The publication focuses on the newsworthy events in St. Thomas and surrounding municipalities, such as the sports teams of Aylmer.

Donald Fraser, a Presbyterian minister only recently arrived from Scotland, became the editor of the Journal, while in 1834, two men named Kent and Kipp acquired the Liberal.

Westlake died before the first issue came out; and in 1883, Brierley acquired sole ownership of the Journal, continuing until 1906 when he sold the paper to the Arthur S. Smith of St. Thomas, who disposed of it the following year to F.W.

From 1896 until 1906, Brierley published both the St. Thomas Journal and the Montreal Herald, being president and general manager of the latter newspaper until his death.

For many years both the Times and the Journal continued to publish weekly editions, both having wide rural circulations.

Dingman, who had come to St. Thomas a few years before from Stratford, as business manager of the Journal, became owner and published of the Times.