Above, a few of the many advertisements placed by John Henry Denig, alias Jack Shepherd, in newspapers throughout the region, 1873-1875, to advertise his weekly newspaper, “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet, which he claimed was a Christian newspaper. Denig was the editor and publisher, and to circulate and sell it, he traveled to the small town and cities in central Pennsylvania. The paper was at its height of circulation in 1873, when libel charges were brought against Denig for an article he published about a “fatherless child” whose parentage Denig attributed to a prominent Civil War veteran. He was found guilty and spent eighteen months in jail. He was released in 1875 and started to publish again, but his health declined, and he was found dead in a barn in York. Pennsylvania in 1876
Ironically, Denig was a decorated Civil War hero (Medal of Honor) whereas Col. J. Wesley Awl, the man who brought the libel charges was undistinguished, with the exception of rank, in his military service. Dednig’s defense was that he did what he “conceived to be in the line of his religious duty”, i. e., to expose Awl for fathering a child out of wedlock. Awl was an avowed white supremacist as evidenced by his strong public support for the racist candidate in the Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election of 1866. See: John Wesley Awl, White Supremacist. Also, Awl, and his brother, F. Asbury Awl, were involved in several scandals involving state institutions including the Lunatic Asylum and the Soldiers’ Orphans’ School.
The story of John Henry Denig and his newspaper is presented here beginning with the article that appeared in the Lykens Standard in 1873. It is then followed with some of the activities of Denig in the year 1873, up though his libel conviction. The story then skips to 1875 when he is released from prison and begins to publish the Gospel Trumpet again. Previously on this blog, the obituaries of Denig were presented as was a summary of his military record which included the citation for the presentation of the Medal of Honor for his service at the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War.
At the trial, John Henry Denig, spoke to the jury as follows:
“Your honors and gentlemen of the jury, you perceive here upon my left breast a medal of honor, awarded to me by a vote of congress, for personal valor at that terrible engagement with the enemies to our country at Mobile Bay….
“There is no other man in the court house wearing such honors, not even the distinguished and valorous gentlemen who have seen fit to bring this suit to Court….”
[Note: Above quoted from article by Jim McClure, “Did this Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient Suffer from PTSD?, York Daily Record, September 21, 2013].
________________________________________________
From the Lykens Standard, August 8, 1873:
John Henry Denig, of York, Pennsylvania, editor of “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet,” “preached” to large and mixed audiences on last Sunday morning and evening, in the grove near the trestle bridge, this borough [Lykens]. He introduced himself to his hearers as a “crazy man,” of the truth of which, so far as the subject of religion is concerned, there is not much doubt. Otherwise he is all right, and in money-getting, Jack’s as sharp as the most of ’em.
______________________________________________
From the Lancaster Daily Evening Express, January 9, 1873:
IN TOWN: John Henry Denig, the editor and publisher of “The Jack Shepherd Gospel Trumpet” of York, was in town this morning, sporting the silver trumpet which was recently presented to him by the ladies of Harrisburg and York. He visited the Mayor asking permission to “blow his trumpet” upon our streets every Tuesday hereafter, on which day of the week he will regularly visit Lancaster to sell his paper. Permission to “blow” was freely given, on condition that he would disturb no one, and way went Jack, the Shepherd.
______________________________________________
And, going back to January, from the Carlisle Weekly Herald, January 9, 1873:
CERTAIN ladies of the different churches of Harrisburg presented John Henry Denig, editor of the “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet,” published at York, Pennsylvania, with a beautiful silver trumpet on New Year’s morning.
______________________________________________
From the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, January 10, 1873:
The renowned John Henry Denig, editor, proprietor, and blower of Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet is in town today.
