WINNEBAGO PRESS — NORTHERN IOWA GAZETTE — WINNEBAGO SUMMIT — THE WINNEBAGO CHIEF
WINNEBAGO WEEKLY REVIEW — NORTH STAR — INDEPENDENT HERALD

One of the most powerful and far reaching instrumentalities which exerts a great influence upon society and morals, is the press of the land. Visit the larger cities and there we find the press daily pouring column after column of news matter before its readers; it enters almost every home and is the enjoyment of almost every fireside, thus moulding, as it were, minds and characters and extending its already powerful influence. Again, visit the smaller towns and villages and there is found the weekly press entering into every household to acquaint the people of the world's doings. thus it is that the press becomes one of the most powerful levers in moving the world. The talented minister of the gospel, on the Sabbath day, preaches to a few hundred people; on the following morning his thoughts are reproduced more than a thousand fold by the press and are read and discussed throughout the length and breadth of the land. The attorney at the bar, in burning words of eloquence, pleads for his client, perhaps the criminal arraigned for trail, often causing the jury to return a verdict totally at variance with the law and testimony in the case. His words are reproduced in every daily that is reached by the telegraphic wire, and his arguments are calmly weighed by unprejudiced men and accepted for what they are worth. The politician takes the stand and addresses a handful of men upon the political questions of the day; his speech is reported to the press and is read by 1,000 men for every one that heard the address. Suddenly a terrific tornado sweeps over a portion of the country, devastating the land for miles and miles, destroying homes, scattering ruin, death and misery all along its wild path, leaving homeless and destitute thousands, who once possessed happy homes and prosperous fields. The terrible news is borne along the wire with the rapidity of lightening; the press takes it up and sends the tidings forth to the world. No time is lost in sending relief; the press has made known their wants, and they are instantly supplied. "Chicago is on fire! Two hundred millions worth of property destroyed! Fifty thousand people rendered homeless!" Such is the dread intelligence proclaimed by the press. Food and clothing are hastily gathered, trains, are chartered, and the immediate wants of the sufferers are in a measure relieved.

The local press is justly considered among the most important institutions of every city, town and village. The people of every community regard their particular newspaper or newspapers as of peculiar value, and this not merely on account of the fact already alluded to, but because these papers are the repositories wherein are stored the facts and the events, the deeds and the sayings, the undertakings and the achievements, that go to make up final history. One by one these things are gathered and placed in type; one by one these papers are issued; one by one these papers are gathered together and bound, and, another volume of local, general and individual history is laid away imperishable. The volumes thus collected are sifted by the historian, and the book for the library is ready. Owing to the numerous changes in the proprietorship of the papers in Winnebago county, perfect files cannot be found, and where in places discrepancies occur they are attributable alone to incompleteness in files of the papers.

WINNEBAGO PRESS.

The first newspaper in the county bore the above name, the initial number of which appeared June 14, 1867, at Forest City, with Will Kelly as editor and publisher. Owing to delay in getting part of the material here Mr. Kelly could not publish a complete paper, so printed a half-sheet. He apologized for this excuse of a paper and promised that as soon as the "pi" could be sorted and the press made to work all right he would present a more respectable looking sheet. The following week the Press was issued full size. It was a five column quarto, well filled with news of a local and general character, and contained a fair number of advertisements. It seems, however, that Mr. Kelly lacked in those firm business qualities so necessary to the success of his enterprise. He was a fair writer and seemed to be energetic and full of spirit, but he lacked that courage and stability, which, had he possessed, might have enabled him to successfuly overcome the difficulties that are always encountered by the pioneer journalist.

In September, 1867, the Press came under the management of Arthur Linn and J.C. Harwood, two active enterprising young men from Charles City, Floyd Co., Iowa. Messrs. Linn & Harwood enlarged the paper to a six column folio and continued their partnership until Nov. 11, 1869, when Mr. Linn sold to his partner and retired. He then went to Yankton, Dakota, and has since made that territory his home. Since his residence there he has been territorial printer and when last heard from, in 1883, was editor of the Bismark Herald.

Mr. Harwood continued the publication of the Press with good success and considerably increased its circulation. In the fall of 1870, the Press was enlarged to a seven column sheet, and in July following, it was again increased in size by adding another column, making a large eight column paper, in size and general appearance equal to any journal in northern Iowa. In October, 1871, Mr. Harwood relinquished control of the Press and the paper passed, by purchase, into the hands of W.C. Hayward and M. Halvorsen. Mr. Harwood bade his patrons good bye as follows:

"Having sold the Press establishment to Messrs. Hayward & Halvorsen, a few words as a closing salute is all that I have to offer. 'I came a stranger and ye took me in,' and to the best of my ability have you been served. In many things I may have been hasty and injudicious, but hoping and expecting that all short comings will be laid to youth, inexperience and natural verdancy, I drop that portion of the subject.

