History: Local: Chapter XXXI : Journalism : Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan Walters USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ 458 CHAPTER XXXI. JOURNALISM. THE press is a potential factor in the affairs of the country. Aided by the art of telegraphy and the use of the telephone, it has become a means of rapid and general communication, and exerts a controversial power during periods of great public excitement difficult to estimate. Local newspapers have always PICTURE OF FRANKLIN PRESS, APPEARS HERE. been received with favor, and at this date have a large circulation throughout the county. As a source of local and general information they are valuable, and they afford an excellent index to the current history of the people, whose habits, customs and manners are mirrored in them. Perfect files of local or county newspapers are among the most desirable works of reference, and should be found in all public libraries. There are nineteen newspaper establishments within the limits of the county, and these are located at fourteen different places, viz: Norristown Pottstown Conshohocken Pennsburg Hatboro' Skippackville North Wales Lansdale Collegeville Schwenksville Telford Bryn Mawr Ambler Kulpsville Job printing is carried on in connection with every newspaper office in the county. The number of newspapers, which have existed in Montgomery County is very large, and we can scarcely hope to trace in detail the history of them all. For more than fifty years after the organization of the county there were but two local journals, the "Herald," which was Federal in politics, and the "Register," which supported the National Republican, subsequently the Democratic Party. The first printing-office in the county was established in 1799 by David Sower, at Norristown, who in June of that year, commenced the publication of a small paper which is called "The Norristown Gazette." [See NOTE 31-1.] It continued, but one year and was immediately succeeded by the "Herald." [See NOTE 31-2.] The"Register" was established in 1800, at Norristown, by Mr. Wilson. The conditions of journalism were widely different from those which exist at the present day; but an examination of the files of these early publications will satisfy the curious that they were in many respects equal and in some particulars superior to their successors. There was. of course, no general presentation of the news of the day, is now collected by telegraph, nor was there any systematic gathering of the news of the locality. "Reporting" was an art of later invention. A matter of more than common interest, a disastrous fire, a serious breach of the peace called forth a paragraph rather in the nature [NOTE 31-1.] The first number of "The Norristown Gazette" was issued on the 13th day of June, 1799. It was printed by David Sower, nearly opposite the court-house. The "Gazette" was a four-page weekly paper, and the size was ten by eight and one-half inches; each page, was divided into three columns. The price of the paper was one dollar per annum. A number of this paper issued October 11, 1709, contains only four advertisements; three of these were in reference to stray cattle, and the other as follows; "Several tons of excellence sheetiron also hoop-iron and nail rods of all sizes, for sale at the Valley Works. "Oct. 8, 1799. "REES BROOK." It also contains a "List of letters now in the Post-Office at Norristown Charles Polaski, Esq. Miss Ann Little Messrs. George and Andrew Stewart (merchants) Maurice Stephens, Esq. Doctor Charles Moore, Montgomery Township William Orr, Chester County Nathaniel Boileau, Esq., near the Billet William Baget, care of A. Crawford (3) Robert Morrison James McIntire, Lower Merion township Cornelius Fornislader Andrew Todd, Trappe Moredecai Moore, Sen., Great Valley Cadwallader Robert Stephen Love Mason, Horseham Township 2 David Rittenbaugh Jacob Longaker (to the care of A. Darraugh) William McCray Benjamin Shultz, Upper Hanover township Daniel Jordon, near the Billet William Dill, Merion township Jacob Jeans John Hood Jacob Bittle. "Norristown, Oct. 1, '99. "John Davis, P.M." The same issue of the Gazette contains the report of the October election, for the year 1799, the editor prefacing the statement as follows: "The good order with which the election of the First District was conducted, we are happy to observe, reflects that no small degree of praise on its members. The following are the totals of the votes of this county for different candidates; although the statement is not official, it is allowed to be accurate: GOVERNOR. Thomas McKean 2,221 James Ross 1,793 ------ Majority for McKean 426 SENATOR. John Richards 2,211 Zebulon Potts 1,775 ----- Majority in this county for Richards 496 ASSEMBLY. Republican Candidates. Nathaniel Boileau 2,223 Frederick Conrad 2,226 Isaiah Davis 2,227 Jonathan Roberts 2,216 Federal Candidates. Callwallader Evans 1,757 Benjamin Brooke 1,811 Henry Pawling 1,750 Henry Sweitzer 1,779 COUNTY COMMISSIONER. Henry Scheetz (Rep. Can.) 2,243 John Roberts (Fed. Can.) 1,774 ----- Majority for Scheetz 439" The number of the "Gazette" referred to contains the following: "An Indian chief being asked his opinion of a flask of Madeira wine presented to him by an officer, said he thought it a juice extracted from woman's tongues and lion's hearts, for he could talk [rest unreadable]. [FINIS NOTE 31-1.] [NOTE 31-2.] The first number of the "Norristown Herald and Weekly Advertiser" was issued October 13, 1800. It was a four-page paper nineteen and a half inched by ten; each page was divided into three columns. It was published by David Sower, and the price was two dollars per annum, payable half-yearly, in advance. It was Federal in politics. [FINIS NOTE 31-2.] 459 of editorial comment than a detailed narration of the facts. But the editor's columns teemed with reading-matter of another and not less interesting description. From private correspondence and from the columns of his exchanges he gathered a great amount of valuable information, and those who catered to the taste of the reading public of Montgomery County made their selections with judicious care. A series of letters from Europe, published in the "Herald" during the early part of the present century, and written by an officer attached to the American squadron then cruising in the Mediterranean, would even now interest the historical student. The letter- writer of that day enjoyed an advantage which has been lost to his posterity. No correspondent, for example, would now dream of noting the bombardment of an important seaport, knowing that the fullest particulars of the event would be wired to the entire civilized world within twenty-four hours after its occurrence. But when such correspondence was the sole source, of information, it may well be imagined that the unpretentious sheets in which it was published were sought for with eagerness and read with profound interest. Nor were the researches of the editor confined to the columns of his exchanges. His page often contained extracts from works of the highest merit. He reproduced the essays of Addison and the speculations of Locke. Public libraries were not easily accessible; books were dear, and the editor of the year 1800, if he had not the means of collecting news which have been so abundantly developed within the memory of the present generation, supplied other and equally important wants which are now filled through other channels. It must not, however, be supposed that these early journals contained nothing of local interest. If reporters were not employed, their