Just an FYI, As a graduate student at Univ. of West Alabama (then Livingston U.) I did research in the Sumter Co. Probate Court office in Livingston. They have origionals of weekly newspapers from 1830's through 1900, except 1860-1865. (those were removed before the Union Troops came into Sumter Co). They were in great shape in 1972. If you can get to Livingston, you may want to take a look. You may want to call the Sumter Co. Probate Court in advance.

Dr. R. Massey
El Mirage, AZ