Page "Chicago Tribune" Paragraph 2

The Tribune was founded by James Kelly, John E. Wheeler and Joseph K. C. Forrest, publishing its first edition on June 10, 1847.

The paper saw numerous changes in ownership and editorship over the next eight years.

Initially, the Tribune was not politically affiliated but tended to support either the Whig or Free Soil parties against the Democrats in elections.

By late 1853, it was frequently running xenophobic editorials that criticized foreigners and Roman Catholics.

About this time it also became a strong proponent of temperance.

However nativist its editorials may have been, it was not until February 10, 1855 that the Tribune formally affiliated itself with the nativist American or Know Nothing party, whose candidate Levi Boone was elected Mayor of Chicago the following month.