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 MEMORIAL 
 
 JOHN F. MEGINNESS 
 
 1827=1899 
 
IN MEMORY 
 
 JOHN F. MEGINNESS, 
 
 JOURNALIST AND HISTORIAN. 
 
 July 16, 1827— November 11, 1899. 
 
 A TKSTIMONIAL 
 
 BY THE 
 
 ^AZETTE AND BULLETIN, 
 THE SUN, 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA GRIT, 
 THE EVENING NEWS. 
 
 WILLIAMSPORT, PA.: 
 
 (iAZETTE AND BULLETIN PRINTING HOUSE. 
 
 1900 
 

 ^G^ 
 
 ov 
 
The death of John F. Megiuuess occurred at Wil- 
 liam sport, Pa., ou Saturday uight, November 11, 
 1891), suddenly and without a moment's warning. He 
 had spent tlie day in Harrisburg, returning on a late 
 train. It was after eleven o'clock when he entered 
 his home, bearing a package of books, among the 
 number being a handsome volume, of his own crea- 
 tion, recounting the incidents of his Golden Wedding 
 celebration, which occurred on the 25th of October 
 previous. While exhibiting this book to his wife 
 and daughter-in-law the summons came, and he sank 
 to the tloor dead. At the instant of death he was 
 directing attention to the features of the book. 
 "Look at the title page," he said, pointing to the 
 time-stained marriage certificate. These were his 
 last words. The following chapters tell the story of 
 his life. 
 
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE. 
 
 John Franklin Meginness, journalist and historian, 
 was born July !(>, 1827, in Colerain, Lancaster Coun- 
 ty, Pa., being the son of Benjamin and Sarah Megin- 
 ness. lie spent his boyhood upon his father's farm, 
 and attendcHl the common schools as opportunity of- 
 fcr(>d. A love of learning seems to have been born in 
 liini, and he studied hard and read deeply. The 
 family removed to Illinois in May, 1843, and the 
 youug man accompanied them. Not liking the ap- 
 l)earance of things in that country, he turned his 
 face, iu October of the same year, toward the place 
 of his birtli, having taken a sad leave of his mother, 
 of whom he was extremely fond, and whom he never 
 saw again. He tarried along the way, devoting some 
 time to making steamboat trips between St. Louis 
 and New Orh^ans. Having spent the winter of 1843-4 
 with an uncle in Indiana, he proceeded on his trip 
 to Pennsylvania, traveling on foot between Wheel- 
 ing, Va., and Ohambersburg, Pa. The following win- 
 ter was spent with relatives, and the time was oc- 
 cupied iu attending school and in diligently adding 
 to his sum of knowledge. 
 
 The next spring he proceeded to Danville, where 
 he was employed in the Montour Iron Works until, 
 the Mexican war having broken out, he enlisted April 
 9, 1847, joining Company D, Fifth U. S. Infantry, 
 then commanded by Captain Randolph B. Marcy. lie- 
 porting to his company commander at Hariisbuug, 
 
6 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 Meginness was soon selected by the Captain as clerk 
 iu his office, a position which, by reason of his ex- 
 cellent penmanship, he Avas well fitted to fill. He be- 
 came a favorite with the children of Captain Marcy, 
 among- the number being the future wife of General 
 George B. McClellan. 
 
 The company to which Meglnness belonged, but 
 without its Captain, who continued on recruiting- 
 duty, sailed from New York, June 11), 1847, for Vera 
 Cruz, Mexico, where they arrived on July 20, 1847. 
 Joining a column of 1,000 men commanded by Major 
 Lally, they took up the line of march to join General 
 ►Scott's forces. They were engaged with the enemy 
 at National Bridge and at other points along the 
 way, losing several men in a skirmish at the old bat- 
 tle field of Cerro Gordo, Meginness making a naricjw 
 escape, a musket ball having passed between his 
 
 riiiht arm and bodv 
 
 '& 
 
 With a column under the command of General 
 Joseph liaue, of Indiana, Meginness marched to 
 Pueblo, near which place the officer commanding his 
 (•(jmpany, Lieut, llidgley, lost his life in a dash to dis- 
 lodge the enemy from a neighboring village. With 
 the same column the subject of this sketch entered 
 the City of Mexico, December 7, 1847. He made the 
 nuirch to the City of Mexico and back to Vera Cruz, 
 carrying all of his equipments and never having fall- 
 en out of the line. During his entire enlistment he 
 acted as clerk of his company. He kept a journal of 
 his experiences, which is now among his effects, and 
 which is not only worth admiring for the manner in 
 which it was written, but makes exceedingly interest- 
 ing reading. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 
 
 It was Megiuness' good fortune to be present with 
 liis reiLj,iHient in the courtyard of the National Palace 
 when the first installment of three millions of dollars, 
 out of the fifteen millions to be paid for California, 
 was carried in from the wagons and delivered to the 
 Mexican authorities. 
 
 July 17, 1848, his regiment sailed from Vera, Cruz 
 on the bark Jane Gano, for New Orleans, which was 
 reached before the end of the month. Meginness and 
 other members of the company who had enlisted for 
 the war were discharged at East Pascagoula, Missis- 
 sippi, in August. 
 
 The ex-soldier then returned to Montour County, 
 this State, where he remained a short time, going 
 thence to Jersey Shore, Lycoming County. There he 
 took charge of a public school, which he conducted 
 successfully for two terms. 
 
 On the 25th of October, 1849, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Martha Jane King, daughter of Wil- 
 liam King, of Mifflin Township, Lycoming County, 
 and soon aftenvards the young couple took up their 
 residence in Jersey Shore. Ten children were born 
 to them. 
 
 June 9, 1852, Mr. Meginness became editor of the 
 Jersey Shore Rvpuhlican, a weekly paper owned by 
 Robert Baker and Jacob Sallade, holding that po- 
 sition until June, 1854, when the paper was sold. 
 This was the beginning of his career as a journalist, 
 to which he thenceforth, with such marked ability, 
 devoted himself. On the 29th of June, 1854, he be- 
 came associated with S. S. Seely, and they founded 
 The News Letter at Jersey Shore, Mr. Meginness retir- 
 ing from the firm on the 30th of August, 1855. 
 
IN MEMORY OF 
 
 At this time he conceived the idea of writing a 
 history of the West Branch Valley of the Susquehan- 
 na, which was immediately entered upon. The work 
 was prosecuted with energy^ and published by Henry 
 R. Ashmead, of Philadelphia, in the autumn of 1856. 
 It made an octavo volume of 518 pages, and was the 
 pioneer history of this section of the State. The work 
 was kindly received by many people in the valley at 
 that time, who realized the importance of rescuing 
 their local history from oblivion, but being in ad- 
 vance of the times the enterprise did not i>rove 
 profitable. But the author lived to see the day when 
 a revised and enlarged edition was demanded a third 
 of a century afterwards. In after years the contents 
 of his book were stolen time and again by others who 
 entered the historical field, and two or three news- 
 papers republished it in weekly parts. 
 
 In May, 1857, he was offered the editorship of The 
 ISlcntmel, a. weekly paper published at Peru, Illinois, 
 which he accepted, and soon aifterwards moved his 
 family to that city. Early in the fall of 1859 the of- 
 fice was destroyed by fire, and he was again out of 
 employment. Politics at that time were warm in 
 Illinois on account of the great contest between 
 Judge Douglas and Abraiham Lincoln for the United 
 States Senatorship. Having formed the acquaint- 
 ance of Judge Douglas, that distinguished states- 
 man and politician took a warm interest in the 
 young editor, and through his intercession he was 
 given a position as editorial writer on the Springfield 
 l)(t\hi I\((/isfcr during tliat heated campaign. It was 
 his good lortune^ to be present at several of the great 
 (Icbati'S between those two tMuinent men and hear 
 them discuss the political issups of the day. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 
 
 9 
 
 After retiring from the position of editorial writer 
 on, tlie RcgiMcr, lie was offered the charge of a week- 
 ly paper called The Spectator, at Carlinville, Illinois, 
 with the promise of assistance to purchase it. He at 
 once accepted the offer, and took charge of the paper 
 in December, 1858. He soon afterwards purchased 
 the paper, su])plied the office with new material 
 tlirougliout, and being liberally supported, was en- 
 abh'd to become the sole owner in two years. But 
 just as lie was in a position to realize something from 
 his labors, the rebellion broke out, and in a few weeks 
 all business was at a stand still. In. October, 1801, 
 after a residence in Carlinville of two years and nine 
 nvonths, he disposed of his newspaper office at a sacri 
 flee and moved his family back to the home of hi*-; 
 wife's parents in Lycoming County, Pa. 
 
 On June 30, 1802, he moved his family to Williams- 
 port. Late in the winter of that year he received an 
 appointment as a clerk under t^aptain Wm. Stoddard, 
 assistant quartermaster, Alexandria, Va. In a short 
 time C^iptain Ferguson, quartermaster in charge of 
 the post, and all his assistants, were removed. They 
 wer(« succeeded by C^aptain J. G. C. Lee, U. S. A., who 
 immediately surrounded himself with new officers. 
 The post at Alexandria was a very important one, 
 as nearly all the quartermaster and commissary 
 stores for the Army of the Totomac passed through 
 
 it. 
 
 After two years' service in a subordinate clerical 
 position, Meginness was made chief clerk of the 
 bureau of transportation. Tliis office was an im- 
 portant one on account of its close relations with 
 Captain Lee, the (piarter master in charge, as all the 
 
10 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 hills r»f ladino' of stores for the Arniy of the Potomac 
 passed through the chief clerk's hands, and he was 
 constantly beset with parties seekino- transportation 
 to the front. Frequent attempts were made to in- 
 duce him by bribes to issue passes to this class of 
 ]HM)]>le, and on one occasion he was offered |100 in 
 gold to pass a certain party to the front. The offer 
 was firmly refused, and the party turned over to the 
 oflficer in charge, ayIio sternly rebuked him for at 
 tempting to corrupt the clerk who was placed in such 
 an important and confidential relation. 
 
 Shortly before the close of the war he resigned 
 his ( lerkship with Captain Lee, A. Q. M., to accept an 
 a]»pointment in the Division of Eeferred Claims, Pay- 
 master Generars ottice, Washington City, under 
 Colonel J. Sallade. Learning of his contemplated 
 departure, the clerks of his division, who had long 
 been associated with him, presented him with a hand- 
 some gold mounted cane. 
 
 After entering the Paymaster rxeneral's office, he 
 only remained there a few months, when he was ap- 
 pointed to a first-class clerkship in the Third Audi- 
 tor's office. Treasury Department, under Hon. John 
 Wilson, and assigned to the Division of State War 
 ( 'laims. After about a year's service in this bureau, 
 he was transferred to the Second Comptroller's of- 
 fice. Col. Broadhead, Treasur}^ Department. 
 
 He remained in the Treasury until June 1st, 1800, 
 when he was mustered out, after being in government 
 employ for seven years. Soon after retiring from the 
 Treasury Department, he removed his family to Wil- 
 liamsport, l*a., and: accepted the managing editorship 
 of the daily Li/comiii;/ (idzcfte, the (ddest paper in 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 11 
 
 Lycoming County. He continued in this position un- 
 til the 22(1 of November, when the paper was consoli- 
 <lated with the daily evening liiillitm, under the title 
 of (Idzctfc (tin] liiinctiu, and he was appointed city 
 editor. In course of time Mr. E. W. Caiiron, the edi- 
 to]', retired, and he succeeded him as editor. This 
 arrangement continued until 1872, when Col. James 
 11. Lambert, of New York, secured an interest in the 
 paper and became editor, when Meginness again took 
 charge of the city department. In four years Lambert 
 retired, when Meginness again became editor in chief. 
 This arrangement continued until November 10, 
 1881), when, literally broken (h)wn with the arduous 
 duties of his position, he resigned and retired for a 
 year's rest. His connection with the paper extended 
 over a continuous period of twenty years. 
 
 During 1888, in addition to his editorial labors, Mr. 
 Meginness started and conducted a monthly maga- 
 zine, entitled The Historical Journal. It was devot^ 
 ed to the publication of local history, biograi)hy and 
 necrology, and soon attained a sufficient circulation 
 to make it self-supporting. 
 
 In 1889, through the urgent solicitation of friends, 
 he undertook the work of rewriting and revising his 
 "Otzinachson, or History of the West Branch Val- 
 ley," because the first edition, published in 1856, was 
 entirely out of print. It nmde a volume of 702 octavo 
 jKiges, illustrated with diagrams, maps, anti(piities 
 and jjortraits, and was accepted by the reviewers as 
 a standard work, and a valuable contribution to the 
 history of the State. 
 
 S(»on after retiring from the daily newspa]»er, he 
 undertcjok the work of writing an exhaustive biogra- 
 
12 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 l)liy of Frances Slocnm, the Litst Sister of Wyoming. 
 This involved nmcli research, besides two journeys 
 to Pern, Indiana, to confer with the Indian descend- 
 ants of Frances living on the Wabash, where slie died 
 in 1847, aft(H' being lost to friends and civilization 
 f(jr ntnirly sixty years. The work was completed and 
 jnil'lished in DiM-ember, 1800. It attracted much at- 
 tention, and the editicjn was soon exhausted. 
 
