Richardson County, Nebraska - Chapter 15, 1917

Chapter 15

The first newspaper to make its appearance in Richardson count)- was pubHshed at Rulo and bore swinging at its masthead as a name. The Ruio Western Guide. The country was new and the few pioneers residing here felt that the country was suffering from lack of proper advertising. This state of mind on the part of the public, together with the other business and iinancial interests of its promoters, led them to establish the paper. Those immediately responsible and who fathered the venture were a com- ])any of men associated together as the Rulo Town and Ferry Company, the founders and promoters of Rulo. Abel Downing Kirk and F. Al. Barrett, the former a lawyer and the latter a practical newspaper man. were in charge as editor and publishers, respectively. At the end of the iirst >-ear Barrett retired and his place was taken by Charles A. Hergescheimer. also a practical newspaper man. who had from the first been an employee in the shop and who for many years was directly interested in tlie newspaper liusiness in this county.

The first issue of the Western Guide was dated in 1858 and under tlie management above referred to it continued to serve the people of Rulo and the county generally until the beginning of the Civil \\'ar, when changed conditions brought about by the general depression in the county at that time did not warrant the expense incident to its publication, hence it was suspended for a time.

Toward the close of tiie war the paper reappeared. l)ut under a new n.inie; this time as the Xebrasica Register. Under this title it continued until 1869, when H. A. Buell became the owner. He continued tiie Imsiness but a little while and then sold it to Dr. Samuel Brooks, who after nperating it for some time and becoming dissatisfied with business conditions as thev were at the time at Rulo removed his residence and the business to Salem, which he thought a more likely place. Here the Register was published for but a short time and then was landed in the newspaper graveyard.

ardson county, arrived in the county in 1855 and located at the old county seat, Archer, where he erected the first store building in the village and engaged in the mercantile business. In the fall of 1855 he was nominated and elected, on the Democratic ticket, to represent the people of his district in this county in the second session of the Nebraska Territorial Legislature, which then convened at Omaha. He was the leading candidate of the South Platte for the position of speaker of the council, or House of Representatives as it is now known, and but for his refusal to n'lake certain pledges he undoubtedly would have been elected. As a member of the various committees he rendered efficient service on behalf of his constituents at home. At the second session of the Nebraska Territorial Legislature, several state banks were established, and he was constituted a special committee on banks, having their organization in charge.

In 1857 Mr. Kirk located at Rulo and served as postmaster of that place for a time. While residing there he was appointed aid-de-camp with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel on Gen. John M. Thayer's staff, in the Nebraska State Militia. He also represented the people of the community before the war department at Washington, whither he was sent in order to make an effort to effect a settlement with the Indians and half-breeds of the east end of the county, during the differences incident to the misunderstanding over the half breed line, wherein there were Indian lands that had been settled on by the whites. In 1862 Mr. Kirk removed to St. Joseph, Missouri, where for many years he was actively identified with the practice of law. He retired from active business in 1898, when he removed to Long Beach, California, at which point he died on October 6, 191 5. He was a man of wide travel and had visited almost every portion of the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the lakes to the gulf. A close observer, he gained a broad knowledge of men and things, and was well informed upon all general questions of importance as well as on matters of local interest.

Born in Bracken county, Kentucky, March 21,, 1826, Abel D. Kirk was only two years of age when he accompanied his parents to Mason county in the same state, where he grew to man's estate. He was descendetl from men of valor and patriotism. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Kirk, a native of Maryland, served with distinguished bravery in the War of 1812, while the great-grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. Grandfather Kirk removed in an early day to Kentucky, where he engaged in farming until his death. Thomas Kirk, Jr., the father of Abel D., was born near Hagerstuwn, Maryland, antl accompanied his parents to the Blue

(irass state, where he early liecanie ac(]uainted with agriculture. For many years he operated as a drover, and it was his custom to drive liogs over the mountains to Richmond. \'irginia. also to trade with the Indian tribes of Mississippi and Alabama. These journeys occupied the winter months, while during the summer he cultivated his farm. His death occurred in February, 1854. The maternal grandfatlier of Aljel D. Kirk, Joseph Downing, was born in Maryland, a descendant of English and Welsh ancestors, and was a pioneer of Mason county, Kentucky. His daughter, Rebecca, the mother of Abel D., was born in Mason county, where the greater part of her useful life was passed. When advanced in years, she moved to Falls City, Nebraska, where she passed from earth at the age of eightyone. Her marriage had been ])lessed by the birth of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity.

At the age of twenty Abel D. Kirk began to teach school, receiving five cents a day for each pupil, and continued thus employed for nine months. He then located in Maysville, in Mason county, Kentucky, where for one year he was employed as a clerk in a clothing establishment, and later commenced the study of law under Judge R. H. Stanton and Theo Campbell. In 1850 he embarked in the general mercantile business and conducted a store there until 1854,. when he removed by boat to Weston, Missouri. One year later he came over into the then Territory of Nebraska and settled in Archer, where he erected the first store building in the village and engaged in merchandising. While the war was raging between the North and South, Mr. Kirk removed to St. Joseph, in 1862, and for two years made his home on a farm in old Sparta. Upon that place his wife died, in 1863, and within tlie following year he moved to St. Joseph to establish his home permanently. For a few months he served as clerk in tlie office of the county clerk and also conducted a legal practice in the probate court. Subsequently he was associated with Judge Tutt for a time, then he opened an office for the practice of his profession, which he afterward conducted alone.

In Tazewell county. Illinois. Mr. Kirk married Mary A. Hammett, who was born in Illinois and died in Nebraska. The second marriage of Mr. Kirk uniteld him with Helen Donovan, who was born in Brackett county, Kentucky, and was reared in Sparta, Missouri. She died, in 1863. leaving one child. Lulu M., who passed from earth when eleven years old. The third wife of Mr. Kirk was Elizalieth A. Beattie, who was born in Saline county, Missouri. She and Mr. Kirk were married in Andrew county. Missouri, in 1865, and their union was blessed by the birth of two children.

William B., of Glendale, California, and Angeline R., wife of George E. Mclninch, a prominent citizen of St. Joseph, Missouri. In his religious belief, Mr. Kirk was identified with the Christian church, and was a worthy and devoted member of the same.

