CHAPTER XVI.

NEWSPAPERS - THE PRESS OF WHEELING - HISTORY OF WELLSBURG PRESS - 
NEWSPAPERS OF MOUNDSVILLE - HANCOCK COUNTY PRESS.

A COMPLETE and detailed history of the press of Wheeling from the 
time of the establishment of the 'Repository', which would include 
the names, proprietors and dates of establishment and suspension, 
with something of the character of each, is quite beyond the 
possible. Indeed it is doubtful if the mention of the many of that 
ephemeral class would be of interest or value. 'The Repository,' 
'Times,' 'Gazette,' 'Telegram,' 'Virginian,' 'Young America,' 
'Advertiser,' 'Union,' 'Argus,' 'Press and News,' and others all, 
after a short existence, ceased publication. Of the few papers of 
Wheeling that have stood the trials of a generation, the 
'Intelligencer' is conspicuous. It began its existence during the 
presidential campaign of Gen. Scott, in the summer of 1852. Although 
many times financially embarrassed, its friends always came to the 
rescue, and today it is one of the substantial and influential 
journals of the country. It was first published by Swearingen, Taylor 
& Co. Taylor was city editor, and J. H. Pendleton editor in chief. In 
1855, Z. Beatty became a member of the firm, which afterward was 
styled Swearingen, Beatty & Co. In the same year Swearingen and 
Taylor retired from the firm, J. H. Pendleton succeeding to their 
interest. Taylor continued in the capacity of city editor until 1856, 
when Hon A. W. Campbell became his successor. Mr. Campbell and John 
F. McDermot bought the paper in 1856, and with them it became the 
strongest advocate of the principles of the republican party in all 
the south, and it is said was the only daily paper in the state of 
Virginia that openly advocated the first election of Abraham Lincoln. 
It strongly supported the administration of Lincoln and the cause of 
the Union, and was one of the most potent factors in the division of 
the state of Virginia. In 1866, McDermot sold his interest to Col. 
John Frew, G. D. Hall and L. A. Hagans. Mr. Campbell retired from the 
paper in 1868, but in the fall of 1873, he and Mr. Frew became sole 
proprietors under the firm name of Frew & Campbell. This partnership 
continued until the fall of 1882, when Mr. Campbell sold one-half of 
his interest to C. B. Hart, and the firm became as now, Frew, 
Campbell & Hart. Mr. Frew has for nearly a half a century been 
connected with the 'Intelligencer,' and it is largely due to his 
energy and ability in the business management of the paper that it 
has taken a high place among its contemporaries. Mr. Campbell does 
not at this time take any active part in the management of the paper, 
but his name and pen have won for his paper a high place among the 
able journals of the country. Mr. C. B. Hart is at present managing 
editor. His experience in the newspaper work has been varied and 
extensive. For years he was connected in different capacities, either 
as reporter, editor or correspondent, of many of the metropolitan 
journals of the east, but it is perhaps as a correspondent that he 
excels. 

George A. Dunnington is assistant editor, Will S. Farris and John E. 
Day, telegraph editors.
 
The company now publishes a daily, semi-weekly and weekly, and have 
in connection one of the best equipped job offices in the state. 

'The Wheeling Register.' - The 'Union,' a live journal, which ceased 
to be published under that name shortly after the beginning of the 
civil war, was succeeded by the 'Press.' The last named paper, 
although short lived, was a paper of considerable influence. - These 
journals were the predecessors of the 'Register,' which began 
publication in the summer of 1863. The first issue made its 
appearance July 9th of that year, and much of its space was devoted 
to war news. Lewis Baker bought the material of the 'News' from Henry 
Moore, and with the facilities thus supplied began the publication of 
the 'Register.' It was established as the organ of the democratic 
party, and its bold and fearless advocacy of the doctrines of that 
party, and its criticisms of the conduct of some of the leading 
generals of the Union army, brought down the wrath of the "powers 
that be," and Mr. Baker and O. S. Long, the latter then part owner, 
were arrested and committed to military prison. After two months the 
prisoners were unconditionally released by order of Major-General 
Sheridan. The paper soon commenced publication again with renewed 
energy and encouragement, and it is due to Mr. Baker to say, that had 
it not been for the energy expended, the courage displayed in 
fighting the enemy, and the shrewdness in the business management, 
the paper could never have passed through the trying ordeal of the 
sixties. Mr. Baker is now the proprietor of the St. Paul 'Globe,' and 
deserves to be classed among the able journalists of his time. 

