The subject of this brief memoir, Alfred Sanders, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on the thirteenth of May, 1819, and died at his residence in East Davenport, Iowa, April 25, 1865, aged forty-six years. Alfred Sanders received a good education, and finished his academic courses of studies in Woodward College, Cincinnati.
In 1841 he arrived in Davenport, Iowa, and was married in 1842 o Miss M.A. Sanford, the youngest daughter of B. Sanford, Esq. They have had six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom four survive. On his twenty-fourth birthday he was baptized and united with the Christian church on Brady Street, and continued a faithful and devoted member until the day of his death.
On the eleventh of August, 1841, he brought to the city the press and materials for a printing establishment and soon opened an office and commenced the publication of the "Weekly Gazette," the first number of which was issued on the twenty-fifth of August of the same year. In August, 1853, he commenced a tri-weekly, with most favorable prospects; and in October, 1854, the first number of the daily was issued. Alfred Sanders continued his services as principal editor until 1862, when he sold out his entire interest.
In politics he was identified with free-soil and anti-slavery principles. His education, love for his race and country and his large benevolence led him form choice and conviction to their advocacy. Prior to the existence of the Republican party, he was a Whig of the Henry Clay school, but so soon as the new party arose which embodied the principles which he thought lay at the foundation of our free institutions, he cordially embraced them, and gave to them all the support which his large experience, ripe scholarship and powerful pen could command. By his pen and tongue he urged the election of John C. Fremont in 1860, and afterward that of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, and stood by our chosen chief to the last, and sought no reward but that which conscience and a sense of duty would grant.
He was eminently the Christian gentleman in his intercourse with his fellow-men. He was affable, kind and generous. He was a true friend and pleasant companion and good counselor. His social qualities were of a high order, and they made him an honored guest in the social circle.
The "Democrat" of this city thus speaks of him: "Intimate personal acquaintance with the deceased for several years authorizes us in making the statement that as a private individual he was among that number who was entitled to the highest esteem and respect. He was then editor of the Davenport 'Gazette', a paper that he had the honor of founding and building up, and had been in that position about fourteen years. Our respective papers were opposed to each other in politics, and to outward appearance we might have been counted bitter personal enemies, but we take pleasure in recording to-day what is a fact, that notwithstanding bitter newspaper controversies, there never passed between us other than words of friendship and respect. We always found him a true, hearty, cordial Christian gentleman- always willing to extend a favor- rigid honest, benevolent- in short, a true man."
The "Gazette" thus spoke of him:" During his long connection with the 'Gazette,' Mr. S. labored faithfully and with much success for the welfare and interests of Davenport, and his adopted State. He was extensively known throughout Iowa as one of the pioneer editors. A man of fine scholarly attainments and strict moral integrity, he succeeded in making many warm friends. For over twenty-years and up to the time of his death, he was an exemplary member of the Christian Church in this city. The residents of Davenport cannot over-estimate the good he has done for this city. Never was occasion to further its interests allowed to pass without some word of praise or advice bestowed through the columns of the 'Gazette,' and intended to promote its general welfare and prosperity. He was indeed a public benefactor." *
* The foregoing sketch was prepared by Elder James Challen for the Old Settlers' Association of Scott County.
BIOGRAPHIES