The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1888-11-30
JOHN S. DlCKERSoN DEAD.
One of the Ablest and Most Brilliant of
Montana Journalists gone to Rest.

John S. Dickerson, died in Helena, Thurs.
day of last week. We never had the pleas
ure of meeting or communicating with him
personally, but recognized in his work the
best that has ever been done on the Montana
press, and that kindly fraternity which so
endeared him to intimates extended to us,
although a stranger to him, and was fully
reciprocated. We join sincerely with his
personal friends in mourning the loss of one
! who stood at the head of the Montana press
In many of the essential elements of a journ-
alist, and who we believe was worthy in
every way the following eloquent words by
one who knew him we'll:
Helena Record, Noe, 23rd.
John S. Dickerson died yesterday. Thus,
sadly and in dreary pain passes from a
world, to him not over bright, and soon, too,
alas, from the memory uf his fellows, one
who, while he has dom as much as any one
man in shaping the destinies and furthering
the progress of the community in which he
labored, is himself comparatively unknown.
Always in the busiest of the busy throng,
and engaged in a calling which perhaps more
than any other, needs a devoted and concen-
trated attention, John S. Dickerson still
found time to make friends who loved him,
and courage to make enemies who feared him
In the exceptional combination and bal
lance OF the mental and moral faculties
which separate truth from error and discern
justice, he stood prominent. The power to
reason with precision and with that unhalt-
ing swiftness which his work made necessary
~os Iio IN nm or,J;vorr jorroo u;, loo,, -,
tellect drove its way through fallacy and sub
terfuge relentlessly. His heroic courage was
as insensible to the seductions of friendship
as the censure of the ignorant and narrow
minded. All the powers that constitute the
superior equipments of the modern jour
nalist were his by Mountaineering logic,
prodigious memory, stable judgment, puri-
tive Of motive, true lmpartiality, transparent
clearness, swift and sure reach for the essence
of every matter, Indifference to applause,
adherence of the mean, the false, the hypo.
critical; high sense of the true dignity of his
~position-he had them all. Of petty ami
mostly he was totally devoid. He tenderly
respected the conscience of every man; he
counseled with and obeyed his own. Wealth
or the emoluments for which the sordiu Ugh
he never sought. His best efforts were con-
secrated to the high duties entrusted to him.
He never carried the power and preroga.
tjves of his public position into his pers onal
quarrels. He never used them for patronage
of family or riends. He never employed
his opportunities as a commentator or critic,
to promote faction or to secure political or
commercial gain. In all his labors, so sud-
ddenly cut short in the prime of life, he has
done as much as a brilliant mind |
could do towards bringing Montana iourn-
allsm into its present proud position.
In his private life, John S. Dickerson was
unfailing friend, a loving husband, and a
kind father. His glowing virtues were such
Is have helped the world in which he lived:
faults hurt only himself. The onward
rushing world which he has left NAV soon
forget him, but the place he left wi! long re-
main untitled.
MT. Dickerson was born at Springfield, ILL.,,
IN the 9th OF March, 18iS, and was therefore
passed forty years of age. His early aim was
he practice of law, and he was at one time a
.tudent in the law Office of the PRESIDENT
elect, Benjamin Harrison. Later, however,
le gave up the law aud entered journalism.
lis first active work, we believe, was editor
the indianapolis Sentinel, in the campaign
1876. Six years later he became managing
.dltor OF the Pioneer Press, where he made
nue. record. He was also Associated Press
gent at that point. In 1886 he became edi.
or OF the Helena Independent, and the adj
'ance in the point of circulation and in1u.
nee made by the paper Immediately on his
stunning charge are sufficient proof Of his
~'1onounced ability. On severins his con-
lection with the Independent he became
ditor OF the Butte Miner. Next he went to
pokane Falls as editor of the Chronicle, and