'The West Virginia Printing Co.' purchased the property from Mr. 
Baker and took control in 1884 with J. A. Miller as president of the 
company; James B. Taney, general manager and editor, and William J. 
Johnson, superintendent of job department. The business experience 
which Mr. Taney brought to the management of the 'Register,' as well 
as his ability as a writer, has been the greatest factor in the 
success of the paper. It is now, as it has been from its 
establishment, the leading democratic paper of the state. Its 
circulation is large, and its scope of usefulness to its state in 
bringing before the world the natural resources and hidden mineral 
wealth of West Virginia, has, perhaps, been greater than that of most 
of its contemporaries. The city editor of the 'Register,' at the 
present time, is Mr. W. C. Beans, a bright newspaper man, to whom 
much credit is due for the popularity of the 'Register' as a local 
paper. He is assisted by W. W. Whitmyer.
 
'News Letter.' - Among the journals of Wheeling that have existed a 
sufficient length of time to be classed among the permanent 
institutions of the city is the 'Sunday News Letter,' instituted in 
the fall of 1878 by ten practical printers. After about six weeks it 
was sold to R. Robertson and J. H. McFall. In a short time a part 
interest was transferred to G. H. Stull and W. S. Meek. Mr. McFall 
retired after a few months' experience, leaving the firm of 
Robertson, Meek & Stull in full control - Stull sold to M. A. Chew in 
about 1886. In 1888 W. S. Meek again became associated with the 
paper, and during the presidential campaign of that year an evening 
daily was published, but the venture proved a financial failure, and 
the publication of the daily was suspended. Mr. Meek, who is an 
experienced and bright newspaper man, now on the editorial force of 
the daily 'Intelligencer,' sold his interest to Mr. R. Robertson in 
1890, and the latter has since been the sole owner. Under the 
management of Mr. Robertson the 'News Letter' has taken high rank 
among the first class journals of the state. While it is in every 
sense a general newspaper, it has been especially the champion of 
labor, and has done much to advance this cause.
 
The editorial work is now in the hands of Mr. Joseph M. Crouch, who, 
although quite young, has had several years of valuable newspaper 
experience. He is a bright young man, and the editorial columns of 
the 'News Letter' attest his fitness for this responsible place.
 
'The Ohio Valley Manufacturer,' the organ of the best industries of 
the valley, was established by the following stockholders in 
December, 1887: Belmont Nail works, Bellaire Nail works, Riverside 
Iron works, Benwood Iron works, La Belle Iron works, Wheeling Iron 
and Nail Co., Whitaker Iron Co., Aetna Iron and Steel Co., Standard 
Iron Co., Laughlin Nail Co., Spaulding Iron Co., Junction Iron Co., 
Jefferson Iron works, B. Fisher & Son, Centre foundry. Joseph Bell 
Stove Co., A. J. Sweeney & Son, Caldwell & Peterson, Greer & Laing, 
North Wheeling Glass Co., Central Glass Co., Warwick China Co., 
Wheeling Pottery Co., J. G. Hoffmann & Son, Reymann Brewing Co., 
Schmulbach Brewing Co., Peoples' Bank, Dr. George Baird, M. Reilly 
and Philip H. Moore. The first directors were: N. E. Whitaker, C. R. 
Hubbard, W. F. Peterson, Benjamin Fisher, Philip H. Moore, Major 
Alonzo Loring and W. H. Wallace. First officers:, N. E. Whitaker, 
president; W. F. Peterson, treasurer; P. H. Moore, secretary; O. G. 
Scofield, business manager. The purpose of the manufacturers as set 
forth in the prospectus of the publishers, is as follows: "This paper 
has been established solely to promote manufacturing interests of 
every kind and character. It will graphically describe our boundless 
coal and gas fields; it will illustrate the marvelous growth of our 
iron, steel and glass industries; it will demonstrate that this 
valley will ere long as potently control the pottery interests of the 
world as it now does those connected with the manufacture of nails, 
glass and Bessemer steel. There are two objects in advertising these 
facts: First, to inform the manufacturer of a particular line what is 
being done in other and different lines, and second, to prove to the 
outside world that our proximity to the best ore fields on the 
continent and the possession of magnificent natural resources, 
coupled with cheap fuel, such as natural gas has proved itself to be, 
have placed us beyond the reach of all competition." 
 
