Born on October 10, 1777 in Chester County, Pa., to a Quaker family, Hezekiah Niles became one of the most influential journalists of the early 19th century as editor of Niles’ Weekly Register, published in Baltimore weekly from 1811 to the last issue in 1849.
Niles’ apprenticed in Philadelphia as a printer, then in Wilmington, Delaware for several years, until 1805,when he moved to Baltimore, and in 1811 printed the first issue of Niles’ Weekly Register. It is considered one of the most important primary source documents for studying the War of 1812 period. Niles was also known as the great compiler for the amount of information it contained. It was in fact, illustrations not included, the most widely read national news magazine of his day. His services during the War of 1812 was that of a private in Captain Peter Pinney’s co., 27th Md. Regiment.
He died on April 2,1839 in Wilmington, Delaware of paralytic condition at the age of sixty-two years of age. “His life was well spent, for he raised himself by his industry and integrity…he labored in a purely philanthropic and patriotic manner to promote the views which in his opinion, were conducive to public benefit.”
Source: The Sun, April 3, 1839;
Maryland in the War of 1812 