HAGGARD, JOHN W.

HAGGARD, WILMOTT

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 3/26/2004 at 13:04:16

Biography reproduced from page 667 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

The connection of John W. Haggard with newspaper work in Algona forms an important chapter in the history of journalism in the city, for with the exception of four years he has been continuously identified with the Algona Republican, now the Upper Des Moines Republican, since 1882. He is a native of Kossuth county, born in old Irvington township, January 3, 1869, a son of D. A. and Susie E. (Wilmott) Haggard. His parents were married in Dubuque county, Iowa, in 1862 and in 1865 came to Kossuth county, the father having at that time just completed three years’ active service in the Union army.

John W. Haggard acquired his education in the Algona public schools and then became connected with the newspaper business, which he has followed since that time. He began as an apprentice in the office of the Algona Republican in 1882 and with the exception of two years spent on the bridgewater Times, in South Dakota, and the Pioneer Register at Salem, and two years in Milwaukee, has been continuously connected with this paper. In 1899 he formed a partnership, with Milton Starr in the publication of the Algona Republican and the firm soon became powerful in journalistic circles. In 1902 Starr & Haggard bought the Algona Upper Des Moines of Harry Ingham, present editor of the Des Moines Register & Leader, and they consolidated this with the Republican, changing the name to the Upper Des Moines-Republican and combining in this way the two oldest papers in this section of the state. Mr. Haggard’s association with Milton Starr terminated in 1908, when J. W. Shearer bought Mr. Starr’s interests and sold them in 1912 to former county superintendent of schools, Sidney J. Backus, the present firm name being Haggard & Backus. Mr. Haggard has been connected with journalism for a longer period than any other man in Kossuth county and he understands the newspaper business in principle and detail. He has made the Upper Des Moines Republican, a power and a vital force in the political, social and intellectual life of the city and, being an excellent and able business man, has gained for it a wide circulation and a gratifying advertising patronage. He supports by his private vote and in the columns of his paper the progressive branch of the republican party and is known as a loyal and public-spirited citizen who uses the power of the press to promote civic reform, advancement and development.