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JOHN W. PLATTENBURG

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BIOGRAPHIES

History of the Pan-Handle, West Virginia.
J. H. Newton, G. G. Nichols, & A. G. Sprankle, 1879; page 441.

     J. W. Plattenburg, editor and proprietor of the 'Courier,' was born in Washington county, Pa., in 1830. At four years of age removed with his mother to Wellsburg, W. Va. Attended common school of that place and Bethany College one year. Learned the printing trade in the offices of the 'Western Transcript' and 'Herald,' of Wellsburg. Followed the business in various places until the breaking out of the war. Married Miss Sarah Wetherell in 1852. Conducted the Woodford county, Ill., 'Argus' for two years. He enlisted in April, 1861, in the First West Virginia three months' volunteers, during which time was engaged in the affair of Philippi. Re-enlisted for three years in the First Virginia Infantry, and served out the term, rising from the position of sergeant to that of captain. During this service took part in the battles of Winchester, Second Bull Run (where he was taken prisoner, remaining so about a month), New Market, Port Republic, Piedmont, Lynchburg and Snicker's Gap (where he received a serious minnie ball wound in the left arm), besides numerous smaller engagements. At the conclusion of the three years' term he went into the Second West Virginia Veterans and served as captain until the end of the war. In 1869 he established the 'Hancock Courier' at Fairview, being the first newspaper in the county, which he still continues to conduct.

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