The "Keithsburg Observer" was established in 1856 by Col. J. B. Patterson, then editor of the "Oquawka Spectator." It was Democratic in a locality which, at that time, was the strong­hold of the party in Mercer County. The writer had the honor of setting the first type for this sheet. It was afterwards purchased by W. R. Calhoun, who continued its publication until its final suspension in 1859. In 1860 the "Democatic Press" was started by V. B. Shove, and was continued by him until his enlistment in the army in 1861. Under different names, and in the interest of the Democratic and Republican parties, it was published successively by J. A. J. Birdsall, A. G. Lucas, Col. Isaac Mc­ Manus and Theodore Glancey.

Others who have figured as editors and publishers of papers in Keithsburg are W. C. Brown, Taylor & Blackman, William H. Heaton, H. C. Cook, R. S. Scudder and Mitchel & Whitney. The "Keithsburg News" is, at present, the established paper of the town

 

History of Henderson and Mercer Counties

© Wini Caudell and Contributors

All Rights Reserved

Illinois Ancestors