McGIFFIN, Donald J. 'Don' 1889 - 1939

MCGIFFIN, JUNKIN, CHENEY, SWINBURNE, PETITE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 12/21/2010 at 14:12:05

"The Fairfield Daily Ledger", Monday, May 22, 1939, Front Page and Page 3

Don McGIFFIN, Publisher Daily Ledger, Very Suddenly Stricken; Funeral Tuesday

Had varied interests; first concern, Fairfield and its newspaper

Don McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Daily Ledger, died at 3:00 p.m. Saturday in the Jefferson county hospital, after a number of heart attacks, the first of which struck him without warning two days before. In his usual good health he had left the Ledger office at 5:00 p.m. Thursday and a half hour later was stricken at his home, 1002 East Burlington street. Tenderest care, an oxygen tent, and every medical skill were of no avail.

Funeral services will be held from the First Presbyterian church at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The service will be in charge of the pastor, Rev. W. R. Yingling assisted by Rev. J. I. Dool. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife and three children, Don Jr., James, one daughter, Jean Petite, and a wide circle of friends in Fairfield and throughout Iowa.

He is also survived by his brother William J. McGIFFIN of Beverly Hills, Calif., two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth CHENEY and Mrs. Grace CHENEY, both of Stanford, Mont. He also leaves a number of uncles and aunts as follows:

Mayor Paul S. JUNKIN, Fairfield; William D. JUNKIN, Brainerd, Minn., Mrs. Amy JUNKIN HINKHOUSE, Iowa City; J. B. SWINBURNE, Los Angeles. There are also a number of other relatives.

Mr. McGIFFIN came of a line of newspaper men. His uncles P. S. JUNKIN and W. D. JUNKIN are well known as publishers, as was the late Charles M. JUNKIN. Their father, the grandfather of Mr. McGIFFIN, was W. W. JUNKIN, who came with his parents to Fairfield, Iowa in 1847. As a boy he had worked in a newspaper office in Wheeling, West Virginia, and here secured first employment on the Iowa Sentinel. Later he worked for the Fairfield Ledger and after working elsewhere, returned to Fairfield in 1853 to purchase a half interest in the Ledger and a year later became sole owner. The paper has been a family interest since that time.

Since 1930 Don had been associated with Walter E. Williams and Dean Taylor as owners of the Fairfield Daily Ledger, Mr. McGIFFIN being the publisher. First as a corporation and then as a partnership this business relationship has been ideal.

Four days ago he closed his desk and walked out of the office with a cheery "Well I'll be seeing you." For his business associates it will always be heart-warming to remember that last word from him. They will go on thinking he was right but can't know now when it will come to pass.

That cheery farewell was so typical of him. If it were given him to choose how he should have taken his last leave of his business associates and friends he would not have altered that expression one whit. It was typical of a cheerful philosophy of life by which he lived. That philosophy was so spontaneous and genuine that it infected those about him.

Those who did not really know Don McGIFFIN may not understand this, but there are many upon whom, at some time, a heavy burden had been laid who had found him ready to share their burden. Only those who were close to him will ever know how many people came to him with some perplexing problem, with some burden which seemed too heavy to carry alone, and then walked out with a lighter heart and renewed courage. How many times has he said: "Whenever you meet a situation that's about to get you down just say 'tranquility, serenity' and see how much easier it looks." And how well we know that he was right!

His life, which was cut off too soon, is a typical American success story. Born in a log cabin on Montana plains, he lost his mother when only nine years old. Then he was sent to live with his devoted Aunt Virginia. Later on he stayed at times with three of his uncles. Ignoring these handicaps, he set a course for himself and followed it steadily until he had achieved what is commonly called success. He did not so appraise it because his goal envisioned human as well as material elements. His goal was to have loyal friends and to deserve their loyalty. In this sense his goal has been achieved although his life was incomplete.

