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Cowley County Courthouse and Jail
Much of the early history of Cowley County Courthouse and early matters pertaining to the [City or County] Jail come from the 1872-1875 editions of the Winfield Courier. It is necessary to point out that microfilm copies of the Arkansas City Traveler did not start until 1876. MAW
1872
First Courthouse in Cowley County Considered As Temporary.
[COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Messenger, Friday, March 15, 1872.
Winfield Has Temporary Courthouse. Courthouse to be Erected.
Winfield has 8 dry goods stores, 8 grocery stores, 3 drug stores, 3 hardware stores, 1 auction store, 3 meat shops, 3 saloons, 3 hotels, 2 tin shops, 1 harness shop, 2 shoe shops, 3 livery stables, 3 blacksmith shops, 3 bakeries, 3 wagon shops, 5 carpenter shops, 3 paint shops, 1 photograph hall, 1 bank, 2 churches, 1 clothing store, 2 cabinet shops, 1 millinery shop, 1 news depot, 1 silversmith shop, 1 wholesale liquor store, 4 land offices, 1 barber shop, a temporary courthouse, 2 lumber yards; and in fact, nearly all the trades and professions are liberally represented. There are 5 church organizations, 1 Masonic lodge, 1 odd fellows lodge, besides literary and other societies. There is an excellent and large public school, besides Sunday schools and other means of instruction.
The buildings of Winfield are of a good, substantial class, and well painted: most of them white. Some of the buildings are of magnesian limestone, from the adjacent quarries, and several others are about to be erected of the same material. Among the buildings to be erected this season is a schoolhouse to cost $5,000, a courthouse, a flour mill, a large first class hotel, and many fine business and residence structures.
Temporary Courthouse.
[CITIZEN’S MEETING.]
Winfield Messenger, June 28, 1872.
Agreeable to appointment a number of citizens met at the courthouse in Winfield to take measures for holding a celebration. After considerable discussion it was decided not to celebrate at Winfield, whereupon a committee, consisting of Messrs. Walton, Boyle, and Bryant, was appointed to procure teams for the accommodation of persons wishing to attend celebrations elsewhere.
A sufficient quality of powder was donated for the national salute, to be given at daybreak on the morning of the fourth, and a committee was appointed to superintend the firing.
The meeting then took into consideration the subject of
INCORPORATING WINFIELD,
in which much interest was manifested by all present. On motion, J. B. Fairbank, S. H. Myton, and A. T. Stewart were appointed as a committee to draft petitions and circulate them.
On motion the meeting adjourned. J. D. COCHRAN, Chairman.
ALBERT YALE, Secretary.
Courthouse and Jail Bonds.
Winfield Messenger, Friday. July 12, 1872. [Editorial.]
“WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?”
One pretended objection to the courthouse and jail bonds is, that the county seat might be removed. This is simply ridiculous. The Walnut Valley will always be the center of population, east and west, in Cowley County. In the Walnut Valley will be flourishing stations (for a railroad will soon certainly be built down the valley), and towns along the Walnut River in this county will be built, of which, of course, Winfield and Arkansas City will be chief. And while the Grouse is an excellent valley and will sustain two good towns, the Arkansas Valley is much broader, and will contain the heaviest population.
What object then, outside of the immediate locality of an aspirant for county seat, and outside of enmities founded upon envy and malice, could the people have in changing the county seat? What would be the consequence in so doing? We will tell you. Winfield, alone, will pay for one fourth of the taxes of the whole county the coming year. The faster she grows, the more she lightens the county of taxation. Would it be wise now to kill the goose that lays the golden egg? Why try to cripple and stop the growth of the best town in the county, and one of the best (and soon will be the best), in southern Kansas? What is Winfield doing for the county? She is building bridges for the county, which justly belonged to the county to build, and which the county has the benefit of, which will cost her not less than $13,000. Has Winfield no claim upon the good will of the county? Where can the farmer find a better market in which to buy and sell?
Is it wise for the farmer to destroy his own market? Two splendid grist and flouring mills are being erected at Winfield, where every farmer in time will want to bring his grain. And manufactories will soon follow.
Is it wise for the people to spread a wet blanket on all this prosperity, when they are the direct recipients of all the good and evil done to Winfield?
Bah! The people are not such fools. And the envious discontents can organize an expedition to the planets in a balloon with as much hope of success, as to expect the people of this county to prefer the town of Tisdale to Winfield for county seat. And the people will prefer to apply the $1,000 which a county seat election would cost them to the building of county buildings in Winfield.
Courthouse.
Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.
A township convention was held at the courthouse last Saturday, and delegates were elected to the county convention. The delegates chosen were L. J. Webb, J. P. Short, and W. M. Boyer.
Request by County Commissioners: Vote Bonds for Courthouse and Jail.
Winfield Messenger, Friday, July 19, 1872. Editorial.
ALBERT YALE & CO., Publishers.
Message from County Commissioners.
RECAP: Request to voters of Cowley County to vote for bonds for courthouse and jail. Request signed by County Commissioners: Frank Cox, Richland Township; O. C. Smith, Bolton Township; J. D. Maurer, Dexter Township. After their statement, more editorials appear requesting votes for bonds for courthouse and jail.
This was followed by another item about “Land Office at Wichita.” Changes made in officers seemed to be welcomed by editor.
Jail & Courthouse A Public Necessity According to Commissioners.
Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.
The County Commissioners, who all reside outside of the township, say that a jail and courthouse building is a public necessity.
Election Called by County Commissioners for Courthouse & Jail.
Winfield Messenger, July 26, 1872.
TO THE VOTERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
FELLOW CITIZENS:
The undersigned, your board of County Commissioners, having called an election upon the proposition of voting bonds to be expended in constructing a Court House and Jail, feel constrained to state in this way the reasons for our action.
During the last twelve months, ending July 1st, the expense of caring for prisoners and providing suitable rooms for county offices in this county has created an indebtedness of about $1,000.
To this expense must be added the consideration that there is no security in the care of criminals nor safety to the county books and records. These books, records, plats, office furniture, etc., have cost the county over $4,000, and in case of loss by theft or fire, it would cost the citizens individually and taxpayers collectively many thousand dollars for new books and new records—many of which could never be replaced at any cost or trouble.
With $15,000 in the hands of this county, we will erect a three story stone building at least 45 feet square, the lower or basement story of which shall be used for a jail. The second story shall be partitioned into rooms for the county officers and shall be furnished with fire proof vaults for the safe keeping of the records. The third story shall be completed for a courtroom. This building will be located on a block of land isolated from other buildings and owned by the county, which land will be donated to the county.
The tax to be levied for interest on account of the issue of $15,000 in bonds amounts to but a trifle more for the first year than the extra expense of caring for prisoners and paying rent during the year past; and in the future the expense of caring for prisoners under the present system will be more expensive than in the past.
The taxable property of the county this year is about $1,250,000; and as Winfield Township will be said to be more directly interested in the construction of this building than other townships, we will say that the tax roll for 1872 shows that Winfield Township contains one fourth of the taxable property of the whole county while it contains only about one eighteenth of the territory in the county.
No tax will be collected to redeem a bond or pay interest upon the amount issued until January, 1874, at which time $2,500 will be due, when we may reasonably expect that the taxable property of this county will amount to $2,250,000 or double its present value; in which case the Courthouse and jail tax will be one tenth of one percent, or one dollar on every $1,000 worth of property in the county. Each year after 1874, the levy of tax for this purpose will be less than the previous year, and the amount of property will be greater; hence after the first year the tax will be less than one tenth of one percent.
FRANK COX, Richland Township.
O. C. SMITH, Bolton Township.
J. D. MAURER, Dexter Township.
COMMISSIONERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
Discussion of Election to Vote Bonds for Cowley County Courthouse & Jail.
Winfield Messenger, July 26, 1872.
Pleasant Valley Township.
Brags about Posey Creek and Pleasant Valley Township being the best!
In regard to voting bonds for the erection of a courthouse and jail in the town of Winfield, the writer of this has not as yet had but little conversation with the people on that subject, but thinks there will be quite a number that will go for the bonds.
Our valley here is fast settling up and good houses are being built. Now is the time for persons who wish to secure lands at low figures in this valley. A POSEY CREEKER.
Courthouse & Jail Bond Election Defeated.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872. Editorial.
THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE STIFLED.
The County Commissioners met this morning to count the votes cast at the recent Courthouse Bond election at which the voices of the county expressed their wish in favor of the bonds, by a clear majority of over one hundred votes, but the enemies of the proposition appeared in force and by their attorney and a quibble of the law defeated the will of the people. The commissioners called the election properly and the people sustained the proposition, but Tisdalites commenced legal proceedings to defeat that expression and the friends of the bonds believe that a lawsuit over the election would cost the county more than the question at issue would justify. Besides, the bonds would be depreciated in value if they should have been issued and then followed with a lawsuit about their legality. These quibblers about technical points, these men who persist in throwing into the courts the popular will for the purpose of defeating it will be remembered.
Report that Tisdale Will Give Bonds for Courthouse and Jail.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
The Traveler says that Tisdale will give $15,000 in Township bonds to build a Courthouse and Jail. As her assessed valuation will not allow her to legally vote $5,000 we would respectfully inquire where the other $10,000 is to come from. It’s only a small amount, but yet is something possibly Foughty or some of her other numerous (?) millionaires will donate it.
Courthouse.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
The Republicans of Winfield and vicinity met at the courthouse in this place on last Saturday evening for the purpose of organizing a Grant and Wilson Club. The organization of the club was perfected by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, and the election of the following named persons as permanent officers: L. J. Webb, president; E. B. Kager, Vice President; E. S. Torrance, secretary; H. Brotherton, Treasurer.
J. A. Myton, E. Davis, and E. P. Hickok were elected as members of the executive committee.
Decision by Board Not To Canvass Vote on Courthouse & Jail.
Excerpts from meeting...
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
Commissioners Proceedings.
Winfield, Kansas, August 16th, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Met as adjourned. Proceeded to take up the canvass of the votes on the Jail and Courthouse bonds and upon discussion the Board declared the vote not in accordance with the amendment law of 1872, and therefore decided not to canvass the vote.
No Courthouse in Cowley County!
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
FIRE. Last Friday night the Walnut Valley Billiard Hall building caught fire in the upper story; but fortunately, was put out before any damage was done. If the fire had got to the roof, with the wind blowing as it was, no device of man could have saved the east side of Main street from Ninth Avenue north. The County Treasurer’s office is kept in the story where the fire started, thus the financial records of the county came very near being destroyed on account of our not having a Courthouse, where such things can be made safe from destruction by fire.
1873
Jail and Railroad Bond Elections Declared Void.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
Elections. The elections for jail and railroad bonds were declared void on account of an informality in the call.
First Jail was Considered a Temporary Facility.
Temporary County Jail.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
It was ordered by the Board that a temporary jail be built of the following dimensions, 12 x 18 feet and 10 ft. high, built of 2 x 6 oak spiked together and not to exceed in expense the sum of five hundred dollars in cash and it was further ordered that the County Clerk be authorized to receive sealed bids upon the building of said jail after advertising for proposals in the Winfield COURIER for two weeks, and that he let the same to the lowest responsible bidder and enter into contract with the same upon plans and specifications to be on file in the Clerk’s office.
County Board Decides to Erect a $500 Jail.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
Boarding Prisoners. A bill of $120 against the county for boarding prisoners at the rate of $10 per day was presented to the board of County Commissioners at their last session. After some discussion, the board decided to erect a suitable building, the cost of which should not exceed $500 in cash. This saves to the county the expense of transporting prisoners to and from Emporia jail for about forty dollars each, and secures board at 60 cents a day per capita.
The economy of this is apparent as the total cost of the building will be gained twice over during the next twelve months. At the expiration of that time, a Court House and jail will have been erected, that will do credit to one of the newest counties in the state.
Excerpts from meeting...
Courthouse and Jail.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s Office, January 6th, 1873.
Present, Frank Cox and J. D. Maurer.
The County Board (owing to the informalities of the call of the elections to take place on the 11th and 18th of this month) made the following: That the order calling the elections on the 11th and 18th of January, 1873, for the purposes of voting for and against the issuing of bonds to be used in the building of a court house and jail and also the subscribing of stock to the Kansas and Nebraska railroad be revoked and declared void, and that no elections will be held on those days.
Board Orders Building of a Temporary Jail.
It was ordered by the Board that a temporary jail be built of the following dimensions, 12 x 18 feet and 10 ft. high, built of 2 x 6 oak spiked together and not to exceed in expense the sum of five hundred dollars in cash and it was further ordered that the County Clerk be authorized to receive sealed bids upon the building of said jail after advertising for proposals in the Winfield COURIER for two weeks, and that he let the same to the lowest responsible bidder and enter into contract with the same upon plans and specifications to be on file in the Clerk’s office.
Bids for Temporary Jail.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
Notice for Sealed Proposals.
Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received at this office up to Jan. 21st, 1873, for the building of a temporary jail for Cowley County to be built from plans and specifications to be seen at my office, contract to be let to the lowest responsible bidder on the 21st day of January 1873, at 1 p.m. The county reserves the right to reject all bids if necessary. A. A. JACKSON, County Clerk.
Opposition to Bonds for County Buildings.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1873.
From the Arkansas City Traveler of the 12th we find the expression of the people reflected in the following.
“We do not favor the proposition for county building bonds, now before the people, because we do not reap an immediate benefit therefrom. We do favor building a temporary structure that will answer all demands and save great expense to the county. When the proper time comes we shall advocate permanent county buildings, but it will be when our incomes are greater and our taxes less.”
Our people will be rejoiced over this free admission of the selfish spirit that ever actuates and controls inhabitants of rival [NEXT WORD OBSCURED].
What will be the verdict of Winfield township in this matter?
Will our people in good faith be made the dupes of a plot to re-enact the scenes of Cherryvale and Independence, by granting to Arkansas City the much coveted position of a termini of a north and south road that originates no place and has the same destination.
The courthouse and jail bonds of this county should be voted, yet Winfield is not so solicitous as to urge through the press a tax upon the people unless they consider it to the advantage of the county to incur this expense.
Let us have an unbiased expression of citizens of the county not swayed by unfair means that we may know in what channel the minds of the people run on the subject of home economy. You can imagine the effect that would be produced on the mind of immigrants to find in the county a tax for a railroad that goes to enrich a foreign company the same that benefits are accruing to the county, while there is not a single improvement in the county in the shape of public buildings, but a heavy expense attached for the transportation of prisoners one hundred miles to a suitable place of confinement, together with office rents, etc., that is continually leeching the hard earnings from the farmer.
Contract Between County Board and City of Winfield.
Jail, Courthouse, and County Offices.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 24, 1873.
Substance of an Order Made by the Board.
A contract was entered into by the Board, with the City of Winfield; the latter to build a jail to cost not less than $2,500.00 and the county to erect a courthouse and county offices, at the cost of $8,500.00 cash. A committee was appointed to get up a plan and specifications which, when affected by the Board, the County clerk shall publish a notice for sealed proposals, for thirty days, in the Winfield COURIER and Arkansas City TRAVELER.
Temporary Courthouse and County Office Rooms.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 1, 1873.
The attention of contractors is called to the plan and specifications for a courthouse, advertised in another column.
SEALED Proposals will be received by the Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas, at the County Clerk’s Office up to May 30th, 1873, at 1 o’clock P.M. for the construction of a Temporary Courthouse and county Office Rooms not to exceed in cost $10,000. Plans and specifications of the work and material to be seen at the County Clerk’s Office at Winfield, Kansas. The right to reject any and all proposals is reserved.
A. A. JACKSON, County Clerk.
Courthouse and Jail.
Excerpts from article...
[ARTICLE DESCRIBING WINFIELD/COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873. [From the Atchison Champion.]
WINFIELD, KAS., April 24, 1873.
County Commissioners have advertised for bids for the purpose of erecting a $10,000 courthouse. The proposition was first made on condition the city would build a $2,500 jail, which the City Council has accepted. We saw the plans and specifications of the courthouse, which is to be a two story brick, 40 x 50, with stone finish. The first floor will contain eight offices and a hall eight feet wide. The courtroom will occupy the entire upper story, except space for the stairways. The bonds have been negotiated; and the City Council have appointed a committee to perfect plans and specifications for the erection of a jail at once.
Excerpts from meeting...
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.
The County Commissioners met in the County Clerks’ Office. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Proceeded to select a location for the Courthouse. After due consideration of the different propositions submitted, it was decided to locate the building on South one-half of Section 169, the Winfield Town Association deeding the same to the County.
Proceeded to open the bids for building the Courthouse. Nine separate bids were received, ranging from $6,550 to $8,000. The Contract was awarded to the lowest bidders, Messrs. Bailey & Sloan, of Rock Township, and they were given till Tuesday to produce their bondsmen to qualify in double the amount of the bid.
Courthouse and Courthouse Square.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.
The County Commissioners last Saturday acted upon the county building matter, and designated the square in the east part of the city, which was tendered the county by the Town Company, as the block upon which shall be erected the county buildings. Messrs. Bailey and Sloan were awarded the contract for the building of the courthouse, and steps will be taken by them immediately to begin the work.
The New Courthouse and Jail.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.
Through the kindness and courtesy of our capable Deputy County Clerk, Mr. J. P. Short, we are enabled to give our readers some idea of the new Courthouse, that is to be. The building is to be 40 x 50 feet; two stories high; the lower story 11 feet high in the clear; the upper story 13 feet high; hall 8 feet wide, running entire length of the building, with doors opening into rooms, eight in number on either side. At the head of the stairway, which runs from the main entrance door in the hall, are two small rooms which may be used for Jury, hat and cloak room, etc., or if necessary, can be added to the courtroom by folding doors. The courtroom proper is 37 feet 4 in., by 34 feet 10 in., in the clear, lighted by two large 4-light windows. The building is to be built of brick with a stone foundation. The contractors are Bailey & Sloan. The building is to be completed by November 1, 1873.
In connection with the above we understand the city has procured lots in the rear of the courthouse on which the City Fathers propose to locate the Jail.
Altogether it is a very desirable location, and we hope the contractors will do a good honest job; one that will be a credit to themselves, and a benefit to the county.
Courthouse.
COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS OF JUNE 10, 11.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 19, 1873.
In regard to the Courthouse award, it was ascertained that the county must pay its indebtedness in warrants, and that bids for cash could not be legally considered and the whole proceedings were set aside and an order made that sealed bids for erecting the Courthouse according to the plans and specification on file in the Clerk’s office would be received until 2 o’clock p.m., the 11th inst., and the County Attorney was directed to inform the former builders of the order made.
Adjourned until 11th inst.
11th inst. Board met as per adjournment.
All present: proceeded to open bids for Courthouse. Three bids were read, and the contract was awarded to Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, at $9,000 in scrip, their’s being the lowest bid to give bonds in double the amount of the bid, and the sureties to qualify in double the amount of the bond or for $36,000.
Messrs. Stewart & Simpson returned with their bond, and signed the contract. The sureties to the bond then qualified in the sum of $75,000. Bond approved.
Board adjourned until regular meeting of July 7th, 1873. FRANK COX, Chairman,
A. A. JACKSON, County Clerk, Per J. P. SHORT, Deputy Clerk.
Courthouse Injunction Suit.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 31, 1873.
The long talked of injunction suit to restrain the Board of County Commissioners from issuing the orders of the county to pay for the Courthouse has been commenced by Bailey & Sloan. We are sorry that lack of space forbids comment this week but will pay our respects to it in our next issue.
Progress of Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 21, 1873.
Our New Courthouse is rapidly “looming up.” The walls are now one story high, and the contractors expect to have the building ready for use at the Fall term of Court.
Courthouse Plans Changed by County Board.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
The Board of County Commissioners at their meeting on the 3rd inst., changed the plan of the Courthouse, so as to have a double gable instead of a single gable roof. They have also increased the height of the walls of the upper story two feet, and made provision for the building of a handsome tower upon the center of the roof.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 9, 1873.
Two or three of the cells of the jail are now in readiness to receive and retain any of our citizens who can’t behave themselves outside.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 16, 1873.
The courthouse is enclosed.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 23, 1873.
The jail will be dedicated by a dance tomorrow night.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
The jail dedication dance of last week was a grand affair. The jail was illuminated. The two Cranes were perched upon stools in the corner, scraping sweet strains on the entrails of some defunct feline, a single set was formed upon the floor in the shape of a hollow square walking through the changes of a quadrille; a solitary lady sat upon one of the benches which were ranged along the wall, a few of the gents were practicing some choice jig and clog steps in the corner, while the remainder of the assembly (fifteen military “stags”) gathered in a knot near the door gazing at and enjoying the scene almost as much as the participants. C. L. Rood was acting officer of the day and chief spokesman, which positions he filled with the dignity becoming the occasion. Owing to the wonderful success of this effort, Rood thinks he will give another entertainment of the same character some time.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
Go to the Old Fellows’ sociable in the Courthouse on the 6th of November.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
The award for seating the Courthouse was let to the Kansas School Furniture Company of Iola.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
S. H. Myton was awarded the contract for furnishing the stoves, pipe, etc., for the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
The members of the Fraternity of Odd Fellows will give a Sociable on Wednesday evening, November 5th, in the large room at the Courthouse. Evening entertainments will be of a social character. Supper will be provided at an early hour.
SOLICITING COMMITTEE: Mrs. M. L. Mullen, Mrs. J. J. Todd, Mrs. S. W. Greer, Mrs. Braidwood, Miss J. Stewart, Mrs. J. Bullene, Mrs. Jeffreys, L. J. Webb, T. A. Blanchard, A. S. Williams, G. W. Martin, Mrs. Fannie V. Curns, A. G. Jackson.
COMMITTEE ON PREPARING AND DECORATING THE ROOM: P. M. Shell, J. W. Curns, A. J. Thompson, Miss Ada Millington, Miss Quarles, Mrs. McMasters.
COMMITTEE ON KITCHEN: J. J. Williams, P. M. Sholl, F. D. Davis.
COMMITTEE ON MUSIC: Miss Lewelia Blandin, Miss Kate Lowery, Miss Kate Porter, Miss Braidwood, J. Swain.
COMMITTEE ON RECEPTION: Mrs. Flint, Miss J. Stewart, Mrs. Capt. Davis, J. J. Williams, J. Swain, Dr. Houx.
By order of the general Committee.
L. T. MICHENER, REV. J. W. LOWREY, D. N. EGBERT, JOHN SWAIN.
Courthouse and Jail.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 13, 1873.
Soldiers’ Reunion on Thanksgiving Day. At a meeting of the committee of arrangements held at Dr. Mansfield’s, the following reception committee was appointed. Enoch Marris, A. H. Green, J. C. Bigger, E. C. Manning, Mrs. C. M. Wood, and Mrs. Flint. Soldiers arriving in the city will please report as early in the day as possible to the above committee at the city council room in the jail building just north of the courthouse, register their names, and receive their tickets for dinner. A full programme will be published next week.
C. M. WOOD, President.
J. P. SHORT, Secretary, pro tem.
Excerpts from long article...
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 20, 1873. Editorial Page.
THE TELEGRAM SOUNDS OFF.
“Another Swindle.”
The circumstances are just these: A short time ago, our readers will remember the Telegram was made by Mr. L. J. Webb the County printer, the official County Paper. Not liking the Telegram they laid their heads together to concoct some plan whereby they could vent their spite against the Telegram, and thereby deprive it of the County Printing. They agreed to annul the contract with Mr. Webb, but then came a little hitch between Cox and Smith. Cox wanted to award the printing to the “COURIER” and Smith wanted his pet, the “Traveler,” to get the benefit of the change.
The Telegram would have the people believe that the County Board were bad men, but as one single evidence of their integrity and official ability, we call attention to the beautiful Courthouse erected by them at less expense than any similar building in the state.
Courthouse and Jail Building.
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.
GRAND ANNUAL RE-UNION OF THE SOLDIERS OF COWLEY COUNTY,
ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 27, 1873.
A CORDIAL INVITATION To participate in the festivities of the day is hereby extended to all the soldiers residing in the county. The following PROGRAMME will be observed.
AT 10, A.M. THE Reception Committee will commence to make up the Roster and distribute tickets for DINNER To all whose names are entered thereon.
AT 11, A.M. SOLDIERS will fall into line, in marching order, on Main Street, the right resting on Ninth Avenue, under the direction of the officer of the day, CAPT. McARTHUR, And march to the COURTHOUSE Where an address of welcome will be delivered by Captain S. C. Smith, The Mayor of Winfield, and the organization of the Soldiers’ Union completed.
AT 1, P.M. SOLDIERS will fall in for dinner.
AT 3, P.M. THERE will be a meeting in the Courthouse, and addresses will be delivered by the following soldiers: Chaplain E. P. Hickok, Maj. J. B. Fairbank, Capt. James McDermott, A. D. Keith, S. M. Fall, Maj. T. B. Ross, Rev. N. L. Rigby, J. C. Bigger, Esq., and other soldiers present.
AT 7, P.M. THERE WILL BE A GRAND BALL! And dancing will be in order, to conclude the festivities of the day.
The proceedings of the day will be enlivened with appropriate music by the Winfield and Arkansas City Cornet Bands. A. A. JACKSON, Chairman Committee on Arrangements.
J. P. SHORT, Secretary.
Committee on Music. T. A. Wilkinson, Chairman, Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Miss Emma Leffingwell, L. J. Webb and John Kirby.
City Council Room in Jail Building North of Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.
Soldiers’ Re-union on Thanksgiving Day. At a meeting of the committee of arrangements held at Dr. Mansfield’s, the following reception committee was appointed. Enoch Maris, A. H. Green, J. C. Bigger, E. C. Manning, Mrs. C. M. Wood, and Mrs. Flint. Soldiers arriving in the city will please report as early in the day as possible to the above committee at the city council room in the jail building just north of the courthouse, register their names, and receive their tickets for dinner.
“County Jail.”
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.
There is a man confined in the county jail for the offense of stealing a corn knife. He was committed for the period of about seventy days. Squire Gans, of Windsor Township, a reformer in the late election, and an advocate of economy in county expenses, was the justice who rendered this ridiculous judgment.
New Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 27, 1873.
Over fifty characters in full costumes will appear in the tableaux of Pilgrim’s Progress.
Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress in tableaux vivants at the new courthouse Dec. 9th and 10th.
Winfield Courier, November 27, 1873.
Readings, tableaux, and songs representing Pilgrim’s Progress will be given at the new courthouse Dec. 9th and 10th, 1873, under the auspices of the Baptist Church. Single tickets, 50 cents; season tickets 75 cents. Children under 12 years 25 cents.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 4, 1873.
The Soldiers’ ball Thursday evening was well attended, about 90 couples being present, and was acknowledged by all as being the finest affair of the season. The courtroom makes a splendid dancing-hall, and everybody seemed to appreciate it. Messrs. Webb and Jackson deserve praise for the interest manifested by them to make the ball pleasant and enjoyable.
Description of New Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873. Editorial by James Kelly, Editor.
The Courthouse is now completed, and the county officers assigned to their respective places. We think that a description of this beautiful structure will not be altogether uninteresting, at least, to the tax payers of the county; although we may say right here, that no pen picture can give more than a crude idea of this splendid building.
The main building is 40 x 50 ft. The foundation is of stone, rubbleworked, cut-stone water-table, door, and window sills. The walls are 16 in. thick, and are of the best quality of brick. The first story is 11 ft. high, and the second 15 ft. The roof is what is commonly denominated double gable truss and heavily iron strapped, and bolted, with a tower 22 ft. high, the foundation posts of which are 12 x 12 inch oak timbers extending clear across the entire width of the building, the whole surmounted by a beautiful weather-vane, constructed by Mr. C. R. Sipes of Arkansas City, and we believe, a present to the county. A hall 8 ft. wide runs through the building, from South to North, with heavy double panel doors at each end. The offices are arranged on each side of the hall, six in number, and are 13 x 15 ft. sq. with two large 10 light windows in each room. The Courtroom proper is on the second floor, and is 37 x 38 ft. in the clear. On the north end, and on either side of the stair landing, are two jury rooms each 12 ft. square, which open into the courtroom by folding doors. The inside is painted both inside, and out, with three coats, and has three coats of plaster, the last a plaster paris finish; and is, on the whole, one of the best, prettiest, and most substantial buildings, of the kind—and certainly the best for the money—in the state. Of the contractors,
STEWART & SIMPSON
we need say but little: their work speaks for them. The brick bank building of M. L. Read, and now the courthouse, will stand as monuments of the skill, honesty, and integrity of Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, long after they will have passed away. The sub-contractors, Messrs. Rice & Ray, carpenters, also deserve special mention. But our space will not permit us to say further than that they have shown themselves to be master workmen, and have done the county a good, honest job.
