MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE - NEWSPAPER HISTORY ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== SOURCE: History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885 CHAPTER IV The Press (Newspaper) History The first newspaper published in Manchester was "Amoskeag Representative," established by John Caldwell, October 18, 1839. Its named was changed to "Manchester Representative," January 22, 1841. The paper was sold, December 7 1842 to Kimball & Currier, and merged with the "Manchester Democrat." The second paper was the "Amoskeag Memorial," begun January 1, 1840 by Joseph C. Emerson. January 6, 1841 its name was changed to "Manchester Memorial." Joseph Kidder became its editor February 17, 1841, at which time he sold to Mr. Emerson the "People's Herald," which he had published at Pembroke for two months previous, having issued four numbers. The "Memorial" then assumed the double title of "Manchester Memorial and People's Herald" and kept it until June 5, 1842, when the latter half was dropped. May 26, 1841, Mr. Emerson associated with himself as publisher O.D. Murray, and in the succeeding January, when Mr. Kidder resigned the editorship, the publishers announced themselves as editors. The establishment was bought, September 2, 1842, by Samuel F. Wetmore and A.A. Wallace, who continued its publishers until August 21, 1844, when Mr. Wallace retired and left the paper in the hands of Mr. Wetmore, the senior partner. Its name was changed, September 6, 1844 to that of "Manchester American." In September 1845, Mr. Wetmore started the "Semi-Weekly American," of which John H. Warland was editor. April 17, 1846, the establishment passed into the hands of James O. Adams, who at once discontinued the semi-weekly issue. He remained the publisher and editor of the "American" until May 1852, when, having another weekly paper upon his hands, he sold the "American" to General Joseph C. Abbott and Edward A. Jenks. A few weeks later they bought the "Saturday Messenger," Henry A. Gage, one of the owners of the latter, being admitted to partnership, and they published the "American and Messenger" under the name of Abbott, Jenks & Co., Mr. Abbott being the editor. A daily had been issued during the campaign of 1848, and again in 1850 during the progress of the Parker murder trial, but the first regular issue of the "Manchester Daily American" occurred September 4, 1854. Charles G. Warren subsequently bought the interest of the two junior partners, and the publication was continued by Abbott & Warren. Both the daily and weekly were sold in 1857 to John H. Goodale, of the "Manchester Democrat," and united with that paper. Upon the appearance of the "Memorial," in January, 1840, John Caldwell, of the "Representative," began the publication of a neutral and literary paper of the size of the new sheet, with the title of the "Manchester Magazine," whose matter was selected from what had once appeared in his own paper. This was continued but three months. July 4, 1840, Joseph C. Emerson, of the "Memorial," began the publication of the "Manchester Workman." The "Star of Bethlehem" was established January 2, 1841, and was continued here about a year and removed to Lowell. The "Literary Souvenir" was a weekly paper which was begun in Lowell, in 1838, by A.B.F. Hildreth, but in its fourth year was removed to Concord, and four months later to this city. Emerson & Murray, of the "Memorial," were its publishers, and S.H. Napoleon Bonaparte Everette was its editor. He was an eccentric man, who styled himself "Rag Emperor," and his name was printed in the paper with that title. The "Iris and Literary Record" was a monthly magazine, which had been published at Hanover by E.A. Allen, but in the summer of 1842 was bought by Emerson & Murray and removed to Manchester. Mr. Everette was the editor of both this and the "Souvenir." These two were united the 1st September and published under the name of the "Iris and Souvenir." Mr. Murray soon after retired, and left Mr. Emerson in sole possession of the business. The latter, in December 1842, began the "Semi-Weekly Advertiser," which was edited by Colonel Isaac Kinsman of Pembroke, and was continued but four or five weeks. In January 1843, Mr. Emerson sold all his newspaper property to Willard N. Haradon, who bought at the same time the interest of the senior partner in the "Manchester Allodium," whose first number was issued January 14, 1843, by James Bursiel and a man of the name of Hamlet, the second number bearing the names of Hamlet & Haradon. The "Allodium" was a neutral and literary paper, ornamented with cheap engravings on wood. This firm continued its publication until April 8, 1843, when E.D. Boylston, now the editor of the "Farmer's Cabinet," at Amherst, purchased it of them, and also bought the "Iris and Souvenir" of Mr. Haradon, continuing both papers under different names and in different fashion. The "Allodium" became the "Manchester Transcript," which was removed, a few months later to Great Falls and there deceased, and instead of "Iris and Souvenir," he established, in August 1845, a religious and temperance journal, under the name of the "New Hampshire Magazine," which was published for a year and was then discontinued. In 1857, J.H. Goodale bought the "Daily American" and "American and Messenger," continued the publication of the former and united the latter with the "Democrat," under the name of the "Democrat and American." Soon afterwards Simeon D. Farnsworth, then a school-teacher of Concord, came to this city and entered into partnership with Goodale, and the firm became Goodale & Farnsworth. In the fall of 1861 the latter bought out his partner, and continued the sole proprietor till April 1863, when having become a paymaster in the army, he leased the daily and weekly to Gage, Moore & Co. (Henry A. Gage, Orren C. Moore, James O. Adams) and the name "Democrat" was dropped from its title. In August 1863, O.C. Moore sold his interest to Sylvester C. Gould. In December 1863, Mr. Farnsworth bought back the lease and sold both papers to John B. Clarke, who united them with the "Mirror." The last issue of the "Daily American" was dated December 26, 1863. The "Gleaner" was issued November 12, 1842, its publisher being William A. Hall and its editor John Caldwell. It was suspended in the latter part of 1845. The "Manchester Palladium," another of Mr. Caldwell's enterprises, was begun May 21, 1846, and continued about six months. The "White Mountain Torrent," was published here a few months in 1843. The "Manchester Operative," was begun Saturday December 30, 1843 by Willard N. Haradon, and discontinued November 16, 1844. The "Independent Democrat" was begun in this city May 1, 1845, by Robert C. Wetmore. It was removed after a few weeks to Concord, and was subsequently united with the "Independent Statesman." July 3, 1845, was issued the first number of the "Manchester Mercantile Advertiser," published by Charles H. Chase. It was suspended after an existence of nearly five months, and then Mr. Chase began the publication of the "Manchester Saturday Messenger," November 29, 1846, with J.E. Davis Jr., and Israel P. Chase as publishers. E.D. Davis took Mr. Chase's place in the firm on the 15th of August of the same year. They continued its publication until March 20, 1847, when they disposed of the establishment to William G. Gilmore and Israel P. Chase. Joseph Kidder, who had been its editor from the start, resigned his charge at the close of the second volume, November 20, 1847. Mr. Chase was thereafter the principal editor until he retired from the paper, June 24, 1848. Subsequently, Henry A. Gage bought Mr. Gilmore's interest, and May 26, 1849, associated with him Francis F. Forsaith, who then became the editor. He withdrew January 25, 1851, and was succeeded by Benjamin F. Wallace, who had been several years the principal of Piscataquog Village Academy. In 1852 it was sold to Abbot, Jenks & Co. (Joseph C. Abbott, Edward A. Jenks and Henry A. Gage) the owners of the "American," and united with that paper. The "New Hampshire Temperance Banner," was established in 1847, and in about three years removed to Concord. The "Old Hero," a short-lived campaign paper, was issued in 1848 from the office of the "Manchester American," in advocacy of the claims of General Zachary Taylor for the Presidency. September 9, 1848, the first number of the "Manchester Telescope," was issued by Haradon & Kiely. After an existence of about two years its name was changed by Mr. Haradon, who had become its sole proprietor February 9, 1849, to that of "Haredon's Weekly Spy." A subsequent change made it the "Manchester Spy," and under this title it was published until the beginning of 1852, when it was sold to the publishers of the "Farmer's Monthly Visitor," and incorporated into that paper. The "Merchants' Own Journal," was begun in November 1848 by Haradon & Storer, and was issued for a short time. About 1849 the late Dr. Thomas R. Crosby, then a practicing physician in Manchester, conceived the idea of publishing an agricultural paper in the city, and at length having associated himself with James O. Adams as publisher, issued the first number of the "Granite Farmer," February 26, 1850. It was a weekly of eight pages, and, according to the announcement on its first page, was "published under the patronage of the New Hampshire State Agricultural Society." At the beginning of the fourth volume, in January 1853, the Rev. A.G. Comings, of Mason, became associate editor, but he removed from the State about March 1853, and the twelfth number was the last which bore his name. The paper was sold, October 5, 1853, to the Hon. Chandler E. Potter, and was united not long afterwards with the "Farmers' Monthly Visitor." The MANCHESTER DAILY MIRROR was started as a morning paper, Monday, October 28, 1850, by Joseph C. Emerson. With the seventh number appeared the name of F. A. Moore, as that of the editor. He was succeeded as editor, December 16, 1850, by Edward N. Fuller. Monday, June 23, 1851, it was changed from a monday to an evening paper. Mr. Emerson began, Saturday February 22, 1851, under the name of the "Dollar Weekly Mirror," a weekly paper, made up from the columns of the daily of which also Mr. Fuller was the editor. In February, 1852, he retired from the editorship, and his place was filled by John B. Clarke. He held the position until September 1st when Mr. Emerson, who had been engaged in the manufacture of fireworks, lost heavily by fire, and became financially embarrassed. He struggled along until October 20th, when he sold at auction the daily and weekly, which were bought by John B. Clarke, who has owned and edited them ever since. He bought, in 1863, of S.D. Farnsworth, the "Daily and Weekly American," in which the "Manchester Democrat" had been swallowed up, and united with the latter with the "Dollar Weekly Mirror," and the former with the "Daily Mirror," which has since been known as the "Daily Mirror and American." In 1863 he bought of Francis B. Eaton the "New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture," which had already absorbed the "Granite Farmer," and the "Farmer's Monthly Visitor," and united it with the weekly, under the name of the "Dollar Weekly Mirror and New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture." July 8, 1865, its name was changed to that of "Mirror and Farmer," and under this it has since been published. COLONEL JOHN B. CLARKE, editor and proprietor of the "Manchester Mirror,"-- Among the business enterprises in which the men of to-day seek fortune and reputation, there is scarcely another which, when firmly established upon a sound basis, sends its roots so deep and wide, and is so certain to endure and prosper, bearing testimony to the ability of its creators, as the family newspaper. Indeed, a daily or weekly paper which has gained by legitimate methods an immense circulation and a profitable advertising patronage is immortal. It may change owners and names, and character even, but it never dies, and if, as is usually the case, it owes its early reputation and success to one man, it not only reflects him while he is associated with it, but pays a constant tribute to his memory after he has passed away. But, while the rewards of eminent success in the newspaper profession are great and substantial, the road to them is one which only the strong, sagacious, and active can travel, and this is especially true when he who strives for them assumes the duties of both publisher and editor. It requires great ability to make a great paper every day, and even greater to sell it extensively and profitably, and to do both is not a possible task for the weak. To do both in an inland city, where the competition of metropolitan journals must be met and discounted, without any of their advantages, requires a man of grip, grit and genius. In 1852 the "Manchester Mirror" was one of the smallest and weakest papers in the country. Its weekly edition had a circulation of about six hundred, that of its daily was less than five hundred, and its advertising receipts were extremely small. Altogether, it was a load which its owner could not carry, and the whole establishment, including the subscription lists, good-will, press, type and material was sold at auction for less than one thousand dollars. In 1885 the "Weekly Mirror and Farmer" has a circulation of more than twenty-three thousand and every subscriber on its books has paid for it in advance. The "Daily Mirror and American" has a correspondingly large and reliable constituency, and neither paper lacks advertising patronage. The office in which they are printed is