Allegan County, Michigan - Chapter 11: History of the Press, 1907

Chapter 11: History of the Press

There is recorded an attempt to establish a paper at New Rocliester when that settlement was at the height of its prosperity, but nothing practical ever came of the movement,

Moses Hawks was the first printer and publisher in the county. He established the Allegan County Democrat at Otsego, the first number of which was issued April 12, 1842. Democratic in politics, and lasting only a few months, is the sum of its history. The apparatus was purchased by A. L. Ely, of Allegan, who moved the material to that village, and, January 23, 1843, issued a copy of the Allegan and Barry Record. Mr. Ely did not personally conduct the paper, and some other well-known men were connected with it in the capacity of publishers and editors. Hovey K. Clarke was the first editor. Augustine W. Adams and Moses Hawks were publishers of the journal for short periods. When Mr. Ely removed to Iowa in 1846 {where he became the founder of the town of Cedar Falls, where he died in 1848), Mr. Hawks bought the plant and continued the publication under his name until 1857. Donald C. Henderson, the dean of the newspaper profession in Allegan county and one of the oldest journalists in Michigan, stiil living in the county, began his newspaper career with the Record during the forties. From 1847 Mr. E. B. Bassett was chief editor of the journal, and in 1861 purchased the plant from William Francis, an accomplished English gentleman, who was long a resident of Allegan. The Record was for thirteen years the only paper published in this county. A political organ in the old-fashioned sense of that word, it fought the battles of Democracy with the vehemence and uncompromising ardor characteristic of the period.

Donald C. Henderson, who began his career with the Record and later became connected with the New York Trilnine, founded the Allegan Journal in April, 1856, the first number being issued the last clay of that month. The RepubUcan party being then two years old in Michigan, the paper was founded partly for the purpose of advocating the principles of the party. The paper in the growing interests of the day in anti-slavery flourished at the expense of its rival, the Record, and in 1862, after the strife had already been joined and militant Democracy was for the time moribund in Michigan, Mr. Bassett was unable to continue the publication of the Record

History Ov Ali.Egax County 537

Mr. Henderson served during the last two years of the war as a private, and at the close resumed the editorship of the Journal, which he held until his retirement from active duties in July, 1897.

In 1874 Edwy C. Reici, who had been connected with western Michigan journalism since a boy of sixteen, and for the preceding two years had been local editor of the Joitmal, associated himself witli Mr, Henderson as one of the proprietors, and for the following eight years the firm of Henderson and Reid conducted the Journal. In 1882 the partnership was dissolved, and with the aid of friends Mr. Reid established the Allegan Gazette, which will complete a quarter century of existence in May. 1907, and logically is the continuation of the old Allegan Journal, established over half a century ago.

Edwy Campbell Reid, editor and proprietor of the Gazette and postmaster at Allegan, is a native of Brantford, Ontario. Canada, his father's people being residents for several generations of New Jersey and his mother a native of Norfolkshire, England. When eighteen months old he was brought to Michigan by his parents, and was reared at Otsego. Having attended the village schools there, at the age of sixteen he began an apprenticeship with the Otsego Herald. As part owner and publisher of the Otsego Record, compositor and job printer on the Kalamazoo Telegraph, foreman of the Kalamazoo Ga::elte, the Allegan Democrat, and the Allegan Journal, and later partner with Mr. Henderson in publishing the latter paper, and finally for the last twenty-five years editor and publisher of the Allegan Gazelle. Mr. Reid has had a varied newspaper career. He is known as one of the best editorial writers in this part of Michigan, his power as correspondent and descriptive news writer fully equaling his ability as pub- Usher. Mr. Reid has been a successful publisher, and without trimming his editorials always to accord with nerveless opinion has made his paper a I'eal director of public sentiment and a power in any work of reform or improvement.

Since his appointment by President McKinley in June, 1898, Mr. Reid has held the office of postmaster at Allegan. The Allegan postoffice has made notable advances since that time. Rural free delivery has caused a concentration of postal business at this point, and from one rural mail route in 1899, the office is now center for eight routes, radiating in all directions from the village. The postal receipts have increased from $8,000 to $12,- 000. This increase in postal business has caused Allegan to be made a city free delivery office, and since June, 1905, the village has enjoyed frequent deliveries and niaii collections antl all the postal facilities of a city.

Mr. Reid has been closely identified with the fruit industry in this part of Michigan, and besides being interested in fruit exhibits at the state fairs and Detroit expositions was for many years secretary of the State Horticultural Society. Mr. Reid is a director on the Allegan Board of Trade, being the prime leader in the organization of that body, for eight years a member of the board of trustees of the state asylum for the insane at Ionia, acting as president of the board part of the time, for three years a trustee of Oak Grove cemetery, and as an active Republican was secretary for fourteen years of the Republican county conmiittee and otherwise a leader of his party in the county. He has been a member of the executive committee of the Michigan RepubHcan Press Association. Fraternally lie affiliates with the Odd Fellows, the Foresters, the Maccabees and the United Workmen, and is a member of the Allegan Congregational church.

