Davenport Gazette Co., of Davenport, Iowa - 1882 dated Stock Certificate

Stock incorporated July 11, 1882. Early!

The first issue of the Davenport Gazette was published on August 26, 1841. Alfred Sanders founded the paper and served as editor, and Levi Davis was the printer. In 1844, Davis purchased a one-third interest in the Gazette, and Sanders and Davis continued to publish the paper together for about 13 years. On September 3, 1853, a tri-weekly edition of the Gazette was begun, followed just over a year later, by a daily edition, in response to growing demand from both readers and advertisers. The first daily edition was issued on October 16, 1854. The Gazette had been printed on a hand press since its beginning, but as the paper was issued more frequently and circulation increased, Sanders and Davis needed a more efficient solution. So in 1855, the Gazette office was outfitted with a steam powered printing press, becoming the first paper in the state to publish in this manner. In 1857, Davis left the paper and Sanders partnered with his brother. In 1862, Sanders became the sole owner and editor until September of that year, when he sold the Gazette to Edward Russell, James McCosh, Levi Davis, and Frederick Koops. The four new owners formed The Gazette Company, and Edward Russell took on the role of editor.