one of the most extensive and best equipped in the Eastern States out of Boston. In every sense of the word the "Mirror" is successful, strong and solid. The building up of this great and substantial enterprise from so small a beginning has been the work of John B. Clarke, who bought the papers, as stated above, in 1852, has ever since been their owner, manager and controlling spirit, and in spite of sharp rivalry at home and from abroad and the lack of opportunities which such an undertaking must contend with in a small city, has kept the "Mirror," in hard times as in good times, steadily growing, enlarging its scope and influence, and gaining strength with which to make and maintain new advances; and at the same time has made it yield every year a handsome income. Only a man of pluck, push and perserverance, of courage, sagacity and industry, could have done this; and he who has accomplished it need point to no other achievement to establish his title to a place among the strong men of his time. Mr. Clarke is a native of Atkinson, where he was born January 30, 1820. His parents were intelligent and successful farmers, and from them he inherited the robust constitution, the genial disposition, and the capacity for brain-work which have carried him to the head of his profession in New Hampshire. They also furnished him with the small amount of money necessary to give a boy an education in those days, and in due course he graduated with high honors at Dartmouth College, in the class of 1843. Then he became principal of the Meredith Bridge Academy, which position he held for three years, reading law meanwhile in an office near by. In 1848 he was admitted to the Hillsborough County bar, from the office of his brother, at Manchester, the late Hon. William C. Clarke, attorney-general of New Hampshire, and the next year went to California. From 1849 until 1851 he was practicing his profession, roughing it in the mines, and prospecting for a permanent business and location in California, Central America and Mexico. In 1851 he returned to Manchester and established himself as a lawyer, gaining in a few months a practice which gave him a living, but in October of the next year the sale of the "Mirror" afforded an opening more suited to his talents and ambition, and having bought the property, he thenceforth devoted himself to its development. He had no experience, no capital, but he had confidence in himself, energy, good judgement and a willingness to work for the success he was determined to gain. For months and years he was editor, reporter, business manager, accountant and collector. In these capacities he did an amount of work that would have killed an ordinary man, and did it in a way that told; for every month added to the number of his patrons, and slowly but steadily his business increased in volume and his papers in influence. He early made it a rule to condense everything that appeared in the columns of the "Mirror" into the smallest possible space, to make what he printed readable as well as reliable, to make the paper better every year than it was the preceding year, and to furnish the weekly edition at a price which would give it an immense circulation without the help of traveling agents or the credit system; and to this policy he has adhered. Besides this, he spared no expense which he judged would add to the value of his publications, and his judgment has always set the bonds far off on the very verge of extravagance. Whatever machine promised to keep his office abreast of the times, and increase the capacity for good work, he has dared buy. Whatever man he has thought would brighten and strengthen his staff of assistants he has gone for, and, if possible, got, and whatever new departure has seemed to him likely to win new friends for the "Mirror" he has made. In this way he has gone from the bottom of the ladder to the top. From time to time rival sheets have sprung up beside him, but only to maintain an existence for a brief period or to be consolidated with the "Mirror." All the time there has been sharp competition from publishers elsewhere, but this has only stimulated him to make a better paper and push it successfully in fields which they have regarded as their own. In connection with the "Mirror," a great job-printing establishment has grown up, which turns out a large amount of work in all departments, and where the State printing has been done six years. Mr. Clarke has also published several books, including "Sanborn's History of New Hampshire," "Clarke's History of Manchester," "Successful New Hampshire Men," "Manchester Directory" and other works. Within a few years a book-bindery has been added to the establishment. Mr. Clarke still devotes himself closely to his business six hours each day, but limits himself to this period, having been warned by an enforced rest and voyage to Europe, in 1872, to recover from the strain of overwork, that even his magnificent physique could not sustain too great a burden, and he now maintains robust and vigorous health by a systematic and regular mode of life, by long rides of from fifteen to twenty-five miles daily and an annual summer vacation. In making the "Mirror" its owner has made a great deal of money. If he had saved it as some others have done, he would have more today than any other in Manchester who has done business the same length of time on the same capital. But if he has gathered like a man born to be a millionaire, he has scattered like one who would spend a millionaire's fortune. He has been a good liver and a free giver. All his tastes incline him to large expenditures. His home abounds in all the comforts that money will buy. His farm is a place where costly experiments are tried. He is passionately fond of find horses, and his stables are always full of those that are highly bred, fleet and valuable. He loves an intelligent dog and a good gun and is known far and near as an enthusiastic sportsman. He believes in being good to himself and generous to others, values money only for what it will buy, and every day illustrates the fact that it is easier for him to earn ten dollars than to save one by being "close." A business that will enable a man of such tastes and impulses to gratify all his wants and still accumulate a competency for his children is a good one, and that is what the business of the "Mirror" counting-room has done. Nor is this all, nor the most, for the "Mirror" has made the name of John B. Clarke a household word in nearly every school district in Northern New England and in thousands of families in other section. It has given him a great influence in politics, the agriculture and the social life of his time, has made him a power in shaping the policy of this city and State, and one of the forces that have kept the wheels of progress moving in both for more