Freestone Co, Tx - Freestone County Newspapers ******************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm ******************************************************************** Freestone County Newspapers Currently Running: [Note - there is another newspaper named the Fairfield Recorder in Baltimore, MD. and another in Ohio.] The Fairfield Recorder (weekly) Fairfield 1876-Current Freestone County Museum just off the courthouse square in Fairfield has most of the existing original copies. They have a reader with microfiche of the historical copies of the paper. The Fairfield Recorder office on the courthouse square in Fairfield itself has copies dating from about the 1920s onwards. Baylor University's Texas Collection has: Sep 23, 1876; Sep 25, 1885-Sep 21, 1888; Sep 27, 1889-Sep 19, 1890; Jan 2, 1891-Dec 31, 1931; Sep 24, 1936; Aug 30, 1951; Jan 3, 1952-Dec 25, 1952; Jan 6, 1955-Dec 27, 1955; Jan 2, 1958-Dec 31, 1970; Mar 13, 1975-Dec 29, 1983; Texas Tech University has the 60th anniversary issue (Sept 24, 1936). The Texas Confederate Museum at The Haley Memorial Library & History Center in Midland, Texas has a copy from 1962 (TCM94.3.181 - Box 13). The George Louis Crocket Papers are located at the East Texas Research Center in the Ralph W. Steen Library at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches Co., Tx. Folder 6L: Letters. 31 items of which (Early History of Freestone County. Typescript of articles from the FAIRFIELD RECORDER. 5 p. Typescript Carbon. 5 p.) Navarro College has copies of the Fairfield Recorder at their south campus. Owner(s) - Tas Silas Watson Jr. and Joe Lee Kirgan (around 1966-1978), Past Owners - Lewis D. Lillard, Sr. 1876-1898; W. O. Perry 1898-1900? *8*; Lee Colby Kirgan, 1900-1947; *10* Joe Lee Kirgan, 1947-1959; Ramon Richard Kirgan, 1959-1960 Joe Lee Kirgan, Jr. 1960-1966 (full owner); 1966-1976 (half owner) Tas S. Watson, Jr. 1966-1976 (half owner) Lee Colby Kirgan walked from Hubbard in 1895 to Fairfield to work with Mr. Lewis D. Lillard. In 1947 upon his father's death, the eldest living son, Joe Lee Kirgan, became editor and publisher. Upon his death in March of 1959, his younger brother Ramon succeeded him. In January 1960, Joe Lee Jr. (the grandson of Lee Colby Kirgan) purchased the paper. Tas S. Watson, Jr. purchased a half interest in the paper in 1966. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Freestone County Times Fairfield 2000-Current --------------------------------------------------------------------- Richland Chambers lake has a current publication whose I do not remember. This publication covers the extreme northern part of the county, but is mostly Navarro County. Mostly it lists homes for sale. ================================================================= Old Newspapers: KIRVEN NEWSPAPERS Kirven Commerical Record Kirven/Kirvin ?-? FAIRFIELD NEWSPAPERS "Republican" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1854?-1854? [editors: Charles T. Friend and Wm. L. Moody] *4*, *34* [unknown if even started] ------------------------------------------------- "Freestone Journal" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1855?-1856? *39* [editor: Morris R. Reagan] *35* [John Gregg and Morris Reagan purchased the press from the Wood brothers that ran the "Leon Pioneer" from 1852-1855 and brought the press from Centerville to Fairfield. *38* ] [This became the "Texas Pioneer"] ------------------------------------------------- "The Texas Farmer and Stockman Journal"/"The Texas Farmer and Stock Journal" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) Oct 1859 *40* -? [publisher: J. L. Caldwell and Anderson] [editor: Dr. Wm. B. Moores of Fairfield ] *3*, *36* Prospect proposed the newspaper's title as "The Texas Farmer and Stockman Journal" which was changed to "The Texas Farmer and Stock Journal". ------------------------------------------------- "Texas Pioneer"/"Fairfield Pioneer" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1855 *6*, *7*-May 1867 *1* [weekly newspaper established by W. L. Moody and Morris R. Reagan in fall of 1855. Was formerly the "Freestone Journal".] [editors: N. R. Barnes and Morris R. Reagan (Dec 1856-?) *37* J. L. Caldwell (late 1858-?) J.L. Caldwell & G.K. Anderson - (? to June 1859) Dr. Wm. B. Moores of Fairfield *2* (Oct 1859 to ?)] [for a while in late 1858 this ran jointly at Springfield as well] [Described as independent in politics by the "Bellville Countryman" in Sept. 22, 1860.] Texas State Library has June 1 and July 3, 1859 issues [Source - History of the Texas Press Association: By Ferdinand B. Baillio. 