HOW AND WHERE TO LOOK IT UP
RESOURCES FOR RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA. ©2001
William D. Theriault, Ph.D.
17434 Virginia Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
WMTheriault@myactv.net
Back To Table Of Contents

7. Newspapers and Periodicals
People doing historical research often make heavy use of newspapers. Sometimes they forget that papers, like people, may be biased on what they choose to report and how they report it. In fact, many of the local papers were owned and operated by political candidates or by groups with strong special interests or party affiliations.

This chapter contains an overview of local newspapers. Since Jefferson County was once part of Frederick County Virginia and later part of Berkeley County, papers published in Winchester and Martinsburg are also important sources of information.

The most extensive index of Jefferson County newspapers is included on the Explorer CD. It includes a bibliography of specific works (including those from newspapers) about Jefferson County and a selected index/abstract of Jefferson County newspaper articles. This index/abstract includes all of the abstracts prepared by Harpers Ferry National Historic Park plus many abstracts, full text articles, and news items outside the scope of the Harpers Ferry project.

The following sources provide some information on the role of the press in West Virginia history:

Curry, Roy Watson. “The Newspaper Press and the Civil War in West Virginia.” M.A. Thesis, West Virginia University, 1940.

Kiplinger, John Lewis. “The Influence of the Press in the Making of West Virginia.” M.A. Thesis, West Virginia University, 1935.

Special edition newspapers have been microfilmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah (reel no. 192,959) and are available at West Virginia University.

Alexandria Advertiser. Before any newspapers were published locally (1790), this was one of the primary sources of news. If often contains references to what would later become Jefferson County.

Alexandria Gazette. Like the Alexandria Advertiser, this is an early source of Jefferson County news.

American Eagle. Started in March 1816 by John M. Snider and later owned by Robinson and Harper. It was a continuation of The American Eagle, and Shepherd's-Town Weekly Advertiser (which began in February 1816). The paper apparently ceased publication about 1818.

Baptist Outlook. A religious newspaper (ca. 1904-1906) reportedly published in “Charles Town.” (Probably not Jefferson County.)

Berkeley Intelligencer. First published on April 3, 1799, in Martinsburg by John Arburtis, it was West Virginia's third newspaper. In 1802 it was changed to the Berkeley and Jefferson County Intelligencer and Northern Neck Advertiser, and in 1810 became the Martinsburg Gazette.

Charlestown Argus. A weekly newspaper published in Charles Town by Edward Branch Robinson. The first issue was published April 24, 1835. It appears to have ceased publication in 1835.

Clarke Courier. A conservative paper (1890) published in Clarke County, Virginia, by John O. Crown.

The Comet. A monthly newspaper published in Charles Town by F. Ernest Yates. The paper began in publication in January 1922.

Constellation. John Foster and James Caldwell published the Constellation (Winchester) about 1810, and also conducted a book-publishing house. The Constellation passed into the hands of several successors: Mr. Cashell, J. G. Brooks, S. H. Davis, then to Gallagher and Towers.

Democrat (Charles Town). Established on January 9, 1885, by Thomas H. Mason, a Democratic candidate for office. The paper ceased operation in 1890.

Eastern Panhandle. Began in July 1904 and ceased operation about August 1906. It was published in Shepherdstown and edited by W. I. Boone. It was devoted to the advancement of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and the country generally.

Evening Item. The first daily newspaper in Winchester, published on January 12, 1895. This single-sheet paper was published by John I. Sloat, who later sold his interest to the Ward Brothers. The Wards sold the operation to a Mr. Norton, who renamed it the Winchester News-Item. On July 4, 1896, Sloat started the Evening Star.

Evening Star (Winchester). Started in 1896, the paper merged with the News-Item and Times. Early in the 20th century it was managed by H. F. Byrd and edited by D. B. Conrad. Richard E. Byrd, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, used this Democratic paper as his soapbox.