____________________________________________
From the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, January 15, 1873:
“BLOW, BUGLE, BLOW” — Our streets have been resounding all morning with the music of the silver trumpet, blown by the only original Jack Shepherd in this country – John Henry Denig, of York, editor, proprietor, compositor and carrier of his own paper – Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet. The trumpet is brim full of religious reading, but whether it should be classed as high church, our casual glance at its contents will not permit us to express a positive opinion; but judging from the ability with which the present edition is being gobbled up, either the theology of the Trumpet, or the music of the trumpeter, must be immensely popular.
____________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, February 21, 1873:
JACK SHEPHERD’S Gospel Trumpet, for Friday, February 21st, will contain “Jack’s” interpretation of the Scriptural Drama of Rip Van Winkle, his “views” on the Lutheran Fair Art Gallery, a little more on Local Option, and other rich articles. For sale in Harrisburg on Saturday.
____________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, March 5, 1873:
“JACK SHEPPHERD’S” Gospel Trumpet in Harrisburg, Saturday, March 8, will contain “Jack’s opinion of the honorable Employment for 246 men,” in reply to the Harrisburg Grand Jury; Jack on Locust Street M. E. [Methodist Episcopal] Sunday School Anniversary, and other good things.
Single copies, price five cents.
____________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, March 7, 1873:
Jack Sheppherd’s Gospel Trumpet in Harrisburg on Saturday, March 8th, will contain, “Jack’s opinion of the honorable Employment for 246 men,” in reply to the Harrisburg Grand Jury; Jack on Locust Street M. E. [Methodist Episcopal] Sunday School Anniversary, and other good things.
Single copies, price five cents.
____________________________________________
From the Northumberland County Democrat, May 2, 1873:
A SENSATION
“Jack Shepherd,” the gentleman who edits and has a paper printed in York, but which he sells in Harrisburg and surrounding places, by means of a silver trumpet that was presented to him by the ladies of Harrisburg, was in town yesterday, soliciting subscriptions for “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet.” He is to be seen nearly every day in an around the depot at Harrisburg, selling his papers with his trumpet in hand.
In the evening “Jack” made a speech to a large crowd in the square, chiefly on religious topics.
____________________________________________
From the Sunbury Gazette, May 23, 1873:
SOUND THE TRUMPET – Denig, the eccentric wide awake editor and publisher of “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet,” occasionally visits our town, and finds ready sale for his paper. His presence is always indicated by the Sound of his trumpet. He knows how to blow his horn. On Sunday afternoon he preached to a large crowd in front of Neff’s Hotel. The preachers and Young Men’s Christina Association seem to be the special objects of his oration.
____________________________________________
From the Reading Times, May 30, 1973:
Jack Shepherd is blowing his Gospel Trumpet about Lebanon. Jack is an individual somewhat on the order, we believe, of the “immortal J. N.,” and lives at Harrisburg.
____________________________________________
From the Reading Times, June 2, 1972:
“Jack Shepherd,” the Editor and Carrier of the great Christian Paper, entitled “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet, expects to be in Reading, with copies of his paper, on Tuesday, June3d. Paper, 5 cents a copy.
____________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, June 21, 1873:
The GOSPEL TRUMPET, Friday June 20, will contain “Jack Shepherd” on Dr. Barr’s Spiritual Expedition to York in search of conglomerated tea pots and ink bottles.
____________________________________________
From the Northumberland County Democrat, July 4, 1873:
JOHN HENRY DENIG, published and proprietor and editor and printer and carrier of “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet,” was in Sunbury on Monday, with his last weekly edition, and sold a large number of copies. It is a very religious publication and has a very warm side for the preachers! Mr. D. has his headquarters in York, Pennsylvania, until he edits, prints and publishes his paper, and the balance of the week, like Gen. Pope, he is “in the saddle,” scouring the country, proclaiming with a trumpet that the Trumpet is out again, full of good and godly things.
____________________________________________
From the Northumberland County Democrat, July 25, 1873:
JACK SHEPHERD, when he preaches on the street, invites everybody to come up and take a paper, “The Gospel Trumpet,” for nothing, but adds quickly, that he will not refuse anything that is put in his hat! That is business.