Newspapers Of Falls City

The Broad A.vc was the title first swung to the breeze by a Falls City newspaper. This paper made its initial appearance in 1858. It was owned by J. Edward Burbank and the editorial management was in the hands of Sewel Jamison. Before coming to Nebraska Burbank and Jamison were the owners of a paper bearing a similar name published in the state of Indiana. As was customary in those days, and a practice still indulged in to a great extent by the publishers of country newspapers, the Broad .Isc bore a "'motto" under the masthead calculated to convey in brief at once to the reader in a forcible way that the paper had an urgent purpose in the world. In the case of the Broad A.re the following served the purpose : "Hew to the mark, let the chips fall where they will." "There is a destiny which shapes our ends, rough hew them as we will." The paper was independent in order and was evidently a town boomer, because it soon fell into the hands of Judge Jonathan J. Marvin, who for some reason changed the name to the Southern Nebras,kan, and moved the paper at once to the town of Arago, on the banks of the Missouri river, to be used in the interests of the Arago Town Company, which was anxious to induce Eastern people to locate there. At this place it was published for a time in both English and German. The latter for the benefit of the major part of the Arago people, who were Germans from Buffalo, New York, and who were being colonized in the new country.

While newspapers were much desired in those days, the publishers did not find them money-makers, as was evidenced by the fact tliat this paper passed rapidly through various hands; among those getting "experience" in this line at that time being: C. L. Mather, G. A. Hill, E. L. Martin, Metz & Sanderson and H. A. Buel. The English type and equipment at last passed into the hands of F. Barrett, who moved the plant to Falls City and for a time published the Times. Later the Times was sold to Scott & Webster, who merged it with the Little Globe, then being published by Ed. W. Howe, who later liecame known the country over as the editor of the Atchison (Kansas) Globe.

at Nemaha Cit}- ( Xemaha county), where it was pubHshed in 1857. It was later moved to Brownville, in that same county, where it was pubHshed for a short time, in 1867-68, by Blacklnun & Hill. At that time W. S. Stretch became interested in it financially and it was removed to Falls City, where it has Ijeen published continuously ever since. While the name has changed some, yet the title Jonnuil has ever been retained, and the jiajjcr is now known as the Falls City Journal. Gen. E. E. Cunningham, who became interested with Stretch in the paper in 1869, was at that time ([uite prominent as a politician in the state. This management lasted a year or so, at the end of which time the paper was sold to the firm of Weaver & Fulton. The Journal has always been a Republican organ and Judge Weaver, who at that time had his eye on Congress, recognized the value of a pa])er that would support him.

It was at this time that Frank Barrett recognized die necessity of an opposition paper and accordingly bought the English part of the paper at .\rago and brought it to Falls City and published it as the Times. He did not long remain in charge, but sold the business he had established to Judge A. R. Scott, Rev. George T. Webster and James Fuson. Judge Scott remained with the firm but a little while, presently selling his holdings to W. T. Chadwick. The paper did not last long under this management and e\idently suspended.

It was at this juncture that \'a\. W. Howe, who iiad been in the newspaper business at Golden, Colorado, started the fJttlc Globe here. Mr. Howe thought so much of the name Globe that he always retained it. later using it as the name of his paper at Atchison. Prior to 1875 for a time the fJttlr Globe ceased to be and at that time the Journal went into the hands of .\. L. Rich and D. W. Hanlin. but in 1875 ^^r. Howe revived the Little Globe and during that year also secured the Nemaha J 'alley Journal and consolidated the names of the two publications, calling the new pajier the Globe-Journal. He did not long keep the Journal, however, Init sold it to Jacol) Bailey. Under this latter arrangement the papers were entirely in the hands of the Republicans.

This condition was met In- Wes Spurlock, a leading merchant of Salem, and Judge Francis Martin, under whose management the Falls City Pres.^ was launched in February. .1875. The mercantile business had charms for Mr. Spurlock, who is at this present time engaged in the same at Salem, although he was a practical printer. Judge Martin knew his forte was the law business and the paper occupied so much of his time that on July i, 1875, Henrv Clay Davis, the present publisher of the Falls City Xezcs. and George

I'. Marvin, who was the publisher of the Weekly Democrat at Beatrice and the Democratic postmaster at that point, purchased the paper and after puljlishing the same for about eighteen months sold out to Stephen B. Miles, Sr. Local politics at that time was at (juite a red heat and Colonel Miles secured the services of Hon. J. F. Gardner, quite a politician at that time, as the editor and the paper was so conducted for a period of about six months. Mr. Gardner was succeeded on The Press by H. C. Davis and Ed. Ford. The latter remained for a time and then went to St. Joseph, Missouri.

In May. 1877, Ruel Nims, later county clerk, established the Richardson County Record and managed it until the end of the campaign that year, which resulted in the election of John W. Holt as county treasurer and W. H. Hay as county clerk. Mr. Nims conducted the l)anking business in I'^alls City for a number of years and then went to the I'acific coast, where he became interested in land speculations and built a town which was called Cosmopolis. located on the south side of Grays Harbor, west, on the coast, from Olympia, Washington. It was during the time that Mr. Nims was publishing the Record that Ed. Howe again started up the Little Globe. and one of the interesting features about the matter was that the Little Globe as well as the Record were issued at the Press office, which at that time was conducted by H. Clay Davis and Ed. Ford. The increasing interest in the campaign aroused Nims's suspicions of the publishing office, as it was pretty thick there with three papers, and he equipped an office, for the Record. After the campaign the Record was published by Col. \V. S. Stretch, who published it until the following May, when he suspended its publication. At the suspension of the Record, Colonel Stretch surjirised some of the people by refunding unexpired subscription and compelling man}- delinquent subscribers to pay up by the aid of the justice courts.

After Davis & Ford had published the Press about a year they retired from the office and A. J. Reed assumed charge of it. Mr. Ford went with Mr. Howe, who moved the Little Globe down to Atchison, Kansas, where they commenced the publication of the Atchison Globe, which paper is still published at Atchison. Soon after the Press went under the management of Mr. Reed, some disagreement arose l^etween him and Col. Stephen B. Miles, who owned the material in the office. Reed having been brought to the city from Washington. D. C. I)y Mr. Miles, and Mr. Reed purchased a new outfit, organized a stock company, abruptly stopped the Press and commenced the publication of the Mezi's. in the spring of 1880. The Press was ne\er revived. In the fall of 1880 A. J. Reed died and the Xeics was managed for a short time by Polder T. W. Pinkerton of the Christian church.

liut in January, 1881. the Xcics office was purcliased liy Henry Clay Davis, the present publisher, who has continued uninterruptedly from that day to the present time.

