Vernon County, Wisconsin - Chapter 23: The Press, 1884

Chapter 23: The Press

Bad Ax county had been organized over five years before there was a newspaper publislied within its limits. This, of course, be.-ides tlie inconvenience to its citizens individually, tended, in a considerable degree, to retard the progress of the county generally. The necessity for a printing press and the publication of a paper, to be located at the county seat, finally became so urgent as to induce the establishment of the

Northwestern Times

The first issue, then called the Western Times, was dated June 1, 1856. J. A. Somerby was editor and proprietor. It was a weekly, and was started as "an independent family newspaper, devoted to news and miscellaneous reading." The salutatory of the editor was as follows.-

To Our Readers

"We take pleasure in presenting to you the first number of the Western Times. We should have been able to issue it sooner and improved its appearance, but circumstances have prevented our having a decent office, and the rainy, tedious weather that we encountered in getting here, the disarrangement and injury to material, have imposed upon all concerned a heavy task, considerable ill health and a great deal of vexation.

" We invite the co-operation of all who wish correct information disseminated through the community, and all those who are willing to furnish literary articles or items of news, are respectfully solicited to devote a little time to keeping us posted up in relation to all that is' new and useful. We have only time to say that we will continue this subject in our next, when there will be less "noise and confusion" than we are subject to in getting out this number.

" I^" We regret very much that the '"various hindrances we met in getting out this number delayed us until Saturday night, instead of getting out as we intended to at 1 o'clock."

Postponement

"The sale of the first copy of the Western Times, (being the first copy of a newspaper ever printed in Bad Ax county), to have been sold on the 31st day of May, will now be sold loithoutfail, on Saturday, the 7th day of June. The first copy is now printed and safely locked up, ready for the highest bidder. We were extremely chagrined and mortified [sic), that we were unable to issue the first number on the 31st ult.; but a variety of hindrances and disappointments rendered it impossible. The eagerness that has been manifested to obtain a copy of the first number, and particularly the first copy, was very gratifying, and partioulajrly so when the heavy expense and multitude of difficulties that have been encountered, are considered. The prospect is that the bidding on the 7th of June will be very animated, and may even excell the sale of the first paper ever printed in Newport, Wis., last year."

Following this "postponement" is a notice in these words: "We have dated this number a few days ahead of its appearance, in order to begin with June, and to have ample time to book our subscription list, and perfect all our arrangements."

Another brief paragraph containing information concerning the paper is found in the same column, and is as follows: "We shall soon be in possession of our exchange list and become familiar enough with our location to complete our arrangements for receiving late news. We can then make our paper more interesting and acceptable."

In his prospectus the editor says: "The Times will be what its name indicates, a record of pissing events at home and containing foreign news, miscellaneous and literary rending matter. It will be devoted to the interests of Bad Ax county and the surrounding region The limex will labor ardently for the prosperity of all its patrons without partiality for any particular location, and independent of party organizations.

" The people of Bad Ax county and the adjacent country, are respectfully invited to send in their own and the names of their friends and neighbors, as subscribers, and also prepare and send in such advertising as they wish to have inserted.

" 1^" All letters and communications should be addressed to J. A. Somerby, Viroqua, Bad Ax Co., Wis. Terms, one dollar and fifty cents in advance."

" Little 'Spec,' as she was familiarly called, was a universal favorite in Viroqua, making friends alike by the sweetness of her disposition and the brilliancy of her intellect. Her head and her heart were older than her years; and could she have lived, a bright career would undoubtedly have been hers. But she died; for

" Death left its sweetest impress on her face; and standing by her coffin, and looking on her as she lay there; one of earth's loveliest flowers blighted; the following lines are brought to mind:

Notice

Bad Ax, Bad Ax Co., Wis., May 23, 1856. Whereas, my wife, Christiana Orritta, has left my house and protection, without any just cause or provocation, this is, therefore, to warn all persons from harboring or trusting her on my account, as I will not pay any debts of her contracting, unless compelled by law and not

The first number of the paper has but one local ; but that one was probably read by the patrons of the Times with a considerable degree of interest and indignation. It was in these words :

A Villain In Custody

Columbus B. Brown, who has for some time been attempting in a bungling manner to play the Daguerrean Artist in this place, was arrested at the Buckeye House, on the 29th of May, by officer John P. Delarne, from Janesville. Rock county, assisted by sherifif J. M. Rusk, of this place.

Fulton, Rock Co., Wis., where Mr. Brown was then keeping tavern. Mr. Brown's wife having been dead some three or four years, he had employed Miss Blake as his cook, and another lady had charge of the other departments, who happened to be absent for a night, when the foul outrage was committed. Miss Blake having been dangerously ill the next day, Mr. Brown carried her home to Pleasant Springs, Dane county, where she expired in a few hours, mortification having taken place, but not until she had given evidence under oath before the proper authority respecting Brown's barbarity.

