Part 2 — CHAPTER XXXVII. (continued 2)

In April, 1868, Stephen H. Sayer started the Wallkill Valley Times, a large seven-column folio. It was neatly printed, and the office well-equipped, with a cylinder press—a rare acquisition in those days. In 1869 Mr. Sayer issued the Dollar Weekly. In 1871 Lester Winfield purchased the Times and the Weekly outfit, and remained in Montgomery until his death a few years ago.

AT SLATE HILL.

Reference has already been made to a well-printed paper issued in Slate Hill or Brookfield, in 1834, the Republican Sentinel. The writer has several well-preserved copies of this neat publication, but when it passed out of existence is not now known. The name of the editor does not appear, nor of the publisher.

Slate Hill in that day was a thriving settlement, and doubtless would have continued to grow had not the Erie railroad come to Goshen in 1842 and to Middletown two or three years later.

IN MIDDLETOWN.

It was in 1840 that the first printing outfit landed in Middletown. In that year A. A. Bensel started the Middletown Courier, a democratic weekly, which he continued until April, 1846, when, apparently scared by the entrance of the Erie railroad, he "pulled up stakes" and never stopped until his outfit was landed in Kingston, N. Y., where he started the Ulster Democrat.

The Orange County News was the second venture in Middletown. This was started in July, 1846, by John S. Brown, and it lived until 1849. It was neutral in politics and evidently in almost everything else, and, it is said, hardly deserved the name of a newspaper.

About 1847 Elder Gilbert Beebe came into town with his Old School Baptist Signs of the Times, which he removed from Alexandria, Va., as already explained. This publication continues, changed somewhat in form but not in method or substance, and remains a monument to the peculiar tenets of the faithful band of adherents of a sturdy theological doctrine. For many years it was printed in the "meeting house" on Orchard street, where the Denton residence now stands, and directly opposite the residence of Elder Beebe. A few years ago, and some time after the death of Elder Beebe, the plant was removed to the upper floor of the brick building at the west corner of East Main and Roberts streets, and the "meeting-house," a plain brick structure, stands on the corner of Roberts and Cottage streets. The Signs is published by J. E. Beebe & Co., and is edited by Elder F. A. Chick, of Hopewell, N. J., and Elder H. C. Kerr, of Middletown.

In 1848 Gilbert Judson Beebe started the Banner of Liberty. It was at first published monthly, eight pages with four columns to a page. After 1856 it became a weekly publication, the same size. It was a rank pro-slavery paper, and opposed and assaulted all lines of modern thought or suggestion of innovation or iconoclasm. This style of polemics met a hearty response in the South and Southwest, and the paper attained a circulation of 27,000 copies. For years it was printed in the old frame structure then known as the Pinkus Building on East Main street, next to the Holding House. When the Civil War broke out its circulation and income were greatly cut down by the interruption of mail communication between the North and the South, and the death of the talented but obdurate and intractable editor, after the war, left nothing for the Banner of Liberty to do but to go somewhere and expire. It did. It went to Ellenville, and shortly was heard of no more.

In 1856 Mr. Beebe published a Campaign Banner.

Gilbert J. Beebe also started in 1848, and in this case may fairly be said to have "established" the Middletown Mercury which as elsewhere stated, became one of the brightest country newspapers in the United States under James H. Norton and Isaac F. Guiwits.

Mr. Beebe printed another paper in his early and more ambitious days. From 1850 to 1852 he ran out an advertising monthly for gratuitous circulation. It was called the Middletown Advertiser.

The next paper to appear in Middletown was The Whig Press. It was started November 26, 1851, by John Whitbeck Hasbrouck, a young man from Ulster County. In 1866 he changed its name to the Orange County Press. This concern, always prosperous and influential, but which finally merged with the Times and became a part of the Times-Press (February 1, 1906), had an eventful career, which is best summed up in the following brevities taken from the last issue of the Daily Press, February 28, 1906:

Established November 26, 1851, by John W. Hasbrouck, and conducted by him for about seventeen years.

April 9, 1868, purchased by Moses D. Stivers and conducted by him for twenty months.

December 3, 1869, firm of Stivers & Kessinger formed, the junior member being Albert Kessinger, who died in the summer of 1872.

May 24, 1870, a tri-weekly edition was started, issued Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

October 15, 1872, F. Stanhope Hill and John Whiting Slauson bought the paper under the firm name of Hill & Slauson.

October 26, 1872. this firm discontinued the tri-weekly known as the Evening Press, and started in its place the Middletown Daily Press, issued afternoons.

July 1, 1873, M. D. Stivers bought Mr. Hill's interest, and the firm of Stivers & Slauson was formed and continued seven and one-half years.

December 14, 1880, Mr. Stivers sold his interest to Charles J. Boyd, and the firm of Slauson & Boyd was formed.

July 24, 1883, Slauson & Boyd issued the first number of the Orange County Semi-Weekly Press—the first semi-weekly local paper in this section, and a pronounced success from the start.

August 1, 1883, M. D. Stivers again became part owner of the Press, and the firm became Stivers, Slauson & Boyd, continuing for about seven and one-half years.

March 1, 1891, Mr. Stivers sold his interest to his partners, and the firm of Slauson & Boyd for the second time came into existence.

February 1, 1906, merged into the Times-Press, after an honored and prosperous record of more than fifty-four years.

The term of service with the Press of each proprietor in round numbers is: John W. Hasbrouck, seventeen years; Moses D. Stivers, nineteen years; John W. Slauson, thirty-three years; Charles J. Boyd, twenty-five years; Albert Kessinger, three years; F. Stanhope Hill, one year.

Reference has already been made to The Hardwareman's Newspaper (1855), The Sybil (1856), The Iron Age (1858), The Rising Sun (1866), The Mail, daily and weekly (1869), The Standard (1874?), The Argus, weekly (1875), daily (1876), The Liberal Sentinel (1881), The News (1883), The Jeffersonian (1886?), The Forum (1897), and the Worker's Advocate (1899?).

THE PRESS IN PORT JERVIS.

Printing was introduced into Port Jervis by a colored man, P. H. Miller. Of his personality the writer is unable, at this day, to learn a thing—whence he came or whither he departed. He began the printing here of an independent Whig paper, which he called the Port Jervis Express, early in 1850. It was neatly printed, a five or six-column folio, and reflected credit on its founder. It was printed in an office on West Main street, on the west side of the canal. That section was then about all there was of Port Jervis, though the Erie had arrived, and started a station near the Delaware River which it called Delaware. The people of "the Port" objected to this name, and for a long time strife was keen between the residents and the Erie company over the name, the advocates of "the Port" finally winning.

The Express saw the tail end of this fight, before its life of nine months drew to a close.

In November of the year (1850) when the Express passed away, the Tri-States Union was started. Its founder was Col. Sam Fowler, a Jersey-man who had acquired considerable land in the village, all within the boundaries of the present city. He was ambitious, had money, vim and a purpose. He built a palatial home on the banks of the Neversink, erected the Fowler House, and was proceeding to make Port Jervis the booming town of the east, when financial disaster overtook him, and, to the great loss of the town, he left it never to return, his vast interests involved in hopeless encumbrances.

But before he left he started the Tri-States Union, and it lives to-day. It was a Democratic newspaper, with John I. Mumford editor. The Union has had a number of owners, and had its ups and downs, but it always managed to appear on schedule time, and in usual form, though at times during the Civil War it was sorely pressed to imitate many of its exchanges—when it was almost impossible to buy, beg or steal white paper—and appear in wrapping paper, or in "any old thing." It is now a six-column quarto, with a large circulation, has an afternoon edition of the Port Jervis Daily Union, seven-column folio, has two of the latest Mergenthaler Linotype machines, and is of the concern that issues one of the leading agricultural papers of the country, The New York Farmer.

The Tri-States Union was first issued in a small building somewhere near where the Hubbard Building now stands, opposite the Fowler House and the present Erie depot (1908). Later it was removed to the old frame building Nos. 55-57 Pike street, now the four-story brick structure built by George Lea and occupied by Mason & Son, druggists. The early 60's found it located on Pike street, over the Union store, in the second floor of the two-story frame structure at No. 100 Pike street now (March, 1908) occupied as the Central or Northrup's meat market. Thence it was removed by Foster & Mitchell (1870) to the Creegan Block, No. 76 Pike street, over what is now Laidley's drug store. Next (1872) it was removed to the rear of St. John & Malven's, now the Gordon Company foundry building, on Sussex street. In 1873 it was removed to No. 81 Pike street, now Collin's news and confectionery store, and in 1882 to its present location No. 112 Pike street, in the Farnum Block.

Port Jervis has survived many severe temperance agitations. The most acute stage seems to have been in the extreme youth of the place—when impressions ought to be most lasting and beneficial. Between 1852 and 1855, it had three papers devoted to the cause of temperance. The first was the Mirror of Temperance started in June, 1852, by J. L. Barlow and John Dow. This Mirror reflected its surroundings for about eighteen months, and then faded away. It was a handsome paper, well printed and ably edited.

In 1853 an Englishman, John Williams, took up the fight where the Mirror dropped it, and started The Sentinel. With the proverbial pugnacity of a "Johnny Bull," Mr. Williams thought he needed more paper weapons with which to fight the "drink evil," and so, in the autumn of 1854 he issued a campaign paper which he called The Precursor of Temperance, and which died with the fall campaign. The Sentinel lived until 1855, in which year Mr. Williams went to Middletown and in the Whig Press office began issuing the Hardwareman's Newspaper, the precursor of the Iron Age, the leading organ to-day of the iron industry in this country, and which is now—-or was recently—published by his son, David Williams, in New York City.

April 22, 1869, James Henry Norton and William Henry Nearpass began the publication of the Evening Gazette. It was a five-column folio, set in bourgeois type, was published tri-weekly, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Soon afterward appeared the weekly edition, The Family Gazette, afterward changed to The Port Jervis Weekly Gazette. It was started on the third floor of the brick building then just built by Cook & Burrell as an umbrella factory at No. 92 Pike street, now (March, 1908), occupied by Johnson & Stoll's furniture store. Thence it moved to Westbrook's Hall, the third floor of the building now occupied by the J. W. Dalley Co., Nos. 66-68 Pike street; thence to its present quarters in the Mondon Building, 90 Pike street, corner of Pike and Ball streets. The tri-weekly became a daily afternoon issue, January 17, 1881. It is now a well-equipped office, has a Mergenthaler Linotype machine, and all the accessories of a good country newspaper.

