The Memphis Daily Post was an African American daily newspaper that reported on the lives of freedmen in Memphis, Tennessee, after the American Civil War.[1]
| Type | Daily newspaper |
|---|---|
| Publisher | John Eaton |
| Founded | January 1866 |
| Political alignment | Republican |
| Ceased publication | September 11, 1869 |
History
The newspaper was founded by John Eaton,[2] former Superintendent for Negro Affairs in the Department of the Tennessee, and began publication in January 1866.[1] John Eaton was the chief editor and his brother Lucian worked as assistant editor.[3] The paper was unable to receive high advertising revenue due to its support for civil rights and most of its subscribers were poor, so it discontinued publication after four years.[1] In its four years of publication, the newspaper's name was changed four times. From January 15, 1866, to February 10, 1866, the newspaper was published as the Memphis Morning Post.[4] From February 11, 1866, to February 25, 1866, the paper was published as the Memphis Post.[5] For a majority of its publication from February 27, 1866, to April 25, 1868, it was published as the Memphis Daily Post.[6] It was called the Memphis Evening Post from April 27, 1868, to September 11, 1869, when it ceased publication.[7]
The paper was moderately Republican and was focused on equality.[3] The paper offered support for the Alaska Purchase, stating that it would allow the United States to grow its commerce in the Pacific.[8]
Weekly
From February 17, 1866, to December 23, 1869, Eaton published a weekly version of the paper called the Memphis Weekly Post.[9]