Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1902 — BEGAN AS A PRINTER'S DEVIL. [ARTICLE]

BEGAN AS A PRINTER'S DEVIL.

Ex-Gov, Swineford Has Struck It Rich in His Copper Mines. It is reported that former Gov. A. P. Swineford, of Alaska, long a noted western newspaper man, has struck It rich in his copper mines on Baranoff Island. The Governor is widely acquainted in Washington, having been a frequent visitor here for many years. He was here repeatedly during his term as Governor, and has been here frequently since that time. He was one of the most efficient executives the big territory ever had, says the Washington Times. Governor Swineford had an interesting career as a newspaper writer, and before that as a printer. He began as a devil in the printing office of the noted Gov. Samuel Medary at Columbus. While apprenticed to the Governor he lived at the Medary residence. The printing office was in a wooden building near the house. One night young Swineford, In a playful mood, lay in wait for bls fellow-devil at the head of the office stairs. He was armed with a new Inkroller, with which he designed to affectionately “swat" his unsuspecting colleague. He waited long and patiently. At last he heard footsteps on the stairway. As they came near the top young Swineford let drive and knocked the person to the foot of the stairs. He went down with a great clatter, and landed In a heap, badly shaken up, but not much hurt. Swineford went out of the window and slid down the wooden eave-trough. He then came around to the stairway to see his demolished rival devil. To his astonishment and horror he found Governor Medary picking himself up at the foot of the stairs. The Governor, all unsuspecting, said: “Alfred, my boy, these infernal Whigs will kill me yet!" Governor Medary lived in strenuous political times.