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 Library 
 
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 tlie Cornell University Library. 
 
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 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924008444295 
 
Cornell University Library 
 PN 4899.B383R28 
 
 History of the newspapers of Beaver Coun 
 
 3 1924 008 444 295 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 NEWSPAPERS 
 
 OF 
 
 BEAVER COUNTY, 
 PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 Francis S. Reader, 
 
 AUTHOR OF THE LIFE OF MOODY AND SANKEYl 
 
 HISTORY OF 6TH TW. VA. CAVALRYl HISTORY 
 
 OF NE1V BRIGHTON, PA. I SOME 
 
 PIONEERS OF WTASHINGTON 
 
 COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 F. s. RBADEB & SON, 
 
 NEW BRIGHTON, PA. 
 
 1»06 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In writing' a history of the newspapers of Beaver 
 County, the author had two objects in view, first to get a 
 connected history of each paper as to time and name, 
 and second to place on record a sketch and portrait of 
 every writer and printer who attained any prominence in 
 the work, in any line he pursued. 
 
 The former it is believed has been accomplished with 
 very few exceptions. Every public document bearing 
 on the subject, and copies of newspapers that could be 
 found, were carefully examined, and individuals con- 
 versant with any facts were seen or written to, and the 
 facts thus secured were used, so that as a matter of mere 
 historical sequence, the subject seems to be exhausted. 
 
 The second object has been but partially carried out, 
 much to the writer's disappointment, and to the regret 
 no doubt of the readers of the book. In the case of 
 many of the early actors, a full sketch was not obtainable, 
 and portraits were not to be had; but in the last half 
 century or more there are many of whom pen pictures 
 and portraits should be had, which could not be secured. 
 Men yet living, in many cases, were the hardest to get. 
 Weeks of time, and more weeks of labor, have been spent 
 to reach this end, but have failed, so the work is sent 
 forth incomplete in this respect. If it could have been 
 
made more complete, the value of the work would be 
 greatly enhanced, yet the more prominent persons, with 
 a very few exceptions, are given. 
 
 This history has been prepared as a tribute to the 
 author's journalistic associates, editors, publishers and 
 printers. The search for material, and the writing and 
 putting it in shape for the printer, is the author's con- 
 tribution, for which no compensation would be accepted. 
 The portraits have been inserted at the cost of securing 
 half tones, without profit to the author, and the only 
 source of income to pay for the mechanical work, is the 
 sale of the book to those who may have a curiosity to see 
 it, or a desire to own it for its historic value. 
 
 The author's thanks are due to every one who helped 
 in any way in preparing the book for publication, whose 
 names are cherished in the mind of the writer, if they do 
 not appear here. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 INTBODUCTION. 
 
 Page. 
 Erection of Beaver County— Pittsburgh Common- 
 wealth—Pittsburgh Tree of Liberty— Abner 
 Lacock— Ephraim Pentland 1-4 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 EARLY PAPERS OF BEAVER. 
 The Minerva — The Western Cabinet— The Crisis — 
 The Beaver Gazette— The Crisis and Beaver 
 Gazette 5-16 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 
 Beaver Republican- Beaver River Gazette— Demo- 
 cratic Watchman—The Aurora — Beaver Falls 
 Chronicle^ Beaver County Patriot 17-36 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 FALLSTON PAPERS. 
 The Fallston and Brighton Gazette— Beaver Falls 
 
 Union 37-49 
 
OHAPTBR IV. 
 THE WESTERN ARGUS. 
 Western Argus— Beaver Argus— Beaver County 
 
 Ad-gus- Radical— Argus and Radical— Daily X-Ray 50-7G 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE WESTERN STAR. 
 
 Western Star— Local— Conservative— Beaver County 
 Post— Comimoner— Globe Star— Beaver Star— Daily 
 Star. 
 
 The Commoner. 
 Geneva College 'Cabinet 77-102 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 
 Beaver Falls Chronicle — Beaver County Palladium — 
 Beaver Falls Journal— The Courant— Beaver Falls 
 Courier— Beaver County Enterprise— Beaver Falls 
 Tribune— The Life Boat— The Evening Pen— Globe 
 Advertiser— Spray of the Falls— Psalm Singer- 
 Evening Journal — Daily Recorder — Dally Radical 
 —Daily Republican— Bevie-n- 103-129 
 
 OHAI^THR VII. 
 
 THE BEAVER TIMES. 
 Beaver Times— Daily Times — Traimp Printers. 
 
 ilonaca Herald 130-141 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 
 
 New Brighton Record— The Young American— Xew 
 Brighton Times— Beaver Falls New Bra — New 
 Brighton Herald— Beaver County Press— Beaver 
 Valley News— Daily News. 
 Ambridge-Bconomy Citizen 142-173 
 
 Some Last Words 174-176 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Amberson, L. S opposite page 120 
 
 Anderson, H. D opposite page 136 
 
 Barker, Abner opposite page 24 
 
 Barker, Dr. R. B opposite page 24 
 
 Barker, Jesse J opposite page 24 
 
 Barker, Ralph opposite page 24 
 
 Barker, Pierce opposite page 24 
 
 Beitch, A. H opposite page 120 
 
 Bliss, Howard opposite page 72 
 
 Brighton Dam page 142 
 
 Brittain, Miss H opposite page 136 
 
 Burton, Thomp opposite page 80 
 
 Carson, J. H opposite page 128 
 
 Carson, J. W opposite page 128 
 
 Chamberlain, B. K opposite page 48 
 
 Chamberlain, B. B opposite page 48 
 
 Close, Clarence O opposite page 168 
 
 Corbus, B. T opposite page 160 
 
 Correll, Guy H opposite page 168 
 
 Crftchlow, Major D opposite page 160 
 
 Curtis, Smith opposite page 72 
 
 Daniels, D. F , .opposite page 168 
 
 Dentzer, C O opposite page 136 
 
 Deitrich, T. C opposite page 144 
 
 Disbrow, H. E opposite page 168 
 
 Eberhart, G. L opposite page 112 
 
 Edgar, J. B opposite page 120 
 
 Edmonds, J. D opposite page 136 
 
 Fetterman, N. P opposite page 48 
 
Frank, Charles R opposite page 144 
 
 Fulkman, W. S opposite page 112 
 
 Harris, W. R opposite page 136 
 
 Hays, G. A opposite page 112 
 
 Henry, Thomas opposite page 5G 
 
 Heniy, William opposite page 50 
 
 Henry, A. G opposite page 50 
 
 Kennedy, R. S opposite page 80 
 
 Keyser, W. J opposite page 168 
 
 Lampert, Theo opposite page 80 
 
 L«mnion, W. B opposite page 48 
 
 Mansfield, I. F opposite page 112 
 
 Mathews, O. H opposite page 160 
 
 McCaughtry , J. F opposite page 152 
 
 McClure, J. B opposite page 80 
 
 McGregor, R. G opposite page 80 
 
 News Building page 161 
 
 Opera Block page 159 
 
 Opera Block after the fire opposite page 144 
 
 Palmer, Harry opposite page 144 
 
 Porter, J. F opposite page 112 
 
 Quay, M. S opposite page 72 
 
 Reader, If. 'S opposite page 156 
 
 Reader, W. S opposite page 156 
 
 Reader, W. Don opposite page 156 
 
 Reader, R. W opposite page 156 
 
 Reed, W. H opposite page 112 
 
 Rutan, J. S opposite page 72 
 
 Scene Old Oanal page 143 
 
 Sutherland, H. A opposite page 144 
 
 Tallon, F. W opposite page 168 
 
 Taylor, J. H opposite page 144 
 
 U. S. Bank Building page 144 
 
 AVeyand, Jacob opposite page 56 
 
 Weyand, Michael opposite page 56 
 
 Whlsler, A. W opposite page 160 ' 
 
 AVhisler, C. F opposite page 160 
 
 Wilson, N. M opposite page 48 
 
 Winter, John opposite page 48 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Beaver County, Pennsylvania, was erected March 12, 
 1800, and the county was organized for judicial purposes 
 April 2, 1803, the first court being held February 6, 1804, 
 in the house of Abner Lacock on Third street, with Hon. 
 Jesse Moore judge. Jonathan Coulter, Joseph Hemp- 
 hill and Denny McClure were designated to erect the 
 necessary public buildings, and Beavertown was selected 
 as the county seat, under the Act of Assembly forming 
 the county. Two of the reserved squares were selected 
 as the locations for the public buildings. The first 
 building was the jail, the second story of which was used 
 for the Court room until 1810, during which year the 
 first Court house was completed, on the same lot as the 
 present one, but east toward the old jail. It was a one 
 story structure to which an eastern wing was added in 
 1840, and a western wing in 1848, for use of public 
 officials and to preserve the records. The present jail 
 was built in 1858-9. 
 
 With the advent of the Courts and the business of the 
 county officials, came the necessity for advertising such 
 public acts as the law required. There was then no 
 paper in the county, and legal advertisements were 
 placed in Pittsburg papers; and indeed after the estab- 
 lishment of a Beaver county paper, important legal 
 
2 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 advertisements were required to be published in the 
 paper at "Washington, Pa., and the Pittsburg papers, 
 from which two counties Beaver county was formed. 
 The politicians depended mainly on the Pittsburg papers 
 for a hearing and for access to the newspaper reading 
 public. 
 
 A paper of that city which had most to do with 
 Beaver county, was the "Commonwealth," started in 
 Pittsburg Wednesday morning July 24, 1805. It was 
 printed and published every Wednesday morning by 
 Ephraim Pentland. Mr. Pentland was the son-in-law of 
 Abner Lacock of Beaver, was a Pittsburg lawyer, and was 
 admitted to the Beaver County Courts April 11, 1831. 
 He was city recorder of Pittsburg for a number of years, 
 but was best Itnown in those days in his stormy career as 
 a newspaper editor. 
 
 Mr. Lacock was a frequent, indeed almost a regular 
 contributor to the columns of the "Commonwealth." In 
 the first issue of the paper, an editorial reference is made 
 to a letter from Lancaster, Pa., to John Israel, register 
 and recorder of Washington county, and editor of the 
 "Tree of Liberty," no doubt the same Israel who was 
 arraigned in the columns of the "Commonwealth," in its 
 second number. In that number Mr. Lacock had an 
 article two and one-fourth columns in length, defending 
 his course in the legislature from the attacks of an 
 "apostate prmter." This was supplemented by an edi- 
 torial commenting on the letter to Israel, from which the 
 following is taken: "There certainly can be but one 
 sentiment of disapprobation with all parties, towards the 
 editor who wilfully mutilates and disfigures what is com- 
 mitted to his charge for publication. Israel knew Mr. 
 Lacock's letter was unanswerable, and forsooth under- 
 took to destroy the effect of his language by altering the 
 spelling and punctuation. Oh, meanness unparalleled." 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 This "Tree of Liberty" is spoken of at later times, 
 and in the "Minerva" of Beaver, October 8, 1808, a reply 
 was made to articles that appeared in the "Tree of 
 Liberty," which has led some to think that it was a 
 Beaver county paper published prior to the "Minerva," 
 but it is clearly established that it was a Pittsburg paper 
 and was never published in this county. Mr. Israel sold 
 the "Tree of Liberty" in December 1805. In January 
 1807, Hon. Walter Forward was editor of the paper, and 
 he was Secretary of the U. S. Treasury in 1841-43. 
 
 In the issue of the "Commonwealth" August Y, 1805, 
 a report is given of a meeting in Beaver county, in which 
 it is said that a 'number of Democratic Republicans con- 
 vened on the banks of the Beaver creek * * * in 
 order to celebrate the anniversary of our independence,' 
 with the usual toasts. One of the toasts was, "The Tree 
 whose fruit is blasted, may it soon be despoiled of its 
 branches, and the axe of the Commonwealth at its root." 
 In the issue of the same paper of September 28, 1805, 
 there appeared a call to the Republicans of Beaver 
 county on the issues at stake, in the approaching election. 
 Mr. Lacoek had a number of articles in the paper on 
 political questions, and many other Beaver county 
 articles appeared frequently. 
 
 Abner Lacoek was bom near Alexandria, Va., July 9, 
 1770, came to Beaver county in 1796, and on the 19th of 
 September of that year, was appointed by Governor 
 Thomas Mifflin Justice of the Peace for Pitt township, 
 Allegheny county, afterward made a part of Beaver 
 county. He was elected to the legislature in 1801; was 
 appointed Associate Judge in 1803, and served in the first 
 court held in his house in 1804, resigning to return to the 
 legislature, where he served until elected to the State 
 Senate in 1808; was elected to Congress in 1810, and to 
 the United States Senate in 1813, serving six years, the 
 first U. S. Senator from Beaver county. He was a 
 
4 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 strong friend of Presidents Madison and Monroe, but 
 intensely disliked Andrew Jackson. He died April 32, 
 1837. 
 
 By act of the legislature September 28, 1791, Gover- 
 nor Thomas Mifflin was authorized to have surveyed, near 
 the mouth of the Beaver river, on or near where the old 
 French town stood, two hundred acres of land in town 
 lots, and also one thousand acres adjoining and on the 
 upper side thereof, as nearly square as might be, in out- 
 lots of not less than five nor more than ten acres each. 
 The survey of the land was made by Daniel Leet in 
 November 1792. Fort Mcintosh was established here in 
 1778, and prior to that time about twenty years, there 
 was a town built by the French for the use of certain 
 Indian tribes. By the Act of March 12, 1800, establish- 
 ing the county of Beaver, the town was designated and 
 fixed as the county seat. Then the beautiful plateau on 
 which the town was built, was covered with a dense 
 growth of shrubs and saplings. The town was regularly 
 incorporated March 29, 1802, and entered upon its legal 
 existence. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE EARLY PAPERS OF BEAVER. 
 
 The newspapers published in Beaver before the 
 "Western Argus," were included in the period from No- 
 vember 4, 1807 to September 1, 1818. They were in- 
 fluential in their day, and supplied a want that was felt 
 by all classes of people, the politicians, the tradesmen, 
 the office holders, and the humbler workers who were the 
 backbone of the rapidly growing population. 
 
 These papers changed from hand to hand, or in name, 
 with great rapidity, doubtless under the stress of adverse 
 circumstances, and the lack of suitable patronage, so 
 that there was no permanency until eleven years after 
 the first one began its existence. Materials were neces- 
 sarily high and subscribers and advertisers few, and the 
 comparative sparseness of the population, made the 
 official and legal printing a small item. Labor was 
 cheap, and the purchasing power of the people was poor, 
 and subscribers paid so little in cash, that the burden of 
 securing enough to pay the expenses of the printer, was 
 a heavy one and could not be borne long. 
 
 It must be borne in mind that at this time there was 
 but a small population in the county, not larger than 
 New Brighton at present; that the most thrifty tovra in 
 the county, Fallston, was a mere hamlet with a flouring 
 
6 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 and saw mill ; Beaver Falls, then Brighton, had a few lots 
 laid out on the Walnut bottoms, but gave no promise of 
 the present growth and prosperity; New Brighton had 
 not even a name and about its only distinction was 
 Wolf's flouring mill near the present Tenth street bridge ; 
 Sharon, now Bridgewater, had been the scene of Burr's 
 operations in the building of boats; and everywhere in 
 the valley of the Beaver and along the banks of the Ohio, 
 was a dense wilderness, forests that had never been fully 
 penetrated, and nothing but the quiet, and stillness and 
 loneliness of the almost unbroken wilds that but a few 
 years before had been the haunts of the Indians. None 
 of the comforts of modern life were to be had, communi- 
 cation with the great outside world was a question of 
 months, and the solitude and monotony of the pioneer 
 life, was scarcely conducive to a condition where a news- 
 paper would find ready acceptance, and receive such sup- 
 port as to enable it to live. 
 
 What the equipment of these early papers was, is 
 known only in part, but it was of necessity simple and 
 crude. The printer who laboriously picked the separate 
 pieces from his case of type, and found it impossible to 
 put in type even the limited amount of copy of the 
 period, would have regarded it an evidence of insanity 
 for any one to predict the wonderful type setting or type 
 casting machines of the present. The presses of that 
 early day were typical only of the magnificent ones of 
 today. The first press then used in the coimty, was 
 probably the Eamage press, which printed one page at a 
 time, with but vei-y slow speed arid moderate mechanical 
 skill. This was followed by the Franklin press, some- 
 what of an improvement, which in later years was super- 
 ceded by the Washington hand press, well known to many 
 printers yet living. The type was fairly good and 
 looked tolerably well, and the paper used was coarse in 
 texture and poor in appearance, but it has stood well the 
 
THE EARLY PAPERS OF BEAVER. 
 
 ravages of time, the first of the papers yet in existence 
 being in a good state of preservation. 
 
 The papers of this period are believed to be the same 
 in mechanical equipment, and each the regular successor 
 of the preceding one ; being the same in size and general 
 make up, type the same generally, but changed in name 
 of paper and editor, combining in the course of eleven 
 years in making the "Western Argus." The latter is the 
 legitimate successor of the "Minerva" through the ups 
 and downs of the enterprising gentlemen who attempted 
 to fill the journalistic want of the day, and all' failed 
 except the Logans, who passed the "Argus" on its way to 
 the Henrys, who kept the name given the paper in 1818. 
 ilr. Berry named his paper the "Minerva;" Mr. White 
 who followed him changed it to the "Western Cabinet:" 
 and when he laid down the burden, the Logans took it up 
 but dropped the name and called it the "Crisis;" and 
 after five years of hard work, disappointment and partial 
 success only, they changed the name to the "Western 
 Argus," the name never lost except for a few weeks, in 
 the eighty-seven years that have followed ; and when they 
 tired of the responsibility, James Logan in 1825 trans- 
 ferred the paper to Thomas Henry, who kept the name 
 intact. 
 
 The modern journalist would hardy submit to such 
 conditions, and none but the newspaper pioneers of the 
 ever receding west, during the century that has just 
 closed, have known the real hardships, genuine priva- 
 tions, and depths of discouragement, that the early news- 
 paper men of the county experienced. And these men 
 who started papers were not ig-norant upstarts, who led 
 by the hope of political reward ventured beyond their 
 literary depths, but in every case were men of intellectual 
 strength and culture, whose virile ^vritings compare 
 favorably with the best of the present day, with all our 
 
8 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 advantages. Like the pioneers in all departments of 
 life, they were equipped for their work, but the condi- 
 tions were not such as to command success. 
 
 The Minerva. 
 
 The first paper in Beaver county of which there is any 
 record, or any copy kno-ivn to be in existence, was the 
 "Minerva," 'published in the town of Beaver every Satur- 
 day by John Berry at two dollars per year, and when sent 
 by post, the postage of fifty cents per year to be added.' 
 It was started at an eventful period, in the latter part of 
 President Jefferson's administration, in the height of his 
 popularity; and in the closing year of Governor Thomas 
 McKean's administration in Pemisylvania, the inde- 
 pendent Democrat, who had defeated Simon Snyder 
 Democrat in 1805 by over 5,000 votes in the state. 
 
 It was devoted to the Republican party and conse- 
 quently gave a hearty support to President Jefferson. 
 While not much space was given to editorials, there was 
 enough to outline its policy and show the aggressive 
 character of its utterances. Its columns in its second 
 year, showed a controversy with the "Tree of Liberty," a 
 sheet that seemed to be specially virulent in its attacks 
 on the leaders of the Eepublican party in the west. The 
 character of that paper is seen in the introduction to this 
 work, and its attacks on the public men of the Jefferson 
 
THE EARLY PAPERS OF BEAVER. 
 
 party were met with spirit. The writing as shown in 
 the few copies of the "Minerva" in existence, is of a high 
 character, and evidences ability and candor, with literary 
 excellence. 
 
 The "Minerva" was a small sheet, the pages about 
 ten by seventeen inches, four columns to the page, and 
 four pages in all. In the issue of the paper December 
 19, 1808, there appears at the end of the last column the 
 signature : "Beavertown, Pa., printed by Joseph Israel." 
 It is not stated who he was, but probably the practical 
 printer, who assisted John Berry the editor. 
 
 Number one. Volume one, of the "Minerva" is dated 
 Wednesday November 4, 1807. The head line is evidently 
 a wood cut, near the centre of which is a representation 
 of the goddess whose name ij, it bears, somewhat crude, 
 wearing her plumed helmet on lier head. On the left of 
 the figure is the word "The," and on the right "Minerva," 
 the letters sloping to the left and about one inch in 
 height. Underneath the head line is the motto, taken 
 from Cowper, and reads : — "This folio of four pages 
 * * * * happy work! what is it but a map of busy 
 life, its fluctuations and its vast concerns." The date 
 line is Volume 1 Number 1, Wednesday November 4, 
 1807^ One third of the first column is taken up with 
 the terms of subscription and the card, "Printing — 
 pamphlets, hand bills, cards and all kinds of blanks, 
 neatly ."and accurately executed at this office." The re- 
 mainder of the page consists of "European affairs," the 
 latest intelligence of which is given as August 15. The 
 countries of Europe were all noticed in the news thus 
 printed. On the second page were more European news 
 of the date of September 7, and the remainder of this 
 page was filled with news from Philadelphia and other 
 places in America, as late as October 19. 
 
 On the third page is this paragraph; "In order to 
 lay before the public as soon as possible the first number 
 
HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS 
 
 of the 'Minerva,' we have published it on Wednesday. 
 Saturday will henceforth be the day of publication." 
 At the head of this page is the editorial salutatory, which 
 reads as follows : "We this day present to the public the 
 first number of the 'Minerva.' In doing this, it is per- 
 haps necessary to state the principles upon which it will 
 be conducted. The 'Minerva' shall be strictly impartial, 
 free from the influence of party and political prejudice. 
 Convinced that when correctly informed, the people can- 
 not fail of judging correctly, the editor will give a faith- 
 ful detail of passing events, leaving them to form their 
 ovm. conclusions. He will not assume the office of. 
 Dictator. He does not mean, however, to exclude from 
 his paper political discussion. On the contrary it is 
 invited. Believing that the only way to come at the 
 truth is to hear the arguments advanced on all sides, he 
 will gladly receive and cheerfully publish political essays 
 from either party, when such essay is written with moder- 
 ation and couched in respectfid. language. But he never 
 will consent that the pages of the 'Minerva' should be- 
 come the channel through which partizans may give vent 
 to their gall. Its columns shall be occasionally devoted 
 to amuse as well as instruct his readers. With respect 
 to his own opinions, he has no hesitation in declaring 
 them Eepublican ; that he is warmly attached to the con- 
 stitution of the State and of the Union. Such, briefly 
 stated, are the principles upon which the 'Minerva' will 
 be conducted; the editor trusts they will be approved of 
 by an enlightened public. J. Berry. Minerva office, 
 4th November 1807." 
 
 The third page contains the proclamation of Gover- 
 nor Thomas McKean, dated at Lancaster October 3, 1807, 
 offering a reward of five hundred dollars for the arrest 
 and conviction of the person who murdered James 
 Hamilton, September 23 last past, said Hamilton having 
 accompanied WiUiam B. Irish deputy marshal in the dis- 
 
THE EAKLY PAPERS OF BEAVER. 
 
 trict of Pennsylvania, George Holdship Esq., and Ennion 
 Williams agent of the Pennsylvania Population Com- 
 pany, to dispossess William FouUces. The advertise- 
 ments were all on this page. The printer of the paper 
 advertised a lot of ground in the town of Mercer. 
 WiUiam Gillespie boot and shoemaker, . informs his 
 friends that he still continues to carry on his business 
 in Third street, opposite Mr. Hemphill's tavern. David 
 Johnson register of the county has a notice. Arnold 
 Eichbaum of Pittsburg, advertises turning in all its 
 branches, oval and roiuid, in ivory, wood or metal, and 
 Zadok Cramer of the same city, advertises a number of 
 books just published. Coulter, Bever and Bowman, an- 
 noimce that they have commenced building a paper mill 
 at the mouth of Little Beaver, near Georgetown, and 
 hope to complete it in the course of the winter. 
 
 The fourth page is filled with poetry and miscellane- 
 ous reading. 
 
 The "Minerva" was in existence as late as January 
 9, 1811, and doubtless until succeeded by the "Western 
 Cabinet." In 1810 Mr. Berry presented a claim to the 
 Beaver council as follows : "For publishing three ordi- 
 nances, 3 squares, $3.00 ; proposals for building a market 
 house, one square, $1.00, total $4.00." January 9, 1811, it 
 was endorsed — "Held under advisement." John Berry 
 was a member of Beaver council in 1808-09, and while 
 no doubt a man of influence and standing, nothing is now 
 known of him personally; but the fact that he published 
 the paper for four years, shows that he was a man of 
 energy and strength of will, combined with intelligence. 
 
12 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 The Western Cabinet. 
 
 The "Western Cabinet" was started September 30, 
 1811, "printed and published by Joseph W. White," at 
 Beavertown, Pa. It was issued every Saturday at $2.00 
 per year, was the same size sheet as the "Minerva," and 
 practically the same in style and appearance. Every- 
 thing goes to show that it was the immediate successor 
 of the "Minerva," with a change of name. Its motto 
 was : "The basis of our political system is the right of the 
 people to make and to alter the constitution of Govern- 
 ment. — ^Washington." 
 
 Its life was a brief one, less than two years until its 
 successor was begun, but it was in the midst of the dis- 
 cussions, and excitement, attending the beginning of the 
 War of 1812 with Great Britain, and had full opportunity 
 to show its mettle. It was published during the last 
 two years of President Madison's first administration, 
 when events were rapidly occurring that resulted in the 
 second victory over the Mother Coimtry, and established 
 beyond doubt the fact that the United States was oile of 
 the strong nations of the civilized world. 
 
 Mr. White was a member of Beaver council in 1808, 
 and was a man of strength intellectually and in energy 
 of character. 
 
THE EARLY PAPERS OF BEAVER. 
 
 The Crisis. 
 
 The "Crisis" was started May 22, 1813, by J. & A. 
 Logan. It was on a sheet the same size as the 
 "Minerva," and same general style. Displayed in its 
 columns was this : "Printed every Saturday morning at 
 their printing office Centre avenue, adjoinuig the Court 
 House." The last number of this paper that the writer 
 has seen, was dated April 30, 1814, without the name of 
 the publisher. It contained the receipts and expendi- 
 tures of the county for 1813, amounting to $4,877.38. 
 Among the other items of expense was one of $30, paid 
 to Joseph W. White for publishing the receipts and ex- 
 penditures, doubtless for 1812, showing that the "West- 
 ern Cabinet" was in existence as late as February or 
 March 1813. The "Crisis" was still published December 
 25, 1813, by J. & A. Logan, a copy of that date being in 
 existence. November 10, 1815, Beaver council passed an 
 ordinance, "Authorizing borough notes in the aggregate 
 of five hundred dollars, in denominations of 6 1-4, 12 1-2, 
 25 and 50 cents each, to be signed by the treasurer and 
 placed in the hands of the burgess to be placed on the 
 market. The treasurer to procure paper and have the 
 notes struck by the editor of the 'Beaver Crisis.' " The 
 name of the editor is not given, but the transaction shows 
 that a paper by the name of the "Crisis" existed at that 
 date. 
 
HISTORY OF BEAYER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 The Beaver Gazette. 
 
 The "Beaver Gazette" was started June 8, 1813, being 
 the same size as the "Crisis," and in appearance much 
 the same. It was issued every Saturday at two dollars 
 per year. Its motto was: "Free but not Licentious." 
 It seems to have been the immediate predecessor of the 
 "Western Argus." 
 
 A copy of the paper is in existence dated Saturday 
 April 4, 1818, of which the publisher was A. Logan, with 
 the same motto. In this issue Mr. Logan has the fol- 
 lowing : "Reports are in circulation that we will not give 
 space in our paper to the communications of the party in 
 opposition. This report is unfounded and we wish to let 
 our readers hear all the arguments that can be brought 
 forward on both sides of the great political question, 
 which has not only rendered us political enemies, but 
 even destroyed the blessings of social life." It is evident 
 that politics were at fever heat then, though the country 
 was in the era of peace and quiet under the adminis- 
 tration of President Monroe. 
 
 Mr. Logan was a prominent man in the county, and 
 was clerk of Beaver council in 1816. He was appointed 
 postmaster of Beaver April 24, 1832, and served imtil 
 1838, when he moved to Iowa where he died. 
 
THE EARLY PAPERS OF BEAVER. 
 
 The Crisis and Beaver Gazette. 
 
 The "Crisis and Beaver Gazette" was started June 10, 
 1813. It has been claimed by some that this paper was 
 a consolidation of the "Crisis" and the "Beaver Gazette," 
 but the fact that both of these papers were being pub- 
 lished two or more years later than this time, seems to 
 render that theory untenable. All three papers were 
 published by one or both of the Logan brothers, and it is 
 possible that the names were applied variously at differ- 
 ent times, as it suited them, without regard to continuity 
 of name. Three copies of the "Crisis and Beaver 
 Gazette'' are known to be in existence, one dated Septem- 
 ber 30, 1815, Volume 3 No. 17, and the last one April 18, 
 1816, Volume 3 No. 45, all bearing the name of A. Logan 
 as publisher. The last one had the same motto as the 
 "Beaver Gazette," "Free but not Licentious." 
 
 When James Logan on September 1, 1818, began the 
 publication of the "Western Argus," the successor of 
 these three papers, he announced in his salutatory that 
 he "sent on the first number (of the 'Western Argus') 
 to the patrons of the 'Beaver Gazette,' " giving as a 
 reason that he had not had time to prepare a new list for 
 the new paper. This would show that the "Beaver 
 Gazette" was the paper then in existence, and the im- 
 mediate predecessor of the "Western Argus," and not the 
 "Crisis and Beaver Gazette." The last issue of the latter 
 known to be in existence is dated April 18, 1816, while the 
 last issue of the "Beaver Gazette" yet in existence, was 
 dated April 4, 1818. 
 
16 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 James Logan was one of the prominent and assertive 
 men of his day, and was a foeman worthy the steel of any 
 of his militant editorial contemporaries. He was a 
 memher of Beaver council from 1815 for twelve years at 
 various times, the last year in 1833, and was clerk of 
 comicil two years. He was Justice of the Peace of dis- 
 trict No. 3, December 15, 1814; Clerk of Courts of the 
 county 1824-25; Prothonotary 1830-36; and trustee of 
 Beaver Academy, and secretary of the board, for 1833-35- 
 43-45. 
 
 These three papers came into existence during the 
 last administration of President Madison and extended 
 into the first administration of President Monroe, thus 
 being published when the dominant political sentiment 
 was Republican, the Federalist party having largely dis- 
 appeared. In the same period was fought to a success- 
 ful conclusion the second war with Great Britain. The 
 time was propitious for a journal of stability, the county 
 having made considerable advancement in population, 
 manufactures, commercial enterprises, and in agricul- 
 ture, and the foundations of such a journal were laid by 
 James Logan when on Tuesday September 1, 1818, he 
 brought into existence the "Western Argus." 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 
 
 The journalistic ventures that led from the "Minerva" 
 in 1807 to the "Western Argus" of 1818, when a perma- 
 nent name, paper and policy were established, were 
 similarly followed in the establishing of a Democratic 
 journal. From the "Republican" of the Logans in 1826, 
 came eventually the "Western Star" of 1843, which be- 
 came measureably permanent in name, and certainly so 
 in politics. It was a long and hard struggle, blasting 
 the hopes of many good men, and depleting the purses of 
 all who had anything to do with them in a practical way. 
 Some of the brightest men of the county took part in this 
 evolution of a Democratic paper, but all came to grief, 
 and even in the "Western Star" many long years elapsed 
 before permanency was in view, and then only after many 
 strong men and able writers had failed in their efforts. 
 There were some bright rainds in the roll of the editors 
 of these papers, whose editorials were as merciless as 
 they were able and brilliant. It would be very interest- 
 ing, as well as of historic value, to know more of the life 
 work and characteristics of all these Democratic editors, 
 but we will have to content ourselves with what is given 
 in these pages, as it is all that could be obtained after 
 the most careful inquiry and search. 
 
18 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 The first of these papers, the "Eepublican," came into 
 existence in the period when Andrew Jackson was one 
 of the most prominent figures in the country, and when 
 the words Democratic and Kepublican were getting in 
 opposition as names of two separate and widely distinct 
 political parties, the former name to last through the 
 century and beyond, and the latter to become the Whig 
 party in 1836, to be replaced in 1856 by the Republican 
 party, thus restoring the names that existed soon after 
 the Logan brothers started their new newspaper venture. 
 In State politics, in the same early period, the contest 
 for Governor was between the Democratic and the Anti- 
 Masons, the Federal party dropping out of the race after 
 the defeat of the Federalist candidate for Governor in 
 1826. 
 
 These were hot political times, and the contests were 
 as vigorous and iinrelenting, as the rival political papers 
 were ablaze with fiery rhetoric, and denunciation of each 
 other. Plain words were used to express the thoughts 
 of the editor, and they never failed to hit the mark with 
 their heavy editorial artillery, or throw confusion into 
 the ranks of the enemy by their pungent and telling 
 ridicule. The way was open for a long campaign of 
 editorial combat, and the Logans entered the field well 
 equipped for the fray. The Henrys on the other side, 
 were as vigilant and as well prepared as their opponents, 
 and the weekly broadsides were looked for eagerly by the 
 readers of the papers, and there was no quarter shown or 
 asked, but the fight was to the finish. 
 
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 
 
 Beaver Republican. 
 
 The "Beaver Eepublicaii" seems to have been the first 
 Democratic paper published in the county, and began 
 its existence in June 1826. It was printed in the second 
 story of the McCreery & Mitchell brick building on Main 
 street, by Logan & English, and was a four page five 
 column sheet. The earliest number now known to be 
 in existence is dated June 19, 1828. The publishers then 
 were A. & J. Logan. The latter transferred the "West- 
 ern Argus" to Thomas Henry, and a spirited controversy 
 occurred between the "Argus" and the "Kepublican," the 
 former charging the latter with having promised to keep 
 out of the newspaper business when James Logan sold 
 the "Argus" to Mr. Henry in 1825. 
 
 The "Republican" in the issue of June 19, had the fol- 
 lowing editorial in part: "A system of oppugnance and 
 hostility to the establishment of the 'Beaver Republican' 
 has been manifested by a certain combination ever since 
 its commencement. It was intended to crush the estab- 
 lishment by destroying the character of its editors. Ac- 
 cordingly it was widely circulated that 'no faith, no 
 confidence' ought to be attached to those obnoxious 
 editors, as the senior had 'bomid himself in an obligation 
 never to be concerned in any printing establishment in 
 the county of Beaver, and the jtinior was beneath 
 notice,' " consequently they were unworthy of support. 
 The "Republican" reviewed the controversy on the obli- 
 gation referred to, in a two column editorial, conclud- 
 ing with this, written evidently by James Logan: "But 
 why commence a public attack on my character in the 
 
HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 'Argus?' Why this anxiety to destroy me? Since my 
 talents are not of that superior order as to excite envy, 
 much less excite svich a combination of talent against me. 
 Yet a little while and all these petty quarrels of puny 
 mortals shall be silenced forever, and although Beaver 
 county in the estimation of Mr. Henry is too contracted 
 a space for us both to breathe in, yet less room vi'ill serve 
 us in that land of cessation,' vrhere 'the vricked cease 
 from troubling and the vrearj are at rest.' The editor 
 of the 'Argus' has causelessly provoked this quarrel. He 
 is welcome now to do his worst. 'Lay on M'Duff,' and if 
 we do not apply the lex talionis, it will be our own fault." 
 
 In the issue of February 26, 1829, the publishers are 
 given as James Logan and James Sharp, and May 5, 1833, 
 A. Logan is named as editor and proprietor. The paper 
 carried the name of Andrew Jackson as the Democratic- 
 Republican candidate for President. Joseph Conrad 
 and Andrew Logan were applicants for postmaster at 
 Beaver, and the "Argus" referring to the applicants for 
 the office, in its issue of April 27, 1832, had this scathing 
 editorial : "All parties have confidence in the integrity 
 and uprightness of intention of the former — in the latter 
 there are but few of any party that have that confidence. 
 But he is a Jackson printer who stops at nothing, and 
 will no dovibt receive his reward." When Mr. Logan 
 received the appointment of postmaster the "Argus" gave 
 him an editorial warming up, characteristic of the times 
 in newspaper writing. In the same issue the "Argus" 
 refers to Mr. Phillips, one of the editors of the "Pitts- 
 burg Manufacturer," as connected at one time with A. 
 Logan in printing the "Eepublican." 
 
 In the issue of the "Eepublican" of March 12, 1834, 
 the following article appeared, .which showed the lack of 
 friendly feeling between the two Democratic papers: 
 "To our patrons — On Friday evening last we lent our 
 subscription book to Dr. Barker, who promised faithfully 
 
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 21 
 
 to return it early next morning, since which we have been 
 unable to obtain it — ^he refiising to deliver it up. The 
 subject will shortly undergo a legal investigation." The 
 reply of Dr. Barker was that having bought tlie "Eepub- 
 lican" from Mr. Logan, he was entitled to the sub- 
 scription list, which he would hold until the transfer was 
 made. Inasmuch as Mr. Logan failed to complete his 
 contract, the status of the disputed subscription list was 
 not settled as far as papers at hand show. 
 
 June 20, 1834, Andrew Logan retired as editor of the 
 "Republican," and was succeeded by his brother James 
 Logan. The former declared himself still a hearty 
 supporter of the administration, and advised the readers 
 of the paper that the public would lose nothing by the 
 change of editors. 
 
 After the transfer, the "Beaver River Gazette" in its 
 issue of July 10, had this to say : "The 'Republican' it is 
 said has been transferred by the postmaster to James 
 Logan, Esq. Now we wish to know whether the post- 
 master does not issue that paper from the postoffice every 
 week, and if he does, whether he charges the postage 
 required by law? If the postmaster delivers papers 
 without charging postage, he defrauds the ofEce.'' The 
 amenities of journalism were rather hazy it would seem 
 from the statements and insinuations of the "Argus" and 
 the "Gazette," made about this member of the Logan 
 family. 
 
 The incmnbency of James Logan was brief but 
 stormy, he retiring in September 1834, and Andrew 
 Logan again becam.e editor. The former was a candi- 
 date for Assembly on the Van Buren ticket, in addition 
 to his other political offices, and was defeated. The 
 editorship was soon changed again, and about the first of 
 November J. & E. Beeson, strangers to the place, new 
 comers from Ohio, became the editors, who were severely 
 handled by the "Argus." 
 
22 HISTORY BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 The "Kepublican" suspended May 6, 1835. The 
 "Argus" ill its issue of May 16, had the following to say 
 about it : "The 'Eepublican' has ceased to exist. Notice 
 was given in that paper on Wednesday last, that that 
 number closed its brilliant career, and it is now classed 
 with the things that were. One of the editors has out 
 a prospectus for a new paper to be established on the 
 ruins of the llepublican,' to be called the 'Democratic 
 Watchman,' but we understand the prospect of success is 
 not flattering. The editors complain that they are not 
 adequately supported, whilst the party think they have 
 the worst of the bargain." 
 
 Beaver River Gazette. 
 
