Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 5: City Officers - 1845 to 1881, 1881

Chapter 5: City Officers - 1845 to 1881

Soon after the organization of the churches and schools in St. Joseph, the printing press was set up, thus completing the means of laying the foundation for a progressive and intelligent people.

The Gazette

The first newspaper, the Gazette, a weekly, was established in St. Joseph in i845,,its first issue appearing on Friday, the 25th day of April,, of that year. The proprietor was William Ridenbaugh. When commencing the publication of his paper he had extensively circulated throughout Buchanan and the adjoining counties, the following ptospectus :

St. Joseph Gazette

The undersigned has commenced the publication of a newspaper under the above title in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri. This point is believed to be the most favorable in upper Missouri for the dissemination of news, destined as it is shortly to be the commercial emporium, not only of the greater part of the Platte country, but also of much the largest portion of the fertile and growing region lying along North Grand River. The Gazette will aim to bring into notice the wealth and resources of this magnificent region, and lend a helping hand to whatever may develop its greatness and hasten its onward march in improvement and prosperity. In politics it will maintain the principles of the Democratic faith, which have once more triumphed so gloriously in the late presidential campaign, and will give a steady support to the administration of James K. Polk.

Apart from politics, the paper will contain all the news of the day, congressional, foreign and domestic ; th^ state of the markets, carefully prepared ; authentic information of the Oregon and Texas movements, which are of so much interest in this section just now, and likely to be so for many years, etc., etc. In a word, the .undersigned will spare no pains to make his journal an agreeable companion in every circle.

The first issue of the Gazette contained the inaugural address of James K. Polk, President of the United States, some carefully selected reading matter from the best authors of that day, including the then recently published poem entitled " Stanzas," by Henry W. Longfellow, two or three editorials upon the political status of the country, quite an array of advertisements and the following local notice :

Married, on Wednesday, i6th inst., by the Rev. William Worley, Mr. George Mark to Eliza Hines, daughter of William Hines, all of this county.

We have been informed that the type used at that period in the Gazette office, was a portion of the type owned by the Mormons as early as 1833, and used in the publication of a weekly paper, published by them at Independence, Missouri, called the Evening Star. In this paper, appeared weekly installments of " revelations," promising wonderful things to the faithful, and still more wonderful things against the ungodly Gentiles. So bitter and denunciatory was their paper that the indignant and outraged Gentiles seized the press and type, and threw them into the Missouri River. The type, thereafter, being partially recovered, became the property of Mr. Ridenbaugh, who brought it with him to St. Joseph, where it did good service in the production of the Gazette for many years. The first journeyman employed on the Gazette was Ichabod Hathaway, who afterwards learned the profession of dentistry and immigrated to California. The first apprentice in the office was Henry C. Patchen. In 1854, the paper passed into the hands of Holly & Carter, and then to General Lucien Eastin.

In 1854, the Gazette was purchased by P. S. Pfouts and J. H. R. Cundiff, who, in 1857, began to publish the daily Gazette, the first daily newspaper ever published in St. Joseph.

"To the memory of William Ridenbaugh we may drop a tear, for no better printer, nor truer-hearted nor bigger-souled man ever walked the streets of St. Joseph. No widow nor orphan ever appealed in vain ; no printer ever asked of him and did not receive. He had ' charity for all and malice for none.' Peace be to his ashes."

February 4, 1862, George Rees and Jacob T. Child, who had purchased from Wm. Ridenbaugh the office, equipments, franchise, etc., of the Daily and Weekly Gazette, which had been suspended since the previous year, appeared in their first issue. Ridenbaugh, the original proprietor and founder of the paper, held a mortgage on the concern, which, being unsatisfied at the period of the suspension of the paper and withdrawal from St. Joseph of Pfouts and Cundiff, its owners and publishers, at the breaking out of the war, the same was foreclosed. Rees and Child

They published the paper together till July, 1862, when J. T. Child withdrew from the partnership. Rees continued the publication of the Gazette till the following November, when, deeming the risk and annoyance of publishing a paper under difficulties consequent on the distracted condition of the country incommensurate to the dignity and emoluments of the proprietorship, he surrendered possession to the original owner and mortgagee and retired to private life.

It was a campaign publication, in the interest of George B. McClellan, and expired after the Presidential election. The material with which they printed the paper they afterwards sold to the Tribune company.

