Sangamon County, Illinois - City of Springfield 563, 1881 (part 9 of 25)

"I wish to quote the author's sentence again. It reads: 'When inefficient men become very uncomfortable, they are quite likely to try emigration as a remedy. A good deal of what is called the 'pioneer spirit,' is simply the spirit of shiftless discontent.'' Here are two distinct allegations, or assertions, rather charges: first, that the ineffi.cient men, through the spirit of discontent at home, emigrate as a remedy for that uncomfortableness; and, second, that a good deal of the spirit of pioneering comes from the sjnrit of shiftless discontent. I wish to say a few words on this sentence, first, as to fact, and secondly, as to principle. It is not, I hope, necessary for me to defend the particular man spoken of - Thomas Lincoln, the father of President Lincoln. It is not necessary that I should flatter the pioneer to defend him, yet I feel that other men and women in New England, possibly in Europe, may be grossly misled by such an assertion, such an idea, as is contained in this sentence. It is admitted by me that man's condition at home sometimes is exceedingly uncomfortable. To throw off that condition of uncomfortableness, is the sole, only, and eternal motive that prompts and drives men and women to pioneering. Menof capacity, integrity, and energy - for such are the generality of pioneers in the West - emigrate to this new land from their old homes, not because they ai'e inefficient men, men unable to grapple Avith the home condition, but rather because they refuse to submit to the bad conditions at home. Their manly souls and indomitable spirits rise up against the cold, frigid, despotic caste crystalizations at home - a glorious rebellion for the freedom of man. All men emigrate from their homes to new lands in hojie of bettering their conditions, which at home are sometimes chatingly uncomfortable. The spirit of pioneering is not a spirit of shiftless discontent, nor any part of it, but is the creating spirit, a grand desire, wish, and will to rise up in the scale of being. It has moved mankind - each man and woman - since God created man and woman and placed them on the globe, with genius in their heads and hope and faith in their souls. God's intentions, purposes, and laws, as written on the human soul, forever interpret themselves thus: 'My child, my good children, man, woman, and child, each and all - hope, struggle; I am with you, and will forever be; go on, go upward, go westward, go heavenward, on and on foi'ever.' Good men and women do not, from the spirit of shiftless discontent, quit the sacred ashes of the dead loved ones, and wildly rush into a cold, damp, uncleared, gloomy, unsettled, wild wilderness, where they know they m,ust struggle with disease, poverty, nature, the wild wolf and wilder men, and the untamed and ungeared elements of nature, that sweep everywhere un confined. They do not go for game, nor sport, nor daring adventure with wild beast, nor daring sport with wilder men. They go or come at God's command - 'Children, my good children, and all, man, woman, and child, all, all - hope, struggle, to better your condition - onward, forestward, upward - and on and on forever, or miserably perish, and quit the globe, to be repeopled by better beings.' Men, tender and lovely women, do not quit their homes, where are comforts, luxuries, arts, science, general knowledge, and ease, amid the civilized and civilizing influences at home, to go westward, from a spirit of shiftless discontent. What! are these brave men and women all through the West, and such as these the world over,inerticient men, inactive consumers, unenergetic inefticients, lazy and do-nothing people, bursting westward from the spirit of shiftless discontent, where they involuntarily clap their hands to their heads, and spasmodically feel for their crowns, in order to preserve their scalps, as the quick flash and firesteel gleam of the Indian's knife glints and glistens against the Avestern sky! What! are Grant and Jackson, Douglas and Benton, Clay and Lincoln inefficient men, coming toest from the spirit of shiftless discontent? Is fire efficiently hot? Is lightning efficiently active? Is nature efticiently creative, massing and rolling up all these visible worlds to heat and life and light, and holding them suspended there by God's will - called by men gravity - for a human idea's sake? If these things are so, then these men and women whom I have described, the jnoneers, with their brave hearts and their defiant and enduring souls, are and were efficient men and women - efficiently warm, for they consumed and burnt the forest, and cleared and cleaned it. They had and have energy and creative activity, with capacity, honesty, and valor. They created States, and hold them to the Union, to liberty, and to justice. They and their children after them can and do point with the highest pride and confidence, to the deep, broad-laid, tolei'ant, generous, magnanimous foundations of these mighty several Western States, whereon our liberty and civilization so proudly and firmly stand, that they, the pioneers, in the spirit of jjioneering embodied in them, made and created, and hold up to light and heat and life, suspended there rolling, by the electromagnetic power of the intelligent popular will. "My defense has ended. The wild animals that preceded the Indians are gone, the Indian treading closely on their heels. The red man has gone. The pioneer, the type of him, is gone, gone with the Indian, the bear, and the beaver, the buffalo and the deer. They all go with the same general wave, and are thrown high on the beach of the wilderness, by the deep, wide sea of our civilization. He that trampled on the heels of the red man, with his wife and children, pony and dog, arc gone, leaving no trace behind. He is the master of the bee and beaver, the Indian and the bear, the wolf and buffalo. He and they are gone, never to return. God speed them on their way, their journey and destiny. As path-makers, blazers, mappers, as fighters and destructives, tliey have had and have their uses and purposes in divine plan. Such are succeeded by the Armstrongs, the Clarys, the Rutledges, the Greens, Spears, and Lincohis, who too have had their uses and purposes in the great idea, and are succeeded by others, now among us, who are forces in the same universal plan. And let us not complain, for the great Planner knows and has decreed what is best and wisest in his grand and sublime economies. The animal is gone; the Indian is gone. The trapper, bee and beaver hunter is gone - all are gone. A few of the third class still remain among us, standing or leaning like grand, gray old towers, with lights on their brow, quietly inclining, leaning, almost dipping in the deep, the unknown, the unknowable and unfathomable deeps of the future, that roll through all time and space, and lash up against the Throne. They did not come here from the spirit of shiftless discontent, nor shall they take up their soul's greatest pioneer march on to God, through the cowardly spirit of shiftless discontent. They are fast going one by one. Respect them while living, reverence them when dead, and tread lightly on their sacred dust, ye all. The children of such may be trusted to preserve and hand down to all future time what they created, wrought and planted in the forest. The fourth class is ready to clasp hands with the third, taking an oath of fidelity to liberty, sacred as Heaven. We thus come and go, and in the coming and going we have shaded - risen up, progressed - during these various and varied waves of immigration, with their respective civilizations, through force, cunning and the rifle, to dollars, the steam engine, and the idea. We have moved from wolf to mind. We have grown outward, upward, higher and better, living generally in more virtue, less vice, longer and more civilized, freer and purer, and thus man ever mounts upward. So are the records of all time."

In concluding his address, Mr. Herndon gave a description of Illinois, giving: its geography, length, breadth, its good people, etc. He declared that Illinois was the real Eden of the world, and that the central portion of Illinois was the best part of that Eden. He closed hy showing by facts and figures the extent of the Union, its area in 1790 and its area in 1880; said that its present population of fifty-one millions would be increased in 1901 to one hundred millions of souls - the wisest, most intelligent, richest, bravest and most jjatriotic people, as a mass, on the face of the globe.

The Press

There is no instrumentality, not even excepting the Pulpit and the Bar, which exerts such an influence upon society as the Press of the land. It is the Archimedian lever that moves the world. The talented minister of the gospel on the Sabbath day preaches to a few hundred people ; on the following morning his thoughts are reproduced more than a thousand fold, and are read and discussed throughout the length and breadth of the land. The attorney at the bar, in thrilling tones, ijleads either for or against the crim.inal arraigned for trial, often causing the jury to bring in a verdict against the law and the testimony in the case. His words are reproduced in every daily reached by the telegraphic wire, and his arguments are calmly weighed by unprejudiced men and accepted for what they are worth. The politician takes the stand and addresses a handful of men uiDOn the political questions of the day ; his speech is reported and read by a thousand men for every one that heard the address. Suddenly the waters of one of oixr mighty rivers rises, overflowing the land for miles and miles, rendering thousands of people homeless and without means to secure their daily bread. The news is flashed over the wire, taken up by the Press, and known and read of all men. No time is lost in sending to their relief - the Press has made known their wants and they are instantly supplied. " Chicago is on fire ! Two hundred millions worth of property destroyed! Fifty thousand people rendered homeless!" Such is the dread intelligence proclaimed by the Press. Food and clothing are hastily gathered, trains are chartered, and the immediate wants of the sufferers are in a measure relieved.

The power for good or evil of the Press, is today unlimited. The short comings of the politician are made known through its columns; the dark deeds of the wicked are exposed ; and each fear it alike. The controlling influences of a Nation, State or county is its Press, and the Press of Sangarmon county is no exception to the rule. Since Hooper Warren started the Sangamo Spectator, in 1826, the Press of Sangamon county has been an important factor in all things tending to the general welfare of the county. Not only in the county, but throughout the State its influence has been recognized and acknowledged, and even beyond the borders of the State has its opinions been eagerly sought after, especially in the political world.

The local Press is justly considered among the most important institutions in every city, town and village. The people of every community regard their particular newspaper or newspapers as of peculiar value, and this not merely on account of the fact already alluded to, but because these papers are the repositories wherein are stored the facts and the events, the deeds and the sayings, the undertakings and achievements that go to make up final history. One by one these things are gathered and placed in type ; one by one the papers are issued ; one by one these papers are gathered together and bound, and another volume of local and general, individual and local history is laid away imperishable. The volumes thus collected are sifted by the historian, and the book for the library is ready. The people of any city or town naturally have a pride in their home paper.