 Amid the discouragements and uncertainties of the 
 Democratic journals, one appeared on the scene of news- 
 paper activity in 1834, that had decided promise of long 
 life, but it was almost as short lived as it was brilliant. 
 Dr. R. B. Barker and Eeece C. Fleeson, started the 
 "Beaver Eiver Gazette" February 11, 1834, Vol. I. No. 1. 
 
 The following motto appeared at the head of the 
 paper : "In proportion as the structure of a Government 
 gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public 
 opinion should be enlightened." 
 
 The card at the head of the first column was as fol- 
 lows: "The 'Beaver Eiver Gazette' is printed and pub- 
 lished on Main street, Beaver, by E. B. Barker and E. 0. 
 rieeson, on a superimperial sheet, every Thursday at $2 
 per annum, if paid within the year; or $2.50 if payment 
 
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 23 
 
 be longer delayed. Arrearages must be paid before the 
 paper is discontinued. * * * Advertisements inserted 
 at $1 per square for three insertions, and 25 cents for 
 eacb subsequent one. Yearly advertisements inserted 
 on reasonable terms. Communications must be post- 
 paid." 
 
 The following editorial appeared in the first issue: 
 "In assuming the control of a newpaper press, we are 
 deeply sensible of the responsibility of the duties we en- 
 gage to perform ; and it shall be our constant solicitude 
 to repay the public confidence and favor, so liberally 
 bestowed, by a free and diligent discharge of those duties. 
 That we may err at times, both from weakness of judg- 
 ment and sensibility of temper, we have little doubt; but 
 as we bring to our undertaking, a willingness of cor- 
 rection and an ardent love of our country and its institu- 
 tions, we hope they will make amends in some degree, for 
 the errors we may occasionally commit. Whilst then we 
 pledge ourselves to a temperate and independent dis- 
 charge of duty, we rely with confidence on the continued 
 support and indulgence of our numerous friends." 
 
 The design of the new paper and the object in start- 
 ing it, were given in the following prospectus: "The 
 rapidly increasing business and importance of our 
 flourishing county in the view of many of our en- 
 lightened citizens, seem to call for an extension of the 
 means by which the resources and business of the coimty 
 are brought into public notice. Within the last ten 
 years the poptJation has increased at the rate of fifty per 
 cent ; and during the same period great quantities of our 
 fertile soil have been settled and improved into rich and 
 productive farms, whilst our enterprising manufacturers 
 availing themselves of the unlimited water power of our 
 great streams, have added to our character as an agri- 
 cultural, that of a manufacturing community also. Such 
 increase evidently demands new sources of information. 
 
24. HISTORY OF BEATER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 New interests will be created, and the vast resources of 
 the county unfolded by the operation of fresh enterprise, 
 and new skill will speedily elevate it to that point of 
 wealth and importance to which it is undoubtedly 
 destined to attain. These considerations have induced 
 us to establish a weekly newspaper, to be called the 
 'Beaver Eiver Gazette.' Devoted as we shall be to the 
 general interests of the county, more than to party strife, 
 it will be our aim to render our paper useful to all classes 
 of the community. The immense agricultural interests 
 of the county shall be faithfully attended to; and every 
 information connected with the business of the farmer 
 shall be carefully sought and laid before him. The 
 manufacturer may rely upon our fervent support ; and we 
 will endeavor by all means in our power, to foster our 
 manufacturing establishments and promote their growth. 
 To the merchant and man of business, our paper shall 
 impart all the information that can facilitate commerce, 
 or increase the intercourse of trade, and we shall hope to 
 become an acceptable visitor in the family circle, by our 
 selections in morality and light literature. A depart- 
 ment of our paper shall be allotted to the promulgation 
 of the improvements in the arts and discoveries of 
 science, as it is by their adoption and application that 
 the mechanical arts' can alone advance to greater per- 
 fection. 
 
 "Although our design, as we have stated, is not the 
 establishment of an exclusively political paper, yet our 
 course in politics shall be decidedly Democratic ; and we 
 will fearlessly applaud and sustain the patriotic exertions 
 of the administrations of the State and General Govern- 
 ments, in the maintenance of republican order and 
 liberty, and for the promotion of those great interests 
 committed by the people to their charge. On all the 
 great and leading topics that shall engage political dis- 
 cussion, our readers may expect us to lay before them. 
 
IIR. R. B. BAKKEK JESSE J. BARKER 
 
 ABNER BARKER 
 RALPH E. BARKER PIERCE BARKER 
 
EXELY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 25 
 
 impartially, the principal argument of our adversaries, 
 whilst, at the same time, we will maintain our own views 
 with becoming zeal and earnestness. But in so doing we 
 will endeavor to avoid that rancor and personal ia- 
 vective so justly offensive to decency and good sense. 
 "We respectfully solicit the public support, 
 
 R. B. BARKER, 
 R. C. FLEESON." 
 
 The Pittsburg, Pa., "Mercury," under date of Eebru- 
 ary 28, 1834, contained the following notice of the paper; 
 " 'Beaver River Gazette.' We have received the three 
 first niunbers of a new paper of the above title, estab- 
 lished at Beaver by Dr. R, B. Barker and Mr. R. C. 
 Fleeson. It is a political and literary paper, and is con- 
 ducted with great spirit and ability. A native of Pitts- 
 burg, Dr. Barker is well known to our citizens as a chaste 
 writer. His exertions, in conjunction with the con- 
 tributions of his highly talented lady, will render the 
 'Gazette' interesting as a literary paper of no ordinary 
 character. The friends of the administration will also 
 find in it an able advocate of their principles." 
 
 The reference to Mrs. Barker was not only a graceful 
 act, but it was as well a merited tribute to a very fine 
 writer in both verse and prose. The columns of the 
 "Gazette" were enriched weekly by her contributions, and 
 were doubtless as popular and eagerly looked for, as the 
 bright and telling editorials of her husband. As showing 
 the high esteem in which this gentle writer was held, 
 whose history is a part of the newspaper history of the 
 county, we quote the following from the Philadelphia 
 "Telegraph" of March 16. 1889: 
 
 "One by one death parts the ties which bind us to a 
 generation now rapidly passing away, and which has 
 charmed us by its bright examples. Of the select few 
 whom we recall as illumining the recent past, none stand 
 
26 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 more hallowed in loving memory than Mrs. Eliza Huiitoi 
 Barker, who died March 12. Bom nearly eighty years 
 ago in Ireland, she refers to that spot in one of her 
 poems as follows : — 
 
 "Land of my birth, dear distant spot. 
 
 Still memory turns to you ; 
 The gibe of those who know you not. 
 
 The pride of those who do. 
 
 "She was the daughter of an officer of the British 
 Navy, and received from private tutors the best in- 
 struction, both in the more serious studies and the lighter 
 accomplishments of life. By inheritance possessed of a 
 grace and beauty remarkable among her kinsfolk, she was 
 endowed with a brilliancy of intellect which was enriched 
 by her careful mental culture. * * * Endowed with 
 a rare poetic talent, it is not strange that kindred 
 qualities in others should have blossomed from contact 
 with her. Among her pupils here was the late Stephen 
 0. Foster, whose sweet melodies and pathetic verses have 
 since stirred the hearts of millions, and who received at 
 this fount the first draughts of his poetic inspiration. 
 Herself a poet of rare and pure type, she cultivated as- 
 siduously her talent, and wrote many beautiful things, 
 among which we recall her 'Marguerite,' 'Diana,' 'An 
 Ode to Masonry,' and that gem written in the f\dl 
 sympathy of a loving heart after the battle of Shiloh — 
 'Just as if No Christ Had Died' — coming back in memoiy 
 like the sweet tones of a departed -mother's lullaby. 
 
 "She married in 1826 Dr. Richard Butler Barker, of 
 Pittsburg, a near relative of and named for Major- 
 General Richard Butler, of Revolutionary fame. * * 
 
 "After the death of her husband in 1860 Mrs. Barker 
 devoted much of her time to writing and other literary 
 pursuits, and was active in this line until within a recent 
 
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 27 
 
 period, and even of late frequently replying in verse to 
 some of her correspondents, so natural was the gift to 
 her. Much of her writing is still unpublished, but will 
 doubtless soon be given to the world. She spent the 
 later years of her life in Philadelphia, residing with her 
 son Jesse J. Barker, Esq., her advancing years and fail- 
 ing strength rendering a careful and retired manner of 
 life necessary, although her mental powers seemed un- 
 impaired by age. * * * She retained to a high de- 
 gree that brilliancy of mind, that glow of intellect, and 
 that graceful flame of poesy which lighted all her path 
 from girlhood, and shed a halo of cabn, pure, and loving 
 light around her latest hours. With a pure heart and 
 a lively faith in the Redeemer's love, she passed peace- 
 fully to the higher life, leaving in the hearts of her sor- 
 rowing family and numerous friends the sweet aroma of 
 a blessed memory and a long life well spent. 
 "In her own words — 
 
 " 'Our human lives, like streams that seek the sea, 
 Grow calmer as they near Eternity; 
 Then, resting for a time in quiet sleep. 
 The stars of heaven are mirrored in the deep.' " 
 The political atmosphere was sultry hot within a few 
 weeks after the new paper was started, and the contro- 
 versies with brother editors and sundry other writers, 
 made the articles in the "Gazette" very interesting. The 
 newspaper war that broke out between the "Gazette" and 
 the "Republican," was lively, and severe. The following 
 editorial from the "Gazette" March 13, 1834, shows that 
 the new editor cherished the hope of becoming the 
 Democratic organ of the county: It read as follows: 
 "On the 5th inst. Mr. Logan entered into a contract with 
 Barker and Fleeson for the sale of the 'Republican' es- 
 tablishment, which he had for some time previous been 
 anxious to dispose of. * * * Why he withdrew from 
 his contract we cannot guess, unless it be that some of 
 
28 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERSf. 
 
 bis advisers thought the 'Eepublican' wotild not suit thcna 
 in other hands." The fierceness of the party spirit is 
 well sho-rni in an editorial of the paper in its issue of 
 April 24, 18S4, here given in full ; 
 
 "We did not, we could not expect to escape the 
 assaults of party abuse, but we did not imagine these 
 assaults would have been as virulent as they have been. 
 We have expressed our sentiments fearlessly, and for 
 this we are denounced by the leaders of a party that docs 
 not tolerate independence. They have threatened to 
 prostrate our press. They may do so. We cannot pre- 
 tend to have means sufiicient to withstand the combi- 
 nation of any set of men. We may go down, but if we 
 do we have the satisfaction of knowing that the dynasty 
 they maintain ia also near its end, and that we fall not in 
 such company. We have comfort in this feeling, but 
 we trust we have friends among the lovers of the Con- 
 stitution and the laws who will not suffer the tramplmg 
 power of an arrogant and domineering faction to succeed 
 in overthrowing every press that dares to breathe its 
 political heresy. Is it not enough to awaken the people 
 to a sense of the danger that threatens their liberties, 
 when office holders and the partisans of what ought to 
 have been a Eepublican administration, not only applaud 
 the abuse of power in the Executive head, but also mark 
 as the victims of their vengeance, all who have the in- 
 dependence to raise their voices against it. We will 
 hold on however, on our course, and though the breakers 
 of party may now and then bulge in a board, yet we will 
 repair as we can, the damage we may sustain, and our 
 barque shall not founder for want of a hand to guide. 
 Are our antagonists, displeased with their name? Let 
 them change their principles. Let them learn to 
 reverence the Constitution whch divides the powers of 
 the government and denies to any branch a supreme 
 authority over the whole — and we will gladly accord to 
 
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 29 
 
 them the name and prize. But while one man is sup- 
 ported in nieasures, 'whether right or wrong,' and no law 
 but his will be the rule of their consciences, while the 
 powers lodged by the Constitution in other branches of 
 the government are usurped from them, one by one, and 
 the lawful authority of the Senate of their representa- 
 tion is contemned, — to men who advocate such principles, 
 we say — ^You are Tories, and though you may disclaim it, 
 it is still your title. 
 
 "The people will not be long deceived. They will 
 look from the window before they admit the wolves to 
 their confidence, and notwithstanding you call yourselves 
 lambs, it will require but a glance to perceive the im- 
 position. 
 
 "Fellow Citizens — read — examine — suffer not your- 
 selves to be lead and duped by an array of office-holders 
 and office-seekers — who regard nothing but the patronage 
 of the government, and have the audacity to avow it. 
 Divest yourselves of the delusions of party, and let the 
 intelligence of American citizens astonish, and their 
 virtue contemn their deceivers.'' 
 
 There is no record showing how long the "Gazette" 
 was published. The failure to secure the "Republican" 
 was doubtless a great disappoiatment to the "Gazette," 
 and the presence of both in the same political field, 
 hastened their death and both fell by the way about the 
 same time. The last reference to the "Gazette" in the 
 "Argus" was May 3, 1834, and it is probable it died in the 
 latter part of 1834, or early in 1835. 
 
 The "Argus" in its issue of May 6, 1835, in comment- 
 ing on the death of the "Republican," said: "We have 
 now the whole field to ourselves; and as long as this is 
 the case, we are willing to extend to our Jackson friends 
 liberties and acts of courtesy, that under other circum- 
 stances could not be asked. Calls for meetings, together 
 
30 HISTORY BEAYER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 with proceedings, shall willingly find a place in our 
 columns, whether for Wolf or Muhlenberg." Evidently 
 the "Gazette" died first, followed by the death of the 
 "Eepublican." 
 
 Eeece C. Meeson was a prominent man in newspaper 
 circles. He went to Pittsburg after the failure of the 
 "Gazette." In the "Argus" of June 21, 1843, it is stated 
 that "Reece C. Fleeson Esq., editor of the 'Washington 
 Banner,' has been removed from the postoffice at Alle- 
 gheny, and is succeeded by William Karns a rabid, noisy 
 Loco Foco." Mr. Fleeson was editor of the "Daily 
 Evening News," and the weekly "Spirit of Liberty," pub- 
 lished in Pittsburg, devoted to the Liberty party, which 
 failed in December 1846. Later he was one of the 
 editors of the "Pittsburg Dispatch," and died Monday 
 March 16, 1863. 
 
 Abner Barker was bom near Stanton, Delaware, July 
 31, 1760, and died at Pittsburg, Pa., June 8, 1829. He 
 was a son of Samuel Barker bom 1723, died 1803, — who 
 was a grandson of Samuel Barker from Shropshire, Eng- 
 land, who settled in Delaware in 1685. Abner Barker 
 came to Pittsburg in the early seventeen nineties, — be- 
 came a leading merchant there and married in 1800 Miss 
 Eleanor Butler Scandrett, a niece of the General Richard 
 Butler of Revolutionary fame. Abner Barker took a 
 leading interest in educational matters, and was one of 
 the founders of the Western University of Pennsylvania, 
 and was a member, and a warden of Old Trinity Church, 
 Pittsburg, Pa., in the church yard of which he was buried. 
 His grandfather was Joseph, son of the Colonial Settler 
 Samuel Barker. 
 
 Dr. Richard Butler Barker son of Abner Barker, was 
 born at Pittsburg, Pa., November 23, 1803. He died in 
 Beaver, Pa., August 4, 1860. He was a fine scholar, and 
 first studied law with Judge Walker of Pittsburg, and 
 was admitted to the Pittsburg Bar, but not liking the 
 
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 
 
 profession of law, afterwards studied medicine under Dr. 
 James Agnew, father of the late Hon. Daniel Agnew. 
 After graduating in medicine from the Medical College 
 in Baltimore, Md., he removed to Beaver, Pa., in 1829, 
 entering into partnership there with Dr. Milo Adams and 
 practiced medicine there imtil his last illness, with the 
 exception of a few years during which he devoted his 
 time to editorial work in connection with the "Beaver 
 River Gazette," and the "Western Star," both published 
 at Beaver, Pa. He was a skilful, and one of the leading 
 physicians and surgeons of the county, and his repu- 
 tation as such caused him to be summoned in important 
 cases at a considerable distance. His family and widow 
 in 1862 removed to Pittsburg, Pa., and from thence in 
 1864 to Philadelphia. His son Jesse J. Barker, now 
 actuary of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, 
 finished his education at Philadelphia, graduating from 
 the Philadelphia High School, then studied law and was 
 admitted to the Philadelphia Bar in 1879, and is a mem- 
 ber of the Actuarial Society of America. Jesse J. 
 Barker has two sons, Ralph Emerson Barker and Pierce 
 Barker. The eldest son Ralph, is an electrical engineer, 
 connected with the General Electric Co. at Ljmn, Mass. ; 
 the younger son Pierce, is attending the course of 
 mining engineering at the Colorado School of Mines at 
 Golden, Colorado, and expects to make that his life work. 
 They are both well educated and able young men. 
 
32 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Democratic Watchman. 
 
 The first number of the "Democratic Watchman," the 
 successor of the "Beaver Republican," appeared on 
 Friday June 19, 1835, published by J. Beeson. It was 
 supposed to be backed by the same men who owned and 
 controlled the "Republican." It was the organ of the 
 Wolf faction of the Democratic party, the Governor of 
 the State for two terms and who was a candidate for a 
 third term in 1835, as an Independent Democrat. 
 Opposed to him were Joseph Ritner, Anti-Mason candi- 
 date and Henry A. Muhlenberg Democrat, resulting in 
 the election of Ritner. As the campaign advanced, the 
 passages between the "Watchman" and the "Argus" be- 
 came lively and personal. In the issue of July 22, the 
 "Watchman" observed that "the last 'Argus' confesses 
 that it wilfully made a false quotation from a corre- 
 spondent in the 'Watchman.' " The '"Argus" copied the 
 paragraph and added to it — "this is a wilful and bare- 
 faced lie.'' 
 
 The liveliest tilts however were between the "Watch- 
 man" and the "Fallston and Brighton Gazette," a paper 
 started August 5, 1835, in Fallston by Dr. E. K. Chamber- 
 lain of New Brighton, and N. P. Fetterman Esq., of 
 Beaver, representing the Muhlenberg wing of the party. 
 The history of this paper appears among the Fallston 
 papers. It was ably conducted and was a thorn in the 
 side of the "Watchman." The enmity between the 
 factions resulted in the defeat of both of them, and 
 after the election the "Democratic Watchman" suc- 
 cumbed to the inevitable, and was laid to rest in the 
 second week of December. The "Gazette" lasted until 
 the next year, when it came into competition with the 
 "Aurora." 
 
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 33 
 
 The Aurora 
 
 Alex, R. Niblo of Brighton township, started the 
 "Aurora" as the successor of the "Democratic "Watch- 
 man," in March 1836. The first mention of the paper by 
 its contemporaries, was in the "Argus" of May 25, 1836, 
 which referred to the report of a Young Men's political 
 meeting published in the "Aurora." There is no record 
 of how long Mr. Niblo remained editor, but probably 
 until the suspension of the paper in the fall of 1838. Mr. 
 Niblo and hia brother John R. Niblo, were both printers, 
 and the latter helped in the mechanical work on the 
 "Aurora." They were the sons of John R. Niblo who 
 came from Ireland and settled in Brighton township as a 
 farmer. John R. Niblo, Jr., died in 1842. Alex. R. 
 Niblo went west and in September 1857, was appointed 
 postmaster at Newark, HI., and was killed in a railroad 
 accident near Alliance, O., June 24, 1858. 
 
 The "Aurora" was revived early in December 1838, 
 with J. W. White of Massillon, O., as editor. The paper 
 was enlarged and improved in appearance, and the new 
 editor promised such improvements as would "revo- 
 lutionize Beaver county." This expression did not tend 
 to amity among the newspaper brethren, and the rivals 
 of the "Aurora" were on the alert to trip up the new and 
 audacious editor. The "Fallston Gazette" was now dead 
 so that the "Aurora" was supreme journalistically in its 
 party. The "Fallston Union," the Whig successor of 
 the "Gazette," and the "Argus," were its competitors. 
 
 The "Fallston Union" in referring to the new manage- 
 ment said: "The Beaver 'Aurora' has again risen vmder 
 new auspices. The editor and publisher is J. Washing- 
 
34 HISTORY OfP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS, 
 
 ton White, and proprietors J. W. White and David 
 Porter. The typographical appearance of the paper is 
 much improved, and the leading editorial liiough not 
 indicating the experience of a veteran writer, in spirit is 
 liberal and cautious. We welcome the new editor to the 
 editorial ranks and congratulate our political opponents 
 that a purer and more elevated tone is to pervade the 
 columns of the new 'Aurora.' " 
 
 The "Argus" in its issue of January 9, 1839, com- 
 mented severely on the failure of Mr. White to keep his 
 promises, and declares "that he is a more contemptible 
 catspaw than any of the half score who have preceded 
 him in that concern." The "Aurora" was discontinued 
 March 1,, 1839. 
 
 The "Argus" expressed regret at the failure, for the 
 sake of the Whig cause, and said, "we have some notion 
 of issuing proposals for publishing a history of the rise 
 and fall of Loco Foco editors in Beaver county. It 
 might perhaps be made quite interesting; at all events 
 there would be variety in it. 
 
 This ended the career of the Democratic papers in the 
 town of Beaver, until the launching of the "Western 
 Star" on the sea of journalism in 1843 ; but it did not end 
 the career of Democratic papers in the county. 
 
 Beaver Falls Chronicle. 
 
 The "Beaver Falls Chronicle" was started in Koches- 
 ter October 12, 1839, as the Democratic successor of the 
 "Aurora," with J. W. White as editor, which haiiled down 
 the Van Buren flag in June 1840, and hoisted that of 
 General Harrison, and in July was removed to Brighton. 
 The history of the "Chronicle" will be found among the 
 Beaver Falls papers. 
 
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS. 35 
 
 Beaver County Patriot. 
 
 In June 1841, Jonas B. Shurtleff brought from the 
 east a complete newspaper outfit, and started a Demo- 
 cratic paper in Bridgewater, which he named the "Beaver 
 County Patriot." It was an ably edited and attractive 
 paper, and contained the following in the salutation to 
 the Democratic hosts: "We shall study to promote the 
 interests of the county, in a business point of view, with- 
 holding no credit from any individual, to whatever 
 political party he may attach himself, for any aid he may 
 afford in facilitating the growing improvements con- 
 nected with the prosperity of the county. And amid all 
 the political strifes that have attended our career, we 
 have never lost sight of that respect due to those who 
 have differed with us in political opinions, for whenever 
 men suffer the exchange of little neighborly kindnesses to 
 be sacrificed to gratify political ambition, not only do 
 those immediately at variance suffer, but a precedent is 
 established which, if generally carried out, would mar the 
 peace, quietude and confidence which are the binding 
 cords of social happiness." 
 
 The "Western Argus" gave the new paper a welcome, 
 saying — "We are willing to meet the new editor in the 
 spirit of courtesy and toleration. There's room sufficient 
 for him amongst us ; and if we should differ in regard to 
 measures and men, we trust it will be in an honorable 
 spirit, and free from the low personalities which too 
 often disgrace the profession." 
 
 And they certainly differed, and the political dis- 
 cussions between the two papers became at times very 
 warm and personal. They had a long and heated dis- 
 
36 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS, 
 
 cuasion about the county printing, in which the "Patriot" 
 charged that the "Argus" received too high rates, but Mr, 
 Henry held his own and showed the charge to be in- 
 correct. 
 
 The paper was the Democratic successor of the 
 "Beaver Falls Chronicle," but it was not successful and 
 reached its end in 1843. 
 
 The following notice appeared in the "Western 
 Argus" January 11, 1843, of B. B. Chamberlain Esq., 
 assignee, who announced the sale at his office in New 
 Brighton January 21, 1843, of "all the right, title and 
 interest of Jonas B. Shurtleff, decreed a bankrupt, in and 
 to the subscription and advertising books of the "Beaver 
 County Patriot," published at Bridgewater up to the 
 30th day of December 1842." Though the foregoing 
 named effects were sold, the paper was not discontinued. 
 
 It was stated by the "Argus" that a number of 
 politicians bought the material, including presses, and 
 retained the editor. In its issue of August 30, 1843, the 
 "Argus" mercilessly scored the "Patriot," whose editor 
 in bankruptcy, tried to collect a subscription of five 
 dollars from Governor Porter while in the county. This 
 led to a bitter controversy and much feeling. The 
 climax came in October 1843, when the "Argus" in a half 
 column editorial told of the troubles of the editor of the 
 "Patriot" with the party bosses, who took the type and 
 presses from the editor and set him adrift, sending for a 
 young man to take his place. There is no record that 
 this young man remained if he ever came, as the paper 
 does not seem to have appeared after October, but was 
 succeeded by the "Western Star" December 15, 1843. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 FALLSTON PAPERS. 
 
 Among the early papers of the county, were those in 
 operation at the falls of the Beaver, in the period from 
 1835 to 1841. They were started shortly before the 
 panic that prostrated this whole section, but managed to 
 keep in existence in some form through the worst of it. 
 One of these papers, the "Chronicle" of Rochester, re- 
 moved in 1839 to Beaver Falls, was the only one outside 
 of Fallston, and with its death, a long period elapsed be- 
 fore any one had the courage to start another paper at 
 the falls. 
 
 The Fallston papers were edited and controlled by 
 four of the best known and ablest men of the county, two 
 lawyers, one physician and one clergyman; and they all 
 covered themselves with journalistic honor, but with an 
 entire absence of financial success. 
 
 This section was then forging to the front in in- 
 dustrial development, and the time seemed ripe for a 
 newspaper to be successful, but all attempts ended in 
 failure, despite the ability and reputation of the gentle- 
 men who had charge of the successive ventures. 
 
 On March 18, 1796, John McKee of McKeesport, exe- 
 cuted an article of agreement with one Levi B. Stuart, 
 
38 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 that he would give Stuart "a part of his plantation that 
 lies on the west side of Big Beaver creek, opposite the 
 bloclthouse at the lower falls of said creek," for living 
 and clearing on his part what the law requires, etc. 
 January 26, 1Y98, Stuart assigned his rights to Joseph 
 Wells, who in turn assigned all his rights to David Town- 
 send January 26, 1799. Soon after this one hundred 
 acres of this pronerty came into the possession of a 
 company composed of David Townsend, Benj. Townsend 
 and Benj. Sharpless, who sold about one third of the 
 tract to Evan and John Pugh December 13, 1802. 
 
 In 1800 David Townsend started a saw mill and in 
 1804 the Messrs. Pugh set up a flouring mill, and thus 
 began Fallston, which became, for many years the most 
 flourishing manufacturing town in the valley. 
 
 Prosperity was in the air, and then the newspaper 
 man appeared on the scene. The only papers in the 
 county were in Beaver, and it was perhaps partly on 
 account of failure to maintain a third paper in that town, 
 that the effort was made in Fallston. There was the 
 most intense war between the Wolf and Muhlenberg fac- 
 tions of the Democratic party in the State. Both these 
 leaders were Democratic candidates for Governor and 
 their respective adherents were full of fight and anxious 
 for newspaper organs. The "Democratic Watchman" 
 of Beaver, was the Wolf organ in the county, busy in 
 meeting the attacks of the "Argus," the able champion 
 of Joseph Eitner who was elected Governor by the 
 division of the Democrats. In this condition of political 
 turmoil. The "Fallston and Brighton Gazette," the first 
 paper at the falls of the Beaver, came into being. 
 
FALLSTON PAPERS. 39 
 
 The Fallston and Brighton 
 Gazette. 
 
 This paper was started at Fallston August 5, 1835, by 
 Dr. E. K. Chamberlain of New Brighton, and N. P. 
 Fetterman Esq., of Beaver. It was a Muhlenberg paper, 
 in opposition to the "Beaver Watchman" a Wolf paper, 
 the respective heads of the Democratic factions. The 
 "Argus" had the following notice of the new paper: 
 "The gentlemen named are capable of publishiiig a 
 spirited paper, worthy of the patronage of the party to 
 which they belong." The "Gazette" was printed on a 
 large imperial sheet, and was devoted to the support of 
 Van Buren, Johnson and Muhlenberg. 
 
 Dr. Ephraim Kirby Chamberlain was a prbminent 
 man in the life of the community, was interested in some 
 business enterprises, and was a valuable member of busi- 
 ness and social circles. He was born in Colebrook, 
 Conn., April 24, 1805. In 1815 his parents moved to 
 Elbridge, N. T., where he was educated. He studied 
 medicine with Dr. Elijah Kendrick who married his sister 
 Minerva, and was graduated from the College of Physi- 
 cians and Surgeons, New York, January 1828. In early 
 manhood he moved to New Brighton, where he entered 
 into partnership with his brother Dr. W. H. H. 
 Chamberlain in 1834. March 29, 1836, he married Susan 
 Pennock Clark of Chester County, Pa. They began 
 housekeeping in the old red brick house in Fallston, south 
 of the Fallston bridge. The Doctor was six feet two 
 inches tall, a fine looking gentleman, and very popular on 
 account of his excellent and humane traits of character. 
 In 1841 he moved with his family to Cincinnati, 0., where 
 
40 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 he was very successful in his profession. His wife died 
 in 1846. During the Mexican War he was surgeon of 
 the First regiment of Ohio troops in General Taylor's 
 command. He was popular as an army surgeon, and 
 was known as "Old Medicine'' among the troops, who held 
 him in high and loving esteem. After peace was estab- 
 lished, he was appointed surgeon on a committee named 
 by the President, to establish boundaries between Mexico 
 "and the United States. The committee went to Cali- 
 fornia, and while there the Doctor became interested in 
 the gold mines. When California was erected into a 
 State, he was elected to the State Senate and was made 
 the first president of that body. He contracted fever 
 on the isthmus of Panama in 1852, and died December 
 25, 1852. 
 
 N. P. Fetterman Esq., was born in Northwestern 
 Pennsylvania February 4, 1804. He studied law in the 
 oiFice of his brother W. W. Fetterman Esq., Beaver, Pa., 
 and was admitted to the Bar August 14, 1825. He re- 
 moved to Bedford, Pa., where he was elected to the legis- 
 lature for three successive terms. In 1830 he returned 
 to Beaver, where he lived until 1849, when he removed to 
 Pittsburg, establishing a partnership with his nephew, G. 
 L. B. Fetterman Esq. Prior to the Civil War Mr. Fet- 
 terman was a strong member of the Democratic party, 
 and took a prominent part in its campaigns, but during 
 the war he became a strong supporter of the Union 
 cause, and gave two sons as members of the 101st Pa. 
 Volunteers. He was married December 28, 1828, to 
 Miss Anna M. Dillon of Bedford, Pa., and had eight 
 children. He died in 1877. 
 
 The paper was an able one, far beyond. the ability of 
 the community to support it, and the defeat of the Demo- 
 cratic party, made the task of publishing a difficult, and 
 eventually a hopeless, one. Accepting the inevitable, the 
 
paper was discontintied by these gentiemen. la November 
 1836. 
 
 The "Argus" made the following reference to its 
 'demise: "While the 'Fallston Gazette' was in possession 
 of life and strength, it seemed to be the dread and terror 
 •of the 'Aurora,' — that paper -scarcely ever making an 
 allusion to it. Since the death of the 'Gazette,' how- 
 ever, our neighbors have ventured upon an attack, think- 
 ing, perhaps, they may do so with impunity. This looks 
 too much like the 'ass kicking at the dead lion.' " 
 
 The paper was revived in December 1836, Undel" the 
 proprietorship of Dr. John Winter, who 'conducted it as 
 a Whig paper. It was a strong journal for that day, 
 and Dr. Winter made a good impression for ability and 
 honesty of purpose. The issue of Saturday June 17, 
 1837, was an interesting local one, containing an article 
 on the great sale of real estate at the Falls. Thirty 
 shares of water power were sold at $248 per share, the 
 stone mill went for $5,150, one hundred town lots were 
 sold at prices ranging from $110 to $600, and the article 
 concludes with the statement that better prices were re- 
 ceived than "in any other place in the Union at the 
 present time." In November 1837, Dr. Winter retired 
 from the "Gazette." 
 
 John Winter was born in Wellington, England, July 
 1794. His thoughts and purpose were early turned 
 towards the ministry of the Baptist church, and he en- 
 tered the Theological School at Bradford, where he was 
 graduated in 1820, preaching meanwhile as opportunities 
 offered. 
 
 The following copy of his State license may be of 
 interest : 
 West Riding of Yorkshire, 
 
 I, John Sturges Esq., One of his Majesty's justices 
 of peace in and for the said riding, do hereby certify 
 
*2 HISTORY OF BEAVER OOtTNTY PAPERS. 
 
 that John Winter of Horton, in the said riding, did thi& 
 day appear before me, and did make and take, and sub- 
 scribe the several oaths and declarations specified in an 
 act made in the fifty-second year of King George the 
 third, entitled an act to repeal certain acts and amend 
 other acts relating to religious worship and assemblies, 
 and persons preaching or teaching therein. 
 
 Witness my hand this 10th day of June, one thousand 
 and eight himdred amd seventeen. 
 
 JOHlSr STUKGES. 
 
 His first pastoral charge was in South Shields, where 
 he was regularly ordained in 1822. He came to America 
 and settled in Pittsburg, bringing his wife, Eliza Wilson, 
 whom he had married in 1819, and one child. He 
 preached and taught school in Pittsburg, and for many 
 years preached in various places in Allegheny and Beaver 
 counties. He was also busy with his pen writing for 
 the religious and secular periodicals. He wrote the life 
 of "Massie Harbison," who had been captured by the 
 Indians and escaped from them, taking the narrative 
 from her lips and giving it literary form. He also wrote 
 a controversial volume, "What is Baptism?" He was 
 an able preacher and his services were much sought. 
 He filled pastorates in several states, and was instru- 
 mental in building a large number of church edifices. In 
 later life, when pastor in New Brighton, he built the first 
 Baptist church in that place. He had five children, his 
 wife dying November 7, 1866. He married a second 
 time, Ann Snively, who died September 24, 1899. Dr. 
 Wmter died at Sharon, Pa., November 5, 1878. 
 
 John B. Early succeeded Dr. Winter in the "Gazette," 
 and it was published by him until January 6, 1838, as a 
 Whig paper, when it passed into the hands of B. B. 
 Chamberlain Esq., as editor, and it is believed Mr. Early 
 remained as publisher of the paper under the new 
 
PALLSTON PAPERS 4,3 
 
 management for some time at least. Mr. Early was 
 horn February 22, 1816, at Chambersburg, Pa., and re- 
 ceived a common school education. He learned the 
 printing business in 1831 in an office at New Lisbon, O., 
 with a man named Watt. He worked on the "Aurora" 
 between 1835 and 1838, on the "Argus" for some years, 
 run a job office in New Brighton in 1840, was editor of 
 the "Beaver County Palladium" 1841, and after that went 
 to New Castle the same year where he was foreman of 
 a paper. He returned to Beaver December 28, 1842, and 
 was foreman on the "Argus" for years. Later he held 
 cases on the Pittsburg "Dispatch" for a number of years 
 and returned to Beaver in 1860, where he worked on the 
 "Star." Mr. Early was married to Miss Mary Taylor of 
 New Brighton, September 1, 1836. They had ten chil- 
 dren, of whom three are living, Henry, William and Mar- 
 garet. His ancestors came from Germany, while his 
 wife's were Scotch-Irish, both their parents being born in 
 America. Mr. Early died March 16, 1862, while his wife 
 is still livmg at the age of 84 years. 
 
 Mr. Early was one of the best printers ever in the 
 county. It is said of him that he would set in type a 
 page of his paper, take a proof on the hand press, and it 
 would be free of errors in many cases, and very seldom 
 were any corrections needed. He was an expert fisher- 
 man and generous with his friends in the big catches he 
 made. 
 
*4 HISfORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERSv 
 
 Beaver Falls Union, 
 
 Tlie "Beaver Falls Unioni and Beaver CouH'ty Advo- 
 cate," published weekly by the Beaver Falla Press As- 
 sociation, the successor of the "Fallston and Brighton 
 Gazette," was started January 6, 1838, with B. B, 
 Chamberlain Esq,,, editor. It was a six column paper, 
 subscription price $2.00 per year, and contained a large 
 amount of reading matter, mostly general news, political 
 and miscellany reading, but not so- much attention was;^ 
 given to the local news and gossip &f the neighborhood. 
 It was the only paper then in the county outside of 
 Beaver, and depended mainly on the people at the Falls 
 of the Beaver, Fallston, New Brighton and vicinity for 
 support. The following prospectus was published: 
 
 "The 'Beaver Falls Union and Beaver County Advo- 
 cate,' will be more especially devoted to the paramount 
 object of imparting correct information abroad, in re- 
 lation to the general advantages and resources of Beaver 
 county, and the great manufacturing facilities and com- 
 mercial claims of Beaver Falls and its vicinity. 
 
 "For various commercial conveniences — undeveloped 
 mineral wealth — ^unimproved water power, and manu- 
 facturing capacities — for the mild salubrity of its 
 climate, and for the romantic beauty and sublimity of its 
 scenery, Beaver county is not surpassed by any of the 
 rival and thriving sections of the south and west. To 
 present fairly our claims to public consideration — to 
 point out the many inducements here presented to capital 
 and enterprise, to exert their influence and efforts, in 
 building up as nature has designed and contemplated a 
 
PALLSTON PAPERS. 
 
 great manufacturing and commercial town, will be the 
 primary duty of the 'Union and Advocate.' 
 
 "In accordance with public sentiment and expecta- 
 tions, the' Union' unfurls the banner of the 'Supremacy 
 of the constitution and laws, and Integrity of the Union.' 
 It will yield its vmdeviating support to the cardinal 
 measures and principles of the Whig party — comprising 
 as they do, those elements of political policy and action, 
 that have essentially contributed to lay the broad foun- 
 dations of our constitutional liberties, and as a people, 
 given us station and rank among the nations of the 
 earth. It will zealously contribute its aid in exposing 
 the ruinous measures of the national administration, 
 which with mad violence and desperation, has been piece- 
 m.eal tearing away the supports — sapping the strength 
 and marring the symmetry of the noblest edifice of con- 
 stitutional government, ever devised by human wisdom, 
 reared and adorned by human toils and virtues. 
 
 "Conservative action and united resolution — com- 
 promising forbearance and enlightened patriotism, are 
 indispensable to effect immediate political reform, and 
 insure the wonted prosperity of the nation, and the 
 permanent security of its free ins\,titution8. 
 
 "The miscellaneous department of the paper wiU be 
 carefully supervised. It will be the aim of the 'Union' 
 to spread before its patrons a variety of entertaining and 
 instructive information, such as to measureably satisfy 
 the tastes and wishes of its readers. The rich fruits of 
 science and the attractive flowers of literature, wiU be so 
 presented and displayed as to enlarge the understanding 
 — enliven the imagination and mend the heart. January 
 3, 1838." 
 
 During this time Dr. E. K. Chamberlain was post- 
 master at Fallston, and James Patterson at Brighton, 
 who published regularly in this paper, their lists of letters 
 not called for. New Brighton then had no postoffice. 
 
HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 The issue of January 20, contained the names of the 
 officers of the newly organized Beaver Coiuity Institute 
 at New Brighton, for the "promotion of science and 
 literature, but more especially of natural history." 
 James Patterson was president, and among the other 
 officers were Dr. E. K. Chamberlain, Dr. John Winter, 
 and B. B. Chamberlain Esq., who were editors between 
 1834 and 1838. 
 
