Historic Newspapers: P.T. Barnum

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., August 22 , 1844

* General Tom Thumb as a young boy
* P.T. Barnum circus attraction

Page 3 has a report about "Tom Thumb At Paris" that reads, in part:

* As it is the intention of Mr. Barnum to visit Paris with Tom Thumb....The General, having worn out Napoleon in England, he will there, in polite deference to French prejudice, appear as the Duke of Wellington....He will...dance a hornpipe... and...sing a comic song....When the General…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D. C., April 19, 1847

* General Tom Thumb European tour
* Phineas T. - P.T. Barnum attraction

  The front page has a nice article concerning General Tom Thumb from early in his career with P.T. Barnum. Bits mention: "...The General is a most symmetrical personage, & although formed ion one of nature's smallest moulds, is a perfect specimen of humanity polite, fascinating, agreeable, accurate, entertaining, & at times merry as a cricket. To Mr. Barnum, his…

THE HOME JOURNAL, New York City, July 1, 1848

* Jenny Lind... The Swedish Nightingale
* Opera singer of eventual P.T. Barnum fame

Page 3 has a small heading, "Jenny Lind", which includes a 1/2 column of text related to the world-famous opera singer nicknamed "The Swedish Nightingale".
Mostly literary content with short stories & poems, this title also has some news articles as well.
Complete in 4 pages, nice condition.

Catharine Hayes... the "Madonna" of the 1800's...

SUNDAY TIMES, September 28, 1851  In addition to the phenomenal masthead, page 3 has an ad for "Barnum's American Museum". Another ad is for a performance by Catherine Hayes at Tripler Hall, on her maiden tour of the United States. Later, in 1852 and 1853, she would be sponsored by P.T. Barnum. The Daily Express, London, has said: "Hayes was the 'Madonna' of her day; she was the 19th-century operatic equivalent of the world's most famous pop star." Other news of the day and period advertising…

THE UNION DEMOCRAT, Manchester, New Hampshire, Sept. 7, 1852
* General Tom Thumb - dwarf
* P.T. Barnum circus attraction
The front page has: "Barnum and Tom Thumb" which includes a letter from Bridgeport, Ct., noting in part: "Barnum's chief sources of income...are his Museum...among his incidental expenses are $200 a week or $10,400 a year for Tom Thumb..." with more on the wealth of Tom Thumb (see).
Page 2 has a notice supporting "For President, Franklin Pierce...". Four pages, very nice…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 1, 1853  This is the very first issue of what would become a short-lived publication which had "P.T. Barnum, Special Partner" involved in its publication, as noted on one of the back pages.
This is one of the earliest illustrated periodicals in the United States, preceding both Leslie's Illustrated and Harper's Weekly.  The format would be copied by these two dynamos of 19th century publishing, with prints within including "Destruction of Chickering's Great…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, 1853   Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" which would become immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
There are various prints within this 16 page issue, as the format is very much like Leslie's and Harper's would be. The masthead features a nice engraving of New York…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, 1853   Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" which would become immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
There are various prints within this 16 page issue, as the format is very much like Leslie's and Harper's would be. The masthead features a nice engraving of New York…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 8, 1853

* Nauvoo, Illinois - Mormons
* Washington monument

A short-live newspaper which preceded the first issue of "Harper's Weekly". This is the volume 1, number 2 issue. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication.
The front page shows: "The Late Collision on the Mississippi--Loss of the Steamer Western World". Prints inside include a nice half page of: "Nauvoo, from the Mississippi, Looking Down the River" with a related article: "The…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 22, 1853 

* Published by P. T. Barnum

Among the prints are: "Captain Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editors of New York" "Floating Mortar" "Astor Place Opera House" "Ball of the New York Fire Department..." "The Seals of Jerusalem" a nice town view of: "Concord, New Hampshire with 5 smaller prints including "The Residence of General Pierce"
Sixteen pages, minor foxing, generally good.

Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this…

Published by P.T. Barnum...

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 5, 1853  The front page has an illustration of: "Almeda De Paule, Havana". A halfpg. inside has a view of: "Montpelier, Vermont." and another halfpg. shows: "Crossing The Ice, On The Hudson River, At Albany".
But the prime content in this issue is the quarter page print captioned: "Miner Of California Prospecting." (see) which is a rare print of the California gold rush. There is related text as well.
Sixteen pages, even toning, scattered foxing.

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 12, 1853  Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Capt. Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editors of New York" "A New Implement of Destruction" ha much text and a print of the: "Floating…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 12, 1853  Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Capt. Ericsson Explaining His Invention to the Editor4s of New York" "Ball of the New York Fire Dept. at the Astor Place Opera House" "Floating…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 26, 1853 

* Published by P. T. Barnum

P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" these latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The ftpg. has a print of: "Houdon's Statue of Washington...". Many prints inside including: "Dominican Iron Light House", various items…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Feb. 26, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly" these latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The ftpg. has a print of: "Houdon's Statue of Washington...". Many prints inside include: "Dominican Iron Light House", various items owned by George Washington, "Departure of…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, 1853 

* Published by P. T. Barnum

A lot of six different issues of this scarce title, all from the first 6 months of its existence.
P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Each issue has various prints of event, scenes, and other…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 5, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
Front page shows: "New Clipper Ship, Empress of the Sea'. Prints inside include: "Portrait of Sir John Franklin--Arctic Exploring Expedition" "The Emperor Louis Napoleon" "U.S. Steamer Powhatan (Japan Expedition) at Anchor" "Marriage Ceremony of Louis Napoleon at the…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most notable report is an inconspicuous news item which may well be the earliest mention of the sport of skiing in an American publication.
…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most notable report is an inconspicuous news item which may well be the earliest mention of the sport of skiing in an American publication.
…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, March 19, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". These latter two ultimately becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last but 48 issues.
Although an illustrated newspaper, perhaps the most notable report is an inconspicuous news item which may well be the earliest mention of the sport of skiing in an American publication.
…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, April 9, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
Prints within include: "The Gardener Trial: Scene in the Courtroom, Washington"; 3 prints showing: "Illustrations of the Shad Fishery" "Destruction of the American Clipper Ship Golden Light" "River Side, New Jersey - The Residence of Bishop Diane" "M. Vanderbilt's New…

THE ILLUSTRATED NEWS New York, April 16, 1853  The cover has: "Arthur Spring - The Philadelphia Murderer", with related text regarding the murder which contains considerable discussion regarding capital punishment. Inside has content with related images of: "The Baltimore Shot Works", "The Baltimore Lottery", "Accident on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad", and views related to Matanzas, Cuba and both Buenos Aries and Valdivia, South America. Page 255 provides information regarding the…

Published by P.T. Barnum...

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, April 23, 1853  Large front page illustration: "Bull & Bear Fight, New Orleans", plus a related report. Inside page has two small illus: "Girard Bank" and "Girard College, Philadelphia", and a report: "Stephen Girard".
Full page has seven portraits: "The Cabinet Of President Pierce", including Jefferson Davis and more.
A volume I issue (number 17) of this uncommon title, the masthead has a nice harbor scene.
Complete in sixteen pages in very good condition.

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, April 30, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a nice print of: "Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna" with a related article. Prints within include: "Meeting in the African Church, Cincinnati, Ohio" "Washington' Rock, Somerset County, New Jersey" "Asher Durand, President of the National Academy of…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 7, 1853 

* Rare Jewish synagogue illustration
* Congregation Chasam Sopher
* Judaica - Jews - Judaism