As already intimated, the Sangamo Spectator was the first newspaper printed in Sangamon county. Hooper Warren, who had been publishing a paper at Edwardsville, called the Edwardsville Spectator, removed his office to Springfield in the winter of 1826-7, and immediately commenced issuing from that place. So far as is known not a copy of the paper is now in existence. Mr. Warren, in a letter to P. P. Enos, Secretary of the Old Settlers' Society, dated October 20, 1859, says of this paper: "It was but a small affair, a medium sheet, worked by myself alone most of the time, until I made a transfer of it in the fall of 1828 to S. Meredith." Mr. Warren was considered a good writer, an intelligent man, but a not very successful manager.

The Springfield Journal and Sangamo Gazette was built upon the ruins of the Spectator, the first number bearing date February 16, 1829. This number was chiefly occupied with the message of Governor Edwards. It was a five column folio, well edited, but never received suflicient encouragement to make it a paying institution, and therefore after the expiration of a few months it ceased to exist.

The Illinois Herald was the next attempt in the newspaper line, and was commenced some time in the year 1830. Samuel S. Brooks and Mr. Fleming were the publishers, Mr. Brooks being the editor. Like the previous attempt in the business, the Herald was short-lived, going out with the melting of the big snow.

Illinois State Journal

On the lOth day of November, 1831, the first number of the Sangamo Journal made its appearance, with S. & J. Francis, editors and publishers. The paper was a six-column folio, and presented a neat appearance. The salutatory of the editors was short, containing no special promises easily broken. Says the editors: " \Ve know that it is usual on occasions like this to eulogize the advantages of the Press - to make promises that can never be realized. All we have now to say is - give us a fair opportunity; and we doubt not that the reasonable wishes and expectations of our patrons will be gratified. We have cheerfully embarked in the establishment of the Journal, a good portion of the little means at our command, with a firm determination to apply ourselves to the duties of our oflice with unremitting industry, and it now rests with others to say whether our hopes shall be blasted, or our exertions rewarded with the cheering confidence and patronage of the citizens of this part of Illinois." In addition to the salutatory appears well written editorials on the " Missouri Election," in which strong ground is taken in favor of a national bank, protective tariff and internal improvements; " The Eatonian Controversy," a controversy that arose in regard to the exclusion of Mrs. Eaton, the wife of a member of President Jackson's cabinet, from Washington society; "Calhoun on Nullification," "Anti- Tariff Convention," and several shorter articles.

The first issue of the paper was creditable to the proprietors. The types were good, the miscellany well selected, the editorial vigorous and to the point. The pledge modestly implied in their salutatory was more than fulfilled, as the early history of the paper proved. This paper, thus founded in a new country, had many serious obstacles to overcome; but its twenty-four columns of reading matter went out among the people every week, and by their excellence won the favor of all readers. These men, who had made Springfield their home, and had embarked in this enterprise, were determined to succeed, and they did. Their office was in a two-story brick building, on the southwest corner of Washington and Fifth streets. Here they put up their cases, fixed their primitive press, issued their paper, and waited for the verdict of the people. That verdict was not favorable at first, but the decision was speedily reversed. It must be remembered that the Sangamon county of that time was not the Sangamon county of today. It included the present counties of Logan, Mason, Menard and Cass, with portions of Morgan, Christian, McLean and Marshall. The inhabitants were few and scattered, the population of Springfield being only about six hundred. Mail facilities were of the poorest description. There were no railroads, and no telegraphs. The wagon roads were unimproved, and constantly liable to the damaging effects of wind and water. The mails were brought in stages - sometimes on horseback - from Vandalia, then the capital of the State, and from Edwardsville, Carrollton and Terre Haute. The people were without news, and, from habit, were willing to remain so. A newspaper was not a necessity then, as now, and the new paper especially was not acceptable. The inhabitants of Central Illinois at that time were chiefly from the Southern States. The new paper was edited by Connecticut "Yankees." That was enough. Even in those days a Yankee was distasteful to people from South of the Ohio. Certain persons at once raised a cry against the paper, and went so far as to say there some people in the county who would not give the Francis brothers a place to be buried in, if it was known where they came from. Prejudice was thus fed, and the hundred and fifty names on their subscription book did not receive speedy increase. But the curiosity of the people was at last excited by the reports about the paper and its proprietors, and many new subscribers came in, who "wanted to take the thing just to see what it was." The result was natural. Each person for his two dollars and a half received fifty-two papers filled with good reading. They were pleased, subscribed again, and told their friends to do likewise. The storm was thus weathered, and the prosperous future of the Journal established.

It has already been stated, the first number of the Journal was issued November 10, 1831. The paper was full of news. The very latest from Washington and New York was from two to three weeks old; from St. Louis four days, and the last from England was dated September 9. The clippings were from papers published weeks before, and just at hand, while the letters of correspondents had been longer on the way from different parts of the country than a letter now is in going from New York to Omaha. Yet it was news, the latest news, and relished as much by the readers as the Washington, London or St. Petersburg telegrams in our morning papers of events happening the evening before.

In principles the Journal was from its commencement the opposer of the Democratic party. It was Whig throughout during the existence of the party. In 1832 it mainly supported Henry Clay for the Presidency, fought its battle to the best of its ability, and submitted to defeat with the expression, " The Presidential game is up and the day is not ours." It opposed the spirit of nullification with its might. It advocated all needed reforms, supported all measures of public improvement, and sought to promote the interests of all classes of society.

The partnership between S. & J. Francis continued until February 21, 1835, when J. Francis retired. Simeon Francis continued as sole proprietor until April 28, 1838, when Allen and J. Newton Francis were admitted to the firm, which took the name of S. Francis & Co. The young men learned the printing trade in the Journal office, and were therefore not strangers, at least to the local patrons of the paper.

The manner of conducting a newspaper at that early day was not such as it is at the present time. The patronage of the office was necessarily limited, and it became nece!*sary at times for the proprietor to be editor, compositor, devil, and man-of-all-work generally. Under the head of " Editorial Comforts," Mr. Francis thus narrates his experience for one day: "Editor at the case. Enters A. 'I wish to get a handbill printed immediately. I intend to give them scoundrels their dues.' 'It is impossible, sir, we have as much as we can do until Monday.' ' Confounded strange if I ain't allowed to defend myself. Will you do it then?' 'Yes, and sooner if in our power.' Goes out in a huff. Click, click, click, goes the type. A pause of ten minutes. Enters a lad. ' Pa wants the last handbill printed to-day. [It was during a political campaign, and candidates were setting forth their claims by means of handbills.] 'We have jirinted no handbills to-day - we are sorry we can't supply your father with a new handbill.' Click, goes the type, and after a free breathing of an hour, B. comes in in great flurtation. ' Sir, I want you to keep my manuscript out of sight, and not give a copy of my bill to any human being until you deliver the same to myself.' 'Very well, sir.' Exit last visitor. Again the operation of setting type is resumed. 'Mr. F.' says another visitor, 'have you any news of the cholera? ' 'None in particular. We believe the atmosphere is choleric' 'Have you any handbills that I havn't seen?' * We don't know; all we have are on the line. Help yourself.' 'Gond morning,' as C enters the oflice. ' I have prepared a communication for your columns, at the request of several friends, and which I think is perfectly unexceptionable. It reads:' - (Reads pax"t of the communication.) The writer then states that the remainder of his article is made up of an argument founded on divers considerations, designed to show that ' Old Mac' should be made Governor. We regretted to state to our friend that we could not possibly publish his communication - our columns were then filled, corrected and ready for the press. 'Well, sir, it will create a rumpus among Mac's friends.' 'We do not see how we can avoid it.' 'Have you done my bill?' ' No, sir.' ' There are six men waiting for it. Can you have it done in two hours?' 'It cannot be done before ten o'clock at night.' Leaves grumbling. 'Well, you must be making your fortunes.' 'Making our fortunes! Do you suppose that money is any consideration for the mental torture we are compelled to suffer?' 'Mr. F., I want to have added a little to your account against me. I suppose you would as lief print for me as anybody. I want to have you get my bill done so I can start for

Athens early in the morning. Only two short certificates, with a few remarks. ' We can't possibly do your work until Monday.' ' Can't you do itV ' ' It is impossible.' 'Well, then I must Avait until Monday.' Enters M. in great haste. 'If there should be a handbill printed against me I want you to give me a chance to make an immediate reply.' 'You must wait your turn.' 'What! do you intend to deny me the use of your press?' 'No, sir; we only intend to give every man his regular chance.' Such is the epitome of our editorial history for one day. We retire at ten o'clock - to sleep on a ' bed of roses' Avhich Guatemozin would have hardly envied - but supported by the consideration that amid all the conflicting views and passions of the parties by which we are surrounded, we have aimed to do right."