We cannot close this imperfect sketch without saying a word for our county Board, Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and John D. Maurer. They early saw that the building of good substantial buildings would be a saving to the county every year. The history of our neighboring county, Howard, is just now a case in point. Election after election has been held, the county seat moved, to use a homely phrase, “from pillar to post.” Thousands of dollars annually squandered in vain attempts to settle it. They, in common, with all right thinking men, saw that in a short time the history of Cowley would furnish but a parallel to the history of Howard, and that so long as the county had no buildings of her own, the county seat was simply a bone of contention, to be pulled hither and thither at the whim or caprice of any who might take it into their heads to move it.
The Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County have built a better courthouse, for less money, than can be found in any other county in the state. No stealing, no jobbing, no trickery, of any kind whatever, but honesty, faithfulness, a desire to do the very best for the public have marked the history of the enterprise in an uncommon degree. The Board of County Commissioners deserve the thanks of every taxpayer in Cowley County.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The County officers will move their offices to the Courthouse next Monday.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The Union Sunday School, and Congregational services by Rev. Mr. Parmelee will be held next Sabbath at the Courthouse at the usual hour.
New Courthouse Accepted.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The County Commissioners have accepted the new Courthouse and took it off the contractor’s hands, allowing them their last payment, at the recent meeting of the Board.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The continuation of the sublime allegory Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress has been postponed on account of the inclemency of the weather, and will be concluded next Tuesday evening at the Courthouse.
News About One Who Enjoined Building of Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
Our old legal friend, “Judge” M. S. Adams, who removed to Wichita in order to run for Congress, and came down to Winfield to enjoin the building of our Courthouse, we notice by the Wichita Eagle has succeeded in having himself employed on one (1) case out of eighty (80) on the Docket of the Sedgwick County District Court.
Courthouse Activities.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The Co. Commissioners at their last meeting accepted the Courthouse. And the contractors, Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, take this method to return thanks to their bondsmen, S. C. Smith, Charley Black, R. B. Saffold, Hiram Silver, S. H. Myton, Rice & Ray, J. J. Ellis, J. D. Cochran, M. L. Read, J. C. Blandin, John Lowry, and C. A. Bliss, for the confidence reposed in them when they were entire strangers, and to say that they are honorably discharged from any further obligation on account of the Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
In our description of the Courthouse last week, we made a misstatement in regard to the weathervane which embellishes the cupola of said building. We had understood and so stated that C. R. Sipes, of Arkansas City, made and presented the weather indicator to the county. We have since been informed that the aforementioned article was purchased of Mr. Sipes by T. A. Rice, who made the donation.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
Board of County Commissioners met in Clerk’s office, December 9, 1873. All present. After a thorough inspection of the work, the Courthouse was accepted from the contractors, and the bondsmen discharged.
District Clerk authorized to procure blanks for his office.
Superintendent of Public Instruction was authorized to procure a black board and stationery for his office.
The county officers were assigned to the Courthouse on Monday, December 15, 1873. After that date no bills for office rent will be allowed.
James Kelly was directed to procure appropriate signs and place the same on the office doors of the Courthouse.
The County Clerk was directed to have the wood prepared for the stoves in the county offices.
The sheriff was ordered to set up the county stove that is in the District Clerk’s office in the courtroom of the Courthouse.
The following bills were audited and allowed. [Only mentioning a few.]
Stewart & Simpson, last payment on Courthouse: $4,390.00
Stewart & Simpson, extra work: $131.00
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 26, 1873.
The agony of the individual who has become worried about the money raised two years ago for a school bell will now be over, since its deep tones are heard from the belfry of the Courthouse, where it will remain until a suitable place is prepared on the schoolhouse. For further particulars, inquire of the school directors. MRS. MANSFIELD.
1874
Jail and Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874. Editorial Page.
A Peep Over the Shoulder.
This number completes Volume 1st of the WINFIELD COURIER. One year ago it was started to supply a want long felt, not only in the Republican party, but among businessmen of all shades of opinion, who desired a good advertising medium. . . .
The buildings erected during the year just closed have been of the most substantial kind, the most prominent of which we call to mind, the splendid brick Bank building of M. L. Read; the neat Drug house of Maris, Carson & Baldwin; the magnificent flowering mills of C. A. Bliss and Blandin & Covert; the jail and Courthouse; the residences of Kirk, McMillen, and Dr. Graham. These are but a few of the many built during the last twelve months, and they are such as to do credit to any town in the state. Bridges of magnificent proportions span all main streams on the roads leading to town. . . .
“County Jail.”
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.
A murderer now occupies the county jail.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.
A SHOCKING TRAGEDY AT LAZETTE!
A MAN STABBED TO THE HEART AND DIES ALMOST INSTANTLY.
THE BLOW CLAIMED TO BE STRUCK IN SELF-DEFENSE.
THE ACCUSED WAIVES TRIAL AND IS LODGED IN JAIL.
One of the saddest affairs we have ever been called upon to chronicle occurred at the town of Lazette, in this county, at a masquerade ball given there last Christmas eve. The chief actors in the horrible tragedy were Winfield Scott Osborn, the victim, and Thomas T. Rucker, the accused, of Lazette. Being somewhat acquainted with the accused, and desiring to give a true version of the affair, we went to the jail and got the story from Mr. Rucker himself, and which runs something like the following.
Rucker was introduced by Osborn to a Miss Della Coates and requested her to dance with him, which she refused to do disguised as he then was (Rucker being masked) and on turning to leave her he encountered Osborn, who said: “What is this game you’re trying to play on me?” Rucker replied that he was not trying to play any game on him, when Osborn retorted in an angry and excited manner, “Come out here G__d d___n you; and I’ll whip h__l out of you.” Rucker told him that he had done nothing but was not afraid to fight; whereupon the pair accompanied by a number of others went outside.
What happened after that the accused very properly refuses to disclose, and only adding that the many wild and exaggerated accounts already afloat will not be believed, but asks the public suspend their judgment until the facts are brought out in a fair and impartial trial.
Thomas T. Rucker, the accused, was born in New Orleans, and was 27 years old last July; he is of medium height, light hair, blue eyes, and has none of that “bully look” generally accredited to persons accused of such a crime, but on the other hand would strike the close observer as a young man who must have had the advantage of good moral training in his younger days. He is well known at Lazette and on Timber Creek, where he bears an excellent character.
Of the murdered Osborn we can say but little. He, we understand, was almost a stranger in Lazette, having come there from Joplin, Missouri. Rucker says he never met him to speak to him until the evening before the fatal Christmas eve.
The prisoner after learning what he had done, no doubt overcome with fear and remorse as well as appalled at the consequences of the bloody deed, attempted to kill himself. In speaking of his widowed mother, who lived at Burlington, Missouri, and how the sad news would affect her, the prisoner was deeply moved and could hardly answer our questions, which shows that he is not at all insensible, nor without feeling. What the Coroner’s Jury will show we do not at this writing know, as the result of their deliberations have not been transmitted to this place.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.
Rev. J. E. Platter will preach in the Courthouse next Sabbath, at 11 p.m.
Courthouse and Jail.
Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.
The Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Frank Cox, John D. Maurer, and O. C. Smith, completed their labor, as a Board, last Monday. We have not the time or space to review their actions for the last two years, except to say that, although we have differed with them on some things, yet on the whole we believe that their every action will bear the closest scrutiny of the veriest fault finder. No one will doubt their honesty except he who never drew an honest breath or had an honest emotion. Their ability will compare favorably with the average, and we doubt if other men could have been selected in the county who would or could have done better.
The completion of the Courthouse, securing a splendid jail to the county without the expenditure of one dollar, the successful defense of two vexatious lawsuits, at but little cost to the county, all attest the honesty and faithfulness of the late Board of County Commissioners of this county, and just so sure as time rolls the time will come when the people of this county will be free to acknowledge that the old Board has been foully and maliciously misrepresented.
The new Board enter upon their duties next Monday, under the most favorable auspices. Everything in working order. The affairs of the county shipshape and little to do but hold her “so steadily” for the next two years. We shall deal fairly by them as we have with their predecessors, and we hope that the new Board may prove themselves as able, honest, and efficient as the old.
City of Winfield Owns Jail.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
The popular opinion, and one which we entertained ourselves, was, that the county owned the jail, it having been built by the city of Winfield and donated to the county, as we supposed. But the new board of commissioners discovered the other day that the city owned the jail and only gives the use of it to the county.
Courthouse. Prisoners in Jail.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
The new Board of County Commissioners met in the clerk’s office.
Present: R. F. Burden, M. S. Roseberry, John Manly, who had been duly elected and qualified. Moved by M. S. Roseberry, and seconded by John Manly, that R. F. Burden act as permanent chairman of the Board.
Ordered that the Sheriff be allowed the sum of $1.33-1/2 each per diem, for boarding and taking care of prisoners until further action in the matter by the board.
E. B. Kager appeared and asked the board to provide a safe for the safekeeping of the funds in his possession. Matter laid over.
The county clerk was authorized to advertise for responsible bids for 20 cords of wood.
Ordered that the county clerk have the sheriff hunt up all the county property that can be found, and invoice the same to said sheriff who shall receipt for said county property.
The county clerk was also instructed to have bolts put on jury-room doors, and sash stops put on all the windows of the courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
See notice in another column inviting bids for twenty cords of wood.
NOTICE. Notice is hereby given that I will accept bids for furnishing 20 cords of wood for the county, to be delivered at the Courthouse. Please make your bids for hard and soft wood of merchantable quality. Bids to be opened and contract let on the 24th day of January.
M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.
Winfield, Jan. 13, 1874.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
The new Board of County Commissioners met last Monday at the courthouse and organized by electing R. F. Burden of Windsor Township, chairman. Mr. Burden is a careful, prudent, and experienced man. He held the position of county commissioner in Iowa for six years, so that he is no novice. The new board appear to be an intelligent and practical set of men, and bid fair to meet the expectations of all the well wishers of the county.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
Last Saturday, Deputy Worden organized a Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry in Winfield. There were twenty-four charter members present, fourteen gentlemen and ten ladies. The officers so far as we could learn are: A. T. STEWART, MASTER; J. D. COCHRAN, OVERSEER; N. C. McCULLOCH, LECTURER; J. G. SERVICE, SECRETARY; JETHRO COCHRAN, CHAPLAIN; MRS. SERVICE, CERES; MRS. MARY A. McCULLOCH, POMONA; MISS BURGER, ASSISTANT STEWART.
The next meeting will be held at the Courthouse next Saturday, the 17th.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.
The oratorio of Esther is to be put upon the boards at the courthouse some time next month under the auspices of the congregational church.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.
The Ladies of the M. E. Church will give an Oyster supper and Social in the Courthouse at Winfield, Feb. 4, 1874.
City Jail.
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.
PRISONER ESCAPED!
Rucker’s Lodgings Vacated!!
Worthlessness of the City Jail!!
Wednesday morning last, our city was thrown into a tumult of excitement by the announcement that Thos. Rucker, the Lazette murderer, who had been confined in the city jail at this place since the tragedy last Christmas was missing. The inhabitants of the town immediately proceeded to the jail and soon found that it was no hoax, but a bona fide fact. Scouts were immediately dispatched in every direction, but failed to discover any trace of his whereabouts.
The means by which he escaped are very indefinite. It is generally supposed that some outside party opened the doors and gave him his liberty, although it is possible that he had the tools furnished, and did the work himself. At any rate he has gone and the next thing is to find him, although Sheriff Walker is confident that he will soon have his hands on him, as well as the one who gave him his freedom.
And while he is gone, it would be well if the city council would put the jail in a condition to hold him an hour or so if he should be brought back. A man who has a friend in the world and wishes to get out need not stay in his cell an hour. In the first place, there is nothing to prevent anybody giving a prisoner anything they wish, as the windows have nothing to protect them except some iron bars with space enough between to throw a sledge hammer.
Then again, the jail is at least twenty rods from the nearest human habitation, and the building could be bombarded with a ten pound cannon and the noise would be hardly heard by the citizens at home. The doors are also in such a shape that Rucker could easily have lifted them off the hinges with a crow bar. If some protection was put around the windows and the upper story occupied by a family, it would become more difficult for a prisoner to make his escape when LAST THREE LINES IMPOSSIBLE TO READ.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874. Editorial Page.
THE COUNTY DEBT.
We understand, since our arrival at home, that an effort is being made to have Mr. Martin procure the necessary legislation allowing the Board of County Commissioners to fund, or rather bond, the county indebtedness. We do not believe that the people of Cowley County wish this thing done. Twelve months ago, the circumstances were altogether different. Then we had a Courthouse to build and many thought it necessary to provide funds for that. But now that our county buildings are all complete, we can see no necessity for it. We are very well aware that it would be money in the pockets of a few, for instance, county officials, who have to take most, or all their fees, in scrip. But we are now hopeful that the tax next year, with care and economy, will clear the county almost, if not altogether, of debt. In the present state of affairs we would not favor any bill authorizing the Board to bond the debt without first submitting the question to a vote of the people of the county. And we hope that whatever legislation Mr. Martin secures in that particular will provide that the question be so submitted. We would be glad to hear from our readers on this subject, that we may act understandingly in the matter and take such action as will place the county on the best financial basis having due regard for those who hold the county’s “promises to pay.”
Courthouse.
GRANGES CREATE COUNTY COUNCIL IN COWLEY COUNTY.
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.
Fifty-seven grange delegates, being nineteen granges represented by three delegates each (the Lazette grange not being represented), met at the Courthouse in Winfield, on Monday, February 2nd, at 11 o’clock a.m., for the purpose of organizing a County council. The meeting being called to order Mr. A. S. Williams was made Chairman, and N. C. McCulloch, Secretary pro tem. The Council was then organized and the following officers were elected: A. S. Williams, Master; T. A. Blanchard, Secretary; A. T. Gay, Overseer; W. A. Freeman, Gate-keeper. A. H. Acton of Bolton Township, Simeon Martin of Maple Township, and John Irwin of Rock Township were elected Trustees. A Constitution and By-laws were adopted, a copy of which we are sorry to say we have not yet received. After the matters pertaining to the County Council were satisfactorily settled, they proceeded to choose delegates to the State Council. The following are the delegates chosen: J. J. Johnson of New Salem, B. A. Davis of Silverdale, and Adam Walck of Grand Prairie.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.
Sheriff Dick Walker has a new and safe way of keeping his prisoners. Since the jail has been “broke” so much, he takes them to bed with him. We understand that Mr. Walker will not trust anymore of his prisoners in the jail while the city authorities carry the keys.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.
Last Tuesday Sheriff Walker arrested, on Grouse Creek, Wm. Slater and a man named Bryant charged with assisting Thomas Rucker to break jail last week. Mr. Wm. Slater is an uncle of Rucker’s. Before leaving, Rucker gave Slater a deed to his land. Bryant owned up to his part of the transaction, which was the bringing of a horse from Slater’s to Rucker wherewith to make his escape. The men were up for a hearing before ‘Squire Boyer yesterday, but the case was continued until Saturday, when if any charge is found against them, they will be taken to Emporia for safe keeping.
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.
David Slater and James W. Bryant, the two men who were arrested a short time ago on the charge of assisting Rucker to break jail, were up before Justices Millington and Boyer last Saturday, for a hearing. Judge T. H. Johnson appeared for Slater, and asked a continuance, which was denied. He then waived an examination for his client, and Slater accordingly gave bail in the amount of $1,500.00, to appear at the next term of the District Court. County Attorney E. S. Torrance dismissed the charge against Bryant, in order to make him a witness in the case. The bail for his appearance as a witness was fixed at $1,000.00, which he has so far been unable to give, and is yet in the custody of the sheriff.
Jail Difficulty.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.
It will be seen by reference to Mayor Smith’s card in another column that the city authorities have proposed a fair and honorable adjustment of the jail difficulty to the county board. They cannot expect more than the entire control of the building and its occupants.
Winfield Authorities Turn Over City Jail for Use by County With Stipulations.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.
An Explanation.
Winfield, February 17, 1874.
EDITOR COURIER: As a misapprehension seems to exist in the minds of some in regard to the ownership and occupancy of the jail in this city, will you allow me through your columns to make a statement of the facts in the case.
On the 19th of April last, a written contract was entered into between the City of Winfield and the County of Cowley, according to the terms of which, the county was to build a Courthouse at Winfield at a cost of $10,000 county orders, or $8,500 cash. The City of Winfield was to erect a city building at the cost of $2,500 in which was to be a jail for the accommodation of both city and county, and the city was to give to the county the free use of the jail for the confinement of prisoners, so long as the county should want it for that purpose. Both buildings were built according to contract, each costing something more than the specified sum. The city building is two stories high. On the first floor are six cells with grated windows, and four of the cells have iron doors; the doors of two are of hardwood. The second story is finished as a hall. On the completion of the jail, the key was delivered to me by the builder, and at the request of Sheriff Parker—he having a prisoner ready to occupy the jail—I delivered the key to him, since which time the city has never had control of the jail proper. The city has held possession of the hall over the jail, which has been used for various purposes by permission of the city.
I presume that the misapprehension that exists arises from the fact that J. M. Young, who was acting jailor by appointment of Sheriff Parker, and afterwards by Sheriff Walker, was also City marshal; but the city never claimed any control of his acts as jailor, nor did he receive any instructions as such from the city authorities. Since the escape of the prisoner Rucker, the Sheriff deeming it necessary that the hall over the jail should be constantly occupied, the County Commissioners asked for a conference with the City Council, which was immediately convened for that purpose. At this conference the city offered to give to the county the use and control of the entire building, both stories, on condition that the prisoners of the city should be taken care of without expense to the city, except for board which the city would pay for. I believe the city has honestly and faithfully complied with the terms of the contract, and even offered more than required. S. C. SMITH.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.
Iron Point, in his items to the Traveler, alludes to the “side editor” of the COURIER. For what we will say to you here, sir, Iron Point, you need not go around the bush to find the “side editor” to lay the blame upon. What appeared in the COURIER last week, in reference to the records of the county, seemed to us then (and we have nothing to take back) to be justified by the facts.
We think so still. There is nothing in that article that could compromise you, if you could make a satisfactory explanation (which you had better have done than occupy your time attacking an imaginary “side editor” of this paper.). While the defunct Allison talked the way you do, we had nothing to say. But when such chat comes from an official of the county, a person from whom we might expect, at least, fair dealing, the matter changes; hence this article.
Your “pooh, pooh! Manning wrote it,” is of the same piece as your items to the Traveler a year ago. Your cry of “stop thief,” at the Probate Judge and County Attorney was to divert attention from yourself, by making the people believe they were the thieves and scoundrels, and now you would fain have people think that it was Manning who was after you, and that he was actuated by personal spite toward yourself and Mr. Jackson, on account of the town site difficulty.
Now we wish it distinctly understood that this article is not written because we object to having Col. Manning’s name associated with the COURIER. By no means, we only wish that we could induce him to take editorial control. As a newspaper writer we know he has few equals, and as to his honesty, much as has been said, and written about him, certain it is, he has never been accused of stealing. You, however, had better busy yourself in clearing up those dark suspicions which permeate the air and hover as a dark cloud just now over the Courthouse, and which seem to be inclined to centre upon you, who were one of the main instigators in the senseless howl raised against honest county officials a year ago. After fair consulting with the committee of investigation, we have concluded to suspend our account of these dark transactions, but a few more insults like the above may compel us in self-defense to tell the public what we already know, and should you be struck by a barbed arrow in a tender spot, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you yourself invited the attack.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.
The Presbyterian Church holds a communion service next Sabbath at 11 A.M. in the courthouse. Preparatory lecture on Saturday afternoon at the same place. Preaching in the evening. J. E. PLATTER, Pastor.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
Remember that Col. E. C. Manning lectures before the Teacher’s Institute this evening at the courthouse.
“County Jail.”
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
Four horse thieves are now residing in the County jail in this city.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
Constable Burt Covert arrested Albert G. Headrick a few days ago in Howard County, on a charge of stealing a pair of horses from Judge Saffold sometime last Fall. He had a preliminary examination before ‘Squire Boyer and in default of bail was lodged in jail to await his trial at the March term of the District Court.
Jail Referred to as “Covert House.”
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
The prisoners now boarding at the Covert House were each treated to a new suit of clothes yesterday morning. Our “devil” declares himself in readiness to commit fornikaboogry, of some kind, in order to be sent to jail, and get a new suit. If anybody ever did need new clothes, our “devil” does.
Miles Escapes from City Jail at Arkansas City. Retaken and Put in “County Jail.”
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
Miles, the horse-thief who made his escape from the city jail last Friday week, was retaken by constable McIntire, A. W. Patterson, and Mr. Draper last Saturday, on Coal Rock Creek, thirty miles east of this place, at the house of Mr. Johnson. He made his escape by chipping the wood with a hatchet and burning the door of the jail. The hatchet used he claimed to have stolen from Bowen’s Grocery. After his escape he laid out in the grass near Pat Somers’ place all day and all night, and then went to houses on the Walnut, where he was fed by people knowing him to be the identified thief who had escaped. He was delayed two days on account of not finding the Walnut River bridge, but afterwards crossed it and went to Grouse Creek and from thence to Coal Rock Creek, where he was taken. Traveler.
Miles was brought to Winfield and placed in the county jail for safekeeping.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1874.
Minutes of the Teachers’ Association, Held at Winfield, Friday, Feb. 27th, 1874.
The Teachers’ Association of Cowley County, Kansas, met in the council room of the Courthouse, according to published arrangement, Supt. Wilkinson presiding.
The following teachers were present: Miss Jennie Greenlee, Miss Mary Graham, Miss Allie Klingman, Miss E. Fowler, Miss Ellen Wickersham, Miss Jennie Hawkins, G. W. Melville.
The association proceeded to business by electing G. W. Melville Secretary pro tem. The constitution and by-laws being read, the election of officers for the coming year was then taken up, and resulting as follows.
H. H. Martin, President, Miss Jennie Greenlee and Miss Jennie Hawkins, Vice Presidents, Miss Mary Graham, Treasurer, G. W. Melville, Secretary.
Mrs. Mina Hawkins, Corresponding Secretary.
EXERCISES OF THE DAY.
Organization of classes and method of conducting recitation—Miss J. Greenlee.
A general discussion of the following topics:
Uniformity of text books in our schools, bad wood, etc. Participated in by Miss Wickersham, Miss Greenlee, and others. Some very good ideas were brought out.
Parents and friends visiting schools was well discussed, and it would have been well if parents generally could have listened to what the teachers said upon that subject. It was said, and on good grounds, that if parents would visit the schools more frequently that there would be less fault found with teachers.
The question was then asked if it were right for teachers to offer an inducement in the way of a literary exercise once a week to induce parents to visit the school? Miss Millspaugh taking the side that it was wrong, that parents who took so little interest in the schools that they had to be coaxed there by a treat of something outside of the every day exercises, that there ought not to be any trouble taken by the teacher to induce them to come.
Supt. Wilkinson made the suggestion, or rather requested the teachers of Cowley County, to teach the map of the county by townships and ranges, and gave the method of doing it.
The following subjects were merely touched upon:
Neatness in children, indicative of intelligence in parents. Teaching as a profession, or as a stepping stone to something higher.
Committee on programme for the morrow to report after the lecture in the evening.
Committee: Mrs. Mina Hawkins, Miss Jennie Greenlee, Miss E. Fowler, Miss Ellen Wickersham, Miss Mary Graham.
Adjourned. G. W. MELVILLE, Secretary, pro tem.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
The Oratorio of Esther will be presented at the Courthouse on Monday and Tuesday evenings of next week under the auspices of the congregational church of Winfield. Prof. A. D. Battey of Topeka has charge of the exhibition. Our friends in town and country will be treated to the finest entertainment that has ever been presented to the public in Winfield, upon this occasion. Rev. Parmelee takes the part of King, and Mrs. M. A. Arnold is to be Queen. Thirty-five actors, dressed in costumes, take part in the performance. Everybody should be present.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
The cantata of Esther the beautiful Queen, which was rendered at the courthouse last Monday and Tuesday nights, was a splendid affair in every instance, and is universally pronounced to be the best home talent entertainment ever given in Winfield. The adaptability of each player to the particular part assigned them was a noticeable feature, and each performed their part so well that we dare not make “any invidious distinctions.”
We cannot however avoid mentioning those who took the more prominent parts. Mrs. M. A. Arnold as Queen, Rev. J. P. Parmelee as King, E. C. Manning as Haman, A. T. Stewart, Mordecai; Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Zeresh; Miss Kate Johnson and Miss Mary Braidwood as Maids of honor; Charles Black, Harbonah (the King’s Chamberlain); Ed. Johnson, Hegei; A. A. Jackson, Hatach; W. L. Mullen, High Priest. They could not be surpassed in any city in the land. Miss Helen Parmelee as organist deserves special mention, as very much depended on her, always prompt, making no mistakes. The chorus was good, and taken as a whole, we venture to say that Winfield will not soon witness the like, and few towns in this country with their home talent could produce so splendid a spectacle. Too much cannot be said in praise of Prof. A. D. Battey, who drilled the class, and superintended the performance to its close.
“County Jail.”
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
An attempt was made by the prisoners in the county jail to escape, a few nights since. With a nail and a stick of wood, they had broken the lock so that the door could be easily opened when the shades of night furnished an opportunity for escape. But about this time the jailor, Burt Covert, walked in and stopped their little game.
Jail at Winfield.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
Ex-Marshal Young was arrested last Tuesday, charged with having assisted in the escape of T. T. Rucker from the jail at this place, some time since.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1874.
Four papers have been going the rounds of the city this week. One was a petition to the city council to grant Joseph Likowski license to retail spirituous liquors, another was a petition to the City Council to grant E. R. Parker license to sell spirituous liquor, another was a petition to Judge Campbell to make the sentence of Wm. Bryant as light as possible, and the fourth was to raise by subscription enough money to pay the fine of Al Headrick and liberate him from jail. Every man keeps his lead pencil handy now.
County Jail.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
District Court Proceedings.
State of Kansas vs. McMasters. Charged with petty larceny. Plead guilty and fined $50 and sentenced to 48 hours in county jail.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
RECAP OF SHERIFF’S SALE: BREWERY CHATTELS, JOHN N. YERGER.
PLAINTIFFS: Aug Kurtzeborn, M. A. Rozenblatt, Sol Bauman and Meyer Bauman, partners under the firm name of L. Bauman & Co.
DEFENDANT: John N. Yerger.
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that under, and by virtue of an Execution issued on the judgment in the above entitled cause and to me directed and delivered, I will on the 22nd day of April, A. D. 1874, at 2 o’clock p.m., at the brewery of Himelspaugh & Yerger, about one mile west of Winfield, in said county of Cowley, offer at public sale, and sell to the highest bidder for cash in hand, all the right, title, and interest of the defendant, John N. Yerger, in and to the following described chattels to-wit: Three (3) large barrels. One (1) tub. One (1) mash tub. Thirty (30) beer kegs. One (1) force pump and hose.
Said property having been levied upon as the property of said defendant, John N. Yerger.R. L. WALKER, Sheriff.
Fairbank, Torrance & Green, Attorneys for plaintiffs. April 10, 1874.
Note: Believe this was the “Cave Brewery.”
NEXT ITEM CALLS FOR SALE OF THE PROPERTY.
PLAINTIFFS: Aug Kurtzeborn, M. A. Rozenblatt, Sol Bauman and Meyer Bauman, partners under the firm name of L. Bauman & Co.
DEFENDANT: John N. Yerger.
RECAP: Sheriff selling at the courthouse in Winfield to the highest bidder for cash, all the right, title, and interest of John N. Yerger in and to the following described land situate in said county of Cowley to-wit.
Beginning at a point on the North line of the South half of the South West quarter of section number twenty-nine (29) in township number thirty-two (32) South of Range Four (4) East twelve (12) chains East of the North West corner of said South half of said quarter section, thence South 6" West Four (4) chains, thence North 54" 15' east four (4) chains, thence north 6" East two (2) chains and eighty-two (82) links, thence due West on line three hundred and eighty-two (382) links to the place of beginning, containing land 86-100 acres more or less. The said land having been levied upon as the property of said John N. Yerger.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.
