Herron wanted to kill the horse, and Mr. Reed persuaded him from it by agreeing to kill him rather than perish with hunger. That afternoon

Herron became delirious for want of food. They found five beans. Ilerron ate three of them, and Reed the other two. The next morning they came upon some abandoned wagons, which they ransacked, but failed to find any food. Taking the tar-bucket from one of the wagons, and scraping the tar from the bottom, Mr. Reed discovered a streak of rancid tallow in the bottom, which he made known to Herron, who swallowed a piece about the size of a walnut without giving it a smell. He swallowed a second piece, and wanted more, which Mr. Reed refused to give him, having himself eaten some which made him deathly sick. They soon after descended into Bear river valley, where they found some emigrants in wagons, who gave them food and relieved their sufferings. They there met Mr. Stanton and two Indians sent by Captain Sutter to aid in carrying provisions. Mr. Reed was so emaciated that Mr. Stanton did not recognize him until they had conversed with each other several minutes. The next morning, October 23, 1846, each party continued their journey. Mr. Reed went on to Captain Sutter's, where he secured thirty horses, one mule and two Indians to aid him in bringing out the sufferers. He was joined by Mr. McCutchen, who had been separated from Mr. Stanton by sickness. With some flour and meat they started to meet the suffering emigrants in the mountains. After weeks spent in unavailing efforts, they had to return, as men and horses sank out of sight in the snow. It was evident that nothing could be done until spring, the mountaineers all being absent fightingMexicans, the war with Mexico having commenced the year before, and the natives of Spanish and Indian blood having expressed a determination to exterminate the Americans.

Snow commenced falling the latter part of October, and caught the whole party, not in a body, but scattered along some distance, the extremes being probably a day's journey apart. The following journal, kept by one of the sufferers, includes the time from October 31, 1846, to March 1, 1847, and is from the Illinois State Journal, of September 16, 1847:

Truckee's Lake, November 20, 1846. - Came to this place on the 31st of last month; went into the Pass, the snow so deep we were unable to find the road, and when within three miles from the summit, turned back to this shanty, on Truckee's Lake. Stanton came up one day, after we arrived here; we again took our teams and wagons, and made another unsuccessful attempt to cross the mountains, as it continued to snow all the time. We now have killed most part of our cattle, having to remain here until next spring, and live on lean meat, vi'ithout bread or salt. It snowed during the space of eight days, with little intermission, after our arrival, though now clear and pleasant, freezing at night; the snow nearly gone from the valleys.

Nov. 21 - Fine morning, wind northwest; twenty-two of our company about starting to cross the mountains this day, including Stanton and his Indians.

Dec. 1 - Still snowing; wind west; snow about six or six and one-half feet deep; very difficult to get wood, and we are completely housed up; our cattle all killed but two or three, and these, with the horses and Stanton's mules, all supposed to be lost in the snow; no hopes of finding them alive.

Dec. 9 - Commenced snowing about eleven o'clock; wind northwest; took in Spitzer yesterday, so weak that he cannot rise without help, caused by starvation. Some have a scant supply of beef; Stanton trying to get some for himself and Indians; not likely to get much.

Dec. 14 - Snows faster than any previous day; Stanton and Graves, with several others, making preparations to cross the mountains on snow shoes; snow eight feet on a level.

Dec. IV - Pleasant; William Murphy returned from the mountain party last evening; Bayless Williams died night before last; Milton and Noah started for Donner's eight days ago; not returned yet; think they are lost in the snow.

Dec. 20 - Clear and pleasant; Mrs. Reed here; no account from Milton yet; Charles Berger set out for Donner's; turned back, unable to proceed; tough times, but not discouraged; our hopes are in God. Amen!

Dec. 21 - Milton got back last night from Donner's camp; sad news; Jacob Donner, Samuel Shoemaker, Rhinehart and Smith are dead; the rest of them in a low situation; snowed all night, with a strong southwest wind.

Dec. 23 - Clear to-day; Milton took some of his meat away; all well at their camp. Began this day to read the "thirty day's Prayers;" Almighty God grant the requests of unworthy sinners!

Dec. 25 - Began to snow yesterday; snowed all night and snows yet, rapidly; extremely difficult to find wood; offered our prayers to God this (Christmas) morning; the prospect is appalling, but we trust in Him.

Dec. 21 - Cleared off yesterday; continues clear; snow nine feet deep; wood growing scarcer; a tree, when felled, sinks into the snow, and is hard to be got at.