services were not so indispensable as they have since become. Full accounts of all political gatherings of importance appear in the respective organs over the signatures of their secretaries: Societies of various description were equally accommodating. While the editors did not feel called upon to give their own views on public questions at length in every edition, they opened their columns freely to correspondents of their own political faith, and the correspondents seldom failed to avail themselves of the privilege. Over assumed names, they argued matters of public controversy, abused opposition parties and put awkward questions to candidates in a style upon which the modern writers of political leaders, it must in candor be said, have made little, if any, improvement. The progress of the county journals, the increase in their size and number and the change in their character have been as gradual as the alteration in the condition under which their business, was conducted. The "Herald" published by David Sower until 1809, whom he transferred it to his oldest son Charles Sower, Jr. The latter opposed the war with England with such violence that the supporters of the administration mobbed his printing-office, probably the first and last instance of that species of public criticism that Montgomery County has afforded. After some other changes of fortune the paper passed, in 1816, into the hands of another member of the same family, David Sower, Jr., who continued to publish it for eighteen years, and four times enlarged it. In 1834 it was sold to John Hodgson, of Chester County, who sold it, three years later, to Robert Iredell. Mr. Iredell united with it the "Free Press," which had been established in 1829 as the organ of the Anti-Masonic party, and the name of the publication was changed to the "Herald and Free Press," which it still retains. At a much later date the same establishment absorbed still another office. About 1842, F. P. Sellers started the "Olive Branch," at Doylestown, as an organ of Washingtonian temperance sentiment, and in 1850 be removed it to Norristown, where it became, under the auspices of the Rev. Samuel Aaron and others, the exponent of both temperance and free soil. In 1853 it was sold to a stock company, and Dr. Joseph Moyer, of Hilltown, Bucks Co., assumed the management. Two years later he retired and was succeeded by Lewis H. Gause, who conducted it until the spring of 1857, when most of the stockholders sold their interests to M. Auge and James Hooven, who changed its name to the Norristown "Republican." Mr. Auge became the editor and manager, and in his hands the publication continued until 1862. It was then sold to Howard M. Jenkin and Wilmer Atkinson. In 1864, Morgan R. Wills purchased of Robert Iredell one-half interest in the "Weekly Herald" publishing it jointly thereafter with Robert Iredell, Jr. This arrangement continued until 1865, when the firm became Wills, Iredell & Jenkins, the "Norristown Republican," owned by Atkinson & Jenkins, being consolidated with the "Herald," Mr. Atkinson retiring. The "Republican" was continued for several years as a semiweekly. Mr. Howard M. Jenkins retired from the firm in 1867, and the remaining members, Wills & Iredell became possessed of the "Lehigh Register," Allentown, Pa. In 1869, Robert Iredell, Jr., purchased Mr. Wills' interest in the "Lehigh Register," and removed to Allentown, Mr. Wills purchasing Mr. Iredell's interest in the "Herald" and "Semi-Weekly Republican," thus becoming sole proprietor of the "Herald." On the 20th of December of that year Mr. Wills issued the initial number of the "Norristown Daily Herald," and for three years issued it as a one-cent journal. It has been several times enlarged, and the price increased from one to two cents per copy. It is now universally regarded as one of the most readable publications in the United States, and owes much of its popularity to Mr. John H. Williams, a humorist of national reputation, who is one of its editors. The "Daily Herald" was the first daily newspaper successfully established in Montgomery County. 460 PICTURE OF MORGAN R. WILLS, APPEARS HERE. ROBERT IREDELL. Mr. Iredell is descended from a very old English family, whose genealogical record, dating back several hundred years, is in the possession of one of his sons. His great grandfather, Thomas Iredell, was born in Cumberland, England, became much interested in the preaching of William Penn, and finally, leaving the Church of England, joined the Society of Friends, from whose Monthly Meeting held at Pardsay Cragg, Cumberland, he received his certificate, June 27, 1700, when he sailed for Philadelphia. He was married, March 9 1705, at the old Friends' Meeting-house, corner of Second and Market Streets, Philadelphia, to Rebeckah Williams, and August 17, 1710, moved to Horsham, Montgomery Co., where he purchased a large tract of land, part of which he gave to the Friends and upon which was built the meeting-house. Thomas and Rebeckah Iredell had seven children, one of whom, Robert (born January 4, 1721, and died in 1799), married Hannah Lukens. [See NOTE 31-3.] Their children were sixteen in number. Jonathan was born October 10, 1765, and died December 8, 1850. He married Hannah Kirk, daughter of Rynear and Elizabeth Bliss Kirk, on the 10th day of May, 1792. Their children were Charles, George B., Joseph L., James W., Thomas, Jonathan, Seth and Robert. The last named, the subject of this sketch, was born October 15, 1809, at the old homestead at Horsham, where his youth, until he was seventeen years of age, was spent. His education was received at the school at Horsham Meeting, and later at Loller Academy, Hatboro', Montgomery Co., after which, having determined to learn the printer's art, he removed to Norristown and entered into an apprenticeship with David Sower, publisher of the "Norristown Herald," remaining with his employer four years. In August 1831, he purchased the "Norristown Free Press" from Henry Bell, of Reading who founded it as in anti-Masonic journal. In 1837 he became owner of the "Norristown Herald," and united with the "Free Press," the paper being known as the [NOTE 31-3.] It may not be uninteresting or inappropriate here to state that Hannah Lukens was a sister of John Lukens, who, in 1743, erected a saw-mill on the head-waters of the Pennypack Creek, in Horsham township, perhaps the oldest in the county in operation at the present time. He planted at the gate of the lane leading to his residence two pine-trees, which grew to be very large trees. Both were torn by storms, but the trunk of one of them, consisting of two logs twelve foot in length, its in April, 1880, taken to the saw-mill which had been erected nearly one hundred and forty years before, and sawed into boards by his grand-nephew James W. Iredell, then as now proprietor of the mill. They produce nine hundred and thirty-four feet of boards. John Lukens was surveyor-general of the providence of Pennsylvania from 1761 to 1781 and of the State from 1781 to 1789. He had his office at the Northwest corner of Seventh and Market Streets, Philadelphia. He was one of those appointed by the government to observed transit of Venus over the sun's disc, and in biographical sketch of Rittenhouse in the "National Portrait Gallery" it is stated earlier "he (Rittenhouse) became acquainted with an eminent mathematician, John Lukens." [FINIS NOTE 31-3.] 