90 HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS. But little is known of Schwartz, who conducted the paper for a short time, when it was discontinued and sold at Constable's sale. On the tenth of May 1871, E. B. Williams secured the material of the office, and changing the name began the publication of the "Conservative," which he conducted alone until January 1873, when John Bigger of Hanover township, bought the one half interest, and in August 1873, bought the entire interest, Mr. Williams retiring. The latter was one of the most unique characters ever in the newspaper business in Beaver county. It is related of him that he would go to sleep in his "den," and while in that condition some practical jokers would slip sen- sational articles in his pocket. When the printers needed "copy" they would go to the pocket of the editor, and get the "copy" there deposited and print it. Then Rome would howl, and the town be convulsed with excite- ment, but the editor's equanimity was not disturbed in the least. Mr. Bigger was a well knovsm resident of the county, of one of its best known families. He published the paper until January 1874, when it was discontinued. A few years later he went west where he died. The material of the paper passed into the hands of Eobert L. Treiber a Beaver printer. He associated with him M. J. White, and the name of the paper was changed to the "Democrat." After a few months Mr. White re- tired and Mr. Treiber continued publication until October 1876, when the plant was sold at Sheriff's sale and was bought in by John J. Wickham. Shortly after the sale John S. Hoopes of New Brighton, secured the material and began publishing the "Beaver County Post." Mr. Hoopes was the son of the well known banker, E. E. Hoopes of New Brighton, and for years conducted a job printing office in that place, doing a good