June 28, 1868, the Gazette again appeared and in entire new dress, from new material purchased in Cincinnati, Ohio. William Ridenbaugh, Colonel J. H. R. Cundiff and Peter Nugent composed the publishing firm. To Cundiff was assigned the editorial management, Ridenbaugh assumed charge of the business office, and Nugent of the mechanical department. A job office was shortly after added. This associatioiii continued till the fall of 1873, when the paper was sold and Joseph Corby and Peter Nugent became the purchasers for the sum of $25,000. The issue of Saturday, December 20th, 1873, came out with "Jos. A. Corby & Co., Proprietors,'' at the head of its columns.

Some time after, the paper was sold by Mrs. Corby, who held a lien on the office. F. M. Tufts, George W. Belt and J. B. Maynard became purchasers and immediately assumed possession, styling themselves the "Gazette Printing Company."

Towards the close of November, 1875, J. B. Maynard retired from the co-partnership and was succeeded by S. A. Gilbert. The Gazette's issue of Sunday morning, April 7th, 1878, first appeared in quarto form and astonished its readers by its announced consolidation, under the style of Saint Joseph Gazette-Chronicle, the latter, an evening Democratic paper, published by Rev. M. B. Chapman. F. M. Tufts was announced as business manager. Between these two papers a bitter war had recently raged, and the consolidation astonished the reading public.

In the issue of June 15, 1878, still styled the "Gazette-Chronicle," the paper was changed back to its original, folio, form. F. M. Tufts and S. A. Gilbert were announced as retiring from the paper, and C. B. Wilkinson and M. B. Chapman respectively succeeding to the management and editorship of the same. About this period, the name and style of the paper was "Gazette and Daily Chronicle." From the issue of Sun-

Histort Of St. Joseph. 46 1

The Gazette oF November 21, 1878, says: "The entire Gazette establishment, including type, presses, accounts, good will and telegraph franchise was sold yesterday, under deed of trust, held by D. D. Burnes, of St. Joseph, originally given to secure the purchase money when Belt and Tufts bought the paper from Nugent and Corby, five years ago. Charles B. Wilkinson purchased the establishment as trustee for parties in New York, who advanced the purchase money. Mr. Wilkinson, this morning, assumes sole editorial and business management of the paper."

In the Gazette of March 12, 1879, appeared the following: "Upon the old original mortgage made by the Gazette-Chronicle Company,, to George C. Hull, trustee, to secure a debt contracted during the reign of Gilbert, Tufts and Maynard, the Gazette was sold yesterday. The future publishers and proprietors will be the Gazette Publishing Co. This corporation will be under the direction of a board of trustees consisting of C. B. Wilkinson, Lewis Burnes and W. E. Smedley, ol New York. Mr. Wilkinson will remain in charge of the editorial department."

Colonel C. B. Wilkinson remained editor of the Gazette till July 12, 1879, when he moved to Denver, where he died in January, 1881. November 17, 1879, Lewis Burnes died. The paper is still (1881) conducted by the Gazette Publishing Company, of which James N. Burnes, Jr., is President.

The Adventure

The second newspaper started in St. Joseph was the Adventure, a Whig sheet, which made its first appearance in 1848. It was published by E. Livermore, and was at that period regarded as a worthy rival of the Gazette, its sole competitor in the county.

In March, 1853, James A. Millan, (present Recorder of Deeds of Buchanan County), purchased from Livermore this paper, and changed its name, calling it

The Cycle

It was published as an independent sheet. About a year after his purchase of this paper, he took into partnership E. C. Davis, the first State Superintendent of Public Schools elected in Missouri. A short time after this arrangement, in consequence of difference of political sentiment, J. A. Millan being a Democrat, the partnership was dissolved, E. C. Davis huying out his associate. The latter published the Cycle as a Whig paper about one year, when he, in turn, sold out to Matt. France, who 'Continued to publish it as a Whig paper about the period of another year. France then sold to Asa K. Miller and J. T. Child, who changed the name of the paper, calling it

The Journal

This was about 1856 or 1857. I" 1858, '59 and '60, the Journal was edited and published by John P. Bruce and Jacob T. Child. This paper stronglyadvocated the claims of Bell and Everett during the presidential canvass. It suspended publication about 1862.

