Union Expositor
Earliest Newspaper in Union Parish
Union Parish had its own newspaper as early as 1848 with the publication of the Union Expositor. Clips from the 1848 Expositor appeared in newspapers across the state.
January 27, 1848 –New Orleans Times Picayune
TO MERCHANTS AND OTHERS: Merchants wishing to avail themselves of an opportunity to advertise in a paper having an extensive circulation in the Ouachita region, Louisiana can do so by calling on the editor of the Union Expositor, who is now in this city. Any orders left at No. 16 New Levee will be strictly attended to. GEO. A. HAMMOND.
March 12, 1848 – New Orleans Times Picayune
We have received the first number of the Union Expositor, a paper just started at Farmerville, Louisiana by George A. Hammond. It is a fine looking sheet, which promises to be useful to its parish and creditable to the press of the state. We cordially welcome it to the ranks.
April 21, 1848 – New Orleans Crescent
UNION EXPOSITOR – We received yesterday a number of the Union Expositor, a handsome sheet recently commenced at Farmerville, in the state by George A. Hammond. The Expositor is neutral in politics and indicates ability and judgment in its editorials and selections. From our knowledge of Mr. Hammond, we are satisfied that he will succeed in making his paper useful to the people of Union Parish and profitable to himself.
Publisher Hammond was listed as a printer in the Farmerville census of 1850. The Expositor was followed by the Farmerville Enquirer which was in publication by 1850 but unlike its predecessor the Enquirer became very political in nature.
Cathy Buckley is a native of Union Parish and lifelong citizen of Shiloh. She served as Principal of Spearsville High School for many years until her retirement. Cathy is now the director of the Bernice Depot Museum and a active member of the Bernice Historical Society.
