Carruth, Arthur J. Jr.

Born into a journalistic family in New York, Arthur Carruth came to Kansas with his parents in 1900. He attended Washburn University, where he edited the yearbook and newspaper. Upon graduation, he became a reporter for the Topeka State Journal.

Carruth advanced to city editor, managing editor, and later to co-publisher, a position he held until the Journal was sold to Stauffer Publications in 1940.

Carruth was perhaps best known for his column, “Under the Whispering Willow,” written under the initials AJC.

“It was there that he made his commentaries, told his ancedotes, commented on his favorite subjects, and wrote his enduring language,” said KU journalism professor Calder Pickett.

In all of Carruth’s years, the column was missing on only two occasions, both when he was hospitalized. It appeared the day of his death, September 29, 1962.