Suit has been commenced in the U. S. Circuit Court of the District of Kansas, by one George L. Thompson, for the recovery of something over $6,000, interest included, for which he holds the warrants of this county. Who Mr. Thompson is, we know not, neither does it matter for the purpose of this article. The best legal talent concur in the opinion that judgment will be rendered against the county, for the amount claimed, and the costs of the suit.
The COURIER is charged with being in some way the remote cause of the action against the county, because it is alleged that we opposed bonding the debt. Here is what we did say in the COURIER of Feb. 6th, last.
THE COUNTY DEBT.
We understand, since our arrival at home, that an effort is being made to have Mr. Martin procure the necessary legislation allowing the Board of County Commissioners to fund or rather bond the county indebtedness. We do not believe that the people of Cowley County wish this thing done. Twelve months ago, the circumstances were altogether different. Then we had a Courthouse to build, and many thought it necessary to provide funds for that. But now our county buildings are all complete, we can see no necessity for it. We are very well aware that it would be money in the pockets of a few, for instance, county officials, who have to take most or all their fees in scrip. But we are now hopeful that the tax next year, with care and economy, will clear the county almost, if not altogether, of debt. In the present state of affairs, we would not favor any bill authorizing the Board to bond the debt, without first submitting the question to a vote of the people of the county. And we hope that whatever legislation Mr. Martin secures in that particular will provide that the question be so submitted. We would be glad to hear from our readers on this subject, that we may act understandingly in the matter and take such action as will place the county on the best financial basis, having due regard for those who held the county’s ‘promises to pay.’
It will be seen that the main feature of the above article is to submit the proposition to the voters of the county. If the majority of the legal voters think it would be best to bond the debt, they can so express themselves, and then should it turn out to be a bad bargain, they can blame no one but themselves.
But it is useless to argue the point now; no enabling act was passed, and consequently, the Board can take no action in the matter, unless they may proceed under the act of a year ago, and bond $15,000 of the debt, which is all that act will admit. But it is a “leetle” queer that the very argument we made use of last year in favor of bonding the debt, should be used against us this year, by those who opposed the measure, and signed a remonstrance against it last year.
Whatever else the COURIER may be accused of, ambiguity is certainly not one of our failings; we endeavor to make ourselves understood. The COURIER frankly gives its reasons for the faith it held a year ago. Here they are: “Twelve months ago the circumstances were altogether different. Then we had a Courthouse to build, and many thought it necessary to provide funds for that. But now our county buildings are complete, we see no necessity for it.” There, gentlemen, are the COURIER’s reasons for its seeming opposition to the proposition to bond the county debt. Now, gentlemen, you who signed a remonstrance against it last year and talked, and argued against it, you who denounced those who favored it as being a ring of county officials, to defend the county, what has come over the spirit of your dreams, that you now so ardently advocate what you denounced as a steal last year? Did you oppose it because you hadn’t all the scrip you wanted? And favor it now because you have your wallets full of warrants ready to convert into the bonds of the county? Honest, straightforward answers will relieve the public mind wonderfully.
We will have more to say on this subject hereafter.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.
The Presbyterian church holds service next Sabbath in the Courthouse morning and evening. J. E. PLATTER, Pastor.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.
The City Council met at the Courthouse April 20, 1874, at 7 p.m. Mayor S. C. Smith in the chair. Councilmen present: J. P. McMillen, H. S. Silver, S. Darrah. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
On motion, S. Darrah was duly elected as President of the Council for the ensuing year. H. S. Silver, S. Darrah, and R. B. Saffold were appointed a standing committee on finance for the ensuing year. S. Darrah, J. D. Cochran, and J. P. McMillen were appointed a standing committee on streets and sidewalks.
City Council Proceedings.
The Mayor, with the consent of the Council, appointed the following city officers for the ensuing year. M. L. Robinson was duly appointed City Treasurer; J. W. Curns was duly appointed City Clerk and qualified as such. T. H. Suits was appointed City Attorney. Z. T. Swigart was duly appointed City Marshal.
The bill of A. J. Jones for services as policeman one day and one night, $3.00, was audited, allowed, and ordered paid. Bill of Burt Covert, $12.25, for boarding prisoners was referred to the finance committee. Fee bill “City of Winfield vs. Adolphus H. Green” of $36.40, was referred to the finance committee.
The sealed proposals for the City Printing were opened and rejected. The clerk was authorized to ask for new bids.
On motion, the Clerk was authorized to advertise for bids to build sidewalks along 9th and 10th avenues, where they have not been built as required by ordinance.
The time fixed for the regular meeting of the City Council was the first and third Mondays of each month.
On motion adjourned to meet Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock a.m.
J. W. CURNS, Clerk.
Council met in pursuance of adjournment April 22nd, at 9 a.m. Present: Mayor Smith, and councilmen Cochran, Silver, Darrah, and Saffold. The Clerk being absent, R. B. Saffold was chosen as Clerk pro tem.
The bids for the City printing for the ensuing year were then opened and read, and the contract awarded to James Kelly, editor of the Winfield COURIER, he being the lowest bidder.
On motion a committee of three were appointed, consisting of McMillen, Cochran, and Silver, to provide a “pound” for the city and have the same enclosed. On motion, adjourned.
R. B. SAFFOLD, Clerk, pro tem.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.
The Congregational church will have service at the courthouse next Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7-1/2 p.m. Preaching by Rev. J. B. Parmelee.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.
There will be a meeting of the directors of the Cowley County Agricultural Society on Saturday, May 16th, 1874, at 2 o’clock p.m. at the courthouse. J. B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1874.
Sunday School Festival.
There will be a festival in the courthouse next Tuesday eve. It is got up entirely by the children of the Union Sunday school. There will be a supper, and fine music by the children. All turn out and have a good time.
Jail at Winfield.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1874.
Al Headrick is in limbo again; this time it is for stealing a horse in Labette County. He had been working for a man named Humphries, living twelve miles southwest of Parsons, and being out of work and out of money and not being anxious to walk away, he “borrowed” a horse and rode away. He says he meant to turn the horse loose and start him back home after he got to Grouse Creek, but his great aversion to treading on mother soil overcame his scruples in regard to keeping other people’s property and so he rode on. He stopped at a schoolhouse to attend church, a few miles north of town, on Timber Creek, where he was arrested by Sheriff Walker and Constable Shenneman, and lodged in jail at this place. Sheriff Walker started with him for Labette County, yesterday morning.
County Jail.
Excerpt from article...
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Items from the Traveler.
Out of ten men who have stolen horses in this locality, only one has escaped, and he had to leave the mules and run for his life. Four are in the penitentiary, two are in the county jail, and three were shot. It is no use to steal horses from about Arkansas City. The people are too determined and too full of energy to endure it.
Taken from City Jail in Arkansas City to Jail at Winfield.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Horse Thieves Caught.
Two men, William Gilmore and Francis J. Seltz, who have been stopping at the mouth of Grouse for some weeks, and of whom we spoke last week, warning the people to look out for them, were overtaken and captured on the Shawkaska River, by Curry, Keho, Blair, and Roberts, last Sunday morning. The men took the horses from the Kaw Agency on Thursday night, came up Grouse Creek, and were going west. The horses belonged to Big and Little Lewis Pappan; half breed Kaw Indians. The horses were missed at daylight, and the Indians started in pursuit, tracking them all the way to Bolton Township, where they received the first news of them. Pappan’s horses were tired out and he persuaded the above mentioned men to follow them on Saturday night, by whom they were captured the next morning.
At sight of the men the thieves ran and were only stopped by the firing of Curry. Seltz received the shot from Curry’s carbine, the ball entering near the wrist and paralyzing his arm. At this, the thieves gave themselves up and begged to be well treated. On Monday morning they were arraigned before Justice McIntire and plead not guilty. The preliminary trial was waived, and the parties were bound over to appear at the district court in the sum of $1,000. Failing in bond, they went to jail.
Bill Gilmore is a man of about 26 years of age, over six feet tall, dark hair, intelligent expression, and mild countenance. He was born and raised in Arizona, and has spent most of his time on the border and among the Indians. In 1861 he was with General Custer, and carried dispatches from Camp Supply to Fort Dodge for General Sheridan, during the fight on the Washita. He is deeply prejudiced against Indians, and claims he would not have stolen from the whites. In conversation with Mr. Gilmore, we find him to be a well read and experienced man. Wild life and excitement is as familiar with him as his every day meal.
Francis J. Seltz is a younger man than Gilmore, with a countenance not as good or mild. He is a good conversationalist, however, and speaks fluently and rapidly. Seltz did not care to give his history, and was perfectly indifferent on some subjects. His life has been mostly confined to the east, until a few years past. He has had some difficult encounters, but only in self defense. He was free to say that he was a good shot with a carbine and could have killed the four men that were after him if he chose to, but did not want to do it.
With these additional captures, we should think horse thieves would choose some other locality for their operations. Traveler.
The thieves are now resting quietly in jail in this city.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Prof. H. B. Norton will deliver two lectures at the Courthouse on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of next week. The subject on Tuesday evening, June 2nd, will be “Glacial period of the Northern Hemisphere.” On Wednesday, June 3rd, his subject will be “Genesis and Geology.”
The popular interest awakened in regard to scientific subjects has led many of our scientific men to prepare lectures suited to meet this demand. Prof. Norton is one of the leading educators and scholars in the west, and as a popular lecturer meets with favor everywhere. Go and hear him. The proceeds are for the benefit of the Presbyterian church building fund.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.
Council met at Courthouse May 18, 1874. Mayor S. C. Smith in the chair; Councilmen present, H. S. Silver, S. Darrah, J. P. McMillen, and R. B. Saffold. J. W. Curns, Clerk. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The bonds of Joseph Likowski and Reinhard Ehret to the City of Winfield as dram shop keepers were presented to the Council and on motion were approved.
Finance committee asked further time on the bill of Thos. H. Benning. The bill of J. W. Curns for service as Clerk, and stationery $9.23, was allowed.
The application of Z. T. Swiggart to have his salary raised from $35 to $50 per month was referred to the finance committee.
The petition of J. C. Weathers to have the grade lowered between 10th and 12th Avenues on Main Street was referred to the committee on sidewalks.
On motion order number 195, on the treasurer of Winfield in favor of J. M. Young, marshal, was canceled.
An ordinance providing for the levying and collecting of license tax was read by sections and duly passed; the vote on passage stood, ayes McMillen, Darrah, Silver, 3; nays 0.
On motion council adjourned. J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
The council met at the courthouse June first, and there not being a quorum present, council adjourned to meet June 2nd, at 4 o’clock p.m. J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1874.
In the Traveler report of the judgment taken against the county by Geo. L. Thompson, it erroneously gives it as “Scrip issued for the building of the courthouse.” This is incorrect. It was not the scrip issued to build the courthouse on which the county was sued.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
The Council met at the courthouse June 2nd in pursuance of adjournment. Present: S. C. Smith, Mayor, and councilmen McMillen, Silver, and Darrah, J. W. Curns, Clerk.
The committee on Marshal’s salary reported favorably on allowing the Marshal $40.00 per month for his salary, provided he charge nothing for removing nuisances. On motion the report was accepted and approved.
An ordinance in relation to the pay of the City Marshal and Street Commissioner was read and duly passed. The vote on the final passage was ayes McMillen, Darrah, and Silver, all the members present voting in the affirmative.
The committee on the petition of J. C. Weathers and others to have the grade on Main street lowered reported unfavorably thereon; on motion the petition was referred back to the petitioner.
A petition was presented signed by Wm. F. Marshal and others asking that a dram shop license be granted to A. G. Vinson. Two remonstrances against granting gram shop license (unless every requirement of the law be strictly complied with) were presented, signed by S. H. Myton and others and one signed by John McQuiston and others. On motion the petitions were all referred to a committee consisting of H. S. Silver, J. P. McMillen, and Samuel Darrah.
A petition was presented asking the council to call an election to determine whether the city should issue scrip to purchase the grounds of the Winfield Cemetery. On motion the petition was referred back to the petitioners.
An ordinance in relation to dog tax was passed; vote on passage was as follows: Ayes McMillen, Silver, and Darrah.
The bill of Z. T. Swigart of $50 for services as marshal and street commissioner.
Bill of Wm. Allison of $6 for printing was presented and referred to finance committee, and severally allowed and ordered paid.
On motion the council adjourned to meet June 15th, 1874, at usual hour.
J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
Council met at courtroom June 15th at usual hour, and there not being a quorum present, adjourned to meet Wednesday at 4 o’clock p.m. J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
County Jail.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
The two horse thieves recently committed to the county jail, were but recently discharged from the Kansas Penitentiary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1874.
Complete arrangements have been made at the Courthouse for the dance on the eve of the 4th, for music, ice water, and refreshments. Dancing begins at 7 o’clock, promptly.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
The 98th anniversary of American Independence will be celebrated at WINFIELD! On the votive day, JULY 4th!
Arrangements have been made to make this one of the Grandest Celebrations ever held in Southwestern Kansas. No labor or expense have been spared to make it an ENTIRE SUCCESS.
An invitation has been extended to the SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION to be present, and they have accepted and will without fail participate in the exercises adding to the interest of the occasion by giving a DRILLING EXERCISE.
The Patrons of Husbandry (Grangers) are expected to be present in FULL REGALIA!
Hon. John Guthrie and Geo. R. Peck, have been invited and are expected to be present.
The festivities of the day will be closed in the evening with a grand display of FIREWORKS. (In the purchase of which over $200 have been expended) after which a Grand Ball will be given in the fine Hall at the Courthouse.
PROGRAMME.
A national salute of thirty-seven guns will be fired at sunrise.
The procession will form on the north end of Main street, at 10 o’clock, in the following order: Winfield City Silver Cornet Band, Floral Car with goddess of liberty and thirty-seven young ladies, representing the several states in the Union, Reception Committee and Speakers, SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION, Patrons of Husbandry in Regalia, CITIZENS!
And march through the principal streets of the city to the grove on Walnut River.
Exercises of the day will commence by Music by the Band.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Vocal music, Red, White and Blue solo, by Mr. John Swain, and chorus.
Orations by Hon. John Guthrie, and other eminent speakers.
Music by the Band, Vocal music, solo by Mr. Hall, Music by the Band, Basket Dinner and Toasts, Music by the Band, Vocal music, Star Spangled Banner solo by Mrs. A. H. Green, and chorus of 37 young ladies in costume, Music by the Band.
Grand Tournament by the Fantastic company of Winfield, after which there will be several heat and dash races at the Fair Grounds, for which some celebrated horses are now in training.
The exercises of the day will close with a grand display of fire-works at 8 o’clock p.m., and a Grand Ball at the Courthouse. By order of committee. G. S. MANSER, Chairman.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
NOTICE. We will run a double seated carriage with careful driver from all parts of the city to the picnic and fair grounds the 4th. Also to the ball at the courthouse at night. Parties wishing to engage can leave their orders at our office in stables on Manning street.
DAVIS & FERGUSON.
Courthouse Determined “Unsafe.”
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1874.
The Courthouse is reported as being in an unsafe condition. The self-supporting roof, is not a self-supporter at all, but is pushing the walls over.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1874.
The Frontier Base Ball club have issued invitations for a Ball, which was to be given in the courthouse, but owing to the unsafe condition of that building will be held in the Lagonda House. The members of the El Dorado Base Ball club are expected to be present. The company has been carefully selected, and the boys propose to make the Ball a first class affair.
Courthouse a “Failure.”
Winfield Courier, Friday, July 17, 1874. Editorial Page.
“It will be observed that our $12,000 courthouse is a failure. That was a pretty little job to put on the county. We hope that the responsible parties, and those who voted for them will feel proud of their work.” Arkansas City Traveler.
The above was written by Prof. H. B. Norton, who is left in charge of the Traveler during the absence of the editor. How did you observe that our $12,000 courthouse was a failure, Professor? We promise that Prof. Norton got his information from the following, published by us last week.
“The courthouse is reported as being in an unsafe condition. The self-supporting roof, is not a self-supporter at all, but is pushing the walls over.”
Is there any failure in the simple fact that some of the braces in the roof are insufficient? But the Prof. says, “It was a pretty little job to put upon the county, and hopes that the responsible parties who voted for them will feel proud of their work.” We have always entertained the highest regard for Professor Norton, believing that he was incapable of anything cruel or mean, but if the above is a fair sample of his spirit, if he still loves to be revenged on Winfield, then we are compelled, though with the greatest reluctance, to change our opinion of Professor Norton. The Prof’s squib is of the same piece as that of C. M. Scott, in his letter to the Cadiz (Ohio) Republican, when he says, “Arkansas City is the principal town in Cowley County.” No, Prof., there was no job about the courthouse, so far as the County Board, or those who voted for them were concerned.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1874.
The ladies of the Congregational society will give an ice cream social in the Courthouse on Wednesday evening, July 22nd. A cordial invitation is extended to all.
MRS. LOWREY, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1874.
Statement of the Expenses of the Old Board Of County Commissioners.
The following is a statement of the expenses of Cowley County for all purposes during the year commencing July 1st, 1873, and ending July 1st, 1874. Showing the amount expended during the last half of 1873, and the amount expended by the new board for the first half of 1874. Also the receipts of the year and the liabilities of the county at the beginning and end of the year.
Note: Lengthy and complicated statement skipped. Giving totals only.
Expended by Old Board: $20,305.70
Expended by New Board: $5,499.89
Total Expended For the Year: $25,805.59
Old Board spent $10,600.69 for courthouse and $670.03 for furniture for it.
New Board spent $129.19 for courthouse furniture.
New Board spent $222.00 for investigating committee.
Statement had other pertinent entries:
Amount of scrip afloat July 1st, A. D. 1873, $16,971.17.
Total expenditures for the year: $25,805.59
Receipts for the year: $15,151.59.
Amount of scrip afloat July 1st, 1874: $27,625.07.
I, M. G. Troup, County Clerk of the board of County Commissioners, hereby certify that the above is a correct statement of the expenditures, receipts, and indebtedness of Cowley County for the year ending July 1st, 1874.
Witness my hand and official seal this 14 day of July, A. D. 1874.
M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
There will be preaching at the courthouse by Rev. J. B. Parmelee Sunday, August 2nd, morning and evening at the usual hour.
Courthouse Determined Now Perfectly Safe.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
The Courthouse is now perfectly safe; in fact, safer than it was at first. Mr. J. Williams deserves special mention for the manner in which he performed the work.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
The Frontier baseball club will give a Ball at the Courthouse tomorrow evening complimentary to the El Dorado base ball boys.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
The Presbyterian church holds service in the courthouse next Sunday. Subject of sermon in the evening: The vice of Gambling. JAS. E. PLATTER, Pastor.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
Horse Thieves Caught. Fun for the Lawyers, But Death to the Tax-Payer.
Last Saturday three young men who had just returned home from Texas were arrested here on charge of horse stealing. They had been followed from the Indian Territory by the parties who owned the stock, and overtaken in this city just as they were trying to dispose of the stolen property. It being late Saturday evening the boys were lodged in jail to await examination Monday morning. However, late Saturday night, Brown, one of the number, with his attorney, L. J. Webb, Esq., appeared before Squire Boyer, waived examination, and in default of bail, was sent to jail to await the September term of the District Court.
The other two, Brocknell and Onstott, were brought up for examination on Monday morning. Squire Boyer, on the motion of the County attorney, and knowing that the U. S. Marshal was ready to re-arrest and take them before the Federal court at Arkansas City, discharged the prisoners. No sooner was this done and Hill, the U. S. Deputy Marshal, attempted to serve his warrant then revolvers were flashed in his face, by two or three deputy Sheriffs of the county. Of course, he was powerless, and the prisoners were immediately re-arrested by a warrant issued by Squire Wood.
Again they were locked up for the night, and Tuesday morning brought before N. H. Wood, Esq., where they plead guilty, and in default of $1,500 bail, each, they were again sent to board at the expense of the county, where all three now await their trial at the next term of the District Court.
This case certainly presents many curious and anomalous features. It is the only case we have ever seen where the accused insisted upon their own guilt, and retained three prominent lawyers to help them plead guilty. The County attorney was willing and even anxious to have them turned over to the U. S. Courts, and thereby avoid expense to the county. But, not their attorneys, Messrs. Webb, Hackney, and Johnson, who insisted that their clients were undoubtedly guilty, and should be held for trial here.
We have no wish to manufacture sentiment one way or the other—but of one thing we are sure, and that is, if the ends of Justice could be reached just as well (which in our opinion it could) by handing them over to the U. S. Commissioner Kellogg, at Arkansas City, and save this county considerable expense, that was just what should have been done. Cowley County has no desire to pay for anybody’s whistle but her own.
County Jail.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
The county jail has now six boarders.
City Jail.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
[Published July 24th, 1874.]
Ordinance No. 40.
An Ordinance to protect property in the City of Winfield.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield.
SEC. 1. That it shall be unlawful to sell or give away any fire crackers within the corporate limits of the city of Winfield. Any person violating the provision of this section, shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than five dollars for each and every offense.
SEC. 2. That it shall be unlawful to fire off fire crackers within the corporate limits of the city of Winfield. Any person or persons violating the provisions of this section, shall, upon conviction, be fined five dollars, or imprisoned in the city jail not less than twenty-four hours, nor more than seven days for each and every offense in the discretion of the court.
SEC. 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication.
Approved July 21st, 1874. S. C. SMITH, Mayor. J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
Frontier Club Barred From Usage of Courthouse by Sheriff.
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1874.
Base Ball.
The El Dorado base ball club of El Dorado, played the Frontiers of this place a match game of ball on the grounds of the latter last Saturday, which resulted in the victory of the Frontier’s by a score of 35 to 38. Play was “called” at 3 o’clock p.m., and the game was called at 7, in the middle of the ninth inning, it being too dark to finish the game with safety. According to the rule, therefore, the score was counted at the end of the eighth inning.
The game was a very poor one, which was mainly owing to the strong wind which blew from the south, carrying the dust into the eyes of the catcher, and taking the ball whereso’er it listeth. The Winfield boys in none of their scrub games ever played so poorly. Not a whitewash was made on either side.
Bob Sheather of the Frontier’s, made the only home run, and put ten men out on first base, Cruden assisting six times. Walton caught two fouls and put two men out on 3 strikes, but at the fifth inning, having badly bruised his hand, he took second base and Cruden took his place behind the bat. Cruden caught one fair fly, five fouls, put one man out on second base, and one on three strikes. Hane put one man out on second base, and Morris one on third. Webb assisted once, Morris once, Walton once, Siemmons once, and Kenan twice.
On the side of the El Dorado’s, Gossard caught two fair flies, Shryer two, and Myers one. McIntire caught nine fouls, put one out on three strikes, and one out on home base, etc.
PLAYERS FOR FRONTIER BASE BALL CLUB.
Walton, Kenan, Siemmons, Sheather, Cruden, Morris, Webb, Hane, and Stewart.
Scorers: Frontier—V. B. Beckett. El Dorado—J. C. Elliott.
The ball in the evening was not as great a success as it would have been if Sheriff Walker had allowed the use of the courthouse, which he refused to do, whereupon the Valley House was procured and used, and a select, though small crowd, was in attendance. But everything passed off pleasantly, and as far as we know, the boys were well pleased with the entertainment.
The third game will be played at Douglass, on one of the days of the fair, which will be held in the middle of September next.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1874.
Patrons of Husbandry.
The following will be the programme for the grand social feast, August 22nd, 1874, to be held on the grounds of T. H. Johnson, C. M. Wood, and J. F. Graham, one-half mile north of the city of Winfield.
PROGRAMME.
1st. Each subordinate Grange will come in procession, accompanied by its Marshal, or his assistants, who will be at the courthouse.
2nd. The grand procession will form on the courthouse commons, at 11 o’clock a.m. sharp, and march through the principal streets of the city, thence to the picnic grounds in the following order.
Winfield Cornet Band, Patrons of Husbandry in regalia.
Arkansas City Cornet Band, Patrons of Husbandry in full regalia.
EXERCISES AT THE GROVE.
Music by the Winfield band, Song by Supt. T. A. Wilkinson, Prayer, Music by the Arkansas City Band, Oration, Instrumental String Band, Supt. T. A. Wilkinson, Dinner, Music by both bands, Toasts, responses, and songs., Suggestions for the good of the order, Music, Home Sweet Home, by the Arkansas City Silver Cornet Band.
A. T. STEWART, Committee of Arrangements.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1874.
Attention Battalion! Let every able bodied man attend the meeting at the courthouse tomorrow (Saturday) night to organize a Militia company.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1874.
George Walker brought T. O. Hill’s horse and the thief with him when he returned from Independence last Saturday. The thief, whose name is Bozark, asserted that a young chap named Bodwell, who lives a couple of miles from this city, stole the horse and brought it to him and he merely took it away. Bodwell was immediately arrested, but after a preliminary examination before Justice Boyer, was released. Bozark was placed in jail to await his trial at the next term of the district court.
Jail and Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1874.
Last Tuesday was about as lively a day as we have seen since the fourth of July. We were first startled by seeing crowds of men and boys dashing up the street and disappearing in Curns & Manser’s office, and, not wishing to mourn alone, we soon found ourselves standing on a chair in the aforesaid office gazing at the struggle of two of our prominent lawyers, who were trying their wind and muscle in a scuffle, in which neither had an occasion to crow over the victory, they being about equally matched. The only one we felt sorry for was Justice Boyer, who adjourned court about a minute too soon to fine them for contempt.
The crowd next gathered at Darrah & Doty’s livery stable where a couple of our citizens were trying the effect of chairs and fists upon each other’s heads. They were separated before either was hurt.
Before the crowd had yet dispersed from the scene of this mill, they were startled by the news that the prisoners were escaping from the jail, and off they hurried to see what could be seen. Bozark, the fellow who was caught with Hill’s horse in Independence, and put in quod the day before, had been at work at one of the windows, and had so far succeeded that it is acknowledged that if he had been allowed to work another hour, he would have been able to walk out without any trouble; he had taken off the casing of one of the windows by some means and pried the bars nearly out of it.
We next sauntered into the courthouse, where the delegates to the convention which met yesterday were chosen, which being over, we quietly returned to our respective business. We were expecting that the excitement of the day would finish with a fire, but were fortunately mistaken.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1874.
Capt. Kager’s company (G.) will meet Saturday at the courthouse at 3 o’clock p.m., as seen by the card published elsewhere.
Excerpt from article...
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1874.
Right Front in Line. March!
Pursuant to a call, the citizens of Winfield and vicinity met at the courthouse on Monday evening, the 24th, electing J. J. Williams as chairman, and W. W. Walton Secretary; E. B. Kager stated the object of the meeting to be the organization of a company of State Militia.
Capt. J. B. Nipp, being called upon, made some very good suggestions besides giving the latest news from the frontier. He thought that there was more danger of an invasion by the Indians now than there had ever been. The Osages demanded the return of the ponies and one thousand dollars each for the Indians killed in the recent engagement with the Militia. These terms will not be conceded by the Governor, and an open war on the extreme border this fall and winter is threatened.
A sufficient number having signed the necessary oath, they were sworn in by Capt. Nipp. They then proceeded to the election of officers, resulting as follows.
Capt., E. B. Kager; 1st Lieut., A. T. Shenneman; 2nd Lieut., L. J. Webb; Orderly Sergeant, W. W. Walton.
Courthouse Square.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1874.
The festival held by the Grangers of Cowley County, in the woods northeast of Winfield, on Saturday last, was a success. At an early hour the different Granges commenced driving into the city and taking up position on the Courthouse square, awaiting the formation of the procession, and at eleven o’clock, when the procession was formed, not less than three hundred teams were within the city limits. The procession, which was over a mile long, was headed by the Chief Marshal, H. W. Stubblefield, followed by the Winfield Band; next came some fifty or sixty horsemen, and then the different Granges—some thirty in number—with their banners, flags, and mottoes flying to the breeze. Near the middle of the procession and at the head of the Creswell Grange came the Arkansas City Band.
The following are some of the mottoes:
Bethel Grange, “Our Watchword—Reform.”
Floral, “United we Stand, divided we fall.”
Winfield, “Honor to whom Honor is due—The success of the Farmer is the Success of the Nation.”
Grand Prairie, “Reduce Expenses—Plow Deep.”
Philomathian, “Sit Lux.”
Little Dutch, “In God is our Trust—Justice to all—The Farmers forever.”