E. G. Fowler's Morning Call appeared on Sunday morning, April 4, 1880. It was printed in the Masterson Building, No. 10 Ball street. The Morning Index appeared in an upper floor of the Hornbeck Building, now the Swift Beef House on Jersey avenue. The Sunbeams and Farm Guide were issued from The Union office, and Church Life and Academy Miscellany from The Gazette office. The Bulletin is the name of a two-column folio that is issued occasionally in political and exciting local campaigns, from the press of printer P. J. Gaudy, on Ball street. It doesn't appear very often, but when it does it makes a sensation.

AT WARWICK.

The beautiful village of Warwick, the "Queen Village" of New York State, has two well-established, ably-edited, well-printed and influential weekly newspapers, reflecting with no exaggeration the sentiment and conditions of the Warwick valley—a land rich in nature's bounties, lavishly endowed with all the charms of rural romanticism and pastoral fervency.

The first paper published in Warwick, so far as present records are obtainable, was the Doctrinal Advocate and Monitor. It was probably started as early as 1845—possibly earlier—and was edited or conducted by Elder Jewett as an exponent of the Old School Baptist doctrine. In 1846 this Monitor was merged with Elder Gilbert Beebe's Signs of the Times, and for a while the latter paper was published under both titles.

The second paper started there was the Warwick Advertiser, the first number of which made its appearance January 27, 1866. It was a well-printed, neat, newsy, and bright paper from the first, and age not only does not dim its luster, but seems to add to its sprightliness. Its first editor and proprietor was Leonard Cox, who was an elder in the Old School Baptist church of Warwick for a few years. It was independent, or rather neutral, in politics, but catered to the religious and moral sentiment as well as the local interests of the community, from its inception, and has never ceased to act as a propagandist theological, political, social and formal. Within three years Elder Cox sold the plant to John L. Servin, a local lawyer and farmer, a man of high standing and education. In 1873 Mr. Servin transferred the business to his associate editor, Daniel F. Welling, a practical printer, but took back the concern within the year and soon afterward sold the same to Samuel J. Stewart and Joshua C. Wilson. A few years later Mr. Wilson sold his interest to Dewitt C. Demorest, a workman in the office, who, after a year or two, transferred his share back to Mr. Stewart, who remained sole proprietor until April 1, 1882, when the plant was purchased by its present owner and able editor, Hiram Tate. Under Mr. Tate's management the Advertiser became an advocate of the politics of the republican party, of which it has since remained a staunch and fearless supporter. The Advertiser has been a factor of no little importance in the growth and general well-being of the village and Warwick valley. After a careful campaign of education on that special subject, it was largely instrumental in bringing about the now very popular and certainly sensible style of fenceless dooryards and lawns, so prevalent in Warwick as to excite the admiration of all tasteful visitors, and one of the distinguishing factors in earning for the place the well-merited title of the "Queen Village." It was also largely through the efforts of the Advertiser that a teacher in music and elocution has been added to the Warwick schools. Other betterments in local affairs have been brought about by this paper's efforts, and the Advertiser is certainly a paper of high tone and a credit to the Warwick valley.

The third newspaper to make its appearance in Warwick was the Warwick Valley Dispatch, which has been a success from its start. It was established in June, 1885, by George F. Ketchum, who has since been its fearless editor and publisher. The Dispatch has prospered under Mr. Ketchum's continuous and wise management of nearly twenty-three years, and has been a potent factor in shaping the progressive development of the village and town of Warwick. Its columns have been especially devoted to school improvement, the Dispatch and its editor taking a leading part in the movement for two modern brick school houses—primary and high school—during the twelve years that Mr. Ketchum served as a member of the Warwick board of education, he being president of the board when the high school was built. It is generally acknowledged that the successful outcome of this agitation was largely due to the influence of the Dispatch and its editor. The paper has been a leader in all efforts to secure improvements for the village and the valley, especially for increased water supply, fine streets, and roads, and the development of Warwick as a summer resort. The paper also heartily advanced the formation of the Warwick Valley Telephone Company, the Warwick Realty Company and the Warwick Knife Company. Politically the Dispatch is democratic, and is recognized as the most influential exponent of democracy in this section of the State. For a dozen years its editor has been chairman of the democratic county committee, during which time the influence of the Dispatch has been markedly shown in shaping the policy of the party in Orange County, and in the favorable results achieved for its candidates at the polls, although the county has a normal republican majority. The paper has gained a large local circulation because of its newsy features, and is respected for its fairness and fearlessness in controversy. The Dispatch was started as a nine-column four-page newspaper, and was first printed in a small frame building on Main street, adjoining the Warwick Valley Hotel. Since 1889 it has been comfortably housed in a brick structure known as "The Dispatch Building," which was erected on Main street by Thomas Burd, and is equipped with modern presses and a Simplex typesetting machine. Although Mr. Ketchum has always personally controlled the editorial policy of the Dispatch, Isaac W. Litchfield was a partner with him in its business from 1889 to 1894, and much of the reputation of the Dispatch is due to his bright humor and facile pen.

CORNWALL PAPERS.

Cornwall, or rather Cornwall-on-Hudson, has had its full share of journalistic ups and downs. Through the courtesy of L. G. Goodenough, editor and proprietor of the Local-Press of that place, the writer learns that the first paper, probably, issued in that interesting old town appeared April 15, 1871. It was called The Cornwall Paper: "A Local Record of Things New and Old." It was published by P. P. Hazen, of Cornwall, in conjunction with A. A. Bensel, Ferry Building, Newburgh. It was stipulated, in the editorial announcement, that unless the necessary support in the way of subscriptions, etc., was received, the project would have to be abandoned. Mr. Goodenough has a copy of Volume 1, No. 1, of The Cornwall Paper, and as no other number seems to be in existence, it is assumed the requisite "support" never materialized, and that the paper practically "died aborning."

To a woman belongs the credit of having started the first regularly issued paper in this village. The Cornwall Times appeared May 24, 1875, with Miss S. J. A. Hussey, a highly educated woman, as editor and proprietor. The Times was continued for at least six years, and with credit to herself and to Cornwall. Miss Hussey died February 21, 1898, aged seventy-nine years. Her declining days were passed practically as a recluse in a cabin on Round Top Mountain, which she owned, and where she seemed to be happiest, efforts of relatives to persuade her to live with them proving unavailing.

The Cornwall Reflector was started about 1877 by John Lee, and later was edited by H. H. Snelling, an elderly gentleman of ability and a forceful writer. He continued as editor for ten years, and until failing eyesight forced him to retire, and he went to a St. Louis home for the blind, where he died in the early nineties, after having become totally blind.

In 1879 appeared the Cornwall Mirror. It was published at Highland Falls by James C. Merritt, and was represented in Cornwall by various persons at different times.

In April, 1888, the Cornwall Local appeared, under the management of H. A. Gates, and was an excellent paper. In September, 1889, he disposed of the Local plant to C. P. Brate, of Albany, who induced his brother-in-law, Thomas Pendell, to become its editor and publisher. In June, 1892, the paper came under the present efficient management of L. G. Goodenough. Mr. Pendell became connected with the New York Herald, later with the Middletown Sunday Forum, which he removed to Massena, N. Y., whence he went to Peekskill and then to Poughkeepsie. For the past fifteen years the Local has been conducted by L. G. Goodenough, and is a particularly handsome, bright and ably-edited local journal. Practically the paper's former politics was classed as "independent." In 1896 Mr. Goodenough made it distinctly and avowedly republican, and, as such, it has become an influential member of the county's republican press. In 1859 Mr. Goodenough purchased Mr. Merritt's Cornwall Mirror, merging it with the Local. Recently the name Local-Press was adopted as more significant of a newspaper than the name Local. The Local-Press is an eight-page weekly, issued Thursdays at $1.50 a year, and with an average circulation for the year 1907 of 1,225 copies.

In October, 1898, S. T. Morehouse started a paper known as the Cornwall Courier. It was conducted by Mr. Morehouse, by his son Claude, by the well-known writer Creswell MacLaughlin, Bernard Call, Clark J. Brown, Clayton Brown, and William Clark. It lived until 1906.

WALDEN NEWSPAPERS.

Walden has two good, newsy weekly papers. So far as the writer can ascertain the first paper started there was by Stephen H. Sayer, who, at Middletown, in 1866, started the Rising Sun, and at Montgomery the Wallkill Valley Times (1868), and the Dollar Weekly (1869). Mr. Sayer started at Walden in 1869 the Walden Recorder, but suffered it to go down. In 1870 Chauncey B. Reed resumed its publication and called it the Walden Recorder and Herald, but subsequently dropped the Recorder, and it has since appeared as the Walden Herald. It is now edited by Ward Winfield. It is a well-printed seven-column folio, and devoted entirely to local and general news.

The Walden Citizen was established in 1887 by Jacob Sears, and had its first home over John Simpson's cigar store. The outfit consisted of a Washington hand press and a small quantity of type. After struggling a year, the ownership passed into the hands of a Mr. Scudder, and the plant was removed to the top floor of what is now the Fowler building. Soon afterward Eugen Abel, a practical printer, and Prof. D. C. Dominick, principal of the high school, purchased the concern, enlarged the paper and plant, and were getting the business on a profitable basis when, in 1898, a fire swept everything away. The paper was revived, however, and soon afterward Whitfield Gibbs became owner of the plant and speedily put the paper on solid footing and made it a leading republican paper. John Barringer succeeded Mr. Gibbs, and since March, 1903, the Rev. J. H. Reid has been editor and publisher. The paper is republican in politics, and Mr. Reid makes it a lively publication.

MISCELLANEOUS.

It is not generally known that for two years (1884-1886) the United States Official Postal Guide for New York City was printed in Orange County. A. M. May & Co. had the contract and the printing was done by William H. Nearpass at the Port Jervis Gazette office.

Of the papers at Pine Bush, Monroe, Washingtonville and Chester, mention has already been made.

In the number of publications Newburgh leads with about forty publications or changes from one to another; Middletown comes next with 22, Port Jervis with 15, Goshen with 13, and Montgomery with 7.

