THE HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, CHAPTER LII, NEWSPAPERS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
from the discovery of the Delaware to the present time by W. W. H. Davis, A.M., 
1876 and 1905* editions.

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    dbluemink@cox.net  

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Transcriber's note: Liberty has been taken with numbering footnotes so as 
to include all footnotes from both the 1876 and 1905 editions, plus any 
additional text and pictures in the 1905 edition. All 1905 material will 
be noted with an asterisk. 

Transcriptionist's note: Because an additional chapter (on Bridgeton) was 
added to the 1905 edition, the chapter numbers for the 1905 edition will 
be one number ahead of 1876 addition.

_____________________________________________________________________________

                            CHAPTER LII, 1876 Edition

                                        or

                           CHAPTER XXIII, 1905 Edition 

                            NEWSPAPERS IN BUCKS COUNTY

Without newspapers one hundred and twenty years.  -The Farmers' Weekly Gazette.  
    -Agricultural Magazine.  -The Aurora.  -Bucks County Bee.  -Asher Miner.  
    -Pennsylvania Correspondent.  -Poetic advertisement.  -Monthly Magazine.  
    -Prospectus for Olive Branch.  -The Star of Freedom.  -Simon Siegried.  
    -William T. Rogers, et al.  -Mr. Miner retires and his successors.  
    -Edmund Morris.  -Bucks County Intelligencer.  -John S. Brown.  -Prizer 
    and Darlington.  The Paschalls, et al.*  -Farmers' Gazette and Bucks 
    County Register.  -William B. Coale.  -Lines to his sweetheart.  
    -Doylestown Democrat.  -Lewis Deffebach.  -Bucks County Messenger.  
    -Democrat and Messenger united.  -Simon Cameron.  -John S. Bryan.  -Samuel 
    J. Paxson.  -Change of owner.*  -Bucks County Express.  -Manasseh H. 
    Snyder.  -Political Examiner.  -Jackson Courier.  -Der Morgenstern.  
    -Public Advocate.  -Newtown Journal.  -Olive Branch.  -Independent Democrat.  
    -Newspapers in Bristol.  -Newtown Enterprise, et al.  -Democrat and 
    Intelligencer a quarter [half*] of a century ago.  -Increase in newspapers.*

    Bucks County had been settled 120 years before a newspaper was printed in 
it. In all that time probably not a type or printing press had been 
brought within its present or original limits, and journalism had no 
history in the county. At the present day a newspaper is one of the first 
appliances of civilization called for by the settlers of a new country, 
and it generally precedes the school-house and the church.
    The first newspaper printed and published in Bucks county was "The 
Farmers' Weekly Gazette," issued from the "Centre house, Doylestown," by 
Isaac Ralston, July 25, 1800, on a medium sheet. In his address the editor 
assures the public "that nothing of a personal nature, nor which will in 
the least affect the religious tenets of any one, or tend to corrupt a 
singe moral obligation, shall ever be allowed" in his paper. At its head 
it floated the since hackneyed motto: "Open to all parties, but influenced 
by none." Friday was the original publication day, but afterward changed 
to Tuesday. How long this paper was published is not known. We have seen a 
few numbers of it, the latest, number 27, volume 1, bearing date January 
29, 1801, but it was probably published some time longer. The earliest 
issue that came under our notice, number 7, dated September 5, 1800, has 
one entire page filled with the proceedings of the Irish Parliament, and 
the other three pages, with the exception of eight advertisements, are 
occupied with intelligence from distant parts of the country, but not a 
line of local news. We learn from this number that the "Bucks county 
Whigs" were to hold their "general meeting" at Addis's tavern, now 
Centreville, in Buckingham, where "damning facts" were to be exhibited 
against the other side. Augustin Willett, of Bensalem, was chairman of 
their county committee. The price of subscription "to subscribers being on 
the public post-road and receiving their papers by the public mails" was 
two dollars per annum, and twenty-five cents additional to those who have 
their papers delivered by private post.
    Soon after the "Gazette" appeared, Mr. Ralston issued proposals for 
publishing, in Doylestown, "The Agricultural Magazine," a monthly of 50 
pages, at 25 cents a number. The prospectus was published a half year, but 
we do not know that the magazine ever made its appearance. Who Isaac 
Ralston was, whence he came, and whither he went, we have no means of 
finding out.
    The same year, 1800, while the yellow fever prevailed in Philadelphia, 
"The Aurora," edited and published by Franklin Bache, grandson of Doctor 
Franklin, was temporarily removed to Bristol, where it was issued from a 
building of Charles Bessonett, at the foot of Mill street, until the fever 
abated and it was safe to return to town. 
    The second attempt to establish a newspaper in Bucks county was made at 
Newtown, the then county-seat, in 1802. Sometime in that year Charles Holt 
commenced the publication of the "Bucks County Bee" in that ancient 
village, but we know neither the date of its birth nor its death. It was 
still published in September, but how much longer is not known.
    These attempts to establish a newspaper in the county having failed, the 
ground lay fallow for two years, when an enterprising Connecticut Yankee, 
with four years civilizing in Pennsylvania, came to the cross-roads at 
Doylestown, and drove in his journalistic stakes. From this was born the 
"Bucks County Intelligencer" in 1804.
    Asher Miner, the founder of this newspaper, was born at Norwich, 
Connecticut, March 3, 1778. Her served an apprenticeship of seven years in 
the office of the "Gazette and Commercial Intelligencer" at New London, 
and afterward worked as a journeyman a year in New York. In 1799 his 
brother Charles, who had already pitched his fortunes on the semi-savage 
frontier of Wyoming, wrote to Asher: "Come out here and I will set you 
up," without having a dollar to make good his promise. Nevertheless, Asher 
migrated to the Susquehanna, and in a short time found himself at the head 
of the "Luzerne County Federalist," the first number being issued January 
5, 1801. In April, 1802, he took his brother Charles into copartnership, 
which continued until May, 1804, when Asher relinquished his interest to 
Charles. In severing his connection with the "Federalist," an invitation 
was given to exchanges to send copies to him at "Doyles-Town," 
Pennsylvania, where he had already resolved to establish a newspaper.
    Meanwhile Asher Miner had taken to wife Polly Wright, May 20, 1800, 
daughter of Thomas Wright, a wealthy merchant and land-owner of 
Wilkesbarre, a lady of Bucks county descent. Her father, a good-looking 
young Irishman, landing at Philadelphia about 1763, was soon in charge of 
a school at Dyerstown, two miles north of Doylestown. Securing a home in 
the family of Josiah Dyer, he taught the rudiments of English to the 
children of the neighborhood, and love to the daughter of his host. One 
day they slipped off to Philadelphia and got married, which relieved the 
case of a deal of difficulty, for at that day Friends could not consent to 
the marriage of their daughters out of meeting.
    Asher Miner probably came to Doylestown immediately he relinquished his 
interest in the "Federalist" in May. He found, what is now a beautiful 
town of two thousand [3,500*] inhabitants, a cross-road hamlet, with less 
than a dozen dwellings along the Easton road and the road from Swede's 
ford to Coryell's ferry, now State street. It is related that one of the 
first men Mr. Miner went to ask assistance of to push his newspaper 
enterprise was Reverend Nathaniel Irwin, then a power in the county and a 
strong Democrat. The good parson declined, on the ground that he did not 
like Mr. M.'s politics. The latter said he would publish an independent 
newspaper, to which Irwin replied: "Yes, you say so, but then you look 
toward Buckingham." This settled the matter. (1)

    (1)  Buckingham, than as now, was a political Gibraltar opposed to the 
         Democratic party.*

    The first issue of the new paper, "Pennsylvania Correspondent and 
Farmers' Advertiser," appeared July 7, 1804. Mr. Miner said in his address 
to the public: "The editor is by birth an American, in principles a 
Federal Republican. His private sentiments, with regard to the 
administration of the government of his country, he will maintain and avow 
as becomes a freeman. In his public character, as conductor of the only 
newspaper printed in the county, he will act with that impartiality which 
prudence and duty require." It was a small medium sheet, and the first 
number contained a single advertisement, that of Mahlon P. Jackson, of 
Buckingham, who wanted "two journeymen carpenters." The paper was printed 
in a back room of Barton Stewart's house, which stood nearly on the site 
of the "Intelligencer" building, and Mr. Miner lived in the stone house on 
Main street next door to Nathan C. James's dwelling. (2) He built a frame 
next to his house, for a printing-office, which has been torn down several 
years. The appearance of the paper created quite a sensation, and the 
first issue was largely given away. It was left at a few points in the 
central part of the county by carriers, and subscribers were charged 
twenty-five cents additional for delivering their papers. The 
"Pennsylvania Correspondent" proved a success, and its founder remained in 
charge of it twenty-one years. His young family grew in number from two to 
twelve, and he increased in worldly goods.

    (2)  Torn down several years ago and a new stone erected on its site.*

    As a specimen advertisement of the period, (1805) we insert the following 
of Joseph Grier, who had a house and lot for sale or rent in Dublin:

    "For Rent or Sale in Dublin Village,
    A handsome lot, and good for tillage,
    Forty acres thereabouts,
    In Hilltown Township, County of Bucks.
    The Buildings good, and well prepared
    For any one in public trade,
    Who 'tis presum'd would find it good
    To try to please the neighborhood.
    And now, for further information,
    Apply according to direction:
    To the Subscriber living near,
    Whose name you'll find is Joseph Grier." 

