Butte semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-24

~fession who ever came to Montana had q
more thorough comprehension Of the in
tricate railroad systems OF the country.
and none was as familiar as he with the
bearings of any new project, particularly
those in the Northwest. His familiarity
with the Northwest and matters concerning
it extended to every question OF public inn
portance connected with it. He was init
mate with most OF the men in public life
in the Northwest, and was trusted freely
with Information about many important
projects and undertakings long before they
became public property.
As a writer, Mr.. Dickerson was quick,
keen, logical and forcible. His caustic
pen was well known to all his brother
journalists, and his power OF repartee
made him a dangerous antagonist to en-
gage. He was an indefatigable worker, and
could accomplish an immense amount OF
labor at his desk. There was nothing sem
timental in his makeup, and he was al
ways too busy with the practical side OF
life for moralizing, but when occasion pre-
sented be could exhibit as much and as
true tenderness, expressed with rare felic-
ity, as any Of his professional brethren.
He wal born in Springfield, Illinois, forty
one years ago and began life as a telegraph
| operator. He studied and acquired stem
| ography when young, and was soon one
| of the most proficient professors OF that
| art. Through the practice OF it he formed
| d taste for the law. which he studied in
| Indianapolis, where for a time he was pri-
| vate secre cary of General Harrison, the
/! P~resident-elect. His legal studies were not
extensive, however, and he gravitated into
journalism in indianapolis, for which he
soon evinced his high aptitude. He soon
| became editor of the Sentinel" n here
&C Iuired a thorough knowledge of politics
| and politicians in Indiana, which was OF
great service to him in after years, being
personally acquainted with the leading men
of the State. He then accepted the posi-
ton OF court stenographer to Judge
Gresham, where he remained for several
years, reporting some OF the most im-
portant patent suits in the country which
camo up 10 Judge Gresham's court.
Later he vent to Chicago where for a short
time ne was connected with the Times"
and from there be went to st. Paul going
upon the staff of the "Pioneer Press ." He
soon assumed a leading position on the
paper. His labors on this journal at ole
time became very exhausting, the entire
management OF the editorial and city de-
partments falling on his shoulders and the
result was that he had to retire from active
journalism for a season., taking a trip to
the National Park and spending d season
in Bozeman, Montana. Returning to st.
Paul he resumed his connection with the
"Pioneer Press" and vent as its special
correspondent to the seat of war in Cana
da at the time OF the Riel rebellion where
he rendered brilliant service, getting his
paper news of the final defeat OF the Riel
forces twenty-four hours ahead of the other
papers. He afterwards became Associated
no detail of the press service of the country
with which he was not familiar.
Three years ago ne made his advent in
Montana journalism as editor of the
Helena "Independent," and the change he /
wrought in the appearance and character
of that journal at once stamped him as a
true journalist. 1t attained to a standing
in the Northwest which subsequent editor
ial changes have never lost it. He was as
ISOLATED then with another brilliant young
journalist, Joseph E. Hendry, whose recent
death is yet a sad memory to the press and I
people of Montana. |
A year ago last June, he became editor
OF The MINER, and for a time rendered ex-
cellent service, taking a quick and accurate
view OF the questions of interest to the
city. 1t was here that the writer made his |
acquaintance, aud a more genial, consider
ate or helpful associate never existed. From
his almost illimitable store OF information
public matters, he was generous OF his
knowledge. while the energy with which he
Of work was contagious.
He vas q most genial and entertaining
COupdulous dnu ~ may Wel ue 5dlu bHaG
to know him, when at his best, was a
liberal education. There was nothing
egoti-tical about him, and be had not the
trace OF vanity in what he had
done, but he was always generous in his
praise OF others. He was strong in his
friendships and his hates, and deep-seated
in his convictions and a resolve once
it was useless to try to change.
Leaving Butte little more than a year
ago, he went to Spokane, where, with W..
Knight, he engaged in the publication of
5he "Chronicle." Dissatisfied with the in
adequacy of Spokane as d field for jour
he returned to Montana, and at
7lle beginning OF the summer resumed his
Did position on the "Independent." His
health failed him here and he retired from
jhe paper, becoming secretary and CORE
,pondent for w. A. Clark during his
'ecent canvass of the Territory. His
abors in this way brought on a severe
;old at Livingston, which developed into |
pneumonia on his return to Helena, result |
ng fatally yesterday. He leaves a wife {
md two children. His faculty for forming {
riends made him widely known oyer the
Northwest, and many will learn with regret {
he untimely ending of one OF the brightest '
NJ most vigorous intellects that ever c
journalism.