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James M. Bailey

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
James M. Bailey

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Auction Date:2018 Dec 05 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
American journalist (1841–1894) who served in the Civil War and established the Danbury News. ALS signed “J. M. Bailey,” two pages both sides, 8 x 10, Office of The Danbury News letterhead, December 11, 1873. An autobiographical letter discussing the history of his newspaper, which became famous for its wit and humorous presentation of both real and fictitious news items. In part: "There is but little for me to add to what has already been printed. I was born in Albany Sept. 25, 1841, and am consequently 32 years old, and got the bulk of my education from public schools. My first article was intended to be humorous, and was published in the New York Weekly Mercury in September 1860. I contributed short articles of a like nature to that paper, but nothing in my present line, for a year or so. In the army (served 3 years in the 17th Conn. Vols), I was a contributor to the Danbury Times, writing up camp incidents. In August 1865 an army comrade, Timothy Donovan, and myself purchased the Danbury Times, and made our debut in journalism. I took charge of the editorial work. Newspaper work being new to me, and the business not in a very healthy condition, it was a matter of serious study to fix upon the best course to pursue to make the paper successful. I realized early that the first object was to make the Times desired by the reader, and that advertising would naturally follow. I slighted the local department, and threw my weight on the editorial columns. The result was not flattering to our pockets, however much the country may have been benefited. I next tried short articles of general interest and made columns of news and gossip briefs that were highly edifying to my parents, but didn't seem to touch the public pulse. Finally, I struck the local vein, and by becoming a maniac on the subject, success came. We spared no trouble nor money to get local news fresh, and the result was most gratifying. This was in 1868, I believe. In '69 I commenced the paragraphing which has since made the News familiar." He goes on to discuss the circulation numbers of his newspaper and its production process. In very good condition, with soiling, light staining, and old mounting residue along edges.