    The second advertisement that appeared was that of Mahlon Carver, of 
Milton, now Carversville, who had for sale a quantity of "Roram hats," if 
any of the present generation can tell what they were. Prosperity 
authorized the enlargement of the paper in July, 1806, from a medium to a 
royal sheet. On September 22, 1806, Asher Miner announced that he intended 
to issue a prospectus for a monthly magazine, "literary, moral, and 
agricultural," which probably was never published. For several years the 
advertising was light, but there was a notable increase between 1815 and 
1820. In 1816, when preparations were making to commence the publication 
of [another paper,*] Mr. Miner protested against it, in an address to the 
public, which he thought "may not be ill-timed," on the ground that the 
parties were nearly equally divided, and a party paper was not needed.
    In the spring of 1816 Mr. Miner contemplated publishing a "monthly 
literary and agricultural register," to be called the "Olive Branch," and 
sent out his subscription papers, but as they were not returned with 
enough names to warrant it, the project was given up. In April, 1817, he 
opened a branch office at Newtown, in charge of Simeon Siegfried. He 
proposed to issue from the office a weekly paper to be called "The Star of 
Freedom," to be devoted, principally, to "agricultural, biographical, 
literary and moral matters." The first number appeared May 21, 1817. This 
was a movement to keep competition out of the county. A printer at Newtown 
had a pamphlet in press for the Friends, but being intemperate he failed 
to meet his contract, and gave up business. Miner sent Siegfried, an 
apprentice in his office, down to finish the work. This led to his 
purchase of the materials and the establishment of a paper there. The size 
was eighteen by eleven and a half inches, and consisted of eight pages. It 
was published weekly "at $2 per annum, if taken from the office, or $2.25 
if delivered by post." It contained little news, and but few 
advertisements. Then Edward Hicks and Thomas Goslin followed "coach, sign 
and ornamental painting" at Newtown, and John Parker "manufactured 
ladies', gentlemen's and children's shoes, and made boots in the neatest 
manner." Asher Miner kept a "new book store" at the office of "The Star of 
Freedom." The first number announced that a post-route "is now established 
from the office of "The Star of Freedom" by the Buck tavern, Smithfield, 
and Byberry meeting-house, to Bustleton, returning via Spread Eagle, Lady 
Washington, Sorrel Horse, and Bear tavern." During the session of Congress 
and the Legislature the paper was converted into a congressional and 
legislative journal. The publication was suspended April 7, 1818.
    Simeon Siegfried, Asher Miner's lieutenant at Newtown, was born in New 
Britain township, September 23, 1797, and received his early education 
from his father, George Siegfried, who taught English and German for many 
years in Bucks county. In 1811 he was apprenticed to Asher Miner, with 
whom he served six years. He was a diligent reader, and this laid the 
groundwork for future literary labor. Before he was out of his time he 
married Miss Mary Johnson, of Newtown, October 12, 1817, whose 
acquaintance he made while conducting "The Star of Freedom." He spent the 
winter of 1818-19 in eastern Ohio, prospecting, but finding that country 
too new to sustain a new paper he returned to Pennsylvania. Soon after his 
return he was solicited to start a democratic newspaper at Doylestown, 
which resulted in the issue of the "Bucks County Messenger," which he 
continued to publish three or four years, and until harmony in the party 
united their two papers into one. From Doylestown Mr. Siegfried went to 
Bridgeton, New Jersey, where he established the Bridgeton "Observer and 
Cumberland and Cape May Advertiser." He is [was*] still living, in Ohio, 
having been a minister of the gospel for many years. He issued the first 
number of "The Ohio Luminary" at Cadiz, Harrison county, November 27, 
1818, but it did not survive its birth. His only child, an infant 
daughter, was burned to death by her clothes catching fire, at Doylestown, 
November 8, 1820.
    Among those who served as fellow-apprentices with Simeon Siegfried, in 
the "Correspondent" offices, between 1811 and 1818, were the late General 
William T. Rogers, John H. Hall, West H. Anderson, and Volney B. Palmer. 
When Hall was free he went to Newton, Sussex county, New Jersey, where he 
established the "Sussex Register," which proved a success, and he became 
associate-judge of the county. (3) Anderson, although a young man of good 
education and talents, became a strolling "jour," fond of whiskey, and n
ever got beyond it. Palmer established the first advertising agency in 
Philadelphia, where he died several years ago. Miner was postmaster 
several years, and kept the office at the printing-office, and also a 
small bookstore where he had various articles for sale besides, and among 
them physic, in the shape of "antiseptic pills," which he retailed. He 
gave up the post office in March, 1821, and was succeeded by Charles E. 
DuBois. In 1818 the name of the paper was changed to "Pennsylvania 
Correspondent," making one line reaching entirely across the head. The 
first "extra" issued in the county was by the "Correspondent," December 
18, 1821, containing the President's message.

    (3)  Hall conducted the Sussex "Register" for 57 years. His grandson, 
         Charles K. Westbrook, a member of the Philadelphia bar, has the 
         certificate Asher Miner gave him, on his graduation, bearing the date of 
         1813. He was the son of Jesse and Elizabeth Hall, and was born in 
         Hunterdon county, N. J., April 25, 1791.*

    September 24, 1824, after an active editorial life of 20 years, Mr. Miner 
sold the "Correspondent" to Edmund Morris and Samuel R. Kramer, of 
Philadelphia. The sale was hardly concluded before he repented and begged 
to have it annulled, but did not succeed. Edmund Morris was born at 
Burlington, New Jersey, in 1804, and learned the printing trade in the 
office of the "Freeman's Journal." He had great fondness for literary 
pursuits, and commenced writing while young. He was connected with the 
newspaper press of Philadelphia for several years after he left 
Doylestown, and introduced some new features. His "Saturday Bulletin" was 
the pioneer that broke down the credit system in the city, and he was the 
first to offer premiums. He retired to Burlington 30 [40*] odd years ago, 
and divides his time between rural pursuits and the pen. He is the author 
of "Ten Acres Enough," and other popular books. Mr. Kramer, a man of 
cultivation and reading, fond of intellectual society, and of genial 
manners, was a native of Philadelphia, and learned his trade in the 
book-office of the late Mr. Fry. He was a close observer of men and 
things, but seldom wrote for his own paper, work being his forte. He 
returned to Philadelphia, where he died [at Harrisburg, 1854.*]. The new 
proprietors changed the name of the paper to "Bucks County Patriot and 
Farmers' Advertiser," and the first number issued October 4th.
    The establishment is thus spoken of by one who knew it at the time of the 
sale. He says: "The office was in a small two-story frame building, the 
second story of which was large enough to contain a very old Ramage press 
with a stone bed, on which the paper was worked by using the old-fashioned 
balls, and all the stands and cases containing job and newspaper type. The 
type was old and worn. The outside form of the newspaper consumed so 
nearly all the type, that the inside could not be set up without first d
istributing the former. The lower story of the office was supplied with 
huge bins, into which the subscribers would empty their subscriptions in 
the shape of corn, flour, oats, or whatever articles were most convenient 
for them to bring. It was the same as cash in the family of the printer." 
Mr. Miner removed from Doylestown to West Chester and formed a partnership 
with his brother Charles in the publication of the "Village Record." In 
1834 they sold out to the late Henry S. Evans, when the brothers returned 
to Wilkesbarre, where Asher died March 13, 1841.
    The new firm existed until February, 1827, when it was dissolved by 
mutual consent, and Mr. Morris carried on the office alone to October 1st, 
same year, when the establishment was sold to Elisha B. Jackson, a native 
of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and James Kelley, an Englishman, 
graduates of the "Village Record" office. They changed the name of the 
paper to that of "Bucks County Intelligencer and General Advertiser," and 
it was issued in a new suit of type. It was now made more of a political 
newspaper than it had yet been, and about this time was inaugurated the 
stirring appeals to voters just before election, now so common with 
newspapers. Mr. Jackson died May 23, 1828, of consumption, when Mr. Kelley 
assumed entire control of the paper. He was a pushing man, and the paper 
prospered under his management. He was a bitter partisan, and at no time 
in the last 60 years were harder blows given and taken. The fact of his 
having been born in Great Britain was used against him, and his paper was 
called the "British organ" by his opponents. The "Intelligencer," while he 
conducted it, was in advance of what it had been under previous 
management. In March, 1835, Mr. Kelley took William M. Large, a graduate 
of the office, into co-partnership, and the following October the paper 
was enlarged to a double-medium sheet. The co-partnership was dissolved 
January 3, 1837, by its own limitation, when Mr. Kelley again assumed 
control. He continued to conduct it until March 14, 1838, when he sold out 
to William M. Large, his late partner (4) in business. Mr. Large owned the 
paper for three years, having Hugh H. Henry, Esq., a member of the bar, 
for its editor, to March 17, 1841, when he sold out to Samuel Fretz, of 
Bedminster, who learned his trade in the office, Mr. Henry being retained 
as editor. At this time the paper was printed in the brick building now 
owned by Henry Harvey on Main street, nearly opposite the National bank 
[Doylestown Trust Company.*] March 3, 1843, the office again changed 
hands, being purchased by John S. Brown, a native of Plumstead township, 
who had learned his trade in it, but after his time was out had purchased 
and published the "Hunterdon Gazette" meanwhile. While Mr. Brown owned the 
paper it was much improved, and there was an active rivalry between it and 
the "Democrat," It was about t his time that "locals" began to make their 
appearance in country newspapers, and the "Intelligencer" was one of the 
first to take this new departure. Mr. Brown did much for the permanent 
prosperity of the paper, and he left it much better than he found it.

