The first printing press ever operated in this region, and one of the first in Wisconsin, was a home-made affair, constructed by Rev. Jason Lothrop, and employed in miscellaneous work during the year 1836. The reverend pioneer described his experiences in a paper published by the State Historial Society, in 1856, and from that sketch is taken an account of the printing of the Claimants' Union Constitution, given elsewhere in this work. As Mr. Lothrop enters into details in that article, it is needless for a repetition of his statements to be made here. Credit is accorded him for his patient and ingenious labors, while his name is recorded as that of the first practical printer in the county.

The Southport Telegraph was the first newspaper issued in what is now Kenosha County. On the 16th day of June, 1840, the first number of that journal was sent out. The name of C. C. Sholes was inserted in the heading, as proprietor, but, in the issue of July 7 appeared a card stating that Mr. Sholes' name was placed there in anticipation of his arrival. Circumstances prevented him from assuming actual control of the paper, and the announcement was made that thereafter the editorial labor was to be performed jointly by C. Latham Sholes and Michael Frank. The first paper was given up almost entirely to selections from other papers. The only local advertisers were: Pulcifer & Titcomb, house builders; J. M. Stryker, proposal for a keeper of the light-house, which was then completed; Lee & Towslee, general merchants; Elisha M. Kinney, general merchant; H. Durkee, general merchant; Francis Quarles, general dealer; L. Baldwin, tinner; Hollis Whitney, proprietor of the Temperance House on Main street; J. H. Boardman, proprietor of the Exchange - boarding, $2 per week; Disbrow & Young, jewelers; D. P. Stryker, physician; William Bullen & Co., commission merchants; F. S. Lovell, lawyer; H. B. Towslee, lawyer; R. H. Munson, physician and druggist; Samuel HaIe, Jr., lumber dealer; Samuel Holmes, cabinet dealer; Daniel M. Clarkson, tailor; J. H. Kimball, wood for sale, and W. O. Buck, tailor. There, were advertisements of a legal character inserted by Jason Lothrop, District Surveyor; Warters Towslee, Postmaster; and Samuel Hale, Jr., Judge of Probate. There was a tri-weekly mail south and east; a weekly mail west; a triweekly mail north; and a weekly mail to Aurora. The following note is suggestive: "N. B. -- Persons wishing to have an account kept at the post office after the first day of July next, can do so by depositing money in advance, to meet their postage, and upon no other condition will an account be kept, or credit given." The custom in those days was to send letters unpaid for. With the beginning of Volume III, June 28, 1842, the paper became the property of M. Frank and Charles C. Sholes, and, on the 3d of August, passed into the bands of M. Frank. Another transfer was made with the the fourth volume, in 1843, when C. L. Sholes returned. July 1, 1845, L. Guild and J. A. Butts bought the office, but the latter retired September 30, leaving Loring Guild sole proprietor. July 1, 1847, C. L. Sholes again took possession of the paper, and began the publication of a semi-weekly edition. December 13, which lasted until April 7, 1848. January 4, 1850, C. Clement purchased the office, but Mr. Sholes continued to edit the paper in conjunction with him until October of that year, at which time he again became proprietor. February 28, 1851, Mr. Clement repurchased the paper, and Mr. Sholes retained the editor's chair until March 28, when Mr. Clement took up the pen. On Friday, March 14, 1851, C. Latham Sboles severed his connection with the Telegraph, expressing the hope that his services had "not been entirely useless for good. Conscious of a desire only to benefit those with whom he has been in weekly converse, friendships and enmities are both immaterial." He concludes by recommending Mr. Clement to the patronage of all who are friendly to the principles, of which the paper has been, and will continue to be a fearless defender.

In the issue of May 9, 1851, an editorial appears, commending the introduction by "two of the wives of our most respectable citizens" of "short dresses and pants." The editor inclines to the opinion that the frocks are a Iittle too long, and the pants a little. too full," otherwise the independence of the ladies, who dare do as they please, is admired.

