James W. Connor

                                        Stone Mason and Contractor. Winfield.
Winfield 1880. J. W. Connor, 39; spouse, Susan M., 41.
Winfield Directory 1880.
Connor, J. W., mason, r. 7th av s. s. bet Fuller and Andrews.
Connor, J. M., marble cutter, boards J. W. Connor.
Winfield Directory 1885.
Winfield City Officers. Councilmen 1st ward: Jas. W. Connor; W. R. McDonald.
Connor James W, stonemason and contractor, res 615 e 6th.
[NOTE: Early newspapers quite often referred to Mr. J. W. Connor as “Conner.” This has been extremely hard to correct. Also, in the early days Mr. Connor had a partner, whose last name was “Beaton.” I have been unable to track this man down.]
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Beaton and James W. Conor were contractors on Courthouse...
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1881.
[Monitor gives breakdown on Courthouse Expenditures.]
The expenditures were much greater than first anticipated or intended; but where such radical changes to the interior arrange­ments were made, the amount necessary to make them could not be calculated, and as is always the case, they were much greater than any person expected. The entire cost of the work on the courthouse was $4,220; divided as follows.
Archie Stewart, stone mason work, $545.00
Beaton & Connor, contractors, $1,987.00
Iron work and vaults, $1,018.00
Repairing offices and furniture, $670.00
The additions are alike in size and style, and are 21 x 31 feet. The east room will be used as the office of the probate judge and the west for the superintendent of public instruction. The vaults are located in these additions and so arranged that entrance is had to them from every office in the building, yet each is independent from the other. The vaults and the iron work were made by John Seaton, of Atchison, and in a manner that is entirely satisfactory to the commissioners. The vaults rest on three feet of solid masonry, and are in every respect fire and burglar proof. The grade floor of the main building is now divided into four large offices instead of six small ones. The east part is occupied by the county clerk and the treasurer, with a window allowing communications between the offices.
On the west side a like division is made, and they are occupied by the register of deeds and district clerk. The changes have necessi­tated some new furniture, but the officers have been very econom­ical and ordered nothing but what was indispensable.

The great­est change in improvement has been made in the register’s office. The records are all now kept in the vault, and from the main room to the vault there is a truck on which runs a car, and in this car are placed all the books that are daily used. At night the car is run into the vault which secures absolute safety. The offices are all arranged with a view to the economy of space, time, and labor. Beaton & Connor were the contractors for this work, and they have done their work in a manner that reflects credit on them. They came here about a year ago and have worked on some of our best buildings. The commis­sioners speak of them in the highest terms, and say that while they, the contractors, were much delayed by weather and other things, yet not a word of complaint was made, nor was there any attempt on their part to avoid the contract or try to get an increased price. Swain & Watkins had a contract under Beaton & Connor to do the carpenter work, and P. W. Watkins was appointed by the commissioners to hire and superintend all the work in the old building. Their work was completed in a manner that gives entire satisfaction.
We cannot conclude this account without awarding the county commissioners their mead of praise. For years there has been a demand for the protection of our records, and as soon as they could do it by law they have answered the demand. They have carefully supervised the work, and not a dollar more has been spent than they could help. With a cost of less than five thousand dollars, we now have a courthouse that will do the county for many years to come. This is much more satisfactory than it would have been to have pulled down the old building and rebuilt, which would probably have cost twenty thousand dollars to have obtained the same amount of room. We say well done, good and faithful servants.
Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881.
Messrs. Beaton & Connor are doing an immense lot of building this spring. They now have on hand and are pushing forward the McDougall building, the Brown building, the Wallis building, and the Gridley building. They are splendid mechanics.
[BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.
Monday evening a number of gentlemen met at the office of Gilbert & Fuller and organized “The Winfield Building and Loan Association.” A constitution was drawn up and charter provided for, and a large amount of stock subscribed. The capital stock of the Association is $100,000 in two series of $50,000 each, the second series to be issued when the first series is paid up. The stock is divided into five hundred shares of $100 each, and are assessed at one dollar per month each. No member can own more than ten shares. The business of the Association is managed by a board of directors, and the following persons were elected as such board for the coming year: J. E. Platter, R. E. Wallis, H. G. Fuller, J. F. McMullen, Ed. P. Greer, A. D. Hendricks, J. W. Connor, C. A. Bliss, A. B. Steinberger, J. A. McGuire, and I. W. Randall.
The Board of Directors then met and elected H. G. Fuller president, A. D. Hendricks vice-president, J. E. Platter treasur­er, and J. F. McMullen secretary and attorney. The secretary was instructed to open the books of the Association for subscriptions to the capital stock. The first series only consists of five hundred shares, and these are being taken rapidly and will soon be exhausted.
The plan of this Association is one that has been in suc­cessful operation in many cities of the United States, and in Emporia, Fredonia, and many other towns in Kansas. Any persons may take from one to ten shares of stock and thereby become a member. An assessment of one dollar per month is made on each share. When sufficient amount is on hand, the Board of Directors meet and the money is put up at auction, bid on by the members, and the highest bidder takes it, giving therefor good real estate security and pledging his stock.

