Biography

"John H. Oliphant.

At 2 o'clock this morning, after a determined struggle against disease, lasting just a week, surrounded by his nearest relative*, Mr. John H. Oliphant succumbed to the inevitable, and the ties that bound him to earth were severed. A week ago to-day, after returning from an Eastern pleasure trip, Mr. Oliphant was taken with a chill at tho County Clerk's office and conveyed to his home. He soon became very ill and medical aid was summoned, Erysiamia developed, with fever, and the patient grew alarmingly worse. He continued in a very low state until Wednesday night, when, under the must skillful treatment he rallied wonderfully, only to sink again last night.

The announcement of Mr. Oliphant's death will be a great shock to the community, where he was BO well known and so highly respected. It was thought that his vigorous constitution, his will power and the beet medical skill would carry him safely through the crisis, but the Almighty had designed otherwise and Death had marked him for a victim. John H. Oliphont was the eldest son of Richard Oliphant, that pioneer editor and printer, who was One of Oswego's foremost citizens in her primitive days, and one of the best known publishers of the State. He was born in Oswego on August 15th, 1832, and hits always made this place his home. Both John H. and Richard J., the only surviving brother, followed in the footsteps of their father, adopted his call big and took up his life's work where he left off. Both became expert printers and the great printing house in this city that bears their name is the monument they built to their industry and skill. John Oliphant learned his trade in Auburn, with his uncle Henry, and remained there five years when he returned to Oswego and some time before his father's death he and Richard bought the father's business.

They conducted it together up to the time of the war, when John Oliphant went to Washington and in connection with William Baldwin, formerly of this city, engaged in furnishing supplies to the army. He returned in 1863 and in
1864. He sold his interest in the printing business to his brother and then went to Chicago. He soon returned here, however, and took a position at the head of the mechanical
department of the Oliphant Printing Works, where he remained until elected County Clerk in 1885. He served one term as City Treasurer.

The deceased was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of William Baldwin and his second wife, whom he married in 1871, was Miss Adelle Barnet, the adopted daughter of William Lewis. She survives him with one son aged 15 years. Mr. Oliphant was always a most companionable man, always cheerful and hopeful and in his home was the happiest of men. As a neighbor he was obliging and considerate and the affection existing between him and his brother was often the subject of common remark. "