iEx IGtbrta 
 
 SEYMOUR DURST 
 
 When you leave, please leave this hook 
 
 Because it has heen said 
 "Ever'thin^ comes t' him who waits 
 
 Except a loaned hook." 
 
 Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library 
 Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2013 
 
 http://archive.org/details/historyofpressinOOfoll 
 
THE PRESS OF WESTERN NEW-YORK 
 
Heartman's Historical Series Number 34. 
 
Tk Bath Gazdte^ and Qencfee Aher^r. 
 
 TiiURSDAY, jANUA|(y 5,179^. 
 
 Vol. I. 
 
 ADD R E S S 
 To the Public. 
 
 C-vjL : . Ui.i ba> long elUblifhcJ it a prccc.lent, 
 J Um Ujc Sditors <\\ a Sfwi-paeer^ tni the 
 con.ittfftttWtocri? ol i.s pui>Vtcation, lliQuid Jidilicfs 
 On.t /*/<^/'r fn)m \irhom they expatJ?*KiJfl from 
 n lu'in in tbc pitfcnt inlUnre (bey have no oouLt 
 !vti« il»ey receive a ^tfwfrcj^; enco-jranjement. 
 ~Wli€tb^r tins pri'cctlchl: Uc good or bad, is a 
 j.ifflion vMcIt, »8 it ickitcs to them, time v)n!y 
 
 caa detcinvinc- 
 
 —One mnai N, howe\'cr, they 
 'h' T ;< ,>phaf is proBMU'd be pcr- 
 •a tb?»r credit : uut it they 
 
 ■ • r^t"^ to tt c dvc 
 
 re oi lh;:r Fctrons. . , , 
 
 t).is G AZETTR has b«rti 
 •j»K>ii . ... iftc iLduvrs tb.ereot (upjpofe ati 
 a J»Wg>'. H> . it* irtcui* , altjiolt un j it cc liary : tor 
 -«v«sf)' man, crexy mh.^»tttof tUiS Wtftcrn 
 • ftjuntiy SctW bwrn-s the iifficuity of itioving ; of 
 
 ♦>»tiHlwtBbi#1— 4f#«^'^^, >ff*^>^ -thgn. gmfl bfc <|l*y 
 
 Hath, Dec. CI; 179'*. 
 
 uxj^-r.*,— jjaeaitb. "^appi. 
 
 A U T Ji Ji N T X C. 
 
 Trjinflatlon of atfx'.e A-o 
 Ki-piihlic, to the ocu' 
 
 Leg.; t ion of 
 
 (' < ru iiui-ii 
 tVe pvffiflfHi •n thr 31(1 
 a.ip V.' ilium x^k. -1 «>mi ( 
 ifit Unitt4 Staffs. 
 
 P.lgriit) h;id bf - u t 
 
 t'»e owru-r; - 
 dtH id*{l OH r.i 
 
 line ' 
 
 n riie M ri'Vtf of fhc Fn^i^c'i 
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 f tli<f i an is ofii-.e waifiiiif 
 ' UvertKi theco|Jt»r ; 
 nf.t (letiiief fhtit K\ c 
 ■ .jt<Ts of Xk9 United 
 ! le r»oi»!«J i>i' jiv«» tij> to 
 'iter rhe pf#C(ttn( flot nr.'y 
 
 till iiJt! t:n Nc'v-fiuJjti-, 
 
 "ivs't f.;,. lu'u *. ... ; ijiittinprlie srticltj of the 
 tie;.ly til. b*. v,,,l ufti Iv i :$ a^tfius anr? rribsmsU, )fn» 
 I'etififtl ga»irnr.7;.it a fo fiifTt-ict) tfh« JCnjr.ifli to aisil 
 thfnirfli 04* . dv.inta»c5 (.•iTr; u>e'J t" ?n. m tl;ai 
 artiyr. i'hcT ariue'.! ir t 'se , arts ofi hi S;st-i, 
 .b.-i 5i{»ht in, ar.si rrj^ *■!•<?*] ihc r p -.zti, aivJ iu <« vi oj d. 
 Iiiiii'd !U them a crrta;<: E.fi;!i;tr. 
 
 Thus !^e Eiiglins j^riv^iiicr T.'uftf , Cap£:.ii«r Hall, 
 vv^sarravd ilai.irnorc crurfe aasitHrtlie l-J-^DtiSi, 
 
 and tV^p nffretary of fVr^r? nfflimf that he wrote 
 to ths EO*einor of Virjinia. to havejuHice rcndeml 
 •»itn. >BMt tiirs juftice wnt UmU d t») inrefligiliuo* 
 nr<d? witljfttsh fluw'ifrs, that fi/f nr»noili)i after. tVir. 
 iiftuir Wis Hut fi .iihrd ; nnd op rli<- ?.;rh Kebra^ry '9>, 
 th^ l.-trrrary of c.ntcnted I.inifc'.f with fpiidiiig 
 to the }.rt?d*trirori»f tht uifderfi/n-.-d, t!ie difpartli^i 
 of tlir lieutenaac govcroor, datrd tlic loth O^.-ber, 
 94. V; which he ur!tto:i.rccs, t^^»t he .irdcrrd l! r 
 cocnni4nd4r,t of ilie n^ijitU «t Nerf^Jk wake the 
 iifcefl.iry cnqnirirs for etubUii* thf exrcutrre pf Vlr- 
 n<nm, ro re idtr to the rt-iHiVTic ifie j«ftice U had a 
 riRht; to cjcpea. The r^foli of thefr .nquirie. u Hut 
 known. Hovvfver. the fart .%onc which the mincer 
 F.mckct coi!!|d«in*d to the (ecretary of ftate was no- 
 tnr;nM\ t.n<\ pnlnftiJ feffarihpi were not necefTary to 
 co'ivasce himfilf of It. Do we ttat find iii th'ti pro- 
 cceuinK a foriTiid defAre to elud« the treaiici, aud 10 
 tavur the Eng'.ifh i 
 
 li ihe ^JTf nurcnt of t'le Uniti'i JfatH had w^fiiet, 
 to ;na''inniri irfcK in that impai-tlaliry whWd itsdnt!*' 
 prefctibef?. if it had wilheJ freely fo exffiute tl-e 
 ne;'»i*«, it woidd not hava- wsited, every time thit 
 til* i^.iiglifii infi incfd tliem,<ft>r tin? niinifteVto foI>cl: 
 itJ j<»flice.--iih<mid it i^ot ft;We g.ven ifftru£Ktoi>H fw 
 precife, ilut tb? Rovcrr.orsof the Oate« and fobxtcerrt 
 oiEci Tii of tiic ftdiT.il iJoverntTifpt niijht knovv u !;;iC 
 i;n:irs t'ley »*wi £• fuUil, hi order lo fij/i!.t»)n the e^- 
 cc\i;"u!r. of trtatie^ .'' \V!'y ha\e I'te inoH cnprgeti* 
 orde^5 (fu«lj at the fctfrtaj^ et tUte, Raiid«>!j'h» 
 infticio!)*) }»«efl givjfiB. %%hf a the fynporf oifthe ncu- 
 tr.*!ity. inv'obte? in fi«-»<>r of the 1 i-glifh, tame iu 
 r-:, f i«n ha-.--- r'-.- r:.' ,r.: re.-: taken by the fede- 
 
 ijflse?} flownefs wh(.-:i 
 i 70, h.T*^e ttie ixiwX - 
 t . '.'iw.'- r, v.'^vvr pr«duCed the re- 
 
 »{rt;f9 «t the 4ritv.inc<J'«of w^ieh tliey cosiplaiacd ? 
 (to be- c^MUlnftTsd) 
 
 FACSIMILE OF THE EARLIEST NEWSPAPER OF WESTERN NEW YORK EXTANT 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PRESS IN WESTERN NEW-YORK 
 
 From the Beginning to the ?Jiddle of the Nineteenth Century 
 
 BY FREDERICK FOLLETT 
 
 With a Preface By 
 WILBERFORCE EAMES 
 
 With Facsimile 
 
 NINETY-ONE COPIES 
 
 Reprinted for 
 CHARLES F. HEARTMAN 
 New York, 1920 
 
Number. .%J.of 91 Copies Printed on Handmade Paper. 
 
 Also Eleven Japan Paper Copies Printed. 
 
F K. E F -A. C E 
 
 
 
 The New York Press Association was founded In 1853, the first meeting 
 being held at Elmira on September 8th of that year, under the name of a 
 
 "Convention of the Editors and Publishers of Western and Southern New 
 York." Prior to that date, however, the editors and printers of the state 
 had celebrated their profession and art on more than one occasion in an an- 
 nual "Festival," the most noted of which is the one which resulted in the 
 publication now reprinted. Such a festival had been held early in 1846; and 
 in the latter part of the same year a number of the active and retired news- 
 paper men of Rochester made elaborate preparations for another one to be 
 held in that city on the one hundred and forty-first anniversary of Frank- 
 lin's birthday, January 18th, 1847. Committees of Arrangement and Corres- 
 pondence were formed, who sent out numerous invitations to their fellov 
 craftsmen, urging their attendance, and asking sentiments for toasts, end 
 reminiscences of early printing in the Western Counties of the state. The 
 result of all this preparation was an assemblage at the dinner In the large 
 hall of the Blossom House of one hundred and slxtyfour guests, whose names 
 are given In the proceedings, for the publication of which a special commit- 
 tee was named. It was resolved also to include with the proceedings a his- 
 tory of the Press of Western New York, the whole to be issued in pamphlet 
 form; and the material which had been collected for this purpose by differ- 
 ent members of the craft and placed in the Committee's hands, was turned 
 over to Colonel Frederick Follett, an ex-editor and printer, who at this time 
 was Post-Master at Batavia, he having agreed to put it in shape for publl- 
 eation. 
 
 V 
 
Colonel Follett himself had prepared for the festival a sketch of the 
 press of Genesee County. His instructions from the Committee of Publica- 
 tion were that the history should cover that portion of the state lying west 
 of a line running north and south through Seneca Lake, comprising in al- 
 phabetical order the following named Counties, the dates in parentheses be- 
 ing of the earliest printing mentioned: — Alleghany, Cattaraugus (1818), Cay- 
 uga (1798), Chautauque (1817), Chemung (1822), Erie (1811), Genesee (1807), 
 Livingston (1817), Monroe (1816), Niagara (1822), Orleans (1822), Ontario 
 (1797), Seneca (1816), Steuben (1796), Tioga (1800), Tompkins, Wayne 
 (1817), Wyoming (1828), and Yates (1823). For two of these Counties, Alle- 
 ghany and Tompkins, no responses were received from those to whom re- 
 quests for information had been addressed, and as a result they had to De 
 left out entirely. 
 
 In his general remarks at the end of the history, Colonel Follett says: 
 "I have endeavored in the preceding pages to give as faithful a History of 
 the Newspaper Press of Western New- York, as the materials furnished me, 
 and my own recollection on the subject, will permit. If, in reference to 
 some of the Counties, that history is not so close and full as could have 
 been desired, the fault is attributed to those who ought to have felt most 
 solicitude on the subject; but who, from negligence, or it may be, the press 
 of other avocations, have omitted to communicate, although repeatedly re- 
 quested so to do by the Committee of Correspondence previous to the Fes- 
 tival, and subsequently by the Committee of Publication, with either of those 
 Committees, or with myself, furnishing such facts as would have contributed 
 to the correction of the same." 
 
 Frederick Follett was born in Gorham, Ontario County, Western New 
 York, on November 1st, 1804, being the youngest of eight children of Fred- 
 erick Follett, a pensioner of the American Revolution. He was educated in 
 his native town, and in February, 1819, began to learn the printer's art in 
 
 VI 
 
the office of his elder brother, Oran FoUett, who had Just started publiahing 
 at Batavia a newspaper called the "Spirit of the Times." In May, 1825, 
 Oran Follett removed to Buffalo, and Frederick became owner and editor of 
 the paper. In the following year he was married; and in the anti-mafionic 
 excitement which followed the disappearance of William Morgan, he took 
 an active part in defending Masonry. In 1830, when another paper called 
 the "People's Press" was merged with the "Spirit of the Times," he went 
 into partnership with Daniel P. Adams under the firm name of Follett & 
 Adams, which continued for a short time only. In August, 1836, Mr. Follett 
 sold the newspaper and went to Texas, to serve in the "army of liberation" 
 under Gen. Sam Houston; but the war having ended before he got there, he 
 returned home and headed an unsuccessful expedition to the newly dis- 
 covered copper-mines of the Lake Superior region. In August, 1837, he re- 
 sumed the editorship of his old paper, the "Spirit of the Times," and con- 
 tinued in that capacity until June, 1840, when the establishment passed into 
 tlie hands of Lucas Seaver, and Mr. Follett, In partnership with Peter Law- 
 rence, started a new paper In Batavia, called the "Batavia Times and Far- 
 mers and Mechanics Journal." Two or three months later, Mr. Lawrence 
 retired, and Mr. Follett continued the publication alone until September, 
 1843, when it was merged with the "Spirit of the Times," under Lucais Sea- 
 ver. The occasion of this change was the appointment of Mr. Follett to be 
 Post-Master at Batavia, which office he held until 1849, when he became 
 Canal Commissioner of the state, retaining that office until 1856. He after- 
 wards lost all of his property in an unsuccessful business venture; and his 
 wife dying, he removed to New York City about 1865, and accepted a posi- 
 tion there in the Custom House, which he kept until his death on January 
 18th, 1891, in hi3 eighty-seventh year. A biographical sketch appeared in 
 the New York Times of January 20, 1891. 
 
 New York, February 27, 1920. W. E. 
 
 VII 
 
The reprint, as made on the following pages, contains only 
 THE HISTORY OF THE PRESS OF WESTERN NEW YORK by 
 Frederick Follett. The History is, in the original pamphlet, pre- 
 ceded by the Proceedings of the Printers' Festival, held on the 141st 
 Anniversary of the Birthday of Franklin in the city of Rochester. 
 These Proceedings have been left out. They contain some little in- 
 formation that is, perhaps, important, but could not have been ex- 
 tracted without leaving an unsatisfactory impression of being too 
 fragmentary. As far as the history itself is concerned, it has been 
 reprinted literally. 
 
 The Facsimile reproduction of the Earliest Newspaper 
 printed in Western New York extant, has been made after the sug- 
 gestion of Mr. Wilberforce Fames, through the courtesy of the Har- 
 vard College Library, the owner of the original. 
 
 VIII 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 TO THE 
 
 HISTORY OF THE PRESS 
 
 IN 
 
 WESTERN NEW-YORK 
 
 In undertaking the task of writing out, or compiling a "History of the 
 Press in Western New-York," I confess I enter upon the duty which the par- 
 tiality of the Committee have selected me to perform, with no little distrust 
 of my capacity to do it that justice which the subject demands, or which the 
 Committee and the public at large, and the Profession in particular, have 
 a right to expect from him who shall undertake it. But having consented 
 to the task, it only remains for me to discharge its requirements to the best 
 of my ability. I would rather, it is true, the mantle had fallen upon the 
 shoulders of some one else — older and wiser heads among the "Craft" could 
 have been found — those who could have done the subject full and ample 
 justice — but I am also aware that it is not always convenient or practicable 
 to engage their services in such an undertaking. Although at this stage of 
 the task I cannot assure the Committee that their expectations are in the 
 least degree to be answered, still, however. I think I may promise them one 
 thing — which is, that 
 
 "I will nothing extenuate. 
 Or set down aught in malice," 
 in what I may have to say In relation to the Press of Western New- York. 
 Having retired from its duties, its cares, and its perplexities, — having a con- 
 science void of offence against any who have preceded, or who may be now 
 In the active prosecution of their labors in that interesting department of 
 life, I think I may claim for myself the merit of being a disinterested wit- 
 ness. 
 
 The "Press" and a "Printer!" Who is not proud to be associated with 
 the one, and classed with the other? Never has the genius of man been 
 able to offer to the world, viewed in all its parts, any thing that at all com- 
 pares with that of the Press. Its capacity for good and evil is unbounded. 
 As an engine of moral and political power it has no equal— it is the grand 
 regulator of the world, and its power is alike felt and acknowledged, as well 
 by the prince on the throne, as by the dweller in the hamlet. It is the le- 
 ver by which the great operations of the world, political, moral, and social, 
 are moved. How vastly important then, that this power is not misplaced. 
 
 IX 
 
It is said tliere are certain classes in society who are literally gooa 
 for nothing — that in almost any position, as the geologist would say, they 
 are "out of place." Thisi remark, however, loses all its force when applied 
 to printers, as the very reverse of it is true — they seem to be "in place," in 
 all the varieties of situations in which their lot may be cast. Let the read- 
 er cast his eye around him. In one of the Territories of this Republic a 
 Printer may be recognized, who has exchanged the stick and the case, and 
 been robed with executive power, — again, among those "grave and reverend 
 signers" who occupy that most august body, the Senate of the United States, 
 and there you discover a Printer — look among the fighting men of our coun- 
 try, in the ranks and clothed with official dignity, and there you will find 
 the Printer — look, also, among the Divines, the Doctors, the Politicians, and 
 indeed, among almost every branch of industry or calling in society, and 
 Printers are to be found! And last, though by no means least, the Craft 
 can point with proud and glorious satisfaction to Benjamin Franklin! — He 
 Is an example, of whom, not only Printers, but the world may be proud. 
 The Society of him who called, and tamed, the lightning from the clouds, 
 has been sought and courted by the proudest monarchs of the earth! Other 
 benefactors of mankind have lived — but none whose brow has been wreathed 
 with prouder laurels than that of Franklin. 
 
 It may not be inappropriate to the designs of the Committee, and the pur- 
 poses of the "Franklin Festival," to place together in this convenient form, 
 a short account of the first discovery, and the early progress oi the "Art 
 of Printing." Such accounts, 1 am aware, are not without an existence — 
 but in very many instances they are placed beyond the reach of the mass 
 of readers, by being coupled with other matter, thereby rendering them too 
 cumbrous and expensive to be brought into the circle of the general reader. 
 Presuming that I shall be pardoned for such a digression, I will endeavor 
 to furnish such a synopsis, which I doubt not, will be new, and perhaps, in- 
 teresting, to many who may be induced from curiosity or otherwise to pe- 
 ruse these pages, if not to some oi: the members of the Craft. 
 
 Previous to the discovery of the Art of Printing, the thoughts of men 
 were preserved and given to the world, (and a very circumscribed portion of 
 it, too, owing to the great price which was demanded and received for man- 
 uscript books,) in writing. At this age of the world it is very diflicult, if 
 not almost impossible, to realize the existence of such a state of things. 
 Dark, indeed, must have been the age, when knowledge and learning 
 were thus pent-up, and shut out from the world! But a brighter day 
 was in store, and soon the Art of Printing burst upon the world like a 
 flood of light — shooting its bright effulgence into the inmost recesses, and 
 corners of the habitable globe! — awakening a new spirit, v/ith higher and 
 nobler aspirations, in the breast of man! — the store hou.se of knowledge was 
 .unlocked, and its treasures which had been so long hidden from the "vulgar 
 gaze," scattered to the winds of heaven. 
 
 It is impossible to say at what particular juncture of the world the germ 
 
 X 
 
of the Art of Printing took its rise, or had its origin. Those who are deep 
 skilled in Antiquarian researches have discovered that for at least two thou- 
 sand years before the present era, the art or method of reproducing impres- 
 sions, although rude and imperfect in their design and execution, had an ex- 
 istence. Egypt furnishes abundant evidence of this,. The art of coloring 
 was practiced by the Egyptians, and was continued by them until a more 
 adraneed state of society, and the want of something of a more general ap- 
 plication, induced them not only to apply the art to inscription^, at first 
 painted or engraved upon the statues of their deities, but also entered into 
 the more common affairs of life. 
 
 The site of the ancient city of Babylon also presents some very remark- 
 able evidences of the existence of the art of imprinting, which consists of 
 inscriptions upon the bricks used in building. — Some of these early evidences 
 of the art are now in the library of Trinity College, Cambridge, the British 
 Museum, and the Library of the East India Company. The imprint will 
 compare with those stamped upon the coarser article of earthen-ware. 
 
 Other specimens of Assyrian art, showing still greater perfection and pro- 
 gress in it might be evidenced. China is by no means destitute of interest 
 in this particular, and many cases might be cited to show the existence of 
 an art, closely approximating to that of Printing, long before it was known 
 to the nations of Europe. But it is not my purpose to give a full and per- 
 fect expose of this subject, the readers of these pages will expect nothing 
 more than a mere glance at the art in its progress to the era of its perfec- 
 tion, if indeed it may be said to have arrived at that proud eminence now. 
 
 Although it is fair and safe to assume that the art, in the rude state I 
 have mentioned, existed among the inhabitants of the old world, it is^ a no 
 less remarkable fact, that among the Greeks and Romans, original and in- 
 genious as they were, scarcely a vestige has been left by them to show their 
 knowledge of its existence. 
 
 Nothing can be shown as evidencing the existence of a knowledge of the 
 art of transferring characters, even among nations comparatively civilized, 
 from the times above referred to, until the intervention of a vast lapse of 
 time, when an attempt v/as made at engraving pictures upon blocks of wood. 
 Upon this point great diversity of opinion exists as to time, but I believe 
 the best v/riters on the fine arts concur in the opinion that the art was in- 
 vented in the latter part of the thirteenth century, by a "brother and sister 
 of the illustrious family of Cunio, lords of Ivnola, in Italy." The book made 
 by these youthful artists, for they were twins, and oaly sixteen years of age, 
 is the first evidence we have of block-printing. — If any of my readers have 
 the curiosity to examine this subject more particularly, I would refer them 
 to the Encyclopedia Britannica, edited by Professor Napier. 
 
 Thus far the art was confined to single blocks, and its progress slow and 
 tedious. Venice furnishes good evidence of the existence of this art among 
 its inhabitants at an early day, and from an edict issued by the government, 
 
 XI 
 
bearing date 1441, interdicting the importation of "work of the said art that 
 is printed or painted on cloth or on paper, that is to say, altar-pieces (or im- 
 ages), and playing cards," it is clearly evident that the art was by no means 
 confined to the Venetians, but had spread over the continent to such a de- 
 gree as to seriously threaten the prosperity of the artists of that city. As 
 connected somewhat with the Art of Printing, I will here state, although the 
 particular time cannot be settled, that playing cards were in existence in 
 1254, for in that year they were interdicted by St. Louis on his return from 
 the Crusade — and also by the Council of Cologne in 1281. They were first 
 introduced into Germany in 1300. 
 
 From single blocks, the next advance in the art of Printing was by a series 
 of blocks, and it was by this means that the first books were printed, among 
 the most important of which was, the "Historiae Veteris et Novi Testament! 
 seu Biblia Pauperum." Its extent was forty leaves, printed on one side, and 
 on as many separate and distinct blocks — the blank sides of the sheets then 
 pasted together, forming one leaf. It has been impossible to locate the ex- 
 act time at which this book was printed, but it is supposed to have been 
 somewhere between 1420 and 1430. 
 
 Passing over minor points, and I have been compelled to do so in more in- 
 stances than one, I am now brought to that most important and interesting 
 era in the Art of Printing, in the true and literal signification of that term; 
 and which also involves the perplexing and atill agitated question, as to 
 where and by whom was it invented? — Similar contentions have arisen upon 
 other subjects — the birth-place of Homer was claimed and stoutly contended 
 for by many cities, all deeming it an especial honor to have given to the 
 world so illustrious a personage. So with the Art of Printing. Harlem, 
 Strasbourg, and Mentz, claim to have been the nursery from which sprung 
 an art which has exercised such a mighty power and influence on civiliza- 
 tion, and contributed in so eminent a manner to the cultivation of the hu- 
 man intellect. Other places have interposed their claims, but there seems to 
 be no proof to sustain them. The best writers upon this subject, indeed it 
 seems to be almost universally admitted, agree that to one of the three 
 cities above named, belongs the honor in question. 
 
 It will not be expected that I shall go at length into the discussion as to 
 the place, or to whom, belongs the honor of the invention of Printing in its 
 true sense. To do so would occupy too much space, and would, after all, be 
 an unprofitable discussion. 
 
 Harlem interposes a claim for one of its citizens, Laurence Koster, or 
 Laurent Janszoon Koster (or Gustos.) The support of this claim rests 
 mainly upon the narrative in the Bataviae of Hadrinus Junius, written in 
 1575, and published in 1588. But little credit is given to the truth of this 
 narrative— some calling in question, (and among that number Santander), the 
 very existence of such a man as Koster! There are others, who being un- 
 able to decide between the conflicting claims, are willing to divide the hon- 
 
 XII 
 
or, and while they are disposed to concede to others the credit of the discov- 
 ery of Printing with moveable types, claim for Koster the merit of inventing 
 printing from blocks. 
 
 From the best reading I have been able to give the subject, although as 
 I have said before, there are conflicting claims, and backed as some of them 
 are by ingenious and plausible arguments, still I am decidedly of the opinion 
 that to John Gutenberg, a native of Mentz, belongs the discovery of the Art 
 of Printing. The proof in favor of this proposition, to my mind, is full and 
 satisfactory. The story of his having stolen the types of Koster, is too ri- 
 diculous to need even an attempt at refutation. 
 
 The first printed edition of the Bible, from cut metal types, was issued by 
 Gutenberg, in 1450, the completion of which is said to have taken seven 
 years — so that the work must have been commenced in 1443. John Fust 
 (commonly called Faust,) and Peter Schoeffer, formerly partners of Guten- 
 berg, but into whose hands the establishment had fallen on the failure of 
 Gutenberg, used the same type in their edition of the Psalter printed in 1457 
 and 1459. The edition issued in 1457, is the first book ever printed bear- 
 ing the name of the place where printed, those of its printers, and the date 
 of the year when printed! 
 
 Gutenberg, after his failure, started the business anew, and as it appears, 
 with complete success, for in 1465, he abandoned the business, and "entered 
 into the service of Elector Adolphus of Nassau, as one of his band of gen- 
 tlemen pensioners, with a handsome salary, as appears from the letters pat- 
 ent, dated the 17th of January, 1465." He died on the 24th of February, 1468. 
 
 Fust and SchoGffer were neither of them original Printers. The former 
 was a wealthy goldsmith, and the latter, a scribe. They were probably in- 
 duced to enter the business with Gutenberg, simply as a matter of money- 
 making. — There is no doubt, however, but they contributed very greatly to 
 the perfection of the art in that day. To Schoeffer is the world indebted 
 for the first suggestion of casting type in matrices. These men continued 
 the business, and in addition to the Psalter issued in 1457 and 1459, they al- 
 so published it in 1490 and 1502, and what is a little remarkable, it was 
 always printed on the same type. In 1460, they published the Constitutiones 
 Clementis V., and in 1462, the celebrated Latin Bible. Fust lived but a few 
 years to enjoy this triumph of his art, for he was carried off by the plague, 
 in Paris, about the year 1466. Schoeffer survived him many years, and is 
 supposed to have died in 1502. 
 