The twelfth volume of the Telegraph was begun on the 27th of June, 1851. Among the advertisements to be seen in the paper of August 15, 1851, is one setting forth the existence of a theatre in Kenosha, and the further fact that C. B. Mullholand will appear as Rip Van Winkle and Mose, in a `Glance at New York.'"

The thirteenth volume of the Telegraph, "the oldest established journal in the State," was begun June 25, 1852, and was appropriately noticed in the editorial columns, which are headed, "Free Democratic Candidates - For President, John P. Hale; Vice President, Cassius M. Clay." In the issue of October 20, the death of Daniel Webster is announced. With the close of the first half of the thirteenth volume, C. C. Clement dissolved his connection with the paper, which passed into the possession of C. L. Sholes and M. Frank, the original projectors of the enterprise, who promise in the salutatory, to deserve public patronage and applause. Under their management, though the sheet was not enlarged, more space was devoted to local and editorial "copy," and less to reprint, the result being that the Telegraph bore an appearance more in harmony with its object as the "disseminator of news." For example: Considerable space apportioned to the inauguration of President Pierce, the opening of the "American Crystal Palace in New York City," etc.; the advertisements are more numerous and attractive, and the make-up of the paper, as a contemporary of the day observed, "is of a character that must elicit admiration from the fastidious." One of the most prominently-displayed and highly-colored of the advertisements of that day in the paper, warned Kenosha that "P. T. Barnum would lecture in the Methodist Church on Temperance." During the fall of 1853, Col. Frank was prevented by other duties from an active co-operation with Mr. Sholes in the publication of the paper, and, in December of that year, withdrew entirely from the management, his place being supplied by Mr. James Densmore, who had enjoyed previous editorial experience and was introduced to the reading public of Kenosha as thoroughly independent in his views, who would be the blind partisan of no school; who would urge opinions mildly and give facts truly. Soon after, Mr. Densmore assumed connection, the question of publishing a daily edition of the Telegraph was agitated. Under date of January 20, 1850, it was announced that, after a "little more assurance of assistance" had been secured, the daily would be issued. Such assurance seems to have been obtained, for, on the 10th of February following, it was published that the Daily Telegroph would "appear on Monday, the I3th inst., and regularly thereafter every morning at 8 o'clock." The paper did appear, and, as a daily record of current events, found favor for a time, at least. But, after running the gamut of an experience peculiar to all "journals," the Daily Telegraph suspended on the 1st of January, I854, for the reasons, as stated by Mr. Densmore, that the "associated press had put up the rates of telegraphing to an amount that was a total prohibition that arrangements had been completed for a consolidation of the two Republican papers into one, and to afford new parties an opportunity of effecting arrangements to renew it as soon as business opens in the spring, when it would be made a permanent institution." But its publication was never resumed, and to the present day the Daily Morning Telegraph is cited as the beginning and the end of daily journalistic ventures in Kenosha. In politics, the morning daily was an exact counterpart of the weekly - radically Republican - but the party was indisposed to divide its patronage, and the organ which assumed to expound the doctrine six days in the week was forced bv the proverbial logic of events to announce its suspension. This, however, did not have any effect on the old weekly, which was piloted to an increased patronage and more generous circulation under the direction of Sholes & Densmore.

