The Western Emigrant was first newspaper published in Ann Arbor. Its first issue was November 18, 1829, and its editor was Thomas Simpson. Simpson published 5 issues of the Emigrant before selling to Samuel Dexter and John Allen.

Allen and Dexter took up an editorial stance of vigorous opposition to Masonry, and strong support of temperance. John Allen gave up his interest in the paper to Dexter in 1830, but his name stayed on the masthead until late 1831. In the beginning of 1833, George Corselius took over as publisher, and renamed the paper the Michigan Whig at the end of 1834.

Sources: Louis W. Doll, A History of the Newspapers of Ann Arbor 1829-1920, Wayne State University Press 1959, LCCN 59-9322. Chapter 1.

Images: Western Emigrant, Dec. 16, 1829, page one, Bentley Historical Library, record BL000433.