Farmer's Advocate. In September 1884, the West Virginia Publishing Company was incorporated in West Virginia by R. S. Eichelberger, E. W. Bedinger, Joseph Trapnell, B. C. Washington, and John T. Colston, all of Charles Town. The company's purpose was to publish a weekly newspaper at that location. The Farmer's Advocate, a weekly paper, was started by this group in 1885. Eichelberger was the son of a former editor of the Martinsburg Statesman. It was taken over by J. M. Mason, Sr., who was succeeded by his son, Thomas H. Mason. He sold out to R. W. Morrow, who in turn was succeeded by R. C. Rissler and J. F. Engle in 1901. Engle retired after four years’ service, but the publication was continued until 1931 by Robert C. Rissler. In that year he sold out to John S. Alfriend, editor of The Spirit of Jefferson. Mr. Rissler continued as editor. The paper was the "Official organ of the West Virginia State Farmer's Alliance and Industrial Union." It continued the numbering of the West Virginia Democrat. The paper merged with the Spirit of Jefferson, to form the Spirit of Jefferson Farmers Advocate on March 4, 1948. The West Virginia Regional History Collection (Morgantown), includes: Farmers' Advocate Records, 1899-1935. Subscription books, 1901-1905, 1912, 1916-1917, and an account book, 1912-1935, of the
Farmer's Advocate.

Farmers' Repository. First published in Charles Town on April 1, 1808, by Richard Williams and William Brown, it was the first agricultural newspaper in present West Virginia. The Court of Trustees' records for Shepherdstown for May 5, 1812, ordered "publication of the laws in force" in its columns. It was merged with the Virginia Free Press in February 1827.

Gazette (Shepherdstown). Started in 1824 by John Arburtis, who had relocated from Martinsburg.

Good Newspaper (Shepherdstown). Published by the Shepherdstown Ministerial Association.

Grove Daily. A daily newspaper published at Shepherdstown. An agricultural exhibition paper, published during the Morgan's Grove Fair which began in 1884.

The Guidon. Published in 1864 at Charles Town by the 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry. (Volume 1, no. 4 is dated December 22, 1864.) It was a camp newspaper.

Harpers Ferry Constitutionalist. Begun about 1821. In May 1841, John J. Hickey established a Democratic newspaper, The Jefferson Banner, in Charlestown. The Harpers Ferry Constitutionalist establishment and the names of its patrons were handed over to the Banner.

Harpers Ferry Free Press. Started by John S. Gallaher and H. N. Gallaher at Harpers Ferry. In 1827, it was combined with the Farmer's Repository. It was briefly published simultaneously at Charlestown and Harpers Ferry under title Virginia Free Press and Farmers' Repository. It later became published solely in Charles Town under the Free Press banner.

Harpers Ferry Messenger. Published in June 1882 at Harpers Ferry “By Coloreds Attached To Storer College,” the Revs. B. F. Fox and A. W. Adams (Editors) and Rev. J. W. Dungee (Business Manager). In April 1883, the Spirit accused the Messenger of stirring up strife between races over comments about the shooting of "colored boy Roberts" and lynch law. In October 1883, the name of the paper was changed to The Messenger and moved to Shepherdstown, where it was published by Rev. B. F. Fox. The move was possibly caused by paper's criticism of Storer College principal Brackett.

Harpers Ferry Sentinel. A paper by this name (possibly the Saturday Sentinel) was begun in September 1887 by David Gorshorn, formerly of Mineral County. In February 1888 it changed to a four-page format. The same year it was purchased by W. L. Erwin & L. J. Brackett. The Saturday Sentinel was absorbed by the Harpers Ferry Sentinel in 1892. The paper suspended publication December 18, 1894. A paper under the same name (possibly the same paper?) had begun publication in 1851 under the ownership of C. Grate. James W. Beller, former editor of the Spirit of Jefferson, proposed establishing a paper of this name in 1857. It is not clear what relationship existed among these papers.

Harpers Ferry Times. Begun around 1900 and edited by W.O. Towns, it ceased publication about 1914.

Herald (Martinsburg). A Republican newspaper edited and managed by John T. Reily in 1890.

The Impartial Observer: or Shepherd's-Town, Charles Town & Country Advertiser. First published on June 28, 1797 by Philip Rootes and Charles Blagrove at Shepherdstown. It became the second newspaper to be published in western Virginia.
Independent (Shepherdstown). Published in the 1890's by Jacob Wintermoyer and Dr. C. T. V. S. Butler, and edited by John H. Zittle until his death, it was absorbed by The Register. A Republican paper named The Independent surfaced again in January 1907 under the editorship and management of C. S. Musser. The March 13, 1974, issue states that the paper was to be temporarily suspended for lack of letter press newsprint.

Independent (Storer College). Published in 1875, this newspaper was devoted to the interests of the "Colored Race."

Independent (Martinsburg). A Republican journal, edited by Mr. J. Nelson Wisner in 1890.

Independent-Democrat. A weekly newspaper published in Charles Town by William Benjamin Reed. It began October 4, 1859, under editor D. Smith Eichelberger.

Jefferson Banner. Published in Charles Town in May 1841 by John J. Hickey, it absorbed the Harpers Ferry Constitutionalist.

Jefferson Herald. Begun as the Saturday Post (Harpers Ferry) in 1834, by Adam T. Cavis, it changed its name to the Jefferson Herald and "hoisted the Jackson Flag" in October of that year. The Herald apparently ceased publication shortly thereafter, the editor "finding that the citizens of Harpers Ferry have not spirit enough to support a Virginia weekly paper of any description (either neutral or political) we have determined to discontinue the publication of our paper at this place."

Jefferson Republican. Published by R.J. Funkhouser from 1942 to 1955. Funkhouser ran for U.S. Senate in 1942 and for Governor in 1944. The Republican had a tabloid format, editorially took a strong stand against the New Deal and Fair Deal and supported the political philosophies of General Douglas MacArthur and Senator Robert A. Taft of Ohio. The paper was a weekly from October 27, 1944, to September 1, 1955, and a monthly from July, 1943 to April, 1944. The first three issues were published at Claymont Court.

Journal (Martinsburg). Established in Martinsburg in 1907.

Journal (Shepherdstown). A weekly newspaper published in Shepherdstown by George Fleming. It began publication about 1824 and appears to have ceased publication about March 1827. Editors included C. G. Fleming (1824 - April 1826) and John Alburtis (1826 - March 1827).

Journal (Winchester). The first Republican paper in Winchester, edited by A. M. Crane. Started in 1865, it was sold to N. B. Meade, who started the Sentinel, a Democratic paper. The paper ceased publication after about two years.

The Journal, and Virginia and Maryland Advertiser. Published in Shepherdstown by George Fleming about 1925.

“Journal of the Times.” A November 1848 prospectus by G. W. Chambers announced the intended publication of this paper at Harpers Ferry. (Is this the Harpers Ferry Times?) The prospectus announced that "In a word every effort shall be made and the editor hopes successfully to render The Journal an interesting paper occupying the middle ground between the mere political and mere religious newspaper and marked by a spirit of moderation and candor that shall insure general approbation."

The Key. Published in Frederick, MD, ca. 1798. (Identified in the Library of Congress, Early American Imprints Series.) The paper mentions activities in areas adjacent to the Potomac River, such as Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry.

Ladies Garland. This was one of the first papers in the nation devoted mainly to the interests of women. This paper was four pages of 9 x 12 inches, and was published every Saturday evening for a period of five years by John S. Gallaher, at the office of the Harpers Ferry Free Press.

Leader (Winchester). Started in 1884 by T. H. Goshorn, this Republican paper continued for a few years under the editorship of E. D. Root and then closed for lack of support.

Martinsburg Gazette. Started in May 1799 by Nathaniel Willis, who had published the Potowmack Guardian in Shepherdstown. Merged with the Public Advertiser around 1830 by Edmund P. Hunter. See also: Monico, Francis W. “The Negro and the Martinsburg Gazette.” M.A. Thesis, West Virginia University, 1958.