Dec. 31 - Last of the year; may we, with the help of God, spend the coming year better than we have the past, which we propose to do if it be the will of the Almighty to deliver us from our present dreadful situation; Amen. Morning fair, but cloudy; wind east-by-south; looks like another snow storm; snow storms are dreadful to us; the snow at present is very deep.

(Tan. 1, 1847 - We pray the God of mercy to deliver us from our present calamity, if it be His holy will. Commenced snowing last night, and snows a little yet; provisions getting scant;

Jan. 4 - Fine morning, looks like spring; Mrs. Reed and Virginia, Milton Elliott and Eliza Williams started a short time ago, with the hope of crossing the mountain; left the children here; it was difficult for Mrs. Reed to part with them.

Jan. 8 - Very cold this morning; Mrs. Reed and others came back, could not find their way, on the other side of the mountains; they have nothing but hides to live on.

Jan. 13 - Snowing fast; snow higher than the shanty; it must be thirteen feet deep; cannot get wood this morning; it is a dreadful sight for us to look upon.

Ja)i. 15 - Clear day again; wind northwest; Mrs. Murphy blind; Lanthron not able to get wood; has but one axe between him and Kiesburg; it looks like another storm; expecting some account from Sutter's soon.

Jan. 26 - Cleared up yesterday; to-day fine and pleasant, wind south; in hopes we are done with snow storms; those who went to Sutter's not yet returned; provisions getting scant; people growing weak; living on small allowance of hides.

Jan. 28 - Commenced snowing yesterday - still continues to-day. Lewis (Sutter's Indian,) died three day's ago; food growing scarcer; don't have fire enough to cook our hides.

also took the hides which herself and family subsisted upon; they retained two pieces only, the balance they have taken. You may judge from this what our fare is in camp; there is nothing to be had by hunting yet, perhaps there soon will be.

Jan. 31 - The sun does not shine out brilliant, this morning; froze hard last night; wind northwest. Lanthron Murphy died last night about one o'clock; Mrs. Reed went to Graves' this morning, to look after goods.

I^eb. 5 - Snowed hard until twelve o'clock last night; many uneasy for fear we shall all perish with hunger; we have but little meat left, and only three hides; Mrs. Reed has nothing but one hide, and that is on Graves' house; Milton lives there, and will likely keep that; Eddy's child died last night.

JP^eb. 6 - It snowed faster last night and to-day than it has done this winter before; still continues, without intermission; wind southwest; Murphy's folks and Kiesburg say they cannot eat hides; I wish we had enough of them; Mrs. Eddy is very weak.

J^eb. 10 - Beautiful morning; thawing, in the sun; Milton Elliott died last night, at Murphy's shanty; Mrs. Reed went there this morning, to see after his effects; J. Denton trying to borrow meat for Graves; had none to give; they had nothing but hides; all are entirely out of meat; but a little we have; our hides are nearly all eat up. With God's help, spring will soon smile upon us.

until morning; weather changeable - sunshine, then light showers of hail, and wind at times. We all feel very unwell; the snow is not getting much less at present.

Feb. 19 - Froze hard last night. Seven men arrived from California yesterday evening with provisions, but left the greater part on the way. To-day it is clear and warm for this region ; some of the men have gone to Donner's camp; they will start back on Monday.

Feb. 22 - The Californians started this morning, twenty-four in number, some in a very weak state; Mrs. Kiesburg started with them, and left Kiesburg here, unable to go; buried Pike's child this morning in the snow; it died two days ago.

Feb. 23 - Froze hard last night; to-day pleasant and thawy - has the appearance of spring, all but the deep snow; wind south-southeast; shot a dog to-day and dressed his flesh.

Feb. 25 - To-day Mrs. Murphy says the wolves are about to dig up the dead bodies around her shanty, and the nights are too cold to watch them, but we hear them howl.

Feb. 26 - Hungry times in camp; plenty of hides, but the folks won't eat them; we eat them with tolerable good appetite, thanks be to the Almighty God. Mrs. Murphy said here yesterday that she thought she would commence on Milton and eat him; I do not think she has done so yet; it is distressing. The Donners told the California folks, four days ago, that they would commence on the dead people, if they did not succeed that day or the next in finding their cattle, then ten or twelve feet under the snow, and did not know the spot or anywhere near it; they have done it ere this.

Feb. 28 - One solitary Indian passed by yesterday; came from the lake; had a heavy pack on his back; gave me five or six roots, resembling onions in shape; tasted some like a sweet potato, full of tough little fibres.