Creswell, “Better days are coming—In the soil we Trust.”
South Bend, “Agriculture—Our Hope. No honest labor we despise.”
Union Grange, “In Union there is strength.”
Vernon Grange, “Our Liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.”
After patrolling the principal streets of the city, the procession headed for the Picnic Ground. Upon reaching the grove, the meeting was called to order by A. S. Williams, Master of the county council, followed by the bands supplying some excellent music, after which a motion to adjourn for dinner was put and unanimously carried.
The afternoon exercises were opened by music from both bands followed by a song from T. A. Wilkinson and others. Prayer by Rev. Martin, of Vernon Grange, and a speech by Amos Walton.
The following toasts were then given by the Toast Master, A. N. Deming.
“The laboring class.” Responded to by T. A. Wilkinson of the Winfield Grange.
“The Dignity of labor.” By G. N. Fowler, Little Dutch Grange.
“The Province of the Grange.” By John Irwin, Darien Grange.
“Grasshopper and Chinch Bug.” By P. W. Smith, Philomathian Grange.
“The State of Kansas.” By H. W. Stubblefield, Sheridan Grange.
Several other toasts were to have been given, but time would now allow.
The meeting then adjourned and the assemblage sought their respective homes apparently well satisfied with their first annual reunion.
Excerpts from meetings...
Courthouse Repairs. Prisoners’ Care and Board.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
Commissioners’ Proceedings.
Board met pursuant to adjournment. Present: R. F. Burden and M. S. Roseberry.
The following bills were presented and acted on as follows.
J. J. Williams, courthouse repairs: $33.00
J. W. Strickland, courthouse repairs: $9.50
Stewart & Simpson, courthouse repairs: $26.00
M. Miller, courthouse repairs: $14.62
S. H. Myton, courthouse repairs: $2.17
A. H. Green, drugs for prisoners: $15.00; $14.47.
T. G. Peyton, phy. for pris.: rejected.
SEPTEMBER 10, 1874.
Board met pursuant to adjournment, R. F. Burden and M. S. Roseberry, present.
The contract made between A. H. Green and the Board for medicine for prisoners, is this day revoked, and it is agreed between Dr. G. W. Graham and this Board that Graham shall have the sanitary care of the prisoners of Cowley County, and Graham shall furnish his own medicines until further ordered.
In the matter of boarding the prisoners of Cowley County made by this Board with the Sheriff, is this day revoked.
Courthouse.
The next item I find most confusing! Especially reference to Walker! [MAW]
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
John Brocknell, James Brown, Henry Bozark, and Dick Walker all take their meals at the Courthouse now. They will receive proper attention at the hands of Judge Campbell at the next term of the District court.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
We publish elsewhere a call for a meeting of the citizens of this place, at the courthouse on next Tuesday, for the purpose of organizing a Literary and Scientific Association for the establishment of a Library and Reading Room, the employment of public lecturers, etc. This city has long felt the need of something of this sort and we are glad that the matter has been taken hold of at last. Let everybody attend the meeting next Tuesday evening.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
We, the undersigned citizens of Winfield, agree to attend a public meeting to be held in this city, to take into consideration the desirability of organizing a Literary and Scientific Association, having in view the establishment of a Library and Reading-Room, the employment of public lecturers, the encouragement of literature, and otherwise promoting moral and intellectual improvement. Said meeting to be held at the Courthouse, at 7 o’clock p.m., on Tuesday, September 22, 1874.
(Signed) D. A. Millington, W. Q. Mansfield, E. S. Torrance, V. B. Beckett, M. L. Robinson, John E. Allen, James E. Platter, E. C. Manning, T. H. Johnson, A. H. Green, Wm. Bartlow, A. H. Hane, J. B. Fairbank, J. W. Curns, G. S. Manser, and M. L. Read.
Courthouse and Jail.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874. [Editorial by James Kelly.]
THE POST OFFICE “RING.”
WHAT IT DID, AND TRIED TO DO!
HOW TO KEEP A RASCAL IN OFFICE.
The Men Who Control the Opposition.
Chapter of Sound Reading.
The readers of the COURIER will bear witness to our patience under the slanderous misrepresentations of the Telegram and its allies, for two years past. We have hoped in forbearance to avoid a conflict with the “ring” that keeps that paper on its legs. Long since the people of the county withdrew their support from it on account of its personal abuse and unreliability. For more than a year it has been kept running by desperate makeshifts, by moving from room to room, and from garret to cellar about town because it could not pay rent. By paying its employees with promises, by borrowing material, by taking continuances in court against creditors who were trying to compel it, or its editor, to pay their honest debts, and with the aid of all the subterfuges, practiced only by scoundrels, backed by a ring that we hereafter describe in detail, it has succeeded in maintaining a sickly existence.
The ostensible purpose of its being is reform in politics and abuse of Manning. The real purpose of its being is the maintenance of the “Post Office ring” in Winfield. This ring has no influence in the country whatever except through it organ, the Telegram.
If a democrat in Pleasant Valley wants an office, he knows he must get it without the aid of the republican party—hence he comes to town, joins the post office ring in the abuse of the republican party, and says that Manning runs it. This is reported to the Telegram and at once Mr. Democrat is called a hardy son of toil, and a good man for some office. No questions are asked about his qualifications in reading, writing, or spelling, nor is his past character looked into. It is enough to know that he is opposed to Manning.
If a bull-head from Tisdale Township wants an office, whose ignorance and stupidity makes him a failure as a farmer, and who cannot get an endorsement from any intelligent man in the county, he at once seeks the P. O. ring, puts in some heavy anathemas against the Republican party in general and Manning in particular, and he is at once reported to the Telegram as a good man from Tisdale to work up the reform ticket in that locality.
If a bummer of Arkansas City, who has been kicked out of the Republican party for incompetency, ignorance, and rascality, wants an office, he writes an abusive article about Manning specially, and the Republican party generally, signs himself “Republican” or “farmer,” sends it to the Telegram for publication, whereupon the P. O. ring set him down as one of the “good, noble, and true,” men of Creswell Township who are disgusted with conventions and party lines, and who will make a good candidate on the “reform” ticket for some office.
Now and then a man who has voted for the Republican ticket for years from principle, is proposed for some office, and is beaten in convention because some other man is thought to be better, and he in a fit of passion and disappointment will fall to berating the Republican party or some of its members, whereupon the P. O. ring and Telegram fall to besliming him and convincing him that he was beaten by a trick, and that merit has no show in the Republican organization, and his only hope is to be a “reformer.”
When the creditors of Allison or the Telegram press too hard upon the concern for pay, postmaster Johnston, or M. L. Read, step in with either cash or security and give relief. They can’t afford to have the thing go down. Thus the P. O. “ring,” by management, and the Telegram by blowing, have made and are making perpetual war on:
1st. The Republican party of Cowley County.
2nd. On the financial interests of Cowley County.
3rd. On the material development of Cowley County.
4th. On the business prosperity of Winfield.
Now we propose to show how it is done, and to show up the men who are doing it.
As to the first charge: the Republican party of Cowley County is or should be composed of men who adhere to the principle and policy of the national party, and carrying its principles and policy into Cowley County affairs, they demand that honest, competent, and honorable men be put in office, and that the public money be economically used, and strictly accounted for. That manufactories be fostered and markets for produce be established. To this end has the COURIER labored. To this end have the active members of the party devoted their energies politically. We challenge from anyone a successful contradiction of this statement.
The P. O. ring and the Telegram, have done for two years, and are still doing their best, to destroy the Republican party, and to defeat its noble mission. Two years ago this fall the
P. O. ring opposed the Republican nominees and worked up the liberal ticket and supported it. Capt. McDermott, the Republican nominee, was elected to the House in spite of them. As a member of the legislature from Cowley County he sent forty copies of the Commonwealth every week during the session, to the Winfield post office for distribution among the people here that they might know what the action of their representative was. Postmaster Johnston did not distribute those papers, but destroyed them, and Capt. McDermott knew nothing of it until his return. Not one word of reproach can be raised against Capt. McDermott while a member of the legislature.
Nor can one word of reproach be truthfully said against any of the county officers elected by the Republican party two years ago, save it be some acts of the county board.
Now we declare that neither the Republican party nor any of its active members were responsible for the actions of the board which were subject to criticism. The county board was composed of two men, Messrs. Cox and Maurer, who were elected by the Republican party, and Mr. Smith, the other, was elected on the liberal ticket. There are but one or two acts of that board that can by any stretch of the imagination be subjected to justifiable censure. One is the erection of the courthouse, without authority from the people, another was extravagance in purchasing books and blanks for the county officers.
For the first act, Col. J. M. Alexander and the P. O. ring are responsible. They are the parties who more than anyone persuaded Mr. Cox to make the contract with the city of Winfield to build a courthouse and jail.
Mr. Maurer, one of the Republican commissioners of the county, never consented to the movement. This action of the board was taken, too, in the face of a protest against it, signed by several prominent Republicans of Cowley County, E. C. Manning among the number.
The Telegram at the time endorsed the action of the board, and ridiculed the protest. This action of the P. O. ring cost the county $12,500.
For the second act A. A. Jackson, a Democrat, elected on the “people’s” ticket, is responsible. He was familiar with the wants of the various county officers, and ordered books and blanks at pleasure. He obtained the confidence of the board and either recommended all the books and blanks that were ordered or else ordered them himself, and afterwards obtained the sanction of the board by stating that they were necessary. Jackson made a certain percent on all the books and blanks ordered by him by special arrangement with the various firms from which he ordered them. Jackson was one of the Telegram’s pets at that time and a howler against the Republican party, and of course that paper had no word of censure for him. By this arrangement the county lost several thousand dollars.
The two acts above mentioned are all that could in any fairness be censured, unless it be claimed that the salaries allowed some of the county officers be considered too high. This may be true, but no party is to blame for that. Col. Alexander and other pets of the Telegram told the board that the salaries allowed the County Attorney and Probate Judge ought to be allowed, and several Republicans, among the number, E. C. Manning, discountenanced all these propositions, and Col. Manning declined to accept one half of the salary of the Probate Judge, notwithstanding he was entitled to it under the terms of his partnership association with Judge Johnson. He told Judge Johnson at the time that the salary was too large and he would not have a cent of any such money. So much for Colonel Manning, who we think deserves this mention at our hands, in passing, as he has been accused by the Telegram and its snuffers with being at the head, or bottom, of all the rascality ever perpetrated in the county.
An examination of County Clerk Jackson’s books, which was demanded by the COURIER and Mr. Troup, the Republican County Clerk, who succeeded Mr. Jackson, developed the fact that Jackson’s books, through incompetency, criminality, or both, were in a scandalously incorrect condition, and that J. P. Short, Deputy County Treasurer, had embezzled several thousand dollars of public money. Short was not a Republican elect, but was a member of the P. O. “Ring,” a pet of the Telegram, and a howler against the Republican party.
An investigating committee of three, two of whom, the Chairman and one other member, opposed the Republican party last fall, has thus far failed to find anything wrong with the affairs of the Republican county officers although they have been in session several months.
The Telegram is for anybody or anything that will keep T. K. Johnston in the Post Office at Winfield, and serve the interests of its masters, Read & Robinson, and Alexander & Saffold.
When the COURIER expressed the sense of the Republicans of Cowley County, by reproaching Judge Lowe, our member of Congress, for his vote in favor of the salary gain bill, the Telegram made haste to endorse Judge Lowe, and the P. O. Ring sent Lowe a marked copy of each paper. About that time there was an effort made to put Johnson out and put in somebody else, but it failed through Lowe’s influence. Lowe was told that all the Republicans wanted was a man in harmony with the party, no one was particular about the individual. But the COURIER had incurred Mr. Lowe’s displeasure for denouncing him in common with the other salary grabbers. This coupled with the “Ring” endorsement of him saved T. K. At the present hour, after abusing the Republican administration, national, state, and county, for two years, the Telegram hoists the Republican State ticket because it knows it will be elected anyway. This is done to get Governor Osborn’s endorsement to keep Johnston in the Post Office. It then hoists J. K. Hudson’s name, a newspaper publisher, as a candidate for Congress because he is a “farmer,” and hoists R. B. Saffold’s name for State Senator because he is a “reformer,” and opposed to the Republican party; while H. C. St. Clair, the Republican nominee, is a practical farmer and a patron of husbandry.
Now the Telegram and the “ring” are moving everything to organize an opposition to the Republican party of Cowley County this fall. Why? Because the Republican party won’t endorse Johnston, a man bitterly obnoxious to the public, and notoriously dishonest, as postmaster; won’t give the carpet-bagger from Leavenworth, Alexander, an office; won’t favor the bonding of the County debt so as to enable Read & Robinson, and a few non-residents, to convert the several thousands of dollars of Co. scrip that they hold, into cash. These are the real reasons, no matter what their pretended reasons are. This disposes of charge No. 1.
Now for charge No. 2.
“War on the financial interests of Cowley County.”
At the time the County Board let the Courthouse contract, Read & Robinson, bankers, were behind the scenes with the money bags. No one would take the contract unless the scrip could be cashed. Read & Robinson, bankers (known as M. L. Read), took the scrip at 65 cents on the dollar. They got it all. In August of last year, the Telegram “Ring” tried to hold a “farmers” political meeting at Winfield. They partially failed of their purpose. Rev. William Martin was one of the speakers of the occasion. The “ring” saw that Martin was the kind of stuff to make an available candidate out of, for the Legislature. He was just about stupid enough to be “above suspicion.” So T. K. Johnston went out to the old man’s home shortly after the meeting to interview him. He found the old man “sound,” found him possessed of that qualification without which no “reformer” in Cowley County is considered sound, that is, he was opposed to Manning (that he didn’t know why he should be, doesn’t matter), and were he not a Reverend, might be induced to curse him, which would make him the more desirable. Anyway, he would oppose him and that was a good start in the right direction (although Manning was an invalid in the state of New York at that time and had been all summer, but at last accounts he was alive and consequently dangerous); then he would keep T. K. in the Post Office, and favor bonding Read & Robinson’s scrip, and besides was “above suspicion.” But the old man didn’t want to be the representative, or said he didn’t, nor would he consent to run. T. K. came back gloomy. The horizon about the Post office was beginning to get somewhat cloudy. By a little strategy, however, by representing to the old man that the people considered him “above suspicion,” and demanded that he make the sacrifice, the old man yielded. “Reform” delegates were worked up in Martin’s interest, and he was nominated. By Telegram falsehoods he was elected, and almost the first thing he did was to try to bond the scrip. The Telegram, backed by Read & Robinson, at home, and Allison at his elbow at Topeka, helped him. But the COURIER and the people opposed the measure and he failed.
Last week the Legislature met in extra session to relieve the destitute. Martin went to Topeka. Just before he went to take his seat, he had an interesting interview with members of the “ring.” We understand they went in a carriage to his residence in the country and what took place at that interview, of course we can’t tell, except by what the Hon. William did when he reached Topeka. The second bill introduced into the House was “House bill No. 2 by William Martin to bond the debt of Cowley County.” It is no measure of relief, no stay of law, no postponement of taxes, no appropriation for the needy, no act of any kind for the relief of the poverty stricken of Cowley County, but an act to convert the scrip of Read & Robinson, Geo. L. Thompson, J. C. Horton, et al, into Cowley County bonds. This, too, in the face of the well known opposition of the taxpayers of Cowley County to bonds of any kind.
Charge No. 3: they make “war on the material interests of Cowley County.” To this we say, that by stirring up strife, by seeking to promote personal ends, by detracting from the influence of those who would work unselfishly for the welfare of the whole county, they prevent that material development that awaits us if our people would work and counsel together.
The one overshadowing interest to Cowley County, after the distress of the present hard times is provided for, is the building of a railroad through the Indian Territory. The Republican party is turning its attention to this question.
The P. O. ring and the Telegram are too busy looking after county bonds and “available men” who are “above suspicion” to pay any attention to it. The “ring” delegates to the “reform” congressional convention (Allison and A. Walton) did not go to Emporia and demand a recognition of the interests of Cowley County in that convention. They remained at home still looking for available men who were “above suspicion,” and to help Johnston watch the post office for fear Manning might steal it in their absence.
Cowley was not represented in the convention that nominated J. K. Hudson. What did these fellows care about a market for the farmer’s produce so long as they could get their votes? On the other hand, the Republicans sent active, able men to represent them, in the Republican convention at Emporia. Those delegates demanded that the candidates should be pledged to a railroad direct to Galveston, through the Indian Territory. The majority of the delegates in that convention lived on railroads that already lead to Galveston, and defeated the Cowley County resolutions offered by Col. Manning.
Now the Telegram jeers those delegates for their failure. The Telegram and the P. O. ring sneers at the efforts made to wake the people of Cowley up to the importance of this question.
As to the fourth charge, “war on the business prosperity of Winfield.”
The P. O. ring, and the Telegram, in order to divert attention from their real designs, must abuse and malign someone, and these are generally the best men in town and county. A. T. Stewart, J. B. Fairbank, C. M. Wood, Rev. Parmelee, C. A. Bliss, W. M. Boyer, and others, together with all the county officers it could not control, have suffered calumny at its hand. The people of the county are taught that the citizens of Winfield are thieves and cutthroats. This drives people away from the town. This divides our people among themselves. It prevents a cooperation among the citizens of the place in any laudable endeavor, either charitable, educational, religious, moral, or social, or for the general prosperity of the place. No one can deny this.
The COURIER has endeavored to establish good feeling among our own people, and to show to the people of the county that there was no cause for bad blood between town and country. It and its friends have received nothing but abuse in return.
The cabal that backs the Telegram in its baseness has its head and front in Alexander & Saffold, Read & Robinson, and T. K. Johnston. This “ring” is what Alexander calls the “respectable faction in the Republican party.”
We have written what we have written in calmness, after carefully considering the whole subject. We have no desire to make personal assaults on any man. But we have come to the conclusion that longer submission to the assaults of this “ring” upon us, through their mouth-piece, would be cowardly. And in the interests of the people of Cowley County, who have so long been mislead by the misrepresentations of this “ring,” we herewith fire our first shot.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874.
Proceedings of the Meeting of the Winfield Literary and Scientific Association.
A meeting of the citizens of Winfield was held at the Courthouse September 22, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a Literary Society.
W. Q. Mansfield, M. L. Robinson, J. C. Fuller, Rev. Mr. Platter, Rev. Mr. Rigby, W. W. Walton, and E. B. Kager were appointed a committee to prepare a plan of organization to present at a future meeting to be called by a committee.
We hope all the citizens will take an interest in this society for such an institution, well sustained, can be made a source of much pleasure during the winter, of great and lasting profit.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
Programme of the Literary and Musical Entertainment to be given at the Courthouse in Winfield, in connection with the Teacher’s Institute, for the benefit of the Public School Organ fund, on Wednesday evening, October 7th, 1874.
Listing participants only.
Prof. E. J. Hoyt, leader, orchestra; Glee club; poem by W. W. Walton, essay by Miss Melville of the Emporia State Normal School, son by Mrs. Russell of Wichita and Prof. E. W. Hulse, essay by Miss Jennie Greenlee, duet and chorus by Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. A. C. Wilkinson, instrumental music by Miss Ora Lowry and T. A. Wilkinson.
A farce in one act, “Specter Bridegroom, or a Ghost in Spite of Himself,” was put on by T. A. Wilkinson, James Kelly, W. W. Walton, V. B. Beckett, A. H. Hane, Fred C. Hunt, Mrs. James Kelly, Mrs. Flint.
Single tickets 50 cents; 75 cents for gent and lady. Children half price.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, October 15, 1874.
Henry Bozark, the prisoner who escaped from Sheriff Walker in the dark on Monday night, was re-captured by deputy Geo. Walker today, on the head of Timber Creek. He is now in jail awaiting transportation to the penitentiary. Prisoners may as well understand that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a man to get away from Walker’s posse.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, October 15, 1874.
Brown, Brocknell, and Onstatt, who have been resting here in jail for some months past, had a hearing before commissioner L. R. Kellogg last Monday, and Brown was discharged. Brocknell and Onstatt were bound over to appear before the U. S. District court of Arkansas; E. S. Torrance appeared for the prosecution, and Hackney and Webb for the defense.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 12, 1874.
A public meeting will be held at the Courthouse on Monday evening next, Nov. 18, at 7 o’clock, for the purpose of receiving the report of the Committee, appointed to draw up a constitution, etc., for the Winfield Literary Institute. All are invited. J. E. PLATTER, Secy.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 19, 1874.
The Masons are already making preparations for their ball, which is to be given at the courthouse on Christmas night.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 26, 1874.
The band boys give a dance at the Courthouse tonight.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 26, 1874.
There will be a meeting held at the Courthouse next Monday evening, the 30th inst., to organize an Aid Society. Let everybody come out. We would suggest that the pastors of the different churches announce the meeting from their pulpits next Sabbath.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 26, 1874.
Last Monday evening those of our citizens who felt interested in the organization of the Literary, Library, and Scientific Association, called the Winfield Institute, assembled at the Courthouse and subscribed their names to the Constitution. A charter is to be procured immediately and no efforts will be spared to make the Institute interesting and instructive. The mere mention of the names of the prime movers of the affair is sufficient guarantee of the success and permanence of the Association. This is a matter in which all of our citizens should feel interested and we hope to see the names of the major part of our citizens enrolled on the society’s books before long.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 26, 1874.
Programme of the open session of Winfield Grange, No. 865 P. of H., to be held at the Courthouse Thursday evening, Dec. 8th, 1874.
Opening address by the Worthy Master, Music, Prayer by the Chaplain, Essay, by Brother N. C. McCulloch, Instrumental music, Paper by brother J. F. Graham and sister T. A. Wilkinson, Music, Essay, the private indebtedness of Cowley County, by brother T. A. Wilkinson, Music, Address by brother A. S. Williams, Master of County Council, Music, Essay by brother J. B. Evans of Vernon Grange, Address by brother A. Frazier, of Maple Grove Grange, Address by brother A. N. Deming, Music, Speeches by volunteers.
An invitation is extended to the general public.
COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS: T. A. Wilkinson, J. F. Graham, R. H. Tucker, A. T. Stewart, N. C. McCulloch.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1874.
Eli Perkins, the great humorist, lectures at the courthouse next Tuesday evening.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1874.
The Rev. Father Shurz, of Wichita, will hold service at the Courthouse in Winfield on New Year’s day.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1874.
The citizens of Winfield and vicinity assembled at the Courthouse on Monday evening, Nov. 30th, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a central relief committee for Cowley County.
On motion A. S. Williams was chosen chairman, and J. W. Curns, secretary, of the meeting.
On motion the following persons were appointed as a central relief committee for Cowley County, to act in conjunction with the state central relief committee: Rev. S. E. Platter, Chairman; Rev. N. L. Rigby; Rev. J. McQuiston; Hon. T. R. Bryan; Hon. H. S. Silver.
On motion the Cowley County Central Relief Committee was instructed to immediately issue an address requesting that local relief committees be organized in each township in the county, and that such committees report their organizations to the Cowley County Central Committee, and the amount of destitution which exists in their several townships, as soon as possible.
Motion carried that a copy of the proceedings of this meeting be forwarded to the state central committee at Topeka.
Moved and carried that the publishers of the various newspapers of this county be requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting.
On motion adjourned. A. S. WILLIAMS, Chairman. J. W. CURNS, Sec.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 10, 1874.
Rev. J. E. Platter will preach at the courthouse next Sunday evening upon the subject of Temperance.
Courthouse.
WINFIELD INSTITUTE.
Winfield Courier, December 10, 1874.
A meeting of the members of the Winfield Institute will be held at the courthouse on Monday evening next for the purpose of electing the directors and transacting other business.
D. A. MILLINGTON, Chairman.
Winfield Courier, December 10, 1874.
The opening lecture of the winter course in connection with the Winfield Institute will be delivered at the courthouse on Thursday evening next, Dec. 17th, by Rev. J. E. Platter. Subject, Good Society. A cordial invitation is hereby extended to all citizens, and their cooperation solicited. Lecture free. D. A. MILLINGTON, Chairman.
Winfield Courier, December 17, 1874.
The members of the Winfield Institute met at the courthouse last Monday evening and elected a board of directors, consisting of W. Q. Mansfield, T. E. Johnston, D. A. Millington, Rev. J. E. Platter, J. C. Fuller, Rev. N. L. Rigby, J. B. Fairbank, Chas. C. Black, and E. B. Kager. According to arrangement they met last evening and elected from the number a president, secretary, and treasurer, to-wit: D. A. Millington, president; W. Q. Mansfield, secretary, and T. K. Johnston, treasurer.
Among the objects sought to be accomplished by this movement is the establishment of a public library and reading room, and it is the intention of the directors to make all necessary effort to insure success. To this end, therefore, donations of books are solicited from all who are friendly to the enterprise, and of those desirous of becoming members of the Institute. Books will be taken in payment of dues, if desired. Standard works in good condition, on history, theology, science, travel, fiction, and miscellaneous literature will constitute the library; and it is intended to furnish the reading room with a selection of the leading publications, periodicals, and magazines of the day.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.
There will be a literary, musical, and dramatic entertainment given in behalf of the public school organ fund of Winfield, under the management of the Winfield and Arkansas City literary and dramatic clubs, at the courthouse in Winfield, immediately following the holidays. A full programme will be appear in the next issue of the COURIER.
JAMES KELLY, T. A. WILKINSON, E. W. HULSE. Committee on management.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.
At a regular meeting of the Winfield Grange No. 866 P. of H., held at the Courthouse on the evening of December 22nd, A. D. 1874, the following officers were duly elected for the ensuing year: Brother A. T. Stewart, Worthy Master; brother A. N. Deming, Overseer; T. A. Wilkinson, Lecturer; H. N. Banner, Steward; J. F. Graham, Asst. Steward; W. R. Land, Chaplain; N. C. McCulloch, Treasurer; S. E. Burger, Secretary; Marshal Land, Gate keeper; Sister A. C. Wilkinson, Ceres; Mrs. McCulloch, Flora; Pearly Burger, Pomona; Bertha Land, Lady Asst. Steward. A. T. STEWART, W. M.
1875
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 14, 1875.
The third public entertainment of the Winfield Institute will be given at the courthouse on Wednesday evening, Jan. 20th, consisting of musical and literary exercises.
Covert’s Residence Above Jail; Courthouse.
[This is a guess on my part. Believe Covert lived above the Jail. MAW]
Winfield Courier, January 14, 1875.
Last Monday evening as we were passing the courthouse, the cry of “fire” startled us and we followed Ed Bedilion and N. C. McCulloch up the stairs of Burt Covert’s residence. As we entered, the table, from which the supper dishes had not yet been taken, and a board partition against which the table stood, were blazing brightly. Mr. McCulloch pulled the cloth from the table and let the dishes fall upon the floor, breaking the major part of them. The blazing cloth he threw out of doors after which the fire was soon extinguished. The trouble was caused by the explosion of a kerosene lamp. Immediately upon noticing the fire burning down into the bowl of the lamp, Mrs. Covert grasped her babe and with her sister (the ladies being alone at the time) went to the courthouse and informed Messrs. Bedilion and McCulloch of the fact. While they were gone the lamp burst with the above result.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 21, 1875.
The entertainment given at the courthouse last week for the benefit of the school organ fund, in which the Arkansas City Dramatic Club took part, lacked just two dollars of paying expenses.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, January 21, 1875.
A young man named Joe Straidler, formerly in the employ of J. G. Titus of this place, took it into his head to raise the “wind” slightly, on his own hook a day or two ago. So being fully aware of the stringency in the money market, especially in Cowley, devised a by no means original plan whereby to replenish his much depleted exchequer. He drew up a note, and unlawfully, and feloniously attached thereto, such “filthy lucre” raising names as J. G. Titus, and C. C. Black. The note, so well endorsed, was presented by this young man to the Arkansas City banks for “shave.” Luckily, however, the signatures of the drawers were well known there, and after a careful comparison with those on the note, they were found not to be identical. Whereupon word was dispatched to Messrs. Titus and Black, who struck right out in quest of Joe, and much to his discomfiture, found him, and brought him before Justice Boyer, where he waived examination and was sent to jail.
Joe certainly acted cutely in making the note. It was drawn for $114.69, the cents giving it the appearance of exactness. But Joe erred in offering to shave these gentlemen’s paper so ruinously, as their paper is not the kind which goes a begging for buyers. No doubt Joe is well enough satisfied as he is boarding at the expense of the county.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 28, 1875.
