Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-07-25

er moved to Cedar county. where no
resided until 1s47. when he returned
to Muscatine.
Enters Newspaper Field.
At an early age Mahin was appren-
ticed to Stout and Isreal. proprietors OF
the Bloomington Herald.
Under the tuition of Stout and Is
real Mr.. Mahin learned the trade and
the profession which he made his life
work. His first duty consisted Of maxi
ing fires. linking the press, carrying
the weekly issue to the town s,ibscrib-
ers and making himself generally use
full after the immemorial custom OF
printing shop apprentices.
Had Abolitionist Surroundings.
From Stout ne learned the right for
the principles he considered right. no
matter what the cost. Stout was an
abolitionist and despite threats. de-
spite the unpopularity Of such a
course in those early times In Missis-
sippi towns, openly and boldly de-
nounced slavery. From Isreal. 1t may
be- he first learned the evils Of intern
rearance, seeing them exemplified In
the life Of man whom he admired
and respected. Isreal died as the re-
suit Of his incorporate life, and there
can be little doubt that this fact made
q great impression upon the early life
Of his young apprentice.
Stout and Isrcal could not survive
the financial difficulties which most
editors in those early days were COM
PEELED to face. and about a year after
Mr.. Mahin entered the office they gave
up the fight.
Change Name to Journal.
Under the regime of f. A. G. Fore
man, who came to bloomington from
New Boston to take over the Herald
plant. and Of Noah NJ. Mccormick. wfE
purchased the plant after Foreman
had been compelled to suspend publ
cation, and who changed the name, Of
the paper to "Muscatine Journal"
young Mahin remained as an employe
Of the office. Under Mccormick he
was allowed, in addition to his SER
vices as printer, to write both editorial
comments and accounts of local news
happenings.
Mahins Buy the Journal.
Mccormick was q fair business man
and managed to keep the plant going
for number of years, but in July.
1852. sold out to the Mahins, father
and son, and John Mahin was installed
as editor. position which, but for
one break. he held for the ensuing
half century. Tho a number Of part
ners were taken into the concern at
different times. Mr.. Mahin remained
as the head of the paper turnout all
of the changes, save only during
the intervals from the time the Mahins
sold out their interest in January,
1855, to Charles II. Wilson, until John
Mahin again purchased an interest in
the paper in 1856. In 1857. John Mahin
assumed full charge of the paper
again. In 1866. L. D. Ingersoll pur-
chased a half interest in the Journal
and remained associated with Mr..
Mahin for two years when he severed
his connection with the paper, and
James Mahin, a brother took an in
terest, which he retained until his
death In December. 1877. The follow
ing year. the Journal Printing Com
pany was organized. of which concern
Mr.. Mahin remained the head until
Jan. Is. 1908. when the stock Of the
company was purchased by A. w. Lee,
H. M. Sheppard and w. L. Lane.
From the time that Mr.. Mahin came
into full control Of the Journal until
the later years Of his life in Muscatine
he devoted practically all Of his ener-
giles to the Journal and its affairs.
During many years he served the peo-
pie Of Muscatine as postmaster effic-
iently. During the last half decade Of
his residence in this city he held the
position as United States postoffice I'm
spector, position. which In spite OF
adding years, he filled competently and
well. "
Consistent and Fearless Foe.
Turnout his editorial service, Mr..
Mahin was a consistent and fearless
foe Of the liquor traffic. He carried his
opposition to such lengths that he
made some bitter enemies for himself.
But neither the enmity of his foes nor
the advice Of well meaning friends ever
turned him from the pathway he had
chosen. because he believed it right. In
the darkest hour OF his life in Musca-
tine. his home. together with those Of
two other prominent residents. was
blown up following the bitterest part
Of the struggle in Muscatine. during
the days Of the old -prohibitory laws.
vi Lie HiSHt VI WAY ~, 1SVo' his IioiiAo
was wrecked and he and his wife and
children, together with a maid en-
ployed in the house escaped with
their lives, only az If by a miracle.
Not even this dastarly deed served
to cool his ardor for the cause in
which ne had enlisted, not for sim
gle battle or campaign but until the
fight was ended. It is significant that