than thirty years. In a word what one man can do for and with a newspaper in New Hampshire, John B. Clarke has done for and with the "Mirror," and what a great newspaper can do for a man, the "Mirror" has done for JOhn B. Clarke. THE MANCHESTER UNION--The first Democratic newspaper in Manchester was the "Amoskeag Representative," started in October, 1839, by JohN Caldwell. A few months later its name was changed to "Manchester Representative." In 1842 the course of the "Representative" on important party issues became so distasteful to a majority of the Democrats in the town that measures were taken to establish a new organ, and in April of that year William H. Kimball and Joseph Kidder started the "Manchester Democrat." A few months later Mr. Kidder sold his interest to George W. Morrison and Moody Currier, Mr. Morrison subsequently disposing of his share to Mr. Currier, who became associate editor with Mr. Kimball. In October 1843, Mr. Currier's interest was purchased by E.B. Davis, and in the spring of 1844 the paper passed by purchase into the hands of Chandler E. Potter, a graduate of Dartmouth, and at that time a practicing attorney. The "Representative" was discontinued soon after the "Democrat" was started, and Mr. Caldwell established the "Gleaner," a scurrilous sheet, the conduct of which involved the proprietor in numberless difficulties and lawsuits, and finally drove him from town. In 1848, Judge Potter, who was a forcible writer and an earnest advocate of Democratic principles, sold the "Democrat" to John H. Goodale, a native of Deering and a graduate of Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Conn. Mr. Goodale conducted the paper in full accord with the principles of the Democratic Party until 1850, when he evinced a decided tendency to espouse the doctrines of the Free-Soil party, then becoming a prominent factor in national politics. At the Democratic State Convention in December 1850, John Atwood, of New Boston who had been a Baptist minister and for several years State treasurer, was nominated as candidate for Governor. In the platform adopted by the convention the question of slavery was not specifically mentioned, but the compromise measures which had just been passed by Congress were fully indorsed. Soon after the convention Mr. Atwood, in answer to a letter addressed to him by John H. White and other Free-Soilers, expressed sentiments similiar to those held by the leaders of the Free-Soil party. This letter was not immediately published, but when its contents became known to some of the Democratic leaders there was great excitement. General Pierce, who believed that Mr. Atwood had written the White letter without due consideration, endeavored to persuade him to retrace his steps, if he could conscientiously do so. Thereupon Mr. Atwood signed a letter in which he substantially revoked the sentiments contained in his letter to White. Upon the publication of this letter the Free-Soilers printed his communication to White, though Atwood declared he never gave his consent to its publication. Naturally, Mr. Atwood soon found himself in a most melancholy predicament through his attempt to please both parties. The Democracy, finding there was no way of escaping from the dilemma in which Atwood had placed them, except by throwing him overboard altogether, immediately called a new convention, repudiated their former candidate and renominated Samuel Dinsmore, who was then serving his second term as Governor. Mr. Goodale, as editor of the "Democrat," had become thoroughly imbued with the Free-Soil principles, and sustained Mr. Atwood in the controversy. In this state of affairs the leaders of the Democratic party in Manchester held a meeting on the 28th of December, 1860, to consider the question of starting a new paper which should correctly reflect the principles of the party. James McK. Wilkins presided and Joseph Kidder was chosen secretary. On motion of William C. Clarke, it was voted that a committee be appointed to establish a paper which should advocate sentiments in harmony with those of the Democratic party, and the following gentlemen were chosen such committee: Richard H. Ayer, Walter French, Mace Moulton, John S. Kidder, Warren L. Lane, William C. Clarke, A.G. Gale, Isaac C. Flanders, Charles Stark, William A. Putney, S.H. Ayer, I.N. Hays, Silas Tenney, G.P. Prescott, Samuel Dame, James McQueston, William Boyd, E.W. Harrington, S.W. Parsons, D.P. Perkins, John L. Fitch, J.D. Emerson, Leonard Lyon, Thomas Rundlett, William B. Johnson, Edward Hall, Lorenzo Dow, S.W. Jones, Charles Rundlett, W.S. Morey, James S. Cheeney, Charles B. Gleason, Sherburne Fogg, Thomas P. Pierce, Isaac Marshall, J.L. Keniston, C.E. Potter, J. McK. Wilkins, Moody Currier, Joseph M. Rowell, Leonard Rundlett, Samuel N. Bell, Robert Ayer, John Stark, Isaac Currier, Franklin Tenney, Nehemiah Chase, A. Hatch, S.P. Greeley, D.F. Straw, Joseph Kidder, J.S. Elliot, R.D. Mooers, Walter P. Fogg, Dustin Marshall, W.W. Baker, A.G. Tucker, John Sargent, S.S. Coffin, A. Kimball. The committee immediately purchased the necessary material and fitted up an office, and January 24, 1851, the first number of "The Union Democrat" was issued. For a few weeks the editorial work was performed by a number of gentlemen who were able and experienced writers; but finally the committee made an engagement with James M. Campbell, by which he was to assume the entire editorial management of the paper, and he entered upon his new duties with great zeal and enthusiasm. In the spring of 1852 it seemed unlikely that any of the very distinguished Democratic statesmen who had been named for the Presidency would receive the nomination at the next national convention of that party. Under these circumstances Mr. Campbell believed it possible to bring about the nomination of General Franklin Pierce. With this view, he wrote a letter in Mr. Pierce's behalf to his friend, General COnway, a leading Democrat at Fredericksburg. The convention met and filed to agree upon a candidate during twenty-five ballots. After the twenty-fifth ballot the Virginia delegation retired for consultation, when Mr. Campbell's letter to Conway was read, and itw was decided that at the next ballot the vote of Virginia should be cast for General Pierce. This was done, and on a subsequent ballot he was nominated. The letter of Mr. Campbell was afterwards published in the "Richmond Enquirer" and in most of the other Democrat papers of the South. In his conduct of the "Union Democrat" through the trying times that followed the election of General Pierce, and continued through his administration and that of Buchanan, Mr. Campbell displayed the highest qualities of statesmanship, maintaining throughout a steadfast allegiance to the constitution. In State and local affairs he pursued a wise and conservative