 In addition to his tnlitorial and literary labors, he 
 made a journey to some part of the United States 
 lu^arly every year. On one occasion he extende<l his 
 journ(\v to San Francisco and other portions of Cali- 
 fornia. He also visited various historic places in 
 man}'- ]jarts of the Ignited States. After a, severe 
 sjKdl of sickness in 1881, he made a voyage to Havana, 
 
 When making these annual visits, he usually wrote 
 a series of letters over the signature of "John of Lan- 
 caster," Avhich were imblished in the Qnzcite and 
 BiilJcfiii. 
 
 In making these journeys, tens of thousands of 
 miles were travcded by rail and steam-boat, and he 
 never was in a serious accident by rail or water, and 
 always met friends, whether on the shores of the At- 
 lantic or Pacific, the ( lUlf of Mexico, the city of Hava- 
 na, in other great cities, in the mountains, or on the 
 idains. 
 
 During the last thirty years he wrote many letters 
 and sketches for the PhilndcJpliia Times, The Press, 
 /'('(■Old, Neir York Ifcnild, Hiiii, and other journals. As 
 early as 1855 he was a correspondent for the Phila- 
 delphia Led(jer. And for several years he served as 
 the telegraphic correspondent of The Press and 
 Times, Philadelphia. In his journalistic capacit}^ he 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 13 
 
 attended uearly every State Oouveiition, of all 
 parties, iu Peuusylvauia for eigliteem years, witness- 
 ed the inaugiiratiou of half a dozen presidents, and 
 more than that number of governors. 
 
 For forty years he lived a busy life, and while not 
 laying- claim to having accomplished anything extra- 
 ordinary, he certainly labored as industriously in an 
 humble sidiere as many who have achieved great dis- 
 tinction. In 1891 he was engaged to prepare an 
 elaborate history of Lycoming Oounjty for the pub- 
 lishing house of Brown, Hunk & Company, Chicago, 
 which he tiuislied in the spring of 1892. And in ad- 
 dition to his literary labors, he occasionally found 
 time to write an article or communication for some 
 of his journalistic friends at home or abroad. 
 
14 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 HIS HmTORIOAL WRITINGS. 
 
 The historical works of pToliii F. Mej^innoss com- 
 prise more tlinu a, .score of volumes. These include: 
 
 Otzinachsou; or, a. History of the West Branch of the 
 Susquehanna. Philadelijliia, 1857. 8 vo. pp. xvi. 
 and 518. 
 
 History, Advantages, Resources and Industries of 
 the City of Williamsport. Map and Illustrations. 
 Williamsport, 188G. 8 vo. pp. 87. 
 
 Otzinachson — revised and rewritten, with much new 
 matter added. Map and Illustrations. Williams- 
 port, 1889. 8 vo. pp. 707. 
 
 Journal of Samuel Maclay, while Assisting in the 
 Sui'vey of the West Branch of the Susquehanna, 
 the Sinnemahoning and Allegheny Rivers in 179(1. 
 Annotated by John F. Meginness. Williamsport. 
 8 vo. pp. 63. 
 
 Biographical Annals of Deceased Residents of the 
 West Branch Valley. Williamsport, 1889. 8 vo. 
 pp. 272, double columns. 
 
 Murders: . A curious compilation, containing a 
 record of every murder in Lycoming County from 
 1795 to 1890. Williamsport. 8 vo. pp. 600. 
 
 Biography of Frances Slocum, the Lost Sister of Wy- 
 oming. AVilliamsport. 8 vo. pp. 246, including 
 suj)plement. 
 
 Meginness Family. AVilliamsport, 1891. 8 vo. pp. 
 248. 
 
 History of Lycoming County. 
 
 History of the Borough of Butler, Pa. Royal 8 vo. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 15 
 
 (Teiiealogy and ITistory of the TTepbiirn Family. Por- 
 traits. Wiliiamsport, 1894. 8 vo. pp. 186. • 
 
 History of the Great Ishiiid and William Dimn, its 
 Owner. Illustrated. Wiliiamsport, 1804. 8 vo. 
 pp. 128. 
 
 Tlie TTistorical Journal: a. Monthly Record of Local 
 History and Biography. Vol. I. 1887-88. Vol. II. 
 
 1894. Wiliiamsport. Illustrated. 8 vo. pp. 390, 
 396. 
 
 Lycoming rounty: Its Organization and Civil His- 
 tory for One Hundred Years, 1795-1895. Maps 
 and Illustrations. Wiliiamsport, 1895. 8 vo. pp. 
 82. 
 
 Historj^ of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio. 
 "Iron" John Thomas. Address at the Reunion of 
 
 the Thomas Family. Wiliiamsport, Aug. 20, 1890. 
 
 8 vo. pp. 17. 
 Official Report of the Proceeding's of the Centennial 
 
 Anniversary of Lycoming County, July 2, 3 and 4, 
 
 1895. With an Account of Antiquarian Hall and 
 Its Wonders. Maps and Illustrations. Williams- 
 port, 1896. 8 vo. pp. 388. 
 
 The Scotch-Irish of the Upper Susquehanna Valley. 
 8 vo. pp. 11. Read before the Scotch-Irish Congress 
 at Harrisburg, June 5, 1896. 
 
 Genealogy and History of the Descendants of Maj. 
 
 Gen. Arthur St. Clair. Harrisburg, 1897. 8 vo. 
 
 pp. 30. 
 Annals of Montoursville, Pa. Montoursville, 1898. 
 
 8 vo. pp. 122. 
 
 Life and Times of Robert Robb, Esq., of Muncy 
 Township. Muncy Luminary, 1899. 8 vo. pp. 53. 
 
16 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 TRTlUiTES IN THE PRESS. 
 
 TRAITS AS A JOURNALIST. 
 
 The relations that the deceased hehl as a journal- 
 ist, eov(4'in<;" upwards of forty-five years of laborious, 
 earnest and eontiieting service, alone establishes his 
 title as a man of more than ordinary achievements. 
 As a writer he was aggressive, f(\arless and comba- 
 tive when the occasi<m required, while no one w^as 
 more considerate and guarded in word and expres- 
 sion, avoiding the infliction of pain or censure, when 
 the subject of such ai cause was under review. Dur- 
 ing a large portion of his editorial life the country 
 was in such a feverish and exciting conditioni that, 
 with many of the profession, moderation was not 
 counted a virtue. With him, however, the most ex- 
 acting tests were not allowed to carry him beyond 
 the range of sober reason and careful consideration. 
 The period pending the War of the Rebellion, dur- 
 ing the Ave years of internecine strife and the re- 
 construction days, were well calculated to bring in- 
 to active exercise latent talent and fruits of stu<ly 
 and observation. Under such pressure, requiring 
 daily use of opinions and criticism, the man of 
 Ihought, energy and ambition found the task pleas- 
 ant even in its exactictns. Editor Meginness threw his 
 personality, like Dana, of the New York aS%h, into the 
 editorial columns he controlled. There was no nega- 
 tive or evasive si(l(^ in ccmsidering the live, vital 
 issues as they passed under i)ublic review. He was 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 17 
 
 positive, direct and poiiiteil. These most desirable 
 qiialifleations made him produce tlie best possible 
 results, the results that gave strength and influence. 
 Method, classification and condensation, positive es- 
 Mentialw in journalistic work, guided, governed and 
 inspired. 
 
 The war period, when many new^spaper writers 
 suffered passion, personal hate and bitterness to 
 pois(mi their pen, he retained full contr(»l of his emo- 
 tions. The writer of this humble notice can truly 
 say that, although differing widely during these ex- 
 citing periods in political opini(*ns and belief, there 
 never was a time wdien the liand could not be grasped 
 with friendly feeling. When in a dark hour, when 
 others should have extended sympathy and help, he 
 prcived a brother indeed. Beyond the tears of blood 
 and kindred no more sincere expression of commis- 
 eration and sorrow will be extended than that of 
 the friend (»f thirty-five years standing. 
 
 CHARLES T. HUSTON. 
 
 HIS WORK AS AN HISTORIAN. 
 
 John F. Meginness earned his daily bread with 
 "the pen of a ready writer;" he also thereby earned 
 that wdiich few of us can hope to secure — a x>erma- 
 nent and enduring fame. The West Branch Valley 
 owes him a debt of gratitude that can only now be 
 paid by the tribute time and posterity will not fail 
 to accord his memory. His pen, following the as- 
 siduous labor of the true historian, has rescued from 
 (ddivion so much of the history and annals of this 
 section of our Commonwealth that he has deservedly 
 earned tlie fame so much his due. The infinite pains 
 
18 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 and w(Mrv lunirs reqiiinMl to ascertain and classify 
 the (lata for his many historical works alone make a 
 stn])en(lons task, and when he corroborated these 
 facts, as he always did, with his graceful and facile 
 pen, he ])r(;<liiced w<frks of exceeding value from an 
 historical staiid]H(int an<l forming a, literature de- 
 lightfully fascinating. 
 
 ■ The trials and tribulations of the early settlers of 
 the \\'est Branch Valley; the massacres they suffered' 
 at the hands of their cruel neighbors; the loss of 
 their crojis and destruction of their homes; the many 
 dangers they were compelled to undergo and the dis- 
 tressing incidents of their daily lives; their lack of 
 the advantages of civilizaticfn; their courageous. God- 
 fearing and Industrie JUS habits, and their firm deter- 
 mination to bring a civilization out of the wilderness, 
 a free and enliglitened government from barbarism, 
 and to leave to those who would come after them 
 l>ros])erous and happy homes; all this, and much 
 more, has been faithfully recorded by Mr. Meginness 
 in forms aecurate in detail, thorough in comprehen- 
 sivc^ness and withal so dtdightful in construction and 
 arrangement as to give us histories which will al- 
 ways remain of the greatest value and interest. 
 Foremost among his productions must be placed his 
 "Otziiiachson, a History of the West Branch Valley,'' 
 published in 1850 to the total exhaustion of his pri- 
 vate means — and hence, purely a labor of love — and 
 enlai'ged and re-edited in 1880. This is not only a. 
 work of historic valut^ second to none in Pennsyl- 
 vania, but furnishes rcaeling most interesting and en- 
 joyable. So, also, his "Frances Slocuni," published 
 in 18!)1, is as fascinating as any novel, while perfectly 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 19 
 
 true in every detail of facts. Besides many niono- 
 graplis, chiefly appeariug in the jHiblic press under 
 hisnitnide plume of "John of Lancaster," his "History 
 of Lycominj^- ('ounty" (181)2), "Biographical Annals 
 of Deceased Ivesidents of the West Branch Valley" 
 (1881)), and "Historical Journal of the Local History 
 and Bio^rapliy of Northwestern I*ennsylvania" (1888- 
 18J)4), unite with the first nanned in giving us in bril- 
 liant colors a photographic reproduction of the his- 
 tory of the West Branch Valley and of its people, 
 both i)i<meer and modern. 
 
 AMicn there has been completed the beautiful pub- 
 lic library with whicli our fellow-citizen, Mr. James 
 v. Brown, will presently so generously endow our 
 cit3', it is hoped that one of its alcoves will contain 
 the fine private library of Mr. Meginness, so rich in 
 local histories ami biographies, and thus making so 
 excellent a memorial to our late distinguished towns- 
 nmn. 
 
 Years will come and go and with them will pass 
 away our lives and our very memories, but for one 
 there will always remain a fame, perhaps then ac- 
 corded more generously than during his lifetime. No 
 public shaft or private monuments need be graven 
 with his name and record, for yet more enduriijg 
 will be his works. When all of us are forgotten, fu- 
 ture generations will honor his name as of one who, 
 without hope of pecuniary reward, gave his time 
 and means to the perpetuation of the history of his 
 clioseu home. The grateful ap])reciation of future 
 geu( rations in the West Branch Valley will be the 
 enduring monument of John F. Meginness. 
 
 C. LA KITE ftrUNSON. 
 
20 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 TKIliUTE OF A JOURNALISTIC CO-LABORER. 
 
 I \v;is iKtt only .greatly shocked but deeply grieved 
 upon [irst learuiug of the sudden death of Mi*. John 
 F. Meginness. Having been one of the invited 
 guests at the recent celebration of his gohh^n wed- 
 ding, and having met and conversed with him a 
 iinnibcM' of times since, his death was an event whicli 
 I was not in the least expecting. I had known him 
 well for at least thirty years, being for a long time 
 closely associated with him in newspaper work. My 
 first knowledge of liim was gained when seeing his 
 neatly written letters from Washington to the (^hl 
 Dniljl (t<iz(it<' over the signature of "Druid." When, 
 later, 1 met him personally, this i>revious: knowledge 
 made the ac(inaintance all the more interesting. It 
 was thr(,ugh his instrumentality that I entered Tijion 
 the work of ncAvsiJaper reporting, and his consider- 
 ate encouragement of nie as a tyro was a kindness 
 wliich I always remembered gratefully. The example 
 he afforded me in accuracy and industry in the work 
 Avas well worthy of careful imitation, whether I fully 
 ])r((tited thereby or not. 
 
