Austin P. Cristy
American newspaper publisher (1850-1926)
Austin Phelps Cristy (May 8, 1850 – December 1, 1926) was a newspaper publisher. He was born in Morristown, Vermont, to John Baker Cristy and Louisa Lydia Cristy, née Cooke. He attended Reading High School in Reading, Massachusetts, and Monson Academy in Wilbraham. He was at Amherst College for three terms in 1869 and 1870, but did not graduate there; he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, graduating in 1873. He was admitted to the bar in about 1874 and began practicing law in Marblehead, then opened a law office in Worcester the following year. From 1882 to September 1884 he was assistant clerk of the Central District Court in Worcester.
He founded the Worcester Sunday Telegram, with the first issue appearing on November 30, 1884, followed by the Daily Telegram two years later. He focused on sensational stories, emphasizing crimes and scandals, and was also a Republican, often attacking Democrats in the pages of the newspaper. He made political enemies during his time at the Central District Court, and later said that "The Telegram was started to square accounts with those who had been hostile". He also crusaded against alcohol, though a rival paper once reported he had been brought to their offices while drunk.
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