course, building his paper upon a solid foundation. In February, 1856, the office was destroyed by fire, but was immeidately re-established in Union Building, corner Elm and Market Streets. In 1861, Walter Harriman, of Warner, became joint owner with Mr. Campbell and assumed charge of its editorial columns, the name of the paper being changed to the "Manchester Union." Colonel Harriman retained his interest in the paper until January 1863, when he disposed of it to Colonel Thomas P. Pierce, and the old name, "Union Democrat" was restored. The same month Colonel Pierce sold his interest to Charles Lamson, of Nashua. March 1, 1863, the first number of the "Manchester Daily Union," was issued from the office of the "Union Democrat," and in August following, Mr. Lamson sold his interest in both papers to Alpheus A. Hanscom, of Eliot, Me., and the first became Campbell & Hanscom, the latter devoting his time chiefly to the business management of the office, though a frequent contributor to the editorial colums. Early in 1864 the office was removed to Merchant's Exchange. In September 1872, George A. Hanscom, a brother of the junion partner and James L., the second son of Mr. Campbell, were admitted as partners in the business of printing and publishing, the firm still retaining the style of Campbell & Hanscom. Mr. Campbell Sr. retained control of the editorial columns, George A. Hanscom took charge of the local department, and James L. Campbell attended to the mechanical part of the business. In the winter of 1873-74 the firm erected a brick block on Manchester Street, near Elm, twenty feet wide and fifty feet deep, four stories high, with basement, the office occupying the greater part of the block. The first paper printed in the new building bears the date February 9, 1874. Mr. Campbell continued to edit the paper until the fall of 1876, when, finding his health greatly impaired by his long-continued and confining labors, he severed his active connection with the "Union Democrat" and "Daily Union," and went to Flordia, where he purchased a tract of land and engaged in the occupation of orange culture. He was succeeded in the editorial chair by A. A. Hanscom. Mr. Campbell maintained a lively interest in the paper and sent an occasional contribution to its columns from his Southern home. He died quite suddenly at Sorento, Florida, on the last day of April 1883. November 10, 1879 marked a new era in the history of the "Manchester Union." On that date the paper and material passed by purchase into the hands of Stilson Hutchins, of Laconia, John H. Riedell, of Boston, and Joseph C. Moore, of Lake Village. July 27, 1880, a stock company was formed, of which Mr. Moore became president, Mr. Hutchins treasurer, and Mr. Riedell secretary. June 26, 1881 Messrs. Hutchins and Moore purchased Mr. Riedell's interest, and later, on the 5th of December 1882, Mr. Hutchins disposed of his interest in the office to Mr. Moore, since when no further change in proprietorship has been made. From the inception of the enterpise, in July 1880, Mr. Moore was the leading and active spirit in the management of the paper, and his additional interest acquired in December 1882, was a natural and eminently proper sequence. The new proprietors, realizing fully the task to which they had put their hands, brought to it the same enterprise, energy and sagacity that would have been found essential to success in any other business. It was their purpose to publish the best newspaper in the State, and not only that, but one which could compete successfully with the larger metropolitan dailies in the publication of news. And they succeeded. When the paper passed into their hands, November 1879, an evening edition only was issued, and comparatively little attention was paid to the telegraphic news. On the morning of the 20th of November, the first issue of the morning edition appeared. The change from an evening to a morning paper was looked upon with disfavor by many of the strongest supporters of the paper, who could see no possible chance of success in a business rivalry with the Boston dailies. Time, however, vindicated the wisdom of the enterprise. Full telegraphic service was obtained through the National Press Association, the editorial and reportorial force was increased and special arrangements made for early transportation over the lines of railroad to the north, and as a result the circulation of the paper throughout the State increased with phenomenal rapidity. In January 1882, the national telegraphic service was exchanged for that of the Associated Press, with its extended facilities for securing news from all parts of the civilized world. With the increase of circulation naturally came increased advertising patronage. To meet the demand for additional space, the paper was incresaed in size at various times until it had grown from a twenty-four column to a thirty-six column sheet, and even then a double edition on Saturdays has been found necessary to meet the wants of advertisers since November 10, 1883. For nearly twenty years after the establishment of the "Weekly Union," and about seven years after the daily was started, the press- work was done outside of the office. Until 1856, when Patten's building was destroyed by fire, the presses upon which all papers in the city were printed were located in the basement of that building. These presses consisted of two Adams bed and platen presses and a Guernsey press, the latter of a pattern that would scarcely be accepted as a gift by any live establishment to-day. They were destroyed in the conflagration that swept away the offices of "The Union," "The Mirror" and the "American." After the fire, S.C. Merrill, who carried on the coffee and spice business in a building located on Elm Back Street, in the rear of Merchant's Exchange, and had surplus steam power which he wished to utilize, bought and put in operation two Adam's presses, on one of which he printed "The Union" and on the other the "Mirror." The forms of type were taken form "The Union" office, then in Union Building, at the corner of Market and Elm Streets, and carried on a hand-bier to the press-room, a task that was anything but coveted by those upon whom it devolved. Merrill subsequently built a brick block on the corner of Manchester Street and Elm Back Street, to which the press-room was removed. This block, with its contents, was destroyed by the fire of July, 1870, again leaving "The Union" office without press facilities. The press-work of the daily edition was then for a time printed on the press of C.F. Livingston, and the weekly forms were sent to Concord and printed on the "Patriot" press until the proprietors purchased a Cottrell cylinder press and placed it in Merchants' Exchange, to which the office had been removed, obtaining power from the "Mirror" engine in the