 A controversy has existed in England as to when, and by whom. Printing 
 was introduced into that country. In my judgment, however, no serious dif- 
 ficulty exists in this matter. To William Caxton no doubt belongs the honor 
 of first introducing the art into England. This has been denied, and the 
 chaplet sought to be placed upon the brow of Frederick Corsellis — but the at- 
 tempt has utterly failed. It has been supposed, also, that the first printing 
 was done at Oxford, but thisi falls to the ground with the attempt to rob 
 
 XIII 
 
Caxton of the honor due his name, for the first printing done in England, 
 was a book Issued by him, from his press established at Westminster, prob- 
 ably in one of the chapels attached to the Abbey, entitled the "Game of 
 Chess." The completion of this work took place on the last day of March, 
 1474, and from this must be dated the dawn of liie Art of Printing in Old 
 England. Caxton died in 1494, aged 82 years. 
 
 Printing may be said to have been introduced into the Colonies of America, 
 in January, 1639, for in that year a Press and Types arrived, having been 
 shipped from England by the Rev. Jesse Glover, who, however, died on the 
 passage. The Printer engaged to accompany the Press from England, Ste- 
 phen Daye, on arriving at Cambridge, Mass, set up the business, and the 
 first work that emanated from this attempt to introduce Printing into the 
 Colonies, was the "Freeman's Oath," which was followed by an Almanac. 
 To show the favorable light in which this undertaking was viewed, at that 
 early day, th'j following may be taken as evidence. It is from the records 
 of the General Court of Massachusetts: 
 
 "Att a General Court held att Boston, on the eighth Day of the eighth 
 moneth, 1641, Steeven Daye being the first that sett upon Printing, is graunt- 
 ed 300 acres of land, where it may be convenient without prejudice to any 
 town." 
 
 Printers at that early day, like those of the Craft in more modern times, 
 were by no means exempted from the ills of life — for in 1642, it appears from 
 the Records, that Daye was under the necessity of pledging one of his lots 
 in Cambridge, to secure the payment "for a cow, calf, and heifer" — that in 
 1643, for some dereliction of duty, the particulars of which are not stated, 
 the "Court ordered that Steeven Daye, shall be released, giving £100 bond 
 for his appearance." In 1649, he becoming embarrassed with debts, was suc- 
 ceeded by Samuel Green. In 1668, Daye died. 
 
 In 1660, Marmake Johnson, a Printer, was sent over from England, with 
 another Press and Types, which also was established at Cambridge, and the 
 particular design of which was to print the Bible in the Indian language. 
 Johnson brought a letter with him from his patrons in England, which, 
 among other things, contains the following very singular announcement: 
 
 "We have out of our desire, to further a worke of soe great consernment 
 [the printing of the Bible in question] agreed with an able Printer for 
 three years upon the terms and condition, enclosed. Mr. Johnson, the Print- 
 er, and for his incurrageraent in this undertaking of printing the bible in 
 the Indian language, his name may bee mentioned with others as a Printer 
 and person that hath bine instrumentall therein; for whose diet, lodging 
 and washing wee desire you to take care of." 
 
 Johnson was unfortunate — got into difficulty — was fined by the Court — 
 turned out of employment when the Bible was completed, and finally died 
 in 1675. Green, who succeeded Daye, carried on the business at Cambridge 
 for fifty years, and died in 1702, aged 87. 
 
 XIV 
 
These men, therefore, GLOVER, DAYE, GREEN, and JOHNSON, may be 
 regarded as the Fathers of the Art on this Continent. It is impossible at 
 this day to tell the trials and adverse fortunes, the perplexities and the 
 hardships, through which they had to pass. That they were many and griev- 
 ous, I can well imagine. But they were the pioneers in a glorious under- 
 taking and thrice gloriously has it succeeded! 
 
 At the dates above enumerated, no newspaper had yet been published in 
 the Colonies, nor was there, until 1704, April 20, when the first number of 
 the News Letter," by John Campbell, Printer, book-seller, and Post-Master, 
 was issued at Boston, In 1693, William Bradford commenced the Printing 
 Business in New York. — This was the dawn of Printing in the "Empire 
 State." What mighty revolutions have since been wrought! From the 
 fountain thus established, innumerable streams have sprung into existence, 
 fertilizing and enriching the proud domains of Art, Literature, and Science, 
 until our noble State has assumed a commanding pre-eminence among the 
 sisters of this mighty Republic! Long may she occupy that enviable posi- 
 tion. 
 
 This much have I deemed it, not only proper, but necessary to say, before 
 entering upon subjects that more properly and legitimately belong to the 
 "History of the Press in Western New- York." It struck me, and I doubt not 
 it will be so viewed by the Craft generally, that it would be essentially 
 proper to give this running account of the earliest introduction of Printing 
 into this country. — Thus a foundation has been laid for what may follow. 
 
 FREDERICK FOLLETT. 
 
 Batavia, March 16, 1847. 
 
 XV 
 
History of 
 The Press in Western New- York 
 
 It may be well before going any further, to settle the bounds of the field 
 marked out by the Committee of the Franklin Festival, in which I am to 
 labor. Originally, it was denominated the "Genesee County," but now wears 
 the distinctive appellation of "Western New-York" and embraces, if I am cor- 
 rectly informed, that portion of the State lying west of a line running north 
 and south through Seneca Lake. Its settlement may probably be said to 
 have commenced about the year 1787. An enumeration of its inhabitants 
 in 1790, showed a population of 1100. What a contrast with the Western 
 New- York at the present day. The Counties handed over to me for the pur- 
 pose of the present publication are Alleghany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chau- 
 tauque, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, On- 
 tario, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates, These counties, or 
 most of them at all events, belong to what may, perhaps, with propriety, be 
 denominated Western New-York — but some of them are without the pale of 
 what may be fairly termed the "Genesee Country." The territory embraced 
 in the above counties, contained, as appears by the census of 1845, a pop- 
 ulation of 682,823. In the s^iort space of fifty-nine years, what a complete 
 change has come over the face of the country — then, a howling wilderness 
 — now, converted into cities and villages! — then, peopled by bands of roving 
 savages, — now, teeming with a dense population of hardy and industrious 
 men, through whose toil the wilderness has literally been made to blossom 
 like the rose! This is the result of civilization, coupled with industry, in- 
 telligence, and Indomitable perseverance. 
 
 STEUBEN COUNTY 
 
 This County seems to be the first in which an attempt was made to estab- 
 lish a Newspaper Press in Western New York. In 1796, William Kersey and 
 James Edie, commenced at Bath, the publication of a paper entitled the 
 "Bath Gazette and Genesee Advertiser." 
 
 In 1816 or '17, David Rumsey commenced, at Bath, the publication of the 
 "Bath Gazette." 
 
 About the same time Benjamin Smead started a paper called the "Steu- 
 ben Patriot," to which was soon after appended, "and Allegany," making the 
 amended title read, "Steuben & Allegany Patriot." 
 
 In the fall of 1819, Erastus Shepard commenced the publication of the 
 "Western Republican," and continued it until 1822, when the materials went 
 back to Elmira, and the publisher to an eight years' foremanship in the office 
 of James Bogart, at Geneva. 
 
 1 
 
Charles Williamson, if I mistake not, is considered as the founder of Bath. 
 He was the agent of some foreign land-owners in Western New- York, which 
 was the means, no doubt, of imparting to him, and to his acts, an influence 
 far greater than was possessed by others. His imagination, I am told, did 
 not stop at the founding of a Village, but soared in the prospective, to the 
 development of the resources of a City. For this purpose, a race course 
 was laid out, a Press was established, and various things were done, which 
 were deemed essential by him to mark the founding of a magnificent city — 
 at least in the imagination! The great power and influence of the "Pa- 
 troon of the West," as Mr. Williamson was sometimes called, did not save 
 the "Gazette & Advertiser" from a fate too common among similar establish- 
 ments of a later day. How long it managed to keep up an existence — what 
 became of its materials or its publishers, are questions entirely out of my 
 power to answer. 
 
 Benjamin Smead relinquished the business to two of his sons in 1824 or 
 *25, and the paper has since been published under the title of the "Farmer's 
 Advocate." 
 
 David Rumsey, who made the attempt in 1816 or '17, to revive the old 
 Gazette, was from Salem, Washington County. The attempt seems not to 
 have been a successful one, as the paper was continued only about a year, 
 when the materials were disposed of to Mr. Cowdery, who took them to 
 "Clean Point." 
 
 Thus have I been compelled to turn off "Old Steuben," with a mere skele- 
 ton picture of what her press is, and has been. This is no fault of mine, 
 neither is it the fault of the Committee who originally had this matter in 
 charge. It is the more to be regretted, as Steuben was the first county in 
 which an attempt was made in Western New York to establish a Newspaper 
 Press. — The Printers of that county have been desired to furnish the data 
 upon which a more full and perfect sketch of its rise and progress could 
 have been traced. They have failed to do it, with them rests the fault. 
 
 ONTARIO COUNTY 
 
 The next County in order, in which the Printing business was etablished, 
 is Ontario County. Lucius Carey, in 1797, tempted by the love of gain, or 
 the more philanthropic principle of spreading light and knowledge into the 
 dark recesses of an almost unpeopled country, selected Geneva, as his head 
 quarters, from which he issued the "Geneva Gazette and Genessee Adverti- 
 ser." Either the good people of Geneva did not appreciate the motives 
 which induced Mr. Carey to come among them, or for some other good and 
 satisfactory cause, and which I am unable to say, for the records of the 
 times are blind on this subject, true it is, however, that the attempt was a 
 failure, for soon after, he removed the establishment to Canandaigua, and 
 in 1802 sold it to a company of "ten federalists," who procured it to be "pub- 
 
 2 
 
lished for the proprietors," by John K. Gould, who had previously been em- 
 ployed in the office of the Albany Sentinel. Under this arrangement, in May, 
 1803, the first number of the "Western Repository and Genesee Advertiser" 
 was given to the world, the "Salam Editorial" being from the pen of Nathan- 
 iel W. Howell. 
 
 The paper was thus continued until October, 1804, when James D. Bemis 
 became interested in the establishment as Joint proprietor with Mr. Gould. 
 Mr. B. soon became sole proprietor of the paper, and in 1828 disposed of it 
 to Morse & Harocy. Various proprietors have since that period, been in- 
 terested in the publication of the "Repository," until at the present time, 
 it is in the hands of George L. Whitney. 
 
 Opposition, says the old adage, is the life of business, and the "Repository 
 and Advertiser" were not long permitted to enjoy, like Alexander Selkirk, 
 the consciousness of undisputed monarchy, for 1806 ushered into existence 
 the "Ontario Messenger," by John A. Stevens. 
 
 Isaac Tiffany was the projector of the "Ontario Freeman," a little paper 
 started in the same village in 1803. Its light was soon after extinguished, 
 and all memorial of its doings have passed away with it. 
 
 Eben Eaton, whose brother was somewhat conspicuous in the famous Trip- 
 oli expedition, started a paper at Geneva in 1800, called the "Impartial Ob- 
 server and Seneca Museum." It lived but a short time. 
 
 The "Geneva Gazette," by James Bogart, was established at the delightful 
 village of Geneva, at the foot of Seneca Lake, in the year 1806. 
 
 A. N. Phelps, started a paper called the "Republican," at Canandaigua, in 
 1824. It soon after passed into the hands of Thomas B. Barnum, and was 
 finally discontinued. 
 
 Another paper was for a time published in the same village by George 
 Wilson and O. P. Jackson — but no particulars have been furnished in rela- 
 tion to it. 
 
 W. W. Phelps commenced in Canandaigua, in 1827, an Anti-masonic paper, 
 with the title of "Phoenix," which soon after passed into the hands of R. 
 Royce, and changed its name to that of "Freeman" — in 1836 it was joined to 
 the "Repository," which paper was then in the hands of Orville L. Holley, 
 and finally its name has become extinct. 
 
 In 1824 a small paper had its rise in the village of Naples. It was called 
 the "Village Record." Who claims the honor of bringing it into existence, 
 or when it took its exit, is more than I am able to chronicle. 
 
 This, so far as I have been furnished ^ith the material, comprises the 
 sum total of the Newspaper Press in the County of Ontario; and I am sorry 
 to say it is woefully deficient in many of its parts. But what has become 
 of the men who figured in their establishment: To this inquiry I propose 
 
 3 
 
to devote a brief space, and will endeavor, so far as it can be done, to ans- 
 wer the Interrogatory. 
 
 Of Lucius Carey, the nan who first planted the standard of the Newspaper 
 Press In Ontario County, I regret to say no means are at my disposal to 
 trace his personal history from the time he disposed of his establishment in 
 1802. It is reasonable to conclude, however, that he has long since worked 
 off his last page, and been distributed in the case prepared for all beings. 
 I regret that so little is known of his early history, but am unable to sup- 
 ply the deficiency. 
 
 John K. Gould, who succeeded Mr. Carey and published the paper for the 
 "proprietors," died in 1808. As an interesting reminiscence in the history of 
 the "Repository and Advertiser," it may be stated that Judge Howell, who 
 wrote its prospectus, still lives to peruse its columns in the 44th year of Its 
 existence! Blest with age and honors, he has survived; a living witness 
 to the mighty improvements that have been going on around him. 
 
 James D. Bemis who became Interested with Mr. Gould, in the publication 
 of the "Repository and Advertiser," in 1804, Is still living at Canandaigua. 
 Mr. B. has been extensively engaged in Printing, Bookselling and Binding 
 in that village. 
 
 I will here state, that in relation to Mr. Bemis, I shall be a little more par- 
 ticular, and give the facts in his case a little more minutely, than I shall 
 do in other cases. His age — the position he occupies in relation to the Press 
 In Western New York, demands this much at my hands. Mr. B. first came 
 to Canandaigua, 15th January, 1804, and was then about 21 years of age. 
 His first business was the establishment of a Bookstore, being In partnership 
 with the proprietors of the Albany Bookstore. In October of the same year, 
 he sold out to Myron HoUey, and was then induced to buy one half of the 
 Printing establishment, for which he paid $700. In 1810 he purchased back 
 the bookstore of Mr. Holley, and added to the establishment a Bindery. He 
 was also Agent for Ink Makers, Type Founders and Press Manufacturers. 
 By the way, however, for many years he made his own Ink. 
 
 Previous to the opening of the Canal in 1825, Mr. Bemis was very exten- 
 sively engaged in the Book and Stationery business. Instead of procuring 
 articles In either branch of business in New-York, as is now the case, Mer- 
 chants were very generally through the West, supplied from his establish- 
 ment, swelling his sales from 20 to $30,000 a year. The whole of this Im- 
 mense business, aside and in connection with the other branches of industry 
 in which he was engaged, was done under his own eye. He was thus com- 
 pelled to work all day — and, to keep up the Editorial department of his paper, 
 and his private correspondence, write half the night. 
 
 Many apprentices have gone forth from his employ, and many of them can 
 bear ample testimony to the substantial benefits they have received^ In their 
 
 4 
 
efforts to buffet the waves of fortune, at his hands. These efforts have al- 
 ways been received with favor by him, and he has never been backward in 
 contributing to their complete success. He is the oldest representative of 
 the Newspaper Press in Western New-York, now living, and is looked upon 
 with no little veneration and regard by those who are now actively engaged 
 in that branch of business. 
 
 It must be recollected that in 1803, the "Repository and Advertiser" was 
 the only medium for the distribution of the intelligence of the day, west of 
 Utica — that its materials were rude and uncouth — yet at this establishment 
 was done all the Job work for the land offices, together with the legal and 
 business advertising, for all the region west of Onondaga, and in some in- 
 stances, from Canada. Its circulation was about 1000. The mode of circu- 
 lating papers, at that day, is by no means devoid of interest — but I am dis- 
 posed to let Mr. Bemis tell it in his own way: — 
 
 "Not the least interesting part of the "Repository" establishment, was the 
 post-riding, or mode of distribution, which affords an amusing contrast to 
 the present lightning way of doing things. The most important route was 
 the western, and he who supplied it was, in those days, of as great conse- 
 quence as is now the superintendent of a railroad. Imagine a small, hump- 
 back, cross-eyed, deaf — old man — and you may see honest Ezra Metcalf, who 
 was as trustworthy as he was ugly — mounted on a skunk horse, and you 
 have the post-rider. And now for his business: In an old-fashioned pair of 
 saddle-bags, were stowed from 150 to 200 papers. On the top of this was 
 a small portmanteau, containing the United States Mail, with a padlock; but 
 whether the key was intrusted to the rider, as it might safely have been, is 
 not remembered. Thus mounted, with tin horn in hand, which he blew when 
 he got in the saddle, he set off, 
 
 'The herald of a noisy world, 
 News from all quarters lumbering at his back.' 
 
 ' The arrival and departure of 'old uncle Ezra,' was an event, and caused 
 a gathering of divers citizens, who felt as much anxiety about It, and what 
 he carried and fetched, as do our citizens for the movements of the railroad 
 cars. Errands were sent by him, and he always had some word from our 
 neighbors who lived thirty or a hundred miles off. Once In three months 
 he would bring from the postmasters at Fort Niagara, Lewlston, Buffalo, 
 Batavia, and other settlements, lists of letters to be published. His route 
 from Canandaigua and back, was as follows: first, via Boughton Hill and 
 Mann's Mills to Northfield, and the Genesee River, which he forded. This 
 was a point where a tavern, a saw-mill, and a few other 'improvements,' 
 were found. Thence north to Handford's Landing, perhaps to Charlotte, at 
 the River's mouth, where was a store-house, and a few other buildings; then 
 back to the Ridge Road, which led by Oak Orchard at Lewlston, then down 
 to Youngstown and Fort Niagara. Returning to Lewlston, he went up the 
 
 8 
 
River to the Falls, and to New Amsterdam, on Buffalo Creek, an Indian trad- 
 ing place where the whites had a few stores. This was his western termin- 
 us. Homeward, he came by the Four Mile Creek, Eleven Mile Creek, and 
 Vandeventer's to Batavia, the seat of the Holland Land Company, and a 
 place of some note; thence to Ganson's Settlement, the Genesee River 
 through Hartford, Charleston, and Bloomfield, and Canandaigua, where he 
 was waited for every Saturday, having been five days in performing his cir- 
 cuit." 
 
 This is a primitive picture, but many is the man and the woman still liv- 
 ing, who can bear witness to its truthfulness— who can well remember the 
 almost feverish anxiety with which the day of the coming of "old Ezra" was 
 looked for by the tenants of the vast wilderness, and the joy or sorrow ho 
 was wont to bring among them, according to the tenor of the despatches of 
 which he was the bearer. The above is also a picture of early Printing in 
 Western New- York. I can only hope that Mr. Bemi6, one of its earliest pio- 
 neers, may yet long be spared among us, as a noble monument of fair and 
 upright dealing — and that when he shall be finally gathered to his fathers, 
 he may be welcomed with, "well done, good and faithful servant." 
 
 Isaac Tiffany, the founder of the "Ontario Freeman," in 1803, was original- 
 ly from New-Hampshire. He first settled at Niagara, U. C, where he was for 
 a time, Government, or King's Printer. His widow, who over fifty years ago 
 bore him company from his native state, is still living, and a resident of 
 Lockport. He was the father of Judge Tiffany, of Adrian, Michigan. The 
 time of his death is not known. 
 
 John A. Stevens commenced the publication of the "Ontario Messenger" 
 in 1806. He was a kind, affectionate and good hearted man, and very 
 generally esteemed by all who knew him. He died some fifteen years since. 
 
 James Bogart, in 1806, established the "Geneva Gazette," and continued 
 at its head for 27 years. The same paper is still continued, but it is in other 
 hands, and whose I am unable to learn from the materials placed in my 
 hands. These omissions are perplexing, but the fault is not mine. Mr. Bo- 
 gart after leaving the Press has been Collector of Canal Tolls at Geneva, and 
 still occupies a prominent position among the intelligent citizens of that 
 thriving and delightful Village. 
 
 Of Eben Eaton, I can say nothing, for his name is not mentioned, except 
 that he established a paper at Geneva in 1800. 
 
 A. N. Phillips, who commenced the publication of the "Republican" at Can- 
 andaigua in 1824, was a nephew of the somewhat celebrated M. M. Noah, of 
 New- York — he continued its publication for a short time — sold out, and re- 
 turned to New- York. If I mistake not he is dead. He was succeeded by 
 
 Thomas B. Barnum, who continued the paper for a few years. Mr. B. was 
 a young man of respectable acquirements, but before time and experience 
 
 6 
 
had given scope for their full and complete development, he was called to 
 his last account. 
 
 W. W. Phelps started the "Phoenix" In 1827, the year succeeding the out- 
 rage upon the person of Morgan. The paper was intended as an organ of 
 the Antimasonic party, which by that time had begun to assume a political 
 aspect. It soon after passed into the hands of R. Royce, of whom I know 
 nothing. Of Mr. Phelps, I can only say, that he has left the Press, and 
 taken to the Pulpit. He Joined the Mormons, and when last heard from, 
 he was at Council Bluffs. 
 
 Orville L. Holley was for a time at the head of the "Repository" establish- 
 ment. He is a man of more than ordinary talent, and while under his 
 charge that paper was sustained with considerable ability. Mr. H. was af- 
 terwards Surveyor General of the State, and at one time, if I mistake not, 
 associated with Mr. Ward, of New-York, in the publication of the "Anti-Ma- 
 sonic Review". I am informed he is now a resident of Troy, and has been 
 the Editor of the "Albany Daily Advertiser." 
 
 Morse & Harvey took the "Repository" from Mr. Bemis. In 1835, Mr. 
 Harvey died. Mr. Morse is still living, but not, I believe, connected with the 
 Printing business. Since the death of Mr. Harvey, the paper has passed 
 into various hands, and is now under the control and management of 
 
 George L. Whitney, through whose exertions and preserverance the former 
 creditable reputation of the paper is kept up and sustained. 
 
 I regret very much that the means have not been placed within my reach 
 by which the history of the "Ontario Messenger" could be traced up to the 
 present time. It has passed through many hands since it was relinquished 
 by Mr. Stevens. At one time it was under the control of Thomas B. Hahn, 
 who relinquished it on being appointed postmaster of Canandaigua, but I 
 cannot tell who are the conductors of it now. 
 
 There are some reminiscences connected with the "Messenger" oiflce, per- 
 sonal to the writer of these pages, which I cannot refrain from mentioning. 
 It was the first Printing Office that I ever beheld, and its workings were A 
 mystery, too deep and subtle for my youthful mind to fathom. Having a 
 brother, Oran FoUett, an apprentice in that office, I was of course more fre- 
 quently led to visit it than I should otherwise have done. It was in that 
 office that I obtained the first money that I ever received from my own la- 
 bor! The amount was 6^4 cents, and was the reward for my labor in fold- 
 ing a certain number of papers. These circumstances were no doubt the 
 determining points, which finally Induced me to become a Printer. 
 
 MONROE COUNTY 
 
 Printing was first introduced into what now constitutes the City of Roches- 
 ter, and present limits of Monroe County, in the year 1816. In years that 
 
 7 
 
are past, the site of that city was familiarly known as the "Mill Yard!" In 
 vain does the early settler look for the foot-path, the trail, that used to lead 
 him to the fording-place of Genesee River. It is not so much the lapse of 
 time that has obliterated these old land-marks, as it is the progressive and 
 onward march of the arts and civilization. These have stripped the land of 
 its forest-trees — have raised those many and valuable monuments of taste, 
 religion, and industry, which are, I might almost say, the peculiar character- 
 istics of the City of Rochester. Forty years ago, and Rochester was sur- 
 rounded and embedded in a wilderneiss — then, instead of the busy hum of 
 life, the progress of the destiny of man, the hammer of the mechanic and 
 artlzan, was only to be heard the roar of its cataract, the notes of the bird 
 of night, or the howling wolf! But a change has come over the face of na- 
 ture, and the wild and picturesque, have receded before the beautiful and 
 substantial monuments of man's genius and industry, and reveal to our view 
 the City of Rochester in all the pride of its young, but proud spirit. 
 
 Even in its infant state, Rochester had excited the hopes and aspirations 
 of a member of the Craft. To the mind of Augustine G. Dauby, then an ap- 
 prentice with Ira Merrill, in the office of the "Utica Patriot," it offered in- 
 ducements for the establishment of a Printing Press. Accordingly, early in 
 the year 1816, he commenced the publication of a small sheet, called the 
 "Rochester Gazette." Sometime afterwards John Sheldon became associated 
 with him. Mr. S., I believe, continued in the establishment about ten 
 months, and then removed to Detroit. Oran Follett was, for a brief period, 
 in company with Mr. Dauby. In 1821, he disposed of the establishment to 
 Levi W. Sibley. After the separate organization of Monroe County, the ti- 
 tle of the paper was changed to that of "Monroe Republican," and was under 
 the charge of Derick Sibley, and Levi W. Sibley, until November, 1825, when it 
 passed into the hands of Whittlesey & Mumford, who, In company with Ed- 
 win Scrantom, continued its publication until July, 1827, when they sold out, 
 and it was merged in another paper. 
 
 In 1818, July 7, Everard Peck & Co., in connection with their Book-Store, 
 established the "Rochester Telegraph," the mechanical department of which 
 was conducted for about a year by Derick Sibley, aided by his brother, L. W. 
 Sibley. In 1824, it was enlarged, and Thurlow Weed employed as Editor of 
 the paper. In 1825, Mr. Weed purchased the establishment, and, with Ro- 
 bert Martin, issued it semi-wekly until 1827, when Mr. Weed withdrew 
 from the concern, and during the year 1828, it was published daily by Mr. 
 Martin. 
 
 In October, 1825, Marshall, Spalding & Hunt established the "Rochester 
 Album," which continued on its course for two or three years— was pur- 
 chased by Mr. Martin, and united with the Telegraph. 
 
 On the 25th of October 1826, Luther Tucker & Co., commenced the publica- 
 tion of the "Rochester Daily Advertiser," issuing in connection with it a week- 
 
 8 
 
ly, called the "Rochester Mercury." In 1829, Tucker & Martin united the 
 two daily papers, giving it the name of the "Rochester Daily Advertiser and 
 Telegraph," with a weekly, the "Rochester Republican."— In 1830, Hoyt & 
 Porter took the place of Mr. Martin, and Henry O'Rielly was placed in the 
 editorial chair, which post he occupied until 1838, when he was appointed 
 Post Master of Rochester, and Thomas W. Flagg assumed the chair which 
 had been thus vacated. In 1840, Thomas H. Hyatt bought the establishment 
 and became the sole proprietor. On the 1st of May, 1842, another revolu- 
 tion in the establishment took place, and it passed into the hands of Hiram 
 Bumphrey and Cephas S. McConnell. Joseph Curtis, on the 1st day of Jan- 
 uary, 1844, succeeded Mr. Bumphrey. In October, 1845, McConnell & Cur- 
 tis sold the establishment to Isaac Butts, and in October, 1846, Harvey L, 
 Winants was admitted as a partner, under the firm of I. Butts & Co., by 
 whom the paper is now conducted. 
 
 The events of 1826, called into existence. In January, 1828, the "Rochester 
 Balance," by D. D. Stephensen. This name, however, was soon after dis- 
 carded, and "Anti-masonic Enquirer" substituted in its place, conducted by 
 Thurlow Weed and Samuel Heron. In February, 1829, Daniel N. Sprague 
 purchased Mr. Heron's interest, and on the 30th March, 1830, Mr. Weed re- 
 tired, leaving the establishment in the hands of Mr. Sprague, who continued 
 it until the 20th October, 1831, when Erastus Shepard, then of Palmyra, 
 united the "Western Spectator" with the Enquirer — enlarged the paper, and 
 became its only proprietor until November, 1832, when Alvah Strong was ad- 
 mitted a partner, and by them the paper was continued until February 18, 
 1834, at which time another establishment was united with it, and a new 
 paper issued. 
 
 Soon after the Enquirer was started, E. J. Roberts commenced the publi- 
 cation of "The Craftsman," which was published for about a year and a 
 half, and was then discontinued. 
 
 The "Rochester Observer," a semi-monthly religious publication was com- 
 menced in 1827, by the Rev. Mr. Sill, who hired it printed by L. Tucker & 
 Co. In 1828, it was published for Samuel Chipman, by Elisha Loomis. In 
 1830, it was printed by Albert G. Hall. In 1832, it was sold to Hoyt & Por- 
 ter, who, after publishing it for a short time, transferred its subscription list 
 to the New-York Evangelist. 
 
 In 1828, Peter Cherry commenced the publication of a miscellaneous paper, 
 called the "Western Wanderer," — soon after it passed into the hands of Ed- 
 win Scrantom, and assumed the title of the "Rochester Gem." Mr. Scrantom 
 disposed of it in 1833, to John Denio. In 1834, Shepard & Strong became the 
 proprietors, and its publication was finally discontinued by Strong & Daw- 
 son, in 1843. 
 
 The "Genesee Farmer" sprung into existence in 1830, by L. Tucker & Co., 
 edited by Naman Goodsell. It was started a weekly, but in 1832, it was cn- 
 
 9 
 
larged and published monthly. Mr. Goodsell left the establishment about 
 this time, and brought forward "Goodsell's Genesee Farmer," which was 
 printed by George Smith — it soon after passed into the hands of Shepard 
 & Strong, and was by them discontinued. Mr. Tucker continued the Genesee 
 Farmer, and for a while it was under the editorial charge of H. L. Stevens 
 — then of Wyllis Gaylord, of Onondaga County, until 1839, when Mr. Tucker 
 removed to Albany, where it was united with the "Cultivator," — Soon after 
 this, Elihu F. Marshall and Michael B. Bateham, started the "New Genesee 
 Farmer," which was placed under the editorial supervision of Mr. Bateham, 
 until 1841, when Henry Coleman became Editor, and eventually owner of the 
 establishment. In December, 1842, Charles F. Crosman bought the paper, 
 and disposed of one half of it to Mr. Shepard. It was continued by them 
 until 1844, when it passed into the hands of Benjamin F. Smith and James 
 P. Fogg. In 1845, Daniel D. T. Moore, became the proprietor, and Dr. Daniel 
 Lee, Editor, with P. Barry as conductor of the Horticultural Department, and 
 il is thus published at the present time. 
 
 The "National Republican," a weekly paper, by Sidney Smith, was com- 
 menced in the spring of 1831, and was thus continued until 1833, when a 
 daily was issued from the same office until the winter following, when Mr. 
 S. disposed of it to Shepard & Strong. The "Monroe Democrat" took the 
 place of the National Republican and of the Enquirer, and the "Rochester 
 Daily Democrat" that of the Evening Advertiser. In the spring of 1836, 
 George Dawson purchased an interest in the Democrat, and edited the papers 
 until August, 1839, when he sold out to the other partners. In April, 1842, he 
 again became interested in the establishment, purchasing Mr. Shepard'a half 
 of it. In November, 1846, Mr. Dawson sold out to Henry Cook and Samuel 
 P. Allen, who, in company with Mr. Strong, now carry on the establishment. 
 
 On the 19th of October, 1839, the "Workingman's Advocate," a daily paper, 
 was started at Rochester, and was the offspring of a "strike" among the 
 Journeymen Printers of the city. A press, type, and other material was 
 purchased of Delazon Smith, by George T. Frost, William S. Falls, and Cor- 
 nelius S. Underwood, and by them placed at the disposal of the Typographi- 
 cal Association. The establishment was committed to the care of Messrs. 
 Underwood, Falls & Frost, and the editorial department, to Henry C. Frink, 
 who at the same time discharged the duties of foreman in the Book and Job 
 ollice of William Ailing. A weekly paper was also issued from the same office. 
 About the first of April following, it was purchased by James Vick, jr., and 
 George T. Frost, and its name changed to that of "Evening Advocate." Mr. 
 Frost afterwards disposed of his interest to Alonzo Bennet. It was thus con- 
 tinued for about a year, when it passed into the hands of John I. Reilly & 
 Co., and was merged in the "Evening Post." This firm continued the Post, 
 In connection with a large weekly called the "Western New-Yorker," until 
 the first of January, 1843, when they came into the hands of Erastus Shepard, 
 
 10 
 
who continued them until the November following, when they were both dis- 
 continued. 
 
 In 1840, William A. Welles commenced the publication of the "Rochester 
 Daily Whig," and continued it through the political campaign of that year, 
 when it was thrown up. 
 
 Abiathar M. Harris and Thomas H. Hayatt started a paper at Brockport, 
 but at what time, I am unable to say. It was afterwards in the hands of 
 Jeremiah O. Balch, and at a still later period in the hands of Ansel Warren. 
 A paper is now in existence in that village, called the "Brockport Watch- 
 man," and is conducted by Edwin T. Bridges. 
 
 A paper was commenced at Honeoye Falls, in 1840, by Mr. Hough. How 
 long it was continued is not stated. 
 
 The "Voice of Truth, and Glad Tidings of the Kingdom at Hand," a week- 
 ly Second Advent paper was commenced on the 1st of February, 1844, by 
 Elder Joseph Marsh, who still continues its publication. 
 
 On the 23rd of December, 1844, Leonard Jerome and Josiah M. Patterson 
 commenced the publication of the "Rochester Daily American," Alexander 
 Mann, Editor. A weekly paper was also issued at the same time. In July, 
 1845, Lawrence R. Jerome became interested as co-partner in the establish- 
 ment, and it was conducted under the firm of J. M. Patterson & Co. until 
 January 1st, 1846, when it became the property of Leonard and Lawrence 
 R. Jerome exclusively, by whom it has since been published, under the Arm 
 of Jerome & Brother. In September, 1846, Dr. Daniel Lee became associated 
 with Mr. Mann in the editorial department, and in March, 1847, Reuben D, 
 Jones became one of the editors of that paper. 
 
 The "Genesee Evangelist" was commenced in the city of Rochester, in the 
 spring of 1846, by Rev. John E, Robie. It is respectable in size and appear- 
 ance, and is said to be the first weekly religious newspaper in the nation 
 which has an existence or was ever projected at the low price of one dollar 
 a year. It is not denominational in its character, though its editor and pro- 
 prietor is a minister in one of the evangelical churches. The paper is said 
 to have been well received wherever it has become known, and to bid fair 
 for a long and healthful existence. 
 
 The "Genesee Olio," a literary paper, by Franklin Cowdrey — and the 
 "Christian Offering," a religious paper, by S, B. Shaw, both semi-monthlies, 
 are also published at Rochester. 
 
 [In addition to the papers already enumerated, the following have been 
 published in Rochester during the last nine years, for a period varying from 
 three to eighteen months but none of which have now an existence there. 
 Particulars are not known: — The "Watchman," an infidel paper, by Delazon 
 Smith. "Daily Sun," neutral, by Alfred Oakley. The "Jeffersonian," a daily 
 political paper, by Thomas L. Nichols. The "Penny Preacher," a small 
 
 11 
 
religious publication, issued weekly, by Erastus Shepard. The "Western 
 Luminary," a Universalist paper, printed weekly, by Rev. J. M. Cook, and 
 others, but now published in Buffalo. The "True Genesee Farmer," devoted 
 to agriculture, N. Goodsell, Editor, a monthly paper, by Wra. A. Welles. The 
 "Medical Truth Teller," devoted to the Thomsonian practice, by Dr. Justin 
 Gates. The "Evening Advocate," a small daily paper, neutral, by Alonzo 
 Bennet & Robert A. Willson. The "Rochester Telegraph," a small weekly 
 publication, devoted to items of news, neutral, by George A. Knapp. The 
 "Youth's Temperance Banner," monthly, published by the Executive Com- 
 mittee of the Youth's Temperance Society, of Rochester. — Eds American.] 
 
 It is by no means to be taken for granted, that the above list comprises all 
 the papers that have been commenced in the city of Rochester — but it is 
 all the Committee have furnished me with. 
 
 This, then, is the extent of the Newspaper Press in Monroe County. From 
 the data furnished me, I have endeavored to present the facts as they exist 
 in reference to those establishments. I now propose to take a survey of the 
 battle-field, and trace out, so far as it can be done, the personal history of 
 those who have been actors in the scenes described. First, then, let us call 
 up the case of 
 
 Augustine G. Dauby. This gentleman, as before stated, was the first per- 
 son who attempted to plant the standard of the Press in Monroe County. 
 He was a pupil of Ira Merrill, and learned the "art and mystery of type set- 
 ting" at Utica. Mr. D. is a fine and noble specimen of the Craft, and very 
 justly enjoys the confidence and esteem of all, who, in the social relations 
 of life, or in a business capacity, are thrown in his way. In 1816, by means 
 of a small patrimony, he was enabled to purchase a Ramage Press, and 
 such other materials as were deemed necessary, and with this "setting out,"' 
 he launched his bark at the "Mill Yard," and forthwith issued to the 
 "dwellers in the wilderness" the first number of the "Rochester Gazette." 
 Various successes attended this new undertaking in a new country. Some- 
 times he was cheered by the opening view before him, and at others de- 
 pressed by the difficulties that are inseperable from such an undertaking, and 
 under such circumstances. In this way he struggled on for a little more than 3 
 years, and was Just beginning to reap the reward that he so justly merited, 
 when all his hopes and expectations were nipped In the bud by the de- 
 struction of his office, by fire! This catastrophe befel him on the 7th of 
 December, 1819. Efforts were immediately made to put the young Printer 
 on his legs again, and through the kindness of the citizers, the April follow- 
 ing, 1820, saw Mr. Dauby again in the "full tide of successful experiment." 
 In 1821, he disposed of the establishment to Levi W. Sibley, and returning to 
 TTtica, started the "Oneida Observer." Near the close of Mr. Monroe's admin- 
 istration, he received the appointment of Post Master at Utica, an ofl^ice 
 which he has held until the present time, although two administrations have 
 been in power since, whose advent to office was strenuously opposed by Mr. 
 
 12 
 
Pauby. A life of toil and industry has given him a competency for old age. 
 Long may he be spared to enjoy it. 
 
 John Sheldon, who was in company with Mr. Dauby for a short time, 
 removed to Detroit immediately after leaving the establishment of the 
 Rochester Gazette. 
 
 Oran Follett, who was in company for a time with Mr. Dauby, after 
 Sheldon left, will be spoken of more at length in the "Recollections of the 
 Press In Genesee County." 
 
 Derick Sibley and Levi W. Sibley, were somewhat conspicuous in the 
 early establishment of Printing in Monroe County. The former gentleman 
 was appointed to preside at the Printers' Festival held last year, and dis- 
 charged the duties in a manner highly gratifying to all present. He v/as 
 elected by the citizens of Monroe County to the legislature of this State, and 
 also filled other responsible public offices. To show the manner in which 
 business is done in a new country, and the expedients to which its inhabi- 
 tants are obliged to resort, it may be stated, that at one time. 1818. the two 
 Sibleys received essential aid in the prosecution of their business, from the 
 personal assistance at case of a noble and generous-hearted sister! That 
 sister is still living, the affectionate wife of a member of the Craft, and the 
 mother of as large and interesting a family as any in the city of Rochester. 
 Derick Sibley has recently removed to Cincinnati, Ohio. Levi W. died in 
 August, 1844. 
 
 Whittlesey & Mumford were at one time the proprietors of the Monroe 
 Republican. — Frederick Whittlesey, and William W. Mumford — the former. 
 Vice Chancellor of the 8th Circuit, the duties of which laborious office he 
 has discharged with great fidelity and ability for several years, and the 
 latter a lawyer of some eminence in the city of Rochester. 
 
 Edwin Scrantom was the first Apprentice to the Printing Business in 
 Rochester. He still lives there, a worthy and respected citizen — is now an 
 Alderman of the city, and is doing an extensive business as an Auction and 
 Commission Merchant, &c. &c. He is deserving of success, and the indi- 
 cations are that he is in a fair way for its accomplishment. 
 
 Everard Peck has been more or less connected with the Printing and 
 Pookselling business in Rochester for many years. With good business 
 habits, and strict integrity of purpose, he has worked his way through life 
 thus far with success. He has retired from his former pursuits, but con- 
 tinues to reside in Rochester, where, in its infancy, he commenced business 
 thirty years ago, and in the growth and prosperity of which he has always 
 manifested a lively interest. 
 
 Jesse Peck was Foreman in the office of the "Telegraph," from 1818 to 
 1825, when the establishment was transferred to Mr. Weed. He was for 
 several years after, connected with Everard Peck and David Hoyt, in the 
 Printing and Bookselling business. He is now one of the firm of Peck & 
 
 IS 
 
Stafford, Book and Job Printers, New Haven, Conn. He was a first rate 
 Printer, a worthy man, and a favorite among the Craft. 
 
 Thurlow Weed. In the history of this gentleman, the "young Printer" has 
 the highest incentives to a manly battle with the trials and perplexities of 
 life. With scarcely, if any other advantages than those derived from the 
 schooling of the office, he has risen to an eminence which but few others 
 have attained as the conductor of a public journal. Without meaning or 
 Intending any disparagement to others, I may be permitted to say, that 
 Mr. Weed is blessed with a large and generous soul — always alive to the 
 wants and necessities of his fellow men, and always giving in such cases, 
 so long as he has a shilling in store. Indeed, he has sometimes been known 
 to carry this principle too far — forgetting occasionally, in the outpouring of 
 his generous heart, that "charity begins at home." However, as Editor of 
 the Albany Evening Journal, and State Printer, he has, it is thought, 
 accumulated a sufficiency to carry him through life with ease and comfort, if 
 indeed, he were disposed thus to live. 
 
 Robert Martin was associated with Mr. Weed in the publication of the 
 Rochester Telegraph from 1824 to 1829 or 1830, v/hen he Jeturned to Albany, 
 and engaged in the Daily Advertiser and Gazette in that city, with which 
 he had previously been connected. He died a few years after. 
 
 Elihu F. Marshall was a well known and respected citizen of Rochester. 
 In company with Mr. Dean, he was engaged in printing and bookselling. He 
 established, in or about 1825, an excellent weekly nevrspaper, called "The 
 Album," which, after several years of successful operation, was merged in 
 the Telegraph. Mr. Marshall was the author of a Spelling Book extensively 
 used at that day. He held the ofllice of City Treasurer. He died in Roches- 
 ter some five or six years ago. 
 
 Mr. Spalding was also connected with the press in Rochester, but of him 
 the records are nearly silent. Mr. S. died a few years ago at Avon — in a 
 stage coach in which he was traveling in company with his wife. His 
 disease was consumption, and death overtook him in these strange and 
 unexpected circumstances. 
 
 John H. Hunt was an apprentice in the Telegraph office, and afterwards 
 one of the publishers of the Album. He was a delegate to the Constitutional 
 Convention in 1846, from the city of New York, where he now resides. 
 
 Luther Tucker and those associated with him, were the pioneers of the 
 Daily Press west of Albany. The Printing Business is greatly indebted to 
 the persevering industry that characterizes the life of Mr. Tucker, for 
 the great and growing impetus that has been given to it in the city of 
 Rochester. Patient and enduring to the last, no obstacles howe-ver for- 
 midable they might seem to others, were too much for him to grapple with 
 and surmount. — He has thus fought his way through the trials and adversi- 
 ties of life, and is now reaping the rev/ard of his industry in the successful 
 publication of the "Cultivator," an Agricultural paper printed at Albany. 
 
 14 
 
Henry O'Reilly is another name conspicuously identified with the Press 
 of Western New- York. He also is a practical Printer, and a man possessing 
 a strong and vigorous intellect, schooled by many years of service in the 
 arduous duty of a newspaper Editor. — He is indefatigable as a man of re- 
 search, and the public are greatly indebted to him for his work entitled, 
 "Rochester and Western New-York," published a few years since, and in 
 which is contained a vast fund of information, personal, statistical, and local, 
 which had it not been for him must have been soon lost and forgotten. He 
 was for a number of years Post Master of the city of Rochester, and is now, 
 and has been for some time past, engaged as the Agent for the Magnetic 
 Telegraph Company, in superintending the erection and completion of those 
 lines of communication at the West and South. He has prosecuted the bus- 
 iness with great vigor and perseverance, and many of them have been 
 brought to a successful completion under his management. He too, is a 
 man of unbounded benevolence and charity, caring more for the woes of 
 others, than the necessities of self. So much so, indeed, that it amounts 
 to a fault. In this he errs — but it is an error of the head, for the heart is 
 essentially right. 
 
 Thomas W. Flagg succeeded Mr. O'Rielly in the Editorial chair. I can say 
 nothing of his personal history, for the simple reason that it is unknown to me 
 
 Thomas H. Hyatt, is a member of the Craft, and was from 1840 to 1842, 
 at the. head of the Advertiser and Republican. After relinquishing the 
 business, he retired upon a farm in the vicinity of the city of Rochester, 
 and there devoted his time and his money to the development of the "art 
 of farming." — He was the means of introducing many valuable and rare kinds 
 of stock into Monroe Co., and has done much to advance the cause of 
 Agriculture. He is now one of the proprietors, and also the Editor, of the 
 Daily Globe, published In New-York. 
 
 Hiram Humphrey was for some time, previous and subsequent to his 
 proprietorship, the Editor of the Advertiser and Republican. He is not a 
 Printer, but left the plow to assume the duties of the quill. During the 
 command which he exercised over the columns under his charge, the paper 
 was very creditably sustained. Mr. B. is now Canal Collector at Rochester. 
 The open, frank, and generous nature of the Major has secured him many 
 friends. 
 
 Isaac Butts and Harvey L. Winants are now the publishers of the same 
 paper.— The former, I believe, is not a Printer, but the latter is. The slight 
 acquaintance I have had with these gentlemen, does not permit me to speak 
 of their personal history. The paper is well conducted, and handsomely 
 sustained. 
 
 In the catalogue, as connected with the Press in Rochester, appear the 
 names of D. D. Stephenson, Samuel Heron, Daniel N. Sprague, and many 
 others, of whom it would give me great pleasure to speak more at large, but 
 my knowledge of their history will not warrant me in so doing. Of Mr. 
 
 15 
 
Sprague it is however stated, that he was in 1830 associated with Mr. Weed 
 
 in the Rochester Anti-Masonic Enquirer, and after Mr. W. left Rochester to 
 comence the publication of the Evening Journal at Albany, Mr. S. for a time 
 continued the former paper. He is at present the Editor of the Wooster 
 Democrat in Ohio, a paper which he has published for 12 or 14 years. 
 
 Erastus Shepard, is a name honorably connected with the business of 
 Printing in Rochester. Mr. S. is a native of New Hartford, Conn., but spent 
 his childhood is Oneida County, and entered the office of his cousin, Ira 
 Merrill, in 1810, being then 14 years of age. His fellow-apprentices were 
 George Camp, Chauncey Morgan, his brother Augustus, Chester Gurney, and 
 Augustine G. Dauby. The latter was Mr. Shepard's senior at the business, 
 one day, which of course threw the burden of carrying papers, treading pelts, 
 fetching water, and distributing extras, upon the shoulders of Mr. S. long 
 after Mr. D., had been excused from the performance of those necessary 
 branches of the business. But notwithstanding all this, I have heard Mr. S. 
 say, they always lived upon the best of terms. For six long years they sat 
 at the same table, and shared at night, the same bed, without any of those 
 petty broils which are too apt to mar the dull routine of the days of appren- 
 ticeship. The close of the war left Mr. Merrill, who, in addition to Printing, 
 was also largely engaged in the Book trade, as it did many others — a total 
 wreck in business. Mr. S., as I have heard him express himself, was thus 
 left, at the age of 20, to "shack for himself," and with but little knowledge 
 and less experience, he entered into business at Ithaca. As might reason- 
 ably be anticipated, he was unsuccessful. He frequently reproaches liim- 
 self for not making higher aims, while an apprentice. Through the kindness 
 of his employer, he was permitted to attend school during the days of his 
 probation. The teacher reproached him on one occasion for not preparing, 
 as was the custom, a piece for declamation. But young Shepai-d, like most 
 other boys of his age, was wise in his own conceit, and very promptly 
 answered his teacher, "I do not expect to become an orator— it is enough for 
 me, if I can make a first rate journeyman Printer!" He was permitted to 
 have his own way, but has ever since deeply regretted his obstinacy, and 
 self-will, and I mention it here, to warn apprentices of the present day to 
 pvoid a similar course. There is another point upon which Mr S. always 
 speaks with feeling and earnestness, and his admonition to the young is, "Be 
 not impatient of restraint." He attributes his own preservation from the 
 path of the destroyer, to the pious care of the man who was wisely chosen 
 by his parents to take charge of his youthful career. He says that "in 
 tracing the lives of those youth who did not enjoy the same watchful care, 
 or those who cast off those wholesome restraints, I find many, alas! too 
 many, who have made shipwreck of themselves, and become burthens to 
 society." He also says experience has taught him a wholesome lesson, and 
 he sometimes volunteers it for the benefit of his young friends, who may 
 be endeavoring to clamber up the ladder of life, which is— "Never leave 
 a good situation to embark in uncertainties, without something better than 
 
 16 
 
fair words and surface promises from political demagogues, who have 
 •chestnuts to pull out of the fire.' " This is good advice, and coming from 
 one of the Craft, who already in advance of half a century, is entitled to 
 weight and consideration. It is a warning to the young, and by them 
 should be heedfuUy considered. 
 
 Alvah Strong is one of the partners at present engaged in the publication 
 of the Rochester Daily Democrat, and a man of great perseverance and in- 
 dustry, to whom much credit is due for the advancement of the art in 
 that city. 
 
 Ansel Warren, like too many of the Craft, has had more experience in 
 originating and publishing newspapers, than has been a source of profit 
 to him. He has published papers in several counties in this State. Some 
 years since, while printing a paper in Saratoga, Albany Co., his office was 
 totally destroyed by fire. At present he is publishing the "Free Citizen," at 
 Perry, Wyoming County. He enjoys the esteem and respect of the fraternity 
 of his acquaintance, as a gentleman of candor and integrity. 
 
 E. J. Roberts, for a while the conductor of a paper in Rochester, was 
 originally in the same business at Kingston, Ulster County, where he printed 
 a paper also called the "Craftsman." — He was doing a fair business, and 
 prospects were bright before him — but, in an evil hour, he purchased a 
 lottery ticket, and had the misfortune, as the sequel will prove, to draw the 
 one half of $20,000! After this Kingston was too small to contain the little 
 body of our friend Roberts. He immediately sold out — repaired to New- 
 York, and there formed a copartnership with M. M. Noah. He and the 
 Major were soon at variance — a personal difficulty ensued, in which tradi- 
 tion says the Major came off second-best — a dissolution followed, and soon 
 after Mr. Roberts made his appearance at Rochester. From thence he went 
 to Buffalo, where he was for some time concerned in the Newspaper Press, 
 from which place he removed to Detroit, where he was similarly engaged. 
 Was Police Justice of the city, and finally Clerk of the Senate of Michigan. 
 Whether he is still a resident of that city or not, is more than I am able 
 to say. Mr. Roberts is by no means deficient in talent, but he is wanting in 
 that firmness and decision of character, which is so essential to success in 
 life If, in early life, he had learned to "let well enough alone," his success 
 would have been by no means problematical. 
 
 Elisha Loomis, who at one time was the Printer of the Rochester Observer, 
 served his apprenticeship in the office of Mr. Bemis, of Canandaigua — went 
 out as Missionary Printer to the Sandwich Islands, and on his return 
 located at Rochester. 
 
 Albert G. Hall also printed the same paper, and following the example 
 of some who had preceded him, he filled up his leisure moments by close 
 application to classical studies, and was finally licensed as a minister. He 
 Is now the worthy Pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester. 
 
Here is an example, not only for the apprentice, but for the Journeyman 
 also. It only requires the will, and the deed is easily accomplished. 
 
 Peter Cherry, the founder of the "Wanderer," has experienced many "ups 
 and downs" since that period. He has acquired the art of Portrait Painting, 
 in addition to that of Printing, and now pursues that of the former 
 profession, in Rochester. 
 
 Many names follow as connected with different publications, but with 
 whose private history I am wholly unacquainted, and of whom, therefore, 
 I can say nothing. 
 
 George Dawson. Every body knows George. Proud of being a member of the 
 fraternity, he is a good companion, a ready writer, as well as a ready 
 debater, and a man of unconquerable perseverance. In the spring of 1836, 
 he left his post as reporter in the Senate for the Albany Journal, and 
 became one of the proprietors of the Rochester Democrat. In 1889, he sold 
 out, and became interested in the establishment of the Advertiser, at Detroit, 
 Michigan. He was afterwards appointed State Printer, finally sold out, 
 returned to Rochester, and again became interested in the Democrat, but 
 is now one of the Editors and proprietors of the Albany Evening Journal. 
 
