George I. Long (1859-1914)

LONG

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 11/3/2022 at 22:18:40

George I. Long (Mar 14, 1859 – Mar 3, 1914) & Thomas D. Long (Dec 4, 1861 – Oct 31, 1936)

In the promotion and conservation of advancement in all the normal lines of human progress and civilization there is no factor which has exercised a more potent influence than the press, which is both the director and the mirror of public opinion. Iowa has been signally favored in the character of its newspapers, which have been vital, enthusiastic .mil progressive, ever aiming to advance the interests of this favored section of the Union, to aid in laying fast and sure the foundations of an enlightened commonwealth, to further the ends of justice and to uphold the banner of the Hawkeye state. In a compilation of this nature then, it is clearly incumbent that due recognition be accorded the newspaper press of the state. The Long Brothers are well known in connection with journalistic interests in Calhoun County, being the proprietors and publishers of The Journal, of Manson, and also commercial, poster and blank book manufacturers. Throughout their business careers they have been connected with the "art preservative of arts," and are meeting with creditable success in their undertakings.
The Long Brothers are sons of Alonzo and Mary (Dean) Long, the former a native of Massachusetts, while the latter was born near Henly, England. The father was a farmer by occupation and became one of the early settlers of Wisconsin, taking up his abode near Madison, that state, in 1850. His death occurred in 1862 and his widow afterward became the wife of Nelson Bacon, the wedding taking place in Wisconsin in 1866. Two years later with their family they came to Calhoun County, settling near Rockwell City, where Mr. Macon owned land, thereon remaining until 1882, when they took up their abode in Manson. The mother of out subject died in this city in 1900, and Mr. Bacon departed this life in February, 1892. George I. Long was born in Wisconsin March 14, 1859, and was a youth of nine years when he came with his mother and step-father to this county. In the common schools he acquired his early education, and after putting aside his text-books entered the printing office in Manson in order to learn the trade. Since that time he has given his entire attention to journalistic and publishing interests and has for some years been associated with his brother in the ownership of the Journal.
On the 4th of January, 1884, Mr. Long was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Brown, a daughter of J. L. Brown, and they have two children, Irving and Illiah. Socially George I. Long is connected with the Masonic fraternity, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and in politics is a stalwart Republican, doing everything in his power to promote the success of the party. From 1889 until 1893 he filled the position of postmaster, and is the present mayor of Manson, exercising his official prerogatives in support of every reform movement and progressive measure which tends to promote the general good. For four years he has served as a member of the Republican county central committee and is now its secretary. His foresight and his ability to harmonize the working forces of the party are marked, and have made his labors of much benefit in political circles. Thomas D. Long, the junior partner of the firm of Long Brothers, was born in Wisconsin December 4, 1861, and since 1868 has been a resident of Calhoun County. He worked on the home farm through the summer months and in the winter seasons attended the common schools, no event of special importance occurring to vary the routine of his life in his early years. At the age of nineteen he left home and went into the printing office in Manson which his brother had entered three years previously and in which he had become the owner of a half interest. After working almost two years Tom Long purchased the other half interest in the business, which has since been conducted under the firm style of Long Brothers. In June. 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Tom Long and Miss Maggie Crilly,
of Webster County, Iowa, who was one of a family of nine children. All are yet living and the mother likewise survives, but the father has passed away. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Long have resided in Manson and their home is blessed with two children: Benlah and Marion, both with their parents. The father is the
postmaster of Manson, having filled the position since October, 1897, and like his brother he is very earnest and zealous as an advocate of the Republican party. He also served for one term as mayor and two terms as councilman, and his labors were of much benefit in upholding the general welfare. Of the Masonic fraternity Mr. Long is also a representative, belonging to both the blue lodge and chapter. The brothers are associated in most of their business affairs. As representatives of the printing business they are meeting with good success. Their paper is published in the interest of the Republican party and is also devoted to the dissemination of local and general news and to the advocacy and support of all measures affecting the welfare and promotion of the city. It has a sworn circulation of eighteen hundred copies and is an excellent advertising medium. The brothers are also proprietors of the Long Hotel, and a corner brick block occupied by a general store, together with eight hundred acres of land in Iowa and Minnesota. Their business affairs have been capably managed and have resulted successfully. Without ostentation or any desire for praise they have labored most earnestly for the welfare of Manson, and their efforts have redounded to the credit and benefit of the city. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S.J. Clarke, 1902, p.433]