 In the same issue was a report of the organization of 
 the Beaver Falls Colonization Society at New Brighton. 
 In other issues were reports and notices of a Temperance 
 Society, Anti-slavery, and other movements that were de- 
 manding the attention of the people. In all that the 
 editor believed to be for the good of the people, he gave a 
 hearing and support. 
 
 In the issue of January 27, there is a full report of 
 several columns, of a meeting held at Pittsburg January 
 10, to take action on the construction of a railroad be- 
 tween Pittsburg and Beaver. The convention was or- 
 ganized by calling James Patterson of Brighton, to the 
 chair. Among the delegates from Beaver county were 
 William Henry and Dr. E. K. Chamberlain, editors of the 
 coimty. In the issue of February 10, a report is given 
 of a meeting called to take action on the freedom of 
 speech and the press, on account of certain proceedings 
 in Congress, the meeting being held in the Fallston 
 Academy, with Eobert Townsend chairman and John 
 CoUins secretary. The chairman appointed a committee 
 on resolutions composed of Dr. E. K. Chamberlain, Dr. 
 John Winter, B. B. Chamberlain Esq., Joseph Hice and 
 H. Mendenhall, the first three newspaper editors. It is 
 needless to say that the resolutions were full of ginger 
 and easily understood. 
 
 In all the public movements of the day, these Fallston 
 editors were among the most active and forceful, men of 
 high character, courage and intellectual ability. 
 
FALLSTON PAPERS. 47 
 
 The industries of the two towns were given in the 
 issue of February 10. Fallston had two saw mills, two 
 oil mills, one sash factory, two bucket factories, one wire 
 mill, three woolen factories, two flour mills, one paper 
 mill, and a population of 800. New Brighton had four 
 grist mills, two carpet factories, one felt factory, one 
 carpet and woolen factory, two saw mills, and population 
 900. These industries were all operated by the water 
 power from two of the dams on the falls of the Beaver. 
 
 The annual statement of the Receipts and Expendi- 
 tures of the coim.ty for 1837, was published in the issue 
 of February lY, showing receipts for the year of $10,- 
 330.91 1-4, and expenditures of $11,563.23 3-4. 
 
 The papers of the day were given much to politics, 
 and in its issue of March 3, the editor asks the in- 
 dulgence of his patrons for several weeks to come, for 
 giving place to so much political matter. After this 
 period he promised other matter of greater quantity. 
 This issue had about 13 columns of political matter out 
 of 24, and seven of the remainder were advertisements. 
 During the summer of 1838 the political contest for 
 Governor was fierce, and the "Union" in battling for Gov. 
 Ritner against Porter, had some strong editorials. 
 
 B. B. Chamberlain Esq., retired from the paper after 
 one year's work, an editorial in the issue of January 12, 
 1839, giving his reasons. It filled precisely one column 
 of space and was a dignified statement, covering the 
 political conditions, and giving reasons from a business 
 point of view why the local press should be sustained, 
 for the good of the community and for the best interests 
 of business men. 
 
 As to the need of a paper he wrote: — "The press is 
 not contemplated to conform on all occasions to the 
 views of its supporters and readers. It is impracticable. 
 It is as idle to expect it as that individual members of 
 
48 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 society should always harmonize in religious dopnas and 
 social customs. When its main efforts are faithfully 
 exerted, however, to uphold the pillars of our social 
 edifice — to scatter broadcast the seeds of knowledge and 
 virtue — and with liberal zeal to promote the growth and 
 prosperity of the place of its location, over whose interests 
 it should bestow a watchful guardianship, no matter what 
 may be the peculiar views of public duty, a newspaper is 
 entitled to the united support of every intelligent and 
 business man. Every consideration, that can actuate 
 good citizens — the fruitful lessons of the age — the 
 various schemes of novel enterprise — a laudable ambition 
 for moral and social usefulness — the pride of local pre- 
 eminence — a desire for rapid advancement — all that can 
 confer dignity at home and command respect abroad — 
 charms of the present and the aspirations for the future 
 — all combine to inspire a determination in reflecting 
 minds of supporting a local press in all emergencies and 
 vicissitudes." During his work on the paper, the editor 
 had his oiRce in New Brighton in his law office, while the 
 newspaper was located in Fallston, a considerable dis- 
 tance away. 
 
 Brovsm B. Chamberlain Esq., was born in Frelighs- 
 burg, Canada East, May 22, 1810. His parents Dr. John 
 B. and Mercy Chamberlain, were natives of Richmond, 
 Mass. At the breaking out of the War of 1812, his 
 parents left the British Dominions and went to Auburn, 
 N. T., where they remained for some time. Brown's 
 schooling was received at Graham, Lewiston and Buffalo, 
 N. Y. He began the study of law with Hon. Bates 
 Crohe and H. S. Stone and finished in the office of Fil- 
 more & Hall, Buffalo, 1833-34, the former of whom 
 Millard Fillmore, became President of the United States. 
 Mr. Chamberlain was adijiitted to the Supreme Court (U. 
 S.) at Albany in 1835. In 1836 he came to Beavfer 
 county and was admitted to practice June 5, 1837. In 
 
N. r. FETTIiR.MAN DK. E. K. CH AM IlERl.AIN 
 
 DR. JOHN WINTER 
 B. n. CHA.MRERLAIN DR. N. .M . WILSON 
 
PA1.LSTON PAPBRS. 
 
 1853-4-5, he represented Beaver coimty in the legislature. 
 In 1866 hfe was appointed Judge of the 27th Judicial dis- 
 trict, Washington and Beaver counties, but failed of 
 election in the autumn of 1866. Through his influence 
 ■with President Fillmore, he was appointed postmaster at 
 New Brighton November 12, 1849. TTntil that time the 
 town had been dependent on Fallston for its postal 
 facilities. He continued practicing his profession in 
 New Brighton until 1887 when he retired. Judge 
 Ohamberlain was never married. He died March 23, 1891, 
 
 The paper continued in operation imtil March 2, 1839, 
 being No. 5, Volume 2, when the following editorial ap- 
 peared: "Our paper will from necessity be obliged to 
 suspend, until new arrangements are efFected to renew 
 the publication. It is to be hoped for the reputation of 
 our community, the paper will reappear in a few weeks, 
 and that no further interruptions will occur. Unless 
 our subscribers pay more promptly for arrearages, and 
 also according to our terms, pay at least a portion in 
 advance, it will be impossible to prosecute the publi- 
 cation." 
 
 No name is given as a successor to Mr. Chamberlain, 
 and no record anywhere shows such a successor to have 
 been appointed, and the paper then ceased to exist. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Western Argus. 
 
 The "Western Argus" was started by James Logan 
 September 1, 1818. In the first issue, of that date, Mr. 
 Logan had the following editorial: "As we have been 
 disappointed in getting our press in operation, and the 
 public manifesting a great desire for the commencement 
 of the publication of the paper, we have not been able 
 as yet to issue proposals for a subscription to the 
 'Argus;' we have therefore sent on the first number to 
 the patrons of the 'Beaver Gazette,' and if any feel a 
 disposition to withdraw their patronage, they can signify 
 the same by a line sent to the editor, otherwise we expect 
 they will consider themselves subscribers." 
 
 Thus was started on its career of usefulness, the 
 oldest paper in Beaver county, which for over 86 years 
 has retained the name of "Argus" in some form, and has 
 never lost its distinctive character. In all that time the 
 paper has advocated the cause of the Whig party since 
 its formation in 1832, and its successor the Republican 
 party. The ablest writers ever in the county have been 
 among its editors, and the most astute politicians of the 
 county at some time have held an interest in it. Mr. 
 Logan had full control of the paper until 1825, when he 
 
THE WESTERN ARGCTS. 51 
 
 sold it in January of that year to one of the most 
 prominent men in the county, Hon. Thomas Henry, who 
 had just closed his term as Sheriff of the county. 
 
 Mr. Henry was bom in Ireland May 16, 1781. His 
 father Wm. Henry, came to this country in 1783 and 
 settled in Maryland, thence removing to Beaver county 
 in 1796, and began a settlement on the east side of the 
 Beaver river. The land on which the settlement was 
 made, was found afterwards to be warranted to Benjamin 
 Chew, and one hundred acres was purchased from him. 
 William Henry the father, lived on the farm until his 
 death, but William and Thomas, who were carpenters, 
 went to Beaver in 1798, but annually visited the farm. 
 Dec. 24, 1808 he was appointed Justice of the Peace by 
 Gov. Simon Snyder; was elected County Commissioner 
 1810; was captain of a company in 1814 to protect the 
 shores of Lake Erie against the British; in 1815 was 
 elected to the Legislature; 1816 appointed Prothonotary 
 and Clerk of Courts of the county which he held until 
 1821, when he was elected Sheriff; in 1828 and 1829 he 
 was Treasurer of the county; in 1831 was appointed As- 
 sociate Judge by Gov. George Wolf and was elected to 
 Congress in 1836 and served three terms. As editor and 
 public official he performed his duty with fidelity, correct- 
 ness and honesty of purpose. In 1816 he became a mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian church,, and was chosen elder in 
 
 1825, in which position he was as true and influential as 
 in the others. 
 
 In the years that the "Argus" was owned by Thomrs 
 Henry, the controversies between political opponents 
 were bitter and frequent, and the language used left no 
 doubt of the position of the gentlemen engaged. The 
 first opposition paper, the "Republican," was started in 
 
 1826, and from that on there was journalistic war when- 
 ever politics was warmed up. A series of controversial 
 articles between Samuel Power and Abner Lacock in 
 
S2 HISTORY OP BEAVER COXTNTY FAPEBS. 
 
 1830, was interesting reading, and the arguments and 
 manner of presenting them were straight from the 
 shoulder. Occasionally Mv. Henry felt the necessity of 
 writing an article and signing his name to it, ia addition 
 to his regular editorial articks. 
 
 As soon as Mr. Henry secured the paper, he set t» 
 work to improve it in appearance. In number 10, March 
 1825, he had the following notice : "In our first number 
 we promised our patrons, that the 'Western Argus'' 
 should in a short time, change its appearance by pro- 
 curing new type, etc. Least some should doubt the ful- 
 filhnent oi that promise, we now give additional as- 
 surance that we have sent to the Type Foundry at 
 Cincinnati for a quantity of new type, etc., which we 
 expect to receive in the course of next week. 
 We have also procured a quantity of paper, of super 
 royal size that we purpose (unless disappointed) to issue 
 a paper the Saturday prior to the next court, with new 
 type and on a super royal sheet. We feel grateful to 
 our fellow citizens, for the generous encouragement 
 given us since the transfer of the establishment into our 
 hands, and hope to merit a continuance of it." 
 
 In the issue of April 9, notice is given that "the 
 office of the 'Argus' is removed from the west end of the 
 Court House, to Market street north west side of the 
 Diamond, near the dwelling house of the editor." In 
 this issue the failure to receive the new type was an- 
 nounced, the foundry being so full of orders that it could 
 not be furnished under six weeks. The new type came 
 in due time, however, and the paper was enlarged to five 
 columns, and was published on Friday. Until that time 
 it was a four column paper, published on Saturdays. In 
 its prospectus at that time, it was stated that "one half 
 of subscription will be taken in any kind of grain." 
 
 In this period the "Argus" was for John Quincy 
 Adams' re-election for President, and was severe in its 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 53 
 
 controversies with the "Repuhlican." The latter was 
 the Jackson organ and was very bitter. 
 
 In the "Argus" of March 9, 1830, the names of the 
 printers and publishers were given as T. & W. Henry. 
 
 In the issue of the paper January 21, 1831, Mr. Henry 
 announced his retirement from the "Argus" in an 
 editorial as follows: "The present number closes the 
 sixth volume of the 'Argus' (under his management) con- 
 stituting a period of six years. It was my design when 
 I purchased the 'Argus' establishment from Mr. Logan, 
 to transfer it to my eldest son, when he arrived at a 
 proper age, and other considerations would justify such 
 a course. It is now deemed proper and right to make 
 this transfer. The 'Argus' therefore, in future, will be 
 conducted by William Henry and forwarded to the 
 patrons of the paper as heretofore. In making this 
 change it is conj&dently anticipated the public will sus- 
 tain no loss — although he is quite a youth, he possesses 
 such a firmness and sobriety of character, combined with 
 close application to business that wUl, it is believed, be 
 a sure guarantee to his supporters, that he will issue a 
 sober and respectable paper." 
 
 In the issue of January 28, 1831, William Henry as- 
 sumed editorial control, with the following editorial: 
 "In assuming the control and entire management of the 
 'Argus,' we are aware that we incur great responsibility; 
 because it is our belief that upon the honesty and purity 
 of the press the safety and permanency of our Ke- 
 publican institutions depend. * * * We do not 
 promise our patrons much talent, or even 'brilliancy,' but 
 we promise as far as we are capable of judging, to 
 present to them honestly, the passing events of the times, 
 both foreign and domestic. The principles upon which 
 the 'Argus' will be conducted, will be the same as here- 
 tofore. Our duty to our country and to ourselves, for- 
 bid any change of principle on the great questions which 
 
54 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 agitate the public mind. * * * The 'Argus' will be 
 conducted on fair and honorable principles, entirely free 
 from' low scurrility and abuse. We never did believe it 
 to be an evidence of a desire to promote the welfare and 
 happiness of our country, or even 'brilliancy' for an 
 editor to open the floodgates of low billingsgate against 
 those who might differ with him in opinion. It shall be 
 open for free discussion on all subjects. Being young 
 and inexperienced in a great measure, we will hope and 
 expect an indulgent public to throw the mantle of charity 
 around us for any errors we may commit." 
 
 WiUiam Henry was born June 28, 1808. At the age 
 of 16 he entered the office as an apprentice, and was its 
 editor at 23, which position he held until 1851. He was 
 an earnest advocate of public improvements in the 
 county, among which may be named the Erie Canal from 
 the Ohio to Lake Erie; the Beaver & Conneaut railroad, 
 of which a survey was made in 1836, but the panic of 
 1837 stopped all proceedings, the line being now covered 
 by the P. & L. E. K. K. ; the Ohio and Pennsylvania rail- 
 road, now the Ft. Wayne R. R ; and took an active part 
 in the discussion of the great questions of the day — ^nulli- 
 fication movement, tariff, U. S. bank, Mexican War, etc. 
 Mr. Henry was one of the ablest editors in Western 
 Pennsylvania. His style was terse and vigorous, and 
 aggressive to the utmost in political discussions. Mr. 
 Henry was married to Eliza S. Hamilton April 18, 1833. 
 
 He was an honest, able man, serving the people faith- 
 fully as editor and public official. He was Treasurer 
 of the county in 1857-8, a member of the Legislature in 
 1861-2-3, and after his term as Treasurer, was Secret 
 Agent of the county to buy up the bonds issued by the 
 county to construct the Cleveland & Pittsburg E. E., the 
 $100,000 subscription being taken up by the payment of 
 $71,000. 
 
 During the 20 years when Mr. Henry owned the 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 55 
 
 "Argus," some of the most important events in the his- 
 tory of the Republic took place. He was in the midst 
 of the threatened nullification movement, headed by John 
 C. Calhoon, and was strong and fearless in his opposition 
 to it. The United States bank, question and the panic 
 of 1837 engrossed his attention and kept busy his pen, 
 and the war with Mexico was the most exciting of all the 
 events of the period. On all these questions Mr. Henry 
 was with his party, and he left no opportunity pass to 
 score severely the Democratic papers and their sup- 
 porters. 
 
 Among the earliest of William Henry's editorials 
 were those on internal improvements. He was persistent 
 and imtiring in his efforts to influence public sentiment 
 for a canal through the Beaver Valley, and he was watch- 
 ful of every act of the Legislature on the subject. He 
 wrote an able editorial on President Jackson's veto of 
 the internal improvement bill, and was a firm and con- 
 sistent supporter of the American System of Protection. 
 When the Legislature made an appropriation for the 
 Beaver Division of the Pennsylvania Canal in April 1831, 
 he wrote jubilant editorials. Li the issue of the paper 
 of April 22 of that year, John Dickey, superintendent 
 of the Beaver Division, invited sealed proposals for con- 
 structing the canal from the mouth of the Beaver river 
 to New Castle. 
 
 In local political controversies the "Argus" had much 
 to do with the Logan brothers, James and Andrew, who 
 conducted the Beaver "Eepublican." He seems to have 
 become disgusted with Andrew Logan's meliiods and in a 
 caustic editorial May 27, says that he shall endeavor 
 hereafter to avoid all controversy with him, "as we can- 
 not stoop to his level; but if circumstances demand it of 
 us, we shall not be backwards in exposing in our plainest 
 language his base fabrications and calimmies." He was 
 particularly severe on Andrew Logan in his attempts to 
 
56 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 be appointed postmaster at Beaver, and showed him up 
 in lurid colors. 
 
 The first page of the papers then was mostly given 
 over to political intelligence, messages and documents, 
 national and state, with not a line of what we now know 
 as local news. The editorial page was given to columns 
 of editorials at times, with such local happenings as acci- 
 dents and death of prominent persons, but nowhere was 
 there much of local news in social and business circles, 
 but whole columns would be ablaze with political meet- 
 ings, political contributions, etc. 
 
 In the issue of the paper April 9, 1833, the following 
 notice appeared : "Married — On Thursday evening 18th 
 of April 1833, by Kev. W. Maclean, William Henry editor 
 of the 'Argus,' to Miss Eliza S. Hamilton of Sharon, 
 Beaver county" Appended to the notice was this : "In 
 the absence of the editor, the printer's devil takes it upon 
 himself to acknowledge, with the above marriage notice, 
 the receipt of a splendid slice of wedding cake, for which 
 he returns his thanks, and hopes that the parties may 
 through life, fully enjoy the new world upon which they 
 have entered." 
 
 August. 9, 1833, the "Argus" was increased from five 
 to six colimms, with a new press and new type, and Mr. 
 Henry stated that the paper was larger and contained a 
 great deal more matter, than any other county paper in 
 the State. January 28, 1835, the day of publication was 
 changed from Friday to Wednesday. 
 
 In beginning another volume, January 16, 1839, Mr. 
 Henry said: "It has been our aim to endeavor to 
 strengthen and maintain the moral and political charac- 
 ter of the county, to guard her interests and assert her 
 rights at all times fearlessly and faithfully." Owing to 
 the delinquencies of many subscribers he added that he 
 had "suffered embarrassments and perplexities" which 
 had compelled him to continue, as he had done eight years 
 
WM. HENKY A. G. HENKY 
 
 THOMAS HENRY 
 M. WEYAM) J. \VEYA.ND 
 
THE WESTERN AKGUS. 5"? 
 
 previous, ''to act as editor, compositor, pressman and 
 devil." 
 
 The paper came out in a bright new dress June 3, 
 1840, making a very handsome appearance, and the editor 
 stated that he would enlarge the paper if two hundred 
 or three hundred more names were added to the sub- 
 scription list. "But," he said, "let us elect General 
 Harrison, make times better, enable men to meet their 
 engagements promptly, and then we shall be able to 
 present an appearance at least equal to any of our co- 
 temporaries." 
 
 The name of the paper was changed to the "Beaver 
 Argus" August 2, 1843, and it was enlarged to seven 
 colunms to a page. The paper on which it was printed 
 was made by Archibald Robertson at his mill in Brighton, 
 and it was of excellent quality. The enlarged paper 
 presented a nice and neat appearance and was full of 
 good reading matter. In changing the name of the 
 paper, the editor said: "We have long been disposed to 
 drop the 'Western' part of our head and make it more 
 local and appropriate to our position; for it is a disputed 
 question whether we are in the West or in the East, the 
 Armory Commissioners placing us precisely on the divid- 
 ing line of these geographical divisions. So far as the 
 paper is known abroad it is the 'Beaver Argus,' and as 
 we go for Beaver first before all the West or all the 
 world, all the Beavers will doubtless agree that it is a 
 more appropriate title." 
 
 April 19, 1848, the paper appeared in a new outfit of 
 type, smaller in size than that before used, to enable the 
 editor to give more reading. In the next year, Decem- 
 ber 8, announcement was made that arrangements were 
 completed for receiving news by telegraph, doubtless the 
 first in the history of the papers in the county. 
 
 June 26, 1850, Albert G. Henry, brother of William 
 Henry, became associated with him in the control of the 
 
58 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 paper, but no change was made in its management or 
 policy. 
 
 Albert Gallatin Henry was born in Beaver November 
 3, 1828. After attending the public schools and Beaver 
 Academy, he entered the "Argus" office as an apprentice. 
 When he sold out his interest to Jacob Weyand in 1854, 
 he engaged in the mercantile business in Pittsburg. In 
 1855 he went to Davenport, Iowa, where he remained un- 
 til 1858, and then returned to Beaver and opened a store. 
 In 1866 he went to Kittanning, Pa., and bought the 
 "Armstrong Democrat," and changed its name to the 
 "Armstrong Eepublican." In 1882 he took his son W. 
 M. Henry into partnership, and then went to Washing- 
 ton, D. C, where he was appointed to a position in the 
 Pension office. In 1889 he returned to Kittanning and 
 resumed the management of his paper, where he re- 
 mained until his death in 189Y. During his active 
 career he was frequently urged to be a candidate for 
 Congress but he declined. He was always ready and 
 willing to help others, but refused to enter into any con- 
 test for himself. 
 
 Announcement was made July 24 of the same year, in 
 the columns of the paper, that Michael Weyand was its 
 agent in Lawrence and adjoining counties, authorized to 
 receive subscriptions, etc. 
 
 November 19, 1851, William Henry disposed of his 
 interest in the "Argus" to Michael Weyand. In re- 
 ferring to the change Mr. Henry among other things said 
 of Mr. Weyand that he "is known here as a young gentle- 
 man of intelligence, integrity and industry — an excellent 
 practical printer, who I have every confidence will prove 
 acceptable to the community. He will be associated 
 with A. G. Henry in the management of the office." Mr. 
 Henry reviewed his work, stating that he had been con- 
 nected with the office as a boy and man for 27 years lack- 
 ing a month, and for 22 1-2 years as editor. 
 
THE WESTESN ARGUS. 59 
 
 During the editorship of Mr, Henry, there were some 
 printers who are pleasantly remembered by old news- 
 paper men and citizens. John Truesdale, a faithful and 
 efficient printer afterwards was associated with the 
 ""Iowa State Register." Matthew Light and David 
 Light, who also worked for Mr. Weyand, both died of 
 consumption in. early manhood, Michael Weyand was 
 apprentice and journeyman under Mr. Henry, and when 
 he got into the business for himself, frequently helped 
 at the case, and set his editorials in type without writ- 
 ing them. Other printers were Benjamin Churchhill 
 and Joseph Wilson, and doubtless some others whose 
 names cannot now be recalled. Among the apprentices 
 with Mr. Weyand was James (Kit) Carson, who was 
 killed ia the Battle of the Wilderness in the Civil War. 
 Another was Joseph L. Anderson, who afterwards was 
 foreman of the "Radical" under Col. Quay. The best 
 known printer of the day perhaps, was John B. Early, 
 who was foreman for both Mr. Henry and Mr. Weyand. 
 In the days when Mr. Henry was in the height of his 
 work, Beaver was a greatly different place from that of 
 today. With a population of about 300, there were 7 or 
 8 licensed hotels, with breweries, etc., that afforded liquid 
 refreshment to all comers. Militia trainings were 
 great features, and "review day" was the day of all days 
 at the county seat, bringing together hundreds of uni- 
 formed and non-unifonned people, to be inspected by 
 gaily dressed officers, on richly caparisoned steeds. All 
 the feuds of the year had to be settled with the fist on 
 that day, and numerous were the scraps going on almost 
 continuously. The venders of spruce beer, the hotel 
 bars and the sellers of quarter sections of gingerbread, 
 would reap a rich harvest by nightfall, and would be 
 loaded down with the Spanish and Mexican quarters, and 
 other coin of the realm. Because of its quietude outside 
 of special times of excitement, the strict religious senti- 
 
60 HISTORY OF BETAVER COUNTY PAPERS.. 
 
 ment of heads of families, and the absence of the grosser 
 haunts of wickedness and crime, the town came to be 
 known as the "Saints' Kest." 
 
 In the issue of Nov. 26, 18&1, Mr: Weyand addressed 
 the readers of the "Argns" in a half column editorial, 
 vigorous and hopeful, declaring fealty to the principles 
 advocated by the "Argus," closing with the following 
 words: "And now, kind friends, having thus formally 
 introduced ourselves, 'we're at home' to all of you, in 
 future, in the building heretofore occupied, where we 
 hope to send the 'Argus' on its mission of duty with its 
 wonted regularity; and by strict attention to business, and 
 an earnest desire to serve you, we trust we shall merit 
 your kind approval." 
 
 M. Weyand was born in Somerset, Pa., June 11, 1825, 
 the son of Henry and Magdalena Weyand, both natives 
 of Somerset county. Pa., and of German descent. When 
 a year old his parents removed to Lawrence county, Pa. 
 At the age of 12 years he entered the office of the New 
 Castle, Pa., "Intelligencer" as an apprentice and served 
 one year, and in the spring of 1838 entered the office of 
 the "Western Argus," served 4 1-2 years as an appren- 
 tice, and afterward was a journeyman printer. Mr, 
 Weyand was married to Amanda Somers November 1851, 
 having 4 children, Henry S., Mrs. J. H. Wilson, David 
 and Julia. He held the office of Prothonotary of Beaver 
 county for six and one half years, one half year by ap- 
 pointment and six years by election. He was a Presi- 
 dential Elector in 1884 and was appointed postmaster 
 at Beaver in 1900. During his long career as a 
 journalist, Mr. Weyand had many bitter and exciting 
 controversies, but he always sought to avoid personalities 
 where possible. He has been a life long Whig and Re- 
 ptiblican, and a protectionist of the Henry Clay school; 
 he was inflexibly opposed to the extension of slavery, and 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 
 
 resisted the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the 
 introduction of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska with 
 all his ability. He is a good speaker and one of the best 
 writers ever on the press of Beaver county. Mr. Weyand 
 is a m.ember of the M. E. church. 
 
 July 27, 1853, the name of the paper was changed to 
 the "Beaver County Argus." A. G. Henry retired from 
 the firm June 28, 1854, and in an editorial said: "Our 
 career as one of its editors has been short but pleasant, 
 and friends for their many kindnesses will be held in 
 gratefiil remembrance. Our successor, J. Weyand, 
 brother of the senior is a yotmg gentleman of energy and 
 ability, and we doubt not will add much to the columns 
 of the paper." Michael Weyand expressed regret at 
 the retirement of Mr. Henry, in a pleasant editorial. 
 
 July 5, 1854, Jacob Weyand succeeded Mr. Henry and 
 introduced himself to the readers of the "Argus" in an 
 editorial marked by strength and candor, that stamped 
 him as a young man of journalistic ability, closing it 
 with these words : "In connection with the senior, we 
 shall from time to time, present our views unreservedly, 
 of those measures of national and state policy, which 
 may be deemed of importance." 
 
 Jacob Weyand was born in Lawrence county. Pa., 
 March 29, 1828. He worked on a farm untU he attained 
 his majority, attending school three months a year until 
 he was fifteen years of age, after which he attended 
 school in Beaver for a short time. He disposed of his 
 interest in the "Argus" and bought the "Free Press" at 
 Carrolton, O., in 1858, where he was when the Civil War 
 broke out. He sold his paper, raised a company of 
 volimteers, was elected its captain and was attached to 
 the 126th O. V. I. He was twice wounded in battle and 
 was a cool, courageous soldier. At the battle of 
 Monocacy, Md., July 9, 1864, he was in command of his 
 
62 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 regiment, and was publicly mentioned in the official re- 
 port of the battle, for his courage and skill. For his 
 gallant services he was recommended to the Secretary of 
 War for brevet promotions as Major and Lieutenant 
 Colonel. He was married July 185Y to Victoria, dauerh- 
 ter of the late Dr. Milo Adams, for many years a leading 
 physician in the county. They had seven children, four 
 of whom are living: Emma, wife of Harry W. Keeves, 
 Beaver Falls ; Edwin S., an attorney at Beaver ; Blanche, 
 stamp clerk in the Beaver Falls postoffice, and Paul, a 
 minister in the M. E. church. He was married a second 
 time to Miss Mary Cooke, daughter of Major J. M. 
 Cooke, late of Eochester, Pa. Col. Weyand was a good 
 business man. 
 
 When the McCreery bank failed in 1883, he was 
 selected as assignee, and settled the complicated business 
 of that -institution to the satisfaction of all parties in- 
 terested. He is a member of the M. E. church. He 
 was a mertiber of the Pennsylvania Legislature for two 
 terms, 1893 and 1895, and during the latter term was a 
 member of the Ways and Means Committee. He intro- 
 duced and had passed the first bill giving an appropri- 
 ation to the Beaver Valley General Hospital of New 
 Brighton. 
 
 Jacob Weyand retired from the "Argus" December 16, 
 1857, with the following editorial announcement: 
 "Having disposed of my interest in the 'Argus' office to 
 my brother, the senior partner, I now take my leave of 
 those who have been kind enough for a series of years, 
 to extend their patronage to the firm. The business 
 relations between ourself and patrons have been of the 
 most agreeable character, and it is to be hoped that their 
 uniform kindness and generous support will long be 
 cherished." The "Argus" continued under the control 
 of Michael Weyand until December 1859, when he re- 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 63 
 
 tired, and was never again connected with the paper, sell- 
 ing the establishment to Samuel Davenport, who changed 
 the name again to the "Beaver Argus." Mr. Davenport 
 was the second president of Beaver College and Musical 
 Institute, serving for one and one half years. After the 
 Civil War he was for some time Assessor of Internal 
 Revenue. Later he moved to Indiana, Pa., where he 
 died. Mr. Davenport retired from the "Argus" Decem- 
 ber 25, 1861, and closed his work with a very appropriate 
 editorial, in which he said: "The mtercourse between 
 ourselves and our patrons has been of the most pleasant 
 kind and he has not the recollection of having had a 
 single difficulty with any one since he entered the oifice." 
 Mr. Davenport was regarded by many associated with 
 him, as the most scholarly man that has occupied the 
 editorial chair in Beaver county, but being more inclined 
 to ease than a strenuous life, he failed to impress his 
 scholarship and learning on the journalism of his day, 
 as he might easily have done. 
 
 Thomas C. Nicholson, a young man of fine ability, as- 
 sumed charge of the "Argus" January 1, 1862. He was 
 the son of Thomas and Eebecca Stewart Nicholson, his 
 father a prominent man in the county, the first Superin- 
 tendent of the schools of the county, a member of the 
 Legislature and Cashier of the State Treasury for a 
 number of years. Thomas C. Nicholson studied law in 
 Beaver, served as a member of the 140th Penna. Volun- 
 teers, later went to Kansas, where in August 1868, he was 
 admitted by the District Court of Junction City, Kas., 
 to practice in the courts of that State. Later he lived 
 at Altoona, Pa. 
 
 Upon taking charge of the paper, Mr. Nicholson ad- 
 dressed the patrons of the paper in the following edi- 
 torial: "Being reared and educated in your midst, it is 
 hoped this fact will inspire a reasonable degree of confi- 
 
64 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 dence that the interests peculiar to our native place will 
 be neither overlooked nor forgotten. For this purpose 
 constant attention vrill be paid to everything calculated 
 to advance the local interests, and develop the resources 
 of Beaver county." 
 
 The publishers were T. C. Nicholson & Co. 
 
 In an editorial in the paper September lY, 1862, the 
 following appeared: "The editor of this paper, T. C. 
 Nicholson, enlisted in Capt. Darragh's company of three 
 years' men and is now with his regiment. The acting 
 editors, Rutan and Anderson, both volunteered under the 
 late call of the Governor, and left for Harrisburg on 
 Monday. We are therefore left without sufficient force 
 to carry on the paper properly. We hope our readers 
 wUl bear with us for a short time, until they return. We 
 will try and do the best we can under the circimistances — 
 Angels could do no more. The country seems to require 
 all our able bodied men, and the next call may leave the 
 'Argus' without even the 'devil.' " 
 
 The emergency men imder Capt. Rutan, under the 
 Governor's call to defend Pennsylvania, returned home 
 the latter part of September. 
 
 February 11, 1863, De Lorma Imbrie assumed control 
 of the "Argus" as editor and proprietor. In his saluta- 
 tory he annoimced : "The 'Argus' will, as it has hereto- 
 fore done, sustain to the utmost of its power, the prin- 
 ciples laid dovm by the f oiuiders of our government ; and 
 so long as our present Chief Magistrate shall be faithful 
 to those principles, we shall continue to give him our 
 unqualified support." 
 
 De Lorma Imbrie was born in Big Beaver township 
 March 4, 1824; was educated in the country schools and 
 Darlington Academy; taught school in Darlington, 
 Brighton and Wilmington; was married at the latter 
 place to Miss Margaret Carman October 27, 1851. He 
 then took up his residence in Beaver where he studied 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 
 
 law and was admitted to the bar November 25, 1853. 
 He was a conspicuous figure in politics; was a member 
 of the Legislature 1856-57-58, and of the Senate in 1859. 
 During the last seven years of his life, he was employed 
 in the Auditor General's office at Harrisburg, where he 
 died November 6, 1888. He had five children : Carman ; 
 Nannie B., wife of Eev, W. S. McClure; Mary E., wife 
 of W. H. S. Thomson, Esq., a prominent attorney of 
 Beaver, now of Pittsburg; Lilian Era, and Edith. 
 
 In the issue of August 31, 1864, Mr. Imbrie said : "We 
 are compelled to issue a half sheet this week. John 
 Tallon one of our hands, volimteered last week, and we 
 are left without sufficient force to issue a full sheet." 
 
 November 2, 1864, Mr. Imbrie annoimced his retire- 
 ment from the "Argus," and the next issue November 9, 
 D. W. Scott Jr., took charge of the business and edi- 
 torial management of the paper. Mr. Scott had been a 
 student at Beaver Academy and subsequently of Jeffer- 
 son College, in which he was graduated, and intended to 
 enter the ministry, biit on account of ill health ceased his 
 theological studies and entered upon the Work of editing 
 the paper. At the close of the year he sold his interests 
 in the paper, and died of consumption April 6, 1865, in 
 Hopewell township. 
 
 January 4, 1865, M. S. Quay and J. S. Kutan bought 
 the paper, assumed the management, and conducted it 
 together mitil October 18, 1865, when Mr. Rutan an- 
 nounced that he had purchased Mr. Quay's interest, and 
 would thereafter conduct it as sole editor and proprietor. 
 
 This continued until November 22, 1865, when J. S. 
 Eutan & Co. were given as editors and proprietors, J. L. 
 Anderson being the other member of the company. This 
 continued until July 11, 1866, when Jacob Weyand pur- 
 chased the outfit, and took charge of it as editor and 
 proprietor, without any editorial flourish, but with a 
 mere mention of the fact. 
 
66 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 April 3, 186Y, the paper was fitted out with a new 
 dress of type, and December 16, 1868, it appeared in a 
 still more beautiful dress, and the office was furnished 
 with a Cottrell & Babcock power cylinder press. 
 January 8, 1873, Mr. Weyand disposed of an mterest in 
 the paper to Robert L. Treiber of Beaver, a printer who 
 learned his trade in the office, the firm name being 
 Weyand & Treiber. September 17 of the same year, the 
 "Argus" was consolidated with the "Beaver Radical," un- 
 der the name of the "Argus and Radical." 
 
 The Beaver Radical. 
 
 In November 1868, Matthew S. Quay established the 
 "Radical" in Beaver, in opposition to the "Argus,'' then 
 owned and conducted by Col. Jacob Weyand. The paper 
 was started without any flourish, and with no regular 
 list of subscribers. It is said that at a meeting with a 
 number of his political friends Colonel Quay an- 
 nounced that he purposed starting a paper, and that sub- 
 stantial assistance, as well as encouragement, was given 
 to the enterprise, and what the list of patrons lacked in 
 niunbers was made up fully in weight and ability. 
 
 It was doubtless one of the ablest country papers ever 
 published in the State, and its columns were frequently 
 graced with articles from some of the ablest writers in 
 the country. It was positive and aggressive in politics, 
 representing of course the views of the distinguished 
 editor in all things, and making war on the enemies of 
 those views. The existence of the two Republican 
 papers, so at variance with each other, was injurious to 
 the party, and led to much controversy and considerable 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 
 
 ill feeling, and the inevitable result followed, in the in- 
 terest of political peace, in the consolidation of the two 
 papers. 
 
 Matthew Stanley Quay was born at Dillsburg, York 
 county, Pa., Sept. 30, 1833, the son of Eev. AnderSon 
 Beaton Quay, a prominent Presbyterian clergyman, the 
 latter a son of Joseph Quay and Ascenath Anderson, who 
 lived in the northern part of Chester county; the latter's 
 father, Patrick Anderson, was a captain in the French 
 and Indian War, and, on the breaking out of the Revo- 
 lution was, along with Anthony Wayne, a member of the 
 Chester county committee. He went into the service 
 in 1776 as Captain of the first company in the Pennsyl- 
 vania Musketry Battalion, and after the battle of Long 
 Island, he commanded the battalion. In 1778 and 1779 
 he sat in the Pennsylvania Assembly, and his son, Isaac 
 Anderson, represented that district in Congress from 
 1803 to 1807. Senator Quay's great-grandmother, Ann 
 Beaton, was the daughter of Daniel Beaton, and the 
 sister of Colonel John Beaton; who, during the Revo- 
 lution, was most active in military affairs in Chester 
 county. 
 
 Matthew S. Quay graduated from Jefferson College, 
 Pennsylvania, in 1850, studied law with Penny & Ster- 
 rett, ia Pittsburg, and was admitted to the bar of Beaver 
 coimty in 1854. The following year he was appointed 
 Prothonotary of the coimty, and was elected in 1856, and 
 again in 1859. In 1861 he resigned his office to accept 
 a lieutenancy in the Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, and 
 was subsequently made Assistant Commissary-General 
 of the State, and with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 Afterward he was appointed private secretary to Gov. 
 Andrew G. Curtin, and, in August, 1862, was commis- 
 sioned Colonel of the 134th Regiment, Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers. He was mustered out, owing to ill health, 
 December 7, 1862, but participated in the assault on 
 
SS HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS'. 
 
 Marye's Heights, December 13, 1862, as a volunteer. He 
 was subsequently appointed State Agent at Washington, 
 but shortly afterward was recalled by the Legislature to 
 fill the office of Military Secretary, created by that bodyj 
 was private secretary to the Governor of Pennsylvania; 
 was Major and Chief of Transportation and Telegraphs ; 
 was Military Secretary to the Governor of Pennsylvania, 
 1861-1865. He was elected to the Legislature in 1864, 
 and again in 1865 and 1866. In the latter year he was 
 secretary of the Republican State Committee, of which 
 he was Chairman in 1878. In 1873-78 he was Secretary 
 of the Commonwealth, resigning to accept the appoint- 
 ment of Recorder of Philadelphia. This office he 
 resigned in January 1879, when he was again appointed 
 Secretary of the Commonwealth, filling that post until 
 October 1882, when he resigned. In November 1885, he 
 was elected State Treasurer and resigned in September 
 1887. 
 
