Courtesy of American Philosophical Society, Bache Papers, Castle Collection.
As founder of the Aurora newspaper, Benjamin Bache was a vocal opponent of the Washington and Adams administrations, and outspoken supporter of Jefferson. Bache turned the Aurora into one of the most influential newspaper in U.S. politics; even after Bache's death, it is said the Aurora played a role in the creation of the Alien and Sedition acts and in Jefferson's election.
Early LifeIn late 1776, Benjamin Franklin departed for France on a diplomatic mission. He was accompanied by his seven year-old grandson, Benjamin Bache (middle name “Franklin’), referred to by Franklin as “Kingbird” or “Benny.” At his famous grandfather’s house in Passy (near Paris), young Bache received the best possible tutelage in the printing arts from not only his grandfather, but also the best French printers of the day. The AuroraBache’s early efforts in the printing trade included the publication of children’s books, Greek and Latin texts, and Bible stories for local schools. He also set up a type foundry and book bindery in the printing house, but those ventures failed early on. In fact, it wasn’t until after his grandfather’s death in 1790 that Bache began to make his mark with the publication of a daily newspaper. By the early 1790’s, the Aurora had become the most influential newspaper in the United States.With the U.S. Capital residing in Philadelphia from 1790 to 1800, the Aurora became the voice of opposition against the perceived (and sometimes real) pro-British sympathies of the Washington and Adams administrations, as well as their “federalist” allies in Congress. With the tacit support of Thomas Jefferson and open support of other “democratic republicans,” the Aurora mercilessly attacked the federalists and helped shape the character of two-party politics in America. Later Life and LegacyIn keeping with his grandfather’s legacy, public service was deeply important in Benny’s life. His persistence in calling for more transparency in government and greater freedom of the press was a pioneering exercise of First Amendment rights, an effort that kept government censorship out of the press and laid a foundation for the next two centuries of journalism in America.In June of 1798, Bache was indicted by the Adams administration for seditious libel. While awaiting trial later that summer, one of the worst yellow fever epidemics in local history swept through Philadelphia, claiming the life of the 29-year-old editor on September 10. After Bache’s untimely death, there were rumors of federalist attempts to buy out the Aurora, but his widow, Margaret, retained and continued to publish her husband’s newspaper, with William Duane at the editorial helm. William and Margaret married in 1800, and successfully continued the newspaper through the year 1822. |
Last updated: June 7, 2017