We are informed that Mr. Brown had previously committed a similar crime and when an officer undertook to arrest him, shot him in the arm. Mr. Brown has kept concealed a portion of the time since the last crime was committed. Justice though slow is .^ure, and the stone cutting artists of Waupun will no doubt ere long receive one more accession to their numbers. Mr. Brown at first refused the wrist ornaments but finally made a virtue of necessity and they were put on.

Officer Delarne is entitled to the thanks of the community for his perseverance in this case, in bringing an old and daring offender to justice. May he always have as good luck in furnishing recruits for the stone brigade at Waupun."

In the second issue of the paper, June 14, 1 S56, an account is given of the success in selliug to the highest bidder the first copy printed of the TimeH. "The sale commenced" says the editor, "at half past 1 o'clock, on Tuesday last, and lasted about one hour, R. C Bierce, Esq., acting as auctioneer. Mr. E. S. Fowler, of the firm, of Keeler, Fowler <fe Co., was the successful man, his bid being |!'21. It is a very respectable sum, but not more than one-fifth of what it would have brought had the sale taken place on the last day of May, as first appointed; 80 say the knowing ones.

"Every printer who has started a newspaper," continues the editor "in a locality far removed from the great thoroughfares, and from the vicinity of machine shops, can readily appreciate the difficulties we encountered in attempting to get into operation at an appointed time."

The reader, doubtless, has noticed that in the extracts given from the Western Times, the two words forming the county are consolidated into one, thus, Badax. Before the issue of the third number of the paper, the editor was taken to task for this by the Richland county Ohserrer. "The disfiguration," says X\\eObserver "of the words Bad Ax by the compound, Badax, which strangers are apt to read Ba-dax is a sorry formation, and should be restored to the original." But Mr. Somerby did not see it in that light, and the "disfiguration," was continued in the Western limes.

"In this town, Viroqua, on Wednesday the 4th inst., by Rev. A. D. Low, Mr. Dennis Powers, of De Soto, to Miss Clara E. Ilanchett, of this town. The usual fee of cake received. May they enjoy a continual honey moon.

On the 26th of the next month, July, a citizen of "Badax" county, comes to the relief in the Western Times, of suffering humanity, actual and prospective, in this matter:

"Late Discovery. - To those that have children or ever expect to have. If you ever should have a child get anything in his or her nose, such as a bean, pea, gooseberry or anything of of the kind, just clap your mouth to theirs, and blow as hard as you can. The thing, whatever it may be, will fly out. Experience is the best teacher. Iea T. Hunter."

Will be discontinued after this number to all who have not paid in advance, or who have not paid for the past year, unless it is satisfactorily known to us, that it is their intention to renew their subscription immediately. "Times" are hard and we must have pay for the Times, or we cannot buy paper to print the Times on, and the TH.mes' readers will get no Times. We shall give our readers a page more of reading matter when long evenings come again.

We have printed fifty-two numbers of the Timex, while dozens of newspaper establishments have broke down under the pressure of hard "times," knocking at the door. With less patronage than any, we have lived through the year, and yet, expect to continue on, combatting error, and inspiring with more life and energy the progressive tendencies of the county, than all other institutions combined. We are duly thankful for past patronage and liope to merit its continuance.

Mr. Somerby continued the publication of the Wis*crn Times, until Jan. 6, 1858, when its name was cKanged to the North Western Timex. R. C. liierce was co-editor with Mr. Somerby, from Dec. 14, 1859, to Sept. IS, 1861; James Osgood, of De Soto, having for about a year previous, also been associate editor. On the Vth of May, 1862, the iVor^/i Western Times appenred for the first time, as being printed in Vernon, instead of Badax county. The paper was continued until the 28th of June, 1865, when the office was wrecked by the terrible tornado of that year. A portion of the material was saved which Mr. ^oraerby disposed of, to Daniel B. Priest, J. M. Rusk and William Nelson, who issued, Aug. 2.3, 1865, the first number of the Vernon County Censor, as a continuation of the Times. The first issue was printed as volume 10, number 34. In their bow to the public, the three gentlemen just mentioned, have th's to say:

The undersigned having purchased the old Northwestern Timss office, propose, with the support of the citizens of Vernon county, to piiblish the Vernon County Censor. The Censor will be a continuation of the Times, and will be in politics true to the constitution, the Union and the upholding of the National authority against all rebellion or uprising, whether State or individual. We expect to act with the republican or union party on all political questions of the day. And while we so act, we shall feel free to condemn any course adopted by that party which we deem to be wrong ; believing that it is every man's privilege to hold his own opinions and advocate them to the best of liis ability, being responsible for the same.

The two senior members of the firm are well known to the people of this county, and all that il will be necessary for them to say is that they expect to advocate the principles they have heretofore been known to profess. The junior is a stranger among you, but he expects to ihow himself worthy of your confidence.