1916] "Freestone County - The Fairfield Pioneer was published by W. L. Moody and J. L. Caldwell from 18S6 till 1861, after the State's secession. It was revived after the War by J. Moreland, till 1867. The Pioneer was subsequently bought by J. W. Fishburn, who moved the office to the nearest railroad station and continued the paper as the Mexia Ledger, established 1869, J. W. Fishburn editor and proprietor." ------------------------------------------------- "Texas Pioneer and Stock Journal" 1860-1863? Monthly. Free of charge to county clerks for recovering stolen or lost livestock. [Editor: J. L. Caldwell] *41* University of Texas (at Austin) - Newspaper Collection has October 11, 1862 issue ------------------------------------------------- "The Ledger" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1869-1872 ------------------------------------------------- "Freestone Herald" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) 1877?-Dec 1880 *11*, *42*, *43* [editor: Geo. K. Anderson] ------------------------------------------------- "Freestone County News" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) Aug 1887 *5* - ? [editors: Mr. Bell (who withdrew before 1st issue) Will W. Irvan (who resigned after 1st issue) Dr. D. W. Dies printer: Mr. J. A. Jones (joins after 1st issue) stance: anti-prohibition] ------------------------------------------------- "Fairfield Banner" (of Fairfield, Freestone Co., TX) ?-Feb. 1892-? NEWSPAPERS OF WORTHAM, TEXAS Southern Christian Advance Wortham spring 1893-Dec. 1894 began in Corsicana in 1890 with Rev. Edward L. Wood as the editor *24* published in Wortham in 1893 Editor: Rev. J. E. Bounds *23* The Wortham News Wortham aft 1874-? *9* *17* Democrat Wortham 1890-1892 Editor: Martin Dies *16* Lee Satterwhite was editor in Apr 1891. *20*, *33* The Wortham Banner ? - Jan. 1892 *31* [Owner - J. S. Kimbrough. Sells to Lee Satterwhite in Jan 1892.] The Wortham Signal [Jan 1892 *31* - Dec. 1892? *19*] [Owner - Lee Satterwhite Jan 1892 to Dec 1892? *19*. Editor after Aug 1892. *32*] [Editor - James T. Denton - March 1892 to Aug 1892] *21*, *22* The Signal (at Fairfield) = Robert Lee Satterwhite 1894-? *18* The Freestone Vindicator Wortham Sept. 17, 1892 *14* -1906? *13*, *15* Editor was J. T. Spelman Sept. 25, 1892 Editor was Rev. R. M. Baker Nov. 1893 *23* J. E. Saunders ??? 1894-May 1894 *25* M. W. Moody May 1894-??? 1894 *25* Editor was Lee Satterwhite ??? 1894-Dec. 1894 *13* Editor was Abner Eubanks in Jan. 1895 - 1896+ *12*, *13* The Wortham Journal (weekly) Wortham 1897-1970s? [Owner/Publisher - Robert Lee Satterwhite 1897-1898, N. P. Houx - May 1897-abt Feb 1898 *26*, *27*, *28*, *29*, *30* Owner/Publisher - Edward Satterwhite 1898-late 1930s?, Printed by Ralph? Richardson late 1930s?-late 1950s. Hand cranked press. Printed more than just news (business cards, funeral notice, ads, etc.). 4 pages (single page folded). Published Thrusday, distributed Friday. Had social news. Later contracted out to Mexia in late 40s or 50s?. Dolores Farquhar was owner-editor-publisher of the Journal from 1960-1970. FC Museum is suppose to have the microfilm/microfiche. Southwest Microfilm Publishing Co. at Arlington & El Paso, TX (http://swmicropublishing.com/catalog.html) offers 35mm microfilm copies of these issues: 1/6/1928 - 12/29/1955 under its catalog # (MF35-0006910).] NEWSPAPERS OF STREETMAN, TEXAS The Streetman Enterprise (weekly) May 3, 1912-1926 by E.H. Campbell. The Library of Congress has Vol. 3, no. 15 (Aug. 28, 1914). The Streetman News 1926-1927, 1937-1941 NEWSPAPERS OF COTTON GIN, TEXAS The Cotton Gin Herald/Freestone Herald Cotton Gin Mar 1, 1873 (only known copy) (was a weekly newspaper) (by Anderson & Storey) NEWSPAPERS OF TEAGUE, TEXAS Teague Daily Herald (daily) Teague 1911?-? by Yantis & Daniel Baylor University's Texas Collection has: Apr. 1, 1912 The Teague Chronicle Teague July 27, 1906-Current Baylor University's Texas Collection has: Aug 3, 1906-Apr 8, 1910; Apr 22, 1913-Dec 31, 1919; Jan 21, 1921-Dec 26, 1985 OTHER NEWSPAPERS The Leon Pioneer Centerville (in Leon County) 1852-1855 The Bi-Stone Weekly Review Mexia (in Limestone County) 1901?