Bloomingburg is in Sullivan County. So is New Vernon. But each is on the south slope of the Shawangunk range and on the Shawangunk Kill, which divides the counties of Orange and Sullivan. In each place there was once a paper that practically was an Orange County production, and depended to a greater or less extent on this county for its support. The first was the Signs of the Times in about 1883. The other was the Sullivan Whig at Bloomingburg, in 1846. The former was Elder Beebe's Old School Baptist organ; the latter John W. Hasbrouck found at Bloomingburg in 1846, where he began to learn the printing trade.

INCIDENTS.

As an auxiliary incident of Orange County journalism, it may not be entirely out of place to record some facts regarding journalism in Pike County, Pa., opposite Port Jervis. In 1846 or 1847 James J. McNally removed the material of the Goshen Sentinel to Milford, in Pike County, and started the Pike County Democrat, July 14, 1849. It was a seven-column folio. In 1852 he changed its name to the Milford Herald. Some time afterward John M. Heller purchased the plant, and put in charge John B. Adams and Harry Heller, the son of J. M. Heller. It passed to several owners, and when O. H. Mott took it, in January 1, 1878, he for some unknown reason changed its name to the Milford Dispatch, which it remains, and now, 1908, it is edited by Josiah F. Terwilliger.

But the first paper in Milford was The Eagle of the North, in 1827, with T. A. Wells, printer. In 1828 it became The Northern Eagle and Milford Monitor, under Benjamin A. Bidwell. Somewhere between 1831 and 1840 the paper disappeared. A second Northern Eagle appeared February 6, 1864, started by Dr. Edward Halliday. It was a red-hot republican journal, and, as might be inferred, had a small constituency in that land of 991 democratic and only a few republican voters, and it died January 1, 1866.

MORE OR LESS PERSONAL.

Orange County's pioneer journalists have been gathered to their fathers. Of the second generation there remains one—as if to link the memories of the first with the fast-reclining activities of the third generation of newspaper workers. And that one relic of the dead past is a woman, now in the sunset of life. Dr. Lydia Saver Hasbrouck is with us yet; a landmark in Orange County journalism—honored by those who know her best, beloved by kindred, respected by all. The twilight of her years is closing pleasantly at her beautiful home on Linden avenue, Middletown.

Of the third generation but few remain of printers, reporters, editors, publishers. The frosts of many winters have silvered their heads, but the "strength of years" finds a few of them still struggling with the insatiable demand of modern type-setting appliances for "copy" and the bustle and rush of daily newspaper life.

At this point it is interesting to take a look at the individuals, the characters—the men and women who have been on the scene of action, and who are there now. We have examined their work—the news and other papers and publications they have produced; we have scanned them in the best light afforded, refracted and reflected, and to know somewhat of those who, in their own and often crude way wrought these paper tablets of thought, let us again look over the field.

MANDEVILLE AND WESTCOTT—The first names to appear—the first characters to attract our attention—are those of David Mandeville and David M. Westcott as publishers of the Goshen Repository (1788), "at the Academy." What relations they had with the old Goshen Academy, or why the Repository was started "at the Academy" is not apparent. Victor M. Drake wrote from his recollections that David M. Westcott "was a practical printer and editor, who served a portion of his time in Benjamin Franklin's old printing office in Philadelphia, though, of course, not under Franklin's mastership. He was born in Cornwall of humble parentage, and in early life was apprenticed to a farmer, and afterward learned the printer's trade. His wife was the daughter of Coe Gale, one of the early settlers of Goshen, by whom he had five daughters and three sons, Mandeville, Nathan, and William. Nathan was clerk of Orange County from 1844 to 1855. David M. Prescott," continues Mr. Drake's recollections, "was not only a good practical printer, but a good merchant and farmer, an able editor, and a trustworthy public servant; he was county clerk in 1815 and 1821, member of assembly in 1828, state senator in 1831-34, and filled many other stations of honor and trust. He acted as editor of the Independent Republican for a long time after Mr. Cheevey was struck down with paralysis. I have repeatedly called him from his labors on the farm to write editorials for the Republican," says Mr. Drake, "for such was the high state of party feeling that its public would trust no other man than 'little Dave Westcott' with the responsibility of editing that paper in critical election times." Such, then, was the character and standing of the first editor in Orange County. That he was a man whose character, whose personality, and whose extraordinary abilities stand clearly silhouetted against Time's somber background, is apparent to the reader and the student of history.

CAREY, LUCIUS—The name of Lucius Carey appears next as the printer of the Newburgh Packet in 1795. Beyond the announcement that he was the son-in-law of the Rev. John Close, he cuts no illustrious figure.

DENNISTON, DAVID—David Denniston appears on the scene in 1797 as the purchaser of the Packet from Carey, and as changing the name to that of The Mirror. He was early in the field as a printer, having a shop in Newburgh in 1796, when he got out a bound pamphlet or book for the Rev. R. Watson, entitled "An Apology for the Bible." Mr. Ruttenber says he was of the New Windsor stock of Dennistons. Mr. Denniston was certainly a busy man, and a thinker. He died in Newburgh, December 13, 1803, of malignant fever, having up to that time been connected, at different times, from 1796 or earlier, to 1803, with the American Citizen and Watch-Tower, of New York City, and The Mirror, The Citizen, and the Rights of Man, in Newburgh.

SCHULTZ, JACOB—A local contemporary of Mr. Denniston was Jacob Schultz, also of New Windsor, where he was born April 23, 1776, and February 14, 1799, married Anna, daughter of John Denniston, of that town. He first appears in the journalistic field as editor and proprietor of the New Windsor Gazette. When this paper came into existence is not known, though it was as early as, and probably some time prior to, 1799, for in that year he moved the paper and plant to Newburgh. In 1818 he retired to a small farm in the town of New Windsor, where he erected a substantial stone house, and where, in rural pursuits and pleasures, he passed the remainder of his days, and was gathered to his fathers in 1859, aged eighty-three years.

WINFIELD, DR. ELIAS—Next on the scene is Dr. Elias Winfield, who, in 1799, started the Rights of Man, and later removed to Kingston, and was lost to subsequent Orange County history.

HEURTIN, JOHN G. AND WILLIAM—John G. and William Heurtin are heard of in 1800 as purchasers of the Goshen Repository, the name of which they changed to that of the Orange County Patriot. They seem to have retired from public view after 1803, when the Patriot passed into the hands of Gabriel Denton and William A. Carpenter, and became The Friend of Truth.

DENTON, GABRIEL—Gabriel Denton appears in 1801 as purchaser of the interest of William Heurtin in the Orange County Patriot. In 1803 Mr. Denton sold his interest to William A. Carpenter. In 1804 Mr. Denton began the publication of the Orange County Gazette at Goshen. In 1808 he started in Goshen the Orange County Patriot and Spirit of Seventy-six. Mr. Denton seems to have been industrious as a founder of newspapers, but others must have reaped the reward, for his last days were passed in the Orange County poorhouse.

COLES, DENNIS—The name of Dennis Coles appears in 1803 as starting the Recorder of the Times, in Newburgh.

GAZLAY, WARD M—In 1804 Ward M. Gazlay appears on the scene for the first time. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and became engaged in the printing business at Goshen as the purchaser of the Friend of Truth, the successor of the Repository and the Patriot. He changed its name to that of the Orange Eagle. His office was destroyed by fire in 1805, and with the remnants he drove into Newburgh, purchased the Recorder of the Times, of Dennis Coles, and changed its name to the Political Index, under which name it continued until 1829. The Recorder claimed to be Republican in politics, but was generally regarded as representing the Federalists and Burrites. When Mr. Gazlay merged the Times with his Goshen paper, and evolved therefrom, at Newburgh the Political Index, the interests of the Republican party were apparently consolidated. It supported Jefferson and Madison, and the War of 1812. Jonathan Fisk wrote the editorials for the Index, and with the inspiration of this able man's articles, the Index cared little for its only contemporary, the Orange County Patriot, a Federalist paper, and the latter retired to Goshen, whence it came, to become the Goshen Democrat. He sold his Index to Charles M. Cushman, in 1829. Mr. Gazlay served as a magistrate in the village of Newburgh for some years, and died there in April, 1836, aged fifty-four years. His wife was Bridget, daughter of Jonathan and Bridget Carter, by whom he had three sons.

BEACH, CYRUS; PRATT, LUTHER—At Montgomery, May 6, 1806, appeared the names of Cyrus Beach and Luther Pratt, as printers, or rather publishers, "for the proprietors," of the Orange County Republican. The proprietors were twenty-four "patriotic citizens of the county." Pratt's name remained connected with the paper until 1818, when it became the Independent Republican, with James A. Cheevey as its proprietor.

HENDRIE, R. C. S—The name of R. C. S. Hendrie appears in Goshen between 1822 and 1834, through coming into proprietorship of the Patriot. He sold it to F. T. Parsons, who changed its name to the Goshen Democrat, February 22, 1834. In 1843 Mr. Hendrie started the rue Whig, and two years later sold it to Mead & Son, who united it with the Democrat under the name of the Democrat and Whig.

CROWELL, T. B—T. B. Crowell appeared in 1812 as the publisher of the Patriot, and in 1822 as its proprietor. Then he passed from the scene.

VANDYCK, HENRY H.—In 1832 the name of Henry H. Vandyck appears, in connection with the purchase of the Independent Republican at Goshen. In 1836 he was elected to the State Senate. In October, 1839, he became proprietor of the Newburgh Telegraph. His course in favoring the building of the Erie Railroad—a terrible commercial blow to Newburgh—was so displeasing to the people of Newburgh that he disposed of the paper to Elias Pitts, and left. He went to Albany, and became editor of the Albany Atlas, and was later elected Comptroller of the State. He was a Democrat of the Jackson school.

VAIL, LEBBEUS L.—Lebbeus Lothrop Vail was born at Middletown, in 1793. His father was Squire Izaiah Vail, a farmer and miller, and his mother, Azuba Horton. Mr. Vail, after engaging in various occupations, finally started at Goshen the Signs of the Times in 1832. In 1843 Vail and Denton started the Democratic Standard, which afterwards came into the possession of his son Hector, who changed its name to the Goshen Clarion.

Mr. Vail was a highly popular citizen, and was elected county clerk for two terms by handsome majorities. He died in 1849, and was buried in Middletown, but the remains were afterwards transferred to Goshen. Mr. Vail was married to Sally Moon, who lived until 1876.