I.on M. May and H. C. Davis effected a partnership and took control of the Journal, hut the partnership did not last long'. Mr. ;\lay being left in charge by the retirement of Mr. Davis, who started a jo1)-printing office. In the fall of 1881 T. \V. Peppoon, of Pawnee City, purchased a half interest in the Journal and assumed editorial charge of that paper, Mr. May attending to the business management. Presently May sold his remaining interest to Peppoon and entered the postal service, in which he continued until his death in 1890. In 1882 Mr. Peppoon took his son Percy into partnership, which was continued throughout the year 1883, when the son, Percv Peppoon, retired. The elder Peppoon controlled the management of the paper throughout 1884 and 1885 and then formed a partnership with L"\ rus Thurman, which lasted about a year, at the end of which time the\- sold the paper to W. W. Abbey, who controlled the ownership from 1887 to 1890. During the year 1890 John J. Faulkner, a son-in-law of W. W. Abbey, appeared as editor. From 1891 to 1894 F. O. Fdgecoml>e was the owner and editor. It was while publishing the Journal that Mr. Edgecombe lost the sight of his eyes in a hunting accident in northern Nebraska. Possibly he was discouraged at the time by this accident, for he sold the paper to Norman Musselman, who published it during 1895. Musselman found newspaper life too strenuous and, in 1896, sold out to Judge Francis Martin, A. J. Weaver and 1"". E. Martin. The free-silver wave came along and carried Weaver away as a follower of Bryan and he sold his interests to his partners. Martin & Martin continued in possession from 1897 to 1 899, in which latter year they sold the paper to Allan D. May, Grant Southard and George W. Marsh, who published it from 1900 to 1903. In 1902 George W. Marsh, who had been acting editor, was unexpectedly carried into office bv a Republican landslide that year and moved to Lincoln to enter upon his official duties as secretary of state. " After a time this lirought about another change in the management of the Journal. John Martin and his brother, Frank E. Martin, regained possession of the paper in 1904 and continued until 1907, building up in the meantime a large jobprinting business, largely the publication of catalogues, which business arose mostly outside of the county, and to better take care of this job business thev desired to move to some nearby city, where help was more readily obtainable. Council Bluffs. Iowa, was selected and the Journal was put on the market. It was a slow sale becau.se the judicial fight of 1903. in which the Martins had used tlie Journal as a weajx)!! to tight C. Frank Reavis, the Repubhcan candidate for district judge, had taken away much of the paper's patronage, which had gone very largely to, an opposition Republican paper, the Iribnnc. whicli had by this time become a formidable competitor. Many of the partisan subscribers also had gone. Finally, in 1907, L. J. Harris, of Omaha, became the owner of the Joiinuil and lie changed the paper to a daily. He succeeded in increasing the subscription list, but was embarrassed by lack of financial support and, in March, 1909, Martin & Martin took possession of the plant under a chattel mortgage. They sold it on May 3, 1909, at which time it passed into the hands of A. R. Keim and Miss Jennie Keim, the present owners and under whose management the publication has been made one of the strongest country dailies in this part of tlie state.

In the fall of 1881 G. W. Holton, believing that a third paper was a necessity at Falls City, moved the Register up from Rulo, but after a short time sold it out to a company which continued it as the Obscn'er, under the editorial management of Dr. Stephen Bowers. The third paper did not succeed as Doctor Bowers thought it should, and after a short time he went to Buena Vista, California, where he conducted a daily paper with success. The Observer fell into the hands of John Saxton. an attorney, who continued the publication of the same under many difficulties and it was finall}' moved "by him back to Rulo.

It was on the 24th of May, 1885, that Colonel Stretcli started the Daily Argus, a five-column folio, which he conducted until the time of his death, July 20. 1885.

The Argils was purchased b}' Davis, who conducted it for some time The Journal also published a daily during the summer and fall of that year, but the patronage was not sufficient and liotli were discontinued at tlie approach of cold weather.

Coming into the possession of the material on which John Saxton had been running the now defunct Observer, George Gird, of Humboldt, and J. I.. Dalbey started a seven-column folio paper, independent in politics, called the Richardson County Leader. This paper had a good patronage and increased in circulation rapidly, but at the end of three months J. L. Dalbey withdrew from the firm and soon after purchasing the Stella Tribune moved to that town. Soon after the retirement of Mr. Dalbey, Mr. Gird consolidated the Leader with the Humboldt Sentinel, removed tlie latter plant to Falls Cit\- and published the paper under the name of the Leader-

Sentinel; but by bad management the paper lost favor in the community, and after a career of a few months went to "join the great majority."

\\"\t\\ the advent of the Popuhst party, Jule Schoenheit. recognizing the need uf a party organ, on February 13, i8qi. started the Xchraska Plcbian, which he pubHshed for one year, at the end of which time he sold it to Watson & Kellog, who soon allowed it to go to the newsiiaper heaven. \Mth the belief that a non-partisan paper would meet with encouragement, Joseph Mason started up the Falls City Bazoo with the material of the defunct Plcbian, November 10, 1892. but after publishing the peeper for only a few months he suspended and paid back t<i the subscribers all unexpired and paid-up subscriptions.

The Falls City Tribune, which figuretl in recent \ears as one of the most influential papers in Richardson county, was founded by T. T. and Ora Ross, who had for many years Ijeen employed on \arious papers of the cit}- and county. It made its first appearance in 1904 as a third paper in I~alls City, there being at that time the Falls City Joiinial and the Falls City \e-aw. the one a Republican and the other a Democratic organ. Its advent in the newspaper field fell at a time just prior to a ixilitical upheaval in the county and it was eagerly seized by a faction of the Republican party, who l)ought it and used it with intent to further their individual interests politically. It passed into the hands of what was known as the' Tribune Publishing Company, and this company was soon able to induce E. F. Sharts, at Humboldt, to bring his Ihiinholdt Fnter/^risc to brails City and consolidate tiie same with the Tribune and assume the management of tiie plant. This he did and the Tribune at once became one'of the most widely read and important papers of the county. As soon, liowever, as it served, or failed to serve, the purpose of those of the company politically inclined, they withdrew, sellingtheir interests to Mr. Sharts. who soon controlled the major portion of the stock. He built up and increased the business of the plant and then sold it to a stranger, who was but little fitted for newspaper work in this field. After a few months it Ijecame apparent that it had completed its course as a money-making proposition and it suspended publication.