The profits are divided pro rata among the stockholders and each share receives its credit. Whenever the stock reaches par, or the accrued assessments and profits amount to $100 on each share, a division is made and each stockholder receives the par value of his share.
This plan offers special advantages for young men and laborers who desire to secure homes in this way. They can purchase one, two, or three shares, and pay in their monthly assessments of one, two, or three dollars. They can then secure a lot, go to the Association and bid off, say three hundred dollars, or enough to build a small house thereon, at, say 12 percent, per annum. If they hold three shares of stock and borrow three hundred dollars, they will pay each month in assess­ments and interest six dollars. At the end of four years, which is about the time it will take the stock to mature, they will have paid in assessments and interests $288. A division is made, they will receive from the Association their mortgage, and their home will be clear: thus having built a house and paid for it in four years at the rate of $6.00 per month. The ordinary rent for a house costing $300 is seven dollars per month. In four years a man would pay out in rent $336 and have no more at the end than he started with. With this plan he would pay out $288 in four years and own the house in the end.
The benefits of such an association as this will be apparent at a glance. You who have a boy growing up, buy a share of this stock for him and make him earn the assessment. Most any little boy can earn a dollar a month by carrying in wood or blacking your boots, or doing odd chores. Let him have his little book, walk up to the secretary’s office each month, and pay his dollar. At the end of our years his share will be worth $100 and he will hardly know where it comes from. It will be a lesson on economy worth far more than years of precept. We hope that the populari­ty with which this scheme is meeting here will cause other towns to organize associations. It cannot help but be of practical benefit to Winfield and to the individual member of the associa­tion in helping to build up homes in our midst, and creating a profitable investment for small sums that would otherwise be wasted.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
CHARTER FILED. The following charter was filed yesterday in the office of the secretary of State: “Winfield Building and Loan Association,” capital stock $200,000. Board of Directors for the first year: J. E. Platter, R. E. Wallis, H. G. Fuller, J. F. McMullen, E. P. Greer, A. D. Hendricks, J. W. Connor, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, J. A. McGuire, and I. W. Randall. Commonwealth.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Some weeks ago we mentioned the fact that Mr. E. E. Thorpe, from New York, was figuring on starting a tannery in our city. We are now glad to say that the project is an assured fact. Mr. Thorpe has purchased a lot on South Main street, a well has been dug, and the excavation for the cellar is being made. Messrs. Beaton & Connor have the contract for the stone work, and I. W. Randall the carpenter work for the building, which, if the weather proves favorable, will be  completed about the first of January. This adds another industry to Winfield, of which we shall have more to say as the work progresses.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.
The contracts for the Conklin building were let Thursday evening. Horning, Robinson & Co., were awarded the contract for roofing, Mr. Connor the stone work, and John Crane the plastering and front.
Cowley County Courant, April 13, 1882.

The contracts for the erection of the Conklin building were all let yesterday except the carpenter work and excavation. J. W. Connor does the masonry, J. W. Crane the plastering, J. M. Reid, the painting, and Horning Robinson & Co., the roofing, and J. B. Magill, the Iron work.
Cowley County Courant, April 13, 1882.
A claim of M. L. Read for $478.81 has been allowed by Judge Gans, against the estate of S. L. Brettun, deceased. Also, one of Horning, Robinson & Co., for $25 has been allowed. Also, one of J. W. Connor for $215.00, and one of J. M. Alexander for $180, and one of A. G. Wilson for $135.42.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
Mr. James Connor sent us in a stalk of Light Spanish tobacco Thursday that was three feet high, the leaves measuring twenty inches long and twelve inches wide. The stalk was grown in the east part of town as an experiment. Mr. Connor set out two hundred plants in the spring and but one or two of them died. He says that the tobacco matures quicker than it does in Kentucky, the quality is as good, and for the same variety, the quantity is greater than can be produced in the “Tobacco State.”
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1882.
The work on Bliss and Wood’s mill is progressing finely. The walls of the mill have been torn down and in their place new ones on a larger plan. The firm have secured as superintendent of the stone work the services of the veteran builder, Mr. J. W. Connor, which insures its speedy completion.

Winfield Courier, October 12, 1882.
DIED. John M. Connor, a stone mason, died Wednesday morning in his 45th year. He had lived in this city about a year. He was uncle of John Connor, the bright boy who worked in the COURIER office.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
On Saturday last the following young men met and organized a base-ball nine, to be known as the “Winfields”: Wm. Carson, catcher; Ed. McMullen, pitcher; R. I. Mansfield, short-stop; Bert Freeland, 2nd stop; J. Connor, 1st base; Sam Aldrich, 2nd base; Clint Austin, 3rd base; Morton Stafford, right field; Walter Tomlin, left field; Wm. Connor center.
Officers: Ed. McMullen, president; R. I. Mansfield, captain; J. Connor, secretary; Clint Austin, treasurer.
This club is open for challenges from neighboring nines, and will be glad to correspond at any time. JAMES CONNOR, Secretary.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
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.
Jim Connor gave $1.00.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.

