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Ben Underwood, the great-great grandson of A. J. Underwood, brings to life the captivating story of his ancestor through a meticulous compilation of historical artifacts. Drawing from A. J. Underwood's diaries, newspaper clippings spanning from 1873 to 1885, and preserved documents from the newspaper's inception, Underwood immerses readers in the early days of Minnesota history. Through his skillful storytelling, he delves into A. J. Underwood's experiences during the Civil War, the development of railroads, and provides intricate details on early hand press printing technology. Pioneer of Print is a treasure trove for those seeking an informative journey into the past.
A. J. Underwood, Pioneer of Print will be available for sale in March 2024!
A.J. Underwood
A.J. Underwood, at 22, moved from Ohio to the Minnesota Territory in 1855 to work as a printer. He claimed land near Long Lake in Medina Township and returned to Ohio in 1856 to marry his sweetheart, Nancy Ann Folsom. After marrying, the couple moved back to Minnesota, where A.J. continued printing and they began a life together, with frequent visits to their Long Lake property.
After serving in the Civil War and being wounded at Antietam, A.J. was discharged and returned to Minnesota to farm with his family. His civic involvement grew, leading him to serve two terms in the state legislature. It was there he met George B. Wright, who encouraged him to start a newspaper in the new town of Fergus Falls, presenting A.J. with a significant life choice.
Should he stay, or should he go?
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Nancy Underwood
Nancy Ann Underwood, nee Folsom, was born in 1837 with Dutch/English ancestry in Ohio, where her grandfather settled after the Revolutionary War. She married A.J. Underwood in 1857 and moved to Minnesota, where they farmed in Medina Township after A.J.'s return from the Civil War. Together they raised four children, balancing farm duties and family life.
Nancy displayed her entrepreneurial spirit by opening a millinery store in Fergus Falls in 1874, the same year the family moved there inspired by A.J.'s new newspaper venture. She crafted and sold fashionable attire and became the first woman to vote in Fergus Falls in 1881. Following A.J.'s death in 1885, Nancy continued their business legacy until her death in 1925.
About the Author
Ben Underwood, the great-great grandson of A.J. Underwood, the founder of The Journal in 1873, graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism. He worked at the Fergus Falls Daily Journal from 1978 to 1986 and later became a financial planner. In 1999, Underwood founded and served as the publisher of Lake and Home Magazine until 2015. To kickstart his current book project, he enrolled in The Loft Literary Center’s 2021 Year Long Writing Project, drawing inspiration from A.J. Underwood's diaries, newspaper articles spanning 1873 to 1885, and documents from The Journal's inception.