Mr. Reid was married in 1876 to Miss M. A. Borradaile, of Sodus, New York. Mrs. Reid, who died June 10, 1906, was well known in social and educational circles in Allegan, and a number of years ago was preceptress of the high school. She left a son and a daughter, both now in college, Edwy B. being a student in the state university and Florence A. at (Jlivet college.

December 11. 1867, another Democratic newspaper was published in the county under the name of the AUegan County Democrat, the second of the name. Freeman D. Austin was publisher until his death in July, 1869, and later the paper was controlled by Martin T. Ryan and Cieorge C. Furber. In 1874 W. W. Watkins entered the firm and the Northwestern Bible and Publishing company was organized, the Democrat being continued by this firm. This company was dissolved in October, 1876, and for the following two years the Democrat was published by a stock company of prominent Democrats. The last number was issued December 31, 1879.

The plant of the Democrat had been purchased by E. R. Morgan and Frank W. Bailey, and in January, 1880, they began the publication of the Allegan Tribune, as a Republican paper, the veteran newspaper man, G. A. Morgan, being editor.

The Allegan Democrat was established in immediate succession to the passing of the AUegan County Democrat, its first number being issued January 7, 1880. It had neither business nor material connection with the former paper, being only similar in politics, George Scales, of the Plainwell Independent Republic, installed a complete new plant at Allegan for the publication of this paper. D. R. Waters was connected with the paper as editor.

The Allegan Ne^vs. the present Democratic newspaper at the county seat, was established in 1899, and is published by John J. Firestone, ably assisted by his wife and son. Mr. Firestone began his newspaper career in Elkhart county, Indiana, and since coming to Allegan county has brought his paper to the front as one of the newsy and able journals of the county.

The Allegan Press, the other newspaper published at Allegan, now in its sixth volume, is edited and published by Charles F. Davison, in whose career the history of the journal will be found, Mr. Davison was born in Wayland township, AUegan county, January 13, 1870. His father, Cephas E. Davison, was bom in the eastern part of New York state and removed thence to Massachusetts, where he was reared to manhood. He prepared for the dental profession, and in 1865 came to Wayland township, Allegan county, Michigan, where he opened a dental office, continuing actively in practice until the fall of 1887. He then went to California on a prospecting trip, and while there became ill and died, passing away in San Diego, February 3, 1888. He was active in community affairs in Wayland township, was a member of the school board for a number of years, and also held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was trustee, while in the Sunday-school he acted as superintendent. He was likewise township clerk for two years and was a very prominent and influential mail ill liis locality. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth A. Coleman, and was born in Wisconsin. She still survives, her home being now in Wayland village. She was married a second time, becoming the wife of Francis C. Elliott, who passed away February 25, 1902. In the family were four children: Charles F., Royal E.. and two who have passed away,

Charles F. Davidson was reared in the place of his nativity and passed through successive grades in the public schools of Wayland until he was graduated from the high school in the class of 1887. At the age of eighteen years he came to Allegan, this being in 1888. and entered the ofifice of the Allegan Gai:etfe to learn the printer's trade. He began as "devil," gradually worked his way upward, filling during the succeeding thirteen years various positions, after completing his three years' apprenticeship. He was reporter and later city editor for ten years. On the 4th of April, 1902, the first issue of the Allegan Press was published. This paper was pubHshed by Charles F. Davison, Charles E. Ingram and Frank M. Weber. The partnership was maintained until July, when Mr. Weber sold his interest to the other two and Mr, Davison and Mr. Ingram continued the publication of the Press until October, 1905, when Mr. Davison purchased his partner's interest and is now sole proprietor of the paper, which is published weekly and is a bright, interesting journal, with a large circulation. It is also an excellent advertising medium and has a good patronage in tnat direction,

Mr, Davison is a Republican in politics and edits his paper in support of the party. He held the office of village clerk of Allegan from 1900 until 1903, and at the first election defeated William H. Dorgan, who had formerly defeated Mr, Davison when he was first nominated for the office in 1899. Later Mr. Davison was re-elected, again defeating Mr. Dorgan. At the last election he was elected b\- four votes, and on a recount it was found that he had three more votes, defeating Frank A. Ewer. He has always been very active and influential in politics and is now serving for the third term as a member of the Republican county committee, of which he is acting as secretary. He was also secretary of the McKinley and Hobart Club in 1896 and secretary of the McKinley and Roosevelt Club in 1900. He is likewise a member of the school board of Allegan, his term expiring in 1909.