Mr. McGIFFIN was the son of Nathaniel McGIFFIN and May JUNKIN, daughter of the late W. W. JUNKIN, and was born July 13, 1889 in a two story log house near what is now Great Falls, Mont. His mother died April 11, 1898.

After the death of his mother, Don went to make his home with Mr. and Mrs. J. B. SWINBURNE, his uncle and aunt, then publishing the Earlville Iowa Phoenix. In 1900 when Don was nearing his tenth birthday Mr. SWINBURNE was appointed to a position in the Census Bureau at Washington, D. C. where the family moved.

Here Don had unusual opportunities for education. He went to the public schools and spent his spare time around the Capitol, only six blocks from the SWINBURNE home. He played football on the same team with the present Senator Bennett Champ Clark and for two years was rated the All-District of Columbia high school quarterback.

For five years he sang in the choir of St. Mark's Episcopal cathedral in Washington and as a member of that choir he participated in the dedication of the structure, President Theodore Roosevelt speaking at the time. This is the cathedral in which Woodrow Wilson's body now rests.

While living in Washington, he spent his summers in Fairfield, at the home of his uncle, C. M. JUNKIN (sic - Charles Monroe JUNKIN), where he worked on the Ledger for $1 a week. After his graduation from the Business High school in Washington, D. C., in 1906 he returned to Iowa and worked for his uncles upon different newspapers. He worked in Creston and later in Albia on the Albia Republican, owned by P. S. and W. D. JUNKIN. Here he became business manager of the paper and later, a part owner.

He was married June 15, 1915, to Miss Grace C. PETITE, at her home in Atlantic, they having become acquainted while she was in charge of the kindergartens in the Albia public schools. To them were born three children, Don, Jr.; James and Jean.

In 1914 Hon. C. W. Ramsayer was elected to Congress from the Sixth district and he immediately announced the appointment of Mr. McGIFFIN as his private secretary. Mr. McGIFFIN therefore returned to the familiar scenes of Washington. He held this position until March 4, 1917.

His uncle C. M. JUNKIN having died some time previously Don and his brother William J. McGIFFIN purchased the Ledger from the JUNKIN estate. The two brothers then published the Ledger. In 1919 the brothers in association with P. S. (sic - Paul Sheridan) and W. D. (sic - William D.) JUNKIN purchased the Ft. Madison Democrat, and William went there as its manager.

In October 1920 the Ledger and the Daily Journal were consolidated under the ownership of Don and William J. McGIFFIN and Dean Taylor. Soon thereafter the Fairfield Tribune was also acquired.

The McGIFFIN brothers have been associated in the publication of many newspapers. Together they purchased the Pekin, (Ill.) Daily Times, in 1925. The Ft. Madison Democrat had been acquired previously and about this time two Shenandoah, Iowa papers were purchased. These were the Sentinel and the World. They were united as the Sentinel and Don moved to Shenandoah to inaugurate the consolidated publication. He remained there one year and then returned to Fairfield to be associated with his uncle P. S. JUNKIN on the Daily Ledger.

From the time of his return to Fairfield, until 1934 he was principal owner of the Shenandoah Sentinel. He sold his controlling interest in that newspaper to S. D. Archie, former Corning newspaper man and retiring member of the state highway commission.

May 31, 1930 Don McGIFFIN in association with Walter E. Williams formerly of the Audubon Advocate and Dean Taylor purchased the Ledger from P. S. JUNKIN, Mr. McGIFFIN then becoming the publisher, which position he has held continuously since. Under his direction the paper and publishing plant have undergone numerous improvements, calculated to increase its value to subscribers and advertisers. Notable among the changes has been the acquiring of a commodious new home for the Daily Ledger.

In 1931 he became associated with Deemer Lee, publisher of the Estherville, Iowa News, a weekly newspaper. They immediately made it a daily publication and his association as a partner in that newspaper has continued until the present time.

Mr. McGIFFIN's interests were varied. In addition to his publishing activities he was a farm and other real estate owner. He owned the J. C. Penney Store building, the McGiffin apartment house and other properties. He was a director in the Iowa State bank.