 Dnring the long years of our later association it 
 was my ])rivileg(^ to handle in the manuscript many 
 of those highly intere>;ting letters which he rained in 
 from all ])(>in(s (if the compass fr((m Maine to Cali- 
 fornia, from Cuba, Mexico and elsewhere. The gen- 
 eral reader w<Hild hardly be ready to credit the state- 
 ment llial many of thes(> well written e])istles, filled 
 nol only with gia]diic descri]»tions, but with a liberal 
 share (»f statistics and historical statements, were 
 IH nned on the train while it sped along under full 
 headway. The practical newsjKiper worker will ap- 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 21 
 
 preciate what acreivtabli' 'S-opy" tliey afforded when 
 I say that they could all be giveu to the priuter just 
 as they reached the office, uot a title or a sub-head 
 ha vino- to be added. 
 
 I recall vividly the eagerness and promptness with 
 which he would set out froin the office if a startling 
 piece of news came in his way. He was a tireless 
 worker and very i)articular in all that he did. A 
 careless type setter or i)roof reader gave him the 
 liorrorw, and would disturb his expianimity quicker 
 than anything else in his newspaper experience. 
 
 He had an extensive acquaintance among public 
 men and enjoiyed their high respect. Many of them 
 were indebted largely to him for helping tO' give 
 them prominence, something that a majority of them, 
 though not all, expressed tlunr acknowledgments 
 for. 
 
 1 thought 1 had iiarted with him for the last time 
 when, by order of his physician, he started for a trip 
 to Cuba about seventeen years ago. It pleased Provi- 
 dence, however, to bring him home alive and to spare 
 him during the intervening years, enabling him to 
 add largely to the sum of what he had previously ac- 
 complished in th(^ way of work for the benefit of the 
 world. 
 
 I feel a senile of i)ersonal loss in his death, and I 
 trust that if Ik^ has not been fully appreciated by his 
 (twn generation, he may hereafter be held in the esti- 
 mati(m due to his busy and useful life. 
 
 J. J. GALBRAITH. 
 
22 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 VIEWS OF A YOUNG EDITOK. 
 
 It is iiiiiti(issil:l(' for nw to express the esteem in 
 which 1 hehl -lohii F. Me<j;iiiiiess and (lie re<;ret 1 feel 
 over liis sudden and imexpected death. In the field of 
 jourualism Mr. Me.i;inness held a foremost i)laee, and 
 he was au example and an inspiration to those young- 
 er in years and exi)erience. As a historian, the books 
 which he lias Avritten s])eak for themselves, and will 
 speak to future j^enerations. Tlie death of John F. 
 Meginness is a. great loss to the held of jourualism, to 
 the literary world, and especially to the people of 
 W'illiamsporl and to the entire West Branch Valley. 
 
 E. F. WOLF, 
 Editor Evening New.s. 
 
 BY J. M. M. GERNERD. 
 
 " 'JidiiD of Lancaster"' and his good wife richly de- 
 serve the honors heaped on them at their golden wed- 
 ding. I never think of Williamspoii: but my heart 
 warms up with recollections of John F. Meginness. 
 Trutlifuln(\ss and kindness are stamped all over the 
 man, and 1 feel myself drawn irresistibly to him. I 
 wished to attend his golden wedding but could not." 
 
 These friendly words are from a private letter re- 
 ceived from the venerable Capt. John M. Buckalew, 
 of Columbia County, Pa., that was written a week or 
 more before the sudden demise of our mutual friend, 
 John F. M(\ginness. They are not words of praise 
 suggested by the death of the man to whom they re- 
 late, and Avere not meant to be read by the public, 
 but they were the heartfelt and sixtutaneous senti- 
 ments of an aged friend who well knew the worth of 
 the nuin of whom he wrote^ — and we have taken the 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 23 
 
 liberty to nse tliem, because they admirably express 
 tli(^ ]on_o- clun'ished opinion^ and feelings of a large 
 circle of personal friends, who now sincerely mourn 
 over the good' man's death and deeply sympathize 
 with his esteemed wife, and children and grand- 
 child ron, John F. Meginness was iu' every way just 
 the Man his esteemed old friend and admirer of 
 Fishing Creek thought him to be. Truthfulness and 
 kindness Avere indeed "stamped all over the man." 
 
 Jiut while this is the highest kind of praise that a 
 man can have (since "an honest man is the noblest 
 work of God''), the man thus eulogized was more 
 than a. good, pure, truthful, honest, kindly and love- 
 able man. lie was a very useful man, a public bene- 
 factcu', a tireless worker, and by his unselfish and in- 
 adequately compensated labors reared for himself a 
 monument that will perpetuate his name and worth 
 better than bronze, marble or granite. As Mr. C. 
 LaRue Munsion said in an impromtu but very neat 
 speech at the golden wedding, when the rest of us 
 are all dead and forgotten, then John F. Meginness 
 will be remembered and honored. 
 
 Dead? Not forever! 
 
 "No: heaven's immortal spring shall yet arrive, 
 And (the) man's majestic beauty bloom again, 
 Bright thro' the eternal years of Love's triumphant 
 reign! " 
 
 DR. W. H. EGLE IN THE HARRISBURG TELEGRAPH. 
 
 The Editor of "Notes and Queries," on the after- 
 noon of November 11, ISl)!), h.ad a two hours' delight- 
 ful visit fi'oiii his friend of many years, John. F. Me- 
 ginness, of Willianisport, the accom])lisluNl histori- 
 an of the West IJranch Valley. Entertaining in his 
 
24 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 talk, the impression he left was one of pleasure. Lit- 
 tle thought the writer that seven hours later the 
 Death-Anj^el would liaA'e stamped his seal on heart 
 and brain. IJeacliiuiLi his home, perchance somewhat 
 excited, he suddenly fell over dead. The shock at 
 this sudden termination of a brilliant earthly career 
 cannot be described. It was only a few weeks prior 
 (October 25, 1899,) that he bade his friends to the 
 celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his wedding'. 
 Living beyond three-score and ten, his apparent gHiod 
 health gave promise of a few more years of historic 
 labor and usefulness. Verily it is well, that while 
 the day is here that one works with his might, lest 
 no other dawn on him. Mr. Meginness was an inde- 
 fatigable delver. He made his researches conscien- 
 tiously — and truth was his sole aim in historic lore. 
 Tie accomplished much — he preseiwed for the j^ears 
 to come great treasure-houses of history, biography 
 and genealogy. If there is any one in the entire 
 West Branch Valley who dare step in his shoes let 
 him c(uue forth. Mr. Meginness was a perfect ency- 
 cloi)edia of West Branch history— and this w^as only 
 gathered through almost fifty years of quiet, faithful 
 delving. Shall we look upon his like again? No, 
 no( in this decade nor in the next. Founded upon the 
 data he gathered, the writers for the years to come 
 mast depend upon the unrequited labors of that man 
 of toil, of ennlition, and research. One by one the 
 scribes of the historic j)ast are going otit from the 
 liomes of the living. Within the past two years 
 Pennsylvania has lost nikany gifted in this field of 
 literature, Frederick I). Stone, William S. Baker, 
 .I(din Blair Linn, Dallas Albert, and others — a bright 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 25 
 
 array of tlie literati of our Coiiiinonwealtli — -wliilo 
 within the iiiontli the jLi'alaxy of stars has boon dim- 
 mod by tho (h'ath of Isaac <'rai,i;', Dr. John (J. I>rinton, 
 Dr. W. J. Hoffman and Jolin F. Me^^inness. Otliers 
 may — nay, will — rise np and take their j)laoos, but 
 those shall thiive on the legaoios left them by the 
 reapers who have fathered up their sheaves. Few 
 of tlie people of tcs-day properly appreciate the excel- 
 lent servicers of tlu^se men of lottcn-s, yet tln^ work of 
 their brain will live l<ni,i>' after the sensational litx^rn- 
 tnre of the present shall be remanded to a deserved 
 (ddivion. 
 
 In c(mclusion, we are all aware that every work- 
 man must have tools. Mr. Meginness gathered, dur- 
 ing his lifetime, an exceedingly valuable librairy of 
 l(;cal history, and we know that it was one of his fond- 
 est wishes that this should be kept intact. We hope 
 this may be done, and that the liberal citizens of Wil- 
 lianisport will see that it is not scattered to the four 
 ^vinds of heaven. They ought to secure it for their 
 ( ity, as til 03- could pay no greater tribute to his worth 
 and services. It will form the nucleus of a public 
 library which will increase in value as the years roll 
 on. 
 
 TRIBUTE OF A FRIEND. 
 
 In the death of John F. Meginness the community 
 has lost a. man of almost inestimable value to it. 
 Wliile his ])assing away is deplored by all who real- 
 ize the im])(»rtance of the sphere he filled so admir- 
 ably, yet it is not as lliough all the treasures of his 
 rare mind wore lost lo us. In his Ifistory of the 
 West Branch N^iUey, History of Lycoming Ojnnty, 
 
26 IN MEMOKY OF 
 
 of different family liistories, and other writinjijs, he 
 h:ii^ reared a iiKnuinieiit to himself that will be last- 
 in*^'. Few men are };ifle<l with the jjiitience and \H'v- 
 aistence, reqnisite in a. historian, as was Mr. Megin- 
 ness. Tn his history he has left behind him a work 
 v.hich had never been attempted before in this sec- 
 tion, and is not likely to be improved npon in the 
 future. ITis mental traits were of a high order, and 
 his naturally tine literary tastes were cultivated by 
 (he reading and study of the best class of books, of 
 which he owned a choice collection. 
 
 Ever thoughtful of others, his nature was kind as 
 a woman's. His wife was the recipient of a devo- 
 tion which is seldom seen among men. May lie who 
 marks the sparrow's fall comfort her grief-strleken 
 heart in this hour of sorrow; to the children bereft 
 of a kind and loving father the consolations of His 
 grace. 
 
 Willi a very sad heart I lay these few words as a 
 shadow of a wreath of lilies and laurels on the mem- 
 ory of one of (he noblest, truest, an<l best friends I 
 ever had. 
 
 CHARLES B. SEELY. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 
 
 27 
 
 FUNERAL CEUEMONIEB. 
 
 [^Wedncsdnij, November 15, 1899. '\ 
 
 Funeral services were held at IMme Street M. E. 
 Church, at 10 A. M., aud were coudueted by the Pas- 
 tor, Kev. J. B. Shavi'r. Euh»ii,istie addresses were de- 
 livered by Kev. E. J. (hay, 1). 1)., and C. \a\ Rue Muu- 
 sou, Esq. The intermeut was in the cemetery at 
 Jersey Shore, Pa., the burial service at the grave be- 
 ing read by Kev. J. B. Shaver. 
 
 PALL BEARERS. 
 
 HONOBARY. 
 
 C. B. Seely. 
 M. J. Bernauer, 
 H. H. Rutter, 
 T. B. Painter, 
 J. J. Galbraith, 
 Carl Tewell, 
 O. S. Brown, 
 T. P. Whaley, 
 G. Bert Repasz, 
 W. G. Talley. 
 Howard Galbraith, 
 Luke Greevy, 
 
 Dietrick Lamade, 
 Fred M. Lamade, 
 
 F. B. Manson, 
 E. E. Person, 
 John Biidd, 
 
 G. M. Robinson, 
 E. M. Sigfried, 
 E. F. Wolf, 
 
 W. P. Clarke, 
 H. F. Richards, 
 James W. Sweely, 
 Geo. S. Maxwell, 
 
 S. V. Border. 
 
 ACTIVE. 
 
 John R. Hazelet, 
 Lewis Sheffen 
 
 J. R. Stead, 
 G. W. Harder, 
 
 PALL HEARERS AT .lEHSKY SlIOKE. 
 
 J. S. Childs, 
 D. A. Bingman, 
 F. T. Wilson. 
 
 H. B. Humes, 
 Rol)ort McCullough, 
 Joseph Wood, 
 
28 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 ADDRESS BY REV. E. J. GRAY, D. D. 
 
 "We meet to-day in the preseuee of a real and a 
 threat sorrow. Our lieai-ts are deeidy moved; tears 
 (•(tme unl/idden to onr eyes and a sense of personal 
 _i;rief steals into our minds as we sit in silence and 
 think of the loss we have sustained. 
 
 "A man has suddenly left us to return to us no 
 more — yes — a manly man^ — but more than that — a 
 neig-hbor has been taken from us without a moment's 
 warning or a word from the great Disposer of hu- 
 man events that he was wanted elsewhere. Yes, a 
 neighborly neighbor — but more than that — a friend 
 has quickly gone out of the cirxde in which he has 
 mov(Hl for half a century, leaving a vacancy which 
 can never be hlled. Yes, a friend — but more than 
 that. 
 
 "A man, a m'ighbor, a friend — answering to all 
 these names and relations in the highest sense was he 
 about whose bier we sadly gather this solemn hour. 
 
