LOCAL HISTORY: Tarring S. Davis, History of Blair County, Volume I, 1931, Blair County, PA - Chapter 16 Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ html file: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/1picts/davis/tdavis1.htm _______________________________________________ A HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA UNDER EDITORIAL SUPERVISION OF TARRING S. DAVIS LUCILE SHENK, ASSOCIATE EDITOR HARRISBURG: NATIONAL HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC., 1931 VOLUME I CHAPTER XVI THE PRESS THE PRESS 233 EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS NEWSPAPERS in towns of Blair County outside of Altoona existed before any in Altoona. The populace, always eager for reading material of any kind, regularly followed the columns of the weekly journals. Before the Civil War period, stock articles appeared to the exclusion of local news. The great organizations that ferret news out of the most remote corners of the globe today, did not even exist in the vaguest dreams of our early publishers and printers. The newspaper has expanded with the other institutions of modem civilization, and only a few remain, in out of the way places, to bear witness to the great changes that have been experienced by the press. Improved transportation and communication facilities have been greatly responsible for bringing the news of the world to the readers, almost hourly. Great inventions have increased facilities for production so that several editions can be issued in an afternoon to hundreds of thousands of subscribers. The newspaper performs a vital function. It aids materially in shaping the ideals and directing the interests of our great population. Perhaps it does not have so much political influence or take the decided position for or against a movement, as did the publishers of the Civil War and post-war periods. Chains of newspapers are organized under one establishment. The individual editor cannot wield the same power in his immediate neighborhood, as could be done thirty or forty years ago. It would be impossible to give a complete account of the press of Blair County without some reference to the pioneers who laid the foundation for some of our most successful enterprises. The name of Slep has been identified with publishing work in Central Pennsylvania for sixty years. It was in 1871 that Harry Slep, the first of the line of printers and publishers here, came to Altoona. He was a native of Germany, where he was born in Hesse-Cassel, in 1836. At the age of ten he came to the United States with his family, landed at Baltimore, after a rough crossing that required fourteen weeks to complete the passage, and drove to Mechanicsburg, this state, where he remained with an uncle. Imbued with the desire to become a printer, he was employed by George Bergner, of the "Vaderlands Waechter," in Harrisburg, and when he attained his sixteenth year was foreman of the job-printing shop. Two years later he was an acknowledged journeyman printer. In turn he was connected with the "Mechanicsburg Gazette," "Harrisburg Telegraph," "Harrisburg Patriot and Union," "Meadville Republican," and in printing offices of Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Williamsport. Ill health made it imperative for him to leave some of his positions, but he surmounted physical obstacles and in 1871 came to Altoona as foreman of the job-printing department of the "Altoona Sun." The following year he established an independent business on Thirteenth Street under the firm name, 234 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Mirror Printing House. From that time on the history of Harry Slep and his family is synonymous with progressive journalism in Central Pennsylvania, and is linked with the development of the "Altoona Evening Mirror," which will be considered in its chronological order. Honorable Henry W. Shoemaker, United States Minister to Bulgaria, is an outstanding figure in Pennsylvania. A member of a distinguished family, he became interested in journalism when he became publisher of the "Jersey Shore Herald," in 1905. Two years later he disposed of his interests in that publication, and purchased the "Bradford Record." Between 1908 and 1912, he added the "Reading Times" and the "Bridgeport Telegram," of Bridgeport, Connecticut, to his publications. He sold these newspaper interests, and engaged in consolidating the "Altoona Tribune," "Times" and "Gazette" under one company, the Tribune Publishing Company. The "Tribune" has become the standard morning paper of Blair and surrounding counties, as the "Mirror" has become the acknowledged leader among the evening papers. Colonel Shoemaker is devoted to a great variety of intellectual pursuits, notably in the field of historical research. His ability has been recognized by the executives of the state and nation, who have called upon him to serve on many important commissions. Conservation of natural resources, and of objects and sites of historic importance, are two of his greatest fields of endeavor. Through the columns of the "Tribune" he encourages the reading public to become interested in natural beauties and wild flowers, trees and animal life. From his diplomatic post in south central Europe he continues to forward editorials and articles of unusual interest, that he finds time, in his very busy moments, to produce. Daniel N. Slep became