tinued, and the "Vedette" took its place. In size and appearance this paper followed very nearly in the footsteps of its predecessor. This latter paper lived its allotted time on earth and was succeeded by the "Tioga Register," by Job A. Smith in 1822. In 1828 its title was changed to that of "Elmira Gazette." In 1831, Brinton Paine became associated with Mr. Smith. Mr. Paine continued in the establishment until March, 1833, when he retired, leaving it in the hands of Mr. Smith. In 1835, Mr. Paine purchased the establishment, and was its sole proprietor, employing Thomas Maxwell as Editor. In 1837, Cyrus Pratt became connected with Mr. Paine, and Mr. Maxwell retired from the Editorial chair. In 1838, Mr. Pratt bought out Mr. Paine. In 1839, it was printed by Pratt & Beardsley, who continued its publication until 1841, when it passed into the hands of Mason & Rhodes, who are its present publishers.
The "where-about" and "what-about" of its various publishers, is a difficult matter to determine. Mr. Paine, however, is still in Elmira, engaged in the Drug and Medicine business. Mr. Maxwell resides in Geneva.
The "Elmira Republican," says Mr. Fairman, as near as can be ascertained, was launched into existence in the "Dark Ages." The first tangible period in its history is 1828, when it was purchased by a company, and for the first year thereafter was called the "Elmira Whig"—James Durham being its publisher. Then came an interregnum of six months. In 1829, it re-appeared again under the management of C. Morgan—William Murphy, Editor. It was now called the "Elmira Republican and Canal Advertiser." It soon after passed into the hands of John Duffy, and reverted back to its original simplicity, being called the "Elmira Republican." In 1832, it was bought of the company by Birdsall & Huntly. It was conducted by them until March, 1826, when Mr. Huntly retired, and the paper was continued by Ransom Birdsall until 1841, when it was purchased by Polley & Caster, by whom it was conducted one year. Mr. Caster then disposed of his interest to D. M. Cook who subsequently purchased the entire concern. Three months after this event, Mr. Cook died, and the paper passed into the hands of E. S. Huntly and William Polley, under the firm name of Wm. Polley & Co. It was conducted by them for two years, when in November, 1845, they disposed of the establishment to S. B. & G. C. Fairman. In July, 1846, the former retired, leaving it in the hands of the latter gentleman. In June, 1846, under the Telegraph excitement, the "Elmira Daily Republican" was issued. But it proved an unprofitable experiment, and in about two months was abandoned.
The "Democratic Citizen," published at Jefferson, was established about three years ago by J. I. Hendrix. He is still its publisher and Editor. The Press upon which it is printed was formerly used to print a paper at Horseheads, the name and date of which I have been unable to ascertain. The same Press was subsequently used in the office of the "Chemung Democrat," which was published at Havana a short time. This did not meet with sufficient support, and it was removed to Jefferson, and the "Democratic Citizen" established.
The paper is now called the "Havana Republican" has been published about twelve years. It was established by Nelson Colegrove, and has been published by several different individuals—among whom were Barlow Nye, and T. I. Taylor. Its present Editor and proprietor is W. H. Ougly.
The above, according to Mr. Fairman's own opinion of the matter, is an imperfect sketch—owing mainly to the fact that those who had it in their power to render it more complete and full, failed to supply him with the requisite data to enable him to carry out his original design.
CAYUGA COUNTY.
The attempt was made at an early day to establish the Press in this County, dating back to 1798. Henry Oliphant in his letter to the Committee puts forth the following interrogatory—"What other County in the Western District had a paper as early as 1798?" This he will find answered by a reference to the County of Steuben, where he will find a paper was established as early as 1796. Cayuga must therefore yield the palm. In June, 1845, Mr. Oliphant published the following in his paper, under the head of "The Past and Present." As it embodies the kind of information sought, I shall give it as I there find it, in preference to any remarks of my own:—
"The first newspaper printed in what now constitutes the County of Cayuga, of which we have any knowledge was the "Levana Gazette, or Onondaga Advertiser"—a small affair of 17 inches by 20, printed by R. Delano, in 'Scipio, Onondaga county, S. N. Y.' July 20th, 1798—Terms $2 per annum. The 3rd No. is before us, printed upon paper that would now scarcely be thought suitable for wrapping—as likewise the No. for November 21st of the same year, which owing to the failure of the