 "But he was, with all these ami beyond all these, 
 our distinguished fellow citizen — one of the men of 
 whom our city is justly proud. 
 
 "Ordinarily the near relatives and a few personal 
 friends comprise the 'mourners' at a funeral. But the 
 (lis]HMisation Avhicli brings us together in this sacred 
 place touches the whole community and projects its 
 sombre shadow into many other communities where 
 men and women will grieve as we grieve, and feel and 
 endeavor to measure their great loss as we feel and 
 endeavor to measure our loss to-day. 
 
 "Widely kn<iwn by his relations to journalism and 
 by his literary work, and highly esteemed wherever 
 known, the death of John F. Meginness will create 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 29 
 
 ti feeling- of personal bereavement, not only in this 
 city and county, Avhere bis friends are nnnibered by 
 thousands, but in all parts of the state as well, while 
 at the Capital of the nation many will mourn his de- 
 parture. 
 
 "Unobtrusive, without ost(4itation, never self-seek- 
 ing, never elainiing p(ditieal position or honor as a 
 reward for service rendered to principle or person or 
 party, he made a unique jdace for himself and filled 
 that place with such distinguished ability and yet 
 with such absence of self-appreciation which often) 
 blossoms into lu-ide and fruits into arrogance^ — that 
 his steadily growing power — his constantly widening 
 intluence in the field he chose tO' cultivate, as editor, 
 as correspondent and as historian, he awakened no 
 animosity born of partisan antagouisni, but won the 
 admiration and commanded the respect even of party 
 foes. 
 
 "And yet he was not a weak man or a weak writer, 
 pliant or compromising. His was a vigorous pen, a 
 strong pen, a keen pen, against what he believed to 
 be Avrong, a trenchant pen, cutting to the very mar- 
 row, but withal and always a kind pen, a generous 
 pen, a pen that freely accorded merit where it was 
 found, though not on the side of the question he ad- 
 vocated. 
 
 "John F. Meginness was an educated man in the 
 best sense of that often misunderstood term, largely 
 self-educated, but well educated nevertheless. The 
 faculties of mind and heart drawn out, enlarged, ex- 
 panded ahmg such lines of thought as brought har- 
 monious co-rqxn-ation of the mental and moral 
 powers, so that his profouadest intellections were al- 
 
30 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 waA>. strnii^ly ethical, expressed the best aud highest 
 tvpe of culture. 
 
 "No man can read what he has written, whether 
 in ephemeral newspaper correspondence, or in con- 
 cisely wrought eilitorials, or in the wider and more 
 difficult realm of history, and u«n be deeply impressed 
 with the conviction that in those arts of composition 
 which arrest attention, and awaken thought, and stir, 
 the emotions and stimulate the imagination, making 
 reading a delight by what it brings, he was indeed a 
 master. 
 
 "John F. Megiuness was an untisually intelligent 
 man. He was not only conversant with subjects of 
 practical aud general interest which come into the 
 daily life of the community, but he made exctirsions, 
 as writers of the seventeenth aud eighteenth century 
 would express it, into nearly all realms that allure a 
 mind aleit to its opporttmities and disjjosed to in- 
 vestigate for itself. While in general literature, 
 sacred aud secular, in science, in art, in sociology, 
 and in the various economics which find place or 
 utility in organized society, he would not have 
 reckoned himself an expert, yet in accurate, definite 
 knowledge in all these departments he was far be- 
 yond the average literary mau, aud in the sphere in 
 which he selected to 4abor for posterity,' to express 
 li in his own i)hrase, he easily ranked among the very 
 best. 
 
 "Diligent, studious, patient, painstaking to the 
 last degree, untiring, insatiable in his search for the 
 exact truth, not content until he knew personally by 
 actual contact with the facts he recorded, his his- 
 toric^s will become more aud more autimritative. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 31 
 
 more and more valuable as the years go by, forming 
 the solid, abiding fonndation upon which shall be 
 built an enduring fame. 
 
 "John F. Meginness was a remarkably sagacious 
 man. I do not use this term in the sense of shrewd- 
 ness, because that implies qualities of mind, or rather 
 of heart, by which he was not characterized. Eather 
 in the sense of that far-sighted wisdom which, from 
 various knowledges acquired from various sources, 
 only slightly related, might be deduced the right 
 conclusion. He was a fair man, hence the bias of 
 narrow prejudice did not obscure his vision, nor warp 
 his judgment. 
 
 "He studied men and measures as well as things. 
 He knew the public histoiT of a large proportion of 
 the public men of his day and the personal life of 
 many of them. He studied the probable motives that 
 actuated men in public station with a mind open to 
 receive the truth, and as a consequence he exhibited 
 rare wisdom in reading character. 
 
 "He knew more professional men, lawyers, doctors, 
 preachers, teachers, literary men than almost any 
 other man of my acquaintance. There was hardly a 
 man whose achievements were of any value to the 
 world in Central Pennsylvania with whose history 
 and work he was not familiar, and in frequent conver- 
 sations I observed that he spoke of the better side of 
 their life and work, manifesting a kindly charity 
 which seemed to cover up and forget their faults and 
 foibles and to hold in memory onh' their virtues and 
 the good they ha<T done. 
 
 "J(din F. Meginness was a broad-minded, generous- 
 hearted man. Magnanimous is a better word because 
 
32 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 it better expresses what I repird as the most oon- 
 spienoiis trait in his character. 
 
 "Etymolooically it means soiil-greatness; freedom 
 from petty, mean and ignoble motives and feelings, 
 and tilh^d with gcMienms impnlses whicli find scope in 
 cliivnlrons thinight and deed. If (me virtne more 
 than any otlier (htminated the life of onr departed 
 friend it was a chivalrons magnanimity whiclisonght 
 expression always toward all ab<mt liim in charitable 
 words and brotherly acts. 
 
 "In an acquaintance grcswing more intimate and 
 personal with tln^ lapse of years, and stretching 
 across a quarter of a century, including frequent con- 
 versations upon all current topics, and upon all ques- 
 tions which touch the life and wo'aI of the commu- 
 nity and the state, an<l upon ])ublic measures and 
 men ( oming int(> review by their relation to the pub- 
 lic good, I do not recall that the lips of J(din F. Me- 
 ginness ever framed intO' speech one liarsli or unkind 
 W(jrd concerning any human being. 
 
 ''The noble man Avhose sudden de])ar-ture we all so 
 sincerely mourn did not leave large accumulations 
 of money to his wife and children, but he left that 
 which is far bettta'. The word of God asserts that 
 'a g(fod name is rather to be chosen than great 
 richc^s.' 
 
 "You whose hearts are broken to-day and whose 
 home is desolate because one who filled heart and 
 home with the light and cheer and love of a provi- 
 dent husband and a tender father has gone out from 
 your sight and embrace, have the rich heritage of an 
 honored name. In the community where he was 
 best known; in the city where he spent the larger 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 33 
 
 part of a loiij^' and useful life, no name is more honor- 
 ed, more eminent for those manly virtues which, 
 standing for nobility of character, are the proudest 
 and most precicms legacy of wife and children, than 
 the name of John F. Meffinness." 
 
 ADDRESS BY C. LA RUE MUNSON, ESQ. 
 
 0. La Rue Munson, Esq., delivered a beautiful 
 eulogy. He had known the deceased for many years. 
 When the speaker first came to this city a boy, he 
 had occasion to visit the editorial room in which Mr. 
 Meginness was engaged in work. He had the 
 natural fear of the editor, a great personage, and he 
 approached him with mingled feelings. The hearty 
 greeting accorded him remained a bright spot in 
 memory ever since and the advice and help he receiv- 
 ed was of vast benefit. He referred to the deceased 
 as a historian and a journalist and of the great work 
 he had accomplished in life without one thought of 
 pecuniary gain. He was truly working for future 
 generations and his is a name that will never be for- 
 jrotten. 
 
34 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 PROnEEDINGH (^F TITE rUBLIO MEETINC^ 
 
 Following the fiineral ceremonies at the chnrch a 
 public meeting was held at the City Hall. J. J. Gal- 
 braitli was chosen chairman and T. P. Whaley 
 secretai*;v\ 
 
 The fi^llowing resolutions were adopted: 
 
 Whereas, In view of the loss that we, as members of the jour- 
 nalistic profession, have sustained by the decease of our friend 
 and associate, John F. Meginness, and' of the still heavier loss 
 sustained by those who were nearest and dearest to him, be it 
 
 Resolved, That it is but a just tribute toi the memory of the 
 departed to say that in regretting his sudden removal from our 
 midst we mourn for one who was in every way worthy of our 
 respect and regard; and 
 
 Resolved, That in the death of John F. Meginness the news- 
 paper profession loses a foremost member; we, his associates in 
 that profession, a brother who was ever ready to proffer the hand 
 of assistance and to impart advice that long experience made ripe 
 with wisdom; a friend and companion who was dear to us all; 
 the community a citizen whose upright and noble life was a 
 standard of emulation to his fellows; and 
 
 Resolved, That we testify to his indefatigable labors as a his~ 
 torian, by which he leaves posterity a priceless legacy, an appre- 
 ciation of which must become the stronger as time rolls on; and 
 
 Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the venerable widow 
 of our departed associate, and all other members of the bereaved 
 family. 
 
 REMARKS BY E. E. PERSON. 
 
 "It is written that ^Peace hath her victories no less 
 than war.' It is just as beautifully, just as impres- 
 sively true that peace has her heroes no less than war. 
 To-day we mourn one of these. 
 
 "By the death of Mr. Meginness the Nestor of news- 
 paperdom in the West Branch Valley has been re- 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 35 
 
 moved; there lias gone from anions; us a mau avIio, 
 by his years of hibor as a historian, had long since 
 becoue a public benefactor, and b}^ this same cease- 
 less toil has made for himself a name that is indelibly 
 inscribed upon the scroll of time, to be honored and 
 l>raised by future generations. 
 
 "But to-day I am especially desirous of paying a 
 word of tribute to the memory of Mr. Meginness as a 
 friend — as a friend and adviser of the young newspa- 
 })er men. In liim, as have the other young men of the 
 l)rofession, 1 often found a tutor whose advice was 
 golden; always given with that carefulness of de- 
 tail and kindliness of spirit that characterizes a 
 father when impai'ting knowledge to his son. 
 
 "Upon the grave of John F. Meginness no tear 
 will fall freighted with keener sorrow than that of 
 the young newspaper man; upon the tablet of noi 
 memory will there be engraved a sweeter remem- 
 brance thiin is cherished in the hearts of the 'boys' 
 \x\ui, having taken up the i)rofessi<m which he himself 
 had diguitied and elevated, he stood ever ready to 
 help oni to success." 
 
 REMARKS BY J. J. GALBRAITH. 
 
 "In meeting to-da}- to give some expression to our 
 grief o^'er the death and our regard for the memory 
 of John F. Meginness, we feel that we are called upon 
 to mourn the departure of a leading citizen as well 
 as an able journalist and historian. 
 
 "Mr. Meginness had been an active and vital part 
 of the life and progress of Williamsport for 30 years. 
 His residence here was co-equal with the life of daily 
 
36 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 journalism iu the city. For some time past the pro- 
 ject has been under consideratiou of haAdng a nieet- 
 ino; of the men who were identified with the first daily 
 papers of the city and he was prominently recogniz- 
 ed in that number. 
 
 "To-day we mourn over his almovst tragic death. 
 We miss him as a citizen; we miss him as a journal- 
 ist; we especially miss him as a friend. 
 
 "In this community the words are eminently true 
 that were spoken of Hamilton: 'His was a life in 
 which all had an interest.' 
 
 "It was not alone because he was a journalist and 
 historian that he was held in such high rei3ute, — 
 there are many journalists and historians, — but it is 
 because in these capacities and in all other respects^ 
 he was faithful, earnest and ever true to duty. He 
 never spared himself. He was a thoroughly con- 
 sci(Mitious laborer. He would allow no poor manu- 
 script to pass through his hands. I have known him 
 to laboriously transcribe lengthy articles in order 
 that accuracy, which was with him such an import- 
 ant matter, might be assured. He would repeatedly 
 rewrite many of his own productions until he could 
 get them to suit his rigid requirements. 
 
 "He possessed a resolute character. He was not 
 easily daunted. The same indomitable spirit that 
 sustained him when he marched as a bo}^, bearing 
 his musket, from Vera Cruz to the capital of the 
 M(mtezumas, animated him when facing every great 
 difficulty which confronted him throughout life. 
 
 "No man long retains a higher place among his 
 professional contemporaries than he is entitled to, 
 and Mr. Meginness did not have to die before obtain- 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 37 
 
 iuo' ovnerous ackuowledgment of his sterliii<^' quali- 
 ties from the newspaper men who knew him best. 
 
 "He was a true journalist, and the journalist is the 
 highest type of public man. A man who fully 
 measures up to the best standard in this sphere has 
 attained to exalted dignity, honor and usefulness. 
 