On the twenty-fourth day of October, 1835, the Journal was enlarged to a seven column folio and otherwise improved. No further change was made in the paper until the death of J. Newton Francis, which occurred on the tenth day of November, 1843. Mr. Francis had started out on a business tcur in the eastern part of the State, and had taken his rifle with him to beguile the hours of his journey. While near Monticello, he saw some game, and springing out of the vehicle in which he was riding, he drew the rifle toward him by the barrel, when it accidentally exploded, carrying the charge into the neck, causing instant death. Simeon Francis, the elder brother, had this to say of the deceased: " We know it might well be left to another hand to record his virtues. They are written in our heart. Yet why should we not give ej^pression to thoughts common to all who knew him? He was manly and generous and just; in his friendship. Arm ; in his duties, constant ; in his manners, frank ; in his feelings, kind. No man was more free from selfishness, and falsehood was utterly foreign to his nature. He died yoking, but he has left a void in society, which will not be easily filled ; and in the circle of his friends and kindred there is a grief which words cannot describe. We have seen him grow from youth to manhood and take his place in the business and conflict of life. Together we have struggled with misfortune, and rejoiced in prosperity. Together we have formed plans for the future, which death has dashed in pieces ; and now, whatever of trial or disaster is in store for us, must be sustained without the aid of his counsel, or the consolations of his sympathy. But all these words are vain. He is dead ! Already the mould rests upon his bosom, and to-night the wind sighs mournfully over his grave. When the bitterness of grief is past, his friends will feel a mournful pleasure in speaking of his blameless life and upright character ; and to hearts that are quivering with anguish now, it will be a consolation to feel that -

The name of the firm as publishers of the Journal remained unchanged, it being continued by S. and A. Francis, under the firm name of S. Francis & Co. In September, 1847, the name of the paper was changed from Sangomo to Illinois Journal, and Albert T. Bledsoe became associated with Simeon Francis as editor. This relation was continued for some time.

In 1835, the Francis brothers erected a twostory frame building, forty-four by twenty feet, on the lot at the northeast corner of Washington and Sixth streets. This was the first Journal building, and was occupied for about eighteen years, until the completion of a new and better building erected on North Sixth, between Washington and Jefferson, and used until November, 1879.

On the twenty-third day of September, 1847, the name of the paper was changed to the Illinois Journal, and on the thirteenth of August, 1855, to the Illinois State Jounal, its present name.

Simeon Francis was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, May 14, 1796. At an early age he entered a printing office in New Haven, Connecticut, and served a regular apprenticeship; after which, in company with Mr. Clapp, he published a paper in New London, in the same State. After his marriage in New London, he sold his interest in the newspaper, and moved to Buffalo, New York, where he formed a partnership under the firm name of Lazevell & Francis, and published the Buffalo Emporium, until it was forced to suspend in 1828, in consequence of the excitement in reference to the abduction of Morgan, charged against the Masonic fraternity, of which Mr. Francis was a member. In 1831, he came to Springfield, and soon after engaged in the publication of the Journal. On retiring from the Journal, Mr. Francis started the Illinois Farmer, which he continued as publisher and then editor for some three years. In 1859, he closed his business in Springfield, and moved to Portland, Oregon. Here he engaged in the publication of the Oregon Farmer, and was President of the Oregon State Agricultural Society. In 1861, President Lincoln appointed him Paymaster of the United States Army, with residence at Fort Vancouver, Wasliington Territory. Ttiis position lie lielcl until is 70, when he was retired on half pay. He then returned to Portland, Oregon, where he di6d October 25, 1872.

Josiah Francis was born January 17, 1804, at Weathersfield, Connecticut. After severing his connection with the Journal, he was married to Margaret Constant, near Athens, Illinois, and in 1836 engaged in mercantile pursuits in Athens. While there, he represented Sangamon county in the State Legislature, in 1840. A few years later, he returned to Springfield, and was elected Sheriff of Sangamon county, and still later Mayor of Springfield. He died in 1867.

Allen Francis, brother of Simeon, and associate in the publication of the Journal, was born in Wetherstield, Connecticut, April 12, 1815, and came to Springfield in 1834, and subsequently entered into partnership with his brothers. He remained in connection with the office until its disposal to Baker & Bailhache. He was married December 25, 1838, in Springfield, to Cecilia B. Duncan, by whom he had six children. Mr. Francis was for several years a member of the City Council of Springfield, from the first ward. He erected the old Journal buildings on Sixth street, north of the square. In 1861, President Lincoln appointed him Consul at Victoria, Vancouver's Island. He left for that point February, 1862, and remained in official connection until 1871, when he resigned, and with his two sons engaged in the fur trade with the Indians, on the Pacific coast.

In July, 1855, Messrs. Francis sold the establishment to Bailhache & Baker, who had formerly been publishers of the Alton Telegraph. In their valedictory the publishers say: "On an occasion like this - on leaving a business and an establishment in which we have been engaged the best years of our lives - we might say much. We indeed feel that it is our privilege to do so; but we will only now say that we have labored for what we conceived the best interests of our town, our State and our common country, and for the success of Whig principles, which we believed were connected with those interests. Our work, our labors, are before the public. We will not say that we have not erred, and that often. We would not be mortals if we had not. If we have injured, we ask to be forgiven. If, on the whole, we have merited favor, we ask that our labors be kindly considered."

less, so little appreciated or so little understood, as that of the conductor of the public Press, we believe there is no newspaper in the State which has since its establishment sustained itself so uniformly, 'borne its faculties so meekly,' as the Illinois Journal, and the simple fact that it has been in profitable existence for fully twentyfour years, under the retiring proprietors, speaks for them a volume of commendation. In taking upon ourselves the ownership and management of the Illinois Journal, we dare promise but little. Our own experience tells us that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to please or meet the views of all; for in these days of political freedom, every man thinks independently and acts for himself. We shall, however, give our undivided attention to making the Journal an interesting newspaper, which will not be exclusively devoted to mere politics, but which will likewise advocate and sustain all the great interests of society, and lend its aid to the cause of virtue, morality and education. In its politics, the Journal will continue to wear much the same general features which have distinguished it in the past, but in its strictures upon the present administration, or upon the tendency of the measures of opposing parties, it will be found occupying national conservative ground, in every emergency upholding the Constitution and the Union, and opposed to fanaticism and extreme views, -vherever they may be found. The most casual observer cannot fail to perceive that the political cauldron is at the present time in a state of violent commotion. Into what distinctive forms the elements will eventually be resolved, cannot now be determined; but in every event we shall do battle fearlessly and independently for the right, exposing error and falsehood wherever they nlay show their heads, and approving and encouraging what is good and true in all political organizations."

As stated in their salutatory, the political elements at this time were in a state of violent commotion. The Whig party was in process of disintegration; the American or Know-Nothing party, which had been formed some years previous, was gaining strength, especially in the South; the newly organized Republican or Anti- Nebraska party was absorbing all the antislavery elements in the Whig and Democratic parties, and much ill-feeling was engendered in consequence of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. The Journal, under its new management, was rather cautious in the expression of its views. Its sympathies were doubtless with the American party, and on the nomination of

Millard Fillmore for the Presidency by that party, it advocated his endorsement by all the elements opposed to the Democracy. As the canvass proceeded, the anti-slavery views of the editors were strengthened, and when John C. Fremont was nominated by the Republicans, it instantly hoisted his name, and became an earnest and enthusiastic advocate of his election. From that time to the present, the Journal has never wavered in its advocacy of Republican principles.

Baker & Bailhache continued in partnership as publishers of the Journal until December, 1862, when Mr. Bailhache received a Government appointment, and sold his iiiterest to D. L. Phillips, who continued its publication under the firm name of Baker and Phillips.

W. H. Bailhache was born in Chilicothe, Ohio, in 1 825, and was brought by his parents to Alton, Illinois, when quite a small boy. He received a thorough English education in Shurtleff College, at Alton, and when about eighteen years old entered his father's office to learn the trade of printer. Subsequently he became associated with his father in the publication of the Alton Telegraph. As already stated, he came to Sprirgfield in 1855, and purchased an interest in the Journal. He served in the army as Assistant Quartermaster, with rank of Captain, and was with the Army of the Tennessee. After his retirement from the Journal, he went to Quincy, and engaged in the newspaper business for a time, and finally received an appointment in the Quartermaster's Department, and is now at Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was married in 1859, to a daughter of General M. Brayman.

Edward L. Baker was born in Kaskaskia, Illinois, June 3, 1829. He was educated at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, and graduated in 1847. After graduating, he read law two years with his father, David J. Baker, after which he attended Harvard Law School, graduated therefrom, and was admitted to the Bar in 1855, at Springfield. After leaving he returned to Alton, which bad been his home for some years, and in connection with W. H. Bailhache, he published the Alton Telegraph for some five years. In 1857, as already stated, he became part owner and editor of the Illinois State Journal. In 1869 he was appointed United States Assessor for the Eighth District of Illinois, remaining in that office until it was abolished. In December, 1873, he was appointed United States Consul at Buenos Ayres, Argentine Republic, S. A., which office he still retains.

