James McClatchy facts for kids

James McClatchy (1824–1883) was an American newspaper editor. He helped create The Sacramento Bee, a well-known newspaper. He became its second editor very soon after it started in February 1857. Later, this newspaper grew into a big company called The McClatchy Company.

Who Was James McClatchy?

James McClatchy was born in Ireland in 1824. He became a journalist, which means he wrote for newspapers. In 1848, he worked for a newspaper in New York called the New York Tribune.

Journey to California

Around that time, people heard exciting news about gold being found in California. His boss, Horace Greeley, famously told young people to "Go west!" So, James McClatchy decided to go to California.

His trip was very difficult. He even survived a shipwreck in Baja California. When he finally reached the gold fields in the Sierra Nevada mountains, he tried mining for gold. But he didn't find any wealth from it.

He married Charlotte Maria McCormick. They had at least four children: Fannie, Emily Estelle, Charles Kenny, and Valentine Stuart McClatchy.

Standing Up for People

After his mining adventure, James McClatchy went back to journalism. In 1849, he started working for the Placer Times newspaper. This paper was published near Sutter's Fort, which later became the city of Sacramento, California.

As a writer for the newspaper, James McClatchy became known as a champion for regular people. He spoke out against people who were unfairly buying up land. This led to a big event in 1850 called the Squatters' Riot. He always stood up for what he believed was right for the community.

Leading The Sacramento Bee

By 1850, James McClatchy was editing his own newspaper for a short time. He then worked for several other newspapers in Sacramento. In 1857, he joined The Sacramento Bee right after it began. Within a week, he became its editor.

That same week, The Bee reported on a serious problem involving California's State Treasurer, Henry Bates. This report led to the treasurer being removed from his job.

James McClatchy was known for supporting the interests of everyday people. He often spoke out against big companies and dishonest politicians. He made The Bee a newspaper that pushed for good changes and improvements in society.

When James McClatchy passed away in 1883, his sons, Charles and Valentine, took over the newspaper.