____________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, August 1, 1873:
JACK SHEPHERD’S GOSPEL TRUMPET, at Harrisburg, Saturday, August 2. Grand revelations for Harrisburg. Paper price five cents.
____________________________________________
From the Sunbury Gazette, August 15, 1873:
The Harrisburg Patriot says — Information was made on Wednesday at the mayor’s office by Col. J. Wesley Awl against John Henry Danig, publisher of “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet,” charging him with libel and publishing an obscene paper. The defendant arrived in the city on Friday and being apprised that prosecution had been entered against him entered bail on Saturday in the sum of $1,200 for his appearance at court to answer the two charges, waiving a hearing. W. D. Jack became his security.
_______________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, August 15, 1873:
“JACK SHEPHERD” in Harrisburg next Friday and Saturday with his paper, Gospel Trumpet. Price 5 cents.
Mr. John Henry Denig will preach at the corner of Colder and William Streets on next Sunday evening at 6 o’clock.
_______________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, 30 Aug 1873:
Commonwealth vs. John Henry Denig, alias “Jack Shepherd” — libel, on oath of J. Wesley Awl.
The following is the jury drawn on this case: John Coathe; William J. Neiffer; Samuel Lehman; David Cassel; John B. Miller; William Fitting; Amos Killinger; John Stouffer; Riley Bressler; Josiah Foltz; A. J. Fager; Amos Fisler.
The District Attorney’s opening speech was confined to the reading of the indictments and an explanation of the facts which the Commonwealth intended to prove. There are two indictments against Jack, one for wicked and malicious defamation of the memory of Mrs. Dr. Kurwen, and the other for publishing an article in a public print, with intent to blacken and ruin the reputation of J. Wesley Awl.
The court here adjourned until tomorrow morning.
Saturday, August 30, 1873. — Court assembled at 8 1/2 o’clock this morning. Judge Pearson on the bench.
On motion of District Attorney Wiestling, who stated that it would be impossible to try the case this week, the Court granted a continuance to next term the case of Commonwealth vs. Frederick J. Snavely, indicted for procuring an abortion, &c.
The court them proceeded with the trial of the cases of the Commonwealth vs. J. Henry Denig. The first witness called was J. Brisbin Boyd, who testified to having purchased a copy of “The Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet” of August 1, 1873, containing the article alleged to be defamatory of the character of J. Wesley Awl. Had frequently seen Jack Shepherd vending these papers around town, and occasionally purchased a copy. He read the article in question, and at once formed an opinion that J. Wesley Awl was the person referred to; and had also formed an opinion as to who was the female complained of, but not from the paper.
[The copy of the paper was then offered in evidence.] S. J. M. McCarrell also testified to having purchased a copy of the said paper, and at once formed an opinion that the article complained of referred to Col. Awl. He had been previously informed that an article in reference to Col. Awl was in the paper, but would have formed the same opinion even without being told. Did not form an opinion as to whom the girl was. [The copy of the paper offered in evidence.]
George Krichbaum testified that he got a paper every week from Jack Shepherd, and had read the article called “Another Son of Jonadab.” Understood it to refer to Col. Awl, because there was but one Wesley Awl in the city.
George B. Cole testified that he had bought that articular copy from Mr. Henry Denig; had read the article and formed an opinion that it referred to Col J. Wesley Awl, but did not form an opinion as to whom the girl was.
John W. Glover testified that he was present a member of the Grace M. E. Church; Mr. Awl was treasurer of that church, and had been for five or six years. he had read the article complained of – got a copy of the paper from Col. J. Wesley Awl – and formed an opinion that the article referred to Col. Awl; formed that opinion from the article itself. Did not form an opinion as to whom the girl was.