-? NOTES: *1* = See Dallas Herald - May 25, 1867 edition - Page: 2 "The Fairfield, (Freestone county,) Pioneer, has been discontinued for want of support." *2* = See Dallas Weekly Herald - October 19, 1859 edition: "..annual address was delivered by Dr. Wm. B. Moores, of Fairfield, editor of the Pioneer at that place. ..." *3* = See Texas State Gazette, September 24, 1859 edition: "The Texas Farmer and Stock Journal," is the name of a periodical that being started at Fairfield, by the publishers of the Pioneer. Mr. W. B. Moores is to be the editor. We shall be glad to see the undertaking successful. *4* = San Antonio Ledger - Feb. 9, 1854 edition, Page: 2 Messrs. Charles T. Friend and Wm. L. Moody, have issueda prospectus for a paper to be published at Fairfield, Texas, to be called the "Fairfield Republican". It is to be democratic in politics. Success to the Republican. *5* = Fairfield Recorder - July 22, 1887 edition "The new paper to appear in town soon, will be called the Freestone County News. It is gotten up by a stock company, and will be managed by a board of directors. Its place of publication will be in the Herring building on the west side of the square. Their office outfit was received this week, and is being put up in position. Fairfield Recorder - August 12, 1887 edition "The Freestone County News will make its appearance this week." "Texas Items Messrs. Charles T. Friend and Wm. L. Moody, have issued a prospectus for a paper to be publishd at Fairfield, Texas, to be called the "Fairfield Republican." It is to be democratic in politics. Success to the Republican." *6* = Democrat & Planter newspaper [of Columbia, Kaufman County, Texas] - 26 May 1857 edition [Listing Texas newspapers] "...Reporter, at Tyler; Pioneer, at Fairfield and Printer, at Crockett,.." *7* = Dallas Weekly Herald - May 10, 1856 "The editor of the Pioneer is descanting on an inspiring theme - Man's inhumanity to - hogs. According to the editor, all the hogs of the flourishing village of Fairfield are mercilessly left without any better shelter from sun or storm than afforded them underneath the Masonic Hall, where they are so crowded as to be uncomfortable, and he fears, unhealthy. ..." *8* = Dallas Morning News - August 24, 1898 Bought the Fairfield Recorder Mexia, Tex., Aug. 23 - W. O. Perry of the Herald-Echo of this city has bought the Fairfield Recorder and will continue the publication of both papers. *9* = Dallas Morning News - August 2, 1899 Editor Satterwhite Injured Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., July 31 - News has just been received here over the telephone from Wortham, in this county, of the serious cutting of Lee Satterwhite by a negro. Mr. Satterwhite is the editor of the Wortham News at that place. Two negroes have been arrested. *10* = Dallas Morning News - December 31, 1899 Lost While Hunting Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., Dec. 23 - Mr. L. Childs, deputy postmaster, and Mr. L. C. Kirgan, editor of the Fairfield Recorder, had a very unpleasant experience last night..... *11* = Galveston News - December 30, 1880 - Page 8 State Press. What the Interior Papers Say Mr. Geo. K. Anderson, editor and publisher of the Freestone Herald, in consequence of long-continued ill-health, and upon the advise of physicians has been forced to suspend publication of the Herald and devote his time to a more active business. He takes an appropriate farewell to the profession. The Herald was an excellent weekly and useful representative of the interests of its county. It was characterized by good sense, independence and moderation. *12* = Dallas Morning News- August 19, 1895 - Page: 9 Wortham There is one weekly paper here, the Freestone Vindicator, A. Eubanks editor. *13* = Dallas Morning News - Feb. 20, 1896 - Page: 3 Journalistic -- The first newspaper published at Wortham was the Democrat, established in 1890 by Martin Dies, now county judge of Wood county, Texas. After running the paper two years Mr. Dies sold it to Lee Satterwhite, who published it about a year and half and sold it to a joint stock company, who changed the name to the Freestone Vindicator, running it as a populist paper up to January 1895, then leaving the plant to Mr. Abner Eubanks who now runs the paper as a free silver democratic journal, retaining the name of Vindicator, but beginning with a new volume number. By Mr. Eubank's chronology the Vindicator is at the beginning of its second volume, and is a six-column weekly folio. The Christian Advance, of which Mr. J. E. Bounds was editor was moved from Corsicana to Wortham in the spring of 1893, but its publication was discontinued in December 1894. *14* = Dallas Morning News - September 25, 1892 – Page: 8 The Craft The many papers established recently in Texas in the interest of the people’s part