The "Times" was operated by N.R. Moore, who had leased the paper from B.F. Irvine, who had left Corvallis to write editorials for the "Oregon Journal" in Portland, Oregon. The "Gazette" was under the direction of Charles L. Springer, formerly of Montesano, Washington and owned by M.S. Woodcock, a prominent Benton County lawyer and businessman who later opened a successful bank in the county, and later served as Corvallis Mayor. According to historical accounts, they decided on the name "Gazette-Times" after a coin toss.