Vernal Express

On January 2, 1891, Ms. Kate Jean Boan published the first edition of the Uintah Pappoose in Vernal, Utah.^[1][2] A year later James M. Barker bought the paper and relaunched it as the Vernal Express on February 11, 1892.^[3][4]

The paper was acquired by J. Alma Holdaway in 1898,^[5] Bartlett Bros. & Merkeley in 1899,^[6] Dan H. Hillman and Ashley Bartlett in 1900,^[7] and a company led by Don B. Colton in 1910.^[8]

James H. Wallis became editor in 1917.^[9] He was born in England where in his youth he had apprenticed as a printer. While visiting Vernal working as a health inspector, a wealthy business owner learned of his printing experience and convinced him to run the paper. He bought it five years later.^[10] J.H. Wallis owned the Express until his death in 1940.^[11]

His son William B. Wallis succeeded him, and died in 1986.^[12] His son Jack R. Wallis succeeded him, and died in 2003.^[13] His son Steven R. Wallis succeeded him, and died in 2007.^[14] Later that year his widow Tami Wallis sold the Express to Gull Communications, a subsidiary owned by Brehm Communications of San Diego.^[15] In 2022, Brehm sold the Reaper to CherryRoad Media.^[16]