461 "Norristown Herald and Free Press," under which title it is still continued as one of the most prominent and influential weekly newspapers in the State. Mr. Iredell remained as editor and publisher of the "Herald and Free Press" until March 1864, when it passed into the hands of Morgan R. Wills and Robert Iredell, Jr. Mr. Iredell was appointed recorder of deeds by Governor Ritner and served three years. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster it Norristown by President Lincoln, and, with the exception of an interval of two and a half years under President Johnson's administration, whose policy he refused to indorse, he has held the position to the present time. PICTURE OF ROBERT IREDELL, APPEARS HERE. He was in his political predilections early it Whig and an earnest advocate of the party's cause until its dissolution. Having always been anti-slavery man he found the Republican party in 1856 very congenial, and although the divisions among his old and influential Whig associates might have caused many a Man to hesitate his choice between the American and the Republican parties, he allowed no question of personal sacrifice to stand in the way of his prompt and courageous espousal of the cause of freedom. It required courage in those days to even intimate that slavery was a wrong, but the advanced ground of Charles Summer was his ground, and these principles he advocated with persistence and ability. In affairs pertaining to the welfare and progress of the borough of Norristown Mr. Iredell was a leading spirit. Serving four years in the Council, he labored for the advancement of projects to which the present excellent condition of the town owes its origin. Robert Iredell was, on 22d day of October 1832, married to Teressa, daughter of Charles Jones, of Norristown. Their children are Jonathan, Charles Jones, William C., James W., Robert and Phebe J. Of these, Jonathan and William died in infancy; Charles Jones was an associate editor of the "Herald and Free Press," a man of high literary attainments and a brave soldier of the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Regiment, who lost his life in the sinking of the " West Point," August 14, 1862; James W. occupies an important position in the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, and is located in Cincinnati; Robert is the successful editor of the "Lehigh Register" and "Daily Chronicle and News" at and Phebe J. resides with her father. Mr. Iredell is a member of the Society of Friends, the faith in which he was born, and continues his relation with the Gwyendd Monthly Meeting. The "Register," which had been established by a Mr. Wilson, was purchased in 1801 by James Winnard, who continued it until about 1830, when he sold it to the firm of Powell & Patterson, whose members had learned the printing trade in the office. Mr. Samuel D. Patterson soon bought out his partner's interest, and in 1834 sold the establishment to Adam Slemmer, but repurchased it in 1846. 462 ADAM SLEMMER, son of Jacob Slemmer, whose father came to America from. Switzerland about 1740, was born in Philadelphia, December 7, 1791, and was educated at private schools in Philadelphia. December 7, 1812, he was married to Margaret Craft, by whom he had six sons and two daughters, the late brevet brigadier-general United States army, Adam Jacoby Slemmer, being the youngest child. He commenced business as a merchant in Philadelphia, which he continued some time, when, on account of failing health, he was advised by his physician to change his residence to the country. He then (September 1819) removed to the upper end of Montgomery County, and followed the occupation of a teacher. He was originator, editor and proprietor, with Enos Benner as partner, of the "Bauern Freund," a German newspaper, published at Sumneytown, Montgomery Co., in 1827. In the fall of 1827 he was nominated, against his will and consent (he not being present), for member of the Legislature, and received nearly an unanimous vote in the upper end of the county at the election, and was re-elected in 1828, 1829 and 1830, thus serving four successive terms, including one extra session. In 1832 he was commissioned by Governor Wolf a justice of the peace, he then acting as conveyancer. In 1833 he received a commission as prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, tendered by Governor Wolf without solicitation, which was held under consideration for a time, and finally accepted, when, in May of that year (1833), he removed to Norristown, where he resided nearly fifty years, up to the time of his death, February 14, 1883 in the ninety-second year of his age. In 1834 he bought the Norristown Register printing establishment, and edited the same from 1834 to 1852. He was elected a member of the Town Council of Norristown, and, with John B. Sterigere, entered upon borough improvements, a law being passed authorizing the opening and widening of streets; commenced curbing and paving of sidewalks (Mr. Sterigere acting voluntarily as regulator); was chosen president of Council, but the length of time be served in that capacity is not recollected. He was chosen trustee of the Norristown Academy, and became by a vote of the board president, in which capacity be conveyed the property to the borough by deed, as per act of Assembly. He joined the Norristown Fire Company, composed of the property-holders of the borough, and was elected president thereof. He was elected school director; assisted in organizing the public schools; served in various capacities elected president of the board; superintended the building of the school-houses on Oak, Cherry, Sandy Street; composed the rules for the government of the Oak Street School. He became a member of the Norristown Library-Company and took much interest therein; superintended in part of the library-house; planned the interior; had the books removed from the old building and placed them on the shelves; was chosen president of the library company. The court appointed him an inspector of the Montgomery County Prison; composed rules for the government thereof, adopted by the board; resigned this office after serving some time. He originated the Montgomery Cemetery, laid it out, superintended the building of a chapel and dwelling, as also the reception vault, spent several years in its arrangement, and filled the offices of president, secretary and treasurer; wrote a petition praying for the abolition of public executions, procured signatures and sent it to the Legislature, upon which was predicated the law of this common wealth abolishing public execution, wrote a charter for the Norristown Insurance Company, sent it to the Legislature which became a law. The company was organized and some shares sold; subsequently a change was made, and the act embraced the introduction of water into the borough, creating the present Insurance and Water Company; was elected secretary, and manager of the Montgomery County Bible Society in 1844, since which time he conducted The operations and wrote all the reports, also performed duty as depositary, and engaged in the distribution of Bibles up to 1867. The remaining years of Mr. Slemmer's life were passed in retirement, and he died at the advanced age of ninety-one years. In 1849 John B. Sterigere, a prominent politician, bought the paper. At this time and previously the mechanical department was in charge of William Slemmer. Mr. Sterigere died in 1852, and his administrators sold the paper to Dr. E. L. Acker. While Adam Slemmer was the owner he bought out the "Montgomery Democrat", a rival Democratic paper, whose publication has commenced during the contest between Wolf and Mulhenburg. Dr. Acker became the purchaser of another paper. Hon. Jacob Fry being the political