He was a member of the Fairfield Rotary club and of the Elks and the Masonic lodges.

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Another column on the same front page ~

McGIFFIN WAS WIDELY KNOWN AND ADMIRED

Col. Theodore Roosevelt and others bespeak his praise

NEW YORK, N.Y. May 22 (ICN)--Expressions of utmost regret and sincere tributes to the memory of the late Don McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Ledger were extended here today by outstanding New York and national leaders in journalism, advertising and public affairs upon learning of his death on Saturday.

Characterizing his public-spirited career in country journalism as "truly American," many who expressed sympathy pointed out that during his busy lifetime, Mr. McGIFFIN had devoted much of his activity toward searching out the needs of his community and had exerted editorial influence to the full in bringing about many civic advances there.

From Col. Theodore Roosevelt, son of the late president, publisher and explorer came: "At a time in the nation's history when newspaper editors are called upon to play an ever increasingly important role as leaders of public opinion, the death of Mr. McGIFFIN is to be especially deplored. My sympathy to his family and associates."

Gilbert T. Hodges, nationally prominent in publishing affairs and member of the executive board of the New York Sun said, "Mr. McGIFFIN's career typified the unselfish effort for the betterment of his community, which is the keystone of American journalism."

James W. Gerard, America's noted war-time ambassador to Germany stated, "My sincere regrets. Mr. McGIFFIN reflected utmost credit upon Hawkeye journalism. His active years of participation in community affairs were full ones."

Thomas J. O'Neill, general manager of newsdom, weekly organ of the newspaper world said, "The death of Fairfield's publisher, Don McGIFFIN, is to be greatly regreted by members of the fourth estate in which he was a constructive force."

Don Robinson, editor of the American Press, Publisher's National Organ states, "The usefulness of a newspaper is by no means dependent upon a large circulation. The Fairfield Ledger, publishing in a comparatively small community, comes much closer to the everday (sic) lives of its readers than does a 'big city' newspaper. For the reason that the success of a community newspaper depends in large measure upon the character and integrity of its publisher, the four-score-and-ten year old Ledger is a splended tribute to Mr. McGIFFIN's career, a tradition which his successors will no doubt carefully carry on."

John J. Dillon, publisher of the widely circulated publication "The Rural Newyorker," and former commissioner of the New York state department of foods and markets, said, "The backbone of the American press is not the metropolitan newspapers but is in fact the newspapers like the Fairfield Ledger, which reflect the thought of their communities intelligently, comprehensively and fairly. Mr. McGIFFIN's career was a fitting contribution to the free press and formed a basis for real Americanism."

Earle Pearson, general manager of the Advertising Federation of America stated, "A country newspaper under the shadow of a large city must speak with unusual clarity to be heard above the noise of the metropolitan press. Mr. McGIFFIN's paper did gallantly. My sympathy to his family and associates."

S. C. B. Axford, secretary and editor of the American Banker, only daily banking newspaper, established in 1836 stated, "In his lifetime, Mr. McGIFFIN was able to witness and take part in what will perhaps be one of the most significant periods in our national history. I am sorry to learn of his passing.

"Also expressing sympathy where (sic), the "Iowans in New York Society" composed of prominent Iowans now living as "expatriates" in the empire city.

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"The Fairfield Daily Ledger", Wednesday, May 24, 1939, Front Page and Page 7

RITES HONOR DON McGIFFIN, HERE, TUESDAY

Impressive memorial service held at Presbyterian church

Memorial services for Don McGIFFIN, held Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock in the First Presbyterian church, were attended by a large concourse of friends, including many from various points in Iowa and outside the state.

Following this, the committal service was read by the Rev. William R. Yingling at the JUNKIN family lot in Evergreen cemetery. The business houses of Fairfield were closed for the service.

At the First Presbyterian church, the casket reposed in a bank of beautiful floral tributes. Not only were the entire chancel and choir rail covered with the cut flowers but they also filled the windows on either side of the church.

