Historic Newspapers: Search Results

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 28, 1859  

* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry, West Virginia criminal trial
* Underground Railroad & Frederick Douglass

The top of the front page has some nice column heads on the Harper's Ferry insurrection: "The Harper's Ferry Outbreak" "The Trial of John Brown, Charged with Insurrection, Treason and Murder" "The Testimony of the Witnesses Against the Prisoner" "Confession of Copland, the Negro" "Startling Revelations Forthcoming in Which the…

FREDERICK DOUGLASS' PAPER, Rochester, New York, Sept. 8, 1854  

* Extremely rare publication

We are pleased to offer this exceedingly rare--and highly desirable--newspaper by the famed Frederick Douglass. This weekly title is the continuation of his newspaper "North Star" which began in 1847.
Among the articles: "The Results of Emancipation" "The Fugitive Slave Act--Proposition For Its Repeal" "What Becomes of the Free Colored People" "Colored Emigration Convention" "Aid To Fugitives"…

NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, New York, Feb. 7, 1865  

* Abolitionist John Rock "black is beautiful"
* First African American admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States

The back page has historic coverage from the Tribune's Washington correspondent datelined Feb. 1, 1865: "FROM WASHINGTON - The Dred Scott Decision Buried in the Supreme Court - A Negro Lawyer Admitted by Chief Justice Chase", which tells of John Rock becoming both the first Black attorney to be…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 12, 1867  The front page is taken up with a print: "Isaac Watts and His Mother at the Prison-Gate" which has an accompanying article.
The feature of the issue is a letter to the editor headed: "Frederick Douglass" which provides some detail of a man who encountered him as a passenger on a railroad train. One portion notes: "...I became convinced that there was but one man of his color who could talk as he did, and that was Frederick Douglass...my thoughts were…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 25, 1865  The front page has prints: "Before Petersburg--Winter Quarters from the Plantation" and "Pocotaligo Depot, South Carolina.
Perhaps the most notable print in this issue is that of: "John H. Rock, Colored Counselor" which has a same-titled article which includes: "We give on this page a portrait of John H. Rock, the colored lawyer who was on February 2 admitted as a practitioner before the Supreme Court of the United States...Mr. Rock is known in…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 12, 1863  The full front page is a dramatic print: "Guerrilla Warfare--Rescue of a Wounded Officer from a Band of Guerrillas". Prints inside include: "The Great Organ in the Boston Music Hall" "The Army of the Potomac--The Great Depot of Supplies on the Railroad" and "...The Bridge Over Bull Run--Present Appearance" "The Army of the Cumberland--Stevenson, Alabama" "...The Courier Line" and "...Pack-Mules in the Mountains" which shows a Black man leading…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 12, 1867  The front page is taken up with a print: "Isaac Watts and His Mother at the Prison-Gate" which has an accompanying article. 
The feature of the issue is a letter to the editor headed: "Frederick Douglass" which provides some detail of a man who encountered him as a passenger on a railroad train. One portion notes: "...I became convinced that there was but one man of his color who could talk as he did, and that was Frederick Douglass...my thoughts were…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 14, 1868  Full front page: 'Impeachment--Thaddeus Stevens and John Bingham Before the Senate'. Inside: 'Impeachment -The Impeachment Committee Preparing the Indictment' shows 4 illustrations. Full page: 'The Streets of New York' shows a chaotic scene. Half page: 'Colored People Gathering Wood - A Winter Scene in Virginia.'  Doublepage centerfold 'Interior of the House of Representatives at Washington - The House in Session.' An article entitled 'Ellis's Island…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, August 14, 1947  This 48 page newspaper has a one column headline on page 30: "BROWNS DOWN TIGERS AFTER 7-1 SETBACK" with box scores. (see)

Tells of negro player Willard Brown becoming the first black player to hit a home run in the American League. Nice to have in this famous NYC title.