When Mr. Phillips became connected with the Journal, it was at a time when our army had suffered several defeats and treason was rampant. In his salutatory, he said:

" I am a cordial supporter of the present administration - as I would be of any other in its hour of trial and peril - and in favor of employing all the means known to the Constitution and laws to suppress effectually and forever, the existing rebellion against the Government. In the prosecution of the war I recognize no distinction between Democrats and Republicans in arms against the assassins who are attempting to destroy the heritage bequeathed to us by our fathers, and seal up in endless night all hopes of human progress and human liberty. The meed of praise will be alike given to men of all parties who peril their lives for the preservation of that government which we hold as a common trust for posterity. I am a Republican, yet I pledge myself to no stereotyped line of politics. The future is too dark and uncertain to define with any degree of certainty, a political course to be pursued by any true lover of his country, other than so far as I have already indicated. My best effoi'ts will be employed in giving the public a paper free from the taint of treason, corruption and immorality, and unalterably devoted to the interests of our brave Illinoisans who are shedding imperishable lustre upon our arms in all parts of the Republic, cursed with the views of secession and rebellion."

On the 28th of August, 1865, W. II. Bailhache, having retired from the army, purchased a share in the Journal, and again became identified with the paper. Previous to this, however, the legislature of 1863 passed an act incorporating the Journal Company, and in February of that year the company was organized and some twenty thousand dollars in stock issued. Baker and Phillips retained by far the larger portion of this, and the paper as before was published in their name, the entire management of the concei"n being in their hands.

On the 7th of March, 1866, Mr. Phillips retired from the Journal, disposing of his stock to Mr. Bailhache. In his valedictory he said: "While I have been connected with the Journal, we have passed through a great civil war - a war for the Union made by our fathers - a war in defense of humanity, law, and order, and against disunion, barbarism, and universal disorder. The Journal in the darkest hour of the past four years has never faltered in its stern, unfiagging support of the Government, the vigorous prose- cution of the war, and words of cheer to the brave men who saved the Nation. It will be my proud recollection that in those long, dreary years of blood and carnage, not one disloyal sentence ever found utterance in the columns of the Journal, nor one discouraging word to the heroic men who fought the s^reat battles of the Union."

Baker and Bailhache, as principal stockholders, continued the publication of the Journal until February, 1873, when Mr. Bailhache retired, and the stock was purchased by Edward L. Baker, D. L. Phillips, Charles Edwards, and J. D. Roper. Mr. Phillips was elected President, Mr. Baker Secretary, and Mr. Roper Treasurer. No further change was made in the management until September, 1878, when the stock of the company was purchased by Paul Selby, M. F. Simmons, and H. Chapin.

David L. Phillips, who so long held the position of managing editor of the Journal, was of Welsh descent, his parents emigrating from that country prior to the Revolutionary war. David L. was born October 28, 1823, near the present town of Marion, Illinois. In common with the mass of young men of that time, he had only those opportunities of education afforded by the common schools of the period, which were none of the best; but, gifted with an active mind and a strong thirst for knowledge, he made such good use of them by study during the winter, while laboring on the farm during the summer, that by the time he had attained to manhood, he was fitted to teach, and acquitted himself with credit in that profession for several years. About that time the learned and able Dr. John M. Peck, the distinguished pioneer teacher and preacher of the Baptist denomination, was in the very prime of his manhood and usefulness, and from the seminary which he founded at Rock Spring was exerting a vast influence upon the young men of the State, and even in other States. It was no doubt due to the direct influence of this able and gifted man, that at the age of eighteen years young Phillips was received into the Baptist Church, and some two years later entered the ministry of that denomination with all the zeal and fervor peculiar to his youth and sanguine temperament. He remained in this profession probably eight years, teaching and preaching at intervals in St. Clair, Washington, Union, and perhaps other counties in Southern Illinois. In the early part of his career as a minister, he was married to Miss Charlotte Tate, of St. Clair county, who still survives him, and the young couple began life together at Elkton, in Washington county. Mr. Phillips possessed elements which made him a popular pulpit orator, and it is not too much to say that his zeal, earnestness, and enthusiasm had attracted attention to him widely in that section of the State. This finally resulted in his being called to take charge of the Baptist Church at Jonesboro, where he acquitted himself with his usual ability.

About 1854, having withdrawn from the charge of the church at Jonesboro, on account of a disagreement on political questions, Mr. Phillips became associated with the management of the Jonesboro Gazette, then, as it is now, a Democratic paper. The excitement over the " Kansas- Nebraska Bill," removing the restriction against the introduction of slavery north of the parallel of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes - known as the " Missouri Compromise," - was at its height, and Mr. Phillips took strong ground against it. Into this contest he entered with all the fervor of an ardent, zealous nature. As a result he soon found himself arrayed against his party as he had previously been against his church. His partner withdrew and, for a time, the Gazette dispensed to its readers the most radical Republican doctrine, although the Republican party had not then been organized.

One of the earliest acts of Mr. Lincoln, after his accession to the Presidency, was to appoint Mr. Phillips United States Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois, to which position he was re-appointed in 1865. He continued to hold the ottice until removed by Andrew Johnson in 1866. The administration of this oflice during the dark and troublous period of the war, brought Mr. Phillips in close and intimate relations with the most trusted and confidential agents of the Government, and imposed upon him many delicate and responsible duties, in the discharge of which he was not found wanting, in either ability, courage or integrity.

In the fall of 1875 Mr. Phillips made a visit to California, spending seven months in that region. He bore a commission as Special Agent of the Treasury Department, empowering him to enquire into the management of custom houses and internal revenue offices in that section of the Union. During his stay on the Pacific Coast, he wrote a series of letters to the Journal, descriptive of places visited, scenery, climate, customs, and public works, which were subsequently issued in book form, and which impart a more vivid and comprehensive idea of that interesting region than can be obtained from almost any other source. The following

" Since my last letter was finished, another year has been numbered with the unreturning past. Its joys and sorrows, its successes and failures, its lights and shadowfi, are all garnered in the storehouse of Eternity. Each of my readers, and the writer of these Pacific Coast letters, stand another year nearer the portals of the Unknown. But, through the infinite goodness, mercy and wisdom of God, while our steps may be sobered and our gray hairs increased, we are permitted to look outward and onward to the end, stimulated by hope and unawed by fear; standing in the right as it is given us to see it, and rejoicing in the evening glories of the nineteenth century. Renewing ray faith in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, from the shores of the Pacific I send to my readers, and the tens of thousands of good friends and loved ones of and about whom my thoughts are busy to-day, my ardent, earnest wishes for a happy New Year for them and theirs."

In the fall of 1876, Mr. Phillips received the Republican nomination for Congress, but was defeated, the district being overwhelmingly Democratic. His canvass was an able one, and as a slight appreciation of his services, he was appointed Postmaster of Springfield, by President Hayes.

Paul Selby, in a "Memorial Address on the Life, Character and Public Services of David L. Phillij)s," delivered before the Illinois State Press Association, held at Springfield, February 16, 1881, pays him the following tribute:

"' With the exception of about two years, between the early part of 1868, up to his retirement from the Journal, in 1878, it was my fortune to be associated with Mr. Phillips almost continuously. The opportunity I thus had of knowing our brother journalist has, I think, given me the right, as well as the ability, to speak of him as a man, as a journalist, as a politician, and as a public ofiicer. In all that period, our friendly relations were never interrupted for a moment. It was necessary that, in such a relation, there should be mutual trusts and confidences; in these he was never found wanting. Whatever may have been his imperfections - and be was a man, and no man is perfect - he was as true in his journalistic relation to those associated with him as he was patriotic in his political relations, and honest and faithful in the discharge of his ofticial duties.

youth of his day, he possessed few advantages in early life, he distanced the great mass of his associates in the progress which he made and the results he achieved, lie was entitled to all the more credit for what he accomplished, though his achievements were necessarily unequal. He possessed natural ({ualities of intellect which fitted him for wide and profound research. His oflicial duties during most of the period when he was associated with the public Press, did not permit him to engage in general journalism for any length of time. His tastes led him rather into special fields. In these he was full, comprehensive and exhaustive. Inclined to the discursive and florid in style, a strong and vivid imagination still enabled him to clothe his thoughts in a garb which never failed to command the attention of the reader, whether the latter agreed with him or not. He was never dull or prosaic - never wrote commonplace merely to fill up the page, but his utterances came from a mind overflowing with living facts and arguments. Gifted with a memory that surprised those who knew him by its extraordinary sweep and tenacity, his mind was the repository of an amount of knowledge of men and things, gained from reading and observation, possessed by few men of his time."

Under the management of the present proprietors, the Journal has been made a success in every particular, and the oflice is well supplied with material for any kind of work, from a visiting card to a mammoth poster.

Paul Selby, editor-in-chief of the Illinois State Journal, was born in Pickawav county, Ohio, July 20, 1825. His father. Dr. William H. Selby, was a native of Anne Arundel county, Maryland," -while his mother, Mary (Young) Selby, was born at Fairfield, Connecticut. The former grew^ to manhood, when, having qualified himself for the practice of medicine, he removed to Western Pennsylvania, where he made the acquaintance of, and married. Miss Young, whose parents had emigrated to Uniontown, in the latter State, while she was yet in her infancy. Soon after marriage, the young couple removed to Eastern Ohio, residing for a time at Zanesville, Marietta and Mt. Vernon, in that State. During their residence at the latter place. Dr. Selby engaged for a time in the mercantile business. The w^ar of 1812-15, with England being then in progress, he went as surgeon with a body of volunteers raised for the relief of the scattered remnants of General St. Clair's defeated army.