The union of the Tribune and Telegraph was effected January 2, 1855, and the first number of the Kenosha Tribune and Telegraph issued Thursday, January 4, promulgating as its political creed, decided opposition to any and every measure of the General Government that had for its object the extending and strengthening if slavery, and the building-up of one section of the country at the expense of another. Sholes & Densmore dissolved on January 1, and thereupon a union of the two papers was effected, with C. L. Sholes, S. S. Schoff and J. A. Butts, editors and proprietors. Under this management, the paper became a more pronounced success, and as the organ of Fremont and Dayton in the campaign of 1856, commanded the admiration and respect of all parties throughout the State. The growing prosperity of the paper necessitated its enlargement, which was accomplished and presented to the public in its issue of Thursday, October 2, 1856. One column was added, the length increased nearly two inches, a power press of the Guernsey pattern procured, and the paper turned out proved one of the most entertaining weeklies published in the State. The partnership was continued until May 7, 1857, when Mr. Sholes retired, and the paper fell into the hands of his surviving partners, S. S. Schoff and J. A. Butts, under whom it entered upon the eighteenth year of its existence, attended by a success which it claimed to have earned by making the paper "a welcome and useful visitant to the shop of the mechanic and the counter of the merchant." On the 18th of March, 1858, the partnership between Schoff & Butts was dissolved, the former retiring, Col. M. Frank, one of the original editors of the Telegraph, who had resigned his position in 1858, succeeding to the vacancy. Thereafter, the paper was conducted under the administration of J. A. Butts, with M. Frank and J. A. Butts, editors, until September 16, following, when it was disposed of to W. S. & L. Stone & Co., who assumed possession at once, retaining the services of Col. Frank as editorial assistant, and publishing the sheet in the firm name of Stone Bros. & Co., with the motto, "Liberty and Union" prominently displayed on its first page. This partnership, however, was of brief duration, being terminated on June 9, 1859, with the close of the nineteenth volume, by the withdrawal of William T. Stone, the twentieth year of the paper's life being entered upon with Leander Stone and S. C. Winegar as business manaoers, Col. Frank remaining editor-in-charge. - On the 30th of June, 1859, D. C McVean was admitted as a member of the firm, which was afterward known as Stone, Winegar & Co. The most important event perpetuated in the twentieth volume of the Telegraph and Tribune was an account of the Convention at Chicago, which nominated the first Republican ticket - Lincoln and Hamlin. The proceedings were reported in full, and proved quite a feature in the edition of May 24, 1860. The ticket, platform. adopted, etc., were unfurled by the paper "with feelings of the highest satisfaction," and, until the canvass closed successfully, their support urged with a sincerity that forced conviction. June 7, 1860, the paper was re-christened the Telegraph, and, in the issue of October 16 following, the names of the Stone Brothers as editors and publishers disappear, S. C. Winegar and D. C. McVean being substituted, with Col. Frank as senior editor. One week later, D. C. McVean retired, and S. S. Schoff assumed the "pen of a ready writer," after an absence of two years from editorial labors. The twenty-first volume was closed and the twenty-second volume begun under the administration of Schoff & Winegar. The Democratic administration had been concluded, Lincoln inaugurated, Ft. Sumter fired upon, a call for troops issued, and the rebellion assumed its most formidable dimensions during these years. But the paper never faltered in its line of duty, and maintained the principles which it had advocated for a quarter of a century with uncompromising vigor and sincerity. With the issue of the 13th of June, 1861, the paper entered upon its twenty-second volume, having made, for twenty-one years, its weekly visit to the people of Kenosha County. The publishers announce in this connection that they will "continue to make the Telegraph what many have flatteringly styled it - the model family newspaper." It would also continue to advocate the principles laid down in the Chicago platform, and earnestly support any measure believed to be essential to the preservation of the Union, and to its progress upward and onward. The editorial and managerial departments remained unchanged until August 21, 1862, when Col. Frank retired, and S. S. Schoff was announced as the responsible editor, and on March 12 following, H. F. Schoff was advertised as a partner in the venture. Thus directed, the Telegraph recorded the triumph of the Union arms, and so remained until Thursday, August 24, 1867, when the good will of the paper was disposed of to C. C. Sholes and M. Frank, who once more resumed the several positions occupied by each on the same paper almost twenty-five years previously. Both names appear as editors and proprietors until March 5, 1868, when that of C. C. Sholes is retired, M. Frank remaining. In May following, H. McKinley became associated with Mr. Frank as part owner of the Telegraph, the latter, however, maintaining his position as editor, and, on October 15 following, Hays McKinley is announced as sole proprietor. On the 10th of December the paper was enlarged, and, as now, was issued in quarto form, comprehending forty-eight columns, M. Frank continuing as editor until March 25, 1869, when his name was withdrawn and that of Hays McKinley appeared as proprietor and publisher. As such he has continued to be almost constantly up to the present time, and not only has he succeeded in maintaining the reputation of the paper, but materially contributing to attract and cultivate its popularity in Wisconsin, as also the Northwest.