Other news of the day throughout. Light browning, otherwise in good condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 15, 1859

* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV West Virginia trial ending

  The front page has an article: "Arrival Of A Captured Slaver" concerns the barque Emily, captured on the coast of Africa: "...This is the fourth slaver taken within six months by the African squadron...".
Also on the front page: "The Harper's Ferry Conspiracy--Close of the Trial and Sentence of Prisoners" which is on the John Brown…

NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 2, 1865  The top of the front page has: "EMANCIPATION JUBILEE" "Great Rejoicing Among the Colored People" "20,000 Jubilants Celebrate Their Souls in Brooklyn" "Addresses of Wm. Howard Day, Fred. Douglass, and Rev. Mr. Pennington" "The Praying Pic-Nic and the Dancing Darkies" "A Great Day, No Trouble, Fun, Frolic, Music and Happiness".
This text takes one-third of the front page and 1 1/2 columns on the back page. The "Speech of Mr. Douglass" is on the back page.
August 1 was…

NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 17, 1859  

* John Brown's armed insurrection
* Harpers Ferry WV West Virginia

Page 2 begins with: "The Harper's Ferry Outbreak" & further down the column: "Capt. John Brown's Early History--Almost A D.D." which mentions he almost died years earlier.
Page 4 has: "The Case of the Fugitive Slave Columbus Jones" as well as: "Th Slave Ship Emily, the latter taking nearly a full column to report on the court case..
Eight pages, archivally strengthened at the spine with…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 21, 1877  Certainly the feature of this issue is the nearly one-quarter pg. print of: "Frederick Douglass" with an article on him as well mentioning him being the new Marshall of D.C., with talk of his newspaper The North Star.
Other prints include a full ftpg. political cartoon by Thomas Nast: "Young American Roast Beef For Old England"; prints of: "The Rev. Josiah Henson--The Original of 'Uncle Tom' " "The Plain of Marathon"; a full page  F.S. Church print:…

THE DAILY MEMPHIS AVALANCHE, Tennessee, March 18, 1877  

* Abolitionist Frederick Douglass
* U.S. Marshall nomination 
* First African American 
* District of Columbia 

The front page has two small & somewhat inconspicuous reports--yet which are very notable in African-American history.
Near the top of the first column is: "Fred. Douglass' nomination for Marshall of the District of Columbia pulled through yesterday. Several Democratic Senators voted for him." And the 2nd column has:…

FREDERICK DOUGLASS' PAPER, Rochester, New York, June 17, 1852  We are pleased to offer this exceedingly rare--and highly desirable--newspaper by the famed Frederick Douglass. This weekly title is the continuation of his newspaper "North Star" which began in 1847.
Douglass was perhaps the most famous 19th century African-American abolitionist who escaped from slavery and then risked his freedom by becoming an outspoken antislavery lecturer, writer, and publisher.
Among the various articles in…

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Dec. 9, 1859 

* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV West Virginia

Pages 6 & 7 have much on the John Brown insurrection at Harper's Ferry including: "JOHN BROWN'S INVASION" "The Martial Law Illegal--Reaction Against Wide" "The Fugitives--Cooke and Virginia in Kansas" "An Anecdote of John Brown" "Letter From C. P. Tidd" "Disunion Sentiment" "Monument to John Brown" "Direct From Harper's Ferry" "Man-Hunting in Illinois - Kidnappers…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Dec. 12, 1859 

* Post John Brown execution (hanging)
* Much on the funeral services - burial

Almost the entirety of page 6 is taken up with: "The Burial Of John Brown" "The Passage of the Body to North Alba" "The Funeral" "Speeches of Mr. McKim and Mr. Phillips" "John Brown's Last Will" "Charlestown Intelligence" "Caleb Cushing Slandering John Brown" and a letter from Edwin Coppic to Mrs. Brown.
Also of significance is a page 7 article: "The Slaver Wanderer" "Arrest…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Nov. 16, 1859 

* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV West Virginia

Among articles are: "The John Brown Fund" "JOHN BROWN'S INVASION--Expulsion of Strangers" which takes a full column; "Southern Protest Against The Virginia View of Harper's Ferry" taking half a column.
Page 5 has a report of noted fugitive slave Columbus Jones about whom several websites make mention. headed: "The Alleged Kidnapping Case" is datelined from Barnstable, Mass.
…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 14, 1862  Perhaps the most notable print (with related text) is that of: "Robert Smalls, Captain of the Gun Boat 'Planter' " which includes a related article as well.  As Wikipedia notes, Robert Smalls was an enslaved African American who freed himself, his crew and their families from slavery by commandeering a Confederate transport ship, CSS Planter, in Charleston harbor, and sailing it from Confederate controlled waters to the U.S. blockade. His example and…

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 27, 1859  

* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry, West Virginia trial

The top of page 3 has many nice column heads including: "The Harper's Ferry Outbreak" "Arraignment of Old Brown and His Companions on Charges of Conspiracy, Treason and Murder" "Brown Appeals for a Postponement of His Trial" "Arrest of the Fugitive Cook" The Kansas Work of the Abolitionists Exposed" and more.
Over half of page 3 is taken up with a wealth of reports on the Harper's…

NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, Nov. 14, 1859  

* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV West Virginia

Page 4 has 2 small items on the Harper's Ferry insurrection, and page 5 has: "The Murder at Harpers Ferry--Discourse By The Rev. Mr. Remington At Brooklyn".
Page 7 has: "JOHN BROWN'S INVASION" "Sentences of Coppic, Cook, Green, and Copeland" with subheads: "Captain John Brown" and: "Brown vs. Brown".
Eight pages, irregular at the spine margin with some loss, mostly…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE Nov. 29, 1859 

* John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry
* Pre Civil War tensions re. slavery question

Inside has two articles on: "Brownsville", Texas, concerning the troubles at the border with Mexico.
But the more notable content is on the John Brown raid at Harper's Ferry, with column heads including: "Further from Charlestown" "Additional Troops Expected" "The Churches Used for Barracks" "Soldiers Firing in the Air" "Narrow Escape of Citizens" "Spies Sent Out by Gov.…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 15, 1898  Full front page illus. of "The Fall of Manila." Inside has two full pages showing: "Scenes Attending the Surrender of Manila." 1/2 pg. of illus. of "Launch of the United States Battle Ship 'Illinois' at Newport News, Virginia, October 4, 1898." Full pg. illus. of "Our Occupation of Puerto Rico."
Perhaps the most notable print is the centerfold: "Forgotten Heroes" showing Troop C, 9th U.S. Cavalry, Captain Taylor leading the charge at San Juan Hill.…

FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Dec. 15, 1892   The full front page is a photo of: "The Late Jay Gould" with page 4 having an accompanying article of the same heading. Yet another page is filled with six photos of: "The Birthplace & Some of the Residences of the Late Jay Gould".
Also of Judaica interest is an article on: "Isaac M. Wise" with a photos of him captioned: "Rabbi Isaac M. Wise, the Distinguished Leader of the Jewish Reform Movement".
Page 2 has an article: "The Negro's Part in…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 25, 1868  The front page features a hal fpage illustration of the new statue "Tigress Bringing the First-Fruit to Her Young" which was added to Central Park.The front page also begins the article "Assassination of Thomas D'Arcy M'Gee" in which two 1/4 page illustrations are within the issue. A poem entitled "Farewell to Dickens" is written by F. J. Parmenter.  Also featured is a full page illustration 'Charity: A Scene in Trinity Church, N.Y.' and a 3/4 page …

NEW YORK HERALD, Oct. 31, 1859  

* John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
* Harpers Ferry WV - West Virginia trial

The top of the front page has column heads: "The Harper's Ferry Outbreak" "The Trial of John Brown, Charged with Conspiracy, Treason and Murder" "Conclusion of the Evidence" "Summing Up For the Prosecution" "Interesting Interview Between Old Brown & the Virginia Soldiers" "Official Reports of the Fight at Harper's Ferry" "Sermons Yesterday on the 'Irrepressible…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 24, 1883  The entire front page is one of the more desirable of the entire 60 year run of this newspaper, being a fine portrait of: "Frederick Douglass", with a related article on him on an inside page.
But there are other nice prints in this issue as well, including a full page: "Autumn Leaves" by Howard Pyle; a print of: "The Late J. Marion Sims, M.D."; a very nice double page centerfold: "Evacuation Day One Hundred Years Ago---The Continental Army…

NEW YORK WORLD-TELEGRAM, July 24, 1939 

* Jane Bolin 1st day as judge (NYC)
* 1st African-American black Woman

The top of page 9 has a very notable item, being a report of the first African-American woman judge in the United States. 
The article features a photo of Jane Bolin headed: "Negro Woman Justice Puts Sympathy First as Her Guide" with subhead. (see images) 
Complete with 26 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, some small binding holes along the spine. generally nice.

Background:…

USA TODAY, November 5, 2008  This 48 page newspaper has a nice two line banner headline on the front page: "America makes history, Obama Wins! " with subheads and nice color photo of Obama with family. Much more on the inside pages in the 1st section. (see)
Nice condition.