"We are reminded, said the Rev. Mr. Yingling, pastor of the church, "as we come to this memorial service for Don McGIFFIN, of certain truths which will enable us to pass through one of life's most difficult experiences.

"We come to this memorial service to submit ourselves into the hand of Him who is the Giver of all life, in the hollow of whose hand we spend the measure of our days; whose knowledge is supreme, concerning the life which we now see, as through a glass darkly, and who also is able, even in life's most harrowing circumstances, to give richer life to all who are concerned.

"Don McGIFFIN is a man who will be remembered with affection and esteem by his family, his friends, his associates, and all to whom he was well known. To his family he is a man who loved his home and all of life pertaining to his home. To his friends, he is a man who loved beauty in every area of life. To his associates and colleagues, he is a man who, through individual effort, and personal initiative, rose to a place of prominence in his chosen profession; one who served his particular constituency in the way he felt its needs could be best met.

"In the life of every prominent citizen there are opportunities to render services to individuals, of which the community knows nothing. Without question, there are in this congregation today, some who have come to Mr. McGIFFIN in some time of need and who have gone away strengthened by encouragement, helped by wise counsel, or aided in a material way.

"Of him we feel that confidence which was expressed by the poet, looking up at the denizens of the air lanes, saying, 'He who from zone to zone, guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, in the way that I must tread alone, will lead my steps aright.'

"Dr. Jowett has observed that the Great Gardener of the soul delights in the ferns, as well as the flowers. The flowers grow best in the sunshine; the ferns grow best in the shade. There is the fern of patience, and the fern of weakness and the fern of sorrow. The Great Gardener purposes to save them from the destruction of the garish day. So He takes us into the shade of disappointment, or the shade of sorrow, or the shade of sickness and pain. But it is a very blessed shadow; it is the 'shadow of the Almighty'."

Very touchingly appropriate was the prayer offered by the Rev. J. I. Dool, assistant pastor of the First Presbyterian church.

Portions of Psalm 103, Psalm 46 and other Scripture were read during the service. Prof. J. P. Moorehead presided at the organ. The pallbearers were Edmund Hunt, John Barwise, Roscoe P. Thoma, Walter V. Hughes, A. E. Labagh and Walter E. Williams. Arrangements for the memorial were in charge of the Murray mortuary.

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Also from "The Fairfield Daily Ledger", Wednesday, May 24, 1939, Front Page and Page 8

IN WASHINGTON, MANY LEADERS KNEW McGIFFIN

Legislators, journalists, educators and others pay tribute

WASHINGTON, D. C. , May 24 (CPS) Outstanding Washington, national, capitol hill and Iowa leaders in the field of politics, civic affairs, journalism and education, joined Monday in paying obituary tribute to Don McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Ledger, upon learning news of the death of distinguished Iowa journalist.

Among the first to express regrets was a close personal friend of many years standing Congressman Thomas Ellsworth Martin of Iowa's first district, who said: "It is with the utmost regret that I have learned of the passing in Fairfield of Don McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Ledger, my close friend for thirty years, his loss is made all the more poignant since he was under fifty years of age. His career was indeed notable. A splendid newspaper executive he was also a strong public-spirited leader in the community and his place of service certainly will be most difficult to fill."

Also expressing tribute to the Fairfield publisher was United States Senator Clyde L. Herring, former Iowa governor:

"I am shocked to hear of the death in his prime of Don McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Ledger", said Senator Herring. "I had a high regard for him and his passing is indeed saddening."

Said Congressman Henry O. Talls of Decorah: "I am indeed sorry to learn of the death of Don McGIFFIN. His passing comes at a time when the country can ill afford the loss of such fine leaders."

The Dean of the Iowa Congressional Delegation, Congressman Cassius C. Dowell of Des Moines, declared "The death of Don McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Ledger at Fairfield, is deeply regretted by the entire Iowa delegation in Congress. His work as a public-spirited citizen and leader in the community will not soon be forgotten."