    (4)  Among the graduates from the "Intelligencer," during the incumbency of 
         William Kelley, was Silas L. Atkinson, who entered it about 1834. He was 
         the son of parents belonging to the Society of Friends, and was born 
         September 15, 1819. He worked in the office after his time was out, and 
         was otherwise connected with it for several years. He and Hiram Lukens 
         were apprentices at the same time. He was subsequently connected with the 
         "Democrat." At the time of his death, November 5, 1900, he was the oldest 
         printer in the county, and one of the oldest in the State. He had many 
         excellent qualities, among them a sunny disposition, and the respect of 
         all who knew him. Silas L. Atkinson was a descendant of John Atkinson, who 
         settled in Makefield township in 1720.

    In the spring of 1855 Mr. Brown sold his newspaper to Enos Prizer and 
Henry T. Darlington, of Chester county, both graduates of the "Village 
Record" office. Their first issue bore date March 6th. Mr. Prizer was the 
son of Frederick Prizer, a farmer, living near the Schuylkill in the 
northern part of Chester county, where he was born in 1825. Both his 
parents were of German descent. He entered the "Village Record" office at 
the age of 15, having among his office-mates Bayard Taylor, Judge William 
Butler, Judge Edward M. Paxson, of the State supreme court, and others who 
have since become prominent. At the expiration of his apprenticeship he 
remained in the office for a time, and in turn was editor, reporter, 
clerk, and collector. He was a restless and nervous temperament, 
possessing activity, energy, and industry. These qualities, with more than 
ordinary abilities, made him a successful journalist. He was an active and 
earnest politician, and a times severe on this adversaries. Personally he 
was social and genial, and had many warm friends. Mr. Darlington belongs 
to an old Chester county family, and is a nephew of the late Doctor 
William Darlington. The firm continued nearly ten years, and was only 
dissolved by the death of Mr. Prizer, November 26, 1864. The establishment 
then passed wholly into the possession of Mr. Darlington, [who still 
conducts the paper with ability and success (1876 edition)]. Mr. 
Darlington entered upon his apprenticeship in 1849, and graduated a few 
months before he joined in the purchase of the "Intelligencer." Under his 
management the paper has been enlarged and improved, and now ranks among 
the best country newspapers in the State. In January, 1876, it was changed 
to a semi-weekly, and the size reduced to double-medium, and Alfred Pas
chall taken into the business as junior partner. The following summer a 
handsome new office was erected on the site of the old building.
    [In 1877 S. Edward Paschall, a younger brother of Alfred, entered the 
firm of H. T. Darlington & Co., and as such, the office was conducted 
until the sudden death of Mr. Darlington, November 24, 1878. Alfred T. 
Paschall was now taken into the firm and the name changed to Alfred 
Paschall & Company. It was carried on as such until 1898, when the plant 
was incorporated under the firm name of "The Intelligencer Company." Other 
changes have been made since that period. In ___ Arthur K. Thomas, a 
graduate of the "Democrat" office, became a member of the firm and was 
shortly made business manager. The office issues both a daily and weekly, 
the former under the name of "The Doylestown Intelligencer," the first 
daily issued in the county. After graduating from the "Democrat," Mr. 
Thomas was, for a time, on the "Macon Telegraph," Georgia.*]
    Following closely upon the heels of Miner's "Correspondent," came the 
"Farmer's Gazette and Bucks County Register," which William B. Coale 
brought out at Newtown in the fall of 1805, the first number bearing date 
October 10th. Its publication was continued about ten years. We have seen 
the fourth number, a well-printed sheet, 18x22 inches. The first page was 
well-filled with advertisements, among which was an offer of $200 reward 
"for the apprehension of the villain who shot Henry Weaver to death on the 
night of the 8th of March, between Montgomery meeting-house and North 
Wales." Richard Mitchel advertises his "old brown cow," which "strayed 
from the subscriber living near Attleborough;" Enos Smith was 
"blue-dyeing;" Francis Flanagan bottled "Hare's best porter," and Andrew 
McKee was "saddler," all in Newtown. The paper was printed in the house 
now occupied by Doctor Elias E. Smith, opposite the Brick hotel. While 
publishing the "Gazette" Coale issued a prospectus for printing, by 
subscription, "The American Farmer's Guide," a treatise on agriculture, 
but whether it was ever issued we do not know.
    William B. Coale, who was one of the newspaper pioneers of the county, 
was born in Harford county, Maryland, in 1782, and learned the printing 
trade with Benjamin Johnson, and extensive publisher of Philadelphia. It 
is not known at what time he came to Newtown, but he probably assisted 
Charles Holt to print the "Bucks County Bee" in 1802, and in 1803 he 
married Sarah, the daughter of Asa Carey, of that place. He was a Friend 
and brought a certificate of membership from the "Northern District 
monthly meeting of Friends" to Wrightstown, eleventh-month 2d, 1802. In 
1810 or 1811 he published a newspaper at Frankford, Pennsylvania, and in 
1817 he established a paper at Havre-de-Grace, Maryland, which was 
discontinued in 1822. Soon afterward he established the "Bard of Union" at 
Belair, in the same state, which he relinquished in a few years. He died 
at Washington city in 1856, his wife having previously died in 1831, in 
her 47th year. One who knew Mr. Coale well describes him as "a man of 
wonderful energy, which never amounted to much, as he was erratic and fond 
of adventure. He was a superior workman, and as a journeyman printer 
commanded the highest wages. He was a wit, was full of humor, could tell a 
story admirably well, and was above mediocrity as a poet." His son 
publishes "The Virginian" at Abingdon, Virginia.
    A few months before his marriage, which took place June 25, 1803, Mr. 
Coale indulged his romantic penchant for poetry by addressing the 
following lines to the object of his affection, headed "Verses addressed 
to Sarah Carey." They were printed on pink satin, and bore date January 23, 1803:

    "Thou can'st not steal the rose's bloom
        To decorate thy face
    But the sweet blush of modesty
        Will lend an equal grace.

    The violet scents the distant gales,
        (It grows in lowly bed;)
    So real worth new merit gains
        By diffidence o'er spread.

    Would'st thou, sweet maid, the lily's white
        In thy complexion find Ð 
    Sweet innocence may shine as fair
        Within thy spotless mind.

    Then in th' op'ning spring of life,
        And ev'ry flower in bloom,
    The budding virtues in thy breast
        Shall yield the best perfume.

    A nosegay in thy bosom plac'd
        A moral may convey Ð 
    For soon its brightest tints shall fade
        And all its sweets decay.

    So short-liv'd are the lovely tribes
        Of Flora's transient reign,
    They bud, blow, wither, fall and die,
        Then turn to earth again.

    And, thus, sweet girl, must ev'ry charm
        Which youth is proud to share,
    Alike their quick succession prove
       And the same truths declare.

    Sickness will change the roseate hue
        Which glowing health bespeaks,
    And age will wrinkle with its cares
        The smile on beauty's cheeks.

    But, as that fragrant myrtle wreath
        Will all the rest survive,
    So shall the mutual graces still
        Through endless ages live."

    It is said the "Gazette and Register" was established to give one of the 
parties in the controversy about the new alms-house a chance to be heard. 
The size of the sheet was 18x11 inches. The first number was styled, upon 
its face, "a weakly paper," and its appearance did not belie its name.
    In March, 1817, there was advertised, to be sold at sheriff's sale, 
Newtown, as the property of David A. Robinson, (5) "a printing-press and 
types, an excellent standing-press with iron screw and bar, etc., and all 
nearly new." We have made diligent inquiry to discover whether this 
material was the remains of a defunct newspaper. It is just possible they 
were the types and presses of Coale's dead "Gazette and Register." [The 
late*] Isaac W. Hicks and sister, of Newtown, remember Robinson's 
printing-office, in the third story of the building, now the Odd Fellows' 
hall. He was sent to jail for debt, and his property sold by the sheriff. 
She has a recollection of being in Robinson's printing-office about the 
close of the war of 1812-15, and saw several persons setting type. He 
looked up from his work and remarked, "I hear there is a rumor of peace. I 
will pay one dollar to any person who will go to Trenton this evening to 
learn the particulars." The next morning the word "peace," printed in 
large letters, was hanging up outside the office.

