Seba Smith, of the Bowdoin Class of 1818, and founder and editor of the Portland Courier, Maine’s first daily newspaper, was inducted into the Maine Press Association’s Hall of Fame at a ceremony held Saturday, Oct. 15, at Point Lookout in Northport.

Smith’s editorials advocating Maine’s separation from Massachusetts are seen by historians as helping advance the cause of statehood.

Smith, an early satirist, created the fictional character Major Jack Downing – referenced in John Quincy Adams’ diary – through whom he could lampoon the political leaders of the day.

Alan Baker ’62, owner and publisher of the Ellsworth American, spoke about Smith during the ceremony. Read Bangor Daily News coverage.