Financially, we believe the Censor to be in a Jair condition. The subscription list is not as large as it should be, but what there is of it is jrofitable. The legal advertising is good, and will prob.ably increase. But the local advertising in Viroqua and the smaller towns of the county is not what it should be. The job work is not large in amount. But, taking the business altogether, it will probably not unfavorably compare with any country paper in the State. And our friends should recollect that the better support they give us, the better paper we can afford to give them.

The military interest is pretty well represented in the firm. The senior member has .seen service for his country, and the junior has served some also, and (though much against his will) has also drawn rations from the 'Confederacy.' But the least said about the said r.ations the better. Suffice it to say that in all the eighteen months stay among the chivalrous and high-spirited southrons, he did not witness any over-feeding. But that is pretty well underi5tood in the north now, and it is not necessary to give a new recital of what was seen there.

In reference to dealings with patrons, it will be our wish generally to do business, as far as possible, on a cash basis. This we deem to be the best for all concerned, and it will certainly be the best for us. The great bane of the newspaper business in the west is credit - long credit, which often runs to repudiation.

It will be understood that Messrs. Priest and Nelson will have the editorial management of the Censor. It will be their aim to give the people of the county a readable paper and one which shall be 'up to time' on all current news and questions of the day. With our editorial brethren we hope to keep on terms of amity, and if we shall ever have any differences with any of them, we shall endeavor to discuss all points in a courteous and friendly manner.

The paper we get out to-day must not be taken as a specimen. There are several necessary ciianges to make in the advertising department. We intend to take out of the paper all job type, although, of course, any advertiser may occupy all the space he pays for, but we shall not use flaming type. There are also several foreign advertisements to come out in a few weeks, which we shall replace with local paying advertising, or not at all.

What became of Mr. Somerby, who first established the Times, which, as we have stated, afterward became the Censor, is seen by an article published in the last named paper, Nov. 20, 1867, entitled : understand, to moving to Faribault, Minn. Mr. Somerby is the man who first begun the publication of a newspaper in this county, under the title of the " Western Times." 'J hat was in June, 1856. The paper was published continuously, part of the time under the name of the ^^Northwestern Times," until the middle of August, 1865, when Mr. Somerby sold the establisliment, and the new proprietors changed the name to that which this paper now bears. In the early days the struggle was hard to make a paper live in such a sparsely settled county as this one was, and Mr. Somerby has seen many disheartening days ; but, ever cheerful and hopeful, he pressed on, part of the time under the discouragement of having to divide a business not more than enough for one paper, with a rival.

It is a feast to get hold of the old numbers of the "Times'''' published in the first years, and read of the old actions done, the old prophesies, fulfilled and unfulfilled, an-d the way the people felt on various subjects. In fact, it seems little less than mediajval reading, for the war has I placed a great gulf between those times and now, which in ordinary times, it would take generations to make. The war settled so many questions ; it made every one feel so differently on National issues ; and it has made us all so fervently realize the benefits of our institutions, that it is no wonder all seems changed.

"There is no time like the old time; " and the departure of an old pioneer like Mr. Somerby recalls vividly the times past and gone. Let their memory be kindly cherished, for we are not likely soon to see warmer hearts, more ready sympathy, or heartier succor to the needy, than were common in those days.

Mr. Somerby goes from among us with the respect and kindly remembrance of his old friends. May his lot be prosperous and pleasant in his new home.

1865, when J. M. Rusk, on his election to the office of bank comptroller of Wisconsin, retired from the firm. The remaining proprietors upon his retirement published, in their paper, the following;

A Change

With this number of the Censor, Col. J. M. Rusk retires from his position as partner in the proprietorship of this office. The colonel having been elected to the office of bank comptroller of the State at the late election, this change is deemed expedient. The business of the office will be conducted as heretofore, and our patrons will not experience any change in our mutual transactions.

In parting with Col. Rusk, we feel it just to say that our relations with him have been of the most harmonious character. No difPerences or misunderstandings have occurred in our short period of doing business together, and in all probability never would have occurred if the time had been lengthened. He goes to a scene of wider usefulness and responsibility to which he has been chosen, and the people may well consider that they have elected an upright, honorable man to fill the office of bank comptroller for the next two years. Where Col. Rusk is best known he is best liked, and this was shown in the vote in different sections of the State. In towns where the members of his old regiment reside, he ran in nearly every case ahead of the remainder of the State ticket. This is a showing of which he may well be proud. He will be faithful to the trust committed to his charge, and will do the State and himself honor in his new position. * * * Daniel B. Priest. William Nelson.

The Censor was edited and published from this time until May, 1869, by Messrs. Priest and Nelson, when the former, with the issue of the 12th of that month, withdrew from the paper, leaving the latter as sole editor and proprietor.

