1822, it passed into the hands of Orsamus Turner, who continued its publication until 1826. Soon after the paper was removed to Lockport, another took its place at Lewiston with the title of "Lewiston Sentinel," by Oliver Grace. In 1826, the two papers were united at Lockport under the title of the "Sentinel and Observatory," by Turner & Grace, for a short time, and afterwards by Chipman P. Turner and N. D. Lathrop. In 1828, the establishment went into the hands of Asa Story, and its name changed to that of "Lockport Journal." In 1829, It was purchased by Peter Besancon, Jr., and after a short time its name was changed to that of "Lockport Balance." In 1833 or '34, a paper that had been in existence a short time, printed by P. Baker, and called "The Gazette," was merged with it, and it afterwards sported the name of "Balance and Gazette," by Baker & Besancon. During the same year in which the alliance was formed, it was again dissolved, and Besancon became the sole proprietor—changed the name back to "Balance," and shortly afterwards sold out to Isaac C. Colton, who published it until 1836, and then sold out to Thomas H. Hyatt—he published it until the winter of 1837, and sold out to Turner & Lyon, who, in 1835, had started the "Niagara Democrat," with which paper the "Balance" was finally merged. Turner & Lyon published the "Democrat" until 1839, and then sold out to T. P. Scoville. The paper was continued by him, with the exception of two years, when it was in the hands of Samuel Wright, until August, 1846, when it passed into the hands of Turner & M'Collum, by whom it is now published.
In 1827, the "Niagara Courier" was started in Lockport, by Mitchener Cadwallader. In 1834, he sold it to George Reece. In 1839, Reece disposed of it to Thomas T. Flagler. In 1843, it passed into the hands of Crandall & Brigham, by whom the paper is still continued.
In April, 1846, Stevens & Humphrey commenced the publication of the "Niagara Cataract" at Lockport, and the paper is still published by Mr. Henry and Mr. Fox, to which latter gentleman Mr. Stevens disposed of his interest in February, 1847.
In 1828 or '29, a small paper was started at Lockport, and continued for about two years, which gloried in the name of "Priestcraft Exposed." It was printed by Edwin A. Cooley.
About the period of the "Patriot War," a paper was published at Lewiston called, I believe, the "Frontier Sentinel," by T. P. Scoville.
The above is supposed to comprise a full list of the different papers that have been published in this County. If any are omitted, it is through mistake—not by design.
Orsamus Turner may be regarded as the father of the Press in this County. It is true, he was not the first to lift the curtain through which the intellectual light of the Press was to be let in upon the denizens of Niagara — but soon after the experiment was made, he was found at the helm, and either as a Publisher, Editor or assistant Editor, has continued at his post from 1822, to the present time. Mr. Turner is a strong and vigorous writer—quick to perceive and prompt to execute his purposes. For one or two years he was Collector of Canal Tolls at Lockport—a post of great responsibility, the duties of which he discharged with entire satisfaction to the public, and with credit to himself.
David S. Crandall. This gentleman is senior Editor of the "Courier." He is not a practical Printer—but he is at home in almost everything else. David is a rare and eccentric genius—full of fun, music and frolic. Well do I remember the many times that he has relieved the dull monotony of a long and tiresome stretch through the Texan Prairies, by his ever ready wit, and the constant effervescence of his full and generous spirit. Nothing discouraged him, or in the least damped his ardor. Whether longing for water, or drenched with rain—whether bedded for the night in the open Prairie, surrounded by howling wolves, or cramped with the gnawings of hunger, he was always the same. Cool and determined, he was never thrown off his guard. A better companion or a truer friend does not exist. Since his return from the South he has been once or twice elected Clerk of Niagara County, and has now vaulted into the Editorial chair. It is entirely unnecessary for me to say he has my best wishes for his success.
Isaac C. Colton has left the Press, and taken to the profession of the law. He is still a resident of Lockport.
Chipman P. Turner was for a time connected with the Press of this County. He possesses many good qualities, both of the head and heart, and has been variously connected in business. He is now Deputy Collector for the Port of Black Rock.
Thomas F. Flagler was for a number of years at the head of the "Courier" establishment, and during the time he was in business, he was twice returned a member of the Legislature from Niagara County.
CHEMUNG COUNTY.
With the history of the Press in this County it can hardly be supposed, that I should have any personal knowledge. I have not, and therefore rely entirely upon others for the facts in regard to it. The facts which follow in regard to this subject have been furnished by C. G. Fairman and are no doubt mainly correct.
The first paper ever printed in this County was called the "Telegraph." It was established in the village of Newton, now Elmira, by Prindle & Murphy. Mr. Fairman says he has obtained a copy of it, and that it is a rare relic of antiquity—the paper upon which it is printed, would in these days be considered unfit for wrapping. This was soon discon-