The stockholders’ meeting of the Building & Loan Association was held Monday evening. Nearly four hundred shares of the different series were represented. Messrs. I. W. Randall, J. W. Connor, C. E. Fuller, and J. P. Short were elected as directors. The reports of the secretary exhibited a most prosperous condition of the affairs of the Association. It is another of our public institutions which is doing a grand work for the community, in furnishing a safe, sure, and profitable investment for mechanics, laboring men, and persons of small means. It enables them to build homes for themselves and pay therefor in monthly installments. Many stockholders have secured a plot of ground, borrowed money from the Association to put up a home, and are paying in the way of assessments on their stock and interest on the loan, no more than they formerly paid for rent. In a few years they will have a home, all paid for, and hardly know how they got it. Too much cannot be said in praise of this institution and the work it is doing.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.
The following bill was allowed and ordered paid: J. W. Connor, crossings, $9.00.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.
J. W. Connor named as administrator of the estate of Morgan Watts, deceased.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.

Winfield Building and Loan Association. The annual meeting of the stockholders of this association was held on Monday evening with a fair attendance. The reports of the secretary and treasurer were read, exhibiting in detail its affairs. From these reports it appears that there has been loaned by the association on bond and mortgages $11,750, secured by first lien on productive real estate in each case of more than double the amount of the loan. The association has three series running and aggregating about 450 shares, and opened a fourth series on the first of January, upon which nearly a hundred shares have already been subscribed. It was shown that the profit on the first series for three years, since it was first taken, amounted to $26.50 on the investment of $36.00, and on the second series, upon an investment of $24.00, $6.50 for two years, and on the third series, an investment of $12.00 for the past year, a profit of $1.75. The stock is paid in monthly installments at $1.00 per share. The institution is growing finely and is a befit to Winfield in building houses and in furnishing a safe and profitable way of investing monthly savings. The new board of directors consists of W. C. Robinson, A. B. Snow, C. F. Bahntge, J. F. McMullen, C. E. Fuller, J. P. Short, J. S. Mann, J. W. Connor, and A. T. Spotswood.
The Board met on Tuesday evening and elected their officers for the coming year: President, J. S. Mann; Vice President, J. W. Connor; Treasurer, Henry Goldsmith; Secretary, J. F. McMullen. Subscriptions to the fourth series may be made at the secretary’s office on 9th Avenue.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
James Clatworthy, Will Kuhns, Frank Crampton, James Hall, Laban Moore, John Hudson, Elmer Hartman, Will Clark, Will Back, James Connor, and John Herndon, from our fire companies, took in the grand ball of the Wellington Fire Department last Friday evening. They were royally entertained by the Wellington boys and the ball was most enjoyable. Our companies anticipate an annual parade, ball and banquet soon, which the Wellington boys will attend.
[ABSTRACT OF COUNTY AUDITOR’S REPORT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 19, 1885.
Abstract of the monthly report of the County Auditor of Cowley County, Kansas, of claims certified to the County Clerk, on the First Monday of March, 1885.
J. W. Connor, juror fees: $14.00.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
The City election will be held next Tuesday, and as yet no tickets are in the field. For mayor the names of D. L. Kretsinger, Dr. Graham, W. R. McDonald, and Mr. Ordway are prominently mentioned. Any one of these gentlemen are thoroughly competent, and would give the city an active and energetic administration. James Connor is mentioned for the council in the First ward. He is one of our best men, and should go in without opposition. Among others mentioned for the council in their respective wards are Arthur Bangs, Ed. Bedilion, A. H. Doane, J. B. Lynn, H. Brotherton, and W. A. Smith. All are good men, and would give us a clean and effective government. Let every citizen without regard to party or creed make himself a committee of one to go to any and all meetings or caucuses for the nomination of tickets, and see that first class men only are put on ground. There is much of weal or woe, depending on the class of persons selected to govern the city during the next two years.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.

Winfield never experienced an election day like Tuesday. But one candidate had opposition—Capt. H. H. Siverd. Every man on the ticket was such as would honor the position for which he was nominated—representative men selected from the tried and trusted of the city by a non-partisan caucus—a caucus the like of which Winfield never had before and will probably never have again. There was nothing to draw out a full vote. Everything was as tranquil as a May morning. The only riffle was caused by the feeble attempt of a certain element to down the irrepressible Capt. H. H. Siverd. But the Captain didn’t down worth a cent. The colored voters of the city made a mistake in allowing the whiskey mugwumps to cajole them into running their candidate after this honest defeat in the people’s convention.
FIRST WARD. Graham, 212; M. G. Troup, 1; W. H. Turner, 234; W. A. Tipton, 1; John D. Pryor, 223; Geo. W. Robinson, 226; H. H. Siverd, 176; T. H. Herrod, 199; Archie Brown, 51; James Connor, 224; A. G. Wilson, 224; W. O. Johnson, 218. TOTAL: 231.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Grace May Weston et al vs. Eliza Cronin: judgment by default, and S. H. Myton, B. F. Wood, and J. W. Connor appointed to partition real estate.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
The new mayor and councilmen were sworn in, composing the Council as follows:
Mayor, W. G. Graham; Councilmen first ward, W. R. McDonald and James Connor; second ward, A. H. Jennings, T. B. Myers; third ward, W. J. Hodges, G. H. Crippen; fourth ward, J. P. Baden, J. N. Harter. Councilman Crippen was unanimously elected president.
Mayor Graham announced the following standing committees for the year.
Street and Alleys—Hodges, Connor, and Myers.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
The contract for the erection of the new County poor house on the poor farm, was awarded to Connor & Son instead of C. D. Lea, as stated. The contract price is $3,107. The house is to be of stone, the front in broken ashlar 30 x 50 feet, two stories high and a basement.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
The contract for erecting a county poor house, at a cost of $3,107, was awarded to Connor & Son, a contractor of this city.
J. M. Connor elected foreman of the Telegram Hose Company...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.