Change Of Ownership

It is customary when an editor retires from a paper, for him to say words of farewell to his patrons. As I now retire from the Censor, I may be indulged while following the usual custom:

In August, 1865, Messrs. J. M. Rusk, William Nelson and myself bought the Times office from J. A. Somerby. At once changing the name of the paper to the one it now bears, we began the building up of an establishment which should be a credit to the county, and aimed at the issuing of a paper which should reflect no shame upon its patrons. To this end no labor has been spared, and with what success that labor has been crowned, we leave others to say. In our work, we have been cheered by the faithful and steady support of a large circle of warm friends, who have taken advantage of every occasion to help us, both with business and encouragement. To such we can only say, that their kindnesses have been received with with heartfelt thankfulness.

On his election to the office of bank comptroller, in November, 1865, Gen. J. M. Rusk retired from the Censor, and from that time until the present there has been no change in proprietorship. For more than three years and a half this paper has been published prompt'y on time, no mishap of any kind having delayed our issue beyond the Wednesday morning mails.

I also return thanks to my editorial friends in the State who have uniformly treated me with the greatest courtesy. In bidding them farewell from the Censor, it is only to resume my connection with them in a neighboring county. May our relations ever be as pleasant as they have been in the past.

In conclusion, I take pleasure in recommending to the friends and patrons of the Censor, my successor and former partner, Mr. William Nelson, to whom they are mainly indebted for whatever they have found in the Censor, worthy of approval, as one whom I have tried and know is in every way worthy of their confidence and support; and with the earnest hope that the liberal patronage, confidence and support extended to this paper during the time I have been connected with it may be continued, and with best wishes for old friends, we bid them good-by. D. B. Priest.

In parting from Mr. Priest in a business capacity, it is with feelings of the warmest friendship, cemented by years of close business relationsliip. Our intercourse has always been marked by the utmost good will on either side. While losing his personal weight in the Censor, to which he has brought great support, I am glad to be able to say, that he does not retire from the editorial profession. May his days be prosperous ones.

To the patrons and friends of the Censor, I will say that, in future, this paper shall be equal to what it has been in the past. No change will be observed in its management. It will strive to be fully up to all the occurrences of the day, and to give a reasonable amount of reading every week, hoping for a continuance of the approval and support of my friends, I subscribe myself, William Nelson.

The Hon. D. B. Priest

This gentleman has moved to Sparta, where he will keep his oftice of collector of internal revenue for this congressional district. He has also bought the Sparta Ert(/fe office; and, assisted by Mr. Malcom Graham, son of Judge Graham, of Viroqua, he proposes to enlarge that paper to a nine column journal, and make other material improvements in it. From what we know of the new conductors, we anticipate a great improvement in the Eagle in every respect. The first number of the paper under its new auspicies will appear this week.

He was one of the foremost men of the county in all things, and played his part well in every capacity which he undertook to fill. Of a friendly, open disposition, courteous manners, unselfish character, genial humor, and fine attainments, his like is not often met with. He has the warmest wishes of hundreds of friends in this county for his abundant prosperty.

Says the Censor of Sept. 7, 1870: "With feelings of sadness, we learn just as we go to press, of the death of Hon. D. B. Priest, of Sparta."

In 1875 Mr. Nelson admitted to a partnership Henry Casson, Jr., who had managed the paper since July, 1873, Mr. Nelson having assumed charge of the La Crosse Rep ublifMu- Leader in- March of that year. In January, 1877, his interest was purchased by Mr. Casson, and he became its editor and owner. The first issue of the paper under the management was on Jan. 17, 1877 - volume 22, No. 3. The salutory of Mr. Casson was as follows:

To The Patrons Of The Censor

On the 11th inst., the undersigned purchased of Hon. William Nelson the Censor office; and will continue the publication of the paper as heretofore. For the past three years the paper has been under our management, Mr. Nelson having been occupied in another field of labor. The past course of the paper may therefore be taken as a precursor of the future. So long as the republican party shall continue to make a history of freedom and justice to all men without respect to race or color, we shall advocate its cause and candidates with what little ability we may possess. When the grand old party, ceases to do this, it will cease longer to exist. Our faith in the principles we have so long advocated is to-day stronger than ever, and we firmly believe that National prosperity and an undivided Republic depend upon the continued ascendancy of the republican party. Believing thus, we shall earnestly advocate its principles.

