It is a wonderful record to read after years has tempered the judgment of the reader.

The Rushville Standard is the dean of the press in Sheridan county. Thirty-six years ago it was founded by Ed. L. Heath, who afterwards served the county and district in the state legislature. For many years this journal has been in the capable hands of C. L. Mayes, who delights to reproduce from the old files bits of past history, relating to pioneers living, or those who leaving an indelible impress, have "passed on."

The Rushville Recorder is ten years the vounger, being established in 1894. G. M. Cooper is the present efficient head of this journal.

The Gordon Journal, now so efficiently managed by the Leedoms, Boyd S. and Joe W., assisted by Caroline Stubblefield, dates back to 1891. This period of thirty years has liven

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

under the management of several ownerships. Editor Jones appeared at the head of this paper in its initial stages. Later H. G. Lyon the present postmaster of Gordon, who takes an active interest in historical affairs, was owner. H. D. Leedom once owned it, and sold it to J. G. Clark. Clark sold it to the two Leedoms, who are the present owners.

The antecedent of the Journal, was the Sheridan County Gazette, established in 1884, by L. O. Hull. This was the first paper published in the county, and had it continued uninterruptedly to the present time would have been a year or more older than the Rushville Standard.