Henry Gilbert knew the defendant; had bought a copy of the paper from him, dated May 23d, 1873, which he produced in evidence, that contained the article defamatory of the character of Mrs. Curwen, and after he had read it he ordered Denig out of his store. [The copy of the paper was here offered in evidence.] “Jack Shepherd” undertook to cross-examine Mr. Gilbert, but his questions were declared to be totally irrelevant.
David Fleming testified that he had bought a copy of the paper, from Mr. Denig, containing the article defamatory to Mrs. Curwen. George B. Cole also testified to having purchased a copy of the same paper and reading the article, and other witnesses testified to having purchased copies of the same paper.
The Commonwealth here rested in both cases.
Emma Heller was the first witness called for the defense, when Mr. Herr inquired that the defense desired to prove by this witness. Mr. Muench states that they desired to ask her whether she had read the paper complained of, and formed an opinion as to whether the article referred to Col. Awl and herself; and then he desired to ask her whether it was true. Miss Heller then testified that she had dead the article referred to, and had formed an opinion, from the article itself, that it referred to Col. J. Wesley Awl, because he was named in the article; but she would not have known, from the article itself, that the girl referred to was herself.
Col. J. Wesley Awl also testified to the fact that he had read the article, and recognized the fact that it referred to him. he did not know, from the article itself, who “the fatherless girl” referred to was.
William Foster testified to the fact that he had read the paper, and formed the opinion that it referred to Col. Awl because his name was there. he denied that he he gave the information which led to the publication.
John Henry Denig, the defendant, testified that he wrote the article. It referred to Col. J. Wesley Awl and Miss Emma Heller.
The evidence in the case was then close, ad Mr. Muench addressed the jury, defending his client from the charge of malice in the case of J. Wesley Awl, and attributing the publication of what Mr. Denig conceived to be in the line of his religious duty. He declined to say a word in his defense, however, for the publication of the article in regard to Mrs. Curwen.
District Attorney Wiestling followed in an able argument, of the merits of the case, declaring that there could be no excuse or palliation for either of these publications; that the sheet known as Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet was demoralizing in all its tendencies, containing much that partook more of the nature of blasphemy than of religion, and that it was necessary than is circulation should be suppressed, because it was an illegal and demoralizing sheet.
Judge Pearson then carefully and ably reviewed the evidence elicited in the case, and all the features of the libel law as applicable to it. The case was given to the jury about 11 o’clock, and after an absence of half an hour they returned with a verdict of guilty in both cases.
____________________________________________
From the Chambersburg Valley Spirit, September 3, 1873:
CONVICTED OF LIBEL
John Henry Denig, alias “Jack Shepherd,” editor, proprietor and carrier of the Gospel Trumpet, has been convicted of libel in two cases in the Court of Quarter Sessions of dauphin County. He will be sentenced on Thursday. The Trumpet will cease to blow for awhile.
____________________________________________
From the Sunbury Gazette, September 5, 1873:
John Henry Denig, of York, Pennsylvania, who has made himself somewhat notorious by the publication of “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet” was convicted in the Dauphin County Court this week, of libeling J. Wesley Awl. Jack will go to jail for a short time, and afterwards, as a martyr, will sell more papers than ever.
____________________________________________
From the York Democratic Press, March 5, 1875:
John Henry Denig, alias Jack Shepherd, arrived home on Wednesday afternoon, his term of imprisonment in the Dauphin County Jail having expired on the morning of the same day. He enjoys good health, and is looking remarkably well after his eighteen months of confinement. He was kindly received by his numerous friends in our town, and warmly congratulated upon being able once more to breathe the pure iar of liberty. The crime for which he was sentenced to jail was for publishing an article in his paper, the Gospel Trumpet, which, in the opinion of a Dauphin County Jury, was a libel upon the parties named. Upon the rendition of the verdict, Judge Pearson sentenced him to jail for eighteen months.
____________________________________________
From the York Daily, April 9, 1875:
“JACK SHEPHERD’S Gospel Trumpet, April 9th, containing “Jack’s great article on the “Convertion” and Execution of two fiendish murders, written in the Dauphin County Prison, will be for sale in York to-day. Papers, price five cents.
