Page:History of the newspapers of Beaver County, Pennsylvania.djvu/101

 THB WESTERN STAR. 79 Steubenville, O., known all over this section of country, a man of ability and force. When Dr. Barker assumed the editorship of the "Star," he and William Henry of the "Argus," made the most profound editorial bows to each other, and each invoked an era of peace and good will between the papers; but they were soon industriously sharpening their political goose quill pens, and in a few weeks the political war began and the editorial combat was on. Whole column editorials were written and published, and personalities took the place of good will. That is, such a condition existed editorially. The writing abilty of the two editors made it certain that the combat would be a lively one, especially as both were full of fight and always ready for the fray, and that the subjects discussed would be handled skilfully, and with energy and ability. These two gentlemen, on opposite sides of the political fence, were among the ablest of the editors of the county, and have not been excelled by any others in their style of presenting their views to the people. Both were aggressive, both had political chips on their shoulders for the other fellow to knock ofE at his peril, and both were graceful, correct and able writers, and both did credit to the journalism of the county. But Dr. Barker was on the losing side, and soon retired, never again to grace the editorial chair. Mr. Conn withdrew from the paper as associate, December 7, 1849, and was succeeded by D. P. Work. Mr. Work was formerly of the "Argus," a well known newspaper man of the county, and had been in business the early part of the year, in a literary depot, with a Mr. Holmes, on Third street Pittsburg. Nothing of interest is known of his work on the paper, or the impress he made on his party, though he remained on it until March 17, 1852, when he gave way to Samuel Gaither of Somer- set county. Pa. The "Star" was then conducted by Mr.