The West Virginia Patriot. A newspaper published in Shepherdstown in 1913 by the P.O.S.A. (Patriotic Order of the Sons of America?). Reported to be in the Regional History Collection, Morgantown.

Pioneer Press. Beginning in 1882, it was published in Martinsburg by J. R. Clifford, an outspoken black newspaperman, lawyer, and Storer College graduate. The first black man licensed to practice law in West Virginia, Clifford traded salvos with the Virginia Free Press and Shepherdstown Independent for years on racial issues and, in particular, on the John Brown raid and the death of Hayward Shepherd. He also freely criticized the Republican Party for its failure to represent blacks. In September 1917, The Pioneer Press ceased publication after 35 years, following charges of postal law violations concerning criticisms by J. R. Clifford of United States involvement in World War One.

The Potomac Guardian. A weekly newspaper published in Shepherdstown, by Evelyn Anderson. Began August 15, 1979. Ceased August 5, 1981. Editor: Robert Burkhardt.

Potomac Pioneer. Published in Shepherdstown in 1829 by W. and G.K. Weber.

Potowmack Guardian and Berkeley Advertiser. The first newspaper printed within the boundaries of the State, it was started in Shepherdstown late in the year 1790 by Nathaniel Willis. Willis, a former member of the Boston Tea Party of 1773, had previously published a newspaper in Winchester, Virginia. Willis moved to Martinsburg about 1792 where it continued publication. In 1795 the spelling of “Potowmack” was changed to “Potomak.” On February 1, 1798, the title was shortened to the Potomak Guardian.

Register (Shepherdstown). The paper began in 1848. The first editors were Entler and McAnly, but after the first year Entler retired and McAnly carried on. He was succeeded by J. T. Bringman, who in 1853 sold it to John H. Zittle. In 1884, possession was secured by William and Harry L. Snyder. In the 1850's it was advertised as “A Family Newspaper – Devoted to General Intelligence, Advertising, Literature, Morality, Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Markets, &c., &c.” William Snyder soon retired, leaving operation of the business to Harry L. Snyder. On December 22, 1955, under the direction of William B. Snyder, Jr., it ceased publication. At the time, it was the second oldest newspaper in the state. Editors included Hardy and McAnly, December 4, 1849; McAnly, May 28, 1850; McAnly and Entler, June 5, 1850; John. H. Zittle, Nov., 1853-Nov., 1882; J.W. and H. L. Snyder, 1882-1884; H. L. Snyder, October 1884-1935; William B. Snyder, 1935- 1942; Martha White Snyder, 1942-1948; and William B. Snyder, 1948-Dec. 22, 1955. It issued a special centennial edition, December 4, 1949, in four sections with
excerpts from issues of its past 100 years. It suspended publication for December 10, 1852-1853, and June 15, 1861-July 15, 1865. The paper contains numerous articles on local history.

Saturday Post (Harpers Ferry). In September 1834, this “new” newspaper owned by Adam T. Cavis changed its name to the Jefferson Herald and "hoisted the Jackson Flag."

Shepherd College Pickett. Began publication on December 30, 1871, it is the student newspaper of Shepherd College.

Shepherdstown Chronicle. Weekly newspaper begun in Shepherdstown in 1991.

Spirit of Jefferson. The first issue was published on July 17, 1844, in Charles Town by James W. Beller. It was started in opposition to the Federalist and Whig newspaper, the Virginia Free Press. In 1858 the office was destroyed by fire but was re-established under the control of Lucas & Donavin. It then passed into the control of Donavin & Douglass and then Benjamin F. Beall, the latter owners running it for several years before the Civil War and owning it up to 1869. In the February 15, 1870, issue the new owners Dalgran and Haines noted that “We Pledge To Uphold Standards Of Beall's Spirit of Jefferson Newspaper.” Rivalry between the Spirit of Jefferson and The Virginia Free Press kept readers entertained. For example, in the October 14, 1873, issue of the Spirit of Jefferson, the editor asks "Where Does Virginia Free Press Get Its Harpers Ferry News From? Does It Have Special Correspondent To Clip It From Spirit of Jefferson?" It was not until 1872, nine years after West Virginia had been admitted to the Union, that The Spirit of Jefferson changed its mast-head from “Virginia” to “West Virginia.” Beginning in July 1, 1875, George W. Haines edited the paper. The paper was sold about 1930 to John S. Alfriend. It is still published as the Spirit of Jefferson - Farmers Advocate, making it the oldest newspaper in the state. It continues the numbering of Spirit of Jefferson from 1948.

