OBIT: Robert Spencer SCULL, 1945, Somerset, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2007.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
________________________________________________

ROBERT S. SCULL

"Thirty" for Dean of Somerset Co. Newspapermen
Robert S. Scull, Aged Retired Editor, Called Hence in 85th Year

  Robert Spencer Scull, 84, dean of Somerset County newspapermen, died at his 
residence in Somerset, at 8:30 Tuesday morning, following an illness dating from 
the time he fell in his bedroom in July, 1943, fracturing a collar bone.
  Born in Somerset, March 4, 1860, the youngest son of the late Edward and 
Louisa Ogle Scull, Robert S. Scull spent all his life in Somerset, with the 
exception of three years when he was away at school during his teen age.
  His father, Col. Edward Scull, was the owner and publisher of Somerset 
County's leading newspaper, The Somerset Weekly Herald, for many years, and 
young "Bob" learned the printing trade in his father's newspaper office during 
his boyhood, and worked as a printer in the Herald composing and press rooms 
until the death of his father in 1900, when he became Col. Scull's successor as 
editor and publisher of the Herald, which he conducted ably until the sale of 
the Herald newspaper and printing plant and business by the Sculls, to Henry 
Baker Reily in 1929.  Since then Editor Robert Scull lived in retirement, but 
was associated with his brother, the late George R. Scull and other members of 
the Scull family in the banking business in Somerset until his death.
  October 9, 1890, Robert S. Scull was united in marriage with Miss Clara Butler 
Brubaker, third daughter of Dr. Henry and Emeline Philson Brubaker, prominent 
residents of Somerset, and to them was born one daughter, Miss Emeline Brubaker 
Scull, who survives her father, and who was his companion and housekeeper since 
the death of her mother, January 26, 1911.  He is also survived by his youngest 
sister, Louise, Mrs. John D. Hitchman.  Seven sisters and four brothers preceded 
him in death.
  Mr. Scull's newspaper connection covered a span of more than 150 years.  His 
paternal grandfather, John Scull, was settled in Pittsburgh in 1786, and became 
one of the pioneer business leaders in that city, founded and published the 
first newspaper published west of the Alleghenies, more than 150 years ago, 
which has continued until the present day and is now known as the Pittsburgh 
Post Gazette.  His father became owner and publisher of the Somerset Herald in 
1852, and conducted it for nearly half a century, when son "Bob" took it over, 
as a worthy successor of an able and noble sire and grandsire.
  "Bob" Scull, as he was familiarly known to his contemporary newspapermen, was 
highly esteemed and respected by his fellow craftsmen and liked as a "hale 
fellow well met."  He was noted for his keen wit and trenchant pen in his 
editorial comments; his ability as a story teller and raconteur of comical 
events and anecdotes of Auld Lang Syne.
  Funeral services for Mr. Scull were held at his late residence at 3:30 this 
(Thursday) afternoon, with Rev. Ralph W. Huntsman, pastor of the Somerset 
Methodist Church officiating, followed by interment in Somerset Union Cemetery, 
under direction of Charles R. Hauger.

Meyersdale Republican, January 18, 1945