rival Mr. Sterigere had induced his brother Daniel to start the "Montgomery Watchman" in 1849. Two years later it passed into the hands of Daniel H. Neiman and E. B. Moore, and in 1853 the latter became the sole proprietor. In 1858, through the Hon. Owen Jones, it was purchased by Dr. Acker as a means of securing harmony in the party, and the publications was continued under the name of the "Register and Montgomery County Democrat and Watchman." Dr. Acker continued published the journal until 1877. In 1875 he started the "Daily Register" which he published for three years. In 1877 the establishment was sold by the sheriff and purchased by Isaiah B. Houpt. The question whether the latter purchased 463 the exclusive right to the name of "Register" was contested in the court, and decided in favor of the purchaser by Judge Ross, reserving to Dr. E. L. Acker the right to publish the "Daily Register." [See NOTE 31-4.] The sheriff having omitted to sell the title of the "Daily Register," Mr. Houpt changed its name to the "Daily Watchman," and published it under that title for about a year, when it was discontinued, and the "Norristown Register" was sold to E. K. Kneule. Mr. Kneule, in 1880, resumed the publication of a daily edition, which for a short time was issued in the morning, and gave telegraphic news, but the experiment was soon discontinued. It is issued in the afternoon as the "Norristown Register," and is the leading Democratic daily. The "Weekly Register" is published on Tuesdays, and is Democratic in politics. [NOTE 31-4.] On the 5th day of July the "Norristown Register" was sold by the sheriff and purchased by Isaiah B. Houpt. On July 10, 1857, Dr. E. L. Acker issued the "Weekly Register," vol. i No. 1. Mr. Houpt instituted legal proceedings to, enjoin Mr. Acker from publishing the "Weekly Register" claiming that he had purchased the establishment including the name under which it had previously been issued. The proceedings was novel, and excited considerable interest among the friends of the rival editors and publishers. After a full hearing, Judge Ross granted an injunction restraining Dr. Acker from publishing the "Weekly Register." The injunction however as decreed by the court did not restrain the issue of the "Daily Register" which, together with a paper called the "Weekly Gazette" was published by Dr. Acker for some months, when the publication of both was suspended. [FINIS NOTE 31-4.] PICTURE OF ALBRECHT KNEULE, APPEARS HERE. Mr. Albrecht Kneule founded the "Pennsburg Democrat," a German weekly newspaper, April, 1857, and continued its publication until July, 1858, when it was consolidated with the "Bauern Freund, also a German newspaper founded by Enos Benner at Sumneytown about 1880. The "Bauern Freund" has been edited by Mr. Kneule since its consolidation. The paper is published at Pennsburg, and has always had a large circulation. It is Democratic in politics, and received a large share of the patronage from that party when its leaders controlled public affairs in the county. Mr. Kneule also founded the "Perkiomen Valley Press." The initial number of this weekly paper was issued January 10, 1874, at Pennsburg. This enterprise was suggested by the altered condition of the business interest of the people of the Perkiomen Valley, resulting from the construction and operation of the railroad through that region. New enterprises sprung up along the line of the road. Young English speaking people established themselves at all the furnishing supplies and shipping accommodation for the people, and in order to meet the wants of this new life the "Valley Press" was started. Edwin Kneule, son of the original founder, acquired an interest in the establishment in 1846. The Perkiomen Valley Press" is published at Pennsburg, and is Democratic in politics. ALBRECHT KNEULE was born March 1, 1822, at Esslinger, a town of about twenty-five thousand inhabitants, in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany. He was one of three sons of Adam and Fredereke Kneule, and attended the so-called Latin School of Esslinger from his sixth to his fourteenth year during which time he acquired a knowledge of the branches of useful learning taught in the German schools, and also a knowledge of the rudiments of the Latin and French languages. In 1846 he entered the "Esslinger Zeitung" printing office as an apprentice; and served a term of four years. He subsequently worked as a compositor on a French newspaper at Berne, remaining there for several months. In the spring of 1850 he accepted an engagement in a large book and printing-house in Stuttgart, the capital of Wurtemberg, where he worked as a compositor until 1852, when he emigrated to the United States of America. His emigration was to avoid the enforced military service of Germany, which was distasteful to him. After a long and stormy voyage from Havre-de-Grace on board a sailing-vessel he reached New York in the month of November 1852. He immediately went to Philadelphia, and in a few weeks thereafter obtained it situation in the office of the "Neutralist," at Skippackville, Montgomery Co. He remained in this office until the month of March 1857. Mr. Kneule had now become a citizen of the country, and was impressed with the idea of providing the German population of the upper end of the county with a reliable German newspaper; to this end he located at the thriving village of Pennsburg, and there, on the 7th day Of April 1857, founded the "Pennsburg Democrat," a German weekly newspaper. The enterprise was successful filling a void long felt by the strong wing of the dominant party in the county. The "Bauern Freund," a German paper, published at that time at Sumneytown by Enos Benner, was, in the spring of 1858, purchased and consolidated by Mr. Kneule under the name of "Bauern Freund and Pennsburg Democrat." This movement gave the paper a wide field, and the subscription list was very considerably increased, as was also the general job work of the printing office. The potent influence of this paper in the Democratic party also gave it a just claim on the organization, and in the distribution of its flavors the Democrat was not overlooked. Its circulation is believed to be the largest of all German papers published in the county. Its success is claimed to be due to the active part taken by its proprietor in public affairs of the upper end of the county, during and subsequent to the exciting events of the great Rebellion. Mr. Kneule has always been identified with the Democratic Party and he attributes his success in journalistic enterprises to his activity in upholding the rule of that party in Montgomery County. In 1878, Mr. Kneule became the owner of the "Norristown Register," and gave his son, Edwin Kneule, an interest in the establishment. On the 1st day of April 1880, the firm commenced the issue of a daily, being the only Democratic daily paper published in the county. It has been successfully maintained ever since, and is now considered permanently established. Mr. Kneule was married, in 1855, to Miss 464 Louisa Kraft, the family consisting of one daughter and four sons. The present homestead is located on Main Street, Norristown, next door to the "Register" office. The life of this German emigrant, who had been taught in German schools and printing offices to aspire to something more than a plodding soldier shows the possibilities of free American citizenship. From the humble printer of 1852, by strict attention to a chosen pursuit, he has become the principal proprietor of three widely circulated newspapers, -the PICTURE OF