The Telegram Hose Company held its annual election of officers Wednesday, resulting as follows: Frank Holbrook, captain; J. M. Connor, foreman; Charles Andrews, secretary; L. E. Back, financial secretary; Al McNeil, treasurer. A resolution was passed requesting the City Council to amend the Fire ordinance creating the office of Assistant Chief. At present the captain of Number One is assistant chief, but the companies think it expedient to have an assistant separate from either company, to be elected by the Department outside of their membership, and that the pay of said assistant be $2.50 for each alarm. For the foremanship, Jim Connor and George Jackman were a tie, and had to flip nickels to decide, Jim coming up “heads.” The new Chief Fire Marshal, W. H. Clark, was duly installed, and a vote of appreciation extended to ex-Chief, D. L. Kretsinger.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
DECORATION DAY!!
CATHOLIC CEMETERY.
John M. Connor, Co. E, 9th Kentucky Cavalry.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
The “Dads” of the city met in regular session Monday, President Crippen in the chair, and Councilmen McDonald, Connor, Myers, and Harter present.
[COWLEY COUNTY AUDITOR’S REPORT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
County Poor House, J. M. Connor: $566.10.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
The rulers of the city held their regular commune Monday night, with Mayor Graham and Councilmen Connor, McDonald, Myers, Crippen, Harter, and Baden present.
[COWLEY COUNTY AUDITOR.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
The following claim was allowed in July.
Work on poor house, J. W. Connor & Son, $2,570.60.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
The rulers of the city met Monday in regular semi-monthly commune. Present: Mayor Graham and Councilmen McDonald, Connor, Myers, Crippen, and Harter. Absent: Councilmen Jennings, Baden, and Hodges.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
The building committee of the School Board awarded the contract of the excavation for the Central school building addition to Jim Connor, and work was begun Thursday. By this means, everything will be ready for the contractor who gets the building to begin the stone work on Monday, August 17th, as soon as his contract and bond are signed.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
About the only first-class crossing culvert in the city has just been constructed across Loomis and Ninth avenue, this side of the Court House. It was put in by Hank Thomas, under supervision of Mr. James Connor, chairman of the city council’s street and alley committee. The bottom is lined with water tight flagging, the walls are built solidly to the top, and the crossing stones are six inches thick and four feet wide—will last forever. This culvert will not fill up and sink down in a year or so and be worthless, worse than none. It will clean itself with every good rain and make a first-class drain. Put in more like it.
[THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The School Board met in regular session Monday for the purpose of letting the contract for the completion of the addition to the Central school building. The bids were received for two propositions as follows.

First. For the erection and completion of the building according to the plans and specifications, as prepared by Architect Ritchie. This contemplates the removing of the roof of the new part of the present building. (This is now dangerous, and is liable to cause a serious accident at any time because of the poor construction of the roof, which is spreading, so that the plastering is cracking and falling off the upper ceilings. It is only a question of a short time until the ceiling will fall in, causing, no one can tell how much damage, if not attended to now, while it can be helped.) This roof would be removed entirely. A new roof and cornice would be built (including the top ceiling of the rooms), which will correspond with that of the new part of the building. This will make a building, an accurate prospective drawing of which Mr. Ritchie has completed and had framed. It is now hanging at the post office door.
Second. The second proposition that the bids were received for contemplated no change or work on the roof of the new part of the present building.
This must be done though by a separate contract before school can be held in this building, or we will at some near future time, be called upon to chronicle the injury, and perhaps the death, of many of our school children, caused by a falling ceiling and roof of the building.
The contemplated roof on the new building will correspond in style and beauty with that on the building as it now stands.
Bids Received. The bids on the first proposition were $12,794, which would complete the building as the drawing shows.
The bids on the second proposition were $9,655, which would give us a building of the same style as the present one with the tower as shown on the drawing.
Neither of the above bids include the seating or furnace.
Bid for Building Awarded to Connor & Son. The contract for the completion of the building, up to the height of the stone walls on the present building, including the top joist, plastering, etc., was awarded to Connor & Son, of Winfield, their bid being the lowest, and work will be pushed rapidly so as to lose no time in getting the building completed.