    (5)  David A. Robinson was the publisher and editor of the "Herald of 
         Liberty" prior to 1815, Vol. 2, No. 64, being dated June 20, 1815. He was 
         a practical printer. *

    Down to 1816, the Democratic party had no organ in the county, and it may 
be said that there had not been a political paper published in it. The 
"Correspondent," which claimed to be independent, printed the political 
proceedings of both sides. But now the Democrats thought they ought to 
have an exponent, and consequently a newspaper was established in the fall 
of 1816. The first number of the "Doylestown Democrat" was issued by Lewis 
Deffebach and company, September 18th. The original size of the paper is 
not known, as the earlier issues are not preserved, but at the 46th 
number, July 29, 1817, the sheet was enlarged to 19x23-1/2 inches. The 
"Democrat" has had a varied experience, and encountered many ups and downs 
in its early life. The proposals for publishing it, announced in the first 
number, stated that it would be a Democratic paper, and support the party, 
terms two dollars per annum, and 25 cents extra when delivered by private 
conveyance. The first number contained but few advertisements; Dyott's 
medicines, Doctor Grigg's "Interesting Discovery," cure for cancer, sheriff's 
proclamation for presidential election, three real estate sales, notice of 
United States revenue-collector, for collection of district-taxes, the 
"Latin school" in the academy, meeting of officers of the Thirty-third 
militia regiment to drill, and Cory Meeker, "from Philadelphia," announces 
his extensive boot and shoe-store in Doylestown. It was issued from a 
building that stood on the east side of main street, opposite Corcon's hotel 
[Fountain House*]. How long the "company" continued we do not know, but 
it was taken off before the end of the first year, and Mr. Deffebach 
became the sole publisher. In the 42nd number he announces that he "will 
receive wheat, rye, oats, hay, and all kinds of country produce," in 
payment of debts.
    The "Democrat" had a weakly existence the first few years of its life. 
From want of patronage, or some other cause, its founder was unsuccessful 
in business, and in the fall of 1820 he made an assignment for the benefit 
of his creditors, to William Watts and Benjamin Morris. In December the 
assignees sold the establishment to Benjamin Mifflin, of Philadelphia, at 
a later day joint editor and proprietor of the "Pennsylvanian." His first 
issue is dated January 2, 1821, the whole number at that time being 212, 
which shows that the publication was suspended for a few weeks. Mr. 
Deffebach went from Doylestown to Philadelphia, where he issued a 
prospectus for "The People's Guardian" in October, 1821, to be published 
in the Northern Liberties, the first number of which appeared November 
8th. He was afterward appointed by the governor "armourer and keeper of 
the arsenal" at Philadelphia. He was Deputy United States Marshal in 1817, 
and in 1819 he sued Simeon Siegfried, editor of the "Messenger," for 
libel, the latter charging him with misconduct in his office. The suit was 
arbitrated, and "no cause of action" awarded.
    In the meantime a division in the Democratic party, as well as an 
opposition to the men of the county who controlled it, led to the 
establishment of the "Bucks County Messenger." It claimed to be 
Democratic, was edited and published by Simeon Siegfried, the first number 
appearing June 28, 1819. It was about the size of the "Democrat," and was 
known as the "yellow fever" paper, on account of the dingy color of the 
paper it was printed on Ð made at Ingham's mill, near New Hope. It 
promised to support the general and state governments. The "Democrat" 
branded it as the "intended advocate of corruption," and on the 
"Messenger's" appearance the "Democrat" wanted the persons appointed to 
distribute it "to have their velocipedes in order." In connection with the 
"Messenger," Mr. Siegfried established a German pioneer paper [at 
Doylestown, the first in the county, issued sometime, 1820*], and do not 
even know its name, but it was short-lived. It probably gave up the ghost 
when Siegfried left the "Messenger," for we find that on September 4, 1821, 
T. A. Meredith announces that the accounts had been assigned to him, 
and that he was anxious for those indebted to "walk up to the captain's 
office and settle." [Mr. Siegfried removed to Ohio, some years later, and 
became a Baptist minister of some note. He died at Evansville, Indiana, 
November 10, 1879, not long after receiving news of the death of his son, 
of the same name, likewise a prominent Baptist minister, who died at 
Norristown, Pennsylvania, in October, 1879. A grandson, son of the latter, 
was also a Baptist minister in Montgomery county at the time of the death 
of both his father and grandfather.*]
    As two newspapers at the county-seat, both claiming to be Democratic, and 
warring upon each other, tended to distract the party, the politicians 
thought it best to unite the houses of York and Lancaster. For this 
purpose Simon Cameron, (6) a young jour printer, just out of his time, was 
invited to come to Doylestown and take charge of one of the rival 
newspapers with the view of consolidating them. John Fox, then a prominent 
member of the bar, and some of his friends, had secured the "Messenger," 
and in the latter part of December young Cameron arrived to take charge of 
the paper. He came up in the stage, a fellow-passenger with Mifflin, the 
proprietor of the "Democrat," between whom and the other passengers the 
rival newspapers, Cameron's coming, and the political situation generally, 
were freely discussed. Cameron had the prudence to keep silent, and when, 
on the arrival of the stage at Marple's, now Corson's, hotel [Fountain 
House*], he was known and announced as the "new printer," there was some 
dismay among the other side. Cameron issued the first number of his paper 
January 2, 1821. In his address he states that his paper shall be "purely 
Democratic, and will keep aloof from all local divisions that exist in the 
Republican ranks." Shortly thereafter the "Democrat" and "Messenger" were 
consolidated, and published by Cameron and Mifflin under the name of 
"Bucks County Democrat." The name that should lead in the new firm was 
chosen by a game of chance, known among printers as "jeffing."

    (6)  Now Senator Cameron of Pennsylvania [for many years, Secretary of War 
         and American Minister to Russia.*]

    The "Democrat" was then published in the old frame building of Mrs. 
Shearer, on the east side of Main street, below the monument, [and taken 
down in recent years,*] where the "Intelligencer" was printed 20 years 
later, and the circulation was about 800. (7) At that time Doylestown was 
an insignificant village. On the east side of Court street, from Main to 
Broad, there was but one small stone house and Barton Stewart's old log 
wheelwright shop. The Ross mansion was owned by William Watts, one of the 
Associate-Judges of the Courts, and kept as a hotel.

    (7)  The site is now occupied by the three-story brick of Mr. Ziegler.

    The administration of Cameron and Mifflin was of short duration, but long 
enough to harmonize the party, for before December, 1821, the "Democrat" 
had passed into the hands of William T. Rogers, who died at Doylestown 
June 30, 1866. In his last illness he requested that he might be carried 
to the grave by four printers, and two were chosen each from the 
"Democrat" and "Intelligencer" offices. Rogers changed the name to 
"Democrat and Farmers' Gazette," under which he continued the publication 
until the summer of 1829, when he sold the establishment to Mannasseh H. 
Snyder, a native German of Lehigh county. During this period the files of 
the paper show a gradual increase in advertising, and the subscription 
list was likewise increased. At the time of his purchase Mr. Snyder was 
the proprietor and editor of the "Bucks County Express," a German 
Democratic newspaper he had established in Doylestown two years before. He 
changed the name of the paper to the one it now bears, "Doylestown 
Democrat," but still retained that of "Farmers' Gazette," which had been 
added by General Rogers. Among the apprentices in the "Democrat" office 
while Rogers owned it was Asher Miner Wright who founded the 
"Jeffersonian" at West Chester, and died in Philadelphia in 1875, while a 
proof-reader in the "Sunday Mercury" office. Mr. Snyder's first issue of 
the "Democrat" was dated July 7, 1829. He published it until January or 
February, 1832, when he sold it to William H. Powell, of Norristown. The 
administration of Mr. Powell was a brief one, for in November, 1834, he 
sold the "Democrat" establishment to John S. Bryan, who was its editor and 
proprietor for upward of ten years.
    General Bryan was a descendant of an old Springfield German family which 
settled in that township at an early day. He was a prominent citizen of 
the county, in and out of politics, for several years and to the day of 
his death, and held several places of public trust. He was 
Brigadier-General of militia, the first Prothonotary of the Court of 
Common Pleas under the Constitution of 1838, Associate-Judge of the 
county, and clerk to the United States Senate Committee on printing. He 
was Democratic candidate for the State Senate in 1846, but was defeated. 
While he published the "Democrat," we believe in 1835, the office, then a 
frame building on Main street opposite to Corson's hotel [Fountain 
House,*] was burned down, and the contents entirely destroyed. During the 
terms of Snyder, Powell, and Bryan, there were no marked changes in the 
management of the paper, but its respectable standing among the best class 
of country newspapers was fully maintained. The loss of the files of the 
paper by fire prevents us comparing period with period. It was issued 
several years [during Bryan's time,*] from the stone building on [the west 
side of*] Main street at the foot of York, [corner of Centre.*] (and now 
owned by J. Henry Harvey, 1876 edition only). General Bryan died in June, 
1863, [much regretted.*]
    In May, 1845, General Bryan sold the establishment to Samuel Johnson 
Paxson, of Buckingham, son of Thomas Paxson, of an old Quaker family of 
the county. The first issue of the new proprietor was the 14th of May. Mr. 
Paxson threw new energy and enterprise into the management of the 
"Democrat," and he not only enlarged it, but improved its appearance and 
added interest to its columns. He was an innovator on old customs, and 
introduced some practices new to country journalism. The most material of 
these was setting apart a space for local news, and he is justly the 
father of this feature now common to all well-conducted newspapers. He was 
aggressive in his conduct of the paper, and often made things lively. He 
now and then said things both pungent and full of humor, and he often had 
the community in a broad grin. No one could excel him in getting up a 
funny handbill or a headline announcement. The extra which he issued after 
Mr. Buchanan's election, wherein he put "An old bachelor in the White 
House, and all the old maids tickled to death," was copied into the London 
"Times." Under his management advertising was stimulated and the 
circulation increased. He never held political office, but devoted all his 
time and energy to his paper, even at the sacrifice of his health. We must 
not forget to state that Mr. Paxson introduced the first Hoe power-press 
into the county, and printed the first newspaper by steam. [This was the 
last week in June, 1848, over half a century ago. In the issue of the 
previous week, June 21st, he announced to his readers what they might look 
for the following week, saying, among other things: "In a week or two we 
shall enlarge the "Democrat," after which it will not only be the largest, 
but the best paper in the State. In order to do this we have purchased a 
splendid new steam press and other new material from New York at an 
expense of more than $2,000. All small craft had better clear the track 
and look out for the locomotive when the bell rings." This press was in 
use in Cincinnati before Mr. Paxson bought it, and did 45 years of 
continuous work in the "Democrat" office. This was a good record.*] He 
died at his home in Buckingham in 1864. (8)