 Henry Church Frink, although not occupying that prominent position 
 usually pertaining to the corps editorial, but choosing rather a retiracy, 
 possessed a vigorous and well-stored mind. Previous to assuming the 
 editorial charge of the Advocate, he frequently contributed to the columns 
 of the Rochester papers, many valuable articles on intricate subjects con- 
 nected with Science and the Arts. The Mathematical and Astronomical 
 calculations were furnished by him, to publishers of almanacs in Rochester 
 and other places, for a series of years. He was also the author of a work 
 entitled, "Alow and Aloft — on Board and on Shore," 178 duodecimo pp. It 
 was designed to aid in the great Temperance Reformation, to which it 
 doubtless contributed, as the work speedily attained to a second edition. 
 He served an apprenticeship to the business with Marshall & Dean, in 
 Rochester. Their office subsequently passing into the hands of Mr. William 
 Ailing, he was elevated to its superintendence, which station he occupied 
 for a number of years, and until Mr. A., in the spring of 1844, disposed 
 of his office to Messrs. Canfield & Warren, when he removed, with his 
 family to New- York city, to enter into the service of John T. Trow & 
 Co., as proof reader in their extensive Book establishment. He had 
 occupied this situation, however, but a brief period, when he was obliged 
 to desist, on account of an affection of one of his legs, which had now 
 assumed a serious aspect, caused by a severe injury received or. board ship 
 while crossing the Atlantic several years previous. It was now deemed 
 necessary to resort to amputation. To this he calmly resigned, but was 
 LOon pained by the discovery that a cure was not to be expected, as the 
 operation was performed below the seat of the disease. Disheartened and 
 in this deplorable condition, in the fall of 1845, amid great bodily suffering, 
 
 18 
 
be returned to his friends in Western New-York. He finally reached the 
 residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Eber Kendall, then of Lockport, where 
 he lingered but a few days, when he was relieved by death of his earthly 
 sufferings. 
 
 Henry Cook and Samuel P. Allen, both Printers, are the Editors of the 
 Daily Democrat, and exhibit great industry and perseverance in the conduct 
 of their paper. 
 
 William A. Welles. This gentleman is a Printer, a Sailor, a Traveller, 
 and a Writer of considerable ability. All who attended the last year's 
 Festival, or have read its proceedings, are better acquainted with his life 
 and history than I can hope to make them. He is evidently a genius, but 
 the best energies of his life have been spent in ministering to the 
 gratification of a roving propensity. 
 
 The "Rochester Daily American," Is in the hands of L. & L. R. Jerome. 
 This paper is of but recent comparative origin, but it has already assumed 
 an important position among the newspaper press of the city where it is 
 published. Its proprietors are energetic and persevering in their business. 
 Alexander Mann is the Editor of this paper, and seems to be admirably 
 adapted to the duties of his station. Recently, as before stated, Dr. Daniel 
 Lee and R. D. Jones have become associated with Mr. M. 
 
 With this sketch, brief and imperfect as it is, I must close the notice of 
 the Newspaper Press of Monroe County. Many, and I doubt not, worthy 
 members of the Craft have been passed by in silence. It has not been my 
 desire to do so — but ignorance of their personal history has compelled me 
 to take this course. Upon this, I rest my plea of justification. From what 
 I know of the Jurors in this case, I anticipate a triumphant acquittal. 
 
 ERIE COUNTY. 
 
 The Newspaper Press in this County, since the first attempt to plant its 
 standard there in 1811, has undergone many changes and fluctuations. This 
 is more or less true in regard to most kinds of business, but holds peculiarly 
 &o in regard to the Newspaper Press, in its infancy, in all sections of our 
 country. The pioneers — those who clear the way for its introduction, rarely 
 reap the reward that is due them. After struggling through the night of 
 adversity, and just as the dawn of brighter hopes is about to break upon 
 them, they are haunted by the ghost of accumulated debts, the result, gen- 
 erally, of neglect and Indifference on the part of those who were most 
 strenuous for the undertaking, but who, having accomplished their own 
 ambitions and selfish purposes, now turn a cold shoulder upon him who has 
 been mainly instrumental in their advancement. Young adventurers should 
 be on their guard against the tricks of such men. I do not intend these 
 remarks particularly for the County of Erie— they will apply, like the 
 weather calculations of an Almanac, to almost any meridian. 
 
 19 
 
The first paper established in this County, the "Buffalo Gazette," was 
 issued on the 3d of October, 1811, by Smith H. and Hezekiah A. Salisbury, 
 brothers. In Jany. 1818, S. H. Salisbury transferred his interest to Wm. A. 
 Carpenter. In the April following, Mr. Carpenter disposed of his share in 
 the establishment to H. A. Salisbury, his partner, who changed the title of 
 the paper to "Niagara Patriot." On the separate organization of Erie 
 County, in 1820, the title of the paper was again changed to "Buffalo 
 Patriot." In 1826, Mr. Carpenter again occupied the "chair Editorial." It 
 was, however, for a time vacated by him, and his place occupied by Harvey 
 Newcomb, in 1829, who continued in it for about a year, v/hen it was again 
 resumed by Mr. Carpenter, who occupied it until 1834. The first number 
 of the "Daily Commercial Advertiser" was issued from the same oflace on the 
 1st of January, 1835, and was under the Editorial charge of Guy H. Salis- 
 bury, whose health compelled him to withdraw from it at the close of the 
 f;ame year. On the 1st of January, 1836, Bradford A. Manchester purchased 
 one half of the establishment, and it was conducted under the firm of 
 Salisbury & Manchester, and under the editorial charge, at one time, of Dr. 
 Thomas M. Foote, and for a short period, of Theodore C. Peters. On the 
 1st of July of the same year, H. A. Salisbury retired from the concern, leav- 
 ing it in the hands of Dr. Foote and Guy H. Salisbury, associated with Mr. 
 Manchester, by whom it was conducted until August, 1838, when Almon M. 
 Clapp merged the "Standard," then published at Aurora, in the weekly 
 "Patriot," and became one of the Editors and proprietors of the "Com- 
 mercial" and "Patriot." Mr. Manchester soon after withdrew from the 
 establishment, leaving it in the hands of his partners, by whom it was car- 
 ried on, under the firm of Salisbury, Foote & Co., until May, 1839, when 
 Salisbury and Clapp disposed of their interest to Dr. Foote and Elam R. 
 Jewett, which latter gentleman was then publishing the "Daily Buffalo 
 Journal," and which by this arrangement, was merged in the "Commercial." 
 The paper has since been published by these gentlemen, under the firm of 
 E. R. Jewett & Co., — Dr. Foote, Editor, assisted by Dr. Daniel Lee. 
 
 The "Buffalo Republican," weekly, was established in April, 1828, by 
 William P. M. Wood. In September following it passed into the hands of 
 Smith H. Salisbury and William S. Snow. In April, 1829, Mr. Snow re- 
 linquished his interest to Mr. Salisbury. In the spring of 1830, it passeil 
 into the hands of Henry L. Ball, who sold out in 1831 to Charles Faxon 
 and James Stryker, the latter of whom had edited the paper while in the 
 hands of Mr. Ball, and continued in that capacity until October, 1834, v/hen 
 Mr. Faxon bought his interest, and Horatio Gates became Editor. Israel T. 
 Hatch, in '31, and Henry K. Smith, in '34, were likewise its political Editorn. 
 In the spring of 1835, the "Bulletin," a weekly, and the "Daily Star," both 
 of which were then published by James Faxon, were purchased by Charles 
 Faxon, who merged the "Bulletin" in the "Republican," continuing the "Star" 
 as the daily. In August, 1838, Mr. Gates retired, and William L. Crandal 
 assumed the editorial duties. In December of that year the establishment 
 
 20 
 
was destroyed by fire, and the publication of the paper necessarily sus- 
 pended for several weeks. It was however resumed in 1839, by Quartus 
 Graves, who had bought out Mr. Faxon, and Mr. Gates returned again to his 
 Editorial duties, assisted for a brief period, by J. W. Dwinelle. In 1840, Mr. 
 Gates again vacated the chair, and it was taken by Stephen Albro, assisted 
 for a few months by J. C. Bunner. In April, 1841, Samuel Caldwell, super- 
 seded Mr. Albro, who, after a few weeks trial, relinquished it to J. C. 
 Bunner, who continued at his post until Mr. Graves sold out to Henry 
 Burwell, 1st of Jany. 1842, who changed the title of the paper to "Demo- 
 cratic Economist," upon which occasion Henry White was installed Editor. 
 On the 1st of October, 1842, Joseph Stringham purchased the establishment, 
 and issued the daily under the title of "Mercantile Courier," and assumed 
 Its Editorial charge. On the 1st of July, 1846, the Daily "National Pilot," 
 published by Bradford A. Manchester and James O. Brayman, was united 
 with the "Courier," and the paper was carried on under the firm of String- 
 ham, Manchester & Brayman, until November of the same year, when Mr. 
 Stringham relinquished his interest to his partners, and Guy H. Salisbury 
 was associated with Mr. Brayman in its Editorial management, and by them 
 It is still conducted. 
 
 On the 14th of January, 1846, Almon M. Clapp, Rufus Wheeler, and 
 William M'Credie, under the firm of A. M. Clapp & Co., commenced the pub- 
 lication of the "Morning Express;" the editorial department being assigned 
 to Mr. Clapp, and in October, W. E. Robinson was associated with him. 
 
 In January, 1847, a daily and weekly, bearing the title of the "Republic," 
 was issued by an association of Journeymen Printers, under the firm of 
 Livingston, Albro & Co. 
 
 In July, 1841, a semi-monthly publication, under the title of "Western 
 Literary Messenger," was commenced by John S. Chadbourne. In July, 1842, 
 Charles D. Ferris became an equal partner in the paper, and it was thence- 
 forward issued weekly. Mr. F. remained in it for one year, and sold out 
 to Jesse Clement. In May, 1846, Mr. Chadbourne retired and was succeeded 
 by Charles Faxon, 2d, and the paper is now published by Clement & Faxon. 
 
 On the 1st of June, 1845, the "Buffalo Medical Journal and Monthly Review 
 of Medical and Surgical Science," an octavo of 24 pages, was commenced by 
 Dr. Austin Flint, as Editor and publisher. At the end of the first year it was 
 enlarged to 64 pages. 
 
 The "Western Cataract," a weekly Temperance paper, was established in 
 January, 1845, by Lyman P. Judson, and has passed through the hands, suc- 
 cessively, of James Dubois, W. B. Williams, and Chauncey Hulburt. By the 
 latter its title has been changed to that of "Western Temperance Standard," 
 under which title it is still continued. 
 
 In June, 1846, Rev. L. S. Everett commenced the publication of the 
 
 21 
 
"Western Evangelist" — from the same office, also, is issued the "Am- 
 bassador," both devoted to the Universallst denomination. 
 
 In December, 1837, a German paper was established, called "Der Welt- 
 burger," by George Zahm, who was killed in 1844, from which time until the 
 fall of 1845, it was carried on by the administrators of his estate, under the 
 Editorial charge of Jacob M. Zahm, when it passed into the hands of Dr. 
 F. C. Brunck and J. Domidion, who commenced issuing it semi-weekly, and 
 enlarged the weekly sheet. 
 
 The "Telegraph" is the title of a weekly German paper commenced in 
 November, 1845, by H. B. Miller, and edited by Adolph Hilman. 
 
 The "Springville Express" is published by Edwin Hough, in the village 
 indicated by its title, in Erie County. It was established there about 
 two years since. 
 
 The above, the "chronicles of Erie" assert, is a history of the living 
 Press of that County. But where are the "mighty dead" ? Let us look 
 around among the tombs that have swallowed them up, and see if their past 
 history cannot be dragged forth and deciphered from the fragments that re- 
 main. "^-^^ 
 
 The second paper that made its appearance in the village of Buffalo, was 
 in July, 1815, by David M. Day, called the "Niagara Journal." On the erec- 
 tion of Erie County, the title was changed to "Buffalo Journal." It was edi- 
 ted by the leading politicians of the day, until about 1822, when R. W. Haskins 
 became its principal Editor. In 1826, Oran FoUett became a partner, and the 
 Editor. In 1824, R. W. Haskins was admitted to a copartnership, and as 
 joint Editor. In 1830, Follet and Haskins retired, leaving the paper in the 
 hands of Mr. Day. In 1834, he sold out to Elija J. Roberts, who in the summer 
 of that year issued a daily under the name of "Daily Advertiser," which lived 
 only about six weeks. Col. Morgan was assistant Editor with Mr. Roberts, 
 and the late Comfort M. Butler, one of the publishers. In the early part of 
 1835, the paper was suspended. In the meantime, however, Mr. Day had es- 
 tablished another paper, the "Buffalo Whig," of which R. W. Haskins was 
 Editor. The personal popularity of Mr. Day was too much for the "Journal," 
 and it went down. Soon after, Mr. D. purchased the title and subscription 
 list of the defunct, and added that of "Journal" to his paper. On the first 
 of January, 1836, Mitchenor Cadwallader and Dr. Henry R. Stagg, became 
 interested with Mr. Day, and in the February following, commenced the 
 "Daily Buffalo Journal," the editorial care of which was committed to Messrs. 
 Cadwallader and Stagg. In 1837, Mr. Day retired, and the paper was con- 
 tinued by Stagg & Cadwallader until the fall of 1838, when the establishment 
 passed into the hands of Elam R. Jewett, and Dr. Daniel Lee and J. B. Clarke 
 were installed as Editors. In May, 1839, the "Journal' was" merged in tho 
 "Commercial Advertiser." 
 
 22 
 
In 1824, in September, John A. Lazelle and Simeon Francis issued the first 
 number of the "Buffalo Emporium." From December, 1826, it was issued semi- 
 weekly, and was discontinued in the latter part of 1829. It was the first 
 paper issued in Buffalo oftener than once a week. 
 
 In the winter of 1827 or '28, Charles Sentell and Mr. Haywood, started a 
 paper called the "Western Advertiser." The late Oliver Forward and James 
 Sheldon were contributors to it. Its existence was prolonged only for about 
 three months, when it was united to the "Buffalo Patriot." 
 
 In the spring of 1830, Horace Steel commenced the "Buffalo Bulletin." 
 About Feb., 1834, it was bought by James Faxon, and Mason Brayman be- 
 came its Editor. It was afterwards, as before stated, merged in the "Repub- 
 lican." 
 
 In August, 1835, the "Transcript," daily and weekly, was started by Henry 
 Faxon, and edited by E. J. Roberts. In December, Edward H. Tompson, be- 
 came the Editor. It went down after an existence of six months. 
 
 About this period several small daily sheets were issued, which had but a 
 brief existence of two or three weeks, and then descended to the "tomb of 
 the Capulets." The "Daily Whig," and the "Daily Enquirer," are the only 
 ones of this class that can be called to mind. 
 
 In the winter of 1835, a little weekly sheet was started called the "Locofo- 
 co." It lived but a few weeks, when its light was extinguished. 
 
 During the winter of the "Patriot War," a little weekly sheet, called the 
 "Buffalonian," made its appearance, under the auspices of an association of 
 journeyman Printers. It was soon after issued daily by F. B. Ward & Co. 
 At first it was edited by Mr. "Anon." The thing taking pretty well, this Mr. 
 Anon, soon after turned into Mr. Geo. Arlington. Its wit, humor and biting 
 personalities soon procured for it a large circulation, and this Mr. Anon, 
 alias, Geo. Arlington, was again changed into Thomas L. Nichols. In the 
 fall, Mr. N. left the establishment and started another of similar character, 
 called the "Mercury." The "Buffalonian" was continued under the editorial 
 charge of J. D. Dwinelle, but being divested somewhat of its obnoxious char- 
 acter, its popularity began to wane, and after some two months it was 
 bought out by Mr. Nichols, and united with the "Mercury." In 1839 it 
 went into the hands of N.R.Stimpson, who published it until the succeeding 
 spring, when it ceased to exist. 
 
 In 1838-9. Abraham Dinsmore published the "Sun," daily and weekly. In 
 the May following it passed into the hands of E, H. Eastabrooks, and was 
 discontinued in October. 
 
 Thomas Newell, in the spring of 1839-40, started a daily and weekly paper, 
 called the "Buffalo Centinel." It was edited for a brief period by Thomas L. 
 Nichols, and for about three months by Henry Reed, Jr. It was discontinued 
 In the fall. 
 
 23 
 
In the summer of 1840, the "Morning Tattler," daily, was issued by Lang- 
 don, Fouchette & Schaeffer, and edited at first by George W. Bungay, and 
 at a later period by Thomas L. Nichols, for a short time. It was subse- 
 quently published for a few months by John S. Walker, as the "Morning 
 Times," but soon after, as tradition says, "went dead one day." 
 
 The first number of "Honest Industry" was issued in the summer of 1840, 
 by Dr. Daniel Lee. It never reached a second number, but died in its ef- 
 fort to burst forth into existence. 
 
 The "Phalanx," edited by Charles D. Ferris, and published dally and week- 
 ly, was commenced in 1840. It was discontinued at the end of six weeks. 
 
 In 1840, a German weekly paper, called the "Volksfreund," was established. 
 It was edited by Adolphus Meyers. It was discontinued after the election 
 of that year. 
 
 Another German paper called the "Freimuthige," was started January 1st, 
 1843, by Alexander Kranse and Adolphus Meyer. It was discontinued in the 
 summer of 1845. 
 
 The "School Reader" is the title of a weekly publication commenced in 
 1842, by A. W. Wilgus, and edited by R, W. Haskins. It lived for one quar- 
 ter and expired for want of patronage. 
 
 The "Sublime Patriot' was published in the winter of 1841-2, by Thomas 
 Jefferson Southerland. It was issued semi-monthly, but its course was soon 
 run. 
 
 A weekly paper, bearing the name of "Buffalo American," was commenced 
 In the winter or spring of 1842, by Thomas Foster and C F. Butler. It was 
 designed for the mechanical and working classes. It was in existence only 
 one year. 
 
 The "Daily Gazette," was commenced in August, 1842, by Charles Faxon, 
 2d, and soon after a weekly was issued, called the "Old School Jeffersonian," 
 which sustained the administration of President Tylor. In the February fol- 
 lowing these papers were discontinued, when H. A. Salisbury, Bradford A. 
 Manchester and James O. Brayman, issued daily and weekly, the "Buffalo 
 Gazette." This paper was continued until Febuary, 1845, when it was dis- 
 continued, and Messrs. Manchester & Brayman established the "National Pi- 
 lot," with Mr. Brayman and R. W. Haskins as editors. 
 
 The "Temperance Standard," devoted entirely to the cause of Temperance, 
 was published one year, 1842, by H. H. Salisbury and A. M. Clapp. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Gross commenced the publication of a Universalist pa- 
 per, called the "Gospel Advocate,' in 1822. After the expiration of the first 
 year it passed into the hands of Simeon Burton, who continued it for three 
 years. It then came into the hands of Rev. L. S. Everett, Rev. Theopholis 
 Fisk, and M. Tuttle, who continued it until 1828, when it was removed to 
 Auburn, and afterwards united with the "Evangelical Magazine," at Utica. 
 
 24 
 
The "Warning," says the Editor of the Buffalo "Courier,' was a little per- 
 iodical, published we think once a fortnight, during the year 1828, by Rev. 
 Jabez B. Hyde, and which was entirely devoted to the explanations of the 
 personal wrongs and grievances sustained by him, in consequence of the ac- 
 tion of the Buffalo Presbytery upon his ministerial functions as missionary 
 among the Indians. It was a curious specimen of typography, as Mr. H. 
 bought some old type, and learned to set them in his old age, for the pur- 
 pose of spreading his case before the public, and composed the matter with 
 his own hands, without much reference to the established rules of the art." 
 
 Of another sheet, the Editor of the "Courier" makes the following re- 
 marks: — "There was a periodical printed and published at the Mission House, 
 on the Indian Reservation, near this city, for several years, in the Seneca 
 language; under the charge of the Missionary, Rev. Asher Wright. It 
 was designed to aid the religious teachings to the Indians, which the Mis- 
 sion was instituted for. We paid a visit to the 'office' some years since, and 
 found the workmen engaged upon it, were a couple of young Indians, who 
 had been taught enough of the 'art and mystery' to set up the gutturals that 
 make up their native tongue. The paper has been removed to the Cat- 
 taraugus Reservation, since the Senecas have left our vicinity, where it is 
 now printed. Its present title is 'Mental Elevator/ but whether that was 
 its original name, or when it was commenced, we have not learned. The 
 numerous accented characters which are employed in the Seneca language, 
 make the paper much resemble the Phonographic prints — only a little 
 more so.' 
 
 The "Gospel Banner" was a monthly, published by Benjamin Clark, of 
 Alden, and printed in Buffalo, in 1832 or '33. The particular design of this 
 paper was the union of all Christians into one body — of course the doing 
 away of sects, and the observance of the seventh day as the Sabbatli. 
 The benevolent designs of Mr. Clark have not yet been consummated. 
 
 The "Buffalo Herald," was the title of a Presbyterian paper, by Rev. 
 Randolph Stone, which was commenced in 1831. Some misunderstanding 
 occurring with the Printer, the paper was discontinued upon reaching its 
 second number. 
 
 The "Young Men's Temperance Herald," was started in 1835. It lived 
 one year. Its conductors were Abel M. Grosvenor and Ezra B. French. 
 
 In 1837 or '38, Nathaniel Potter, Jr., commenced a monthly pablication, 
 called the "Philanthropist." It embraced a wide and extensive field, and 
 went for the general welfare of all mankind — for universal peace and non- 
 resistance. One year closed its labors of love. 
 
 A Presbyterian publication called the "Buffalo Spectator," was commenced 
 in 1836, by J. and W. Butler, under the editorial charge of Rev. Stephen 
 Feet. It lived about two years. 
 
 In 183G or '37, the Bethel Society commenced a monthly pubiicr.tion, under 
 
 25 
 
the title of "Bethel Magazine," designed for the moral, religious and intel- 
 lectual improvement of the sailors and boatmen on the Lake and Canal. Its 
 name was afterwards changed to that of "Bethel Flag," and after bearing 
 up gallantly against adverse winds and storms, about a year ago it was 
 obliged to strike. It was then united with the "Sailor's Magazine," 
 New- York. 
 
 The "Friend of Youth" was comm.enced in 1839, by Rev. A. T. Hopkins. It 
 was published monthly, and devoted to the moral training of the young. 
 It died in its youth, having survived only one year. 
 
 The Rev. Doct. John C. Lord, on the 1st of March, 1841, commenced the 
 publication of the "Western Presbyterian," which was continued for one year. 
 
 The "Literary Enquirer," semi-monthly, under the auspices of the Buffalo 
 Lyceum, was started by William Verrinder, Jany. 1, 1833. But politics 
 proved to be In greater demand than literature, and after struggling against 
 adverse 'fortunes, for two years, the establishment v.'as removed to Fre- 
 donia, Chautauqua County, and transferred into a political newspaper. 
 
 The "Buffalo Garland," a weekly literary sheet, was commenced in 1840, 
 by Geo. W. Bungay. It was but of short duration. 
 
 N. H. Bannister, v/ho has contributed somewhat succe.^sfully to the 
 literature of the Drama, commenced the publication, In 1841, of "Ban- 
 nister's Life in Buffalo." The work proved a failure, and was abandoned 
 after a trial of a few weeks. Abraham Dinsmore was the Printer. 
 
 "The Impetus," a quarto publication, by E. W. Spanlding, was commence 1 
 in the summer of 1845, and continued for six months, when its motive 
 power ceased to act, and the impetus was no go. 
 
 In 1822, Lev/is G. Hoffman commenced the publication of the "Black Ronk 
 Beacon." As long ago as that, it will be recollected the village of Buffalo 
 and the village of Black Rock, were very much in the con'lition of the 
 ancient houses of York and Lancaster — each contending for the crown of 
 supremacy. — Many who may be induced to read these pages will rememb'^r 
 the fierce and unrelenting war that was for a long time carried on 
 between the two places — bitter and acrimonious on both sides. The Press, 
 in such a contest, was indispensible, and this led to the lighting up of the 
 "Beacon." The late Gen. Peter B. Porter was the Ajax of the "Rock." and 
 contributed liberally to the columns of the "Beacon." The war was gal- 
 lantly fought on both sides — and it was of long duration— but like every 
 thing else, it was destined to have an end. Buffalo came forth victorious 
 from the contest, and was crowned the "Queen City of the Lakes." The 
 f.res of the "Beacon" were extinguished in 1824. In the latter part of ♦he 
 same year, Bartemas Ferguson commenced the "Black Rock Gazette," 
 which he cpntinued to published until August, 1825, when it passed into the 
 hands of Smith H. Salisbury, who carried it on until the fall of 1827, when 
 the establiBhm.ent was removed to Buffalo, and there published under the 
 
 26 
 
title of "Buffalo and Black Rock Gazette," until April, 1828, when It was 
 discontinued. 
 
 In February, 1826, Daniel P. Adams commenced the publication of the 
 "Black Rock Advocate." It was under the editorial charge of Dr. M. G. 
 Lewis. It was sustained one year, and then discontinued. 
 
 But one more location in which an effort has been made in Erie County 
 to establish the Press, remains to be spoken of. In that case, I will let 
 the Editor of the "Courier" tell the tale in his own happy style. It follows: 
 
 "The village of Aurora — or rather the two villages, as they formed a dis- 
 junctive conjunction — had ambitious aspirings in 1835, that required the 
 establishment of newspapers to aid the development of the advantages and 
 resources of that fine town and adjacent country. Accordingly in August, 
 of that year, the "Aurora Standard," was issued at East Aurora, by our 
 fellow editor, Almon M. Clapp, and a well conducted paper it was — one 
 of the best of the country Press. It was neutral the first year and then 
 came out whig. In the fall of 1838, the "Standard" was merged in the 
 "Buffalo Patriot," as was likewise its editor and publisher. The "Aurora 
 Democrat" was started about the same time with the "Standard," at the 
 West village of Aurora, by Deloss E. Sill. It was, as its name indicates, 
 democratic in politics. At the expiration of a few months it was discon- 
 tinued, and the materials moved to Ellicotville, Cattaraugus County, where 
 Mr. Sill now prints the "Cattaraugus Whig." Since then, Aurora, East or 
 West, has had no local organ, save the "Watchman," an unique little thing, 
 the size of a sheet of letter paper, printed by Master O. C. Hoyt, who had 
 learned a smattering of type setting, and got a small lot of old type together, 
 out of which he made a paper, which was printed on a cheese-press. It soon 
 shared the fate of many a cotemporary of larger dimensions and pre 
 tensions, and was not." 
 