Philip Henry Moore, a son of Henry Moore, an old newspaper man of 
ability and much prominence, long identified with some of the leading 
industries of Wheeling, was one of the incorporators and a prime 
mover in the establishment of the paper, is and has been from the 
first its editor. He was for a time associated in the capacity of 
editor with the Chicago 'Journal of Commerce' and St. Louis 'Age of 
Steel.' He is in everything connected with iron and steel industries, 
thoroughly familiar, and his editorials are widely quoted. He is an 
able and intelligent writer, and under the non-de-plume of "Cold 
Short" he has contributed many valuable articles to the literature of 
these industries. 

Mr. Austin Beach who is now connected with this journal in the 
capacity of special representative, while young in years is old in 
newspaper experience. He has been city editor of the 'Daily 
Intelligencer' for the past ten years, the longest period of 
consecutive service of any one ever connected in like capacity with 
the press of Wheeling. He is a bright and versatile newspaper writer, 
and will bring to the performance of this new duty, such ability and 
experience as will no doubt prove invaluable to the paper.
 
'The Deutsche Zeitung, von West Virginien' is the only German paper 
published in the state, and was first issued as the 'Virginia Staats 
Zeitung,' about the year 1848. It subsequently changed hands and 
became the 'Arbeiter Freund.'  After a few years, Messrs. Guttenberg 
and Colmar became proprietors, when yet a third change was effected; 
this time to its present title, 'The Deutsche Zeilung von West 
Virginien.' Mr. Guttenberg, however, retired on the 1st of December, 
1878, since when Lewis Colmar, Jr., has been the only successful 
publisher of a German paper.
 
'The Deutsche Zeitung,' which was the name given to the paper in 
1878, was a tri-weekly until 1883, when a daily penny paper was 
published for one year. 

In 1887 the 'Volksblatt' Company, which had published an opposition 
paper for some time, made an assignment, and Mr. Colmar purchased the 
equipment of the office. He is now publishing the daily and weekly 
'Staats Zeitung,' which is the only German paper in the state. It is 
a live paper and is well patronized. 

'The Wheeling Graphic.' - The latest newspaper venture established at 
Wheeling under this name in August, 1889, was, prior to that time the 
'Wellsburg Local,' which paper had been conducted at the latter place 
by W. and F. Tucker for about five years. Believing that Wheeling 
would afford a larger field for operation, the presses and equipments 
of the 'Local' office were removed to Wheeling and the 'Graphic' has 
ever since been regularly issued. It is a weekly issued on Saturday 
and with the subscription list of the 'Local' which was, upon its 
establishment, transferred to the 'Graphic;' together with its 
Wheeling clientage it has a large circulation. 

'The Ohio Valley Farmer, as its name indicates, is devoted 
exclusively to the interests of agriculture. It was established by T. 
M. Garvin, Esq., who consolidated with it in April, 1888, 'The 
Practical World,' that had been published at Columbus, Ohio, since 
1884. The 'Farmer' was sold to J. G. Leasure in February, 1890, and 
he is at present both editor and publisher. The paper is issued 
monthly and is well supported.
 
'The Press of Wellsburg.' - It is probable that the first newspaper 
established in what is now Brooke county was the 'Charlestown 
Gazette.' The first issue made its appearance as early as 1814. 
Samuel Workman was both the printer and publisher. Its legitimate 
successor was the Wellsburg Gazette,' which was edited by John Gruber 
as early as 1823. A few years later the Gazette became the property 
of Thomas Semice.
 
The publication of the 'Brooke Republican' was begun as early as 
1833. Daniel Polley was the editor and S. R. Jones the proprietor. 
The 'Republican' suspended publication in 1835.
 