DIVISION OF THE COUNTY.
All last week, rumors were rife to the effect that an attempt was being made to divide Butler County on the twenty mile strip, take six miles off the north end of Cowley, and out of said territory, form a new county. Several gentlemen living at the north side of our county came into this office during the week and informed us of the fact, but at the same time we could not believe that the report had any well grounded foundation. Saturday, however, D. A. Millington, Esq., received a letter from Captain Shannon, of Augusta, Butler County, warning him that such a move was on foot, and asking our cooperation in frustrating the measure.
Mr. Millington circulated a remonstrance against any attempt to change the boundary lines of Cowley County, which remonstrance received three hundred signatures in a very little while.
A meeting was called the same evening at the courthouse, which was numerously attended notwithstanding the fact that only a few hours notice had been given. The meeting was organized with D. A. Millington as Chairman, and James Kelly, Secretary. A resolution was unanimously passed, opposing the giving away of any part of Cowley County. Speeches were made by A. T. Stewart, Wm. Bartlow, and others.
The meeting resolved unanimously to send Col. E. C. Manning to Topeka to watch our interests. Nearly enough money was subscribed on the spot to pay his expenses. A committee consisting of A. T. Stewart, Wm. Bartlow, and Wm. Rogers were appointed to canvass the town to raise the balance needed. These gentlemen, acting with their usual zeal and energy, did their work before they slept that night, and the result was that Col. Manning was in Topeka Tuesday noon. Now we defy any committee to best that time. The meeting acted wisely in sending Col. Manning. He has brains and experience and is perfectly able to cope with all the divisionists they may send from Butler County. We have not heard from Col. Manning, but expect to before going to press.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 28, 1875.
Winfield Institute.
Dr. W. Q. Mansfield will lecture before this Institute at the courthouse on next Wednesday evening, Feb. 3rd, at 7 o’clock. Subject: Physiology.
Exercises will open and close with vocal and instrumental music.
As is well known the science of Physiology is a specialty with the Doctor, in which he is fully posted up in all the latest discoveries, and in which he has ideas. Therefore, this lecture cannot fail to be of great practical value to his hearers. All are invited to attend.
Tickets of admission for sale at the Post Office, and at Mansfield’s drug store.
Single tickets 15 cents, 2 for 25 cents, 10 for $1.00, admitting to any of the regular exercises of the Institute. D. A. MILLINGTON, Pres.
Courthouse Bell.
Winfield Courier, February 4, 1875.
One week from tomorrow (Friday) evening, the ladies of the M. E. Church will give a sociable at the residence of Mrs. McMasters. This is the first of a series of sociables to be given—one by each church—the proceeds of which are to be applied toward paying the remaining indebtedness on the courthouse bell. The debt amounts to $120. Everyone is invited to attend these sociables and thus assist in liquidating this debt.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 4, 1875.
DIED. At his residence in Arkansas City last night, of pneumonia, Mr. L. W. Emerson. He was sick but five or six days. Our citizens will remember him in the enjoyment of health and vigor, as if it were but yesterday, in the character of “Dr. Banks” in the play of “On his Last Legs,” rendered a short time ago by the Arkansas City Dramatic Club at our courthouse. He was a young man of good habits and blameless character, and in his death our neighbors of Arkansas City lose a valuable and exemplary citizen.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 4, 1875.
The Presbyterian church holds a communion service on next Sabbath morning. Preaching on Friday evening by S. B. Fleming of Oxford. Also Preparatory Lecture on Saturday after-noon at 2 o’clock p.m., at which time parents having children to be baptized will please present them. All these services to be held in the courthouse. J. E. PLATTER, Pastor.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 11, 1875.
Bankrupt Sale.
In the District Court of the United States for the District of Kansas.
In the matter of Hiram Brotherton, Bankrupt.
By virtue of an order issued out of the aforesaid Court, I will on Monday, the 1st day of March A. D. 1875 at 1 o’clock p.m. of said day at the south front door of the courthouse in the City of Winfield, county of Cowley, State of Kansas, sell to the highest and best bidder, for cash, all the open accounts, and promissory notes against divers persons, remaining unsettled and unpaid, now in my hands belonging to said bankrupt estate. R. L. SAFFOLD.
Assignee of the Estate of Hiram Brotherton, Bankrupt. Winfield, Feb. 8, 1875.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 11, 1875.
The sociable which was to have been given at the residence of Mrs. McMasters next Friday evening will take place at the courthouse on the same evening.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 18, 1875.
Grand Union Temperance Meeting.
At the courthouse on next Sunday evening, Feb. 21st, at 7 o’clock, all the ministers in the city and some from a distance will be present. Several speeches will be made upon the subject of Temperance, and good music is expected. All are invited. Come one, come all.
By order of Committee.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.
Little Dutch came down en masse to attend the temperance meeting at the courthouse last Sunday evening.
Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.
The grand temperance meeting at the Courthouse last Sunday resulted in a full house. J. M. Barrick, Esq., of Rock, was the principal lecturer. His discourse was interesting and well received.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.
Winfield Institute.
The fourth lecture of the winter course will be delivered at the courthouse on Monday evening next, March 1st, by Prof. E. P. Hickok. Subject: Ocean Currents. Tickets 15 cents, 2 for 25 cents, 10 for $1. W. Q. MANSFIELD, Sec.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 11, 1875.
There will be an entertainment given at the Courthouse tomorrow evening by the members of the Grammar School of this city. The proceeds will go towards the School Organ Fund. It is to be conducted by the scholars in the Grammar Department, no outsiders being in any way allowed to assist them in their exercises. This entertainment will doubtless disclose some of the heretofore hidden talent of the youth of our city. All should attend. Admission twenty-five cents.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 11, 1875.
The Public Schools give an exhibition at the Courthouse Friday evening, the 12th of March, and the following is the programme.
Opening song: “Come join our Choral Number.” Salutatory: Miss Ella Manly. Song: Primary School. Essay: “The American Indian”—Fred Hunt. Violin Duet: Willie Leffingwell and Harold Mansfield. Recitation: “Paul Revere’s Ride”—Miss Ella Freeland. Song and Conversation: “The Bell kept Ringing for Sarah”—Miss Mattie Minnihan. Dialogue: “How they kept a Secret.”—Misses Laura and Ida McMillen, Nellie Powers, Eugenie Holmes, Jennie Hane, Maggie Dever, Mary Cochran and Harold Mansfield. . . .
Other participants: Mattie Minnihan, Inez Griswold, Harvey Thomas, Eugenie Holmes, Cora Andrews, Jessie Millington, Lillie Ford, Nettie Quarles, I. E. Johnson, Raleigh Milspaugh, and Frank Howland.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.
The exhibition given by the schools of this city last Friday night at the courthouse was a genuine success, reflecting credit alike on scholars and teachers. The exercises differed somewhat from the printed programme and we were unable to keep the “run of the play”; consequently, we can only speak of it in general terms. There was a paper, or rather a fling, read by I. E. Johnson about some of our citizens, including ourself, which we thought at the time we would notice at length, but will pass it for the present by simply saying that the spirit evinced by the perpetrators in seizing the occasion of a school exhibition, and innocent children, as instruments through which to vent their petty spites, is, to say the least, contemptible.
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.
The Public School Exhibition given at the courthouse last Friday evening was financially a success, as well as otherwise, as the following will show.
Total receipts: $35.50
Total expenditures: 8.00
Credit to Organ Fund: $27.50
Courthouse Bell.
Winfield Courier, April 1, 1875.
Winfield takes a Blaze.
Last Sunday night, about 12 o’clock, the Bradish House, one of the largest hotels in this city, was discovered to be on fire. The proprietor, Mrs. C. M. Bradish, made the discovery just as the fiend was getting well under way and immediately gave the alarm. Soon the deep tones of the Courthouse bell conveyed the fearful tidings to the entire city. Men and women, standing not on the order of their going, but with a garment stuck on here and there, rushed to the scene. Every effort was put forth to subdue the flames, but without avail, and the bystanders turned their attention to the protection of the nearest buildings.
Fortunately the night was calm, with what little wind there was blowing from exactly the right quarter. It seemed, indeed, that this, our first misfortune, had been largely mixed with mercy. For it is conceded by all that had the wind blown from any other quarter, or had it been as strong as usual, at least half of the city would have been now in ashes.
Several incidents connected with the fire we think worth relating. Mr. S. H. Myton, who roomed there, on hearing the alarm, hastily dressed himself by sticking but one leg in his pantaloons, drew one suspender between his legs and the other over his shoulder. Thus arrayed he mounted gallantly on the roof, and, with water supplied him by Mr. B. F. Baldwin, succeeded for a time in keeping the fire at bay. But, alas, his victory was of short duration. Just as he had received a fresh bucket of water, he missed his footing and tumbled head over heals to the ground. Curiously enough Mr. Myton sustained but little injury from his perilous fall.
Another: the next morning Mr. Isaac L. Comfort, who boarded there but slept in another part of the town, started as usual for his breakfast, entirely ignorant of the destruction of the house, and did not discover it until he had reached the ashes. His feelings can be better imagined than described.
Several of the boarders sustained more or less loss by the burning of clothes, trunks, etc. Mrs. Bradish succeeded in saving considerable furniture. The house and furniture, we understand, is mostly covered by insurance.
Thus have we received our baptism of fire.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1875.
Winfield Institute.
The public is informed that an entertainment of unusual interest, for the benefit of the above Institute, will take place at the Courthouse on Friday evening, May 7th. The most notable feature of the exercises will consist of a Big Spelling Match—a mighty wrestle with Webster and Worcester, by volunteers of both sexes. This projected raid on the “unabridged” will be governed by rules similar to those adopted at all spelling matches now so popular throughout the country.
At a meeting of the directors of the Institute, held on Wednesday evening last, Prof. W. C. Robinson and Prof. A. B. Lemmon were appointed captains, Mr. J. B. Fairbank, pronouncer, Mr. E. S. Bedilion and Mr. B. F. Baldwin, referees.
In this war of words, Worcester’s comprehensive speller will be used. It is hoped that everyone friendly to the movement, regardless of age or sex, whether living in the city or out of it, will take a lively interest in this contemplated frolic with the vowels and consonants, and promptly enter the list in this intellectual and friendly contest. The exercises of the evening will be interspersed with vocal and instrumental music.
Tickets 15 cents, admitting two 25 cents, 10 for one dollar.
W. Q. MANSFIELD, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 27, 1875.
One day last week the boys at the Courthouse attempted to illustrate the cold water ritual of the Methodists by sprinkling each other. Judge Gans, an old hand at the business, “frowed de last water fust” on Dick Walker, and Dick, not being partial to water in any form, handed a pitcher full to Troup, which, owing to his carelessness, landed on top of his head. This set the ball to rolling. Troup returned the compliment by emptying his coal scuttle of dirty water in Walker’s left ear. Then Bedilion and Walton joined in only to get treated to more cold water than they had been used to lately, and they retired satisfied. Then Walker and Gans formed an alliance, which they were just sealing with a “shake,” when the irrepressible Troup put in his ladle and sent them off shaking themselves and swearing vengeance against him. They soon proved too much for Troup, for while he was guarding the pump and watching Dick, Gans stole upstairs, and emptied four gallons of muddy water down his shirt collar, and in attempting to retreat, he was overhauled by long Dick and treated to another bath, which closed the circus for that day. They are now suffering from bad colds, the penalty for using too much cold water when their constitutions were not used to it.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 10, 1875.
Ice cream and strawberry festival tonight at the Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 10, 1875.
The ladies of the Presbyterian and Congregational churches will give an ice cream and strawberry festival tonight, at the Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 17, 1875.
The Festival.
The festival of the Presbyterian and Congregationalists last Thursday night, at the Courthouse, was a very pleasant affair. Strawberries, ice cream, lemonade, and all sorts of cake in great abundance. The receipts of the evening was some $60.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 17, 1875.
Attention, Company G!
In pursuance with an order from Headquarters, Co. G., of Cowley County Militia, will meet at the Courthouse in Winfield, Saturday evening, the 19th, inst., at 8 o’clock sharp, to elect officers to fill the present vacancies in said company, and to transact such other business as may possibly come before them. By order.
A. T. SHENNEMAN, 1st Lieut. and Acting Com.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 24, 1875.
The following letter, as will readily be seen, was written by Col. J. M. Alexander of this place to the Leavenworth Times, Times, from which we clip it.
WINFIELD, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, June 11th, 1875.
Editor Times: I write, because I think that the people of that portion of the state which has lately suffered from the locusts, will feel refreshed on learning that other portions of the country are extraordinarily blessed with good and abundant crops. The inhabitants of this section of Kansas are exultant over their prospects. An extensive acreage of wheat was sown in this, and adjoining counties, last fall; and now, the eye of the traveler becomes almost wearied at gazing over so vast an area of wavy golden grain, about ready for the reaper, and which is expected to yield an average of 25 bushels to the acre.
My friend, Mr. Frazier, of the celebrated Occidental Hotel in Wichita, in riding from that city to this, a distance of 45 miles, counted 169 wheat and rye fields on his way.
Our farmers are beginning to catch the inspiration of the true and noble science of agriculture, and are becoming laudably ambitious. Hundreds of acres of sod are being turned over this season for an extended wheat and rye culture; and if the corn crop follows with proportional exuberance, this land will soon teem with wealth.
The opinion that I have heretofore expressed that, this (Cowley) county is superior in beauty and landscape, in her area of forests, in her numerous, clear, and copiously running brooks, and in her fertility of soil, to any county in the state, I am more than ever confirmed in. And such I believe will be the candid judgment of everyone who becomes versed in the geography of the state. Nor is the population inferior in average intelligence and accomplishments to that of the elder counties.
Last night I attended a strawberry and ice-cream festival at the courthouse given by the Presbyterian and Congregational churches; and there I met as intelligent gentlemen and as accomplished ladies—as recherche in mode, save the costliness in apparel—as I have witnessed in far older and larger cities. It is true, the absence of wealth forbade any particular attention to the elegant arts of Pompadour and Maintenon, in matter of wardrobe; but I may say in truth, and without intending invidiousness, that Miss M. and Miss G., late teachers in Winfield; Miss S., late from Virginia; Miss H., late from Mississippi, and others had I time to name them, were as graceful and lovable young ladies as any critical gentleman would wish to meet.
Almost everyone I meet inquires anxiously after the condition of Col. Anthony. I find a deep-seated feeling prevailing in the country that a great wrong has been done his case; and even those who never knew the Colonel personally, appear to feel an unusual anxiety for his recovery. J. M. A.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 24, 1875.
Lost. Mrs. W. B. Doty lost a nice summer shawl last Thursday night one week ago at the festival held at the Courthouse. It is evident that some other lady took it by mistake, as she left one in place of it. The shawl may be left at the livery stable of Darrah & Doty, or at this office, where the owner can get it.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1875.
A grand ball will be given at the Courthouse in Winfield Monday evening July 5th. Good music will be in attendance.
Courthouse Chimney Damaged.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
Saturday night a violent wind and thunderstorm passed over town, completely demolishing an unfinished building belonging to Johnnie Read, and one chimney of the Courthouse.
From Courthouse to Brewery.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
It took 147,200 pieces of type to set up the tax list as printed in our paper last week. These pieces lying end and end would reach a distance of 12,266 feet, or from the Courthouse to the—brewery and back again.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
The Congregational festival at the courthouse last Thursday evening was well attended. The tables over which Mrs. Howland and Mrs. Wait presided were well patronized, and we think the ladies at the other end of the hall had no reason to complain as we noticed the frank and open countenances of Prof. Lemmon and the senior editor of the COURIER up there the greater part of the evening. A lemonade stand from behind which Misses Manley and Powers handed out the cooling beverage and took in the nickels was a feature of the evening. Several old fashioned songs were sung by an impromptu “glee club,” and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1875.
A Harvest Ball at the Courthouse tonight. All are invited to attend.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1875.
Rev. J. H. Roberts preached at the Brane schoolhouse six miles below town last Sunday and Rev. Platter preached to an unusually large audience at the Courthouse at the same hour.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1875.
More fun at the Courthouse: a “horned toad” this time with Gans and Bedilion as chief mourners!
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 26, 1875.
Musical Institute three nights each week at the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.
There will be a meeting of the Republican County Central Committee, of Cowley County, held at the Courthouse in Winfield, on Saturday the 11 inst., to transact such business as may come before it. T. R. BRYAN, Chairman. JAMES KELLY, Secretary.
Courthouse Grounds.
Winfield Courier, September 9, 1875.
The Grasshoppers of Vernon, and Frontiers, Jr., of this place, play the second game today on the grounds by the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 9, 1875.
Big day at the Courthouse Monday. Everybody rushed to see our worthy Deputy Treasurer, Frank Gallotti. He had his hair cut a-la-Comanche, but that wasn’t all that attracted them. It was the last day of grace for paying delinquent taxes.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 30, 1875.
Miss Sadie Webb, late of Topeka, is writing in County Clerk Troup’s office, and Mrs. Clara Flint in Register McCulloch’s office at the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, October 14, 1875.
Our readers are informed that the first concert of the Winfield Musical Association will take place at the Courthouse, on Friday evening, Oct. 22nd.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, October 14, 1875.
Reform Convention!
Meeting of the Unterrified and Slaughter of the Innocents!
The Republican Ticket Indorsed Almost Throughout!
The convention of self-styled Reformers met at the Courthouse in this city last Saturday and organized with M. B. Leonard of Creswell, for Chairman, and C. G. Holland and Ed Millard, Secretaries.
The Committee on Resolutions, of which T. M. McIntire, of Creswell, was chairman, reported the following which, on motion, was rather meekly adopted.
1. Resolved, That the policy of further contraction of the currency at this time is calculated to bring financial ruin to the agricultural, manufacturing, and commercial interests of the country and will only be of advantage to the bond holders and money loaners of the East.
2. Resolved, That the National bank system was originated and has been sustained in the interest of the monied oligarchy of the East and has subserved no purpose save the protection of that interest at the expense of the productive and commercial interests of the West.
3. Resolved, That the course of the administration in subsidizing the local press of the country by the appointment of partisan editors to federal offices is destructive of the independence and usefulness of the press and merits the hearty condemnation of all patriots.
4. Resolved, That competency and honesty being the qualities which should alone commend a candidate, we hereby pledge ourselves to the nominees of the convention so long as we remain convinced that they possess these qualifications and no longer.
T. M. McINTIRE, Chairman.
George Melville then read the programme, which was that nominations begin with Representative, then Treasurer, etc., down to Coroner, which programme was adopted with some misgivings on the part of the more wary, believing, as they did, that George had some hidden object in view.
W. P. Hackney, the Republican candidate, was the only nominee for Representative, the Reformers being out of that kind of timber.
A call being made for Mr. Hackney, that gentleman came forward and told the convention that he was a Republican and as he had been placed at the head of the Republican ticket by the County Central Committee, he would be pleased to receive the indorsement of the convention, etc. The convention then nominated Mr. Hackney by acclamation with a few dissenting noes.
Nominations for Treasurer being in order, O. F. Boyle, of Winfield, and C. G. Handy, of Tisdale, were put on the track. Mr. Boyle’s friends were confident that they could run right off from Handy, but they didn’t know that the unknown Tisdale nag was ridden by a very light weight. The race was a close one, Mr. Handy winning it by one vote. Never was there a convention so badly taken by surprise. No one expected to nominate Mr. Handy and the announcement was hailed with anything but enthusiasm.
The next heat was for Sheriff, for which there were five entries, to-wit: Hoffmaster, Deming, Lippmann, Shenneman, and R. L. Walker. Walker’s name was withdrawn and Shenneman declined in favor of Deming. The last ballot resulted in favor of Hoffmaster.
Five candidates were nominated for Register of Deeds: Henderson, Roseberry, Allison, Cheneworth, and Howland. Mr. Roseberry rose to a personal explanation and charged Amos Walton with misrepresenting him and thought this would be a good time for Amos to “take it back.” He was also willing to read a recommendation given him by the county officers, but the Chair couldn’t see it, and Mr. Roseberry was chalked off. First ballot: Henderson, 16; Howland, 12; Roseberry, 6; Allison, 28; Cheneworth, 18. No Choice. Here Mr. Cheneworth withdrew his name and said that he had been solicited to become a candidate, and the inference was, by those who had control of the convention; but there was something back behind the screen which would slaughter him and he preferred to withdraw his name. By this time it was apparent that the race would be between Allison and Henderson, Howland and Roseberry having already been lost sight of. The last ballot proved Tom Henderson the winner by 17 votes, Mr. Howland receiving but one vote and Roseberry none.
From now on all interest was lost in the convention, it having gone against nearly everybody’s prognostications, and some two dozen defeated candidates went home disgusted, which left the convention pretty thin.
Dr. Headrick was nominated for Coroner.
John Stalter was nominated in the 1st, Daniel Grant in the 2nd, and R. F. Burden in the 3rd Commissioner Districts.
Amos Walton was appointed a Central Committee and the convention adjourned.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, October 21, 1875.
We are pleased to hear that Prof. E. P. Hickok has consented to deliver his highly interesting and instructive lecture on “Ocean Currents” on Friday evening, October 19th, at the Courthouse, under the auspices of the Winfield Institute.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, October 28, 1875.
The first concert of the Winfield Musical Institute was given at the Courthouse last Friday evening to a large and appreciative audience. We have not space to give it the mention it deserves. The participants were of our “home talent,” and had we the ability to criticize, we would not speak one word but in the highest terms of praise of those who so generously furnished us with such an entertainment.
The concert was a success financially and otherwise.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, October 28, 1875.
Railroad meeting at the Courthouse Tuesday night, Oct. 26th, 1875.
Meeting called to order for the purpose of discussing the railroad question; organized by electing Dr. Mansfield chairman, and Amos Walton secretary. Col. Alexander stated the object of the meeting to be to work up correspondence with different parties on the railroad question.
Mayor Millington spoke at some length of the necessity of such an enterprise and that action should be taken immediately in order to cooperate with the counties north of us at once. On motion D. A. Millington, J. E. Platter, M. L. Robinson, and J. C. Fuller were appointed as a committee to carry out the intention of said meeting. On motion, adjourned.
W. Q. MANSFIELD, Chairman. A. WALTON, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1875.
The first of a proposed series of Sunday School Concerts came off at the Courthouse last Sunday evening, as was previously announced. The evening was splendid, the audience large, and the exercises good. It was a “free for all” concert, which may or may not account for the unusually large audience. We never knew that there were so many children in this town till last Sunday night. We counted fourteen twins as they stood on the platform singing, all looking alike, clean, and pretty. The difficulty on determining which was which when their exercises came on was obviated by each one having a number.
The little fellows did the best. Some of them rendered their parts like “grown people.” Masters Graham, Robinson, and McClelland deserve special mention.
The very small girls, too small almost to have names, performed their parts and spoke their pieces very nicely.
Those who took part in it, one and all, did well. The “usual collection” was taken up.
Winfield Jail.
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1875.
Arkansas City has three lawyers, no saloon, no drunks, no whiskey, no police officers, and no one in the caboose. Winfield jail contains a crazy man, and one addicted to overdosing with corn juice. Arkansas City Traveler.
Correct. Winfield has twelve lawyers, two saloons, 0,000 drunks, plenty of whiskey, live police officers, and two boarders in her twenty-five hundred dollar jail. Yet with all these blessings (?), Winfield does not pay one iota of city tax. Arkansas City, the highly moral and economic town, pays ten mills on the dollar as a city tax. How do you like that for a contrast, Mr. Traveler?
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1875.
Members of Winfield Grange No. 805 are requested to be present at the next regular meeting, on the 23rd inst., at the Courthouse, as there is business of importance to transact.
S. E. BURGER, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1875.
The Band boys will give a dance at the Courthouse next Thursday evening.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1875.
Don’t forget the dance to be given by the Band boys at the Courthouse tonight. The best of music will be in attendance.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1875.
The Concert to be given by the Winfield Musical Association on the evening of December 3rd promises to be the best entertainment ever offered to a Winfield audience. It will consist in selections from the rarest and best authors. Solos, duets, and quartettes are being practiced nightly by this organization. The programme, however, will be varied. A serio-comic song, with clog dance accompaniment, will be a laughable after piece, while the pretty fine instrumental pieces in preparation will give us something to admire and remember. The stage platform will be enlarged to suit the better convenience and to match the beautiful curtains purchased by the society. We expect to see the Courthouse crowded to its utmost capacity on this particular evening.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 2, 1875.
WOOD WANTED.
The undersigned will receive written proposals for bids for furnishing Forty Cords of wood for the County until December 10th, 1875. The wood to be mixed green and dry, and delivered at the Courthouse in Winfield as needed, and payment made in Cowley County scrip. R. L. WALKER, Sheriff.
Dec. 1, 1875.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 2, 1875.
On Christmas Eve, the M. E. Sunday School will have a Christmas tree at the courthouse. Old St. Nicholas will be there with lots of presents for the children, so the boys and girls may expect a good time.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 9, 1875.
The concert given last Friday evening by the Winfield Musical Association for the benefit of their leader, Prof. Hoffman was a very creditable entertainment as well as a financial success. The Courthouse was crowded with a good humored audience. The performers did their “level best” to give satisfaction, and we believe they succeeded.
The choruses, songs, duets, and instrumental pieces were mostly from the best masters and well rendered. Several members of the association are very fine singers, but make no pretension to musical proficiency beyond what is met with in similar amateur organizations.
The initiatory performance of an “overture” by our Cornet Band was played by them in their usual clever manner. Prof. Hoffman’s execution of the “Victoria March” made other than English hearts beat with delight.
To little Ida McMillen much praise is due for her rendition of “Carnival of Vienna.” She performs sweetly on the piano. For the beautiful song, “No Tidings from over the Sea,” we have to thank Miss Maggie Dever. A severe cold prevented the usual wide range of voice peculiar to her. Miss Ella Manly sang with much taste, “O, dear, the men are so Stupid,” winning a rapturous encore from the elderly maids, men who have met their “fate,” and mother-in-law in prospectus.
The “Passaic Waltz,” a duet on the piano by Masters Richie and Harold Mansfield, was well done. For boys so young we think they perform excellently well.
OTHERS MENTIONED: T. J. Jones, Mr. Black, Gallotti, Dr. Mansfield, Mr. Swain, Jeanne and Edwin Holloway, Misses Stewart and Bryant, Jennie Holloway.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 16, 1875.
The Christmas tree at the Courthouse on Christmas eve bids fair to be a very enjoyable entertainment. All children under fifteen years of age are to be admitted free, and all wishing to bestow presents upon their friends are invited to make use of the tree.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 16, 1875.
Attention, Patrons!
All delegates of subordinate Granges are requested to assemble at the Courthouse in Winfield on Wednesday, December 23rd, at 1 o’clock P.M., for a business meeting. Also at 7 o’clock in the evening of the same day, for the purpose of conferring the fifth degree. All members of the Order in good standing are respectfully invited.
A. S. WILLIAMS, Master, District Grange.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.
The concert given by the M. E. Sunday School last Sunday evening was an agreeable one. The children, both young and old, did well. The Courthouse was crowded. Many were compelled to stand up during the entire performance, while others, not being able to find standing room, had to go away. The appearance of that audience would rather disprove the assertion that we overheard the other day, that “we are tired of concerts.”
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.
We again call attention to the Christmas tree at the Courthouse on Friday evening next. The committee on reception of presents—Mrs. W. H. H. Maris, Miss Jessie Millington, Mr. Wallace Miller, and Mr. John Roberts—will be at the Courthouse from 1 to 4 P.M., Friday, to receive all presents intended for the tree. Everybody is invited to make use of the tree as the medium for the bestowal of presents intended for their friends. Be sure to have all presents in the hands of the committee by 4 o’clock P.M. so as to give time for arranging them upon the tree.
The committee on decoration of hall will be at the Courthouse during the whole of Friday afternoon. Be prompt, for you have plenty of work to do.
The programme of the entertainment is as follows. Music: “The Children’s Jubilee.” Invocation: By Rev. Adams. Music: “Glad Tidings.” Address: By Rev. J. E. Platter. Music: “O, List to the Notes.” Address: By Rev. Blevins. Music: Christmas Carol. Santa Claus and Christmas Tree. Music: “Song of Christmas Eve.” Benediction.
Let everybody go and have a pleasant time with the girls and boys.