"With 'malace toward none and charity for all,' and asking the kind indulgence of the public for any lack of ability, we subscribe ourself. The public's obedient servant,

Henry Casson, Jr., was born in Brownsville, Fayette Co., Peun., Dec. 13, 1843. He removed with his parents to Hennepin, HI., in 1847, where he resided until 1860, removing in that year to Peoria. In 1856 he was apprenticed to the printing business in the office of the Hennepin Tribune. In 1865 he became one of the publishers of the Henry County (jhronide, at Cambridge, 111., where he remained until 1867, when he received an appointment in the New Orleans Custom House, through the influence of the late Hon. Ebon Clark lugersoll. He resigned in July, 1868, and purchased the Ct^i- 2e?i office at Chillicothe, 111 ., which he sold in 1872, and accepted a position on the Peoria Daily Review, ^'heve he continued until 1873, coming to Viroqua in July of that year, to take charge of the Vernon County Censor. In 1880, he was appointed by Supervisor Lottridge as clerk of the census district. He has always been a republican since he became of voting age, and has always taken an active interest in politics. He was married to Ethel Haughton, daughter of Rev. William Haughton, Nov. 7, 1874, and has one child, a son. As a newspaper writer, Mr. Casson holds a ready pen. His descriptive powers are much above the average. Who will say that the following picture is not true to life:

The Tramp

Eighteen years ago, while serving his apprenticeship to the printing business, the writer of this was a little startled by hearing a terrific knock on the office door, made with a hickory walking-stick, and immediately afterwards, a

"Gimme a chaw of terbacker. Who's going to give me a quarter to help him over the bridge?" By which he meant that be wanted the wherewithal to buy a drink of whisky. Matchett staid around the town about a week, wrote articles for all who were kind enough to give him an occasional dime; and, finally, becoming restless, skipped out for St. Louis, a distance of 400 miles, on foot. He is constantly on the go - never riding, for the reason, as he says, that it hurts his corns to ride so fast! He has visited nearly every town in the United States ou foot, and once took a trip to South America, which came near ending him, on account of his having to be in sight of water so long. Matchett once went into a fashionable restaurant in Savannah, Ga., and seating himself at one of the tables, ordered a sumptuous meal - about a dollar and seventyfive cents worth. He was terribly hungry, having been without food for several days, and he didn't have a cent. He finished his meal, and was walking out,when the proprietor, who judged from his personal appearance that he wasn't the kind of a chap to be eating high-priced meals, collared him and asked him if he wasn't going to pay his bill. "My initials are G. W., and I can't tell a lie," said Matchett. "I haven't got a cent." This angered the restaurant man, and he jerked a revolver from behind the counter and pointed it at Matchett. "Pay me for my meal!" shouted the boniface. "What you got there?" coolly asked Matchett. "I've got a revolver, and if you don't pay me I'll use it!" "Oh, a revolver, eh? - that's all. I was afraid it was a stomach

M atchett must be eighty years of age, but he still sticks to the "turf," as he calls it, and gets away with as much poor whisky as ever. He is a splendid scholar, an able writer, and a man who is well qualified to fill a high position; and yet he will, ere long, fill a pauper's grave, "unwept, unhonored and unsung." It is true he will be missed, for the old man has warm friends among the craft who admire his talents, and are always glad to see him.

Viroqua Expositor

On the 28th of August, 1858, the Viroqua Expositor issued its first number, O. C. Smith, Jesse Smith and Justus Smith, proprietors - 0. C. Smith, editor. The following was the editor's

In appearing before the public as a journalist, we have but one apology to make, and that one is very general. When reason errs, reason corrects the error ; so, should we be so unfortunate as to err in one point, we are willing, and would be any time, happy to make correction. But should we err in many respects, as others laboring in like capacity do, we are still more ready to rectify errors. And while we keep a steady eye upon the truth, even the great truths of the spirit of reform that is at present agitating the world, we hope every sentiment written by us may be candidly investigated before it be utterly denounced ; that it be impartially weighed before the sca'e be turned against us.

"The great social, political and religious reforms have stirred the turbid waters of National corruption, whose vapors have poisoned the minds of the people, and are rushing with fury upon the temples of the despoilers of our happiness, liberties, and institutions ; consuming the bigotry of Churches, the deceitfulness of statesmen, and is at present presenting to us the government - rites and ceremonies of the different branches of the Church in a wider and more equitable form.

"The political economy of our National fathers is also assuming an enviable standard among the Nations of the earth ; and while all are working so harmonious together, there is left but little room for those who would falsify the

"While we endeavor to lend a helping hand to every movement that has for its object the elevation of the character of mankind, we will steadily endeavor to push on the western reform by advocating the cause of the agriculturist, mechanic, educator, and every member of the great school of religious civilization of the western world. Our pen and midnight lamp shall be agents in recording and testifying to the busy scenes of our prosperous county, so long as the oxen shall low upon the plow-beam, the horse be muzzled in the cornfield, the grating saw and screeching plane of the mechanic keep music to the the touch of our pen, or the merchant's goods hang outside the door to brighten the face of business.

"We hope in the prosecution of our new duty to always be found upon the side of justice, wooing not the smiles of friends, or depreciating the displeasures of foes. Our aim is beyond personal aggrandizement, but the character of mankind in all its capabilities will receive our attention. The aged will be honored, the middleaged respected, and the youth of our country encouraged.

"We have naught to promise our readers in the publication of our sheet, save that as night is opposite of day, and as right is the opposite of wrong, our soul detests the thought of giving to the fathers of families and especially to the youth of our land, a fabric of fictitious novellettes, that will destroy their usefulness, and choke the moral sensibilities of the giant mind in embryo, thereby plunging them into the vortex of temptation.

