Page:History of the newspapers of Beaver County, Pennsylvania.djvu/9



In writing a history of the newspapers of Beaver County, the author had two objects in view, first to get a connected history of each paper as to time and name, and second to place on record a sketch and portrait of every writer and printer who attained any prominence in the work, in any line he pursued.

The former it is believed has been accomplished with very few exceptions. Every public document bearing on the subject, and copies of newspapers that could be found, were carefully examined, and individuals conversant with any facts were seen or written to, and the facts thus secured were used, so that as a matter of mere historical sequence, the subject seems to be exhausted.

The second object has been but partially carried out, much to the writer's disappointment, and to the regret no doubt of the readers of the book. In the case of many of the early actors, a full sketch was not obtainable, and portraits were not to be had; but in the last half century or more there are many of whom pen pictures and portraits should be had, which could not be secured. Men yet living, in many cases, were the hardest to get. Weeks of time, and more weeks of labor, have been spent to reach this end, but have failed, so the work is sent forth incomplete in this respect. If it could have been