CUSHMAN, CHARLES M.—Charles M. Cushman in 1829 purchased Gazlay's Political Index at Newburgh. He changed it to the Orange Telegraph and later to the Newburgh Telegraph. Mr. Ruttenber says of him that he was a descendant of Robert Cushman, one of the original company of Pilgrims who sailed for the New World August 5, 1620 (O. S.) He was born in Washington County, N. Y., March 20, 1802, served as an apprentice in Rutland, Vt., and subsequently in Boston; and retired from printing in 1839. He was one of the founders of the Newburgh public libraries, and also helped to establish the Quassaic Bank, and also the Newburgh Savings Bank. In 1853 he was chosen to represent the first assembly district of Orange County in the legislature. In June, 1832, he married Mary, fourth daughter of Captain John Birdsall. He died without issue at Rhinebeck, June 1, 1859.

SPALDING, JOHN D.—A contemporary of Mr. Cushman was John D. Spalding or Spaulding. He was born in Salem, Mass., January, 1800, and came to Newburgh in 1815 with his father, the Rev. Joshua Spaulding, of the Presbyterian Church. He served an apprenticeship as "devil" with Ward M. Gazlay, was subsequently connected with the Newburgh Gazette and the Journal, for about thirty-eight years. He married Elizabeth L., daughter of Rev. John Johnston, D.D., of Newburgh, and died August 22, 1853, in his fifty-fourth year. He was survived by several children.

PITTS, ELIAS—Elias Pitts practically succeeded Mr. Cushman in Newburgh journalism. He was born in Columbia County, N. Y., in 1810, graduated at the Kinderhook Academy, served an apprenticeship in the Kinderhook Sentinel, and became interested in the paper. Later he was in the editorial department of the Rochester Advertiser, and succeeded Mr. VanDyck on the Newburgh Telegraph in the winter of 1840, which continued until 1850. He was next heard of at Poughkeepsie as editor of the Poughkeepsie American. Soon after 1853 he received an appointment to a clerkship in the State Department at Washington, which continued until his death at Washington, July 21, 1854. His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of John Jamieson, of Newburgh. His second wife was Margaret, daughter of John Whited.

It is practically at this point that we come to the parting of the ways—the passing of the real pioneers in Orange County journalism. The generation has come and gone, so far as activity is concerned, and we find coming on the stage new actors. They were, however, evidently of the same mould of character, infusing into their work their personality, and stamping on their productions the ineffable marks of strong individuality.

SECOND GENERATION JOURNALISTS.

DRAKE, VICTOR M.—First and clearly foremost in the second generation of early journalists was Victor M. Drake. He was born at Milford, Pa., March 20, 1813. His father was Rufus J., a son of Francis Drake, of Blooming Grove, Orange County, N. Y. From the seventeenth century the family had lived in Orange County, in the towns of Goshen and Chester. His great-grandfather, Joseph Drake, was said to be a lineal descendant of Sir Francis Drake, of England, who died in 1794. The mother of V. M. Drake was Rhoda Pierson, a daughter of Rachel Bull, whose mother was a sister of Mary DeWitt, the mother of DeWitt Clinton. At the age of eleven years, Victor M. Drake entered the office of the Goshen Independent Republican, where he served as apprentice, journeyman, editor and proprietor of the paper, and in 1846 he became connected with the New Jersey Herald, at Newton, as reporter, editor and proprietor, remaining there until 1871. Mr. Drake lived an abstemious, careful, circumspect life, and died in Goshen in 1894, and his remains repose in the cemetery at that place.

Frank M. Drake, the present able and dignified editor and proprietor of the Goshen Independent Republican, is a son of this venerable and respected journalist, who infused a high standard in local journalism, and left a name that should ever be revered in Orange County newspaper circles.

BEEBE, ELDER GILBERT—Elder Gilbert Beebe, the editor of the old-school Baptist publication, the Signs of the Times, of Middletown, for nearly half a century, was the son of David Beebe and Eunice Case. He was born at Norwich, Conn., November 25, 1800, and died May 2, 1881 at his home in Middletown, N. Y. He was of the old-school Baptist faith and was licensed to preach in 1818. In 1823 he married at New York City, Miss Phoebe A. Cunningham, and the same year he was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church at Ramapo, N. Y. After serving pastorates in this church and the Baptist Church at New Vernon, he moved to Middletown, N. Y., in 1847, which place henceforth became his home, where the remainder of his life was passed in editorial work on the Signs, which he moved there in 1848, and in expounding the Baptist faith as stated supply for several nearby churches.

When Elder Gilbert Beebe became editor of the Signs of the Times, a David had entered the theological field, armed with the slings of regeneration, the rocks of inspiration, and the strength of devoutness—backed by a printing press and waiting shrines. He was a worker, and became a power in the land. When Elder Beebe passed away the old-school Baptist creed lost its leader, and no one seems to have risen to take his place; the stage of Orange County journalism lost one of its most picturesque figures, the field one of its unique landmarks—a type of preacher and editor that has already passed, never to return.

MEAD, CHARLES—A contemporary of Victor M. Drake was Charles Mead, though born six years later, November 19, 1819, at Newburgh. His father was Xenophon Mead, and his mother was Abigail, daughter of Moses Burr, a relative of Aaron Burr. Charles Mead was educated under the then well-known Goshen teacher, Nathaniel Webb. At the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed in the office of the Orange County Patriot, under William B. Wright, who afterward became judge of the supreme court of New York State. He went to Carbondale, Pa., in 1839, and remained one year as editor of the Carbondale Journal. In 1841-42 he was employed on Graham's Magazine, in Philadelphia. May 9, 1842, he married Caroline A., daughter of Daniel Worden, of Goshen, who died November 11, 1880. Shortly after his marriage he purchased the Goshen Democrat of the heirs of Frederick T. Parsons. In 1865 he associated with him his son, William B. Mead, and January 1, 1892, sold his interest to Edwin L. Roys. His second wife was Miss Fannie Jackson, of Goshen. Mr. Mead lived a quiet, unobtrusive life, and made his paper a handsomely printed, model conservative Republican journal. He died April 22, 1893, and his remains repose in St. John's cemetery, Goshen.

McNALLY, JAMES J.—One of the men who left their impress on the printing art in Orange County, as well as in Sussex and Pike Counties, was the venerable James J. McNally. He learned the printing trade in the office of the Signs of the Times at New Vernon. Thence he went to Newton, N. J., and worked on the New Jersey Herald. From there he went to Milford, Pa., where, it is believed, he started the Pike County Democrat, which became the Milford Herald, now the Dispatch. In the spring of 1852 he went to Goshen and bought the Independent Republican, which, seven years later, he sold to Isaac V. Montanye. In the spring of 1859 he again went to Newton, N. J., this time as the editor and proprietor of the New Jersey Herald. This paper he finally sold and returned to Goshen, and again became owner of the Independent Republican. In 1869 he sold the same to Edward M. Ruttenber. The same year he became owner of the Newburgh Telegraph, daily and weekly, purchasing the same of A. A. Bensel. In 1874 he sold it to Dr. Cooper, of Warwick. For a short time he conducted a grocery store in Middletown, then became connected with the Carmel Courier. In 1882 he went to Monroe and started the Monroe Herald. In 1888 he started at Goshen the Goshen News, and for a time conducted both of these publications, printing them at Goshen. This he continued until the spring of 1892, when he died, and both publications ceased. Mr. McNally was a good printer, a sharp, witty writer, and an energetic worker. His son, William C. McNally, is the owner and editor of the Ellenville (Ulster County) Press.

RUTTENBER, EDWARD M.—Edward M. Ruttenber was born in Bennington, Vt., July 17, 1824, entered the office of the Vermont Gazette in 1837, as a "printer's devil," came to Newburgh in 1838, as an apprentice to Charles M. Cushman, an old friend of his father, on the Newburgh Telegraph. Three years later he entered the office of the Newburgh Gazette, where he remained until 1845, when he became foreman of the Telegraph, then owned by Elias Pitts. In May, 1850, he purchased the Newburgh Telegraph, and successfully conducted the same until 1857. It was a weekly, printed on a hand-press. To Mr. Ruttenber belongs the honor of bringing to Orange County the first steam-power press, on which the Telegraph was printed in 1853. In 1851 the Telegraph absorbed the Newburgh Excelsior, and the Gazette in 1857. Early in 1857 Mr. Ruttenber and E. W. Gray began issuing the Daily News from the office of the Telegraph. Mr. Ruttenber sold the plant late in 1857, repurchased it in 1859, sold it in 1861, repurchased it in 1866, and in 1867 sold it to A. A. Bensel. In 1869 he and James J. McNally became owners of the plant. In the autumn of that year Mr. Ruttenber retired, to become part owner of the Goshen Independent Republican, which in 1870, he sold to H. P. Kimber. After leaving that paper he and a younger son started a job printing office in Newburgh. From July, 1863, to January, 1865, when he resigned, Mr. Ruttenber was engaged in the Bureau of Military Records at Albany. Added to his other accomplishments Mr. Ruttenber delved deeply and learnedly into historical lore, and became the first authority on Indian nomenclature and the author of four or five valuable historical works. The first was a "History of Newburgh" (1859); the next was a work entitled "Obstructions to Navigation of Hudson's River": next "A History of the Flags of the Volunteer Regiments of the State of New York." A "History of the Indian Tribes of Hudson's River" followed, and is a work that is now in great demand. In 1875 he began in serial form a "History of Orange County." His last work was "Footprints of the Red Men," containing Indian geographical names in the valleys of the Hudson, Mohawk and Delaware, their location and probable meaning. This was issued in 1906, and was published under the auspices of the New York State Historical Association. In addition to his journalistic and historical work, Mr. Ruttenber found time to work in local educational matters, and in 1870 had served twelve years as a member of the Newburgh board of education. In 1846 Mr. Ruttenber married Matilda A., daughter of Mark McIntyre, of Newburgh, to whom two sons were born: Charles B., who became a musician of considerable repute, and Walker F., associated with his father in the printing business, and editor and publisher of the Newburgh Telegram. Edward M. Ruttenber died in December, 1907, aged eighty-three years, deeply loved by his family and those who knew him best, and respected and honored by all. He was a man of genial temperament, companionable, and the evening of life found him amiable, courteous, warm-hearted, lovable. Orange County was greatly enriched by his coming, and impoverished by his going. His grave on the banks of the historic Hudson, in the hillside city of his adoption, should ever be kept green.