 He was elected a member of the Republican National 
 Committee and chosen Chairman thereof and ex-officio 
 Chairman of the Executive Committee when the commit- 
 tee organized in July 1888, and conducted the successful 
 Presidential campaign of that year ; was a delegate to the 
 Republican National Convention of 1892; was Chairman 
 of the Republican State Committee 1895-6 ; was a delegate to 
 the Republican National Convention of 1896 ; was elected 
 a member of the Republican National Committee and 
 chosen a member of the Executive Committee in 1896; 
 was a delegate to the Republican National Convention 
 of 1900; was elected a member of the Republican 
 National Committee of 1900; was elected to the United 
 States Senate as a Republican, to succeed J. I. Mitchell, 
 and took his seat March 4, 1887 ; was re-elected in 1893 ; in 
 1899 was defeated for re-election by a deadlock existing 
 throughout the session of the Legislature; was appointed 
 United States Senator by the Governor of Pennsylvania 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 69 
 
 to fill the vacancy caused by the failure of the Legisla- 
 ture to elect, but the appointment was not recognized by 
 the Senate ; on the day of his rejection by the Senate was 
 nominated to succeed himself by the Republican State 
 Convention of Pennsylvania, and was re-elected United 
 States Senator January 15, 1901. He died at his home 
 in Beaver, Pa., on Saturday May 28, 1904, at 2 :48 p. m. 
 
 Senator Quay was married, in 1855, to Agnes Barclay, 
 daughter of John Barclay, by his wife Elizabeth Shan- 
 non. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and 
 were of Scotch-Irish descent. The children of this 
 marriage, all of whona. were bom at Beaver, are Richard 
 Roberts, Andrew Gregg Curtin, Mary Agnew, Coral, and 
 Susan Willard. 
 
 In the year 1872, Hon. Jam^es S. Rutan purchased the 
 paper from Col. Quay, and published it thereafter. Smith 
 Curtis being the editor. Joseph L. Anderson was fore- 
 man of the "Radical" until April 1873, when he resigned 
 and went to the "Pittsburg Chronicle-Telegraph" and 
 was succeeded by Simeon Diasmore. 
 
 Mr. Rutan was born in Carroll county, O., May 29, 
 1838, the son of Alexander A. Rutan, an influential 
 farmer. His ancestors on his paternal side were French 
 Hugenots, who settled in New Jersey, and on the 
 maternal side were Scotch-Irish. He was educated at 
 Richmond College, O., and at Beaver Academy and 
 taught school for one year. He then studied law in the 
 office of Col. Richard P. Roberts and was admitted to the 
 Beaver bar in 1861. He engaged in practice in Beaver, 
 where he continued until September 1861, when he en- 
 tered the army as First Lieutenant of a company of the 
 101st Pa. Regiment and served xmtil August 1862, when 
 he resigned on account of ill health. Returning to 
 Beaver he was elected District Attorney of Beaver 
 county which he held for six years. In 1868 he was 
 
70 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 cliosen as the representative of the State, to carry the 
 electoral count to the National Capital. In 1869 he 
 was elected to the State Senate, and was President of 
 that body in 1872. In 1876 was appointed Collector of 
 the Port of Pittsburg, which he held four years. Soon 
 after his retirement from the office was appointed United 
 States Marshal for the western district of Pennsylvania. 
 He was elected to the State Senate in Allegheny, Pa., in 
 1886, serving one term. Mr. Eutan was united in 
 marriage with Cora, daughter of Rev. William Cox, D. 
 D., a promment member of the Pittsburg Conference 
 M. E. Church, and died in Allegheny, Pa., June 18, 1892, 
 and was buried at Beaver. 
 
 Joseph L. Anderson was bom in Beaver and is a son 
 of Joseph and Mary (Eakin) Anderson, farmers, of 
 Scotch-Irish origin; attended the common schools and 
 the Beaver Academy; entered the office of the "Argus" 
 as apprentice and learned the trade, where he remained 
 until he became a partner, and subsequently was foreman 
 of the "Radical;" was transcribing clerk in the Senate 
 of the State in 1867 ; and after leaving the "Radical" • 
 was foreman of the "Chronicle-Telegraph." He was 
 married in 1861 to Margaret Hall of Beaver county, and 
 had three children, James Paul, Stanley, and Mary Olive. 
 
 Argus and Radical. 
 
 The journalistic contest between the two rival papers, 
 the "Argus" and the "Radical," was continued from 
 November 1868, to September 17, 1873, when the two 
 papers were consolidated, taking the name of "Argus and 
 Radical," published by the Beaver Printing Company, 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 
 
 with. James S. Eutan as editor and Jacob Weyand busi- 
 ness manager. The office was burned March 17, 18Y4, 
 and resumed publication on the first of April, with a 
 new outfit. It then becam.e a vigorous exponent of the 
 Republican party, and was regarded as the organ of the 
 Stalwart wing of the party, and a devoted adherent of 
 Col. Quay. 
 
 In 1879 Smith Curtis bought the interest of James S. 
 Eutan in the paper and became its editor, and W. I. Heed 
 bought Jacob Weyand's interest, and was business 
 manager of the paper. 
 
 Sm.ith Curtis was born in Sherburne, Chenango 
 county, N. Y., Dec. 21, 1834. His parents were John 
 and Elsie (Jones) Curtis, the former a native of New 
 York and the latter of Connecticut. His father was a 
 mUler and a tanner, and was also engaged in the manu- 
 facture of boots and shoes. His family consisted of 
 ten children, of whom Smith is the fifth. He attended 
 common school in his native county until he was sixteen 
 years old, worked in the mUl and tannery and went to 
 N^ew York, where he clerked in a store two years; then 
 returned to his native county to prepare for college. He 
 attended an academy in Eranklin county one year; then 
 entered Hamilton College, New York, where he spent 
 three years. He then entered Union College, Schenectady 
 comity, N. Y., and was graduated in 1858 with honor. 
 He was a diligent and successful student and was fre- 
 quently chosen as a representative of the college in 
 literary contests. He received a prize for an essay while 
 in Hamilton College. After his graduation he com- 
 menced the study of theology and spent one year at the 
 seminary at Princeton, N. J. He then entered the Union 
 Theological Seminary at New York, from which institu- 
 tion he was graduated in 1861. He then went to Toledo, 
 Ohio. In 1861 he was ordained a minister, by the Con- 
 gregational Association, of Ohio, at Columbus, to be 
 
72 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 eligible to election as Chaplain for the 62d Regiment 
 Ohio Vols. From there he went to Fostoria, in the same 
 state, where he took charge of the Presbyterian church 
 for three years. He then resigned and opened an 
 academy there, which he continued two years, when he 
 was appointed Chaplain of a regiment belonging to 
 General Butler's command. The war soon closed, and 
 he did not join his regiment. In 1862 he was elected 
 Chaplain of the 62d Pennsylvania Volunteers, but was 
 not permitted to serve. He came to Pennsylvania in 
 1865 and was married March 1, that year, to Isidore, 
 daughter of Capt. Kichard and Elizabeth (McCurdy) 
 CaUioon. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Curtis, three of whom are now living: John Richard, 
 Dora E., and Elizabeth M. Mr. Curtis was principal of 
 the public school of Beaver borough in 1868 and 1869. 
 He is an active member of the Republican party, and 
 served as secretary of the county committee from 186C 
 till 18Y2. I-Ie was editor of the "Radical" after Senator 
 Quay's retirement until the consolidation of the "Argus 
 and Radical." He was then appointed to a position in 
 the State Insurance Department Harrisburg, remain- 
 ing there until December 1879. 
 
 Wilkins Irwin Reed was born in Moon township, 
 Beaver county. Pa., June 4, 1851, his parents being 
 Thomas and Frances Irwin Reed, whose ancestors were 
 among the earliest settlers of that part of Beaver county. 
 He received his schooling in the country schools, and the 
 public schools of Rochester, to which town the family 
 moved. At the age of 16 he entered the office of the 
 "Venango Republican," Oil City, Pa., the present "Oil 
 City Derrick." He completed his apprenticeship here, 
 a portion of which time was in the business department. 
 He then went to Indianapolis, Ind., and engaged in the 
 job printing business, soon returning to Pennsylvania, 
 where he was managing editor of a paper for some 
 
M. S. QUAY 
 SMITH CUKTIS 
 
 |. S. RUTAN 
 HOWARD BLISS 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 73 
 
 months, thence returned to Beaver county in 1871, and 
 became connected in a business capacity with the Beaver 
 "Argus." He became manager of the business affairs of 
 the "Argus and Radical" until he purchased an interest. 
 
 Curtis & Keed began the publication of the "Daily 
 Argus" in May 1883, the second daily in the county, 
 which veas continued for thirteen years. September 
 1, 1885, Mr. Eeed sold his interest in the paper to W. F. 
 Bliss and brother Howard Bliss, and purchased a half in- 
 terest in the "Clarion (Pa.) Democrat," the management 
 of which he assimied, and remained in the paper until 
 April 1, 1901, when he disposed of his interest to his 
 partner, and immediately thereafter engaged in the 
 wholesale and retail hardware and manufacturing busi- 
 ness in Franklin, Pa. 
 
 The Bliss brothers were born in South Beaver town- 
 ship, the sons of Dr. Zadok and Rebecca McMillen Bliss. 
 The father was a practicing physician in that township, 
 and died there in 18Y5, while the mother is yet living at 
 Beaver, in the ninetieth year of her age, and residing with 
 her are her two daughters, the Misses Sue and Rebecca 
 Bliss. Both Dr. and Mrs. Bliss were natives of South 
 Beaver township, where their children were bom. 
 
 W. F. Bliss was a teacher by profession, and upon 
 retiring from the "Argus," he resumed his profession, 
 which he had laid down to take up newspaper work. He 
 was for some time principal of the Beaver public schools 
 and a teacher in the high school. For two terms princi- 
 pal of the Rochester schools, and was the organizer and 
 first principal of its high school. From Rochester he 
 went to California, where he has been engaged in edu- 
 cational work since 1894, and since 1901 has been Pro- 
 fessor of History in the State Normal School at San 
 Diego. He is one of the staff contributors to the 
 "California School Journal," and has prepared and pub- 
 
74 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 lished a history of the early settlement of California. 
 His wife is Miss Nellie Fowler formerly a teacher of 
 Beaver. 
 
 When the Bliss brothers sold their interest in the 
 "Argus and Radical," Howard Bliss remained with the 
 paper for about ten years, when he withdrew to accept 
 a position on the "Daily Star." Mr. Bliss remained as 
 a writer on the "Star" until January 1, 1903, when he 
 resigned to enter upon the duties of Sheriff of Beaver 
 county, to which he was elected in November 1902. 
 During the seventeen years he was engaged in newspaper 
 work, he resided in Rochester, and in addition to his 
 other duties, was special correspondent from Beaver 
 county to the Pittsburg "Times" and "Leader." He 
 served two terms as Assistant Burgess, and later one year 
 as Burgess of Rochester; one term as a member of the 
 school board; was twice a delegate to the Republican 
 State Convention from Beaver county; and has at various 
 times been a member of the Republican County Com- 
 mittee. He married Miss Lizzie J .Clark, of Pittsburg, 
 and they have three sons, Wilber Agnew, principal of 
 the Aliquippa public schools; Howard Clifford, clerk in 
 the paymaster's department of the Rochester Tumbler 
 Company, and Curtis Stewart, a student at the Beaver 
 County Commercial College. 
 
 In 1890 the Bliss brothers sold their interest in the 
 "Argus and Radical" to Capt. John E. Smith of George- 
 town. During the five years that they were connected 
 with the paper, a new brick printing office was erected, 
 and the office was fitted out entire with new type, and the 
 high standard of the paper was maintained. Upon the 
 purchase of this interest by Mr. Smith, his son-in-law, T. 
 S. Laughlin, became business manager of the paper for 
 a few years, and then retired, Mr. Smith selling his hold- 
 ings to his partner, Mr. Curtis, who has conducted it 
 since, issuing only a weekly edition. 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 75 
 
 Daily X-Ray. 
 
 On January 3, 1903, a charter was granted at Harris- 
 burg, Pa., to the Eadical Printing Company of Beaver, 
 Pa., capital $15,000; directors, D. A. Nelson, Joseph L. 
 Holmes, E. S. Holt, Ira P. Mansfield, Smith Curtis, D. 
 M. Twiford, Beaver; John H. Sturgeon, Beaver Palls; 
 Hartford P. Brown, Eochester, and J. H. Hamilton, New 
 Brighton. This company absorbed the "Argus and 
 Eadical" establishment, buying its plant, name and good 
 will. 
 
 On Monday May 4, 1903, this company started a daily 
 paper called "The Daily X-Eay," being Volume 1, Num- 
 ber 1, and the "Argus and Eadical" was discontinued. 
 The officers of the company were named in the paper 
 as follows: President, Hartford P. Brown; Secretary, 
 Milton J. Patterson; Treasurer, Joseph L. Holmes; 
 Editor, Smith Curtis; Business Manager, P. L. Parker; 
 Circulation Manager, J. H. Hamilton. From the initial 
 number of the paper, the following extracts are taken, 
 as indicating the reasons for the new paper's existence : 
 
 "With this issue 'The Daily X-Eay' makes its initial 
 bow to the public. In one sense it is a new paper, being 
 tinder a new management and new name, but in another, 
 it is an evolution from the weekly 'Argus and Eadical' 
 whose lineal descent reaches, in unbroken succession, to 
 the old 'Western Argus,' published in Beaver in 1818. 
 
 " 'The Daily X-Eay' has no schemes to push, no 
 friends to favor and no enemies to punish. It opens its 
 columns to free discussion within reasonable limits. It 
 wishes to treat aU persons, all orders, all sects, all parties 
 
76 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 and even all factions with impartial fairness. Let the 
 facts be given. Truth vcill not suffer from error in open 
 combat. Publicity is light; it is the 'X-Ray' that illum- 
 inates society's opaque substances, discovers evil doers, 
 doing thus more efficient service as a protector of the 
 people than even the sleuths of the law. Hail 'The X- 
 E.ay!' May her light be as beneficial as her rays are 
 penetrating !" 
 
 It was issued as an evening paper, and was understood 
 to be the representative of a new faction in the Ke- 
 publican party, whose object was to break up an alleged 
 ring in the party, and carry out the principles enunciated 
 in the editorial quoted. Its editorial columns were re- 
 markable for their plain speaking and denunciation of 
 some of the politicians, but the seed seemed to be sown 
 on shallow and rocky soil, and bore no good fruit. Its 
 end was seen from the beginning by practical newspaper 
 men. 
 
 The "Daily X-Eay" was changed to a morning paper 
 Jime 29, 1903, with the following at the head of its 
 cohmins: "The 'Daily X-Eay' has been leased by the 
 employees of the firm, and under their management will 
 be issued each morning except Sunday." F. L. Parker 
 was published as editor and business manager. The 
 paper ceased publication with the issue of July 13, 1903, 
 with but a little more than two months of troubled 
 existence. A few months later Hartford P. Brown was 
 appointed Eeceiver for the company, and it was sold at 
 public auction March 26, 1904, the purchaser being 
 Joseph L. Holmes Esq. In May 1904 Smith Curtis 
 bought the plant from Mr. Holmes, and in it is published 
 the "Argus and Radical," which Mr. Curtis revived when 
 the "Daily X-Ray" failed. 
 
 Thus closes the record of a remarkable journalistic 
 career in Beaver county. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE WESTERN STAR. 
 
 The "Western Star," the only Democratic paper in 
 the county that has weathered the journalistic storms, 
 and retains its name to the present time, was started 
 December 15, 1843, by Washington Bigler and William 
 Denlinger, both of whom came from the eastern part of 
 the state, under the firm name of Bigler & Denlinger. 
 The paper was a six column folio, and was printed in a 
 row of old wooden buildings that stood at the south end 
 of the Potter hotel, now the site of tbft Parkview hotel. 
 It was removed in 1844 to a brick building where the 
 Buchanan block now stands, and in 1845 to a brick build- 
 ing now known as the Merz building. 
 
 Mr. Bigler was a brother of the famous Bigler 
 brothers, John and William, who were chosen Governor 
 respectively of the States of California and Pennsyl- 
 vania, on the same day in 1851. He retired from the 
 firm January Y, 1846. 
 
 In September of the same year, Mr. Denlinger tem- 
 porarily retired from the paper, and was succeeded by 
 Major John Irons of the "Fayette Genius of Liberty," 
 XJniontown, Pa., who came to his new duties with con- 
 siderable experience and reputation as a newspaper man. 
 The paper appeared in a new dress and enlarged form. 
 
HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 i[ajor Irons remaiiK>d a few months on the jjaper, and 
 then returned to the "Genius of Liberty," where he died 
 June 30, 1850. Mr. Denling-er then returned to the "Star." 
 He had some amusing experiences dviring his career as 
 editor. He had a subscriber out in Brighton township 
 whose constant boast was, that he always supported the 
 public press, even if he never paid it a cent. He was far 
 in arrears with Mr. Denlinger, and one day brought in a 
 couple of bushels of potatoes, when potatoes were hardly 
 worth throwing away, and had them credited to his 
 account; but before he left to\vn, he managed to borrow 
 enough mone.y from Mr. Denlinger to cover the potatoes 
 two or three times over. Other editors had an intimate 
 monetary acquaintance with the same old subscriber. 
 On the incoming of the Polk administration in 1845, a 
 well known Democrat was an applicant for the Beaver 
 postofRee, and shortl.v after his papers had been filed at 
 Washington, some of the wags in his own party, got up 
 and forwarded to the old gentleman a bogus commission, 
 and forthwith he commenced fitting up in elaborate style, 
 suitable quarters for the postoffice. Editor Denlinger 
 who boarded with him, kindly suggested that he had 
 better not be in too much of a hurry, as there might be 
 some humbug in the commission he had received, where- 
 upon the irate old gentleman instantly retorted: "Pay 
 me that board bill you owe me, and there'll be no humbug 
 in that." 
 
 On the seventh of January 1848, Dr. R. B. Barker, 
 formerly of the "Beaver River Gazette," purchased a half 
 interest in the paper and became the senior editor. How 
 long he remained is not Ivnown, but it was certainly not 
 a very long time, perhaps a few months. Associated 
 with him was P. B. Conn, a practical printer, who was 
 the business manager of the paper. He was a well 
 known printer, a lieaver county man, and in later years 
 was one of the most prominent newspaper men in 
 
THB WESTERN STAR. 79 
 
 Steubenville, O., known all over this section of country, a 
 man of ability and force. 
 
 When Dr. Barker assumed the editorship of the 
 "Star," he and William Henry of the "Argus," made the 
 most profound editorial bows to each other, and each 
 invoked an era of peace and good will between the 
 papers; but they were soon industriously sharpening 
 their political goose quill pens, and in a few weeks the 
 political war began and the editorial combat was on. 
 Whole column editorials were written and published, and 
 personalities took the place of good will. That is, such 
 a condition existed editorially. The writing abilty of 
 the two editors made it certain that the combat would be 
 a lively one, especially as both were full of fight and 
 always ready for the fray, and that the subjects discussed 
 would be handled skilfully, and with energy and ability. 
 These two gentlemen, on opposite sides of the political 
 fence, were among the ablest of the editors of the 
 county, and have not been excelled by any others in their 
 style of presenting their views to the people. Both were 
 aggressive, both had political chips on their shoulders for 
 the other fellow to knock ofE at his peril, and both were 
 graceful, correct and able writers, and both did credit to 
 the journalism of the county. But Dr. Barker was on 
 the losing side, and soon retired, never again to grace the 
 editorial chair. 
 
 Mr. Conn withdrew from the paper as associate, 
 December 7, 1849, and was succeeded by D. P. Work. 
 Mr. Work was formerly of the "Argus," a well known 
 newspaper man of the county, and had been in business 
 the early part of the year, in a literary depot, with a Mr. 
 Holmes, on Third street Pittsburg. Nothing of interest 
 is known of his work on the paper, or the impress he 
 made on his party, though he remained on it until March 
 17, 1852, when he gave way to Samuel Gaither of Somer- 
 set county. Pa. The "Star" was then conducted by Mr. 
 
80 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Gaither and Mr. Denlinger, under the firm name of 
 Gaither and Denlinger. Mr. Denlinger was a candidate 
 for Prothonotary on the Democratic ticket in 1851, and 
 was defeated by a few votes. 
 
 September 8, 1852, Mr. Denlinger finally withdrew 
 from the "Star," and was succeeded by H. C. Connelly. 
 The "Argus" referred editorially to the change as 
 follows: "Mr. Denlinger has been connected with the 
 'Star' for a number of years, and we have no hesitation 
 in saying that he now retires with the best wishes of its 
 patrons. Mr. Connelly is a young man, a practical 
 printer, who will doubtless make himself acceptable to 
 the Democracy." Mr. Denlinger was appointed route 
 agent in July 1853, and was on duty between Pittsburg 
 and Harrisburg. 
 
 In September 1853, E. Gregor McGregor, of North 
 Sewicldey township, purchased Mr. Gaither's interest in 
 the paper, and became associated with Mr. Connelly in 
 its management. In November of the same year, the 
 "Star" came out in a new dress of type, with a new head, 
 making it m.uch more attractive in appearance. In 
 January 1855, Mr. Coim.elly retired, leaving the entire 
 m.anagement of the paper in the hands of Mr. McGregor. 
 Mr. Connelly, who came to Beaver county from Somerset 
 coimty. Pa., upon his retirement went west, and in 1857, 
 was the editor of the "Eock Islander" in Illinois. 
 
 Robert Gregor McGregor was born June 17, 1830, at 
 Hazel Dell, then in North Sewickley township, Beaver 
 county, now in Wayne township, Lawrence county. Pa. 
 His father Donald McGregor, was a native of Scotland, 
 his. mother Mary Bennett. Donald McGregor, was a 
 second cousin of Eob Eoy and claimed a descent from 
 Gregor, or Gregorius, third son of Alpin, King of Scots, 
 who flourished about 787, of the Clan Alpin, one of the 
 most ancient Clans of the Scottish Highlands. After 
 obtaining a good common school education he attended 
 
THO.MP lU'RTON R. S. KENNEDY 
 
 R. GKEGOK McGregor 
 
 |. E. MCCU'RE THEO EAMTERT 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 81 
 
 the Beaver Academy several terms, and adopted teaching 
 as his profession. His first term of school was taught 
 in North Sewickley township in the winter of 1847-48. 
 This he followed in New Sewickley and adjoining town- 
 ships nearly all his life, a few years being spent in news- 
 paper work and as a mail agent. He was a very suc- 
 cessful teacher and possessed intelligence of the highest 
 order. In 1854 he was tuiited in marriage to Miss 
 Eebecca A. F. Eandolph of Achor, O., a young lady of 
 culture and refinement, a writer of considerable merit. 
 She died in a few years leaving two children, Donald E. 
 McGregor, and Mary E., wife of I. J. McCready of 
 Beaver Falls, Pa. From 1857 to 1861 Mr. McGregor was 
 mail agent on the Allegheny Valley Railroad. In 1864 
 and 1865 he was an editorial writer on the "Star,'' with 
 Samuel K. Alexander. From 1869 to 1872 was news and 
 editorial writer on the New Castle "Gazette," and in 
 1872 was employed as editorial writer on the "Conserva- 
 tive," with E. B. Williams, and during the presidential 
 campaign of 1880 was editorial writer on the "Star." 
 In the course of this campaign he made a number of 
 speeches, and was a fluent and logical speaker. Though 
 a good writer and speaker, his greatest pride was in his 
 work as a teacher. After his last formal connection 
 with a paper in 1880, he was a frequent contributor to 
 the local press, doing a good deal of work of that kind 
 for the Beaver "Star" and the "Beaver Valley News" of 
 New Brighton, Pa. He died January 10, 1902. 
 
 Mr. McGregor was an unusually fine correspondent, 
 reporting the happenings in the districts where he 
 taught, and his communications were gladly received and 
 published. He had the happy faculty of telling what 
 was going on in such a way as not to offend, though the 
 facts were not always palatable to the person or persons 
 referred to. He had a great many rich experiences. 
 While teaching in one of the townships, he offered to 
 
HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 send contributions to the "Beaver Valley News," and 
 generally was heard from once a week. On one occasion 
 he came to the office with some good notes, and full of 
 fun over the help he received, or rather that was offered. 
 He said to some of the people, I am going to send the 
 news of the neighborhood to the "News" and I want you 
 to help me. One individual eagerly offered his services, 
 with the remark, "I wUl help you — there are some fellows 
 in this tovmship that I want to 'whack.' " That was his 
 idea of furnishing news to the papers, and strange to 
 say, it is the idea of a great many people now, and the 
 prolific source of much of the sensational newspaper 
 reading of today. 
 
 In the early part of November 1857, the "Star" was 
 suspended for a short time, the editor stating, "That as 
 soon as some needful collections can be made, it will 
 again shine out bright and blazing as in the days of 
 yore." But the latter part of the same month, the 
 "needful collections" were received and the paper again 
 appeared, and shone with all the effulgence and glory of 
 the past. In resuming, the announcement was made 
 that N. C. Barclay would be publisher, and the editorial 
 management was to depend upon McGregor and Barclay. 
 
 In this period Michael Weyand was editor of the 
 "Argus," young and full of fire and snap, and the bright 
 pens of Weyand and McGregor were wont to get un- 
 usually sharp, and it was a duel of words that made glad 
 the hearts of the partisans. Both were rough and ready, 
 minute men in the journalistic battles, and each had a 
 style that was catchy and took with the public. Mr. 
 Weyand was a worthy successor of his preceptor, 
 William Henry, and he was as vigilant in watching his 
 opponents, and as ready to pounce upon them, as ever 
 was Mr. Henry. This required "Uncle Bob," as every- 
 body called Mr. McGregor, to be constantly on his guard. 
 
 Mr. McGregor retired from the paper in the latter 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 83 
 
 part of 1857 or in 1858, the exact time not being known, 
 and A. C. Barclay became a member of the firm, father 
 and son now being in fuU control of the paper. While 
 they were in possession, Thursday Jtme 30, 1861, the 
 office of the "Star" was entered, the press was taken 
 apart and the arms carried away, with several cases of 
 type, and dumped into the Ohio river. Nearly all the 
 type, and the parts of the press, were recovered, so that 
 not much loss was sustained. It was a dastardly outrage, 
 condemned by almost all persons, and the "Argus" edi- 
 torially denounced it severely. July 10, 1861, A. C. and 
 N. C. Barclay disposed of their interest in the paper. 
 
 The establishment then fell into the hands of O. S. 
 Long, late professor in the Beaver Seminary and Musical 
 Institute of Beaver, as editor, and associated with him 
 was William Pusey for a short time. The latter was 
 from Allegheny, Pa., in attendance at the Institute, who 
 later studied law and afterward died in Pittsburg. Mr. 
 Long volunteered under the call of Governor Curtin for 
 men to defend the State from invasion in September 
 1862, and when the emergency was over, he returned to 
 his editorial work, where he remained until August 1864, 
 when he leased the outfit to E. Gregor McGregor and 
 Samuel K. Alexander. In 1865 Mr. Long sold the 
 paper to James H. Odell. He went to Wheeling, W. 
 Va., where he was engaged in newspaper work. 
 
 Mr. Long gave his support to the "Union" movement 
 in politics in the county, and was very severely judged 
 by his political associates. He was handled without 
 gloves, and so mercilessly condemned, that he was com- 
 pelled to speak in his own defence. 
 
 In the issue of October 11, 1861, Mr. Long had a 
 column editorial on his treatment by his party associates, 
 from which these extracts are taken: "Now that the 
 election is over and no man dare charge that the state- 
 ments we are about to make are made for political effect; 
 
84. HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 we crave the indulgence of our readers for a few remarks 
 concerning our paper. During the three months in 
 which we have had the management of the 'Western 
 Star,' we have honestly and faithfully striven to do that 
 which was thought to be to be right and our duty to the 
 cause of our country. From the date of the first issue 
 we have wedded our fortunes to our country's flag 
 resolved to stand or fall with it. And yet, strange as it 
 may seem, here in the old loyal Keystone State, in the 
 intelligent countj of Beaver, we have from the first met 
 with an opposition which has been as causeless as it was 
 unexpected, and as fierce, unrelenting and dishonorable 
 in its nature as it has been without just cause. No 
 sooner had we proclaimed ourselves in favor of support- 
 ing tlie government and using our best endeavors to 
 crush out the rebellion which threatens the destruction of 
 our free government, than we were assailed by villifiers 
 and secret enemies laboring to induce men to take their 
 names from our subscription list. Before we had 
 espoused the cause of the Union movement, before we 
 had said a word in opposition to party nominations, these 
 assassins were at work and men who were under their 
 influence came to our oflace and withdrew their support 
 avowing that they did so because we were supporting the 
 government and in favor of prosecuting the war. * * 
 And thus it went on until the reason that we were humbly 
 laboring for the support of the government — ^no other 
 cause under Heaven — the cry was raised that the 'Star' 
 was 'not Democratic' and thus a few more men who 
 didn't know the first principle of Democracy, but 
 worshipped only the name, were also drawn off. * * * 
 Our own personal and pecuniary interests so far as the 
 ownership of the 'Star' is concerned, are of little value. 
 We regard the cause of our country as infinitely superior 
 to any consideration of that kind, and we are convinced 
 that the real object of those who are defaming us, is to 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 85 
 
 injure the cause of the Federal Union, and by creating 
 opposition to the war in the North, afford 'aid and 
 comfort' to the enemy. We do not say that all who have 
 discontinued the 'Star' have done so through hostility to 
 the government. By no means. Some honorable and 
 loyal Democrats have been compelled to stop the paper 
 on account of the hard times and many have been 
 deceived by false reports, but we do mean to say, and 
 we affirm it boldlj, that the men who have been most busy 
 in denouncing the 'Star' have done so out of hatred of 
 the government and the national cause. It is not out 
 of any personal difficulty, for whoever supports the 
 government and denounces secession is made the object 
 of their spleen. It is for this reason that we have 
 alluded to these things. But the 'Star' is by no means 
 broken down, notwithstanding all reports to the con- 
 trary; our tiubscription list is higher and better in every 
 respect than when we received it from our predecessors 
 and it is still rapidly increasing. We rely upon the 
 loyal people of Beaver county for support, and we have 
 not been, nor will ever be, disappointed." 
 
 James H. Odell, a practical printer, who had just re- 
 turned home from service in the Union Army, took 
 charge of the plant in 1865, and changed the name to the 
 "Local." Mr. Odell was an aggressive writer, very 
 severe on political friend and foe alike, when not in 
 accord with his views, and In consequence he was con- 
 tiaually in trouble, and kept his party in turmoil, when 
 his political enemies were not at fever heat over his 
 utterances. His foreman was a printer named O. P. 
 Wharton, who conducted a paper for a short time dated 
 in New Brighton. He was a well read man, and after 
 leaving Beaver went to Ohio, and at one time was editor 
 of a Sandusky paper. 
 
 In 1867 Odell was prosecuted for libel by Elijah 
 Barnes, former Treasurer of the county. The Grand 
 
86 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Jury found a true bill against him, and on November 
 14, 186Y, the case was called in court. Judge Acheson on 
 the bench. A jury composed of Silas Moore, J. W. 
 Smith, John Scott, Valentine Sohn, William Murphy, 
 William Shallenberger, Michael Killinger, Samuel Blair, 
 William Springer, James H. Springer, Nathan McPher- 
 son, and William Laughlin tried the case. Mr. Odell 
 plead not guilty and was defended by Samuel B. Wilson 
 Esq. The case went to the jury at 12 o'clock noon, and 
 2:15 o'clock the same day, returned a verdict of guilty. 
 The sentence of the court was : "Pay a fine of $2.00 to the 
 Commonwealth, costs of prosecution, and undergo an 
 imprisonment in the jail of the county for 60 days, and 
 stand committed until this sentence is complied with." 
 Mr. Odell edited and conducted the paper from his cell 
 until the expiration of his sentence, and made it warm 
 for his enemies. On the day of his release, the Demo- 
 crats of the coimty turned out in crowds and had a grand 
 jubilee, carrying the editor on their shoulders from the 
 jail to his home. 
 
 While Odell was in jail, he was prosecuted for libel 
 by John Caughey, then Prothonotary of the county, and 
 the papers were served on him through the bars of the 
 main door of the corridor. Some merriment was created 
 at the time by Odell asking the officer if he would have 
 to give bail or go to jail. The officer thought neither 
 course would be necessary. This case was settled out of 
 court. December 1868 the paper came out in a hand- 
 some new dress, and was enlarged. 
 
 In December 1868, Thomp Burton sold the material of 
 the "Champion" of New Castle, a paper which he started 
 in December 1867, to J. H. Odell in part payment for the 
 Beaver "Local," and Mr. Burton took possession in the 
 spring of 1869. With the "Champion" outfit, Mr. Odell 
 went to Youngstown, O., and in June 1869, started the 
 "Vindicator." Mr. Odell married a daughter of Hugh 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 87 
 
 B. Anderson, of Beaver, and they had two boys. The 
 establishing of the "Vindicator" opened a fine field for 
 him, but he was unable to bear the burden and he lost the 
 property, after which he moved to Columbus, O., where 
 he followed his trade of printer, in which he was superior. 
 His wife died soon after they moved there, and later 
 both their boys died, leaving him alone in the world. He 
 then drifted from place to place as a tramp printer. In 
 the latter part of the seventies he fell out of a window 
 in Minneapolis and spent a winter, in the hospital with 
 a broken leg, and in the summer death terminated his 
 wanderings and suffering. 
 
 Among the apprentices in Odell's office, was Isaac N. 
 Jones, who became one of the best known printers in the 
 county. He was born in Pittsburg in 1849, his parents 
 dying in 1854, and he was reared on a farm in Butler 
 county; educated in the public schools; moved to Roches- 
 ter Pa., in 1867 and was apprenticed to Mr. Odell, where 
 he remained until 1869 when he went to Youngstown, 
 O., and completed his trade. He returned to Beaver 
 county in 1872 and worked on the "Beaver County Press" 
 New Brighton, thence went to Pittsburg and worked on 
 several of the dailies there, thence to Philadelphia where 
 he was on The "Public Ledger" for about 11 years. The 
 advent of type setting machines drove him back to Pitts- 
 burg, and later to Beaver county, where he spent about 
 two years on the "Beaver Valley News," setting the type 
 for the "News" editor's history of New Brighton in 1899. 
 In 1901 he went to Youngstown, 0., where he has since 
 been employed in the job department of the "Telegram." 
 
 Thomp Burton was born at Sharon Springs, N. Y., 
 April 13 ,1844, his parents moving to Moravia, Lawrence 
 county. Pa., in 1858, was at work on the New York 
 Central K. R. one year, returning home in August 1861, 
 when he enlisted as a private in Co. E, 100th Regt. Pa. 
 Volunteers. He was with the famous old Roundheads in 
 
88 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 every march, skirmish and battle it was engaged in, until 
 taken down with pneumonia in Kentucky in May 1863, 
 being discharged at Camp Denison, 0., two months later. 
 At the battle of South Mountain where the color bearer 
 was shot, he took the regimental colors, carrying them 
 during the remainder of his service. After leaving the 
 army he took turns at railroading mitil the winter of 
 1865-6 when he was appointed special agent of the Post- 
 office Department, doing some lively work in the South. 
 
 Mr. Burton has had a more varied experience in news- 
 paper work, than any writer ever in Beaver county, and 
 we give it in full, though necessarily brief. The frequent 
 changes he made, were caused by ill health usually, as he 
 was in bad condition most of his life after leaving the 
 army. On his return from the South he wrote his first 
 correspondence to the "New Castle (Pa.) Gazette," and 
 resigned his postoffice position to go on the stafE of the 
 "Constitutional Union" of Washington. In the summer 
 of 1866 he began his experience as an editor and pub- 
 lisher, he and W. S. Black purchasing the "New Castle 
 Gazette." Mr. Burton withdrew in November 1867, and 
 started the "Champion" December 5th, which lived a 
 year, when he sold the material to J. H. Odell in part 
 payment for the Beaver "Local," which he sold in the fall 
 of 1869 to W. H. Schwartz. While in Beaver the first 
 child was bom to Mr. and Mrs. Burton, at the home of 
 her parents in Moravia. He must have been bom to the 
 profession, for before he was 25 years old he was 
 managing editor of the "Brooklyn Eagle" and at 31 — ^be- 
 came managing editor of the "New York World," which 
 position he now holds. Mr. Burton next went to Pitts- 
 burg as city editor and business manager of the "Daily 
 Republic," in a few months resigned to go with the "Re- 
 publican," later merged into the "Inter Ocean," of 
 Chicago. 
 
 The next summer he went to Nebraska and took up a 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 
 
 soldier's claim to government land near Grand Island. 
 Eetuming in 1875, he bought the "New Era" of New 
 Castle, changing the name to the "Paragraph," which he 
 sold to Geo. W. Penn and E. E. Stone ; later he was cily 
 editor of the "New Castle Courant," from which he re- 
 signed to start the "National Greenback," and later 
 started the "National Greenback" at Erie. 
 
 In 1877 he was city editor- of the "Guardian" New 
 Castle, and was next invited to become the city editor 
 and advertising manager of the "Beaver Valley News," 
 and later became city editor and business manager of the 
 "Indianapolis Sun;" after which he accepted a position 
 on the Youngstown "Daily and Weekly News;" after 18 
 months he started the first Sunday paper between Pitts- 
 burg and Cleveland, the "Youngstown Sunday Morn- 
 ing," which came out in April 1882. He sold it to H. L. 
 Preston, and the next winter was city editor of the 
 "Youngstown Vindicator," which he resigned to start 
 the "Youngstown Saturday Night," and this he sold in 
 1886 and later purchased an Interest in "Brick Pomeroy's 
 Democrat," of New York City, from which he withdrew 
 in 1887, and returned to Youngstown, O., where he 
 accepted a position on the daily paper published by the 
 "Saturday Night" plant; he took charge of the "South- 
 West," a trade paper in Cincinnati, in 1888, and made a 
 great success of it. 
 
 During the next four years he spent fully half his time 
 in hospitals, but in 1896, though broken in health, he again 
 entered newspaper work and started the "Buckeye 
 Record" in Youngstown, 0., which he conducted until 
 after the election, and then retired from newspaper and 
 all other work, making his home at Youngstown. 
 In April 1904, . Governor Herrick honored him with 
 the appointment of a member of the Ohio Penitfentiary 
 Board of Managers for five years, which requires but 
 three days each month at the capital. 
 
90 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 But little is known of Schwartz, who conducted the 
 paper for a short time, when it was discontinued and 
 sold at Constable's sale. 
 
 On the tenth of May 1871, E. B. Williams secured the 
 material of the office, and changing the name began the 
 publication of the "Conservative," which he conducted 
 alone until January 1873, when John Bigger of Hanover 
 township, bought the one half interest, and in August 
 1873, bought the entire interest, Mr. Williams retiring. 
 The latter was one of the most unique characters ever in 
 the newspaper business in Beaver county. It is related 
 of him that he would go to sleep in his "den," and while 
 in that condition some practical jokers would slip sen- 
 sational articles in his pocket. When the printers 
 needed "copy" they would go to the pocket of the editor, 
 and get the "copy" there deposited and print it. Then 
 Rome would howl, and the town be convulsed with excite- 
 ment, but the editor's equanimity was not disturbed in 
 the least. 
 