W. J. BINDER, APPEARS HERE. "Register," the "Perkiomen Valley Press" and the "Bauern Freund." THE MONTGOMERY LEDGER AND DAILY POTTSTOWN LEDGER. -"The Montgomery Ledger" is a continuation of the first newspaper published in Pottstown, -the "Pottstown Times," which was established in the place by John Royer July 1, 1819. After an existence of ten or twelve years the "Times" was changed into the "Pottstown Journal," and Jacob C. Slemmer became the proprietor. Mr. Slemmer subsequently merged the Journal into the "Montgomery Ledger," the first number of which was dated November, 1843. In April 1845, Andrew H. Tippen and Jacob D. Streeper purchased the printing establishment, taking possession thereof and issuing their first number on the l6th of that month. In the spring of 1849, Colonel Tippen retired from the business, and J. D. Streeper became the sole proprietor. On April 1, 1854, he associated with him in the editorial department L. H. Davis, Esq., who had served an apprenticeship in the office and who has renewed in connection with the establishment ever since. On the 1st of April, 1855, Mr. Davis became one of the owners with J. D. Streeper, the latter continuing his connection for two years until 1857, when failing health obliged him to retire; he was succeeded by William L. Williamson. The firm of Davis & Williamson continued as editors and publishers of the "Montgomery Ledger" until April 1, 1867, when William J. Binder, who had also learned the printing business in the office, purchased the interest 465 of Mr. Williamson, and the firm was changed to that of Davis & Binder. These editor, and proprietors commenced the issue of a daily edition of the paper in addition to the weekly on the 1st of October, 1873, the new journal being known as the "Daily Pottstown Ledger." On the 19th of September, 1879, Mr. Davis sold his interest to his partner, W. J. Binder, who has since continued to be the sole proprietor, and is continuing successfully the issue of the two papers. The "Weekly" was subsequently enlarged to thirty-six columns and the "Daily" to twenty-eight columns. Mr. Binder associated with him his former partner, L. H. Davis, in the editorship of the papers, the latter having, as above stated, and remained continuously with the establishment since 1855. The "Montgomery Ledger" and "Daily Pottstown Ledger" are well and widely known newspapers in Eastern Pennsylvania and at the present time enjoy a large circulation. They are independent in polities and devoted to the dissemination of local and general news, the latter being a specialty. WILLIAM J. BINDER. -Both the paternal and maternal ancestors of Mr. Binder emigrated from Germany, the family of Jacob Binder consisting of two sons, John and Amos, and several daughters. The birth of John occurred in Chester County, from whence, with his parents, he removed to New Hanover, Montgomery Co., which afterward became his place of residence. He married Anna Mary Steltz, of the same township, and had children, -Aaron, Elizabeth (Mrs. David Hurst, of Easton), Tamsen (Mrs. Jeremiah H. Binder, of Pottstown), and William J. Mr. Binder subsequently removed to Chester County, where he pursued the vocation of a farmer. His son, William J., who was born September 30, 1843, in East Nantmeal township Chester Co., spent his boyhood on the farm. On attaining his thirteenth year Pottstown became his home, where superior advantages of education were afforded at the Hill Preparatory School, in that borough. Having completed his studies and determined to acquire an independent trade, he chose the printer's craft, serving an apprenticeship of four and a half years and a period of one year as foreman, at the expiration of which time be entered the army, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and serving until the conclusion of the conflict. For a brief period in 1865 he was connected with the "Indianapolis Herald," but returning, the following spring, purchased a half-interest in the "Montgomery Ledger," of Pottstown, re-entering as co-proprietor the office in which he had learned the printer's art. It had hitherto printed a weekly edition, but Mr. Binder, however, readily discerned a promising field for daily journalistic enterprise and in October 1873, a daily issue was, printed. In September 1879, he purchased the interest of his partner, Mr. Lewis H. Davis, and now controls the business as sole proprietor, having also a jobbing department of considerable capacity. While giving a synopsis of the news of the day, Mr. Binder has aimed to make the paper an attractive family journal, in which effort he has, unaided, been successful and received the commendation and support of the thoughtful reading public. While its proprietor is himself a staunch Republican, the journal is conducted on principles of strict neutrality without party predilections. Mr. Binder is associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he holds a local preacher's license, and has been connected with the church in nearly every official capacity. He was, on the 26th of December 1867, married to Mary A., daughter of Jones I. Hilton, of Glasgow, Montgomery Co., and has children Hilton Simpson, Mary, Ella, Bessie, Edith, Laura, John Kingsley and Florence. THE NATIONAL DEFENDER. -The "National Defender" was established at Norristown August 12, 1856, by Henry Leibert, Esq.; from him it passed to Messrs. Seymour & Royer in 1858; upon January 19, 1859, to Joseph W. Royer; and upon the, 21st of the ensuing February Mr. Edwin Schall became the proprietor. In 1864 the paper was sold to S. B. and A. Helffenstein, and in 1871 the former bought out his brother's interest and became the sole proprietor. At one time, the paper was the organ of the American party, but for many years its politics have been Democratic. It is issued weekly, on Tuesdays. Since the close of the Civil war the publication of country newspapers has been facilitated by the introduction of what are known in the trade as "patent outsides." These are half-sheets filled with miscellaneous reading-matter, printed in Philadelphia and New York, and distributed to the local publishers, who fill up the blank pages with advertisements and reading-matter of their own. By such means it has become possible to issue a local journal at very small expense, and many have been started in small towns and villages where no printer would have dreamed of locating half a century ago. Montgomery County, in common with its neighbors, has experienced a great increase in the number of its printing offices within a few years, and some of the local journals thus started are conducted with much ability and success. Among them may be mentioned the "Lansdale Reporter," "the Hatboro' Public Spirit," the "North Wales Record," the Bryn Mawr New s", the "Bryn Mawr Home News," the "Swenksville Item", the "Providence Independent," the "Towamensing Item" and the "Montgomery Law Reporter." The first number of the Lansdale Reporter was issued October 27, 1870, by Frederick Wagner, the size at that time being twenty-four by thirty-two inches, seven columns to a page. On March 15, 1877, it was sold to J. E. Wittmer, who disposed of it to A. K. Thomas & Co., the present proprietors, February 3, 1881. During the summer of that year a handsome new office was erected on Main Street, and early in the fall it was equipped with new-presses, run by steam-power. 