Old Missoula

When Judge Woody Was Editor

The Time Of His Resignation Called To Mind By Story In Madisonian.

Missoula people will remember well Frank Conway, who was for some time a member of the editorial staff of the Missoulian and who for the past few years has been with the Anaconda Standard at its Butte office. Recently Mr. Conway went to Virginia City to assume editorial charge of the Madisonian, the pioneer newspaper of Montana.

A few days ago the following communication was received from Mr. Conway, which will be of interest here:

“I am acting as editor for the Madisonian, also enjoying my vacation, the first one in two years, by working a little harder than usual. In going over the files of the first volume of the Madisonian of 37 years ago, I find the following story of interest to Missoulians, which I am sending you.”

From Madisonian.

The story in the Madisonian appeared under the caption, “Newspaper Changes Hands,” and is as follows;

“Frank Woody editor of the Missoulian, died an editorial death last week. He printed his own obituary and said he died for private purposes and commercial reasons. He leaves the Missoulian to the supervision and control of his former partner, towit;

“Warren R. Turk, Esq., will assume full control of the Missoulian, both as editor and publisher, and, being a vigorous writer and a practical printer, the patrons of the paper may rest assured that they will continue to receive a paper well worthy of their support.

“After this, he says adieu to the rest of us paste-pot and scissors lights in the following touching tribute, which is accepted;

“’To our brethren of the paste pot and pencil of the territorial press we tender our sincere thanks for the many kindnesses and courtesies received at their hands.’

“We hope our friend Turk may never be a ‘Sick Turk,’ and ‘laboring like a Turk’ will continue to make the Missoulian a lively and interesting sheet.”

This little story was printed on Saturday, March 14, 1874, when Tom Deyarmon was the proprietor of the Madisonian and John R. Wilson was the local and associate editor.

The above article appeared in The Missoulian on December 6, 1910.

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