Doherty, Charles J., 1892-1958

Charles J. Doherty was born December 17, 1892, in Michigan, North Dakota. His father owned the Nelson County Independent . When Charles was two, his father died, and his mother began to operate the newspaper. At age fourteen, Charles began writing for the family-owned Adams Budget in North Dakota. He subsequently published weekly newspapers in that same town and Dunn Center, North Dakota.

He acquired the Winnett Times in Winnett, Montana, in 1920, and sold it in 1931. He was one of the individuals who advocated splitting Petroleum County off the eastern end of Fergus County.

In 1931, he acquired the weekly Missoula County Times, which he operated until 1958.

As an editor, Doherty commented frequently and vigorously on public issues and controversies, earning the admiration of other editors throughout Montana. The Missoula County Times often clashed with the Daily Missoulian, particularly over lucrative Missoula City/County "newspaper of record" publication contracts. He was an active participant of the Montana Press Association, and served as its president. He was also president of the Western Montana Press-Radio Club. In 1941, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Missoula. He married Clara Marsh in 1928; they had three children. He died May 22, 1958, in Missoula.

From the guide to the Charles J. Doherty Papers, 1917-1972, (University of Montana--Missoula Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library Archives and Special Collections)