The Southport American was established September 23, 1841, by J. B. Jilson and N. P. Dowst, editors, and Edward H. Rudd, printer. It was Whig in politics. The columns were filled with political editorials, miscellaneous selections, and a few advertisements. The local advertisers were: Whiting & Co., salt for sale; Marshall & Phelps, hardware; Royal B. Waldo, clothing; Head & Jilson, lawyers; Daniel M. Clarkson, tailor; S. Hale, Jr. & Co., dry goods; Thomas C. Udall, general merchant; Blish & Whitney, general store; Torrey, Morrison & Co., merchants; Samuel Holmes, Jr., cabinet maker; H. N. Miner, sash and doors; Isaac George & Co., gunsmiths; E. W. Morris, barber; D. Walker, surgeon; L. L. Pierce. shoe store; D. P. Stryker, physician; and the tax sales of Racine County, amounting to ninety-nine descriptions. Local events were entirely ignored, excepting such as were political in character. Ample space was given to foreign news, two months old at the time of publication, and to Eastern news; but the art of making a local paper was not known among the newspaper men of Kenosha. December 21, N. P. Dowst became sole editor, and January 6, 1842, A. & W. Mygatt purchased the office, but retained Mr. Dowst as editor. April 7, Wallace Mygatt became sole proprietor. June 15, 1848, Mr. Mygatt retired, and the paper passed into the hands of Louis P. Harvey, afterward Governor, and who was drowned at Pittsburg Landing, during the war. During that year, Mr. Harvey became associated with Loring Guild, in the publication and proprietorship of the paper, retaining the editorial direction himself, however. With the issue of October 19, 1844, the American was presented to its subscribers with an enlarged sheet, containing seven columns of matter to the page, with improved mechanical arrangements, and the addition of new type," indicating that success attended the venture, and a commendable desire to meet the public demands. On the 22d of September, 1845, the publication of the paper was disposed of to A. B. Tobey & Co. and the name of L. P. Harvey as editor, disappeared from the head of the editorial columns, though it was understood that he would continue to write for the paper under its new management; and in December of the same year, J. A. Butts became a partner, and was known with Mr. Tobey as proprietor and publisher. In Septerriber, 1846, L. P. Harvey, who had,, for three years and upward, as editor-in-chief, molded the policy of the paper, announced his formal withdrawal, and the exclusive control of the American was thereafter assumed by Messrs. Tobey & Butts, who promised to maintain, to the utmost of their ability, the reputation the paper had acquired under the management of its former conductors. The partnership continued until November 21, when the doctrines of the Whig Party were advocated by Alvan B. Tobey, solus. the name of J. A. Butts becoming invisible at its accustomed place at the head of the editorial columns, which are prefaced with an appeal to our subscribers who promised us wood on subscriptions," to bring it in without further unnecessary delay.

With the close of Volume VI of the American, September 13, 1847, A. B. Tobey's connection with that journal ceased, and was succeeded, both as editor and proprietor, by Wallace Mygatt, who in January, 1842, succeeded N. P. Dowst under similar circumstances. But Mr. Mygatt retired a second time from the editor's sanctum, about the 22d of March, 1848, leaving the establishment, with the good-will of the paper, and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, to Henry O. Sholes, by whom the policy advocated by Mr. Mygatt was continued, there being no alteration in any of the departments transferred, though the day of publication was changed from Wednesday to Friday, and lasted until October 28, when the original day of issue was resumed. In an American of May 30, 1849, it was advertised that a daily paper would be started the following Monday, and in the paper of that day the announcement was made that Myron S. Barnes had been associated in the editing and publishing of the paper; also that in the "new undertaking, the publication of a daily paper, we have incurred new responsibilities, but we intend to satisfy the public that perseverance and industry shall not be wanting on our part to make The American one of the best papers in the State." The daily was advertised as the Daily Ledger, published every evening (Sundays excepted), at the office of the American, by Henry O. Sholes & Co., Myron S. Barnes, editor, and delivered to subscribers at 12 1/2 cents per week, or $5 per year, payable half-yearly, in advance. The weekly was published by the firm of Sholes & Barnes, and its issue continued weekly until Wednesday, October 10, 1849, after which it was discontinued. The editors in that issue announced that its regular publication would be discontinued for a few weeks, for the purpose of settling up the accounts of the office. In the mean time, an advertising sheet would be published, and that of the American permanently discontinued, another paper taking its place. But no substitute was ever offered, and the American still reminds the oldest inhabitant, as also those who refer to its files, that its race was run in October, 1849.

