In October L. B. Cary became proprietor. In 1905 R. H. Willis was publisher. The Platte Valley News began in 1903. These two papers were consolidated into the News-Blade, July 24, 1908. J. M. Lynch became editor and remained in active charge of this paper for some years until Bruce Wilcox, its present editor, took charge. Wilcox served as register in the United States land office at Alliance, and is one of Morrill county's best men. He married Miss Oliver, one of the first families in Hackberry canyon community.

The story of the Bridgeport Herald is inseparably woven with the story of the recent years of the life of Charles D. Casper. Knowing Mr. Casper for twenty-seven years, the editor-in-chief, in appreciation of his public service, will permanently record some of the eulogies spoken at the time of his final call from the earthly duties.

C. D. Casper

It was the doctrine of old paganism that the gods gave nothing to mortals without severe toil, acting upon the principle that labor conquers all things and "time will bring its own reward."

C. D. Casper struck out in the great ocean of busy life and struggled heroically with its waves. His standard of work was the same in public as it was in private life. He knew no compromise when principles were involved. He was genial and social in his intercourse with friends, always thoughtful and considerate of the feelings of others. His life is a splendid exposition of those quiet, guiding precepts of the highest type of our citizenship. He crowned it all with a Christian faith that stripped death of all terror to him. Rev. King, of the Presbyterian church of Bridgeport, of which church Mr. Casper was a member, preached a funeral discourse. The Masons, of which lodge Mr.