Paul Selby
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Former editor of The Illinois State Journal. Lived in Chicago for many years, writing for the Munsell Publishing Co on historical work, especially relating to Illinois. Recognized as an authority on Illinois history and a prominent political figure before, during and after the Civil War.r r Born in Ohio, moved with parents in 1837 to Van Buren Co., Iowa, and at the age of 19 moved to southern Illinois where he taught in Madison County for 4 years. In 1848 he went to Illinois College at Jacksonville but left during his junior year to assume editorship of The Morgan Journal in Jacksonville. Member of Anti-Nebraska (later known as Republican) state convention which met at Springfield in Oct. 1854. Presided over a conference of Anti-Nebraska editors in Decatur in 1856, which was called to devise a line of policy for the newly organized Republican party.r r In 1859 he taught in Louisiana until 1861. Two weeks before the fall of Fort Sumter he was denounced as an "abolitionist" and falsely charged with having been connected with the underground railroad. Returning north with his family in July 1861, he spent some nine months in the commissary and transportation branches of the service at Cairo and Paducah, Ky.r r In July 1862 he became associate editor of The Illinois State Journal at Springfield, remaining until November 1865. Later served on the staff of The Evening Journal and The Republican of the Chicago area. Editorship of The Quincy Whig followed in May 1868, but in January 1874 he resumed working for The State Journal, four years later becoming one of its proprietors.r r In 1880 he was appointed by President Hayes as postmaster of Springfield, reappointed by President Arthur in 1884, resigning in 1886. Sold his interest in The Journal but the next year organized a new company for its purchase and resumed his former position as editor. In 1889 he disposed of his holdings in The Journal and removed to Chicago. In all, he was engaged in editorial work over 35 years, of which 18 were spent upon The State Journal.r r Twice married, first to Miss Erra Post of Springfield, and in 1870, to Mrs. Mary J. Hitchcock of Quincy,
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois | Illinois Historical Crawford County Biographical