JOSEPH G. CHARLTON. In tracing the history of our civilization we find no influence has been more potent for good than that of the daily press; especially is this true of the present century, when every important fact around the globe is brought to our very doors, and he who runs may read the record. Few of us often pause to think of the vast amount of brain power and energy required to keep this wonderful machinery of the press in motion. We twine fair laurel wreaths to crown our heroes who battle in deadly strife for liberty, and why should the heroes of literature go down to the grave in utter oblivion? Their victories are no less important to the world than were those won on bloody fields, and many a martyred hero has fallen after a warfare of not four, but four-score years in the army of the Scribes. All honor to our soldiers whether in the fields of carnage or of literature; both are fighting for liberty and right if they are true soldiers, and through the efforts of both "the truth is marching on." Joseph G. Charlton was born May 17, 1844, in Washington, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his boyhood at the home of his uncle, in North Strabane township, receiving a common-school education. At the age of eighteen years he entered the printing office of The Reporter, Washington, Penn., remaining there about four years. He then went to Pittsburgh, also working in other places. In 1870 he opened a confectionery store in Washington, Penn., and some years later proceeded to Indianapolis, Ind. On Oct. 16, 1874, he was married to Tabitha S., daughter of James Hall, of Washington, Penn., and she has borne him two children, Maud and Harry. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Charlton resided five years at McConnell's Mill, Washington Co., Penn., where he conducted a general store. At the end of that time he entered the publishing office of the Canonsburg Notes, and in 1886 opened an office, publishing a paper called the Local. In 1888 he purchased the Canonsburg Herald, and is now the sole proprietor of both publications issued under the latter name, consisting of a seven-column folio. Mr. Charlton attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in political opinion is a Republican.

Text taken from page 1021 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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