The Upper Mississippian
After the Banner began its support of the Democratic party, the Whigs
felt the need of a paper during the political excitement of 1840, and
accordingly in the early part of October of that year the Upper
Mississipian was started; its editors and proprietors at first not being
announced, but all communications were to be addressed to Daniel Crist.
The paper had an eventful career and its editorial columns were
principally filled with personal quarrels. At times the paper failed to be
published on account of lack of funds with which to purchase paper, and at
one time it was suggested to buy muslin and. print on that; the
subscribers to wash and return it in time for the next issue; but the
project was never carried out. On September 24, 1842, the press and type
were replevined in the name of John G. Powers, and the paper was printed
for that week in the Gazette office at Davenport. In November, 1842, a new
press and type were purchased.
Among the people prominently connected with the Upper Mississipian during
its career were: Daniel Crist; Doctor Silas Reed, who furnished the
editorial; and Thomas Gregg., Harmon G. Reynolds purchased the paper from
Crist in November, 1844, and changed the name to the Upper Mississipian
and Rock Island Republican. It expired early in 1847.
The Press Of Rock Island County
Source: Historic Rock Island County, pub. Kramer & Company, Rock Island, Illinois, 1908