 Mr. Bigger was a well knovsm resident of the county, 
 of one of its best known families. He published the 
 paper until January 1874, when it was discontinued. A 
 few years later he went west where he died. 
 
 The material of the paper passed into the hands of 
 Eobert L. Treiber a Beaver printer. He associated with 
 him M. J. White, and the name of the paper was changed 
 to the "Democrat." After a few months Mr. White re- 
 tired and Mr. Treiber continued publication until 
 October 1876, when the plant was sold at Sheriff's sale 
 and was bought in by John J. Wickham. Shortly after 
 the sale John S. Hoopes of New Brighton, secured the 
 material and began publishing the "Beaver County 
 Post." Mr. Hoopes was the son of the well known 
 banker, E. E. Hoopes of New Brighton, and for years 
 conducted a job printing office in that place, doing a good 
 
THE WESTERN ARGUS. 91 
 
 business in. fine work. In a short time it passed into 
 the control of James M. Phillis and M. J. White, both 
 Beaver printers, and was soon discontinued. 
 
 On October 5, 1877, Dr. E. S. Kennedy took up the 
 work laid down by the publishers of the "Beaver County 
 Post," and began the publication of the "Commoner." 
 
 Mr. Kennedy was bom in Independence township, 
 Beaver county. Pa., April 7, 1841. On the paternal side 
 his grandfather was of Irish descent, and his grand- 
 mother whose maiden name was Inman, was Scotch; on 
 the maternal side his grandfather Shannon was of Irish 
 descent and his grandmother Thomson was Scotch, all of 
 whom and some earlier ancestors, being bom in. America. 
 The Doctor is the son of William A. and Eosa Kennedy, 
 was educated in the common schools and Beaver 
 Academy, later attended the University of Michigan and 
 was graduated at the Jefferson Medical College, Phila- 
 delphia March 1866. He was married April 1874 to 
 Mary A. Patton, a daughter of David Patton, Esq., who 
 at that time resided at New Sheffield in Beaver county. 
 He practiced medicine for about ten years in Inde- 
 pendence and Hopewell townships, in 1874 was one of the 
 Democratic nominees for Assembly, Joseph Graff of 
 Beaver Falls, being the other. He afterwards resided 
 for two or three years in New Brighton, but has lived 
 since 1879 in Beaver, where he is now practicing his 
 profession. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have two children, 
 Dr. Oliver M. Kennedy a practicing dentist of Beaver, 
 and Mrs. George I. Park of Beaver. 
 
 The name "Commoner" was never entirely satis- 
 factory to Mr. Kennedy, and at the end of two years he 
 dropped it and went back to the name associated with the 
 traditions of his childhood, calling it the "Star." The 
 office was enlarged, and new type and presses added. It 
 was then published in a frame building near the comer 
 
92 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 of Third and Beaver streets, with the press room near 
 the end of the same lot. In 1881 he erected a brick 
 building on Turnpike street, on the rear of the lot now 
 occupied by Martsolf's drug store, and the Democratic 
 organ for the first time had a home of its own. 
 
 The expenses of the paper were heavy, which with the 
 inexperience of the new editor, made the venture a 
 doubtful one, but the zealous support of the Democrats, 
 and the encouragement given by a nmnber of liberal Re- 
 publicans, enabled him to weather the storm. He soon 
 learned that his field was restricted to the county, that it 
 was already pretty well occupied, and to succeed he must 
 make some improvements and adopt the best methods. 
 Acting on the suggestion of a friend of experience, he 
 ventured on the trial of miscellany and news in the form 
 of stereotype plates, in the use of which the "Star" was 
 the pioneer in the county. The movement called forth 
 vario\is comments from local contemporaries, one of 
 them denominating it "boiler plate," while other sarcastic 
 remarks were made, but the innovation was a success, 
 and was soon in use in nearly all the offices. 
 
 In regard to the editorial policy of the paper during 
 his control, Mr. Kennedy's own version is here given: 
 
 "The zeal which prompted me to action was for 
 Democratic principles and, for the Democratic party as 
 long as it most nearly represented those principles. I 
 recognized the necessity for a form of government se- 
 curing the greatest degree of individual freedom, con- 
 sistent with the equal enjoyment of freedom by others. 
 I believed that there should be freedom of opinion, speech 
 and press and above all that each and every individual 
 should be free to sell where he could get the most for the 
 product of his labor and buy where he could get the most 
 for his earnings, regardless of the selfish interests of 
 others, hence I was a free trader and the policy of the 
 'Star' was directed accordingly. On the question of 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 93 
 
 finance I had always regarded the legal tender act as one 
 of injustice to the creditor class. That act necessitated 
 the resumption act, one of equal injustice to the debtor 
 class. Changes in certain industrial conditions at home, 
 and in the standard of value abroad, had caused an in- 
 creasing disparity in value between gold and silver, and 
 people were beginning to divide into the friends of gold 
 and those of silver; the latter proposing to repeal the 
 error of the Legal Tender Act in a different form. 
 Parties were not then divided upon the question as they 
 were afterward, but during my connection with the 
 'Star,' whether right or wrong, it never advocated the 
 coinage of silver except for fractional currency." 
 
 The foreman of the mechanical department by whom 
 the first edition of the "Commoner" was issued, was 
 William Warner of Rochester, Pa., a skilfuU and in- 
 telligent young man, who was assisted by M. J. White, J. 
 Lemmon, Joseph Hemphill and John W. Fry, and upon 
 the retirement of Mr. Lemmon, Joseph Loar of Greens- 
 burg, took his place. After Mr. Warner, the foreman- 
 ship was filled by Samuel K. Alexander, who had filled 
 this position previously on the paper. Others who 
 served in the mechanical department from time to time 
 were David McConnel, Joseph Diven, Harry Patton, 
 Jesse Ramsey, Samuel McClurg, Alex. TaUon, Miss Mary 
 McGregor, Miss Ramsey. 
 
 Soon after the first number of the paper appeared, 
 an old gentleman named Beatty of Washington, Pa., 
 moved by love of Democratic principles, an unwillingness 
 to be idle, and also by the hope of restoring his worldly 
 fortimes, applied for the position of solicitor of sub- 
 scriptions and advertisements, and -although nearly 
 eighty years old, so industrious, courteous and trust- 
 worthy was he, that he did more in that line than any of 
 the yotmger men who at different times ventured on the 
 same work. 
 
94 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 E. Gregor McGregor, the brilliant paragrapher and 
 editorial writer, was engaged for some time on the paper, 
 and held his own well in the editorial combats that 
 followed, and was especially valuable in the campaign of 
 1880. 
 
 Some time later Lewis W. Heed, a young man from 
 the South Side, an enthusiastic champion of Democracy, 
 who had been active as local reporter, became local 
 editor, and filled that position in a very creditable 
 manner, doing effective work not only through the 
 "Star," but to secure the success of the party, whose 
 cause the paper steadfastly advocated. Mr. Reed was 
 born in Raccoon township March 25, 1857, attended dis- 
 trict school and New Sheffield and Woodlawn academies ; 
 was principal of Vanport schools September 1882 to 
 March 1883, and resigned on account of ill health; went 
 to work on the "Star," read law with John M. Buchanan 
 Esq., and was admitted to the bar February 4, 1889, 
 practicing for two years alone, and February 1, 1891, 
 went into partnership with Mr. Buchanan, which con- 
 tinued for six years, when he again went to himself. He 
 was married March 2Y, 1882, to Lizzie Hall a daughter of 
 a neighboring farmer, and they have three children, one 
 son and two daughters. Mr. Reed has been interested 
 all his life in newspaper work, and is now a stockholder 
 and secretary of the Star Publishing Company. 
 
 In the fall of 1884, Charles F. Whisler, a man of 
 literary inclinations, and strong Democratic proclivities, 
 conceived the notion that the party should be more 
 energetically supported, and proposed startmg an oppo- 
 sition paper. Mr. Kennedy learning of it, secured an 
 interview with Mr. Whisler and succeeded in convincing 
 him that the safe and economical plan was to take his 
 place. Having agreed upon terms they entered into 
 partnership October 1884, for a period of six months, at 
 the end of which time Mr. "Whisler was to assume full 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 95 
 
 ownership, and he took full charge of the editorial and 
 local work at once. When the end of the six months 
 came, the failure to realize pecuniary anticipations, pre- 
 vented the deal from being consummated. Then Lewis 
 W.Reed joined with Mr. Whisler in the publication of the 
 paper. The time was an unpropitious one, in a very 
 dull season, and the business went along with but little, if 
 any, increase, and soon Mr. Whisler and Mr. Eeed sold 
 their interest back to Mr. Kennedy, and retired from the 
 paper, the business being again taken up by the latter 
 in October 1885. A more extended notice of Mr. Whis- 
 ler appears in the sketch of the "Beaver Valley News" 
 New Brighton, where he d^d his best work. 
 
 The power of the Democratic party in the county 
 was on the wane, while the Eepublicans who had been 
 divided by factional quarrels, gradually came together, 
 leaving the Democrats in a hopeless minority. Beaver 
 Falls had grown rapidly and of great importance, and a 
 Democratic paper of considerable influence had been 
 started by John Mellon, under the name of the "Globe," 
 which promised to be a formidable rival to the "Star," 
 and Mr. Kennedy feeling that there was not room for 
 two Democratic papers in the county, sold the "Star" to 
 Mr. Mellon in September 188Y, and retired after almost 
 ten years of faithful service to his party, in a well con- 
 ducted and able paper. 
 
 Mr. Mellon consolidated the two papers under the 
 name of the "Globe-Star." September 10, 1891, he sold 
 one half interest to William H. Porter, M. I)., and 
 Eichard W. Stiffey Esq., and September 28, 1891, they 
 changed the name to the "Star," and began the publi- 
 cation of the "Daily Star" at their oifice in Beaver. 
 
 Eichard W. Stiffey Esq., was editor of the paper. Mr. 
 Stiffey is a member of the ' Beaver bar, but devotes a 
 great deal of his time to the lumber business in which he 
 
96 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 is extensively engaged. As an editor Mr. Stiffey had a 
 lively and caustic style, that was apt to stir up the oppo- 
 sition and create interest. 
 
 Dr. Porter was the advertising manager, a gentleman 
 of excellent qualities and well lilsed by the people. He is 
 now a practicing physician in Beaver. Mr. Mellon was 
 business manager, but was forced on account of ill health 
 to sell his interest in the paper and removed to Florida, 
 where he again took up the work amid tlie balmy breezes 
 of his new home. He improved in health but it was of 
 short duration, death overtaking him one morning as he 
 was on the way from his residence to the newspaper 
 office. 
 
 Samuel K. Alexander was foreman of the office, and 
 his son James Alexander was a printer, who is now fore- 
 man of the "Star" composing rooms, and has been with 
 the paper since the daily was started. Samuel K. 
 Alexander after more than half a century in the work, 
 has retired to private life and is now a resident of 
 Beaver. 
 
 One of the men who contributed much to the starting 
 of the daily edition, was Theodore Lampert, the first 
 news editor, a sketch of whom we give with the "Star." 
 He was born at Crestline, O., April 11, 1860, received his 
 education in the public schools of that place from which 
 he was graduated in June 1878. The same year he was 
 selected a teacher and taught in the schools from which 
 he was graduated, for two years. In the fall of 1880 he 
 went to work for the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago 
 Railroad as freight brakeman, but was soon appointed to 
 a clerkship in the freight office of the same railroad at 
 Mansfield, O. While serving in this capacity he con- 
 tributed to the local newspapers railroad happenings, 
 which work led him gradually into the newspaper field. 
 In the spring of 1884 he became local editor of the 
 "Mansfield Shield and Banner," a weekly, and six months 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 97 
 
 later, when the "Mansfield Daily Herald" was started, he 
 became a member of its local staff. In the fall of 1885 
 he was offered a position as local editor of the "Beaver 
 Falls Tribune" which he accepted and held until 1888 
 when he went on the staff of the "News -Democrat" at 
 Canton, O. He here remained imtil the fall of 1891 
 when he returned to Beaver county and assisted in 
 launching the "Daily Star." In December 1894, he went 
 to Pittsburg where he became connected with the "Pitts- 
 burg Post," taking charge of the industrial route. With 
 the exception of about six months, when he was on the 
 "Pittsburg Times," he conducted the industrial column 
 of the "Post" for seven years. He then became con- 
 nected with the "Pittsburg Dispatch," where he is now 
 doing general assignment work. 
 
 In January 1894 the plant was sold to a stock 
 company, with Mr. Porter as managing editor. In 
 February 1895, the "Star Publishing Company" was 
 chartered, and a board of directors was elected, with 
 John Conway, a banker of Rochester, as president, 
 William B. Dunlap editor and manager, and W. H. 
 Porter solicitor and collector. 
 
 John Conway was bom in this county March 2Y, 1830, 
 the son of Michael and Mary O'Brien Conway, who came 
 from Ireland in 1825, and settled in Economy township. 
 He was educated in the public schools and a college at 
 Vincennes, Ind. He followed steamboating for a while, 
 then embarked in the dry goods business at New Castle, 
 Pa., lat«r in the same business in Eochester imtil 1871, 
 when the bank of which he was president was started. 
 In 1857 he married Thalia, daughter of Philip Bentel, 
 to whom two children were bom, Lilian wife of N. F. 
 Hurst Eochester, and Charles B. Conway. Mr. Conway 
 has been one of the most prominent business men in the 
 county. 
 
98 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Hon.. William B. Dunlap was born at Darlington, Pa., 
 son of Samuel E. and Nancy Hemphill Dunlap, the 
 former a grandson of Walter Clarke, a member of the 
 First Constitutional Convention of Peimsylvania in 1776. 
 His mother was the daughter of Judge Joseph Hemphill, 
 one of the three commissioners named in the Act of 
 Assembly for the erection of Beaver county. Mr. Dunlap 
 was educated in the common schools and the Darlington 
 and Beaver academies and Jefferson College. He in- 
 tended to study law, but on account of ill health was 
 forced to abandon it. Later he was principal for two 
 years of the Scott Street public schools of Covington, 
 Ky. His health still remaining poor, he entered upon 
 work on the river, and was for a number of years engaged 
 in the transportation business on the rivers. In 1890, 
 with two Republican candidates in the field for State 
 Senate, he was elected as a Democrat to that office in this 
 district. Soon after the expiration of his term, he be- 
 came connected with the "Star." 
 
 In April 1896, the office was removed from the Ken- 
 nedy building on Turnpike street into the Buchanan 
 building Third street, and new material and press added. 
 The plant was burned the morning of March 25, 1897, 
 between the Ijours of 5 and 6 o'clock, when the entire out- 
 fit was totally destroyed. The "Beaver Valley News" 
 of New Brighton, telephoned at once to the editor, 
 offering the help of its office, and the same day an issue 
 was published, and was printed from the "News" office 
 for a few days, when new type, etc., was purchased and 
 set up in an old frame building in liie rear of the "Argus 
 and Radical" office, where the type was set, and the paper 
 printed in the press room of the "Argus and Radical." 
 
 In July 1898, a new building was erected for the 
 "Star" immediately in rear of the new Buchanan block, 
 and a complete new outfit installed. The editorial and 
 business office was established in the Buchanan building. 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 
 
 In February 1899, Mr. Porter resigned and David L. Mc- 
 Nees a skilled newspaper man was appointed as his suc- 
 cessor. Mr. McNees was born January 4, 1866, at Jacks- 
 villa, Butler county, Pa., the son of John M. and Mary E. 
 McNees. He was educated in the public schools, the 
 Prospect Academy, the West Sunbury Academy, and 
 Allegheny College Meadville, g'raduating from the latter 
 in June 1892, with the degre>e of A. B., having spent six 
 months of his senior year in Great Britain as the repre- 
 sentative of a commercial house of Washington, D. 0. 
 In college he was on the staff of the college paper, and 
 served continuously as news and literary editor. After 
 graduation he traveled three months in the Northwest, 
 then came to Beaver county, and was employed on the 
 staff of the "Star" as New Brighton reporter until 1898, 
 in the meantime acting as special correspondent for 
 several Pittsburg and Philadelphia papers. He was 
 secretary of the New Brighton Board of Health from the 
 fall of 1895 to August 1, 1898. On January 9, 1895, he 
 was married to Miss Ada Irene McEwen, of Mercer, Pa. 
 The "Star" has had a number of bright representa- 
 tives in the different towns, but we have been able to 
 obtain sketches of but few. Among the younger re- 
 porters is Samuel G. Kennedy, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. L. 
 Kennedy, New Brighton, who entered the newspaper busi- 
 ness on the Pittsburg "Gazette" in the summer of 1901, 
 working there during his summer vacation from college. 
 The next summer he was on the "Chronicle-Telegraph," 
 doing general assignment work. The following summer 
 he engaged with the "Beaver Times" as Beaver and court 
 reporter, remaining there until September 1904, when he 
 entered upon work with the "Star." In addition to his 
 other duties, he is the Beaver county representative of 
 the Associated Press, the Publishers' Press, the "New 
 York World," "Sun," "American and Journal," the 
 "Philadelphia North American," "Press," "Public 
 
100 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Ledger" and "Evening Bulletin," and the Beaver and 
 New Brighton representative of all the Pittsburg papers 
 and news gathering agencies. 
 
 One of the best known reporters in the county, James 
 Ellis McOlure, Beaver EaUs representative of the "Star,"' 
 is given a place here because of his long connection with 
 the paper though he began newspaper work in Beaver 
 Falls. He was bom in Pittsburg July 1, 1844, is a 
 graduate of Duff's College, and during the Civil War 
 served in the 15th Kegiment State Militia, Knap's Inde- 
 pendent Battery of Light Artillery, and in the First 
 Battalion of Pennsylvania Light Artillery. At the ex- 
 piration of his term of service he entered the auditing 
 department of the Union Kailroad & Transportation Co. 
 at Pittsburg, leaving there after six years' service to 
 engage with his brother-in-law, Samuel F. Burd, in the 
 banking business at Mercer, as Burd & McClure. They 
 were successful until the panic of 1873, and Mr. Burd 
 having died in the meantime, he helped organize and 
 opened the books of the Farmers & Mechanic's National 
 Bank of Mercer, where he remained two years as 
 Assistant Cashier, having woimd up the affairs of Burd 
 & McClure during that time. He resigned and went to 
 Evansburg, Pa., to keep books for a wholesale hardware 
 and Oil Supply Co., which failed, and then he went to 
 Chicago and followed his calling for about a year, and 
 then returned east. He first began newspaper work in 
 the office of the "Beaver Falls Tribune" in 1881, where 
 he was bookkeeper, and began to write local news. He 
 remained there about two years and helped start the 
 "Daily Tribime," being its first reporter. In the fall of 
 1884 he accepted the position of Beaver Falls reporter 
 on the daily edition of the "Beaver Valley News," where 
 he remained four years, resigning to engage with John 
 W. Carson in 1888, in the publication of the daily 
 "Journal" Beaver Falls, where he remained until it was 
 
THE WESTERN STAR. 101 
 
 purchased by George Warrington, when he returned to 
 the "Tribune." After two years he was offered the 
 position of Beaver Falls reporter and city editor of the 
 "Star," which he accepted, and he has held that position 
 since. He has also been the Beaver Falls representative 
 of the Pittsburg "Dispatch," "Post," "Times," and 
 "Gazette," and the Tri-State Press Bureau of Pittsburg, 
 and has done considerable special work for New York, 
 Philadelphia and Cleveland papers. 
 
 Among others of the local writers on the paper, are 
 W. C. Hamilton New Brighton, John Thomas Rochester, 
 and Thomas Beaver, Monaca. 
 
 Mrs. Carrie Ashton reads proof and has charge of the 
 mailing department. 
 
 The force of printers consists of James Alexander 
 foreman of the newspaper; compositor Walter 
 Hallam; foreman of job office Robert Nulton; pressman 
 W. B. Drassler; operators of Simplex H. L. Gresham 
 and G. R. Hemphill; apprentice Ed. Steel. 
 
 In 1900 the weekly "Star" was changed to a semi- 
 weekly. The type is now set on a Simplex machine, and 
 a fine new press has been installed, making the office a 
 very complete one. The paper has become one of the 
 best Democratic papers in Western Pennsylvania, out- 
 side of Pittsburg, and is prosperous. The hard work 
 and fortitude of the journalistic fathers of Democracy, 
 have borne good friiit, and the party has in the "Star" a 
 worthy and able organ. 
 
HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 The Commoner. 
 
 May 1, 1897, the "Commoner" another Democratic 
 paper, of a more radical type than the "Star," was started 
 by the Eochester Publishing Company, with R. W. Stiffey 
 editor. The company was composed of R. W. Stiffey, 
 H. D. Anderson and William Lutz. It was organized 
 into the Commoner Publishing Company May 1, 1900, 
 with Charles R. Eckert as editor* and still exists. 
 
 Geneva College Cabinet. 
 
 A monthly paper with the above name, is published by 
 a set of officers representing the students of Geneva 
 College Beaver Falls, devoted exclusively to literary 
 subjects and college news. 
 
 A weekly paper was conducted for a while at ^ew 
 Galilee by George W. Pyle, but is now discontinued. 
 
CHAPTER YI. 
 
 BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 
 
 The lands on which this little city is located, were 
 patented by General Daniel Broadhead in 1779. He 
 succeeded General Lachlan Mcintosh in command of 
 the western department, with headquarters at Fort Pitt. 
 March 17, 1793, the Legislature of Pennsylvania passed 
 a law opening up the lands for settlement lying north 
 of the Ohio and west of the Allegheny rivers. General 
 Broadhead had two tracts of 400 acres each, embracing 
 the "black walnut bottoms," on which the first town was 
 laid out. 
 
 In August 1801, General Broadhead sold his laud to 
 David Hoopes of Chester, Pa., for the use of Hoopes, 
 Townsend & Co. In 1803 these gentlemen erected a 
 building in Sharon, now the northern part of Bridge- 
 water, the second house from Brady's run on the bank 
 of the Beaver river, for the use of Isaac Wilson for 
 merchandising. It was called the "Old Red Front" and 
 is yet standing, remodeled and made more modem. 
 Near this old building, on the flat between the Beaver 
 river and Brady's rim, in 1806, Aaron Burr's managers 
 and workmen built a flotilla of boats as a part of his 
 expedition down the Ohio. All the material was 
 furnished through the Old Eed Front, and the men were 
 
104 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 boarded in a house near by. With this expedition were 
 two English brothers named Constable, who had no part 
 in the expedition, but were along to see the country and 
 sketch its interesting points. The owners of the Black 
 Walnut Bottom wished to lay out a plan of lots on their 
 tract, and engaged the Constable brothers who were 
 engineers, to do the work. For their services they 
 requested, and were granted, the privilege of naming the 
 new town, which they called Brighton after their old 
 home in England. The new town had varying fortimes, 
 with some manufacturing and trading, but did not grow 
 much until 1867, when new iiidustries were established in 
 it, and it was incorporated November 9, 1868, as the 
 Borough of Beaver Falls. 
 
 Beaver Falls Chronicle. 
 
 The first newspaper in the town of Brighton was 
 called the "Beaver Falls Chronicle." This paper was 
 the successor of the "Aurora," which was discontinued 
 March 1, 1839, and began its existence in Rochester 
 October 12, 1839, with J. Washington White as editor, 
 who was the last editor of the "Aurora." It is said that 
 Ovid Pinney was the originater of the paper. He 
 owned a large amount of real estate in the town, and 
 was one of its most prominent citizens, leaving the place 
 in 1853. The motto of the paper was "Our coimtry 
 right or wrong." It was a four page, six column paper, 
 and in the amoimt of reading matter would compare 
 favorably with many of the weeldies of today. The 
 paper suspended some time early in the year 1840, the 
 following reference being made to it by the "Argus" of 
 March 11, 1840: "A number of the 'Beaver Falls 
 
BEAVER PALLS PAPERS. 105 
 
 Chronicle,' which had been suspended for some weeks, 
 was issued a few days ago. The editor gives good 
 reasons for his susx>ension, and takes occasion to lash 
 the Loco Foco leaders with great severity. He has been 
 shamefully treated by professed friends who led him iato 
 difficulty, and took advantage of his situation." 
 
 In June 1840, the "Chronicle" hauled down the Van 
 Buren flag and enlisted under the banner of Harrison 
 for president, and thereafter was a Whig paper. The 
 paper remained in Rochester imtil July 1840. In its 
 issue of the 23d of that month, the following editorial 
 notice appeared: "The office of the 'Beaver Falls 
 Chronicle' has been removed from Rochester to Brigh- 
 ton. Those of our subscribers who reside in Rochester 
 and its vicinity, will find their papers by calling at Jacob 
 Hinds' grocery — those in Beaver at the book store of J. 
 Bowen — those of Fallston at Mr. Caimon's store, and 
 those in New Brighton at the store of Edward Hoopes." 
 This closed the career of the paper as a Rochester insti- 
 tution, and was the first paper published in Brighton, 
 now Beaver Falls, and remained under its old name until 
 August 1840. 
 
 Beaver County Palladium. 
 
 August 29, 1840, J. Washington White editor and 
 proprietor of the "Beaver Falls Chronicle,'' formally 
 transferred the paper to E. Burk Fisher, in the following 
 notice : "With the last number of the 'Beaver Falls ' 
 Chronicle,' the subscriber relinquished his connection 
 with it, and has assigned the establishment to E. Burk 
 
106 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Fisher Esq., who will hereafter publish it under the title 
 of 'Beaver County Palladium.' In introducing his suc- 
 cessor to the confidence of his old subscribers, the sub- 
 scriber feels that the name of Mr. Fisher will be 
 sufficient guarantee that the character of the 'Palladium' 
 will be fully commensurate with the interests and wishes 
 of Beaver county. Mr. Fisher has been a publisher for 
 more than ten years, and must be well known to the 
 citizens of this county." It was published by W. H. 
 Whitney & Co. 
 
 Mr. Fisher came from Pittsburg where he edited the 
 "Literary Examiner and Western Monthly Review," and 
 was also editor of the "Saturday Evening Visitor." In 
 June 1851 Mr. Fisher started a paper in Columbus, O. 
 Mr. Fisher took charge of the paper promising to pub- 
 lish a clean, decent paper, that "will never be the vehicle 
 of falsehood, or assailant of individual reputation." 
 After defending his political standing he said: "When 
 the heat of the political excitement shall have been lost 
 in the result of the approaching contest, and our duty as 
 a politician shall for the time be suspended, it will afford 
 him pleasure to assume the less exciting, but equally 
 grateful, duty of a herald of the business resources of 
 Beaver county." He espoused the cause of General 
 Harrison, and placed at the head of his paper the motto : 
 "Take away the sword — the pen can save the state," an 
 exclamation attributed to Eichelieu, which Mr. Fisher 
 made the text for a two column article, political to the 
 core. The paper was published at $2 per annum, and 
 was the same size as its predecessor. This issue of his 
 paper contained nine columns of Sheriff's sales, signed 
 by David Somers Sheriff. It also contained three 
 columns of ordinances of New Brighton borough, signed 
 by Harvey Blanchard president of council, and Harvey 
 Thomas clerk 
 
 From the time of assuming charge of the paper until 
 
BEAYER FALLS PAPERS. 107 
 
 the National election, Mr. Fisher made as red hot a 
 political paper as the county could produce. In its 
 issue of October 29, he had an editorial entitled, "The 
 editor to his fellow citizens," which was over five columns 
 in length, a "last word" that was full of political vim. 
 From December 12 ,1840, the name of E. B. Fisher dis- 
 appeared from the paper, and the prospectus was signed, 
 "Publisher of 'Beaver County Palladium.' " In the issue 
 of December 26, 1840, the following notice was printed 
 in the paper: "Take notice that we have applied to the 
 Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County, 
 for the relief provided for insolvent debtors, by the law 
 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and that they 
 have appointed the first Monday of March next, for the 
 hearing of us and our creditors, at the Court House in 
 the borough of Beaver, at which time and place you may 
 attend if you think proper. E. B. Fisher, W. H. "Whit- 
 ney, late printers." February 6, 1841, the firm of Wm. 
 H. Eskridge & Co. appears at the head of the paper, 
 which disappeared after the issue of March 12. The 
 motto was changed to "The Throne we Honor is the 
 People's Choice." 
 
 March 19, 1841, the name of John B. Early appears as 
 editor. In his prospectus he says that, "at the solicita- 
 tion of a number of friends, he has consented once more 
 to assume the arduous duties of a newspaper editor." 
 While continuing the paper as a supporter of President 
 Harrison's administration he says : "Its columns shall be 
 free from those foul blots of party malevolence and 
 personal detraction, which instead of being productive of 
 good, are calculated to sow the seeds of embittered dis- 
 sension, and pander to the worst passions of human 
 nature." Mr. Early made a good paper, which was fairly 
 well patronized with advertisements, but it was doubtless 
 too expensive for the population, and it was discontinued 
 in the f aU of 1841. 
 
108 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Beaver Falls Journal. 
 
 No record exists of any other newspaper in the town 
 until 1874. The first printing office established in the 
 present Beaver Falls was that installed in November 
 1873, by Gilbert A. Hays, who removed his equipment 
 from Sewickley, and opened up a job printing office in 
 the Reeves building on Main street, now Seventh avenue, 
 under the title of Boles & Hays. The office was con- 
 ducted until August 1877, when accepting a lucrative 
 offer ia the then frontier country, as manager in one of 
 the large wheat farms in Dakota, near Bismark, he dis- 
 posed of his interest to his partner, Scudder D. Boles. 
 Soon after opening their office Boles & Hays began the 
 publication of the "Beaver Falls Journal," the initial 
 number appearing October 1, 1874, which continued 
 monthly until the next year. 
 
 Gilbert Adams Hays was bom in Kittanning, Pennsyl- 
 vania, July 9, 1854, his father Alexander Hays, then chief 
 engineer of the Allegheny Valley railroad, later being 
 one of the conspicuous figures in the Civil War, giving 
 his life, with the rank of a Major General, to his country, 
 on the battlefield of the Wilderness, Early in life 
 Gilbert A. Hays acquired a decided taste for the art of 
 printing, his first training being in the office of Rev. 
 John Launitz, who printed a small German Sunday 
 School paper in Manchester, now a part of Allegheny 
 City, and his experience in "pi-ing" a big form, just 
 inked, all in German type, is yet one of the star tales of 
 his printer life. In February 1869, he accepted a 
 position in the general office of the old Pittsburg, Ft. 
 Wayne & Chicago Railroad, in Pittsburg, having charge 
 of the stationery department for four years, when he 
 
BEAVER PALLS PAPEKS. 109 
 
 gave his entire attention to his new office ia Beaver Falls, 
 having conducted a two-press office at his home in 
 SewicHey during the greater part of the time he held his 
 railroad position. On the death in 1880, of his grand 
 father John B. McFadden, for many years a prominent 
 business man in Pittsburg, Mr. Hays accepted the 
 management of a number ' of fire insurance companies 
 formerly represented by his grandfather, and conducted 
 this office until April 1895, when he sold his business and 
 established the "Sewickley Valley," a high grade, illus- 
 trated, society journal, in his home town of Sewickley. 
 On acquiring control of the "Beaver Times," a long 
 established weekly paper in. Beaver, Pa., in February 
 1898, the "Sewickley Valley" was sold to Miss Janey M. 
 Coard, and Mr. Hays once more figured in the newspaper 
 field of Beaver county. This venture proving neither 
 profitable nor congenial, the "Times" was sold to its 
 present publishers, and on the organization of the United 
 States Steel Corporation, he accepted a position in the 
 executive offices of that concern in New York, as 
 traveling representative of their insurance department 
 with which he is at present identified. 
 
 In 1882 Mr. Hays wedded Miss SaUie A. Fleming, a 
 member of the well known family in Sewickley, ten 
 children being the result of this union, eight of whom 
 are living, all at the family home in Sewickley. 
 
 For many years Mr. Hays was active in Masonic 
 circles, being a charter member of Crescent Lodge No. 
 576, of Pittsburg, and all other bodies up to and including 
 Consistory and Mystic Shrine; a past commander of 
 Davis Camp, Sons of Veterans; honorary member of 
 General Alexander Hays Post, No. 3, Grand Army of the 
 Republic; charter member of General Alexander Hays 
 Council, Jr. O. U. A. M., and secretary and historian of 
 the Sixty-third Eegiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers Regi- 
 mental Association. 
 
110 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Beaver Falls Courier. 
 
 In 1875, John F. Porter examined the rield at Beaver 
 Falls, and found a town of 4,000 people with a printing 
 office but no weekly paper, an unheard of condition else- 
 where in the great state, yet how to establish such a thing 
 with a cash capital of $1.85 puzzled him ; but he had taken 
 chances before, and he rushed a little plan of advertising 
 specialty, so that when bills were to be paid there was 
 enough of surplus to issue one week's paper and thus 
 "The Courant," a name that lasted only one week, first 
 saw light in April 18Y5. It was printed by Boles & Hays, 
 job printers. Now it so happened that the publisher 
 held an interest in a view of Niagara Falls, a striking 
 picture, and this was the chromo day for subscriptions. 
 The liberty was given to canvas in the many factories at 
 the noon hour, and these orders for subscriptions were 
 recognized by the cashiers of the companies as cash. It 
 was a bold move for everj- subscription meant with 
 picture framed $3.Y5, but it won, and the "Beaver Falls 
 Courier" was established April 18, 18Y5, and in 1876 
 bought its own office. In 1879, having made a living 
 for the editor and family, for these years of hard work, 
 the inevitable happened. Two young men from Roches- 
 ter, N. Y., Roberts and Vanhom, sought to establish 
 another paper, and so rather than endure another 
 struggle, and as these new men would pay a real value, by 
 the advice of true friends who in the time of need stood 
 by him, Mr. Porter sold his interest and retired. 
 
 John Frederich Porter was bom at St. Joseph Berrian 
 county, Mich., February 5, 1840; was the son of John 
 Frederich Porter of German descent, and Mary Porter 
 
BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 
 
 of English ancestry; was educated in the public schools 
 of Xew York and was married October 26, 1864, at 
 Bayonne, N. J., to Minnie Florence Bird. At the out- 
 break of the Civil War, Mr. Porter enlisted as a private 
 in the 84th 'Sew York Vols. (14th X. Y. S. N. G., 
 Brooklyn), was wounded at Groveton, Va., August 29, 
 1862; was promoted to Second Lieutenant of the Pierr- 
 pont Kifles N. Y. Infantry, which was consolidated with 
 the 14th Kegiment N. Y. C. Volunteers; was com- 
 missioned Captain October 8, 1862; resigned April 1864; 
 re-entered the service and was commissioned Captain Co. 
 H 25th X. Y. C. Volunteers August 22, 1864; com- 
 missioned Major, and Brevet Lieuenant Colonel by 
 General Sheridan, for gallantry at Fisher's Hill. 
 
 The oft told incident of Col. Porter's gallantry on the 
 field, was graphically told the writer many years ago. 
 In the fall of 1864, General Sheridan in supreme com- 
 mand of the Union forces in the Shenandoah valley, was 
 sent for by General Grant at Harper's Ferry for con- 
 sultation. On the morning of his return, he heard the 
 booming of cannon and started on his "twenty miles 
 away" ride. Col. Porter was acting on the staff of 
 Greneral A. T. A. Torbet and in the dawn, sharp firing 
 not more than a thousand yards away, told of Early's sur- 
 prise. The Confederates had foimd a gap in our picket 
 line, and not a shot was fired until their whole force was 
 fairly on top of our sleeping army. The confusion was 
 great and even to find one's own horse was impossible, 
 and Col. Porter seized the first horse he could, and 
 cleared out where the zip of bullets was less hot and 
 thick. 
 
 Possibly two thousand yards from where were 
 gathered a knot of soldiers, was a hastily thrown up 
 earthwork, from behind which a scattering rifle fire came. 
 The aide who received his order, dashed over to this small 
 crowd of unorganized soldiers, and seeing Major Porter 
 
112 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 said: "Major, General Sheridan says clear that earth- 
 work of Johnnies and see what's there." At his call 
 20 to 30 horsemen responded, and a dash was made for • 
 that spot. Half way to it the Major turned and found 
 he was uncomfortably in advance of his men, and he also 
 found that he could not check or control the new horse. 
 In a moment he was near the trench, and tried hard to 
 sheathe his sabre but could not and so let it drop, and as 
 the horse leaped the earthwork, he with pistol in hand 
 made an effort to capture or wound the only soldier who 
 had remained to resist the charge, but discovered later 
 when the excitement was over that he had brought the 
 pistol hammer to half cock. Probably the Confederate's 
 nerves were not real steady either, for he fired not twenty 
 feet away and missed his mark, and what is more escaped. 
 To General Sheridan who could not see the runaway 
 horse, it looked like a very brave and heroic deed, and he 
 made the Major a Lieutenant Colonel for "gallant and 
 meritorious action in the face of the enemy," "but" adds 
 the Major when telling the story, "what about the horse ?" 
 The Civil War closed, and in it Col. Porter had done 
 heroic work, being twice severely wounded. He spent a 
 year in Libby prison, from which after a marvelous 
 patience in preparation, he boldly walked out in broad 
 daylight, clad in a grey uniform, right past both guard 
 and commandant whom he saluted. In the city of Rich- 
 mond he sought and found Union sympathizers, with 
 whom he remained more than a week gathering infor- 
 mation concerning Confederate forces and defences, and 
 then disguised as a teamster after supplies, he drove a 
 mule team to the Potomac river, over which he crossed in 
 a small boat, and which to get safely back had to rim the 
 blockade of the Union patrol fleet. Reaching Washing- 
 ton he reported to the Secretary of War, upon which in- 
 formation largely, the Dahlgreen-Kilpatrick raid was 
 planned. 
 
J. F. PORTER 
 
 I. F. MANSFIELD 
 
 \V. H. REED 
 
 G. A. HAYS 
 
 W. S. FULKMAN 
 
 R. L. EBERHART 
 
BEAVER PALLS PAPERS. 113 
 
 From 1865 to 1873 Mr. Porter filled many positions, 
 mucli of the time with the American Associated Press. 
 After selling the "Courier," for a year he issued in- 
 dustrial publications and wrote much of the "Picturesque 
 B. & O." issued by that railroad. 
 
 In 1889, having in a single year while living at Swarth- 
 more. Pa., lost by death seven, every member of his family 
 but one, his son now Dr. Fred W. Porter of Tampa, Fla., 
 he visited Florida, and expecting to rem.ain but a few 
 days. It was a belated train on a Saturday night, and 
 so made no connection, that changed the course of Mr. 
 Porter's life. On Monday morning he left for a 
 hundred miles south of where he was, and a derailed train 
 forced a stop when only twelve of them had been run, and 
 thus being diverted and asked to share a ride with a 
 stranger to Avon Park, 25 miles away, he accepted not 
 knowing who his companion was. He proved to be the 
 Eight Rev. William Crane Gray, who as they journeyed, 
 told of an intensely interesting religious work, and it 
 was thus that the Bishop and the la.ymen met, and 
 out of that day's drive grew in time the consecration of a 
 life and the building of a church. 
 
