Biography

Edward Bechly was editor, publisher, and proprietor of the Iroquois County Times-Democrat.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from Iowa State University, he started his career as a freelance reporter for several Midwest newspapers. In 1910 as an investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, he broke the story of Ray Lamphere's confession in the famous Belle Gunness case.

Shortly after this he accepted a position as editor of the Iroquois County Times-Democrat in Watseka, Illinois, and he purchased the company in 1912.

Edward married Ferne Smiley of Watseka in 1912 and they had three children.