Some years after the close of the war the Selbys removed to Pickaway county, where the subject of this sketch was born, being the fifth of a family of six children (five sons and one daughter), all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, but of Avhoni he is now the only survivor. In ISSY the family moved West, settling in the DesMoines Valley (VanBuren county), in what was then the Territory of Iowa. Both in Ohio and Iowa, Dr. Selby pursued the business of a farmer, and thus Paul grew up as most farmers' sons do - working upon the farm in summer and going to school in the winter, when opportunity offered - though his parents being intelligent, reading people, his advantages may have been somewhat better than the avei*- age. The common schools, especially in the latter State, were none of the best, but furnished the only educational advantages then open to him except those which he enjoyed at home or by means of independent study, until after he had reached manhood.

In 1843, Paul's father died, and in the following year, at the age of nineteen, he left home to make his way in the world, and while contributing to the support of his mother, determined to acquire an education. The following winter and spring were spent in teaching in Washington county, Illinois, when, more liberal inducements being offered him, he removed to Madison county, where he engaged in the same occupation. He spent about three years in Madison, half of the time being at the same place, a few miles above St. Louis, on the Alton road. In 1848, having acquired some means, he determined to carry out his long cherished purpose of acquiring a more liberal education, and then went to JacKsonville, entering Illinois College for a classical course. Here he remained three and a half years, but before the expiration of his course (in March, 1852,) he formed a business connection for the publication of the " Morgan ( now Jacksonville) Journal," assuming editorial charge as successor to Col. E. R. Roe, late Marshal of the Southern District of Illinois. He then had no intention of abandoning his studies, but finding his time fully occupied, he reluctantly withdrew from college in the middle of his junior year, though subsequently honored by his Ahna Mater with the honorary degree of A. M.

Mr. Selby's connection with the "Morgan Journal " continued nearly seven years, covering a period of great political excitement and agitation, during which the Republican party came into existence. Though a Whig in politics, his tastes were rather literary tban political, and he preferred an independent position in journalism. This was in part due to the fact that he foresaw the breaking up of the organization of parties, which occurred on the passage of the bill removing the restriction against the admission of slavery north of thirty-six degrees thirty minutes, introduced by Mr. Douglas. New questions having thus been brought to the surface, he entered with zeal into their discussion, and, as was inevitable, soon took a position on the side of the Republican party - in fact, was among the first to be identified with the new party organization in Central Illinois. In the fall of 1855, the paper with w^hich Mr. Selby was connected, suggested a meeting of the anti-Nebraska editors of the State, to be held at some central point in the State, for the purpose of giving form and direction to the sentiment of the new party and agreeing upon some general line of policy. The suggestion was approved by others, and in the next few months the proposition took form, the convention being called at Decatur, February 22, 1856. When the convention met, in view of his agency in securing it, Mr. Selby was, by unanimous consent, chosen to preside over its deliberations. In an address delivered by him before the Illinois Press Association, at its winter meeting held at Springfield, February 6, 1879, under the title of "A Quarter of a Century of Journalism," he made the following allusion to this assemblage as an incident in the political and journalistic history of the State:

"On the 22d day of February, 1856, an Editorial Convention of a somewhat different character was held at Decatur, in this State. The number in attendance was small - not amounting to over fifteen or twenty, all told - a sort of "forlorn hope," so to speak - but they assisted to set in motion agencies which have left their impress on the political history of this State and the Nation. The Convention was composed of representatives of newspapers opposed to the so-called Kansas-Nebraska Bill, which liad passed Congress in 1854, and which had produced a degree of popular excitement seldom known in the previous history of the country, proving a fore-runner of the w^ar of the rebellion which followed a few years later. It was called for the purpose of outlining a policy for the Anti-Nebraska party - as the opponents of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise called themselves - and was one of the first and most effective steps towards the formal organization and consolidation of the Republican party of the State, which took place in May following. The printed record does not show a full list of the names of those present, but from the list of committees and officers I am able to find the following: V. Y. Ralston, Quincy Whig; Dr. C. H. Eay, Chicago Tribune; O. P. Wharton, Rock Island Advertiser; T. J. JPickett, Peoria Republican; George Schneider, Chicago Staats Zeitung; Charles Faxon, Princeton Post; A N. Ford, Lacon Gazette; B. F. Shaw, Dixon Telegraph; W. J. Usrey, Decatur Chronicle; Paul Selby, Jacksonville Journal.

A platform was adopted at this meeting which would now be regarded as very conservative Republicanism, but it was assailed by the opposition Press of the day as the wildest Radicalism - or rather "abolitionism." Resolutions were adopted recommending that a State Delegate Convention be held at Bloomington, May 29th following, for the purpose of organizatioii, and a State Central Committee was appointed to fix an apportionment of delegates and issue the formal call. That Committee performed its duty; the convention was held at the time and place designated; General John M. Palmer, then a rising young lawyer and liberal politician of Carlinville, present proprietor of the Register in this city, presided; a ticket composed of General W. H. Bissell, for Governor; Francis Hoffman, (afterwards replaced by Hon. John Wood, of Quincy,) for Lieutenant Governor; O. M. Hatch, for Secretary of State; Jesse K. Dubois, for Auditor; James Miller, for Treasurer, and W. H. Powell, for Superintendent of Public Instruction, was put in nomination and was elected in November following. And thus the Republican party sprang at once into political ascendancy in this State - an ascendancy which it has never since wholly lost."

In May, 1858, while still residing at Jacksonville, Mr. Selby was married to Miss Erra A. Post, an amiable and worthy young lady who had been a pupil, and for a time, a teacher in the Female Seminary at that place. During the following fall he severevi his connection with the Jacksonville Journal, and the next spring removed to Springfield, where he spent the summer of 1859. Though not immediately connected with the Press during this period, he did considerable political writing for the State Journal, and otherwise. One of his principal labors during this summer was the preparation of a pamplilet giving the history of the celebrated "Canal Scrip Fraud" which was brought to the attention of the public soon after the retirement of Joel A. Matteson from the Governorship of the State. This pamphlet was widely distributed throughout the State, and exerted no small influence upon the elections of the next few years.

In September, 1859, in compliance with the urgent solicitation of friends already in the South, Mr. Selby accepted an invitation to take charge of a boys' school at Plaquemine, Louisiana, and removed there with his family. After remaining here one year he was offered strong inducement to fate charge of an institution for the education of young ladies and gentlemen, at Amite City, in the same State, which he accepted. Before the close of this year, the war between the North and South, which had been gradually coming on, opened with all its bitterness and fury. Perceiving that he could no longer be of any service there in the profession Avhich he had chosen, and that the safety of himself and family would be in peril by longer remaining in the South, at the close of the term of 1860-61, Mr. Selby determined to return to the North, and disposing of what property he could, and leaving his library, which, in the condition of the country at that time, could not be transported, and which was plundered and scattered during the war, on the evening of the 3d of July, 1861, he left New Orleans for Illinois. The journey was made by railroad, by way of Columbus, Kentucky, and Cairo, though many persons then seeking to reach the North were meeting with serious trouble, and all communication was cut off between Columbus and Cairo, by the seizure of the steamer running between those two places, by the rebels, a few days after. Almost immediately after his ai-rival in Springfield, leaving his family here, Mr. Selby returned to Cairo, to accept a position which had been tendered him in the employment of the Government.

After a stay at Cairo of about eight months, and a short period spent in the Transportation Department at Paducah, Kentucky, during which the movement up the Tennessee river to Pittsburg Landing took place, Mr. Selby returned to Springfield, and in July following was offered and accepted a position upon the editorial department of the State Journal, which continued unbroken up to November, 1865. At this time he was called to suffer a deep affliction in the loss of his wife. His household having been broken up, he severed his connection with the Journal, and soon after went to New Orleans, where he spent the winter. Returning north in June, 1866, after a few weeks' rest, he was offered and accepted a position on the editorial staff of the Chicago Evening Journal, but soon after taking a similar position on the Chicago Republican now the Inter- Ocean.

In 1868, Messrs. D. L. Phillips and William H. Bailhache, of the State Journal, purchased the Whig, at Quincy, Illinois, and Mr. Selby was invited to take editorial charge of it. Subsequently he became the successor of Major Bailhache in proprietorship of the Whig, at the same time retaining the position of managing editor. At the close of the year 1873, the Whig was sold to its present proprietors, when Hon. E. L. Baker, editor of the State Journal, having been appointed Consul to Buenos Ayers, Mr. Selby was offered his old place upon the Journal. Pie accepted, entering on his duties January 1, 1874, and his connection with the paper has remained unbroken ever since. In September, 1878, the Journal became the property of the "Springfield Journal Publishing Company," of which Mr. Selby is a member, being a director and secretary of the board. Mr. Selby was married a second time in December, 1870, to Mrs. M. J.Hitchcock, a gifted lady of Quincy, who still survives. Two daughters born to him of his first wife still live ; but a daughter and a son born to him of his present wife, died in December, 1878, within a few days of each other.

