Biography of Fred B. Leighty, pages 951/952.  History of 
DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 
Indianapolis, 1914.



It is universally conceded that there are three factors, 
which are more potent than all others in the advancement of 
civilization-pulpit, platform and press. Of these three, 
the press reaches places and conditions, which the other 
two never touch. Public opinion, as voiced in the 
newspapers of our country, has as much influence in 
moulding legislation, advancing reforms and eliminating 
corrupt politics as all other agencies put together. A good 
newspaper, one which stand for the best interest of a 
community, is a blessing and the good that it can do is 
incalculable. It is the paper of the town, which often is 
the only means of driving graft out of city affairs. The 
editor of a good newspaper is a man who touches the daily 
life of the community on every side and the editor who does 
this work honestly, fearlessly and conscientiously deserves 
the praise of the community. Such a man is the subject of 
this brief review. Fred B. Leighty, the son of Charles 
Bennett and Martha Jane (Burley) Leighty, was born at St. 
Joe, DeKalb county, Indiana, June 26, 1886. His father and 
mother were both natives of DeKalb county. John Leighty, 
the subject’s grandfather, was an early settler of 
Spencerville, Indiana, having emigrated to this state from 
Pennsylvania. He became one of the founders of St. Joe.  
Harper Burley, the father of Mrs. Leighty, was one of the 
early settlers of DeKalb county, coming to  this state from 
Ohio. Bennett Leighty followed the occupation of a butcher 
during his lifetime in the town of St. Joe. To Mr. and Mr. 
Charles Leighty were born five children, Nena C., deceased; 
J. Harper, Frank R., Fred B. and Grace G.  Fred B. Leighty 
was educated in the common schools and the high school at 
St. Joe. While he was in the high school he became 
apprenticed to a printer of the town and when he was in his 
junior year in the high school he purchased the St. Joe 
News on March 1, 1906. He has continued in editorial charge 
of this paper since that time, and has built up the paper 
until it commands the respect of the town and community. It 
is independent in politics, with a weekly circulation of 
seven hundred, and is one of the best advertising mediums 
in the county. It is published weekly and the price of the 
publication is one dollar per year.  The job department is 
fully equipped with material for producing work that has 
given entire satisfaction to an ever-increasing number of 
patrons. As the paper says: “St. Joe is the biggest little 
town in Indiana, with the best people on earth. Located in 
DeKalb county, population five hundred. Cleanest and most 
beautiful little village in the state; good schools, 
churches and business houses and complete walks, all well 
shaded; fine electric light system two good railroads and a 
good place for a business location, one mile from Spring 
Brook fruit farm, the greatest prize winner in Indiana.”  
Mr. Leighty was married on September 21, 1908, to Lora E. 
Hull, the daughter of John C. and Loretta Hull, both of 
whom are natives of DeKalb county. Mr. and Mrs. Leighty are 
the parents of one son, John Bennett, born January 20, 
1914. Politically, Mr. Leighty has taken an independent 
stand, voting for the man best qualified for the office 
regardless of party lines, and always supporting such 
measures as promise to be of benefit to the community. 
Religiously, he is affiliated with the Methodist Protestant 
church and gives his earnest support to its various 
activities.  Personally, Mr. Leighty is a man of genial 
disposition and kindly impulses and his friends are in 
number as his acquaintances.

Submitted by:

Arlene Goodwin

Auburn, Indiana

Agoodwin@ctlnet.com