are remarkable for the journalistic ability which they, with few exceptions, evince. One of the last to appear is the Freestone Vindicator, which was born at Wortham, Freestone county, on the 17th. It is a well gotten up six column quarto, edited by J. T. Spelman. There are no flies on either the editor or the paper. *15* = Dallas Morning News - August 6, 1893 – Page 4 The News Special Edition Freestone Vindicator: The special edition of the News, a model of typographical neatness, came to our office last week. While we differ with it politically, we are compelled to admit that it is one of the best newspapers in the state and has the enterprise essential to make a first class paper. *16* = The Dallas Morning News- April 20, 1890 – Part 1; Page: 4 The Craft EDITOR MARTIN DIES paid Dallas a visit last week, and while here purchased a plant for his new paper at Wortham. *17* = Dallas Daily Times Herald - August 2, 1889 – Page: 3 Editor Satterwhite Injured Fairfield, Freestone Co., Tex., July 31 – News has just been received here over the telephone from Wortham, in this county, of the serious cutting of Lee Satterwhite by a negro. Mr. Satterwhite is the editor of the Wortham News at that place. Two negroes have been arrested. *18* = The Dallas Morning News - Dec. 9, 1894 – Page 6 The State Press --- What the Papers Throughout Texas Are Talking About Lee Satterwhite will start a new paper, the Signal, at Fairfield. *19* = The Dallas Morning News - January 20, 1893 – Page: 4 The State Press The Fairfield Recorder says: Mr. Lee Satterwhite, formerly editor of the Wortham Signal, has accepted a position on the Recorder for this year, and will assist in the editorial as well as the mechanical work. *20* = The Dallas Morning News - May 14, 1891 – Page: 1 San Antonio Gets It … The committee on membership reported the name of Mr. Lee Satterwhite of the Wortham Democrat. *21* = The Dallas Morning News = – March 3, 1892 – Page: 4 The State Press The Madisonville Messenger remarks: The Wortham Signal is the latest adventure in journalism. Jas. T. Denton, formerly a resident of this county, is at the helm. Success to him and his paper. *22* = The Dallas Morning News - August 8, 1892 – Page: 8 The Craft Lee Satterwhite has taken Editor Denton’s place temporarily on the Wortham Signal. *23* = The Dallas Morning News - Nov. 25, 1893 - Page: 1 Central Texas Conference Of the Methodist Protestant Church in Session at Wortham Wortham, Freestone Co., Tex., Nov. 24 – The Central Texas annual conference of the Methodist Protestant church met in the sixteenth session at the Methodist Protestant church in this place at 10 o’clock this morning. The conference was called to order by Rev. J. S. York, president, and Rev. G. P. Miller, secretary. ... Rev. J. E. Bounds, editor of the Southern Christian Advance, is present. Rev. R. M. Baker, editor of the Vindicator is present. *24* = Dallas Morning News - February 9, 1890 – Part 1; Page: 4 The Craft The Southern Christian Advance, published at Corsicana, with Rev. Edward L. Wood as editor and Rev. L. M. White, D. T. Lake, W. H.Munnerlyn, J. M. Bauman and S. W. Lane associate editors, is a new addition to the religious press of Texas. It is handsomely printed on good paper. The salutatory takes up most of the space on the first page, and is very explicit as to the aims and purposes of the paper. *25* = The Dallas Morning News - May 7, 1894 – Page 4 The State Press M. W. Moody has succeeded J. E. Saunders on the Wortham Vindicator. J. B. Hicks is associated with the new management. *26* = The Fort Worth Morning Register - May 9, 1897 – Part 1; Page: 1 City News Mr. N. P. Houx, an old time printer and newspaper man, known all over the state, having for a number of years resided in Austin, called at THE REGISTER office last night and met old friends of the craft. Mr. Houx will soon establish a paper at Wortham, to be called the Wortham News, and the best wishes of his friends are with him in his venture. *27* = The Dallas Morning News - October 9, 1897 - Page: 3 Personal Mention Corsicana, Tex., Oct. 8 – N. P. Houx of the Wortham News was here yesterday afternoon. *28* = The Dallas Morning News - October 19, 1897 - Page: 22 The Round-Up Editor N. P. Houx of the Wortham News is among the press boys at the fair. *29* = The Dallas Morning News - March 5, 1898 – Page: 4 State Political News Populist Paper Mexia, Tex., March 3 – The Weekly News, a populist paper, with N. P. Houx as editor, appeared to-day. This makes four papers for Mexia. *30* = The