[2] Founder and publisher Henry Barnes completed only two issues of the weekly abolitionist publication before selling it and returning to Detroit.

According to the Pioneer History of Ingham County, "In a few weeks, Barnes sold his interests to Herman E. Haskill.

Two men, Fitch and Hosmer, got the appointment, and Haskill sold his interests to them, and they published the paper in connection with the State printing.

I can remember the two men and the old red building on West Michigan Avenue where the State printing and binding was done, and this paper was published.

[3] Three weeks later with the February 13, 1911 edition, the paper officially became The State Journal in an effort to be "unbiased and uninfluenced by the political views or aims of any party.