1895 McKean County Democrat Office
moved to this location from 600 block prior to construction of St. Lukes Episcopal Church
go to original location of McKean County Democrat

photo credit:  An Illustrated Souvenir of Smethport, Pennsylvania©1895
see Democrat office today

photo credit:  An Illustrated Souvenir of Smethport, Pennsylvania©1895

Russell Lindsley, Local Publisher, Taken By Death
Found Dead in Bed Saturday Morning -- Was Prominent Citizen and Leader of Democrats In County.

Smethport residents were greatly shocked Saturday to learn of the death of Russell R. Lindsley, local postmaster and publisher of the McKean County Democrat, and one of the county's most outstanding citizens.  Death was due to heart failure, according to Deputy Coroner George P. Lull of Bradford.

Mr. Lindsley had been treated by Dr. R. S. Minerd some time after midnight Friday night and had gone home and retired.  Dr. Minerd went to the Lindsley home Saturday morning to see Mrs. A. L. Gallup of Kane, who was ill there, and also went to see how he was.  The physician was shocked to find he was dead, and had apparently been so for several hours.

Mr. Lindsley's health had been poor for years, but in spite of this fact he maintained his many activities, and took a keen interest in the affairs of the town, county and state.  He was an intelligent observer of national and international affairs and his editorials in his newspaper, the McKean County Democrat, were widely read and enjoyed.  A strong sense of humor and kindly interest in his fellowmen, added zest to his numerous writings.

Born in Bradford, June 7, 1889, Russell Ross Lindsley was the son of Sterling R. Lindsley and Lamira Berfield Lindsley.  he spent most of his life in Smethport, coming here with his parents in the late 1890's when his father, who had worked on newspapers in Elmira, N. Y. and Bradford, purchased the McKean County Democrat.

Sterling R. Lindsley died in 1917 and the Democrat Publishing Company purchased ownership of the newspaper and engaged Russell Lindsley as manager when he returned from service in the World War.  Ten years ago Mr. Lindsley assumed full ownership of the publication.

Was Democratic Leader

A leader of the Democratic party in the county, Mr. Lindsley had served as sheriff in 1935, completing an unexpired term.  He was a candidate for the state senate in 1932, being defeated by the incumbent, Senator G. Mason Owlett.

An accomplished musician, Mr. Lindsley had been director of the Smethport Band for many years.

    Resumes Newspaper Work

Mr. Lindsley managed the McKean County Democrat and afterwards published two American Legion news organs, the Keystone Review and the Keystone Legionnaire.