    (8)  While Mr. Paxson was proprietor of the "Democrat," a boy from 
         Nockamixon, named George B. White, came to learn the trade. This was about 
         1850. At that day tricks were played on new apprentices, a sort of hazing, 
         and young White was sent to the "Independent Democrat" office to borrow 
         "General Taylor's platform," and was shown the marble slab under the water 
         spout. The lad shouldered it and started up the street. On his way he was 
         met by a Whig politician who enquired what he was carrying, and the boy 
         innocently replied "General Taylor's platform," whereupon his inquisitor, 
         thinking White was poking a little fun at him, swore until things were 
         quite blue thereabouts. This got out and was the talk of the town. Young 
         White was subsequently sent to Annapolis Naval Academy, where he roomed 
         with the Vermont lad who developed into Admiral Dewey, graduated and died 
         in the service, February 27, 1890. The following is his record: Acting 
         midshipman, September 28, 1854, Midshipman, June 11, 1858, passed 
         Midshipman, January 28, 1861, Master February 28, 1861, Lieutenant April 
         19, 1861, Lieutenant-Commander, March 3, 1865, Commander August 13, 1872, 
         and Captain November 3, 1884, in which rank he served until his death. 
         When Captain White died he was chief to the Bureau of Yards and Docks 
         under Secretary Tracy, with the nominal rank of Commodore. Captain White 
         was the only representative the "Democrat" had in the United States Navy.*

    In May, 1858, Mr. Paxson sold the "Democrat" to W. W. H. Davis, (9) [on 
his return from New Mexico, where he spent four years in the civil service 
of the government. The paper was then printed in the same building it now 
occupies on Monument Place, built by Mr. Paxson about 1850. In October, 
1866, it was considerably enlarged to accommodate increased advertising. 
The "Democrat" and the "Intelligencer" were the same size, 47x30 inches, 
before the latter changed to a semi-weekly, and the columns are still of 
the same width. John Harton [was foreman, but subsequently bookkeeper and 
remained to his death, 1879. He entered the office as compositor, 1843, 
and was in its employ 36 consecutive years, longer in the*] same office 
longer than any other printer in the state except Hiram Lukens, the 
foreman in the "Intelligencer," [who entered that office, 1832, as an 
apprentice, and only left it at his death, 1897, a period of 65 years.*] 
While Mr. Davis was in the army during the late civil war, the "Democrat" 
was conducted by Mr. Harton for three months, and afterward by Doctor John 
D. Mendenhall for three years. The "Democrat" and "Intelligencer" are 
issued from buildings separated by a dwelling, on Monument-place, where 
they have been printed nearly 30 years [50 years. They are among the 
oldest and leading weeklies in the State. In the spring of 1890 the 
"Democrat" was sold to a syndicate, and subsequently incorporated under 
the name of "The Doylestown Publishing Company," and a daily was issued 
the following August. Mr. Davis was retained as editor; George McReynolds, 
local editor; John G. Randall business manager, and Charles S. Vandegrift 
was elected president of the company. In 1896 the weekly was changed to an 
eight page paper, the page the same width as the daily.*]

    (9)  Mr. Davis never learned to set type, but had a taste for journalism, 
         and, while reading law at Doylestown, '44-'46, did some scribbling for the 
         newspapers. While teaching school, at Portsmouth, Va., '42-'44 he 
         occasionally wrote an editorial for the "Old Dominion," a leading 
         Democratic newspaper of that state, and when he went to Santa Fe, New 
         Mexico, 1853, he took charge of the Santa Fe "Gazette" and was proprietor 
         and editor nearly three years. It was published in English and Spanish.*