HASBROUCK, JOHN W.—John Whitbeck Hasbrouck, the son of Richard Hasbrouck and Mary Johnson, was born at Woodstock, Ulster County, N. Y., November 20, 1821. In 1834 the parents of John W. Hasbrouck removed from Woodstock to Kingston, where the subject of this sketch completed his education at the famous Kingston Academy, and began his journalistic career in 1845 with the Kingston Journal. In the spring of 1846 Mr. Hasbrouck purchased the Sullivan Whig at Bloomingburg, Sullivan County, but disposed of it in 1851, and the same year went to Middletown, where he started the Whig Press, which later became the Orange County Press, merging finally into the Times-Press in 1906. Mr. Hasbrouck retired both from his paper and active journalism in 1868, though his graceful pen was never entirely idle until stilled by the Great Destroyer in 1907.

Mr. Hasbrouck married Miss Lydia Sayer, M.D., of Warwick, N. Y., July 27, 1856, who still survives him. He found in this cultured lady a true help meet, one with ready brain and brawn, and together, hand in hand, they traveled down life's pathway, with a harmony seldom paralleled, and the parting of the ways found them with silvered heads and the harvest of autumn goldened by the rays of life's declining sun.

HASBROUCK, DR. LYDIA SAYER, was born December 20, 1827, in the town of Warwick, N. Y. She early determined to fit herself for a professional life, and graduated at the Hygiea Therapeutic College in New York, with the degree of doctor of medicine. Mrs. Hasbrouck's life-work has been chiefly that of an educator, lecturer and physician, and her connection with Orange County journalism was of brief duration. For eight years she was editor of her husband's paper, the Sybil, a semi-monthly reform paper, and she started a paper called the Liberal Sentinel.

MONTANYE, ISAAC V.—Isaac V. Montanye was born May 3, 1825, on the eastern slope of the Shawangunk Mountain near New Vernon, and died December 26, 1906, in the eighty-second year of his age. He entered the office of the Goshen Independent Republican in the early forties, as an apprentice under Victor M. Drake. In 1846 Mr. Montanye and John S. Clark purchased the Independent of the late Moses B. Swezey, who had succeeded V. M. Drake. Later Mr. Montanye purchased Mr. Clark's interest, and, in 1853, sold the paper to James J. McNally, and in 1875 became, for the second time, the owner of the Independent Republican. A few years later he again sold the plant to James J. McNally. In 1876 he became owner of the plant for the third time, having this time purchased it of T. P. McElrath. In 1883 he disposed of his interest to his son Lucien Montanye, and Frank Drake. He had been connected with the State Journal in Madison, Wis., the Mercury at Middletown, the Telegraph at Newburgh, the Index at Port Jervis, and the Record at Washingtonville. He started the latter two papers, and was connected with the Record when he died. Mr. Montanye installed the first cylinder press, turned by hand, in Orange County, which he set up in the office of the Independent Republican in 1850, replacing the old hand-press. He also installed the first newspaper folding machine in the Middletown Mercury. In 1870 Mr. Montanye was elected member of assembly from the second district of Orange County, and later secured an appointment in the New York custom-house. In 1899 he resigned this position, and, with his grandson, Montanye Rightmyer, established the Orange County Record at Washingtonville.

MARTIN, CYRUS B.—Cyrus B. Martin appeared in the field in 1861, when he became the purchaser of the Highland Chieftain, and changed its name to the Newburgh Daily Journal, which it retains to this day.

Mr. Martin was born in Argyle, Washington County, N. Y., September 6, 1830, and having early learned the printer's trade, was employed as a compositor on the Albany Journal, where he remained from 1850 to 1855, when he became one of the editors of the Chenango Telegraph, published at Norwich, N. Y. He continued on this paper until he purchased the present Newburgh Daily Journal in 1861. Upon severing his connection with the latter publication in 1877, he returned to Norwich, where various interests demanded his care and attention. He became president of that great industry known as the David Maydole Hammer Company, and also president of the Chenango County Bank. He departed this life some years ago while still actively engaged in business duties.

RITCHIE, SAMUEL—Samuel Ritchie, who as editor and part proprietor of the Newburgh Daily Journal, and president of the Newburgh Journal Company, has been connected with that paper for over thirty-one years, was born at Larne, Ireland, July 3, 1836. He was the son of Robert L. and Sarah E. Ritchie, and came to Newburgh in 1839, where, with the exception of one year, he has resided ever since. He was for many years connected with the Newburgh Daily Journal in a reportorial capacity and as city editor, and on March 1, 1877, with Messrs. Hull and Rodine, he purchased that paper from Cyrus B. Martin, and became its editor, remaining such to the present time.

Mr. Ritchie has long been recognized as an able editorial writer, and being possessed of a keen wit, he wields a trenchant pen. His kindly nature, however, has ever rendered him cautious against wantonly injuring the feelings of others, and now, in the evening of life, he reaps the reward of his upright conduct, in the regard and esteem of his fellow-men.

HULL, FRANK S—Frank S. Hull, for many years part proprietor of the Newburgh Daily Journal, and at present the vice-president and treasurer of the Newburgh Journal Company, was born in Newburgh, June 6, 1853. He became while a boy highly interested in printing and successfully carried on several amateur periodicals. Upon the retirement of Cyrus B. Martin, in 1877, from the management of the Newburgh Daily Journal, he was one of the three gentlemen who purchased the former's interest, and has remained connected with that paper ever since.

TUCKER, JOHN F.—John F. Tucker was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., on July 3, 1850, and after leaving school became connected with the Poughkeepsie Eagle. He left that paper in 1872 to take charge of the Government printing office at West Point, where he remained for twelve years, resigning in 1884 to become city editor of the Newburgh Register. With that paper he remained connected as city editor, part proprietor and sole editor, until its suspension in February, 1908. Mr. Tucker has been one of the hardest workers among newspaper men, and ever noted for the conscientious manner in which he discharged the various duties allotted to him. For many years he has been the secretary of the Newburgh Board of Trade, and to his efficiency in office, and active interest in every movement likely to benefit his city, is due a great part of the success attained by the Board of Trade.

THIRD GENERATION JOURNALISTS.

The most recent of the old school of second generation journalists to pass away was the Hon. Isaac V. Montanye, of the Orange County Record, at Washingtonville, who died December 6, 1906, and in December, 1907, Edward Ruttenber of Newburgh.

There now remains on the stage of life only Mrs. Hasbrouck of the second generation; and of the third generation, Gilbert Van Sciver, Middletown; Isaac F. Guiwits, Kansas City; Samuel Ritchie, Newburgh; William H. Nearpass, Port Jervis; William T. Doty, Port Jervis; Evander B. Willis, California. These are named in the order of their appearance in the journalistic field of Orange County, rather than with reference to their ages.

VAN SCIVER, GILBERT—Probably the oldest male printer in the county to-day is Gilbert Van Sciver, of Middletown. He has been almost continuously "in the harness" since 1852 until two years ago (1906), when the Press and Times of that city united. He became an apprentice in the office of John W. Hasbrouck's Whig Press in 1852, when the office was located in the building on North and Depot streets, opposite the carpet-bag factory. In 1857 he went to New York and was there employed as a journeyman for eight years. In 1865 he returned to Middletown, and was re-employed in the Press office, and there remained until the paper lost its identity and merged with the Times.

NORTON, JAMES H.—August 10, 1854, the name of James H. Norton first appeared in Orange County journalism. On that date Mr. Norton purchased the Tri-States Union of Port Jervis, of Lucius F. Barnes, and there then entered Orange County a journalistic genius—a talent that was destined to cut a most important figure in the newspaper life of the county and far beyond its boundaries. James Henry Norton was born at Goshen, Connecticut, in May, 1823, and after a common school education in his native town, he was admitted to the bar before he was twenty-one years old, and was appointed District Attorney of Wayne County, Pa. He finally decided to abandon the law for journalism, and purchased and edited the Wayne County Herald at Honesdale, and some years later sold the plant and went to Boonville, Oneida County, N. Y., where he started the Boonville Ledger in partnership with H. B. Beardsley. From Boonville he came to Port Jervis in 1854 and purchased the Tri-States Union, which he edited until 1861. In 1862 he removed to Middletown and purchased G. J. Beebe's Middletown Mercury, which he and Isaac F. Guiwits made the brightest country newspaper in the United States. In 1867 he disposed of his interest in the Mercury to Isaac V. Montanye, and April 22, 1869, he and William H. Nearpass started the Evening Gazette, tri-weekly, at Port Jervis. A few years later, in company with W. H. Nearpass and I. F. Guiwits, he organized a concern known as the Franklin Printing Company, for printing "patent insides" for country newspapers, and in 1882-3 started The News at Middletown, which he sold to Charles Conkling. His later work was as correspondent for the Sun, Herald and Times. In 1847 he married Miss Elizabeth Monson at Bethany, Pa. He died January 20, 1894, at his home in Middletown, and his remains rest in Hillside Cemetery.

GUIWITS, ISAAC F.—Shortly after Mr. Norton came to Orange County, he induced a bright young printer from "up State" to join him in Port Jervis as a journeyman, and Isaac F. Guiwits came, then a mere boy. But he had talents, and Mr. Norton knew it. Young Guiwits accompanied Mr. Norton to Middletown, and the two made the Middletown Mercury the great country newspaper that it became in the '60's. In 1869 Mr. Guiwits started the first daily newspaper in Middletown, the Daily Mail. Later he was connected with the Franklin Printing Company, and when that merged with the New York Newspaper Union, and became the Union Printing Company, Mr. Guiwits still retained an interest and a position, and he was sent to St. Louis and later to Kansas City to manage a branch of the concern. His wife, who was a Miss Mackey, of Middletown, died four years ago, since which time Mr. Guiwits's health has steadily declined. Three years ago he went to Los Angeles, California, where he died at the age of sixty-nine, March 25, 1908. Mr. Guiwits was one of the most graceful writers that ever adorned the Orange County press.

FRIEND, DR. JOSEPH D.—One of the able editorial writers on the Democratic papers in Middletown from about 1860 to his death in the '80's, was Dr. Joseph D. Friend. He was a regular medical practitioner, but preferred newspaper work, and many of the stirring editorials in the Mercury, the Mail and the Argus were from his trenchant pen. For a time he owned the Mail, and when it was merged with the Mercury, he became a partner with George H. Thompson, from which he retired in 1874. Dr. Friend was a genial, whole-souled man, and the writer remembers him as one who gave him encouragement, kind words, and good advice at a time when such were needed and did the most good.