Formatted very much like Harper's Weekly although predating it by four years, with the masthead featuring a nice engraving of the New York skyline at the time. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication.
Various illustrations within including a small one of the: "Exterior View of the Jewish Synagogue, Clinton St." and a related article:…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853  Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853  Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, May 21, 1853  Phineas T. Barnum was the co-owner of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly", the latter two becoming immensely more successful. This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues, or less than one year.
Among the prints are: "Destruction of the Steamer Ocean Wave on Lake Ontario" "View On the Chenango River" "Wall Street Ferry Buildings" "Floral Ball, Philadelphia"…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 4, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of: "Bronze Statue of De Witt Clinton--Monument Exhibiting in the Park". Other prints within include a map & article on: "The Disputed Boundary Between the United States & Mexico" "Foundation Excavations for the Government Steam Battery at…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 11, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to that more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication, as noted on page 15.
The front page has a print of: "Barn Destroyed, with Cows, Near Albany, New York".  Other prints within include a nice: "View of Charleston, South Carolina" "Foundation of the New Custom House at Charleston" "Trinity College, Hartford, Conn." "The State House, or Independence Hall"…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Benton". Inside has a nearly halfpg: "The Patent Office, Washington" and "Departure of the Arctic Expedition..." & "Scene On the Grand Canal,…

Published by P.T. Barnum...

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Benton". Inside has a nearly halfpg; "The Patent Office, Washington" and "Departure of the Arctic Expedition..." & "Scene On the Grand Canal,…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Sept. 24, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of: "Jedo [Jeddo], The Imperial City of Japan" with a related article.
Among prints within are: "St. John's, New Brunswick" "Hartford, Connecticut--Residence of the Poetess Mrs. Sigourney" with related articles. Other prints as well. 
…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Oct. 8, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of: "The Captain General of Cuba, Gen. Canedo, in Council" with a related article.
Among prints within are: "The Japanese Alphabet" "Sketches In Havana" "Sketches In Central America" which includes Leon, Nicaragua; a full page print of the:…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Oct. 15, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of: "Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem".
Among prints within are: "Imperial Pawnbroker's Shop, Paris" "The Column of Vendome, Paris". "Sketches In Mexico" include: "The Great Cathedral & plaza, City of Mexico" "Village of Arispe". "New…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Oct. 22, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
Among prints within are: "Valparaiso and Santiago Railroad, Chili" "Entrance to the Bosphorus, Turkey" "The Carrollton Viaduct on the Baltimore Railroad" "The Great Cathedral Church of Notre Dame, Paris"; 6 prints of the: "Salt Mines of Poland"  "Sketches in Otaheite…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Nov. 12, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of: "Firemen's Celebration - The Procession In Broadway". 
Among prints within are: "The Orcas Institute Near Worcester, Mass." "Dwelling of Peter Paul Rubens--The Painter" "View of Rio Janeiro - South America" "The Smithsonian Library Room"…

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Nov. 26, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of the: "Desperate Naval Engagement Between the Bon Homme Richard and Serapis". 
Among prints within are: "View In Dublin, Ireland" "Former Appearance of Penn's House, Letitia Court, Philadelphia" "Bridge of Cobosac, Over the Dordogne,…

INDEPENDENT PRESS, Lawrenceburgh, Indiana, Sept. 13, 1854 On the ftpg. under Auto-Biography Of Barnum is an excerpt from an early chapter about his first visit to New York. Takes two columns. Lite foxing.

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 25, 1856 (due to printing error the year is missing on page 1 but appears at the top of pages 2-8) 

* Bleeding Kansas
* Missouri border invasion
* War on slavery
* P.T. Barnum

Page 5 has over a column of reporting concerning the slavery vs. anti-slavery factions in Kansas as they work towards statehood.
The article is headed: "The Prospects Of Kansas" and offers much detail on current events there.
Bleeding Kansas describes the period of repeated outbreaks of…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, May 13, 1856  

* Bleeding Kansas
* Missouri border invasion
* War on slavery
* P.T. Barnum

Pages 4 & 5 contain a wealth of reporting concerning the slavery vs. anti-slavery factions as Kansas worked toward achieving statehood.
Page 4 has a nearly half-column article relating to this, and page 5 has column heads: "IMPORTANT FROM KANSAS" "Gov. Robinson Arrested by Ruffians" "Attempted Assassinations" "Southern Emigrants in Distress" "Effects of Gaming & Drinking". It…

P.T. Barnum - "The Mammoth Opera Scheme"...

