Ingenious

Caricature from 'Vanity Fair' magazine of Baron Reuter, originally Israel Beer Josaphat (1816-1899), founder of Reuters News Agency. Born in Kassel, Germany of Jewish parentage, Reuter converted to Christianity and changed his name in 1844. He set up his first news service in Paris in 1849, sending news back to Germany by carrier pigeon. In 1851 he moved his headquarters to London and became a naturalised British subject. As the title 'Telegrams' suggests, Reuter was famous for developing the idea of a telegraphic news service, which revolutionised the press in Europe. In 1858 he persuaded English newspapers to publish foreign telegrams. Then, with the development of undersea cables, he was able to extend his news service worldwide. He was made a baron in 1871.