NEARPASS, WILLIAM H.—William Henry Nearpass was born in Montague township, Sussex County, N. J., May 9, 1840, being the son of Michael Nearpass and Charlotte E. Stewart. He removed with his parents to Port Jervis in 1856, and attended the schools there until he was nineteen, when he embarked in mercantile pursuits which he successfully pursued until he retired from business to devote himself to journalism. With Evi Shinier he became the proprietor of the Gazette, and has retained his interest in that successful publication ever since.

Mr. Nearpass has always been an active Democrat and very influential in his party's counsels, having held various village offices, and elected supervisor of the county nineteen times.

Mr. Nearpass has always enjoyed the highest esteem of his fellow citizens, for his character has ever been above reproach, while every public duty has been faithfully and ably discharged. During the many years he has been the editor of the Gazette, he has never used its columns for the gratification of private spite or the furtherance of selfish interests, but has always hewed close to the Golden Rule in all his walks of life; and now the afternoon of his career finds him with a blameless life, a clear conscience, a love for his fellow mortals that no faults of others, injuries, assaults or misconceptions have ever chilled.

Mr. Nearpass was twice married, his first wife being Miss Anna W. Newman, of Brooklyn, L. I., who died in 1879. On September 8, 1881, he married Miss Josephine Westfall near Port Jervis.

DOTY, WILLIAM T.—Mr. Doty was born at Crabtree's Corner, Sussex County, N. J., March 11, 1847. His parents were Jonathan Fisk Doty and Phoebe Jane Van Wert Doty. Mr. Doty is a descendant of Edward Doten or Doty, who came over in the Mayflower and settled at Plymouth, Mass., in 1620. His mother was one of the Van Wert or Van Wart family, one of whom assisted in the capture of Major Andre. Mr. Doty received a good education in the public and best private schools of that day.

Mr. Doty's first connection with Orange County journalism was at the early age of sixteen, when he became attached to the Tri-States Union at Port Jervis, in which latter city he is yet. He afterwards became connected with the Middletown Mercury, the Banner of Liberty, the Whig Press, the Signs of the Times, and in Col. Finch's job printing office on Franklin Square when in 1866 S. H. Sayer's Rising Sun flickered above the horizon a few times and disappeared. The Mercury and the Banner of Liberty each had offices in the frame building (now a brick block) next to the Holding House, on East Main street. When Isaac F. Guiwits started his Daily Mail in 1869, Mr. Doty set type on it. He was employed on the Whig Press in 1866, when John W. and Mrs. Lydia Hasbrouck changed its name to the Orange County Press. He was also on the Press, though not continuously, when, in 1868, it was purchased by Moses D. and Jesse Lewis Stivers. In the meantime he was employed for several months on the Warwick Advertiser while it was yet conducted by Elder Leonard Cox. It was not until April, 1869, that he returned to Port Jervis, this time to become foreman of the Evening Gazette, at the time James H. Norton and William H. Nearpass started that paper. Except for short intervals in Port Jervis and a few months in Warwick, he was continuously employed in the various Middletown offices from 1865 to 1869. His personal recollections of the older inhabitants of that place, and particularly of the newspaper men and women—John W. and Dr. Lydia Sayer Hasbrouck, Elder Gilbert Beebe and his sons, G. J. and Benton Beebe, James H. Norton, Isaac F. Guiwits, Hon. Moses D. Stivers, Dr. Joseph D. Friend, Hon. Isaac V. Montanye, Evander B. Willis, Gilbert Van Sciver, Elder Cox of Warwick, Coe Finch, E. Malcolm Norton, "Doxy," Charles Coleman and others, is pleasant to recall after half a century's flight of changing years. Leaving the Gazette, Mr. Doty was a compositor on the New York Tribune soon after the present structure replaced the squatty old home of the office on Printing House Square, and when the composing-room was in the wonderful "Tall Tower" overlooking City Hall Park—which structure used to amuse the Sun so much that it never tired of being facetious over the Tribune's "Tall Tower." He was also a compositor on the Times and the World in those days. In 1871 he, in company with Charles St. John, Jr., and Alfred E. Spooner, bought the Tri-States Union, of Port Jervis, of Foster & Mitchell. They made many changes in the Union, and in politics they heartily supported Horace Greeley in his candidacy for the Presidency. They also issued as a campaign paper The Woodchopper. In 1873 he associated with William H. Waller, of Monticello, in leasing the Gazette of George A. Clement. Some years later he again went to New York City, this time as printer in charge of the issuing of a little Liberal or Free Thought paper called Man, published at 744 Broadway by Thaddeus B. Wakeman and Thoron C. Leland. Later he became reporter on the New York Star, then the Tammany organ, and printed at North William street just off of Chatham street (now Park Row). In the latter part of the '80's he was employed as editor of the Port Jervis Daily Union until 1888, when in obedience to a telegraphic offer from Morris Koch, manager of William A. Clark's Daily Miner, he was called to Butte City, Montana, to become editor of that paper in the interests of the Montana Democrats. He went there in June of that year, and in the fall moved his family there. In the fall of 1889 he went to the Pacific Coast, with the intention of going into business in Seattle. He was accompanied by his son Vernon, and they spent some time in Portland, Salem, Tacoma, and Seattle, the lad attending school in this latter city. Unfortunately Seattle was then a city of tents, a great fire having, late in that summer, devastated the whole lower and business section of the city. In the winter of 1890 Mr. Doty returned East with his family, and became editor of the Middletown Daily Press under Stivers, Slauson & Boyd. The following year he became editor of the Orange County Farmer of Port Jervis, and remained in that position until 1897, when he returned to Middletown, and associated with Horace W. Corey in the publishing of the Sunday Forum. When that paper was sold to Thomas Pendell, Mr. Doty returned to Port Jervis as editor of the Daily Union, which position he occupies at this time (March, 1908).

William T. Doty and Catharine Elizabeth, the daughter of Andrew W. Dickert, of Youngsville, Warren County, Pa., were married October 6, 1875. Three children bless that union: Gwendolen, the wife of John S. Hatch, Jr., of near Scotchtown, this county; Vernon Dickert Doty, train dispatcher on the Panama R. R. at Colon; Louaine, wife of Charles A. Miller, of Midland Lake, near Middletown. A fourth child, Wentworth Doty, died in Port Jervis, March 12, 1888, aged thirteen months. There are four grandchildren: Helen and Louaine Miller, and Naomi and Llewellyn Hatch. Mr. Doty's home is at Circleville, this county, where he has a "little farm well tilled" that affords him more comfort and pleasure than all that the cities or town can offer. During his many years of residence in Port Jervis, and where his children were born, he was for twelve years a more or less active fireman and a member of Delaware Engine, and later, Hose Company No. 2, which he joined in 1863, and of which he was foreman two years. Later he was first assistant chief engineer two years, acting as chief one year, after the removal of Leopold Fuerth, the chief, to Honesdale. He is a member of Port Jervis Lodge No. 328, F. A. M., and Neversink Chapter 186, R. A. M., of which he joined the former in 1871 and the latter in 1872. He is also a member of Delaware Commandery No. 44, Knights Templar, and of Mecca Temple A. A. O. N. M. S., of New York City; past grand of Utsayantha Lodge of Odd Fellows and past chief patron of Deerpark Encampment, I. O. O. F., and was the first chancellor commander of Mount William Lodge 105, K. of P.; is a member of Orange Chapter No. 33, O. E. S., and of Port Jervis Lodge No. 645, B. P. O. Elks.

COX, ELDER LEONARD—Elder Leonard Cox came to Warwick early in the '60's as an Old School Baptist preacher and started the Warwick Advertiser. The Advertiser not only lives, but after 42 years of useful existence is to-day a monument to the preacher-editor's judgment, force of character and early craftsmanship. In 1868 or 1869 Mr. Cox returned to Virginia, where he is still living and editing, in connection with his son, the Charlotte Gazette, at Charlotte Court-House, Va., and still active at the age of ninety years. The writer has very pleasant personal recollections of this venerable worker, having for a time been employed in his office in Warwick as a journeyman printer.

STIVERS, HON. MOSES D.—The name of Moses Dunning Stivers deserves an important niche in the county's journalistic gallery, for, after he began to take part in newspaper work, he was an active, energetic, progressive and leading factor. He was an able writer—incisive and wonderfully effective. He was well educated, ever affable and courteous, a clean-cut gentleman. He first appeared in active connection with journalism in March, 1868, when he purchased of John W. Hasbrouck the Orange County Press in association with his brother, Lieutenant Jesse L. Stivers. The latter was a practical printer, had twice enlisted in the army in the Civil War, and died in New York City, April 30, 1871, aged thirty years. Hon. M. D. Stivers was with the Press when the Evening Press (tri-weekly) was started, and later when the tri-weekly became a daily edition. He was instrumental in making it one of the leading country Republican papers of the State. Associated with him, at different times, in the business and editorial departments of the Press, were John W. Slauson, Charles J. Boyd, Albert Kessinger, and F. Stanhope Hill. In December, 1880, Mr. Stivers sold his interest in the concern to John W. Slauson, and retired.

In 1891, in conjunction with his two sons, Lewis S. and John D. Stivers, Mr. Stivers started the Middletown Times. From the first this paper was a success, and the popularity it attained at its inception has never waned, but continued after the death of their father in February, 1895. Moses D. Stivers was born near Bennerville, Sussex County, N. J., December 30, 1828, and was the son of John Stivers and Margaret Dunning, his wife. In 1845 the family purchased and removed to the Deacon Hallock farm at Ridgebury in this county. Mr. Stivers attended both the public and private schools, finishing his education at the Ridgebury Academy, after leaving which, for several years, he taught school winters and worked his fathers farm summers.

On September 26, 1855, he married Mary Elizabeth Stewart, of Wawayanda, and then for two years kept a store at Ridgebury, and in 1859 engaged in the mercantile business in Middletown, first under the firm name of Evans & Stivers, and then under that of Stivers & Wallace. In 1864 Mr. Stivers was elected county clerk, and in 1868 he became connected with journalism by the purchase of the Orange County Press.