In June, 1880, Mr. Selby received from President Hayes the appointment of Postmaster for the city of Springfield, in place of Hon. D. L. Phillips, deceased, entering upon the duties of the office July 4, and on the assembling of Congress, in December, was nominated, confirmed and re-commissioned.

Horace Chapin, Treasurer and Business Manager of the Journal, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, December 27, 1827, and emigrated to Morgan county, Illinois, in 1851, and settled near the present village of Chapin, the junction of the Wabash and Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroads. The early life of Horace was spent on his father's farm, and in attending the public schools and academy of his native place. On coming to Morgan, he engaged in farming in connection with his brother Lyman, which occupation he continued until August, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Company K., Twenty-Seventh Illinois Infantry. On the election of officers of the company, Mr. Chapin was elected First Lieutenant. The regiment shortly after was ordered to Cairo, where it became a part of General McClernand's brigade. After the battle of Belmont, Lieutenant Chapin was promoted to Captain of Company D. During the three years of his service. Captain Chapin participated in many of the important battles of the war, including Island No. 10, Union City, Farmington, Corinth, Nashville,

Laverne, Franklin, Stone River and Chicaniauga. In the battle of Chicamauga, Captain Chapin lost a leg, and was sent to the hospital at Nashville, where he remained four months and then received a furlough home. He was mustered out of service on the twenty-seventh of September, 1864, his term of service having expired. In 1865 he moved to Jacksonville, and in April, 1867, received the appointment ot Postmaster of that city, which position he held for four years. About the time of his appointment of Postmaster, he purchased an interest in the Jacksonville Journal, but was not actively engaged in its management until his retirement from the postoffice. Captain Chapin severed his relationship with the Journal in 1876. On the formation of the present State Journal Company he was elected Treasurer and Business Manager, which position he yet retains.

Captain Chapin was originally a Whig, and was afterwards identified with the Free Soil movement. On the organization of the Republican party, he -became an active worker in its ranks, and no man has ever been a more enthusiastic one.

Milton F. Simmons, President of the State Journal Company, was born in Schoharie county, New York, December 21, 1842. He received an academical and collegiate education in his native State, and subsequently read law with Lyman Tremaine, of New York City, and was there admitted to the Bar. After receiving a license as an attorney, he moved to Mexico, Missouri, where he engaged in practice for some six years, with success. In 1871, he purchased the office of the Mexico Messenger, which paper he edited and published until his removal to Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1876. While in Mexico he was elected to the State Legislature, and served one session. On his arrival in Jacksonville, he became associated in the publication of the Jacksonville Journal, which relation continued until 1878, when he came to Springfield, and became one of the Journal Company.

Milton F, Simmons and Philena Eliza Humphrey were married at Mexico, Missouri, November 11, 1867. Four children have resulted from this union - Ida Mabel, Anna Maggie, Minnie Myrtle, and Katie Maud.

The Daily Journal

The Journal first appeared as a daily Monday, June 13, 1848, containing twelve columns, twelve inches long. That paper printed the first telegraphic dispatch ever received directly by the Press in Springfield. Diminutive as was the sheet, its advent marked a new era in the history of the Press of that city. It seemed a hazardous undertaking to establish a daily, but the paper met with immediate support, and when but eleven days old was enlarged to a sixteen column sheet, of respectable size. Its news columns were well filled, and in all respects it was fully up to the demands of the times. It was issued in the evening, as most of the mails left early in the morning, and the clumsy hand press could not have a morning paper ready in time.

The conduct of a daily at that time was widely at variance with what it is to-day. Printing appliances were unwieldy; labor was scarce; expenses heavy, and the people at large found a weekly enough for their wants- Notwithstanding these and other obstacles, the Journal succeeded well. On the first of January, 1850, the daily was again enlarged, by increasing the length of its columns and adding four to their number. No change was made thereafter until the 22d of December, 1853, when it was again enlarged. It then became a twenty-four column paper. These changes were made to meet the demands of advertisers. Again about the beginning of the war, first to a seven and then an eightcolumn folio. This form was continued until July, 1880, when it was changed to a six-column quarto, its present form.

The Illinois Republican

The Republican was established May, 1835, by John A. Roberts and George R. Weber, who coniinued its publication until the summer of 1839. The Republican was a firm supporter of the Jackson policy, and dealt some powerful blows to the opposition. It was a fearless and radical sheet in its utterances, and gave no uncertain souYid. Its enemies always knew where to find it. In the spring of 1837, Stephen A. Douglas was appointed by President Van Buren, Register of the Land Ofiice at Springfield, and thus became a resident of the place. At this time he was very boyish in appearance and manner; was a ready wit, and a bold and fluent speaker. He made politics his chief study, to the neglect of his profession. He wrote much for the columns of the Republican, which appeared both as editorial and communicated. The paper, in political circles, was therefore generally regarded as the organ of young Douglas. Under the nom de plume of an "Old Settler," a well known citizen of Springfield contributed to a local paper of the city, in 1871, the following interesting reminiscence of the Republican, and Stephen A. Douglas' connection with it:

"A law providing for the removal of the seat of government from Vandalia to Springfield had passed the legislature of 1835-36, and three commissioners appointed to superintend the building of a new State House at the latter place. Dr. Henry was the acting commissioner. He was an able political wi'iter, and contributed largely to the columns of the Sangamo Journal, both editorially and otherwise; hence, the newspaper fights of that day between the Journal and Republican, were mainly between Douglas and Dr. Henry, as the champion writers of their respective parties.

"Douglas, in several anonymous communications, attacked Dr. Henry as acting State House Commissioner, denouncing him, with much bitterness, as being unqualified for the position, and burlesquing many of his ofiicial acts, advising the Gov.ernor to remove him for incompetency, and to appoint a practical builder - a mechanic or architect, as doctors and lawyers knew but little about building State houses. Dr. Henry and many of his friends, believing Douglas to be the author of the offensive articles, determined to demand the name of the author by calling on the editor. A committee was appointed for that purpose, which, armed with cane and pistols, waited upon the editor (until then supposed to be a meek man), and made the demand. Douglas happened to be in the printing ofiice when the committee arrived. The demand was made with threats and a flourish of the cane, when the meek man of the press planted his fist in the face of the chairman of the committee, informing him that he was responsible for everything that appeared in his paper. The committee was thus dispersed. Douglas being an eye-witness of the disastrous defeat of the committee, gave a highly colored description of what had occurred in the next paper, which, when the paper appeared, resulted in a determination of certain aggrieved parties to destroy the printing establishment of the Illinois Republican.

"On the evening of June 27, 1837, while the editor and hands were at supper, a mob appeared before the office door which was locked. The leader, being the Sheriff of the county on a 'spree,' picked up a stick of cord wood and burst open the door, and ordering his men to tlirow the printing materials into the street, promising to pay all damages. By this lime the Weber brothers - three in number - Douglas, Dr. Early (afterwards assassinated), and a few others, rushed into the office, and kicked and Hung the mobocrats from the building. Several other personal conflicts ensued. The next day the mob rallied and made another attack, in which the leader of the mob, the Sheriff, was stabbed, and fainting fell, covered with blood, he was carried home. Thus ended the mob. These things gave notoriety to the paper. The spicy and able articles of Douglas, like pure and good Democratic seed sown in good ground, resulted in his nomination for Congress by the Democratic party of the Third Congressional District."

George R. Weber was born in Baltimore, Maryland, May 29, 1808. He was taken, when an infant, to Shepherdstown, Virginia, by his parents, and remained thereuntil after he reached his majority. In 1832, he was married to Miss Susan Shepherd, and soon after moved to New York City, where his wife soon died. Mr. Weber then returned to Shepherdstown, and from there came to Springfield, Illinois, arriving here April 15, 1835. He Avas married in Springfield to Catherine Welch, by whom he had eight children. Mr. Weber learned the trade of a printer before coming to Springfield, and has worked at the case off and on for a period of nearly sixty years. In 1839, he suspended the Republican, and shortly after became a partner in the Register, retaining his connection therewith until 1846, when he sold out to Mr. Walters, and enlisted in Company A, 4th Illinois Infantry, under Colonel E. D. Baker. While encamped on the Rio Grande, in Mexico, news of Mr. Walter's death reached there, and Mr. Weber, being interested in the State printing, it became necessary that he should return. Accordingly he was detailed to return home with those soldiers who were unfit for duty, and was never recalled. After the time expired for which he was elected Public Printer, he severed his connection with the office, and moved to his farm.

Mr. Weber sei'ved six months as State Comm.issary, in our late civil war, and was subsequently appointed as Commissary at Camp l^utler, which position he retained until the close of the rebellion.

Illinois State Register

Illinois State Register and Vandalia Republican, by William Walters. Mr. Walters was a native of Delaware, and for some years was a journeyman printer in Washington City, and foreman in the office of the old National Intelligencer. While occupying this position he contributed a number of articles to the Press of that day, and thus attracted the notice of the Democratic or Jackson members of Congress from this State. Desiring a strong neAvspaper advocate of the Jacksonian school at the capital of the State, Mr. Walters was induced to make the venture. He arrived in Vandalia in January, 1836, and on the 10th of February, the first number of the new paper appeared. At this time Judge John York Sawyer was publishing the Illinois Advocate at Vandalia, and was State Printer. Judge Sawyer died during this year, and the Advocate suspended publication.

