Bernard Kilgore: The Visionary Leader of Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal
Bernard "Barney" Kilgore was a pivotal figure in American journalism, serving as a driving force behind the growth and influence of The Wall Street Journal and its parent company, Dow Jones & Company. From his early days as a copyreader to his tenure as chairman, Kilgore's career spanned nearly four decades of significant evolution in financial reporting.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Bernard "Barney" Kilgore
- Primary Roles: President (1945–1966) and Chairman (1966–1967) of Dow Jones & Company.
- Journalistic Peak: Managing Editor of The Wall Street Journal from 1941 to 1943.
- Education: Graduate of DePauw University.
- Major Honors: Recipient of the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award and the Golden Plate Award.
Professional Journey and Rise to Leadership
Kilgore's ascent within the organization was marked by rapid promotion and a versatility in reporting. After graduating from DePauw University, he entered The Wall Street Journal as a copyreader—a professional responsible for correcting errors in text before publication. His talent was quickly recognized; within three months, he was relocated to San Francisco to serve as the news editor for the publication's West Coast edition.
By 1933, Kilgore returned to New York City, where he established himself as an expert on economic trends through a dedicated column. His leadership capabilities further expanded in 1936 when he was appointed head of the Washington, D.C. bureau, placing him at the center of American political and economic power.
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Executive Leadership at Dow Jones
In 1941, Kilgore reached a critical milestone when he was named managing editor of The Wall Street Journal. His success in this role led to his appointment as vice president of Dow Jones & Company in 1943. By 1945, he ascended to the presidency, a position he held for over two decades until 1966.
In the final year of his life, Kilgore served as the chairman of the board of directors. His leadership era is often characterized as a period of significant building and expansion for the company.
Honors and Legacy
Throughout his career, Kilgore was recognized for his contributions to journalism and law. In 1961, he was honored with the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Colby College. Later, in 1966, he was granted the Golden Plate Award by the American Academy of Achievement.
His life and professional impact are detailed in the biography "Restless Genius" written by Richard J. Tofel, which explores his role as the man behind the modern Wall Street Journal.
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | Copyreader | The Wall Street Journal |
| 1933 | Economic Trends Columnist | The Wall Street Journal |
| 1936 | Head of Washington, D.C. Bureau | The Wall Street Journal |
| 1941–1943 | Managing Editor | The Wall Street Journal |
| 1945–1966 | President | Dow Jones & Company |
| 1966–1967 | Chairman | Dow Jones & Company |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Bernard Kilgore's highest position at Dow Jones & Company?
Bernard Kilgore served as both the president (from 1945 to 1966) and the chairman of the board of directors (from 1966 until his death in 1967).
Where did Bernard Kilgore receive his education?
He was an alumnus of DePauw University.
Which awards did Bernard Kilgore receive during his career?
He received the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award in 1961 and the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 1966.
When and where did Bernard Kilgore pass away?
He died of cancer on November 14, 1967, at his home in Princeton, New Jersey, at the age of 59.
Is there a book written about his life?
Yes, Richard J. Tofel wrote a book titled "Restless Genius" focusing on Kilgore's life and work.