"Now, as we enter upon the first number and volume of our paper, we hope you may all have a pleasant and profitable journey with us to the end of the year."

In some respects, this salutation is unique. On the whole, its peculiarities of diction and thought are of a most unusual cast. As the greeting of an editor to the public in assuming

With the issue of November 6, following, G. W. Wolfe, became associate with O. C. Smith, in editing the Expositor. He launches his bark upon the sea of journalism, with "A Word Introductory ;" but that " Word" extended over a column in length. This was his peroration :

"Residents of Viroqua and Bad Ax county, 'grow not weary in well doing,' but push along the ball of improvement ; throw aside your sectional strife, for 'a house divided against itself cannot stand ;' put forth all your energies toward accomplishing and sustaining a high reputation for your county, and you will not only merit, but receive, a rich reward for posterity." But, on the 7th of May, 1859, Mr. Wolfe gave notice that with that issue of the paper, his connection with the £Jxpositor ceased. The proprietors, on the 11th of December, 1858. were O. C. Smith, A. F. Smith and Justus Smith ; on the 10th of April this was changed to O. C. and J. Smith.

The name of the paper was changed to the Viroqua £Jxpositor and Bad Ax Heporter, Aug. 27, 1859, and in the next issue, September 3, O. C. and J. Smith appeared as both editors and proprietors. The Bad Ax Reporter was subsequently dropped. Afterward, G. W. Wolfe again became editor ; but the latter died on the 19th of October, 1862, when the Expositor paid the fellowing graceful tribute to his memory :

"Mr. Wolfe was just emerging into the prime of life, with an inriting prospect of a useful and honorable futtire before him. He was near twenty-seven years of age, and was in apparent good health up to the hour of his death. lie had been attacked twice before with apoplexy, from which he soon recovered, and it was thought by many permanently, but every moment of life is uncertain. He arose in the morning apparently in good health, drove some cattle from his garden, and returned to the house after an absence of but a few moments, and said he was getting blind. He sat on the side of his bed but a moment when he went into convulsions from the effects of the disease. Before he fully recovered from the attack, he was again convulsed, and so it was repeated the fourth time, and he was dead !

" The announcement of his sudden death startled the community, and they hurried to the house of mourning, but human skill was unavailing; he has trodden the dark path through the valley and shadow of death, and leaves behind him an affectionate wife and very many relatives and friends who mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate husband, a dutiful and amiable son, a loving brother, and a devoted and faithful friend. We deeply sympathize with all who are called to mourn over the loss of him whom the gifts of earth can never replace.

"The deceased was born in Athens Co., Ohio, was early educated and learned the printing business in his native county. He was editor of this paper for the past year, and was a careful and vigorous writer, as all who read must know.

Mr. Wolfe was succeeded by O. C. Smith as editor. The Expositor was finally merged into the Northwestern Times, the materials having been purchased by J. A. Somerby, of the county treasurer, to whom they had been sold, by Mr. Smith, as appears by the following :

" To the subscribers of the Expositor. Through the courtesy of the Times'' editor, I am permitted to say that I have disposed of all my right, title and interest, in the office of the Krpositor, and the same now rests in James Lowrie, Esq., county treasurer, who has agreed to complete all my contracts for subscription to the Expositor. All those who have paid for Bubscription wijl receive a paper to the end of the time for which they have paid, exclusive of the time for which the paper has been stopped.

" Having purchased of James Lowrie, the Expositor printing office, and the subscription list and all the accounts due to the old proprietor of said office for advertising and .subscriptions, * * * J wig]i to give the following notice :

" That the Northicestern Times newspaper will be enlarged to a seven column sheet, with pages two inches longer than those of the Expositor some time during the month of July, and that the price will be increased to |il 50 per annum. * * »

Other Papers

In 1871 T. C. Medary commenced the publication of the De Soto Republican, and continued it for one year, when he removed to Lansing, where he published a paper. He was an able writer.

In 18'72 the De 'Aoto Leader was established. G. L. IngersoU moved the material from Lansing, Iowa, across the river on the ice, and was the founder. He conducted the paper for a time, then sold it to B. J. Castle. IngersoU was a merchant there, and is still a resident.

H. J. Castle ran the paper for several years, then sold out and removed toPrairie du Chien, where he was proprietor of the Unioit for some time. He has since moved to Black River Falls, where he still makes his home. He is publishing a paper there ; but, for the past few years, has held a clerkship in one of the State departments at Madison.

Succeeding Clastic in charge of the Leader, came G. L. Miller, a lawyer. He still owns the material, although publication has been suspended. Others were at times connected with the paper, but merely temporarily.