The legislature, at its session of 1 830-3 V, elected Mr. Walters State Printer, and made the Register the official paper of the State. During this session the vote was taken on the removal of the State capital to Springfield, and cai'ried.

In 1839, the offices of the State Government were removed to Springfield, and were followed a few weeks later by the State Register, Mr. Walters removing the office to this city. Here the paper assumed the double name of Illinois State Register and People's Advocate, with William Walters and George R. Weber as editors and publishers. The name of the Advocate wag quietly dropped out some months afterwards, and the name of Illinois State Register alone appeared as the name of the paper. The first number of the Register printed in Springfield, dated August 10, 1839, made the following announcement:

"To OUR Patrons: - We have the pleasure to address the patrons of the State Register from Springfield, the new seat of Government of the State of Illinois. The most of our readers are aware that, until within a few weeks past, the Illinois Republican (the leading and spirited Democratic paper) has been published in this place for several successive yeai's. , The removal of the seat of Government to Springfield made it the duty of the public printer to remove with it; and hence, as there was not a probable demand for two Democratic papers in the same place, Mr. Weber, the editor of the Republican, discontinued that journal, and purchased an interest in this paper. The change will, no doubt, be advantageous to our subscribers. To the subscribers "of the Illinois Republican, this

In 1845, Mr. Weber sold his interest in the Register to his partner, Mr. Walters, who continued it until 1S46, when the war with Mexico broke out, Avhen he leased the office to Charles H. Lanphier, and enlisted as a private soldier in the Second Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. Mr. Walters confidently expected the position of Major of the regiment, but it was given to another. Ilis friends in Washington, learning this fact, secured a commission as Commissary for him, and mailed it to him at St. Louis. Mr. Walters never lived to reach the front, but died in St. Louis before the departure of the regiment.

On the death of Mr. Walters, Charles H. Lanphier became proprietor of the office, and continued the publication of the paper one year, when he associated with himself George Walker, and the Register was published from 1846 to January 1, 1858, by Lanphier & Walker, when Walker withdrew, as appears from the following:

Dissolution of Partnership. - Notice is hereby given that the partnership uuder the style of Lanphier & Walker, in the printing business and publication of the Illinois State Register, is this day dissolved, by mutual consent. * * *

George Walker was born in Vermont, in 1821, and in 1836 came with his parents to Belvidere, Illinois, His father was the original proprietor of that town. Mr. Walker came to Springfield at an early day ; studied law with Ebenezer Peck, and was admitted to the bar. Subsequently, he was appointed deputy by Mr. Peck, who received the appointment of Clerk of the Supreme Court. He acted as Deputy Clerk until 1847, when he became connected with the Register, as editor and publisher.

Mr. Walker was a fine scholar and a brilliant writer. While he wrote or spoke in a manner not to be misunderstood, he was choice of his words, and every sentence showed the scholarly man. After retiring from the Register, he engaged in no active business, and died at the house of Mr. Lanphier, in 1864.

On the breaking out of the war, in 1861, the following article appeared in the Register, from the pen of Charles H. Lanphier, on the duty of the hour:

"The fratricidal blow has been struck! Civil war is upon us. The rebels have opened their batteries upon Fort Sumter, and the prospect of a long and bloody strife is before us. It has come as the consequence of causes so often and emphatically deprecated by Democrats and other conservative men - as the consequence of sectional agitation by Northern and Southern extremists. But it is useless and unprofitable now to discuss the causes which have placed the country in its present unhappy condition. The Government has been resisted in the performance of its legal functions. Rebels to the National authorities have fired upon the flag of the country, and assaulted one of its garrisons, when an effort was being made to re-in force and provision the noble Anderson and his gallant little band. Most gallantly have they resisted; bravely have they defended their country's flag and their country's rights. But they have been overcome by the superior force that has surrounded them.

"The news has been productive of the most intense feeling and excitement here, as it will be throughout the land, but whatever may be men's opinions as to the causes which have brought war upon us, there is but one feeling, and that is in behalf of the Government and the flag of the Union. This is as it should be. With the true patriot, whatever may be his opinions of the causes of war with his country's enemies, he is for his country and his country's flag; and his hearty support, morally, and phj^sically if necessary, should be rendered to the country's cause."

"We are proud to record that Douglas and his counsels, now that blow^s have ensued, are with the Government. Ever faithful, ever true, the champion of popular rights is for the cause of his country - of the Constitution and law. Whatever may be our party leanings, our party principles, our likes or dislikes, when the contest opens between the country, between the Union, and its foes, and blows are struck, the patriot's duty is plain - take sides with the stars and stripes! As Illinoisans, let us rally to one standard. There is but one standard for good men and true. Let us be there. Through good and through evil report, let us be there - first, last, and all the time."

Upon the retirement of Mr. W^alker, Edward Conner was associated with Mr. Lanphier in the publication of the Register until June 10, 1859, when the following announcement was made:

Dissolution of Co-paktneksiiip. - Notice is hereby given that the partuership in the publication of the Illinois State Register, heretofore existing under the name of Lanphier & Conner is dissolved bj' mutual consent. The business will hereafter be conducted by Chas. H. Lanphier. Chas. H. Lanphier,

Mr. Lanphier alone, continued the publication of the Kegi.ster until 1864, when he sold out to certain parties and the "Illinois State Register Printing Company" was organized, with George Judd, Esq., business manager, and I. N. Higgins editor. (Mr. I. N. Higgins is now editor of the Morning Call, San Francisco.)

Charles H. Lanphier was born in Alexandria, Virginia, April 14, 1820. His father, Robert Goin Lanphier, was a native of the same place. His grandfather, Goin Lanphier, was one of the first settlers of that ancient town. He w^as of Irish birth, coming to Virginia an infant, with his father, Thomas Lanphier, in the year 1732, from County Cork, Ireland, where the family (French Hugenots) had emigrated in 1650. At the age of four years, the parents of Charles H. Lanphier removed to Washington City, Avhere Mr. Lanphier received a plain, English education, in the primary schools of the day. In May, 1836, just turning his sixteenth j^ear, Mr. Lanphier came to Illinois with his brother-inlaw, William Walters, who, in January of that year, had established the Illinois State Register at Vandalia, then the seat of government of the State. Mr. Lanphier entered that establishment as an apprentice to the printing trade, and when the paper was moved to Springfield, he came with it. Completing his apprenticeship, he continued in the concern as printer, clerk or reporter, until 1846. On the breaking out of the Mexican war, Mr. Walters entered the volunteer army, leaving Mr. Lanphier in charge of the paper as editor and manager. Mr. Walters died at St. Louis, soon after his regiment reached there, en route for Mexico. Mr. Lanphier then attained the proprietorship of the paper. At the next session of the legislature (1846-f) he was elected Public Printer, being the last person to fill that office, w^hich was thereafter abolished by constitutional provision. In 1847 he took into partnership, in the publication of the Register, Mr. George Walker, one o( the most accomplished scholars and journalists of his day. This partnership continued until January, 1858, when Mr. Walker withd.rew, and Mr. Lanphier continued the publication of the paper, until the fall of 1863, when he sold out the establishment, after a connection with it of nearly twenty-eight years. In 1860, on the breaking out of the Southern rebellion, Mr. Lanphier was appointed by Governor Yates a member of the "Board of Army Auditors," in connection vrith Judge William Thomas, of Jacksonville, and Hon. James H. Woodworth, of Chicago. In 1864, Mr. Lanphier was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, of Sangamon county, and in 1868, w^as re-elected. Before the expiration of his last term, in 1872, Mr. Lanphier was nominated as the Democratic candidate for State Treasurer, but with his w^iole party, was defeated.

In February, 1846, Mr. Lanphier was married to Margaret T. Crenshaw, daughtei- of John Hart Crenshaw, of Gallatin county, Illinois, one of the early pioneers of the State, settling wdth his parents and family in that county in the year 1812, from North Carolina. After the adoption of the present city charter, Mr. Lanphier w^as chosen a member of the City Council for three terms, and as Chairman of the Ordinance and School Committees, was largely instrumental in shaping the city laws undfr the new charter, and in organizing the present system of city schools. During the ascendancy of the Democratic party in the State, as the editor of its leading exponent at the Capital, Mr. Lanphier bore a conspicuous part, and through the Register, was influential in shaping the policies of the State. Contemporary and intimate friend of Judge Douglas during his wiiole public career, he was an earnest champion in nearly all his pixblic efforts, sharing his confidence and possessing his highest respect and esteem. As editor of the Register, w^hile it was controlled by him, he was bold and fearless in giving expression to his views of men and principles. His quick perception enabled him to judge almost unerringly of the motives of the former, and w^hile respectful to his oj^ponents, if he thought them sincere, he was unsparing in his criticism of those he believed unprincipled and corrupt. His integrity was unquestioned and in these days, when venality so far pervades the Press, however lamentable the contemplation, it would not be time illy spent, to compare the course of the Register under his management with the latter day political journalism. As a writer, Mr. Lanphier w^as terse and pointed in style. He never indulged in fanciful phrases at the expense of clear, lucid expression. When he meant to say a thing he said it, and there could be no misunderstanding his meaning. In short, his entire editorial career was as able and consistent as his private life has been upright and honorable.