On the loth of June, 1896. in this village. Mr. Davison was married to Miss Ella Van Auken. a native of Iowa, and they have one child, Francis Charles, who was born in Allegan May 18, 1897. Mr, Davison is a member of the Foresters and is a rising young man held in high esteem because of his activity in support of many public progressive measures and his wellknown devotion to the general good. His paper has been a success and is a credit to the village which he represents.

The first paper at Otsego was the Otsego Courier, and likewise the first Republican newspaper in the county. -It wa.s established in 1855, just after the rise of the Republican party to power in the state. It was founded for political purposes, being an offshoot of the Kalamazoo Telegraph, the publisher being George A. Fitch of that paper and the material being obtained from the Telegraph plant. With the establishment of the Allegan Journal in 1856 party patronage ceased to come to the Courier, and it was soon reabsorbed in the newspaper activities of Kalamazoo.

The Otsego Herald was founded in 1865 by George W. I^arks and lasted four years, during which time a number of men otherwise connected with Allegan -county journalism were in its management. It was never success fully revived after 1869.

The Allegan County Record succeeded the Herald in the same office in 1869, though with an entirely new plant. This little Republican paper was published by H. E. J. Clute, and in September, 1870, E. C. Reid became a partner in the enterprise. The paper was discontinued in May. 1871, and Otsego had no regular paper for several years.

The history of the Otsego Union, which was founded by C. H. Harris and V. \. Campbell, its first number being issued August 2, 1875, is continued to date and detailed in the sketch of George R. Brown, its proprietor.

No better criterion of the character of a town can be obtained than its newspapers, which reflect the wideawake and enterprising spirit of the community or indicate its apathy and lack of ambition and desire for advancement. The newspaper, too, is often the stimulus of the growth and development of a community. The Otsego Umon is of this type. George R. Brown, owner and publisher, is a native son of Micliigan, having been born in Williamston in 1866. His parents were George W. and Avis (Hunker) Brown, both of whom were natives of New York, and are now deceased. The father was superintendent of schools in Ingham county, Michigan, and at the time of the old school system held that office in various parts of the state. In the family were iive children: Charles F., who for twenty years was engaged in the publication of a newspaper at Alma, Michigan, where he is now serving as postmaster; Fred L., a resident farmer of Delton, Michigan; George R., of this review; Edwin E., who is engaged in the newspaper business at Morenci, Michigan ; and Lou Belle, who is with her brother George in the office of the Otsego Union.

CJeorge R. Drown was educated in the place of his nativity and after reaching manhood he worked upon the home farm, while later he learned the printer's trade at Sheridan, Michigan, in the office of the Ndvs, thinking to find journalism a more congenial occupation than agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he was connected with Iiis brother in the newspaper work at Alma, Michigan, and afterward became foreman of the Grand Ledge Independent, with which he was connected for three years. He then joined his brother, Edwin E. Brown, and leased the Flushing Obseriier, at Flushing, Michigan, which they conducted for two years, when they purchased the Otsego Union in April, 1893, and began its publication under the firm style of Brown Brothers, which relation was maintained until 1897, when George R. Brown purchased his brother's interest and has since been sole editor and proprietor of the paper. This is a good country newspaijer, devoted to local interests and the dissemination of general news, and during Mr. Brown's connection therewith the patronage in both the circulation and advertising departments has greatly increased. He is also a stockholder in the Eady Shoe Factory and is secretary of the Otsego Creamery Company, having thus been identified with the latter enterprise for four years.

Mr. Brown is a stalwart Republican in his political belief and has served as township clerk of Otsego township for nine terms, being the incumbent at the present writing. Fraternally he is connected with the

Knights of i'ythias and the Maccabees. In 1891, at Grand Ledge, Michigan, he was married to Miss Pet Fornian, a native of that place, and they now have one son, George Fonnan, who was born in Otsego. The family attend the Methodist church and are prominent socially, while the hospitality of their own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by the many friends whom they have met during the years of their residence in Otsego.

The first newspaper published in Plainwell was a small four-page paper entitled the X-'lainwell Express, which lasted only thirteen weeks during 1868.

