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Bangs Family

Winfield Courier, May 4, 1876.
BANGS, our express agent, has made an improvement in the city express line. He delivers the express matter about town on his back.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.
The stage from Wichita last Saturday got sandwiched between Spring and Dog Creeks and the passengers, of which we were one, had to take to the water to find dry land. Hack, horses, and everything went down in the mud. Through the efforts of our worthy local agent, Mr. Bangs, and “Tommy,” the driver, the mail and the females were transferred to a wagon and driven back to El Paso for the night. In getting out of our difficulty, we hap­pened to drive over a field of wheat which was under water that belonged to an idiot on Dog Creek. He swam the creek and chased us on foot for about two miles. That was all the good it did him, however, as we hadn’t time to converse with him. We saw him the next morning. He brandished a weapon in front of the stage and demanded “damages or blood.” Bangs modestly but firmly suggested that “This is the U. S. mail line. One man and one shot gun has no legal right to delay these documents of impor­tance; these letters of business; and these epistles of love that are trying to reach their destination. Stand aside, my friend. Lay your troubles before special mail agent Jno. M. Crowell. He will refer you to Senator Ingalls, he to the Department at Washington, and it will give you redress.” We drove on. The fellow sat down and cried. Bangs was too much for him.
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1876.
E. H. BELCHER, writing from Cheyenne, on the 13th inst., to Mr. Bangs, of this city, says: “This place is nearly dead. I shall leave for Colorado in a few days. Men are leaving the Black Hills by the hundreds. A party of one hundred arrived here yesterday. The Indians are killing men and stealing stock daily. I would not be surprised if they should clean out Custer City before long. I think there will be good mines found when the Indians are quieted down, but we will have a h    l of a fight before we get them quiet. If you, or anyone else who has any idea of coming out here, are making a living where you are, you had better stay there. Wait until next year anyway.”
                                                             M. L. Bangs.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
Last Saturday, pursuant to call, the citizens of Winfield met at the Courthouse and organized a meeting by calling D. A. Millington to the chair and electing C. M. McIntire secretary.
After deliberation as to what steps should be taken to appropriately celebrate the 4th of July of the Centennial year, the following committee was appointed to draft a plan of proce­dure and report to a meeting of citizens last night: James Kelly, J. P. Short, C. M. McIntire, W. B. Gibbs, and W. C. Robinson.
At the appointed hour, Wednesday evening, the meeting assembled at the Courthouse and organized by selecting C. A. Bliss, chairman, and J. E. Allen as secretary. The committee made a report which, after some amendments made by the meeting, was finally adopted. 
Gen’l Supt.: Prof. A. B. Lemmon.


County Historian: W. W. Walton.
Committee of Arrangements: C. M. Wood, M. L. Bangs, W. B. Vandeventer, John Lowry, J. D. Cochran.
Committee on Programme: H. D. Gans, E. P. Kinne, James Kelly, B. F. Baldwin, W. M. Allison.
Committee on Speakers: E. C. Manning, L. J. Webb, Chas. McIntire.
Committee on Finance: W. C. Robinson, W. P. Hackney, O. F. Boyle, M. G. Troup, J. C. Fuller.
Committee on Music: J. D. Pryor, Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Miss Mollie Bryant.
Committee on Toasts: A. J. Pyburn, J. E. Allen, J. P. Short, Dr. J. Hedrick.
Committee on Stand: W. E. Tansey, T. B. Myers, W. B. Gibbs.
Committee on Decoration: Frank Gallotti, John Swain, I. Randall, Mary Stewart, Jennie Greenlee, Ada Millington, Mrs. Rigby, Mrs. Mansfield.
Committee on Invitation: D. A. Millington, L. C. Harter, J. B. Lynn, C. A. Bliss, J. P. McMillen, H. S. Silver, A. H. Green, S. S. Majors, C. M. Scott, T. B. McIntire, R. C. Haywood, J. L. Abbott, John Blevins, T. R. Bryan, H. C. McDorman, Mc. D. Stapleton, S. M. Fall, J. Stalter, Wm. White, S. S. Moore, Jno. McGuire, H. P. Heath, J. O. Van Orsdol, G. B. Green, W. B. Skinner, J. W. Millspaw.
Committee on Fireworks: G. S. Manser, T. K. Johnson, C. C. Haskins.
Meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the General Superintendent.
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1876.
                                                   City Council Proceedings.
                                           WINFIELD, KAN., June 19, 1876.
City Council met in regular session at the Clerk’s office, June 19th, 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers, and C. A. Bliss, Councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney, B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
The Marshal reported the proposition made by the Council at its last meeting to M. L. Bangs for the use of the pound as accepted by him, and that the repairs had been made.
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
Express Agent Bangs and Deputy P. M. Finch visited Wichita Monday. Their “back talk” was missed by the COURIER Block occupants.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
DOC HARE arrived home from the Kansas City Exposition the other evening! When the stage arrived, the boys collected around to get a squint at the distinguished stranger. They wouldn’t believe, till Bangs showed them the “way bill,” but that hat and moustache belonged to the Grand Duke. They were disappointed to see our ‘are so greatly changed. Shoot that hat!
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1877.
Bangs, the enterprising agent of the S. W. Stage Co., has helped the appearance of the stage barn by giving it a good coat of whitewash, and also the corn crib and fence.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1877.