Mr. Stivers held several political offices besides that of county clerk, being postmaster at Ridgebury under President Pierce, was appointed collector of internal revenue in 1868 for this district, and was elected to Congress. Mr. Stivers was also active in civic affairs, being a director of the Unionville and Water Gap Railroad, a trustee of the Middletown Asylum for the Insane, and of the Hillside Cemetery; also a trustee of the Middletown Savings Bank. He also took a keen interest in firemanic affairs, and filled the highest offices in the lodges of the Free Masons and Odd Fellows.

Mr. Stivers was a man of strong personality, indomitable will-power, and diplomatic and statesmanlike qualities, which made him a commanding figure in Orange County politics and journalism.

ST. JOHN, CHARLES.—When he was in the work there was no more enthusiastic or energetic newspaper man in Orange County than Charles St. John, Jr., the founder of the Port Jervis Daily Union (1873), and the New York Farmer (1881). He entered the journalistic field in 1871 in company with W. T. Doty and A. E. Spooner, when the three purchased the Tri-States Union at Port Jervis. For years he was more or less active in the work, and retained an interest in the Union and the Farmer, until October, 1907, when his partner and brother-in-law, Fred R. Salmon, purchased his entire interest in the two papers. While Mr. St. John could write energetically and with much effect, it was as an organizer, solicitor and business hustler that he shone brightest. Mr. St. John was a graduate of the famous old Mt. Retirement Seminary in Sussex County, N. J., near Deckertown, and of the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie. He was born in Port Jervis, August 30, 1849, a son of Hon. Charles St. John, of Port Jervis, and Ellen S. Thompson, of near Marlboro, Ulster County. The St. Johns were an old family, that early came from Connecticut to New York State, and nearly a century ago Stephen St. John came to Port Jervis and purchased nearly all the land where Port Jervis now stands. In 1870 Charles St. John, Jr., married Miss Mary Salmon at Honesdale, Pa., a daughter of Conductor Charles M. Salmon and Jeannette Russell.

FOWLER, ERWIN GALLATIN.—Erwin Gallatin Fowler, who started the Sunday Call in Port Jervis, and for several years edited the Daily Union and the Orange County Farmer, was born at Walden, N. Y., November 28, 1837, and died April 3, 1904. His parents were Charles Fowler and Millie Ann Lehman. He attended the schools at Walden, became a teacher, enlisted in the Duryea Zouaves, went to the front in the Civil War and became first lieutenant. After the war he was employed in Newburgh for a while, part of the time on the Journal. In 1870 he removed to Huguenot, and in 1872 became connected with the Port Jervis Union. Later he started the Sunday Call, and was called hence to Middletown to edit the Daily Press. September 8, 1881, he became editor of the Orange County Farmer, just started, and remained with this paper until he and John J. Dillon bought the Elmira Husbandman, going thence to the Rural New-Yorker and later to the American Agriculturist. The last work that he did in the editorial line was as editor of the Orange County Farmer, when fatal illness stilled forever his able pen. During the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893 he had charge of the New York horticultural exhibit. Mr. Fowler, in addition to his editorial work, interested himself considerably in musical matters, and was president of the Orange County Musical Union. As a writer Mr. Fowler was able, ready, and facile. His homilies were not long-drawn-out, but were wonderfully effective, and his descriptive powers were fine. He had an extensive knowledge of agricultural matters, and when in charge of the Orange County Farmer put that paper on a high plane, and made it popular and its circulation grew to large proportions. Personally, Mr. Fowler was genial, the soul of good-nature, philanthropic and benevolent to the last degree. Mr. Fowler and Miss Fannie F. Dunning were married March 19, 1862.

MOTT, ED. H.—Though not directly connected with Orange County journalism, Ed. H. Mott, the well-known writer and correspondent of the New York Sun, was for a time, in 1871, editor of the Gazette, and after that the Daily Union at Port Jervis. Mr. Mott was too restless to be tied down to the drudgery of the daily grind on a newspaper, and in time he found himself in the regular employ of the New York Sun, with a desk in that office, grinding out Pike County tale's and character delineations that brought him notoriety and shekels galore. He is at present located in Goshen, and yet writing for the New York Sun. He also wrote a history of the Erie Railroad, which is valuable and a high-priced production. Mr. Mott is a gifted writer. His witticisms, character sketches, and stories generally are original, unique, and clever.

VAN FREDENBERG, HENRY ABSALOM—One of the ablest writers in the State to-day; one who has such command of words that they are as playthings to a child; a remarkable linguist; mathematician, botanist, chemist, geologist, and all-round naturalist, with abilities which his own modesty and lack of self-appreciation prevent him from fully recognizing—is the genius who is doing editorial work on an Orange County paper to-day. The writer of these lines has for many years known the gentleman, worked side by side with him, tried to fathom the depth and height, the breadth and length of his marvelous mentality. While it is a pleasure to make record of these facts, it is done with hesitation for fear of misconception, misconstruction, and misinterpretation. Henry Absalom Van Fredenberg was born in the town of Montague, Sussex County, N. J., December 30, 1849. His parents were the late Aaron Van Fredenberg and Marie De Witt Van Fredenberg. His parents, in 1850, moved from Montague, N. J., to Sparrowbush, N. Y., where his youth was passed. He was educated in the public schools and in Professor A. B. Wilbur's seminary in Port Jervis, and at an early age became a school teacher. He taught in Sparrowbush, Sanfordville, Mount Hope, Otisville, Slate Hill, and Deckertown (now Sussex), N. J. In Deckertown he became interested in journalism and edited the Sussex Independent for several years. He edited the Port Jervis Daily Union, the Washington (N. J.) Star, and the Mauch Chunk (Pa.) Coal Gazette and Daily Times in succession. In 1885 he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he served as editor-in-chief of the Lumber World, Milling World, The American Tanner, the Iron Industry Gazette, the American Woodworker, and the Factory and Dealers' Supply World. In that city he served as associate editor of The Magazine of Poetry, now merged with Poet Lore, of Boston, Mass. In 1898 he returned to Orange County, making his home in Sparrowbush. Mr. Van Fredenberg succeeded the late Erwin G. Fowler as editor of the Orange County Farmer in 1899 (now the New York Farmer), and is in that position at this date (March, 1908), making the New York Farmer an authority on all dairy matters, and quoted extensively wherever dairy interests have an intelligent force.

STIVERS, LEWIS STEWART—Lewis Stewart Stivers was born in the town of Wawayanda, Orange County, April 20, 1859, the oldest son of Hon. Moses D. and Mary Elizabeth Stewart Stivers. After his parents removed to Middletown he attended the public schools in that city and the Wallkill Academy, and then entered Peekskill Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1876. On concluding his studies, he entered the office of the Middletown Press, of which his father was then editor and part owner and in 1891 he and his brother, John D. Stivers, began the publication of the Middletown Daily Times and the Orange County Times, the latter a semi-weekly issue. He was united in marriage, in Middletown, with Miss Cora D. Mackey, daughter of John Mackey, who, for many years, was connected with the Orange County Foundry Company. Mr. Stivers died October 30, 1905, deeply lamented by everyone who knew him, for he was the soul of honor, the friend of all; courteous, amiable, generous.

SLAUSON, JOHN WHITING—Many bright minds have been engaged in the field of Orange County journalism. It is not vaunting to say that one of the keenest of these was he who made his entrance into active newspaper life October 15, 1872, by the purchase of the Orange County Press of Stivers & Kessinger at Middletown, and under him the Press, already influential and highly respected, became one of the leading Republican journals of the State. Mr. Slauson remained with the Press thirty-three years, associating in its management with F. Stanhope Hill one year, the Hon. Moses D. Stivers seven years, and Charles J. Boyd twenty-five years, retiring from the printing business in 1906. In all these years the Press property became very valuable, owning one of the finest locations in Middletown, and conducted in such a manner that it was a positive pleasure to be employed therein. Mr. Slauson is a writer of ability, using the choicest language in diction, structure in phrasing, and style enriched with the higher graces of composition. John Whiting Slauson was born September 18, 1846, in the town of Greenville, this county. His father was David Slauson, and his mother was Antoinette, daughter of John Whiting, a member of a prominent Connecticut family. Mr. Slauson attended the Westtown Academy and the Dolbear School for Young Men in New York City, and at the age of twenty began teaching in the public schools of the county, and after filling an unexpired term as school commissioner of the Second District of Orange County, he purchased an interest in the Press and thenceforth devoted himself to journalism. In 1875 Mr. Slauson married Miss Olivia, daughter of Horatio R. Wilcox, of Middletown. For over twenty-five years Mr. Slauson has been a member of the New York State Press Association, was one of its vice-presidents in 1894, and is still an active member of the Republican Editorial Association of this State.

Mr. Slauson's reputation for fair dealing and steady adherence to the principles of the Golden Rule in all relations of life, have earned for him the merited esteem of his townsmen generally, and the highest regard of those who know him best—a pleasure falling to the writer many years ago, and he cherishes the friendship thus formed as one of the pleasantest incidents in his life.

MACARDELL, CORNELIUS—An important factor in Orange County journalism entered when Cornelius Macardell came, and a distinct loss when he passed away. He founded the Daily Argus in 1876 at Middletown and in 1878 consolidated the Argus and Mercury. In 1896 he turned the control of the paper over to his son, Cornelius, and his official connection with journalism ceased from that date.

Cornelius Macardell was born at Darien, Georgia, October 24, 1837, the son of Cornelius and Rebecca Campbell Macardell, and returned with his family to New York in 1841. He was educated in the public schools of Brooklyn, and then, after a few years of reporting for the city papers, became interested in a newspaper venture in New Orleans. In 1861 he came North, entered Wall street, New York, and in 1866 became a member of the Stock Exchange. A few years later he retired from the street and bought a farm near Mount Hope in Orange County. In 1877 be again became active in Wall street, but he sold out his seat in the Stock Exchange a number of years ago. For years Mr. Macardell was interested in banking in Middletown, and was elected president of the First National Bank in 1891. He was also interested in many ways with other business institutions in Middletown, and his business life was full of activities. In 1860 Mr. Macardell married Esther, daughter of Oliver and Penelope Crawford, of near Middletown. Mr. Macardell died April 9. 1904, lamented by everyone who knew the genial, kindly old gentleman.

