The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-08-16
, Death of a Veteran Editor.
From the PIesa.

From the PIesa
DR.. John II. Champion expired at his
residence in this city, 4O7 North Wash
ington street, Tuesday morning, Aug.
13, 1895, aged 80 years and s months.
He had been an invalid for over seven
years; for two weeks past he had
failed perceptibly, but was confined to
his bed only four days, and the release
from life came without struggle. He
was prominent citizen and staunch,
aggressive Democrat, and before his
health failed was active in city, county
and state politics-always as patri-
otto politician, not as wire-puller.
John Harris Champion was born in
Starkville, Herkimer Co., n. Y, Dec. Is,
1914. At the age of seventeen years
he commenced teaching school in his
native village. He chose the medical
profession and entered the medical de-
partment of Hobart College, Geneva,
n. Y, from which he was graduated in
1841. In 1912 he was married to Caro-
line G. Fowler, of Oriskany Falls, n.
Y, who survives him. He leaves no
children. He practiced his profession
thirteen years, but its duties proved too
severe for his health, and in 1854 he re-
moved to Adrian, Mich. There he be-
came connected with the Watchtower,
daily and weekly Democratic news
paper, first as editor and later as one of
its proprietors. In May, 1866, having
some property interests in Shiawassee
county, he removed to OwOsso, and in
the autumn of that year purchased a
half interest in the Owosso Press,
then published by Messrs, Green and
Lee. a few months later his sister-in-
law, Mrs. Jane A. Church, purchased
the remaining interest, and the firm be-
came j. II. Champion 81 Co.
Mr.. Champion loved newspaper work.
He devoted his life to the building up
of his paper. His whole soul was in it,
his pride was in its success. Under his
management the OwOSSO Press was
raised to high position among the
best country newspapers in the State.
His close application to business un-
nerved his system, and in February,
1888, he had an attack of nervous pros
tration which confined him to his house
six weeks. He recovered sufficiently
to ride daily to his Office on tricycle.
and to attend to some light duties, but
he was a constant sufferer from verti-
go which incapacitated him for his for
mer work. The additional labor thus
thrown upon his partner was too heavy
and September 4, 1890, the plant was
sold to the present proprietor, III. Kirk
White. But Mr.. Champion never
lost interest in his beloved Press.
Since he left business, a period of near
ly five years, he has never failed to
make his trip on his tricycle. to this
office on Wednesdays to get his Owosso
Press in advance of the regular deliv-
cry, except when unavoidably prevent
ed from going.
John H. Champion was always q
Democrat. He cast his first presiden-
tial vote for Martin Van Buren,, and
ever afterward adhered to the Demo
cratic party as the party for the people,
never Wavering or losing courage
through all its dark days. During his
entire newspaper work, covering near
ly thirty years, his paper was always
Staunchly Democratic, and he fought
for clean politics.
The growth and prosperity of Owes
so were dear to Mr.. Champions heart,
and he always gave encouragement to
every worthy enterprise. He took great
interest in the Ladies Library from
the organization of the Association,
and the columns of The Press were
always free to everything which could
promote its advancement and aid the
struggling women in their work
A striking characteristic Of Mr..
Champion was his high moral standard
of character, and he bore out that
standard in his own life He hated
duplicity and loved honesty for its own
sake. He will be remembered for
sound Judgment and integrity of char
acter wherever he was known. AL
though not communicate in the Epis-
copal church he loved its service and
for the past forty years has been
steady supporter of that church, and
has served on the vestry of Christ
Church, this city.
Mr.. Champion leaves four sisters,
three in the State of New York and
one in Ohio.
The funeral will take place Friday,
at 2 o'clock, p. M, from the residence,
under the auspices of the Masonic fra
ternity, Rev. Sherwood Roosevelt Off
ciating.
The County Sunday School Rally.