We were happy to meet Mrs. E. C. Boyle, of Augusta, on Monday. She has been visiting friends, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Bangs, in this city a few days of the past week.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.
M. L. Bangs is doing a heavy business with his stage line carrying passengers to and from Wichita.
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
Our popular stage agent, M. L. Bangs, had bought a lot on Ninth avenue, west of Main street, and is about to build a residence.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 13, 1878.
MR. TISDALE, the manager of the stage line, was down last week in company with agent M. L. Bangs.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1878.
                                                        Real Estate Transfers.
D. A. Millington and wife to M. L. Bangs, lot 15, blk. 88, Winfield.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.
M. L. BANGS, who bangs around the stage office at Winfield, was here last week and gave us a call.
[LIST OF NEW BUILDINGS ERECTED SINCE 1/1/1878.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.
The following is a list of new buildings erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner and cost of building.
M. L. Bangs, addition: $100.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.
Henry Tisdale and Mr. Bangs were down last Sunday. Mr. Tisdale is the mail contractor on the Wichita and Arkansas City route, and both are accommodating gentlemen.
[LETTER FROM “W.” IN WINFIELD TO EDITORS, TOPEKA DAILY CAPITAL.]
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879 - Front Page.
Beautiful churches and school houses give yet more evidence of the noble spirit of this people. The main office of the southwest stage company is here under the management of that efficient agent, M. L. Bangs, Esq., whose business and pleasure it is to superintend in person everything connected with this vast enterprise, at present the main convenience between the terminus of the railroad points and surrounding country.
A two-horse stage connects Winfield with Arkansas City, a thriving little town full of whole-souled businessmen who already see their beloved town the metropolis, railroad center, and terminus of at least a half dozen railroads.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1879.
Jackson’s Liniment is being used by Messrs. Harter & Speed, M. L. Bangs, and other horse men in the city, all of whom pro­nounce it wonderful in its healing powers. Mr. Jackson will remain here some time yet, with headquarters at the Central Hotel.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 27, 1879.