It may not be improper to state here that in the spring of 1856, the first job printing office was opened in St. Joseph.' This enterprise was started by Millan & Posegate, on the south side of Francis, between Main and Second Streets. Eighteen months after, the latter sold out for the purpose of engaging in the publication of a newspaper, and on May I, 1858, F. M. Posegate, who had learned the printing business in the Cycle office, under Jas. A. Millan, issued the first number of at that time, a handsomely printed, eight column weekly. His associates in the enterprise were Washington Jones, and Edward Y. Shields, the latter a man of marked and widely recognized journalistic ability. The paper, with strong union proclivities, was independent in politics. F. M. Posegate, was afterwards one of the publishers of the St. Joseph Morning Herald, President of the St. Joseph Steam Printing Company, and Postmaster of St. Joseph nearly four years. In the spring of 1859 a daily was started in connection with the weekly West.

February 6, i860, F. M. Posegate bought out his partners and became sole editor and proprietor of the paper, warmly and ably supporting the claims of the Bell and Everett party.

In August, i860, he sold the West to James Tracy & Co. The Company of the concern included B. Y. Fish, E. Y. Shields and George Baxter. The paper, under this management, advocated the claims of John C. Breckenridge to the Presidency, and boldly avowed its secession sentiments.

During the winter of 1860-61, the publication of the paper was suspended. The Hoe cylinder press and other superior appliances of a firstclass newspaper office, which belonged to the West Company, were sold and became the property of Colonel C. B. Wilkinson, who started therewith a Republican paper, the

St. Joseph Morning Herald

- The press is still (1881) in use in the Herald office. The first issue of this, then a six column daily, appeared Wednesday, February 12, 1862, Wilkinson & McKibbin, editors and proprietors. In the issue of April 10, 1862, the proprietorship was announced under the style of Wilkinson & Co. Saturday, October i, 1864, the Morning Herald appeared consolidated with the Daily Tribune. It continued to be published in this

In 1867, F. M. Posegate, above referred to in connection with the West, returned to St. Joseph and took charge of the business management of the Herald, he having been absent a part of the seven years in Ohio, serving durifig said time four years in the Federal Army, during which he rose from the ranks in the Forty-eighth Ohio, to the grade of Captain. He remained with the Herald three years, the first two as business manager for Wilkinson & Bittinger, and the third as a partner of the former, he having bought the interest of John L. Bittinger.

In the summer of 1869, Wilkinson & Posegate sold out to Hallowell & Bittinger. In April, 1870, the firm became Hallowell, Bittinger & Co., C. B. Wilkinson constituting the company of the concern.

About the end of August, 1870, Albert H. Hallowell withdrew from the partnership and severed his connection with the paper. The firm then became Wilkinson, Bittinger & Ward. July 8, 1871, Henry Ward withdrew from the partnership, and the firm became Wilkinson & Bittinger, continuing such till the whisky-ring developments of 1875, which wrecked the fortunes of both members of the firm.

A short time after, W. W. Davenport, formerly publisher of the St. Charles, Mo., Cosmos, was admitted a member of the firm, which constituted what, they styled the Herald Printing Company. Under this administration the paper was a financial failure.

July II, 1876, it appeared reduced from its former size, a nine-column, to an eight-column sheet, and continued to be so published till near the close of September following, when Tracy & Co., became owners of the concern, and immediately restored the paper to its former size - a nine-column folio. The issue of September 26, 1876, was the first to appear with the announcement "Tracy & Co., Proprietors." The head of the firm was Frank M. Tracy, the Co. included Robert Tracy and D. W. Wilder.

Robert Tracy subsequently severed his connection with the paper, and D. W. Wilder sold his interest to F. M. Tracy, recently appointed Postmaster of St. Joseph. D. W. Wilder, however, continued his connection with the editorial department, and June 2nd, 1879, a company being formed under the name and style of "The Herald Company," Mr. Wilder again became a stockholder in the concern.

The original style of the paper, from the period of its coming into existence, was the " Saint Joseph Morning Herald." The issue of Tuesday, October 10, 1876, appeared first with its present title, "St. Joseph Herald." From the first origin of the Herald, a weekly edition has, in connection with the daily, been regularly issued.

Was an eight-column sheet, its first number being issued May 29, 1859. The paper was printed on material brought from Kansas, and formerly used in the office of the Geary City EraJ at that time owned by Joseph Thompson and Earl Marble. E. H. Grant edited the paper, and was assisted in the business management by Joseph Thompson. It was neatly printed and extensively patronized, but during the short period of its existence failed to prove a financial success.