1876
Courthouse.
Excerpts from very long news item...
CENTENNIAL ISSUE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.
As specimens of “literature” of that day we produce the following circulars which were issued a short time previous to the first election held in the county, to-wit: May 2nd, 1870.
CRESWELL.
To the voters of Cowley County:
The Creswell Town Company ask leave to present to you the claims of Creswell as a location for the county seat.
We, the Town Company of Creswell, furthermore pledge ourselves to erect a first-class stone or frame building not less than thirty feet square and two stories high, suitably arranged for a courtroom and county offices; and to deed the same, with one entire block of not less than fourteen lots, centrally located, to the county, to be its property so long as the county-seat remains at Creswell; the building to be completed within six months after Creswell is chosen permanent county seat.
The question of taxation is one of great importance to the people of a young and undeveloped country. It is only at the cost of heavy taxes that the county will be able to erect a courthouse and other county buildings. This expense the Creswell town company propose to wholly assume.
Reference to present Courthouse in 1876 follows...
The present population of the city of Winfield is about 800 on an area of 200 acres. It has 221 buildings among which the most prominent are the Courthouse, built in 1873 at a cost of $12,000, of brick with a showy belfry and cupola, probably the best courthouse in Kansas, costing no more than it did.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
The Sunday School will meet at the Courthouse at half past two o’clock P. M. in future. The first bell will be rung at two o’clock. They are getting a new library.
Excerpts from long article...
Insuring Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1876.
Commissioners’ Proceedings.
Winfield, Kansas, January 10, 1876.
New Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. Present: R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleeth, and Wm. White.
On motion of W. M. Sleeth, R. F. Burden was elected chairman of the board for the ensuing year.
In the matter of insuring the courthouse, the board, after first ascertaining the rates of different companies represented by the local agents of the city of Winfield, agree to take a $5,000 policy on said courthouse, $2,500 to be taken in the “Home” of New York and $2,500 to be taken in the “Kansas” of Leavenworth, Kansas. It is hereby ordered that an order be drawn on the County Treasury in favor of T. K. Johnston, agent of the “Kansas,” for $75.00 and an order in favor of A. H. Green, agent for the “Home,” for $75.00 in payment of said policies.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1876.
A fellow giving his name as John Tolls is in jail on the charge of stealing a horse from Sam Endicott.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 20, 1876.
The District Grange of Cowley County met at the Courthouse last Saturday in the afternoon and evening. About fifty new members were added to the Order and received the fifth degree.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 20, 1876.
The great interest in the revival meetings at the Courthouse is unabated. Several of our most influential and active citizens have experienced a change of heart, and the good work is still spreading.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1876.
THAT RAILROAD MEETING.
The Farmers Speak!
And Demand Legislation.
Last Saturday a large concourse of representative men from all parts of Cowley County assembled in Winfield to give expression to their views upon the railroad situation. The meeting was held in the Courthouse. The room was packed full and many were left outside that could not gain admittance for the jam.
Mayor D. A. Millington was chosen Chairman, and I. H. Bonsall, of Arkansas City, selected as secretary.
A committee on resolutions consisting of A. B. Lemmon, S. M. Fall, of Lazette; R. P. Goodrich, of Maple City; W. R. Watkins, of Liberty; S. S. Moore, of Tisdale; J. B. Holmes, of Rock; H. L. Barker, of Richland; Enos Henthorn, of Omnia; Mr. Harbaugh, of Pleasant Valley; T. M. Morris, of Beaver; L. Bonnewell, of Vernon; Amos Walton, of Bolton; and S. B. Fleming, of Creswell Townships was appointed.
The committee retired to prepare the resolutions, and during their absence speeches were made by several persons, the most notable of which were those of Judge Ross and Judge Christian. The resolutions reported by the committee were adopted.
Some opposition was manifested to the resolution asking that the proposed law should allow a majority to vote aid to railroads, but it was voted down by more than two to one. The opposition came principally from non-taxpayers around town. There were but a few of the town people out. The Winfield citizens preferred that the farmers should conduct the meeting. The Arkansas City band furnished music for the occasion. Intense interest in the proceedings were manifested and the meeting adjourned with three cheers for a railroad.
On motion three delegates to the Peabody convention, on the 27th inst., were appointed, to-wit: Rev. J. E. Platter, Judge T. B. Ross, and C. M. Scott.
A feeble effort to have the meeting declare against a narrow gauge railroad was promptly tabled. A vote of thanks was tendered the Arkansas City band.
We give the preamble and resolutions.
WHEREAS, We, the people and producers of Cowley County, unless we have a railroad in our county, will expend within the coming year, in time, labor, and money, half a million of dollars for transporting grain, lumber, and merchandise to and from the nearest railroad stations, and in losses by being compelled to sell in a distant town on a market temporarily unfavorable, thus leaving the producers utterly without any profits on their labor, which sum, if saved to the county, would yield to the producers an enormous profit; and
WHEREAS, Though our county would probably vote such aid by a two thirds majority, as the law now requires, yet a failure by any other county along the line to give such majority would be fatal to the road; therefore, it is by the people of Cowley County, Kansas, in mass convention assembled,
Resolved, That we earnestly appeal to the Legislature of Kansas, now in session, to enact a law enabling counties and other municipalities to vote aid in bonds or cash sufficient to induce the construction of railroads where they are needed.
Resolved, That we earnestly appeal to the Legislature of Kansas, now in session, to enact a law enabling counties and other municipalities to vote aid in bonds or cash sufficient to induce the construction of railroads where they are needed.
Resolved, That such law should allow such aid to be given by a majority vote.
Resolved, That our railroad law should be amended so as to allow the voting of a reasonable amount of bonds as aid in the construction of a railroad within our county.
Resolved, That such law should provide that all taxes collected from such railroads, within any county or municipality, shall, to the extent of the amount of principal and interest of the aid given, be paid pro rata to the counties and municipalities giving such aid, and applied to the payment of such interest and principal.
Resolved, That our Representative and Senator at Topeka are hereby earnestly requested and instructed to labor to procure the enactment of such a law as is herein contemplated.
Resolved, That the Topeka Commonwealth, all papers in Cowley County, and other state papers interested, be requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1876.
The Register of Deeds has taken the room in the Courthouse formerly occupied by the county attorney, and Judge Gans has moved into the Register’s old office, thus leaving the District Clerk and Register in adjoining rooms with a new door between them.
Courthouse.
COMMUNICATION FROM “OBSERVER” TO TRAVELER.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876. Front Page.
To the property owners and people of Cowley County, and more especially the Board of Commissioners. I wish to call your attention to a fact that many of you are aware of: the condition of your county records. A stranger visiting your courthouse at Winfield would be astonished, as I was, to find neither safe nor vault in the building.
Enter the Recorder’s office: there lies in an old wooden desk, without doors, the only evidence of your title to and ownership of your farms, houses, stores, and other possessions.
Adjoining is the office of your County Treasurer, where all your taxes are paid in, and where the records of them are kept.
In case of a fire occurring about Christmas time, where would you be after your money was paid in and the records destroyed? Passing along, you come to the County Clerk’s office, where all evidences of the indebtedness of your county and its finances are recorded.
Next you come to the Probate Judge’s office, where are recorded the wills of your deceased friends; the appointment and proceedings between guardians and minors, children that are unable to take care of themselves or their property; the records of your marriage, and all your dearest rights.
Cross the hall, and there you find the office of the Clerk of the District Court, where are recorded all the judgments between you and your neighbor, between the State, the public against the violators of law, and disturbers of the peace, and all other judicial proceedings.
All these valuable records in these five offices are liable to be destroyed at any moment by the bursting of a lamp; the falling of a stove; or that convenient and ever occurring event, a defective flue; or by the malice of some evil disposed person, who may wish to gratify some petty revenge, or destroy some record that may be obnoxious to him or his friends, in any of the five offices above mentioned.
Let not another month pass without something being done to protect these records from fire or other means of injury. Don’t whine and talk about the expense, and the increase of your taxes. Just stop and think what is at stake: what the records of these offices are worth to the county. . . .
[Writer recommends a vault over a safe as the vault would be cheaper.]
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1876.
A dance at the Courthouse last Tuesday evening.
Courthouse Yard.
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1876.
If the County Commissioners will fence the Courthouse yard, the people of Winfield will plant a grove there. What say you?
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1876.
The Rev. S. D. Storrs, of Quindaro, Kansas, will preach in the Courthouse, on Sunday morning, February 29th, at the usual hour. Mr. Storrs is the agent of the American Home Missionary Society, and visits this place to look after the interests of the Congregational church. He is an able speaker and will preach a sermon worth listening to.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1876.
The Superintendent of the Union Sunday School spent a few hours last Saturday canvassing for funds for a library for the school. He secured over one hundred dollars, which, added to the amount now in their treasury, makes them about one hundred and fifty dollars to be expended in books. This with books donated heretofore will give them a very fine library. The school meets at the Courthouse at half past two o’clock every Sunday afternoon.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 2, 1876.
The ladies and friends of the Baptist church will give a Centennial supper, at the Courthouse, on Thursday evening, March 9th, 1876. Ladies and gentlemen will appear in the costume of one hundred years ago.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1876.
Winfield Musical Association.
The Third Grand Concert of the Association consisting of vocal and instrumental selections from the best operas, songs, duets, choruses, quartets, etc., will take place at the Courthouse on Friday evening, March 17th, 1876. Tickets 25 cents. Reserved seats 35 cents.
Winfield Courier, March 16, 1876.
The Concert that is to be given next Friday evening at the Courthouse will be the best thing of the season. Tickets for reserved seats at Baldwin’s drug store.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 30, 1876.
The District Grange meets at the Courthouse Saturday.
Damage to Courthouse Flue & Read’s Bank Vault.
Winfield Courier, March 30, 1876.
The heavy wind storm last Monday night blew a flue off the Courthouse, and also blew down the building from over Read’s vault, leaving the deposits interred there at the mercy of burglars and the pelting rain.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 30, 1876.
REV. CANAVAL, the new Methodist minister, preached his initiatory sermon last Sunday evening at the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1876.
The Rev. Dr. Chas. Reynolds, of the U. S. Army, will deliver a lecture in aid of the building fund of the Presbyterian church in Winfield on Wednesday evening, April 19th, 1876, at the Courthouse. The Doctor, it will be remembered, visited us about a year ago and delivered a very interesting discourse to an appreciative audience.
County Jail.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 12, 1876.
One crazy man is confined in the County jail.
Courthouse Grounds. Fencing Public Square.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1876.
Last Saturday was “Arbor Day.” But as the weather clerk paid no respect to the Mayor’s proclamation, it was decided by our citizens, rather than have a “damper” put upon their proceedings, to pay no attention to it themselves. We might say it rained last Saturday, but we have no desire to draw upon your credulity. It didn’t rain; it just “poured down!” The day wasn’t largely observed. The clouds and rain were too opaque for an extended observation. Several of our citizens set out trees. Mr. Lemmon planted twenty—in one hole, Mr. Troup likewise buried about the same number, and Mr. Platter “healed in” a nice lot of maples and poplars. The county officers held a meeting and decided not to adorn the Courthouse grounds until they had some assurance from the county fathers that the public square would be fenced and the trees protected.
Excerpts from meeting...
Jail.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1876.
City Council met in adjourned session, March 21st, A. D. 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; N. M. Powers, C. C. Black, and M. G. Troup, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The following bills were presented, read, and allowed, and on motion of M. G. Troup, the Clerk was ordered to draw a warrant on the Treasurer for the same.
M. Miller, padlock and nails for city, 85 cents; Simpson & Stewart, repairs on jail, $3.00.
On motion of N. M. Powers, the City Clerk was instructed to make out and present to the County Commissioners a bill of $8.00, amount paid to Simpson & Stewart for repairs on the jail.
Excerpts from meeting...
Jail.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1876. Front Page.
Full Report of All the Business Transacted by the Board of County Commissioners Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, April 10, 11, and 12.
COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE,
WINFIELD, KANSAS, April 10, 1876.
Board met in regular session. Present, R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleeth, Commissioners; A. J. Pyburn, County Attorney, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk. Journal of last regular session read and adopted.
Bills were presented and disposed of as follows.
Kirk & Gordon, jail repairs: $1.50
Margaret Winner, prisoner bill: $21.70
Harter Bros., prisoner bill: $5.60
Kirk & Gordon, jail repairs: $4.00
Kingsbury & Somes; jail repairs: $4.00
W. G. Graham, prisoner bill: $3.75
Courthouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1876.
LECTURE. Mr. Charles Reynolds will lecture at the courthouse in Winfield this evening, for the benefit of the “Building Fund” of the Presbyterian church of that place. Subject: “The March and Convoys of Civilization.” Admission, 50 cents.
Courthouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1876.
The water at Winfield took the board walk between the courthouse and town.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.
Republican Work.
The following townships have reported the proceedings of last Thursday’s conventions.
Winfield Township caucus met at the Courthouse at 2 o’clock p.m.; M. G. Troup was selected as chairman and E. C. Manning, secretary. Thirteen delegates to the 88th District Convention were elected as follows: D. A. Millington, J. C. Monforte, M. G. Troup, A. H. Green, T. J. Jones, T. B. Myers, Geo. Robertson, Sam. Burger, C. A. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, J. L. King, J. P. McMillen, and E. C. Manning.
Silver Creek Township caucus elected Wm. May and A. P. Brooks as delegates, and selected a township central committee consisting of Sam Jarvis, chairman, T. P. Carter, and A. P. Brooks.
Harvey Township: R. C. Story, delegate. Township committee chosen: R. C. Story, chairman, W. F. Hall, secretary, and R. Strother.
Pleasant Valley Township: Committee chosen: C. J. Brane, chairman, Samuel Watt, secretary, and S. H. Sparks.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1876.
Republican District Conventions.
Pursuant to call the Republican delegates from the townships of the 88th Representative District met in convention at the Courthouse in Winfield last Saturday.
On motion, W. B. Norman, of Maple, was chosen chairman, and Wm. White, secretary of the meeting.
After the usual formalities were disposed of, the delegates present proceeded to vote for two delegates and two alternates to represent this district in the State Convention, May 24, 1876. The choice fell upon D. A. Millington and E. P. Kinne, with respective alternates, as follows: Charles Eagen, of Rock, and J. M. Alexander, of Winfield.
All motions to adopt resolutions declaring for Presidential candidates were tabled, though the meeting was strongly Blaine in sentiment.
On motion the following District Republican central committee was chosen: L. J. Webb, B. Shriver, and W. B. Norman.
On motion the convention adjourned sine die.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1876.
A Strawberry and ice cream festival will be given at the Courthouse on next Tuesday evening, May 30th, by the Ladies’ Aid Society of the Presbyterian church. All are invited to attend.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1876.
The citizens of Winfield will meet at the Courthouse at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, to discuss the question of celebrating the Fourth at Winfield. Let there be a good turn out. This notice is issued at the request of several citizens.
Courthouse.
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. Millspaugh.
Committee on Fireworks: G. S. Manser, T. K. Johnson, C. C. Haskins.
Meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the General Superintendent.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
The strawberry festival on Tuesday evening at the Courthouse was well attended and the receipts amounted to $56.55.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
W. E. DOUD, an old typo of this office, now editor and proprietor of the Censorial, published at Eureka, Kansas, has been visiting old friends in this vicinity for the past several days. He attended the strawberry festival at the courthouse Tuesday night, and is now ready to weather out another summer on the flint hills of Greenwood. Of course, he waxed that moustache in the pastepot of the COURIER office immediately after arriving.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1876.
E. B. Kager, who used to be county treasurer, called at the courthouse Monday and looked over the railing at his deputy, Mr. Huey Erastus, now engaged in the practice of his profession at Arkansas City.
City Jail.
Winfield Courier, June 22, 1876.
Ordinance No. 40.
An Ordinance to protect property in the city of Winfield.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the city of Winfield.
SEC. 1. That it shall be unlawful to sell or give away any fire crackers within the corporate limits of the city of Winfield. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than five dollars for each and every offense.
SEC. 2. That it shall be unlawful to fire off fire crackers within the corporate limits of the city of Winfield. Any person or persons violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be fined five dollars, or imprisoned in the city jail not less than twenty-four hours nor more than seven days for each and every offense, in the discretion of the court.
SEC. 3. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication.
Approved July 21st, 1874. S. C. SMITH, Mayor. J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
Ordinance No. 40 was passed July 20th, 1874 (See Journal A, page 55), and published July 24th, 1874, in the Winfield COURIER. J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
I. B. F. Baldwin, Clerk of the city of Winfield, do certify that the above is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 40 as appears on page 48, book A, record of Ordinances of the city of Winfield. B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
Winfield, June 20, 1876.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 22, 1876.
One of the leading spirits who opposed making an appropriation of city funds for railroad purposes recently made a speech at the courthouse, favoring using fifty dollars of city money for fire works on the 4th of July. He probably had fire works for sale. By inquiry you will find out that this consistent (?) man is T. K. JOHNSTON.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1876.
Rev. Croco, acting pastor in the absence of Presbyterian Platter, preached an interesting sermon at the Courthouse last Sabbath.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
The “Winfield Scalpers,” or Hays and Wheeler Club, meet at the Courthouse tomorrow evening at 7½ o’clock to perfect their organization. Every member should be present.
Excerpt from long article...
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
COWLEY COUNTY’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
A Proud Day for Winfield.
The regular proceedings of the day being over, the people resolved themselves into a committee of the whole, for pleasure, handshaking, and a general good time, and came back to town to watch the base ball game and other amusements.
In a few moments a band of outrageously dressed beings issued from the Courthouse, jumped upon wagons, horses, and oxen, and started up Ninth Avenue to the tune of “Yankee Doodle” and “Auld Lang Syne.” As they rushed up the avenue, followed by wonderful crowds of people, horses frightened, men whooped, and women cried:
THE “CALITHUMPIANS”
have come. The “band” consisted of a fife and drum, a yoke of oxen, three “niggers,” and a big horn. The driver beat the drum, the drummer the oxen, and they all yelled vociferously. A little negro boy, the whites of whose eyes could be seen a half-block, sitting on a dry goods box on the top of another wagon drawn by oxen, had on his back a placard written in large letters, “The God of Liberty.” The ragged end of this motley crew was composed of masqued horsemen, Indians, Revolutionary soldiers, wild border rangers, and hoodlums; all went whooping along together. The procession was headed by a masqued leader dressed in a bed-ticking suit, with an immense paste-board hat. He blew a long dinner horn and kept his hoodlums in good shape. They marched and counter-marched up and down the streets for an hour, much to the amusement of the thousands of spectators, and then disappeared. The Calithumpians were a complete success.
This ended the day’s enjoyment, after which came the FIRE WORKS.
The “fire works” were not a complete success. The committee on fire works were appointed to make a grand fizzle, not a success. They accordingly made a fizzle. It was not in accordance with the “programme,” nor with the wishes of the hundreds of people who lay around the courthouse and nervously watched the platform where the roaring rocket was expected to scoot till a late hour that night. We don’t see why the fire works didn’t come. We know they didn’t come, however, and the committee alone must bear the blame.
Excerpt from meeting...
City Jail.
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
City Council Proceedings.
On motion A. B. Lemmon and C. A. Bliss were appointed as a committee to confer with the board of County Commissioners in regard to disposing of the city jail to the county.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876. Editorial Page.
HAYES AND WHEELER CLUB.
The necessary steps are being taken to organize a Hayes and Wheeler Club in this city. At a public meeting held at the Courthouse, on the evening of the 16th inst., Capt. W. E. Tansey was chosen chairman and Wirt W. Walton secretary. The object of the meeting being stated, Capt. E. R. Evans presented a roll containing the names of over sixty persons who had agreed to join such an organization and provide themselves with a suitable uniform for campaign and gala day purposes. Speeches were made by several prominent Republicans. After which a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and report at a subsequent meeting. Considerable enthusiasm is manifested by the getters up of the club. It is thought the name of the club will be “The Winfield Scalpers.”
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.
The ice cream festival given by the goodly Methodists of the city, at the Courthouse Tuesday evening, was largely attended. Socially, it was a success; whether financially, we have not been informed.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876. Editorial Page.
THE CENTENNIAL REFORMERS OF WINFIELD.
Driven into their Holes and Smoked out.
A Chapter of History Worth Preserving.
Recap: Involved Winfield Township: Republican local hierarchy versus local Democrats and Independents (self-styled Reformers).
At meeting in Courthouse 45 “Reformers” tried to control the organization of meeting called to obtain candidate for State Senator nomination from 88th representative district.
“Suddenly A. H. Green, a ‘leading Reformer,’ took the floor and called the meeting to order and nominated as chairman one of his followers. . . . James Kelly, chairman of the Republican Township Committee, called the meeting to order and L. J. Webb nominated Capt. J. S. Hunt as chairman. A rising vote was called for, resulting in 39 for, 12 against Hunt, a few not voting. J. P. Short was chosen secretary. . . . The balloting commenced and a large number of names had been registered, all of which voted for what were known as the Manning delegates, whereupon ‘the Reformers’ discovered that they were in the wrong convention. . . . Subsequently, and after nearly 100 ballots had been cast, and many voters had retired from the hall, W. P. Hackney and two or three others returned to the meeting and complained that the call for the meeting was irregular and he thereupon gave notice that on next Tuesday Aug. 8th at 4 o’clock p.m., the Republicans would hold another meeting. He and Tansy denounced the resolutions [made voters pledge themselves to support Hayes & Wheeler] as a gag and the meeting untimely, etc. Aligned against them: Prof. A. B. Lemmon, E. S. Torrance, L. J. Webb, Samuel Burger, and S. W. Greer.
The Cowley County Telegram dated August 4, issued on Monday morning, August 8, had the following article.
MORE CONTEMPTIBLE TRICKERY.
Within the past few days Cowley County has been the scene of more of that contemptible trickery and political intrigue and corrupt practices which has made the leaders of the Republican party, in the county, so odious in the sight of an honest people. And especially was Winfield the ground on which one of the dirtiest of these jobs was put up. Knowing that if the masses of the party were present at the primary convention, called for the purpose of electing 10 delegates to the county and district conventions, to be held on the 12th of the present month, the delegates selected by them, and who would, without question, vote for their men, no matter how odious they were, or what their records were, would stand no show for election. So they hit upon a plan whereby their friends would be sure to be present while the opposition would be busily at work on their farms and in their shops.
The day set by the county central committee was the 8th—the call so read—the Republican organ so stated in an editorial, and urged that upon that day every voter should turn out. Right in the face of this they quietly send out their strikers to tell the “faithful” that they must come in four days earlier, as the convention would be held then and their presence was needed. On the morning of the earlier day determined upon, a few posters were posted up in out-of-the-way places calling a primary for that afternoon. So far their little plan worked well, but when the Republicans who were opposed to this way of transacting business saw this, they went to work and gathered together a force sufficient to scoop them, which they would undoubtedly have done, had not one of the ring-leaders of the corrupt gang rushed through a resolution requiring that each man who voted should subscribe a pledge to support the nominees on the National, State, and county ticket. The “gag” a hundred or more Republicans refused to swallow, and they had it all their own way, electing their ticket by a majority equal to the number of their friends present. The whole proceedings were corrupt, illegal, and scandalous, and engineered by a set of political tricksters of whom the people of the whole county entertain feelings of the greatest disgust. It is only a continuation of the corrupt practices they have been foisting upon the people as Republicanism for years past—and such a job as will cause the honest voters of the county to repudiate their entire outfit at the polls next November.
The men who managed the affair are respectively candidates for State Senator, County Superintendent, Probate Judge, Representative, District Judge, and County Attorney. Let the voters spot them. . . .
On Tuesday, August 8, before 4 o’clock, Cliff Wood, A. H. Green, T. K. Johnston, John D. Pryor, N. M. Powers, Joe Mack, and 5 or 6 others who do not desire to have their names published, because they do not approve of the action taken, slipped over to the courthouse one at a time by different routes and pretended to hold a meeting. . . . A few minutes before 4 p.m., Mr. Manning went to the courthouse to have the bell rung and upon entering the courthouse found that C. M. Wood was occupying a chair at the table as chairman and John D. Pryor occupying another chair in the capacity of secretary. Mr. Manning took the floor and inquired if the meeting was organized, and to what style of proceedings it had arrived whereupon a “reformer” at once moved an adjournment, which was at once put and carried, and ten of the purifiers of Cowley County politics fled the room in such haste as to leave three or four others who had not fully comprehended the trick, sitting in wonder at the unseemly haste of those present, and expecting to have a chance to vote for delegates.
As soon as Mr. Manning entered the room a bystander rang the bell, whereupon nearly one hundred voters poured over to the courthouse. A meeting was organized by electing S. D. Klingman as chairman and B. F. Baldwin secretary. The action of the “reformers” was related to the meeting. A committee on resolutions was appointed, which soon reported the following, which was adopted by sections, with but one dissenting voice to the first resolution.
They passed more resolutions, which endorsed the previous action taken.
Manning and his group won again!
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876.
Last Saturday the Republicans of Winfield Township met in caucus at the courthouse, at 4 o’clock p.m., and elected the following delegates to the county convention, to be held next Saturday in Winfield.
R. L. Walker, A. B. Lemmon, Nels. Newell, T. B. Myers, C. C. Pierce, M. G. Troup, E. P. Kinne, James Kelly, E. S. Torrance, and John Mentch were elected delegates, and W. M. Boyer, T. L. King, John Weakly, S. M. Klingman, S. Johnson, H. L. Barker, G. W. Robertson, J. E. Saint, John C. Roberts, and A. Howland, alternates.
The vote stood 91 for the ticket elected and 9 for the ticket that was defeated. It is an able delegation and was very enthusiastically supported.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876. Editorial Page.
The Republican county convention convened at the Courthouse, in Winfield, on Saturday, August 12th, at 1 o’clock p.m., and was called to order by A. B. Lemmon, chairman of the Republican county central committee. R. C. Story was elected temporary chairman and James Kelly secretary. A committee on credentials was appointed, consisting of Messrs. E. S. Torrance, J. W. Tull, A. B. Odell, T. R. Bryan, and S. M. Jarvis. The committee reported the following persons as having been duly elected as delegates and alternates to the convention.
Silver Creek Township: Delegates, S. M. Jarvis and Z. W. Hoge. Alternates, H. Smith and A. P. Brooks.
Spring Creek: Delegates, F. M. Nance and R. P. Goodrich.
Pleasant Valley: Delegates, S. H. Sparks and C. J. Brane.
Nennescah: Delegates, A. B. Odell and Wm. Bartlow.
Beaver: Delegates, T. W. Morris and L. Bonnewell.
Dexter: Delegates, J. D. Maurer, T. R. Bryan, Jno. Wallace, and G. P. Wagner. Alternates, W. W. Underwood, J. H. Service, F. A. Creager, and O. P. Darst.
Maple: Delegates, H. H. Siverd and W. B. Norman.
Otter: Delegates, J. J. Smith and B. Hockett.
Harvey: Delegate, R. C. Story.
Tisdale: Delegates, S. S. Moore and A. B. Scott.
Vernon: Delegates, J. S. Wooly, J. Millspaugh, and F. W. Schwantes.
Sheridan: Delegates, Barney Shriver and E. Shriver. Alternates, J. W. Hamilton and R. R. Longshore.
Rock: Delegates, Frank Akers, A. V. Polk, Hiram Fisk, and C. H. Eagin. Alternates, J. C. McGowan, E. G. Willitt, L. J. Foster, and R. P. Akers.
Richland: Delegates, Alex Kelly, M. C. Headrick, Danl. Maher, and J. H. Phelps. Alternates, J. O. Vanorsdal, F. W. Bowen, N. G. Larkin, and S. D. Groom.
Bolton: Delegates, W. E. Chenoweth, Frank Lorry, and Will Thompson. Alternates, H. B. Pruden and Strong Pepper.
Windsor: Delegates, C. W. Jones, D. Elliott, and J. W. Tull.
Creswell: Delegates, I. H. Bonsall, Nathan Hughes, Geo. McIntire, O. P. Houghton, H. D. Kellogg, and Wm. M. Sleeth. Alternates, A. A. Newman, R. A. Houghton, T. C. Bird, W. H. Speers, Elisha Parker, and W. S. Hunt.