The best and most important improvement in our city is the thorough overhauling and remodeling of the City Hotel by Mr. J. C. Eager, an agent of Mr. Tisdale. He has done his work in a very thorough manner, having put the hotel in first-class condi­tion. From the new roof to the cellar, the house has been cleaned, freshly painted and papered outside and in, and the stairways have been altered and made much more convenient. The work being com-pleted, the house will soon be thrown open to the public, and under good management will be certain to receive a large share of patronage.
By way of giving the hotel the “name of good places,” Mr. Eager gave a social dance on Tuesday evening of last week, which was a success in every particular, the lovers of the mazy keeping the fun up until the “wee sma’ hours.” Among those from abroad, i.e., Winfield, we were pleased to see Messrs. O. M. Seward, S. Suss, Charley Kelly, Eli Youngheim, Keys, Rodocker, also M. L. Bangs, while the fair sex was represented by a choice quartette composed of the Misses Patton, Miss Iowa Roberts and Miss Mattie Walters. This hotel has been opened under very favorable circum­stances, and Messrs. Eager and Tisdale deserve the thanks of this communi­ty for the increased accommodations that can now be furnished to strangers visiting our city.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
Last Monday, that prince of stage men, Bangs, got out his new omnibus and treated a score of businessmen to a ride to the depot and to Bliss’ mill. It seemed to us that the march of civilization had really reached Winfield and that we were no longer to be an obscure frontier town. It takes an omnibus to make one feel that he is in communication with the rest of the world.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 1, 1879.
Mr. Bangs, agent of the Southwestern Stage Co., sent stock on Sunday last to be left at stations on the mail route between this place and Okmulgee.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.
M. L. Bangs has added a new ’bus and baggage wagon to the southwestern transfer line at this place.
[THE EXCURSION OF WINFIELD RIFLES TO WICHITA.]
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
“The excursion to Wichita by the Winfield Rifles last Thurs­day evening passed off very pleasantly, barring a few hard characters, not belonging to the company, who got too much liquor aboard. The two coaches chartered by the company were comfort­ably filled by about 100 ladies and gentlemen. At the Wichita depot the Rifles were met by the Wichita Guards and were escorted to their armory where they stacked arms and dispersed to the various hotels for supper. The Tremont House seemed to be the favorite with the boys, and A. N. Deming was compelled to enlarge his culinary department to accommodate them.
“After supper, in company with Frank Smith, of the Beacon, we took in the town, visiting the principal business houses, and finally bringing up at the Opera House, the pride and glory of Wichita, which is truly a magnificent building. The building is one-story, with very high ceilings, and will seat about 1,000 people. It has a gallery running about half-way around the building, and a large vestibule with box offices and waiting rooms complete. Last but not least is the stage, which is 40 x 60, and has been furnished regardless of cost. The scenery and fixtures will compare favorably with that of any theatre west of the Mississippi.


“The drama of the ‘Union Spy,’ by the Wichita Guards, was simply immense. We had heard the piece spoken of highly by those who had seen it, but our anticipations were surpassed by the reality of the play. Judge Campbell as ‘Albert Morton,’ in Andersonville prison, brought tears to the eyes of most of the audience, and even Krets, of the Telegram, was suspiciously handy with his pocket-handerchief.
“One of the Winfield boys, who had been through Libby prison, excused this unmanly condition by saying: ‘If you-you’d a b-b-been there like I was, y-y-you’d a cri-cried, too.’ At half-past twelve the train started homeward, and the time was passed very pleasantly in the ladies’ car, with music and singing. Special credit is due Conductor Siverd, of the A. T. & S. F. for his accommodating manners and gentlemanly conduct during the trip, and also the Southwestern Stage Co., which furnished free trans­portation to and from the depot.”
Arkansas City Traveler, August 4, 1880.
M. L. Bangs is now in the employ of the K. C., L. & S. railway. M. L. has for many years been connected with the Southwestern Stage Company, and will be missed by the b’hoys.
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
M. L. Bangs is employed by the K. C. L. & S. railroad at Wellington.
                                                            Arthur Bangs.
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
Arthur Bangs is chief clerk at the Williams House since Robert Vermelye’s departure.
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
Arthur Bangs, the manager of the Tisdale Omnibus and stage lines in this place, is one of the most popular, gentlemanly, intelligent, and obliging young men in Southern Kansas. We hear fine compliments for him daily.
Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881.
Arthur Bangs is doing the agreeable to the guests of the Williams House in capacity of clerk, as well as running the bus line. He is the most gentlemanly hotel clerk we know of.
                                                             M. L. Bangs.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 5, 1881.
M. L. Bangs is now stationed at Moline, Kansas, with a survey corps of the A. T. & S. F. R. R.
                                                          Arthur C. Bangs.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
                             SOUTH-WESTERN STAGE AND OMNIBUS LINE.
             Daily Line of Stages From Winfield -To- Douglass, El Dorado -And- Augusta.
      Leave orders at all Hotels, or the Company’s office, 9th Avenue. A. C. BANGS, Agent.
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
Hereafter the South Western Stage Co. will run a hack to and from Salt City at least twice a week and as much oftener as the public convenience demands. Parties wishing Geuda Springs water or transportation can leave orders at Wells, Fargo & Co.’s express office, or at the Brettun House, where it will be prompt­ly attended to. A. C. BANGS, Agent.
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
SOUTHWESTERN STAGE AND OMNIBUS LINE, DAILY LINE OF STAGES FROM WINFIELD TO DOUGLAS, EL DORADO, AND AUGUSTA. LEAVE ORDERS AT ALL HOTELS OR THE CO.’S OFFICE, 9TH AVENUE. A. C. BANGS, AGENT.
Cowley County Courant, March 30, 1882.