The Kenosha Democrat.

On Tuesday, the 23d of April, 1850, the banner of the Kenosha Democrat was unfurled to the breeze of popular favor, by J. T. Hildreth, with an assurance to the public that the paper would firmly and fearlessly support the rights of the several States of the Union and a strict construction of the American Constitution, believing that instrument a sacred bond of free government, which should be maintained unchanged in the spirit of the democratic Fathers of the Republic. The paper presented an exceedingly agreeable appearance, was generously filled with legal, local, legislative and telegraphic news, miscellaneous information, mail, market and transportation intelligence, and fully realized the expectations the promises its projectors gave birth to. Among the prominent advertisers were: Hale, Monney & Co., Sawyer & Co., Hubbard & Benn, Edward H. Rudd, F. Robinson, Dr. Giles, E. I. & A. M. Tymeson, W. O. Buck, Ryerson & Morris, Greene & Co., Ball & Elkins, Errickson & Gottfredson, and Thomas Quillnan, merchants; Josiah Bond, Elijah Steele and John L. V. Yates, lawyers; J. B. Starkweather and W. H. Farmer, physicians; the Franklin House, American Hotel, Runals and Durkee Houses; F. W. Lyman, boots and shoes; D. C. Gaskill, life insurance; Isaac N. Stoddard, real estate, etc., of Kenosha, as also "ads " from abroad.

June 20, 1851, the Democrat came out in a new dress, issuing the first number of the first volume of a "new series" which should be "independent in everything- neutral in nothing," and published every Friday, by George H. Paul. From the files, it appears there was no edition of the Democrat published under the dispensation of J. T. Hildreth, from January 24, 1851, until the "new series " was undertaken as above stated, by Mr. Paul. The latter proved to be a newsy sheet, containing a great deal of information upon a variety of subjects, and typographically, as in other respects, apparently, an improvement upon the Democrat first introduced.

Some time in June, 1853, Volney French, the present Probate Judge of Kenosha County, assumed the assistant editorship of the Democrat, and served in that capacity until about May 19, 1854, when John M. Coe, of Milwaukee, purchased an interest in the establishment, and became responsible for its business and editorial manaoement. After a career of two years as the formulator of Democratic public opinion, Mr. Coe disposed of his interest in the Democrat to Messrs. Hodder & Strong, and retired from active duty. The purchasers issued the initial number of their venture on the 25th of April, 1856, enlarged to eight columns to the page, and guaranteeing to subscribers that the undivided attention and earnest efforts of the publishers should be devoted to making the paper desirable to patrons, and respectable to city and county. The politics of the paper remained as under Mr. Coe, Democratic.