Feb. 29 - Ten men arrived this morning from Bear Valley, with provisions. We all leave in two or three days, and cache our goods here. They say the snow will remain until June.

The above mentioned ten men started for the valley with seventeen of the sufi:erers; they traveled fifteen miles and a severe snow storm came on ; they left fourteen of the emigrants, the writer of the above journal and his family, and secceeded in getting in but three children. Lieutenant Woodworth immediately went to their assistance, but before he reached them they had eaten three of their number, who had died from hunger and fatigue; the remainder Lieutenant

Wood worth's party brought in. April, 1847, the last member of the party was Ijroughtto Captain Sutter's Fort. It is utterly impossible to give any description of the sufferings of the comj^any. Your readers can form some idea of them by perusing the above diary. Yours, etc.,

The emigrants thus caught in the mountains died, one by one, until thirty-six of the eightyone who left Independence in the spring with such high hopes, literally starved to death. The following are the names of those from Sangamon county:

George Donner and his wife, Mrs. Tamsen Donner; Jacob Donner and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Donner; her son, William Hook, sometimes called William Donner; the three sons of Jacob Donner and wife, Isaac, Lewis and Samuel; four unmarried men, Bayless Williams, Milford Elliott, James Smith and John Denton, making a total of twelve from Sangamon county who perished from &c2)osure and want of food.

Jacob Donner died among the first. He was a tender-hearted, conscientious man, and it is attested that his death was caused more by grief at the present and prospective sufferings of his family, than from disease or want of food. George and Jacob Donner were members of the Gernaan Prairie Christian Church. The five surviving children of George Donner, and the three surviving children of Jacob Donner and wife, with their descendents, are among the most respected citizens of California. It is thought Mrs. George Donner was a native of New England - Maine - and was a lady in the highest sense of the Avord. Some of the citizens of Sangamon county remember her especially on account of her perfect self-control and power to govern. She taught school in the vicinity of Auburn when it was more unusual for a lady to teach than it is now. Some almost full grown, rough, uncouth young men were in her school, and yet she would govern them as thoroughly as if they were children. This self-control seems never to have left her. According to the testimony of Mr. Reed, who, after his own family had been rescued, visited the two camps of the Donners, to find Mrs. Jacob Donner and George Donner helpless, and no means of removing them. They were prepared to leave provisions, and a man at each camp to care for the sick, and used every argument to induce Mrs. George Donner to go with them, but with the full knowledge of the probabilities that she would lose her own life, she utterly refused, prefering to meet death in the discharge of her duty to her husband ratlier than save her own life by seeming to abandon him in his hour of peril; and so she died, as truly a martyr as though she had been burned at the stake.

Hiram O. Miller proved to be courageous and efficient through all. Milford Elliott could have saved his own life, and having neither wife, children or any other blood relative among the sufferers, no blame could have been laid to his charge if he had saved himself by pushing through, but he would not abandon helpless women and children, and his life paid the forfeit. The Eddy family, of Belleville, Illinois, was totally obliterated.

All that is known of C T. Stanton is that he was from Chicago, Illinois. History does not, very probably, record the name of a greater hero. It does not appear that he was in any way related, or even acquainted, with one of the sufferers previous to their departure from the States. He aided many of them on their way, and after their calamities came upon them pushed his w^ay through the mountains and reached Sutter's fort, where he was absolutely safe; but he knew there were men, women and children perishing with cold and hunger, and knowing this, there was no rest for him. He secm'ed supplies of food and mules, enlisted the sympathies of two of the unlettered children of the forest, and all pushed on, days and weeks, through storms and snow-drifts, until even the two savages, prompted by him, fell a f.acrifice in the cause of humanity. Savages, did I say? I reverently withdraw the word. Their conduct would put to shame thousands who have been reared under the best of Christian influences. There can be no more exalted evidence of humanity than to give one life with the hope of rescuing others from impending death. Mr. Stanton was one of the party of fifteen who attempted to pass out of the mountains, starting December 16, 1846. He was weak and emaciated, as all were, and on the twenty-first of December became snow-blind, and that night failed to reach the camp. The whole party lay in camp the next day waiting for him, but he never came. A party of men who went in the mountains the next summer to bring out the goods belonging to the Douner and Graves children, found his bones at the very tree where they left him on the twenty-first of December. They were chewed and broken in small pieces. The only way they could recognize them to be

Stanton's was by a letter from his sister in one of his pockets, wilh some tobacco, the latter having prevented the wild beast from destroying every evidence of identity. There was also a pistol that had been loaned to Stanton by Mr. Fallen, the man who found his remains. No one of those who perished was more sincerely mourned by the survivors than Mr. Stanton. Mr. Reed left this testimony to his worth: "Poor Stanton, who had no relative in the caravan to draw him back, but from the noble disposition he had, and the kind feelings he entertained for myself and family, and another person who bad befriended him, induced him to return with provisions, and he lost his life as a noble PHILANTHROPIST. * * * His kindness saved my little ones from starvation."

