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Janet Waite
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J. W. PLATTENBURG
Source:  History of The Pan-Handle


J.W. Plattenburg, editor and proprietor of the Courier, was born in Washington
county, Pa., in 1830.  At four years of age removed with his mother to Wellsburg, 
W. Va.  Attended common school of that place and Bethany College one year.
Learned the printing trade in the offices of the Western Transcript adn Herald,
of Wellsburg.  Followed the business in various places until the breaking out of
the war.  Married Miss Sarah Wetherell in 1852.  Conducted the Woodford 
county, Ill., Argus for two years.  He enlisted in April, 1861, in the First West
Virginia three months' volunteers, during which time was engaged in the affair
at Philippi.  Re-enlisted for three years in the First Virginia Infantry, and served
out the term, rising from the position of sergeant to that of captain.  During this
wervice took part in the battles of Winchester, Second Bull Run (where he was
taken prisoner, remaining so about a month), New Market, Prot Republic, Piedmont,
Lynchburg and Snicker's Gap (where he received a serious minnie ball wound in
the left arm), besides numerous smaller engagements.  At the conclusion of the
three years' term he went into the Second West Virginia Veterans and served
as captain until the end of the war.  In 1869, he established the Hancock Courier
at Fairview, being the first newspaper in the county, which he still continues to
conduct.