The Gazette

Harry C. Smith founded The Cleveland Gazette with three associates in 1883. Smith purchased his partner's interest in the Gazette in 1886, then served as its editor and owner for 58 years until his death in 1941.

The Gazette was a "one-man paper" in that it was a product of Smith's personal vision, views and work. Smith was unafraid of controversy and used the paper to focus attention upon issues such as discrimination, the state of civil rights, and the declining political position of African Americans.

Smith was elected to represent Cuyahoga County three times, serving 1893-1899 in the Ohio Legislature. His most notable contributions include introducing an anti-lynching law "an Act for the Suppression of Mob Violence" in 1896 which served as a model for similar acts in other states. Smith was also vital in the enactment of Ohio's Civil Rights Law (1894). In 1920, Smith was a candidate for the Republican nomination for Ohio Secretary of State, in 1926 as well as 1928 he sought the GOP gubernatiorial nomination.

Harry C. Smith (January 28, 1863-December 10, 1941)

Available for purchase from the Library of Congress, Photoduplication Services

CONTENTS

Images of selected articles and illustrations from the following issues: