Uncle Sam's first postage stamps marked fifty years past
In July 1847 Uncle Sam issued his first postage stamps after a delay in Congress. Henry Shaw, the father of Josh Billings, was the first purchaser in the U S, buying one of each new stamp, a five cent Franklin and a ten cent Washington. The article also notes early adoption in England and mentions John M Niles and Cave Johnson. It then shifts to Arizona cattle wealth, detailing feedless stock thriving on sparse forage, rising prices, and Tom Bacon shipping 40,000 head to Kansas City with large land holdings and generous gifts to his nine children.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sam
Fannie Mack Lothrop
Ladies’ Home Journal
England
Rowland Hill
Penny Post
John M. Niles
Congress
Cave Johnson
Franklinz
Washington Tt
United States
Henry Shaw
Henry Wheeler Shaw
Josh Billings
Mr. Shaw
Johnson
Govenor Briggs
Arizona
Montana
Tom Bacon
Kansas City
Seagun
Bacon
The Farmer and Nation’s Prize of Prosperity
The piece argues national wealth relies on agriculture not banks or industry. It warns that without farming, trade, arts, and science cannot sustain civilization, and famine would end prosperity. It notes the farmer as central to life and asks how civilization survives without cultivated land. A Bulawayo report follows about queen ant specimens measured four-and-a-half inches and a thick thumb.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bulawayo
Sanitary Board
Study in Prices and Wages from Fort Dodge Chronicle
A Fort Dodge report compares 1869 household costs with present prices, showing reductions driven by factory methods and rail transport. It details old bills for furniture groceries hardware and clothing, shifts in wages, and how loan costs and farm pay have changed, reflecting broader economic gains for workers.
Millionaire’s Death Sheds Light on Marital Happiness Problem
A wealthy man ends his life after his estranged wife plans to return, illustrating the old problem of finding happiness within marriage. The case underscores private turmoil behind public success and prompts questions about personal fulfillment in relationships.
Also Mentioned on This Page
H. O. Kellogg
Schilling
H.O, Kellogg
Cottage Hotel
BIG Timber
Mont
Goon Accomoda
Fienry Klein, Prop
A.S Hatch
Ann Notary Publily
Sypney Fox
Sweet Grass County
Bank Building
Sypsey Lanner
Attorney AT Law
Irvine Block
McLeod St
E. Hall
Attornny
Law
North Brand Hotel
Big Tamper, Montana
W. A. Noore
M. D
J. H.moore
Physicians and Surgeons
Dvvices— Moot & Co
Davg Sture
J. W. Montrose, M. D
Ann
Accoucher
Anderson's Drug Store
M. W. Foster
Bozeman Mont
A. Perribe
Te Leed St
Peter Wormler
Wormser City
J. W. Geiger
Uncle Sam
Iowa
Nebraska
West
South Omaha
Drovers Journal
Corp
Chamberlain
Moore & Budd
M. D. O’connell
Fort Dodge
M. D. O'Connell
Bride
Seventh Street
D.C. Meloy
O'Connell
Washington
Prusia
Childs
Laufersweiler
Hardeware
O. M. Oleson
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!