As already stated, James F. Reed, after he had been baffied in his attempt to reach the camp of the suffering emigrants, had returned to Captain Sutter's, where he became satisfied that it would be utterly impossible to do anything more for them until spring. He was 'advised by Captain Sutter to proceed to Yerba Bueno - now San Francisco - and make his case known to the naval officer in command. Arriving at San Jose, he found the San Francisco side of the bay occupied by Mexicans. Here he joined a company of volunteers, and took part in the battle of Santa Clara; that opened the way to San Francisco. There he was enabled to raise by voluntary contributions, $1,000 in the town and -S300 from the sailors in port, with which he purchased supplies, which were placed on board a schooner, in command of Midshipman Woodworth, who took all to the mouth of Feather river, where men and horses were procured for carrying relief to the emigrants. On their way to the camp they met a j^arty coming out with women and children, among them Mr. Reed's wife and two children, his other two children, Martha and Thomas K., having been left in camp in charge of a Mi*. Glover of the rescuing party, who volunteered to stay with and care for them, assuring Mrs. Reed that he was a Free Mason and knew her husband to be such, and that he would rescue her children or die in the attempt. He was as good as his word, protected and cared for the children until they were rescued by their father, and soon all the members of the family were re-united and rejoicing over their great deliverance. Mr. Reed's was the only entire family Avho left Sangamon county, all the members of which lived to reach their destination, and they did it without any one of them being driven to the necessity of eating human flesh. It seems the more wonderful that they should all have lived through, when their natural protector was separated from them so much of the time.

The scene of the great suffering just described began west of the Great Salt Lake, in a salt desert, and extended hundreds of miles westward, over a succession ot mountain ranges, running principally north and south, known as the Sierra Nevada mountains. Localities could not then be described, except by natural boundaries, such as mountains and valleys. The territory then belonged to Mexico, and the suffering and destitution that met the emigrants seemed only a realization of what might reasonably be expected in leaving the land of the Stars and Stripes to come under the sway of the benighted Mexican flag. But the old adage that " the darkest hour is just before the break of day," has been fully realized in this case to those who survived. The war they found in the Sacramento valley, waged by Mexico for the avowed purpose of exterminating the few scattered Americans on the Pacific coast, terminated in that whole region of country being ceded to our government. Then followed the discovery of gold, the influx of Americans, and the organization of the States of California and Oregon, and, a few years later, Nevada. The locality of the closing scene, the camp where the Donners died, is marked by a small body of water among the mountains, now known as Lake Donner, in the western part of the St^ite of Nevada.

Political

Like all other intelligent communities in the United States, the people of Sangamon county have participated with earnestness in the various political contests that have agitated the country at large, and have had also their own local political agitations. In the following pages the attempt is made to briefly show the various issues that have entered into the campaigns, following the whole with the official vote of every general election, giving only the principal officers voted for, as showing the condition of the various parties the time mentioned. A volume could easily be written the size of this work, upon the political history alone of Sangamon county. Centrally situated, and for almost half a century its chief city being the capital of the State, the greater number of the political conventions have been held here. From this point, therefore radiate the great political measures that agitate the people of the State, and their influences are first felt in this county.

1824. - The first political question at issue this year, was that of a Constitutional Convention. This Convention was called for the purpose of amending the Constitution, permitting slavery in the State. In this county the friends ot a free State were successful. The following is the vote:

There were four Presidential candidates this year: Andrew Jackson, John Q. Adams, William H. Crawford, and Henry Clay. The candidates for county officers were numei'ous, there being five for Sheriff, and four for Coroner. John Taylor was the successful candidate for the former office, and James McNabb for the latter.

1828. - Another presidential year, the candidates being Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams, the latter being a candidate for re-election. The usual number of candidates for local offices were before the people, and the canvass was quite spirited. The total vote polled in Sangamon county was 1,219, against 875 in 1824. James D. Henry was the successful candidate for Sheriff and Philip Fowler for Coroner.

