lanthropist." It embraced a wide and extensive field, and went for the general welfare of all mankind—for universal peace and non-resistance. One year closed its labors of love.
A Presbyterian publication called the "Buffalo Spectator," was commenced in 1836, by J. and W. Butler, under the editorial charge of Rev. Stephen Peet. It lived about two years.
In 1836 or '37, the Bethel Society commenced a monthly publication, under the title of "Bethel Magazine," designed for the moral, religious and intellectual improvement of the sailors and boatmen on the Lake and Canal. Its name was afterwards changed to that of "Bethel Flag," and after bearing up gallantly against adverse winds and storms, about a year ago it was obliged to strike. It was then united with the "Sailor's Magazine," New-York.
The "Friend of Youth" was commenced in 1839, by Rev. A. T. Hopkins. It was published monthly, and devoted to the moral training of the young. It died in its youth, having survived only one year.
The Rev. Doct. John C. Lord, on the 1st of March, 1841, commenced the publication of the "Western Presbyterian," which was continued for one year.
The "Literary Enquirer," semi-monthly, under the auspices of the Buffalo Lyceum, was started by William Verrinder, Jany. 1, 1833. But politics proved to be in greater demand than literature, and after struggling against adverse fortunes, for two years, the establishment was removed to Fredonia, Chautauqua County, and transferred into a political newspaper.
The "Buffalo Garland," a weekly literary sheet, was commenced in 1840, by Geo. W. Bungay. It was but of short duration.
N. H. Bannister, who has contributed somewhat successfully to the literature of the Drama, commenced the publication, in 1841, of "Bannister's Life in Buffalo." The work proved a failure, and was abandoned after a trial of a few weeks. Abraham Dinsmore was the Printer.
"The Impetus," a quarto publication, by E. W. Spaulding, was commence in the summer of 1845, and continued for six months, when its motive power ceased to act, and the impetus was no go.
In 1822, Lewis G. Hoffman commenced the publication of the "Black Rock Beacon." As long ago as that, it will be recollected the village of Buffalo and the village of Black Rock, were very much in the condition of the ancient houses of York and Lancaster—each contending for the crown of supremacy.—Many who may be induced to read these pages will remember the fierce and unrelenting war that was for a long time carried on between the two places—bitter and acrimonious on both sides. The Press, in such a contest, was indispensable, and this led to the lighting up of the "Beacon." The late Gen. Peter B. Porter was the Ajax of the "Rock," and contributed liberally to the columns of the "Beacon." The war was gallantly fought on both sides—and it was of long duration—but like every thing else, it was destined to have an end. Buffalo came forth victorious from the contest, and was crowned the "Queen City of the Lakes." The fires of the "Beacon" were extinguished in 1824. In the latter part of the same year, Bartemas Ferguson commenced the "Black Rock Gazette," which he continued to published until August, 1825, when it passed into the hands of Smith H. Salisbury, who carried it on until the fall of 1827, when the establishment was removed to Buffalo, and there published under the title of "Buffalo and Black Rock Gazette," until April, 1828, when it was discontinued.
In February, 1826, Daniel P. Adams commenced the publication of the "Black Rock Advocate." It was under the editorial charge of Dr. M. G. Lewis. It was sustained one year, and then discontinued.
But one more location in which an effort has been made in Erie County to establish the Press, remains to be spoken of. In that case, I will let the Editor of the "Courier" tell the tale in his own happy style. It follows:—
"The village of Aurora—or rather the two villages, as they formed a disjunctive conjunction—had ambitious aspirings in 1835, that required the establishment of newspapers to aid the development of the advantages and resources of that fine town and adjacent country. Accordingly in August, of that year, the "Aurora Standard," was issued at East Aurora, by our fellow editor, Almon M. Clapp, and a well conducted paper it was—one of the best of the country Press. It was neutral the first year and then came out whig. In the fall of 1838, the "Standard" was merged in the "Buffalo Patriot," as was likewise its editor and publisher. The "Aurora Democrat" was started about the same time with the "Standard," at the West village of Aurora, by Deloss E. Sill. It was, as its name indicates, democratic in politics. At the expiration of a few months it was discontinued, and the materials moved to Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County, where Mr. Sill now prints the "Cattaraugus Whig." Since then, Aurora, East or West, has had no local organ, save the "Watchman," an unique little thing, the size of a sheet of letter paper, printed by Master O. C. Hoyt, who had learned a smattering of type setting, and got a small lot of old type together, out of which he made a paper, which was printed on a cheese-press. It soon shared the fate of many a cotemporary of