identified with his father's paper, the "Altoona Mirror," immediately after completing his education. With the death of his father, Harry Slep, in 1922, Daniel Slep became president of the Mirror Printing Company. In this capacity he maintains the high standards of journalism and printing for which the "Mirror" has always been noted. Harry E. Slep, a grandson of Harry Slep, the founder of the publishing house, has been associated with the firm of which he is now vice-president and treasurer, since 1901. His father, Edward J. Slep, died in 1915. Harry Lang Johnston has been connected with publishing work for nearly forty years, thirty of which have been spent in the employ of the "Altoona Mirror." From 1893 to 1900, he served as city editor of the "Altoona Times," and in the latter year cast his fortunes with the "Mirror." He advanced from reporter on the latter paper to city editor, and eventually editor in 1908. Mr. Johnston has attained prominence as a journalist in Pennsylvania, for he has been the presiding officer of the Pennsylvania State Editorial Association, now known as the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers' Association. Charles A. Greer, son of Adam J. Greer, who was editor of the "Tribune" for many years, is the present secretary of the Mirror Publishing Company. He has not been active in newspaper work since 1928, but continues in his secretarial duties. THE PRESS 235 Frederick G. Pearce is the advertising manager of the "Mirror." He is an Englishman and was born at Cornwall. After the death of his father he came to this country. In 1909, he was engaged as a clerk for the "Mirror," and rapidly advanced through the collection department, into the advertising department as solicitor. In 1918, he was appointed advertising manager, and continues in that capacity. Theodore Arter, Jr., came to Altoona in 1923 to engage in newspaper work under Colonel Shoemaker, to whom his family is related. Mr. Arter has had extensive experience in the field of journalism. After he was honorably discharged from the service of the United States during the World War, he followed his profession in Ithaca, New York, and then came to Altoona. He is editor, vice- president and general manager of the Tribune Publishing Company, and ably discharges the responsibilities of his position in the absence of Colonel Shoemaker. The managing editor of the "Tribune" is Robert D. Price, who came to that paper as a reporter in 1926. He has had splendid background for editorial work, including experience on the staff of the Lancaster "News-Journal." In 1928, he assumed the duties of managing editor of the "Tribune," a position which he still maintains. Ray E. Dillon is the circulation manager of the "Tribune"; Parson H. Crawford, advertising manager; and W. C. Gaenzle is the business manager. The Over family is to Hollidaysburg what the Sleps are to Altoona. David Over, who published the "Hollidaysburg Register" from 1868 until his death in 1900, completed half a century of service in publishing work in Central Pennsylvania. After his return from the service of the United States in the Mexican War, he purchased the "Bedford Inquirer," and published it from 1850 to 1864. The following year he began publication of the "Lewistown Gazette," and moved to Hollidaysburg in 1868 to become editor and senior proprietor of the "Hollidaysburg Register," which was established in 1836. David Over was a prominent personality in the political life of the period following the Civil War. The Republican Party counted him as one of the staunchest adherents to its principles, and recognized his leadership, locally, by electing him county treasurer in both Bedford and Blair Counties. He took every opportunity that presented itself to strengthen the party of Lincoln with the aid of his pen. His activities were rewarded and his leadership acknowledged, when he was sent as a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago, in 1880, where he supported ex-President Grant for a third term. In 1884, Frank Jordan Over, son of Daniel Over, became a member of the firm of D. & F. J. Over. Frank Over became editor, and continued to support the policies of the Republican Party, and is the present postmaster of Hollidaysburg. Job printing is done in connection with the publication of the newspaper, which appears weekly. Mr. Over is just as active in public life as was his father, and ably carries on the standards that have been set by early editors of this oldest newspaper in continuous existence in Blair County. 236 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY Arthur B. Litz, general manager of the "Hollidaysburg Register," entered the printing business in 1900. For a quarter of a century he followed his trade in various publishing houses throughout the country, before coming to Hollidaysburg, in 1925. He is now part owner of the "Register," and has assumed the duties of general manager of the company. Mr. Litz is particularly active in the job-printing business of the firm, which employs seven men. It is due to his thorough knowledge of the trade that the modern equipment and the excellent service of the job-printing department has developed. Members of the Jones family of Tyrone are representatives of the third county family to be distinguished in journalistic circles. Major C. S. W. Jones, a veteran of the Civil War, commanded the three troops of Pennsylvania