The Tribune was published in the rear of the building which now occupies lot Xo. 24 in block Xo. ()i. facing Stone street, and it is worth\- of note that the Tribune was the tirst newspaper in brails Cit\" to introduce mechanical means for type composition. They installed what was known as the Junior Linotype, which machine at that time ijroved both serviceable and jjracticable. It was the first typesetting machine brought t<i Falls Citv and attracted much attention at the time.

From the very first days of the town Humboldt has had newspapers far superior to those of most towns of its size in the state: this condition no doubt being attributable to the very liberal support always given the l^ress by the business interests and people of the city and surrounding Cduntry.

The Hniiiholdt Sentinel appears to have been the first paper published at Humboldt. Its first issue went to press on the 2nd day of November. 1877. and was fathered by George P. Alonagan, whose outfit had been brought up the rixer by steamboat from St. Joseph to Brownville, in which latter place it was used for a time and then was brought to Humboldt. Much of the material had lieen previously owned by Robert W. Furnas, of Brownville. In the month of January, 1878, David Speiser, Jr., I^ought a half interest in the business. In the month of April Mr. Monagan leased his interest in the business to Jacob Bailey, whose connection with the paper lasted one year, when Mr. Monagan came back. Later Mr. Speiser bought Monagan's interest and took in his brother-in-law, George Gird, and WW Ham Gird, a brother. Later Gird removed the Sentinel to Falls City and consolidated with the Richardson County Leader, published there.

The Humboldt Standard was established by George P. Monagan, in 1 88 J and continued as a Republican paper under his management until 1892, when it was sold to F. W. Samuelson and later passed through the hands of H. C. Pershing, James Ed. Tracey and Samuel P. Grinstead. It was sold in 1901 by Mrs. Emma Grinstead to L. C. Edwards, who later sold a half interest to Oliver Hall. Under this management it was changed to a Democratic paper and was operated by them until 1906, when Mr. Edwards was elected county register of deeds and severed his connection with the paper, leasing his interest to his partner. At ]\Ir. Hall's death, a couple of years later, Mr. Edwards Iwught the Hall interests and in a short time sold the entire Imsiness to William C. Norton, the present owner.

The People's Paper \\as run for a short time by Sylvester Franklin Wilson, of Nebraska City. This pai)er was published by the State Journal Comjiany at Lincoln for circulation in Richardson county. This was the

The Fanners ^-lili'ocatc was estaliHshed on July 9. 1S81. and was owned 1)\- Dr. J. L. (jandy. of the Humlxildt Printing Company. It was a farmers paper. This paper was for a time under the editorial management of G. Minor, well known to the people of Humholdt in the early days. He was born in Virginia, in 1815, and came to Missouri when he was twenty years old and began the practice of law. Coming to Nebraska in 1878 he engaged in the newspaper business for some time, starting the Xebraska Yeoman at Salem and later the Fanners Advocate at Humboldt. Minor had been a member of Congress for eight sessions from the state of Maryland and had been secretary of the Senate.

The Humholdt Enterprise was for a number of years (its first years), under the management of I. \L Shrauger and E. F. Sharts. It at first was known as the Nebraska Enterprise, and was easily one of the best newspapers in southeast Nebraska at that time. Later it was sold to Mr. Sharts. who conducted it successfully for a number of years, and then sold it to Charles Rothenberger, a farmer residing near town, who a year later sold it back to Mr. Sharts, who again ran it for a number of years, at the end of which time he sold it to Samuel W. Grinstead, cashier of the State Bank of Humlx)ldt. Mr. Grinstead at that time also acquired the Standard and for a time the two papers were owned and operated from the same office. Later the Enterprise was sold to Hon. William Fenton, of Dawson, who with his daughter, Miss Mamie, operated it successfully for a time. It was again sold to Mr. Sharts and remained under his management until 1905, when it was removed to Falls City and consolidated with the Falls City Tribune and when the latter passed out of existence the Enterprise disappeared forever. But in all its years at Humboldt it ranked as one of the leading papers of the city and wielded a wholesome influence for good.

The Humboldt Star was started by Dr. Adolph Blumer, who was not acquainted with the printing business himself and tlie mechanical part of the work was very largely looked after by Arthur \V. Gird and the owner's daughter. Miss .\nna Blumer. The paper was a bright, newsy little sheet, but did not long survive. The Doctor was a German and not any too conversant with the English language, being hardly able to speak it ; and just what might have prompted him to start a newspaper is not quite clear, but with the assistance of- Mr. Gird, who was a practical newspaper man, and Miss Blumer, soon had quite a following, but lack of sufficient support and strong com])etition served to prevent its getting a firm footing.

The Huiiiboldt Leader, which is now one of the leading papers pulilished at Humboldt, was launched on its career on May 5, 1896, by Harmon P. Marble and his wife Myrtle W. Mr. Marble had for a time Ijeen employed on the Standard, under the ownership of S. W. Grinstead, and upon resigning from his position there made a visit to Lincohi, where he met the owner of a defunct paper known as the Pan'iiee Independent and effected the purchase of the type, presses and material and brought it to Huml)oldt, and in a short time issued the first number of the [.eadcr. A short time later the Standard passed into the hands of S. P. Willis and the latter consolidated it with the Leader. The new combination was known as the Standard-Leader and under this nam^e grew into a strong paper, having as a competitor, the Hiiiuboldt Enterprise. Later the Standard-Leader dissolved partnership and the former paper passed under the control of George W. Gird, then to Henry Scheidegger and lastl\- to Lewis C. Edwards, who continued its publication for five years, at the end of which time he ^old it to its present owner, William C. Norton. The Leader, under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Marble became widely known as one of the best weekly and country papers of the state. It is now owned b)- J- j- Hayden. who is a well-known newspaper man of this section of the state. and under his management it is a progressive Republican paper.

Some time in 1881 the Hniiiboldt Daily Xezvs, a small sheet, was started by Sowle & Bloom, two young men, but maintained itself for but a few months on account of the lack of support.