"To the friends who have generously assisted me, by their patronage, financially or otherwise, I return my sincere thanks.

"As my successors are well known in this vicinity, no word of comment in relation to their ability and fitness for the position is needed. If properly aided by public patronage, as they should be, they will give you a live paper - one that will be not only a credit to themselves but an honor to the town and county.

"Again thanking one and all for favors shown, I remain.

Truly Yours,
J.C. Harwood."

For about eight months after selling the Press, Mr. Harwood was engaged in mercantile business with B.A. Plummer, after which he went to Hampton, Iowa and purchased the Franklin County Chronicle. He is now editor of the Wright County Monitor.

Messrs. Hayward & Halvorsen took control of the Press with the issue of Oct. 12, 1871, and in that paper published the following salutatory:

"This being the first number of the Press issued by the new proprietors, it will only be in accordance with prevailing custom, to inflict the public with a few words explanatory, showing in brief the course that will be followed, and the objects to which most especial attention will be given. Having located in Winnebago county with the intention of making our residence permanent, our interests are necessarily co-incident with hers, and in this belief the first object to which we shall devote our attention will be the upbuilding of our county, the promotion of the interests of her citizens, and their general and common welfare as such. To further our efforts, we believe the most potent power, and the one that will accomplish the greatest results, is a thoroughly wide-awake local newspaper; one that will be devoted exclusively to home interests - that will be a full and fair record of passing events in our own and adjoining counties and that will work ever for the financial and social benefits arising from e arnest thought and honest labor. To make our paper such, we propose to devote our fullest energies and individual attention.

"Politically, we belong to the party who endorse Grant's administration, and hope at the next Presidential election to see the man, who through war and peace has proved faithful to the trusts reposed in him by the American people, again elected to the high position he now occupies. But while we occasionally notice the most important questions that from time to time agitate political circles, we shall give but little space in our columns to political controversy, and dabble but little in party politics. We believe a man is a man whether he belongs to the republican party or the democratic, or non at all; and prefer tha tour paper be devoted to the more especial calling of disseminating news, and not to the one-sided interests of any clique or party.

"If we are ever found astride a hobby, we predict that it will be of the north Iowa build, for we squarely believe northern Iowa to be the best part of the best State in the Union, and we hope to be able occasionally to show up a few of the numerous advantages, and superior inducements that will tend to increase the already heavy tide of immigration, and eventually make this part of glorious Iowa the Eden garden of the west.

"In our efforts to make the Press what it should be, a people's paper, we ask the co-operation of every citizen of the county. Give us your support and we pledge ourselves to the performance of our duty to the fullest of possessed ability."

Messrs. Hayward & Halvorsen continued in partnership until July 1, 1873, when Mr. Hayward retired, selling his interest to his partner. Mr. Hayward in retiring from the editorial chair, said:

"With this issue we close our connection with the Winnebago Press. For just one year and nine months we have worked for the interests of the paper and its patrons, and during that time have had naught of which to complain. Our position has brought us into business relations with many, and led us to form acquaintances that we are quite unwilling to drop. There are many who have rendered us valuable aid and assistance, and none to our knowledge, have wantonly opposed us, and to these first and to all we return our warmest thanks. Mr. Halvorsen, who succeeds us as editor, has been our junior partner since our first connection with the Press. He is a young man of good habits, sterling integrity energetic and bound to succeed in whatever he undertakes; he, in fact, is so well and favorably known that further commendatory remarks by us are uncalled for, and we close by wishing him unbounded success.
W.C. Hayward"

Soon afterward Mr. Hayward went to Garner, this State, and purchased the Hancock County Signal, which he continued to run until in 1883, when he engaged in the banking business.

Mr. Halvorsen, in the next issue of the Press, made the following announcement:

"As will be seen by the above dissolution notice, the firm of Hayward & Halvorsen is dissolved, and the undersigned has taken full charge of the Winnebago Press. The same course will be pursued as heretofore, and no material change will take place at present. We do not know what Mr. Hayward will undertake, but in whatever business he may engage, we wish him unbounded prosperity. We shall strive as far as in our power to merit the continued liberal patronage of our own readers, as well as the people at large. With these few remarks we assume editorial supervision.
M. Halvorsen"

Mr. Halvorsen remained in sole charge of the Press unti Jan. 1, 1874, when A.H. Chase purchased a half interest, and the firm became Halvorsen & Chase. The Press was continued until about the 1st of March, when its name was changed to the

NORTHERN IOWA GAZETTE.

