Port Byron Globe
The first issue of the Port Byron Globe appeared October 16, 1880, J.
W. Simpson being editor and proprietor. It was then an eight-column folio
and was liberally patronized from the start. Mr. Simpson, February 22,
1885, sold out to Hess and Owen. This firm continued for a year, when Mr.
Hess sold his interest to C. A. Metzgar, and the latter disposed of his
interest to Mr. Owen after only a short connection with the paper. In 1891
W. D. Hall purchased an interest and the firm was then known as Owen and
Hall. March 1, 1898, Frank McMeekin purchased Mr. Owen's interest and the
firm of Hall and McMeekin continued five years, when the junior member of
the partnership retired from the publication and W. D. Hall became sole
owner, and continues as such at the present time.
The Globe has always borne the reputation of being one of the best country
weeklies of the State. Its advertising space is sought because it is
backed by the entire farming community and the villages of the north end
of the county, and it is also carefully edited and neatly printed. Under
the management of Mr. Hall the business of the paper has doubled, and it
is at present equipped with power presses and other machinery to meet the
increase in its patronage.
The paper has always been independent politically, giving first attention
to the home news, and treating all fairly and honestly, regardless of
color, sex or previous condition of servitude. In short, the paper is a
family paper and its present proprietor feels that his efforts to make it
such are appreciated, as his readers point to the Globe as a model country
paper.
The Press Of Rock Island County
Source: Historic Rock Island County, pub. Kramer & Company, Rock Island, Illinois, 1908