Newspapers At Stef.I.A.

The Press at Stella, considering the size of the town, ranks as one of the strongest and most prosperous newspapers in the state. Nearly everybody thereabout "takes" the Press, consequently the subscription list is a source of great pride to the editors. The Press endeavors to lead in the constructive thought of the community ; its purpose being to lead and direct and help to build up, and never to tear down. The paper gives space freely to promote movements and measures of a public nature, designed for the good of the town and of the community. The advertising and job departments of the paper have a steady growth and in both these departments the Press always has more or less out-of-town patronage. I'lspcciallv is this true in school and public-sale work. Schools both in Richardson and Nemaha counties patronize liberally the job department.

The Stella Press was started by Gird Brothers in 1882 and is now thirtv-five vears old. During the first few years editors changed frequenth-.

For fifteen years the paper has been owned ami maintained under the management of the Haskinses - Clyde G. Haskins and Miss lumice Haskins-- l^rother and sister, who are progressive and energetic, and have made the Prrs.s- an influential factor in the comnnmitx- in which it circulates.

The rcrdon I'cdcttc, the official newspaper of X'erdon, which has always kept itself in the forefront as one of the newsiest of the country weeklies of the county, was founded in the month of November, 1883, by T. J. Floyd who published it until 1885, when he sold it to John Saxton and removed to Hitchcock countv. where he became rich in the real-estate business. Mr. Sa.xton published the paper for a year and in 1886 sold it to W. H. Stowell wh<i published it for a number of years. It is now under the able and efficient management of Charles G. Humphrey, formerly of Pawnee City, who is a \eteran newspaper man and who, with the able assistance of his wife, has kept the J'cdcftc up t(j its standard as one of the reliable country new spa]3ers. having inaugurated man)- impr<ivements since assuming charge.

Papers At Rui.O Axd Salem

The Ricliardsoii County Courier was the last newspaper to be established in Falls City. This paper made its initial appearance in the month of November. 1915, an<l was owned by T. T. Ross, who for a few months was assisted by his brother, Ora Ross. Both these young men had for vears been emploved in the newspaper shops of the county. The Courier under this management continued for nearly a year, when it was sold by T. T. Ross to Harvey Anderson, who removed the paper to Rulo, from which city the paper has since been issued. Besides the Courier. Mr. Anderson also- owns the Kulo Register, which paper is issued from the saintoffice at Rulo.

The Saleiu Standard published at Salen-i, was first established by O. T. Ross, in 1912. and was later sold to .Mr. Galloway, of Salem, and is now owned and published by James Reed.

In 1855, fifty }ears ago, Sewell R. Jamison, foreman in the office of tjie Riehniond (Indiana) Palladium, came into my book store in that city and announced that he was going to start a little newspaper for the boys called "the Broad- Axe of Freedom, or the Grubbing Hoe of Truth. Neutral in all things, independent in nothing; no pent-up Utica contracts our powers." He wanted me to write a leader for it. After some hesitation I wrote an article under the head: "The \\'hig Party Not Dead," stating that the party's principles were eternal and would always exist.

The little paper was issued at twenty-five cents for three months and was full of fun and comic almanac cuts, intended for the Ijoys and girls, who took hold of it with a vim.

After three months Jamison came into my office and announced that he had promised his patrons an office. So I went to Cincinnati and traded wild lands for a complete office (outfit of ecjuipment), enlarged it and in less than twelve months it became one of the leading papers and was an important factor in the election of Oliver P. Morton as governor of Indiana. In the following winter I met General Lane, who was stirring up recruits for the Kansas troubles, and who descrilied the location for a town at the falls of the Nemaha, in Nebraska.

General I-ane said that a surve\- had been made which, by erecting a dam above the falls and extending a race to the foot of the proposed town, would give a forty- foot fall and could be made the Lowell of America. I then started for Kansas and induced Isaac L. Hamlw (afterward one of the founders of Falls City), who had a claim on the St. Joseph trail to California, to locate a town, which we called "Winona." We built a school house and named it Hamb}- University. I traded some lands, lx>ught at the sale of Indian lands, for a stock of goods and started a large hotel, under construction by David Dorrington. But one night the hoodlums of Highland, a competing store, came and tore down and stole our hotel. They came back the next day for the sills, but were repulsed by some of the Lane bovs at the point of a revolver. We had a compau)- of twenty dare-devil, voung free-state boys, under the charge of Captain Dean. .'\t the first honest election these boys shouldered their rifles and voted in spite of the border ruffians. .\t the polls there were quite a number of the pro-slaver\ border ruffians and they opened their eyes when one of our men said, "Stanil back, boys, and let Captain Dean vote, as he wants to go and take care of the guns."

After the theft of our hotel I abandoned W^inona and moxed my storeschool house to Falls City and then brought the Broad Axe from Indiana to help boom the town. .\t the same time there was a newsiiaper imblished (27) by a A1)el DoAvning Kirk, un the Missouri river, cm the half-breed tract, which tract was settled principalh- by Frenchmen, who had squaws for their wives. His paper was known as the Rido Western Giiitlc.

Old-Timers In Nevv.Spaperdom

J. L. Dalbey, of the SInibcrt Citi::cii, is a veteran in the newspaper held in Richartlson county and belongs to the old school oi editorial writers. He pu.shes the pen with an ease and grace characteristic of that school, and has spent the most of his life in the upbuilding of. the countv.

lu assigumg to me tlie task of writing of "Uia-Tiiuers In .NcwsiiMperdimi.'" onr presiaent lias left a large latitude hi which I may roam at will and cull from among the many old-timers In journalism such names as memory may have fastened there; and the only question now that bothers me Is as to whose uames I shall cull from the .gallant army of the noble past that present them.selves to me.

You who have lived in southeastern Nebraska will call to lucnioiy the form and features of that gifted writer aud jjoet laureate, Judge J. .T. ilarviii. whose death occurred iu Falls City. In the spring of 1805 he purchased from .1. Edwin lUirbauk, a p.-iper that had been started in Fall City, called the Broad Axe, and after running it here for a time time under that name re-christened it by calling it the t^outhrrn Xchra-glcaii. It was on this paper that the latter well-known Ge(n-ge I'. Marvin, of the Jirtitricc Democrat, received his first lessons in the "art preservative." But Judge Marvin is gone aud his works alone remind un that he has lived, and

Judge Marvin was not only a writer, but he was a poet as well, in the strictest sense of the term, aud there is not one among us today but who will revere his virtues, try to emulate his gifts and honor his memory. Peace to his ashes.