John Doy, who had been tried in the St. Joseph Circuit Court and found, guilty of negro stealing, was in the St. Joseph jail, awaiting the issue of an application for a new trial. On the night of July 23, 1859, he was rescued by a band of ten men from Lawrence, Kansas, and liberated. This occurrence, as may be supposed, created intense excitement in St. Joseph. E. H. Grant, the editor, was charged with being an accomplice in the jail delivery, and his life threatened. To avoid any unpleasant consequences that might result from this condition of things, he left St. Joseph and went to St. Louis. His wife, Mrs. Sarah T. Grant, then assumed the editorial tripod, and the paper forthwith began to display a degree of ability it had failed before to manifest. On September 3, 1859, Frank M. Tracy, now, (1881), Postmaster of St. Joseph, and one of the publishers of the Herald, bought out the interest of E. H. Grant and Joseph Thompson, and assumed the publication of

The Free Democrat

Under this management, the paper was conducted till September 15, i860, when D. W. Wilder, now, (1881), one of the editors of the St. Joseph Daily and Weekly Herald, bought an interest in the Free Democrat and became one of its editors.

December 31, i860, the publishers of the paper were indicted by a special grand jury for uttering and circulating incendiary publications. Judge Silas Woodson, afterwards Governor of the State, then occupied the bench. He charged the grand jury with special reference to the Free Democrat, a copy of which he then held in his hand. The publishers, getting wind of this, moved their editorial headquarters across the river to Elwood, Kansas, Joseph Thompson and Robert Tracy, however, continuing to print the paper in St. Joseph. About this time D. W. Wilder severed his connection with the Free Democrat, which was thereafter published by Tracy and Chenoweth. This continued till April, 1861. On the 13th of that month appeared the last issue of the Free Democrat in St Joseph.

The proprietors, and every employe of the ofifice, immediately entered the Union army. All lived to return home at the close of the war. We state this latter fact on the authority of Mr. Joseph Thompson, a pfinter in the office, vi^ho was connected with the paper from the beginning of its career in St. Joseph till its final suspension.

The Evening News

the first paper of its kind in St. Joseph, was started in 1862, by Asa K. Miller, and lived about four months. This was about two years prior to the appearance of a campaign paper of the same name before referred to. In August, 1862, appeared the first issue of the

Daily Tribune

A. K. Abeel, editor and publisher. It was a seven column sheet. Republican in politics. Shortly after starting the paper, Abeel sold a half interest in the same to Judge P. Bliss, and they continued to publish it together six or eight months. Colonel Albin, James T. Beach and James Hunter then purchased the other half from Abeel. A bitter war of words ensued about this period between the Tribune and the Morning Herald with reference to the claims of the rival journals on public advertising patronage. This continued till October, 1864, when the Tribune and Herald were consolidated.

Saint Joseph Union

a daily and weekly paper established in consequence of the uniting of the Tribune with the Herald, and published in the interest of the extreme radical Republican party. The founders and first publishers of this journal were James Hunter and James T. Beach, at that time City Attorney,. E. J. Montague became its first political editor and continued to fill that position a year and a half, when Judge P. Bliss assumed editorial charge. He continued in the same about a year. The first local editor of the Union was Jacob T. Child. Sherwood, Albin and Harrington, late in the following year, became interested. Other parties became from time to time by the purchase of stock, interested in the publication of the Union.

In the spring of 1866, James Hunter sold his interest in the paper to William Fowler and to A. N. Schuster. In the sumrner of the same year. Fowler, Schuster and others, who owned stock in the paper, sold out to J. W. Strong, who published the same till October following, when he sold and transferred the paper to James T. Beach and J. W. Dinsmore. They continued to publish the paper till early in 1868. Another stock company, called the Union Printing Company, was formed about this time. To this company Beach & Dinsmore sold out. The paper was then managed and edited by R. D. Mitchell. In March, 1869, about a year after this arrangement, the company sold out to Eugene Ayers and William Everett, who published it till about. January i, 1871, when it was sold to C. W. Marsh, formerly of the Hannibal Courier, and J. B. Hinman, now of the Chicago Times. During the period included between March, 1869 and January i, 1871, the subscription list was doubled. Marsh & Hinman published the Union about a year, when it finally suspended.

There probably never was a paper published in the state with reference to which there was, at different times, as much litigation. From the founding of the Union till the period of its sale to R. D. Mitchell, Willis M. Sherwood had large pecuniary means invested in the same.