466 The paper was enlarged to an eight-column folio September 22, 1881, and is now published weekly on Thursdays. The "Medical Summary," R. H. Andrews editor and proprietor, is printed monthly by A. K. Thomas & Co. The "Agent's Call," another monthly journal, is also published at the same office. The John E. Wittmer mentioned above had become connected with Montgomery County journalism as early as August, 1873, when, in connection with Dr. William T. Robinson, a leading citizen of Hatboro', he commenced the publication of the "Hatboro' Public Spirit." The success of this enterprise was almost phenomenal. In the course of a few months Dr. Robinson bought out his partner, and within a year from the appearance of the first edition he had built a commodious printing-office, and fitted it up with a steam-power press and improved machinery of every description. His paper was rapidly enlarged, until it became one of the largest in the county, and it speedily attained an extensive circulation. His son, Mr. Ernest C. Robinson, has since become one of the editors. The paper appears weekly, on Saturdays. The "North Wales Record" was founded in 1874 by Wilton Wood, who ran it till 1876, when it passed into the hands of Marlin & Smith. In the fall of that year Smith bought Marlin out and remained the sole proprietor until the winter of 1877, when a half interest was purchased by Wilmer H. Johnson, who, in 1878, became sole editor and publisher, and has so continued ever since. The latter has made it a very complete and reliable compendium of local news, and has increased its circulation. It is the organ of the Prohibitionists, and is published weekly, on Saturdays. THE NORRISTOWN INDEPENDENT. -This newspaper was established and issued its first number on the 15th day of May 1865, Robert C. Fries was the publisher, and George N. Corson, Esq., editor. William M. Runkle succeeded to the editorship June 14, 1866; the date of his retirement appears to be unknown. Theodore W. Bean, Esq., became editor October 6, 1870, and retired in the month of December 1872. The establishment was subsequently purchased by Charles P. Shriner, of Columbia, Pa., March 1, 1875, who, in the following August, commenced the publication of a daily issue. The first number appeared August 2, 1875, and continued until August 1876, when its publication as a weekly and daily paper was discontinued. The machinery and material of the office was purchased by Thomas Rossiter, who used the same for general printing and job work for some years thereafter. The "Independent" was Republican in politics. It was also devoted to public interests generally, and furnished its full measure of local news of the county. THE WAHRHEITS FREUND. -This was a German weekly paper, established at Norristown, by R. C. Fries, at the time The Independent was founded, May 15, 1865. It was published in the same office, and circulated among the German people of the county. It was Republican in politics. Its publication ceased when The Independent was sold to Charles P. Shriner, March 1, 1875. THE TRUE WITNESS. -The True Witness was founded by Moses Auge, at Norristown, and the first number was issued Saturday June 29, 1871. It was a small sheet, about eight by ten inches, and devoted to Temperance reform. The paper received substantial encouragement, and was enlarged May 11, 1872, and a second time enlarged August 15, 1874. Mr. Auge remained editor and proprietor of the Witness until November 21, 1874, when its publication was discontinued. THE PROVIDENCE INDEPENDENT. -A local newspaper founded by Elwood S. Moser, June, 1875. The publishing house was originally at the Trappe, a village in Upper Providence township. The establishment was removed to Collegeville, on the line of the Perkiomen Railroad, in the month of April 1883, where "The Independent" is at present published. It is independent in politics, and its columns are liberally given to the publication of local news. It is published weekly. HOME NEWS. -The "Home News" was founded in 1877 by Frank Young, editor and publisher. During the same year Frank Hower acquired in interest in the establishment. In 1878, Mr. Hower, with Mr. Garrigus, purchased the interest of Mr. Young, and became the proprietors. In 1880, John Hocker became the owner of one-half interest, and in the spring of 1881, Samuel A. Black, the present editor, bought the interest of Mr. Hower, and has since that time been the sole proprietor. The "Home News" is neutral and independent in politics. It is published in Bryn Mawr, Lower Merion township a beautiful village on the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It is a purely local journal, having for its object the collection and publication of strictly home news and information useful to a suburban and rural population. It is published weekly. In April, 1877, Rev. N. B. Grubb, assistant pastor of the congregation then worshiping at Gottshall's Mennonite Church, at Schwenksville, opened a job printing office in that village. In September of the same year he began the publication weekly of a four-column paper, measuring fifteen by twenty-two inches, called "The Weekly Item." It was twice enlarged within a short time, and in 1881 the name was changed to "The Schwenksville Item." In the fall of 1882 the publisher accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Mennonite Church of Philadelphia, to which city he removed with his family in May, 1883. The "Item" publishing house, with all its interests, was then ]eased to Irvin H. Bardman, of Frederick, Pa. The success with which Mr. Bardman met led to another enlargement of the paper. In March 1884, Mr. Bardman be- 467 came the sole proprietor. The Item is now it seven-column folio, issued weekly, on Fridays. The publishing business in Conshohocken was for a long time in a languishing condition. Several enterprises, including the publication of a semi-weekly and a daily, in failure. "The Reporter," a weekly, survived the wreck of its contemporaries, and in 1881 was sold to William L. Prizer, who had been successively local editor and business manager of the "Norristown Herald." Mr. Prizer enlarged the paper and has put it in a prosperous condition. It is issued weekly, on Saturdays. THE NEUTRALIST. -This German weekly newspaper was established at Skippackville by John Young & Co., John Shupe being of the firm, in the year 1848. This firm continued its publication for two years. In 1850, J. H. Schunemann & Co., John Shupe, being of the firm, became the owners and proprietors, and published it until 1861. The establishment was destroyed by fire during the year named. There being no insurance upon the property and machinery, the proprietors declined to refit and continue its issue. Subsequently, A. E. Dambly, the present proprietor, became the editor and publisher, and the paper has become a useful medium of information among the German-speaking people throughout the county. It is Republican in politics, with strong independent tendencies. THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRESSE. -This German weekly newspaper was founded in Norristown in 1860 by John Shupe, the present, editor and publisher. The establishment was removed to Lansdale in 1861, and there published until 1868, when it was removed to the village of Telford, on the line of the North Pennsylvania Railroad, where it has since been published. It circulates in both Montgomery and Bucks Counties. It is independent in politics. The support and encouragement received by the German press of the county shows the fondness of the German people for their native language. THE MORNING CHRONICLE. -"The Chronicle" is the successor of "The Advertiser," a weekly newspaper established at Pottstown, by A. M. Scheffey, editor and D. Q. Gerger, founded November 22,1875. In June 