cavalry in the Spanish-American War in Porto Rico. When he was thirteen years of age, he was apprenticed in the printer's trade in Tyrone, and his activities in this occupation were curtailed temporarily by the Civil War. Afterwards he renewed his interest in newspaper work, and was connected with the "Tyrone Herald" for thirty-seven years, or until his death in May, 1905. He was outstanding in business, fraternal, military and religious circles of Tyrone. To his untiring efforts are due the success of the first newspaper to be well supported by the citizens of Tyrone. His nephew, Claude Jones, at one time register of wills and recorder of deeds in this county, became a partner in the publication of the "Herald," in 1887. When Major Jones died the company was incorporated, and from 1905 to 1924, Claude Jones was its president. He was well educated, having graduated from Cornell University in 1889. As managing editor he became widely known for the vigor and forcefulness of his editorials, and, although a member of the Republican Party, was supported for county office by all representatives of the press throughout the district. Major Benjamin Charles Jones, his son, succeeded to the presidency of the company in 1924. He is identified with all progressive movements in Tyrone, and is eminently fitted to carry on the work begun by his father and great uncle. A graduate of Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, he advanced from the rank of first lieutenant during the World War to that of major. He has served on the faculties of the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel Institute and Temple University. NEWSPAPERS The "Aurora" was the first newspaper to be published in Blair County It made its initial appearance in Hollidaysburg on August 9, 1833, and continued for a year with T. P. Campbell, the first editor. Brothers by the name of Semple took over the "Aurora" and expressed Anti-Masonic principles through its columns. But its service was short-lived, and it suspended publication. In 1885, the "Hollidaysburg Sentinel and Huntingdon, Cambria and Bedford County Democrat" appeared under the editorship of William R. McCay. It failed after a year. On July 2, 1836, the "Canal and Portage Register" was established, and it thrives today as the "Hollidaysburg Register." John Scott and H. C. Gray THE PRESS 237 were the first editors, and it is likely that the economic development of Hollidaysburg at this particular period in its history made the foundation of a successful newspaper possible. John Penn Jones succeeded to Gray's interest in October of 1836, and the new firm, Scott & Jones, continued to function until Jones became the sole proprietor on April 11, 1836. He enlarged the paper to a six column sheet and gave it the new name of the "Hollidaysburg Register and Huntingdon County Inquirer." In May, 1839, D. B. Williams became associated with Mr. Jones and remained for less than a year. When the new county of Blair was formed in 1846, Mr. Jones again changed the name of his paper, this time calling it the "Hollidaysburg Register and Blair County Inquirer." H. A. Caldwell entered into partnership with him in 1861, and two years later they disposed of the business to Judge John Dean, who in turn transferred it to Samuel Hoover & Son, in 1865 or 1866. David and Jacob Z. Over became proprietors on March 16, 1868, and two years later they gave it the name under which it continues to be published, the "Hollidaysburg Register." Jacob Z. Over retired in 1872, and David Over managed the paper alone until his son Frank entered the firm in 1884. The paper, which has changed its make-up on several occasions, appears every Friday and is widely read throughout the county. Its issues serve as good examples of the attainment possible in local, weekly publications. As has been stated previously, it is the only newspaper now published in our county-seat, and continues to bear allegiance to the Republican Party. Other newspapers have been published here, but with the rise of Altoona the center of publishing activities shifted there. Among other early Hollidaysburg publications was the "Hollidaysburg Standard," a five column edition, which was instituted in the spring of 1838, by P. L. Joslin and George R. McFarlane. It was founded by a stock company who put into use the materials of the old "Huntingdon Gazette." Early in 1841, O. A. Traugh and H. A. Boggs became the managers, continuing for three years, when stockholders and editors disagreed about matters relating to the Portage Railroad, and the editors began publication of another paper. This was the "Beacon Light" of five columns, and it continued until 1845 when Traugh, who was the sole owner then, merged it with the "Democratic Standard," which John Dougherty and later Alonzo S. Dougherty purchased. The merged paper was published as the "Democratic Standard." The following year Traugh became the sole owner and continued in that capacity for thirty-five years. By 1880, it had become an eight column paper and among the assistant editors were U. J. Jones and William H. Schwartz. The latter became a prominent editor and was well known in his affiliation with the "Tribune." The "Standard" has been discontinued since 1911. Before the organization of the Republican Party, when the Whigs were influential, a newspaper called the "Blair County Whig," sponsoring the principles