The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Melanie Lessen, The Quill
As many of you know, I am new at The Quill. For my own benefit, I thought it important to know the history of the paper, that has informed the area for over 113 years.
I've always known quite a bit about the history of the paper, due to the stories my grandmother, Mary Belle, would tell me about our family history.
Before I get to my family's involvement, I will start this history lesson with Mr. McDonald, the man who started The Quill in 1892. Only after a few issues, he then sold the paper to Dr. I.M. Martin and a Mr. Charles Comstock, who published it for several years then selling it to Fred A. Wilkinson and James E. Morford.
In 1904, the men leased the paper to my great-grandfather Harry W. Bradshaw, Mary Belle Sharpe's father. He and Boyd Campbell were publishers for one year. Morford died in 1905 and a partnership was born between Wilkinson and Bradshaw. After the death of my grandfather, in 1950, his sons, H. Byers and William E. Bradshaw took over the management of the paper. The Quill was independent politically, enjoyed a large circulation, and named as one of La Harpe's greatest assets under the Bradshaw reign.
Harry W. Bradshaw passed away on June 25, 1950 at his home at the age of 69 years. The editor's newspaper career had lasted 53 years. He was the oldest businessman in point of years of service, due to the fact his career began at the age of 16. As a very young man, Harry's first job was a printer at the La Harper. He joined the staff of The Quill, operated by Dr. Martin and C.B. Comstock a year later and worked there and other La Harpe newspapers as a printer until 1898 when he became a permanent member of The Quill staff.
In March of 1904, Harry purchased half-interest of The Quill with his uncle F.A. Wilkinson. Mr. Bradshaw bought the remaining interest in The Quill in 1927. Then in 1943, he bought The La Harper from the Coulson family, longtime publishers of the town's senior weekly publication, and then merged the two, still working under the name The Quill.
Harry's two sons, H. Byers and William joined their father in the newspaper business in 1925 and 1936 consecutively. My great-grandmother, Josie, as well as my grandmother Mary Belle, among others were also huge contributors to the paper, helping where needed. Eighteen years passed and William sold his share of the business to his brother H. Byers. H. Byers Bradshaw, publisher of the paper since his father's death was assisted by his wife, Eileen and their son, Dan Bradshaw.
My family's immediate involvement in the paper ended in 1972 when the paper was purchased by Paul Bell of Stronghurst.
I've always taken pride in the fact my family was such a big part of the beginnings of the paper. I believe it is an important part of our town's history. I am and will continue to be proud to be a part of the Bradshaw and Sharpe history here in La Harpe. Let's just hope I can do my family justice while working here at The Quill. I appreciate the ladies at the Historical Society for this information and also for all of the important work they do for the preservation of our town's history.