1879, the establishment was purchased by A. R. Saylor, who changed the name to "The Morning Chronicle," and commenced the publication of a daily edition with the weekly issue. L. R. Saylor became associated with this journal January, 1884, and the enterprize is now conducted by the firm of A. R. Saylor & Brother. The firm occupy a commodious office on High Street, Pottstown, and general job printing is carried on in connection with the publication of the daily and weekly papers issued. THE NEWS. -"The News" was established July 1, 1881, at Bryn Mawr, by Frank A. Hower, who has been and is at present the editor and publisher; it is a four page paper, of eight columns each. It is a weekly paper, and is issued every Friday. "The News" is independent in politics and devoted to local and general news, and encourage the enterprise and thrift of the community in which it is published. "The News" Printing-House is located on Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr. Frank A. Hower, the proprietor of "The News," has been connected with journalism for many years. Among the newspapers with which he has been associated are "The Pennsylvanian," published in Lancaster; "The Coatesville Times;" The Democratic Guard," Sunbury, Pa.; "The Morning Express," "The Anti-Monopolist," published in Philadelphia. He also established "The Home News," June 1, 1877, at Bryn Mawr. THE AMBLER GAZETTE. -The local newspaper often precedes the organization of the borough. "Ambler" Village sustains its weekly paper, as it does its bank. The "Gazette" is the successor of the "Ambler Times," founded by Dr. Rose in the year 1879. Irwin S. Weber succeeded the founder in 1882, and changed the name to the "Ambler Gazette." The establishment was purchased from Mr. Weber by the present proprietor, Horace G. Lukens, and the paper is issued weekly. It is devoted to local news and sustains all well-grounded enterprises for the good of the community in which it is published, preserving independence in politics. THE DAILY AND WEEKLY TIMES. -The "Daily and Weekly Times" was founded by William Rennyson, Esq., of Bridgeport, Pa. The office of publication was established at No. 52 East Main or Egypt Street, Norristown. The first number of the Daily was issued November 11, 1881. The proprietor of this journalistic enterprise sought public favor upon business principles, and offered a cheap and readable paper to its subscribers and patrons. It is the only one-cent daily paper published in the capital town of the county and from its initial edition has enjoyed a large circulation, being distributed by newsboys in the borough and by mail throughout the county. December 5, 1881, the paper was enlarged to, its present size. The founder of this journal, who is also identified with the industrial interests of the Schuylkill Valley, soon found it necessary to place the establishment on a permanent basis, and therefore transferred the entire property to the "Times" Company, Limited, March 11, 1882, associating Mr. W. H. Yerkes, formerly of "Hatboro' Public Spirit," who assumed the business management of the paper. The editorial and local departments were placed under the direction of Mr. George F. Meredith, with in efficient corps of assistants. "The Daily and Weekly Times" is Republican in politics, with the independence to be fearless in the advocacy of the right when in its judgment party leaders and managers are reckless and partisan methods are wrong. "The Daily Times" originated the movement to secure a free bridge over the Schuylkill 468 River at Norristown in its initial number. Its files show the persistency with which it waged a war with corporate power, and the support given by the public to the movement was responsive to a necessity long felt and hastened to a consummation by sagacious and independent journalism. The successful establishment of "The Daily and Weekly Times" was accomplished without the aid of partisan patronage, deriving its support from the public upon its merits as a well-managed local journal. The "Times" office has connected with it a large job and printing establishment, substantially equipped with improved presses and all the necessary material for the prompt execution of orders; in this important line of business. PICTURE OF WILLIAM RENNYSON, APPEARS HERE WILLIAM RENNYSON was born in Paterson, N.J., March 31, A.D. 1841. His ancestory on the maternal side were Scotch-Irish and on the paternal side English. The death of his father at an early age leaving his family of five young children without means of support, rendered it necessary for the subject of this sketch to exert himself for a livelihood. His early school advantages were limited. His first occupation was that of locomotive-building; he subsequently was largely engaged in mining and manufacturing in various parts of the United States, always in advance and always making a success of whatever he undertook. He always had a fondness for books, music and literature of the higher order, and has been a hard student all his life, devoting to studies his leisure time. He is proficient in French and Latin, and has devoted much time to algebra and the higher mathematics. His curriculum can properly include everything from a steamboat to a locomotive, and his alma mater is the universe. He is a Bachelor of Laws, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rennyson is a vetern officer of the Union army, having entered the same, at the age of nineteen, as a first-lieutenant soon afterward being promoted to the command of his company in the Tenth New Jersey Volunteers. He served two years and a half, and resigned his commission, giving as his reason for 469 leaving the service that he was "the only support a widowed mother." He was married, on April 25, 1865, to Miss Sallie C. Bright, eldest daughter of M. Bright, Esq., of Pottsville, Pa. There are living children, -Nellie May, Charles Edward, Gertrude Irene, Florence Estelle and Harry Bright. These children have all spoken French, and at one time it was adopted as the home language by all its members. Mr. Rennyson is devoutly and sincerely a worshiper of Almighty God, and has full faith in the doctrine of future rewards and punishments, believing that good works, honesty and uprightness of character, with "goodwill to all men," will certainly be a subject for future happiness, if not immediate reward. Born in the Episcopal Church, be connected himself with the Baptist Church. He is, however, cosmopolitan in his idea of religious worship and is a patron of all churches. "His religion is exemplified by the twenty-four inch gauge, which is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which he has been taught to divide into three equal parts, whereby eight hours are devoted to the service of God and a worthy distressed brother, eight hours for our usual avocations and eight hours for refreshment and sleep," and finds it good and very agreeable, as is also the "chamber of reflection." Cradled as an Abolitionist, when it was odious and dangerous to be one, during all his life he stood the brunt and bore the responsibility of his convictions upon occasions when it required physical courage and strength to maintain his position, sometimes amounting to positive discomfort. Naturally, from an Abolitionist lie became a Republican in polities, was a follower of Lincoln, Seward, Summer and Greeley. He is now a Republican, though not always in harmony with the powers that be of that party, but will carry out his convictions of right and wrong in any event. The above sketch is preliminary to his career as an editor