 "Vei^ few among those who are prone to speak 
 slightingly of editors have any conception of the high 
 type of integrity that obtains with the best class of 
 journalists. The men of no other calling have their 
 professional integTity so often or so severely subject- 
 ed to test. 
 
 "The world may well be congratulated that the 
 majority of editors are so much truer men than they 
 are deemed to be by unthinking people. 
 
 "We all feel deeply the death of our friend. We 
 recognize, however, the stern truth that 'death has 
 passed upon all.' It must be a fact that the death of 
 an individual is intended by the Supreme Director 
 of events not only to remind surviving friends and 
 associates that death will also be their portion, but 
 to stimulate tliem to earnest and habitual striving in 
 the direction of making their lives effective in their 
 own behalf as well as instrumental in helping up- 
 ward all the rest of humanity. 
 
 "The death of our friends has an influence upon 
 us as great if not greater than that of their lives. 
 The closer the friendship between us has been, the 
 more marked to us is the vacancy caused by its final 
 severance. 
 
 "As each friend is cut down by our side we are led 
 to recall the time we have spent together and to in- 
 dulge in vain regrets that we did not do more while 
 
IN MEMOEY OF 
 
 the opportunity was ours to lighten and brighten the 
 life of the departed. 
 
 "All that remains possible for us is to truly cherish 
 the memory of the one that has gone, and to profit as 
 best we may from whatever there was in such life 
 and character capable of yielding to us good." 
 
 REMARKS BY H. H. RUTTER. 
 
 H(m. H. II. lUitter, editor of the Muucy Dvinocidt, 
 said that he held the deceased in the highest esteem. 
 He had got to know him well in Mr. Meginness' 
 search after historical data, in which quest the 
 speaker had been able to render some little assist- 
 ance. 
 
 REMARKS BY M. J. BERNAUER. 
 
 M. J. Bernauer, of the Oammal Pioneer, expressed 
 himself as knowing Mr. Meginness only by reputa- 
 tion. He came to Williamsport to hear more of the 
 life-work of the beloved editor and historian, and 
 was glad that he had done so. 
 
 REMARKS BY DIETRICK LAMADE. 
 
 "In paying tribute to the memory of John F. Me- 
 ginness I can find no language that conveys the high 
 regard in which I held him. In his death every news- 
 paper man in the city has lost a friend — a friend the 
 like of whom is found but once in a lifetime. The 
 remembrance of him shall be cherished on memory's 
 fondest page, and his good deeds are most worthy 
 examples of emulation. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 39 
 
 "During the quarter of a century that I have 
 known Mr. Meginness I learned to esteem him as a 
 friend whose advice was a handmaiden to success, 
 and whose words were a^ sure passport over untried 
 paths. His own ripe experience has on countless oc- 
 casions proven of vast benefit to me. It was that un- 
 selfish, neighborly, indeed I might say fatherly trait, 
 that readiness to extend a helping hand, that made 
 of Mr. Meginness a friend of all who sought his 
 counsel. 
 
 "^'SHiile I do remember in our early history, wiien 
 lielping friends were needed, his encouragement shed 
 a gleam of light along a rugged pathway and his in- 
 terest in the welfare of our paper and ourselves made 
 smooth many of the rough places in the way. His 
 suggestions, his advice, his opinions, given with that 
 generosity that always characterized him, proved 
 fruitful with good results. I have known him to 
 stop in his own work to write for us an article which 
 in his keen discernment and ripe judgment he saw 
 was needed. 
 
 "He seemed always to regard his own interests as 
 secondary in his unselfish desire to help others, and 
 the amount of kindness shown his associates in the 
 journalistic profession is beyond measurement. This 
 alone is a monument of endearment that shall be per- 
 petuated in the hearts of his late fellow workers until 
 they, too, have followed him into the great beyond." 
 
 REMARKS BY F. E. MANSON. 
 
 "I would like to pay my humble tribute to Mr. Me- 
 ginness as a man, a journalist and a historian. As a 
 man he ijossessed an abundance of those qualities 
 
40 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 which compel recognitiou from all who admire man- 
 liness. He was straightforw^ard, possessed single- 
 ness of purpose, was regardful of the rights of others 
 and of his obligations to his fellow-men and to 
 society in general; was unselfish, generous to a 
 fault, and was happiest when he was instrumental in 
 making others happy. As a journalist he was ever 
 mindful of the duty the profession owes to the pub- 
 lic, which spun-ed him onward to the undertakings 
 that he would otherwise have avoided. In all pro- 
 fessional tasks he possessed the courage of his con- 
 victions, which gave force to his utterances and 
 brought results. His mind and pen never fell be- 
 hind the rapidly ensuing events and changing condi- 
 tions, and his advice to the young men of the profes- 
 sion was always strictly in accordance with the de- 
 mands of the times, and, fortified by abundant ex- 
 perience, together with complete knowledge of pres- 
 ent affairs, was always most valuable. As a histor- 
 ian Mr. Meginness must ever be credited with having 
 rescued from probable oblivion the story of the set- 
 tlement, early events transpiring in, and progress of 
 this West Branch Valley; and of having preserved in 
 a comprehensive and authoritative form an account 
 that will live through and keenly interest many suc- 
 ceeding generations. From a literary standpoint Mr. 
 Meginness' historical works will always receive com- 
 niL-ndationi. 
 
 "As a man, a journalist and a historiam, Mr. Megin- 
 ness will live with us for many years to come, not in 
 the flesh, it is true, but in the influences which he will 
 continue to exert upon us." 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 41 
 
 REMARKS BY J. W. SWEELY. 
 
 "There is little that I or any of us here can sa}^ or 
 do that will add to the many deserved tributes that 
 have heen ])ai(l to John F. Meginness or enhance the 
 measure of his fain(\ I do want to say, however, 
 that I believe his work m better appreciated by the 
 p(M)ple than we may think, and, as the years go by, 
 and its im])<)rtance becomes better conix>rehended, 
 lliis appreciation will increase. As Victor Hugo 
 says, 'The i-aiu effaces, the grass hides;' but no 
 t(jmbstone to John F. Meginness can ever be erected 
 from which the rain of oblivion will efface or the 
 grass of negl(M-t hide the fame of which his imper- 
 ishable and useful local history is the foundation. It 
 is only natural that strong men are never quite fully 
 appreciated in their own time. Cromwell's early 
 biographers doubted whether he was not the great- 
 est scoundrel in Fngland, ami now John Morley, his 
 laicst bicfgrajdier, is making him (mt a saint and his 
 revolution and reformation the salvation of the free- 
 dom of the English-speaking peoples. 
 
 "Mr. Meginness and his work are appreciated, as 
 the profound regret for his departure, shown by his 
 fellow newspaper men and this community, testify, 
 lie was a good man, a ])ure man, an h(tnest man, a 
 force of great power to his generation, and the world 
 is better because he lived in it. I consider it a high 
 honor that I could call him my friend — because he 
 was one who took a real and useful interest in his 
 fi'iends.'' 
 
 REMARKS BY O. S. BROWN. 
 
 "Through a period of a quarter of a century have I 
 known the late John F. Meginness, and all that has 
 
42 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 been iitterod re.naidini;' liini, both here and at the edi- 
 fice we ha\'e just left, I can most heartily endorse. I, 
 as an employer, can readily appreciate such a man as 
 John F. Meginness. He was capable, of unbounded 
 capacity and extreme newspa.per activity. As a. le- 
 porter, editor and a man he was careful to detail, 
 conscientious, scrupulously neat in phrase and point. 
 He neglected nothing. He was gifted with almost a 
 second sight, so clear and penetrating was his view 
 of coming events. His forecasts were seldom re- 
 versed by facts, unless his pen had tripped some 
 scheme concocted for some one's private gain and 
 not public good. His pen was a terror to the evil, a 
 blessing to the pure. To you of a fraternity whose 
 works are known to the public only by their results, 
 T can say of John F. Meginness that which none out- 
 s;id(» of your profession can as readily appreciate^ — he 
 "was a safe man. Once define a policy and you could 
 tru»t his pen for the rest. Personally I feel his loss." 
 
 REMARKS BY W. P. CLARKE. 
 
 "There is doubtless no one in the newsxiaper pro- 
 fession in this county who has not long since recog- 
 nized in John F. Meginness a leader in the particular 
 lines of work which he followed. He was the man of 
 men to whom the newspaper man could turn and feel 
 assured in doing so that the information, the advice 
 was freely given. Kind, generous, ever ready to as- 
 sist, he was the friend of everybody and never more 
 happy than when doing something to assist another. 
 
 "He was thoroughly unselfish, and from his boy- 
 hood (lays lived not for himself but for others^ As a 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 43 
 
 youth he devoted himself to his country and joined 
 her forces in Mexico, later in public positions, in the 
 civil war, in his journalistic experiences and his his- 
 torical work there was a sinking of self and a labor- 
 ing for the public good. 
 
 "We who knew him appreciated him and appreciat- 
 ed the works which he left as a legacy to posterity. 
 But those who knew him can never appreciate him as 
 will the generations who can never know him but 
 know of him through his works. 
 
 "Tireless, energetic, never knowing absolute fail- 
 ure, he spent hours, days among the musty papers in 
 the vaults of the court house, and tbe time-Avorn and 
 faded pages in its vaults, often to find that what he 
 was tracing was valueless and datai desired must be 
 searched for in some other quarter. Disappointed 
 but not disheartened, another start is made and the 
 goal eventually reached. Only one who has followed 
 such researches can know the trials, disappointments, 
 hard labor which his work entailed. 
 
 "Though he has left rich historical volumes behind 
 him, he has also left a wealth of manuscrii)ts, clip- 
 pings and data for other works which, had life been 
 spaTed him, he would have given us in finished 
 volumes. 
 
 "It seemed a fitting though a sad ending to this 
 busy life that it should close as it did. His chief de- 
 sire in recent months was to live to celebrate his gold- 
 en wedding. This accomplished, he wcmld be ready 
 to go. But a few weeks ago we assisted in that cele- 
 bration and remember still the pleasure with which 
 be and his estimable wife received our congratula- 
 tions. The day was over, but another duty remained 
 
44 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 to make it complete — the preparing of tlie 'Golden 
 Wedding Book.' At last it is done and, with happi- 
 ness written on his countenance, he hurries home to 
 give it to his family. It is the crowning act of the 
 golden wedding, and as he hands it to them, with his 
 finger on its title page, his marriage certificate, the 
 angel of death called him awav. May it find all of us 
 as ready to answer the summons." 
 
 REMARKS BY T. P. WHALEY. 
 
 "I wish to say but one word regarding appreciation. 
 Much has been said of the appreciation in which both 
 the public and the indiyidual hold the late John F. 
 Meginness, but no reference has yet been made to the 
 appreciation he felt for the work done under his direc- 
 tion. The only time in which I was associated with 
 him in the slightest degree in infonnation gathering 
 was while he Ayas compiling a history of this co'unty. 
 1 was asked by him to secure some data on industries, 
 lie gaye me a week in which to complete the work. In 
 24 hours, with the aid of my bicycle, I was enabled to 
 cover considerable territorj^, gather and deliver my 
 information. For this Avork he presented me with 
 two of his books. I was well repaid. I have read and 
 enjoyed them and they occupy a choice position in m}^ 
 lilrary. He has giyen me good advice and I hope 
 that I have profited by it." 
 
 REMARKS BY J. F. GOOD. 
 
 J. F. Good, of IJeuoyo, said that he was a boyhood 
 friend of Mr. Meginness, having been born in an ad- 
 joining township in Lancaster Oounty. They giCAv to 
 maidiood t<jgether and had always been great friends. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 45 
 
 REMARKS BY FEED M. LAMADE. 
 
 ^'Mr. Chairuian and Gentlemen: When on last 
 Saturday eveuing- the soul of that veteran journalist 
 and historian, John F. Meginness, took its flight this 
 community especially, and in fact the entire state of 
 Pennsylvania, sustained an irreparable loss and the 
 newspaper makers a true friend and loyal counsellor. 
 As a journalist Mr. Meginness adorned and dignified 
 the profession. At no time in his long newspaper 
 career did he stoop to anything undignified or un- 
 gentlemanly. Even had he ever been requested (and 
 what writer or editor has not?) to pen anything that 
 would reflect either on his profession or on the publi- 
 cation on which he was engaged, it wcnild have been 
 beneath his character and integrit}^ to have even as- 
 sented to such publication, much less to have an' ac- 
 tive part in the preparation of anything beneath his 
 idea of what should appear in public print. His idea 
 of a good newspaper was one that would elevate, en- 
 lighten and instruct. He wanted cleanliness. A 
 thing that was not clean and wholesome for his 
 readers was not fit for the columns which he prepared. 
 His cheerfulness at all times to the younger news- 
 paper men with whom he came in contact will never 
 be forgotten by the newspaper fraternity in this re- 
 gion, and his kind and sympathetic words of encour- 
 agement to many a young man has softened more 
 than once the hard road of adversity, and his good ad- 
 vice turned that same road in a prosperous and suc- 
 cessful direction." 
 
 REMARKS BY C. K. GEDDES, ESQ. 
 