New Era

In August, 1862, appeared in St. Joseph the first issue of the New Era, an eight-column weekly, published in the interest of the new order of things, by Harrison B. Branch, at that time Superintendent of Indian Affairs. In 1863 this paper was sold to a party who moved it to Savannah, Missouri.

The Weekly Standard

The Weekly Standard, the first illustrated paper published in the county, appeared in its first issue, Sept. 7, 1871. It was conducted by R. R. Calkins and continued till February i, 1875. It was independent in politics.

The Vindicator

The Vindicator, a Democratic paper, published by James A. Millan, first appeared in 1865, as a weekly. At the end of the first year of its existence, a daily edition was also issued from the same press. Both then continued to be published till the close of the second year.

The Reflector, a weekly Democratic journal, published by James A. Millan, made its first appearance in St. Joseph in March, 1872, as an eight-column sheet. This was, soon after, enlarged to a nine-column. It was discontinued at the end of the first year.

The Evening Tribune

was a small campaign daily published fifty-three days, from September, 1870, by Joseph Thompson and C. B. Bowman, in' the interest of the straight Republican party.

The Board Of Trade Circular

an eight page four column monthly, was published from March, 1871, to April, 1873, by Woolworth & Co. The Co. of the concern was George Rees, " the printer.'' an independent journal, was established by Rev. M. B. Chapman, and made its first appearance May 8, 1875. It was published as the Reporter till September, 1875, when its name was changed to Saturday Chronicle, Loren Boyle becoming a partner in the publication of the paper. In July, 1876, the Daily Evening Chronicle was issued from the same press. On Saturday evening, April 6, 1878, appeared the last issue of the Evening Chronicle. On the following morning it appeared consolidated with the Gazette.

The Monday Morning News

was started by Isaac Pheifer. Its first issue appeared August 20, 1877. It soon fell into the hands of Col. C. B. Wilkinson, whose brilliant and versatile gifts of mind, coupled with his large and varied newspaper experience, soon achieved for his little paper a reputation which no other similar enterprise had before enjoyed. The last issue of the Monday Morning News appeared in June, 1878! when Colonel Wilkinson assumed editorial charge of the Daily and Weekly Gazette, which he afterwards purchased, as stated in our sketch of that paper.

In July, 1878, a week or two after its suspension, the material and franchises of the Monday Morning News were purchased by George E. King, and used by him in publishing an illustrated weekly. This enterprise was crowned with success.

In October following he sold out to Judge Andrew Royal and W. M. Patton, who continued its publication under the original nanie of Monday Morning News. This, some time after, was changed to Western News.

May 3d, 1879, the Daily Evening News was started iir the office of the Western News by Judge A. Royal and George H. Cross. It was, at first, a small four-column sheet. September 3d follGwing, this was enlarged to a five-column sheet. April 19, 1881, the paper was purchased by W. F. Bassett and J- W. Spencer, who enlarged it to a six-column sheet, and otherwise greatly improved it. It has a large and rapidly increasing circulation. The weekly edition is still styled the Western News.

The Evening Reporter The Telephone

was another ephemeral periodical which came into existence August 12, 1878, and died in early infancy, its last issue appearing October 20, 1878. It was a tri-weekly, edited by F. M. Tufts.

The College Chaplet

was a handsome four-column, eight-page, double sheet, published ire 1877, '78 and '79- The columns of this periodical were filled with the productions of the young ladies of St. Joseph Female College.

The Good Way

The Good Way is a religious periodical which was started in Savannah, Mo., March i, 1879, Rev. J. W. Caughlan, editor. February I, 1880, it was moved to St. Joseph, where it is now (1881) published by the Southwestern Holiness Association, J. W. Caughlan, editor. It was,, at first, an eight page, twenty-four column paper. It now embraces; thirty-two columns.

The Bugle And Standard

The Bugle and Standard, started by Caughlan & Park, in Savannah, Mo., in August, 1879; was moved, with The Good Way, to St. Joseph, in February, 1880, where it continued to be published till April 25, 1880^ when it suspended. It was, at that time, edited by R. M. Tunnell, formerly editor of the Milan Ventilator.

The St. Joseph Daily Advocate

The St. Joseph Daily Advocate, a one cent, four page evening paper, 10x13 inches, was started September 20, 1880, by J. D. McClain, the present (1881) editor and publisher.

