The Spider was edited by Charles G. Hathorn and Frederick H. Bailey during 1849 in Hopkinton, Merrimack County, N.H. The editors included a lengthy editorial, a list of newly released books, a poem titled "Good Smiled," and an October 1, 1849 letter written by a contributor from Manchester, Hillsborough County, N.H. The letter describes a visit to the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord, Merrimack County. The contributor toured the building and was allowed by the wardens to conduct phrenological studies on various inmates. He writes extensively about phrenology, morality, and religion.
Charles G. Hathorn was born around 1826 to John and Elisabeth Hathorn in Portsmouth, Rockingham County, N.H. He married Abigail G. Woodfire on July 4, 1854. Frederick H. Bailey was born around 1833 to John M. and Lucy P. Bailey in New Hampshire. He married Sarah M. in 1885 and died around 1904.