The Newport Mercury, an early American colonial newspaper, boasts a rich history marked by a succession of owners and managers who shaped its trajectory from its founding in 1758 through the tumultuous years of the American Revolution and beyond. The paper's journey reflects the dynamic nature of colonial printing businesses, often passed down through families or acquired by ambitious printers seeking to establish their influence in the burgeoning
media landscape. Understanding these transitions provides insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by early American publishers.
The Franklin Family's Founding Legacy
The Newport Mercury was initially established in 1758 by James Franklin (1730–1762) and his mother, Ann Smith Franklin (1696–1763). James, the nephew of Benjamin Franklin, had returned to Newport in 1748 after apprenticing with his famous uncle. He took over the family printing press, which had been imported by his father, also named James Franklin, in 1717. The younger James secured contracts to print colonial proceedings and launched the first issue of *The Newport Mercury* on June 19, 1758. For its inaugural year, the paper was known as *The Newport Mercury and Weekly Advertiser* and was printed in the basement of a schoolhouse in Washington Square.Upon James Franklin's death in 1762, his mother, Ann, stepped back into a more direct management role. She partnered with Samuel Hall, and the newspaper was published under the imprint Franklin & Hall. Ann Smith Franklin was a formidable figure in her own right, having previously managed the printing business after her husband's death in 1735. She was the General Assembly's official printer and had published almanacs and other works. Her continued involvement ensured the Mercury's survival during this period of transition.
Samuel Hall's Proprietorship and Editorial Improvements
Ann Smith Franklin passed away in 1763, leaving Samuel Hall (1740–1807) as the sole proprietor of The Newport Mercury. Hall, who had already made a name for himself as a printer before moving to Newport in the 1750s, began publishing the newspaper under his own name. His tenure marked a period of significant improvement for the Mercury. According to Isaiah Thomas, another contemporary newspaper publisher, under Hall's management, the Mercury achieved a more respectable appearance than before. It was noted for being handsomely and correctly printed.Hall's editorial approach focused on filling the paper's columns with well-selected intelligence from other colonial papers, while also paying due attention to domestic information. This strategy proved successful, leading to an increase in advertising customers and a more extensive circulation for the newspaper. Hall's proprietorship, which lasted until 1768, solidified the Mercury's reputation and expanded its reach within the colonies, setting a high standard for its journalistic quality and presentation.
