alone, the same Editor officiating until May, 1840, when the establishment reverted back to the association, and the paper was discontinued.
In July or August, 1840, David M. Keeler again assumed the publication of the paper under its former name, "The Wayne Standard," until July, 1843, when it passed into the hands of H. L. Winants, who continued its publication for about one year, and it was then discontinued.
The "Western Spectator and Wayne Advertiser," was commenced at Palmyra, by Luther Howard, and Erastus Shepard, June 9, 1830. In April, 1831, the title of the paper was changed to "Spectator and Anti-Masonic Star," and continued by Mr. Shepard until, in the same year it was merged in the "Anti-Masonic Inquirer," at Rochester.
The "Palmyra Whig," by Wm. H. and Saml. Cole, was commenced at Palmyra In February, 1838. It was afterwards removed to Lyons, where it is still continued as the "Wayne County Whig," by William H. Cole.
The first number of the present "Palmyra Courier," by F. Morley, was issued May 28, 1845, and is still published by him.
The above, I am aware, is imperfect in many particulars—but I am not sufficiently well acquainted with the facts in the case to make an intelligible correction. Mr. Tucker, who furnished the facts so far as they have been given, refers to Mr. Winants, of the "Rochester Daily Advertiser," to furnish the data in relation to the Press in the village of Newark. Mr. W. promised me he would do so, but I have never heard from him on the subject.
Myron Holley, whose connection with the Press is above adverted to, acted a distinguished part in the public affairs of Western New-York. He was one of the original Canal Commissioners, and afterwards a leading politician of the Anti-Masonic party. In his later years he removed to Rochester, and attached himself politically to the Anti-Slavery or Liberty organization. He died at Rochester, and his remains repose in the beautiful cemetery of Mount Hope, under an obelisk erected by his Liberty party friends.
Mr. H. was a gentleman of fine taste, irreproachable life, uncommon talents, and great uprightness of character.
E. B. Gradin was at one time the conductor of the "Wayne Sentinel," but his name does not appear as connected with that paper, in its proper place. It is true, Mr. Tucker says, in a sort of codicil to the statement of the Press in this County that, "the largest printing job ever done in it, was the first edition of Jo Smith's 'book of Mormon,' or the 'Golden Bible.' This was done at the office of the "Wayne Sentinel," by E. B. Gradin, the then publisher of that paper, in 1829-'30. The edition of the work was 5000 copies, and the price paid for the job, including the binding was $3,000." If other omissions have occurred, and it is possible there have, the fault must be charged to others, not to me.
Graham H. Chapin, who was at one time connected with the Press in this County, is now no more. He was a Lawyer by profession—a worthy, upright and honorable man. For one or two terms he represented Wayne and Seneca in the Congress of the United States—subsequently, upon his removal to the city of Rochester, he was District Attorney of Monroe, and so far as I am aware, in all these stations, discharged his duty with the most scrupulous fidelity. He died while in the execution of his professional duties.
J. A. Hadley, who was for a time interested in the Newspaper Press at Palmyra, and also, at Lyons, still lives to honor the profession of which he is a worthy member. No man within the sphere of our acquaintance takes a stronger, or a more decided stand for the improvement of the members of the craft, or the craft itself, than Hadley. He is a practical Printer, and a good one. While he had charge of the "Freeman," in 1829, he wrote and published the first article that ever appeared against "Mormonism." He had previously had the printing of the "Book of Mormon" offered him, and at a price which would have made it a fat job; but he was not to be bought in this way—his love of truth and justice were greater than his love of money—and being satisfied in his own mind that Smith was an imposter, he considered it his duty to do all in his power to "ungown him." The task, however, cost him the few subscribers he had, predisposed to "Mormonism." Upon the heels of that article followed the general newspaper war upon the "golden humbug." Mr. Hadley is now the Foreman in the establishment of the "Rochester Daily Democrat."
The Press in this County seems now to have assumed a position of considerable permanency and stability, and I most sincerely hope and trust that those engaged in it are reaping a reward commensurate with their deservings. As a general thing, however, this is far from being the case.
NIAGARA COUNTY.
This County has made wonderful advances in the way of improvement, and especially since Erie was set off from it in 1821. Since that time the "Cataract County" stands forth as one of the most prominent among those of Western New-York. Her advantages in soil, timber, and water power, have been an inexhaustible source of wealth to her citizens, and have given ample scope for the employment of labor and capital.
The first paper printed in the County was located at Lewiston, where it was continued for a short time by Bartimeus Ferguson, who was from Canada—the establishment was one that had been brought from Scotland, by Andrew Heron, and used for several years in Canada, mostly at Niagara. In the winter of 1822, Ferguson removed his establishment to Lockport, the County Buildings having been located there, and the village just commenced. The title he gave his paper was the "Lockport Observatory." In August,