of the party whose name it bore, was published in Hollidaysburg by Jacob L. Slentz. This was in the period from 1845 to 1850. George T. Raymond and William S. Wilson took it over in the latter year. Mr. Raymond eventually 238 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY assumed full control and published it until he was the victim of murder in Woodberry, New Jersey. After several months of suspension, John Brotherline purchased the paper. In 1861, John H. Keatley joined in the enterprise. During the turbulent war period that ensued the name was changed to the "Radical and Blair County Whig." This occurred in 1866. Two years afterwards, M. Edgar King and James H. Irwin became its owners, and they published it under the name "Blair County Radical." The office was moved to Altoona, and in 1878, Samuel J. Irwin purchased James Irwin's interest and leased it to M. Edgar King. After a time James Irwin again obtained an interest and the firm name stood as King & Irwin until the paper was discontinued early in the eighties. The political affiliations of early editors of the paper were of course Whig, and when the Republican Party was founded the principles of that party were adhered to by this paper. From 1848 to 1850, Hayden Smith, of Hollidaysburg, produced a publication entitled "The Shield," in the interests of the Roman Catholic Church. The "Leader" was published in 1866, by John H. Keatley, who was an owner of the "Radical and Blair County Whig." Its operations ceased in a year, and the materials were obtained by Dr. J. P. Thompson, of Williamsburg, and used in the organization of the "Temperance Vindicator," in 1868. Colonel George F. McFarland purchased it in 187o and transferred the office to Harrisburg. The printing equipment became the property of the Bedford Press. The first Altoona newspaper appeared early in 1855. It was the "Altoona Register," and was produced by William H. and J. A. Snyder, with materials of the "Standing Stone Banner." After about a half year its functions ceased. Ephraim B. McCrum and William M. Allison bought the equipment and instituted the "Altoona Tribune," on January 1, 1856. H. C. Dern came into control of Allison's interest two years later, and in 1875, Hugh Pitcairn took McCrum's place. These men began to publish daily issues in 1873 but they were discontinued after two years only to be resumed in 1878. Adam J. Greer was one of the leading editors, and later William H. Schwartz took his place. Mr. Schwartz was identified with local newspaper work for more than thirty years, and became widely known for his excellent editorials. Mr. Dern died in 1905 and his family retained his interest in the firm. Hugh Pitcairn became the president, and the "Tribune" continued to be controlled by the Derns and Pitcairn until 1912, when Colonel Henry W. Shoemaker became the owner and consolidated it with two other papers. It has a wide circulation, appears each morning, and is independent Republican as to politics. James F. Campbell began publication of the "Altoona Vindicator," May 1, 1868. The office was almost completely destroyed by fire in the summer of 1869. D. W. Moore purchased the office in December of that year, and in June, 1870, gave the name "Altoona Sun" to the paper. Moore & Son, Moore & McKinney, and Moore himself were the subsequent publishers. John W. McKinney joined Mr. Moore in 1871. In the preceding year the paper appeared as the "Daily Sun" for about seven months. N. C. Barclay and Cyrus N. Barclay became THE PRESS 239 proprietors in 1874. They were brothers and continued to conduct the business along the old lines until 1879 when they formed a joint stock company and enlarged the paper. The stockholders were energetic Democrats of Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon and Somerset Counties, who wanted to establish a lively daily party organ in Altoona. Both daily and weekly editions were published and the firm took the name, The Sun Printing and Publishing Company. The first issue of the "Altoona Daily Sun" appeared on December 11, 1879. It continued until 1892, when the Altoona Gazette Company was organized, absorbing "The Sun." The Barclays continued to hold their interests for a number of years afterwards. The political principles of the newspaper were changed, becoming decidedly Republican. In 1901, James H. Craig, who has been a Deputy Secretary of Internal Affairs in this state for more than twenty years, obtained a controlling interest in the "Gazette." He became its editor-in-chief, and retained that position until the "Gazette" merged with the "Tribune," in 1912. The "Evening Mirror" was established on June 13, 1874, by Harry Slep and George J. Akers. For a time it was a four-column, penny, daily, but in September, 1874, the make-up changed to five columns. W. J. Fleming entered the firm in November, 1874. The paper continued to increase in circulation and expand in make-up. In May, 1875, it was a six-column edition and was sold for two cents a copy, or forty cents a month. Mr. Slep became the sole proprietor in November, 1877, but ill health forced him to sell it to W. K. Buckingham and W. S. Nicodemus in the autumn of the following year. Under Mr. Slep and his associates the paper maintained independence on political questions, but the new owners changed the principles to those of the Democratic Party, and the name of the paper became the "Democratic