Mr. Halligan has been managing editor of the Davenport “Daily Leader” from the establishment of that paper in 1891. The success of the “Leader” reflects a great degree of credit upon Mr. Halligan, for every one knows that upon the managing editor of a paper necessarily falls the task of forming the paper’s character. A newspaper necessarily absorbs much of the character of the person who guides its destiny, consequently the esteem in which the “Leader” is held speaks volumes for the stability and sturdiness of the man who is at the helm.
Mr. Halligan is a son oof P. J. Halligan (eslsewhere mentioned) and was born in Davenport, Iowa, July 3, 1862. His early education was obtained in St. Marguerite’s parochial school and at St. Vincent’s College, Cape Giradeau, Missouri, from which institution he graduated in 1880, after taking a four years’ classical course.
He taught in the public schools of Scott County from the time of his graduation in 1880 to 1882. His teaching there was marked by great success, as it was when he was principal of the commercial department in St. Ambrose College for nine years, dating from September, 1882 to June 1891.
It is said of Mr. Halligan as a teacher that he was not only earnest and persevering in his work, but that he had the facility to a greater degree than most people of impressing upon his pupils the principal facts with which he wanted them to be familiar. He was generally liked by his pupils and had no difficulty whatever in commanding their esteem and respect.
Mr. Halligan grave p school-teaching for another department of educational work; he became one of the founders of the Davenport “Daily Leader,” the first copy of which was issued by the Leader Publishing Company on October 27, 1891. His brothers, W.P. and T. E., are members of the company.
The “Leader” has been a success from its establishment to the present day. Its prosperity has been beyond the most sanguine expectations of its publishers. It caught the public fancy and approval from the very first, and has an influence in the community which is very seldom equaled by a publication so young.
Mr. Halligan is an accomplished gentleman. He is a musician of ability and a public speaker of much force and eloquence. He has been a delegate to all city, County and State convention of the Democratic party as one of the representative Democrats of Davenport for several years past, and his counsel is sought upon occasions when political matters of great importance as to be decided.
In personal appearance Mr. Halligan is a gentleman of large and impressive physique. His manner is pleasant, his conversation bright, and he impresses one as being an earnest and honest man, which is very true.
BIOGRAPHIES