MINNIE A. LAWLESS

MINNIE A. LAWLESS, editor and manager of the Herald Publishing Company, of St. Francis, Kan., gained her admittance into the newspaper world by her marriage to George Lawless, in 1898, and at once became associate editor of the Kansas Eagle at St. Francis. Together they struggled along, against all odds, doing most of their own work, printing the paper on an old Army press, until 1905, when a change came. The two papers of the town were consolidated, Mr. Lawless becoming owner. Business had outgrown the back room and hand press, so he erected the first brick business house in the city, the present convenient home of the paper. The company was then formed, composed of six leading business men of the county, and a splendid new and complete equipment installed. Mr. Lawless, being elected editor and business manager, everything started over again, the enterprise proving pleasant and profitable for all concerned. Mrs. Lawless was given the honor of naming the new publication, which she christened the Herald.

In 1912, after a lingering illness, Editor Lawless died, and since that time Mrs. Lawless has taken his place as editor and manager, and the business has never been more flourishing than it is under her supervision. The circulation has grown to almost 1200. She is a very busy woman, devoting her entire time to the details of the office, gathering news, and can and often does make a hand at the cases. Having lived in Cheyenne county since 1886, teaching school for a number of years, her wide acquaintance with people and conditions is a valuable asset in her work, in which she has had more than ordinary success. Mrs. Lawless is fully qualified to write in the essay contest, "If I had it to do over again, would I marry a Kansas editor?" as she has served her time in every part of the business, from inking the forms to writing copy.

This woman editor was born in 1868. Her maiden name was Taylor, and her early life was spent in Illinois. She is the mother of one child, a daughter, Ruth, now eleven years old.

Mrs. Lawless is devoted to her work, and her constant aim is to help her people and her county to improve, and her success is measured by the loyal support the Herald receives.

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