Arthur Bangs, one of Winfield’s nice young men, came up to see “Hazel Kirke” last night. Wichita Times.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
Arthur Bangs thought he would break Charley Black’s runaway nag of its tricks Monday, so he hitched it on to a buggy and started around to take in the city. The horse wouldn’t have it that way, and started to run a little just for fun. Arthur was unable to manage him, and after letting him run awhile, tried to pull him into a lumber wagon on Main Street. He succeeded in guiding the horse sufficient to run the buggy wheel against the wagon, which threw Arthur out of the buggy and into the wagon box without receiving any serious injury.
The horse then went out east on Ninth avenue and the last seen of him he was going on east between the mounds, with the buggy following him very modestly. The same horse ran away with Charley Black Sunday when his wife and children were in the buggy, and Mrs. Black was considerably injured. 
LATER. The wild animal has been captured and brought into town by Jim Vance, and the buggy is being carried in in small pieces.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
Arthur Bangs is the victim of a runaway. Tuesday morning he took Charlie Black’s trotter out for a drive. The horse became frightened and started down the street with Arthur swinging on to the lines like fun. The buggy struck a wagon wheel on Main street, and the concussion sent Arthur flying through the air. He landed on his feet in a wagon bed and the horse went on. The buggy is somewhat wrecked.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
Hon. Charles C. Black and wife, Mrs. Brettun, his grandmother, and Miss Lou Crapster, his cousin started Tuesday for Hampton, Illinois, where most of the party will spend the summer. The last named started suddenly and left her bangs.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 4, 1882.
TO BE MARRIED. Arthur Bangs left on the morning train Monday, for Hampton, Illinois, where we understand, he will be united in wedlock to Miss Lou Crapster. We welcome Arthur to the matrimonial realms; Arthur is a Bang-up young man of the strict­est integrity and honesty, and one who commands the respect of every one. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Bangs all the joy that can possibly be attained in this world. Telegram.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
MARRIED. Arthur Bangs and his bride, nee Miss Crapster, arrived home from the East Monday evening and were met by a number of their friends. Arthur carries his honors grace-fully but bashfully. He will get used to it after awhile.
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
                                                 A PETITION AND REPLY.
The following petition was circulated last week by Frank Manny, taken to Topeka, and presented by him to Senator Hackney.
Arthur C. Bangs was one of the people who signed the above-noted petition.
Editorial Convention, as nearly as we can figure it.
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
                                                Where the Money Came From.


The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance.
A. C. Bangs contributed $1.
                                      Mrs. M. L. Bangs, Sister of Archie Dunn.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
Mrs. M. L. Bangs of Lawrence is visiting friends in this city.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 30, 1883.
Mrs. M. L. Bangs, of Lawrence, a sister of Archie Dunn, spent several days of the past week in this city visiting her relatives.
[BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: ARTHUR BANGS.]
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
BIRTHS. In the monotonous walks of life little incidents sometimes happen of a very interesting nature, and calculated to draw a fellow’s attention from business cares to the more frolicsome occupation of parading around in scant apparel in the dead hours of night with a bottle of paregoric and a spoon. These reflections are caused by the announcement that Arthur Bangs has been presented with an heir, of regulation weight and handsomer (if possible) than its “paw.” Congratulations are freely extended (for cigars) at this office.
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1883.
Mrs. H. Tisdale, of Lawrence, is spending a week with Arthur Bangs and wife. Mrs. Tisdale is the wife of Henry Tisdale, the big stage man and proprietor of our ’bus lines.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
                                                      Republican Convention.
The Cowley County Republican Convention met at the Opera House in Winfield on Saturday, September 1st, 1883, at 11 o’clock a.m.
Committee on credentials reported the following named delegates and alternates for their respective townships.
WINFIELD 2ND WARD. H. Brotherton, M. L. Read, D. L. Kretsinger, I. W. Randall, Arthur Bangs, W. T. Madden.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1883.
More Base Ball. The return game of ball between the Winfield club and the Actives, of this city, was played on the fair grounds at the county seat last Friday, for the championship of the county. It will be remembered that some two weeks ago the whole-souled athletes of Winfield gave our boys the game “just to encourage them,” after which the visiting club was entertained at the Leland Hotel at the expense of the home nine. For the game of last Friday, great preparations were made by the Winfield nine, five new players from the county at large being obtained to make the defeat of our boys more crushing. They fought hard, and the following table shows the wonderful success attending their efforts.
LISTING NAMES ONLY...VERY HARD TO READ ANY OF THIS!
ACTIVES. Wright, Gage, Stevenson, McNulty, Coombs, Shelden, Hilliard, Baxter, Godfrey.
WINFIELD. Davis, Williams, Clarke, Phraner, Foster, Bangs, McMullen, Austin, Sherman.