 This, so far as the records show, presents a history of the rise, progress, 
 and in many instances, the decline and fall, of the Press in Erie County. 
 The picture, although it may be a faithful shadowing forth of the original — 
 although the artist may have done his duty with great faithfulness and 
 Impartiality, still it cannot by any means be said to be a flattering one. 
 But there is a corner of the canvass unoccupied, which it will now be my 
 endeavor to fill up. It will not be my purpose to speak of all the actors 
 in the dramas enacted in the establishment of the Newspaper Press in thi? 
 County, and for the very obvious reason, that In regard to many of them, 
 their personal history, to me, is an entire blank. Necessity, therefore, and 
 not design, will compel me to leave the picture still in an unfinished state. 
 
 Smith H. and Hezekiah A. Salisbury were the first to break ground in 
 the attempt to establish the Press in Erie County. This was in 1811, when 
 this section of the State was just emerging from a wilderness state. From 
 the notice of the Press of this County a;? contained in the "Buifalo 
 Courier," the public are led to infer — indeed it is so stated — that the 
 
 27 
 
brothers Salisbury made the attempt together, and at the same time. This is 
 slightly at variance with the recollection of Mr. Bemis, who states that the 
 old Press and Types originally used in the establishment of the "Ontario 
 Repository," "were taken to Buffalo in 1810, and the first paper set up in 
 that place was the 'Buffalo Gazette,' by Smith H. Salisbury, who, after the 
 war, was joined by his surviving brother Hezekiah." I cannot take it upon 
 myself to say which of these accounts is true — the probability, however, is 
 that Mr. Bemis is mistaken, as he no doubt states the fact from simple 
 recollection of the matter — whereas, the author of the statement as furnished 
 through the "Courier," no doubt has the authority of the surviving partner 
 for the truth of the statement therein contained. The apparent disparity in 
 relation to time, in fact amounts to nothirig. Mr. Bemis does not say that 
 the paper was issued in 1810 — simply that the materials were taken to 
 Buffalo in that year. After struggling against the adverse fortunes that 
 usually attend the early establishment of the Newspaper Press in an untried 
 field, oiie of the brothers, Smith H., has silently sunk to his final rest. The 
 other, Hezekiah A., still lives to witness the complete triumph of the art 
 in the very place, where 36 years ago, the effort must have been looked 
 upon as little short of the dreamings of a disordered mind! Mr. Salisbury 
 is Very justly regarded as one of the fathers of the craft in Western New- 
 York. I have not the means at hand for determining the precise population 
 of Buffalo, (at an early day called New-Amsterdam,) at the time the Mesars. 
 Salisbury commenced the publication of the "Buffalo Gazette," but the 
 probability is, that it did not exceed 5 or 600!— perhaps not so many. But 
 civilization, and the means of disseminating knowledge, go hand in hand in 
 this country. The surviving brother, although associated with the earliest 
 recollections of the Press in Erie County, never se^-ved a regular apprentice- 
 ship at the business of Printing. For something like a year he was under 
 the tuition of Mr. Bemis, but at the end of that time, like many boys of the 
 present day, he repented, no doubt, "having learned the trade," and again 
 betook himself to the cultivation of the soil. However, when his brother 
 made known to him his intention to launch his bark at the foot of Lake 
 Erie, he resolved to take passage with him, and has thus become a 
 Printer, without serving an apprenticeship. Although advanced in years, he 
 rtiW occupies his post at the case. 
 
 David M. Day. This gentleman's name is early associated with the attempt 
 to establish the Press in Buffalo. Mr. Day learned his trade with Mr. 
 Stevens, in the office of the "Ontario Measenger," and started in business 
 at Buffalo, in 1815. He v/as a rare and eccentric genius— full of wit, humor 
 and fun, and wonderfully gifted with the rare and valuable faculty of making 
 friends, and obtaining work. But he has run his race, and although unfor- 
 tunate in some particulars, still he has left behind him the remembrance 
 of many virtues. It may justly be said of him— the only enemy he had, 
 was himself. 
 
 William A. Carpenter. Here is another name long identified with the 
 
 28 
 
4 
 
 business of Printing in Western New-York. In 1818, his name is found 
 associated with that of H. A. Salisbury in the publication of the "Buffalo 
 Gazette." But long before this, he was engaged by Benjamin Blodgett — say 
 in 1812 or *13 — to publish the "Genesee Intelligencer," then the only paper 
 printed at Batavla, in Genesee County. Mr. Carpenter has done much to 
 build up and sustain the Newspaper Press, in this section of the State. 
 In doing this, he has necessarily had to encounter many hardships and trials, 
 but he rode out of the storm gallantly, and yet lives to witness the bless- 
 ings that have been showered upon his country in the estiablishment of a 
 Free Press. He is still a resident of the city of Buffalo. 
 
 Thomas M. Foote. Although the Doctor is not himself a practical Printer, 
 he is, nevertheless, a practical Editor, and devotes himself with great assidui- 
 ty to his profession. He has done much to raise the standard of the Press in 
 Buffalo. 
 
 Almon M. Clapp. This gentleman is now one of the Editors of the 
 "Morning Express." He is also a practical Printer, and one of the best of 
 the craft, and through his exertions much has been contributed to the 
 advancement of the art in Erie County. 
 
 Bradford A. Manchester, Jas. O. Brayman and Guy H. Salisbury, are the 
 Editors and proprietors of the "Buffalo Courier," and are entitled to great 
 credit for the perseverance, industry and skill with which they prosecute 
 their calling. 
 
 It must not be expected that I can follow out the innumerable number 
 of names that have been connected, at one time and another, with the 
 Newspaper Press of Erie County Although it would be a pleasure to do 
 so, still I am fearful such a course would be the means of augmenting 
 these pages unnecessarily, or at least beyond what the Committee might 
 have anticipated of me. There are many names honorably connected with 
 the Press in this County, and who have contributed in no small degree to its 
 ultimate success, through all, and the many and serious difficulties it has 
 encountered, whose personal history it would give me pleasure to narrate, 
 were it not for the reason above assigned. 
 
 The history of the Press in this county is one of admonition and should 
 be received as a lesson of caution by the aspirants for political or literary 
 fame. Men who make politics a trade, are bad councellors to the young who 
 e.re about to engage in the establishment of a newspaper. Generally, they 
 are the first to volunteer their counsel, and promise aid — but in nine cases 
 out of ten, "they have an ax to grind," and.no sooner is that accomplished, 
 than their promises are forgotten. The wants, and the business of a place, 
 should be the guides in such a case. A want of attention to these simple 
 rules would save many a young man from the mortification of a failure, and 
 consequent embarrassment through life. Besides, there would not be so 
 many ephemeral publications thrust upon the world, and by this means 
 dividing a patronage among four, that is scarcely competent to sustain one 
 
 29 
 
well conducted newspaper. The great mortality that has prerailed among 
 
 the Newspaper press of Erie County is by no means an isolated case. 
 Other counties, and other sections of country, present a similar state of 
 things. If properly heeded by those who are to come after us, the lesson 
 may be of infinite value. 
 
 CATTARAUGUS COUNTY. 
 
 At a comparatively early day the attention of the Craft seems to have been 
 directed to the intellectual wants of the inhabitants of this County. — It 
 only adds another to the innumerable evidences already in hand, of the 
 untiring perseverance and industry of Printers. Cattaraugus at the early 
 day Indicated, offered no peculiar inducements which called for the estab- 
 lishment of a Press within its borders. It may have had advantages, pro- 
 spectively — but they have proved ideal and imaginary. But an opening was 
 thought to present itself, and a Printer stood ready to embrace the 
 opportunity. 
 
 In 1818, Benjamin Franklin Smead established at Olean, a paper called 
 the "Allegany Mercury," which he continued about two years. 
 
 In 1826, Richard Hill commenced the publication of a paper at EUicottville, 
 which was continued for about three years. 
 
 G. N. Starr, in 1829, began the "Lodi Freeman and Messenger," at the Vil- 
 lage of Lodi. He continued at its head for something like three years, 
 when it passed into the hands of E. Hough; soon after which event it 
 ceased to be published. 
 
 The "EUicottville Republican," by Deloss E. Sill, was started in 1833, and 
 continued for one year, when it was transferred to R. H. Shankland, by 
 whom it has been continued under the title of "Cattaraugus Republican." 
 
 Rufus W. Griswold made another attempt, in 1836, to establish a paper at 
 Olean, which he dignified with the title of "Olean Advocate." Its existence 
 was brief — the old complaint, want of adequate support, soon killed it off. 
 Out of the ruins of the "Advocate," like the Phoenix from the ashes, sprung 
 the "Olean Times," by Dudley Bryan, who continued it for a year, and it 
 then passed into the hands of Mr. Woodcock. Another year's probation, and 
 the "Times" ended its career. 
 
 The "Cattaraugus Whig," by Deloss E. Sill, was commenced at EUicottville, 
 in 1840, and is still published by the original proprietor. 
 
 In 1842, J. J. Strong commenced at the Village of Randolph, the publica- 
 tion of the "Randolph Herald," which he continued for one year. 
 
 The prospect before Mr. Smead, when he located himself at Olean, must 
 have been anything else than flattering to the young and joyous aspirations 
 ot a youthful adventurer after fame and fortune. But I am told he was 
 strongly tinctured with the love of novelty, spiced with the spirit of ad- 
 
 30 
 
venture. He thought, no doubt, from the topography of the country, that 
 Olean at some future day was to rise up and be dignified with the title of 
 true greatness — that a city in embryo lay hid among the waving forest, and 
 like the cold and inanimate marble, it only required the effort of man to 
 speak it into existence! As a powerful engine in this great and wonder- 
 working process, a Press was necessary, and Fate stamped her seal upon 
 Mr. Smead as the man to undertake it. He was a man of industry and 
 perseverance, and contended stoutly against the tide that set against his 
 hopes, but all in vain. Olean refused the destiny he had marked out for 
 her, and in retaliation for so much and deep ingratitude, Mr. Smead aban- 
 doned her to her fate. The gentleman under consideration was not only a 
 Printer, and an Editor, but also a Poet! — and as he contemplated the source 
 from which Olean was to derive its greatness, would break forth in the 
 following strain: 
 
 "As I stood on the banks of the deep Allegany, 
 I saw the smoothe tide flow majestic along; 
 I saw the high Mountain, the Valley and Daisey, 
 And heard the last note of the Emigrant's song." 
 
 Richard Hill was one of those rare, odd, and eccentric geniuses, so com- 
 mon with those who hail from the "Emerald Isle." It seems he published 
 a paper at Ellicottville about three years, but whether it was dignified with 
 a title or not, has not transpired. Its publication depended entirely upon 
 the fancy or caprice of Richard. It may be said to have been published 
 semi^occasionally. If any thing worthy the Editor's note happened to 
 Travel over the hills of Cattaraugus, and reach the peaceful and pleasant 
 village of Ellicottville, out came Richard's paper, duly chronicling the 
 events of the day — on the contrary, if there was a want of news in tho 
 market, the issue was postponed. Mr. Sill, who furnished the facts in 
 relation to the Press in this County, tells the following story of Richard: — 
 "Some of our citizens will remember the burning of the Court Hause and 
 Jail, in 1829, and the tour of Sheriff Saxton to Albany, with a view to get 
 a law authorizing a new building. The trip was performed so expeditiously, 
 that it is said the embers of the house were yet smoking, when Saxton 
 arrived with the Act authorizing a new one! So great an event was cele- 
 brated by a general jubilee.— Dick, it is said, on this occasion, got so full 
 of glee, that on returning home at night, he mistook Dr. Ward's house for 
 his own, and cried out to Mrs. Ward, supposing her to be his wife, 'Kape 
 quiet — I say, kape quiet, Kate; Saxton has got home with the Court House 
 in his pocket, and we shall have some news for the papers.' " It is related 
 of him that he was one day discovered in the very literary pursuit of en- 
 deavoring to yoke a pig— the modus operandi was truly original. He bored 
 a hole in a board, and then set to work driving it on over the nose, 
 endeavoring thereby to stretch the hole to the capacity of the pig's neck! 
 Richard's ideas in this matter did not coincide with those of the pig, and 
 he abandoned the attempt in despair. His aspirations for Editorial fame 
 
 31 
 
succeeded no better than his attempt to yoke the pig, and he abandoned 
 the enterprise. 
 
 R. H. Shanklin, aside from his avocations as Publisher, and Editor of the 
 "Cattaraugus Republican," has also found time to serve the people of that 
 County in the capacity of Surrogate — a distinction not often accorded to the 
 Editorial fraternity. 
 
 Rufus W. Griswold, who was at one time located at the head of navigation 
 of the Allegany River, has abandoned the case, and also the pursuit of 
 Newspaper editing, and has entered the field for literary fame. He is now 
 a resident of Philadelphia, and his name will be readily recognized as the 
 author of a number of works, especially the "Poetry of Flowers and Flowers 
 of Poetry." He also compiled and edited the "Poets and Poetry of 
 America." In 1835, he was engaged at the Printing business at Syracuse, 
 but subsequently, however, he became a Baptist minister. It is no doubt 
 fortunate for Mr. Griswold that Olean failed to yield him a competent 
 support. 
 
 [From Graham's Magazine for June, 1845, we extract the following — Mr. 
 G. was one of the regular contributors to that periodical. "He studied 
 theology, was seduced from preaching into editing, forsook the newspaper^; 
 to travel, and storing his mind richly by observation and study, settled 
 down as a man of letters. He was always the ardent and sincere friend 
 of the unfortunate. In 1840, in New-York, with the aid of a few others, he 
 founded a library in The Tombs, and two Southern merchants, who then 
 were in confinement there, subsequently presented him a piece of plate 
 with the following inscription: 
 
 Post Nubila Phoebus. 
 TO RUFUS WILMOT GRISWOLD, 
 Who Brought Pleasure to Our Prison, and 
 Made Us Forget Our Homes When 
 We Were With Strangers. 
 Ingratus unus miseris omnibus nocet. 
 
 His sermons are his finest compositions, and he delivers them from the 
 pulpit with taste and eloquence." 
 
 Mr. G. is a man of uncommon ability, excellent taste, and very remark- 
 able devotion to literature. His "Poets and Poetry of America," a work 
 of great merit and popularity, has won him reputation on both sides of the 
 Atlantic. No author among us has done so much in behalf of the nationality 
 of American literature as he. His industry is indefatigable, and his energy 
 unconquerable. Mr. G. affords an excellent example of what a Printer may 
 become, and of the honor refiected upon the Craft by the learning and talent 
 of its members. He is still a young man, and his friends indulge high 
 expectations which few are better able to fulfil.— Eds. American.} 
 
 J. J. Strang, who published the "Randolph Herald," is now a prophet 
 
 32 
 
among the Mormons at Voree. Whether he finds his new calling more 
 
 congenial to his feelings than his old, I am unable to say. 
 
 There are other names connected with the Press of Cattaraugus, with 
 the personal history of whom I am wholly unacquainted. Mr. Sill has com- 
 mitted one error in relation to the Press of this County, and had well nigh 
 led me into it, also. Franklin Cowdery, June 10, 1819, commenced the 
 publication of the "Hamilton Recorder," at Olean, which he printed one year, 
 in company with a son of Benjamin F. Smead, 
 
 Mr Cowdery would have it understood that he printed the first paper in 
 Cattaraugus County, which he says was in 1819. Mr. Sill says B. F. Smead 
 commenced a paper at Olean in 1818 — Here seems to be a direct contradic- 
 tion, and I must leave it to others to reconcile it with the truth. 
 
 It has been the fortune of Mr. Cowdery to be engaged in the establish- 
 ment of many newspapers — he has been the pioneer in many counties, but 
 has always left the nest, when comfortably warmed, for others to occupy. 
 
 CHAUTAUQUE COUNTY. 
 
 The struggles and vicissitudes through which those have passed in this 
 County, who have engaged in the establishment of the Newspaper Press, 
 have been many and varied. The first attempts were made when the 
 county was new, and before its capacity and its resources were fully 
 developed — success under such a state of things must always be looked upon 
 as doubtful — indeed, the cases are very rare where the original founders of 
 a newspaper, in a new county, have been successful in the undertaking. If 
 ill success, therefore, has attended the craft in Chautauque County, In 
 more cases than one, it is by no means a rarity confined to that county 
 alone — they have only followed in the footsteps of those who have preceded 
 them, in Western New-York, generally. 
 
 The first paper established in this County was the "Chautauque Gazette," 
 
 at Fredonia, in 1817, by James Percival.* 
 
 The "Chautauque Eagle," by Robert J. Curtis, was commenced at May- 
 ville, in May, 1819, and was continued about a year. 
 
 The "Fredonia Censor," by Henry C. Frisbee, v/as commenced at Fredonia, 
 in 1821. Mr. F. continued at its head for 17 years, when it passed into the 
 hands of E. Winchester, by v/hom it was published three years. It then 
 
 * There seems to be a contrariety of opinion in relation to this. Mr. Frisbee, 
 formerly of the "Censor," and the oldest Printer in the County, says— "This paper 
 was conducted about five years, by James Hull, when it was discontinued for a 
 year or two, and then again royuined by him; but after two or three years' laith- 
 ful existence, it ceased to be." Mr. McKinstry, the present proprietor of -the "Cen- 
 sor," savs— "It was commencod by James Percival. *****This paper continued to 
 be published successively by Persival. Carpenter & Hull, and James Hull, till some- 
 time in 1822 when its p:iblication v/as suspended." I am inclmed to thmk Mr. 
 McKinstiT's version of the matter is correct. Mr. Frisbee does not allege that the 
 piper was commenced by Mr. Hull. 
 
 3S 
 
came into the possession of R Cunnington, who published it one year. W. 
 McKinstry then became the proprietor, by whom, and by W. McKinstry & Co. 
 
 it has been published for the last five years. 
 
 The "Peoples' Gazette" was commenced in 1824, at Forrestville, by William 
 S. Snow. It was continued for a short time, and then united with the 
 "Chautauque Gazette," at Fredonia. 
 
 In June, 1826, Adolphus Fletcher commenced at Jamestown, the publication 
 of the "Jamestown Journal." It is now published by Warren Fletcher, a 
 son of the original proprietor. 
 
 The "Western Star," was commenced In June, 1829, at Westfield, by 
 Henry Newcomb. It was continued for about two years. 
 
 In 1828 Morgan Bates commenced the publication of the "Chautauque Re- 
 publican," at the village of Jamestown. It was continued for about five 
 years, during which time it had some seven or eight different proprietors. 
 
 The "Genius of Liberty," a religious publication was commenced at 
 Jamestown, in 1829, by Lewis C. Todd. It had an existence of about two 
 years. 
 
 In 1834, the "Chautauque Whig," was started at Dunkirk, by Thompson & 
 Carpenter, who continued it, jointly, or individually, until 1845. At a later 
 period, it has been known by the name of the "Dunkirk Beacon." 
 
 The "Mayville Sentinel" was established in 1834, and printed by Timothy 
 Kibby. In March, 1835, it passed into the hands of Beman Brockway, who 
 published it for the proprietors until Dec. 1836, when he purchased the 
 establishment. In 1837, H. E. Purdy became interested in the paper, and 
 continued it for a year and a half, and then retired, leaving it in the hands 
 of Mr. Brockway. It is still published at Mayville, by John F. Phelps. 
 
 The "Westfield Messenger" was commenced at the village indicated by its 
 title, in August, 1844, by C. J. J. Ingersoll, by whom it is still published. 
 
 The "Frontier Express," was established in June, 1846, at Fredonia, by 
 Perham & Cutler, and is still published by them. 
 
 The "Panama Herald" was commenced in the village of Panama, town of 
 Harmony, in August, 1846, by Dean & Hulburt, and edited by Thomas 
 Graham. It is now in the hands of Steward & Pray. 
 
 The above comprises only a part of the papers that have had an existence 
 in this County. Some of them, however, have lived so short a time, that 
 it can scarcely be said that they had an existence at all. I have not been 
 furnished with the facts by which to enable me to say where, or when, they 
 were published. The following, it is thought, embraces a full and perlect 
 list of all the papers that are, or have been, published in this County, 
 indicating the place where published. Of this number, only six remain to 
 tell the fate of their associates: — 
 
 34 
 
Mayville--Chautauque Eagle, Republican Banner, Mayville Sentinel, and 
 the Tocsin, a temperance paper. 
 
 Fredonia — Chautauque Gazette, Fredonia Censor, Fredonia Gazette, West- 
 ern Democrat and Literary Enquirer, The Pantheon, Frontier Express, and 
 Botanic Medical Journal. 
 
 Westfield— Western Star, Chautauque PhcBnix, American Eagle, Westfield 
 Courier, Western Farmer, Westfield Lyceum, Westfield Advocate, Westfield 
 Messenger. 
 
 Jamestown — Jamestown Journal, Genius of Liberty, Chautauque Republican. 
 
 Forrestville— Peoples' Gazette, Western Intelligencer. 
 
 Van Buren — Van Buren Times. 
 
 Dunkirk— Chautauque Whig, Dunkirk Beacon. 
 
 Panama — Panama Herald. 
 
 The papers at present published in the County seem to be tolerabiy well 
 supported, the "Fredonia Censor" issuing weekly about 1000 papers — the 
 "Jamestown Journal" 700— the "Mayville Sentinel" 1000 — the "Westfield 
 Messenger" 600, and the "Panama Herald" 500. If they are paying sub- 
 scribers, this is very well — if, as is too often the case, they are mere men of 
 straw, taking the paper without ever intending to pay, the number is 
 altogether too large. 
 
 H. C. BYisbee, the original founder of the "Fredonia Censor," seems to 
 have fought his way through great, and what would have appeared to some 
 minds, insurmountable diflSculties and obstacles, in establishing himself in 
 business. "With a hired establishment — the materials of which would now 
 be looked upon as a perfect burlesque, the Press having been manufactured 
 by a blacksmith and carpenter in one of the new towns in Ohio, and the 
 types, which were few in quantity, mostly worn down to the 'third nick' — 
 with some forty subscribers, and for the first three weeks not a single 
 paying advertisement — he commenced the flattering career of editor and 
 proprietor of a newspaper." His principal assistant in type setting the first 
 year was a lad some nine years of age, and on publication days he called in 
 his neighbor, a painter in a chair shop, [H. H. Seaver, of Rochester,] who 
 assisted him at the Press, in the capacity of ball-man. To lessen his 
 expenses, which from the meagre patronage he was receiving, became an 
 absolute duty, he lodged himself before the ofllce fire. Could success be 
 doubtful with such a man? By no means. By great industry, and the 
 practice of the most rigid economy, he forced the "fickle goddess" to smile 
 upon him. Such men deserve success, and under the peculiar and favorable 
 institutions of our country, scarcely ever fail to command it. Such is the 
 early career of Mr. Frisbee. It is worthy the imitation of members of the 
 craft at the present day. 
 
 B. Brockway, who was for many years at the head of the "Mayville Sen- 
 
 35 
 
tfnel," is another notable instance of what may be effected by industry and 
 economy. These necessary prerequisites to success in almost any under- 
 taking in life, were the capital upon which he commenced business. He has 
 made good use of the investment. He is now the Editor and proprietor of 
 the "Oswego Palladium," and I am happy to learn is on the high road to 
 success. 
 
 Of the other gentlemen who have been associated with the Press in this 
 County, I know but little— not enough to warrant me in speaking of their 
 personal history. This County, like most others in Western New-York, has 
 been prolific in the number of its newspaper establishments, and has 
 consisted of the usual assortment — good, bad, and indifferent. 
 
 ORLEANS COUNTY. 
 
 The history of the Press in this county is embraced in a comparatively 
 small compass. — Whether the inducements held out for the establishment 
 of the Newspaper Press in this County have been less than others— or 
 whether the craft have been forewarned from the results that have followed 
 the attempt in other counties, I am unable to determine — the fact, however, 
 is undeniable, that fewer attempts have been made in Orleans to establish 
 the Press, regardless of the ability of a place to support such an establish- 
 ment than in almost any other county in Western New- York. 
 
 In 1822, while the present County of Orleans was a part of Genesee 
 County, Seymour Tracy made an attempt to etablish the first newspaper 
 over printed within its limits. The paper was published at Gaines, and 
 was called "The Gazette." It was continued about four years. 
 
 In 1823, Franklin Cowdery commenced the publication, at Newport, (now 
 Albion,) of the "Newport Patriot." He continued it for nearly two years. 
 In Feby. 1825, the establishment passed into the hands of Timothy C. Strong, 
 who soon after changed its name to that of "The Orleans Advocate." 
 In February, 1828, Mr. Strong again changed the name of his paper, calling 
 it "The Orleans Advocate and Anti-Masonic Telegraph." In Feb. 1829, an- 
 other annual change took place by dropping the word "Advocate," leaving 
 the title to read the "Orleans Anti-Masonic Telegraph." In the June follow 
 ing, "Anti-Masonic" was discarded, and it stood forth simply as the "Orleans 
 Telegraph." But the spirit of change did not stop here — it soon after as- 
 sumed the title of "American Standard." In March 1830, J. Kempshall be- 
 came proprietor of the establishment, and continued its publication until 
 Sept. 1832, when it again came into the possession of Mr. Strong, and took 
 the name of "The Orleans American." In April, 1844, Mr. Strong disposed 
 of the establishment to J. & J. H. Denio, by whom it has since been pub- 
 lished. 
 
 Daniel P. Adams, published a paper at Medina in 1833 or '34 — but what 
 was the name of it, or how long it was published, I have not been able to 
 learn. 
 
 36 
 
In August, 183T, J. & J. H. Denio established a paper at Medina, which 
 they continued until May, 1842, called the "Medina Sentinel." 
 
 In October, 1829, C. S. McConnell commenced, at Albion, the publication 
 of the "Orleans Republican," which he continued until Feb. 1841, when he 
 disposed of the establishment to H. W. Depuy, who continued it for a few 
 months, and it then passed into the hands of an association of gentlemen, 
 and was thus continued until 1845, when H. E. Purdy assumed the charge of 
 it, and in July, 1846, C. S. McConnell again became the Editor and proprietor 
 of the "Orleans Republican." 
 
 Many of the citizens of Genesee County, at least, will remember Seymour 
 Tracy— a "one legged Tracy," as he was usually called. Previous to start- 
 ing the paper at Gaines he resided at Batavia, but his grossly intemperate 
 habits unfitted him for business— and for certain reasons was held in low 
 estimation where he was best known. No wonder, then, that his attempt at 
 Gaines was an unsuccessful one. 
 