The next attempt was the Plainwell Republic, started February 10, 1871, by Jerome Winchell, editor, and H. S. Warren, associate. The next year the firm became Winchell and (C. H.) Hickok. May 25, 1876, George Scales published the first number of the Plainwell hidependent, and a year later bought out the rival paper and consolidated tlie two as the Independent Republic. The local newspaper office in those days furnished an ainirable training school for the bright bo>s of the village, several of whom became all-around newspaper men, among them being G. H. Hickok, F, F. Patterson, T. Hurle)', C. A. Brakeman, L. G. Graves, J. S. Madden, and otliers. In 1880 the palmer resumed its old title of the Plainwell Independent, with A. C. Roberts editor and F. F. Patterson business manager. Mr. Scales, though retaining his interest in the Independent, was at that time conducting the Democratic paper in Allegan, but a year later returned to active management of the Otsego pa^jer and continued it until 1892, when the paper was discontinued.

The Plainwell Leader was started in May, 1884, by T. M. Sheriff. C. A. Brakeman, at first the local editor, became proprietor of the paper after the first year, but after another year sold the plant, which was absorbed in part by the Independent and in part by Graves and Eesley, job printers.

Within two weeks after the sale of the Leader appeared the initial number of the Plainwell Enterprise, February 10, 1886, published by Wilson and Mann, with J. S. Madden as local editor. In July Mr. Wilson retired from the firm, and on January 1, 1887, the Maddens, father and son, purchased the outfit and have continued its publication successfully to the present time. Mr. Madden is an enterprising newspaper man, introducing many novel and interesting features into his columns, and is extremely desirous of recording faitlifully the progress of his village and county.

The Plainwell Xei(^, the only paper published twice a week in the county, was established in March, 1899, Misses Lillian and Ida Klock being editors and publishers. It was soon changed to a semi-weekly, and in 1905 was sold to G. S. Lasher, the present publisher and editor. A "Woman's Edition" of the Plainwell Kexvs, published April 13, 1906, was an historical ninnber of much value, and from it much has been obtained to supplement the accounts of Plainwell in this history.

The Saugatuck Commercial was established July 9, 1868, by Dr. A. H. Pattee, who published it under that name till July 11, 1870, when E. Perry took charge anri nained it the Lake Shore CovimerciaJ. Fehruary 7, 1873, finds Myron W. Tarbox in charge and January 29, 1875, C, M. Winslow, who afterwards started the Douglas Record. Following these came Markham and Wasson in 1877, and Byron Markham the same year, then Markham and Wasson again in 1878; but before the year was over Charles W. Wasson managed the business alone till May 2, 1879. when Mrs. Lena Woodhull was associated with Charles F. Wasson as editor. Then in January, 1880. Mrs. Woodhull took charge alone and ran the business till March, 1882. when the firm was Woodhull and Wade, but Adrian Houtkamp took it in April of 1882, and at the end of 1885 discontinued it for a few weeks, but finally Fred Wade bought the plant and began business. He published it until September 2, 1898, when he sold out to William P. Dunton, who bought the subscription list of the Douglas Record, and April 11, igo2, the first issue of the Commercial-Record was published. On December I, 1902, Otis O. Hauke bought the plant and April i, 1903. Ashley D. Rowe was taken in partnership, but this partnership was dissolved the latter part of November, 1903. and Otis O. Hauke took charge. He issues a very excellent paper, containing news and promoting the best interests of the entire Lake Shore vicinity.

The Hopkins Times is now in its first year. Its publication was begun in April, 1906, and G. O. Currey is its publisher. The paper is devoted to the interests of Hopkins and vicinity and its columns teem with news.

Before the establishment of the Saturday Globe at Wayland in 1884 several had tried that field unsuccessfully. The Wayland Neifs was established in 1870 and continued about two years. This was followed by the Venture, of short duration, and in 1876 the Wayland Courier entered upon its short career.

The Saturday Globe was established in September. 1884, and edited by Mr. G. A. Mosher until January, 1906. It was first called the Wayland Globe, and afterwards changed to the Saturday Globe, by which name it went till sold to F. C. Wing, who changed the name back to the Wayland Globe, also enlarging the paper from seven columns, four pages, to six columns, eight pages, installing a new press and making various other improvements.

Fay C. Wing, who is editor and proprietor of the Wayland Globe, came into possession of this paper on the 22d of January, 1906. He purchased the paper from its former proprietor, George A. Mosher, who established it and conducted it with marked ability from September 25, 1884, until January. 1906. The paper has from the beginning been classed among the best in the county and a liberal policy will be maintained by Mr. Wing, who is thoroughly conversant with the business and is recognized as a man of excellent business capacity and enterprise.

The Fennville Herald, an independent journal was established in 1892 by Mr. Charles E. Bassett, who is still its sole proprietor. The paper, being published in the center of a large commercial faiit district, and Mr. Bassett being secretary of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, much space is devoted to practical fruit culture. In the editing of the Herald Mr. Bassett is ably assisted by his wife, formerly Miss Carrie E. Kingsley, whom he married when he started the Herald - hoth ventures having been highly successful. They have one daughter, Marcia.