Page:History of the Press in Western New York (1847).djvu/37

Rh more works of antiquity than all other libraries on this continent. He was the "Prince of Researchers," and gatherer of old books. The old gentleman, at my request, handed me the following memoranda of the introduction of Printing into the Colonies:

From the time the first newspaper was published in in 1704 to 1775, being a period of seventy-one years, 78 different papers were printed in the colonies, and just one-half of them were suspended before 1775. As remakable as it may appear, 16 of them were either conducted or published by women! being near one quarter, either directly or indirectly controlled by ladies! What is more to their credit, with one exception, those in existence prior to or at the time of the Revolution, favored Liberty. Two of these ladies were Colony Printers, and two of them State Printers after the Revolution in New York and South Carolina. And more; every Printer in the Colony of Rhode Island, was a champion for equal rights, while in other States many were vacillating. You can set that down to the credit of little Rhoda, the land of freedom in religious opinions—the land that sheltered Roger Williams.

As the last toasts at all public dinners are usually given to Woman, I wish yon to bear in mind the women of our craft—the help-mates and pioneers of the press in this country. A brief sketch of them may not be uninteresting, particularly at this time, when the "Rights of Women" are publicly discussed.

Anne Franklin.—The first paper printed in Rhode Island, was at Newport, in 1732. James Franklin, a brother to the Doctor, was publisher. He died soon after, and his widow continued business several years. She was printer to the colony, supplied blanks to the public offices, published pamphlets, &c. The Newport Mercury, which is now regularly issued, was given out of this printing office in 1756, and is the oldest paper in the country. In 1745, Mrs. F. printed for the government an edition of the laws, containing 340 folio pages. She was aided in her office by her two daughters. They were correct and quick compositors and very sensible women. A servant of the house usually worked at press. Gregory Dexter, an early settler of Providence, usually worked for her when she had a large job or an almanac to get out. It seems printing with type was not her only business. Read her advertisement:

"The printer hereof, prints linens, calicoes, silks, &c, in figures, very lively and durable colors, and without the offensive smell which commonly attends linen printed here."

Mrs. Sarah Goddard, was also a printer at Newport in 1776. Sue was born in Rhode Island, and widow of Giles Goddard, a printer of New London. She received a good education, and was well acquainted with many branches of literature. She had the management of a newspaper, and conducted it with much ability for two years, when John Carter associated with her, under the firm of Sarah Goddard, & Co.

Mrs. Margaret Draper was the widow of Richard Draper. She published the Massachusetts Gazette and Boston News Letter, after his death. It was the first paper established in North America. All the newspapers excepting hers, ceased to be published when Boston was besieged by the English. She left Boston with the British army and went to England, where a pension was settled upon her by the government, for life.

Mrs Cornelia Bradford was the widow of Andrew Bradford, who died in Philadelphia, in 1742. She continued the printing business for a number of years, and retired with a sufficiency of 'worldly lucre.'

In the same city, Mrs. Jane Aitkin, at the death of her father, in 1802, continued the business. Her reputation was high, from the productions which issued from her press. She was also noted for her correctness in proof-reading.

Mrs. Zenger, the widow of John P. Zenger, who published the second newspaper established in New York, carried on the business for years after his death. She was a modest and moderate woman; the exact reverse of her husband, who managed to have as many libel suits on hand, as a certain literary character of our time. The consequence was, Zenger got into full intimacy with the prisons for giving public utterance to has liberal views. Mrs. Z. conducted the "New York Weekly Journal" with ability for three years until 1748.

Mrs. Mary Holt, widow of John Holt, and publisher of the "New York Journal," in 1703, was appointed printer to this State. The paper did powerful service during the revolution.

Anne Katharine Greene, was born in Holland. In 1767, she succeeded her husband in publishing the Maryland Gazette, the first paper printed in that State. She executed the Colony printing and continued the business to her death, in 1775.

Mrs. Hassebotch—The first printer in Baltimore, was Nicholas Hassebotch. He was succeeded by his widow, who done up business with expedition. In 1773, a missionary had a Bible in his hand, explaining it to a party of Indians. He pronounced it to be "the Gospel—the truth—the word of God." "What," said one of them, "did the Great, All Powerful make this Book?" "Yes," replied the missionary, "it is his work." The Indian taking the literal import of the words, answered indignantly, "I believe it to be a great lie. I go to Baltimore last month, when I see Dutch woman make him. The great spirit want no more Dutch man to help him."

Mrs. Mary Katharine Goddard, was sister to