Alfred Padon was editor and publisher of the Wood County Democrat when it was founded in 1893 in Quitman, Texas with financial support from local area merchants.

[4] The newspaper's original site included a Vaughan Ideal hand-operated presses.

[4] Padon resigned as editor and publisher in 1895, and the paper was briefly operated by Grogan and Goodwin for the owners, which included a Dr. Leath and Hix Rhodes.

[4] He later assumed ownership and sold a half interest in the plant to Earl Jones in 1901, but later repurchased it.

[4] In 1903, Clyde Jordan of Alba purchased an interest in the paper, but eventually Thomas again regained full ownership.