Shirley, Richard, 1921-1978.

Richard Clayton Shirley, the son of Tom and Dora Shirley of Arnegard, North Dakota, was born in 1921. Shirley bagan his career in journalism by working for the local newspaper while attending school. Following high school Shirley enlisted in the Army during World War II and later attended the University of Montana, where he studied journalism. He received his degree from the University in 1950. On November 3, 1950, he married Joan F. Knight in Hamilton, Montana. The couple eventually had four children.

In 1950 the Shirleys began their first weekly newspaper, the Hot Springs Sentinel, in Hot Springs, Montana. After publishing the Hot Springs newspaper for ten years, they moved their operation to Eureka, Montana, where they began publication of the Tobacco Valley News. During the years that the Shirleys operated the Tobacco Valley News, the newspaper received many awards from the Montana Press Association. The awards recognized the writing, photography, and various other aspects of the newspaper. In 1971 it was rated the best weekly newspaper for its size category in Montana.The Shirleys continued to publish this newspaper until 1976, when they sold it to a local couple and moved to Spokane, Washington, to open a clothing business.

Richard Shirley died in August of 1978 in Spokane as the result of an automobile accident.

From the description of Richard and Joan Shirley papers, 1962-1978. (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 317070396