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NEWSPAPERS.

The first newspaper venture in Kirkwood was a branch edition of The Monmouth Atlas, started in 1867, but which proved unprofitable and was soon abandoned. The next year

The Kirkwood Plaindealer was launched by Judson Graves. It was a weekly, six column folio, Republican in politics; but failing to win the material support necessary it removed to Gales- burg, after three years, where it is still published, under the name The Galesburg Plain dealer.

In June, 1875, W. H. Leedham started The Kirkwood News, a six column folio, independent in politics. As soon as this paper was under way The Kirkwood Enterprise appeared, under the management of Everett & Bro. It was a small sheet at first, but was soon enlarged to a six column folio. The proprietors bought out the News, but they were unable to make things win, and the paper was discontinued in the fall of 1880.

The next venture, and a successful one this time, was The Kirkwood Leader, established in March, 1880, by Barnes & Smalley. It was an eight column folio, independent in politics. Eight months later they sold out to Charles Bradshaw and R. S. Hook, who published the paper until New Years of 1885, under the firm name of Brad shaw & Hook. Mr. Bradshaw then became sole proprietor and editor, but in 1888 he sold a half interest to R. S. Russell, who assumed full control in 1887. The Leader flourished under Mr. Russell's guiding hand for ten years, when the plant was sold by him, December 31, 1897, to W. D. Campbell, whose name still flies at the mast head.

History of Warren County

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Illinois Ancestors