Five minutes after the game there wasn’t a Winfield ball player to be seen, and our boys made a Dutch treat of it and took dinner at the Brettun. Before supper Mr. Williams, captain of the county seat club, their best player and a perfect gentleman, came around and redeemed Winfield’s reputation for hospitality, and the rival ball tossers separated with the best of good feeling prevailing.
FINAL SCORE—ACTIVES, 24; WINFIELD, 14.
[RAILROAD COLLISION NEAR SEELEY.]
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.
                                                           A COLLISION.
                                           Trying to Pass on the Same Track.
                                               EVIDENT CARELESSNESS.
Monday forenoon a collision occurred near Seeley, eight miles north of Winfield on the Santa Fe between the regular passenger train and the pay train, which narrowly escaped being a very serious one in loss of life. The conductor of the pay car, Mr. Wells, had orders at Arkansas City to run through to Mulvane regardless of time, but to keep out of the way of the passenger. From Winfield he had eleven minutes to make Seeley, eight miles. He was cautioned to wait, but said he had plenty of time, and ordered the engineer to “let her go.” After this it seems he stopped on the road to pay some section men. Meanwhile the passenger had arrived at Seeley and it is stated that the conductor, Mr. Bell, was there informed by the operator that the pay car was on the way up from Winfield. However, he was entitled to the track and pulled out. The two trains met on a curve about half a mile this side of Seeley. The pay car was running thirty or forty miles an hour and the passenger fifteen. The engineer of the passenger, Mr. Johnson, had presence of mind enough to put on the air brakes and reverse his engine. The pay car engine was not reversed. Both engineers and firemen jumped and the engines came together with terrific force. Both engines were nearly demolished, and the baggage car stoved in. Fireman Dorley, of the passenger, had his arm broken, and the cook on the pay car was bruised. The passengers and train men were badly shook up. The collision occurred just over a bridge. The two passenger cars were standing on the bridge, but were not derailed. Engineer Johnson’s presence of mind and courage in sticking to his engine until the air brakes were set and the engine reversed probably saved the lives of many passengers. The main fault is due, as near as we can learn, to the conductor of the pay car. The passenger was entitled to the track and he had no business getting in its way or taking any risk. He claims that after he stopped to pay the section men, he still had two minutes in which to reach Seeley. The idea of his jeopardizing the lives of fifty people on the theory that his watch was right seems preposterous, but he did. Mr. Bell, of the passenger, is also somewhat to blame in the matter. Although he was entitled to the track, he ought never to have pulled out if he thought another train was coming down upon him. Human life is a precious article to handle, and railroad men should never take the desperate chance which both conductors took in this case. An engine was sent down from Newton and the cars brought in by way of Wellington. Arthur Bangs went up and brought the letter mail in. The track was cleared Tuesday morning in time for the regular passenger.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Cal. Ferguson has sold his half interest in the ’bus business at this place to Arthur Bangs. Arthur is now “boss of his own concern.”