 Charles K. Geddes, Esq., testified to the integrity 
 and the intellectual and moral character of Mr. Me- 
 
46 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 ginness, whom he had known for 30 years. It was 
 thron<;h the reading of the historical works of the de- 
 ceased that the speaker was led to locate in Williams- 
 port. He concluded by prophesying that a monu- 
 ment would some day be erected by the people of Ly- 
 coming County to the memory of Mr. Meginuess. 
 
 REMARKS BY W. W. CHAMPION, ESQ. 
 
 W. W. Oiampion, Esq., said that the work perform- 
 ed by Meginness as a historian was of inestimable 
 value to the people of this county. He recommended 
 that an effort be made to preserve intact the library 
 collected by Mr. Meginness. He said the books 
 wiitten by the deceased, and especially the informa- 
 tion gathered and as yet unpublished, was too valu- 
 able to be lost and should be so placed that future 
 local writers would have free access to them. 
 
 HE LOVED "THE BOYS." 
 
 John Budd said: "It was Mr. Meginness' custom, 
 when visiting newspaper offices, to inquire after 'all 
 the boys.' 
 
 "He was our friend, 
 
 'Mid greater aims 
 
 And mighty deeds, 
 
 Grant space to this one thought. 
 
 "We freely lend 
 
 Both mind and voice 
 
 In tribute meet to memory sweet 
 
 Of him. who loved 
 
 'The boys.' " 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 47 
 
 PKESS COMMENTS. 
 
 [From Grit, Williamsport, Pa., Nov. 12, 1899.] 
 
 It is sad mews that Grit conveys to its readers, this 
 morning in the annonncement of the sudden death 
 last evening of John F. Meginness; peculiarly sad in 
 view of the recent happy celebration by him and his 
 estimable wife of the fiftieth anniversary of their wed- 
 ding, in which so many friends and acquaintances 
 participated. And it is strangely co-incident with 
 this happy event that Mr. Meginness should expire 
 with his finger on the title page of a newly-bound 
 volume containing the letters of congratulation and 
 regret received on that occasion, which gave him so 
 much satisfaction. 
 
 It is almost impossible to believe that one apparent- 
 ly so robust and vigorous should be so suddenly cut 
 off; and the suddenness of the sad event will shock 
 thousands of people who have for many years known 
 and respected Mr. Meginness as a man, esteemed him 
 as a journalist, and extolled him as a historian. His 
 life work, a large part of which was done in the hope 
 of increasing the knowledge of his fellow men, stands 
 as a monument to perseverance, enterprise and en- 
 ergy without which he conld not have overcome the 
 obstacles he did. His work was well done, and, 
 mingled with the sorrow which his death will cause, 
 will be sincere praise for the accomplishments which 
 will perpetuate his name. 
 
48 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 [From the Gazette and BuUetin, Williamsport, Pa., Nov. 13, 1899.] 
 
 Mr. John F. Meginness, who less than three weeks 
 ago celebrated with such interestinig ceremonies his 
 golden wedding anniversary, passed suddenly from 
 eartlily joys and scfrrow^s on Saturday night last. 
 While congratulations upon the happy anniyersary 
 were still reaching him, his earthly career was 
 abruptly closed. 
 
 His death, which under any circumstances would 
 have been deplorcMl by all who knew him, lias by rea- 
 son of its tragic suddenness fallen like a thuuder-clap 
 upon the public. 
 
 lie had lived beyond the scriptural three-score and 
 ten limit, and long as was his life, it was as busy as 
 it was extended. Not many fully realized what a 
 strong character has been going in and out among us. 
 He was a man of unusual energy, industry and appli- 
 cation. He was most persistent and indefatigable in 
 the pursuit of any work in which he was engaged. As 
 a journalist he displayed great zeal, care and 
 thoroughness. It was a matter of constant thought 
 with him never to keep printers waiting for copy. 
 Well known as he was for his historical labors, very 
 few were aware of the vast amount of work which he 
 performed in the ccdlection of the materials for his 
 historical iiublications. He deemed nothing too dif- 
 ficult to be accomplished in this line. 
 
 He took great pride in Williamsport and was ever 
 read}' to do anything within his power to advance the 
 city's interests. His death removes from her popu- 
 lation a citizen who aided materiailly in extending her 
 good name and to whom she owed a debt of gratitude 
 of no small dimensions. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 49 
 
 There will be genuine mourning over his taking off. 
 That mourning will not be confined to this city, nor 
 even to this state. The journialists of William sport 
 will deeply regret the dispensati(m that will take 
 from them his presence and the benignant and inspir- 
 ing influence of his personality. 
 
 The Gazette and Bulletin, whose editorial columns 
 he so long and so ca])ably manag(Ml, desires to pay a 
 tender tribute to his memory and to offer its sincere 
 sympathy and consolation to his deeply afflicted fami- 
 ly and kindred. They have the comforting reflection 
 that throughout his long and active career he never 
 failed to "(^uit him like a man." 
 
 [From The Sun, Williamsport, Pa., Nov. 13, 1899.] 
 
 The death of John F. Meginness will come with a 
 greater shock to none outside his family than his local 
 newspaper contemporaries, by whom his life-work 
 was, for obvious reasons, intelligently appreciated 
 and his warm and genial personality understood. 
 His death is a loss to the entire community, and is 
 particularly pathetic in view of the recent celebra- 
 tion of his golden wedding, still fresh in the public 
 mind, when he looked to me not a whit older than at 
 any time these five years past. As a citizen, Mr. Me- 
 ginness enjoyed a character above reproach; as an 
 editor and historian, his work speaks for itself and 
 will continue to speak when all now living are silent. 
 
 The friendly interest which he exhibited toward the 
 younger newspaper men of this city and valley, the 
 concern which he felt in their work and welfare, of 
 which I am pleased to say I have had personal knowl- 
 
)0 IN MEMOEY OF 
 
 edge during my acquaintance of ten years with him, 
 was a most estimable trait of his unselfish character. 
 
 What impressed me most about Mr, Megiuness as 
 an editor and a writer was his prodigious industry 
 and lii« uncompromising desire and insistence for ac- 
 curacy. He was an indefatigable worker and, in his 
 historical researches, as he once told me, had read 
 pages of old, dr^^, musty archives in our court house 
 here, and in fact in all the county seats of the West 
 Branch Valley, as well as at the state capitol, in order 
 to secure historical information or verify a fact which, 
 when written out in his work, would perhaps not oc- 
 cupy more than four or five lines. A loose statement 
 or an uncertain one, unverified, when susceptible of 
 proof, was his special detestation, and this is one 
 reason why his local historical work is so important 
 and so valuable. 
 
 Although retired from active journalistic work in 
 leceut years, his pen was never idle, and he retained 
 to the end that interest in journalism which is pecu- 
 liar to all newspaper men. Mr. Meginness, I know, 
 had a, lively appreciatiom of the increased exactions 
 ( (f UK fdern j ( jurnalism, and realized that conservatism, 
 by reason of the fierce competition that has developed 
 and the rapidity with which events now crowd upon 
 each other, has yielded in degree to a prescience that 
 must sacrifice something to accuracy. "The editor of 
 to-day," he once said to me, "must not only know 
 what happens to-day; he must know more: he must 
 be able to look ahead and know what is going to Imp- 
 pen to-morrow." This paradox shows how keenly he 
 perceived the change that progress has wrought in 
 the uns])aring and nerve-grinding demands of the ]5ro- 
 f ession he loved so well. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 51 
 
 Mr. Meginness, besides his tireless energy and in- 
 (Instiy, possessed a vigorous, concise style, and a com- 
 ])reliensive grasp' of Ids subjects apparent in the 
 many details of his historical work. He abhorred 
 anything sensational or artificial, and his diction 
 was as rugged as his own sturdy self, dominated by 
 a solid vS( (jtcli tenacity of intuitive direction, as his 
 vigorous body was dominated by the sound Scotch 
 blood which coursed through it and of which he was 
 so proud. A man of deep convictions, formed after 
 careful and mature deliberation, he could generally 
 be depended upon to assert and maintain them with 
 all the argumentative vigor of which he was ca])nble, 
 regardless of results; and nobody can help but ad- 
 mire that kind of a nian. Removed by his semi-re- 
 tirement of later years from the acrimonies and amen- 
 ities of the editorial harness, he occupied a unique po- 
 sition in this city — admired b}^ his contemporaries, 
 of whose interests he was always so thoughtful, and 
 esteemed by the whole community for his beautiful 
 and simple life, as well as his valuable contribution'? 
 to the local historj^ of the valley, which will be his 
 enduring monument. He was one of our foremost 
 citizens, and in accordance with his usefulness and 
 the real permanent value of the services of his life as 
 they affect the community in which he lived, was, I 
 feel safe in saying, the most prominent local force of 
 his generation. 
 
 JAMES W. SWEELY. 
 [From The Eveuinij News, Williamsport, Pa., Nov. 13, 1899.] 
 
 John F. Meginness is dead. A busy, useful life has 
 calmly and peacefully closed. The hand which was 
 so well known throusihout the state and which was 
 
r)2 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 knoAvn to everybody in Lycoming County, has laid 
 down its pen for the hist time and has put it away for- 
 ever. 
 
 John F. Meginness is dead. Beloved by all Avho 
 knew him, respected by everybody, at enmity with 
 none, he has passed from among us. 
 
 For more than 30 years Mr. Meginness has been 
 prominently identified w^ith the journalism of this 
 city and has been its chief representative in the liter- 
 ary field. He occupied a place which was peculiar- 
 ly his own, and his researches gave him a most 
 thorough acquaintance with the early history and 
 people of this locality. He was a walking encyclo- 
 pedia of local historj^ and was ever ready to impart 
 his knowledge to those who sought it. 
 
 The works which his ready pen has left contain all 
 that is known of the early history of the West Branch 
 Valley and will live as books of reference long after 
 those who knew him in his lifetime have joined him 
 in the great beyond. He has builded his own great- 
 est monument w ith his pen and has written his name 
 indelibly acrcKSs the AVest Branch Valley, where fu- 
 ture generations who knew him not cannot but see it. 
 
 The author of many books of history, local to this 
 and other idaces, it was his oft-repeated wish that he 
 might be able to live to write for his descendants the 
 st(fry of the celebraticm of the golden wedding of him- 
 self and Mrs. Meginness. His Avish was gratified. 
 The anniversary Avas celebrated October 25 last, and 
 Mr. Meginness returned from Sunbury Saturday 
 night, bearing the book Avhich the binder had that 
 day delivered to him. He Avent to his home, opened 
 the iiackage and Avith his finger upon his marriage 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 
 
 53 
 
 certificate, the title page of this, his last work, his 
 life weut out. 
 
 His work was done, its culmination was reached, 
 the volume he had wished to live to write was com- 
 pleted, he was ready to go, and with his going Wil- 
 liamsport lost a citizen whose place will be difrtcult 
 to fill, one who will be greatly missed. 
 
 [From The Pennsylvania Sfethodist.] 
 
 On Satur<lay afternoon last Mr. John F. Meginness, 
 (>f Williamsport, was in Harrisburg, and as was his 
 wont ])aid a visit to the Book Rooms, where he was al- 
 ways a welcome caller. Then, despite his more than 
 three-score years and tenj he was in health, his eye 
 was bright, his step firm, his spirit joyous, and his 
 conversation full of interest. He bought several 
 books, talked of the recent celebration of the 50th an- 
 niversary of his marriage, and left Harrisburg at 4 
 o'clock, aft(H' having bidden what proved to be his 
 last g(((>d-bye to a number of old friends. 
 
 That evening, while examining an account of the 
 golden w^edding ceremonies which had been publish- 
 ed, he suddenly died at his residence. The shock is a 
 gevere one, for to know John F. Meginness was to ad- 
 mire and love him. He was born 72 years ago In the 
 toAVUship of Golerain, Lancaster County. He worked 
 on his father's farm during the earlier years if his 
 life, had not many advantages of education, but had 
 naturally a strong and active brain. He possessed a 
 martial spirit and served in the regular army during 
 the Mexican War. Upon his return from that strug- 
 gle, and after his honorable discharge from the 
 United States service, he settled in Lycoming County, 
 
54 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 where he was maiTied and for more than fifty years 
 had been an honored resident of that section of 
 Peninsylvania, 
 
 WheUf the Phihidelphia Pnss was started in 185S 
 by the late Colonel John W. Forney, Mr. Meginness 
 became a regular contributor to that paper over the 
 signature of "John of Lancaster." And only on Sat- 
 urday in a pleasant and jocular manner he told the 
 writer how he came to use that nom de plume. The 
 late William (\ Tobey was a celebrated war corre- 
 spondent of the X<)>-t]t AiDcricaii and other Philadel- 
 phia i)apers during the Mexican war over the signa- 
 ture of "John of York." He also published a paper 
 in the City of Mexico during its occupancy by the 
 American troops. Mr. Meginness was a great friend 
 of Mr. Tobey's, and the idea suggested itself that as 
 there had been a "John of York" in newspaper cir- 
 cles, a "John of Lancaster" was eminently appropri- 
 ate. Mr. Meginness- contributions to the rnss al- 
 ways commanded much attention and were frequent- 
 13^ republished in other papers. 
 