Our post on the History's Newsstand Blog:

Regardless of your view on the recent U.S. election, one thing is for certain: Barack Obama’s victory was a very significant and historic event! If you collect historic

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 17, 1863  Certainly the most historic content would be the page 2 complete printing of: "By the President of the United States of America - A Proclamation" which is the full text of the Emancipation Proclamation, signed in type by the President: Abraham Lincoln.
Half of the front page: "The Teamsters' Duel" showing two Black men with horse whips. The other half of the front page shows: "The Army of the Potomac in Hunts".
Perhaps the most notable print is a…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Oct. 6, 1854 

* Slavery - slaves - pre-Civil War tensions
* Rare "Underground Railroad" mention

The bottom of page 4 has small report with a rare mention of the Underground Railroad.
Because it was a secretive operation it is very difficult to find period accounts of its operation.
This article, from Lowville, New York, specifically has "underground railroad" noted in the text under the heading: "Fugitive Slaves--Bears", reading: "Four fugitives from slavery arrived…

THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, March 9, 1861  

* Extradition case of John Anderson
* Canada West escaped slave w/ print

“The Fugitive Anderson” on page 3 is about John Anderson, the famous fugitive slave who escaped to Canada evading the pursuit of bounty hunters.
While on the run he killed a farmer who intended to legally recapture Anderson and send him back into his master’s custody. Anderson lived and worked in Canada West from 1854 to April 1860, managing to keep a low…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 12, 1859  Two ftpg. prints show: "The Prisoner (John) Brown & His Boston Counsel" and another showing John Brown at "The Arraignment" plus an article: "Will John Brown be Hanged?"
Inside has a very nice fullpg. scene: "The Trial of John Brown for Treason & Murder" plus a lengthy related article.  There is also a print showing: "Swivel gun & pike used by the Harper's Ferry outlaws" & "The School House in the mountains used by Brown as an arsenal."
This…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Sept. 22, 1877 Full ftpg: 'The Last Rose of Summer' is a great illus. show many birds. Fullpg: 'Creedmoor-Bird's-Eye-View of the Ground' doublepage centerfold: 'Creedmoor--The British & American Teams in the International Rifle Match' fullpg: 'The John Brown Monument, Osawatomie, Kansas' & nice fullpg: 'Street Vendors of Fruits & Vegetables'

HARPER'S WEEKLY April 7, 1866 Front 1/2 pg. illus. of "Richmond Bridgewell, Dublin, from which HeadCentre Stephens Escaped." Also a 1/2 pg. illus. of "The Fenian Conspiracy in Ireland-Marching Prisoners into the County Prison at Cork." Inside is a 1/4 pg. illus. of "Hon. Thaddeus Stevens." 1/2 pg. illus. of "Canadian Volunteers After Drill." Full pg. illus. of "Circular Street, Pekin, China." 1/3 pg. illus. of the "View of Volcanic Eruption at Santorin, with the Town of Thera in the Back…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 23, 1869  The full front page is a print of: "The Harp Girl." Inside is a one-third page print of: "Hon. William Claflin, Governor of Massachusetts" plus a half page print: "The Fur Trapper"; a quarter page print of: "Hon. John W. Menard, Colored Congressman from Louisiana" with a small accompanying article. 
There is also a full page print: "Trotters on the Snow" (sled racing with horses), and a full page print: "The Sleigh Ride." A full page features two…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London,  July, 1790 

* African slave trade
* William Wilberforce
* Indians massacred

Included is an interesting article on an: "Apparatus of Humanity" with a related full page print captioned: "Apparatus For Communicating Heat to Bodies Apparently Dead". Also a review of a new book: "The Slave Trade Indispensable; in Answer to the Speech of William Wilberforce".
Further on under the heading: "America" is text including: "...General Wayne had been dispatched…

SPRINGFIELD SUNDAY REPUBLICAN, Massachusetts, May 4, 1902 

* Jimmy Winkfield - Negro jockey... Last black to win Kentucky Derby
* Thoroughbred horse racing

Inside has a report of the running of the 1902 Kentucky Derby, won by the horse Alan-A-Dale, ridden by famed Hall of Fame African-American jockey Jimmy Winkfield. Winkfield is noted as being the last African-American jockey to ride a Kentucky Derby winner.