The 'Western Transcript' made its appearance with the same man in 
editorial charge. The 'Transcript' continued its existence until late 
in the forties, and was for a time under the charge of Wills De Hass. 

The 'True Republican,' by Solomon Solo, and the 'Jeffersonian 
Democrat', by Dr. Hazelett, were also among the early newspapers of 
Wellsburg.
 
The 'Wellsburg Herald' was established by Joe A. Metcalf, in 
December, 1846, and after two years it became the property of John G. 
Jacob and James A. Smith. Smith continued his connection with the 
paper for ten years, when it became the sole property of Mr. Jacob, 
who is still its editor and proprietor. Mr. Jacob has for almost a 
half century conducted with marked ability this most influential 
journal. Mr. Jacob was educated at Washington and Jefferson college, 
being a class-mate of the Hon. James G. Blaine. He was one of the 
first men to advocate the principles upon which the republican party 
was founded. He was bold and aggressive in his denunciation of the 
crime of human slavery. He is an able and vigorous editorial writer 
and he has, through the 'Herald,' left his impress upon all public 
questions of his time. 

The 'Item,' published by J. W. Plattenburg, was first issued in the 
summer of 1855. 

The 'Wellsburg Democrat' made its appearance March 4, 1866. Alfred 
Glass was its first owner. He soon sold to James E. Anderson, who 
after a shorter period sold to J. F. Campbell & Son, by whom the name 
was changed to the 'Wellsburg Times.' In September, 1868, Alfred 
Glass & Son purchased the plant and changed the name to the 'Pan-
handle News.' In 1872 Eugene Tarr became the owner. He associated 
with him in the management of the 'News,' W. A. Brown, the present 
editor of the 'Hancock Independent.' Glass & Son re-purchased the 
News in 1874 and successfully conducted it as a democratic organ 
until 1889, when its present proprietors, J. E. and J. L. Curtis, 
became its owners. It is now upon a paying basis and under its new 
management its friends predict for it a wide field of usefulness.
 
The 'Wellsburg Local' was established in July, 1883, by James Murphy, 
by whom it was sold in 1885 to Tucker Bros., who conducted it with 
success until August, 1889, when the office was moved to Wheeling. 

'Press of Moundsville, W. Va.' - The first newspaper venture in 
Moundsville was 'The West Virginian,' established about 1831, by 
Dennis Parriott. After a short time its publication was suspended and 
its successor, the 'Sentinel,' established by David McLain. The 
'Marshall-Beacon,' edited by Archibald McLain, was published under 
his management till 1840, when M. M. Blackmore became owner. R. C. 
Halliday purchased the office in 1850, and after several years 
changed its name to the 'Herald.' Wallace & Co. bought the 'Herald' 
and changed its name to the 'Reporter.' In 1871 Hanen & Bonar became 
proprietors. It was afterward owned by Dawson & Evans, and still 
later Evans & Rook. The 'Moundsville Herald,' now one of the live 
papers of the valley, is the outgrowth of the new 'State Gazelle,' 
projected by G. A. Creel in 1874. After about four or five years Mr. 
Creel sold to J. F. Curtis, who changed the name to 'Marshall County 
Herald.' After a short time John A. Ewing and C. R. Oldham became 
managers for Curtis. Under their management the "County" was dropped 
and the paper called 'Marshall Herald.' The paper came into 
possession of J. E. Hart, but was soon sold to S. R. Hanen, who 
disposed of it in April, 1886, to John W. Burchinal. Three months 
later A. R. Laing became a partner, and ever since it has been 
published under the firm name of Burchinal & Laing. The name was 
changed by the present proprietors to 'Moundsville Herald.' Under the 
management of Messrs. Burchinal & Laing it has become widely popular, 
and is now one of the newsiest and best conducted county papers in 
this section of the state. Both men are practical newspaper men, the 
former being associated with the 'Grafton Sentinel,' part of the time 
as editor and proprietor, and the latter publisher of the 'Whetzel 
Democrat.'
 