1830. - Local officers alone were to be elected. James D. Henry was the successful candidate for Sheriff, receiving a majority of 1,503 over George Power.

1832. - The parties this year were known as the Jackson Republicans and the National Republicans. Andrew Jackson was the candidate of the former for re-election to the Presidency, and Henry Clay the latter. The issues were those of national internal improvements, protection to domestic manufactures, the United States bank and reform. The party supporting Henry Clay favored a United States bank, a protective tariff and a system of internal improvements by the general government. Joseph Duncan was the candidate of the Jackson party for Congress, and Jonathan H. Pugh of the Clay party. No county conventions were held, but a large number of candidates were in the field for the various offices to be filled. Handbills were freely circulated setting forth the claims of each to office, or showing the unfitness of opposing candidates. The Jackson party was successful both in August and November. During this year that portion of Sangamon, afterwards stricken off as the county of Menard, began to agitate the question of a separation, and presented Abraham Lincoln as their candidate for the Legislature. Mr. Lincoln was very popular, and obtained nearly the entire vote of that section, but was defeated by the Jackson men, who had a large majority in the county, and Mr. Lincoln being an ardent Clay man.

1834. - State and county officers were to be elected. For Governor there were four candidates - Joseph Duncan, William Kinney, James Adams and R. K. McLaughlin. For county officers their name is legion. Abraham Lincoln was a candidate for Representative in the legislature, and was elected by a handsome majority, receiving a larger vote than any of his colleagues on the ticket; At his old home in Salem he was called upon for a speech, and replied in the following characteristic manner :

" Gentlemen, Felloto Citizens: - I presume you all know who I am. I am humble Abraham Lincoln. I have been solicited by many friends to become a candidate for the legislature. My politics are short and sweet, like an old woman's dance. I am in favor of a national bank. I am in favor of the internal improvement system and a high protective tariff. These are my sentiments and political principles. If elected, I will be thankful. If not, it will be all the same."

The political issues were the same as in 1832. The opposition to the Jackson men were called Whigs in this campaign. State issues of importance, were the construction of the Illinois and Michigan canal and other internal improvements. The canvass was quite spirited all over the State, resulting in the election of Mr. Duncan as Governor. The question of the removal of the State Capital from Vandalia was submitted to the people. In this county the vote stood as follows:

1835. - The year was remarkable for the excitement which existed in relation to -the local election. At this time a re-organization of parties was begun, looking to the Presidential election the following year. A considerable portion of the Clay or Whig party, represented by George Forquer and Peter Cartwright, went over to the opposition, while a portion of the Jackson men, or Democrats, represented by John Dawson and others, coalesced with the Clay men, which led to a very animated contest. E. D. Taylor and George Forquer each resigned their seats in the State Senate. Archer G. Herndon, ( anti-Van Buren), and John Calhoun, Democrat, Avere nominated to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the former, and Job Fletcher and Peter Cartwright the latter. Regular county officers were to be elected, and the usual number of self-sacriticing individuals presented their names for the suffrage of the people. The political issues were unchanged, but Jackson men were now known as Democrats and the opposition as Whigs; though as the latter names were not familiar to the people, the two parties were frequently spoken of as Jackson or Van Buren men, and White men. The names of Martin Van Buren and Hugh L. White being presented by their respective parties for the Presidency in 1836. The canvass in Sangamon county was an exciting one, each party using its utmost endeavor to be successful before the people. John Calhoun and Peter Cartwright had been sent as delegates to a State Convention at Vandalia, which endorsed the candidacy of Van Buren, and had there pledged, so far as they were able, the vote of this county for that gentleman. The opposition took up the challenge thus offered, and therefore the intense excitement. The Whigs were triumphant.

1836. - Party lines were now pretty strongly drawn, for the first time in the history of the country. Martin Van Buren was the, nominee of the Democracy for the Presidency, and William H. Harrison was the candidate of the Whigs for the same office. John T. Stuart had been nominated by the Whigs and VA^illiam L. May by the Democrats for Representative in Congress, from the Third Congressional District, of which Sangamon county formed a part. These gentlemen both resided in Springfield and were representative men of their respective parties. Mr. May was elected. The Whig candidates for State Senators and Representatives were each elected. In the legislature they were know as the "Long Nine," being nine in number, the aggregate height of all being fifty-four feet. It is but just to say of these men that they were giants in intellect as well as in stature. Several of the number made national reputations. Every candidate on the Whig ticket received a majority in this county.

