Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1888-09-01

HENRY CLAY LUhENs' Mt n,.P
editors and journalists Of the land or has
done more to develop their worth. As
early as 1858 he was associated with
George Alfred Townsend, the famous
Cath" In the conduct Of The School
Journal, one Of the first papers devoted
to educational subjects. The roll Of the
papers with which ho has been connected
or to which he has contributed Is sufii-
cieIf commentary upon the arduous labor
which has characterized the greater por-
tlon Of his life. and includes all the prin.
cipM Philadelphia or New York dailies
and weeklies, from 1867 to the present
date. He did important special historical
work during 1S11-2-3 as life member Of
the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
With his artist friend, the late James A.
Wales, he organized and was one of the
first staff Of Judge in 1881, and his ex.
cellent humorous work, In prose and
verse. was feature of the earlier
volumes Of Puck.
In 1877 he received 1attering offer to
join the editorial staff Of The New York
Daily News, then conducted by Beniamin
Wood and Nathan $. Morse. He accepted,
and founded the "Pith and Point"
column, which In q short time became
famous, and which for many years was
the chief vein in which tired editors and
would be humorists found the materials
for their fun and jokes. This column con.
sisted Of quotations and original work in
the proportion Of about one TO three, and
was devoted to a pleasant satirizing Of
passing events and the foibles of the day.
In this column he won the good feeling Of
the journalistic fraternity by invariably
giving credit to the author Of every line,
no matter how distant or Insignificant.
80
SO great was the success Of "pith and
Point" that Mr.. Lukens compiled little
volume Of its best sayings and published 1t
under the title of 'Jets ana Flashes"
This charming brochure made great hit,
not only in this country but in Canada
and England. 1t has run through three
editions and is still staple work In the
book stores and upon the news stands of
the land. 1t has been quoted as often
pnd as thoroughly republished piecemeal
In tho American press ps Mark 1wain's
"Gnnocents Abroad" Artemus Wards
sayings or John Squibob's "Phnnixiana."
As versifer Mr.. Lukens' fame has been
pbsured by that Of the humorist. He
has been recognized and appreciated by
the critics, and Ills biography appears In
many hand books of American poetical
iiteruluTo' III tue TeCeutiy puDllSneu
"Cyclopedia Of American Biography"
from Appletons press, he receives grace
full recognition. His poetry has been
chiefly fgurativs, and has appeared In
The New York Ledger, The Journalist,
Judge, Puck, Texas Siftings, New York
Daily News, Brooklyn Eagle, San Fran.
cisco News Letter, Norristown Herald and
other leading journals. His verses are
delicate, melodious, and usually full Of
both sentiment and humor.
He very clever prose writer, bringing
TO the drowsiest subject tho delicate
humor and poetic thought which are 30
marked In other fields. His versatility Is
best illustrated by the fact that he has
written Christmas stories for The Yonkers
Gazette, narratives Of travel for The New
York Herald, Appleton's Journal, specials
for The New York World, satires for
Judge, biographies for The Ladies' Home
Journal, humorous editorials and news
items for Texas Siftings, leaders and
literary studies for The Journalist, Of
which admirable class weekly he was
managing editor for two years.
Mr. Lukens IL still in the prime Of life.
and is active as ever. He Is very happily
married and lives In Jersey City. He has
one daughter and son who Is connected
with Current Literature.