Special Election. The school board reserved the right to accept either plan the citizens decide upon, and have another contract entered into on the first day of September. To this end the special election was called for Monday, the 31st day of August, and thus let the taxpayers and citizens of Winfield decide as to whether we shall have one public school building that our citizens need not be ashamed of, and can point at with some pride as a sample of the good taste and style of our flourishing little city; or whether we shall continue to sink our money into such looking, botched, and patched up concerns as we have the honor of calling our public school buildings, and which have gained for Winfield the notoriety of having the worst looking public buildings in the State. Consider this matter thoroughly and examine the drawing of the proposed building (which is as correct as a photograph of the completed building could be), which will hang at the post office door until after the first day of September, thus giving our citizens an opportunity of knowing what they are going to get for the additional $6,000 worth of bonds, which will be necessary to complete the building. And remember that besides the style and appearance of the building, we will get four rooms on the third floor which can be fitted up and used as class rooms or school rooms when an emergency (such as the present one), should arise and we should need more school room.
When the seating and furnace is put in and all completed after the cheapest plan of roof has been put on, the cost will be about $11,000, ($3,000 more than was voted for the building purpose) while to finish the building according to the plans and specifications will require only $6,000 more than was voted for that purpose.
Now the question is: Can the city of Winfield afford to cut off the four rooms on the third floor and lose the only possible chance it has of having one public building that we may be proud of for the small difference in the two propositions?
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The rulers of the city met last night in regular semi-monthly session, Mayor Graham presiding and Councilmen Connor, Jennings, Myers, Crippen, and Baden present; absent, Councilmen McDonald, Hodges, and Harter. An ordinance assessing cost of sidewalks put down by the city; an ordinance providing for the construction of certain walks; an ordinance providing for the annexation of certain territory in the city were passed. Petition of W. A. Lee to build stone building with shingle roof on lots 16, 17, and 18, block 109, was rejected. The resignation of W. J. Cochran as street commissioner to take effect on the 20th inst., was accepted.
An ordinance, after some discussion, in which the property owners most interested took part, was ordered widening east Fifth avenue. W. J. Wilson, clerk of the school board, presented the tax levy made by the board for school purposes, as follows: For general school purposes, 10 mills; for bond fund, and to pay interest on one bond, 4½ mills, which levy was approved by the council. The street and alley committee was instructed to purchase dirt for street grading from the Eaton-Short cellar excavators, ten cents per load, delivered.
The following bills were ordered paid: Wm. Moore & Sons, stone for crossings, $106.68; H. L. Thomas, crossings, $59.01; N. Hurley, blacksmithing, $4.35; John Roberts, work for city, $4.87; A. G. Glandon, salary assistant marshal to Aug. 4, $5.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Jim Connor & Son are whooping the New Central school building up with a rush. Twenty men are at work now and the force increasing. The walls are Rough Ashlar, like those of the old building, to make uniformity.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 10, 1885.
The City Fathers met in regular session Monday night, Mayor Graham and Councilmen Connor, Jennings, Crippen, Harter, and Baden, and city clerk Buckman, present; absent, Councilmen McDonald, Myers, and Hodges.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 10, 1885.

Jimmy Toole, a paddy who got too much “mechanical purposes,” and didn’t have the wealth to pay out, was put in Jim Connor’s hands Tuesday, Jim to give him work and pay his fine. Jim put him to carrying stone at the new school building. He worked an hour or so, and didn’t like it. He is a brick mason and didn’t like stone: too heavy! He was being watched, but getting a chance, he skipped off and the last seen of him he was going northeast at a rate to discount an Arabian steed. Several fellows have worked out their fines with Jim, not caring to skip.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
The City Fathers held their regular conclave Monday night. Present: Mayor Graham and Councilmen Connor, Myers, Crippen, Baden, and Harter; absent, Councilmen Jennings, McDonald, and Hodges. A petition to close general merchandise stores on Sunday was tabled. Petition to fix the road to west bridge, ditto. The following bills were ordered paid.
Q. A. Glass, coal, $3.25; J. C. Fuller, rent council room, January, February, and March, $30; J. C. McMullen, rent fire department building, Dec., $25; City Officers salaries Dec., $129.98. Bill of Water Company for $1,572.50, hydrant rental from July 5, 1885, to Jan. 15, 1886, was found correct and the clerk ordered to issue an order for the amount, bearing 7 per cent interest. Bills of Hose Co. No. 1, $40; Hose Co. No. 2, $33; W. H. Clark, chief fire marshal, $4.00; Black & Rembaugh, $23.50. Treasurer’s report for quarter ending Dec. 15th, 1885, was found correct. City Clerk was instructed to ascertain cost of lumber to re-floor west bridge. The finance committee was instructed to deduct, as usual, the moonlight nights from the Gas Company’s bill, and the city attorney was instructed to carry the case of Winfield vs. the Gas Company to the Supreme Court. The marshal was ordered to have the K. C. & S. W. railroad fix its crossing on North Main. The curb-stones around the gas posts, where they interfere with water hydrants, were ordered fixed. The City agreed to furnish rock for crossing to Bliss & Wood’s mill, that firm agreeing to lay the same. The Marshal was ordered to have Mr. Croco lay his walk according to ordinance.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Recap. Final Settlement in Probate Court, estate of Morgan Watts, deceased. Date of settlement and discharge: April 5, 1886. Jas. W. Connor, Administrator. Forsythe & Madden, Attorneys.
Councilman J. W. Connor resigns...
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
The council chamber was a hot scene Tuesday night. A special meeting of the city rulers was held to approve the bond of Uhl and Giel, the Cleveland, Ohio, contractors whose bid to construct the city building was the lowest one filed and the one accepted. There were present: Mayor Graham and Councilmen Harter, McDonald, Crippen, Jennings, and Connor.
There has existed considerable dissatisfaction among home contractors ever since the awarding of this contract to foreign parties. The bid of Uhl, $8,500, was $400 lower than the next lowest, and these men were highly recommended, and signified their determination to locate in Winfield, and made this low bid to introduce themselves. The council could do nothing but accept.
Things ran smoothly until last week, when the delay of Uhl and Giel to file their bond caused a little uneasiness, and a petition was circulated, asking the council to revoke their award and give the contract to the next lowest bidder, which was Chas. Schmidt.
In the meantime, Uhl and Giel came on, had their bond of $16,000, to strictly fulfill their contract, well secured and ready to file.

