In recognition and celebration of Women’s History Month, I wish to share the story of one of the most influential people to ever rise from Washington County, Oregon. Emma Carstens McKinney .No man or woman ever did more for Hillsboro or Washington County and its people. None of the other Community newspapers in Western Oregon would hold a candle to The Hillsboro Argus. It was the valley’s voice, and Emma set the tone for almost 60 years as to how Hillsboro should be, what it could be, and helped shape all of its best attributes while holding those in Goverment accountable. She, her family, and The Hillsboro Argus are the inspiration for and guiding light for the Hillsboro Herald. She must be remembered and celebrated, especially during Women’s History Month.
Long before women had the right to vote in Oregon, Emma Carstens McKinney was etching her name in the state’s history – not on a ballot, but on the front page of The Hillsboro Argus. In a time when journalism was a man’s world, Emma defied expectations, rising from typesetter to owner and editor, wielding the power of the press in a community still finding its voice.
Born in 1871, Emma was a daughter of Washington County, one of eight children of the Carstens family. Ink seemed to run in her veins. At a mere 17, she started at the Hillsboro Independent newspaper as a typesetter, the rhythm of the printing press a constant in her young life. In 1886, she married W. William McKinney, but their happiness was cut short by his untimely death at just 27 years of age. He was taken by consumption or what we now know as Tuberculosis. Now a widow, Emma faced an uncertain future with a young son, Verne McKinney, yet the press beckoned.
In 1904, defying societal norms, Emma took a bold step. She purchased half-ownership of The Hillsboro Argus. Oregon, a state where women’s suffrage wouldn’t arrive for another decade, was no easy place for a woman in charge. Yet, Emma persevered. Her business acumen was that of a top-tier businessman, and she built a community of supporters and readers in Hillsboro, her words and leadership shaping local discourse.
The world shifted once more with the outbreak of World War I. Emma’s son answered the call, leaving her to manage the paper alone. We can only imagine the worry that gnawed at her as news of the war trickled in, the anxiety of running a business intertwined with the fear for her son’s life.
Verne’s return from the war marked a new chapter. He bought out his Mother’s partner, and the duo owned the Hillsboro Argus under their “McKinney & McKinney” company. Their leadership ushered in an era of growth for the Argus. Emma, the seasoned editor, continued to guide the paper’s voice, while Verne, energized by his wartime experiences, brought fresh perspectives.
Emma’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. In 1957, she received the prestigious Amos Voorhies Award, a testament to her impact on Oregon journalism. Even after her passing in 1964, her legacy lived on. In 1982, she was inducted into the Oregon Journalism Hall of Fame, and the National Newspaper Association established the Emma C. McKinney Award to honor journalists who, like her, championed their communities.
Emma Carstens McKinney’s story is one of resilience and unwavering commitment. She shattered stereotypes, proving that a woman’s voice could resonate powerfully in the male-dominated world of journalism. During a time when women were expected to stay silent, Emma McKinney used the printing press as her platform, etching her name not just in Oregon history and National halls, but in the hearts of her community.
Emma left behind a newspaper family! Verne, his sons Walter Verne and Richard “Dick” McKinney would run the Argus for many decades to come. The Argus sold in 1999 to Advance Publications, who own the Oregonian and 20 plus other major newspapers, with the promise to keep it going. However, Advance ceased operations and published the last issue of the Hillsboro Argus on March 29, 2017. That was a sad day in our Community. https://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/2014/08/longtime_hillsboro_argus_veter.html
Additional Notes: From The University of Oregon- https://oregonnews.uoregon.edu/history/hillsboroargus
During the McKinney era, the Hillsboro Argus garnered several awards and honorable mentions from the National Editorial Association, now the National Newspaper Association (NNA). It won in 1934, 1935, 1937, 1938, and 1939 in such categories as General Excellence and Best Editorial Page. In 1957, Emma C. McKinney won the Amos Voorhies Award, the highest state newspaper honor. In 1982, she was inducted into the Oregon Journalism Hall of Fame. In 1966, the McKinney Memorial Award was created in honor of Emma and her 58 years as co-publisher and editor of the Hillsboro Argus. This award, along with the Amos Voorhies Award, is given yearly to newspaperwomen and men “who have exhibited distinguished service to the community press” (NNA, 2015).
The Hillsboro Argus covered a wide range of topics, from politics to home remedies. There were weekly sections that focused on local, national, and international news. Sections “Along the Coast” discussed news from southern and northern states; “Events of the Day,” local happenings; and “News of the State,” “items of interest from all over Oregon.” In addition, there was a weekly classifieds section and short stories, poems, and cartoons. The Hillsboro Argus continues to report the news today.
Thank you for the article; I was general manager of the Argus upon Verne McKinney’s death until it was sold in 2000. There couldn’t have been better people to work with. It was a pleasure to come to work each morning. When I came to the Argus in 1965,as I recall, we were the only paper in the state that had more paid circulation than the city had population.
I saw you on that poster I found – I might be able to send it to you- you probably have a copy. I understand that Walt McKinney regretted selling the paper and said so before he passed away.