 For a number of years he had been editor-in-chief 
 of the AVilliamsport Gazette and Bulletin, and gave 
 that paper a position of importance among the jour- 
 nals of Pennsylvania. Of late years he had been en- 
 gaged in the compilation and publication of many 
 works, bibliographical and otherwise. But a few 
 months ago he finished a history of the State of Dela- 
 ware, and was engaged to prepare one on Lancaster 
 County, which is in contemplation. His Avork on the 
 Lycoming Count}' Centennial in 1895 is a standard 
 authorit}^ He was painstaking and careful, wrote 
 with ease and fluency, and weighed well all his 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 55 
 
 sources of information before giviuo- them xmblicit}-. 
 
 But a few days ago he commemorated the fiftieth 
 anniversary of his marriage, whicli was made the oc- 
 casion of a very pleasant event by his okl friends and 
 neighbors. A large number gathered at his place of 
 residence, and his aged wife and himself were the 
 recipients of many happy remembrances. 
 
 John F. Meginness was an honest man and a de- 
 vout believer in the Christian religion. He is gone. 
 The condolence of many friends all over the state will 
 be freely extended his stricken and bereaved wife and 
 family. During seven 3^ears of pastoral service in 
 Williamsport the writer found him always the same 
 kind, genial, accommodating, brotherly brother, and 
 feels deeply the loss sustained. Only four or five 
 hours could have elapsed between his visit to the 
 Book Rooms and his departure for his eternal home. 
 Surely "in the midst of life we are in death." "After 
 life's fitful fever he sleeps well." Vale et vale to the 
 sturdy old editor, correspondent and bibliographer. 
 
 [From The Tvlegmph, Harrisburg, Nov. 13, 1899.] 
 
 It may be said of Jolin F. Meginness, the veteran 
 journalist and historian, wlio passed away in Wil- 
 liamsport on Saturday night, that he died in the har- 
 ness. Had lie lived many more years before laying 
 down life's burden, he would not have considered his 
 life work ended. He was a most indefatigable work- 
 er, and always for the good of those whO' were in- 
 terested more than himself in his work. Entering 
 journalism when a young man, he received that best 
 of all trainings for the active newspaper man. — the 
 
)6 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 training' of a conntry printini;' office, and this splen- 
 did training- showed in all tlie work of his after years. 
 He was one of the moulders of public opinion in the 
 West Branch region for many years, and to his credit 
 be it said that he never advocated an unworthy cause 
 or taught his people that might was right. lie was 
 always in the right, and he plodded along year after 
 year doing- his duty nobly until advancing years caus- 
 ed him to retire with honors. It was his activity as 
 a historian — his collection and collation of facts in 
 the history of Pennsylvania affairs and families to 
 which he was especially devoted. Ills historical 
 works are classics, strictly accurate as to facts — 
 facts gained after long and patient research, and it 
 was said of him that he never quit his subject until 
 he had thoroughly exhausted it, and there was noth- 
 ing more to say. It is this that made his work in- 
 describably valuable from a historical point of view, 
 and gained for him a place among Pennsylvania his- 
 torians that it will be hard to fill. It is a pleasure to 
 record that in some historical matters he was so 
 thorough that nothing remiains to be done, and that 
 future generations will have completeness in many 
 things when in search of information. The archives 
 of Pennsylvania were a favorite study with Mr. Me- 
 ginness, but it was not always to the written paper 
 that he confined himself. lie met people, those of 
 by-gone generations, and from them he learned much 
 of historical value that he published for the benefit 
 of posterity. That his merits were recognized is at- 
 tested Ijy the high esteem in which he w^as held by 
 men in all circk's of life. Best of all, he w^as beloved 
 by his neighbors, those whom he met in every-day 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 57 
 
 lifV, and kiKnv liim iiitinmtely. The kindly, j^entle- 
 niauly soul was iiicapiable of doing an injustice to 
 anybody and so he made Mends, and liaving made 
 them, kept theni to the end. In his life there is an 
 example for the young- men of the present day. He 
 was a, good citizen, a brilliant man of his profession, 
 and having lived the three-score and ten year^, he 
 goes to his fathers, wept over and mourned by all 
 classes. Peace is with him. 
 
 [From The Pres.'i, Philadelphia, Nov. 16, 1899.] 
 
 Mr. Meginness had a. notable careetr. He was born 
 in Lancaster Cbunty in 1827. His earliest journal- 
 istic work was on Jersey Shore papers, and after- 
 ward in Illinois. In 1847 he enlisted from his native 
 county of Lancaster for service in the Mexican war, 
 and was present at the victorious entry of the Ameri- 
 can army into the Oit}^ of Mexico. Subsequently he 
 taught school in Lycoming County, and from 1809 to 
 1889 was editor of the Williamsport (iazcttc and 
 JiiiJlcfin, over which journal his som, William War- 
 ren Meginness, now presides. Over the nom de plume 
 ©f "John of Lancaster," Mr. Meginness wrote histori- 
 cal and other volunrinous papers. 
 
 Death came to this conspicuous writer at a mo- 
 ment (^f complete happiness. Three weeks ago he and 
 his good wife celebrated their golden wedding. Mr. 
 Meginness returned home hastily late Saturday night 
 with a memorial volume of the event that he had 
 coinijih^l, and opening the book he proudly remarked 
 to his wife, "Look at the title page." As he uttered 
 
58 IN INIEMORY OF 
 
 the w<jrds lie droi)pe(l dead from heart disease. The 
 ]t;i,i;e to which he pointed contained tlieir marriage 
 ccntiticate. 
 
 [From The PhilmMphia BecorrJ, Nov. 13, 1899.] 
 
 Tlie news of the death at Williamsport on Satur- 
 day hist of Jolm F. Meginness, one of the oldest and 
 most widely known newspaper men of Pennsylvania, 
 will be read with regret. The long career of this 
 veteran editor was a nsefnl and honorable one. He 
 was a forcefnl and versatile writer and achieved 
 j)rominence both as journalist and historian. His 
 ITistory of the West Branch Valley is a valuable ad- 
 dition to the annals of Pennsylvania, remarkably 
 iich in details and written with marked exactness. 
 
 [From The licportcr-Jounud, Towanda, Pa., Nov. 16, 1899.] 
 
 The news of the death at Williamsport on Satur- 
 day of John F. Meginness, one of the oldest and most 
 wi<lely known newspaper men of Pennsylvania, was 
 r-ead with regret by many people in this section of 
 the state, particularly by those who take an interest 
 in local history. 
 
 Mr. Meginness was a veteran of the Mexican wai^ 
 and held a government position during the civil war. 
 He was connected with the Williamsport Gazette and 
 Bullvi'm in various editorial capacities for 20 years 
 continuously, until his retirement from active news- 
 paper work in 1889, and contributed many articles to 
 New York and Philadelphia papers over the nom de 
 plume of "John of Lancaster." His "History of the 
 ^Vest Branch A'alley of the Susquehanna'' is the only 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 59 
 
 accurate book of reference which deals with that 
 region. 
 
 [From The Gazette, Athens, Fa., Nov. 16, 1899.] 
 
 He was one of the best known newspaper men in 
 the state, a man in love with his work; and his con- 
 tributions to local history will be a monument to his 
 menior}^ through many succeeding generations. 
 
 [From The Morning Tribtme, Altoona, Pa., Nov. 14, 1899.] 
 
 Pennsylvania, journalism has been bereft of one of 
 its shining lights by the death of the veteran John F. 
 Meginness, who expired suddenly at his home in Wil- 
 lianisport on Saturday night last. It was only a few 
 weeks ago that he and his wife celebrated their gold- 
 en Avedding, and it was while in the act of exhibitiug 
 the "Golden Wedding Book," which he had just 
 brought home from the binder, that he was stricken 
 down. Mr. Meginness was a journalist of a high 
 order of talent, Avliile his contributions to the history 
 of Pennsylvania have been interesting and import- 
 ant. He was born in 1827, so that he attained a 
 good old age, carrying with him into the eternal 
 world the love ajid veneration of hosts of friends. 
 
 [From The Star-Independent, Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 13, 1899.] 
 
 The deaith of John F. Meginness, of Williamsport, 
 historian of the West Branch Valley, and for many 
 years connected with the newspaper press of that 
 city, will be profoundly regretted in literary circles 
 as well as by his host of personal friends aud admir- 
 ers. Mr. Meginness was well known and highly es- 
 teemed in this city. 
 
60 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 [From The Patriuf, Hanisburg, Pa., Nov. 14, 1899.] 
 
 The sudden death of John F. Meginness, at Wil- 
 li anisport Saturday night, removes one of the veteran 
 newspaper men of tlie state. As the historian of the 
 West Branch A^alley, he had long enjoyed distinction. 
 He was an editor for thirty -five years. On October 
 25, Mr. and Mrs. Meginness celebrated their golden 
 Aveddino-. 
 
 [From The InteUigcncer, Lancaster, Pa., Nov. 13, 1899.] 
 
 For twenty years deceased was editor of the Wil- 
 Ijamspcjrt (UizvUc and BuUitin. lie has written many 
 historical books, among which Avere: "The History 
 of the West Branch Valley," "The Lost Sister of 
 Wyoming," and the "History of Lycoming County." 
 
 [From The Gazette, Wellsboro, Pa.] 
 
 Mr. Meginness was one of the best known news- 
 paper men in the state, a man. in love with his work, 
 and his contributions to local history will be a monu- 
 ment to his memory through many succeeding gener- 
 ations. 
 
 [From The Scranton Truth.] 
 
 John F. Meginness, the journalist and historian, 
 Avho died at William sport last week, was a man of 
 great industry and of most gentle nature. It was my 
 ]ih asureto enjoy his ac(]uaintance someyears ago. He 
 was greatly interested in the early life of the Wyom- 
 ing and LackaAvanna Valleys, and Avrote a beautiful 
 l).ist(U'y of Frances Sloeum. Mr. Meginness had a 
 notable career. His earliest journalistic Avork Avas 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 61 
 
 on Jersey Shore papers, and afterwards in Illinois. 
 In 1847 lie enlisted from his native county of Lancas- 
 ter for service in the Mexican war, and was present 
 at the victorious entry of the Americain army into the 
 City of Mexico. Subsequently lie taught school in 
 Lycoming- County, and from 1869 to 1889 was editor 
 of the Williamsport GazvUe and BuUdiii, over which 
 journal his son, William Warren Meginness, now pre- 
 sides. Over the nom de plume of "John of Lancaster" 
 Mr. Meginness wrote historical and other voluminous 
 papers. Death came to this conspicuous writer at a 
 moment of complete happiness. Three weeks ago he 
 and his good wife celebrated their goldeu wedding. 
 It would be well for all of us if our memory could be 
 cherished as kindly as that of the gentle and noble- 
 souled John F. Meii'inness. 
 
 [From The Wdlsboro Af/itafor.] 
 
 Ml'. Meginness wrote a large part of the history of 
 this county recently published, and he was the author 
 of numerous historical works relative to this state. 
 lie followed journalism during middle life. He was 
 a genial, broad-minded and industrious man, and his 
 cliaracter was so clean that he enjoyed the respect 
 and confidence of all acquaiutauces. 
 
 [From The MiUonian, Milton, Pa.] 
 
 His devotion to the local history of the West 
 Branch Valley in his later years has taken up all his 
 time and' he cared for nothing else, unless it was some 
 descriptive article. He was a gentleman of the old 
 
62 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 school, was kiud, courteous and Avas always a fa- 
 vorite amoug all newspaper men. 
 
 [From The Wilkes-Barre Record, Nov. 13, 1899.] 
 
 John F. Meginness was probably the best known 
 and surely the most able newspaper writer in Central 
 Pennsylvania, and had acquired a wide reputation as 
 a journalist and historian. 
 
 For a period of thirty-five years Mr. Meginuess de- 
 voted his time to editorial work, and for nearly a 
 quarter of a century was editor-in-chief of the Wil- 
 liamsport Gazette and Bnlldin, being succeeded nine 
 years ago by his son, Warren W. Meginness, the 
 present editor. 
 
 Mr. Meginness was an indefatigable investigator 
 of the local aunals of the West Branch Valley, and 
 through his efforts alone much valuable data which 
 othei-Avise would have been lost was saved for the 
 benefit of ])osterity. Over a score of historical woiks 
 and pamphlets were written by Mr. Meginness, nota- 
 ble among them being "The Lost Sister of Wyoming" 
 (a history of Frances Slocuni); "The History of the 
 West Branch Valley" and "The History of Lycoming 
 County." 
 
 After Mr. Meginness had retired from active news- 
 paper work he devoted his time entirely to his his- 
 torical work, and his contributions to the press of 
 Williamsport and the West Branch Valley under the 
 well known nom de plume, "John of Lancaster," ap- 
 l)eared with more or less frequency and were of per- 
 manent interest. 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 63 
 
 Mr. Meginness was held in high esteem by the news- 
 ]i;i]ier men of Willianisport, many of whom had ac- 
 (!iin'(Ml their training- nnder his watchfnl eye, and at 
 his recent wedding anniversary publishers, editors, 
 reporters ami printers united in showing their appre- 
 ciation. 
 
