website by Dorinda Davis Shepley
"Published weekly by Jacob T. C. MILLER in the central part of Middletown,
Frederick County, MD. [Joseph W. WALKER, Printer]" Vol. 1, No. 4The front page features a poem "The Broken Heart" by Milford BARD from the Baltimore Saturday Visitor, an unsourced account of young lovers, "The Promise," and a lengthy story on "The Kentuckian in Boston" from the Louisville Journal. The major feature of page two is a message of President John TYLER, 16 Aug 1841, vetoing a bill to incorporate the fiscal branch of the United States. An editorial comment cited the rapidly spreading news of the veto and quoted a Baltimore Sun correspondent's opinion that the President would submit his own bill at the next session of Congress. Other editorial commentaries included a tribute to circulating libraries. "Almost every town and neighborhood has its own library and cannot Middletown raise one? We think that there are a number of young people among us, who will, without any coaxing, lend a hand to so useful a cause. Then let us try the project. Who will second the motion?" An outline on the virtues of "Discretion" recommended that the young, particularly, develop it. Editors MILLER and WALKER took offense at a comment in the Baltimore Sun critical of their paper and "our backwoods language." "If our hurried editorial effusions do not suit the literary appetite of the editor of the Sun," they declared, "we have at least the consolation to inform him they are original--not borrowed." They declared the Catoctin Valley area observed the motto "by industry we thrive," and expressed the hope that "the yeomonry (sic) of Middletown Valley will bear with us in our mental infirmities, and continue to encourage our industrious avocation." Many advertisements and announcements that appeared in the first issue (see "Middletown,1st Newspaper-1841" on this site), were repeated. New were these: Camp Meetings: United Brethren in Christ on land of Samuel DEANER near the Turnpike road leading from Boonsboro to Sharpsburg, 1 1/2 miles from the former place. Methodist Episcopal Church on land of George W. HOFFMAN, 11/2 miles west of Jefferson. (Signed) Henry G. DILL. T. WHITTER purchases wheat at the Frederick Market. Geo. W. PADGETT "lately commenced the Tinning business, in Burkettsville." Tobias HORINE, jr., administrator of the estate of Tobias HORINE, sr., "late of Frederick County, deceased," called for claims against and payments due the estate. John HERRING, of C. reported that two heifers, about 15 months old, came to his farm, adjoining Middletown in July. He requested the owner/owners to "prove property," pay charges and take them away. Christopher MICHAEL, executor, called for persons who gave their notes at the personal estate sale of Frederick STEMBEL, deceased, to pay up or he would place them in the hands of officers of collection. {This notice appeared upside down.} The Maryland State Agricultural Society announced its second annual two-day fair at Ellicott's Mills. Society membership was $1. Allen THOMAS, John S. WILLIAMS, Charles CARROLL, Arthur PUE, Jr., and Edw'd HAMMOND were members of the executive committee, B. U. CAMPBELL, secretary. "Editors of newspapers . . . will render a public service by giving this notice a few insertions." Henry R. SMELTZER, near Middletown, offered a $15 reward for return of a large red pocket book or wrapper containing patent deeds, power of attorney for patent rights and land, notes of hand and accounts. He was "not positive" if any money was in it. He said he lost it last Wednesday in Baltimore or between there and Middletown. He asked that it be returned to the Three Tuns Tavern in Baltimore or the Middletown Post Office. "The Baltimore Sun will copy the above to the amount of $1, and send the account to this office for collection." "Attention Huntsmen!" William H. WENTZELLL, gun smith, in the shop formerly occupied by Jacob BERGER, West Patrick St., Frederick, "is prepared to make to order, or repair, shot guns, rifles, muskets, Bowie knives, etc." Weavers and dyers were east and west of Middletown: Andrew KARG. 1/2 east of Middletown; Jonh (sic) WISE,sr, 1 1/2 miles west of Middletown on the Sharpsburg Road, " manufacturing of Coverlets, Lindseys of all kinds, Counterpanes, twilled bagging, Diaper, Table cloths Linen, Carpeting, etc. He will also colour, cottons, woolen goods, silks, merinoes, crapes, etc. . . . in a neat substantial manner and with dispatch." Middletown tailors: David BOIDEAU, hoped customers would continue their patronage to "enable him to maintain his little ones without cabbaging (sic)." Perry G. THOMAS promised "his work shall be unsurpassed and a good fit warranted in every instance." Jonathan DOUP offered a liberal reward and his thanks to anyone who returned a black and white spotted bull with horns, about 15 months old, and very large for his age. It strayed from his farm near the farm of John BACHTOL on the road leading from Bealsville about 1 1/2 miles north of Middletown. A large ad for Graham's "Lady's and Gentleman's Magazine proclaimed subscriptions had doubled and a new volume was being issued. It would contain new features including rich original engravings, colored fashions, more of the best writers, sports and pastimes coverage, new type and paper and the choicest pieces of new and popular music for piano and guitar so "subscribers in remote country towns can always have the latest music." Cash in advance, $3 per single subscription, $5 for two, postage paid. Geo. R. GRAHAM, S.W. Corner 3rd and Chestnut, Phila. A communication of William WILEY of New York was published with comments on the charge against him "of receiving the money of the Frederick County Bank, knowing it to be stolen money." "A" (anonymous ?) said he (?) was "much pleased" with an article on "Composition" in an earlier issue and discussed the education system. A "Farmer's Cabinet" column offered tips and notes on crops from around the country, many sourced to other newspapers. On the lighter side a "Variety" column had jokes and humorous commentary. There were no birth, death or marriage notices.
Submitted by -Rob Roy RATLIFF
608 Warfield Drive, Rockville MD, 20850-1922
Email: [email protected]
September 2004
website by Dorinda Davis Shepley