Last night the fact was brought out that Uhl’s initials were wrong in his contract, which made “K. T. Uhl” the bidder instead of Fred Uhl, whom he represented himself to be. Mr. Uhl, being present, then explained that he drew the original bid himself, but had a Cleveland stenographer copy it, and that it was in this way that the mistake must have occurred. Chas. Schmidt said it illegalized the bid, and if the council accepted Uhl’s bid, he would have him enjoined.
Mr. Connor said that he didn’t propose that any foreigner should walk off with that job if he (Connor) had to do it for nothing.
And here the war began, fraud being charged to the contractors all around. Connor moved that Uhl’s bid and others filed be rejected. Harter seconded the motion. Connor and Harter voted in favor, and the rest of the councilmen refused to vote, and the motion was declared carried.
Mr. Connor tendered his resignation as councilman from the First Ward, to go into effect next Monday evening. His resignation is no doubt to enable him to bid on the city building.
The council decided to again advertise for bids, to be opened on the 8th of February. The home contractors are determined, and Uhl is determined, and some very low bids will no doubt result. It was claimed by our home men that Uhl would lose a thousand dollars on his bid of $8,500, and they predicted that he would never file his bond. He stood the racket and thus this hotness.
The council never had a livelier or louder discussion than that last night. Some of them got badly stirred up.
The resignation of Councilman Connor is much to be regretted. He has made a very efficient member of the council, his services in public improvements being specially valuable. His practical knowledge as a contractor and builder peculiarly fit him as councilman. A member of the council, however, cannot take a contract from that body, under the law.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
At a meeting of citizens held in the E. of L. hall yesterday, Mr. James Connor was requested to withdraw his resignation tendered to the city council as representative of the first ward.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
THE BRIDGES. The committee appointed to confer as to the character of the new Walnut bridges, which committee is composed of Councilmen Connor, Harter, and Jennings, and Messrs. M. L. Robinson, J. B. Lynn, Marsh Howard, and C. A. Bliss, met Wednesday afternoon and again this afternoon. J. G. Bullene, representing the Leavenworth Bridge Company, Mr. Allen, agent of a Kansas City Company, and Col. McGraw, of a Leavenworth Company, were present with plans. The committee have not yet determined on which company’s bridge or the kind most appropriate within our means. Both bridges, however, will be very fine iron ones, with a foot walk on the Ninth avenue bridge. The council at its adjourned meeting Monday evening next, will determine on the style. The contract for constructing the city building will also be let then.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.

      The City Building Contract Let for $300 More Than the Bid Formerly Accepted.
The rulers of the city met in adjourned session Monday night to look into the bridge building question and to let the contract for the city building—Mayor Graham and Councilmen Jennings, Harter, Myers, Baden, Connor, and Crippen, present; with city clerk, Buckman; city attorney, Jos. O’Hare, and city engineer, Willis A. Ritchie. The bridge committee and city engineer had conferred with various bridge builders and determined on prices and plans, but it was determined best to consult with the Vernon officials before taking final action, as that township was equally interested in the Ninth Avenue bridge. The meeting with Vernon was set for Wednesday next, the city clerk to notify the Vernon Board. There were four bids for the complete construction of the City Building.
Chas. Schmidt: $10,765; Joe Reeves: $9,700; John Q. Ashton: $9,330; Uhl & Giel, Cleveland: $8,880.
The bid of Fr. Uhl and John F. Giel being the lowest bid, with ample bondsmen and recommendations, the contract was awarded to them. This is the Cleveland, Ohio, firm whose bid, $380 lower than this one, was accepted by the council before. Owing to a slight technicality, which could easily have been lawfully remedied, and the assurance that home contractors would make lower bids if given another opportunity, the bids were all thrown out and bids re-advertised for. This little miscue cost the city $300. But the council is not altogether to blame. They did as their best judgment dictated, backed by a petition of 300 citizens who were dissatisfied with foreigners getting the contract, and with the declarations of home contractors. Messrs. Uhl & Giel will locate here permanently, at once, and begin the erection of the city building as soon as the weather will permit. They are contractors of experience and first-class standing in Cleveland. They enter into a bond of $8,880 to complete the work, strictly according to plans and specifications, by the first of August. The council ordered the Fire company to rent the old foundry building for its departments, until the city building is completed. The fire marshal was instructed to examine the various fire plugs and see that they are in working order. The street and alley committee is to have Dr. Mendenhall’s sidewalk, fronting his residence on Millington Street, raised above the high water mark.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.