1837. - The State bank question was the principal political issue in 1837. The hard times so severely felt by the people caused a great desire for more currency as the remedy for all financial ills. There being no National or State ticket to be elected, there was but little political excitement. Both parties had put forward reasonably good men for the local offices to be filled, it was not a canvass on which political calculations could be based; therefore representatives of both parties were elected. The ques- tiou of slavery now began to be agitated, and judging from the following record of a public meeting held at Springfield, it would appear the Abolition leaven was working in old Sangamon:

"At a meeting of citizens of Spi-ingfield, convened at the court room, on Monday, October 23, 1837, Judge Thomas C. Brown was called to the chair, and I. S. Britton appointed Secretary. The following resolutions were adopted:

That as citizens of a free State and a peaceful community, we deprecate any attempt to sow discord among us, or to create an excitement as to Abolition which can be productive of no good result.

''Hesolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the doctrine of the immediate emancipation of the slaves m this country (although promulgated by those who profess to be Christians) is at variance with Christianity, and its tendency is to breed contention, broils, and mobs; and the leaders of those calling themselves Abolitionists are designing, ambitious men, and dangerous members of society, and should be shunned by all good citizens."

In honor of the Whig victory in New York this year, the Sangamo Journal proposed a grand illumination, by setting on fire the prairies of the entire north part of the State. It had an illustration of a vessel "bound for the deserts of Arabia."

1838. - Cyrus Edwards was the Whig candidate, and Thomas Carlin the Democratic candidate, for Governor of the State. John T. Stuart and Stephen A. Douglas were opposing candidates for Congress from the Third District. The local tickets were composed of good men, and a strong effort was put forth by both parties for victory. Mr. Stuart was elected. In this county the Whigs were successful by handsome majorities. The vote of the county was the largest in its history, being 3,271.

1839. - This year only local officers were to be elected, and the political views of the candidates w^ere hardly considered, - though each party had a full set of officers in nomination, Charles R. Matheny, Whig candidate for County Clerk, was elected by a majority of 762, while James Adams, Democrat, for Probate Judge, had a majority of 38.

1840. - No previous political campaign in the history of this country can be compared with the "hard-cider campaign" of 1840. William H. Harrison was for the second time honored by his party - -the Whig - with a nomination lor the Presidency. Martin Van Buren was nominated by the Democracy for re-election. The hard times that existed during the entire administration of Van Buren caused many to desii-e a change, with the hope that a change in the political administration of the Government would bring about prosperity. Taking advantage of this state of affairs, the Whigs seemed to be inspired, and went into the campaign with such spirit as almost paralyzed their opponents, although they made a gallant fight. The publishers of the Sangamo Journal issued a campaign paper called the Old Soldier, which was circulattd largely throughout the State, and which exerted much influence in the campaign. The publishers of the Register, not to be outdone, also issued a campaign paper, called Old Hickory. Mass meetings, held at central points, were attended by thousands of people; many coming a long distance in lumber-wagons, camping out, and enduring many hardships, - but enthusiastic in the cause. Campaign socgs were introduced, and doubtless contributed much to inspire the people, and in the election of Harrison. As a specimen of the songs of the time, the following are given, the first being a contribution to the Old Soldier, by a Sangamon county poet too modest to append his name:

"Let Frenchmen drink claret and sweet muscadine, And Germans drink Hock on the banks of the Rhine; But give me to quafi:", with friends warm and true, A gourd of hard cidtr t' old Tippecanoe,

"John Bull may get drunk on his beer and his gin, Till he can't leave his seat or spit over bis chin; But if that's in the world on which I'd get blue, 'Tis a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.

"Let the Don swill bis port, and smoke his cigar. And Fisanos suck Tiffin and drink ' Bolivar;' But we in log cabins such trash will eschew, For a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.

"With praties and whisky let Pat fill his maw, And Donald get blind on his smoked esquebaugh - McFingal ne'er drank, nor did Brian Boru, A gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.

"In the White House Van Buren may drink his champagne. And have himself toasted from Georgia to Maine; But we in log cabins, with hearts warm and true, Drink a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.

"Old Jove has drank ISIectar for time and a day. To droT\n the dull cares of his heavenh' sway; But if he'd be wise, he'd try something new - Drink a gourd of hard cider t' old Tippecanoe.