Call." This political allegiance seems to have been unsatisfactory, for in a very short time the old attitude of independence was resumed, and the publication became known as the "Evening Call." Alexander & Herr, attorneys for Buckingham and Nicodemus, had taken over the paper temporarily, and in 188o, they sold their interests to Edward B. Haines. Mr. Haines had been the publisher of the "Williamsport Banner" for six years before coming to Altoona, and he made great improvements to the property and paper here. Daily, weekly and Sunday editions were issued. In 1885, publication was suspended and the "Call" moved to Harrisburg. Meanwhile Harry Slep and W. H. Slep, his oldest son, conducted a job-printing business, and in 1888 resumed the conduct of the "Mirror." W. H. Slep was the publisher, and in 1890 the job- printing and publishing company combined in the firm of H. & W. H. Slep. The price was one cent, and the paper gained immediate recognition, and although impeded by the panic of 1893, a new building and modern equipment were provided, and the success of the venture was assured. A Mergenthaler linotype was installed in 1896 and the "Mirror" had the distinction of being the first paper in Central Pennsylvania to use one of these machines. With the growing circulation and expansion of the paper, new quarters were provided on several occasions. In 1899, the firm was temporarily crippled for work when the buildings then in use were destroyed by fire. The 240 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY death of W. H. Slep in 1906 changed the organization, and in 1907 the Mirror Printing Company was incorporated with members of the Slep family sole owners. Harry Slep was president of the company until his death in 1922. Then his son Daniel took his place. Harry E. Slep, a grandson of the founder, is the vice- president and treasurer. The "Mirror" continues to be independent in politics, and has a daily paid circulation of more than 3o,000. The third paper in Altoona today is the "Deutscher Volksfuhrer," or the "German People's Leader," which Harry Slep instituted in March, 1878. It is free of political alliances and has been for much of the time the only German paper in the Juniata Valley. L. G. Lamade purchased it from Mr. Slep, in 1881, and it is now issued by the Volksfuhrer Publishing Company, at 1327 Fourth Avenue. It continues to remain independent of politics and appears each week on Friday. Many publishing ventures in Altoona have been short-lived. Rev. William Codville edited the "Altoona Baptist" in the interests of the First Baptist Church in 1873, and Harry Slep printed it for about a year, after which it was discontinued. Temperance adherents expressed their principles through the columns of the "Living Age" which D. B. Ream edited in 1874. It could not sustain itself so George J. Akers obtained the materials and conducted the "Globe," which was a Sunday paper at first, but appeared daily in 1877. John Tomlinson became the next owner in the days of the Greenback Party and tried to build up a paper on the principles of that political order, but failed. The "Home Base" was edited by Frank McCullough during the sporting season of 1876, and was delivered free of charge from the Mirror Printing Office. Music lovers of Altoona attempted to publish a monthly, the "Musical Advocate," devoted to that art in 1877, with R. B. Mahaffey, editor and publisher. This continued for a few years and then was suspended. The "Gospel Trumpet" appeared monthly in Altoona in 1878. T. P. Patten was the editor and the Mirror Company printed it. The "Altoona Advance" was issued weekly after May 3, 1879, by Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Rynder. It was a commercial paper and was free to local persons, but a fee was charged to subscribers at a distance. Politically, this paper was the first journal in the state to propose a new party on financial and labor issues. Some of the principles supported were high tariff, high wages, cash payments and temperance. The Mirror Company printed it for a time and later the "Call" produced it until it was discontinued. E. J. Slep published the "Youth's Mirror" for several years after August, 1879. It was issued monthly at first, and finally semi-monthly before passing out of existence. The Young People's Christian Association of the Second Presbyterian Church published "Our Work" for a little more than a year after 1880. J. F. Davis edited the "Marriage Advocate" and the "Bookkeeper and Penman" from offices at Eleventh Avenue and Thirteenth Street, for a short time after 1880. The first Altoona City Directory of importance was that edited in 1873 by Thomas H. Greevy, who later became city recorder. It is of value because of the accuracy of the facts presented. Others were published in 1875, 1876, 1878, THE PRESS 241 1879 by William H. Renner. In 188o and 1881, Webb Brothers & Company, of New York, issued the Altoona directories. Before 1900, C. B. Clark also produced some. Since that year, R. L. Polk & Company have been the publishers, and they issue volumes in alternate years. George J. Akers compiled a forty-seven page pamphlet or "Compendium of Facts" covering local events such as marriages, deaths, elections, county and city officials, history of Altoona, etc., in 1875. Harry Slep was the publisher. Five hundred copies of the "First Venture," a collection of 187 selections in