Winfield Courier, January 3, 1884.
Arthur Bangs’ new bus is a very attractive wagon. The painting is superb. The outsides are illuminated with oil paintings, red and gold. It cost a thousand dollars.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
                                                               OUR FAIR.
                                   The Stockholders Meet and Elect a New Board.
                                                         A Splendid Record.
On Monday afternoon the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association met in the Opera House for the purpose of re-organizing the Board of Directors for the year 1884, and receiving reports of the condition and doings of the Association for the year. About seventy-five stockholders, representing nearly all of the subscribed stock, were present.
The report of the Secretary disclosed the fact that there were 149 shares taken, leaving 51 shares yet to place. It also set forth that the Fair last fall had cleared for the stockholders a net sum of $1,406.57, that there had been received from the rent of the grounds to other parties and from other miscellaneous sources the sum of $329.75, making a total of $1,736.32 profit from which the expenses of officers’ salaries, postage, blanks, books, insurance, etc., $505.04, were deducted, leaving a net profit of $1,231.28, to be divided among 133 shares, being those of the number subscribed, which were paid up: or $9.25 to each share. This is 19-1/4 percent on every dollar invested, and as the first money was paid in only eight months ago, and some of it but a few weeks ago, it is a wonderful showing. The amount, however, was not set aside as dividends, but was converted to the general fund of the Association by the stockholders, to be used in further improvements on the grounds. This item of profit, therefore, those who subscribe for the remaining shares will get the benefit of, which is a rather unusual thing in a business point of view. It is the only place we know of at present where a man can get $59.25 for fifty dollars.
Following is a list of Shareholders and Number of Shares Held.
A. C. Bangs, 1.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
Mrs. A. C. Bangs and son left Monday for a six weeks visit to the old home, Hampton, Illinois. The mantle of widowerhood will have thoroughly encased Arthur before her return; in fact, a change in his countenance is already perceptible.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, July 30, 1884.
                                                       ANNOUNCEMENT.
The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association will hold its Second Annual Exhibition at Winfield, Kansas, September 23 to 27, 1884. This Association comes before the public with more attractions and better facilities than any like Association in the State. It is a well established fact that our grounds are the largest and best in the State, our build-ings, stables, and stalls ample and commodious, thus affording the exhibitor more comfort, pleasure, and money than any Fair Association in the State.
The following is a list of the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association.
A. C. Bangs


[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
                                            GENERAL NOTES OF THE FAIR.
Cowley’s fair this year was, in some departments, especially that of agricultural display, greatly inferior to that of last year.
We print below a complete list of premiums awarded from the Secretary’s books.
                                                      CLASS A—HORSES.
ROADSTERS.
Span of roadsters over 4 years old; C. C. Pierce, 1st; Fred Barron, 2nd.
Stallion roadster any age, A. J. Lyon, 1st; S. Allison, 2nd.
Single roadster, mare or gelding, 4 years old or over; Arthur Bangs, 1st, Joe Harter, 2nd.
                                       CLASS H.—HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS.
Pumpkin pie, Mrs. S. S. Linn, 1st; Mrs. A. H. Bangs, 2nd.
PRESERVES.
Peck of dried peaches, S. E. Maxwell, 1st; Mrs. Arthur Bangs, 2nd.
                                                   CLASS K.—FINE ARTS.
Landscape from nature in oil, Mrs. C. Collins, 1st; Mrs. A. C. Bangs, 2nd.
Animal or bird piece in water colors, Mrs. A. C. Bangs, 1st.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1884.
Arthur Bangs has the finest carriage in this section of the State and when his friends have “tony” guests they will know where to go for a “tony” carriage to take them out to see the sights.
[TRANSPORTATION ADDITION BY ARTHUR BANGS.]
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1884.
Arthur Bangs has made a very important addition to the transportation facilities of our city, in the shape of an elegant Landeau, drawn by a spanking pair of gray horses. The carriage, with driver, will be at the disposal of the public. It is especially convenient for ladies making calls.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.
[Editorial column has a long discourse about Democrats attacking Republicans, especially those living in Cowley County. RECAP.
1. Attacked Henry E. Asp, Republican candidate for county attorney. Geo. Rembaugh wrote and published a letter in the Telegram charging Mr. Asp with collecting funds for clients and refusing to pay over, so that Mr. Torrance, his partner, had to pay and the Judge was about to disbar him, send him to prison, and other awful things. . . . Then he charged Asp with trying to bribe John C. Roberts to vote and work for the railroad bonds. . . . [Torrance told all who would listen that attack was done by liars.]