    [The first German newspaper printed in Bucks county was established by 
Manasseh H. Snyder, in 1827, and called the "Doylestown Express." In May 
he brought his outfit of material in a four-horse wagon, and began 
business with about 10o subscribers. The first issue, 1000 copies for 
circulation in the German end of Bucks and Montgomery counties, appeared 
the 4th of July. In a few weeks he had 800 subscribers and the prospect 
was encouraging. Snyder continued the publication with little change, 
except the alteration of the name to "Bucks County Express," until 
1835-36, when it was sold out by the sheriff and bought by John S. Bryan, 
of the "Democrat." When Bryan sold the "Democrat" to Paxson, 1845, the 
"Express" went with it. In 1850 Paxson sold it to Oliver P. Zink, who 
published it until 1856, when it fell into the sheriff's hands a second 
time and was bought by Edwin Fretz, a graduate of the "Democrat." 
Following this change the "Express" next fell into the hands of J. Adam 
Daubert, 1866. Dr. Morwitz, proprietor and editor of the "German 
Democrat," Philadelphia, now started an opposition German Democratic paper 
at Doylestown, with the name of "The Reform;" but shortly coming into 
possession of "The Express," he consolidated them, with name of "Express 
and Reform." Of the proprietors of these papers there is but little to be 
said. Snyder married a daughter of Elnathan Pettitt, of Doylestown; Zink 
was born in Germany and learned his trade in the "Adler" office, Reading. 
Of Bryan and Paxson we have already spoken; Snyder, Fretz and Zink served 
in the Civil war, and all of them are dead, Morwitz, the son, being the 
proprietor of the "German Democrat." Fretz, who was several years foreman 
in the "Democrat" office, was a lieutenant in the One-hundred-and-Fourth 
regiment, and Zink in Rush's Lancers.*]
    In November, 1827, when politics began to warm up to fever heat for the 
coming presidential election, an anti-Jackson newspaper was started at 
Doylestown by Francis B. Shaw, a member of the bar, and J. W. Bartleson. 
It was called "Bucks County Political Examiner," with the motto: "Our 
country, right or wrong," at its head, and was noted for its bitterness 
and sprightliness. The "Examiner"  survived the bitter contest of Jackson 
and Adams in 1828, and in the summer of 1829 it was purchased by parties, 
and started as a Democratic newspaper in opposition to the "Democrat." The 
name was now changed to that of "Bucks County Republican," the first 
number appearing July 28, 1829, and was edited and printed by Alexander W. 
Campbell at two dollars a year. The "Republican" supported Wolf's 
election. The paper was a superroyal sheet, 21x27 inches. In November, 
1829, the paper changed hands, John Heart, subsequently the editor and 
proprietor of the Charleston "Mercury," and William A. Seely, Jr., 
becoming the proprietors.  The 22d of December the words, "And 
Anti-Masonic Register" were added to the name of the paper, when it ceased 
to be Democratic, and became the organ of the Anti-Masons of the county. 
Mr. Seely severed his connection with it April 6, 1830. The "Republican" 
supported William Wirt for president in 1832 and Joseph Ritner for 
governor. It lived longer than its ancestor, the "Examiner," but died with 
the excitement that gave it birth, and went to that "undiscovered country" 
prepared for defunct newspapers. It was announced in the 35th number of 
volume four, that the paper would be "suspended for a few weeks" to enable 
the editor "to make some necessary arrangements for the future," but its 
publication was probably never resumed. The late Thomas Ross, then a young 
and active politician, and full of ardor, was instrumental in starting the 
"Republican." During the political contest of 1832 a tall hickory pole was 
erected about where the monument stands, which some anti-Jackson men 
attempted to cut down one night. A lady and gentleman, who lived 
neighbors, both ardent admirers of the old hero, hearing the enemy at 
work, sallied out and saved the pole.
    The "Jackson Courier and Democratic Advertiser" was the next newspaper to 
see the light of day in Doylestown. In 1835 the Democratic party split in 
its choice for governor, between George Wolf and Henry A. Muhlenberg. The 
"Courier" was established to advocate the claims of Muhlenberg by the late 
Thomas Ross, and placed in charge of Franklin S. Mills. The first number 
was issued Wednesday, April 8, 1835, printed on a sheet 21x28 inches, at 
two dollars a year. It professed to be Democratic, and supported the 
nomination of Martin VanBuren, for president. Its opposition to Wolf was 
on the ground that his nomination was made contrary to the usages of the 
party, and a second convention, held at Lewistown the 6th of May, 
nominated Mr. Muhlenberg in opposition to him. There was considerable 
bitterness between the "Courier" and the "Democrat." The defeat of 
Muhlenberg for governor, in October, 1835, and the subsequent union of the 
party at a convention held the 8th of January, 1836, destroyed the 
occupation of the "Courier," and the editor announced its discontinuance 
the 3d of February, following, at the forty-fourth number. Mr. Mills went 
to Trenton, New Jersey, where he was connected with newspapers many years, 
and was several times elected mayor of the city.
    Joseph Young, a native of Lehigh county, established "Der Morgenstern," a 
German paper, in Doylestown, in 1835, the first number being issued the 
11th of August. The proprietor was not yet twenty-one years old. At first 
the paper was called "Der Bauer," and the object was to establish a German 
Anti-Masonic and anti-Democratic newspaper. At its front swung the motto: 
"Our country and our country's friends," and it was printed on a 
super-royal sheet. In 1841, Mr. Young leased the paper to his brother 
John, an apprentice in the office, for four years, but he gave up his 
lease at the end of eighteen months. He changed the name of the "Bauer" to 
"Der Morgenstern," which it now bears. Moritz Loeb, the present proprietor 
and editor, came to learn the trade in the office about 1836, and in 1848 
he purchased one-half interest in the paper, and the remaining half in 
1851, and he has owned it from that time.  "The Morning Star" has a good 
circulation, and Mr. Loeb is the oldest, and probably the most scholarly, 
editor in the county. In politics the paper is Republican, while the 
"Express and Reform" is Democratic. [The "Morgenstern" was discontinued a 
number of years ago. Mr. Loeb was born at Urselestein, Germany, August 12, 
1812, and died at Doylestown, December 20, 1887. The family have left 
Doylestown, the eldest son, Herman, residing in Philadelphia, is a member 
of the city council. A brother of Moritz Loeb was a Jewish Rabbi at 
Brussels, Holland.*]
    In 1837 or 1838, Franklin P. Sellers, an off and on jour in the 
"Democrat" office, a man of considerable ability, and a writer of doggerel 
verse, commenced the publication of a little sheet in Doylestown, devoted 
to wit and humor, called "Public Advocate," with a sub-head that read, 
"Literary and Humorous Journal." It was less than medium in size, with 
five short columns to a page, subscription one dollar a year. It was set 
up by Sellers in the "Democrat" office, in spare type, and was worked off 
on an old Ramage press, which might have been seen in the back yard ten 
years ago, where it was thrown for kindling. It had several young men for 
correspondents, among whom was William Godshalk, [subsequently 
associate-judge and member of Congress*], and E. Mitchel Cornell, 
treasurer of the Second and Third streets passenger railway, was the 
carrier. It had been published nearly a year when Frank got on a spree, 
and the paper gave up the ghost. One of the poetical contributors was 
Eleazar F. Church [later*] the proprietor of the "Newtown Enterprise," but 
then an apprentice in the "Democrat" office.
    After an interval of a quarter of a century a newspaper again made its 
appearance at Newtown, under the name of "Newtown Journal and Workingman's 
Advocate." It was the child of its parent. It August, 1840, Oliver G. 
Search and Samuel Fretz, who was afterward the proprietor of the 
"Intelligencer," commenced the publication of the "Literary Chronicle" at 
Hatboro, in Montgomery County. Fretz left the "Chronicle" in March, 1841, 
and soon afterward Search removed the establishment to Newtown, where he 
resumed its publication. It was edited at this time by Lemuel Parsons, a 
native of Massachusetts, and principal of the Academy for about eight 
years. In August, 1842, the "Chronicle" was purchased by Samuel J. And 
Edward M. Paxson, the first issue of the new firm appearing August 16th, 
and the name was changed to "Newtown Journal" in the course of a few 
weeks. Both these new papers were handsome-looking sheets, and were the 
equals of the average newspaper of the period. Edward M. Paxson assumed 
editorial control, and in his salutatory he took strong Native-American 
ground. In the fall of 1845, the subscription price was reduced to one 
dollar. The Paxsons sold the paper August 31, 1847, to Henry R. Nagle, of 
Newtown, who was succeeded April 18, 1848, by Hiram Brower, of Chester 
county, and a graduate of the "Village Record" office. Brower made the 
"Journal" an open political paper, and raised the Whig banner. In January, 
1850, Brower assigned his book accounts to Samuel M. Hough, for a debt, 
and a month afterward (February 26, 1850,) the office was purchased by 
Lafayette Brower. The material soon passed into the possession of Howard 
Jenks, and a job office was carried on a few years, but in 1857 it was bought 
by Prizer & Darlington, of the "Intelligencer," and removed to that office. 
    Frank P. Sellers, who had bought out the "Public Advocate" in 1837 or 
1838, started a temperance paper in Doylestown in 1842, called the "Olive 
Branch." He had been a great drunkard, but having reformed, he thought it 
his duty to disseminate the doctrine of total abstinence, [and he did it 
with a vigorous pen.*] The first number appeared June 22d, and was a small 
folio. Hiram Lukens, foreman of the "Intelligencer" office, suggested the 
motto for the paper: "Touch not, taste not, handle not," which it carried 
at the head. It was set up in the old type of the "Intelligencer," and the 
first few numbers were worked off on their old Ramage press. It was 
published several years in the frame house of East State street [between 
Broad and Church, then owned by Aaron Fell, cabinetmaker, and subsequently 
by Gustavus Siegler. Charles C. Cox, living in Doylestown was roller boy 
and ink monkey for Sellers while he published the "Olive Branch."*] 
Sellers published a red hot paper, and his violence brought him into 
trouble. On one occasion he made allusion to the wife of a member of the 
Bucks county bar, and the outraged husband retorted by cowhiding the 
editor on the street, for which he was prosecuted and fined. About 1850 
the paper was removed to Norristown, and its publication continued. After 
awhile it fell into new hands, and the name was changed to "The 
Independent," which was sold out by the sheriff in 1874, but its 
publication has been resumed under a new name and management. Frank 
Sellers is dead, but it can be said to his credit that he was true to his 
temperance principles to the last.
    Samuel J. Paxson, purchaser of the "Democrat," did not give entire 
satisfaction to the party, and two years of grumbling eventuated in the 
establishment of the "Independent Democrat," by Manasseh H. Snyder, in 
1847. It was printed on a double medium-sheet, and the first number 
appeared February 27th. In November, 1848, Snyder sold the paper to 
Clayton N. Bryan, of Doylestown. He continued its publication to June 15, 
1852, when he sold it to a number of gentlemen, who placed it in the hands 
of William P. Seymour, from Buffalo, New York. It had been published in 
the old office of the "Democrat," in the stone house on Main street, 
opposite York street, but Seymour removed it to a frame on Main street, 
adjoining Shade's building,(10)  and the name was changed to "The 
Watchtower." It did not prosper under the new management. Seymour was an 
easy-going, good-for-nothing, who liked to talk politics on the corner of 
a street, better than to work. The consequence was that in about 15 months 
"The Watchtower" fell into the sheriff's hands, and was sold under the 
hammer to John S. Bryan, in October, 1853. He afterward sold it to Samuel 
J. Paxson, of the "Democrat," who discontinued its publication. While 
Snyder published the "Independent Democrat" he brought out General Taylor 
as Democratic candidate for President.

   (10)  This was formerly the Mansion House and the little frame stood on 
         the site of the brick lately occupied by the Garron restaurant. Seymour 
         left Doylestown about 1855. We next hear of him July 20, 1861, when he and 
         Thomas W. Sweeney received authority from the War Department to recruit 
         the 99th Pennsylvania Volunteers, of which Seymour was mustered in as 
         Lieutenant-Colonel November 9, 1861, but resigned January 30, 1862. He 
         then went West, where he reached some prominence and died many years ago.*

    Bristol has been the birthplace of several newspapers. In June, 1849, 
William Bache, great-grandson of Benjamin Franklin, commenced the 
publication of the "Bristol Gazette," a small weekly. It lived through 52 
issues, and met its death sometime in 1850, for want of adequate support. 
To some extent it wakened up the old town from its Rip Van Winkle sleep, 
and did not live in vain.
    In Bucks county was printed the first Mennonite newspaper in the world, 
"Der Religiose Botschapter," established by Rev. J. H. Oberholtzer, in 
1850 [1851*], at Milford Square, in Milford township. He continued its 
publisher to 1856, and its editor until 1860, when it was taken charge of 
by the "Mennonite Printing Union," and in 1872 by the "Eastern Mennonite 
Conference" [1882, merged with a German paper newly issued by the 
"Mennonite German Conference of North America." Since October, 1885, the 
Eastern Mennonite Conference has issued a monthly English church paper, 
"The Mennonite," at Quakertown, the circulation reaching from the Atlantic 
to the Pacific. The conference also published an annual Year Book and 
Almanac. [The printing union changed its name to "Das Christtuche 
Volksblatt," and the conference to "Der Mennonitische Friendenbote," the 
name it now bears. (11 ) Since its appearance five other Mennonite 
newspapers have been established, two in Europe and three in America. This 
paper advocates a better organization of that church in America, a more 
earnest working in the missionary cause, a better education, and a more 
special preparation for the ministry. It was mainly through its influence 
that a Mennonite general conference was called in 1860, which has 
succeeded in establishing a theological institute for the education of 
ministers and teachers, at Wadsworth, Ohio. It is at present edited by 
Rev. A. B. Shelly.

   (11)  Not in 1905 edition.

