"gerrymander" antedatings (by about 2 months)

[Joel S. Berson]

The OED has "gerrymander" (n.) from 1812 May 23.

1)  Repertory, published as The Repertory & General Advertiser; Date:
03-27-1812; Volume: IX; Issue: 25; Page: [2]; Location: Boston,
Massachusetts [EAN]:

[Title of the illustration:]  "The Gerry-mander. A new species of
Monster, which appeared in Essex South District in January last."


2)  Repertory, published as The Repertory & General Advertiser; Date:
03-27-1812; Volume: IX; Issue: 25; Page: [3]; Location: Boston,
Massachusetts [EAN]:

"We have thrown the Monster Gerry-mander upon his back; and we trust
that in this position he will scratch out the eyes of his parents."

[The illustration is printed with North at the left, so the head and
feet are uppermost.]


3)  The diary of William Bentley, D.D., pastor of the East Church,
Salem, Massachusetts.  Salem, Mass.: The Essex Institute,
1905-14.  Reprint, Gloucester Mass.: P. Smith, 1962.  Vol. IV, page
402.  1812 April 2:

"The division of this County into districts has given an opportunity
for a Caracatura stamped at Boston & freely circulated here called
the Gerrymander. The towns as they lie are disposed as part of a
monster whose feet & claws are Salem and Marblehead. It is one of
those political tricks which have success has far as they go. This
division favours much the hopes of retaining a republican senate, &
therefore must be a sure object of party vengeance."

[The bend of the neck is Methuen and the head (at the northeast) is
Saslisbury.]

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