As old-timers in newspaperdom we mention tlie names of \V. S. ISlackburn. who gave life to the Nciiiahn Valleil Joiinial. Liter the 7'(///.s- Citii Joiinidl. lenioviug the same from Brownville to Falls City in the year lS(iS. W. S. Stretch, one of the noblest Romans of us all, who fulfilled the measure of his days of usefulness and (hen. like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleas.mt dre.ims. he gave attention to the Foreman of the I'uiverse, in whose hands are the issues of r>ife aud I>ealh. and passed away to join tlie silent majority in the charnel house of the dead. But Colonel Stretch, though dead, yet speaketh; and the good that lie did. the sorrowing he.-irts that he made glad, the words fitly siwken in season shall be gems in the crown of rejoi<lng in that day when the graves give ui> their dead.

And yet there were other old-timers in that day of the loug past, whose names are almost forgotten, and are only remembered as we con the history of the past and flnil them there. Of these we mention Judge A. R. Scott, Rev. George T. Webster. .lames Fusou, W. Chadwick, A. L. Rich, D. W. Hanlin and Jacob Bailey. These all served their sentences, of more or less duration, and went out into the world to seek fame in other fairer fields of promise. In more recent years the old-timers have been more aggressive in their ideas, more forcible in their way of presenting their ideas of men and measures, and as a consequence ha\e built up a uewspaiierdom without parallel in the history of newspapers in the early past. Among these later-day lights of the profession, whose uames have been indelibly stamped upon the history of the century, we remember Lon JI. May. J. F. Gardener, A. J. Reed, Ruel Nims, John Saxon, Rev. Bowers and P. W. I'inkerton. Some of these old-timers are dead and others have gone out from among us to seek employment in the more (to them) congenial walks of life. In later years we remember as bright lights in newspaperdom (and they also, in the hurry and bustle and get-up-and-get of the present day, might be called old-timers), T. W. Pepoon, Cy Thurman. John Hammond, of Salem Index fame, and George H. Holton, These, like the fornier of whom we have spoken, served their day and generation aud gave way to younger and more progressive meu aud women, who have built up our modern pictorial and big-headline .ionrualism. Of all the old-timers of forty-five years ago, earlier and later, only one remains at his p<ist. that we can now recall, and that one is Henry Clay Davis, of the Falls City Neves; aud an examination of his anatomy will reveal the fact that he is battleworn and scarred, the effect of hard-fought battles with bis brethren of the craft in the days gone b,v, over political questions, questions of morals, and questions relating to less weighty matters.

Thus far we have confined our remarks to men who have given to jonruiilism in Falls City its life and in.spiration, but there are others. At Humboldt were George Gird. David Speicer and George P. Monagan, Sr. ; and later on were Ernest F. Sharts. Frank Harrison and 1. E. Shrauger. At Stella were Kennedy and Gates and Gird. At Verdon were Saxon and Floyd, and our president, William H. Stowell. These all having earned a good report - and wealth - and have departed for larger fields of usefulness; and their places are taken by young, vigorous manhood and womauhood, anxious to fill the niches well made vacant by their removal.

These men all were worthy of our imitation. They were men of broad and liberal views, aud while differing from one another in politics, perhaps in morals, were certain on some questions, on the temperance question particularly, and gave their views frankly, but firmly, and without any uncertain ring. But while doing this they accorded to those who differed from them, the right of thoughts and the freedom to express them. In those old days the counti'y press was a synonym for honesty of pui-pose aud devotion to truth. Editors and papers were not bought by ambitious politicians, and railroad companies could not control the columns of the country journals for railroad passes.

They were chivalrous; they were charitable; the office was always a haven of rest for "Weary Willies" of the profession, and a corner in the composing room and a bunch of exchanges furnished these latter wayfarers a night's repose. If "flush," the wanderer had a square meal at the hotel or restaurant of the town and if "broke." which was generally the case, he went home with the editor and ate corn-pone aud potato soup with him and his family.

The old-timer was the watch-dog of his neighbor's affairs. He kept tab on the marriages of his community: he laughed with those who were merry, and his tears of sorrow mingled with those in affliction. Was a man born, he was fli-st to herald the glad tidings to a slumbering world; and the first to condole with the parents and friends when :i little one b.-ul Wiiiulered back iifiuin tliioiij.'li llie [H^nrly gntes iiitu the lunm' of heiinty from whence it ciniie. lie was the friend of all, the foe to none: just nnil sciuar^' and honest.

Through the kindness of C. F. Cain, of Miami, Florida, tiie writer recently was made the pleased recipient of an ancient copy of the falls City Broad .-ixe, which was the first newspaper publi.shed in Falls City, The paper is seared with age, of a yellowish color, but in a good state of preservation. It was of the issue of May 14, 1864, and was No. 16 of V^ol. VI., which shows that the paper had at that time laeen published for si.x years and sixteen weeks at Falls City. This would indicate that the paper was established in 1858, the first issue thereof appearing on the 26th of January of that year. The issue before us is a four page affair of four columns to the page, the columns being about fourteen inches each in length. At the date of issue it was published by L. B. Prouty & Company and appeared weekly the subscription price Ijeing $1.20 per annum, in advance, for one copy, or five copies to one address, per year, $5.00.

As the paper was published during the Civil War. when rumors were [jrevalent. the following- is interesting: "Advices from Richmond (\'a. ) represent great distress and wild disorder as prevalent in the towns."

On the editorial page, in an editorial written by Mr. Prouty, the citizens (it Falls City are taken to task for not providing necessary school facilities in the following manner under the title of:

It is true in many thiug.s the citizens of this place h.-ivc <lone well. Whenever sonic liiev.ailing sentiment or interest has united them, their l.-ihois have been heroic, and invincible. But it must be an immediate and pressing necessity. Schools do not seem to belong to this class; they are well enough if they grow by legislative aid, and ai-e l)uilt by public funds, but it in too every day a matter to require much exertion, and our people, good easy souls, satisfy their consciences with the reflection, that it is the business of the public and not theirs as individnals.

