HISTORY

OF THE

PRESS OF MAINE,

EDITED BY

JOSEPH GRIFFIN,

1872.

BRUNSWICK;

FROM THE PRESS, ESTABLISHED

A. D. M DCCC XIX.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by

JOSEPH GRIFFIN,

In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.

PREFACE.

Ar the close of half a century's labor in Maine, the writer, under the impression that he had been established in business as a printer, publisher and bookseller for a longer period than any other person in the State, thought it might be a pleasure, possibly a duty, to devote himself to the business of gathering up (while they could be gathered) the fragments for a History of the Press in Maine. The thought was thrown out, half jestingly, in a letter to one of the editors of the Saco Independent (his faithful apprentice in early manhood), and quite to his surprise the suggestion was not only hailed as a good one, but a recommendation of the writer's fitness for the work was spread through the press, and so many offers of assistance, necessary to the undertaking, were consequently made, that he took courage and forthwith sent out a prospectus of the intended work. In the following pages the reader will find the result.

The time gained from his other employments has been occupied with collecting, arranging and printing the matter of this History. Persons, one or more in each county, it will be seen, have given the fruits of their faithful labors, to which they have, in most cases, consented that the editor should affix their signatures. In no other way could so complete and reliable a history be obtained.

The editor has endeavored to exclude every thing that might appear partial. If any political or religious paper, or any book

publishing house, has not received due notice, it is in cases where he has applied in vain to the editors and publishers for the necessary information. Some corrections, with additional matter of interest, will be found in the Appendix, to which the reader's attention is particularly called.

For our frontispiece is given the portraits of the trio first engaged in printing. They are taken from a medallion, and are said to be faithful likenesses. For the loan of the cut we are indebted to the publishers of "Gutenberg and the Art of Printing."

It is with pleasure that we insert, at the close of the Introduction, a fine portrait (copied from a painting by Badger) of the venerable Benjamin Titcomb, first printer and journalist of Maine, and for forty years pastor of the Baptist church in Brunswick.

See sketch of his life, p. 34, and also in Appendix. A description of printing presses-specimen cuts of which are exhibited in this book- may be found on page 23.

Success in obtaining portraits of early printers, editors, and publishers, has not met our expectations. The portrait of Luther Severance, from a plate prepared for the History of Augusta, was counted upon; but, very unexpectedly, on search at the office of the lithographer it was not to be found.

The editor, in closing, would express his thanks to all who have kindly favored him with their contributions. — The origin and gatherings of this book are largely due to the Editors and Publishers' Association of Maine. The editors' labors, bating the imperfections, he cheerfully dedicates as a token of love to the fraternity.