Winfield: Delegates, R. L. Walker, A. B. Lemmon, Nels. Newell, T. B. Myers, C. C. Pierce, M. G. Troup, E. P. Kinne, Jno. Mentch, James Kelly, and E. S. Torrance. Alternates, W. M. Boyer, T. L. King, Jno. Weakly, S. D. Klingman, S. Johnson, H. L. Barker, G. W. Robertson, J. E. Saint, John C. Roberts, and A. Howland. E. S. TORRANCE, Chairman.
A. B. ODELL, Secretary.
On motion the report of the committee was adopted.
Subsequently the following delegates presented credentials and, on motion, were admitted to seats in the convention: E. C. Clay from Liberty, L. Lippmann and Ben. French from Silverdale, and D. W. Willy from Cedar Township.
On motion B. H. Clover was allowed a seat in place of delegate Jones, who was absent.
On motion the officers of the temporary organization were made permanent officers of the convention.
On motion the convention proceeded to nominate, by ballot, a candidate for State Senator. The result of the ballot was as follows: E. C. Manning receiving 42 votes; C. R. Mitchell 5 votes; I. Moore 1 vote. E. C. Manning having received a majority of all the votes cast was declared duly nominated.
On motion the following named persons were selected, by acclamation, as delegates to the 3rd District Congressional convention: L. J. Webb, R. L. Walker, J. B. Evans, M. G. Troup, and E. C. Manning; and the following named as alternates: L. Lippmann, J. W. Millspaugh, S. S. Moore, T. W. Moore, and A. B. Lemmon.
On motion the following named persons were elected as delegates to the 13th Judicial convention: W. B. Norman, T. R. Bryan, E. Shriver, S. M. Jarvis, Dan Maher, E. S. Torrance, and D. Elliott. Alternates: S. H. Aley, C. R. Mitchell, T. A. Wilkinson, S. S. Moore, L. Lippmann, A. V. Polk, and A. B. Lemmon.
On a rising vote the following resolution was unanimously adopted by the convention:
WHEREAS, For the first time in the history of Cowley County, the Republicans thereof are called upon to nominate a candidate for the office of State Senator to fill said office for the next four years from said county in the Senate of Kansas, and
WHEREAS, during the term of four years next ensuing, for which the said Senator from Cowley will be elected, there will occur the election of two United States Senators by the legislature of the State of Kansas, and
WHEREAS, the honor of our State, and particularly of the Republican party thereof, has heretofore been sadly tarnished by the open, notorious, and unscrupulous use and receipt of money in aid of the election of United States Senators by the legislature of the State of Kansas; therefore be it
Resolved, by the Republican party of Cowley County that every consideration of public policy and political integrity imperatively demands that our representatives in each house of the State legislature, at the time of such approaching United States Senatorial elections, should be men against whom character for personal probity and political integrity not even the breath of suspicion has ever blown. And, be it further
Resolved, that as the Republican party of Cowley County numbers, within its membership, hundreds of men whose characters are as spotless, both personally and politically, as the new fallen snow, and whose abilities are fully adequate to the honorable and efficient discharge of the duties of State Senator, we will therefore, in the coming contest for that important and honorable position, support no candidate therefor whose past and present political as well as personal history will not bear the closest scrutiny and most unsparing criticism when viewed in the light of the foregoing resolution.
On motion the convention adjourned sine die. R. C. STORY, Chairman.
JAS. KELLY, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.
The Presbyterian choir, assisted by other singers and instrumental music, will give a concert at the courthouse next Tuesday evening, Aug. 22nd, for the benefit of Rev. Croco, the pastor in charge. We have been permitted to be present at a rehearsal, and assure our readers that the prospect is that the entertainment will be good. Give them a full house.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.
Eighty-Eighth District Convention.
Pursuant to call the delegates of the 88th Representative District met in Republican convention at the courthouse, in Winfield, at 10 o’clock a.m., Saturday, August 12, 1876.
R. C. Story, of Harvey Township, was elected temporary chairman, and C. H. Eagin, of Rock Township, temporary secretary.
On motion a committee on credentials was appointed, consisting of one delegate from each township present, to be named by the delegates themselves. The following named gentlemen composed the committee: E. S. Torrance, of Winfield; Alex. Kelly, Richland; J. W. Tull, Windsor; J. S. Woolly, Vernon; A. B. Odell, Ninnescah; and A. V. Polk, of Rock. Pending the report of the committee, Capt. James McDermott being called, came forward and made a brief speech, which was enthusiastically received, after which, a few remarks, in response to a call, were made by the temporary chairman.
The committee on credentials then submitted the following report.
“Your committee on credentials beg leave to report the following named persons entitled to seats as delegates in the convention.
Vernon Township: J. S. Wooly, F. W. Schwantes, and J. W. Millspaugh.
Winfield: R. S. Walker, A. B. Lemmon, Nels. Newell, T. B. Myers, C. C. Pierce, M. G. Troup, Jas. Kelly, E. P. Kinne, John Mentch, and E. S. Torrance.
Harvey: R. C. Story.
Rock: A. V. Polk, Frank Akers, J. C. McGowan, and Charles Eagin.
Windsor: C. W. Jones, D. Elliott, and J. W. Tull.
Richland: Alex. Kelly, M. C. Headrick, Daniel Maher, and J. H. Phelps.
Tisdale: S. S. Moore and A. B. Scott.
Nennescah: A. B. Odell and Wm. Bartlow.
Sheridan: E. Shriver and Barney Shriver.
Maple: W. B. Norman and H. H. Siverd.
Silver Creek: S. M. Jarvis and Z. W. Hoge.
On motion the report of the committee was adopted.
On motion the officers of the temporary organization were made the officers of the permanent organization.
The object of the convention being to elect two delegates and two alternates to attend the Republican State convention on the 16th inst., at Topeka, a ballot was had resulting in the election of James Kelly and Wirt W. Walton as such delegates, and A. B. Odell and J. P. Short as such alternates.
There being no further business before the convention, on motion adjourned sine die.
R. C. STORY, Chairman. CHAS H. EAGIN, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.
Wanted. A good milch cow. Apply to H. D. Gans at the courthouse, Winfield.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1876.
At the Republican Delegate Convention of the 13th Judicial District, which met at Winfield Courthouse August 21, 1876, called to order by A. B. Lemmon, chairman of the Judicial Committee, it was determined that the following were entitled to seats in the convention from Cowley County: W. B. Norman, E. S. Torrance, S. S. Moore, Dan’l. Maher, D. Elliott, E. Shriver, and S. M. Jarvis. Hon. W. P. Campbell was declared unanimous choice of the convention for Judge of the 13th Judicial District. E. S. Torrance of Cowley County became a member of the Central Judicial Committee for district.
Courthouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
Recap: The Cayuga Chief Manufacturing Company, Plaintiff, versus Thomas M. Carder, Defendant. Sheriff R. L. Walker. James Christian, Attorney for Plaintiff.
Sheriff to sell at the south front door of the courthouse in Winfield, for cash, the following premises, to-wit: Beginning 24 rods south of the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 22 in township 33, south of range 6 east, running thence north, parallel with the first line, 40 rods, thence east to place of beginning, containing 5 acres, with the appurtenances thereunto belonging, valued at $75.00; and the Dexter Mill Property, consisting of five acres of land, with all appurtenances thereunto belonging, situated on the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 13, township 33, south of range 6 east, situated in Cowley County, appraised at $3,000.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1876.
A Call. The Republicans of Winfield Township will take notice that a meeting of the Republican voters of said township will be held at the Courthouse on Saturday, the 9th day of September, at 3 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of selecting delegates to attend the county convention, called for Saturday, the 16th of September, 1876. Also, to elect ten delegates to the 88th Representative District convention, to be held September 16th, at 10 o’clock a.m.
JAMES KELLY, Chairman of Committee.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1876.
The many friends of Rev. J. E. Platter will be pleased to learn that he will be with them again next Sabbath. He will preach in the courthouse at the regular hours.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1876.
H. T. FORD, who has been in the mercantile business here for two years, was arrested last Saturday and lodged in jail on the charge of disposing of his property with intent to defraud his creditors. A. G. Wilson, an endorser of one of his notes, made the affidavit and Ford was committed. Monday morning Webb & Torrance applied to Judge Gans for a writ of habeas corpus, which was not granted. Mr. Torrance is now in Chautauqua County before his honor, Judge Campbell, on the same business. Hackney & McDonald are attorneys for the creditors.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876. Editorial by Wirt W. Walton, Editor.
The scenes at the Courthouse last Saturday will never be forgotten by the participators and the witnesses. That convention will go into history as the most remarkable that ever assembled in Southwestern Kansas. Strong men alternately wept and cheered. Men who went there for a moment, simply to “see,” remained till night, as though held by a magic spell. Enemies, opponents, and friends alike sat for two long hours and listened to the electrifying speech of the man whose name heads this article, and at its conclusion arose and gave three long, loud, hearty cheers for E. C. Manning.
Ever since the nomination of Col. Manning for the State Senate his enemies have been at work, secretly in some localities and openly in others, trying to create a sentiment against him which would ultimately result in his withdrawal from the race. As we said in last week’s issue, they were afraid to allow him to appear before the people and vindicate himself. They wanted to repudiate his nomination, and yet not give him an opportunity to be heard. They secretly set to work. They organized an anti-Manning ring, with Winfield as the center, and the outer limits of the county its circumference. They selected a leader and invited everyone, regardless of party, to join them. They sent ambassadors into every township to help carry the primaries and influence them to send up anti-Manning delegates to the County Convention. Teams could be seen leaving and returning to the office of the chief at all hours of the night. The primaries were held, and it was ascertained that two or three townships had elected anti-Manning delegates, besides the two townships that had bolted the convention that had nominated him. The “antis” were jubilant and more courageous. They held midnight caucuses and daily conferences.
The leaders residing in Arkansas City met the Winfield delegation and agreed upon a plan of action. They telegraphed it to the lesser lights; “Annihilation of Manning and all his friends” was their watchword. The cry was taken up and resounded from the Flint Hills to the muddy Arkansas.
Staunch friends hitherto, quaked with fear. Brave outspoken leaders wanted to compromise, but the “antis” were merciless and would offer no quarter. The Traveler held up its clean hands in holy horror and repeated the old worn out charges of bribery and corruption against Col. Manning. Its editor thought he saw a tidal wave, and he jumped for it. He struck on a rock below the water line, as the sequel will show.
Saturday, long before the hour of convening, the courtroom, halls, and jury rooms were crowded with leading men from all parts of the county. There were at least five hundred people in and about the Courthouse when the convention was called to order. By intuition it would seem the “antis” arranged themselves in one part of the hall, leaving the remainder for the other delegates. Temporary officers were chosen and proper committees appointed. The committees retired from the room. Everything was quiet. A kind of deathless stillness—a stillness portentous of a coming storm seemed to pervade the atmosphere during their withdrawal from the hall. The chief of the “antis” had counted hands and was satisfied with the result. He calmly took a seat and cast his eyes admiringly upon his forces who were systematically arranged in the rear—those with the strongest lungs and largest feet in front—ready to cheer at the word. The committee on credentials reported, and after a little skirmishing, the report was adopted. The temporary organization was made the permanent, and then the chairman of the committee on order of business reported that a nomination for County Attorney should be first made, followed by the other officers, to be named. The “antis” on the committee presented a minority report in the shape of a resolution, asking Col. Manning to withdraw from the Senatorial nomination. This was their “order of business,” in fact, the only purpose for which they were there.
At this juncture Mr. Manning arose and requested that the convention proceed with the regular business before it, make its nominations, elect a county central committee, and then “go through him” at its leisure. The majority report was adopted and the convention named the candidates of its choice. The “antis,” still belligerent, were the first to open fire.
The charges, as published in the Traveler, of the 13th, were read and commented upon. These, it was thought, would be enough to frighten the little band of patriots in the west to an unconditional surrender.
In answer to the cry, “Where’s the man that made these charges?” their author drew himself up, folded his arms, and with an annihilating look and tragical mien, intended to strike dire consternation in the ranks of the “minority,” slowly said, “I AM THE MAN!” This was followed by an exultant yell from his backers. Twenty men from the other side arose simultaneously, and for a few moments the air was filled with cries, anathemas, and moving hands that boded no good to this self-styled leader.
The scene beggars all description. The “antis” saw what was coming; they saw that they had awakened a sleeping lion without his keeper. The “antis” moved to adjourn, but the cries of “No! No!” “Let’s hear Manning!” rang out from all sides. The effort to adjourn brought Manning to the rostrum. He dared them to adjourn, after making those charges, and not allow him an opportunity to speak in reply. The motion to adjourn was voted down. So they were forced to remain and meet the issue they had courted. Order was restored, and Col. Manning began at “No. 1,” and boldly and fearlessly answered every charge that maligning enemies had bandied over this county for the past five years. He took them up one by one and went through them as only a man could do, who knows in his heart that he is innocent.
In answer to the “ninth charge,” of having demanded money from a certain candidate for his vote in the U. S. Senatorial contest of 1871, he opened and read a letter from the Hon. gentleman himself, pronouncing the charge as false from beginning to end. This was received with the wildest applause—cheer after cheer went up from that vast assembly, shaking the old Courthouse from cupola to foundation. It was the most complete and thorough vindication a man ever had. Everybody was wild with excitement.
“Three cheers for Manning,” were proposed, and amidst the wildest hurrah, joined in by both friends and opponents, the convention adjourned sine die.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876. Editorial Page.
Pursuant to call of the County Central Committee, the delegates to the county convention met in the courthouse, in Winfield, on Saturday, Sept. 16th, at 11 o’clock a.m., and organized by electing Capt. J. S. Hunt temporary chairman and C. H. Eagin temporary secretary.
On motion the convention adjourned to meet at 2 o’clock p.m.
2 p.m.; convention called to order; Capt. Hunt in the chair.
The committee on credentials being called submitted the following report: Your committee on credentials find that the following named gentlemen were duly elected as delegates to this convention, and all are entitled to seats therein.
Beaver Township: L. K. Bonnewell, C. W. Roseberry.
Bolton: Frank Lowry, W. Thompson, W. E. Chenoweth.
Creswell: N. Hughes, I. H. Bonsall, Geo. McIntire, O. P. Houghton, H. Kellogg, and W. M. Sleeth.
Cedar: W. A. Metcalf.
Dexter: James England, T. R. Bryan, W. Creager, Willis Elliot.
Harvey: R. C. Story.
Liberty: F. McGinnis, Justus Fisher.
Maple: Wm. B. Norman, H. H. Siverd.
Nennescah: Wm. Bartlow, A. H. Beck.
Omnia: E. H. Henthorn.
Otter: H. C. Fisher, Geo. Childers.
Pleasant Valley: Sam Watt, Albert Dean.
Rock Creek: Reuben Booth, Chas. H. Eagin, J. M. Barrack, Wm. White.
Richland: Sam Phenix, J. O. Vanorsdol, Amos Jarvis, W. F. Bowen.
Silver Creek: John Clover, Wm. May.
Silverdale: L. Lippman, Wm. Butterfield.
Spring Creek: A. Wiley, S. B. Callison.
Sheridan: S. W. Graham, F. M. Small.
Tisdale: J. F. Thomas, S. S. Moore.
Vernon: J. S. Wooley, D. M. Hopkins, J. B. Evans.
Windsor: S. M. Fall, C. J. Phenis, J. N. McCracken.
Winfield: J. D. Pryor, W. P. Hackney, C. M. Wood, G. W. Robertson, Joel Mack, E. C. Seward, Geo. Youle, H. Brotherton, W. D. Roberts, J. S. Hunt.
On motion the report of the committee on credentials was adopted.
On motion A. H. Green was allowed to vote as proxy for E. C. Seward, principal, Frank Hutton, alternate.
The committee on permanent organization reported J. S. Hunt as chairman and Chas. H. Eagin as secretary, and John D. Pryor as assistant secretary.
The committee on the order of business submitted two reports.
The majority read as follows:
A majority of your committee recommend the following order of business, viz: 1st, nomination of county attorney; 2nd, nomination of probate judge; 3rd, clerk of district court; 4th, county superintendent of public instruction; 5th, secretary of county central committee.
Signed, WM. B. NORMAN, S. S. MOORE, R. C. STORY.
The minority report read as follows:
A minority of your committee recommend, 1st, that in view of the serious charges made against the political character of Col. E. C. Manning, the nominee of the Republican party of Cowley County for State Senator, that he be removed and that the central committee of the Republican party of said county immediately call a new convention to nominate a candidate in his place, and recommend the passage of the accompanying resolution.
Resolved, That E. C. Manning, the Republican nominee for the office of State Senator be, and he is hereby requested to said nomination, and that the County Republican committee immediately call a new convention to nominate some other man in his stead.
2nd. That a county central committee, consisting of one member from each township, be selected by the delegates from the respecting townships, and their names reported to the secretary.
3rd. That in election of candidates, the clerk call the roll of townships, and as each township is called, the chairman of the delegation rise in his place and renounce the vote of the township.
4th. That we nominate a candidate for county attorney.
5th. That we nominate a candidate for clerk of district court.
6th. That we nominate a candidate for superintendent of public instruction.
7th. That we nominate a candidate for probate judge.
That we nominate in the order named.
Signed, W. P. HACKNEY, NATHAN HUGHES.
The majority report was, on motion, amended so as to include the second clause of the minority report, which gave each township one member of the county central committee, and the report was adopted.
The nomination of county attorney being next in order, the names of John E. Allen and James McDermott were offered as candidates. The ballot resulted in favor of McDermott by a vote of 32 to 30. On motion the nomination was made unanimous.
Next in order was probate judge, which resulted in favor of H. D. Gans over S. M. Jarvis. Vote stood 36 to 26.
Clerk of district court, E. S. Bedilion, was nominated unanimously by acclamation.
For county superintendent, the candidates were W. C. Robinson, of Winfield, and R. C. Story, of Harvey Township; result in favor of Story, 35 to 26.
The following named gentlemen were selected members of county central committee.
Beaver: C. W. Roseberry. Bolton: J. C. Topliff. Creswell: C. M. Scott. Cedar: W. A. Metcalf. Dexter: Jas. McDermott. Harvey, S. S. Newton. Liberty: Justus Fisher. Maple: W. B. Norman. Nennescah: Wm. Hayden. Omnia: Wm. Gillard. Otter: R. R. Turner. Pleasant Valley: Albert Dean. Rock Creek: Chas. H. Eagin. Richland: J. O. Vanorsdol. Silver Creek: S. M. Jarvis. Silverdale: L. Lippmann. Spring Creek: R. P. Goodrich. Sheridan: Henry Clay. Tisdale: J. F. Thomas. Vernon: J. S. Woolley. Windsor: B. H. Clover. Winfield: T. K. Johnston. J. S. HUNT, Chairman.
CHAS. H. EAGIN, Secretary. J. D. PRYOR, Assistant Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
DR. HUGHES, one of Creswell’s old “stand-bys,” was at the Courthouse on the 16th.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
The teacher’s social at the courthouse last Friday night was a very pleasant affair. Duets, quartettes, promenades, and a general effort on the part of everybody, to try to get acquainted with everybody else, seemed to be the order of the evening. The institute’s reporter writes it up in better shape than we can, so we “respectfully refer” you to her column.
Excerpts from long article...
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
Minutes of the Cowley County Teachers’ Institute.
Agreeable to the call of the County Superintendent of Public Instruction, the teachers of Cowley County met in annual institute on Monday, Sept. 11th, at 9 o’clock a.m. On account of sickness in his family, Mr. Wilkinson was unable to attend, and the duty of conducting the Institute devolved on Prof. A. B. Lemmon.
Friday evening at 8 o’clock the teachers and many of their friends in the city met at the courthouse for a social reunion. Every person present seemed a self-constituted committee of one to have a good time. Teachers, forgetting the times they endured during the last term of school, or the anxiety they feel over where they shall work next time, rubbed the wrinkles out of their foreheads and wreathed their faces in smiles; young attorneys put away all thoughts of injunctions, appeals, and bills of particulars, and went zealously in search of attachments; they came without demurrers or stays of proceedings; young merchants dropped the yard stick and scissors, forgot the price of a “new suit,” quinine, spelling books and paregoric, and sought “bargains” of a different kind; young bankers and money-lenders quit thinking about checks, drafts, and mortgages, and their hilarity would lead one to think their consciences are not troubled by reflections on thirty-six percents, but that quite likely “they loaned out money gratis;” editors and politicians laid aside the “care of State,” and took part in the general enjoyment. Thus closed a very successful session of the Cowley County Teachers’ Institute. It was emphatically a session for work. Everyone had something to do and did it to the best of his ability. The influence of the Institute will be felt on the schools of the county during the coming year. MARY A. BRYANT, Secretary.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
Mr. Torrance returned from Topeka one day last week with the necessary “papers” to release his client, Mr. Ford, from jail. It will be remembered that Ford was arrested and lodged in jail on an affidavit charging him with disposing of his goods for the purpose of defrauding his creditors. Mr. Torrance applied for a writ of habeas corpus to the Probate Judge. After hearing the argument, Judge Gans decided not to release the prisoner. Mr. Torrance moved to vacate the order of arrest before Judge Campbell, at chambers. The motion was overruled. He then went to Topeka and applied to Associate Justice, D. M. Valentine, for a writ of habeas corpus. Hon. John Martin, the Democratic candidate for Governor, appeared and argued the “other side of the case.” In the language of the lawyers, Mr. Torrance “got away with him,” for he gained his point, came home, and had his client released from custody.
Mr. Ford was shortly afterward re-arrested, however, on a new affidavit and order of arrest, and is now in jail awaiting next week’s term of court. A suit for damages may grow out of it, based on the ground of false imprisonment. Mr. Torrance has shown unusual persistency in the management of this case.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
The Republican County Central Committee met at the Courthouse last Thursday and proceeded to organize by electing C. W. Roseberry temporary chairman and W. H. Gillard temporary secretary.
On motion the following officers were chosen for the coming year: S. M. Jarvis, chairman, and C. H. Eagin, secretary.
On motion adjourned to meet at call of the chairman. W. H. GILLARD, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
Pursuant to a call of the committee of the 88th Representative District, the delegates to the representative convention met in the courthouse at Winfield on Saturday, September 16th, at 10 o’clock a.m. Capt. J. S. Hunt, of Winfield Township, was elected temporary chairman, and Chas. H. Eagin, of Rock Township, temporary secretary.
On motion a committee of five on credentials was appointed: C. H. Eagin, G. L. Walker, S. S. Moore, H. H. Siverd, and F. M. Small were the members.
The committee on credentials reported the following delegates entitled to seats in the convention.
Winfield Township: N. C. McCulloch, J. H. Hill, Chas. Love, J. M. Bair, G. W. Arnold, E. G. Sheridan, J. S. Hunt, W. D. Roberts, G. S. Manser, W. G. Graham.
Maple Township: W. B. Norman, Capt. H. H. Siverd.
Richland Township: Sam Phoenix, J. O. Vanorsdol, Amos Jarvis, W. F. Brown.
Sheridan Township: L. W. Graham, F. M. Small.
Vernon Township: T. B. Ware, B. N. Hopkins, Geo. L. Walker.
Nennescah Township: Wm. Bartlow, A. H. Beck.
Silver Creek Township: John M. Clover, Wm. May.
Tisdale Township: J. F. Thomas, S. S. Moore.
Harvey Township: A. D. Smith.
Rock Creek Township: Reuben Booth, C. H. Eagin, Wm. White, J. M. Barrack.
On motion the report of the committee was adopted.
A motion to allow W. P. Hackney to vote as proxy for G. W. Arnold, principal, and E. P. Hickok, alternate, and to allow T. K. Johnston to vote as proxy for J. H. Hill, principal, and W. E. Christie, alternate, was lost.
On motion the temporary organization was made the permanent organization.
Nominations being next in order, the name of Leland J. Webb was placed before the convention, and he was nominated by acclamation.
The convention then adjourned sine die. J. S. HUNT, Chairman.
CHAS. H. EAGIN, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876. Editorial Page.
DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.
The convention met at the courthouse last Saturday and temporarily organized by electing E. P. Young chairman and J. W. Curns secretary. Committees were appointed and the convention adjourned till 1 o’clock.
On reassembling the committee on permanent organization reported Amos Walton as chairman and P. W. Smith as Secretary.
The committee on credentials reported the following as delegates.
Creswell Township: J. Benedict, A. Walton, T. McIntire, M. E. Welch, R. Hoffmaster, W. Goff.
Silver Creek Township: M. J. Thompson, Thomas J. Payne.
Beaver Township: W. D. Lester, Geo. Wright, B. W. Jenkins, W. A. Freeman.
Windsor Township: W. R. Bedell, B. Cue, G. W. Gardenhire.
Pleasant Valley Township: W. H. Nelson, West Holland, J. P. Eckels.
Dexter Township: Wm. Moor, W. E. Meredith, C. N. Gates, A. Hightower.
Maple Township: A. Walck, David Walck.
Richland Township: T. Hart, Jas. Howard, S. B. Hunt, C. R. Turner.
Tisdale Township: C. C. Krow, J. G. Young, W. C. Douglass, E. P. Young.
Vernon Township: G. W. Kimball, Kyle McClung.
Winfield: J. W. McDonald, J. B. Lynn, J. D. Cochran, J. W. Curns, N. W. Holmes, C. C. Black, A. J. Thompson, Wm. Dunn, T. B. Ross, G. W. Yount.
Ninnescah Township: P. O. Copple, Chas. James, P. W. Smith.
Sheridan Township: Sol Smith, J. H. Morrison, Wm. Morrow.
Omnia Township: Elisha Harned, John Smiley.
The following townships were reported not represented: Bolton, Silverdale, Spring Creek, Otter, Cedar, Harvey, Liberty, and Rock, whereupon H. S. Libby arose and presented his credentials as a delegate from Spring Creek. On motion the reports were adopted.
Judge McDonald moved that if there were any persons present from those townships not represented, they might be admitted as delegates from said townships—carried.
On motion of Judge McDonald, John McAllister was admitted from Liberty, W. H. Grow and A. D. Lee from Rock; J. W. Ledlie from Cedar; and Geo. Harris and T. J. Jackson, from Harvey.
On motion of P. W. Smith, delegates present were entitled to cast the full vote of their townships. The convention then proceeded to nominate a county ticket. Judge McDonald nominated A. J. Pyburn as a candidate for State Senator and moved that he be chosen by acclamation. The motion prevailed.
Judge McIntire nominated James Christian for County Attorney. He was chosen by acclamation.
Mr. Lynn nominated J. O. Houx for District Clerk. He was chosen by acclamation.
Mr. Lee nominated H. D. Gans for Probate Judge. After some little squabbling, as will be seen in another column, Judge Gans was chosen by acclamation.
For Superintendent of Public Instruction, W. E. Meredith, P. W. Smith, and Mrs. Ida Brown were placed in nomination. Judge McDonald moved that two tellers be appointed—carried. Result of 1st ballot, Meredith 11, Smith 27, Brown 21, no choice. Second ballot, Meredith 17, Smith 21, Brown 22. The candidates were then called out and required to explain their positions. Smith, among other things, said he was a Democrat but that he would vote for Hudson for Governor. Meredith said he was a Democrat, a straight out Democrat, a Tilden and Hendricks Democrat. Mr. Krow said that Mrs. Brown’s husband was a Democrat. The convention then proceeded to a third ballot, which resulted as follows:
Meredith 28, Brown 19, Smith 14. Mr. Smith withdrew in favor of Meredith. The fourth ballot resulted, Meredith 39, Brown 20. On motion Meredith’s nomination was made unanimous.
Judge McDonald moved that a county central committee be appointed consisting of one from each township and also a campaign committee consisting of five members who should be centrally located. The following gentlemen comprise the central committee: T. McIntire, W. D. Lester, N. J. Thompson, W. R. Bedell, J. P. Eckels, Wm. Moon, Adam Walk, Jos. Howard, C. C. Krow, J. B. Lynn, K. McClung, J. W. Ledlie, P. W. Smith, Wm. Morrow, Jno. Smiley, Geo. Harris, Jno. McAllister, Wm. Grow, Jno. Bobbitt, Dennis Harkins, and Wm. Anderson.
Campaign Committee: J. Wade McDonald, H. S. Silver, C. C. Black, Jas. Benedict and J. G. Young. On motion the convention adjourned.
---
A part of the delegates to the county convention then assembled in the west part of the courthouse and organized a convention for the 89th district. They elected Amos Walton chairman and Jas. Benedict secretary. The chairman nominated Ed Green, of Creswell Township for representative. On motion the nomination was made by acclamation. Mr. Green thanked them for the compliment. On motion adjourned.