They concede, in a kind of general way that an intelligent and industrious population to till lip our beautiful country is desirable, but they do not re.ilize the fact that the class of people we need will not settle in a community too indolent or ignorant to support aiKl .sustain good schools, and that some of onr best citizens are <lissa1isfied and want to remove on this account alone.

Uelieved from all war tax. having no need of individual or innni<ipal biumlies to stimulate patriotism our territory is in better condition tinanci.-illy th.-in ever before in .ill its history.

Hut they are a little uearsigliled ; they see the tive-iciit piece at the tip of the nose. I)iit .-ire lilind to the dollar at their feet. They are blind to the fact that individual good is identi<iil with general good: that the welfare of the coinnnmity is the welfare of all its citizens. They view their interests as separate and apart fi"om that of the connnunity. and understand no profit save that which is niade off their neighbors.

They cannot see how raiiidly e\ery good settler, every acre of land cultivatefl. every dollar of additional capital, every additional house or barn or fence built, or tree planted, adds an actual money value to the possession of every man in the entire county.

Enclosing the public S(]uare with a neat fence, tastefully planting it with trees - building a school house, no matter how small, if erected with taste, would add an .iclnal v.Mlue that would be speedily felt in the way of reputation ,ind immigration by every man in the neighborhood. A good .school house is the IM.MKr>lAT10 WANT (IK Till: TOWN'. But we don't propose to waste any more gas uimiu the subject now. It <:ui be built, if not otherwise, by a joint stock company that will pay the stockholders primarily .-IS an investment. But if you good people don't awnt it. and d<m't see it, if you prefer vour children should be taught no more rational or moral .-unusenients than dihiking

The District Court for this county artjourneil ou the 12th inst. We were not in ,ittendance but are iuforme(t that there was a hirge amount of business PUT TllltorCiH. The Grand Jury it is said, found quite a number of indictments against our L.\W A HIDING CITIZENS for various misdemeanors. We have been promised a list of the Imsiiicss done by the court, which we expect to lay before our readers in our ne.xt issue.

As regards our position on the question of "STATE ORGANIZATION." we will say: there yet remains time .sufficient for us to exphiin our views. The --Enabling Act" [reference to Act of 1861] was not amended; it is for us to elect delegates, the first Monday in June next, to frame a State Constitution. After we have seen and exaniiiie<l that instrument, it will be time enough for us to say whether it would be best for us (the territory) with a iiopulation of some 28.nOO to accept of it. It will depend .-iltogether upon the character of its provisions whether we shall support or (Iciioume it. (Statehood did not carry until 1n<«7.]

The foregoing statement by the echtor, Air. Prouty. in regard to his >tand or lack of a stand on statehood at that time, was no doiil)t inspired by the receipt of the following communication from one of his subscribers, which was given a place of prominence in the same issue oi the Hroad .Lvc.

Mr. Editor : As the people will *ioon be called upon to vote for Delegates to frame a STATE CONSTITUTION would it not be well enough to have some discussion upon the matter? We caniiot perceive that the Ai-c is taking a very active part "pro or con" on the subject; it is a subject that involves the interest of the whole people of this Terrilor.v. more than any other during our territorial existence. Its importance dem.-inds a free and full investigation of all the advantages to lie gained in exchanging our territorial existence for that of a Sovereign State. Or would we be politically and financially losers by closing out our territorial existence'? THIS IS THE QUESTION. The people should vote understandingly (and no doubt they desire to do so) and Avonld be glad to have all the information that <'an be obtained in governing their votes and undoubtedly (hey look to you as a public journalist for nnich iuforni.-itiou in regard to this matter, and will expect you to take :\ position, and if your position is well s\islained by goo<l .-uguinent. tliere is no doubt but what it will have its effect in i-oiitrolliiig the vote of the to a great extent.

State Organization. 1 do not think should be a ptilitic-il measure. Neither should Office- Seekers, or present Feder.al Offi<-e-Holders who are fearful of losing their presi-nt positions, have too much influence in controlling our election, but the masses thenis(>lves should become familiar with this subject and let sound judgment dictate the course to pursue. Not having a copy of the Bill as passe<I by Congress, but as the Nebraska legislature, did, at its last session, i>ass a resolution a.skiug Congress to ameutl tlie Hill then before Congress allowing the people the privilege to vote, when voting for I»elegate to frame a State Constitution: '-For or Against State Organization." and if this amendment has been made, our fate will be virtually sealed the first Monday in June. There- tore, it bebooves all wbo have au Interest in the matter, to go to worli earl.v. talk the matter over freely anil frankl.v. and act for the ]iromotion of the public good.

llelegate.s will have to be chosen, and the county being entitled to five, will give us iiuite an influence in the convention. Let us have good men to fill the position, and no doubt we will, as we never lack for candidates from which to make a selection.

The Falls City B mad .^.iv at that time (.May, 1864), was with but one ])Ossible exception (the Rulo JJ'cstcni Guide or the Riilo Register),. the only newspaper l)eing published in Richardson count}- and for this reason the following becomes interesting from the lack of other means of advertising ;

CANDIDATES VOU DELKCiATE TO FUA.ME A STATE OONSTITl'TION. - Wc e.xpect iu our next issue to be able to aunoun<-e quite a number of candidates for that position. We hope to hear from the different pretincts. before our next issue; let us have a Large list of candidates to select from. We are entitled to five Delegates.

News Items

ANOTHER MASSACRE. - On the 7th inst., a party of ten men, belonging to the l'"irst Arkansas Cavalry, herding some public stock near the battlefield of Prairie Grove, were surprised by 21 of Buck Brown's guerillas. The latter were dressed in Federal uniform, and pretended to belong to the Thirteenth Kansas. Our men were in a house at the time, and were called out by their pretended friends, shook hands and conversed with them. All at once the bushwhackers commenced shooting the men down and succeeded in killing and mortally wounding all but ofte. who made his escape to tell the mournful tale. - Fort ,^i)iHli Em.

( From the Omaha h'ciiitbliran » Cairo. May !lth. 1S(i4. - From Alexandria we learn that the enemy .itt.ickcd (ircenville, a small town opixisite, but were driven I)a<k by the gunboats. They have driven our pickets at both places sever.-il times. The Federal forces now at Alexandria is reiM)rted to be 35,000 strong. The rebel force under Kirby Smith, Jl.igrader and Taylor, is also quite heavy. A flag of 'truce with .-i demand to surrender was sent to (ieneral Bank.s. Todav a boat left, but witli wh;it result is not known.