of one of the now widely known journals of Montgomery County, of which he was the projector and sole proprietor and editor for several years. No better description could be given of his mind and work at that time than the following quotations from his salutatory, introducing the first number of "The Daily Times" to public consideration and patronage,- "We offer no apology for our appearance today as a journalist. None is needed. Norristown may or may not require another daily newspaper and may or may not be willing to support another. Neither is it because there are no good editors or good papers already in the service of the Norristown people or that these other papers are not well deserving of support that calls us into existence. Quite the contrary. We have heard and we believe that the best-conducted papers of the interior of the State of Pennsylvania are published in Norristown. If there be any editor who does not do his duty, or any publisher who does not understand his business, we do not know it; but in any event neither of these reasons would be sufficiently strong to impel us to the drudgery and responsibilities incumbent upon the editor who enters as such into the journalistic arena. . . . "The first aim of our new enterprise will be to make our 'local columns' replete with all kinds of news and intelligence that our citizens shall first demand; after this has been accomplished we shall turn our attention to intelligence from distant nationalities, and report what men are doing in another hemisphere, and hope to be able to chronicle the passing events of many continents, and comment upon them with propriety and judgment, bringing to our aid such talent as may, from time to time, be necessary, in order that we may succeed in doing so. "We shall always be glad to receive advice from any public spirited citizen having in view the general good and welfare of our people. "We have no quarrels to adjust, no differences to heal, and while our personal preferences are our own, we shall strongly endeavor to keep fully abreast with our highest convictions of public duty, as we may be led to understanding them. "In polities this journal shall be independent, with Republican proclivities, and on that line we shall be free to commend men and measures of all parties, when they are deserving, and the reverse when they are wrong. We shall take a hand in all matters of public concern, commending or condemning as our judgment may lead us. We shall never be disinterested. In politics we will join in all the scrambles for office and place, commending only the good and pure, and denouncing dishonesty and insincerity, believing this to be preeminently the sphere of healthy journalism. "And in this matter we wish to be well understood, while we will go into polities, we will always keep clear from all embarrassing affiliations of factions or Party; and while we make no secret of our Republican proclivities, the 'Times' will never be the mouthpiece of any boss nor the organ of any ring. "We shall discuss all these things with fearlessness, but with dispassionate fairness and liberality, which shall be our aim in all our discussions . . . . "We enter upon our enterprise full of confidence in our ability to carry through to success what we have undertaken. We have ample resources in ourselves and in those we have called to our aid. Fully convinced of our ability to achieve success, and this in no spirit of assurance, and fully determined at any and every sacrifice to deserve it, we submit this introduction to our friends, who are on the qui vive to hear from us." Mr. Rennyson still retains his connection with the "Times," though the active work is transferred to others. CONSHOHOCKEN TELEGRAPH, Edward Baumgard, editor and proprietor, a weekly newspaper established at Conshohocken, Pa., and August 5, 1884. Its size was 470 twenty-eight by forty inches, with thirty-six columns, were independent in politics and suspended publication February 5, 1885. TOWAMENSING ITEM, established January 13, 1885, at Kulpsville, Montgomery Co., Pa., H. R. Boors, publisher. It is a weekly newspaper; size, twenty-two inches by sixteen, with twenty-six columns. It is independent in politics and devoted to local news. MONTGOMERY LAW REPORTER, F. G. Hobson, Esq., editor and proprietor, a weekly journal devoted to reporting legal decisions and the interests of the business public. The initial number was issued January 31, 1885, at Norristown, Pa. COLONEL SAMUEL D. PATTERSON, who for fully forty years held a most prominent position in literature and politics in the State of Pennsylvania, was a native of Montgomery County, and descended from a Welsh family, who were among its earliest settlers. His parents were John and Mary (Dewees) Patterson; his grandmother was a Miss Richards, a descendant of the Welsh family mentioned, from who was also descended Benjamin Wood Richards, mayor of Philadelphia in 1829. In early youth Samuel D. Patterson was for a short time a pupil in the school of the Rev. Dr. John Jones, but on the death of his father he left school and became an apprentice to the printer's trade in the office of the "Norristown Register," the leading Democratic journal of the county, of which James Winnard, Esq., was the editor and proprietor. Quick, intelligent, earnest and assiduous, he soon became a favorite of his employer, as also of a number of other prominent men, political and personal friends of Mr. Winnard, one of whom was the Hon. Levi Pawling, who took a deep interest in the young printer. Soon after the close of young Patterson's apprenticeship, Mr. Winnard gave up the management of the "Register" to him, he then becoming its editor and publisher. In that position be became intimately acquainted with many of the leading politicians of the State (especially those of the Democratic party), and in almost every instance he secured their enduring friendship. Among those in whose esteem he thus became firmly established were Francis R. Shunk, James Buchanan, George Wolf, Jesse Miller and Ellis Lewis. At about this time he assumed the editorship of the "Reporter," the Democratic organ in the State, a connection which brought him still more prominently in contact with the leading men of the party. In 1837 he removed to Philadelphia, having accepted the office of United States marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, under the administration of President Van Buren. He served honorably in that Position until 1841, when he was relieved by President Tyler. He then retired from politics and entered upon literary work, becoming a leading contributor to "Godey's," "Graham's," the "Knickerbocker" and other magazines of the day, and mingling on terms of intimacy in the society of such writers as Poe, N. P. Willis, Bayard Taylor, Griswold, Willis Gaylord Clark, George R. Graham and others of equal celebrity. Subsequently he became editor of the "Saturday Evening Post" -then a leading literary paper- and editor and proprietor of "Graham's Magazine," the most popular monthly then published. Under the administration of President Polk he reluctantly accepted the office of navy agent at Philadelphia. His death occurred at Philadelphia February 9, 1860, and his remains were interred in Laurel Hill Cemetery. He had married early in life a Miss Mott, of Easton, Pa., who died in 1854. Of their children, only one, Dr. Daniel D. Patterson, is now living. An older son, W. Mott Patterson, who was a journalist of repute, died at Philipsburg, N. J., in 1875. Colonel Patterson was married a second time, and his widow is now living.