 In 1896 he became a deacon of the P. E. Church, and 
 later in full orders as a Priest thereof. He erected the 
 Church of the Redeemer a neat and commodious house 
 of worship at Avon Park while in charge of the mission 
 field there. A wider field for usefulness presented itself 
 at St. Mary's Church, Augusta, Ga., and then at Tampa, 
 Fla., where he is now Rector of St. James Episcopal 
 Church (colored). The church and rectory are located 
 in the very heart of "the scrub,' surrounded by dens of 
 vice and iniquity, where with not a white man within 
 sound of his voice, he lives alone and is ministering to 
 the poor colored people. He is greatly beloved by his 
 people, who affectionately call him "Father Porter," and 
 his word and counsel are law among them. His parish 
 
114 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 school embraces all classes, from the kindergarten to 
 manhood and womanhood, and its course covers not only 
 the elementary principles of a literary education, but an 
 industrial training for both sexes, with Mothers' meetings, 
 at which the principles of domestic economy are taught 
 by a competent teacher. Other lines are also taken 
 up, with which he is laying the foundations for great use- 
 fulness to the colored people. 
 
 Roberts & Vanhom, purchasers of the "Courier," 
 changed the name to the "Beaver County Enterprise," 
 which they operated for about one year. 
 
 Beaver Falls Tribune. 
 
 In the year 1880, the "Enterprise" was purchased by 
 Col. Jacob Weyand, who again changed the name, calling 
 it the "Beaver Falls Tribune." January 1, 1882, Col. 
 Weyand sold the paper to John H. Telford and W. S. 
 Fulkman, the latter retiring after three months. In 
 1889 Major G. L. Eberhart of New Brighton, became 
 interested in the paper, and was its editor for some time. 
 In 1890 the concern took the form of a company styled 
 The Tribune Printing Company, which was incorporated 
 September 26, 1902, of which Ira F. Mansfield is presi- 
 dent, Herman F. Dillon vice president, and John H. 
 Telford secretary and treasurer and manager. The 
 "Daily Tribune" was started August 25, 1884, the third 
 daily paper in the county. 
 
 John H. Telford was born in Allegheny City, Pa., 
 August 8, 1848, and is a son of James and Sarah Telford 
 of Scotch-Irish descent. He is a graduate of the public 
 schools of his native city and learned the printing trade 
 
BEAVER PALLS PAPERS. 115 
 
 after which, he was in the employ of the "Christian 
 Advocate" Pittsburg for eight years, the "Methodist 
 Recorder" Pittsburg 18 months, and was foreman in the 
 job office of Moore & Nesbit Pittsburg, for four years. 
 He was married to Maggie Hale at Pittsburg in 1873, and 
 has four children, his sons James and John being as- 
 sociated with him in the printing business. Mr. Telford 
 during his connection with the paper, has given more 
 attention to the improvement of the mechanical depart- 
 ment of the plant, than he has to editorial management. 
 However, the paper has always been outspoken on 
 matters of local and public importance, and also on party 
 principles when the editor has found spare moments to 
 devote along these lines, holding to the principles of the 
 Eepublican party and opposed to bossism whether in the 
 county or state management of party affairs. The 
 principal public events in which the "Tribune" has taken 
 an active part since becoming a daily, was the ardent 
 advocacy in 1882-83 of a street railway between Beaver 
 Falls and New Brighton, the effort to secure borough 
 ownership of a public water works in Beaver Falls, and 
 opposition to party management by Senator Quay. The 
 equipment of the plant has grown from a very meagre 
 one, to one of five presses and other machinery, a linotype 
 and several hundred fonts of type in a building owned by 
 the company. 
 
 Wilson Stanley FuUsman was bom December 7, 1854, 
 in Allegheny comity, Pa., his boyhood days being mostly 
 spent on a farm. His education was secured in the 
 public schools and the State Normal School Edinboro, 
 Pa. He learned' the trade of printer at New Castle, Pa., 
 with Wm. S. Black and with the "Courant" of that city, 
 and wrote local news items during his connection with 
 them. He returned to his home at Centreville, Pa., 
 where he started the "Centreville Casket" in the spring 
 of 1877, which had a fitful existence of two years. He 
 
116 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 was married to Miss Ruth E. McDanel of North Sewick- 
 ley township, Beaver county. Pa., December 26, 1878, and 
 moved to New Brighton October 15, 1879. He had been 
 promised a situation on the "Beaver Falls Courier" but 
 arrived too late, and he went to work on the "Beaver 
 Valley News" as solicitor, and later he was one of the 
 compositors, combining with it the gathering of local 
 news, soliciting and collecting, working on the paper 
 from time to time until the winter of 1883, in January of 
 that year assisting in securing subscribers for the "Daily 
 News." In the spring of 1882 he started the "Beaver 
 Falls Index," there being then four weekly papers in the 
 town, and the new paper died after twelve issues. 
 During the years 1885 to 1886, he again was employed on 
 the "Tribune" as foreman and reporter. In addition to 
 the papers of which he was part owner in Beaver Falls, 
 he published the "Ellwood Eagle," for about four years, 
 was associated with the "Ellwood Motor," and his last 
 venture was the "Beaver County Eagle," which he started 
 in New Brighton in November 1899, and which died in 
 July 1900. His latest work in the county was on the 
 weekly edition of the "Beaver Valley News," as circu- 
 lation manager, which he resigned in September 1902, to 
 accept a position in the office of the New Franklin Print- 
 ing Company Columbus, O., where he has the position of 
 city manager. 
 
 Hon. I. F. Mansfield was bom June 27, 1841; gradu- 
 ated from Poland College, being a classmate of late 
 President William McKinley; learned the molder's and 
 machine trade in Pittsburg; enlisted in the 105th Ohio 
 Volunteers serving from 1862 to 1865, and was promoted 
 from private to Orderly Sergeant, Second and First Lieu- 
 tenant, and Brevet Captain, and A. Q. M. 14th Army 
 Corps. Mr. Mansfield is president of the Tribune 
 Company, and was also a stockholder and director in 
 the Eadical Printing Co. for several years, until it was 
 
BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 117 
 
 merged into the "Daily X-Ray," when he and J. L. 
 Hohnes Esq. bought out the entire plant, and resold the 
 Radical Printing Co., with building and material to 
 Smith Curtis. Mr. Mansfield has published a book on 
 the "WUd Plowers" of Beaver County, Pa., also one on 
 the "Coal and Fire Clay" of Beaver county. He was a 
 member of the Legislature for the terms 1881, 1893-5-7 
 and 1903. 
 
 Major Gilbert L. Eberhart is descended on his f ather'? 
 side from a noble Geiman family, with ancestors who 
 came to this country in 1758, and served with honor in 
 the wars of the Revolution and 1812; his father was a 
 grandnephew of Gen. Hugh Mercer, who fell at the battle 
 of Princeton, N. J., in 1777. He is a native of Beaver 
 county, and his education was begun in Beaver Academy, 
 and later in Mercer Academy, where he was graduated in 
 a classical course of three years, and then spent two 
 years in Washington, Pa., College. He was civil en- 
 gineer on the Erie & Pittsburg Railway, of which his 
 uncle. Gen. Thomas J. Power, was promoter and first 
 president. He taught school in Greenville, was superin- 
 tendent of the Mercer County public schools and princi- 
 pal of the Conneautville, Pa., Academy. April 17, 1861, 
 he enlisted in Col. John W. McLane's Erie Regiment as 
 Sergeant in Company D., later serving on the staff of the 
 Eighth Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps. June 
 21, 1862, he was promoted by Gen. Meade to Commissary 
 of Subsistence in his brigade in the Third division of 
 Porter's corps. In 1862 he was commissioned Quarter- 
 master of the Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves. At 
 Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, he lost the hearing in 
 his right ear. In 1865 he was assigned to duty by Gen. 
 Rufus Saxton as superintendent of Freedmen's Schools 
 for the State of Georgia, and established more than 250 
 schools in two years. In 1868 he was superintendent 
 of the public schools of Rochester, and later in Kittan- 
 
HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 ning. He was admitted to the Beaver county bar June 
 14, 1870, and soon after to the Pennsylvania Supreme 
 Court. Eepresented Beaver county in the Legislature 
 in the sessions of 1877 and 1878. In 1883 he was chosen 
 Burgess of New Brighton, serving two terms and de- 
 clining a third. In 1891 he was elected a Senatorial 
 delegate by the district composed of Washington and 
 Beaver counties, to represent it in a convention to amend 
 the State Constitution. In 1879 he organized a military 
 company in New Brighton, of which he was Captain, and 
 which, in 1880, became Company B, 15th Eegiment, N. 
 G. P., and one year later a part of the 10th Eegiment. 
 He is also the author of many articles on philology and 
 kindred scientific subjects, and as a poet has achieved 
 some notoriety. He has been twice president of the 
 Law Association of Beaver county, has been for over 30 
 years a member of the vestry of the parish to which he 
 belongs, and for many years has been one of the Judges 
 of the Ecclesiastical Court and a trustee of the Episcopal 
 Diocese of Pittsburg. He is also a member of the 
 Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, the G. A. 
 R. and Union Veteran Legion. Recently the honorary 
 degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by the Nashville 
 College of Law. 
 
 Most of the reporters of the county have been en- 
 gaged on the "Tribime" from time to time, of a few of 
 whom we have secured sketches, which may be found 
 herewith or ia. connection with other papers of the 
 county. 
 
 Prof. Otto r. H. Bert was bom in New Brighton, Pa. ; 
 was graduated from New Brighton High School and 
 Geneva College, and studied in Harvard University and 
 Mass. Institute of Technology. For two and one half 
 years, he was reporter on the "Beaver Falls Tribune" 
 and during that time did some work on other Beaver 
 valley papers; was twice engaged by Pittsburg News 
 
BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 119 
 
 Agency; was reporter and night editor and did con- 
 siderable special work for Pittsburg "Dispatch." and Bos- 
 ton "Post." He turned to teaching in 1898 and taught 
 Greensburg Seminary, Greensburg, Pa.; St. Joseph 
 Academy, Greensburg, Pa.; Washington & Jefferson 
 College, Washington, Pa. ; at present has chair of mathe- 
 matics in Geneva College. He is a member of the 
 Lutheran Church and of the Archaeological Institute of 
 America. 
 
 Col. William H. Eeed was born in Beaver county. Pa., 
 December 12, 1843, son of Thomas Eeed and Frances 
 Irwin Reed, the latter a sister of the late General W. W. 
 Irwin, for two terms State Treasurer of Pennsylvania. 
 Mr. Reed enlisted in Company A., I7th Pennsylvania 
 Cavalry September 6, 1862, and was transferred to the 
 Veteran Reserve Corps September 30, 1863, on account 
 of wounds. After the war he located at Chicago, where 
 he became prominent in politics, became a fast friend of 
 Generals Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and Logan. Under 
 the Arthur Administration he was appointed a special 
 agent of the Pension department, until President Cleve- 
 land's administration, living at the time in Pittsburg. 
 He came to Beaver county and entered upon newspaper 
 work for some time, thence removing to Pittsburg, where 
 he was a member of the Americus Club, Alexander Hays 
 Post No. 3, G. A. R., the Union Veteran Legion, the 
 Press Club and Tariff Club, and was a Master Mason. 
 He was married January 27, 1870, to Lillian A. Morton, 
 and had five children, of whom Alice May of Beaver, 
 William A. and Robert L. of Chicago, and Stanley Q. of 
 Warren, O., are yet living. He died Friday June 26, 
 1896, and is buried in Beaver cemetery. 
 
 Albert Henry Beitch, son of G. F. and Catherine 
 Beitch, was bom in New Brighton April 12 ,1874. He 
 attended the public schools and later McMahon's Busi- 
 ness College. He worked in the Dithridge glass 
 
120 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 factories to earn money with which to go to school. 
 After finishing a thorough commercial training^ he 
 worked as a stenographer for the Pittsburg, Cincinnati 
 & Chicago Railway Co. at Dennison, Ohio. It was 
 during the financial panic of 1893 and 1894 that Mr. 
 Beitch first entered the newspaper work. He came back 
 to New Brighton and was engaged as a reporter on the 
 "Beaver Falls Tribune." Soon after that he left the 
 "Tribune" to engage in the publication of the "Beaver 
 Falls Recorder" with L. L. Carson. Mr. Beitch was 
 afterward employed in a reportorial capacity on the 
 "Beaver Falls Republican," the "Argus and Radical," the 
 "New Castle News," "The Ellwood City Motor," and the 
 "New Brighton Daily News." In the spring of 1896 he 
 went to Pittsburg and did extra work, writing special 
 articles and covering general assignments on several of 
 the Pittsburg dailies. His first regular position was on 
 the Pittsburg "Daily News" in the capacity of a reporter. 
 In two weeks he was made telegraph editor and six 
 months later he was made city editor. He held that 
 position for two years and then assumed the city editor- 
 ship of the "Pittsburg Press" which position he still 
 occupies. In 1902 he was registered as a student at law 
 with Floy C. Jones of Kittanning, Pa. He was admitted 
 tp the practice of law in September 1904. On November 
 10, 1904, he married Miss Evelyn McAdoo, of Bradford, 
 Pa. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of 
 New Brighton. 
 
 James B. Edgar, the son of John P. and Mary A. 
 Edgar, was bom in New Brighton, Pa., April 10, 1872. 
 He was educated in the public schools, and was employed 
 in the drug business for five years, and is a qualified 
 assistant. He enlisted at the outbreak of the Spanish- 
 American War in Company B.. 10th Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teer Infantry, and served with the regiment in the 
 Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection 
 
A. H. BEITCH 
 I,. S. AMRKRSOX J. I). EDGAR 
 
BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 121 
 
 imder Col. A. L. Hawkins in the Philippines. He was 
 honorably discharged June 5. 1900, and was elected 
 Connty Auditor in November 1901, for a term of three 
 years. He was a reporter on the "Tribime" in 1900 and 
 1901, for New Brighton and the lower valley towns. 
 
 Joseph G. Bliss was bom in North Bridgewater, 
 Beaver county, Pa., on Sunday September 20, 1868. He 
 learned the printing trade in the office of the "Beaver 
 VaUey News" New Brighton, entering it in 1882, after 
 which he went to work on the "Beaver Falls Journal," 
 and later in 1889 on the "Tribime" of the same place, 
 where he remained setting type until 1903, when he was 
 appointed a reporter on the paper, which position he still 
 holds, reporting the news of New Brighton. He is a 
 charter member of Beaver Valley Typographical Union 
 No. 250, previous to whch organization he was a member 
 of Pittsburg Union No. 7. He has served as president 
 of his Union, and also as secretary, and has represented 
 the organization as a delegate to the Central Labor 
 Council. Mr. Bliss was a competent printer, and was 
 regarded as one of the most rapid in this section, but 
 acknowledges that when he ran up against the Linotype 
 he was more than matched, and yielded his position for 
 one that he fills satisfactorily. 
 
 Another reporter hailing from New Brighton, was 
 Theodore C. Deitrich, who was bom in that place, and 
 learned the trade of printing in the "Beaver Valley 
 News" office. He went to renorting on the "Tribune," 
 and since has reported on leading papers in Pittsburg, 
 New York and Chicago, holding important positions. 
 He is now in Pittsburg. 
 
 Other reporters of whom we have failed to get 
 sketches are, L. L. Carson, F. L. Parker, M. J. White, 
 John Telford, Capt. M. B. Sloan, W. B. Kamsey, John 
 Schreck, Hamp Newlon, H. C. Cuthbertson, George W. 
 
122 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Mackall, and doubtless some others who cannot now be 
 recalled. 
 
 Of the printers native to the county, who have worked 
 on the paper and are not mentioned in any of the papers, 
 we recall Frank Mills, George Crouch, James Telford, 
 Albert Hartung, Kobert Bruce Jr., WUliam Newlon, 
 Joseph White, Koss Cunningham, Fred C McClure, Mrs. 
 George Early, Ed. Hope. 
 
 The Life Boat. 
 
 In 18Y5, Linton S. Amberson started a paper with the 
 above name, in connection with a job printing office. 
 The paper was published in the interest of the Greenback 
 movement, and supported Peter Cooper for President. 
 He sold the paper in 1876 to Holmes & McDonald who 
 continued the publication imder the nam.e of the "New 
 Era" until 1877, when they sold out to persons who 
 moved it to Pittsburg. Mr. Holmes was a Pittsburg 
 man, and Addison McDonald was a son of the late J. V. 
 McDonald, of Bridgewater. 
 
 Linton S. Amberson, son of the late Dr. T. B. Amber- 
 son of New Castle, Pa., was born in New Castle, 
 Lawrence county, Pa., Jvlj 29, 1846; received his edu- 
 cation in the public and special schools of New Castle; 
 entered the office of the "Coal City Chronicle" New 
 Castle, to learn his trade in the year 1858, that paper 
 being under the management of Sutherland, Spear, Lazier 
 and Vincent. He worked for the firm until the break- 
 ing out of the war, when the members of the firm enlisted, 
 closing the office. He then worked for the other papers 
 of New Castle, the "Journal," "Gazette," and "Courant," 
 
BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 123 
 
 covering a number of years, then working on the press 
 through the East and West, as compositor, solicitor and 
 correspondent. About 1871 he was employed on the 
 "McKeesport Times" and helped to put out the first 
 issue, B. B. Courson proprietor; and the late Bartley 
 Campbell, the great playwright, was editor at that time. 
 About 1873 he was employed on the "Conservative" in 
 Beaver, which was published in two rooms in the Old 
 Union Hotel building ; then went on the "Beaver County 
 Press" New Brighton, and later on the "Beaver Valley 
 News." Mr. Amberson is now engaged in the Art busi- 
 ness with his liiree sons, in Covington, Ky. 
 
 In 1882, the "Beaver Falls Independent" was pub- 
 lished by W. F. Hanrahan and Frank A. Lewis, who were 
 succeeded by W. W. Shields, and soon after the paper 
 was discontinued. 
 
 The Evening Pen. 
 
 In April 1883, W. S. Fulkman went to work in the job 
 printing office of Townsend & Co., Beaver Falls, where he 
 remained for two years. While there he induced the 
 firm to commence the publication of a small daily paper, 
 and on the first Monday in June 1883, the first daily 
 paper of Beaver Falls made its appearance, "The Evening 
 Pen." The "Pen" was published from the office of 
 Townsend & Co., but Mr. Fulkman was its originator and 
 had charge of it. During the month of June it appeared 
 every day, and then took a rest until the first of Novem- 
 ber, when it came out again and was published daily until 
 February 18, 1884, at which time it was discontinued. It 
 was supported entirely by advertising, being circulated 
 
124, HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 among the people free of charge. Mr. Fulkman con- 
 tinued at Townsend's as their job printer until March 
 lY, 1885, when he was succeeded by the late Sim Dins- 
 more, formerly of Beaver. 
 
 Globe Advertiser. 
 
 The "Globe Advertiser," a monthly paper, was pub- 
 lished from 1875 to 1879 by the Globe Printing Company. 
 Later it was changed to a weekly and published by W. C. 
 Fessenden and John Rohm. Others connected with it 
 from tim^e to time were Ed. Hutchinson, G. W. Penn and 
 John Mellon. A morning edition of the paper called the 
 "Herald" was started by the Globe but soon after suc- 
 cumbed. Mr. Mellon later secured control of the 
 weekly "Globe," and consolidated it with the "Beaver 
 Star" in 1887, of which u. more complete account appears 
 in the history of the Beaver "Star." 
 
 John Mellon was the son of William and Mary J. 
 Mellon of Beaver Falls. His father was a miller in that 
 place for eight years, after which he operated a feed 
 store. His paternal ancestors were Irish, who came to 
 America in. 1816, and his maternal ancestors were Scotch, 
 among the pioneers of Westmoreland county. Pa. After 
 retiring from the "Star," Mr. Mellon went to Florida for 
 the benefit of his health, where he died. He engaged in 
 newspaper work there for some time, luitil his health 
 finally gave way. He was an intelligent and energetic 
 worker, and did his part in making stronger and better 
 the journalism of the county. 
 
BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 125 
 
 Spray Of The Falls. 
 
 On August 31, 1887, W. S. Fulkman went to Darling- 
 ton, Pa., where he took notes of the services attending 
 the dedication of the soldiers' monument at that place. 
 Returning to his home in New Brighton he wrote a very 
 full account of the dedication, which, together with a 
 picture of the monument, formed the chief feature in the 
 first niunber of a new paper he had decided to publish. 
 This paper was called "Spray of the Falls," and was 
 issued monthly, the first number coming out in Septem- 
 ber, 1887. It took with the people from the start. The 
 "Spray of the Palls" went to the townships and villages 
 for its support, and made itself popular in those sections 
 by publishing the local news of each neighborhood where 
 it circulated. It also secured some circulation in Beaver 
 Falls and New Brighton, and by the end of its first year 
 had 1,035 actual paid subscribers, every one of which had 
 been secured personally by Mr. Fulkman. In addition to 
 securing th? circulation, he had also edited the "Spray" 
 and looked after all of its business affairs. 
 
 In September 1888, beginning with the second year, 
 he changed the "Spray of the Falls" from a monthly to a 
 weekly, and started out with a circulation of 1,200. The 
 load becoming too heavy for Mr. FuUanan to carry alone, 
 as his capital was small, he endeavored to organize a 
 limited stock company to publish the "Spray" and do a 
 general printing business. He interested Dr. H. H. 
 George, president of Geneva College, in the project, also 
 J. L. McCartney of the same institution, and through 
 these gentlemen he was placed in communication with 
 
126 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 George Warrington, of Birmingham, Iowa, who later 
 came to Beaver Falls on a tour of inspection. After 
 his arrival the preliminary steps for the organization of 
 a stock company were taken, Mr. Warrington subscrib- 
 ing $500.00, Prof. McCartney $500.00, and Dr. George 
 subscribed $150.00 for his son, M. M. George; $600.00 was 
 to be allowed for the paper and good will, $250.00 of 
 which was to go to the payment of outstanding bills, and 
 $350.00 was to be alloted to Mr. Fulkman in stock in the 
 new company. Officers were elected, an attorney m- 
 structed to secure a charter, and everything looked 
 favorable on the evening of October 18, 1888. The next 
 morning Mr. Warrington came to the office of the 
 "Spray" quite early, and announced his intention of 
 withdrawing from the proposed company. He took the 
 next train for the West, and the effort to organize a stock 
 company fell. Mr. Fulkman continued the "Spray of 
 the Falls'' a few weeks longer, when he was compelled to 
 dispose of it, and it was transferred to John H. Telford 
 of the Beaver Falls "Tribune." 
 
 Beaver Falls Review. 
 
 In June 1888, J. E. McClure and J. W. Carson formed 
 a company and started the Beaver Falls "Evening 
 Journal." During the same year Geo. Warrington be- 
 gan the publication of a monthly paper named the 
 "Psahn Singer." In 1889 Mr. Warrington, W. S. Fulk- 
 man, John W. Carson and L. L. Carson became owners 
 of the "Journal," and in addition to the daily, began the 
 publication of a weekly edition which made its ap- 
 pearance August 15, 1889. Mr. Fulkman undertook the 
 
BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 
 
 contract of securing 2,000 subscribers for the "Journal," 
 and went to New Galilee with the first issue, where he 
 secured the hotel keeper as the first subscriber. Mr. 
 Fulkman continued his canvass of the county, making 
 a very thorough one, and also acting as news editor of 
 the "Journal." He completed the canvass the latter 
 part of December 1890, actually securing the two 
 thousand subscribers in one year and four months. He 
 continued to edit the local part of the paper until April 
 20, 1891, when he severed his connection with the 
 "Journal," sold his stock in the company to Geo. W. Pyle 
 of New Galilee, and went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he 
 started the "Ohio Home." 
 
 Mr. Warrington became the sole owner in 1890 of the 
 paper, conducting it until 1892, when it passed into the 
 hands of J. H. Irons and Smith Curtis. In 1892-93, L. 
 L. Carson started the "Daily Recorder," publishing it 
 from the "Argus and Radical" office, which was short 
 lived. In 1894 J. W. Carson and the Broadbent brothers 
 purchased J. H. Irons' interest and the daily edition was 
 discontinued. In 189.5, Smith Curtis started the Daily 
 "Radical" in the "Journal" plant, but it too proved un- 
 successful and passed out of existence. In the spring 
 of 1896 a company of New Castle newspaper men bought 
 out the plant and started the "Daily Republican," which 
 was discontinued in September of the same year. J. W. 
 Carson purchased the good will of the paper and con- 
 tinued the weekly edition, which was changed in name 
 to the "Review" in 1897. It has been successful and 
 continues under Mr. Carson's management. 
 
 John W. Carson was bom in Bloomfield, Jefferson 
 county, O., April 30, 1857, of Scotch-Irish parentage. 
 His father, James Carson, served in the British army for 
 twelve years prior to coming to America in 1853. In 
 the Civil War he entered an Ohio regiment in 1863, and 
 served to the close of the war. He was in the govern- 
 
128 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 merit service two years prior to this, and with his family 
 was stationed at Kanawha Falls, West Virginia, and they 
 were in the famous Lightburn retreat, which resulted in 
 ev-Governor Wise gaining possession of that portion of 
 Western Virginia. Before enlisting in the Civil War, 
 Mr. Carson bought a farm in Ohio and moved his family 
 thereto. The subject of this sketch was the eldest of 
 four children, and upon him devolved the duties of caring 
 for the farm, although he had hardly reached the age 
 when children are admitted to the public schools in these 
 days. The experience gained during those trying times 
 proved of inestimable value to him in after years, teach- 
 ing self reliance, and giving him a true estimate of that 
 which goes to make true manhood. The few winter 
 terms which Mr. Carson attended the district schools 
 made up his schooling. When in later years the 
 necessity of an education dawned upon him, he sought to 
 obtain it, and in a measure succeeded by a course of 
 private instruction and home study. The taste for read- 
 ing developed early in life, and literature became more 
 and more the aim and object of his subsequent efforts. 
 At the age of twelve he began to work in a cooper shop 
 and, excepting six months spent in New York City, con- 
 tinued at that trade for fourteen years. He began the 
 study of law in Youngstown, O., in 1878, which was con- 
 tinued for nearly three years, but was abandoned for 
 newspaper work on the "Daily News" of that city, in 
 which calling he has since been engaged. In 1880 Mr. 
 Carson was married to Miss Lyda G. Eobinson of Niles, 
 Ohio. To this union were bom two sons, James H. and 
 Charles B. Carson. In 1885, he moved to Beaver Falls 
 and shortly afterwards became a reporter on the 
 "Tribune," and the local correspondent of the Pittsburg 
 and New York papers. Mr. Carson is a member of the 
 M. E. Church, which he joined in 1873 at Bellaire, O. 
 In newspaper work he is a firm believer in the theory that 
 
J. W. CAKSOX 
 
 ,|. H. CARSON 
 
BEAVER FALLS PAPERS. 129 
 
 the men who make newspapers have an important 
 duty to perform; that the calling itself is a dignified one; 
 and that the personality of a writer cannot be wholly 
 overlox)ked in what he writes; that the press wields as a 
 whole an influence for good; and the public therefore 
 recognizes the fact that the men thus engaged should be 
 men of high character, whether they are news gatherers, 
 or occupy the editorial chair. The success of the 
 "Eeview" he believes is due largely to the faith he has in 
 this principle, and the circumstances which placed his 
 paper in the hands of those who believe as he does. Mr. 
 Carson was elected to the State Legislature of his state 
 in November 1904, and enjoys the esteem of his fellow 
 citizens of all parties. 
 
 The foreman of the office at the present is Henry 
 Hartung, and Charles E. Evans is compositor, with 
 Ebner Eosenbauer and Palmer apprentices. J. H. Car- 
 son is manager of the paper and Miss Ada Kurtz is in 
 the office. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE BEAVER TIMES. 
 
 The "Beaver Times" came into existence the spring 
 following the consolidation of the "Argus" and the 
 "Radical," and was fathered by the veteran editor, 
 Michael Weyand, who resumed journalism after a long 
 retirement. The initial nimiber was dated April 2, 1874, 
 and was a nine column four page paper, well printed and 
 of necessity well edited. Mr. Weyand was unques- 
 tionably one of the ablest writers in the history of Beaver 
 county journalism, his writing partaking largely of the 
 style of his speaking to the public, straight to the point, 
 clear and not too verbose, with a vein of humor that made 
 most excellent reading. 
 
 The editor was not particularly in love with the aims 
 and purposes of the "Argus and Radical" politically, so 
 there was a good margin for differences, and the oppor- 
 tunity was not permitted to be lost and there appeared 
 some strong articles, descriptive of its opinion of the 
 political conduct of those backing the old paper. 
 
 The "Times" secured a strong foothold in the country 
 districts particularly, and had a strong following 
 politically. 
 
 The following editorial in the first number of the new 
 paper, saluted its readers and immediately attracted the 
 attention of the people: 
 
THE BEAVER TIMES. 131 
 
 "When we took leave of editorial life thirteen or 
 fourteen years ago, we supposed it to be a final one. Por 
 reasons, neither necessary nor profitable to enumerate, 
 we come back to the old life again, and without volun- 
 teering any very specific pledges as to what we propose 
 to do, or promise not to do, we simply say that we em- 
 bark in the present Undertaking with no private schemes 
 to work out, and no personal animosities to gratify, but 
 because we believe the public interests and the necessi- 
 ties of the Republican organization in this county, 
 demand such a step. 
 
 "We propose to labor for the common good, rather 
 than for individuals, or individual ends — to aid in the 
 development of the varied resources of the county, and 
 for the augmentation of its material wealth — to urge all 
 parties to select none but trustworthy men for public 
 positions — ^to seek to bridge over the divisions that un- 
 fortunately exist in the party to which we belong— to 
 root out some of the evil practices that have well nigh 
 destroyed our ascendancy in the county — and to do what 
 we can to bring the party back to a position at least of 
 the standing and efficiency it possessed, in its earlier and 
 better days, when under the lead of Agnew, Dickey, 
 Lawrence, the Henrys and Roberts. 
 
 "With this brief summary of the objects we have in 
 yiew — in the language of that illustrious man, whose life 
 went out so suddenly and tragically and who sleeps the 
 martyr's sleep in the quiet of his Western home — 'With 
 malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in 
 the Right, as God gives us to see the right' — we launch 
 our bark upon the newspaper sea, soliciting support only 
 as we shall merit it, and content to rise or fall, as a 
 reasonable public may determine, we deserve either the 
 one or the other. 
 
 "Now, therefore, with hat off, and hand extended, we 
 greet our brethren of the press, of all political per- 
 
132 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 suasions, feeling somewhat awkward in our new position — 
 or rather in the resumption of the old relation — but when 
 the harness becomes a little better adjusted, we expect to 
 jog' along quietly and unassumingly as becomes a well- 
 behaved rural editor. We expect to encroach upon no 
 rights belonging to others. We shall look neither to the 
 right nor the left, but pursuing a straight-forward, in- 
 dependent course, expressing our opinions fairly, fully, 
 fearlessly, on all questions of public interest — sounding 
 the alarm to our party friends, when there is danger 
 ahead, and exposing that which ought to be exposed, 
 whether fomid in high places or in low, whether in our 
 own or in. the opposite political organization. When we 
 have occasion to differ with our editorial brethren, as we 
 doubtless often will, we expect to do so in the right spirit, 
 and in the use of decorous language. With then, this 
 partial renewal of old acquaintanceship, we fall into line, 
 and are ready to use and be used as in times past." 
 
 The failure to find a file of the "Times" renders it 
 now impossible to reproduce more of the strong editorials 
 that Mr. Weyand wrote and published. He was an im- 
 compromising Republican, of the independent stripe, 
 sound to the core on the questions of protection, the 
 party's financial policy, internal improvements, and what- 
 ever would benefit local interests. The paper was 
 morally clean, and was a good example of the best quality 
 of country journalism, and it was a welcome visitor to 
 hundreds of good homes in the county. 
 
 In all his long career he never had a libel suit, though 
 he made scores and hundreds of persons writhe under 
 his denunciations and criticisms. He was threatened 
 with libel suits, and the sword of vengeance was held over 
 his editorial head a number of times, but no action was 
 ever taken to put him on trial. 
 
 He had bitter controversies with many of the most 
 prominent men of the county, and especially in the Know 
 
THE BEAVER TIMES. 133 
 
 Nothing movement he met the combined strength of the 
 ablest and best men of the coimty, most of whom were his 
 personal friends, but he hewed to the mark and continued 
 on his way. In his controversies with the "Argus and 
 Radical," and the influence that backed it, he was fully in 
 his element, and laid on the scourge until the blood fairly 
 ran. But tmder this apparent bitterness of spirit, this 
 flaying of political enemies, there was a warm nature that 
 attracted friends by the hundreds, and made the "Old 
 Man of the Times" popular in the county. 
 
 Mr. Weyand is perhaps the longest in newspaper work 
 of any one in Western Pennsylvania. He is the oldest 
 ia service as an editor in Beaver county, having served 
 as such eight years on the "Argus" and twenty-sLx years 
 on the "Times." Next to him is F. S. Reader of the 
 "Beaver Valley News," who is completing his thirty-first 
 year as editor of that paper, the longest in continuous 
 service on one paper, of any editor ever in the county. 
 
 Mr. Weyand's chief assistant in conducting the paper, 
 was his son Henry S. Weyand, who was bom in Beaver 
 and educated in the common school and college in that 
 town. At the age of 16 he went into the "Argus" office 
 to learn the trade, imder the foremanship of Maj. John 
 B. Butler. After leaving the "Argus" worked on the 
 "New Castle Journal," when it was owned and edited by 
 Hon. David Sankey. Afterwards he worked in the job 
 office of McCallister, Jackson and McEwen, Pittsburg, 
 until the advent of the "Times," when he went to work on 
 it as a compositor with John Tallon as foreman. Upon 
 Mr. Tallon's retirement he took charge of the mechanical 
 department of the "Times," with Frank Tallon, James 
 Grove, H. A. Sutherland, George Walters, D. S. Mc- 
 Connel, D. S. Grifirn, D. E. Weyand, John Stewart, Will 
 Diven, Bert Fogg and John Caughey as compositors and 
 apprentices at various times. In 1889 he left the 
 
134 EISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 "Times" to take a position as proof reader in the 
 Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C, which 
 position he is still holding. 
 
 Mr. Weyand made much of country correspondence, 
 having excellent vcriters in different parts of the county, 
 who kept up the interest among the people. His long 
 experience in the county, beginning over sixty-five years 
 ago in newspaper work, gave him a knowledge of people 
 and events, that have afforded many reminiscences. In 
 a paper read by Mr. Weyand, he gave some of these, 
 which have been listened to with amusement and interest. 
 
 His references to the "tramp printer" in his article 
 recalled some scenes that the newspapers of today know 
 but little of. One of the institutions of the business was 
 the nomads of the craft, who claimed no fixed abode, but 
 were as much at home in one place as another, many of 
 whom in their travels had worked on nearly all the princi- 
 pal papers of the coimtry, and on their rounds inci- 
 dentally called at most of the smaller villages, their 
 journeys being made on foot, and in later years by "beat- 
 ing trains." These "tramp printers" or "tourists'' as 
 they were facetiously called, had but little in common 
 with the tramp of this generation, who is an object of 
 disgust and derision. They were merely "devil may 
 care," jolly good fellows, with considerable intellectual 
 ability, and many of them past masters in their art, 
 rather too much addicted to the flowing bowl in many 
 cases, and too restless to become reliable six days a week 
 workmen, who cared nothing for the morrow. This life 
 was often kept up for years, when many of them tired 
 after a time, and settled dovm to steady lives, filling 
 important positions and rearing families. In their 
 travels they had become familiar with their trade as it 
 was followed in the best offices of the country, and hence 
 became valuable workmen. Of the tramp printers who 
 dropped in on the Beaver county papers periodically, 
 
THE BEAVER TIMES. 
 
 there were some bright fellows. Seatmg themselves at 
 ease in the sanctum, they would write up some squib of 
 experience on tlie road, or some local matter that fell 
 under their eyes, and hand in for publication which was 
 generally accepted. Some of them were regular callers, 
 though their visits might be one or more years apart, and 
 were always welcome as a part of the business. Recoimt- 
 ing anecdotes of their trips and bits of adventure, they 
 were often pleasant callers, but it was only for a day or 
 two at the most. A few hours at the case, an inter- 
 change with the "boys" in the composing room and office, 
 they would gather up a supply of papers, and pass on to 
 New Castle, Wheeling or Pittsburg, as fancy directed, 
 care free and apparently as happy as larks. 
 
 Mr. Weyand relates the following two interesting 
 incidents, typical of the class, and two only out of 
 many others: One a very brilliant but erratic genius, 
 Abijah Baker, by name, but who passed as "Bije" for 
 short. Aftfr one of his calls here,, drifted to Canton, 
 Ohio, where some of the prominent citizens of that place 
 became so impressed with his more than ordinary ability, 
 that they bought him a complete newspaper outfit, and 
 guaranteed him a liberal salary, if he would abide with 
 them. After staying there a few months, and giving 
 that section of Ohio some of the brightest editorials they 
 had ever been accustomed to, he tired of the restraint 
 that was on him, took to the road again and that was the 
 last ever heard of him in this section. 
 
 There was another, whose genius ran chiefly to poetry, 
 or doggerel rather, and who always timed his periodical 
 visits so as to get into the Saint's Eest on a Saturday 
 night, in order to be with the festive printers over 
 Sunday. His first query, on facing the boys was,, if 
 they had anything to drink stronger than water; and 
 when a weU filled flask was handed him, he would drain 
 it to the bottom, and handing back the empty fl^sk, would 
 
136 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 exclaim — "Were'nt I dry." On his last visit here, he 
 dropped the following verse as a kind of last farewell : 
 
 "At the sound of the trump 
 Give yourself a hump. 
 And be ready to jump 
 And take up your baggage and go." 
 And that was the last ever seen or heard of our doggerel 
 printer friend in this vicinity. 
 
 In February 1898, Michael Weyand disposed of the 
 paper to Gilbert A. Hays, of Sewickley, and on Septem- 
 ber 22 of the same year, Mr. Hays assigned his interests 
 to the Beaver Publishing Company, and Mr. Weyand was 
 retained as editor until January 1, 1900, when he was ap- 
 pointed postmaster of Beaver, and is now serving his 
 second term in that office. The "Times" was continued 
 solely as a weekly until April 27, 1899, when a daily 
 edition was started, with J. L. Deming general manager, 
 and M. Weyand editor. It was an eight .column four 
 page paper, and was a very creditable number. Mr. 
 Deming came from Bethany, W. Va., and took hold of 
 the work energetically, but retired after some months 
 service. 
 
 Hon. Henry Hice is the president of the Beaver Pub- 
 lishing Company, holding that position from the be- 
 ginning. 
 
