Page:History of the Press in Western New York (1847).djvu/11

Rh paper, both in size and mechanical appearance. It was conducted for nearly 25 years by Mr. B., its original founder, and is still in existence. Its worthy and amiable projector is yet living, and I regret that he is not here to make one of us on this interesting occasion. Mr. Bogert was one of the best printers in Western New York, as all printers, who were in the habit of visiting his office, can attest.

The Ontario Messenger was established by John A. Stevens, about the same time of the Geneva Gazette. It was printed on the old fashioned Ramage press, as were all the other papers I have named; indeed, there were no other presses in use at that early day. Mr. Stevens continued with the Messenger some 20 years. If I am not mistaken, Mr. S. was not considered a very good printer, but he was esteemed as a most kind and benevolent hearted man. I regret to add, that in after life, adversity overtook him, and yielding to intemperate habits, he finally ended his days in the poor house of this county. I well remember, that at the time I was an apprentice, it was a common practice to keep ardent spirits in the Messenger office, to be drank by those who visited the office on business, and by the hands. Is it strange, then, that the fate of our friend was thus melancholy?

David M. Day, who afterwards established the Buffalo Journal, as good hearted a man as ever worked a token or composed a thousand, was an apprentice in the Messenger office. What printer of Western New York does not mourn over his untimely end, and regret the fatal cause?

I see around me, sir, many younger members of the profession—they will pardon me in saying, Beware of the fatal rock on which these and other gifted brothers of our craft have been wrecked.

I am happy in being able to say, that, as a class, printers of the present day are among the most intelligent and successful advocates of temperance. It is a very rare occurrence to find one who indulges in the use of ardent spirits; still more rare to see any kind of ardents in a printing office. I congratulate you, brethren, upon this proof of the superior intelligence and moral worth in our profession.

I should have added, that in 1808 and '09, the Messenger was edited by Jesse Hawley, Esq., late of this city. It was in those years that Mr. Hawley published his articles on the (then) startling project of the Erie Canal. These publications did much towards creating a spirit of inquiry in relation to this splendid enterprise; but, unwilling as I am, to detract one jot or tittle of just praise from the efforts of Mr. H., history establishes the fact, that, to Joshua Forman, then of Onondaga, more than to any other man, belongs the credit of first originating, and afterwards assisting to perfect and accomplish this stupendous work—the pride of New York, and now the principal source of State wealth.

The next paper established in Western New York, was the Buffalo Gazette, by my fellow apprentice, Smith H. Salisbury, about 1812. We used to receive, in war time, our bulletins of news from the Gazette office. Smith was a right merry fellow—full of fun. But alas ! where now is he? He has worked his last sheet—his last proof has been taken—his form is unlocked by death, and he has passed to a new and final edition.

About 1816, I believe the first paper was published in this place, and, as we have been informed, by our respected friend who presides over us on this occasion. Soon after followed the Telegraph, by Mr. E. Peck. Since that period, others have sprung up here, at Buffalo, Palmyra, &c. &c, all over the country, to an extent which I will not attempt to enumerate.

In 1814, my apprenticeship having expired, and with nothing to recommend me but industry and a good trade, I wended my way to the county of Onondaga, to seek a livelihood by the art and mystery of printing. At that period there was but one paper in Onondaga county—the Manlius Times, by Leonard Kellogg. A paper called the Lynx, by P. C. Fay, had been established at Onondaga Hollow, but was discontinued in a year or two after its commencement. It was in this office, that our respected friend, Thurlow Weed, made his debut in the art of arts. Mr. W., in the short space of about 12 months, became printer's devil, journeyman, editor, and I do not know but finally proprietor of the memorable Lynx.

My humble sheet, the Onondaga Register, made its appearance at Onondaga Hollow in September, 1814. The Onondaga Gazette, by Evander Morse, was established at Onondaga Hill, in 1816. It was edited for some time by the celebrated Wm. Ray. Mr. Morse sold the establishment to our friend C. S. McConnell, and soon after went to Cincinnati, where he died.

The next paper in Onondaga county was the Manlius Republican, and was established by Mr. Weed, now the able and talented editor of the Albany Evening Journal. After a year, Mr. W. not meeting with the desired success, discontinued his paper, and soon after connected himself with the Press of this city.

The history of Mr. Weed is one full of hope and encouragement to the younger members of the craft; one which they may study with profit. Unaided by adventitious circumstances, he has raised himself from the humblest walk of life to be a respected friend and equal of the first men in our State. Such men are an honor to themselves and to their profession, as well as to the free institutions of our country—those institutions which recognise virtue and talents as the only passports to honor and renown.

From 1820, I will not attempt an enumeration of the newspaper establishments in Onondaga co. Many have come suddenly into existence, and disappeared as rapidly, while others, more favored, have stood quietly on, and are still in existence. The first Iron Press introduced into the county, I believe, was purchased by myself—and I also first introduced into Onondaga the composition roller, one of the most valuable improvements connected with printing ever invented. The county of Onondaga now numbers nine weekly papers—three daily and two monthly. Three of these establishments have Power Presses.