Today in Wheeling History: February 14--George A. Laughlin, publisher of the Wheeling Intelligencer, and O.H. Booten, managing editor of the Charleston Mail, got into a fistfight on the floor of the West Virginia Senate and later brawled in the streets over critical articles Booten had written about Laughlin (1907).
In February 1907, George Ashton Laughlin, publisher of the Wheeling Intelligencer, and Orland H. Booten, managing editor of the Charleston Mail, got into an altercation on the floor of the West Virginia Senate. Booten had written critical articles about Laughlin under the pseudonym "Gabbler" in the Charleston News. Laughlin confronted Booten on the street about the articles and tweaked his nose. The next day in the Senate, Booten snatched Laughlin's glasses and tweaked his nose in retaliation. A fistfight ensued, with Laughlin knocked to the floor. Later that day, the two men got into another altercation on the street, wrestling each other until separated by friends. They were both fined $10 by a justice of the peace for fighting. The articles highlight the contentious relationship between two prominent early 20th century West Virginia newspapermen.
To learn more: (https://rb.gy/inusk) (http://tinyurl.com/drjwduht) (https://rb.gy/cvq7u) (http://tinyurl.com/4u8t9ftt)
Photo credits: Clarksburg Daily Telegram, Find a Grave
In February 1907, George Ashton Laughlin, publisher of the Wheeling Intelligencer, and Orland H. Booten, managing editor of the Charleston Mail, got into an altercation on the floor of the West Virginia Senate. Booten had written critical articles about Laughlin under the pseudonym "Gabbler" in the Charleston News. Laughlin confronted Booten on the street about the articles and tweaked his nose. The next day in the Senate, Booten snatched Laughlin's glasses and tweaked his nose in retaliation. A fistfight ensued, with Laughlin knocked to the floor. Later that day, the two men got into another altercation on the street, wrestling each other until separated by friends. They were both fined $10 by a justice of the peace for fighting. The articles highlight the contentious relationship between two prominent early 20th century West Virginia newspapermen.
To learn more: (https://rb.gy/inusk) (http://tinyurl.com/drjwduht) (https://rb.gy/cvq7u) (http://tinyurl.com/4u8t9ftt)
Photo credits: Clarksburg Daily Telegram, Find a Grave
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