 Judge Hice is a native of Beaver county, bom in 
 Hopewell township January 24, 1834. He studied law 
 in 1857 with Col. Richard P. Roberts, and was admitted 
 to the Bar of Beaver county in June 1859. He entered 
 into partnership with Col. Roberts, which continued until 
 the latter was killed at Gettysburg. Judge Hice was 
 appointed President Judge of the new Thirtv-sixth 
 Judicial District, of which his county was a part, April 
 30, 1874, and was elected for the following term, in which 
 he served with ability and acceptability, imtil January 1, 
 
H. D. AXUEKSON J- U. EDMONDS 
 
 MISS HATTIE liRITTAIN 
 C. <). DENTZEK W K- HAKRIS 
 
THE BEAVER TIMES 137 
 
 1885, when he returned to the practice of law. He has 
 been for many years the legal adviser of the Pittsburg 
 & Lake Erie Kailroad and the Harmony Society, and has 
 been closely identified with the business interests of the 
 county. He has the confidence of the people in every 
 respect. 
 
 The new daily started on its career with the following 
 address to the people: "Today the 'Times' greets the 
 readers of the Beaver Valley in a new form. It begins 
 its daily m.ission of faithfully giving the news of the 
 world pro and con. Every effort wiU be made to give a 
 faithful accounting of the happenings of the valley, its 
 proper field and sphere. It is with some reluctance that 
 we force upon the reading public the present issue, but if 
 all wiU bide with us a while, we promise to do much 
 better. The stride from a weekly to a daily is a big one, 
 and requires much effort on the part of every one con- 
 nected with the force. You see us as we feel and think. 
 Our pulsations as depicted in our columns will be full 
 and free. Nothing will be allowed to clog the free 
 course of our thought. In politics we are Kepublican; 
 in news we are cosmopolitan. With such mixture of 
 blood running through our veins, we cannot help but 
 please the masses. Bear and forbear are two 'animals' 
 that can be easily tamed and cultivated. We ask our 
 readers to bear with us and we will forbear in all things 
 critical. As our aim is for the advancement of party 
 and community, we ask all our readers to consider our 
 colimins theirs. News, no matter from what source it 
 comes, if legitimate, is always acceptable. It is with the 
 feelings of a college graduate, when he makes his first 
 appearance on the world's stage, that we greet you today. 
 We are here to stay, and home and party is our watch- 
 word." 
 
 J. L. Deming was succeeded as general manager by 
 T. S. Laughlin, formerly business manager of the "Argus 
 
138 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 and Radical," who resigned January 1, 1901, and Eobert 
 La Ross of JSTew Brighton, was appointed to the position, 
 who had charge until his death in 1903. He came from 
 the central part of the State, and had considerable ex- 
 perience in the work, bringing to it enthusiasm and in- 
 telligence. After his death, H. Dwight Anderson was 
 appointed to the position, which he has held since. 
 
 Mr. Anderson was born at Rochester June 17, 1868, 
 in a house but two squares removed from the one he now 
 occupies. The love of the newspaper business was 
 inspired in him when but a boy ten years of age, he 
 watched the press running in the office of the Salem (O.) 
 "Republican." At thirteen years of age he left school 
 which he was attending at Bridgewater, to accept a 
 position as apprentice in the office of the "Argus and 
 Radical" at Beaver. He remained with this paper for 
 several years; left it to accept a position with Barrows 
 & Osborne, city printers of Pittsburg, and later 
 took charge of the "Argus and Radical" job rooms. 
 Later he was foreman of the job rooms of Townsend & 
 Co., of Beaver Falls, and of the Star Publishing 
 Company of Beaver. In 1890 he engaged in the job 
 printing business with his brother Frank L. Anderson, at 
 Rochester, in which business they continued until 1896, 
 when their plant was merged with that of the "Johnstown 
 Theocrat," a church newspaper conducted at Johnstown, 
 Pa., by the Rev. M. L. Weaver. They remained at 
 Johnstown until 1897, when Mr. Anderson returned to 
 Rochester, and with Richard W. Stiffey Esq., of Beaver, 
 and William Lutz of Bridgewater, founded the 
 "Commoner" which is still published at Rochester by 
 the Commoner Publishin. Company. Li 1898 he sold 
 his interest in the "Conunonei" to Mr. Stiffey. In the 
 early part of 1899 Mr. Anderson was offered and accepted 
 a position as reporter on the daily "Times," preparations 
 for the publishing of which were being carried on by the 
 
THE BEAVER TIMES. 
 
 first general manager J. L. Darning. Mr. Anderson 
 first covered the Beaver Falls-New Brighton district, 
 was later transferred to the Beaver-Bridgewater district, 
 and later to the Eochester-Monaca district, where he re- 
 mained until his appointment as general manager. He 
 was united in marriage on April 15, 1890, to Miss Dell 
 A. Troup daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Troup, of 
 West Bridgewater. One child a daughter, Miss Dell 
 Laureame Anderson was bom on February 25 ,1893. Mr. 
 Anderson is a member of the First Congregational 
 Church of Rochester, and is first assistant superin- 
 tendent of the Sunday School. 
 
 Upon the retirement of Michael Weyand as editor 
 of the paper, Ellis N. Bigger Esq. was editorial writer 
 until his death in Jvily 1902. After his death B,obert La 
 Ross held the position in connection with general 
 manager, and since his death the office has not been filled. 
 
 Mr. Bigger was bom in Hanover township, Washing- 
 ton county. Pa., in 1856, his parents being Thomas and 
 Mary Nicholson Bigger. His parents moved to Beaver 
 county while he was a boy ; he attended the public schools 
 and the Frankfort Academy; later taught in the district 
 schools and as assistant principal of the Frankfort 
 Academy; studied law with Samuel B. Wilson Esq., and 
 was admitted to the Beaver county Bar June 2, 18Y9. He 
 practiced law for a while with Frank Wilson Esq. 
 deceased, and in 1883 formed a partnership with Thomas 
 M. Henry Esq., which lasted for several years. Mr. 
 Bigger was a good speaker and writer. At the time of 
 his death, June 15, 1902, he was solicitor for the County 
 Commissioners, and had held other positions of honor and 
 trust. 
 
 Associated with Mr. Anderson as advertising manager 
 is J. D. Edmonds of Beaver. The stafi of reporters in- 
 cludes Charles O. Dentzer of Eochester, who represents 
 
14,0 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 the "Times" on the Rochester-Monaca district; W. 
 Russell Harris of Beaver, reporter on the Beaver-Bridge- 
 water district; W. C. Hamilton of New Brighton, reporter 
 on the New Brighton district, and E. T. Corbus of 
 Beaver Falls, reporter on the Beaver Palls district. W. 
 C. Eaton of Beaver, is city editor, and Miss Harriett 
 Brittain of Beaver Falls, is bookkeeper. 
 
 The force in the mechanical department includes J. 
 Mays Ecoff of Beaver, linotype operator; John C Clark 
 of Beaver, foreman of the composing room; Frank L. 
 Anderson of Bridgewater, foreman of the job depart- 
 ment, and Frank Boyde of Beaver, who is in charge of 
 the setting of advertisements. The press feeders in- 
 clude Miss Clinton of Beaver Falls, Oscar Bradley of 
 Bridgewater, and Burwood Hanson of Beaver. 
 
 The company recently installed a complete outfit of 
 new machinery in the "Times" press room, including a 
 high speed, double feed Dispatch press, manufactured by 
 the Babcock Printing Press Manufacturing Company, of 
 New London, Conn. This press will print and fold a 
 seven column quarto at a speed of 2600 an hour, without 
 the necessity of stereotyping the forms. 
 
 One of the reporters of the paper, who has lately come 
 to the county is William R. Harris, who began his news- 
 paper career in 1898, as errand boy on the "Daily Crisis" 
 East Liverpool, O., wherp he remained three years; 
 thence went on the "News Democrat," at Canton, O., and 
 later took temporary charge of the "Daily Times," now 
 the "Daily Gleanor," at Massillon, O. In the early part 
 of 1903, he beean his career as a reporter, working on the 
 "News Democrat," at Canton, on the Wellsville (O.) 
 "Daily Record," and the East Liverpool (O.) "News 
 Review" and "Crisis"; and has been employed in Beaver 
 since March 1904. 
 
MONACA HERAI^D 14.1 
 
 MoNACA Herald. 
 
 The "Monaca Herald" began its existence November 
 13, 1903, with George A. Jones editor and manager, s^ub- 
 scription price $1 per year, a seven column four page 
 paper, well printed and a creditable local paper. 
 
 The following from the editor's initial words to the 
 people, will show the object in starting the paper: 
 "Upon entering the field of journalism, done after a 
 long consideration, we are determined to give to Monaca, 
 Aliquippa and the six townships south of the Ohio river, 
 in Beaver county, the prominence and the opportunities 
 that can only be secured through the influence and use 
 of the press. We do not want to advance the idea that 
 the county papers have ignored, or forgotten us, but 
 the fact that north of the river is a territory very thickly 
 populated, and closely connected by a net work of rail- 
 roads, naturally xm.ites their sympathies through social 
 and business intercourse, resulting in the practical 
 isolation, in many respects, of this district. We do not 
 want to irifer that this is intentional, but occasioned be- 
 cause most of this territory is composed of a farming 
 district and cannot be reached witfiout great difficulty 
 and expense. These conditions we hope to be able to 
 overcome to some extent, by devoting our time and talent 
 to the interest of this district, and with this thought in 
 view, we send out the first number of the "Monaca 
 Herald," which we hope the citizens will help us in 
 making the representative of our interests and advance- 
 ment." 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 
 
 The first settlement in New Brighton so far as can 
 now be ascertained, was by John Wolf, who purchased 
 tract JSTo. 95 in 1799 aiid built a flouring mill on it, near 
 the present dam where the Tenth street bridge crosses the 
 river. It was probably the first mill of any kind east of 
 the Beaver river in the county, and to it men came from 
 a distance of over thirty miles, even from east of Pitts- 
 burg, over a single path cut through the forest large 
 enough for a horse and rider to pass. It was operated 
 until 1820, and remained standing until the canal was 
 dug. 
 
 VIEW OF BRIGHTON DAM. 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 143 
 
 In 1815 a plan of lots was laid out on. tract No. 94, 
 which led to the name of the town. By an Act of 
 Assembly of March 20, 1810, a company was incorporated 
 under the name, style and title of "The President, 
 Managers and Company for erecting a bridge over Big 
 Beaver creek opposite the town of Brighton," where the 
 overhead bridge now stands. If erected where laid out 
 it would not be opposite Brighton (now Beaver Falls) 
 but in a township, and ia order to conform to the charter, 
 the name of East Brighton was given to the plan of lots 
 surveyed on tract No. 94, and thus the eastern end of the 
 bridge was built opposite (East) Brighton, which in time 
 was changed and incorporated in 1838 as New Brighton. 
 
 SCENE ON OLD CANAL. 
 
 In 1828 the flouring mUl known as the Quaker Mill, 
 was erected some distance below the bridge, and iu the 
 year 1836 began the building of factories below it, which 
 iacreased rapidly from that time on, and other tracts on 
 which the town is located were laid out in lots. In 1831 
 work was begim on the canal through the town and gave 
 an impetus to trade and commerce, and later a branch of 
 the United States bank, was established, which provid.ed 
 plenty of funds, as long as they lasted, for pushing busi- 
 ness, and there was a boom in trade, but New Brighton 
 was dependent on Fallston for its newspapers, as it was 
 for a postoffice. 
 
14.4 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 The Quaker element was the dominant one in the 
 town, and gave it that stability, conservatism, and love of 
 liberty which has characterized it ever since. Here was 
 the underground railway, with its true and trusted agents 
 who helped runaway slaves on their way to freedom; 
 temperance society, the Beaver County Institute for the 
 promotion of science and literature, female seminaries, 
 and other institutions. 
 
 U. S. BANK BUILDING. 
 
 The want of a newspaper was severely felt after the 
 inauguration of the industrial period. The Fallston 
 papers had done their work and passed away, and there 
 was not a paper in any part of the valley outside of 
 Beaver, after 1841, for a period of about thirteen years, 
 when one was started in New Brighton. 
 
 In all the towns from the mouth of the Beaver to 
 Beaver Falls, New Brighton was the last one in which a 
 paper was started, all the others preceding it by a dozen 
 years and more, but unlike the other towns, except 
 Beaver, when the first paper was given the people, the 
 succession was continued in some form and under some 
 name, with but little break, until the present time. 
 
H. PALMER 
 
 T. C. DEITRICH 
 
 H. A. SITHERLANIJ 
 
 C. K. FRANK 
 J, H. TAYLOR 
 (IPEKA BLOCK AFTER FIRE 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 145 
 
 New Brighton Record. 
 
 In May 1854, Dr. D. H. B. Brower and W. T. 
 Purvianee, began the publication of the "New Brighton 
 Eecord." Dr. Brower was a well known gentleman of 
 his day, and is yet remembered by many of the older 
 residents of our valley. Mr. Purvianee was a daguerre- 
 otype artist, having a studio in Bridgewater, where he 
 advertised in the "Argus" as early as October 1, 1851. 
 But little is known of the paper, but few copies being in 
 existence, and none now being available.' 
 
 The paper passed from active life April 23, 1856, when 
 John Cuthbertson Esq. assignee, published the following 
 notice in the "Argus:" "Take notice that William T. 
 Purvianee of the borough of New Brighton, has made an 
 assignment of a certain printing press, book accounts 
 and the material used in publishing the 'New Brighton 
 Record' etc." In another notice in the same paper, the 
 assignee announces that the presses, type, etc., would be 
 sold at the "Record" office May 10, 1856. Nothing 
 further is known of the paper. 
 
 The Young American. 
 
 In the "Argus" of February 7, 1855, the following 
 notice appeared: "The 'Young American' is the name 
 of a newspaper under control of Dr. D. H. B. Brower, 
 late of the 'New Brighton Record.' It is published 
 simultaneously at New Brighton and Pittsburg, and 
 devoted to the advocacy of the principles of the new 
 
146 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 American party." From this it is evident that Dr. 
 Brower had retired from the "Record" long before its 
 death. Nothing further is known of the "Young 
 American." 
 
 New Brighton Times. 
 
 W. H. Johnston of Butler, Pa., started the "New 
 Brighton Times" October 21, 1857. It was a very neat 
 and attractive paper, but was short lived, suspending 
 publication in the latter part of the same year, or early 
 in January 1858. 
 
 It was revived by William B. Lemmon of Butler, Pa. 
 He had an interest in the "Butler American," which he 
 sold to his partner Mr. Haslett in January 1858, and on 
 the 21st of the same month began the publication of the 
 "Times," retaining the same name. 
 
 William B. Lemmon was bom in Lancaster county, 
 Pa., December 9, 1809, and died June 25, 1879. He 
 moved to Butler in early life, where he was educated, and 
 taught school in that county. Later he went to 
 Allegheny and learned the tinning trade, and went back 
 to Butler county. At one time he worked in the old 
 Car building of New Brighton, operating a hydraulic 
 press. After the suspension of his paper he worked for 
 some time in Merrick's foundry. 
 
 The "Times" was published in the old Shuster build- 
 ing, now the location of the Beaver County Trust build- 
 ing. In the "Argus" of March 10, 1865, a notice States 
 that W. S. Morlan Esq. had opened an office under the 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS 
 
 "Times" office. The paper was discontinued probably 
 ia this year. It was a strong supporter of the Govern- 
 ment in the Civil War, and did its share of faithful work 
 in that cause. 
 
 In Uie issue of the "Times" Oct. 9, 1862, the following 
 notice is found: "Died, on the battlefield of Antietam 
 the 17th of September 1862, Eobert W. Lemmon of 
 Company H, Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Eeserve 
 Corps, in the 28th year of his age. The subject of this 
 notice was a printer, and in the spring of 1861 editor of 
 the 'New Brighton Times,' being the son of its pro- 
 prietor, W. B. Lemmon. He was bom near Butler, Pa., 
 on the 10th day of November 1834. * * * W. M. 
 Lemmon a younger brother of deceased, formerly, but 
 not liien in the office, enlisted at the same time, and is 
 now in the Army of the West, making five printers from 
 the 'Times' office in the army. In consequence of the 
 whole force leaving, the paper was suspended for nine 
 months." 
 
 One of the apprentices on the paper for eighteen 
 months, was Harry Palmer, who became one of the best 
 newspaper men in this section. He was bom at Mount 
 Zion, Clearfield county. Pa., December 22, 1843. He 
 was a son of Rev. Henry Palmer, a Methodist minister, 
 his father and mother were pioneers in Northern Penn- 
 sylvania. He enlisted in Company H, Ninth Penn- 
 sylvania Reserves in the month of April 1861; enlisted 
 for "three years or during the war" in the month of May 
 1861, at "Camp Wright," up the Allegheny river; reached 
 Washington City just after the first battle of Bull Run; 
 took part in the battle of Drainesville, the first victory 
 won by the Army of the Potomac ; shot through the body 
 at the battle of Gaines' Mill, front of Richmond; 
 prisoner of war 45 days, confined in Crew's tobacco ware- 
 house and on Belle Island; paroled with "desperately 
 wounded"; oS duty 10 months; rejoined regiment night 
 
148 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 before the first Fredericksburg fight; captured by Gen. 
 White's guerillas on Meade's Mine Run advance ; served 
 almost a year in AndersonvUle, Savannah, Charleston jail 
 yard and other Southern prisons, and gained liberty by 
 assuming the name of a dead sailor, Wm. Morrison, as a 
 special parole of sailors had been agreed upon between 
 the Federal and Confederate Secretaries of the Navy. 
 His regiment had been discharged several months before 
 his release, and he reached home as one risen from the 
 dead. Served in the Civil War 3 years and 7 months. 
 He served in the Spanish- American War as Color Bearer 
 of the Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, U. S. 
 Infantry; took part in the battle of Malate, below 
 Manila, on the night of July 31, 1898, and morning of 
 August 1, 1898; also in the engagement on the 13th of 
 August 1898, when the U. S. forces captured Manila ; had 
 charge of the sharpshooters of the Tenth Pennsylvania 
 Regiment on the morning of the 1st of August, at 
 Malate, and was commended by Colonel A. L. Hawkins 
 for the good work of his men. Discharge papers, signed 
 by his Colonel, read as follows: "Character excellent, 
 and a model soldier." He was over 12 years in the 
 service of the "Pittsburg Chronicle" as printer and 
 solicitor; nine years with "The Beaver Valley News" as 
 advertising solicitor; one year as manager of the "Daily 
 Herald" McKeesport, Pa., nine years as owner and 
 manager of "The East Liverpool News Review;" now 
 located at Long Beach, Los Angeles county, Cal., with 
 The Pacific Real Estate Company, Palmer, Cate & Co. 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 149 
 
 Beaver Falls New Era 
 
 February 28, 1866, O. P. Wharton printed a paper in 
 Allegheny, Pa., and dated it at New Brighton, called the 
 "Beaver FaUs New Era." Mr. Wharton was afterward 
 with the "Local" at Beaver. In starting this venture 
 he said : "In commencing the publication of the "Beaver 
 Falls New Era," the publisher can make no promises, 
 save the fact that it will endeavor to ascertain and tell 
 the truth on every subject of which it may treat — and it 
 will be continued so long as it pays expenses and no 
 longer." The last notice of it was March 21, 1866, and 
 evidently it was of short life, and doubtless full of 
 sorrow. 
 
 New Brighton Herald 
 
 The "New Brighton Herald" was established July 14, 
 1869, by Capt. G. S. McKee of Alliance, O., and Dr. N. 
 M. Wilson of Lancaster, Pa. It was neutral in politics 
 and was well filled with local and other reading matter. 
 Gapt. McKee was interested in the "Democrat" at 
 AUiance, and retired from the "Herald" October 20, 1869, 
 to devote all his time to the paper there. Upon his re- 
 tirement, Thomas J. Morgan, a young man of some 
 experience in newspaper work, became foreman. He 
 was from Carrolton, O., and remained foreman until 
 
150 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 his death January 8, 1871. The "Herald" put on a new 
 dress January 19, 1870, and the name was changed to the 
 "Beaver Valley Herald." 
 
 Dr. Wilson sold his interest in the paper to Major J. 
 B. Hays of Meadville, Pa., November 1870, and afterward 
 moved to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was engaged in 
 practicing medicine until his death. 
 
 W. E. Burton, brother of Thomp. Burton, was a 
 compositor on the paper. While here he married Miss 
 Lida Oldham, one of the public school teachers, and he 
 was in later years publisher and manager of the 
 mechanical department of "Brick Pomeroy's Democrat" 
 of New York City, in which Thomp. Burton was a 
 partner for a while. 
 
 J. F. McCaughtry was an apprentice and worked on 
 job work. He was born September 1857, and at the age 
 of 13, entered the office of the "Beaver Local" as an 
 apprentice, where he remained one year and was then 
 employed by McKee & Wilson of the "Herald," staying 
 there a short time and then accepted a position in the 
 "Courier" office at Youngstown, O. He worked there 
 for a year and returned to New Brighton and was in 
 the office of the "Beaver County Press," Major J. B. 
 Hays proprietor. His next move was again to Youngs- 
 town, where he had charge of the job department of the 
 "Tribune," and later took charge of the job department 
 of the "Vindicator" that place, under the management 
 of N. L. Brown, now of the New York "News," where 
 he remained tmtil 1887. He then accepted a position 
 as traveling salesman for the Cleveland Paper Co., and 
 was in their employ for about five years, when he 
 associated himself with twelve large paper mills as their 
 general representative, and sold all kinds of paper for 
 these mills to Jime 28, 1897, when he was made division 
 manager of the Pittsburg division, for the International 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 151 
 
 Paper Co., going with the company when it was formed, 
 and has continued in that capacity ever since. He now 
 enjoys a very large trade, and has the name of selling 
 one of the largest volumes of business, of any one other 
 paper salesman of this country. He has made a close 
 study of the paper business, and has been very successful, 
 having the reputation when in the printing business, of 
 being one of the best experts in Ohio, and received many 
 a compliment on the work he turned out. Mr. 
 McCaughtry was educated in the old McKinley school 
 house in Chippewa township, Beaver county. Pa., and 
 there earned the first money he ever received, by building 
 fires, and keeping the school house clean, at the salary of 
 four dollars for the term, or one dollar a month. When 
 he entered the employ of the Beaver "Local," he received 
 $50 a year and his boarding. By his own efforts, his 
 untiring industry, and his complete knowledge of his 
 business, he has reached a position where his yearly 
 earnings will amount to more than the value of the entire 
 plant of the old "Local." Mr. McCaughtry is one of the 
 most popular salesmen that has ever been in the trade 
 in this section, and when he used to make his regular 
 rounds among the printing offices, he was always a 
 welcome visitor, and his reliability in his sales gave him 
 a standing that has made his trade a sure one. He holds 
 contracts for supplying paper, to every one of the daily 
 papers of Pittsburg. 
 
 Another apprentice who has attained a prominent 
 place among New Brighton business men, is Harry L. 
 Schweppe, the enterprising and reliable pharmacist, who 
 has been located for many years in the "News" building. 
 Dr. Wilson proprietor of the "Herald" while in New 
 Brighton, boarded with Patterson Mitchell, Mr. 
 Schweppe's grandfather. 
 
152 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Beaver County Press. 
 
 The "Herald" office was then in the McLaughlin build- 
 ing where the O. H. Couch building now stands on Third 
 avenue. The office was destroyed by fire February 13, 
 18Y1, the fire taking place about 11 o'clock at night. 
 Christopher O'Eourke a prominent contractor of the 
 town, raised some money among his friends to start the 
 paper again, which with the insurance money received, 
 enabled Major Hays to resume publication March 24, 
 1871, under the name of the "Beaver County Press." 
 
 He had a splendid outfit, probably the best ever in the 
 county to that time, consisting of a Cottrell & Babcock 
 power cylinder press, a large job press, a large quantity 
 of body and display type, sufficient and to spare to run 
 a large paper and do a great amount of job work. 
 
 His foreman in the new office was Samuel K. 
 Alexander, with W. P. Dorsey compositor and J. F. Mc- 
 Caughtry apprentice, pressman and job printer. I. N. 
 Jones was a compositor on the paper, William Hamilton 
 of Beaver Falls, later a druggist, was an apprentice, and 
 D. F. Daniels was the last apprentice on the paper. The 
 new office was in what is called the Park building, 811 
 Third avenue, in the second story of the building. 
 
 The "Press" was a good local paper for that day, equal 
 ,to the best, and the office had a large amount of job 
 printing. The paper went along with varying fortunes 
 until January 14, 1874, when it was discontinued. Af terr 
 ward the material was sold by the SherifF, and was bought 
 in by J. C. Hays of Meadville, father of Major Hays, the 
 latter going to New York City where he wrote for some 
 of the papers. 
 
). y. MCCAIGHTRY 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 13S 
 
 Beaver Valley News. 
 
 The "Beaver Valley News" was established May 22, 
 1874, by Major David Critchlow and Francis S. Beader, 
 who bought the material of the "Beaver County Press." 
 The outfit consisted of a CottreU .& Babcock cylinder 
 press, a large job press and a large quantity of type, 
 sufficient for any possible use. 
 
 Major Critchlow was business manager of the paper. 
 He was very popular with his old army comrades and the 
 people generally, and he soon built up a good circulation, 
 the paper paying expenses from the start. He was 
 Major of the 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, 
 known as the Roundheads, and had a specially good 
 military record. After the Civil War was over he en- 
 gaged in business as a member of the firm of Miner & 
 Co., who were in business as lumber dealers and saw mill 
 and planing miU operators. He was also a teacher of 
 vocal music, possessing a rarely beautiful voice, and was 
 in demand as a singer in the churches and at social 
 meetings, as well as in political meetings, where his voice 
 was inspiring in rendering patriotic songs. He married 
 Caroline, daughter of Mr. John Miner, one of the most 
 prominent business men and citizens of the valley. 
 After retiring from the "N^ews," the Major engaged in 
 the lumber business in West Virginia, where he died. 
 He was a candidate for Congress in 1874, and carried 
 his own county, but failed in the District nomination. 
 
 F. S. Header was editor of the paper from the be- 
 ginning. Having a taste for writing, he found this 
 opportunity of gratifying it, and entered ardently on the 
 work. He was then Chief Deputy Collector of Internal 
 
154 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Revenue of the District, and used his unemployed time 
 in gathering news and writing, combining the work of 
 editor and reporter, then the only writer on the paper. 
 
 The new paper was in size eight columns and four 
 pages, and found its first home in the two story frame 
 building 1010 Third avenue, the press and engine in the 
 cellar, the ofiice and job room in the first story and the 
 composing room in the second story. The large press 
 was operated by hand for a while, a strong colored man 
 furnishing the motive power, but later an upright steam 
 engine was introduced. 
 
 The editor's first article of any length, was the edi- 
 torial salutatory, which was as follows: "The line of 
 policy we have marked out, and the work we have in view, 
 embrace first a good, reliable and energetic local paper 
 for the valley; not for New Brighton alone but for the 
 entire Beaver valley. We propose to devote just as 
 much time and attention to Beaver Falls, Rochester and 
 the other towns of the valley, as we shall to the town 
 in which the paper is published. Second, to present in 
 every way possible, the facilities of the valley for manu- 
 facturing purposes, and to urge our claims upon all who 
 may be seeking a safe place for the investment of their 
 means in industries that will develop and make use of 
 our resources and advantages. Third, To do our utmost 
 in making a paper that will be fit to enter the families 
 of our people, and if it does not instruct will not corrupt. 
 Nothing base or low in its tone will be permitted to enter 
 its columns. lu regard to our position on the local and 
 public questions of the day, so far as we may deem it our 
 duty to discuss them, we have only to say that our 
 columns will reflect the opinions of the signers hereto. 
 We cannot be neutral on any question, but will be in- 
 dependent on all. In politics we are Republican. But 
 in saying this we wish it distinctly understood, that we 
 will be the organ of no clique or ring. We shall be in 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS 155 
 
 the fullest and freest sense of the term, independent 
 Republican in principle. If we do not like the actions 
 of our own party, we claim, and will exercise, the right 
 of saying so." 
 
 Francis Smith Reader was bom in Coal Centre, Wash- 
 ington county, Pa., November 17, 1842, and was the 
 descendant of a prominent line of pioneers in that 
 county. Of his maternal ancestors, Hugh Scott came 
 from the North of Ireland to the eastern part of Penn- 
 sylvania in 1670; the Agnews came the same time, who 
 traced their lineage to the Norman invaders of England, 
 through residents of Scotland and north of Ireland, and 
 intermarried with the Scotts. Rev. John Smith, who 
 married Annie Agnew great grand-daughter of Hugh 
 Scott, was sent as a missionary to Pennsylvania in 1771 
 by the Associate Presbytery of Stirling Scotland, and 
 was pastor of the Associate Church in Canonsburg, 
 Washington county. Pa., in 1795. The Wallaces came 
 from Renfrewshire Scotland to Somerset county, Md., 
 about 1685, descendants of Sir Malcolm Wallace the 
 Knight of Elderslie ; and William Wallace of the fourth 
 generation of this family in this country, came from 
 Maryland to Somerset township, Washington county. Pa., 
 with his bride in 1779. He was a Revolutionary soldier, 
 serving in the Flying Camp of Maryland in 1776-7, and 
 in the Rangers of the Frontiers in Washington county. 
 Pa., after settling there. Martha, daughter of William 
 Wallace, and James Agnew son of Rev. John Smith, were 
 united in marriage, and their daughter, Eleanor Bentley 
 Smith, was married to Francis Reader, whose parents 
 came from Honily, near Stratford-on-Avon, in Warwick- 
 shire England, to Washington county. Pa., in 1805, and 
 they were the parents of the editor. He was a Union 
 soldier in the Civil War, enlisting AprU 27, 1861; was 
 mustered in as a member of Company I, Second Virginia 
 Infantry, which was changed in name to the Fifth West 
 
156 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Virginia Cavalry in July 1863, and he was mustered out 
 of service August 8, 1864; he was captured June 20, 1864, 
 put in prison at Lynchburg, Va,, and while on the way to 
 Ahdersonville, with three comrades jumped from the 
 train about twenty miles south of Burkesville Junction 
 July 19, and after ten days and nights of suffering and 
 hunger, walking in the night, and hiding during the day, 
 reached General Meade's headquarters at Petersburg, 
 Va., July 30, 1864, passing through the right wing of 
 General Eobert E. Lee's grand Confederate army. He 
 entered the Civil Service July 1865, where he served 
 ten years; was educated in the common schools and 
 Mount Union College Ohio; entered the ministry of the 
 M. E. Church March 1868, but was compelled to abandon 
 it on accoimt of failure of voice ; was a member of the 
 M. E. Church nearly thirty-nine years; official member 
 thirty-five years, Sunday School superintendent twenty- 
 seven years, and united with the Presbyterian Church 
 October 1904; is president of the American Porcelain 
 Company New Brighton, Pa. ; served in the school board 
 and council of the borough, and as member and secretary 
 of the Republican County Committee; he is a 
 member of the American Historical Association, the 
 Historical Society of Washington county. Pa., the Grand 
 Army of the Republic, and of the Pennsylvania Society 
 Sons of the American Revolution, both of his sons being 
 members of the latter. He prepared and had presented 
 to the Legislature, a biU governing the primary elections 
 of the Republican party of Beaver county, which was 
 enacted into a law in 1881, the first- primary law 
 in the State. In 1872, he wrote a series of 
 twenty-five articles on the Beaver Valley for the Pitts- 
 burg "Gazette," and a history of the Harmony Society at 
 Economy, Pa., for the Pittsburg "Christian Advocate;" 
 for his paper a history of his escape from 
 Confederate prison and other articles on the Civil War; 
 
F. S. READER 
 W. S. READER 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 157 
 
 in 1876 he wrote a life of Moody and Sankey the noted 
 Evangelists, being a close friend and associate of Mr. 
 Sankey; in 1890 a history of his regiment, the Fifth 
 West Virginia Cavalry; in 1899 a souvenir history of 
 New Brighton, Pa.; in 1902 a family history entitled 
 "Some Pioneers of Washington Ccmnty, Pa." He was 
 united in marriage December 24, 1867, to Miss Merran 
 Darling, daughter of Joseph and Kebecca Darling New 
 Brighton, both of New England ancestry, the former of 
 Revolutionary ancestors, and they have two sons, Frank 
 E. Reader attorney at law New Brighton, and Willard 
 S. Reader associate editor of the "News." 
 
 The relation of partners existed between Major 
 Critchlow and Mr. Reader until January 1, 1877. The 
 paper had been enlarged to nine colinnns, was recognized 
 by the Republican party, and was one of the oflScial 
 organs of the county. 
 
 In number 35 Vol. 3, January 1877, Major Critchlow 
 announced his retirement from the paper in the following 
 article: "With the present issue of the 'News' my con- 
 nection with it terminates, as I have sold my entire 
 interest to Mr. Reader. In parting I wish to con- 
 gratulate the friends and readers of the 'News' on its 
 assured success. It is just and proper to say, however, 
 that to Mr. F. S. Reader who now assumes entire control, 
 belongs the credit of whatever excellence there has been 
 in the management of the columns. I wish to state 
 here that the enterprise was begun with the view of Mr. 
 Reader taking the whole pecuniary as well as literary 
 management, as soon as circumstances would permit. 
 That time having arrived, I ask all my personal friends 
 to give Mr. Reader a cordial and hearty support 
 pecuniarily, as well as to extend to him that sympathy 
 to which he is entitled by his many excellent social and 
 intellectual qualities. We are free to say that whoever 
 
158 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 comes to know him as I know him, will find him just what 
 I have always found him, a true man, and one that can be 
 relied upon under all circumstances to do what is right. 
 In such hands I predict for the 'News' and its editor a 
 bright future." 
 
 In the same issue, Mr. Reader had the following edi- 
 torial: "In assuming sole proprietorship of the 'News,' 
 I shall not change it in its principles and general 
 management. I desire to publish a paper that families 
 will trustfully put upon their tables, and when boys and 
 girls read its pages, will not have reason to fear con- 
 tamination from it. Our experience proves that there is 
 a place for the 'News.' It has been well patronized for 
 the times, and I desire and ask a continuance of the same 
 in the future. As in the past the paper will continue to 
 advocate the claims of our county, and endeavor to 
 advance its interests in every respect. Thanking my 
 friends, and brethren of the press, for the kind treatment 
 accorded me so far, I take my place with them, to aid in 
 the development of our resources and advantages, and 
 add my part in doing a little good as the years roll by." 
 
 The paper was started in the confusion and uncer- 
 tainties of the panic of 18Y3, yet it made its way and paid 
 all expenses, growing stronger every year. Having out- 
 grown its quarters where first placed, it was moved in the 
 autumn of 1878 to the old Shuster building, where the 
 Beaver County Trust Co. building now stands. Here 
 the "New Brighton Times" was published, a factory 
 prospered at one time, and in the third story had been a 
 hall in which meetings and societies were held. It was 
 one of the landmarks of the town. It was remodeled 
 to suit the business of the "News," occupyinar the 
 spacious cellar and ground floor, the press and engine 
 being in the cellar, and the composing and job room and 
 editorial office on the ground floor. 
 
NEW BRIGHTON TAPERS. 159 
 
 The paper remained here until 1888, when in the 
 spring of that year it was moved to the Opera Block, 
 where it yet remains, the editor buying the comer half 
 of that structure. It was changed to suit the business 
 and most commodious quarters were thus secured. 
 
 OPERA BLOCK. 
 
 In the fierce political battles of 1877 to 1880, the 
 "News" took a prominent part. At the primaries fraud 
 had been charged and a contest resulted, the "News" 
 advocating the utmost exposure of the fraud, if any, and 
 then took the position for a primary law, for the govern- 
 ment of Republican primary elections in the county. In 
 1880 while the editor was Secretary of the Kepublican 
 County Committee, a position he held for several years, 
 he prepared a biU for such a law. While the move was 
 made the butt of many jokes and tamits, with derisive 
 laughter from the Democrats, the committee endorsed 
 the movement, and the bill was passed by the Legislature 
 and became a law in 1881. 
 
 Not satisfied with presenting the local news to the 
 people once a week, Mr. Reader determined to launch a 
 daily edition if the people were ready for it. In 
 
160 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 December 1882, he published a daily as a holiday edition, 
 which was filled with local news, and it made quite a hit, 
 many kind things being said of it. 
 
 Believing the time ripe for a daily paper, he began 
 its publication in regular form, datina; from February 
 5, 1883, the first daily paper ever published in the county. 
 It was a five column eight page paper, with four pages 
 ready print, published every evening except Sunday, for 
 eight cents a week. Soon after it was changed to four 
 pages and the price increased to ten cents. 
 
 In the first issue, the editor delivered himself as 
 follows: "The 'Daily News' is before you. Is it 
 welcome? It has come to stay if you want it; if you 
 do not it will bow itself gracefully from your presence, 
 and promise never to do so again. We are in for it now, 
 and propose to do plenty of hard, earnest work to make 
 it such a paper as you want, and we hope for success. 
 We haven't time just now to brag what a good paper it 
 is going to be; we will have to wait a while, and perhaps 
 by that time its readers will have a decided opinion of 
 their own on that point. We do not start the paper to 
 fill any want, air any opinions, or anything of that kind, 
 but it is simply and singly a business enterprise. Please 
 do not regard it as anything else, and then you won't be 
 disappointed. The editor is a Republican, but he is not 
 going to run a political machine; he is going to make 
 every effort to get all the local news of the Beaver valley, 
 and to advocate with all his ability everything and any- 
 thing that will benefit our towns, and make them more 
 prosperous, and the inhabitants thereof prouder of the 
 fair heritage they are permitted to enjoy." 
 
 On the 28th of September 1892, Willard S. Header 
 became a partner in the paper, being his 2l8t birthday, 
 and became city editor of the paper, and soon most of 
 the work of selecting matter for the paper, and passing 
 
O. H. MATTHEWS E. T. CORBL'S 
 
 MAJOR DAVID CRITCHLOW 
 C. K. WHISLER A. W. WHISLER 
 
NEW BRIGHTOX PAPERS 
 
 on its merits, fell upon him, the New Brighton news of 
 which he gathered and wrote. He was born at Xew 
 Brighton, Pa., September 28, 18Y1, attended the public 
 school and Geneva College Beaver Falls, Pa., entered 
 the office of the "News" as apprentice in 1886, and be- 
 came reporter in 1888, and wrote for some of the Pittsburg 
 pai)ers; was Secretary of the Board of Health for some 
 time; one of the directors of the American Porcelain Co. 
 two years; but retired from all outside work to give his 
 undivided attention to the management of the news 
 columns of the paper. He was united in marriage with 
 Lily D. Hobinson March 1, 189Y, and they have two 
 children, WiUard Donald and Robert Wallace, and are 
 members of the Methodist Protestant Church. 
 
 On the morning of February tU 1899, the large block 
 in which the "News" had its home, was almost wholly 
 destroyed by fire, and the printiag plant was wrecked. 
 The same day a paper was issued, and arrangements were 
 m.ade with the "Beaver Falls Review" for a home, until 
 
 NEWS BTTTLDING DECORATED IN HONOR OF THE RETfRN OF 
 THE 10th pa. REGIMENT FROM THE PHILIPPINES. 
 
