Biography
Medill was born April 6, 1823 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. In 1853, Medill and Edwin Cowles started a newspaper in Cleveland, Ohio: the Leader (later absorbed by The Plain Dealer). In 1854, he was asked to become managing editor of the Tribune by its part-owner, Captain J. D. Webster. Medill was further encouraged to come to Chicago by Dr. Charles H. Ray of Galena, Illinois, and editor Horace Greeley of the New York Tribune.
In 1855, Medill sold his interest in the Leader to Cowles, and bought the Tribune in partnership with Dr. Ray and Cowles' brother Alfred.
Under Medill's management, the Tribune flourished, becoming one of the largest newspapers in Chicago. Medill served as its managing editor until 1864, when Horace White became editor-in-chief. At that time Medill left day-to-day operations of the Tribune for political activities.
However, White clashed with Medill over the Presidential election of 1872. So, in 1873 Medill bought additional equity from Cowles and from White, becoming majority owner. In 1874 he replaced White as editor-in-chief. Medill served as editor-in-chief until his death.
Read more about this topic: Joseph Medill
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