    [On July 16, 1853, a spicy little paper called "Doylestown Spy," printed 
on a sheet 24x19. Reyner T. Donatt was the ostensible editor, a compositor 
in the "Intelligencer" office, and his name was at it head, by the type 
was set by the journeymen and apprentices of other offices. The real 
editor was John Harton, foreman of the "Democrat," who appeared under the 
modest name of "director-in-chief." He was a well educated Irishman and a 
man of great wit. He wrote the funny articles, and not infrequently the ed
itorials. The paper was printed at first at the "Express" office in the 
frame that stood on the site of the James building, North Main street. It 
was a spicy sheet and many fell under its notice. While it was a "spy on 
the actions of men," it never descended to vulgarity. Its wit was keen, 
but left no sting behind; it was too clean cut. The circulation ran up to 
1,010. It lived about a year and gave up the ghost in a small frame 
alongside the Mansion House. Prior to this it had fallen into the hands of 
"Joe" Stuart, son of Sandham Stuart, who formerly owned the borough mill. 
The "Spy" was discontinued sometime in 1854.*] In 1854 two new papers came 
into life in the county, both in the interest of the Know-Nothings, a 
party just entering power Ð "The Star-Spangled Banner," published at 
Quakertown, by David B. Overholt and Ryner T. Donatt, and "The Bucks 
County American," at Bristol. The latter made its appearance the 4th of 
July. In its second year it was wedded to the "Burlington American," 
making them a 28-column paper. There was no union of interest between the 
publishers, in business or otherwise, the object being to furnish the 
patrons on both sides of the river with a more readable newspaper. There 
was a double issue. The proprietor at Burlington was Samuel C. Atkinson, 
the originator of the "Saturday Evening Post," while that at Bristol was 
William Bache, a newspaper pioneer along the Delaware. Both papers were 
printed on the same forms, taken back and forth across the river. "The 
Bucks County American" died with the decline of the party it was started 
to support. 
    In 1857 William Bush, a printer from Trenton, came to Newtown and started 
a job office. In October he issued the first number of the "Newtown 
Gazette," which was probably the only one printed, as we have no 
information of a subsequent issue. It was possibly the channel through 
which Mr. Bush announced his job office to the public. The third newspaper 
started in Bristol was "Bache's Index," a 28-column paper, for a dollar a 
year, published by William Bache, the first number appearing on New Year's 
day, 1859. Its motto, which we do not remember, consisted of 44 words. It 
promised to be an independent newspaper, devoted wholly to business 
interests, but, as we have not a file before us, we cannot say how well 
this promise was kept. Nevertheless, it lived 18 months, and them, like 
its predecessors, died a natural death. The same year the Rev. A. R. Horne 
commenced the publication of the "Educator" at Quakertown, the first 
number making its appearance in November. It was first published 
semi-monthly, but was afterward changed to a quarto and issued monthly, 
and was devoted to education, religion, literature, temperance, etc. In 
November, 1863, it was removed to Turbotville, Northumberland county; in 
1865 to Williamsport, and in 1872 to Kutztown, Berks county, where it is 
still published [until its founder removed it to Allentown, 1877, where it 
is till issued*] under the name of the "National Educator." The "Educator" 
was the offspring of the "Quakertown Press," which Schaupp and Wenig 
commenced to publish in March or April, 1858. It was printed in German and 
English, Mr. Horne editing the English part. Mr. Horne purchased the paper 
in 1859. [Mr. Horne died a couple of years ago and the "National Educator" 
has gone into new hands.*]
    In the contest over the organization of a state government for Kansas 
under Mr. Buchanan's administration, the Democratic party became divided. 
The sections waged a bitter warfare upon each other, the quarrel 
culminating on the acceptance or rejection by Congress of the state 
constitution made at Lecompton. As the "Democrat" opposed the 
administration, and advocated the rejection of the Lecompton constitution, 
it was thought necessary to have a Democratic opposition paper in 
Doylestown. In the spring of 1859, the "Democratic Standard" was started 
under the management of J. Mathias Beans, a native of Buckingham, and 
Julius Kuster, a young German, both graduates of the "Democrat" office. 
The first number made its appearance the 19th of April, on a double-medium 
sheet. It was edited with ability, but like all attempts to establish a 
newspaper on a single idea, when the question which brought it into 
existence was settled, by the election of Mr. Lincoln, its occupation was 
gone. It survived the inauguration of the new administration but a few 
weeks, and was purchased by Mr. Davis, of the "Democrat," the last of 
April, 1861. Mr. Kuster, the junior partner, joined the Doylestown Guards, 
then ready to march to the seat of war, and was appointed a corporal, and 
Mr. Beans was subsequently commissioned a lieutenant in the One hundred 
and fourth regiment. The "Standard" reached a respectable circulation and 
enjoyed a fair advertising patronage. As the party was only divided on a 
national issue, it again became united when Mr. Lincoln came into power.
    In March, 1868, E. F. Church commenced the publication of the "Newtown 
Enterprise" at Newtown. Mr. Church was a native of Buckingham township, 
and graduated at the "Democrat" office, in 1839. For the next ten years he 
followed other pursuits, but in March, 1850, he started in Baltimore, 
Maryland, a small newspaper called the "Baltimore County Advocate," in the 
interest of a separation of the county from the city municipal affairs. It 
was intended for country circulation. He removed to Cockeyville in August, 
1850, and to Towsontown, the new county-seat, in 1853, where he continued 
the publication of the "Advocate" until 1865, when he sold out. He was now 
one year inspector of internal revenue. In 1866 he bought a half-interest 
in the "Herald and Torchlight," at Hagerstown, Maryland, but in a few 
months he returned to Towsontown and started the "Baltimore County Free 
Press." This he sold out at the end of six months, and came to Newtown and 
established the "Enterprise," [of which his son, Watson Church is the 
proprietor and publisher. Mr. Church put in a Campbell press, April 1883. 
Upon his death, June 15, 1893, his son Watson bought the paper and 
continues to publish it. The "Enterprise" is one of the best papers in the 
county and wields considerable influence. It is non-partisan in politics.*]
    In 1869 man name Pryor commenced the publication of "The Independent" at 
Quakertown. In 1870 it was purchased by Robert L. Cope, a member of the 
bar, and his brother, who made it Democratic. In a few months Stephen T. 
Kirk, county superintendent, bought E. L. Cope's interest, but before long 
re-sold it to Robert L. Cope, who now owned the whole establishment. He 
changed the name to "Bucks County Mirror," and continued its publication 
until the spring of 1872, when it was sold to Doctor F. Morwitz, propriet
or of the "German Democrat," Philadelphia. It was now removed to 
Doylestown, and issued from the office of the "Express and Reform," [where 
it is still published by Frederick Constantine, who purchased of Morwitz 
in 1899.*]
    In September, 1871, William Tilton issued the first number of "The Squib" 
at Hulmeville, a sheet 6x9 inches. It was printed at intervals until 
April, 1872, when it was enlarged to 9x12 inches, published semi-monthly, 
and the name changed to "The Beacon." In August of the same year it was 
doubled in size, and in January, 1873, it was changed to a weekly, the 
present name, "Hulmeville Beacon," adopted, and again doubled in size. In 
July it was made a 5-column paper, and on May 7, 1874, a cylinder press 
was introduced, and the paper increased to seven columns, and to nine 
columns November 5, 1874. Mr. Tilton, the founder of the "Beacon," a 
native of Crosswicks, New Jersey, where he was born in 1846, is a first 
cousin of Theodore Tilton. He served a regular apprenticeship at the iron 
business with the late firm of Abbott & Noble, Philadelphia, which he was 
compelled to relinquish on account of ill health, and commenced printing 
for pastime, and without a thought of ever following it for a business. In 
January, 1871, Mr. Tilton and Hannah E. Holcomb began the publication of 
an 8-page temperance paper at Hulmeville, called "The Good Templars' Journal," 
which appeared quarterly, at 10 cents a year, but had a short existence.
    In the summer of 1872 William H. Shively commenced the publication of the 
"Luminary," an 8-page paper of 40 columns, at Yardleyville, in Lower 
Makefield. He had settled there several years before and started an 
amateur printing office, from which the "Luminary" was afterward 
developed. It was principally devoted to literature, was a handsome and 
well-printed newspaper, and exerted an influence for good in that 
community. Mr. Shively died of consumption in the winter of 1875 [1876*], 
when the publication of the paper was discontinued. He was a man of good 
abilities and excellent character, and served in a cavalry regiment in the 
war of the rebellion [Civil war*]. During a short suspension of the 
publication of the "Luminary," in the summer of 1874, Charles N. Drake 
started the "Bucks County Record" at Yardleyville, a paper 21x28 inches, 
of 20 columns. The first number was issued Tuesday, July 21st, at one 
dollar in advance, but it lived only a few weeks. May 13, 1876, William H. 
Quick commenced the publication of a 20-column paper in Yardleyville, on a 
sheet 18x23-1/2 inches, called the "Yardleyville Times," which was 
continued but a short time.
    At the time of this writing (1876), Bristol is the home of two 
newspapers. The elder of these is the "Bristol Observer," a 28-column 
[23-column*] paper, established by James Drury, a graduate of the 
"Democrat," in April, 1871; and the younger, the "Bucks County Gazette," 
of 32 columns, whose first issue was August, 14, 1873, and its publisher 
and proprietor Jesse O. Thomas, of Ohio. [It was subsequently enlarged and 
improved, and Mr. Thomas took his two sons into co-partnership with him.*] 
Both papers profess to be non-partisan, and are conducted in a creditable manner.
    In November, 1873, Wilmer H. Johnson, a young man of Hulmeville, 
commenced the publication of a small 12-column folio at that place, called 
"The Echo." In March, 1874, it was enlarged to 16 columns, and much 
improved in appearance, and in July it was again enlarged to 20 columns, 
and a handsomely engraved head substituted for the former plain but neat 
