Our Story
Founded in 1888 by Albert B. Cavender and Arthur S. McDonald, The Brownsville Times quickly became a cornerstone of community life, building a circulation of 700 readers within its first two years. Over the decades, the newspaper passed through many dedicated hands — from Fred M. Brown, who ran the paper for 25 years, to a series of passionate owners including Jesse R. Hinman, A. L. Bostwick, Glenn W. Loomis, A. M. Byrd, Miles E. Taylor, Leo E. Giles, John L. Roberts, Chester “Chet” L. Harding, Ralph E. Sand, Don Ware, and Vance and Holly Parrish.
Through changes in ownership and the tides of history, The Brownsville Times remained a trusted voice for local news, celebrating the stories and milestones of our town for more than 135 years.
After publishing its final issue in December 2024, a group of community members came together with a shared vision: to preserve and revive The Brownsville Times for future generations. In 2025, a nonprofit was formed to relaunch the newspaper, fueled by the support of readers, advertisers, and volunteers who believe in the enduring value of local journalism.
Today, we honor our rich past as we build a bright new future — one story at a time.
Mastheads of The Brownsville Times from 1893 - 1953
The Brownsville Times History
by Staff Writer, Daniel R. Murphy
1889 is the alleged start of the Brownsville Times. We do not have verification of the exact year the Times began, but there are indications it was in 1889 or 1888. At times it was known as The Brownsville Times, and at other times, it was titled The Times.
In January 2025, the paper shut down. It was resurrected by a new non-profit corporation in June 2025. It is now published as The Brownsville Times. During the late 1890s, it was published on Fridays. Beginning in the early 1900s and thereafter, it has always been a Thursday paper.
Here is a list of the previous publishers and editors of the paper and the year they took over.
1889-1893 Unknown;
11.10.1893: Cavender and Calder (published on Fridays);
01.04.1895: Albert B. Cavender;
11.08.1899: Cavender and Brown;
06.29.1906: FB Cavender, Business Manager; FM Brown, Editor;
01.07.1910: FM Brown, Editor and Publisher;
06.04.1915: Lyn A. Brown; paper leased to Brown;
06.11.1915-01.21.1916: No editor listed;
02.04.1916: Lyn A. Brown, Editor and Publisher;
12.27.1918: David H. Talmage, Pub & Editor.
06.20.1919: William H. Wheeler (formerly with Eugene Reg. Guard);
07.08.1921: Sold to Jesse Hinman, Pub and Editor;
03.31.1922: Jesse Hinman, Editor and Publ.; IW Pouttu, Assoc. Editor
11.07.1922: IW Pouttu, Editor;
12.08.1922: News Item: Grand Jury returns No True Bill against “former editor” Jesse Hinman; Jesse Hinman again listed as Editor
05.04.1923: WK Brownlow, Editor
09.14.1923: no editor listed
09.21.1923: Glen W. Loomis, Editor and Publisher
04.25.1924: A. M. Byrd & Milo Taylor, publishers
03.19.1925: Milo E. Taylor, manager
05.07.1925: Milo Taylor, manager; Lenoard Lerwill, advertising manager and reporter; Leighton Henderson, operator
06.04.1925: Milo E. Taylor, manager; Leonard Lerwill, advertising manager and reporter
01.07.1926: Milor Taylor, Publisher
Most of 1926 not available.
1925-1933 not available
01.04.1934: FM Brown & Lyn A. Brown, editors and publishers
September 1934 – December 1934 not available
01.03.1935: FM Brown & Lyn A. Brown, Editors and Publishers
12.31.1936: FM Brown, Editor and Publisher
01.07.1937: FM Brown, Editor and Publisher
1938-1941 information not available
01.01.1942: LE and MM Giles, publishers
Beginning 01.01.1946 price went up to $2 per year
08.04.1949: papers from Jan 1 to Aug 4, 1949 missing;
08.04.1949: John L. and Celia A. Roberts
08.25.1949: John L. and Celia A. Roberts – papers missing after 08.25.1949. Also missing are papers from 1950 and 1951.
01.03.1952: No editor or publisher listed
01.10.1952: John L. and Celia A. Roberts;
12.30.1954: John L. and Celia A. Roberts;
12.29.1955: John L. and Celia A. Roberts;
Missing from Archive: 1955–1963;
12.29.1963: John L. and Celia A. Roberts;
02.06.1964: Chester L. (Chet) Harding, Publisher;
02.15.1968: John L. Roberts, Publisher;
12.31.1970: John L. Roberts, Publisher;
12.09.1971: John L. and Pauline Roberts, Publishers;
12.27.1979: John L. and Pauline Roberts, Publishers;
1987 missing;
01.06.1988: Ralph Sand, Publisher;
12.26.1990: Ralph Sand, Publisher;
1991 missing;
12.30.1992: Ralph Sand, Publisher;
10.27.1993: Ralph Sand, Publisher;
11.24.1993: Co-Publishers: Russ & Laura Nielsen;
12.29.93 Russ and Laura Nielsen;
01.03.1996: Editor: Don Ware; Managing Editor: Mike Dallum;
12.25.1996: Editor: Don Ware; Managing Editor: Mike Dallum;
12.31.1997: Co-Publishers: Don and Wannell Ware/ Editor: Don Ware;
12.31.2003: Co-Publishers: Don and Wannell Ware/ Editor: Don Ware;
12.30.2009: Co-Publishers: Don and Wannell Ware/ Editor: Don Ware;
12.29.2010: Co-Publishers: Don and Wannell Ware/ Editor: Don Ware;
10.19.2011: 11.16.2011: Co-Publishers Vance & Holly Parrish; Editor: Don Ware;
12.28.2011: Co-Publishers Vance & Holly Parrish; Editor: Don Ware;
01.01.2025: Co-Publishers Vance & Holly Parrish;
06.05.2025: Editor: Mikayle Sole; Chair: Sharon Banks.
Daniel R. Murphy was born and raised in Brownsville. A retired attorney and Linn County Circuit Court Judge, he serves on the board of The Brownsville Times and contributes as a staff writer. He’s also a Linn County Master Gardener and Moyer House tour guide.