Statesman (Martinsburg). A stanch Democratic newspaper, edited (in 1890) by Messrs. Westenhaver & Boyer.

Storer College Record. A monthly newspaper published by Storer College, Harpers Ferry. The first issue was printed in January 1883.

Times (Gerrardstown). Started in 1870 by J. B. Morgan, it attempted to stay politically neutral.

Virginia Centinel. First published in Winchester in April 2, 1788, by Richard Bowen & Co., the Centinel provided political counterpoint to the Virginia Gazette.

Virginia Free Press. First published by John S. Gallaher and H. N. Gallaher at Harpers Ferry. In 1827, the newspaper combined with Richard Williams' Farmer's Repository. For a brief time, the newspaper was published simultaneously at Charlestown and Harpers Ferry under title Virginia Free Press and Farmers' Repository. The name later changed to the Free Press. The paper had strong Whig affiliations. Gallaher was twice elected to the Virginia house of Delegates and was editor or part owner of several Whig newspapers between Charles Town and Richmond. During the Civil War the newspaper office was entirely demolished by the Federal soldiers, with types, presses, and everything being consumed by fire. The Gallaher family continued publication until about 1910 when it was sold to State Senator William Campbell who operated it a few years and then sold the plant and equipment to Clayton Haines and Robert Rissler, publishers of the Spirit of Jefferson and Farmers Advocate, respectively. These two discontinued the publication of the Free Press on March 16, 1916. The subscription books, 1821 - 1884, 2 vols. (listing subscribers to the Harpers Ferry and Charles Town newspaper, Jefferson County, by locality) are located in The Southern Historical Collection, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Virginia Gazette and Winchester Advertiser. The first newspaper published in the Shenandoah Valley (July 1, 1787). Published by Henry Wilcox & Co., the editor noted that the paper will supply the "latest information from the seats of government, statements of the markets, etc.," and offers its columns for correspondents to furnish the public with reliable news." The editor announced to his readers, that he was prepared by experience in the foreign cities to give the readers such publications as will win their respect and support. In January 1788, the paper was taken over by the firm of Bartgis & Wilcox. Bartgis at this time was publishing newspapers in York Town, Pennsylvania, and Frederick Town, Maryland, and was just establishing one at Staunton, Virginia. The Centinel and the Virginia Gazette came under the ownership of Richard Bowen about 1800 and were merged into the Gazette.

Virginia Literary Museum and Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, etc. Charlottesville, VA. F. Carr, 1830.

Virginia Monitor. A weekly begun in Shepherdstown about 1820 by Edward Bell. Later published by N. Mitchell.

Virginia Republican. Published in the early 1830's at Martinsburg by William Arburtis and G. C. Smoot. The paper was published in Charles Town, July 26 to December 14, 1837. It ceased publication on June 15, 1861, and resumed publication in October 1861. It ceased publication again in 1862. When Union troops under General Robert Patterson later took over the office, they briefly published a pro-Union newspaper entitled the American Union.

Virginian. Started by Judge Joseph H. Sherrard in 1827, this weekly was a Jeffersonian Democrat paper. Lewis Eichelberger became editor about 1834 and the paper was later sold to J. J. Palmer, the last owner.

Winchester News. In the summer of 1865, after three years without a paper, George R. Henry, P. L. Kurtz, and H. K. Pritchard started the Winchester News. The paper was published weekly until 1888, when it was purchased by Bailey & McAuliffe.

NEXT: 8. Personal Papers