one. In 1875, in conjunction with A. Vanhorne, a contributor to "The 
Echo," it was changed into a magazine, the only one ever published in the 
county, and the name altered to that of "The Keystone Amateur." The 
subscription price of "The Echo" was 25 cents at first, but was raised to 
one dollar when it grew to the stature of a magazine. In October, 1875, it 
was obliged to suspend for want of support. The publishers and editors 
were but lads, Mr. Vanhorne, not yet 20 when their enterprise came to an 
untimely end. The size was 9-1/2x6 inches, with 63 pages of reading 
matter, three of advertisements, and two pages of advertisements on the 
cover. The original and selected matter would do credit to older heads. 
[Johnson afterward purchased the "North Wales Record," and is still in 
charge of it. What became of Vanhorne we do not know. The "Amateur" was 
followed by the "Langhorne Beacon," probably by J. Paul Rue, and the 
number of the new issue was continued in the same order for the "Beacon's" 
successor, October 19, 1893, was Vol. 27, No. 49. When it was discontinued 
is not so clear, one account saying March 30, 1881, another March 28, 
1883. In the summer of 1884, the plant was purchased by Fetterholl 
Brothers, and the name was changed to "Langhorne Standard," the first 
issue appearing September 3, 1884, by the same firm.*]
    On April 2, 1875, Allen H. Heist and Bernard McGinty commenced the 
publication of a weekly German newspaper at Doylestown. The size [was*] 
22x30 inches, and in politics it is Democratic, as the name implies Ð Die 
Demokratische Wacht." Mr. Heist is a native of Milford township, in this 
county, and Mr. McGinty of Franklin county. [It was short lived.*]
    The youngest newspaper in the county is "Our Home Friend," a monthly 
folio, 24x34 inches, whose publication was commenced in July, 1875, at 
Milford Square, by Peter High Stauffer. It is designed for the Sunday and 
day-school, and the home-circle, and contains matter suitable to this 
sphere, with amusements, etc. The subscription price was 50 cents. In 
September, F. M. Augspuyer, of Hamilton, Ohio, was associated in its 
publication, and the "Little Wanderer," published by George R. Long, at 
Wadsworth, Ohio, was consolidated with "Our Home Friend." It is published 
in the office of the "Reformer and Agriculturist," a German weekly of 
which we have no reliable information. [In February, 1897, "Our Home 
Friend" was removed to Quakertown, where the proprietor had previously 
bought out Berliner's job office. Of its ultimate fate we are not 
informed.*] In addition to the newspapers mentioned, there are issued from 
the offices of the "Intelligencer," "Democrat" and "Wacht," respectively, 
the "Journal of the Fair," while the Doylestown fair is open in October of 
each year, "The Institute," while the teachers' institute is in session 
each fall, and the "Court Gazette," during court.
[The "Institute" had but a single issue, but the "Journal of the Fair" had 
more age on its head when it gave up the ghost.*]  The "Journal of the 
Fair" was the oldest and largest of these papers, and that and the 
"Institute" are distributed gratuitously. Since the above was written a 
monthly quarto, in German, entitled "Himmel's Manna," and published in the 
interest of Sunday school, was issued at Milford Square, the first number 
appearing in January, 1876.
    Henry T. Darlington, of the Bucks County Intelligencer," speaks of that 
newspaper and the "Democrat" a quarter of a century ago, as follows:
    "Twenty-five years ago, and probably long before that, the 
"Intelligencer" and "Democrat" were well known among the country journals 
of the State. At that time the country press was of much less importance, 
relatively, than it is now, yet I remember well that the two weekly papers 
from Doylestown were not excelled in general merit and interest by any of 
the great number on the exchange list of the old "Village Record." Each 
had its distinctive flavor, illustrating to a great degree the characters 
of the men who published them Ð John S. Brown and Samuel J. Paxson. Both 
were men of industrious and careful habits. They were liberal in providing 
the needs of their business, and they made that business pay. In those 
days the custom of reporting local events was in its infancy, but they 
were both quick to perceive the importance and variety of the field just 
opened. The facilities for collecting news of this kind were few, and many 
people had an objection to being mentioned in the papers Ð a weakness to 
which the existing generation is not subject. Brown was methodical and 
persevering Ð his account books were models of neat exactness, and not a 
line was allowed in his paper that had not passed under close supervision. 
Paxson was more dashing and sanguine. When he made up his mind to do a 
thing he was not particular about consequences. If an item was interesting 
or spicy it had to go in. Personally they were friends, but in political 
campaigns, as was the habit of the times, they made things pretty lively. 
Both papers had a good circulation, though of course not as large as at 
present. After 1849 they were printed on cylinder presses, driven by 
steam, and since that time they have had their offices in the present 
locations. Hiram Lukens, of the "Intelligencer," and John Harton, of the 
"Democrat," have been connected with the respective papers [until their 
death, the former 65 years, the latter near half a century."
    [Since the publication of the first edition of the HISTORY OF BUCKS 
COUNTY there has been considerable increase in the number of our 
newspapers, the "Central News," published at Perkasie, leading off. This 
paper was established by M. S. Sellers, the first issue appearing June 9, 
1881. It was a weekly, size 24x36. In 1882 Henry G. Moyer became equal 
partner and the paper was printed by hand. Three months after this 
partnership was formed Mr. Sellers died and was succeeded by Samuel R. 
Kramer. In 1883 a new brick office was erected, the size of the paper 
increased to eight columns, and steam power introduced. In 1891 the 
building was enlarged. The paper is printed on a three revolution Hoe 
press, Sidney feeder, automatic mailer, and the office is equipped with a 
full complement of necessary machinery in all departments. As the 
proprietors are on opposite sides of the political fence, the paper is 
non-partisan in politics. In 1880 A. S. Stauffer established the 
Quakertown "Free Press," a weekly paper printed on a sheet 22x26 inches, 
and is still in active life. The issue of February 2, 1900, was the 26th 
number of its 19th year.*]
    [In the spring of 1881, the "New Hope Monitor" was brought out by 
Champanore & Son, the father, at the time publishing the "Bound Brook 
Chronicle," New Jersey. It lasted until the opening of the new year, the 
last number bearing date, January 23, 1882. The father was born in the 
mountainous parts of Warren county, New Jersey, about 1825, leaving home 
at the age of 17  to learn the printing trade in the office of the "Warren 
Journal." A second and more successful effort was made to establish a 
newspaper at New Hope in 1891, by Dr. R. B. Glasgow, with T. S. Kitchen as 
business manager. It was christened the "New Hope News," and still 
survives the ups and downs of newspaper life.*]
    [Several years of effort were expended in establishing a newspaper at 
Riegelsville, the first being the "Standard," in 1884, issued by D. L. 
Shrope, from Easton, but it came to an untimely end before the year was 
out. This was followed by the "Enterprise," by J. D. Curtis, equally short 
lived, and, the "Riegelsville Advertiser," 1889, brought out by L. J. 
Anders, of Quakertown, which hardly survived the year. These efforts ended 
the trial newspapers. In the meantime, 1887, J. P. Cyphers, Riegelsville, 
and W. E. Scafer, started the "Riegelsville News," the partnership 
continuing three years. In June, 1890, Scafer bought out Cypher's 
interest, and continued its publication alone until the following 
November, when he was succeeded by William P. Miller; Miller was followed 
by A. H. Jordan, Riegelsville, March 25, 1891; Otto Rapp & Brother, June 
3, 1891, who restored the name Ð "Riegelsville News," and on January 25, 
1893, Byron G. Rapp became the sole proprietor and continues its 
publication.*]
    [The "Springtown Weekly News" was established by Henry S. Funk October, 
1885, a 4-page, 24-column paper, and in April following, the size was 
increased to eight pages, doubling the number of columns. About the same 
time it was moved into more commodious quarters, and a cylinder and fast 
jobbing presses introduced. In 1887 Henry H. Funk entered the office as an 
apprentice, and in 1891 became joint owner and manager, the founder 
remaining as editor. The "Sellersville Herald" was born into the 
journalistic world January 16, 1897, C. R. Addison and E. C. Althouse 
standing godfathers for it at the baptismal font. Althouse bought 
Addison's interest the following fall, and since that time has been sole 
proprietor. It is a 7-column, 4-page paper, printed on a sheet 18x24, 
claims a good circulation, and is independent in politics. Mr. Althouse is 
a young man, and a native of Rockhill township. On November 1, 1897, the 
Preston Publishing Company began the publication of the "Yardley Review," 
a weekly, printed on a sheet 18x26, and in 1898 the "Bristol American" 
made its appearance, the third paper in that ancient seaport borough, the 
first number making its appearance May 5th. When the latter paper was 
discontinued we do not know.*]
    [The "Bucks County Republican," daily and weekly, with two exceptions, is 
the youngest secular paper in the county. It was brought out in 1893, and, 
as was the case with some of its predecessors, was born of a political 
quarrel which its coming failed to reconcile. Its first issue was November 1, 
and, on the following 12th of December, the plant was incorporated with 
the title of the "Republican Printing Company," J. Clinton Sellers, editor 
and business manager, and Edward A. Trego, local editor. The size of the 
two papers is uniform with those published in the offices of the 
"Intelligencer" and "Democrat." The "Republican" introduced a Thorne type 
machine July 19, 1897.*]
    [Since 1895 the Rev. W. G. P. Brinkloe, rector of the Protestant 
Episcopal church at Eden, has issued a small monthly sheet called the 
"Church News and Missionary Journal," with a limited circulation outside 
the congregation.*]
    [The latest publication in the county in the journalistic line is "The 
Sower and Reaper," a 12-page monthly, which made its appearance January 
1901. It is published by the First Baptist Church, Doylestown, with John 
Howard Deming, editor-in-chief, and Charles R. Nightingale, managing 
editor. It is considered a church paper.*]


END OF CHAPTER LII, or XXIII 1905 edition.