Transcribed and Submitted to the Johnson County USGenWeb site by:
David Reece
dwreece@sprintmail.com
http://home.sprintmail.com/~dwreece


Holden Progress, Nov 22, 1923

John W. Mittong 1843-1923

The death of John W. Mittong at Osawatomie, Kansas, Nov. 13, marked the
passing of a newspaper man who was for many years closely identified
with the upbuilding and advancement of Holden. He came to this city in
1868 with his parents. He was 25 years of age, and was a part of the
history of this city from his arrival till about 15 years ago, when he
removed to Muskogee, Okla., where he joined his son Frank in the drug
business. During his absence he continued to take a keen interest in
the happenings here and he was as well informed on the city's history
as any person. During the early 70's he was appointed express agent and
served at the depot with the late M. L. Gray. He seerved in that
capacity for several years (illegible) 1877 (illegible) health and took
a much needed rest. In 1889 or 1890 he assumed editorship of the Holden
Herald, then owned by P. C. Van Matre, who had been appointed
postmaster. He servered his connection with the Herald and retired
permanently from newspaper work. He was a forceful character who led
rather than followed the drift, which so many deem the easier and safer
plan. He was born at Bedford, Penn., Aug. 1, 1843. He learned the
printer's trade when a mere boy. In 1864 he enlisted in the service of
his country. serving until the war closed in 1865. When he was eleven
years of age, his parents moved to Marion co. W. Va., where he grew to
manhood. He was the son of Henry and Elizabeth Mittong. He was one of
nine children, all of whom are dead except George Mittong of Holden and
Mrs. Mary Reece, Harrisonville and Mrs. Ella Garrison, Marion, Ind. The
father was a native of Pennsylvania, but the grandfather was born in
Saxony, Germany. In 1866 (illegible) were blessed with seven children.
Two died in infancy; the eldest daughter, Mrs. Addie Smith, died here
some years ago. The surviving are Frank of Mushogee, Okla; John Earl of
St. Louis; Mrs. Minnie Johnson of Osawatomie, Kan.; Mrs. Sadie Smith,
Ogden, Utah. The wife and mother died in 1917. The family residence in
Holden is the property on South Pine st., now owned by J. L.
Carmichael. The deceased has been absent from this city for some years,
yet he had a host of friends who remembered his many kind acts and true
loyalty to his friends. --- O.G.B.