In 1872 A. L. Ankeny began in Viroqua, the publication of the Wisconsin Independent, continuing it until January, 1876, when he removed to Black River Falls. In August, 1875, the Viroqua Vidette was started by Jacob Teuney and Hartwell Allen. At the end of three months, Mr. Tenney retired, leaving Mr. Allen sole proprietor. The Vidette closed its career Nov. 11, 1876. There was now but one paper published in the county, the Vernon County Censor.

The first number of the Vernon County Herald was issued at Viroqua, Feb. 1 (, 1878, by Jacob Tenney and Hiram Moody, editors and proprietors. Its platform of principles is given to its readers in the following salutatory :

" In presenting to the people the first number of the Herald, perhaps it is proper to announce some of the principles that will be advocated in its columns. We believe that the time has come when a change should be made in the National administration and the policy pursued by the government, and so believing, we shall use whatever influence we may command to bring about such change. The government for many years has been under the control of the wealthy bond-holders, corporations and partisan office-holders, who have influenced legislation for their selfish purposes, to the neglect of the welfare of a large majority of the people.

"The industries of the country have been languishing and dying, and millions of industrious people have been suffering from the effects of enforced idleness, while the bondholder has been adding to his hoarded wealth. Taxation has been unequal, working injustice to a large class of the people. The Nation has become subject to the rule of the money power and must seek deliverance through the ballot box. The principles advanced by the greenback party, should they prevail, will, we believe, relieve the people of much of the distress that has been caused by a false policy and misrule."

The terms of the Herald were $1.50 a year. In the first number, the editors seem to have had some idea that the publication of their paper would stir up animosities. They consoled themselves in this way : "A man cannot expect to publish a newspaper and escape having some enemies. Jesus Christ and George Washington had enemies, and we don't pretend to be better than either of them. In fact, we are willing to admit that they possessed some virtues that we cannot claim." The Herald was discontinued in the early part of August, 1880.

The first number of the Vernon county Leader was issued Aug. 20, 1880, by D. W. C. Wilson, as editor and proprietor, he having purchased the presses, printing material and fixtures of the Vernon county Herald. But the Leader is not in any respect a continuation of the Herald. "From our knowledge of Vernon county," says Mr. Wilson, in his salutatory, "we feel confident that its broad and fertile area presents an inviting field for newspaper enterprise, and that its industrious, intelligent and enterprising people will award to another paper, the support its merits, as a local newspaper shall justly deserve. With the advent of railroad facilities, of which Vernon county has so long been deprived, the most casual observer cannot fail to note a new and healthy activity in all branches of business, and a corresponding development of the vast resources of one of the best counties of the State.

"To aid and encourage this new activity," continues the editor, "and a full development of the resources of the county, as well as to chronicle the current events transpiring around us, will be our aim, hoping thereby to furnish such a paper as will be felt to be a necessity in every household within its borders. Politically, the Leader will be democratic, giving its hearty and unqualified support to the candidates of the party already in the field, and such local candidates as may from time to time be selected as its standard bearers.

"While we shall be firm and uncompromising," concludes Mr. Wilson, "in support of the principles and the candidates of the democratic party, we shall cheerfully accord to those opposed to us politically, the same degree of honesty and consistency we ask for ourselves and for those politically in accord with us, and shall treat all opponents with the same degree of courtesy and fairness that we ask for ourselves, appealing to the reason and good judgment of men, rather than to their passions or their prejudices. We have come to Vernon county to stay, and proudly throw our banner to the breeze, soliciting such patronage, and such only, as our conduct and efliciency shall justly merit."

The Leader is still published and is an ably conducted paper. There are, indeed, indications of fun - of genuine humor - in some of Wilson's editorials that stamp him as a genius in that line. It will be difficult to find anything more excessively humorous in all the range of American newspaper editorials than the following from his pen, in the issue of Aug. 27, 1880:

"A party has been camping out just on the outskirts of the pleasant little village of Melvina, during a portion of last week, and most of this. The party consisted of the Rev. L. W. Ijrigham, the genial and popular Universalist clergyman of La Crosse, his wife and son. Miss Hammond, Miss Dudley and Miss Kingsley, of that city, A. Enny and wife, 'By' Wright (the genial and popular conductor of the Viroqua branch) and wife, and Mrs. A. Ellis, of Sparta.

"They had a great deal of fun and a pleasant time generally; but they made a serious mistake when they let Wright into the party. They only took one car load of provisions, thinking that would be sufficient for a week's camping. The moment 'By' was turned loose among the edibles, they discovered their mistake. The second day's sun went down upon as hungry a crowd as ever sought shelter of a wood, and Elder Brigham and Enny had to start out on a foraging expedition. Chickens and turkeys were roosting high; as they seemed instinctively to dread that crowd. Over hills and through valleys, Enny and the elder plodded nearly all night long, and just at peep of day, come 'the drop' on a couple of old geese, which had the appearance of having stole out under the railing when Noah's shallop was scooting over this portion of the creation. These, they brought into camp.