On the 4th of June, 1856, John M. Strong, the "junior partner of the concern," ceased his connection with the paper, for reasons "based upon unavoidable and unforeseen business events that rendered his stay in the city for any certain length of time almost impossible," hence he retired, and Mr. Hodder appeared before the public as sole editor and proprietor. The issue of June 4 commenced a new volume of the Democrat. The efforts of Messrs. Hodder & Strong to educate the residents of Kenosha County up to the standard of State Rights Democracy assumed by the incendiaries who burned the city of Lawrence, Kan., had not been attended with success. Mr. Hodder, in his first appearance before the public, states, as a result of his experience, the conclusion that in the effort to add voters to Democratic ranks, he is destined "to perform an immense amount of labor and undergo an incalculable amount of anxiety for a very large non-equivalent." He is "arrogant enough to believe that there is not an editor in the State who possesses such a happy faculty of losing business and driving away subscribers" as himself. This qualification he "seems to have so far exercised, that there will be no arresting its action." "The editors," says the writer, "are feeding on no government pap, allowed no per centum of the stealings from either the State or the nation, have no moneyed friend to back them in consideration of the thunder manufactured for him, and have no promise of being made Lord High Admiral of the Government forces in Kansas, nor of being made Minister Plenipotentiary to some European court. When the enterprise was started, numerous promises were made by friends and enemies. At the time of writing, the latter had kept theirs faithfully, the former forgotten theirs entirely. Yet the editors are not discouraged; they regard their prospects as flattering as those of any young men in the city, because they are certain their affairs will either soon close up and they will be out, or take a turn and keep them in. In either event they would be content. In starting a new volume, it was, in that day, usual to suggest that it was a good time to subscribe. In the present instance, the editors considered such suggestion entirely unnecessary, as they were assured no one would dare do such a thing. Although these reflections were not in harmony with the feelings or to the interest of the publishers, these gentlemen were confident that the facts would prove exceedingly interesting to citizens whom they promised to keep advised in the premises from time to time, until that predicted crisis in their affairs, suspension, should overtake them."

The editorial from which the above selections are made, was published as stated, June 4, 1856, and the last issue of the Democrat, on file, bears the date November 26, following. When the "Act of Bankruptcy," predicted in the editorial as possible, came to pass, is not of record, but public opinion, that proverbial arbiter of mooted questions, unites in the belief that the decease of the Democrat occurred early in December, succeeding the election of Mr. Buchanan to the Presidency. It remained quiescent, so to speak, until September 9, 1859, when it was resurrected, or rather a paper bearing the name of the Democrat, but disclaiming "any connection whatever with the affairs of an other newspaper" which had been theretofore published in Kenosha, was issued under the editorship of S. Cadwallader, as a Democratic newspaper. Two volumes of the paper were published under the administration of Mr. Cadwallader, who warned his readers that at the close of the second volume, the "next issue would announce an important change" in the management.

The Times

On the 2d day of July, 1857, D. Cassius McVean and Isaac D. George, composing the journalistic firm of D. C. McVean & Co., introduced the Kenosha Times, as a candidate for popular favor and patronage, publishing in a conspicuous place in the paper, where all who can might read, that, politically, such men and measures as commanded respect and confidence would be supported, and that, too, without subserviency to any party. The paper, however, was put forth as the organ of the Democracy, and so regarded and supported. This partnership lasted until September 17, of the year in which it was entered into, when its dissolution was published; Isaac D. George retaining the paper, assuming all liabilities of the firm, and being credited with all its assets. April 15, 1859, his name appears for the last time, as "editor and proprietor." Between that date and May 13, 1859, the paper, owners and politics- John A. Butts having purchased its good-will-translated an hitherto organ of Democracy and upholder of James Buchanan and his administration, into an advocate of Republicanism and its principles, which the Times defined as comprehending "human progress in all that ennobles man," civil, religious and political freedom, free soil, free labor, free speech, and a free press. Mr. Butts urged the adoption of these principles upon the Northwest, single handed and alone, for nearly two years, but in the issue of November 22, 1861, J. H. Tracy is promulgated as co-editor, and in that of January 31, 1861, the firm of Butts & McVean (D. Cassius McVean) is put forth as the editors and proprietors, with J. H. Tracy as the senior editor. When the call for troops came, three months later, McVean entered the service and became Captain of Company G, First Wisconsin Regiment, in which capacity he served three months. Upon the return of his regiment, in September, he aided in its re-organization, and re-enlisted for three years, having in the meantime severed his connection with the Times, which was continued by J. A. Butts, with J. H. Tracy, senior editor. This arrangement was carried on until February 20, 1862, when Mr. Butts announced his disposition of the Times to J. H. Harrison & Co., who assumed control one week later, and installed J. Bond as editor. Three months after, almost to a day, the paper passed into the control of S. B. Taylor & Co., Mr. Bond still officiating in the editorial department. The firm name disappears early in 1863, and there is no record of the paper subsequent to January 22, of that year. The paper expired in that year, and the materials were transported to Chicago, to be used in printing the Real Estate Record of Hill & Gage.

