Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-01-14
The Old Family Journal.
TvDographical "reminiscences.

a
We have received the PriNiers' Cire'dar tor
December. This excellent Periodieal--espe-
eially valuable 70 the craR--edited AID pub
Eshed at Philadelphia, by r. S. MENANIN' ESQ
contains Part III Of the History Of the Column
bia Typographical Society Of WASHINGTON
DC. comprising great deal that is highly
interesting. We copy the following notice OF
,JouS s. GAuAHER Of Washington City, who,
in 1921 was Vice President of the Society, and
was At one time Senior Editor Of this paper
uisa tribute as fitting as it is deserved to one
Of the Oldest members Of the fraternity-and
We are glad to see that the younger brethren OF
the quill are not disposed to eonsign their ven
cradle predecessors to oblivion;
John s. Gallaher was decided acqu'si-
tiou. From his first admission he gave eEl-
depce of superior abilities. His reports drafts
Of constitutions resolutions, and motions eN'-
denced aptness and forecast most unusual even \,
in our profession Of admitted intelligence nc
emo ~ Washington with a volunteer company
- 1914 and remained here for nearly seven
49, MAS foreman Of the Washington ia
80. ,r5 afterwards employed in the lntell-
- 49, alongside such well-6nowu crafts
- a. JebieI Crossield, Tree, and Severance.
NJ q tben returned TO bis native State. and
iD 1891 established the Harper'S Ferry Free
prcss. since known as the Virginia Free Press
~ Charlestown. which paper became popular
and influential. and was conducted with SlsnaI
ability I'm the interests Of the Wing party, whHe
a..
minor local topics and incidents 50 necessary
for a general newspaper. Inc peVPN ."
fers0u County recognized VT. ". uio'l'S "
ecctiug ham to the House OF De'es"'SS' I'D
which rapacitv he served five years, and was
accorded leading part IA all the business OF
that b.dv. He was eleven years magistrate
AMI member Of the County Court Of jefferson.
H. 1S95 Mr. Gallaher removed 20 Richmond
90 edit the Compiler, and Afterwards, Tor three
ve,-s was one Of the editors Of the Wing. In
1910 he published the Woman, As a campaign
paper in support Of Harrison and Tyler
Health failing, in the autumn OF lS4l he re-
turned TO jefferson and resumed labor on hiS
pet paper, the Free Press. Ia the spring Of
1912 he was again sent % the House OF Dele
yates. wherein he continued two years. In
1874 bis Senatorial district returned him Co the
Senate. during which period he also became
editor Of the Winchester Republican. In DC
tober. lS49. he was appointed Third Auditor
Of the Treasury. in which capacity be won
general sppro}ation as an industrious, eucr-
retic and courteous officer The turn Of the
p1Fucll wheel which elevated General Pierce
n the Presidency, caused the removal, in April,
1858. II Mr.. G On being thus elected, his
ola friends Gales & Seaton gave bin place
on the Intelligence, with the Characteristic re-
mark. that they were always ready % share
their last crust with one of their former assist
ants. The war. which devastated the Potomac
region. DESTROYED the Free Press establishment
and the laborSof forty years. After some years
of suspension this popular Journal was revived
I'M 1865. and Is now conducted by brother
and nephew Of its eminent founder. Mr. Cal
lahcr IS now the oldest Of the editorial corps of
VIRGINIA. having had a service of furtv-seven
wears Adverse fortune has compelled him, at
the age of Seventy-two o. accept a cIerSShip
lar beneath his claims and capacity, IN which
position the aptitude which printers expert
ence always gives for toll and research enables
him tl bee sizually efficient. We have heard
that be occasionally contributes 90 the ucw>pa-
pers of the city, from the rich stores OF mind
charged with the gleaninCS Of fifty years, arti-
cIes reple,e with facts illustrative Of that sound
craftsmanship which obtained with those who
controlled IN the golden age Of the Republic
but nearly an Of whom have passed from the
theatre Of life, leaving only few disciples to
scatter the teachings Of sages aud patriots,
among whom we may rank John =. Galaher
as a distinguished contribution from our craft.