John S. Skinner, known for his involvement in military matters during the War of 1812, his agricultural publishing, and his political contributions as a government official, was also an avid sportsman and sports journalist. Beginning in 1819, when he initiated the American Farmer, Skinner published material concerning exercise, recreation, amusements, and sporting pursuits. In 1825 he added a regular sports section, the "Sporting Olio," to the weekly American Farmer.

Skinner carried his interest in sports a step further in September 1829, when he began publication of the American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine, America's first specialized sports magazine. In 1830 he sold the American Farmer in order to devote all of his literary efforts to sports journalism. The American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine served as a forum to unite, stimulate, and solidify the rapidly growing American interest in sports of all kinds.

The American Farmer was a pioneer, originator, popularizer, and stimulator...