Capitol Hill's leading newspaperman, Senator, United States Senator Capper of Kansas, publisher Topeka Daily Capital and group of farm papers, also paid tribute to the Fairfield Ledger publisher saying: "The death of Don McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Ledger, is a distinct loss to the world of journalism, as well as to Fairfield and Iowa. Don McGIFFIN was a newspaperman in every sense of the word whose activities reflected admirably the finest traditions of the profession."

From the world of education, Dr. John W. Studebaker, United States Commissioner of Education and member of President Roosevelt's board of vocational guidance, "Newspapers for many years have played an important part in shaping public opinion in the communities in which they circulate. The publisher carries with his position a tremendous civic responsibility. Don McGIFFIN carried that responsibility admirably and I am indeed sorry to learn of his passing at this time."

The full Iowa Congressional delegation had extended obituary tribute to Don McGIFFIN as remaining Congressmen issued statements of regret at passing of Fairfield Ledger publisher following President Roosevelt's address before American Retail Federation.

Said Congressman William Sebastian Jacobsen, Clinton: "In the death of Don McGIFFIN Iowa has lost a good citizen. One of our youngest and most active publishers is gone."

Congressman John W. Gwynne, Waterloo: "I am surprised and shocked by the death of Don McGIFFIN. He was a very good newspaperman and a very fine citizen of Iowa."

Congressman Karl Miles LeCompte, publisher Corydon Times-Republican: "I knew Don McGIFFIN as a fellow publisher for thirty years. He was one of the brightest and ablest young publishers in Iowa. I first met him during his journalistic days in Albia. I am deeply grieved by the untimely passing of my colleague in Iowa's fourth estate."

Congressman Vincent F. Harrington, Sioux City: "In the death of Mr. McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Ledger, Iowa has lost a great citizen and a great editor."

Said United States Senator Guy Mark Gillette, Iowa's senior Senator, "I am very sorry to hear the news which I learn with a distinct sense of shock. Iowa journalism will feel in the passing of publisher Don McGIFFIN of the Fairfield Ledger the loss of one of the leaders in that field."

Congressman Fred C. Gilchrist of Laurens: "I met Don McGIFFIN many times and always enjoyed his companionship very much. He was one of the real publishers of our state. As one of our great figures he performed a distinct service for the state of Iowa."

Dr. Felix Morley editor-in-chief Washington Post and former Pulitzer prize winner, "The death of Don McGIFFIN removes from the fourth estate a publisher who had the courage of his convictions and a high sense of responsibility to his community of readers."

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"The Fairfield Daily Ledger", Wednesday, May 24, 1939, Page 8

United Press Makes Comment
DES MOINES, Iowa, May 24--

The sudden death of Don McGIFFIN publisher of the Fairfield Ledger, brought comment from officials of the United Press association. Said Winthrop Lyman, Iowa manager for the U.P.: "I was greatly shocked, as will be other officers of this organization, to hear of the death of Mr. McGIFFIN. We wish to extend sympathy to the family and to the Ledger organization. All connected with the United Press greatly appreciated and respected Mr. McGIFFIN. Fairfield and a wide community will feel this loss most keenly."

Congressman Ben Franklin Jensen of Exira: "The state of Iowa has suffered a direct loss by reason of the passing of Don McGIFFIN, publisher of the Fairfield Ledger."

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, in lot 3rd.045.

[Admin note: The photo accompanying this obituary was taken from the microfilm files of the "Daily Ledger", which was heavily scratched, and touched up.]

Photo caption: Don McGIFFIN, 49-year-old publisher of the Fairfield Daily Ledger and part owner in the Estherville, Iowa, News and other newspapers, died Saturday afternoon from a series of heart attacks, the first of which was felt two days previously. He was a prominent Republican and had extensive business interests.

Jefferson Obituaries maintained by Joey Stark.
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