basement. This press was rated at a speed of fifteen hundred impressions per hour, though it was seldom speeded faster than one thousand or eleven hundred. The Cottrell was moved into the new building erected by the proprietors of "The Union" in 1874, on Manchester street, where it met the requirements of the paper until it passed into the hands of the new proprietors, in 1879, when a Hoe two-cylinder replaced it. Up to this time the old stle presses had proved of ample capacity to print the editions of the daily and weekly. But with the establishment of a morning edition of the daily, and the journalistic enterprise displayed in other directions by the new firm, the circulation of both papers increased so rapidly that before a year had passed, the capacity of the two-cylinder press was severely taxed to meet the demands made upon it. From 1879 to this date the growth in circulation has been steady, far exceeding the most sanguine expectations of the proprietors, until the two-cylinder press, printing four thousand papers per hour, was utterly inadequate. There was no alternative but to again increase the printing capacity, both in size and speed, and it was determined not only to meet present demands, but be prepared for still further increase in circulation. An order was placed in the spring of 1883, with R. Hoe and Co., New York, the greatest press-builders in the world, for a type-revolving, web-perfecting press, capable of printing thirty-two thousand impression in an hour, or sixteen thousand complete papers, printed on both sides. At the same time a new folding-machine was purchased, which cuts pastes and folds the eighty-page editions of the daily and the weekly edition. With this new machinery and an entire outfit of type "The Union" office is as finely equipped as any newspaper office in New England. These improvements, however necessitated more commodious quarters, and in February 1884, a ten-years' lease of the east half of the Opera-House Block on Hanover Street, with privilege of purchase, was obtained. A three-story brick building, thirty-two by thirty-four was built in the rear of the opera-house, in which is lcoated the press-room and composing-rooms, a new engine and boiler being placed in the basement. This building have been erected especially for the purpose to which it has been devoted, is admirably adapted for the different mechanical departments of the paper. The business office and editorial rooms are on the ground-floor of the Opera Block, and taken all in all, it is one of the most complete newspaper establish- ments in New England. The first editor or editorial writer of "The Union" as a morning daily was Henry H. Metcalf, who began his labors with the first number and closed them October 22, 1881. He was followed by B.F. Saurman, who remained till April 22, 1882. On May 4th, of the same year, George F. Parker assumed the position, filling it until December 9th of the same year. The editorial work was provided for from several sources until the first week in January 1882, at which time the arragenment now in force went into operation. Important changes were made. The scope of the editorial work was enlarged, and the labors divided. John T. Hulme and Edward J. Burnham were assigned to duty in this department. On December 22, 1884, Mr. Burnham was transferred to the subscription and collection department, filling also the duties of staff correspondent. The first city editor was Edgar J. Knowlton, woh remained in the position until June 5, 1880, and was succeeded by Herbert F. Eastman. Mr. Eastman fulfilled the duties until January 22, 1881, at which time John T. Hulme came to the position, holding it continuously until he was promoted to his present position. On his promotion, Henry H. Everett came to the duties of his position. Edard J. Knowlton returned to the staff as a local reporter October 20, 1884, and December 29th of the same year succeeded to his old position as city editor. Walter E. West was first telegraph editor of the paper, filling the position until October 6, 1883, when he retired, and was followed by the present occupant of that chair, Willis T. Dodge. John B. Mills and Herbert N. Davison at present comprise the staff of local reporters. John B. Mills was in a similiar capacity in the first two years of the morning paper, but retired and returned in February 1884. True M. Thompson followed him, and was succeeded by George F. Richards. C. Fred. Crosby was also a local reporter for some two years. John H. Reidell attended the State news and several other departments of the paper up to January 6, 1883. On the formation of the new arrangement that went into force at that time, Edward J. Burnham assumed special charge of the State news and agricultural departments, and also took the editorial management of the weekly edition of the paper. On the retirement of Mr. Burnham, Henry H. Everett assumed the duties of the position. John T. Hulme undertook to provide for the "exchange" work, both in the line of general and political miscellany. He also retained the musical and dramatical assignment. Seven gentlemen have sat at the proof-reader's desk in the following order: E.D. Houston, F.L. Rowe, E.J. Burnham, David W. Cobb, Henry H. Everett, W.H.H.H. Snow and Alvin T. Thoits. The last-named gentleman still fills the position. The longest incumbent was E.J. Burnham, who filled the position sixteen months, retiring from it to his present place. April 3, 1883, a special department, "The Vets' Budget," was added to the paper under the charge of Henry H. Everett, who still continues the work. A Grange department was also added in 1884, and came under the direction of E.J. Burnham. "The Fireside" was a feature of "The Union" when the morning daily was started. It was under the special charge of Mrs. L.A. Scott, who continued until December 29, 1884, when Mrs. Etta F. Shepard assumed the conduct of the department. The agricultural department numbers among its special contributors the following gentlemen: James O. Adams, secretary of the State Board of Agriculture; James M. Connor, of Hopkinton; George R. Drake, of Pittsfield; G.A. Simons, of Weare, and others. The session of the State Legislature in 1881 was specially reported for "The Union" by John T. Hulme. In 1883 and 1885 the stame gentleman took charge of the work. Regular staff correspondents of "The Union" are located at Concord, Nashua and Portsmouth. At Concord the duty is performed by True L. Norris, at Nashua by Charles S. Bussell, and at Portsmouth by Samuel W. Emery. A large force of correspondents furnish local news from all the prominent points in the State. The Granges of the State have by vote appointed special correspondents to furnish the news pertaining to that order. Since the inauguration of the morning daily, Dana I. Eastman has taken the press