____________________________________________
From the York Daily, April 20, 1875:
“JACK SHEPHERD’S” Gospel Trumpet. In consequence of my sickness I shall not issue a paper this week. The next No. of the Gospel Trumpet will be for sale in York, (D. V.,) on Wednesday, April 28th [1875].
___________________________________________
[July 9, 1875]. John Henry Denig was asked to speak at a meeting before Chief Burgess Jere Carl of York in regard to a dispute as to the amount of respect given by rival fire companies in the borough to each other. The rival companies were the Laurel, the Rescue, and the Vigilant Fire Company. From the York Daily, July 9, 1875:
The President of the Rescue then requested Mr. John Henry Denig as the “Champion of the Gospel Trumpet” to make a speech, which was readily responded to. Three hearty cheers were then given for the rescue, which were followed in a short speech by Mr. Martin L. VanBamen, President of the rescue. After the collation the whole was concluded with a Grand Dedication Ball which continued until the “wee sma” hours of the night. The grand march was participated in by about one hundred couples. The music was furnished by Spousler’s Orchestra.
____________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, July 14, 1875:
“JACK SHEPHERD’S” Gospel Trumpet will be out in full blast, and for sale in Harrisburg on next Friday and Saturday. Paper, price 5 cents.
_______________________________________________
From the York Democratic Press, August 6, 1875:
“JACK SHEPHERD” UNFURLING HIS NEW ENSIGN
On last Sunday evening, Mr. John Henry Denig, the editor of the “Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet,” unfurled his new and splendid flag for the first time, and addressed a large and respectable audience at Centre Square. This flag is 26 inches long and 24 inches wide, with double facing. It is made of the finest silk, and trimmed with golden fringe, and has inscribed upon it, in large gilded letters, the name “JESUS CHRIST the Son of God.” Upon the blue field there are thirteen stars; the centre star being large, and having a cross, the the initials I. H. S. upon it. The staff is surmounted with a beautiful gilded eagle and golden tassels. The whole is a beautiful piece of workmanship, and every true Christian must certainly feel proud to see the blessed name of the Savior inscribed in letters of gold upon the American standard, and should commend “Jack” for his original idea, and for his courage displayed in lifting up this ensign to the people. “Jack’s purposes are to carry this flag with him as he travels through the country preaching and publishing the glad tidings of the gospel.
_______________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, August 11, 1875:
“Jack Shepherd” in Harrisburg on next Friday and Saturday, with his latest Gospel Trumpet, and his new flag. “Jack” on the Oakville encampment. Papers, price 5 cents.
____________________________________________
From the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, August 16, 1875:
“THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.”
John Henry Denig, alias Jack Shepherd, is in town to-day with his trumpet, his flag and his “banner with a strange device.” He seems to be driving a lively trade.
____________________________________________
From the Harrisburg Telegraph, September 30, 1975:
Jack Shepherd’s Gospel Trumpet in Harrisburg next Saturday. Price 5 cents.
____________________________________________
From the York Daily, October 27, 1875:
The following we clip from the New York Sun of a recent issue:
“The Gospel Trumpet is a curious paper published in York, Pennsylvania, by Jack Shepherd, who is also editor and agent. His real name is Denig; he calls himself Jack because he is a diminutive John the Baptist, and Shepherd because Jesus was the great shepherd, and he is the lesser one. He is is like Daniel Pratt Jr., the great American traveler, or George W. Mellon. He gets a decent living by playing mountebank at street meeting, bearing a banner, and blowing a silver trumpet, is very harmless, and grateful for all attentions, which he duly chronicles.”
____________________________________________
News articles from Newspapers.com.
According to the Library of Congress, original copies (not a complete run) of the Gospel Trumpet are available at the Historical Society of York County, York, Pennsylvania and the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.