 Of Mr. Cowdery I have before spoken. In the "Genesee Olio," of 30th 
 .lany. 1847, a semi-monthly, which he now published in Rochester, Mr. Cow- 
 dery says— "We were also fiirst, and did the very first printing ever done 
 in Orleans County." This statement is at variance with that furnished by 
 Mr. Denio, in relation to Printing In this County, which is, that Mr. Tracy 
 established himself in business at Gaines, in 1822, and Mr. Cowdery, at Al- 
 bion, in 1823. The fact is not, perhaps, material in itself, although if Mr. 
 Cowdery was the pioneer of Printing in this County, he should have the 
 credit for it. • 
 
 Timothy C. Strong was originally, I believe, from Vermont, and previous to 
 his establishment in Orleans County was the conductor of a paper at Pal- 
 myra, in Wayne County. He was a man possessed of many good qualities, 
 and contributed his proportion in the establishment of the Newspaper Press 
 in Western New-York. But he has worked his last token, and been called 
 to another world. 
 
 Of the Messrs. Denio, I have no personal knowledge. The senior in the 
 iirm is of opinion that Printing during the time when Mr. Tracy flourish- 
 ed at Gaines, commanded a better return for labor than at the present day. 
 He cites as an instance going to prove this fact, that Tracy charged the 
 County eighty dollars for printing two reams of county orders, and that the 
 Supervisors actually allowed the account of sixty-eight dollars! But the 
 days for such prices have gone by. Steam and competition have made sad 
 work upon high prices. 
 
 • Since writing the above I have conversed with John B. Wood, who is one ol 
 the "old Jours" of Western New-York, and he asserts, from his own knowledge, 
 that the credit of doing the first printing in Orleans County, is justly due Mr. 
 Cowdery. My own impression is, that the first paper published at Gaines waa 
 called "The Newspaper." This was by, Mr. Tracy. The esablishment afterwards fell 
 into the hands of John FMsk. who has been entirely omitted by Mr. Demo, and the 
 paper was called "The Gazette." Mr. Fisk is now, and has been for a number of 
 years past, in the employ of the Tonawanda Rail Road Company. 
 
 87 
 
C. S. McConnell, before his location in Orleans County, conducted a paper 
 in Onondaga. Soon after relinquishing his interest in the "Orleans Repub- 
 lican," he became a proprietor in the "Rochester Daily Advertiser," where he 
 prosecuted the business successfully for a few years, and finally, in 1846, re- 
 turned to Albion, and is again at the head of his old paper. Mr. McConnell 
 is a true disciple of Franklin, and an honest man. 
 
 Of the others who have been identified with the Press in this County, I 
 can say nothing — with some of them I was a stranger, and do not therefore 
 feel at liberty to meddle with matters entirely personal in their character. 
 
 LIVINGSTON COUNTY 
 
 This County cannot claim an exemption from the common lot which Is 
 too often the result of newspaper printing. What has been the fate of the 
 craft in other counties, may be said to be more or less true of those in Liv- 
 ingston County. They have been attended by the usual mutations, changes, 
 and final extinction, which follow in the wake of all human affairs. The first 
 paper printed within the territory that now marks the bounds of this County, 
 was commenced 
 
 In 1817, by Hezekiah Ripley, and was called the "Moscow Advertiser and 
 Genesee Farmer." It was located in the village of Moscow. He continued it 
 for some time after the erection of the County, in 1821, when it passed into 
 the hands of James Percival, and was by him removed to Geneseo, and its 
 name changed to that of "Livingston Register." In 1829, it passed into the 
 hands of Anson M. Weed and Allen Warner. Mr. Weed died in the winter 
 of 1831, and it was continued for a short time by the surviving partner, when 
 it passed into the hands of Mr. Percival, who, in 1832, sold it to Elias Clark, 
 who continued it until he was elected County Clerk, in 1834, when he dis- 
 posed of it to William H. Kelsey and Richard M. Miel, and the latter, in 
 1835, became sole proprietor. Ha was succeeded by D. S. Curtis, and its 
 publication was suspended in 1837. It soon after, however, recovered its po- 
 sition, and for a short time was published by Hugh Harding, who was suc- 
 ceeded, in 1837, by John Kempshall, and continued by him until the fall of 
 1840, when it ceased to exist. 
 
 In 1822, Chauncy Morse established the "Livingston Journal," at Geneseo, 
 and afterwards took into copartnership Asahel Harvey. In 1829, Levi Hovey 
 became the proprietor of the establishment, and continued it until the spring 
 of 1831, He became embarrassed, and abandoned the paper, and was suc- 
 ceeded by Benjamin Denison— then H. F. Evans, Evans & Woodruff, and 
 William J. Ticknor. The paper was discontinued in 1834 or '35. In the fall 
 of the latter year the establishment was purchased by David Mitchell and W. 
 H. Kelsey, who established the "Livingston Democrat." This paper was sus- 
 pended in the year 1837. In the fall of that year a new Press and types 
 were added to the establishment, and S. P. Allen commenced the publication 
 
 38 
 
of the "Livingston Republican," and in September, 1846, retired, leaving It 
 In the hands of John M. Campbell, by whom it is now published. 
 
 In 1830, David Mitchell and Benjamin Denison established the "Dansville 
 Chronicle," at the village indicated by its title. It was started as a neutral 
 paper, but afterwards came out Anti-Masonic, when Mr. Denison left it. Its 
 title was changed to that of "Village Record." It had but a short existence. 
 
 The Western New-Yorker," at Dansville, was published by A. Stevens & 
 Son. The "Dansville Whig," by George W. Stevens succeeded it, and was 
 continued by Charles W. Dibble, for one year, when it was again transferred 
 to Mr. Stevens, by whom It Is now published. 
 
 The "Dansville Republican," was established by David Fairchild, in 1842, 
 and has been continued alternately by himself and his sons. It is now pub- 
 lished by Geo. H. Bidwell. 
 
 The "Mount Morris Spectator" as established in 1835, by Hugh Harding. 
 It is still published by him. 
 
 The "Genesee Valley Recorder" was established by Ira G. Wisnor, and 
 was published for a short time in 1842-3, at Mount Morris. Mr. W. died not 
 long since at the West. 
 
 The "Livingston County Whig," by Geo. B. Phelps, was commenced in 
 1843, at Mount Morris. It Is now in the hands of James T. Norton. For a 
 few months a Daily was issued from this office, but it is now discontinued. 
 
 The "Geneseo Democrat," was commenced at Geneseo, In 1843, by Gilbert 
 F. Shankland, and is still continued by him. 
 
 Mr. Ripley, the founder of the first paper in this County, Is now in one 
 of the Western States. From the best intelligence I can obtain, he is in 
 Belvidere, Illinois. After throwing up his hand, and relinquishing the Print- 
 ing business in this part of the State, he was for a while, the keeper of a 
 public house at Lakeville, Dansville and Hammondsport — but the probability 
 Is he found this business as thankless and unprofitable as Printing, and re- 
 solved to try his fortune In the West. He is a clever, honest and Intelligent 
 man, but is too unstable in his purposes to succeed well. 
 
 Mr. Percival has been seized with a migratory fit, and leaving the scene 
 of his former labor, he next appears before the public as the Editor of a 
 paper in Butler County, Ohio, and more recently at Lancaster, in the same 
 State. The Press upon which the first paper in this County was printed, 
 was an old Ramage, upon which the "Albany Argus" was once printed. It 
 is now in the office of the "Mount Morris Spectator." 
 
 Mr. Kempshall. Of this individual, Mr. Allen in his notes of "Early Times" 
 In this County, says — "Since leaving here he has been a Dorr Patriot in 
 Rhode Island, a 'Jour' in New-York and elsewhere, but several years since 
 v/e lost trace of him. He was a noble-hearted, generous fellow, unfortunate, 
 and often troubled with what he called 'blue devils/ or melancholy. W« 
 
 39 
 
should not be surprised to hear of him in Oregon or California. He was a 
 brother of Hon, Thomas Kempshall, of Rochester." 
 
 But I must bring this sketch to a close. It must not be expected of me 
 that in these running notices, I can particularize all who have been inter- 
 ested in the Press in Livingston, or any other County. There are various 
 reasons which render it impossible for me to do so. In very many instances 
 the readers of these pages will be able to supply any omissions that may be 
 the result of want of time, or the facilities of information, to make them 
 complete. 
 
 WAYNE COUNTY 
 
 The territory embraced in the now County of Wayne, was originally a 
 part of Ontario. The Press found its way Into it, however, while it was yet 
 a branch of the original tree. But then, the local causes which are so pro- 
 lific in giving life to newspaper establishments did not operate with that 
 force, 'that they did after its separate organization as a County. Then It is, 
 that rival villages, local causes, and many other considerations well known 
 to the hopes and expectations of men who fancy they have written upon 
 their brow the certain index of future greatness, call for the establishment 
 of that great level of public opinion — the Press. These causes are general 
 in their nature, and have operated, no doubt, more or less in this County. 
 
 The first paper established in the territory now constituting the County 
 of Wayne, was by Timothy C. Strong, at Palmyra, and was called the "Pal- 
 myra Register." This took place on the 26th day of November, 1817. This 
 Press was continued by Mr. Strong, with occasional changes of title — for 
 which he was particularly famous— until October, 1823, when it passed into 
 the hands of Pomeroy Tucker, and its then title, the "Western Farmer and 
 Canal Advocate," superseded by that of "Wayne Sentinel," which name it 
 still retains, and is now conducted by Mr. Tucker. 
 
 The "Lyons Republican," was established at the village of Lyons, August 
 3, 1821, by George Lewis, and was discontinued Feb. 22, 1822. 
 
 The "Lyons Advertiser" was commenced at the same place, on the 31st 
 May, 1822, by Hiram T. Day. This paper underwent various changes of 
 name, and was successively published by Ephraim J. Whitney, E. J. & W. W. 
 Whitney, Barker & Chapman, Chapman & Chapman, and William F. Ashley, 
 and is now published, with the title of "Western Argus," by Chas. Poucher. 
 
 On the 11th of March, 1828, the "Palmyra Freeman" made its appearance 
 fat Palmyra, published by D. D. Stephenson. He was shortly afterwards 
 succeeded by J. A. Hadley, who subsequently removed the establishment to 
 Lyons, where the paper was continued under the title of "The Countryman," 
 with Myron Holley as associate Editor, and was thus continued until Nov. 
 1831; when its publication was suspended for a season. It was afterwards 
 resumed as the "Lyons American," by Myron Holley; and in 1836, the es- 
 
 40 
 
t!iblishment was removed to Clyde, where it reappeared as the "Clyde Ga- 
 zette," by Denison Cord. The present "Clyde Eagle," by Stephen Salisbury, 
 Jr., is believed to be a continuation of the same concern, although after a 
 suspension of a number of years. 
 
 In 1828, '29 and '30, a monthly paper entitled "The Reflector," devoted to 
 science, ironical castigation, and amusement, by "O. Dogberry, Jr.," was pub- 
 lished at Palmyra, the whole term of its existence being about two years. 
 
 In November, 1829, "The Newark Republican" was established at the vil- 
 lage of Newark, by Jeremiah O. Balch, and was continued by him until July, 
 1831, when the paper was discontinued. 
 
 In June, 1838, David M. Keeler commenced the publication in the same til- 
 lage, of the "Wayne Standard," and it was continued by him until August, 
 1839, when he disposed of it to an association of gentlemen, by whom it was 
 continued under the name of the "Newark Aegis," Stephen Culver officiating 
 as Editor, and F. G. Norton and G. W. Gould, as Printers, until January, 1S40, 
 at which time Norton and Gould became the ostensible proprietors, and for 
 awhile thus continued by them jointly, and then by Norton alone, the ^ame 
 Editor officiating until May, 1840, when the establishment reverted back to 
 the association, and the paper was discontinued. 
 
 In July or August, 1840, David M. Keeler again assumed the publication 
 of the paper under its former name, "The Wayne Standard," until July, 1843, 
 when it passed into the hands of H. L. Winants, who continued its publica- 
 tion for about one year, and it was then discontinued. 
 
 The "Western Spectator and Wayne Advertiser," was commenced at Pal- 
 myra, by Luther Howard, and Erastus Shepard, June 9, 1830. In April, 1831, 
 the titlo of the paper was changed to "Spectator and Anti-Masonic Star," 
 and continued by Mr. Shepard until, in the same year it was merged in the 
 "Anti-Masonic Inquirer," at Rochester. 
 
 The "Palmyra Whig," by Wm. H. and Saml. Cole, was commenced at Pal- 
 myra In February, 1838. It was afterwards removed to Lyons, where it is 
 atiil continued as the "Wayne County Whig," by William H. Cole. 
 
 The first number of the present "Palmyra Courier," by F. Morley, was is- 
 sued May 28, 1845, and is still published by him. 
 
 The above, I am aware, is imperfect in many particulars — but I am not 
 sufficiently well acquainted with the facts in the case to make an intelligi- 
 ble correction. Mr. Tucker, who furnished the facts so far as they have been 
 given, refers to Mr. Winants, of the "Rochester Daily Advertiser," to furnish 
 the data in relation to the Press in the village of Newark. Mr. W. promised 
 me he would do so, but I have never heard from him on the subject. 
 
 Myron HoUey, whose connection with the Press is above adverted to, acted 
 a distinguished part in the public affairs of Western New-York. He was 
 one of the original Canal Commissioners, and afterwards a leading politician 
 
 41 
 
of the Anti-Masonic party. In his later years he removed to Rochester, and 
 attached himself politically to the Anti-Slavery or Liberty organization. He 
 died at Rochester, and his remains repose in the beautiful cemetery of 
 Mount Hope, under an obelisk erected by his Liberty party friends. 
 
 Mr. H. was a gentleman of fine taste, irreproachable life, uncommon tal- 
 ents, and great uprightness of character. 
 
 E. B. Gradin was at one time the conductor of the "Wayne Sentinel," but 
 his name does not appear as connected with that paper, in its proper place. 
 It is true, Mr. Tucker says, in a sort of codicil to the statement of the Press 
 In this County that, "the largest printing job ever done in it, was the first 
 edition of Jo Smith's 'book of Mormon,' or the 'Golden Bible.' This was 
 done at the ofllce of the "Wayne Sentinel," by E. B. Gradin, the then pub- 
 lisher of that paper, in 1829-'30. The edition of the work was 5000 copies, 
 and the price paid for the job, including the binding was $3,000." If other 
 omissions have occurred, and it is possible there have, the fault must be 
 charged to others, not to me. 
 
 Graham H. Chapin, who was at one time connected with the Press in 
 this County, is now no more. He was a Lawyer by profession — a worthy, 
 upright and honorable man. For one or two terms he represented Wayne 
 and Seneca in the Congress of the United States — subsequently, upon hia 
 removal to the city of Rochester, he was District Attorney of Monroe, and so 
 far as I am aware, in all these stations, discharged his duty with the most 
 scrupulous fidelity. He died while in the execution of his professional du- 
 ties. 
 
 J. A. Hadley, who was for a time interested in the Newspaper Press at 
 Palmyra, and also, at Lyons, still lives to honor the profession of which ho 
 is a worthy member. No man within the sphere of our acquaintance takes a 
 stronger, or a more decided stand for the improvement of the members of 
 the craft, or the craft itself, than Hadley. He is a practical Printer, and a 
 good one. While he had charge of the "Freeman," in 1829, he wrote and 
 published the first article that ever appeared against "Mormonism." He had 
 previously had the printing of the "Book of Mormon" offered him, and at a 
 price which would have made it a fat job; but he was not to be bought 
 in this way — his love of truth and justice were greater than his love of 
 money — and being satisfied in his own mind that Smith was an imposter, he 
 considered it his duty to do all in his power to "ungown him." The task, 
 however, cost him the few subscribers he had, predisposed to "Mormonism." 
 Upon the heels of that article followed the general newspaper war upon the 
 "golden humbug." Mr. Hadley is now the Foreman in the establishment of 
 the "Rochester Daily Democrat." 
 
 The Press in this County seems now to have assumed a position of con- 
 siderable permanency and stability, and I most sincerely hope and trust 
 that those engaged in it are reaping a reward commensurate with their 
 rteservings. As a general thing, however, this is far from being the case. 
 
 42 
 
NIAGARA COUNTY 
 
 This County has made wonderful advances in the way of improvement, and 
 t-specially since Erie was set off from it in 1821. Since that time the "Cat- 
 aract County" stands forth as one of the most prominent among those of 
 Western New- York. Her advantages in soil, timber, and water power, have 
 been an inexhaustible source of wealth to her citizens, and have given ample 
 scope for the employment of labor and capital. 
 
 The first paper printed in the County was located at Lewiston, where it 
 was continued for a short time hj Bartimeus Ferguson, who was from Can- 
 ada — the establishment was one that had been brought from Scotland, by 
 Andrew Heron, and used for several years in Canada, mostly at Niagara. In 
 the winter of 1822, Ferguson removed his establishment to Lockport, the 
 County Buildings having been located there, and the village just commenced. 
 The title he gave his paper was the "Lockport Observatory." In August, 
 1S22, it passed into the hands of Orsamus Turner, who continued its publica- 
 tion until 1826. Soon after the paper was removed to Lockport, another 
 took its place at Lewiston with the title of "Lewiston Sentinel," by Oliver 
 Grace. In 1826, the two papers were united at Lockport under the title of 
 the "Sentinel and Observatory," by Turner & Grace, for a short time, and 
 afterwards by Chipman P. Turner and N. D. Lathrop. In 1828, the estab- 
 lishment went into the hands of Asa Story, and its name changed to that 
 of "Lockport Journal." In 1829, It was purchased by Peter Besancon, Jr., and 
 after a short time its name was changed to that of "Lockport Balance." In 
 1833 or '34, a paper that had been in existence a short time, printed by P. 
 Baker, and called "The Gazette," was merged Avith it, and it afterwards 
 gported the name of "Balance and Gazette," by Baker & Besancon. During 
 the same year in which the alliance was formed, it was again dissolved, and 
 Besancon became the sole proprietor — changed the name back to "Balance," 
 and shortly afterwards sold out to Isaac C. Colton, who published it until 
 3 836, and then sold out to Thomas H. Hyatt — he published it until the winter 
 of 1837, and sold out to Turner & Lyon, who, in 1835, had started the "Ni- 
 agara Democrat," with which paper the "Balance" was finally merged. Turner 
 & Lyon published the "Democrat" until 1839, and then sold out to T. P. 
 Scoville. The paper was continued by him, with the exception of two years, 
 when it was in the hands of Samuel Wright, until August, 1846, when it 
 passed into the hands of Turner Sc M'Collum, by whom it is now published. 
 
 In 1827, the "Niagara Courier" was started in Lockport, by Mitchener Cad- 
 wallader. In 1834, he sold it to George Reece. In 1839, Reece disposed of 
 it to Thomas T. Flagler. In 1843, it passed into the hands of Crandall & 
 Brigham, by whom the paper is still continued. 
 
 In April, 1846, Stevens & Humphrey commenced the publication of the 
 "Niagara Cataract" at Lockport, and the paper is still published by Mr. 
 Henry and Mr. Fox, to which latter gentleman Mr. Stevens disposed of his 
 interest in February, 1847. 
 
 43 
 
In 1828 or '29, a small paper was started at Lockport, and continued for 
 about two years, which gloried in the name of "Priestcraft Exposed." It 
 was printed by Edwin A. Cooley. 
 
 About the period of the "Patriot War," a paper was published at Lewis- 
 ton called, I believe, the "Frontier Sentinel," by T. P. Scoville. 
 
 The above is supposed to comprise a full list of the different papers that 
 have been published in this County. If any are omitted, it is through mis- 
 take — not by design. 
 
 Orsamus Turner may be regarded as the father of the Press in this Coun- 
 ty. It is true, he was not the first to lift the curtain through which the 
 intellectual light of the Press was to be let in upon the denizens of Niagara 
 — but soon after the experiment was made, he was found at the helm, and 
 either as a Publisher, Editor or assistant Editor, has continued at his post 
 from 1822, to the present time. Mr. Turner is a strong and vigorous writer 
 — quick to perceive and prompt to execute his purposes. For one or two 
 years he was Collector of Canal Tolls at Lockport — a post of great respon- 
 sibility, the duties of which he discharged with entire satisfaction to the 
 public, and with credit to himself. 
 
 David S. Crandall. This gentleman is senior Editor of the "Courier." He 
 is not a practical Printer — but he is at home in almost everything else. Da- 
 vid is a rare and eccentric genius — full of fun, music and frolic. Well do I 
 remember the many times that he has relieved the dull monotony of a long 
 and tiresome stretch through the Texan Prairies, by his ever ready wit, and 
 the constant effervescence of his full and generous spirit. Nothing dis- 
 couraged him, or in the least damped his ardor. Whether longing for water, 
 or drenched with rain — whether bedded for the night in the open Prairie, 
 surrounded by howling wolves, or cramped with the gnawings of hunger, he 
 was always the same. Cool and determined, he was never thrown off his 
 guard. A better companion or a truer friend does not exist. Since his re- 
 turn from the South he has been once or twice elected Clerk of Niagara 
 County, and has now vaulted into the Editorial chair. It is entirely unneces- 
 sary for me to say he has my best wishes for his success. 
 
 Isaac C. Colton has left the Press, and taken to the profession of the law. 
 He is still a resident of Lockport. 
 
 Chipman P. Turner was for a time connected with the Press of this 
 County. He possesses many good qualities, both of the head and heart, 
 and has been variously connected in business. He is now Deputy Collector 
 for the Port of Black Rock. 
 
 Thomas F. Flagler was for a number of years at the head of the "Courier" 
 establishment, and during the time he was in business, he was twice re- 
 turned a member of the Legislature from Niagara County. 
 
 <4 
 
CHEMUNG COUNTY 
 
 With the history of the Press in this County it can hardly be supposed, 
 that I should have any personal knowledge. I have not, and therefore rely 
 entirely upon others for the facts in regard to it. The facts which follow in 
 regard to this subject have been furnished by C. G. Fairman and are no 
 doubt mainly correct. 
 
 The first paper ever printed in this County was called the "Telegraph." 
 It was established in the village of Newton, now Elmira, by Prindle & Mur- 
 phy. Mr. Fairman says he has obtained a copy of it, and that it is a rare 
 relic of antiquity — the paper upon which it is printed, would in these days 
 be considered unfit for wrapping. This was soon discontinued, and the' 
 "Vedette" took its place. In size and appearance this paper followed very 
 nearly in the footsteps of its predecessor. This latter paper lived its allotted 
 time on earth and was succeeded by the "Tioga Register," by Job A. Smith 
 in 1822. In 1828 its title was changed to that of "Elmira Gazette." In 1831, 
 Brinton Paine became associated with Mr. Smith. Mr. Paine continued in 
 the establishment until March, 1833, when he retired, leaving it in the hands 
 of Mr. Smith. In 1835, Mr. Paine purchased the establishment, and was its 
 sole proprietor, employing Thomas Maxwell as Editor. In 1837, Cyrus Pratt 
 became connected with Mr. Paine, and Mr. Maxwell retired from the Editor- 
 ial chair. In 1838, Mr. Pratt bought out Mr. Paine. In 1839, it was printed 
 by Pratt & Beardsley, who continued its publication until 1841, when it 
 j)assed into the hands of Mason & Rhodes, who are its present publishers. 
 
 The "where-about" and "what-about" of its various publishers, is a diflicult 
 matter to determine. Mr. Paine, however, is still in Elmira, engaged in the 
 Drug and Medicine business. Mr. Maxwell resides in Geneva. 
 
 The "Elmira Republican," says Mr. Fairman, as near as can be ascer- 
 tained, was launched into existence in the "Dark Ages." The first tangible 
 period in its history is 1828, when it was purchased by a company, and for 
 the first year thereafter was called the "Elmira Whig" — James Durham being 
 its publisher. Then came an interregnum of six months. In 1829, it re-ap- 
 peared again under the management of C. Morgan — William Murphy, Editor. 
 It was now called the "Elmira Republican and Canal Advertiser," It soon 
 after passed into the hands of John Duffy, and reverted back to its original 
 simplicity, being called the "Elmira Republican." In 1832, it was bought of 
 the company by Birdsall & Huntly. It was conducted by them until March, 
 1826, when Mr. Huntly retired, and the paper was continued by Ransom 
 Birdsall until 1841, when it was purchased by Policy & Caster, by whom it 
 was conducted one year. Mr. Caster then disposed of his interest to D, M. 
 Cook who subsequently purchased the entire concern. Three months after 
 this event, Mr. Cook died, and the paper passed into the hands of E. S. 
 Huntly and William Policy, under the firm name of Wm. Policy & Co. It was 
 conducted by them for two years, when in November, 1845, they disposed of 
 the establishment to S. B. & G. C. Fairman. In July, 1846, the former re- 
 
 45 
 
tired, leaving it in the hands of the latter gentleman. In June, 1846, under 
 the Telegraph excitement, the "Elmira Daily Republican" was issued. But 
 it proved an unprofitable experiment, and in about two months was aban- 
 doned. 
 
 The "Democratic Citizen," published at Jefferson, was established about 
 three years ago by J, I. Hendrix. He is still its publisher and Editor. The 
 Press upon which it is printed was formerly used to print a paper at 
 Horseheads, the name and date of which I have been unable to ascertain. 
 The same Press was subsequently used in the office of the "Chemung Dem- 
 ocrat," which was published at Havana a short time. This did not meet 
 with sufficient support, and it was removed to Jefferson, and the "Democratic 
 Citizen" established. 
 
 The paper is now called the "Havana Republican" has been published 
 about twelve years. It was established by Nelson Colegrove, and has been 
 published by several different individuals — among whom were Barlow Nye, 
 and T. I. Taylor. Its present Editor and proprietor is W. H. Ongly. 
 
 The above, according to Mr. Fairman's own opinion of the matter, is an 
 imperfect sketch — owing mainly to the fact that those who had it in their 
 power to render it more complete and full, failed to supply him with the re- 
 quisite data to enable him to carry out his original design. 
 