Page 2 has a small heading: "Alan-a-Dale Wins Kentucky Derby" See photo for…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, July 27, 1844

* Mormonism - re. Joseph Smith assassination
* Macon Bolling Allen - 1st black lawyer

 Pages 4 and 5 contain a nearly full-column article on: "The Mormons" focused on driving the Mormons out of Illinois, and a bit on the assassination of Joseph Smith & his brother.
A few bits include: "...exhibits on the part of the anti-mormons a headstrong determination to persist i the which is, in its essence irrational...Their suffrages (the…

FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, March 7, 1863  The front page has a large print showing Black soldiers captioned: "Pickets of the First Louisiana 'Native Guard' Guarding the New Orleans...Railroad" with a related article, plus: "The Old Slave Laws".
The back page has the illustration: "A Queer Rencontre", which shows a black soldier being confronted by his former master. The above are two rather interesting illustrations considering Frederick Douglass had just given his famous "Men of…

FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, March 7, 1863  The front page has a large print showing Black soldiers captioned: "Pickets of the First Louisiana 'Native Guard' Guarding the New Orleans...Railroad" with a related article, plus: "The Old Slave Laws".
The back page has the illustration: "A Queer Rencontre", which shows a black soldier being confronted by his former master. The above are two rather interesting illustrations considering Frederick Douglass had just given his famous "Men of…

FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, March 7, 1863  The front page has a large print showing Black soldiers captioned: "Pickets of the First Louisiana 'Native Guard' Guarding the New Orleans...Railroad" with a related article, plus: "The Old Slave Laws".
The back page has the illustration: "A Queer Rencontre", which shows a black soldier being confronted by his former master. The above are two rather interesting illustrations considering Frederick Douglass had just given his famous "Men of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 8, 1883  Front full pg. illus. of "Evacuation Day-Unveiling Ward Statue of Washington in Wall Street." Inside are four 1/4 pg. portraits of "The Four Prima Donnas" which are "Madame Christine Nilsson," "Madame Adelina Patti," "Madame Etelka Gerster," and "Madame Marcella Sembrich." 1/4 pg. portrait of "Hon. John G. Carlisle, Speaker of the House of Representatives." Dblpgctrfld. of "Evacuation Day-The Military and Civic Parade." Also, contains "The Great…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 2, 1895  Certainly the prime content in this issue is not just the page 6 article: "Death of Frederick Douglass" which takes over three-quarters of the first column, but the related illustration of him appearing on page 4 which takes one-third of the page, captioned: "Frederick Douglass, Died Feb. 20, 1895" (see).
The full front page is a political cartoon by W. a. Rogers captioned: "The Strike Against Strong. Walking Delegate Platt In Albany." Other pages…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, May 21, 1870 The front page shows a black man tending his garden: 'A Spring Scene Near Richmond, Va.' Full page 'Population of an Indian Village Moving'. Illustration of 'William Lloyd Garrison', publisher of The Liberator. Also illustration of: 'Lucretia Mott', the early feminist. Full page Winslow Homer: 'Spring Blossoms'. A fullpage illustration "The Promising Colt". Back page has a 1/4 page illustration: "An Old Scholar", with caption, showing an elderly black woman…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 10, 1868 The front page of this issue features a three-quarter page illustration entitled "The Water Drinkers in Spain". A full page features a halfpage "The South American Earthquakes - Wreck of the 'Wateree'" and "Yacht Race for Vice-Commodore Bennett's Prizes, September 22, 1868".  A one-third page "The Paraguayan War - View of a Bombarded Church as Found by the Allies July 25" is comprised of two illustrations. A fullpage Thomas Nast political cartoon…

THE SEMI-WEEKLY TIMES, New York, May 15, 1857  Pages 2 and 3 have significant coverage of the 24th anniversary gathering of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Among the speakers were William Lloyd Garrison (President), Wendell Phillips, Frances Ellen Watkins (a free negro woman), William Wells Brown (a fugitive slave), and more. While most are familiar with the first two mentioned above, the latter two are worth exploring.
The coverage takes over 6 columns of text.
Other news of the day is…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, August 14, 1947 This 48 page newspaper has a one column headline on page 30: "BROWNS DOWN TIGERS AFTER 7-1 SETBACK" with box scores. (see)

Tells of negro player Willard Brown becoming the first black player to hit a home run in the American League. Nice to have in this famous NYC title.

Other news of the day throughout. Light browning, otherwise in good condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Nov. 26, 1859  Arguable the most desired print is the very nice full page by Winslow Homer: "Fall Games--The Apple Bee".
Other prints within include: 'En Route for Harper's Ferry' with just a brief bit of text; a half page: "The Royal Road to Learning - The Prince of Wales at Oxford"; a full page:"The Fall Games - The Elephant".
The back page has: "A Premature Movement" showing John Brown talking to a Black man.   This issue also has a serialized portion of "A Tale…