 [From The Echo, Moutoursville, Pa.] 
 
 The sudden and unexpected death on Saturday 
 night of J<din F. Meginness, the veteran journalist 
 and historian of the West Branch Valley, was a great 
 shock to his thousands of friends. Mr. Meginness was 
 a man who commanded the universal respect of every 
 man who ever had any dealings with him in any way, 
 and was recognized as one of the most able newspa- 
 per men in the state and a historian far beyond the 
 ordinnry ability, and his work will speak volumes for 
 him away down through the ages of years that are 
 yet unnumbered, and the people of generations yet 
 to come will honor and revere his name for the many 
 good things that he has done, and the historical 
 guides that his master mind and never-tiring hand 
 has placed before the people, the good effect and 
 benefit of which is destined to be as indet-;tructible as 
 the everlasting mountaims and hills of Lycoming 
 Ciounty, his chosen home. Ti^uly he labored for pos- 
 t^erity. I i 
 
 [From The Mimcy Luminary, Muncy, Pa.] 
 
 It is with a feeling of deep sorrow and sincere re- 
 gret that The Lumwary chronicles the sudden death 
 of the veteran newspaper man and local annalist, 
 
04 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 John F. Megiiiness, who, under the pen name of 
 "John of Lancaster," Avas for many years an interest- 
 ing" and Ycduminons writer upon local history and 
 genealogy. The work of the local annalist is sehloni 
 fully appreciated by his contemporaries, and we ven- 
 ture to say that the some twenty volumes which came 
 from the pen of Mr. Meginness will be more and more 
 highl}^ prized as the years go by. 
 
 In the forty or more years that have passed away 
 since the publication of his first book, "Otzinachson; 
 or. The History of the West Branch Valley," he has 
 steadily worked at the collating and preserving our 
 early annals, and it is due, in large measure, to his 
 unremitting toil that so much of the material relat- 
 ing to the early history of our beautiful valley has 
 been reclaimed before it became irretrievably lost. 
 This work, on the part of Mr. Meginness, was largely 
 a labor of love and brought no sufficient pecuniary re- 
 turn. 
 
 lie was a tireless worker and a conscientious in- 
 vestigator, and spent days, weeks and even months in 
 the ardu<nis labor of searching musty official records 
 and family papers in order to verify a tradition or es- 
 tablish a reputed fact. He sought to found every 
 important assertion upon a basis of truth, and herein 
 lies much of the value of his life-long work — its 
 authoritative character; Mr. Meginness can always 
 be (juoted as an authority. His style was easy, his dic- 
 tion i)ure, an.d the future historian of Central Penn- 
 sylvania will of necessit}^ have to rely much ui)on the 
 work of "John of Lancaster." 
 
 M]-. Meginnefjs was genial, honest and a hater of 
 sham and hypocrisy. While he worked among the 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. <35 
 
 records of the misty past, he always had an absorb- 
 iiiii'; interest in the living- present, and was a great 
 newspaper reader. The collectino' habit had taken 
 full hold of him and his library contains much that 
 is rare and unique. 
 
 [From The Rcr aid, 'Jersey Shore, Pa., Nov. 15, 1899.] 
 
 Mr. Meginness was one of nature's noblemen, 
 generous, kind and affable. He was one of the oldest 
 editors of the West Branch Valley, and w^as known 
 far and near as a. man of remarkable literary ability 
 and possessed of a wonderful ('onstitution, and rare- 
 ly made a failure of any undertaking. He was honest 
 and upright, in all his dealings with his fellow men, 
 and wherever known he was held in the highest es- 
 teem. The young editor always had a warm place in 
 his heart, and many, many encouraging words he ut- 
 tered to those who were struggling to gain a place 
 in journalism. He seemed to delight in giving en- 
 couragement where he thought it was most needed, 
 and with his great experience and knowledge of hu- 
 man, nature, he .sought out those who were weak and 
 inexperienced, and helped to lift them up and give 
 confidence to push forward. Men of his forethought 
 and magnanimity are few in these days of the busy 
 business world. All his efforts in this line were not 
 lost to him, nor have they fallen fruitless to the 
 ground. Many are they to-day who will rise up and 
 praise him for his many kind words and acts. While 
 not possessed with much of this world's goods, yet he 
 has gone down to his grave full of years, honored and 
 respected, loved and eulogized as but few are, which 
 
QQ IN MEMORY OF 
 
 is far greater than riches. His death is deeply 
 iiiourned because he was a useful and valued citizen, 
 and many there are to-day Avho will drop a tear to 
 his memory. John F. Meginness has gone out from 
 anioiig us, but we will ever remember him as a kind, 
 good advising friend. 
 
 Mr. Meginness was the father of seven children, all 
 of whom are respectable, well-to-do citizens. These 
 and the estimable wife, with many friends and ac- 
 quaintances, deeply mourn his sudden demise. 
 
 Leaves have their time to fall, 
 And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath, 
 
 And stars to set, — but all, 
 Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O Death. 
 
 [From The Muncy Democrat, Muncy, Pa.] 
 
 To announce the death of a fellow citizen, one 
 whose life has been an example of goodness, and 
 whose character has been above reproach, is a sad 
 duty to perform. Yet hctw much more sad it is when 
 we are called upon to convey the announcement that 
 one whoi has been a strong character, a wise adviser, 
 a true-hearted friend to the younger element of the 
 newspaper fraternity, has suddenly gone from among 
 us. 
 
 John F. Meginness was a noble character, an honor 
 to the profession, whose memory will be indelibly in- 
 scribed in the hearts of all in the fraternity who knew 
 him. Not only wais he the Nestor of newspaperdom 
 in the West Branch Valley, but he was authority of 
 the local history of the valley. A journalist of honest 
 convictions, whose trenchant pen was always g'uided 
 b}' a pure heart; an historian whose researches have 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 67 
 
 placed his works ainono' the most accurate; a man 
 whose acquaintance was broad and whose knowledge 
 of men and things extended beyond the ordinary. 
 The works of John F. Meginness will live on, an ever- 
 lasting monument to his genius and the busy life that 
 has taken its deimrture. 
 
 John F. jMeginncss will be missed; his happy greet- 
 ings, his warm hand and cheering words will never 
 more gladden the heart of those laboring in the liter- 
 ary and ncnvspaper field. He has finished his course, 
 his lifeV: work is o'er, and his rest is one of eternal 
 happiness. 
 
 [From The Vidette, Jersey Shore, Pa.] 
 
 The suddc^n and unexpected death of John F. Me 
 ginness, of Williamsport, on Saturday evening, Nov. 
 11th, 1890, removes from the ranks of journalism, 
 and historical literature, one who had no local rival. 
 He has, by his indefatigable labor in the gathering 
 and collation of historical matter relating to the 
 history of the West Branch Valley, erected a monu- 
 ment that will preserve his memory to future genera- 
 tions. As a writer, Mr. Meginness was facile and 
 pleasing, and always interesting; as a man, genial 
 and companionable, a loving husband, and fctnd par- 
 ent. ' ' ■ ' _ : : 
 
 [From The Cameron County P/-('s.s.] 
 
 Thus passes away another of the old school editors; 
 men known for their loyalty to friends and principles. 
 
 ii,(>f.C. 
 
68 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 [From The Columbian, Bloorasburg, Pa.] 
 
 He was au editor for upwards of thirty-five years, 
 and quite frequently during tluit time has writtea 
 articles jicrtainiug to the history of C^olumbia C(;uu- 
 ty, always writiuj;' over the sig"nature of "John of 
 Lancaster." His last narrative, in which he described 
 a trip through this county, appeared in many of the 
 jtajx-rs hereabouts only a few months ago. 
 
 [From The Eenovo Becord.^ 
 
 Mr. Meginness was one of the best known newspa 
 per men in the state. 
 
 [From The Ledger, Philipsburg, Pa.] 
 
 As a local historian he was well and widely known. 
 
 [From llie Gazette, Driftwood, Pa.] 
 
 His was a busy and useful life. He labored for 
 posterity. 
 
 [From The Mill Hall Times, MiU Hall, Pa.] 
 
 John F. Meginncss, the veteran editor and noted 
 hist(;vian,died ^ ery suddenly at his home in Williams- 
 port on Saturday evening last. He Avas well known 
 throughout the West Hranch Valley. 
 
 [From The Morning Courier, DuBois, Pa.] 
 
 JVIr. Meginress was one of the oldest and most wide- 
 ly known journalists in the state, and Avas also a his- 
 torian of note. He Avas the maker of the Gazette and 
 Biillefiii, and author of the History of the West 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 69 
 
 Braufli Valley, botli of which are well worthy to 
 stand as momuments of a successful life. 
 
 [From The 3Iinor, Montgomery, Pa.] 
 
 The life work of John F. Meginness will live and 
 be referred to when all now living and generations 
 3'et unborn have i)assed away. No marble shaft is 
 necessary to ktH'ii green his nienioi'y. To the newspa- 
 per men of the present day his kind and fatherly aid 
 and advice was ever ready, and, outside of his family, 
 his cheer}^ and ever welcome voice will be missed 
 by none so much .'».,s these. His grand and elevating 
 personality made him the friend of all he came in 
 contact with, and his loss is one of the greatest this 
 county hyis sustained in many years. 
 
 [From The Huffhesville Mail.} 
 
 The death of John F. Meginness is a great loss to 
 the field of journalism and the literai-y world, es- 
 peciiiily so in the West Branch Valley, where his 
 noni de plume, "John of Lancaster," had become a 
 household word. The young and struggling journal- 
 ist will feel that he has lost a counsellor and friend, 
 for there was none to whom the young in harness 
 could go so freely for consolation and inspiration. 
 His life is an example for all who labor along the 
 same lines, one worthy of emulation. 
 
70 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 
 
 ACTION TAKEN AT A MEETING OF LYCOMING CHAPTER. 
 
 At a ineetiui'' of Lyeomiiis;- Chapter, 1). A. II., held 
 on Friday, November 17, 1899, the following minute 
 was recorded: 
 
 "Whereas, In the wisdom of an all-wise Providence, Mr. John 
 F. Meginness has been called from his earthly historical researches 
 to a heavenly knowledge of events; 
 
 "Resolved, That in his death Lycoming Chapter, D. A. R., has 
 lost a valued friend, one whose interest in it was ever active, and 
 to whom we could, always refer with perfect confidence in his 
 historical lore. Our loss is far-reaching and beyond expression. 
 
 "Resolved, That we extend the sympathy of this Chapter to 
 the bereaved wife and family. 
 
 "Resolved, That a copy of this tribute be entered in the records 
 of the Chapter, and that copies thereof be sent to the daily papers 
 and to the family." 
 
 ACTION OF LANCASTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 At a meeting of the Lancaster County Historical 
 Society, held at Lancaster, Pa., December 1, 1899, 
 the following minute on the death of J. F. Meginness, 
 an honorary member of the society, was offered by 
 S. M. Sener: 
 
 "John Franklin Meginness, who was an honorary member of this 
 society, passed into rest on November 11, 1899, at Williamsport, 
 Pa. He was born in Colerain Township, this county, on July 16, 
 1827. He was an indefatigable delver in historic lore, and ac- 
 complished much in preserving for the years to come great 
 treasures in history, biography and genealogy, particularly in the 
 West Branch Valley. His familiar signature was 'John of Lan- 
 caster.' 
 
 "This society deeply regrets the loss of this great fellow-worker, 
 and extends its condolence and sympathy to the family of the 
 deceased, and directs that this fact be entered upon its minutes 
 and sent to the family." 
 
JOHN F. MEGINNESS. 71 
 
 IN MEMORY OF "JOHN OF LANCASTER." 
 
 The shades of night have closed around — 
 The bells have rung their solemn sound, 
 The preacher and the orator, too, 
 Have said their last farewell adieu. 
 
 The gap is filled, the ranks full made, 
 And memory lingers in the shade. 
 With collected thoughts in faith to wait 
 The outcome of that eventful state. 
 
 The work is done — the pen laid down, 
 And he has donned the immortal crown; 
 No painful expectation wounds — 
 No disappointed hopes nor sounds. 
 
 But an eternal peace, the goal, 
 Fills with delight his raptured soul. 
 The sun that shone for seventy years, 
 No more his eyes will dim with tears: 
 
 With ransomed spirits, 'mid the blest, 
 Has entered on eternal rest. 
 The gage of battle he has won. 
 And now has laid his armor down. 
 
 The heavenly cohorts bore him way 
 To victory and eternal day. 
 Peace to his ashes, may they rest 
 Until the trumpets' signal blast 
 Proclaim toi men the end of time. 
 The resurrection all sublime. 
 
 A. J. QUIGLEY. 
 Williamsport, November 16, 1899. 
 
^ 
 
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LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 
 
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