The Democracy, or, rather, what assumed to be the conservative element inhabiting Kenosha County and vicinity, remained without an "organ," after the demise of the Democrat, until the close of the war. But when peace again smiled upon the land, and soldiers had beaten their swords into plowshares, and spears into pruning-hooks, it was deemed a fitting time for the revival of "an organ" that should, in a generous spirit, seek the pursuit of a policy, having for its object the restoration of the Republic to her former unity, prosperity and happiness, irrespective of person or party, and as the exponent of sentiments that cherished a Christian spirit, indulging in no malice or venom to further wound the feelings of those who have not been converted by the force of arms, or convinced by the logic of abuse. In such a spirit, and for such an end, was the Kenosha Union established, say the founders of that journal in the initial number, issued June 28, 1866, by "I. W. Webster and George Hutchinson, proprietors," through its editorial columns, managed by the former gentleman.

The journalistic infant certainly bore an appearance both acceptable to readers and promising to its sponsors. The twenty-four columns composing its "make-up," gave evidence in the selections, editorials, locals and advertisements with which they were filled, that the undertaking was determined to deserve success. Politically, the editors manifested a disposition to adopt a line of policy smothered with independence. In regard to the manner of re-establishing harmonious relations between the States, the Union believed that "there was no way under heaven to arrive at a correct and satisfactory conclusion, but by the use of common sense." It was the plain duty of the people to look after reconstruction themselves, and not wait for their servants to find out, by continually quarrelling with each other, what the can know just as well by the use of a little common reasoning. Neither "my plan" nor the plan of Congress, observes the Union, will succeed in restoring this country to harmony and happiness, until the people learn that the late rebellion was not the first in the history of the world, nor of this country; and that "traitor" is not the coinage of the last few years. Finally, the conquerors must practice, to some extent, that high Christian virtue of doing unto others as they would have them do unto them, before reconstruction and re-union can become accomplished facts. These excerpts, from editorials published in the first numbers of the Union, indicate the tendency of its publishers toward pronounced Democracy, which it gradually assumed and has indexed until within a year past, since when the claim is made by Locofocos that the paper is independent rather than Democratic; that its Democracy is " dizzy," and that its motto- "No North, no South No East, no West," are glittering generalities without force.

Volume II was begun June 27, 1867, with I. W. Webster as editor and proprietor, who announces the success of the paper, and the intention of its owners to "enlarge the sheet" in a short time. This promise was fully requited on the 22d of August following, when "the sheet" was enlarged and otherwise improved. Mr. Webster continued as editor and proprietor until April 22, 1869, when Smith & Goodrich were quoted as "publishers," Mr. W. still wielding the editorial quill. On Thursday the 14th of October, 1869, the decease of Mr. Goodrich's mother called that gentleman to Michigan, and he dissolved his connection with the Union. Mr. Webster thereupon resumed the publication of the paper in addition to his editorial duties, Mr. Smith taking charge of the printing and job departments of the office. Under this administration Volume V was begun under the "most favorable auspices, and at a time in the history of this Republic, when a vigorous, honest, outspoken journalism was more demanded than ever before." Mr. Webster retained control of the paper (assisted during a portion of 1875, by J. A. Harrison in the mechanical department only), until his death, which occurred on the 14th of August, 1875, of ossification of the heart.

From the date of Mr. Webster's death, until November 1 thereafter, the paper was conducted by A. C. Arveson, Clarence Snyder, local, the editorial department being presided over by the Hon. Volney French. On the 1st of November, the Union was purchased at private sale by J. A. Killeen, who came West from New York City, a short tirne previous, and settled in Kenosha. He retained the services of Judge French, who was known as editor-in-chief until the spring of 1877, since when, Mr. Killeen has discharged the varied duties himself, and to-day, is the owner of an enterprising, newsy, growing weekly, independent in politics and attractive in appearance and contents.