reports and furnished by far more "copy" than any other single individual. The mechanical departments of the paper are in charge of the following gentlemen: Foreman of the composing-room, Frank T. Parsons; day foreman, J. Wilbur Fife; foreman of the press-room, Edward H. Murphy; engineer, James Barry; mailing and delivery clerk, John N. Pearsons. The counting-room is presided over by Howard L. Kelley, who, since 1880, has attended to the manifold duties of the business office. The growth of the "Manchester Union" has been marvelous. In 1851 an unpretentious weekly sheet, started for the purpose of educating people in the principles of true Democracy, a work in which its founder spent the best and most fruitful years of his busy life; struggling against the apathy and indifference of men who had yet to learn the value of a newspaper and to estimate its real worth; slowly thrusting its roots down deeper and deeper into the public mind, and getting a firmer grasp upon the public confidence, from which it drew nourishment, while giving in return the best reults of the facile pens and fertile brains of its editors, until to-day, grown strong and self-reliant, it takes its place among the solid and substantial institutions of the Granite State. "The Union" is an able exponent of the principles of the Democratic party, fearless and outspoken in its views, and takes front rank among the leading dailies of New England. ------------------- JOSEPH CLIFFORD MOORE Hon. Joseph CLifford Moore, editor of the "Manchester Union" and the financial head of the Union Publishing Company, is a thorough representative of that valuable class known as self-made men. He is the second son of Dr. D.F. and Frances S. Moore, and was born in Loudon, N.H., August 22, 1845. His early education was limited to the common schools, and more or less shared with labor. Later in life, having made the best of such advantages, as came within his reach, he pursued with success a course of medical training at New York Medical College. From this training he returned to Lake Village, the business centre of the town of Gilford, which has been his home since he was ten years of age, and entered upon the practice of medicine in partnership with his father, Dr. D.F. Moore. This was in 1866, and from that time up to his joining in the newspaper enterprise at Manchester, in November, 1879, he followed his profession with untiring industry and gratifying success. His practice extended over a wide section, and involved long hours and much arduous travel. During this time he was also active in general business enterprises. Mr. Moore began his journalistic career without the benefit of any special training whatever, but brought to the work a clear, cool head, ripe judgement and honest purpose; but it was early apparent that he possessed that rare quality, "the newspaper faculty." Careful, prudent, cautious and conservative by nature, he applied that faculty with constantly increasing shrewdness and wisdom; so that the enterprise not only developed a remarkably rapid, but a sound and healthy growth. Exercising good business judgement and methods, he successfully maintained the financial standing of the paper, notwith- standing the excessive demands of a rapidly-growing plant. In shaping the tone and conduct of "The Union," he has uniformly aimed to give it a character for independnece, integrity and respectability, advancing it on the true line of progressive modern journalism. He is a ready editorial writer on political and general topics, eschews the ornamental and descriptive, and goes straight at the meat of a matter in a plain and direct style. His methods are convincing as well as terse and vigorous. Mr. Moore has always taken a warm and active interest in politics, not from the selfish motives of the office-seeker, but as an ardent believer in and staunch supporter of a sound, sterling and progressive Democracy. At the State election of 1880 he was elected a member of the State Senate from the Sixth Senatorial District, and filled the seat with credit to himself and his constituency. He introduced and was chiefly instrumental in securing the passage of the measure which created the present State Board of Health. Always under self-command, easy and agreeable in manner, he proved to be valuable in legislative work and was invariably relied upon to release the Senatorial body when sharp conflict of opinion led into a jangle. Since the expiration of this official trust his time has been given exclusively to business matters and the conduct of the "Union." In January 1885 he was unanimously chosen president of the New Hampshire Club, an organization comprising the leading business and professional men of the State, and shortly after accomplished it on a successful excursion South. As president of this body he is broad and liberal, seeking only to develop its interests and extend its influence. Dartmouth College, at the June commencement 1884, conferred upon him the degree of A.M. Mr. Moore retains his residence at Lake Village, with his aged parents. He is married, but has no children. In manner he is easy and agreeable, and is favored with an excellent address and attractive personal presence. In business affairs he is careful and conservative, and at the same time enterprising. Honorable and just in his transactions, he enjoys the confidence and respect of business men. At this writing he is in the full vigor of his powers, with the promise of a useful and successful future before him. --------------------- The "Farmer's Monthly Visitor, which had been published at Concord by Governor Isaac Hill since 1838, was suspended in 1849, but revived in this city in 1852, when Rowell, Prescott & Co. (Joseph M. Rowell, George P. Prescott, Chandler E. Potter) became its proprietors, and Judge Potter its editor. It was published as an octavo of thirty- two pages, and its first number was issued in Manchester, as the first number of its twelfth volume, in January 1852. Judge Potter bought the "Granite Farmer" of Mr. Adams, October 5, 1853, and Dr. Crosby retired from the editorship two weeks later. In 1854 the latter was united with the "Visitor," and published in folio form under the name the "Granite Farmer and Visitor." Judge Potter, having bought out his partners, was then the sole proprietor and editor. About a year later Lewis H. Hildreth, of Westford, Mass., a writer upon agriculture, came to Manchester and entered into negotiations in reference to a paper. As a result, he and James O. Adams each bought a third of the "Farmer and Visitor," Judge Potter retaining a third and Mr. Adams' name appearing as that of the editor. Hildreth, however, remained but a few months, and about April 1857, the paper was sold at auction to John C. Merriam & Co. (Henry C. Adams), and it was issued, July 18, 1857; as a new paper