poetry and prose, were sold by Harry Slep, who published them in 1879. Harry L. Woods was the author of the production. In 1880, James Ewing and Harry Slep edited a "History of Altoona" that included illuminating material on other towns in the county. It continues to be a very valuable source of information. St. John's Roman Catholic Church published "St. John's Quarterly," a journal devoted to education and literature. This was instituted at the beginning of the century. The "Deutche Wacht" was a weekly published by G. H. Hemminger for more than a decade after June 6, 1901. Then it had the distinction of being the only German newspaper between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to use a machine for type setting. The "Yellow Dog," later known as the "Critic," was issued in the interests of local workingmen by Jacob Kinsel from 1897 to 1905. Harry L. Johnston and Bayard W. Gable produced the "Brown Booklet," a literary magazine with some of the elements of the modern critical journals, for five months in 1901. "L'Operaio Italiano" was moved to Altoona from Windber, Somerset County, in 1910. It was a weekly paper devoted to the interests of the laboring man. The "Catholic Observer" is published in Altoona. Tyrone publishers experienced failures and successes similar to those in Altoona since 1856. The "Iron Age" and the "American Era" were both instituted in that year. The former was the first to be issued and was a Democratic weekly edited by D. A. McGeehan. It ceased operations after a year. The "American Era" was established as a rival paper of the Republican political faith. A stock company owned it and W. S. H. Keys was the editor. Both papers failed simultaneously, and were sold to Robert Stoddard. After a period of suspension the "Tyrone Herald" was established. It ran for about a year before publication ceased. James Bell took it over after a time under the name "Tyrone Star," but it was not successful. The "Tyrone Herald" was again placed before the public with H. R. Holtzinger, a Brethren minister, as editor. This lasted six months and Mr. Holtzinger began issuing a denominational paper, "Christian Family Companion." This succeeded but was soon moved to Somerset County. J. W. Scott and Cyrus Jeffries established the "Western Hemisphere" that met the same fate of its predecessors after a year and a half. In August, 1867, Mr. Holtzinger and J. L. Holmes produced the third "Tyrone Herald." This time the venture met with success. C. S. W. Jones became a part owner in 1868 and his relationship was a guarantee of stability and success. The following year he became sole owner. When the printing office was destroyed by fire in 188o the newspaper did not miss a single issue. Before 1887, 242 BLAIR COUNTY HISTORY the "Herald" appeared weekly, and for more than forty years since then has been issued every evening. It adheres to the principles of the Republican Party. Major Benjamin Charles Jones is the president of the company. The "Tyrone Bulletin" was published for six months after 1867 by Matthew H. Jolly. After J. L. Holmes retired from his activities on the "Herald," he established the "Tyrone Blade," and conducted it from June 1, 1870, to November 22, 1872, when George Stroup became the owner. The latter changed the name to that of "Tyrone Democrat," and it continued to be published until July 8, 1880, when fire destroyed the office and the paper was suspended. A semi-weekly paper the "Tyrone Times," first appeared in June, 1880, with John N. Holmes, a son of J. L. Holmes, and A. M. Wooden, as publishers. In August of the year it was established, the "Times" became a weekly journal. Among the editors who have conducted it are: C. G. Nissley, and Harry A. Thompson, the latter of whom served as a representative in the state legislature. The "Times" is a Republican weekly, and is issued on Friday. J. W. Elway established the "Bellwood Bulletin," in February, 1888. W. F. Balsbach purchased it in 1901 and continued to conduct it for nearly thirty years. It was a weekly, appeared on Thursday, and adhered to the principles of the Republican Party. The "Martinsburg Herald" was originally known as the "Cove Echo." The latter was published from 1874 to 1885 by Henry and John Brumbaugh. In 1885, B. F. Lehman became the owner. The new name of the "Martinsburg Herald" had been applied and that continues to be effective. The "Herald" appears on Friday of each week, and maintains independence in politics. H. S. Burket, H. W. Burket and M. Z. Bassler have been connected with this publication. Charles M. Burkhimer, of Bedford County, established the "Roaring Spring Review," on November II, 1904. The offices were located above the Roaring Spring Bank, until 1906, when Amos Claar became owner of the paper and moved the offices to the D. S. Brumbaugh property on East Main Street. For a time the paper was known as the "News" and later as the "Roaring Spring News." D. M. Bare became owner in 1913, and he leased it to Isaac Mock. In July, 1914, R. D. and Harold Lorenz, brothers, became the proprietors. The latter died in the following year and R. D. Lorenz continued to carry on the work. The paper has been discontinued since 1920. Williamsburg was the home of Dr. J. P. Thompson's "Temperance Vindicator," from 1868 to 1870. Rev. W. W. Dunmire established the "Williamsburg Independent," in 1884, but it was eventually moved to Altoona.