In December, 1864, J. W. Merritt & Sons purchased the Register, and by them it was continued something less than two years, when J. W. Merritt retired, and the paper was then run by E. L. Merritt & Bro., as publishers, with J. AV. Merritt, editor, and E. L. Merritt, associate editor. In 1873, on account of advanced age, J. W. Merritt resigned editorial charge, and E. L. Merritt became editor-in-chief.

In June, 1877, E. L. Merritt & Bro., disposed of their interest to a stock company composed of John M. Palmer, E. L. Merritt, J. M. Higgins and John Mayo Palmer, forming the State Register Printing Company.

John W. Merritt was born in New York City July 4, 1806, and died November 16, 1878. The Register, with which he was so long connected as editor, thus speaks of the man:

"John W. Merritt was born in New York City in 1806, and had the benefit of a common school education. Before arriving at manhood he evinced a decided literary taste, and his conti'ibutions to the magazine and newsj^apers of the time were greatly admired. He studied law and built up a very lucrative practice in connection with Hon. James T. Brady, the profits of which were invested in real estate. He made himself independent at a comparatively early period in life, and was in a fair way to become wealthy when the financial revulsion of 1887, in a short time destroyed the value of his earnings and in- A'estments. That he must have been greatly disheartened by his misfortunes seems certain, but it is true that none of his most intimate friends ever heard him repine. With his wife and a young dependent family he removed with the remnant of his goods to St. Clair county, in this State, in 1841. His culture and energy soon gained him friends, and he purchased the Belleville Advocate, which paper he conducted with considerable success from 1848 to 1851. He also carried on a farm, and wi'ote letters for New York papers and contributed to eastern magazines. During this period, also, he wrote and published a novel called Shubel Darton. The style of this work now seems antiquated, and its construction more complicated than jDleases modern taste, but the plan of the story shows considerable skill, and the composition is remarkable for power in many passages. About this time he formed a strong personal friendship for Judge ]^reese, which continued to the close of Breese's life.

sons instructed in the art and mystery of printing. In 1861, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and in 1802, a member of the legislature. In 1864, the State Register, as the organ of the Demowacy of the State, suffered the fate of the party it had so long represented. The efforts of powerful political opponents, and the treachery of pretended adherents, had reduced the party to what seemed a hopeless minority, and upon the State Register fell the stigma of copperheadism and disloyalty. Mr. Merritt resolved to attempt the task of reestablishing the paper, and supported by his son, took editorial charge January 1, 1865. The enterprise was not a prudent one, but it was gallantly undertaken, and, like most bold projects, succeeded. By hard v^^ork, and by the aid of business skill and editorial talent, the paper was set upon its feet again.

"For some years Mr. Merritt conducted the editorial columns of the Register with great ability; and although it may be said that he was not always temperate in his expressions, the fault will be pardoned by those who know how high the tide of political and personal feeling swelled after the war was closed. For some years, in addition to editorial duty on the Register, Mr. Merritt supplied the St. Louis Republican with its Springfield correspondence. But years of great labor began at last to tell against the veteran, and in 1^73, he retired from active duty, and since then has spent his time in well earned and honorable repose. His children are Hon. Thomas E., who for several terms has represented his district in the House of Representatives, and who was at the late election chosen a State Senator; General Wesley, who graduated at West Point in 1861, and who rose to distinction in the Union army, and who is Colonel of the Fifth United States Cavalry; John H., who at one time was editor of a Democratic paper at Carlinville, and who is now one of the editors of the Marion County Herald; Charles W., who, in 1873, was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the Ninth United States Cavalry; Edward L., of this city; Joseph D., clerk of the Southern Penitentiary; and William W., conductor on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, and two daughters.

"In politics, Mr. Merritt was a sound, uncompromising Democrat of the old school, and his faith he never hesitated to declare or defend. He lived his allotted period in the fear of God, and always acted with due regard to the rights of man. He commanded the respect of his fellow-men by adherence to principle, and he won many friends through life. He was a de- voted member of the Episcopal Church, and he died in its full communion, and in an abundant faith in its doctrines. The world is better for his life and actions, and those who survive him, though not able to surpass him in ability, may emulate his virtues, respect his integrity, and learn an example by his industry. The State Register casts its sprig of rue and myrtle on the bier of one of its most able and brave of the long succession of its editors."

The Salem Advocate, in its obituary notice of Mr. Merritt, says: "John W. Merritt is dead, but his amiable character and kind acts will long be cherished and remain green in the memory of those who knew him best. He had hosts of friends, whose hearts are saddened because he has been called from the busy scenes of earth But all should rejoice that he has entered upon a life beyond death's dark I'iver, in the evergreen shades of Heaven's rich domain. He was pleasant, courteous and genial in manners, and his friendship extended to men in all the walks and stations of life."

Edward L. Merritt was born June 25, 1836, in New York City, and came with his parents to this State in 1841. He received but few advantages in the way of an education in the public or private schools, the whole time of his attendance probably not exceeding twelve months. But at a very early age he was placed in the " Poor Man's College," a printing office, to learn the trade of a printer. His first work at the case was when about eleven years of age, in the office of the Belleville Advocate. When his father removed to Salem and commenced the publication of the Salem Advocate he took a position in that office, and soon became a thorough, pi'actical printer. Subsequently and previous to 1858, he served about four years as Civil Engineer on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. In 1858, in connection with one of his brothers, he became the proprietor of the Salem Advocate, his father, J. W. Merritt resuming editoi'ial charge. In 1861, E. L. Merritt became sole proprietor of the paper, continuing its publication until he became connected with the publication of the State Register. As already stated, as editor and publisher Mr. Merritt was identified with the Register for many years, and as such became known not only throughout the State but throughout the Union, the Register always being the recognized organ of the party of the State.

In 1866, President Johnson appointed Mr. Merritt United States Pension Agent. Being an avowed Democrat, it is thought his appointment had much to do with hastening the passage of the tenure-of-office act, necessitating the presentation of his name to the United States Senate for confirmation. It was accordingly sent in; and that body being strongly Republican, he was rejected. It was again sent in by the President, and again rejected. The third time did the President present the name of Mr. Merritt for confirmation, and the third time was it rejected. No other reason was assigned for his rejection, but that he was not of the political faith to suit the majority. His ability to discharge the duties of the office was not doubted.

In 1875, Mr. Merritt was appointed a member of the School Board of Springfield; was re-appointed in 1878, and again in 1881, for the term of three years.

On December 13, 1879, the sale of the State Register to Geo. W. Weber, J. R. Weber, J. H. Oberly and Chas. Edwards, was consummated. Mr. Oberly did not remain in the new company, which was organized January 5, 1880, with Geo. W. Weber as president. The editorial chair was temporarily tilled; and finally, the permanent editorial arrangement was announced, in the statement that thereafter the paper would be " edited by the proprietors." George W. Weber was the acknowledged editor-in-chief, and succeeded in making an interesting paper,

George W. and J. R. Weber are the sons of George R. Weber, the founder of the Republican, and one of the original proprietors of the Register, on its removal from Vandalia. They were both born in Springfield, and are both practical printers. George W. has had much experience in editorial life, having edited the Taylorville Democrat for some time, and assisted on other papers. He is a ready and graceful writer^

The Illinois State Register has been owned and published since June 18, 1881, by Messrs. Smith, Clendenin & Rees, who purchased it of Governor Palmer and the old State Register Company.

The firm as above named is constituted of George Smith, Henry W. Clendenin, and Thomas Rees. These gentlemen are all old newspaper men, having been engaged in editorial and practical work in the States of Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri for from twenty to thirty years. For the past five years, they have been engaged in publishing the Keokuk (Iowa) Daily and Weekly Constitution, which under their management became the leading Democratic paper of Iowa. Mr. Clendenin acted as

George Smith was born in Newark, Ohio, February 28, 1827. He began his career as a printer and publisher early in life. He has followed it without variation until the present time. Mr. Smith has no superior as a journalist in his department. IJe brings to the Register the experience of thirty-five years and the natural energy and acquired skill that always placed him at the top in every newspaper enterprise with which he has been connected. Mr. Smith has general supervision of the practical department of the Register.

H. "VV. Clendeninwas born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, August 1, 1838. His father, Sam. M. Clendenin, an old-line Jefl:ersonian Democrat, removed to Iowa in 1839, and settled at Burlington, where he occupied various offices of trust and profit in the gift of the Democracy. Mr. Clendenin received an academical education at Burlington, and served his time as a printer on the Burlington Hawkeye, Avhich was under the management, a portion of the time, of James M. Broadwell, a brother of Judge Broadwell, of Springfield. Mr. Clendenin has occupied various practical and editorial positions in this and other States. He had charge of the Metamora (Illinois) Sentinel for one year, and of the Burlington Gazette for about the same length of time. He entered the army from Philadelphia, enlisting in the Twentieth Pennsylvania Infantry, serving a portion of his time under General McClellan. Mr. Clendenin has editorial charge of the Register as editor-inchief, the same position he occupied on the Constitution. His articles attract attention, and are widely quoted; and under his management the Register is fast attaining the leading position which it should occujjy as the central organ of the Illinois Democracy.