NEW YORK DAILY TIMES, June 3, 1858

* The African slave trade
* P.T. Barnum's letter to the editor

The front page has an article headed: "The Slave-Trade And The American Flag". See image for text. Page four has an interesting letter to the editor entitled:  "The Mammoth Opera Scheme", signed in type by P.T. Barnum.
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, a little spine wear, otherwise very nice condition.

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 7, 1862 

* CSS Manassas ironclad ship

War reports are found on pages 4 & 5 with column heads including: "The War For The Union" 'The Abolition of Slavery in the District" "The Confiscation Bill" "The Rebel Blockade Run" "The Latest About the Merrimac" "Rebel Force on the Peninsula" "The Advance Upon Yorktown" and much more.
Page 6 has a print of: "Hollins's Gunboat the 'Manassas' or 'Turtle' " with very descriptive text. This was the first ironclad built for the…

WEEKLY PRESS & TIMES, Nashville, Tennessee, Nov. 26, 1865  

* Post Civil War reconstruction
* re. John "Grizzly" Adams death

Various reports from shortly after the end of the city, much relating to Reconstruction efforts to re-join the nation as is evidenced in the photos. And page 3 has an article: "Old Grizzly Adams - How He Humbugged Barnum - His Death Scene". A television show would be based on him.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition. Folder size noted is for the issue folded…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 11, 1866

* "The Black Crook" - opening premiere delayed (2-days)
* Considered the first full-fledged Broadway musical
* Niblo's Garden, New York City

Page 7 has an advertisement of Niblo's Garden noting that although originally scheduled to open on September 10th it would now open on the 12th. The text states in part: "Mr. Wheatley respectfully announces that, owing to the vast amount of labor require for production of THE BLACK CROOK, and in order to give the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 21, 1868  The prime feature of this issue is the set of full-page images related to the fire at P.T. Barnum's American Museum: 'Burning of Barnum's Museum - the Animals during the Fire,' and the 'Exterior of Barnum's Museum After the Fire'. Related text is present as well.
Full front page shows the 7: 'Portraits of Managers to Conduct the Impeachment of President Johnson'. Half page: 'The Last Speech of Impeachment - Thaddeus Stevens Closing the Debate in the…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, June 3, 1871 (with Supplement)
Nearly fullpg: 'Land, Ho! Scene on Board an Emigrant Ship'. 'German Peace Jubilee in Philadelphia'. Small illus. "The Fishery Question" by Thomas Nast has an early (and very small) version of the "modern" Uncle Sam.
Also interesting is the article found in the Supplement, ironically placed below an unrelated image titled, "German Peasants In A Picture Gallery", and under the heading: "Sir Tom Thumb", which connects the contemporary Tom Thumb…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 29, 1873  Full ftpg. political cartoon by Nast: "The Game of Fox and Geese; or Legal Trial of the Period". Full page "Mardi Gras in New Orleans--Grand Tableau of the 'Mistick Krewe' " with accompanying article. Nice Thomas Nast doublepage centerfold: "The Meeting of Nast and Watterson in Central Jersey". Two prints re: "St. Patrick's Day" show a definite bias against the Irish.
Full page advertisement for P.T. Barnum's "Great Traveling World's Fair for the…

THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, August, September, 1874 See the inset for the nice, nearly half column ad for "P. T Barnum's Great Roman Hippodrome" that includes a nice woodcut of Mr. Barnum. Ad appears on an inside page or the bkpg. Good shape. 

PLEASE NOTE the photo is an example of what you will recieve.  This issue will be different in date, but similar in content and condition.