"Hunger and weariness had done its work upon all the inmates of the camp except Wright; and all save him were in the tightly clasped arms of

'Tired Nature's sweet restorer, balmy slepp!' or words to that effect. 'By' was on picket duty; and no sooner did he get sight of the geese, than he claimed the high prerogative of making a breakfast of them, as a compensation for watching over the sleepers all night. Enny and the elder were too nearly exhausted to enter into a muscular contest, and sank down exhausted. The sleepers slept on; and when they awoke, a few scattering feathers were all that told the story of the lost geese, while 'By' sat by the camp-fire looking as portly as an alderman, and indulging in a sardonic smile as he looked upon the sunken faces of the starving party.

"But for the kind hospitality of Capt. Hunt, who sent to camp a barrel of pork and a load of potatoes, the bleaching bones of the whole party, Wright excepted, would have been whitening beneath the scorching rays of an August sun. Such conduct caused unpleasantness; and Tuesday's afternoon train took Wright on board, after which, the rest of the party went to work and filled up sufficiently to make their clothes fit, and had Several days of genuine fun. Elder

Brigham says, it is the last time he will ever undertake to camp out with 'By' Wright, unless he can first get a contract with the United States government to furnish rations, and a company of regulars to stand guard over them between meals. And still, on general principles, Wright isn't a bad fellow."

De Witt Clinton Wilson was born in Wakeman, Huron Co., Ohio, May 24, 1827. His parents were James Wilson and Amarilla White Wilson, who were Connecticut people. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the common schools of his town. He afterward attended the Norwalk Seminary one year, and the two succeeding years atOberlin College, having gone through the Freshman and Sophomore years. He left school at twenty years of age, going to Indiana, and subsequently returning to his native State. At twenty-one, Mr. Wilson was married at Wakeman to Jane Mc- Cumber, of that place. Remaining there two years in farming his father's place, he then moved to McDonough Co., 111., going into a railroad office, on the Quincy division of the C. B. & Q., railroad, where he remained three years. In consequence of ill health, he then removed to Sparta, Monroe Co., Wis., where he soon recovered, - he having at that time a tract of land near by.

Mr. Wilson occupied his land nearly a year. This was in 1859. The next year he moved into Sparta, when he was elected a justice of the peace, the jurisdiction of the office being then co-extensive with the county. His official business was large - more lucrative than any county office of Monroe county. The war coming on, he was called upon to go abroad through the counties of Monroe, Jackson, Vernon and La Crosse, to make war speeches. In October, 1861, entered the service as first lieutenant of company D, 18th Wisconsin regiment, G. S. Alban, colonel. Lieut. Wilson was in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, where he was taken prisoner, remaining such for seven months, when he was exchanged, and returned to his company and regiment, where he remained until March, 1863, when he was made captain of company A, of the 9th Louisiana (colored) regiment, afterwards changed to the United States 47th (colored) regiment.

Capt. Wilson remained with the 47th until Aug. 18, 1864, when he resigned. During the time of his connection with that regiment he commanded the same at the battle of Yazoo City, in connection with Col. Ransom of the 11th Illinois. This was a very severe conflict, resulting in driving the rebels out of the city, and in rescuing Col. Ransom's regiment which had been surrounded and shut up in a fort.

Capt. Wilson reached his home at Sparta about the 1st of September, 1864. The coming winter he was chosen assistant aergeant-at-arms of the Wisconsin Senate. The following winter he represented Monroe Co., Wis., in the Assembly, and the winters of 1867 and 1868 he represented the ninth senatorial district of his State, composed of the counties of Monroe, Juneau and Adams.

Before this date Capt. Wilson had been a regular writer for the Sparta Eagle. Before leaving the Senate, he was employed by the Milwaukee /iS'e?i<meZ to travel as their traveling correspondent during the year 1869. At the end of that time, he purchased one-half of the Sparta Eagle, which paper he continued to run with two different partners ; and in 1872, purchased the entire office, changing the name of the paper to the Monroe County Republican, making it an independent democratic sheet. That paper he edited until 1878, when he sold it to F. A. Brown, and went to Montevideo, Chippewa Co., Minn., where he established the Chippewa County Leader, which he sold on account of his wife's sickness, in 1879.

After the death of his second wife, Capt. Wilson came to Viroqua and purchased, as already stated the materials of the Herald, and started the Vernon County Leader. Mr. Wilson has three children - Mrs. Mary Booth, of Wakeman, Ohio; James A. Wilson, telegraph operator,, at Sparta, Wis.; and Miss Frank Wilson, now at school, at that place. " Capt. De- Witt C. Wilson, editor of the Vernon County Leailer," says the Milwaukee Sunday Telegraph, of Aug. 26, 1883, " is one of the ablest and clearest political writers and speakers in the State. His rhetoric is always good ; and his ideas are clear, and his reasoning pointed and able."