Song Of Tippecanoe

The first Whig County Convention was held at Springfield, Saturday, March 14, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the various offices to be filled at the ensuing election in August. As setting forth the views of the party in this county, the following resolutions, adopted by this convention, are appended:

"Whereas, The friends of Constitutional Government, based upon just and equitable principles, have reached a ground upon which they can meet - a ground on which all personal preferences, prejudices and partialities, as well as all petty differences growing out of sectional interests, may be laid aside - when all may unite with a common pui-pose and for the common good by rallying round their country's banner, now so gloriously streaming in the breeze. And, end - that the Constitution shall be restored - that Executive power, which for the last three years has been extending its baneful and blighting influences over the land shall be confined within its proper limits - and he who has defiled the temple of our liberties - who has plundered the people's treasury, and is now fast reducing the hard-working men of this country to beggary - and who is now seeking through the aid of his army of office-holders, to 'rear on the ruins of the Republic the throne of his despotism,' shall give up the place to which he has crawled through the favoritism of his 'illustrious predecessors,' and which he never could have i-eached through the unbiased suffrages of a free people.

" Hesolved, therefore^ That without regard to the original preferences of some of us, and looking only to the good of our State and Union, we will cordially and zealously support the nominees of this convention, and hereby solemnly pledge ourselves to use all fair and honorable means to secure their election.

" Itesolved, That William H. Hari-ison - the son of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence - the favorite aid-de-camp of Wayne in the battles which broke the Indian power in the West - the first delegate of this western empire in Congress; and as such, the author of the present land system of the Ihiited States - the Governor of the Northwestern Territory for many years - the victorious General who conducted our armies to victory and glory at Tippecanoe, Fort Meigs and the Thames - 'who has fought more battles than any other American General of his time and has never been defeated' - the eloquent champion of Republican principles for many years in the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Union - our Minister to Columbia, and there, as everywhere, strengthening and sustaining the cause of Republican Government; we recognize the hero and statesman, who has spent more than forty years in the service of his country in the highest offices, and when the mission was done retired from them all successively and pure, like Cincinnatus, and like Cincinnatus, poor.

" jResolved, That the election of Harrison and Tyler would emancipate the land from the Catalines who infest it; would restore it to prosperity and peace, and bring back the time when good measures, good principals and good men would control the administration of our government."

1841. - In this county, County Commissioners and a School Commissioner were to be elected. A member of Congress was also to be elected from this district. John T. Stuart was the candidate of the Whigs for re-election, and J, H. Ralston made the fight on the part of the Democracy. Mr. Stuart Avas successful in county and district. The Whig county ticket was also successful.

1842. - Joseph Duncan this year received the nomination of the Whig party for Governor, and Thomas Ford that of the Democrats for the same office. With the exception of Lieutenant- Governor, this was the only State office to be tilled. Full tickets for county officers, including State Senators and Representatives, were made by both parties. The entire Whig ticket was elected in the county, but the Democratic State ticket was successful. Ford being elected Governor.

1843. - A number of congressmen and county officers were to be elected this year. Mr. Stuart declining a re-nomination for Congress, John J. Hardin, who was afterwards killed at the battle of Buena Vista, Mexico, was nominated by the Whigs. He was opposed by James A. Mc- Dougal, on the part of the Democrats. Mr. Hardin was elected. Both parties placed full county tickets in the field, and a spirited canvass took place on the part of the friends of each. The Whig ticket was again successful, electing every officer by an average majority of 600.