Many other newspaper have appeared since the first establishment in 
1831, but they have been of short duration, and none except the 
'Sun,' deserve any extended mention in this connection. The 
'Moundsville Sickle,' which was the predecessor of the 'Sun,' was 
established about 1887, by A. P. Carney, Ewing, Oldham and P. 
Meighen, managers of it, and by them the name was changed to the 
'Sun.' In 1889, W. M. Sprawls, an old newspaper man and practical 
printer, became owner. It was published by Mr. Sprawls until April, 
1890, when the firm of Stewart & Sprawls became proprietors. The Sun 
is democratic in politics, and under its present management, the 
friends of the paper hope for it a useful career.
 
'Marshall & Wetzel News,' of Cameron, W. Va., is the outgrowth of a 
job-printing enterprise begun in 1885, by Oliver Cook, associated 
with S. P. Carney, of Littleton. The 'News' was established by them 
and has grown prosperous under their management. The office is 
splendidly equipped, and the circulation of the paper is rapidly 
increasing.
 
'Hancock County Courier' was the first newspaper published in Hancock 
county. It made its appearance in February, 1869. It was founded by 
J. W. Platenburg, who was a practical printer and an experienced 
newspaper man. He was born in Washington county, Penn., in 1830. At 
four years of age removed with his mother to Wellsburg, W. Va. 
Attended common school of that place, and Bethany college one year. 
Learned the printing trade in the offices of the 'Western Transcript' 
and 'Herald,' of Wellsburg. Followed the business in various places 
until the breaking of the war. Married Miss Sarah Wetherell in 1852. 
Conducted the Woodford county, Ill., 'Argus' for two years. He 
enlisted in April, 1861, in the First West Virginia three-months' 
volunteers, during which time he was engaged in the affair at 
Philippi. Re-enlisted for three years in the First Virginia infantry, 
and served out the term, rising from the position of sergeant to that 
of captain. During this service took part in the battles of 
Winchester, Second Bull Run (where he was taken prisoner, remaining 
so about a month), New Market, Port Republic, Piedmont, Lynchburg and 
Snicker's Gap (where he received a serious minnie-ball wound in the 
left arm), besides numerous smaller engagements. At the conclusion of 
the three-years' term he went into the Second West Virginia veterans 
and served as captain until the end of the war. In 1869 he published 
the 'Hancock Courier' at Fairview, being the first newspaper 
published in the county. The office has since been removed to New 
Cumberland, where it has a wider scope of usefulness. 

'The Hancock County Independent' was founded at New Cumberland in 
1876, by A. W. Brown and S. M. Morrow. The first issue did not appear 
until January 10, 1877. J. D. Brown, brother of A. W., succeeded 
Morrow in the partnership, but retired in 1884, leaving Mr. A. W. 
Brown, sole proprietor. The 'Independent' is an independent 
republican journal, but is more especially devoted to the interests 
of the community and the material welfare of its town and county, 
than to that of any political party. Mr. Brown is a journalist of 
long experience and knows what constitutes a readable country paper. 

A. W. Brown, editor and proprietor of the 'Hancock County 
Independent,' was born at Wellsburg, Brooke county, November 24, 
1854. He is a son of John Brown, born in Brooke county, about 1820, 
who was engaged in the dry goods trade and in buying and shipping 
flour and produce to the south. He died about 1860. His wife, mother 
of the subject of this mention, was born in Richmond, Va., about 
1820, and died at New Cumberland in 1880. A. W. Brown began his 
experience in the printing office at the age of twelve years, but 
worked for but attended school at Wellsburg and Wheeling, and he took 
a course in a commercial college at Wheeling. Subsequently he was 
book-keeper for a firm at the latter city, two years. Returning to 
Wellsburg, he bought a half-interest in the 'Pan-handle News,' from 
Eugene Tarr, and with him, continued the publication until a year 
later, when he sold his interest to Mr. Glass. He then continued in 
the printing business at Cleveland, Wheeling and elsewhere, until 
October, 1874, when he came to Hancock county, Mr. Brown was married 
to Mary V., daughter of Alexander Morrow, a prominent citizen and 
justice of the peace of Fairview, who was founder and proprietor of 
the Virginia House at that place. Mr. Brown and wife have two 
children, Bert M., born November 21, 1877, and Lucy S., born May 23, 
1880. Mrs. Brown is a member of the Presbyterian church, and he of 
the Episcopal church, and of Stella lodge, No. 47, I. O. O. F.