Swinton
Swinton names 2 different subjects across the 6 encyclopedias on this shelf. Each is set out below.
Swinton JOHN, an journalist
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
JOHN, an journalist; born in Salton, Scotland, Dec. 12, 1830; early learned the printer's trade; came to Canada about 1853 and afterward to New York City; took part in the Kansas "free State" contest; studied medicine; was chief of editorial staff of the "Times" from 1860 through the war; resigned post of managing editor, but continued his connection with the paper till 1869; then with Horace Greely on the "Tribune" till about 1874; then chief of staff of the "Sun" till 1883, when he resigned to start "John Swinton's Paper," conducting it till 1887. In the spring of 1874 he became the active champion of workingmen; was nominated by them for mayor of New York, but polled only 200 votes; took active part as public speaker, writer, and worker in all the movements of labor in New York after 1874. He wrote "The New Issue" (1870); "Eulogy on Henry J. Raymond" (1870); "John Swinton's Travels" (1880); and an "Oration on John Brown" (1881). He died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1901.
Swinton WILLIAM, an American educator
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
WILLIAM, an American educator, brother of John; born in Salton, Scotland, April 23, 1833. During the Civil War he was war correspondent of the New York "Times"; from 1869 to 1872 he was Professor of English Language and Literature in the University of California. His writings include: "Rambles Among Words"; "Twelve Decisive Battles of the War"; "Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac"; "Word Analysis" ; "Studies in English Literature"; and "Outlines of the World's History." He died in New York City Oct. 25, 1892 .
What Has Changed in the Last Century
Both brothers were already dead when Collier's compiled this in 1921 -- William in 1892, John in 1901 -- and the outlines of their careers stand as given. What has grown since is the afterlife of their words: William's "Campaigns of the Army of the Potomac" (1866) is still quoted by Civil War historians, partly because Grant expelled him from the army's lines in 1864 for his reporting, an episode Collier's passes over. John, meanwhile, is best remembered today not for the books listed here but for a speech he is said to have made to fellow New York editors calling the press "intellectual prostitutes" -- a text that circulates constantly in media criticism though its authenticity has never been firmly established. His labor journalism, dismissed here with the note that he "polled only 200 votes" for mayor, now draws steady attention from historians of the American left.
Written for this edition, 2026.