Last night at 7:10 as No. 27 was putting out for the west on the Southern Kansas road, William Pretzman fell under the train and was run over by seven cars, his body being crushed almost into a jelly. He was a cook and had worked here for about three days (two days at the Brettun and one at the Central). He received a telephone from Mr. Speed, of the Arlington, at Wellington, yesterday, that a cook was wanted at that place, and started on the train last night, wishing to get there before some other cook, and secure the position. Yesterday another cook came up from Arkansas City and Pretzman, being in close circumstances, borrowed money from Frank Thompson, cook at the Central, with which to pay his fare to Wellington, but it is supposed he spent the money for whiskey and was trying to beat his way, and being under the influence of liquor, was incapable of climbing over the cars, and as he was jumping from one coal car to another, lost his footing, and fell under the train. He first fell about 20 feet west of where the sidewalk crosses the track near the depot, and was dragged about 100 feet under the wheels, as indicated by bones and flesh on the rail. He was the most horrible sight our eyes ever beheld, having both legs cut entirely off, only hanging by small threads of flesh. There was not a whole bone left in his body, his right arm being cut and crushed off just above the elbow. The Coroner’s inquest was held this morning by Coroner H. L. Wells, and the following was the verdict rendered by the Jury: “Deceased came to his death by being run over by railroad cars on the Southern Kansas railroad at Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas.” Signed: W. L. Morehouse, M. M. Scott, James W. Connor, D. A. Smith, F. M. Jones, Jurors.
Pretzman has been traveling around in this part of the State for the past four years, and is known as a journeyman cook, and came from Wichita here. He left a satchel at one of the hotels at Wichita, but had no effects with him except a pocket full of hotel bill of fares and a cook book. He was about 35 years of age, of rather small stature, had brown hair and moustache. In conversation with John Hubbell, cook at the Brettun, he said that he had relatives somewhere in Pennsylvania, but hadn’t heard from them for fifteen years. He is of Pennsylvania Dutch decent, and was well liked by those who knew him. The remains were deposited in the potters field at the Union cemetery this afternoon.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Our City Fathers met in regular session Monday night. Mayor Graham and Councilmen Connor, Jennings, Crippen, and Harter, and Clerk Buckman were present.
The committee on street railway and electric lights were granted longer time.
The bill of Q. A. Glass of $6.50 for coal was allowed.
The bill of W. A. Ritchie & Co., services as architects for $150, was referred to finance committee.
The sidewalk petition of Mrs. Andrews and fourteen others was referred to committee on sidewalks.
A petition to vacate the alley in block 106 was granted and the City Attorney directed to prepare ordinance.
The petition to move hay scales from Main street was not granted.
W. A. Lee was granted the privilege of raising the roof of his machine shed six feet higher.
Marshal McFadden was ordered to notify all parties to clear pig pens and black yards and to remove all garbage, filth, and tin cans from the allies.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
The rulers of the city met in regular bi-weekly session Monday eve, with Mayor Graham presiding, and Councilmen Connor, Jennings, Myers, Crippen, Baden, and Harter present; McDonald and Hodges absent.
The sidewalk petition of Marie A. Andrews et al was granted.
The Public Health Committee sat down on dry wells for drains, and an ordinance was ordered prohibiting drain wells or privy vaults anywhere in the city, of greater depth than eight feet.
Bills were ordered, paid as follows: B. McFadden, burying four canines, $4; city officers’ salaries for Feb., $129.98; Black & Rembaugh, printing, $145.

Bills of J. P. Baden, $21.65, were referred to commissioners for payment.
The Western Union Telegraph Company was given right of way for its line to the uptown office, with the privilege of establishing said office.
Councilmen Crippen, Connor, and Harter were appointed to ascertain the boundaries of territory necessary to take into the city limits.
It was determined to put on the market simultaneously the city building and bridge bonds, $23,000, soon.
There were two bids opened for privilege of city weigh master. Capt. Lyons offered the city $25 per month, and Van Vleet & Sage, the new wholesale implement men, offered one-half the gross receipts from the scales, with a guarantee of $640 a year; no other scales to be licensed to weigh for hire in the city limits. The scales are to be the size and kind directed by the council, and be erected at once in front of 614 North Main.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
The city council held an adjourned session Thursday, with Mayor Graham in the chair and councilmen Crippen, Myers, Connor, Jennings, Baden, and Harter, present; absent, McDonald and Hodges.
An ordinance prohibiting all unmuzzled dogs the freedom of the city; a public health ordinance, prohibiting a public health ordinance, prohibiting wells for drainage, over eight feet deep; wells for drainage, over eight feet deep; ordinance for sidewalk on Fourth and Millington streets; ordinance vacating the alley east and west in the Brettun block, were passed.
Bills ordered paid: Willis A. Ritchie, past services as city building architect, to be paid from amount received for bonds; Jos. O’Hare, telegraph message, $1, and F. L. Holbrook, work on fire department building, $6.
Bills of Willis A. Ritchie, city engineer, $21.50, and District Clerk Pate, $11.75, were referred.
Permit was given to S. E. Hunt to raise the front and back of the old Stump building, in the McDougall block.
For the purpose of consulting as to the Walnut river bridge contracts; the township board of Vernon, H. H. Martin, trustee; J. M. Householder, clerk, and Wm. Carter, treasurer, were present. The dozen bridge representatives were excluded from the chamber and the bids opened, and, after some consideration, the final consideration was set for April 12th.
The city weigh master’s bond was placed at $1,000; the city clerk was instructed to execute the proper contract, and the city attorney to draw an ordinance regulating the duties and privileges of the weigh master.
It was decided to sell the city building bonds at the next regular meeting of the council, the 15th inst.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.