THOMPSON, GEORGE H.—An able journalist of the fourth generation in Orange County was George H. Thompson, whose work began on the Middletown Mercury about 1873. He was educated at Williams College, had a good style in writing, and was one of the brightest and most satirical writers in the county. He also made a good editor and until his death, a few years ago, kept the columns of the Argus and the Mercury alive with his bright sayings and well-rounded sentences. Mr. Thompson was at one time president of the Board of Education of Middletown, and for a short time was postmaster under President Cleveland. His wife was a daughter of Colonel D. C. Dusenberry, but both have passed away, leaving one daughter, Maysie Thompson.

WINCHESTER, REV. CHARLES M.—About 1874 the Rev. Charles M. Winchester, who came to Middletown from one of the New England States to preach temperance and the Gospel according to the Free Christian Church, started the Standard, an afternoon paper, and forthwith engaged in newspaper work of the most lively character. To say that affairs grew hot in Middletown for a year or two, is to state facts very moderately. Mr. Winchester was bubbling over with his ideas of theology, temperance and morals, and his powers of invective seemed unlimited. He preached Sundays and through the week in tents and other places, and hurled his javelins of wit, of satire, of denunciation, of imprecation, and execration orally from the pulpit, and daily through his paper. The Standard was finally purchased by the Mercury people, and Mr. Winchester went to New York, where he died a year or two ago.

SALMON, FRED R.—Fred R. Salmon, the present business manager of the New York Farmer and the Port Jervis Daily Union and Tri-States Union plants, was born at Susquehanna, Pa., January 18, 1858. His parents were Charles M. and Jeannette Russell Salmon. The family removed to Port Jervis and then to Honesdale, in both of which places Mr. Salmon attended schools, graduating from the Honesdale High School. He entered the office of the Port Jervis Union in April, 1877, as bookkeeper for his brother-in-law, Charles St. John. In 1884 he entered into partnership with Mr. St. John under the firm name of St. John & Salmon. In 1895 they organized the Tri-States Publishing Company, as its sole owners. This concern continued until October 1, 1907, when Mr. Salmon purchased Mr. St. John's interest, and became the sole owner of the stock. October 6, 1889, Mr. Salmon married Miss Flora Dunning, daughter of Joseph and Clara Owen Dunning, of near Middletown. For several years Mr. Salmon was secretary of the Republican County Committee and prominent in the councils of his party. He is now a member of the Civil Service Commission of the new city of Port Jervis; is a member of the Board of Education; is trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and a trustee of the Port Jervis Board of Trade.

DRAKE, FRANK M.—The present editor of the Goshen Independent Republican is Frank Drake, who became connected therewith as part owner January 1, 1883, and sole owner in March, 1892. Mr. Drake is a practical printer, an able writer, and is a "worthy son of a worthy sire." His father was Victor M. Drake, one of the Nestors of Orange County journalism, and the son is giving in the semi-weekly issues of his Independent Republican evidence that the "journalistic instincts" of the father have descended to the son. He is a Democrat of the conservative type; is sprightly in his treatment of all subjects, and deftly sprinkles a bit of attic salt in much of the palatable literary provender that he sets before his readers. Mr. Drake was born at Newton, N. J., in 1855, and after his school days he entered the office of the Independent Republican, after his parents removed to Goshen, and became an apprentice in 1874, at the age of nineteen years. He never found it necessary or advisable to migrate, and it is fitting that he should find his life work in the very office in which the genius of his gifted father for so many long years was exercised for the public good. Mr. Drake is unmarried.

KETCHUM, GEORGE F.—With the establishment at Warwick in 1885 of the Warwick Valley Dispatch there entered the arena of Orange County journalism a champion who has proven his right to become a leader. George F. Ketchum, who founded the Dispatch, is the son of the late George W. Ketchum and Elizabeth Strang Wright. George F. Ketchum has made his Dispatch the leading Democratic paper in the county, by reason of his unquestioned honesty of purpose, his fearless but always fair and courteous advocacy of principles which he believed conducive to the public weal, his persistent, aggressive efforts, and his fair treatment of all opponents. Mr. Ketchum has been for more than a decade the chairman of the Democratic County Committee—a position that he has not held through mere favoritism, but by reason of the force of character and the indomitable energy that has characterized his whole public career.

BOYD, CHARLES J.—About 1880 Charles J. Boyd became interested in newspaper work through partnership with John W. Slauson, under the the name of Slauson & Boyd, as publishers of the Middletown Press. Mr. Boyd remained with the Press until it was merged with the Times in 1906, when he retired from the work, to engage in insurance and real estate business. Mr. Boyd was a first-class newspaper man in every particular. He wrote a good article, had neat descriptive powers, good judgment, clear discernment and discrimination, and his work was ever in evidence on the Press. It would seem that one so clever, so well endowed by nature for newspaper work, should have remained in the field. Mr. Boyd was supervisor of his ward for a number of years, and made one of the most efficient members of the county legislature. He was also by appointment one of the Prison Commissioners of the State.

STIVERS, JOHN D.—In 1891 John D. Stivers entered actively into journalistic duties, though he had been connected therewith more or less all his life. In that year the Middletown Times came into existence, and he became its normal editor. Since the lamented death of his father, the Hon. Moses D. Stivers, in February, 1895, John D. Stivers has been the real head and front of the establishment. Mr. Stivers is a young man who deservedly stands well with his party and the public. Through its well-written editorials, its daily supply of the local and general news served in the most concise and acceptable manner, the Times is a power in politics and in general thought that needs to be reckoned with by politicians and caterers to the public in any form whatever. John Dunning Stivers was born August 30, 1861, at Middletown, N. Y., the second son of the Hon. Moses D. and Mary Elizabeth Stewart Stivers. He attended the public schools of Middletown and Wallkill Academy, where the rudiments of his education were obtained, and later Peekskill Military Academy, from which institution he was graduated in 1878, at the age of seventeen years. He then began his journalistic career, entering the office of the Middletown Press as bookkeeper and later filling the position of city editor. Resigning from the Press, Mr. Stivers became private secretary to his father, the Hon. Moses D. Stivers, during his term as Member of Congress from this district. Upon the latter's retirement from office, John D. Stivers returned to Middletown, and, with his brother, Lewis S. Stivers, established the Middletown Times. After the death of his father, he was elected to take the latter's place as trustee of the Orange County Trust Company. Mr. Stivers was appointed a member of the Board of Managers of the Middletown State Hospital by Governor Morton, and was secretary of the Board for several years, and until the reorganization of the asylum management throughout the State by Governor Odell.

NICKINSON, ALBERT E.—Albert E. Nickinson, the present treasurer and general business manager of the Middletown Argus and Mercury, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 8, 1863. He was a son of John Nickinson and Elizabeth J. Phillips. Albert E. was educated in the public schools of Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and Suffern, N. Y. He entered the employ of the Argus and Mercury in 1888, remained until 1901, and returned to the office upon its reorganization as a new company in 1906. Mr. Nickinson is a good business man, and when necessary can wield a descriptive pen. On November 28, 1889, Mr. Nickinson and Miss Penelope Macardell were married.

SPEIDEL, MERRITT C.—The present efficient associate business manager of the Port Jervis Daily Union, Tri-States Union and New York Farmer is Merritt C. Speidel. He was born May 19, 1879, in Port Jervis, son of Martin and Hannah M. Patterson Speidel, members of well-known Deerpark families. During his student days he frequently wrote for the local newspapers, and on October 25, 1897, he became employed in the business department of the Tri-States Publishing Company, and several months later became reporter for the Port Jervis Daily Union, and then successively city editor, associate editor, and editor. January 1, 1904, he became associate business manager of the Tri-States Publishing Co., and in January, 1908, became secretary and a director of the company. Mr. Speidel, though a young man, has been much identified with local public affairs and is now serving his seventh year as secretary of the Port Jervis Board of Trade; is one of the Health Commissioners; is president of the Deerpark organization of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle.

POWERS, HENRY P.—Henry P. Powers, city editor and desk man of the Middletown Daily Argus and semi-weekly Mercury, was born at Groton, Tompkins County, N. Y., June 30, 1857, a son of Jacob B. Powers and Nancy G. Bouton. He early developed a love for the printing trade and entered the office of the Groton Journal, when a lad, as apprentice, serving there seven years, and about eighteen years ago he came into Orange County and located at Middletown. For a year and a half he was employed as city editor of the Middletown Daily Press. In January, 1903, he became reporter for and then city editor of the Daily Argus. Mr. Powers is a thoroughly good newspaper man; active, reliable, a ready writer, of good discrimination, and he is a valuable addition to Orange County journalism. Mr. Powers was twice married. His first wife died at Groton twenty-two years ago. His second wife was Miss Minnie L. Hill, daughter of John W. Hill, of Middletown.

GREGG, GEORGE F.—In January, 1903, George F. Gregg, in company with John B. Scott, became part owner of the Goshen Democrat, and September 1, 1905, he became sole owner of the same. To say that he has made the Democrat a bright, newsy, weekly paper is to express the fact mildly but justly. He is a vigorous writer, with a fervor and animation that is born of the intensity of earnestness and zeal, and he is surely making the Democrat read by friends and political foes. In 1906 Mr. Gregg was elected supervisor of the town of Goshen, and again in 1907, and brings to this public office the same earnestness, push and capacity that characterizes his work as an editor. Mr. Gregg is yet a young man, and he is in a fair way to be one of the leaders of thought and action in Orange County. George F. Gregg was born at Walden, N. Y., April 30, 1875. His parents were Edgar M. Gregg, of Walden, and Rose L. Faron, of Corning, N. Y. His education was at the public schools. He passed several years in Chenango County, this State. For a short time he was connected with the advertising department of the New York Times. He was also in the Ordnance Department of the United States Navy, in the naval magazine at Fort Lafayette. Mr. Gregg seemed to have an "intuitive leaning" to journalistic work, for in addition to his service on the New York Times, we find he was fifteen years in newspaper work, several of which were in the office of the "now esteemed contemporary," the Independent Republican. For two years he was city editor of the Middletown Argus, immediately prior to purchasing an interest in the Goshen Democrat. The good work he is doing in the columns of that old paper, and the esteem in which he is held by the people of Goshen, as shown by his being twice chosen as supervisor of the town, is evidence that he has found his life's work and its field. Mr. Gregg and Miss Jane A. Brundage, of Newark, N. J., were married July 11, 1900.