Selma Courier, The First Newspaper
From "Selma; Her Institutions, and Her Men" by John Hardy, pub. 1879:
From about 1818 up to about 1826, the inhabitants of the village continued to increase gradually in number, but about 1826, the place became very sickly, and many who had settled here left, seeking a more healthy location; and from 1826 to about 1830, the population rather diminished in number; but in 1839 the town authorities thoroughly organized, and established, and enforced, a good sanitary system; the numerous ponds of offensive water to be found in various parts of the town were drained, ditches were opened, and soon the results of this work were visible upon the health of the village, and again the population gradually increased; and soon a most excellent and thriving population occupied the village, representing about all occupation and professions of life, Among the than inhabitants, we can mention Hugh Ferguson, Frederick Vogelin, Jesse Joiner, David Hamilton, Fielding Reynolds, James G. Cowan, Benj. Tarver.
Among the new settlers of 1827, was a young man by the name of Frow, a printer, who through the influence of Col. P. I. Weaver, was induced to come to Selma and establish a newspaper. On the 2nd day of November 1827, the first number of this paper was issued, and the first newspaper issued in Selma. It was entitled the
Selma Courier. Its motto was “ our country, and country’s friend;” dated November 2nd 1827; printed and published by Thomas J. Frow, office opposite the office of Messrs. Pickens & Calhoun, at $5 per annum. This paper, on its outside, contained the Message of Governor John Murphy to the Legislature of Alabama. The first inside page Contained an introductory from the editor the public, and several local notices, among them the receipts of cotton at the two warehouses--at McLaughlin’s, 56 bales; and at weaver’s, 34 bales; making 90 received for the week--several complimentary articles of Gen. Jackson, a petition from the people of the Tennessee Valley to Congress, a notice that the Rev. Joseph Walker would preach in Selma on the following Sunday, several extracts from the
Mobile Register, the
Milledgeville Recorder, the
National Gazette, and an extract of a letter from Mexico, dated October 3rd, 1827. The second inside page contained the cotton market of Mobile, Savannah, and Boston; a price-current of groceries in Selma; an extract of a letter from Havana, dated September 24th 1827; announcements of Adam Taylor and Wm. Bowers, as candidates for Sheriff of Dallas county; a marriage notice, by Rev. Charles Crowe of Elijah Taber and Miss Sunnah Sims, daughters of Redick Sims; and one by James Craig, Esp., Paschall Traylor to Miss Mary Ann Harrell; a law card of H. G. & Albert G. Perry; the arrival and departure of seven steamboats, to and fro Selma, during the past week; a card from Dr. Marshall; an advertisement of Simpson & Jones, of dry goods and groceries; a similar advertisement from Wm. Johnson; one form Pl. I. Weaver; a card of Drs. Miller & Hogan; Weaver’s warehouse; on from George Goff proposing to sell town lots at Statesville; and advertisement of the Maryland State Lottery, of which the editor was agent at Selma, and sell tickets; journeyman shoemakers wanted by James Owen; on from John Johnson, as administrator of Robert Greer, deceased, a card from John W. Paul, as a lawyer at Cahaba; and a prospectus of the
Southern Review , published at Charleston, S. C. On the fourth and last page under the head of “The Garland,” a piece of original poetry “To Eliza Jane,” the columns of the fourth page are filled up with miscellaneous and general news matter; and an advertisement of runaway negroes, which, as a matter of reference for future generations, we copy as follows:
A LIBERAL REWARD
Will be paid by a subscriber, living 7 miles below Cahaba, for the apprehension of
the following described Negroes, who ran away from him on the 3rd instant, viz;--
John, a tall slim black fellow about 27 or 28 years of age.
Cisily, John’s wife, about 21 years old; her complexion not very black.
Robin, a yellow fellow, tall and stout made; has a large foot and remarkable long
great toes. I think the one on the left is the longest. He has a scar on his left arm just above the wrist about the size of a quarter dollar, and is about 20 years of age.
They will no doubt make for North Carolina, as I am told John persuaded the others
that he could take them there without any trouble. They left home without any provocation
whatever. All expenses will be paid if brought home.
JAMES M. LENOUR.
Nov. 2nd, 1827
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