The Illustrated News was edited by Louis A. Leland and published at the house of his father Abijah R. Leland during 1862 in Sherborn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Louis was 15 years old at the time of publication. The newspaper reports exclusively on the Civil War battles happening at the time, as well as the contributions of the state of Massachusetts in the war. It includes copied illustrations from the January and February issues of "Harper's Weekly" done in black ink by the editor, depicting scenes such as soldiers marching to camp, naval battles, encampments, and victory celebrations. War facts and figures are also included informing on the battles that Massachusetts soldiers have participated in, Colonels that have been killed or wounded, and when the battles were fought. The editor includes a few comical drawings on the last page of the newspaper.
Louis Aaron Leland was born on February 9, 1847 to Abijah Richardson (1820-1895) and Mary Ann (Sawyer) (1818-1900) Leland in Sherborn, Middlesex County, Mass. He had a sister named Mercie Daniels (1849-1917). They likely lived on a farm at the junction of Apple and Woodland Streets, where his father Abijah and his grandfather Joseph Perry Leland manufactured vinegar. Two of his uncles served in the Civil War as physicians. One of them, Dr. Francis Leland was commissioned as a Major and participated in various battled in 1862. He was honorably discharged that same year due to serious illness. Louis went on to become an artist and worked as an apothecary in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Louis married Abigail Sanger Everett (1845-1937) in 1870. His father Abijah bought a large mansion and property at 8 Washington Street in 1874. Leland died on May 26, 1881 at the age of 34.