The paper under its new title appeared as an eight column folio, all home print, showing an enterprising spirit on the part of the proprietors that is not often met with in this western country. The paper showed a handsome appearance, and its matter and make-up bespoke ability, not only editorially, but mechanically.

In November, 1874, Mr. Halvorsen sold out to his partner, A.H. Chase, and removed to Lake Mills, this county, where he established the Independent Herald. He conducted this journal some two or three years, then sold to E.D. Hinman, and went to Albert Lea, Minn. He there purchased an interest in the Albert Lea Enterprise, of which paper he is now sole editor and proprietor.

In bidding adieu to the former friends of the Gazette, Mr. Halvorsen said:

"We have sold our interest in the Northern Iowa Gazette to A.H. Chase. During our connnection with this establishment we have made many friends, as well as enemies. Our friends have been true to us, and we shall never forget them. We return our thanks to our former patrons for the liberal patronage they have deemed the enterprise worthy of. The principles which we have advocated are well known. We have been perfectly honest and sincere in upholding these, and until we are convinced of their incorrectness, we shall not cease in advocating the same, regardless of fear or favor. To our friends we return our most heartfelt thanks for the true friendship they have shown us.
Respectfully,
M. Halvorsen"

Nov. 26, 1874, A.H. Chase became sole editor and proprietor of the Northern Iowa Gazette, and he at once changed its name to that of

WINNEBAGO SUMMIT.

In the first issue of the Summit, Mr. Chase addressed his patrons in the following words:

Our New Name.

"he Northern Iowa Gazette has been merged into the Winnebago Summit, and the paper will hereafter be published under this name. This change was rendered necessary to avoid confusion in business growing out of the changes which have resulted in placing this newspaper in the hands of the present editor and publisher. Our new name may seem a trifle toploftical, but then we are on high land and shall try to keep well up among the best newspapers of the State, and while we may never reach the tiptop, we shall "keep an eye" on the Summit. We hope that our new venture may meet the approbation and receive the support of this community. We have no new principles to teach and no "new departures" in politics to take, but shall aim to make the Summit, as its name implies, a welcome guest to every hearthstone in our county. Our friends in the various townships will confer a favor on us by sending us an account of any news transpiring in their respective localities. Thanking all for their kindness in the past, we hope to merit our share of the patronage and good things of the future."

The Summit has steadily grown in popularity and under the efficient management of its editor and publisher, Mr. Chase, it has become one of the best newspapers in northern Iowa. Its circulation is large an dits advertising patronage is second to none in the county. The press upon which this paper is printed has an eventful history. It was first used at Belmont, Wis., when Iowa was yet known as the territory of Wisconsin, and afterwards at Burlington, and was used in printing the first paper within the limits of Iowa in the spring of 1837. Afterwards this venerable "Foster Patent" was started on a tour of service through the eastern and northern portions of the State, stopping for brief periods at Osage, at Mason City and at Ellington, Hancock county, before it reached Forest City. It is the oldest press in the State, and still does good service.