 CAYUGA COUNTY 
 
 The attempt was made at an early day to establish the Press in this 
 County, dating back to 1798. Henry Oliphant in his letter to the Committee 
 puts forth the following interrogatory — "What other County in the Western 
 District had a paper as early as 1798?" This he will find answered by a 
 reference to the County of Steuben, where he will find a paper was estab- 
 lished as early as 1796. Cayuga must therefore yield the palm. In June, 
 1845, Mr. Oliphant published the following in his paper, under the head of 
 "The Past and Present." As it embodies the kind of information sought, I 
 shall give it as I there find it, in preference to any remarks of my own: — 
 
 "The first newspaper printed in what now constitutes the County of Cay- 
 uga, of which we have any knowledge was the "Levana Gazette, or Ononda- 
 ga Advertiser" — a small affair of 17 inches by 20, printed by R. Delano, in 
 'Scipio, Onondaga county, S. N. Y.' July 20th, 1798 — Terms $2 per annum. 
 The 3rd No. is before us, printed upon paper that would now scarcely be 
 thought suitable for wrapping — as likewise the No. for November 21st of 
 the same year, which owing to the failure of the paper-maker to supply the 
 requisite quantity of paper, or to the falling off of custom, is greatly reduced 
 in size, being only 15 inches by 19 — and printed upon paper which can 
 scarcely be compared to the coarsest and bluest of the tobacco paper of the 
 present day. — Another paper — the "Western Luminary" — of similar charac- 
 ter and appearance was published for a short period at Watkin's Settlement 
 Scipio — and when, in 1799, Cayuga County was formed, and the county busi- 
 
 46 
 
ness transacted for the time being at Aurora, the office of "The Aurora Ga- 
 zette," was soon to be observed, located in a log edifice a little towards the 
 south end of the village. This was published by Messrs. H. «& J. Pace, upon 
 type which had probably done good service in the old world for soma 
 twenty, thirty, or forty years, the long s of which and numerous other traits 
 bearing evidence of its antiquity — and which after the removal of the 
 county buildings to this village in 1805, was used in enlightening our early 
 citizens through the columns of the "Western Federalist." Its first com- 
 petitor, if we mistake not, in 1814, the "Cayuga Patriot," originally issued 
 from the upper story of a wagon maker's shop in Mechanic street, (then 
 Lumber Lane,) forming a small weekly quarto of 8 pages — which has now 
 for many years been published in another shape by Mr. Isaac S. Allen. 
 Then came (in 1816) the "Auburn Gazette," which, in typographical and 
 business appearance, was very far ahead of any thing to be found in this 
 section. It was commenced by Messrs. Skinner & Crosby, the former 
 of whom was still connected with the business as publisher of the "Gazette, 
 Republican and Journal," until January, 1841. 
 
 In 1824, the "Auburn Free Press" was commenced by Mr. Richard 
 Oliphant, and although at that time the sheet upon which it was issued was 
 thought to be of a monstrous size — being larger than any of the preceding 
 publications in this section, yet it now appears scarcely credible that li was 
 not near half the size of our present sheet — its number of inches being 
 520, while ours is 1176. In the above list of papers we have overlooked the 
 "Cayuga Tocsin,"" commenced at Union Springs, in 1812, which after a 
 brief career there, was removed to this town, soon to lie down among the 
 things that were — only to be called to mind at this day by the establishment 
 of its namesake in 1839 — now published by Messrs. J. C. Merrell & Co. 
 
 Until the time of the establishment of the Free Press, in 1824, the old 
 Ramage or Screw Press, was the only kind used in this section — and until 
 1829 the only mode adopted in the bestowment of Ink upon the form or 
 type, was by the use of large, heavy, clumsy leather balls. But from that time 
 Improvements have rapidly followed each other. The introduction of the 
 Washington Cast Iron Press, in '24, accompanied as it was, by the composi- 
 tion roller, in '29, had greatly reduced the labor previously experienced — 
 and the still more recent invention of Seth Adams & Co., of Boston, one of 
 which has just been procured by us, cannot fail to make a still more 
 thorough change in every thing connected more especially with book-print- 
 ing. This press, with the assistance of one person to supply it with paper, 
 and another to turn the wheel, will get off more than four limes as many 
 sheets in the course of a day, as the article in ordinary use; and when it is 
 considered that each sheet may be of double the usual size generally used 
 upon the old press, the great advantage will be apparent to all. It is a 
 beautiful invention; and judging from its workings for th^ few days it has 
 been in operation, promises to work admirably — 'making books' at a rate 
 which only a few years since, would have been looked upon as altogether 
 
 47 
 
beyond belief. Wiiii the exception of a few of this inveiiUou in New-York, 
 and a single one in Albany, this is believed to be the only article of the 
 kind in the State, affording advantages to such of our publishers as wish to 
 avail themselves of its expeditious movements — and to our citizens generally, 
 a view of one of the finest specimens of mechanism ever formed." 
 
 The publication of the above article by Mr. Oliphant seems to have 
 aroused the dormant early recollections of our friend Weed of the "Albany 
 Journal," and called forth the following, which is too good to be lost. 
 Speaking of the article quoted above, Mr. Weed says: 
 
 "Here is a delightful reminiscence. It recalls events and brightens 
 images which would have long since faded out, had they not left their im- 
 pressions upon the mind in its spring-time. Who that remembers Western 
 New- York thirty-five years ago, can look upon the change without amaze- 
 ment? Instead of the every day, gradual progress which industry and 
 enterprise, guided by intelligence, accomplishes, it seems as if some Fairy 
 had passed through the wilderness, converting, by a touch of its wand, 
 tangled forests into waving fields, log-cabins into splendid mansions, Indian 
 v/igwams into Christian Temples, and blind foot-paths into Railroads and 
 Canals. 
 
 "Thirty-three years ago, every newspaper in this State, and nearly all in 
 the Union, were as familiar to our eye as that which now bears our imprint. 
 Then each Exchange Paper had its appropriate wire, and was regularly filed. 
 Ihen Printing was quite another affair. Machinery has robbed "the Art 
 preservative of all Arts" of much of its glory. Rollers and Steam do the 
 work which Franklin performed. Printers now learn but half the duties 
 which pertained to our craft in other days. 
 
 "The allusions in this article to the "Western Federalist," the "Cayuga 
 Tocsin," and the "Cayuga Patriot," carry us back to an early period in the 
 history of the Press of Western New- York. We shall never forget Messrs. 
 H. & J. Pace, of the "Western Federalist," at whose office we called in 
 1S12, when on our way to obtain a situation in the "Cayuga Tocsin" oifice. 
 Those dumpy little Englishmen were mounted upon stools, setting type that 
 must have been cast soon after the Reformation, for they were worn nearly 
 down to the first nick. Everything about the office, including its Proprietors, 
 would have induced the belief that they came out of the Ark, if there had 
 been authority for supposing that Father Noah took a Printing Office on 
 board. 
 
 "After resting a few hours at Auburn, we footed it on to "Spring Mills," 
 in the "Old Town of Scipio," v/here we renewed our acquaintance with the 
 space-box and shooting-stick, in the "Tocsin" office, a paper that rejoiced in 
 one "Royal T. Chamberlain," as its "Editor and Proprietor." Scipio was 
 then the largest and richest town in Western New- York. They have since 
 cut it up into four or five towns. 
 
 48 
 
"The Printing Office was situated upon the Lake, but we boarded some 
 three miles back, with the Proprietor's Father. The walk from the farm to 
 the office, in the grey of the morning, and the return at twilight, was always 
 delightful. The country was just passing from the primeval to the pastoral 
 state, so beautifully illustrated in Cole's magnificent picture of the Course of 
 Time. We were quite enchanted, and looked forward to much enjoyment 
 there. But our hopes were soon dashed. Our 'Editor and Proprietor' fell in 
 
 love! Miss S , who won his heart, rejected his hand! Instead of 
 
 consoling himself with the philosophy which assures us that there are as 
 good fish in the sea as those that refuse to be caught, he would sit whole 
 days upon a particular log looking at the house in which the idol of his 
 affections resided. Business was of course neglected, and in a few weeks 
 the 'Tocsin' ceased to sound its alarms. 
 
 "Nor shall we ever forget the 'upper ptory of a wagon-maker's shop' where 
 the 'Cayuga Patriot' was first printed, for there we worked and played and 
 laughed away most of the winter of 1814. Samuel R. Brown, who published 
 the 'Patriot,' was an honest, amiable, easy, slip-shod sort of a man, whose 
 patient, good-natured wife was 'cut from the same piece.' Mr. Brown, the 
 year before, had been established at Albany with a paper called the "Re- 
 publican,' under the auspices of Gov. Tompkins, Chief Justice Spencer, and 
 other distinguished Republicans, with whom Mr. Southwick, of the 'Register,' 
 ond then State Printer, had quaiTelled. But the enterprise, like every other 
 in our old friend Brown's hands, failed, and he next found himself at Auburn, 
 then a small village without a sidewalk or pavement, and save Sacket's 
 Harbor, the muddiest place we ever saw. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were orig- 
 inals. Neither of them, so far as v/e remember, ever lost temper or even 
 fretted. The work in the office, was always behind hand, and the house 
 always in confusion. The paper was never out in season, and neither break- 
 fast nor dinner were ever ready. But it was all the same. Subscribers 
 waited for the paper until it was printed, and we waited for our meals until 
 they were cooked. The office was always full of loungers communicating or 
 receiving news. And but for an amateur type-setter, (Richard Oliphant, 
 late editor of the 'Oswego County Whig,' and brother of the Editor of the 
 'Auburn Journal,') to whom we became much attached, and who, though a 
 mere boy, used to do a full share of the work, the business would have fallen 
 still farther behind hand. It is not perhaps unworthy of remark heie, that 
 three excellent and much esteemed Printers, became such, v/ithout dream- 
 ing of their destiny, in consequence of attachments we formed for them in 
 their childhood. We allude to Richard Oliphant, of Oswego, the late John 
 Visscher, of this city, and the late E. P. Pellett, of the "Chenango Tele- 
 graph.' John Visscher, when a mere boy, the son, as we then supposed, of 
 affluence, living next door to the 'Albany Register Office," passed all his 
 leisure time with us, and became, without any expectation of pursuing the 
 business, a good Printer. This proved most fortunate, for when adversity 
 came upon his Home, he v/as master of a profession which rendered him 
 
 :9 
 
Independent. Mr. Pellett when a boy worked upon his father's farm, a mile 
 from the village of Norwich, but the moment the labor of the day was over, 
 he started for our ofllce, where for months, he was assiduously and diligently 
 employed. Some years afterwards, when he had moved to Rochester, and 
 a paper was wanted at Norwich, the Farmer's Son left his plough and be- 
 came its Printer, Publisher and Editor, in all of which positions he not only 
 sustained himself, but rose to eminence. 
 
 "But we forgot that these reminiscences possess no Interest for general 
 readers. The 'Auburn Journal' article warmed up our memory, and it has 
 been running away with us." 
 
 In addition to the facts in the articles above quoted. It Is proper to state 
 that in Sept. 1816, the "Advocate of the People," was commenced by Henry 
 C. Southwick, advocating what was then known as the "Low Salary Party." 
 In 1827, the "Gospel Messenger," an Episcopal publication, was commenced 
 by the Rev. Doct. Rudd — after a few years it was removed to Utica, where 
 it is still published. 
 
 In 1833, the "Cayuga Democrat," was commenced by Frederick Prince. 
 
 In 1829, Henry Oliphant became the proprietor of the "Auburn Free Press," 
 previously published by Richard Oliphant, which by uniting with the 
 "Cayuga Republican," In 1833, till that time published by Thomas M. Skin- 
 ner, gave rise to the "Auburn Journal and Advertiser," which continued In 
 the hands of Henry Oliphant until Sept. 1846. The "Auburn Daily Ad- 
 vertiser" was commenced by Henry Oliphant in March, 1846, which, with 
 the Journal, was disposed of at the time before stated, to Henry Montgomery, 
 formerly of Lancaster, Pa. 
 
 The "Northern Christian Advocate," a Methodist paper was commenced In 
 1841. It is under the Editorial charge of Rev. Nelson Rounds, and has a 
 weekly circulation of near 6,000. 
 
 The "Star of Temperance," by L. H. Dewey, was commenced In 1845, and, 
 I believe, is still published by him. 
 
 In 1846, Professor Maffltt established a monthly publication, the object and 
 design, or even the name of which, I have not learned. The number for 
 December closed its existence. 
 
 All the facts in relation to the Press in this County have not been fur 
 nished, which it would have been desirable should have been placed upon 
 record. Among others, a prominent omission occurs In not mentioning the 
 name of Ulysses F. Doubleday, who was long and honorably connected with 
 the "Cayuga Patriot." Mr. D. was also a Member of Congress from the 
 Cayuga District, and was for a time, I believe, Keeper of the Auburn State 
 Prison. If I am not mistaken he is now In the Bookselling business in the 
 City of New- York. 
 
 50 
 
SENECA AND YATES COUNTIES. 
 
 It is to be i^gretted that a more particular and minute history of the 
 Press of these two Counties could not have been obtained. E.J. Fowle has 
 furnished what may be regarded more in the light of a personal history of 
 himself, than a general one of the Press — in doing so, however, although 
 himself a resident of Yates, he has given a mere glimpse of the early his- 
 tory of Printing in both these Counties. 
 
 In a letter to the Committee of Correspondence of the Franklin Festival, 
 under date of Dec. 24, 1846, Mr. Fowle says: "I date my connection with 
 the Press from 1816, when I commenced as an apprentice with Michael 
 Hayes, in the office of the "Ovid Gazette." The County of Seneca had then 
 just been cut up by the formation of Tompkins, and the Courts removed to 
 Waterloo. The first paper ever printed in this County, the "Seneca 
 Patriot," by George Lewis, had followed the location of the Courts. One 
 object in starting the paper at Ovid was to get the Courts back half the 
 time. This was accomplished after several years struggling. Lewis soon 
 after this event sold out at Waterloo, to Hiram Leavenworth, who now, 
 I believe, conducts the "Journal," at St. Catherines," C. W. [In 1827, when 
 the Compositor of this entered upon his apprenticeship in the office of Wm. 
 L. Mackenzie, at York, now Toronto, he recollects frequently to have heard 
 the name of Mr. Leavenworth mentioned at a Journeyman having been 
 employed in that office the year previous. That he is a good Printer and a 
 gentleman of taste, the exceeding neatness of the paper which he continues 
 to publish in the flourishing village of St. Catherines, affords ample proof. 
 I'nlike his old employer, it is believed Mr. L. is possessed of a goodly share 
 of this world's goods, with which to supply the wants of the decline of life.] 
 Mr. L. had not been long established, when, on account of some trifling 
 misunderstanding with a few of the would-be office-holders of that day, he 
 was invited one evening by one of the clique to a conference at the hotel, 
 and while thus engaged, the others went into the Printing Office and stole 
 and ran off with the Press, Types, and all, and the poor Printer returned 
 only to find a vacant room. So much for the liberty of the Press! 
 
 "The appearance of most of the papers of those days would afford a rich 
 treat, if copies could be found. They were generally of very small dimen- 
 sions — were printed on some day during the week, the proprietors not being 
 very particular which, and the date affording no evidence. Whenever the 
 'boss' or the boys had been lazy or frolicking too much, a column or two of 
 the latest news in Great Primer or Double Pica, was set up by way of help- 
 ing along. Tlie advertisements were rendered very conspicuous by a cap- 
 tion in Cannon, and many of the cuts were of domestic manufacture, and 
 would represent almost anything, 'without,' as the almanac makers used to 
 say, 'material alteration.' " 
 
 Mr. Fowle remained in Ovid some five years — went to New-York, where he 
 worked for Aklen Spooner, and the Messrs. Plarpers — returned to the West 
 
 51 
 
— worked for William Ray, the Poet, at Geneva, and for B. B. Drake, at 
 Waterloo, and again for a while at Ovid. In the fall of 1823, he went to 
 Fenn Yan, and started the "Yates Republican." Previous to this time, how- 
 ever, A. H. Bennett had commenced the "Penn Yan Herald," the name of 
 v/hich he soon changed to that of "Penn Yan Democrat," and which is still 
 continued by his son, Clement V. Bennett, and Alfred Reed. Mr. F. con- 
 tinued the "Yates Republican" something like twelve years, when he aban- 
 doned the Press and Types for "Dry Goods, Groceries, Crockery, and Hard- 
 ware," in which business he is still engaged. The paper, under various 
 titles and proprietors, is still continued. Since he quit it, J. A. Hadley, 
 
 now of Rochester, Gilbert, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and William Childs 
 
 have had charge of it. — It is now in the hands of Rodney L. Adams; the 
 daily called the "Telegraph," and the weekly the "Yates County Whig," 
 
 There is also a paper published in Yates County, at Dundee, called the 
 "Dundee Record," but I know not by whom, or how long it has been 
 published . 
 
 TIOGA COUNTY. 
 
 The materials from which to furnish a history of the Press in this 
 County, are meagre in the extreme. Mr. Calhoun, the Editor of the Oswego 
 Advertiser, has supplied the only data from which any facts can be gath- 
 ered in relation to it, and he complains that others, from whom he had a 
 right to expect assistance in the matter, have failed to give him any what- 
 ever. 
 
 The "American Farmer" was established by Stephen Mack, somewhere 
 about the year 1800. In 1815, it was purchased by Stephen B. Leonard, 
 since Member of Congress from this District, who changed the name to the 
 **Oswego Gazette." — Mr. Leonard conducted it 20 years, and sold out in 1835, 
 to Shurtleff & Bull. This firm was dissolved in 1837, and the paper was 
 carried on by J. B. Shurtleff till February, 1839, when his office with its 
 contents was destroyed by fire. In May, the same year, the "Gazette" was 
 again started by E. P. Marble, who continued to publish it about two years, 
 when it passed into the hands of C. C. Thomas, under the Editorial charge 
 of Alanson Munger. Mr. Thomas published the paper seven months and sold 
 out to Thomas C.Wood, who employed Gideon O. Chase as Editor. In 1843, 
 another paper bearing the name of the "Owego Gazette," was established, 
 by H. A. Babe, formerly of Towanda, Pa. In 1844, Wood's "Gazette" went 
 down, and Babe continued to publish the other until July, 1845, when he 
 sold out to Thomas Pearsall, who continued in charge of it until May, 1846, 
 when he sold to D. & C. F. Wallis, by whom it is now carried on. 
 
 Attempts were made at various times to establish a second paper, and the 
 "Republican," by Mr. Chatterton, was in existence nearly a year, about 1833. 
 In 1836, A. H. Calhoun established the "Owego Advertiser," which is now 
 continued by him. 
 
 52 
 
WYOMING COUNTY. 
 
 This County originally, or at least all except what has been taken from 
 Allegany and added to it since its separate organization as a County, be- 
 longed to Genesee. In this County, as in most others, a disposition has ex- 
 isted, to augument, unnecessarily, the numbers of Newspapers. In many cases 
 they were not demanded by the business wants of the County, and as a 
 necessary consequence, their existence has been fleeting and ephemeral. It 
 is hoped past experience will operate favorably upon future enterprise. 
 
 The first paper printed in what is now Wyoming County, at Warsaw, was 
 in 1828, by L. & W. Walker, and was called the "Genesee Register." It did 
 not number six months when it expired. 
 
 The "Warsaw Sentinel" was established by Andrew W. Young, in May, 
 1830. He continued its publication until December, 1831, when he pur- 
 chased the "Republican Advocate," at Batavia, and merged the "Sentinel" in 
 that paper. 
 
 In 1833 or '34, David Scott established in the Village of Attica a paper 
 called the "Attica Republican." How long it v/as continued, I am unable to 
 say, but it is stated to have eventually run into the "Attica Balance," by E. 
 A. Cooley, Mr. Scott continuing a regular, or occasional, contributor to Its 
 Editorial department, until it underwent another change, and came out the 
 "Attica Democrat" under the entire control of Mr. Cooley. It thus con- 
 tinued until 1846, when it ceased to exist. 
 
 In 1834, the "Genesee Recorder" was established at Perry, by George 
 M. Shipper. It did not live out its first year. 
 
 The "American Citizen" was established by an association of gentlemen, 
 at Warsaw, in 1836. It was printed by J. A. Hadley, and for the first few 
 months was under the editorial supervision of A. W. Young, after which 
 time it was assumed by Mr. Hadley, and the paper was thus continued for 
 one year, when it was removed to Perry, and published by Mitchell & War- 
 ren. Soon after this event, Mr. Ansel Warren retired, leaving it in the 
 hands of Mr. David Mitchell, who continued it until January, 1841, when 
 it was removed to Rochester, where it was published one or two years, and 
 then discontinued. 
 
 It 1838, a paper was established at Pike, and at first w^as called the "Pike 
 Whig," but was afterv/ards changed to the "Pike Gazette." It was con- 
 ducted by Thomas Carrier, and lived about one year. It was established 
 to further the project of creating a new County, whose "seat of govern- 
 ment" should be at Pike. 
 
 In 1839, Ansel Warren, In the oflice of the "American Citizen," published 
 "The Watchtower," for the Baptist Association. It was edited by Elder Elon 
 Galusha, and Rev. Charles Van Loon. It lived but one year. 
 
 In 1840, a campaign paper was printed at Perry, called "The Register," 
 under the Editorial management of Isaac N. Stoddard and John H. Bailey. 
 
 53 
 
In 1841, the "Perry Democrat" was established at the Village of Perry, 
 under the Editorial charge of Peter Lawrence. It is still continued by him. 
 
 The "Western New-Yorker" was commenced at Perry, in January, 1841. 
 It was at first edited by John H. Bailey, who was afterwards succeeded by 
 Barlow & Woodward, and by them the paper was removed to Warsaw, in 
 the summer of the same year, soon after the location of the County build- 
 ings. It was published by these gentlemen until January, 1842, when Mr. 
 Woodward retired, leaving it in the hands of Mr. Barlow. — In November of 
 the same year, Samuel S. Blanchard entered the concern, and continued 
 with Mr. Barlow until January, 1843, when Mr. Barlow retired, leaving it in 
 Ihe hands of his partner, by whom it is still published. 
 
 In 1843, "The Countryman" was established at Perry, by N. S. Woodward. 
 It was intended as a successor to the "American Citizen." It soon passed 
 into the hands of Daniel S. Curtis, and its title was changed to "The 
 Impartial Countryman." It was thus continued until August, 1846, when 
 Ansel Warren appeared as its conductor, and issued the paper under the 
 title of the "Free Citizen." It has now, however, just departed this life, 
 having died about the 1st of April, of the present year, of that dreadful 
 malady, so fatal to many of the Newspapers of Western New- York — want of 
 sufficient patronage. 
 
 In 1844, the "Wyoming Republican" was commenced at Warsaw, by E. L. 
 Fuller. Its publication was discontinued about the first of March, 1847. 
 
 The "Attica Telegraph" was established in the Village of Attica, in Oc- 
 tober, 1846, by Abraham Dinsmore. It is still published by him. 
 
 The "Christian Investigator," is published at the office of the late "Free 
 Citizen," and edited by William Goodell. 
 
 Of those who have been, or now are, interested in the Newspaper Press 
 of Wyoming, I propose to say a few words. Andrew W. Young is men- 
 tioned in thfc "Recollections of the Press," of another County. In addition 
 to what is there staled, I will simply remark, that he is now engaijed in 
 th'» State of Ohio, la publishing a work similar to the one put forth In this 
 State, on the "Scier.ce of Government" — and with every prospect of com- 
 plete success. 
 
 David Scott has left the Editorial Chair entirely, and is now devoting 
 himself to the active business duties of life — a Merchant, Miller, &c. At 
 one time he was a Member of the Legislature from this County. His 
 political course has been rather erratic, and it is a favorite remark of his, 
 "that upon a Presidential Election, he is never in the minority." Whether 
 this implies change, on the part of David, or the parties of the day, is left 
 for others to decide. I mention the fact, simply to show the peculiar char- 
 Jicter of the man. He possesses considerable force of mind, and withal, 
 ivany good qualities. 
 
 54 
 
[J. A. Hadley. This gentleman, as will be seen in the preceding pages, 
 has had much to do with the Newspaper Press in Western New- York. He 
 has taken an active part in two Festivals held in Rochester, and, it will be 
 observed is a member of the Committee for the publication of these pro- 
 ceedings. It is with regret, however, that we learn he is about to leave the 
 city, and the superintendence of the Democrat office — a situation which he 
 has occupied for the last eight years, doubtless, to the entire satisfaction 
 of the employers and employed of that establishment — and contemplates 
 soon to remove to Watertown, Jefferson County, Wiskonsan. He designs 
 publishing a paper in that town on his arrival there, to be entitled the 
 "Watertown Chronicle." Mr. H. is one of the tallest specimens of the Craft, 
 being six feet four inches in stature, which is only two inches less than 
 that of his fellow-craftsman. Long John Wentworth, of Illinois. He is a 
 clever soul, and every inch a gentleman, and we most cordially wish him In 
 his projected enterprise, that success and prosperity to which he is so justly 
 entitled. — Eds American.] 
 
 Samuel S. Blanchard is still at the head of the "Western New-Yorker," 
 and it is but justice to say, that in his hands, the paper has been well and 
 creditably sustained. 
 
 Abraham Dinsmore was formerly an apprentice in the office of the writer 
 of these pages — and without meaning or intending any disparagement to 
 ethers who may have occupied a similar position, I trust I may be permitted 
 to bear testimony to the great fidelity with which he discharged his obliga- 
 tions while thus situated . Since that time his course has not been so 
 familiar to me. In a business point of view, I wish him the most 
 unbounded success. 
 
 Of some of those engaged in the Press in this County, I know nothing of 
 their personal history — while others have been noticed elsev/here. 
 
 GENESEE COUNTY. 
 
 The Newspaper Press in this County, in its struggling infancy, has had 
 the same difficulties to contend with, that have beset the attempt in other 
 Western Counties. The following history of its rise, progress, and present 
 condition, is supposed to be correct, or nearly so, in almost every particular, 
 rathough to gather these facts together has been the result of considerable 
 l.-ibor. 
 
 The first paper printed in the County of Genesee was established at 
 Batavia, then, as now, the County Seat, in the spring of 1807. At the date, 
 cr near it, indicated below, I addressed a letter to Benjamin Blodgett, Erivi., 
 asking information in relation to the early history of the Press in this 
 County. I received the following letter from him, and I cannot do better 
 justice to the subject than by copying the letter entire. It is as follows: — 
 
 Pembroke, Nov. 25, 1846. 
 