ASK FOR $3.50. The stone and brick masons on the Imbecile Asylum and Methodist College, twenty or more, laid off Monday, with the request that their wages be raised from $3 to $3.50 per day—the regulation price all over the country and paid by Jim Connor and the rest of our contractors. Our laboring men are worth as much as laborers are anywhere and should have as good wages. The Asylum and College workmen are not vindictive, ask simply justice in a gentlemanly way. Contractor J. Q. Ashton was absent today, and as the request of his masons seems within the bonds of equity, he will likely grant it readily on his return.
J. M. Connor...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.
Laben Moore was presented Friday with a beautiful silver table castor from Hudson Brothers by Robert Nipp, I. Martin, J. M. Connor, E. Youngheim, M. V. Andre, Jack Hudson, and Frank Eastman. This was given as a gift of the appreciation in which Laben is held by the boys, and a memorial of his departure from single blessedness.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
With this week began the April term of the Probate court and Judge Gans has already turned out the following grist.
James Connor, administrator de bonus non, of the estate of Morgan Watts, deceased, made final settlement and was directed to pay the balance, $170.43, in his hands to the administrator of said deceased in the State of Indiana.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
The city council met in adjourned session Monday, with Mayor Graham and Councilmen Crippen, Connor, Baden, Myers, Harter, Clerk Buckman and Attorney O’Hare present. Petitions for sidewalks fronting lots 10 and 11, block 130, Main street, and blocks 134, 154, 174, and 194 on Riverside Avenue were granted, and ordinances ordered. Bill of James Jordan, $25, rent fire dept. building, was allowed, and bill of W. A. Ritchie, city engineer, etc., $41.10, was referred. Willis A. Ritchie resigned the city engineership. This was made necessary by his commission as government architect and superintendent for the Wichita Government building. He couldn’t hold both positions. Col. H. Allen, of the K. C. Bridge Co.; George H. Bullene, of the Bullene Bridge Co., Leavenworth; H. C. Campbell, of the Toledo Bridge Co., and a representative of the Missouri Bridge & Iron Works were present with bids for the Ninth Avenue and Bliss & Wood Bridges as follows.
NINTH AVENUE.
K. C. Bridge Co., $8,450; Leavenworth Bridge Co., $8,525; Missouri Bridge & Iron Works, $9,400; Smith Bridge Co., Toledo, Ohio, $9,500.
BLISS & WOOD BRIDGE.
K. C. Bridge Co., $5,500; Leavenworth Bridge Co., $5,250; Toledo Bridge Co., $5,690.
The council went into secret session to consider the bids and after a late hour adjourned to finish up this morning.

The forenoon was put in with the bridge men, resulting in awarding the contract for both bridges to the Smith Bridge Company, of Toledo, Ohio, which company presented the only bids for steel bridges, with piers on bed rock. The others bid to erect wrought iron bridges, on piles. The Ninth Avenue bridge has a center span of 140 feet and two approaching spans of 60 feet each. It has an 18 feet wagon path and 2 foot path, one complete and the other ready for the planks whenever it is needed. The superstructure of this bridge costs $5,690, and the masonry $3,810, a total of $9,500 for the bridge complete. The Bliss & Wood bridge has two 100 feet spans, with bed-rock abutments. The superstructure costs $4,442 and the masonry $568. Charley Schmidt contracted with H. C. Campbell, agent of the Smith Bridge Co., this morning, for the entire mason work for both bridges. Messrs. H. H. Martin, J. M. Householder, and William Carter, Township Board of Vernon, met with the council in the awarding of the Ninth Avenue contract. The $11,000 in bonds voted by Winfield, and $4,000 by Vernon covers the contract with $500 left. The bridges are to be completed, ready for travel in August.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
TO THE PUBLIC.
We the undersigned contractors and builders of the city of Winfield, will not figure or give estimates on plans or specifications got up by W. A. Ritchie & Co., Architects, unless a competent man is employed as superintendent of the same outside of W. A. Ritchie & Co.
Connor & Son, J. Van De Water, Charles Schmidt, C. D. Austin, S. L. Mitchell & Son, J. H. Hetherington, Reed & Oliver, C. H. Andrews, Frazier & Harvey, I. H. Reeves, W. I. Warner, D. T. Armstrong, J. K. Bates, McKay & Pettit, Roberts & Taflin, D. R. Gates, L. G. Cutting, John A. Maus, Kingsley & Barnes, Moore Bros., Wells, Willis & Kipp.