AV.ishiugton, May .Sth, 1S(U. - On Friday an atfcick was made by Eongstreet on our right, while the Rebel troops under Hill were at the same time hurled against our left wing, which was coijiposetl of Hanco<k"s and Warren's coins holding the center, engaged also by desiterate assaults.

Fighting continued with h.irdly any intermission for two days: but .vesterd.-iy morning, Lee, having comi)letely failed in his oli.1cct, withdrew from the engagement.

Day has closed upon a terribly fought battlefield, .and the .\riiiy of tbe I'otoiiia lias added another to its list of murderous couflict.s. Lee's tactics, so eiieigetii-all eniplo.yed at Chaueellorsville and (iettysburg, of throwing his whole army first iipou on wing, then upon the other, has again been brought to bear; but the Army of tbe rotoioa has repulsed his tremendous onslaughts, and stands tonight solidly in tlie jiosition i assumed this morniug.

The first attempt was made upon llancoi-k's division on tlie right, wbicli bad beei somewhat weakened in nniuliers by tbe battle of yesterday, lint tbe old Seiiaid Coip nobly stood its ground.

The enemy then burled a superior force upon Sedgwick, and on<-e or twice g.ainci a temporary advantage, but the little old veterans of this corps nobly r.-illiiNl .and repulse the rebels with fearful slaughter.

About half past four Lee made a feint upon our wliole line .and then suddenly fe with his whole force upon Sedgwick, driving him back temporarily: tbe advant.ige w.i soon regained, and the rebels hurled back with great loss.

Although he had been si.gnally repulsed in all his attacks, notbing but tlie nature n tbe battlefield prevented it from being a crushing defeat.

Washington. May Kltli. 1S(14. - A ilisjiatch of the Ittb from I'.utler to .staiilou. .say our oiierations can be summed up in a few words: With I.TIKI eav.ilry. 1 have adv.nicei up tlie I^'iiinsula. forced the Chickahoniiny ami safely bronglit tbeiii to our iircsent posi tion. They were colored cavalry and are now holding position as our advaiue towaii Kichmoud.

Gen. KautS!, with 3,(1(1(1 cavalry from Suffolk, on tbe same day with our uiovenieiit u James River, forced Rlackwater. burning Uie railroad bridge over Stony Creek, belnx Petersburg ami cutting in two Reauregard's forces at that point. We have l.uidcd ben entrenching ourselves, destroying many miles of railroad, and got ,i positinu. whicb wit Jiroiier supplies, we can hold against tlic irltolc nf Lcr's (iriiiii.

Reauregard with ilie m.iin portion of his command, was left south of tbe cuttiii of the railroad by Kaut/.. 1 today' whipped that ]iortioii wbicb reached IVteisbur under Hill, killing, wounding and caiiluring many.

-'WE WIIII'l'KD OU) 1a»X(4ST1J1:ET. on; AUMY CurLDNX BE IN -MUliE CHEERFUL COXDITIOX ; ALL THE MEX AUE .SAXCiUlXE OF SUCCESS. AXD COUNT OX THE I>AY AVHEX WE SHALL IX 'iinU.AU'H EXTER THE REHEL CAl'ITAL."

All the battles thus for have heeu a series of attacks and repulses and nmskets have been almost entirely used an the unevenuess of the ground has rendered artillery impracticable.

Philadelphia I'enn.. May Kith, 1.SG4. - A special dated last night, says that Me.ide li.is again moved ou the enemy and liad a brisk fight at Todd"s Tavern.

Xew York. .May lltli. 1S(W. - A Daltou correspondent of the Atltiiilii Rciii.tlcr .ivers th.-it there has been a greater concentration of Union foiccs in the dirwtioii of Chattanooga than on the I'otonnic.

The IliiUifih I'roi/rcsx contirnis the statement adding that <;rant's inovemeiit on In IJichmond was but a feint, while on to Atlanta was a re.ility.

A correspondent writing from Xewberne under d.ite of JLiy tSth, says: Yesterday afternoon tlie rebel ram accompanied by a satellite, '"Cotton Plant," and the army guuhoat, -Hinubsliell." cajitured by them at I'lyniouth. appeared in the mouth of the Roanoke river. Our gunboats made oft", as if fearful of an encounter, but their only ob.iect was lo draw the ram out into tlie Sound. Tlie ram followed them jibout twelve miles, when the gunboats, about seven in nnndter. immediately opened fire, and a terrific engagement ensue(L lasting from (1 till S o'clock.

"Sas.sacus," having an iron prow, steamed up to full s|)eed and ran into (he ram. striking abaft the center, but apparently without iutli<tiiig iii.iury. "Sassiicus," however, was compelled to retire, li.-iving her forward rudder knoi-Ued off. and .-i lnni<lrecl

IMHiiul iKirrott sbot fired by the r;iiii. went through her lioiler. Night now settled in .lud the movement of the rsim conld not be iiecurately discovered. She was closely pur- .'sned by gunboats, but under cover of darkness .succeeded in gaining entrance into Roanoke river, where the gunboats could not venture to follow. She has not been seen since, but active measures have been taken to capture and destroy her. Reliable reports from Kin,gston report the rebel ram "Xeuse" higli aground. She draws 7% feet of water and the river is only 4% feet in depth. The rebels linve for the present aban- <lone(l it and taken the engine out.

Thk Unseen God

FARMING : - Ik ilarvel says iu his new book, entitled "My Farms" : "If a man would enter upon the country life in earnest, and test thoroujErhly Its aptitudes and royalties, he must not toy with it at a town distance: he must brush the dews away with his own feet. He must lirini.' the front of his head to the business. an<l not the back side of it.

NOTICE is hereby -ivcii. that on the adth day of Ajiril next |lMi4|, I will sell to the highest l)idder for cash in hand, at my residence in Winnebago. IMchardson Count.v, Nebraska Territory, the following desci-ibed jiroperty taken up as estrays. to-wit : one cow and one steer.

The only business firms in the city advertising in the Bmad Axe were: Daniel Reavis, who had a general merchandise and grocer\ store, which was known as the "Postoffice Store" and was located on the west side of Stone street, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets, and D. R. Holt & Compan}-.