- CHALMERS INGERSOLL, popularly known as "Cham" INGERSOLL,
editor and proprietor of
- the Free Press, at Beloit, was born in Westfield, Chautauqua
Co., N.Y., October 28, 1838. He moved to Greenfield, Mass., in
1851, and learned the printer's trade there while attending school.
He came west in 1856, and at the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion,
was living in Chicago. He enlisted in 1861, in Co. "G"
8th Illinois Cavalry, and re-enlisted as a veteran in the winter
of 1863-64, receiving his discharge from active service in the
fall of 1864, by reason of sickness, but serving afterwards until
the close of the war in the Frontier Quartermaster's Department,
at Fort Smith, Ark.
- In 1866 Mr. INGERSOLL began the publication of the Free Press,
a Republican weekly
- newspaper at Beloit. In the spring of 1867, he purchased
the good-will of the Beloit Journal, which had been established
in 1848, and consolidated that paper with the Free Press. He
disposed of the Free Press in 1871 and engaged in farming, but
resumed its publication in 1872. In 1874 Henry F. HOBART became
associated with him in its management, and became sole proprietor
in 1877, Mr. INGERSOLL engaging in manufacturing. In the spring
of 1881, the latter re-purchased a half interest in the Free
Press, and by a subsequent purchase in 1882, again became the
sole owner. The Daily Free Press was established in 1878 by Mr.
HOBART, and from a four column sheet, with a circulation of 100,
has grown to a six column paper with a circulation of 650. Mr.
INGERSOLL has held various local offices, and was appointed postmaster
of Beloit by President Arthur, in December, 1883, and served
until after a change of administration in 1885. He ranks among
Beloit's wide awake progressive citizens.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 503-504.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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