 "Friend Follett: — I this morning received your note asking informat'on 
 
 55 
 
of the 'rise and progress of the Art of Printing' in this County. I regret 
 I am not able to give you a more minute account. Not having pre- 
 served a file of my old papers, I have to depend merely upon memory. The 
 first paper established in this County was in the spring of 1807. Elias Wil- 
 liams purchased in Manlius, an old Ramage Printing Press that had been 
 laid aside as useless, and a Box of Old Type in pi, intended to sell for 
 Type metal, and brought them, in the winter of that year, to Batavia. After 
 a laborious winter's work of assorting his old Type, and patching up the 
 old Press, he published the first number of a paper called the 'Genesee In- 
 telligencer.' This paper was printed upon a half sheet of Medium size, with 
 a subscription list of 100, and two or three columns of advertisements from 
 the Holland Land Company, one Elopement, and one Runaway Apprentice 
 Boy, for whose apprehension a Bag of Bran was offered as a reward. * This 
 was all the advertising patronage, if my recollection serves me right, that 
 the paper commenced with. The paper was a sorry looking thing — the 
 mechanical execution being so bad that it would have puzzled a Philadel- 
 phia Lawyer to find out what it was. I ought to have preserved a copy 
 —it would be looked upon by the craft at this day, not only as a literary 
 but a mechanical curiosity. Williams becoming disheartened at the shabby 
 appearance of his paper, and about to fail for the want of funds, induced 
 me to go into partnership with him. Anxious to see my name at the head of 
 a newspaper, as Printer, Publisher, and Editor, too, of the 'Genesee Intelli- 
 gencer,' I embarked my all of this world's effects in the enterprise, which 
 amounted to the vast sum of forty-eight dollars and seventy-five cents, the 
 hard earnings of the summer before, as Pack Horseman and Cook to a com- 
 p:»ny of Surveyors on the Holland Purchase — a pursuit better fitted to my 
 capacity, at that day, than Editor of the 'Genesee Intelligencer.' 
 
 "About the first of July, 1807, the firm of Williams & Blodgett resumed 
 the publication of the 'Intelligencer' with an increased subscription list and 
 advertising patronage. After publishing 13 numbers, Williams went to 
 Alexander to attend a Military Review, and has never since been seen or 
 heard of in this country. This unceremonious leave-taking of Williams put 
 a mighty damper upon the prospects of Mr. Editor Blodgett, who instead of 
 realizing the golden dreams he had anticipated, found himself involved in 
 debt about $300, flat on his back with the fever and ague, which con- 
 tinued about six months without intermission; and for the want of help, 
 not being a practical Printer myself, was obliged to abandon the publication 
 of the 'Intelligencer.'t However, in the spring of 1808, I rallied again, and 
 in company with a man by the name of Peck, I started the 'Cornucopia,' (a 
 
 * The advertisement no douot was written by the printer, as they are u.sually 
 called upon to perform such little duties, and the reward was no doubt suggested 
 to his mind for the reason that the paper was published in a portion of the Mill, 
 a room being set apart for that purpose. 
 
 t It Is worthy of rom.ark. that the enterprise undertaken by Mr. Blodgett was 
 entirely new to him, he never having seen the Inside of a printing office until about 
 the time he entered the "Intelligencer" establishment as part proprietor and edi- 
 tor. 
 
 56 
 
very classic name,) with an enlarged sheet and new type, under the firm 
 of Peek & Blodgett, with a subscription list of about 300. Irf the fall of 
 1811, Peek was taken sick and died, ' and with his death tile 'Cornucopia' 
 went down. 
 
 "I then, under the mechanical superintendence of David C. Miller, (after- 
 wards Colonel, with his little Cane and Breeches,) commenced the publica- 
 tion of the 'Republican Advocate,' with a new Press and new Type, and 
 continued its publication for several years, when I sold out to Colonel 
 Miller, who became sole proprietor of that paper. 
 
 "Your friend, 
 
 "BENJAMIN BLODGETT." 
 
 This was the first paper ever established, I believe, which was called the 
 "Advocate." Since that time, however, many a bantling has sprung into 
 existence bearing that cognomen. 
 
 The "Republican Advocate" continued in the hands, and under the direc- 
 tion of Col. Miller until April, 1828, when he took into Co-partnership Charles 
 Sentell, by whom it was conducted until July, 1829, when it passed into the 
 hfinds of Charles W. Miller, and was continued by him until the 21st of 
 Nov. 1831, when he died. The paper was continued without any acknowl- 
 edged proprietor, until the 17th of January, 1832, when it passed into the 
 hands of Edwin Hough and Andrew W. Young, the latter gentleman having 
 been engaged in the publication of the "Warsaw Sentinel." On the 13th 
 Nov. 1832, Hough left the establishment in the hands of Young. On the 
 8th of April, 1835, Young transferred the office to Lewis & Brown, who 
 continued the paper for three weeks, and then it reverted back again to Mr. 
 Young. The establishment was then sold to C. C. Allen, who continued its 
 publication for four vv^eeks, when he surrendered the establishment to Mr. 
 Young again. Young printed a half sheet to give the paper an existence, 
 and then, on the 8th of June, 1835, sold out to Waite & Cooley. This co- 
 partnership continued until the 16th of Sept. of the same year, when Cooley 
 retired f om the establishment, leaving it in the hands of Mr. Waite, by 
 v/hom it is still continued. 
 
 On the 3rd day of February, 1819, the first number of the "Spirit of the 
 Times," was issued at Batavia, by Oran Follett, on which occasion the writer 
 ol" this made his first attempt at Type setting. The "Times" was continued 
 by the same proprietor until May, 1825, when Frederick Follett, purchased 
 the establishment of his brother, and was duly Installed Editor and Proprie- 
 tor, and continued as such until August, 1836, when being fired by an extra 
 love of liberty, and desiring to participate in the struggle then in progress 
 ill Texas, sold the establishment to a number of gentlemen, and repaired to 
 the country of the "Lone Star." The establishment was then placed in the 
 hands of Nelson D. Wood, who continued at its head until the writer's re- 
 turn, who, on the 17th of August, 1837, again found himself at the head of 
 the "Times," and continued in that capacity until the 11th of June, 1840, 
 
 57 
 
when the "Times," passed into the hands of Lucas Seaver, who continued 
 Its publication until the 28th of January, 1845, when he disposed of it to 
 William Seaver, and William A. Seaver, by whom it is still continued under 
 the firm of Wm. Seaver & Son. 
 
 The publication of the "Leroy Gazette" was commenced in the village of 
 that name, about the year 1826, by J. O. Balch, who continued it until 
 1827, when he disposed of it to Starr & Hotchkin, who continued in partner- 
 ship about a year and a half, when Hotchkin retired, and sometime in 1828 
 Henry D. Ward became associated with Mr. Starr in its publication, and 
 thus continued until 1832, when Ward left the establishment in the hands 
 of Mr. Starr. In 1833 Richard Hollister became the owner, Starr continuing 
 as the publisher.. In 1835, Rufus Robertson became part owner, and in 1836, 
 sole proprietor of the establishment, and then in connection with F. L. Good- 
 rich, as partner continued the paper until Jany 1838, when Robertson dis- 
 posed of his interest to Seth M. Gates and Martin O. Coe, by whom, with 
 Goodrich as the owner of the other half, it was continued until Nov. or Dec. 
 1838, when it passed into the hands of Cyrus Thompson, who continued its 
 publication until June, 1840, when the present proprietor, C. B. Thompson, 
 became the owner and has since continued the publication of the "Leroy Gazette" 
 
 In the year 1829, Orestes A. Brownson, as Editor, and Freeman & Son, as 
 Printers, commenced the publication, in the village of Leroy, of the "Gen- 
 esee Republican and Herald of Reform," which had an existence of a year 
 or two, and was then discontinued. 
 
 The "People's Press," owned by an association of individuals, and printed 
 by Benjamin Blodgett, was commenced in the village of Batavia, in 1825, 
 and was continued by Mr. Blodgett for about a year, when it passed into the 
 hands of Martin, Adams & Thorp. Soon after Mr. Martin retired from the 
 establishment leaving it in the hands of Adams & Throp — another change 
 soon after took place, and the establishment passed into the hands of Adams 
 & McCleary. The paper was afterwards merged in the "Spirit of the Times" 
 and finally its name has become extinct. 
 
 The "Morgan Investigator" was the title of a small paper published at the 
 office of the "Republican Advocate" soon after the excitement of 1826 broke 
 out. It was continued about a year and then expired. Its title is a suffi- 
 cient indication of the purposes of its origin. 
 
 The "Masonic Intelligencer" was also started about the same period, and 
 for purposes directly the reverse of the former. It was published at the 
 office of the "People's Press." It attained about the same age. 
 
 The "Farmer's and Mechanic's Journal," published at Alexander by Peter 
 Lawrence, was commenced on the 4th day of Nov, 1837. It was continued 
 there until its purchase and removal to Batavia in June, 1840. 
 
 On leaving the office of the "Spirit of the Times," June 11th, 1840, the 
 vriter of this in connection with Peter Lawrence, who until that time had 
 
 58 
 
published the "Farmer's and Mechanic's Journal," at Alexander, commenced, 
 in the village of Batavia, the publication of the "Batavia Times and Farmers 
 and Mechanics Journal," the first number of which paper was issued on the 
 ISth day of June, 1840. Lawrence continued in the establishment for two 
 or three months, when the writer took the establishment into his own hands, 
 and continued its publication until the 20th of Sept., 1843, when the "good 
 will" of the establishment was disposed of to Lucas Seaver, who was then 
 the proprietor of the "Spirit of the Times." 
 
 The "Temperance Herald" was the title of a small paper printed by Lucas 
 Seaver, and Issued from the office of the "Spirit of the Times." The first 
 number was issued in March, 1842, and was continued for one year. It was 
 devoted, as is implied by its title, to the cause of Temperance. 
 
 The "Genesee Courier," by E. Bliss, was established at Leroy in the 
 Ppring of 1844. It was continued about one year, and was then discontin- 
 ued. Mr. Bliss is now publishing a paper at Racine, Wisconsin. 
 
 Having gone through with an enumeration of the different Newspapers 
 established in this County for the last forty years, my task may be con- 
 sitlered as ended. But what has become of the founders of those establish- 
 monts? This inquiry is an interesting one, and it may not be wholly un- 
 profitable to give the answer. 
 
 Elias Williams, the pioneer of the Newspaper Press in this county, as 
 lias bef)re been stated, left the field of his early labors in a most abrupt 
 and uriceremonious manner — and, as stated, has never since been seen or 
 heard of in this county. Whether he was spirited away, by some of the 
 evil geniuses, who in early times were associated with the Craft in the 
 minds of the vulgar or uninformed — or whether he was actuated by a more 
 noble and magnanimous principle, and "left his country for his country's 
 good," is really more than I can say. It however has been suggested to us 
 by his old partner, that the reason why Williams thus made himself scarce 
 in these parts, was this: — Previous to the review in question both proprie- 
 tors of the "Intelligencer" — (Printers are celebrated for their military pro- 
 pensities*)- — were elected Corporals of a Company in Batavia, and on re- 
 
 • Friend Follett is correct in his opinion relative to the martial spirit of the 
 Craft. Who ever doubted the heroism and bravery of Printers? They are natural- 
 1> a generous, whole-souled set of fellows, and always first to espouse the 
 cause of their country, liberty, and humanity, and to stand up manfully in de- 
 fence thereof. The following incident which occurred at the seat of war in Mex- 
 ico, will show the larg^e number of the members of the profession In our army: 
 
 "General Scott, on a recent occasion, wanted to have some general orders printed 
 at a given time. He sent directions to the office of the "Tampico Sentinel" to 
 have them done. He was told that In consequence of the scarcity of compositors, 
 the work could not be accomplished. He then, on the morning parade, ordered all 
 printers to step forward three paces from the ranks, when several hundred men 
 --all Printers — obeyed the order." 
 
 In the war between Texas and Mexico, the Craft were equally chivalri/i, and the 
 ludicrous feat of capturing Santa Anna by treeing him, it is well known, was per- 
 formed by a Printer. 
 
 59 
 
pai'-ing to Alexander to be reviewed, Williams thought, especially as it was 
 the bounden duty of military men to fight, that he would get up a little 
 bit of a row — and as it generally happens in such cases that somebody must 
 get licked, the lot fell, most unfortunately, upon Williams. Having got 
 most essentially thrashed out — both eyes put in mourning, for the sins of the 
 inner man, I suppose, he decamped. One thing, however, is certain — Wil- 
 liams has left an interregnum in his history which it is impossible for me 
 to supply, and I am therefore compelled thus to leave his name wrapped 
 In mystery and doubt. 
 
 Benjamin Blodgett, the next in order as the pioneer of Printing in this 
 County is still living. After catering for many years, for the appetite of 
 the reading public, he abandoned the Printing business, and commenced 
 catering for the traveling public. Who that has travelled on the great 
 thoroughfare to Buffalo, before the introduction and completion of the iron 
 roads, does not remember the "Richville Cottage?" It was a frequent re- 
 mark of travellers, that at no place between Albany and Buffalo, did they 
 fare so well or so bountifully, as at the "Cottage" — and this was kept by 
 our old friend Benjamin Blodgett, who still resides at Pembroke, and I hope 
 he may long continue in the enjoyment of the blessings of this life. Speak- 
 ing of the "Richville Cottage," brings to our mind a very happy notice of 
 cur old friend which originally appeared in the "Knickerbocker," written by 
 the lamented Willis Gaylord Clark, in 1836, and is as follows: — 
 
 "Traveler! — as thou wendest towards the West, if thou art within some 
 fifteen miles of Batavia, and thinkest of pausing for the night, rescind the 
 mental resolution, and post on to that tov/n. There shalt thoa experience a 
 good bed, and delicious lest, with the murmur of the Tonnawauta breathing 
 upon the night air thy quiet lullaby. Do this; to the end that, rising in the 
 morning, thou go to Richville, and there to breakfast, v/hich is an hospita- 
 ble town, and hath an hotel whose :iuperior is not to be found, whether 
 they go to the south-west or north-v/est, or indeed to any point of the com- 
 pass. Comfortable and expeditious Blodgett! The voiuminousness of thy 
 periphery indicateth the epicure; upon the pullets thou sacrifcest, are the 
 pln-feathers of youth; thy warm cakes are done deliciously brown; thy yel- 
 low butter, thy irreproachable eggs, thy unimpeachable coffee — my mnemno- 
 cal palate remembers them all. Murder Creek, too is in thy vicinity; as it 
 goes moaning onward under the rude bridge that spans it, the reflection of 
 blight red mills upon its shore as they give back the sunbeam, gives it mur- 
 der's proper hue and 'damned spot.' The tradition is, that a poor crazy 
 old man was killed here by the Indians, many years ago, in the early settle- 
 ment of the country: 
 
 In Paris, too, in July, 1830, when Charles X., King of the French, attempted to 
 stifle the Liberty of the Press, did not the Printers turn out en masse? Such was 
 the terrific character of the revolution v.hich ensued, that it has since been appro- 
 priately styled "the great three days in Paris." The liberties of the people were 
 preserved, although at the expense of the lives of thousands, whose blood was 
 made to flow in torrents in the streets of that city! — Eds. American. 
 
 C3 
 
'May he be true, may he be no so: 
 
 We'll grant it is, and let it go so.' 
 At any rate, (Blodgett, I thank thee for the sentence,) If Richville hath the 
 memory of death, it hath likewise, and in full profusion, the means of life." 
 
 Peek, whose first name I have not been able to learn, although dili- 
 gent inquiry has been made, died in this Village in the fall of 1811, while 
 engaged in the publication, with Blodgett, of the "Cornucopia." 
 
 David C. Miller. It cannot be denied but what Miller possessed a very 
 considerable degree of talent, and a reasonable share of shrewdness. All will 
 remember tlie conspicuous part he bore in the exciting times which followed 
 the abduction of William Morgan, in 1826. Miller was afterwards elected 
 County Clerk — took the stump as a candidate for Congress — was defeated, 
 and finally left in 1832, or '33, cursing the party, or its leaders, as guilty 
 of ingratitude. The last intelligence of this man loca'ted him at Cleveland, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Oran Follett continued the publication of the "Spirit of the Times," until 
 1825, when he sold out. In the fall of 1824, he was returned a member of 
 the Legislature from this County. After disposing of the "Times," he uni- 
 ted with Day & Haskins in the publication of a paper at Buffalo. From 
 thence he removed to Sandusky City, Ohio, where he now resides, and is 
 President of the Board of Public Works in that State. 
 
 Frederick Follett, his successor in the publication of the "Times," contin- 
 ued it from 1825 until 1840, with an interruption of one year — then published 
 the Times & Journal, until 1843 — since which time he has been serving the 
 public in the capacity of Post Master of the Village of Batavia. 
 
 J. O. Balch, the founder of the "LeRoy Gazette," the last I heard of him, 
 he was a resident of the State of Illinois. Whether he is still in the Print- 
 ing business, or what are his prospects in life, is more than I can say. 
 
 Elisha Starr is still living, and a resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin — a 
 clever, good natured, easy soul, well calculated to pioneer the way to for- 
 tune for others, but never ready to grasp it for himself. I hope the "blind 
 goddess" will yet see fit to force a fortune upon him. 
 
 Beriah B. Hotchkin. The whereabouts of this branch of the Corps Edi- 
 torial of Genesee County is unknown to me. 
 
 Henry D. Wade, some years since, took up his line of march for the West, 
 and at one time was figuring as Cashier of a Bank in Illinois. 
 
 There were a number of owners of the "Gazette" after this, but as they 
 did not belong to the Craft, we are disposed to pass them by until we come 
 to 
 
 Franklin L. Goodrich. This gentleman is still in the land of the living — 
 and at present has charge of the mechanical part of the Republican Advo- 
 cate. 
 
 61 
 
Cyrus Thompson, who had charge of the "Gazette" from 1838 to 1840, has 
 left the case and taken a stand upon the soil. In other words, he has turned 
 farmer. 
 
 Charles B. Thompson, who is now the editor and proprietor of the "Ga- 
 zette," is doing better, I hope, in the way of his profession than his prede- 
 cessors. The paper seems to be better sustained, and has every indication 
 of alTording a good living. 
 
 Orestes A. Brownson, who edited the "Genesee Republican," is now, and 
 has been for a number of years, the Editor of the New England Review — a 
 man of great and acknowledged talent, but somewhat ultra and impractica- 
 ble in his views. The following story is told in connection with this gen- 
 tleman: — Some years since, v/hile in England, the Hon. Daniel Webster 
 culled upon Lord Brougham. Various topics formed the theme of conver- 
 sation, until finally the literature of America was touched upon. Being 
 aware that Webster and Brownson were inhabitants of the same city. Lord 
 Brougham made the following inquiry of his visitor: — "I suppose, Mr. Web- 
 ster, you are well acquainted with Mr. Brownson?" With real or affected 
 ignorance of the subject of the inquiry, Mr. Webster replied "Brownson, 
 Brownson — what Brownson do you mean. Sir?" "Why O. A. Brownson, to 
 be sure. Sir." "I do not know the man," replied Mr. Webster. "Well, then," 
 answered Lord Brougham, "permit me to tell you, Sir, that you have not the 
 honor of an acquaintance with one of the greatest writers in America!" 
 
 Andrew W. Young is still living. He resides at Warsaw, in the County 
 of Wyoming. Since leaving the Printing business, Mr. Young has turned au- 
 thor, and his work upon "Science of Government," designed for a School 
 Book, has met with an extensive sale, and is deservedly popular. Mr. Young 
 has been twice elected to the Legislature from Wyoming, and was returned 
 a member of the late Convention to revise the Constitution of this State, 
 from the same County. 
 
 Lewis & Brown. The former gentleman is the Editor of a paper at Mar- 
 shall, Michigan, where he has resided for some years. Mr. Brown, I believe, 
 is also printing a paper in Michigan. 
 
 C. C. Allen prints the "Sciota Gazette," at Chilicothe, Ohio, and if the ap- 
 pearances of the paper indicate anything, he is doing well. 
 
 Daniel D. Waite still presides at the head of the "Republican Advocate," 
 and unlike his predecessors in the Printing Business in Batavia by good 
 management and strict economy, has been able to sustain himself respect- 
 ably, and lay by something for a rainy day. I certainly rejoice at this, al- 
 though it is unlike the luck of Printers generally. We hope his case may 
 alwaj^s be full. 
 
 E. A. Cooley, who was at one time concerned in the publication of the 
 "Republican Advocate," and who afterwards published a paper in Attica, 
 Wyoming County, is now publishing a paper at Beloit, V/isconsin Territory. 
 
 62 
 
Daniel P. Adams, for some time one of the publishers of the "People's 
 Press," like too many of the Craft, belongs to that order of men whose pil- 
 grimage through life seems always to be "up hill." Honest and industrious, 
 he makes a good living. After leaving Batavia, he published a paper at 
 Black Rock. He is now a journeyman in Buffalo. 
 
 John Throp, another publisher of the "People's Press," went to New-Or- 
 leans, and fell a victim soon after, to the prevailing fever of that region. 
 
 David C. McCleary, who was also, at one time, the Editor of the "People's 
 Press," now slumbers with the silent dead. Mr. McCleary was a young 
 man of no ordinary talent. He was an easy and forcible writer, and had he 
 lived, would have become conspicuous among the writers of the age. But 
 his health was always feeble, which finally compelled him to adandon the 
 active duties of life. He repaired to the home of his childhood, in Vermont, 
 but it was only to mingle his ashes with those who had preceded him in the 
 drama of life. His death was universally regretted. He was a brother-in-law 
 of Col. William Seaver, of this Village, and now the senior Editor of the 
 "Times." 
 
 Peter Lawrence, originally of the "Farmers & Mechanics' Journal," and af- 
 terwards associated with Frederick Follett In the publication of the "Times 
 & Journal," is now Editor of the "Perry Democrat." Mr. Lawrence is a 
 rare genius — full of humor, wit and Jovial good feeling — a fast friend and 
 an unflinching enemy. Like too many of the same profession, he is satis- 
 fied with doing well, without attempting to do better. 
 
 Lucas Seaver. It is far more difficult to speak of the living, than the 
 dead. The subject now under consideration Is, in every sense of the word, 
 a living one. He was, in years gone by, an apprentice in the office of the 
 writer of this, and for that reason, if for no other, I feel that I am privi- 
 leged to speak with freedom. With warm and generous impulses, misfortune 
 never appeals to him In vain, and he too often permits these Impulses to dis- 
 place from Its seat the trite, but too frequently neglected adage, "charity 
 begins at home." He Is firm In his friendship — jovial, kind-hearted, and 
 generous in his intercourse with his companions; firm, manly, and unflinch- 
 ing In his walk through life thus far. I can only hope in his case, and this 
 hope is extended to all of whom I have spoken, that his case may always 
 be full — that he may never run out of sorts — and that when the last token 
 shall be finished and the form locked up for Its final transition, he, with 
 them, may be distributed among the great font of the blest, without a monk 
 or a friar to mar the beauty of their last page. 
 
 63 
 
GENERAL REMARKS 
 
 I have endeavored in the preceding pages to give as faithful a History 
 of the Newspaper Press of Western New-York, as the materials furnished 
 me, and my own recollection on the subject will permit. If, in reference 
 to some of the Counties, that history is not so close and full as could have 
 been desired, the fault is attributed to those who ought to have felt most 
 solicitude on the subject; but who, from negligence, or it may be, the press 
 of other avocations, have omitted to communicate, although repeatedly re- 
 quested to do so by the Committee of Correspondence previous to the Fes- 
 tival, and subsequently by the Committee of Publication, with either of 
 those Committees or with myself, furnishing such facts as would have con- 
 tributed to the correction of the same. — Two Counties, Allegany and Tomp- 
 kins, I have been compelled to leave out entirely, and for reasons wholly be- 
 yond my control. Persons in those Counties supposed to be competent have 
 been notified of the intentions of those Committees, and that it was very de- 
 sirable that the work should be full and complete, so far as the Counties em- 
 braced in the scope of the Committee were concerned — but all to no effect. 
 
 Among those who may be regarded as belonging to the older class of set- 
 tlers of this interesting portion of New- York these reminiscences must 
 have the effect of renewing scenes and events long past, and that otherwise 
 might have slumbered in oblivion. Among Printers, they will possess a 
 peculiar interest. The changes and improvements that have been made in 
 the Newspaper Press for the last lifty years, have been truly wonderful — 
 and although this remark is true in relation to the whole country, still it 
 has peculiar force when applied to this part of the State. — From a humble 
 and precarious business, it has risen to one of gigantic magnitude. From 
 the home-made wooden Press, with worn and indifferent type, and with 
 scarcely a sufficiency of those to set up a seven-by-nine sheet, may now be 
 seen the beautiful Power Press, propelled by steam, with type of the most 
 exquisite shape and finish. More is now accomplished in minutes, than 
 used to be performed in hours! Any one who v/ill take the trouble to visit 
 the magnificent Printing Establishments in Rochester and Buffalo, will ad- 
 mit the truthfulness of this remark. — This branch of business has fully kept 
 pace with the other improvements of the day, and added very greatly to the 
 general, and I may add, the almost universal diffusion of knowledge and in- 
 formation among the people. 
 
 64 
 
Now, as formerly, there is a too prevalent error among the people, or at 
 least a certain class of them, aided more or less by the ready credulity of 
 members of the Craft, to augment the number of Newspaper establishments. 
 It is too often the case, that young and inexperienced members of the pro- 
 fession suffer themselves to be made the dupes of aspiring political dema- 
 gogues, and senseless, but noisy, reformers of the ills of life, and are thus 
 induced to embark in the busy turmoil of the day, without any substantial 
 basis upon which to rest their hopes of success. To this cause, no doubt, 
 may be attributed most of the failures that have attended the establishment 
 of the Press, in this, as well as other portions of the state. Success in such 
 cases is scarcely to be expected, and, indeed, ought not to be desired. — 
 
 Young men should be particularly cautious about embarking in such enter- 
 prises, as a first failure, generally speaking, haunts them through life, — 
 loading them down, with hopeless debts, and damping their ardor for future 
 combats, and a successful struggle with the enterprise of the day. 
 
 I must be permitted before closing these remarks, to bear my most un- 
 qualified approbation to the good that must inevitably result to the pro- 
 fession—and if to them, to the public also— in the due observance of the 
 annual return of the natal day of their feilow-craftsman, the great, and ever- 
 to-be-remembered. Franklin. The Printers of Rochester were the first to 
 move in this matter, in Western New- York— nobly and generously have they 
 carried it forward thus far. They deserve, and I doubt not, will receive, 
 the thanks of the Craft generally. Such a gathering of the Craft — enter- 
 taining as they do, various and discordant opinions on many of the exciting 
 topics of the day— is calculated to do good. It tends so soften the asperi- 
 ties of party strife— gives them better conceptions of one another, and leads 
 to the cultivation of a personal good will, that cannot fail to exhibit itself 
 ill the prosecution of their individual business. Let the annual return of the 
 day, therefore, be hailed with joy and delight by the Printers of Western 
 New-York. 
 
 65 
 
HAROLD E. PICKERSGILL 
 Printer 
 Perth Amboy, New Jersey. 
 
pi