A.H. Chase, editor and proprietor of the Winnebago Summit, was born at Peekskill, Westchester Co., N.Y., July 4, 1833. His parents were Jesse and Sarah (Haight) Chase, both natives of New York, the former born Aug. 12, 1794; the latter born Dec. 1, 1805. In 1883 they were both living, residing at Croton Landing, N.Y. They have four sons and one daughter living - Elmer, aged fifty-six years, now in the manufacture of boots and shoes at Nyack, N.Y.; Ambrose H., the subject of this sketch; Elvin, a teacher since 1852, now teaching at Croton Landing, N.Y.; and Caroline P., now Mrs. Clarence Anderson, of Croton Landing, N.Y. The Chase family are of English descent. Coming from England in 1680, they settled in one of the New England States. Obed Chase, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1755 and enlisting when about twenty, served for eight years during the Revolutionary War. The ancestry on the mother's side of the house is traceable back to France, from whence the Haights came in about 1650, settling in Connecticut, and subsequently moving to New York State. The grandfather Haight was born in 1776 and in 1878 was still alive, having reached the hale old age of 102 years. A.H. Chase, the subject of this sketch, left the parental roof when about eleven years old, and for six years worked on a farm near his home. When seventeen he went to New York city, where he clerked in a store for one year, then commenced teaching school in his native county. He continued teaching in different parts of the State for eleven years, then located in York, Penn., where he, in company with several others, established the True Democrat, which, though bearing the name Democrat, was a republican paper. Mr. Chase edited this journal for six years, then purchased the York Republican, which he conducted for three years. During two years of this time he resided in Washington, D.C., where he was private secretary to D.C. Whitman, first deputy commissioner of the internal revenue department. In May, 1867, he was appointed statistical clerk of public schools by the governor of Pennsylvania, and held the position for five years. In 1873, he came to Iowa, locating at Forest City, where, on the 1st of January, 1874, he purchased a half interest in the Press. Ten months later he became the sole proprietor of that paper, with which he has since been identified. Mr. Chase was married in 1856 to Elizabeth T. Hulse, a native of Orange Co., N.Y. They have been blessed with four children - Annie N., born Sept. 26, 1857, now Mrs. Milton V. Richards, of St. Paul; Franklin A., born Dec. 14, 1860, now in the United States postal service on the Minneapolis & St. Louis R.R.; Charles S., born June 22, 1862, now foreman of the Winnebago Summit office; and Edwin H., born in April, 1869. Mr. Chase was reared a free soil democrat, but on the organization of the republican party, in 1856, he espoused its principles and has "kept the faith" ever since. His first Presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont. For a number of years Mr. Chase has been in the lecture field and has earned the reputation of being one of the ablest speakers in this part of the State. He has a good delivery, is logical, clear-cut and pointed in his arguments, and the able manner with which he addresses himself to any subject, shows him to be a man of culture and extensive research in the realm of science and literature. He has won considerable repute as a stump speaker, having "stumped" most all the eastern States and Iowa, both during Presidential and gubernatorial campaigns. His writings prove him a man of fine literary tastes, and this not only in prose but also in poetry, of which he has written a great deal.

THE WINNEBAGO CHIEF.

The first number of this paper appeared Feb. 4, 1880. It was a six column quarto, clean and neat, and well filled with general and local news. Clayton O. Ingalls, of Clear Lake, Iowa, established the Chief, and was its editor and publisher, George E. Frost, of Clear Lake, being its owner. In the first number of the paper, there was published the following introductory remark

"In introducing ourselves to the public and to the people of Forest City and Winnebago county, we will say that we are young at the business, but we will give you a paper that will be a credit to your town and county. Although there are two other papers in the county, yet there is room for one more (the Chief). As Forest City is the county seat, and is likely to remain so for a good many years to come, we will endeavor to work particularly for its interests.

"We have come among you almost an entire stranger, and have cast our anchor, and shall hereafter make Forest City our home, and we respectfully solicit the patronage and influence of the people of its community.

"The Chief, a six column quarto, being the largest and cheapest paper in the county, will make you regular weekly visits and will keep you posted in the local and general news of the day, firmly standing up for what we believe to be right and strongly opposing that which is wrong.
C.O. Ingalls"

In September, 1880, H.M. Halvorsen and J.T. Lattimore purchased the Winnebago Chief, and changed the name to:

WINNEBAGO WEEKLY REVIEW.

This paper presented its first issue to the people on the 15th of September, 1880. It was a six column quarto, and was well filled with interesting local and other matter. Messrs. Halvorsen and Lattimore, in entering upon the duties of the management of the above paper, said:

"The Winnebago Review, successor to the Winnebago Chief, is herewith presented to you. In entering upon our duties as editors of this paper, in accordance with custom, it is but proper we should give a brief outline of what we expect to make the Review, with the kindly assistance of friends throughout the county. In the first place, the local field will particularly receive our attention, and from week to week we shall, to the best of our ability, present a thorough Review of all happenings and events transpiring within Winnebago county and northern Hancock. Although our field is local, yet in addition to such news we also propose to give a Weekly Review of all general news, both foreigh and domestic. In short, it will be our aim to make the Review a family necessity, and worth many times the subscription price to all residents, or other parties in any way interested in the affairs of Winnebago county. In politics, we believe in the principles of the glorious republican party, and we shall do what we can to sustain it. We are bound to no clique or clan, and will Review the acts of all public officers fearlessly and impartially, believing that the people should know the truth, regardless of the results to aspirations and ambitions of candidates for office and office holders.

"In connection with our newspaper office we have one of the best equipped job printing establishments in northern Iowa, and we solicit work of this character from our business men and others in need of anything in this line, guaranteeing satisfaction, both as to price and quality of work.

"With these outlines of what we propose to make the Review, we enter upon our work.
H.M. Halvorsen,
J.T. Lattimore"

On April 15, 1881, Mr. Halvorsen became sole editor and proprietor of the Review, and so continued until Jan. 1, 1882. At this time he formed a partnership with his brother, M.C. Halvorsen, and the firm name of H.M. Halvorsen & Co., was adopted. In 1883 the Winnebago Review was still under the management of the above firm.

