Smith, W. G.

SMITH, PETTY

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/25/2006 at 17:31:20

SMITH W.G.---LYON COUNTY REPORTER

W. G. Smith and W. D. Junkin are associated owners and editors of the Lyon County Reporter, an exceedingly bright and interesting publication emanating from Rock Rapids, and filled with local and state news after a most attractive fashion.

W. G. Smith was born in 1869, and received his education in the Rock Rapids high school. When he had reached the age of sixteen years he entered the printing office of the Reporter, and began learning the printer's trade. He was apt in leaning, and had soon so mastered all the intricacies of the calling that in 1899 he became editor and proprietor of the paper. Though a young man, he is taking rank with the best newspapermen of the state, and the Reporter is well worthy of comparison with any similar publication.

W. D. Junkin was born in Fairfield, Iowa April 13, 1865, and also secured his education in the public schools. He learned the printer's trade in his father's office. When he was eighteen he went to Montana where he spent the ensuing five years. He was quite a traveler, and attended the World's Fair in Paris. At different times he has seen much of the earth, and has a good idea of many nations and races. Under President Harrison he received appointment as a mail clerk, and held that position for about seven years, when he came to Rock Rapids. Here he bought an interest in the Reporter, and was made postmaster by President McKinley, an office he still holds and discharges its duties much to the satisfaction of its patrons. W. W. Junkin, the father of W. D., of Fairfield, Iowa, was ranked as the oldest editor in the state of Iowa. He died in February 1903.

W. D. Junkin married Miss Vermot Petty, and they have two children: Louise and Kathryn, both of whom are at home.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson