Henry Jarvis Raymond

Henry Jarvis Raymond is best known for co-founding the New York Times with his partner George Jones in 1851.

Raymond was born on January 24, 1820. He was praised from a young age for his intellectual ability. It is said that he could read by age three, and he graduated with honors from the University of Vermont at age 20.

Before founding his own paper, Raymond worked for the New York Tribune, the Courier, and Enquirer, as a journalist and editor. Raymond and Jones started the New York Times with the intention of injecting some much-needed calm into the newspaper business. Many of the newspapers of the day were highly partisan and used inflammatory language, and the Times sought to distance itself from that type of journalism.

Raymond is the author of multiple books including:

• A Life of Daniel Webster
• Political Lessons on the Revolution
• A History of the Administration of President Lincoln
• The Life and Public Services of Abraham Lincoln

Raymond was heavily involved in politics at both the state and federal levels. He is known as the “godfather of the Republican party” for his work developing and implementing the party’s policy. He held the following posts throughout his career:

• New York State Assembly member
• Speaker of the New York State Assembly
• Lieutenant Governor of New York
• Chairman of the Republican National Committee
• Member of the US House of Representatives

Raymond removed himself from public and political life in 1867, but remained involved with the Times until his death on June 18, 1869.