2. The next attack was made on the Republican candidate for representative of this district. Telegram charged that Rev. B. Kelly said “Ed. Greer was drunk two weeks ago.” Mr. Kelly answers that he never said or thought of such a thing. Telegram then said J. F. Martin had said he had seen Ed. drunk. Martin pronounces this a lie. Then a real conspiracy is concocted by an editor, a whiskey man, a beer man, and a low character, to prove that Ed. had been seen drunk and in company with a bad woman. One man is given $20 to bribe some loose women to make an affidavit to that effect. This failed. They then circulated an affidavit signed by the above low character to that effect. They then employed the editor as a go between to stir up a prohibition lawyer who is supposed to hate Ed. and convince him that Ed. is bad so that he will go and convince the ministers and other good men, telling the prohibition lawyer that Arthur Bangs will swear to the charges. The lawyer gets caught and tumbles to his part of the program, Bangs being appealed to says it is a lie. Then the whole conspiracy comes out and shows the operators to be the vilest hounds in the state. . . .
NOTE: Asp running for job of County Attorney; Ed. P. Greer running for office of Representative 66th District. POLITICS THIS TIME AROUND ARE VERY DIRTY!
Arkansas City Republican, November 8, 1884.
Mr. Chas. Harter, and Mr. Arthur Bangs, of Winfield, and Mrs. A. Perkins, who is visiting in Winfield, from Australia, were guests of Mrs. Wm. Benedict Wednesday.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 26, 1884.
Arthur Bangs and J. Allen, of the hub, were on our streets Monday.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.
                                                                  Society.
A very pleasant entertainment was given by Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, at their splendid residence in this city, on Thursday evening, December 10th. About sixty to seventy guests were present, among whom we remember by name the following.
Rev. and Mrs. W. R. Kirkwood, Prof. and Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Buckman, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Ordway, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Williams, Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Hunt, Dr. and Mrs. C. S. Van Doren, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mrs. Frank Williams of Wichita, Mrs. J. H. Bullen, Mrs. W. H. Albro, Mrs. Whitney, Mrs. Arthur Bangs, Miss Nettie McCoy, Miss Anna McCoy, Mr. W. H. Smith, Mr. Lew Brown, and Mr. W. C. Robinson.
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, made up of rain, mud, snow, and cold, the guests enjoyed themselves to the utmost, and after partaking of a magnificent supper, music, and mirth, the guests separated with warm thanks to their host and hostess, who had afforded them so much pleasure, and with the aid of Arthur Bangs, most of them, we presume, found their own domiciles in due time.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 24, 1884.
Arthur Bangs came down from Winfield, Sunday, to confer with Maj. Tisdale.
Arkansas City Republican, February 21, 1885.
                                                 The Bonham Triple Homicide.