NORTH STAR.

The paper bearing the above name was established in June, 1872, at Lake Mills, by E.D. Hinman & Co. It was a six column folio and was established in the interest of the northern part of the county, which up to this time had been without a paper. Lake Mills was still a little village, with but a few houses, still the inhabitants did all they possibly could to help along in the enterprise and almost every business man had an advertisement in the paper. Though small, it was amply large for the times. The editorial management fell entirely to Mr. Hinman, who performed his duties in an able and creditable manner. The first issue appeared June 3, 1872, and in introducing the North Star to the citizens of Winnebago county, Mr. Hinman said:

"It is an old custom among journalists to give, in the initial number of the sheet they spread before the public, a lengthy catalogue and tiresome category of the events, causes, whys and wherefores that led to their perilous undertaking, and sketch in minutest detail the hopes, aims, desires and expectations that for months have been fomenting within the narrow confines of cranial walls, generating force for expansion into unheard of improbabilities. This is, without doubt, all right, and strictly in accordance with the dictates of conventionality; we propose, however, to vary somewhat from the general rule, leaving our readers to gather from the columns of the Star, in its weekly visits, what perchance there may be of fact or fancy to illustrate practically what would be but 'twice told to tell it here.' Still, it may be well to follow in the old ruts far enough to say that the North Star will be devoted to the interests of Lake Mills and vicinity in particular, and Winnebago county and Norther Iowa in general. Republican in politics, but retaining its constitutional right to freedom of expression in criticising party measures or actions, not deemed in accordance with native inborn views of right and wrong. Subject to no clique and untrammeled by sectional influence.
"Respectfully asking for the patronage we may fairly merit, but begging favors of no man, with malice toward none and charity for all, we remain,
Yours truly,
E.D. Hinman & Co."

The North Star was printed at the Press office in Forest City, and after aobut one year's existence it was discontinued.

INDEPENDENT HERALD.

In the month of February, 1875, the first issue of the Independent Herald appeared at Lake Mills. Marcelus Halvorsen was editor and publisher. The paper was a five column quarto, well filled with news and advertisements, and was well received by the citizens, who had been without a local paper for several years. Mr. Halvorsen continued in control of the Herald about three years, and sold to E.D. Hinman. In about one year Mr. Hinman sold to H.W. Rowland, now of St. Ansgar, Mitchell Co., Iowa. Mr. Rowland ran the paper until in August, 1881, when the management passed, by purchase, into the hands of O.P. Hull. In September, 1882, the Herald was changed to a more convenient form, and since that date it has been published as a seven column folio. Mr. Hull had considerable experience in newspaper work, and met with merited success during his proprietorship of the Herald.

In January, 1884, S.K. Gregg assumed control of the Herald in the following words:

"It is a time-honored custom at the dawn of the New Year to make new plans and form wise resolutions for future action. It is therefore, our purpose to assume the duties and responsibilities of editor and proprietor of the Independent Herald, and the inquiring public have a right to know some of our plans and resolutions relative to its management. We cheerfully admit that we cannot wear a 'coat of many colors,' or in other words, it will be impossible for us to please everbody, yet we hope that our course may be worthy, and that we may receive the approbation of our courteous readers and of the public at large.

"First - We propose to publish the Herald, not in Forest City, in connection with the Summit or Review, as some have intimated, but in Lake Mills, independent of the above named papers, or any individuals; yet we will not ignore any one, but ask advice from and are willing to counsel with all persons. It will also be our aim to herald all the news of immediate interest to our readers and shall labor faithfully and impartially for the interest of each and everyone of our citizens according to our very best ability. We shall also endeavor to do all in our power to advance the interest of Lake Mills and of Winnebago county; and besides this we will endeavor to give the general news, both foregn and domestic, in as replete a manner as circumstances will permit. Furthermore, our greatest aim will be to make the Herald worth twofold the subscription price. In politics, we are republican, not for policy, but because we do admire those grand principles for which our fathers fought, but we openly denounce all the corruptions that have crept into either of the political parties irrespective of name, for 'righteousness exalteth a Nation but sin is a reproach to any people.'

We are also prepared to do all kinds of job work, which will be executed in first class style and with promptness, therefore reserve your orders for us.
"In conclusion we would say no family should be without a newspaper, therefore call and see us and become acquainted and favor us with your subscripton for the Herald, for upon its patronage depends the real worth of any newspaper. Wishing you all the compliments of the New Year, we submit you this number.
S.K. Gregg"

¹History of Kossuth, Hancock and Winnebago Counties, Iowa. Springfield, Illinois: Union Publishing Company, 1884. 775-84.