Type weekly newspaper Owner(s) F.H. Rankin & Son Political alignment Republican | Format quarto Founded 1850 | |
Editor-in-chief Francis H. Rankin, Sr. & Jr. | ||
The Wolverine Citizen was an important weekly newspaper in Flint, Michigan. The paper also operated as a general printer.
History
In 1850, Francis H. Rankin, Sr. came to Flint, Michigan and opened the Genesee Whig. Six years later it was renamed The Wolverine Citizen and Genesee Whig. Later yet, Genesee Whig was dropped from the title. The paper was used to support the formation of the Republican Party from the remains of the Whig Party and the anti-slavery section of the Democratic Party. During the American Civil War, the newspaper switch to daily publication for 18 months. The paper was very supportive of the Federal side.
When, Francis, Jr. was thirteen, he started working at the press. In 1881, he gained half interest in the Citizen. He continued the paper after his father's death until 1915.
A number of prominent Michigan journalist got their start at the Citizen: W. R. Bates, Lumberman's Gazette; C. B. Turner, Pontiac Gazette; R. L. Warren, Lawrence Advertiser; Morgan Bates, Jr., Marshall Statesman; E. D. Cowles, of the Saginaw Daily Courier; W. A.. Smith, of the Charlevoix Sentinel; Harry Hall, Stuart Locomotive; Charles Fellows, of the Flint Journal; Orlando White, of the Linden Record and A. M. Woodin, of the Lansing Sentinel.