Arthur Bangs, A. E. Baird, Bert Crapster, James McLain, F. M. Freeland, and others whose names we did not get, were subpoenaed from here to testify in the murder case of Frank Bonham at Independence. Bonham is charged with the most revolting murder that ever stained the annals of Kansas. As we noted last week, the mother, sister, and brother of Bonham were found in bed at their home near Radical City, Montgomery County, one morning recently covered with blood, having been brained and stabbed to death with a hatchet and butcher knife, probably while asleep. Frank Bonham claimed to have been in Winfield the night of the murder, but the sheriff of Montgomery County, on investigation, found that he was not here for two days afterward, when he sat up one night in the office of the Brettun and registered the next day at the Commercial. He also bought some articles of clothing at the New York Store, and talked with Mr. Baird. These circumstances were what led to the subpoenaing of the parties from here. The trial was continued to the 26th, when our folks will have to make another trip. James McLain says that nothing but Bonham’s previous good character keeps him from “pulling hemp.” Bonham is a youth of twenty-two. Developments seem likely to fasten this crime upon him. Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Republican, August 8, 1885.
The “Exterminators” of Winfield came down to play a match game of base ball with the “Rough-on-Rats” Wednesday. The game commenced at 2:30 with the “Exterminators” at the bat. The “Rough-on-Rats” tried hard to make their opponents swallow the poison, but the Exterminators struggled manfully and would not let it go down. The score at the end of the 6th inning was 17 to 33 in favor of the visiting club. The names of the exterminators are Messrs. Bangs, Hathaway, Vance, Whiting, Crane, McLain, Byerly, Eaton, and Byington. They are first-rate players and whole-souled fellows. The “Rough-on-Rats” were Messrs. Stevenson, Flood, Kingsbury, Sollitt, Wright, Baxter, Clark, Speers, and Howard. Let a generous-hearted public draw the veil of charity over the defeat of the “Rough-on-Rats.” Peace be to their ashes.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 31, 1885.
                                                            Communicated.
On Saturday morning, the 24th, twenty of the officers and members of the Woman’s Relief Corps met at their hall according to previous arrangements, to make a visit to the Arkansas City Relief Corps, upon an invitation extended from them, going by Arthur Bangs’ four-horse buss and private conveyance. Arriving at about 11:30 a.m., we were received by a committee of ladies of the Relief Corps at the Leland Hotel, where dinner was waiting us, consisting of the good things of the land in abundance, and served in magnificent style. After dinner we were escorted by the committee to their hall and in the regular business of the order found them earnest and energetic, doing much for the relief and encouragement of the members of the G. A. R. and their families. After the disposal of business, initiation of new members, etc., some half dozen members of the G. A. R. Post of the city called, greeting us with words of welcome and good cheer, and a general social time was indulged in, until we were compelled to prepare for our return home, starting around 5 p.m., delayed by the storm, arriving safely about 9 p.m., thanks to the careful driver furnished by Mr. Bangs. All are enthusiastic in praise of the Arkansas City Relief Corps, their earnest, energetic president, Mrs. J. Q. Ashton, their pleasing and agreeable manner of receiving and entertaining, and wishing we may have many opportunities of meeting and mingling with them in the future.
Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Republican, February 20, 1886.


Will Beck, Arthur Bangs’ ’bus rustler, went before Judge Snow yesterday and plead guilty to having disturbed the peace of Miss Dora M. Beau, from Arkansas City, and was mulct to the tune of $22.75. The story as told by the young lady to our reporter was that there seemed to be considerable rivalry between Mr. Bangs’ business, that when she got off the train at the Santa Fe depot, she asked Paris what the fare was to the city, when he said 25 cents. She stepped into his ’bus and took a seat, when Beck took her satchel from her hand and started for his own ’bus, telling her to “come on,” but she told him to bring back her satchel as she was going to ride up with the man here [Mr. Paris]. Beck told her that she never would get the satchel back if she did not ride in his ’bus, and took her satchel off with him. She swore out a warrant for his arrest, on charge of disturbing her peace, and also replevined her satchel. The first case has been disposed of by Beck’s pleading guilty. The civil case on replevin will come off Saturday. The ’bus boys should not carry their contest for business to such an extent as this. The public have some rights as well as ’bus conductors. We are satisfied that Mr. Bangs does not uphold his employees in any such proceedings as this. Daily Visitor.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 11, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Arthur Bangs, who was down from Winfield yesterday, told us he was looking for “joints.” We pointed out one or two to him and the last we saw of him was his coat-tail as he flew down into the basement we designated.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 26, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
Arthur Bangs is down from Winfield for a few days attending to the business of the Southwestern Stage Company. Archie Dunn has retired in order to attend to his livery business. Mr. Bangs will remain here until Mr. Dunn’s successor will arrive.
Daily Calamity Howler, Wednesday, October 7, 1891.
Quite a number have gone to Kansas City this week to attend the fair and witness the Priests of Pallas parade. Among those that went are Arthur Bangs and wife, Jim McLain, John Keck, J. R. Cottingham, and Geo. Osterhout and family.
From Ed Greer file...
[1882: There is no notice in newspapers of the birth of a daughter, Grace, who married M. A. Bangs and had two children: Tom and Charlotte. Grace died in 1954.]
I suspect that M. A. Bangs was a son of Arthur Bangs. MAW

I believe that Mr. Brettun [Brettun Hotel] had a granddaughter who married Arthur Bangs. I believe that Arthur and Louise Crapster Bangs had a son, who married a daughter of Ed Greer [Grace Greer Bangs]. MAW

 

Cowley County Historical Society Museum