John Templeton of Exeter, N.H. Biography from History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by MLM, Volunteer 0000130. For the current email address, please go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00001.html#0000130 Copyright. All rights reserved. ************************************************************************ Full copyright notice - http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm USGenWeb Archives - http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ Source: History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens by Charles A. Hazlett, Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, Ill., 1915 Page 1306 JOHN TEMPLETON is well known in Exeter and the vicinity as proprietor of the Exeter "News Letter." The first newspaper was printed in Exeter, N. H., in 1776, by Robert Fowle and was Called the New Hampshire Gazette or Exeter Morning Chronicle, but the first permanent publication was on May 3lst, 1831, when John S. Sleeper published the first copy of the Exeter News Letter. About two years later, John C. Gerrish, with John Kelly, a lawyer, as partner, assumed control. Mr. Kelly possessed much literary ability and acted as editor. The paper afterwards passed into the hands of Messrs. Smith, Hall & Clarke and Rev. L. W. Leonard. Later a Mr. Charles Marseilles, a New York journalist, a man of letters, took control. Under his direction the paper was enlarged in size and improved in regard to type. After him came William B. Morrill, who controlled the paper until his death in 1888, when John Templeton, the present owner, took control. In 1896 the News Letter built a new building on the corner of Water and Center streets and took possession of it, and here the plant is still located. The paper retains the high standard of journalism that it set in its infancy and has made many improvements in the mechanical department. It is widely known throughout the New England States and is recognized as one of the best papers for the home.