The Catholic Tribune

The Catholic Tribune, a weekly journal, was founded in Kansas City, Mo., April, 1879. It was there published by Wm.'A. Maynard and W. W. Davis. In October, 1880, it was moved to St. Joseph, where it has since continued to be published by Davis & Royal. It is an eight page, six column paper.

The Daily Sun The Saturday Democrat

The Saturday Democrat, originally started in Savannah, Mo., February 14, 1880, by Geo. E. King, its present editor and proprietor, was a success from its first appearance. July 15th, following, without suspending an issue, it uttered its first number in St. Joseph. It is a handsomely printed, fifty-six column quarto, the largest paper published in the city. As its name implies, it is Democratic in politics. Its columns are also largely devoted to literary, scientific and social matters.

Commercial Advices

Commercial Advices, a weekly, issued every Saturday, made its first appearance February 9, 1878. It first appeared as a six column sheet, and was afterwards (January, 1881,) enlarged to a seven column. It still continues to be published by Dr. J. J. Jewitt, its founder.

St. Joseph Volksblatt

The first German newspaper established in St. Joseph was the Volksblatt, a Republican journal. It was started in 1856 by Leopold Harder,, who, two years after, sold the paper to J. H. Buschmann. This was in 1858. Francis Rodman, afterwards Secretary of State, was editor. Wednesday,, March 28, 1866, the daily evening edition, a five column paper, made its first appearance, this was started by Gustavus Heinricks. In 1868, R. LMorgenstern purchased the paper and Leopold Marder became editor. November 8, 1868, Conrad Eichler and H. W. Kastor bought and conducted the paper. The firm was styled C. Eichler & Co. H. W. Kastor was editor. It was then enlarged to a six column, and, shortly after, to a seven column sheet.

November 8, 1875, H. Brunsing purchased the interest of C. Eichler. Since that period to the present time (1881) the publishers of the Volksblatt have been H. Brunsing & Co. H. W. Kastor is still editor.

September lo, 1879, the paper was enlarged to its present size, an eight sheet. It is the- representative German newspaper of Upper Missouri and has a wide circulation. Leopold Marder, the founder of the Volksblatt, died 'in Omaha.

The St. Joseph Anzeiger

The St. Joseph Anzeiger, a German daily, made its first appearance -August 25, 1879. It was a seven column sheet, established by Kurth & Schrader. Its brief life ended September 17, 1879. We have spared no pains or expense in presenting a full and complete history of the newspapers and periodicals which have had an existence in St. Joseph, beginning with the Gazette, which made its appearance in April, 1845, and concluding with the Daily Sun, which was established in April, 1881, covering a period of thiity-six years.

During this period there have been thirty-five papers, averaging almost one for each year. For the sake of convenience we here give a list of their names and the dates of their first publication :

St. Joseph, as will be seen from the above list, has had during her brief existence of thirty-nine years, her full share of newspapers. No city, perhaps, of her age and population can boast of having had a greater number, and none, we are sure, take them in the aggregate, have had a class of newspapers which have more faithfully and zealously advo- the interest of the city.

St. Joseph has had, and has to-day, hundreds of enterprising and public spirited men, who are proud of their city- and punctilious about her claims of respect and who have done much for her material prosperity, but had it not been for her newspapers, which have so ably and earnestly sustained them in their efforts to build up the city, the embryo settlement of thirty-nine years ago would have scarcely emerged from its chrysalis condition.

What, indeed, could St. Joseph have done without her newspapers .' What was it during her past struggles for recognition that was ever faithful and full of hope ? What is it, with unabated persistency that has constantly sent out its silent, yet potent messengers, through all the towns and cities of the East, inviting hither, with their thousand eloquent tongues, capital, labor and skill ? What is it that has been chiefly instrumental in swelling her population, encouraging business and causing St. Joseph to be known throughout the country as a thrifty city .' Need I say it is the St. Joseph press ? Deprive her of her press and you at once inflict a death-blow to her prosperity.

Her people appreciate the fact that newspapers are the great educators of the masses and constitute the only book of the millions, hence they believe in fostering and sustaining good and wholesome journalism.

The editor of this work acknowledges himself greatly indebted to the Gazette, for much of the material which composes this history ; in fact, we hardly know what we could have done without its friendly aid and assistance. Being published cotemporaneously with the events as they have occurred in the city and county since 1845, and being the only file intact since that period, we have found it replete with invaluable facts and data, from which we have made frequent and copious extracts.