BROOKVILLE — On March 23, 1952 at the age of 89, Henry Wickham McMillen passed away at his home on Maple Street. He was a familiar figure during his 52 year period of residence in Brookville and in his long tenure of ownership of the Brookville Star.
From 1905 until his retirement in 1950, Mr. McMillen was publisher of the Star, first in partnership with F. J. Haessler, a dentist, for a short time, then sole owner until 1919 when he formed a partnership with his son-in-law, A. R. Boomershine, which endured until 1950 when the partners retired. In 1924, the Star had 5,000 readers including kids as well as grown-ups. David L. ‘Shorty’ May was the editor.
In addition to years of community service in the daily routine of his publishing career, Mr. McMillen was one of a group of sponsors who brought electric service to the village many years ago. Another of his civic services was his encouragement of the establishment of the Brookville Public Library by providing free rent and utilities for their first location, over a three year period.
Mr. McMillen was of Scotch descent and was born in Van Wert County, Ohio on October 23, 1862. He attended public school there and then farmed until he was 34 years old. The Indiana Veterinary College was his next stopping place and he graduated in 1900 and moved to Brookville that same year.
He practiced the veterinary profession in Brookville for 21 years along with his newspaper work. Henry was a veterinary surgeon and dentist. His office was located at the corner of Market and Wolf Creek Streets.
In 1950 Mr. McMillen and Mr. Boomershine decided to retire and sold the Star to Harold and Caroline Smith, who became the owners and publishers. They remained until 1969 when Joe Gordon took over. On August 1, 1990, Joe Gordon was publisher and Jim Hoffman was editor.
All information and the photo for this Look at Brookville article were supplied by the Brookville Historical Society. Do you have a photo or historical information to share or add? Please contact the Brookville Historical Society at 937-833-0285 or email to [email protected].