1844. - A Presidential campaign is always more or less exciting, the desire for office being almost innate in the mind of every American citizen. Those in possession of the offices propose to retain them if in their power, while those out of office will ever make a tight for their possession. James K. Polk received the Democratic nomination for tne Presidency, and Henry Clay that of the Whigs. It could not be expected the campaign would be as spirited as that of 1840. While some large meetings were held, there were none to compare with those of the previous campaign. The total vote was not so great as in 1840, it being three thousand two hundred and eight against three thousand two hundred and forty-nine. Henry Clay carried the county by a majority of four hundred and sixtysix. E. D. Baker was the Whig nominee for Congress, and John Calhoun that of the Democracy. Both gentlemen were talented, fine speakers, and afforded much satisfaction to their hearers in listening to their flights of eloquence. The Democratic rallying cry in this campaign was "54:40, or fighf" The Democrats of Springfield, early in the campaign, erected a hickory pole in front of the Register office, and the Democratic ladies of the city made and presented a magnificent flag to the Democratic Association, bearing upon its ample folds the names Polk AND Dallas upon one side, on the other their watchword, "Texas and Oregon." The Whigs, at a much greater expense, raised an ash pole two hundred and fourteen feet high, in front of the Journal office, and from its lofty top flung to the breeze a banner with the names of Clay AND Frelinghuysek. On the day first appointed for the raising the city was crowded with delegates from all parts of the State, expecting a grand occasion for congratulation; but early in the attempt to raise the pole, the stay ropes of a derrick broke, killing a Mr. Brodie instantly, and badly crippling William Conant. In a moment of excitement, without proper examination, one of the speakers proclaimed to the crowd that the Democrats had cut the ropes and killed their friends. The evil one now seemed to possess the people. Democrats and Whigs alike, and the immense crowd swayed to and fro wild with wrath, while curses loud and deep sounded the tocsin of alarm. The editors of the Journal soon issued an extra, explaining the cause of the ropes breaking, exonerating everybody. This allayed the excitement. New ropes were afterwards secured and the pole went grandly up.

The following reminiscence of the tragic event enacted on the streets of Springfield, on the occasion of the first attempt at raising the ash-pole, written by an old settltr, was published in the State Journal in the summer of 1881:

"In the year 1844, during the Presidential campaign, the most intense excitement existed between the contending political factions in this State and city. Mass meetings were being held day and night in every precinct, and the orators of both parties, there being but two in the field - the Whig, headed by Clay and Frelinghuysen, and the Democrat, with Polk and Dallas as their candidates - vigorously advocating the claims of their respective party creeds and candidates. Each party vied with the other in creating the largest possible amount of enthusiasm, and often charges and counter- charges of foul play were indulged in. The Democrats had adopted the hickory as emblematic of their the people fondly loved to call the Whig candidate for the Presidency, whose home was called Ashland. Some time in the month of July, 1844, the Democrats erected in front of the office of the State Register, then published by Walters & Weber, on Adams street near Fifth, a shellbark hickory pole one hundred and fifty feet in height, with the bark remaining intact. The Democrats were jubilant, and tar barrels, boxes and other combustibles were consumed on the public square, amidst speeches and songs and music by ' Balling's Dutch Band.' Balling will be remembered as the eccentric organist at the First Presbyterian Church.

"The Wiiigs, not to be outdone in the matter of flag-staffs, procured the necessary spars of ash, and a large force of carpenters was at once set to work, under the direction of Mr. Henry Dresser, the architect. The work occupied several days, and the timbers were prepared on Sixth street near Washington.

"At that time the old State House grounds were unfenced, and were filled with stones, which were being dressed for the porticoes of the building. Farmers hitched their teams amongst the stones, and the old pump near the north front of the building was in constant demand. A farmer had purchased some Spanish flies of P. C. Cannedy, and carelessly placed the package on top of the pump, whilst he procured a drink of water. The package slipped down the pump! The farmer was frightened, and slipped out of town without informing any one of the circumstance. Of course, and the workmen on the new pole, who drank freely of the water, were seriously affected by the poison, although no lives were lost. The pump was promptly locked by Mike McNamara, the State House janitor, and further trouble averted. At once there was a cry from a few foolish fellows, ' The pump has been poisoned by the Democrats.' This incident occurred about two weeks before the contemplated erection of the pole, and created the most intense excitement. Finally, the auspicious day arrived, August 3, 1844 - thirty-seven years ago to-day - when the Whig pole was to be erected. The Journal office was in an old frame building on the east side of Sixth street, where Eldredge & Conant's furniture store now stands, Simeon Francis was the editor and publisher. South of the Journal office was the marble yard of Captain Adam Johnson. Opposite the Journal office, in the middle of the street, stood the market house and calaboose, or city prison. At a point south of the market house, and in the middle of the street, the foundation for the new pole had been prepared. This was of timbers and stone sunk twelve feet under ground The pole was an octagon, dressed, jury-mast rigged, and stood 216 feet above the ground. A working derrick stood near the foot of the staff, which lay in a direction pointing toward the old Court House. A derrick mast eighty feet high stood near the east sidewalk, and was to bear the strain of the immense flagstaff as it was being erected. Captain Fiancis F. Sampson, a retired sea-captain, and Mr. John Brodie, a Scotchman fifty years old, and a stone mason, whose yard and residence was at the southeast corner of Third and Adams streets, were selected to rig the ropes and tackle of the derricks.