Fort Worth Morning Register - May 23, 1897 – Page: 4 The Wortham News is a new venture in Texas journalism, by Houx & Catheart, two veteran printers, who will give the good people of Freestone county a first-class paper, if the appearance of the first number counts for anything. The News, as its name indicates, is bright, newsy and up-to-date. *31* = The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) – Jan. 24, 1892 – Page: 8 J. S. Kimbrough has disposed of the Wortham Banner, and Lee Satterwhite starts the Wortham Signal in its stead. *32* = The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - August 8, 1892 – Page: 8 The Craft LEE SATTERWHITE has taken Editor Denton’s place temporarily on the Wortham Signal. *33* = The Dallas Morning News (of Dallas, Texas) - April 12, 1891 – Part 1; Page 4 The Craft The Wortham Democrat is now conducted by Editor Satterwhite. *34* = Texas Republican (of Marshall, Texas) of Feb. 18, 1854 Republican is the name of a new paper to be pubished at Fairfield by Friend & Moody. We protect the name." *35* = "Texas State Gazette" (of Austin) of August 11, 1855. Page 2. "New Paper We have received the three first numbers of the Freestone Journal, published at Fairfield, Freestone county; Morris R. Reagan, editor. The Journal is a neatly printed sheet, of about the size of The Trinity Advocate, is Democratic in politics, and is published at $2.50 in advance. The editoras late as the 24th, while expressing his decided opposition to Know Nothingism, supported Jowers for Lieut. Governor, because he could not believe in the face of Jowers' solemn denials, that he really was the nominee of the party; yet the editor seemed to think it was strange that Jowers got the support of Lanternites. Perhaps he will know hereafter, how much credit to give to the statements of all candidates of the Lanternites: every one of whom denied his identity with the party.... *36* = "Navarro Express" (of Corsicana) of November 17, 1859. Published the prospectus of this journal. To be published at "Fairfield or Springfield or Cotton Gin, Freestone County:. The publication appeared at Fairfield the next spring. *37* = "Texas State Gazette" (of Marshall) of December 5, 1856 Talks about N. R. Barnes taking over for W. L. Moody and that the paper was Democratic. *38* = Book: "Lone Stars and State Gazettes" by Marilyn McAdams Sibley published by Texas A&M press in 1983. page 220. *39* = "Texas State Gazette" (of Austin) of June 28, 1856 - Page: 1 Railroad Meeting in Falls County ...Resolved, That copies thereof be forwarded to the Freestone Journal, Brazos Statesman, and Austin papers for publication. ... *40* = "The San Antonio Ledger and Texan" of Sept. 10, 1859 - Page: 2 "The Texas Pioneer is shortly to appear in a much enlarged and improved form. It is a spirited little paper, and we wish the proprietors success. About the first of January next the proprietors of the Pioneer intend publishing a monthly Agricultural journal, under the title of "Texas Farmer and Stock Journal". They have made arrangements with experienced gentlemen in various States for contributions upon subjects of direct interest to the readers of the Journal, and as no pains will be spared to make it equal to any in the South, we hope the undertaking will meet with success. The price will only be $1 per annum in advance. Address Editors or Publishers of the Pioneeer, Fairfield or Springfield, Texas. *41* = The San Antonio Ledger of October 13, 1860 - Page: 3 "We observe from the "Texas Pioneer and Stock Journal" that owing to the drouth and the failure to get lumber for enclosing the fair ground, the Collin county fair has been postponed till Tuesday the 13th day of November next. *42* = The Dallas Weekly Herald (of Dallas, Texas) - July 28, 1877 - Page: 4 The State Over Freestone County - On Wednesday of last week; at Davids' mills, a Mr. Bugg was killed by his brother-in-law, Adams, for abusive language in reference to Adam's mother. Adams made his escape -- On Saturday, the 14th, at Woodland, Mr. Haralson was killed by Mr. W. P. Johnson. The Freestone Herald did not learn the particulars. ... *43* = Galveston News of Dec. 10, 1877 - Page: 8 "The Freestone "Herald" is not weary of the good work of encouraging the extension, in both variety and number, of enterprises suited to the resources and industry of Texas, and thinks: There is no question before the people of Texas of greater importance than that of the manufacture of cotton into yarn, rope and cloth, where it is grown. ...