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         ALEXANDER M. M. DORNON, proprietor of the Morning Sun Herald, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 22, 1858. His parents, Samuel and Ann (Steele) Dornon, were born in Europe, of Scotch and Irish parentage, and came to the United States, locating in Philadelphia. Mr. Dornon was a shoemaker by trade, which occupation he followed for a livelihood. In 1859, with his family, he removed to New Alexandria, Westmoreland County. He was the parent of three sons and three daughters, five of whom are living: Rachel, widow of David Reynolds, of Philadelphia; Joseph, who was a soldier in the late Rebellion, enlisting in the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and serving with honor throughout the war, is now a resident of San Francisco, Cal.; Jane is now deceased; Robert is a resident of New Alexandria, Pa.; Mary, wife of Robert Pollock, also of that State; and our subject. Mrs. Dornon died in Westmoreland County, in the year 1860, but her husband is still living.

Our subject remained at home until fifteen years of age, when he started out to fight life’s battle. His early education being limited, he made up his mind that it was the thing necessary for success, and being in limited circumstances, he was obliged to work to pay his way through the New Alexandria and Blairsville Academies. Having now gained sufficient education to teach, he secured a school, and engaged in that profession during the winter until he had money enough to enter Geneva College, of Ohio, where he remained until his senior year. After leaving college he made teaching his profession. In 1881 he came to Iowa, teaching school near Newton, Jasper County, and the following year came to Louisa County, having charge of the Morning Sun Academy two years. He then went to Mediapolis, Des Moines County, where he was employed as Principal of the High School for four years, and then purchased the Morning Sun Herald, which under his management has become a bright and spicy sheet. Politically, Mr. Dornon is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He is a man of more than ordinary ability, and is well fitted for the avocation he has chosen.

On the 10th of June, 1885, Mr. Dornon was united in marriage with a schoolmate of his of Geneva College, Miss Maggie A. Gunn, a daughter of Walter and Mary Gunn, and a native of Kenton, Ohio. One child has graced this union, Joe W. Mr. and Mrs. Dornon are members of the Presbyterian Church, of Morning Sun, and during their short residence have made many warm friends.