under the name of the "Granite State Farmer." Subsequently Merriam retired, and Henry C. Adams owned it for a while and then sold it to S.A. Hurlburt, who was the sole proprietor and editor--James O. Adams then leaving the editor's chair-- till the latter part of 1849, when Gilmore & Martin (William H. Gilmore, Warren Martin) bought the paper and issued it in folio form as the "New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture." Zephaniah Breed and Moses A. Cartland, both of Weare, became the editors. In 1861 the paper was sold to Francis B. Eaton, who published it until January 1863, when he sold it to John B. Clarke, who united it with the "Dollar Weekly Mirror," of which he was then the owner, under the name of the "Dollar Weekly Mirror and New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture." The "Crusader" was begun in Concord about 1850. In December 1851, it was published simultaneously in Concord and Manchester, and in Feburary 1852, was published altogether in this city. It was not long afterwards moved to Concord, united with the "Phoenix" of that city and afterwards absorbed by the "New Hampshire Gazette" at Portsmouth. In 1853, Benjamin F. Stanton and William B. Burnham issued, for a short time, a small sheet devoted to phonography, called the "Junto Organ." A paper called the "Ladies' Enterprise," was begun January 1, 1854, and published for a time. In 1854 the "Stars and STripes," a 'Know-Nothing' paper, was established, and was removed soon afterwards to Laconia and absorbed into the "Winnepesaukee Gazette." The "New Hampshire Journal of Medicine" was first issued at Concord in August 1850, and was removed to Manchester in July 1856, and continued until December 1859, when it was suspended. The "New Hampshire Journal of Education" was established in January 1857, and soon after removed to Concord. The "Literary Visitor," begun January 1, 1859 by George W. Batchelder and Martin A. Haynes was short-lived. The "True Republican" was started February 4, 1859 by Benjamin F. Stanton. With him were afterwards associated Hector Canfield and Orren C. Moore. The paper was continued about a year under the titles of "True Republican," "City Messenger and Republican" and "Manchester Republican." Moore's "Musical Record," John W. Moore, editor, was begun in January 1857, and published monthly, by John W. Moore & Co., for two years. In January 1869, John W. Moore, Samuel C. Merrill, Charles Clough and Sylvester C. Gould began the publication of the "Manchester Daily News." It was soon discontinued "La Voix du Peuple," was begun in 1869, but was short-lived. The "Labor Journal," was started March 24, 1870, by Daniel S. Holt, and soon after suspended. The "Public Forum," a weekly paper was started September 30, 1871, as a Democratic journal, by George J. Foster & Co., Joshua L. Foster being its editor. It was soon after removed to Dover, its name changed to that of "Foster's Democrat," and is still published there. The "New Hampshire Journal of Music" was begun January 1, 1872, by Imri S. Whitney. John W. Moore was its editor till the close of 1874. Discontinued. The "Saturday Night Dispatch," was begun Saturday, January 24, 1874, by Merritt S. Hunt. James O. Adams was associated with Mr. Hunt as editor and proprietor from September 1, to December 1, 1874. It was subsequently changed to "Manchester Times," and conducted by Henry H. Everett until late in the winter of 1883, when it was discontinued. The "New Hampshire Sunday Globe" was begun February 7, 1875, by Rollins and Kingdon. Discontinued. The "Manchester Weekly Budget," was established June 16, 1883 by William M. Kendall Jr., and David M. Ladd, by whom it is still published. The success of the "Budget" has been phenomenal, the circulation having reaced seven thousand five hundred copies weekly. The size of the paper is twelve pages, seventy-two columns; subscription price, two dollars a year. The circulation of the "Budget" now penetrates nearly every village and school district in the State. The "American Young Folks" was established in 1875 and consolidated with the "Boys and Girls of New Hampshire" in March 1882. Editor, George W. Browne. Issued semi-monthly by the American Young Folks Company. The "Echo des Canadiens" was established July 2, 1880, with Leander Boudreau editor and Charles L. Fitzpatrick and Leandre Boudreau proprietors. Discontinued. "Le Rateau" was established November 5, 1881, P. C. Chatel, editor and proprietor. Discontinued. "Manchester Guardian" was established July 14, 1883. Charles A. O'Connor, editor-in-chief. Discontinued. "The Semi-Weekly Record" was started December 1, 1883. Frank H. Challis, editor and publisher. "A penny newspaper," published on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Discontinued. "Notes and Queries," a magazine containing miscellaneous notes and queries, with answers, for professors and students, teachers and pupils, is published monthly by S.C. & L.M. Gould. Mr. S.C. Gould manifests a deep interest in historical matters, and has a collection of books, pamphlets and magazines relating to Manchester, numbering over sixteen hundred, from 1743-1885. This collection comprises book and pamphlet literature, including some of the leading magazine literature published serially. It contains the published literary efforts of former and present resident, whether native or temporary, and whether published prior to their residence here or subsequent to their departure; also all works relating to or published by the city. The collection also includes more or less of literature relating to Bedford, together with some relating to Londonderry and Derry, of which towns Manchester was formerly a part. The first published pamphlet in reference to Manchester, now known, is the (Rev. Joseph Secombe) "Discourse uttered in part at Ammauskeeg-Falls, in the Fishing Season, 1739; 'Business and Diversion in-offensive to God, and necessary for the comfort and support of human society;'" from the text, "Simon Peter saith unto them, 'I go a fishing.'" This discourse was printed in Boston, in 1743,--one hundred and forty-two years ago,--and only five copies are now known to be extant. The first pamphlets to be imprinted in Manchester, now known, were "An Address delivered at Pembroke, N.H., May 13, 1841," and "A Historical Sketch of Bedford, N.H., a discourse delivered July 4, 1841," both by Rev. Thomas Savage, A.M. and printed at the office of Emerson & Murray, in 1841, octavos of sixteen pages each. The first book now known to have been imprinted in Manchester was "The Life and Adventures of Seth Wyman: Written by Himself," and printed by J.H. Cate, in 1843, a duodecimo of three hundred and ten pages, bound in cloth. This book was suppressed by relatives of the autobiographer, before a hundred copies were sold, and is now a scarce book. (end)