162 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 a new one could be built. A contract was made for re- 
 building, and the corner was covered by a two story 
 structure, into which the "News" moved April 21, 1899, 
 two montlis after being burned out, the offices being 
 erected specially for the business. An entire new plant 
 was purchased, and the daily routine went on unchanged, 
 not an issue of the paper being omitted. In January 
 1901, a Mergenthaler Linotype was installed, the first one 
 in the county. 
 
 Among the improvements advocated by the "News," 
 were free bridges connecting the towns of the valley; 
 consolidation of the towns into a city; improvement of 
 the waterways; street railway lines; ship canal; improve- 
 ment' of streets and everything that tended to the 
 comfort and conveniencje of the people, and aid them in 
 securing a livelihood. 
 
 It was always for purity in politics, hence advocated 
 the popular vote system, placing of primary elections 
 under the general election laws, and the abolition of the 
 use of money improperly, or any other means that caused 
 corruption. It has always been on the side of tem-, 
 perance, and advocated a prohibition amendment to the 
 State Constitution in the campaign of 1889. It refuses 
 the use of its columns to advertisements of liquor, or 
 anything of that nature, and takes a stand for all that 
 will keep pure the reading of the people and help in 
 bettering their condition. 
 
 The paper always advocated a square deal to every 
 one, and never wilfully did any person a wrong. If at 
 any time injustice was done to any one in its columns, it 
 was prompt to correct it and set the matter right, and 
 needed no law for such a purpose. In the long career 
 of the paper it never had a libel suit. In a few cases, 
 less than half a dozen, it was threatened with prosecution, 
 but no attempt was made to carry the threats into 
 execution. Its fairness was generally recognized; and 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 163 
 
 aggrieved and indignant persons, usually sought the 
 editor or reporters, and settled all questions as gentle- 
 men should, by being fair and honest, and by the paper 
 having the courage and honor to retract any unjust 
 things appearing in its columns. 
 
 The first foreman in lie composing room of the 
 Weekly "Xews" was the veteran printer, Samuel K. 
 Alexander, who was assisted by his son William, with 
 D. F. Daniels apprentice. Before the latter completed 
 his trade, Mr. Alexander retired, and Mr. Daniels had 
 charge of the office until John Tallon of Beaver, was 
 appointed foreman. 
 
 The latter learned his trade in the "Argus" office in 
 Beaver, in the history of which a notice is given of him 
 leaving his case to respond to the call of the President 
 for volunteers in 1862. He was the son of liobert and 
 Eliza Tallon of Beaver, the former a native of Ireland, 
 whose parents came to this country in 1824, and the 
 latter was a daughter of Stacy Daniels, one of the early 
 settlers of the county. In addition to his duties as fore- 
 man, Mr. Tallon sometimes went through the country on 
 business for the paper. He died in a few years after 
 becoming foreman, when D. F. Daniels was appointed 
 foreman. Previous to this Edward Critchlow, son of 
 Major Critchlow the manager of the paper, became an 
 apprentice, and for a short time attended to the job work. 
 William Alexander soon left the paper, and the Dorseys, 
 father and son, held cases for a while. 
 
 D. F. Daniels was bom in 1854 in Xorth Sewickley 
 township, Beaver countv. Pa. ; was married to Miss Clara 
 MeUon October 16, 1879, and has one son Charles M. 
 Daniels. He imited with the First Baptist Church New 
 Brighton, when 16 years of age, and was a worker in the 
 church ever after and is a member of Social Lodge, 
 Knights of Pythias, New Brighton. He was a member 
 of the Board of Directors of the T. M. C. A. for a number 
 
164. HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 of years and its secretary, and was president and 
 secretary of council, and signed $25,000 worth of bonds 
 to pay for the paving of Broadway, now Third avenue. 
 He had charge of the circulation of the "Daily News" 
 in iSTew Brighton from January 1, 188Y, and was business 
 manager of the paper in 1881 and 1882, while the editor 
 v,\as absent from the office during the day. In 1900 Mr. 
 Daniels resigned as foreman to go to California, on 
 account of his health, and is now foreman of the "Upland 
 Jv^ews," Upland, California. He was foreman for some 
 time of both the newspaper and job office of the "News," 
 and no more capable foreman has been in charge of any 
 office in the county. He was a master printer indeed, 
 and knew all the ins and outs of the business, and his 
 removal was regretted by all connected with the office. 
 
 In the fall of 187Y Frank W. Tallon of Beaver, was 
 employed as a printer in the office and remained until 
 April 1882, when he was appointed a clerk in the Custom 
 House at Pittsburg, and returned to the Daily "News" 
 office in 1888. On the retirement of Mr. Daniels, he 
 became foreman July 1900, a most competent successor, 
 fully qualified for the position. He is the son of Robert 
 and Eliza Tallon and was bom in Beaver in 1856. After 
 leaving the public schools, he attended Beaver College 
 for three years. January 1, 1870, he entered upon his 
 apnrenticeship in the "Radical" office Beaver. He served 
 his time there, and then worked on the "Star" and the 
 "Times" Beaver, and the "Chronicle" Washington, D. 
 C, after which he came to the "News" office. He is a 
 member of the M. E. Church, uniting with it at the age 
 of ten years. He was married to Miss Lily Biddell of 
 New Brighton, June 7, 1897. 
 
 Mr. Tallon is assisted by Harry E. Disbrow, in setting 
 up advertisements and making up forms. He is the 
 son of Edmond Disbrow, a veteran of the Civil War, who 
 married a sister of Mr. Tallon. 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 165 
 
 When Mr. Daniels was foreman of the job office, he 
 was assisted by Al. Krepps, an excellent printer, who left 
 the office some time after. The work of both offices 
 entailing too much attention, Mr. Daniels recommended 
 William J. Keyser for foreman of the job office. Mr. 
 Keyser was bom February 1, 1863, at Allegheny City, 
 Pa. ; son of WiUiam M. and Elizabeth Y. Keyser. When 
 quite young moved to Richmond, Ind., with his parents, 
 where they remained for several years, and again re- 
 turned to Allegheny; came to New Brighton, Pa., in 
 1870, attended the public schools here until 1878, when 
 he entered job printing establishment of John Sargeant 
 Hoopes and learned the printing trade. In 1881 went 
 to the gold regions of the Real Del Castillo and VUla 
 Graua Mining Co., near San Rafael, Lower California, 
 where his father was engaged as a mining engineer. 
 After remaining there a few months he returned to New 
 Brighton and took his old position with the Hoopes 
 establishment, remaining there until the firm quit busi- 
 ness in 1884, when he entered the employ of the "News;" 
 remained with the "News" until 1895, when on account 
 of ill health he resigned his position and removed with 
 his family to Cleveland, O., and engaged in the con- 
 fectionery business. This business not being a success, 
 he again returned to his trade, accepting a position with 
 the firm of S. P. Mount & Co., job printers, being fore- 
 man of the job printing department. He remained there 
 until 1899, when he resigned his position, and moved to 
 Pittsburg, Pa., where he was connected with the printing 
 firm of Wm. G. Johnston & Co., printers and stationers. 
 He continued with this firm until July 1, 1900, when he 
 was appointed to, and entered the United States Postal 
 Service as a letter carrier, which position he holds at the 
 present time. Mr. Keyser was a charter member of New 
 Brighton Circle, No. 42, Protected Home Circle, charter 
 member of Beaver Valley Typographical Union 250, and 
 
166 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 is a Past Chancellor of Social Lodge, No. 351, Knights of 
 Pythias, of New Brighton. Besides this he has been a 
 member of Pittsburg Typographical Union No. 7, Cleve- 
 land Typographical Union No. 53, Woodland Circle No. 
 85, P. H. C, of Cleveland; Homewood Circle No. 119, 
 P. H. C, of Pittsburg; and is a member of the National 
 Letter Carriers' Association of the United States of 
 America. On February 3, 1884, he was married at New 
 Brighton to Miss Matilda V. Linder. This union was 
 blessed with two children, Miss Hazel Dell Keyser, born 
 July 3, 1886, at New Brighton, Pa., who is now employed 
 in the offices of Drs. C. F. and W. S. Bingaman, Smith 
 Block, Pittsburg, and Willa Colette Keyser, bom Decem- 
 ber 10, 1897, at Cleveland, O., who died in infancy. Mr. 
 Keyser is a nephew of United States Senator John 
 Hippie Mitchell of Portland, Oregon, and is a full cousin 
 of the Duchess de la Eochefecauld, (nee Miss Mattie 
 Mitchell), of Paris France. 
 
 He was succeeded by George E. Evans, who in turn 
 was followed by W. J. Bishop. 
 
 In April 1899, when the new office was fitted up after 
 the fire, Orvis F. Johndrew was appointed foreman, and 
 held the position until December 31, 1904, when he 
 resigned to accept the position of foreman of the com- 
 posing room of the "Beaver Falls Tribune," and was 
 succeeded by Clarence C. Close, the present efficient head 
 of that department. 
 
 Clarence C. Close was born July 10, 1866, in Chariton, 
 Iowa; started to learn the printing business when 15 
 years of age with the "Beaver Times," and has continued 
 at the trade in various capacities since that time. 
 
 Among the other well known printers who have 
 worked on the paper, are John Lemmon; W. V. Winans 
 now in business at Brovmsville, Pa. ; D. K. Johnson who 
 wont to the Government printing office and later to 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 167 
 
 Florida and engaged in business; L. S. Amberson now 
 in business at Covington, Ky.; Hugh Sutlierland job 
 printer, Rochester, Pa.; Harry Patton, Jack Fry, Frank 
 Anderson printers, Beaver; John White for years prom- 
 inent as a printer, reporter and for some tim.e a partner 
 in the "Beaver Star," now deceased; James L. Dederick 
 printer and pressman; Harry Palmer printer, reporter 
 and manager of advertising, now of California; L. K. 
 Prince and I. N. Jones printers, Youngstown, O.; Fred 
 Shook Linotype operator; Charles Evans, Charles Mc- 
 Knight, Fred McClure and Adam Huth printers ; W. S. 
 Fulkman printer and reporter, now in Columbus, Ohio. 
 To these should be added a number of the Knights of the 
 road, who dropped in for a day or longer, whose names 
 were seldom ever known. 
 
 Hugh A. Sutherland was born in Brighton township, 
 Beaver county. Pa., September 24, 1852. In the year 
 1869 he entered the office of the "Beaver Argus'' as an 
 apprentice, under John B. Butler foreman. At the end 
 of his term, he went to Mercer, Pa., where he filled his 
 first position as a journeyman, and from there he went 
 to Pittsburg, thence to Glean, N. Y. From the latter 
 place he went to Meadville and worked on the "Crawford 
 Journal" for one year, and then returned to Beaver 
 county and worked on nearly all the papers. He 
 accepted a position in the "Beaver Valley News" office 
 New Brighton, in 1883, and solicited advertisements in 
 the lower valley towns for the starting of the "Daily 
 News," and reported and worked on the "Daily News" 
 for about one year. In the fall of 1886 he bought the 
 job printing office of M. D. Barnes Rochester, and has 
 conducted it ever since in a successful and satisfactory 
 manner. 
 
 The apprentices on the paper were D. F. Daniels ; Ed. 
 Critchlow who engaged in other business ; Joseph Speer 
 later a prominent Presbyterian minister of Wheeling, 
 
168 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 W. Va., and a man of rare good qualities and ability; 
 Elmer King, George E. Evans, Theo. C. Deitriek re- 
 porter, Charles Binzley wholesale grocer, Joseph Bliss 
 reporter New Brighton, Lester McClain printer, Charles 
 McKnight printer, W. B. Ramsey reporter, Frank Evans 
 deceased, Charles Evans printer, Fred Shook Linotype 
 operator, Robert Beacom druggist Allegheny, Pa., 
 Lawrence Degraw, Harry E. Disbrow, Joseph Maroney 
 now in a job office in Pittsburg, Elmer Rosenbauer, Gus 
 Wells and Ralph Correll. 
 
 Among the writers on the paper, have been a number 
 of able men and bright wits. In the early life of the 
 paper, Hon. John Allison Register of the Treasury under 
 President Grant, contributed a number of financial 
 articles from Washington, and some editorials along the 
 same line, which were read with interest, and were of a 
 high order of ability. 
 
 Prof. A. R. Whitehill of Beaver Falls, now a professor 
 in the University of West Virginia, wrote a series of 
 articles descriptive of a trip to Europe. Other men 
 prominent in local affairs were frequent contributors. 
 John M. Critchlow, son of the Major, now a prominent 
 minister in the Free Methodist Church, was with the 
 paper for some months as gatherer of news and col- 
 lector, and assisted in the office. 
 
 O. H. Mathews of Beaver Falls, who came on the 
 paper as reporter and printer, was the first reporter on 
 the paper. He wrote Beaver Falls locals in the morning 
 and set them in type during the day. He was bom 
 December 2, 1842, near Harmony, Butler couiity. Pa., of 
 Scotch-Irish ancestry. He attended the public schools 
 until he was 14 years old, when he went on. the "Butler 
 American" to learn the trade of printing, where he re- 
 mained imtil the outbreak of the Civil War, when he en- 
 listed in Col. Rowley's 13th Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
 was mustered in April 25, 1861, served until August 6, 
 
I). K. DANIELS 
 W. J. KEVSER 
 (i. H. CdRRELL 
 
 F. W. TALLON 
 
 C. C. CLOSE 
 
 H. E. DISBROW 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS 169 
 
 1861, re-enlisted August 20,1861, participating in all 
 the battles of the Peninsula, of Maryland 1862, recrossed 
 to Virginia November 3, 1863, served faithfully and with 
 great gallantry, returning to Butler at the close of the 
 war. He left there in 1866, going to Oskalooaa, Iowa, 
 where he worked on the "Herald" for a few months, and 
 then joined a party and crossed the plains to Colorado, 
 thence to Plattsmouth, Neb., where he was foreman on 
 the "Herald," which he held for a year and then returned 
 to Oskaloosa and again worked on the "Herald" until 
 winter, when he went to Decatur, Ala., and founded the 
 "Alabama Republican," which he sold in a short time 
 and returned to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he was married 
 on the 14th of April 1868, to Miss Sarah C. Ferree. 
 This union resulted in four children, Mrs. J. R. 
 Meskimon of Sacaton, Ariz., Frank E. Mathews architect 
 Rochester, Pa., Orin O. Mathews, who served in the 
 Spanish-American War, later a clerk in the freight de- 
 partment of the P. & L. E. R. R., and Charles H. 
 Mathews, in architectural department of the same road. 
 After his marriage he returned to the Plattsmouth 
 "Herald" until 1870, thence went to Ashland, Neb., and 
 founded the "Ashland Times" where he remained until 
 his health failed in 1871, when he disposed of the paper 
 and returned to Oskaloosa and in March 1872 removed 
 to Des Moines, la., and became foreman of the Des 
 Moines Auxiliary Printing Co., where he remained four 
 years, then accepted a position in the A. N. Kellogg 
 Printing office, Cleveland, O. Private business bringing 
 him to Western Pennsylvania he located in Beaver Falls 
 and began reporting for the "Beaver Falls Courier." 
 About six months later, he accepted a position on the 
 "News," which he filled until 1885, when he was appointed 
 Deputy Register and Recorder by W. H. Bricker which 
 he held for two terms and in 1890 was elected to the office, 
 which he filled for two terms. He is now president 
 of the Rochester Planing Mill Co., Rochester, Pa. 
 
170 HISTORY OP BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Thomp Burton was engaged On the "Weekly News" 
 for general work, for a short time. 
 
 W. F. Hanrahan who published the "Beaver Falls 
 Independent" in 1882, was the first reporter on the "Daily 
 News" in New Brighton, and was one of the brightest 
 writers in the county. He was succeeded by W. S. 
 Fulkman who had solicited subscribers for the Daily, 
 and worked on the case, and was reporter for a short 
 time. Harry Palmer followed him, who later gave all 
 his time to reporting the lower towns and soliciting ad- 
 vertising. His successor was Mrs. Marion Williams 
 news dealer, who reported a year or more, and was then 
 compelled to relinquish it on account of her business re- 
 quiring all her time. All of these reporters were quite 
 satisfactory and the news columns were kept bright and 
 covered the field. On the retirement of Mrs. Williams 
 in 1888, Willard S. Reader was appointed reporter of 
 New Brighton, which he has held ever since. 
 
 The Beaver Falls reporters after Mr. Mathews were, 
 J. E. McOlure one of the brightest local writers in the 
 county, who remained with the "Daily News" until he 
 went into the business for himself. He was reporter 
 on the "Tribune," and for a number of years has repre- 
 sented the Beaver "Star" in that city. He was 
 succeeded by William M. Benham now an attorney in 
 Pittsburg; then George Stemmeler for a short time; L. 
 L. Carson now a newspaper writer of Pittsburg; T. C. 
 Deitrick and W. B. Ramsey two of the "News" ap- 
 prentices, who served well. 
 
 The present reporter is Edward Towsend Corbus, son 
 of John Corbus Beaver Falls, and grandson of the late 
 Samuel Corbus and Dr. Isaac Winans of New Brighton. 
 He was born in New Brighton March 26, 187*7, and moved 
 to Beaver Falls in 1881. He was educated in the public 
 schools of Beaver Falls, and was graduated in the class 
 of 1895. He attended Geneva College in the fall of 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 171 
 
 1895 and spring of 1896, and then went to work as 
 solicitor for the "Beaver Falls Republican," of which 
 William Kay was editor and Lee McFate manager, where 
 he worked for one week, and then was put on the staff of 
 the paper, where he remained imtil August 1896. On 
 January 15, 1897, he accepted a position on the "Daily 
 News" as Beaver Falls representative, doing the report- 
 ing and soliciting for the paper. He was married to 
 Miss Clara M. Mulholland October 8, 1903. 
 
 The Rochester reporters were John White, the first 
 on the "Daily News" there, Harry Palmer, Charles R. 
 Frank of Monaca, who died in the work; Charles F. 
 Whisler who died in 1893, then John White and T. C. 
 Deitrick, and they in turn by A. W. Whisler the present 
 representative of the paper in the lower towns. 
 
 Charles R. Frank was the son of George F. and Rosa 
 Gates Frank, of Monaca, and was bom at Wellsburg, W. 
 Va., January 15, 1863. He was educated in the public 
 schools at Monaca then Phillipsburg, and served an 
 apprenticeship in marble cutting with his uncle E. R. 
 Frank. He then became a reporter on the "Daily 
 Argus," and in 1886 accepted the position of reporter on 
 the "Daily News," which he held until his death, January 
 16, 1889. After his death he was succeeded for a few 
 months by his widow, and after her by Hervey J. Taylor. 
 Mr. Taylor looked after business interests in the district. 
 
 He was bom in Beaver, Pa., March 17, 1866, the son 
 of Rev. Dr. W. G. Taylor bom 1820, and Charlotte T. 
 Taylor born 1821. He was educated at Piersol's 
 academy West Btidgewater, Pa., and was a carpenter 
 by occupation. In 1890 while attending school, he re- 
 ported for the "News," but relinquished it to study 
 medicine, taking a course at the Western Pennsylvania 
 Medical College at Pittsburg, but did not graduate, dis- 
 continuing his studies in 1894. He was married to Miss 
 
172 HISTOKY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. 
 
 Hester L. Potter July 19, 1894, and is now in the employ 
 of the Beaver Valley Water Company. 
 
 Charles Frank Whisler was born February 25, 1854, 
 the youngest son of John H. Whisler Sr., in his day a 
 prominent boat builder of Bolesville this county. His 
 mother's maiden name was Jackson, she being a near 
 relative of General and President Andrew Jackson. On 
 his father's side he was of German descent and on the 
 mother's side Irish. Mr. Whisler was educated in the 
 public schools of this county, in Beaver College and the 
 Wooster University. On completing his school work, 
 he taught school for some time and was recognized as a 
 successful one. Early in life he developed a taste for 
 newspaper work, his first assignment being on the 
 Beaver "Argus." Later he was a part owner and editor 
 of the Beaver "Star," and afterward was engaged on the 
 "Tribune" and "Journal" Beaver Falls, but for several 
 years prior to his death had worked continuously on the 
 "j^ews." In addition to his local newspaper writing, he 
 was the Beaver county representative of the Pittsburg 
 "Chronicle Telegraph," the Tri-State News Bureau and 
 the "Philadelphia Press." He died November 6, 1893. 
 The foUowingwas writtenofhim by a contemporaryat the 
 time of his death : "Mr. Whisler was a clear, interesting 
 writer and was always careful to be accurate. It was a 
 rule of his life not to add color to an article at the 
 sacrifice of truth. His ability won for him a position 
 and name among the very front rank of newspaper 
 writers. As a companion and friend, he was a prince of 
 good fellows, of a jovial disposition, a ready conver- 
 sationalist, and well informed, and his companionship was 
 much sought for. He was always right on all moral 
 subjects, and never tried to harmonize right and wrong. 
 He possessed the moral and physical courage to do what 
 he believed to be right, regardless of consequences. In 
 his death the newspaper fraternity loses one of its most 
 honored members." 
 
NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS. 
 
 Addison W. Whisler was the son of the late John H. 
 and Agnes Jackson Whisler, and was bom at the Whisler 
 homestead at Bolesville October 31, 1842. He was 
 educated in the public schools and engaged in mer- 
 chandising in Rochester for several years in the early 
 seventies. From 1877 to 1890 he resided at Yankton, 
 S. D., during which time he engaged in steamboat work 
 on the upper Missouri, and on the south branch of the 
 Saskatchewan river in the British Northwest Territory. 
 Later for several years he represented a Sioux City, la. 
 manufacturing firm in the Pittsburg district. Since the 
 spring of 1894, he has represented the 'TDaily News" con- 
 tinuously in the lower Beaver valley district, and in ad- 
 dition the Pittsburg Daily and Sunday "Press," and the 
 Afternoon News Bureau. 
 
 After the installation of the Mergenthaler Linotype 
 in the office in January 1901, Guy H. Correll of Canton, 
 O., became the operator, and has remained in charge of 
 it since, except for a few months he was in the South, 
 when Fred Shook had charge. Mr. Correll was bom in 
 Abilene, Kansas, November 21, 1877. He began news- 
 paper work by delivering papers. When 17 years of age 
 his parents moved to Canton, Ohio, where he foimd em- 
 ployment as apprentice in the "Evening Repository," and 
 was assistant machinist on the linotypes. He left there 
 in January 1901 to accept the position of operator in the 
 "News" office, on the first linotype set up in the county. 
 
 Ambridge-Economy Citizen. 
 
 The "Ambridge-Economy Citizen" a weekly published 
 every Friday, was started in July 1904, and is edited by 
 P. A. Revere, Ambridge, Pa. 
 
SOME LAST WORDS. 
 
 By virtue of his long service in the newspaper ranks, 
 the longest now in the business in the county, and the 
 longest in continuous service as editor on one paper ever 
 in the county, the author may be presumed to know some- 
 thing of the character and work of the gentlemen with 
 whom he has been associated, and it gives him pleasure 
 to write favorably of the writers and printers of the 
 county. His intercourse with his editorial brethren has 
 been on the whole pleasant, and nothing has occurred to 
 mar the friendship formed. He has had some lively tilts 
 at times, and the Weyands, Eutan, Porter and Curtis, 
 and some of the numerous editors on the "Star,'' have 
 made him step lively to their editorial music, but as he 
 had a paper of his own, the fun was not all on one side. 
 
 The reporters who prepare daily the local happenings 
 for the readers, deserve the highest praise for their 
 fidelity and correctness. Readers of papers usually 
 judge them by the errors they make. It is so easy to 
 criticise, that when a mistake of any kind happens, con- 
 demnation soon follows, and very often without any 
 effort to understand the circumstances, or ascertain the 
 cause. The facts used are gathered from people who 
 know them, or are supposed to know them, to be true. 
 The reporter meets Mr. Jenkins, whom he knows to be 
 a man of absolute truthfulness and honor, who tells him of 
 
SOME LAST WORDS. 175 
 
 a happening that will enrich the columns of the paper. 
 The information is used, and next day a patron advises 
 the reporter that it was an error. Further investigation 
 shows that Mr. Jenkins had misunderstood the facts, and 
 the reporter and his paper are blamed for being in- 
 accurate. The lack of time prevents the verification 
 from original sources of every item of news, and when it 
 is given by such a man as Jenkins, no attempt is made 
 usually to investigate further. As a rule, no reporter 
 in a county like this one, deliberately distorts facts or 
 attempts to do injustice to any one. The contrary is 
 the rule. He often smoothes the rough comers off many 
 an item, or suppresses something that has happened, that 
 if published would cause a mother's heart to ache, or 
 array neighbor against neighbor, or cause confusion in 
 society. For work of this kind, and for the hundreds 
 of helpful and good things that are published, credit is 
 seldom given. 
 
 For the articles that appear for the benefit of the people 
 in church work, in societies, in business, and furthering 
 the interests of the community, but little commendation 
 is ever heard. The truth would be subserved, the 
 columns of the papers made more reliable and valuable, 
 and less complaint caused, if people would be frank with 
 the reporters and give the precise facts. Everyfiiing 
 that happens gets to some one's ears, and soon the gossips 
 have it magnified beyond all recognition, while if the 
 facts were given to the papers, the people would know the 
 truth, and gossip would lose its power for evil. When 
 a newspaper publishes an article that does injustice to 
 any one, it is almost an invariable rule, to correct the 
 error as soon as acquainted with the facts. In the 
 hurry of preparing perhaps hundreds of items in a day, 
 the chances are that some errors will be made, and then 
 it is the part of wisdom for the aggrieved person not to 
 make the air blue with condemning the paper, but go to 
 the editor or reporter, and it will be set right. 
 
176 SOME LAST WORDS. 
 
 Among all skilled mechanics, there are none that sur- 
 pass the printers in intelligence, in skill and good citizen- 
 ship. There are among them men who are real artists 
 in putting in' type the advertisements that appear, and 
 in job work. In the very nature of their work they are 
 possessed of literary culture and ability. They are self 
 respecting citizens, whose influence is generally for good 
 and the right. 
 
 In his newspaper career of thirty-one years, the writer 
 has found his associates in the press, on the whole, to be 
 among our best citizens, intelligent and active, and "jolly 
 good fellows" every one of them, who have done a good 
 work and served the people honestly and faithfully; and 
 he has found the work itself to be of the highest possible 
 good for the people. It is not always attended with 
 financial results such as would follow from the same 
 amount of work in some other lines; but if the editor is 
 honest with the people, faithful and true in recording 
 events, and true to the best principles that should govern 
 men, he will not fail in a fair reward for his time and 
 labor. 
 
 Errata: 
 
 Page 168 line 7, Robert Beacom, druggist, Allegheny, Pa., 
 should be clerk, Beaver Falls, Pa. 
 
 In list of illustrations, the name of W. B. Lemmon, 
 should be omitted. 
 
IWDEX. 
 
 Alexander, Samuel K., 81, 83, Anderson, Jos. L.. 59, G9, 70. 
 
 93, 96, 152, 163. Anderson, H. D., 102, 138. 
 
 Alexander, William 163. Anderson, Frank 167. 
 
 Alexandei-, James 101. Ar^s & Radical 70, 73, 74, 7.5, 
 
 Allison, Hon. John 168. Asliton, Mrs. Carrie 101. 
 
 Amberson, L. S., 122, 107. Aurora 33, 34, 41, 43, 104. 
 Aimbrldge Citizen 173. 
 
 Barclay, N. C, 82. Beaver Falls New Era 149. 
 
 Barclay, A. C, 83. Beaver Falls Becorderl2u, 127 
 
 Barker, Dr. R. B., 20, 21, 22, Beaver Falls Republican 120, 
 
 25, 26, 78, 79. 127. 
 
 Barker, Mrs. R. B., 25, 26. Beaver Falls Review 120, 127. 
 Beacom, Robert 168. Beaver Falls Tribune 100, 
 
 Beaver Argus 57, 63, 66. 114, 126 
 
 Beaver County Argus 61. Beaver Falls Union 44, 45. 
 Beaver County Palladium 43,Beeson, J. & E., 21, 32. 
 
 105, 106, 107. Beitch, A. H., 119. 
 
 Beaver County Patriot 35, 36.Beuliam, W. M., 170. 
 Beaver County Post 90. Bert, O. F. H.. 118. 
 
 Beaver County Press 87, 152. Berry, John, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. 
 Beaver Gazette 14, 15, .50. Bigger, E. N., 139. 
 Beaver Local 86. Bigger, John 90. 
 
 -Beaver River Gazette 21, 22,Bigler, Washington 77. 
 
 27, 29, 30, 31, 78. Binzley, C. S., 168. 
 
 Beaver Thomas 101. Bishop, W. J., 166. 
 
 Beaver Times Weekly 99, 130. Boles, S. D., 108. 
 Beaver Times Daily 136. Bliss, J. G., 121, 168. 
 Beaver Valley Xe^s, W., 81, Bliss, Howard 73, 74. 
 
 82, 87, 89, 95, 98, 100, 153. Bliss, W. F., 78, 74. 
 Beaver Valley News, D., 160. Brittain, Miss H., 140. 
 Beaver Palls Chronicle 34, 36,Brower, Dr. D. H. B., 145. 
 
 37, 104. Brown, H. P., 75, 76. 
 
 Beaver Falls Courant 110. Bruce, Robt., Jr. 122. 
 Beaver Falls Courier 110. Burton, Thomp 86, 87, 88, 170. 
 Beaver Falls Independent 123Burton, W. E., 150. 
 Beaver Falls Journal 108, 126. Butler, John B., 133. 
 
Carson, .1. W., 100, 126, 127. Correll, G. H., 173. 
 Carson, J. H., 120. Oorrell, Ralph 168. 
 
 Carson, L. L., 120, 121, 126.Churchhill, B., 59. 
 Caughey, John 133. Connelly, H. C, 80. 
 
 Commoner 91, 102. Corbus, Ed. T., 140, 170. 
 
 Com'monwealth 2, 3. Crisis 7, 13, 14, 15 
 
 Conn, P. B., 78, 79. Crisis and Beaver Gazette 15. 
 
 Chamberlain, B. B., ;!0, 44, 4t),Critchlo-w, David 153, 157. 
 
 47, 48, 49. Critchlow, Ed., 163, 167. 
 
 Chamberlain, E. K., .32, 30, Critchlow, John M., 168. 
 
 45, 46. Oi-ouch, Geo., 122. 
 
 Close, C. C, 166. t.nmningham, Ross 122. 
 
 Conservative !X). (jurtis, Smith 71, 75, 76, 1'_'7. 
 
 Conway, John 97. 
 
 Daniels, D. F., 152, 163, 167. Denlinger, Wm., 77, 78, 80. 
 Davenport, S., 63. Dinsmore, Simeon 69. 
 
 Dederiels, Jaxaes L., 167. Disbrow, H. E., 164, 168. 
 Degraw, I^awrence 168. Diven, Jos, 93. 
 
 Deitrieh, T. C, 121, 168, 170. Diven. Will 133. 
 Dentzer, C. O., 139. Dorsey, W. P., 152, 163. 
 
 Deming, J. L., 136. Drassler, W. B., 101. 
 
 Democratic Watchman 22, 32,DiuilaiJ,. W, B. 97, 98. 
 33. 38, 39. 
 
 Early, John B., 42, 43, 59, 107.E:dmonds, J. D., 139. 
 Early, Mrs. George 122. E'skridge, W. H., & Co. H>7. 
 
 Baton, W .C, 140. Evans, Geo. B., 166, 168. 
 
 Bberhart, G. L., 114, 117. Evans, Ohas. E., 129, 167, 168. 
 Bckert, Charles R., 102. Evajis, Fi-ank 168. 
 
 E'dgar, J. B., 120. Evening Pen 123. 
 
 Fallston & Brighton Gazette Pleeson, Reese C, 22, 25, 30. 
 
 32, 33, 38, 39, 41, 42. Fogg, Bert 133. 
 
 Pallston Union 33. Fry, John W., 93, 167. 
 
 Fessenden, W. C, 124. Frank, Ohas. R., 171. 
 
 Fetterman, N. P., 32, 40. Fulkman, W. S., 114, 115, 123, 
 
 Fisher, E. Burke 105, 100, 107. 125, 126, 167. 
 
 Gaither, Sam'l 79, 80. Gresham, H. L., 101. 
 
 Geneva College Cabinet 102. Griffin, D. S., 133. 
 Globe Advertiser 124. Grove, James 133. 
 
 Hallam, Walter 101. Hartung, Henry 129. 
 
 Hamilton, W. C, 101, 140. Hartung, Albert 122. 
 
 Hamilton, Wm., 152. Hays, G. A., 108, 136. 
 
 Hamilton, J. H., 75. Hays, J. B.. 150, 152. 
 
 Hanrahan, W. P., 123, 170. Hemphill, Jos., 93. 
 
 HaiTis, W. R., 140. Hemphill, G. R., 101. 
 
Heury, Thos., 7, 19, 51, 52. Holt, R. S., 75. 
 Henry, Wm., 53, 54, 57, 5S,Hoopes, J.. S., 90. 
 
 79, 82. , Hope, Ed., 122. 
 
 Heni-y, A, G., 57, 61. Hutchinson, Ed., j.24. 
 
 Hice, Henry 136. Hutli, Adam 167. 
 
 Holmes, J. L., 75, 76. 
 
 Imbrle, De Lorma 64. 
 Irons, John 77. 
 Irons, J. H., 127. 
 
 Johndrew, O. F., 166. 
 Johnson, D. R., 166. 
 Johnston, W. H., 146. 
 Jones, I. N., 87, 152, 167. 
 Jones, George 141. 
 Kennedy, R. S., 91. 
 
 l^ampert, Theo. 96. 
 1^1 Ross, Robert 138. 
 Laughlin, T, S., 74, 137. 
 Lemmon, W. B , 146. 
 Lemmon, John 93, 166. 
 Lemimon, Robt. W., 147. 
 I^emmon, W. M., 147. 
 Lewis, Frank A., 123. 
 Logan, James 7, 13, 15, 16, 19,Lutz, W., 102. 
 20, 21, 50, 55. 
 
 Israel, John 2. 
 Israel, Joseph 9. 
 
 Kennedy, S. G., 99. 
 King, Elmer 168. 
 Keyser, W. J., 165. 
 Kreps, Al. 165. 
 Kurtz, Miss Ada 129. 
 
 Logan, Andrew 13, 14, 15, 19, 
 
 20, 21, 55. 
 Logan & English 19. 
 Light, M., 59. 
 Light, D., 59. 
 Life Boat 122. 
 Long, O. S., 83. 
 Loar, Jos., 93. 
 
 Mackall, G. W., 121. 
 Mansfield, I. F., 75, 114, 116. 
 Maroney, Jos. 168. 
 Matthews, O. H., 168. 
 Mellon, John 95, 124. ^ 
 Mills, Frank 122. 
 Minerva 3, 7, 11. 
 Monaca Herald 141. 
 Morgan, Thos. J., 149. 
 •MoCaughtry, J. F., 150, 152. 
 
 Nelson, D. A., 75. 
 New Brighton Herald 149. 
 New^ Brighton Record 145. 
 New Brighton Times 146. 
 Newlon, Hamp 121. 
 
 Odell, J. H., 83, 85, 86. 
 
 Palmer, Harry 147, 167, 170. 
 
 Palmer, 129. 
 
 Parker, F. L., 75, 121. 
 
 MoCo^mel, D. S., 93, 133. 
 MeClain, Lester 168. 
 MeOlure, J. E., 100, 126, 170. 
 McClure, Fl-ed C, 122, 167. 
 MeClurg, Sam! 93. 
 McGregor, R. G., 80, 94. 
 McGregor, Miss Mai-y 93. 
 McKee, G. S., 149. 
 McKnight, Chas. 167, 168. 
 McNees, D. L., 99. 
 
 Newlon, Wm. 122. 
 Niblo, Alex. R., 33. 
 Niblo, John R., 33. 
 Nicholson, T. C, 63, 64. 
 Nulton, Robert 101. 
 
 Patterson, M. J., 75. 
 Patton, Harry 93, 167. 
 Penn, G. W., 124. 
 
Pentland, Ephraim 2. 
 Phillis, J. M., 91. 
 
 Phillips, 20. 
 
 Porter, J. F., 110-114. 
 Porter, W. H., 95. 
 
 Prince, !». K., 167. 
 I'salm Singer 126. 
 Purvlance, W. T., 145. 
 Pyle, G. W., 102. 
 
 Quay, M. S., 65, 66. 
 
 Radical 66, 127. Reed, W. H., 119. 
 
 Ramsey, Jesse 93. Reed, W. I., 71, 72. 
 
 Ramsey, Miss 93. Republican 19, 32. 
 Ramsey, W. B., 121, 168, 170. Roberts & Van Horn 110. 
 
 Reader, F. S., 133, 153. Rohm, John 124. 
 
 Reader, W. S., 160. Rosenbauer, Elmer 129. 
 
 Reed, Lewis 94, 95. Kutan, J. :S., 65, 69. 
 
 Schreck, John 121. 
 Schwartz, W. H., 88, 90. 
 Schweppe, H. L., 151. 
 ^ott, D. W., Jr. 65. 
 Sharp, James 20. 
 Shields, W. W., 123. 
 Shook, Fi-ed 167, 173. 
 Shurtleff, Jonas li., 35. 
 Smith, John E., 74. 
 Sloan, M. B., 121. 
 
 Tallon, John 65, 133, 163. 
 Tallon, F. W., 133, 164. 
 Tallon, Alex. 93. 
 Taylor, H. J., 171. 
 Telford, J. H., 114, 126. 
 Telford, John 121. 
 Telford, James 122. 
 
 Walters, Geo. 133. 
 Warner, Wm. 93. 
 Wan-ington, Geo. 101, 126 
 Wells, Gus 168. 
 Western Argus o, 7, 14, 29, 32, 
 
 50, 79. 
 Western Cabinet 7, 12, 13. 
 Western Star 17, 31, 43, 77. 
 Weyand, D. E., 60, 133. 
 Weyand, H. S., 60, 133. 
 Weyand, J. 58, 61, 65, 71, 114. 
 Weyand, M. 58, 60, 62, 82, 130. 
 Wharton, O. P., 85, 149. 
 Whisler, A. W., 171. 
 
 Young American 145. 
 
 iSome Last Words 174. 
 Speer, Jos. 167. 
 iSpray of the Falls 125. 
 Steel, Ed 101. 
 Stemmler, George 170. 
 •Stewart, John 133. 
 Stiffey, R. W., 95, 102. 
 Sturgeon, J. H., 75. 
 Sutherland, H. A., 133, 167. 
 
 Thomas, John 101. 
 Tl-amp Printers 134. 
 Tree of Liberty 2, 3, 8. 
 Treiber, B. L,, 66, 90. 
 Tniesdale, John 59. 
 Twiford, D. M., 75. 
 
 Whisler, Chas. F., 94, 171. 
 White, Jos. 122. 
 White, J. W., 7, 33, 104. 
 White, M. J., 93, 121, 167, 171. 
 Whitehill, A. B., 168. 
 Whitney, M. H., 107. 
 Williams, E. B., 81, 90. 
 Williams, Mrs. M., 170. 
 Wilson, Jos. 59. 
 Wilson, N. M., 149. 
 Winans, W. V., 166. 
 Winter, Dr. John 41, 46. 
 Work, D. P., 79. 
 
 X-Ray 75.