---
The delegates from the 88th representative district organized by electing J. W. Curns chairman and C. C. Black secretary. Nominations for Representative being in order, Messrs. Wm. Martin, C. C. Krow, and J. G. Young were put in nomination. Mr. Young withdrew. A ballot was taken which resulted as follows: Krow 11, Martin 23. On motion of J. H. Land the nomination was made unanimous. A few remarks were made by Messrs. Pyburn and McDonald and the convention adjourned.
Excerpts from meeting...
Courthouse Advertising.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
City Council met in regular session at the Clerk’s office, Oct. 3rd, 1876.
A motion was made by Councilman Bliss that $30 be paid out of the city treasury to the Chicago Journal of Commerce for one cut of courthouse and for the advertising of the city of Winfield in said paper; vote being taken, stood as follows: Ayes, C. A. Bliss, M. G. Troup, and H. Brotherton. Nays, A. B. Lemmon and T. B. Myers. The motion being carried, the city clerk was instructed to credit the treasury with the same.
On motion council adjourned. B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
Excerpt from meeting of County Commissioners...
Courthouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 11, 1876.
Ray & Randall, courthouse repairs, $26.00
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, October 12, 1876.
The “Grand Opening Ball of the Central Hotel” came off at the courthouse last night. It was well attended, the music excellent, and the supper, at Majors’, superb. Everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest capacity. It was a decided success.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 26, 1876. Front Page.
JIM KING’S LETTER TO THE “COMMONWEALTH.”
A Topekan’s Opinion of Winfield.
WINFIELD, OCT. 15, 1876.
Capt. Ryan filled his regular appointment here yesterday, speaking to a large crowd of the Cowley County yeomanry, at the courthouse, in the afternoon. Mr. Ryan never disappoints the people, either in the time of his appointments or the character of his speeches.
His visit to the localities in the district distant from the railroad, has made him many friends, even among the Democrats, and you may expect to be surprised at the extent of the majority he will receive in these counties. The people here like to be noticed, and to have some attention shown them, even though they are not possessed of a railroad. They belong to the district “just the same,” and their votes will average twelve to the dozen all the way through.
Winfield is one of the best towns we have encountered on our route. The population is estimated at one thousand, and I think the estimate is small. Yesterday (Saturday) was a very busy day and the scores of teams on Main street, the gaily blanketed Indians, and the festive auctioneer on the corner, reminded me very much of our own Kansas avenue. The beauty of Winfield as a residence point cannot be excelled anywhere in the west, uniting, as it does, a fine elevation, a pure, bracing air, magnificent views, mountain wilderness, romantic streams, beautiful drives, and in short, all the charms of land and water combined. Wirt Walton is one of the institutions of Winfield. An impression is abroad in the land that Wirt is handsome. I think he must have acquired that reputation last winter in Topeka, while I was absent from the city. This is also the home of Prof. A. B. Lemmon, the Republican nominee for State Superintendent. In making the canvass of this county, we have been under many obligations to Mr. Lemmon for valuable assistance—for Lemmon aid, so to speak. I am going to take Lemmon in mine on the 7th of November. The indications are that Col. Manning will be successful in the race for State Senator. Webb will go to the House from this county, and the entire Republican ticket be triumphantly elected.
One of the grandest demonstrations of the year occurred here last night, in honor of the visit of Capt. Ryan and Col. Plumb, of Emporia. The courthouse was packed with ladies and gentlemen, and the enthusiasm was unbounded. An hour before the meeting the Hayes and Wheeler club paraded the principal streets of the city with torches and flags, headed by the Winfield brass band. About fifty blazing torches turned night into day, and lit up the handsome Continental uniforms of the men in fine style. All the anvils in the city were converted into cannon and kept up a ceaseless fire for hours. After a song by the glee club, Col. Plumb was introduced as the people’s choice for United States Senator, the announcement being received with mild applause, ranging from piping treble to alligator bass. After quiet had been restored, and the brazen instruments became silent as a synod of stars, Col. Plumb proceeded to make an address, which for thoughtfulness, sincerity, logic, and pertinence of illustration, would do Bob Ingersoll no discredit. He spoke for two hours, and would have been listened to patiently for two more.
Col. Plumb is doing good work for the party and lots of it. He came down to Wichita on Thursday night at 9 o’clock, drove ten miles in the country that night on business, returned to Wichita the same night, arose early in the morning and rode out several miles to see a friend, returning to Wichita again at noon; in the afternoon he made a trip to Wellington, thirty miles, speaking there Friday night. Saturday morning he journeyed from Wellington to Winfield, twenty miles, stopped here for dinner, then secured a fresh team and went to Arkansas City, fifteen miles, returning here last evening and speaking until 10 o’clock, starting immediately after the meeting for Wichita, in order to take the 4 o’clock train for Emporia, where he expected to start without delay for a point in the interior of Osage County, speaking there on Monday afternoon, returning to Emporia Sunday night, and starting immediately on horseback for Eldorado, seventy miles distant, to fill an appointment on Tuesday. This is what I call campaigning in earnest.
Capt. Ryan’s route ahead is to Cedar Vale on Monday and Sedan on Tuesday; then through Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, and Butler counties. We are much rejoiced over the result of Ohio, but we are still without tidings from Indiana.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, October 26, 1876.
Rev. Chaplain C. C. McCabe will deliver his popular lecture, “The bright side of Libby Prison,” in the courthouse, Winfield, on Monday evening, Oct. 30, 1876. Admission. 25 cents; reserved seats 50 cents. Doors open at 7 o’clock; lecture to commence at 7:30.
We have been informed that one of our citizens used to be an officer in charge of Libby Prison. If this be true, he ought to go and hear McCabe to see whether he pictures it truthfully or not.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 2, 1876.
LIARS, STAND UP!
Capt. Anthony said that “he had no sympathy with the demagogues who tried to array the debtor against the creditor class,” that’s what he said. He didn’t say that he had no sympathy with the debtor class, but that he had no sympathy with the demagogues and that’s what hurts them.
Capt. Geo. T. Anthony spoke at the courthouse, to a large audience, last night, notwithstanding the rain storm that had continued up till a late hour. . . .
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1876.
The Republicans of Winfield Township met pursuant to call, at the Courthouse Saturday, the 4th instant, and proceeded to nominate the following township ticket:” For trustee, J. S. Hunt; for Clerk, Ed. S. Bedilion; for treasurer, B. F. Baldwin; for justice of the peace, W. M. Boyer; for constables, Ed. R. Evans and Burt Covert. After which the following township central committee was chosen: Wirt W. Walton, C. C. Pierce, and S. E. Burger.
J. M. ALEXANDER, Chairman.
E. S. TORRANCE, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876.
Don’t fail to attend the Presbyterian Aid Social at the courthouse, on the evening of the 21st. Something new will be presented for your entertainment.
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876.
The ladies of the Presbyterian Aid Society will hold a festival at the Courthouse on Tuesday evening, Nov. 21st. All are invited to attend, as an opportunity will be presented to visit the Art Gallery, where many works of art and science will be exhibited.
Courthouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 22, 1876.
THE EVENING STAR CLUB of Winfield will open a series of entertainments with a Thanksgiving ball, at the courthouse, Thursday, November 30th. Special invitations are issued.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.
Don’t fail to hear Rev. Rushbridge render “Enoch Arden” at the courthouse next Tuesday night. It is, in our opinion, with one exception, the finest thing ever written by the gifted Tennyson. That exception of course is “Locksley Hall.”
Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.
Select Reading.
Rev. J. L. Rushbridge will read Tennyson’s poem, “Enoch Arden,” at the Courthouse in Winfield, on Tuesday evening, December 5th, 1876. Admission 25 cents. Doors open at 7 o’clock p.m. Reading to commence at 8 o’clock.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.
Every preparation has been made, that a careful committee could suggest, to make the ball given by the “Evening Star Club” at the courthouse, this evening, the most pleasant ever given in the city. Good music has been secured and a competent prompter engaged. Several devotees of Terpsichore will be in attendance from Oxford and Arkansas City, while the youth, beauty, and chivalry of Cowley’s capital will be there.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 7, 1876.
Burt held forth at the courthouse Monday night to an appreciative audience. The universal opinion is that the children did well. Eliza, Willie, and the “Mite” were well received. Prof. Ide is a violinist of more than ordinary ability. The entertainment last night was not so largely attended yet the performance was good.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 7, 1876.
Thanksgiving.
This day was quite generally observed by our citizens. There was union service at the Courthouse in the morning which was quite generally attended. In the evening, service was conducted by Rev. Platter at the courthouse and Rev. Rushbridge at the stone church. Several dinners were gotten up for the purpose of entertaining special friends, and we believe nearly everybody in town tasted turkey during the day. The tables of Messrs. Mansfield, Millington, Greenlee, Bedilion, Black, Manning, and many others were spread for many more than the total number, while excellent dinners were served at the hotels and restaurants for regular boarders and their invited guests. There was but little business done in town and our streets wore a Sunday-like appearance.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 7, 1876.
The long promised and anxiously awaited opening entertainment of the Eastern Star club culminated in a grand ball at the courthouse last Thursday evening, at which Winfield’s beauty, grace, and stars were in attendance. It was without doubt a very pleasant affair and its managers deserve much praise for its success.
Every convenience in the way of dressing-rooms, cloak rooms, “programmes,” and “engagements” were at the disposal of the invited. The committees performed their duties in a creditable manner. The music stand was decorated with the city’s and other flags, giving it a starry appearance. Members of committees were easily designated by ribbons with handsome gold printed stars. All in attendance enjoyed themselves and parted with the wish that the social relations inaugurated by this society would grow brighter and brighter in our little town, till personal animosities and local bitterness would be forgotten and our citizens meet together and shine with undiminished radiance like the lamps of a moonless night, the evening *** [Paper never completed sentence.]
Courthouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876.
C. M. Scott. Please give notice that on the first Saturday there will be an election of officers of County Grange at the courthouse in Winfield. We desire that there may be a general attendance, as there is business of importance to transact. Come in full regalia. A rehearsal of the secret work will be given by the State delegate. J. O. VANORSDOL, Master.
FLORAL, December 11, 1876.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1876.
The Ladies of the M. E. Society will give a necktie social at the Courthouse Wednesday evening, December 20th, consisting of tableaux and supper, also a table of fancy articles for sale. No pains will be spared to make this entertainment a success.
MRS. BACHELOR, Secretary.
Excerpt from long article...
Courthouse Bell.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1876.
Ordinance No. 61.
An Ordinance to organize and govern a Fire Department.
SECTION 14. It shall be the duty of all persons knowing of a fire in progress to cry the alarm “Fire,” and the numeral indicating the number of the district in which the fire is located. Also to immediately cause the bells to be rung, the alarm and the number indicating the district of the fire, in the order as follows, to-wit: Alarm, short pause, number, short pause; repeat, indefinitely. The bell alarm shall be six to eight rapid strokes, and the bell numbering of the district shall be one toll for district 1, two tolls for district 2, etc. It shall be the special duty of such persons as are regularly employed by any authority to ring the bell at the Courthouse, on hearing the alarm of fire, to repair at once to the Courthouse and ring the bell in accordance with the above directions, superseding any other person he or they may find ringing the bell.
SECTION 15. Any person who shall ring any bell in the manner described in section 14 at any time, except as in that section authorized, or specially authorized by the Mayor for practice, and any person who shall ring the Courthouse bell in any manner after 9 o’clock in the evening or before 5 o’clock in the morning, without special permit from the Mayor, or shall raise a false alarm of fire in any manner, shall pay to the city a fine not exceeding $25 and not less than $3.00, or be imprisoned in the county jail not exceeding ten days, or both such fine and imprisonment for each such offense.
Excerpts from same long article as noted above...
County Jail.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1876.
Ordinance No. 61.
SECTION 11. Any person who shall disturb the operations of the department at a fire by making noise, or hindering or interfering with its work, or who shall disobey the lawful orders of its officers, shall be punished by fine not exceeding fifty dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding ten days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
SECTION 15. Any person who shall ring any bell in the manner described in section 14 at any time, except as in that section authorized, or specially authorized by the Mayor for practice, and any person who shall ring the Courthouse bell in any manner after 9 o’clock in the evening or before 5 o’clock in the morning, without special permit from the Mayor, or shall raise a false alarm of fire in any manner, shall pay to the city a fine not exceeding $25 and not less than $3.00, or be imprisoned in the county jail not exceeding ten days, or both such fine and imprisonment for each such offense.
Jail.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.
Horneman, the man who stole the wheat and did the shooting, was bound over in the sum of $2,000, to appear at the next term of the Sedgwick County court. Failing to secure bail, he was sent to jail.
Courthouse Picture. Mention of Brick Jail and Jailor’s Residence.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 21, 1876. Front Page.
[PICTURE.]
HOW’S THIS FOR A SIX YEAR OLD COUNTY?
The above represents a fair view of our Court House, looking from the southwest. This building was erected during the summer of 1873, at a cost of less than $11,000 in County warrants. The Jail, and jailor’s residence, a substantial two story brick, built at the same time by our city, stands immediately in rear of the Court House. It is used by both the city and county, and is the only brick jail in Southern Kansas. While we cannot say that we are proud of the latter, yet it is a matter of congratulation that even criminals are carefully cared for in Winfield and Cowley County. The lower story of the Court House is partitioned off into comfortable offices for the use of our public servants. The upper story is divided into three rooms, two jury and one court room. The latter, at present, is used for all manner of public entertainments, and we presume will be, until Winfield can boast of, what she now needs, a public hall.
Had we the “cuts,” it would be a pleasure to present a view of some our substantial brick blocks, churches, and private stone and brick residences along with this. As we haven’t them, the reader will have to draw on his imagination.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1876.
The Christmas Tree blooms at the Courthouse Saturday evening.
1877
Courthouse.
Excerpts from article...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
From Winfield.
WINFIELD, KAN., Dec. 23, 1876.
Our Christmas tree on Saturday evening, the 23rd, was a success; the most remarkable feature was the very large number of books distributed from it.
At the last regular communication of Adelphi Lodge No. 110, A. F. and A. M., the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: W. M., Wm. G. Graham; Sen. W., J. E. Saint; Jun. W., M. G. Troup; Sec., James Kelly; Treas., R. F. Baldwin; Sen. D., C. C. Black; Jun. D., J. C. Roberts; Sen. S., Jas. A. Simpson; Jun. S., N. C. McCulloch; Tyler, W. W. Walton.
They were installed at the Courthouse on the eve of the 27th, St. John’s Day, by Past High Priest, M. L. Read; at the close of the installation ceremonies, the retiring Master Hunt was directed to face the “East” when Bro. McDonald requested “permission to address Bro. J. S. Hunt,” which being granted, he advanced, while he held in his hand a beautiful casket, and proceeded to deliver a presentation address and invest Bro. Hunt with one of the most elegant and modest P. M. jewels that it has ever been our fortune to behold, and the speech and response was in such beautiful harmony with the present and the occasion, it was a surprise token of regard from the Lodge. After this all were called from “labor to refreshments,” and we turned to the tables where we found that the power and beauty of the culinary art had been exhausted to please the appetite and refresh the inner man.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.
The “party lash” hangs up in the Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.
The office of County Superintendent will be open every Saturday, until further notice, in the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.
Reverends Rushbridge and Platter are holding a series of interesting religious meetings this week at the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.
The Cowley County District Grange had a good meeting last Saturday at the Courthouse, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Wm. White, Master; Ed. Green, Overseer; G. N. Fowler, Lecturer; C. C. Krow, Stewart; H. L. Barker, Asst. Stewart; S. N. Sparks, Chaplain; Jas. O. Vanorsdal, Treasurer; C. Coon, Secretary; F. Schwantes, Gate Keeper; Mrs. Vanorsdal, Ceres; Mrs. Barker, Pomona; Mrs. White, Flora; and Miss Birdzell, Lady Asst. Steward.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.
We understand that the party at the Courthouse this evening is exclusively a club dance, given for the benefit of the members of the Evening Star Club.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1877.
The Grouse Valley is pretty well represented at the Courthouse: Burden, Troup, McDermott, Bryan, Story, and Gans.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1877.
P. of K.
NOTICE. To all Patrons in good standing. There will be a special meeting of District Grange at the Courthouse, in Winfield, on Thursday, Feb. 22, 1877, at one o’clock. Also, the same day, at 7 p.m., the fifth degree will be conferred. Brother Stevens, the State Lecturer, will address the meeting at one o’clock. Come one, come all. Bring your regalia and your dinner baskets well filled and let us have a good time. WM. WHITE, Master.
C. COON, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
Don’t forget the Winfield Township taxpayers’ meeting next Saturday at 2 p.m., at the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
The dance to be given at the Courthouse next Thursday evening, the 22nd instant, by the W. E. S. C., will undoubtedly be the grandest party ever given in Cowley County.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
Owing to the fact of a previous engagement of the Courthouse, the meeting of the Pomona Grange is postponed to the first Saturday in March. See notice elsewhere.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
The first regular meeting of the Philomathic society of Winfield, will be held at the Courthouse on Tuesday evening, Feb. 20, 1877.
PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING.
1. Miscellaneous Business. 2. Regular Business. 3. Music. 4. Essay—By D. A. Millington. 5. Music.
6. Discussion of the question: Resolved, That the right of suffrage should be restricted by property and educational qualifications.
Affirmative, Rev. J. L. Rushbridge. Negative, W. P. Hackney.
7. Music. 8. Scientific and Historical questions by the audience, to be answered by some persons appointed at the next meeting. 9. Report of Committee on programme.
Exercises to begin at 7 o’clock, p.m. All are invited to attend.
J. F. JENNINGS, Pres. O. M. SEWARD, Secy.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
RAILROAD MEETING.
The taxpayers of Winfield Township are requested to meet at the Courthouse in Winfield on Saturday, February 17th, at 2 o’clock, p.m., to discuss and vote upon the following resolution.
Resolved, That the taxpayers of Winfield Township who are in the meeting assembled, request the members of the State Legislature from this county to use all honorable means to so amend Section 5, of Chapter 107, of the laws of 1876, that counties having no railroad indebtedness may avail themselves of the provisions of that act by a majority vote.
Also, to take such other action to promote the railroad interests of this county as the meeting shall deem advisable.
JAS. E. PLATTER, D. A. MILLINGTON, J. WADE McDONALD, J. B. LYNN.
Members of Railroad Committee.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877. Editorial Page.
The object of the meeting of Winfield Township taxpayers, which assembled last Saturday at the Courthouse, was thwarted by the opponents of a railroad. A large number of men were present and voted to defeat the object of the meeting who were not taxpayers; a large number of men who did not belong in the township were present and did the same thing; the meeting was not allowed to vote upon the resolution offered; false statements were made to mislead men who wanted to adopt the resolution asking the legislature to change the law.
Since the action of the meeting held two weeks ago last Tuesday and prior to last Saturday’s meeting, at least one hundred taxpayers of Winfield Township had told us that they wanted the law changed and desired an opportunity to so express themselves. In response to this desire the railroad committee issued the call for a meeting. About two hundred people assembled to that call. As soon as the call was issued, certain individuals, referred to elsewhere in these columns, set themselves very busily to work to prevent the passage of the resolution to be offered. They could not do it by fair means, and so unfair ones were adopted.
In the first place, under the call, no one had any business there except taxpayers who were residents of Winfield Township. In the second place, no other question was in order except that of voting for or against the resolution for which the meeting was called to act upon. On the contrary, however, men voted who were not taxpayers and who were non-residents of the township. And to prevent action on the resolution, the following substitute was offered and bulldozed through the meeting:
[NOTE. We have not been able to obtain the resolution, but it practically nullified the other.]
We were not present at the meeting, but previous to its assembling, the sentiments of three out of every four persons who intended to be present was that the resolution should be adopted. But parliamentary tactics and misrepresentations thwarted their wishes.
The result of this meeting is to be regretted. The legislature will not adjourn until about ten days after the holding of that meeting. If the taxpayers of this township had expressed themselves decidedly in favor of that change, and then a delegation of three or four active citizens had presented that expression to the legislature, there is no doubt but the present two thirds restriction would have been removed, and thereby we would have been able to secure a railroad.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877. Editorial Page.
COMMUNICATED.
EDITOR COURIER: Sojourning in your pretty little town for a few days, I was induced to attend a meeting of the taxpayers held at the Courthouse on Saturday last, looking to the modification of a recent law that had been passed evidently in the interest of some railroad corporations whose interest the law makers desired to protect, requiring a two-thirds majority in order to vote bonds to any railroad organization that sought to bring a railroad into a county. On organizing the meeting it soon became evident that there was a violent faction, arrayed principally on the east side of the room, whose object was to defeat the purpose for which the meeting was called.
Speaker No. 1, an elderly gentleman, commenced by stating the object that prompted the calling of the citizens together, the great need that existed for a railroad to Winfield, and how
every bushel of grain, every head of stock, and every acre of land would be enhanced in value and benefitted thereby. Proceeding in a very moderate and candid manner, he proceeded to show the probable cost, how comparatively little it would increase taxation, the increasing popularity of narrow gauge railroads, showed how a ruinous indebtedness was improbable, and duplicated on the part of a railroad impossible, by stating that the laws of Kansas made it unlawful for a county to vote more than four thousand dollars per mile, nor allowed a single dollar to be paid until the road was completed to its place of destination.
No. 2, a young lawyer, face as white as a sheet, style eminently demagogic, and of the annihilation order, came promptly to the front. He desired it to be distinctly understood that he was all railroad, that his interest was identical with that of every resident of the county, that he was as capable as any to decide what was best for the county, would suffer no one to abridge his rights as a citizen, had been a member of the legislature, and was as good as No. 1, the statements of No. 1 to the contrary notwithstanding. He then ventured some legerdemain, understood only by limbs of the law, about the unconstitutionality of the law, deprecated bonds, having to go to Amsterdam, in Germany, to have them cashed, and concluded by offering a substitute for the original motion and perpetrating a deliberate falsehood by telling the meeting that whatever their action might be, it would end in smoke, inasmuch as the legislature would adjourn before the result of their deliberations reach Topeka. We were informed that this young chap had lived in this and adjoining counties for the last five or six years, has a chronic longing for office, does not own an acre of land or a bushel of grain, and that the Sheriff of the county carries in his pocket a tax warrant of ten dollars against him for collection.
No. 3 now advanced to the front from the west side of the hall, a plain looking man, farmer, owning half section of land and paid for. He opened out in a vigorous style, claiming that the farmers were as much interested as others, and to a far greater extent than No. 2, who owned nothing; urged the farmers to think and act for themselves and not to be intimidated by legal twaddle invented for their confusion and defeat by those who were most likely paid for their small talk. The style of this speaker created a good deal of merry enthusiasm, his arguments were logical, forcible, and witty. He rattled away, insisting that prompt action was called for in order to invite railroad enterprise to Cowley County, where none needed the help of the Iron Horse more than the farmer.
No. 4 next elbowed his way to the front and peremptorily asked, “what all this improper talk was about?” The style of the speaker smacked of the supercilious, and the gist of his remarks was that he, like No. 2, was an irrepressible advocate for a railroad, but was satisfied with the law as it stood and would do his “level best” to prevent it from being changed, railroad or no railroad.
No. 5 stepped out with alacrity and with a self-satisfied air proceeded to enlighten the natives, for their special benefit, on railroad rascality. This speaker was a small man, with gold spectacles, a Methodist preacher, had some experience on the subject about which he proposed to talk, knew a county that had voted one hundred and sixty thousand dollars bonds to a wild-cat railroad company by the majority vote and got fooled, therefore, thought the two-thirds vote the safest. This interesting talker halted every now and then and gave a knowing smile which seemed to say, “Now, don’t you think I know something?” This little itinerant preacher, I was informed, had only been in the county a few months and was likely to leave it again in two weeks, yet he assumed to know as much about its needs and necessities as the “oldest inhabitant.”
No. 6 here put in an appearance, an aged, portly gentleman, with a powerful voice. He claimed to be the first man in the county, “you know I was,” said he. Had offered to give forty acres of his land for a railroad; told the farmers that two-thirds of their farms were mortgaged, and for aught he knew “a majority of the other third;” he was in favor of the majority vote, fought thirteen years in support of that privilege, but advised caution on the part of the farmers in view of their financial embarrassments. He did not seem to understand that there is a “time in the affairs of man when caution may do more harm than good by increasing embarrassments instead of relieving them.” Who is there so blind as not to be able to see that a railroad to Winfield would increase by at least one half the value of every farm in Cowley County? Who is there that cannot see that every farmer, every banker, every lawyer and debtor, every merchant, mechanic, and laborer would be benefitted the very moment the locomotive was heard rushing across the prairie of your beautiful country? If any caution is necessary in your case, it is against doing anything to abridge the prospects of railroad enterprise looking towards the valley of the Walnut and the Arkansas.
Short as my stay was in your town, I learned of the existence of two factions in your midst, whose inordinate folly, if persisted in, will kill it dead. One is a faction of money loaners who continue to grind out their three percent per month from the impoverished and helpless occupants of the land, many of whom will soon have to give up their feeble tenancy. This faction is aided by spoonies, who are governed entirely by party and political considerations, and who glory in the defeat of any and every action or proposition introduced or recommended by their neighbors. A STRANGER.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.
The Winfield Debating Society had a very pleasant time at the Courthouse last Tuesday evening. Those weekly gatherings can be made profitable and entertaining.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.
A man who does not pay taxes was paid at T. K. Johnson’s drug store in this city last Saturday to go over to the Courthouse and vote against the railroad resolutions. How are you corruption? Who is furnishing money to beat the taxpayers of Cowley County out of a railroad.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.
The next regular meeting of the Philomathic society of Winfield will be held at the Courthouse, on Friday evening, March 2nd, 1877.
PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING.
1. Music by Miss Newman. 2. Select Reading; by Mrs. J. D. Pryor. 3. Weekly Paper, by Rev. J. L. Rushbridge. 4. Music, by Miss Gowen. 5. Answers to scientific questions. 6. Essay by F. S. Jennings.
7. Discussion. Resolved, “That the practice of the law elevates the profession.” Affirmative—Jas. McDermott, W. M. Allison. Negative—C. M. Wood, J. E. Allen.
8. Scientific questions by the audience. 9. Adjournment.
Exercises to begin at 7½ o’clock, p.m. All are invited to attend.
J. F. JENNINGS, President. O. M. SEWARD, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
THE OFFICE OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT will be open, until further notice, on Saturday of every week, in the courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
Rev. S. B. Fleming, of Arkansas City, preached very interesting sermons at the Courthouse last Sunday morning and evening.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
The ball given at the Courthouse on last Thursday evening, by the Evening Star Club, was certainly the grandest affair of the kind ever given in Winfield. The hall presented a magnificent appearance, being decorated with evergreens and the stars and stripes. The ball opened with the Evening Star Club promenade, which was grand. Among the “Belles of the Ball,” some very elaborate costumes were represented, but as our reporter has never learned the distinction between black alpaca and gros grain at $5.00 per yard, he deems it best to omit the usual descriptions of the costumes.
Among the happy throng of dancers we noticed Mc. D. Stapleton and lady, George Lee and Miss Mary A. Wooden, and David A. Dale and Miss Flora Ramage, of Lazette. The music by the Winfield string band was the best furnished any party for some time. The party was well attended and everyone present seemed to enjoy themselves. The programme was finished at 1:30 a.m., and everybody is getting ready for the next one.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
The office of county Superintendent will be open every Saturday, Room No. 6, in the Courthouse. R. C. STORY, Co. Supt.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
For Sale. A No. 1 span of mares. Enquire of T. R. BRYAN, at the Courthouse.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1877.
TO HOME SEEKERS.
We are daily in receipt of letters making inquiry about this county. Most of these questions are answered on the outside of this paper. A few inquiries have come up in some letters that we have on hand and we answer them all herein and shall send the writers copies of this paper.
Winfield is the county seat of Cowley County. It has a city organization, population fully 1,000. It is a beautiful and healthy town. Excellent water is invariably found at a depth of twenty-two feet. This is the average depth of wells all over the county. The county is 33 miles square. There is a large tract of excellent land in the county yet unsettled which belongs to the government and can be bought after being settled upon and a residence of six months, in tracts not exceeding 160 acres, at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. No larger tract of land than this can be bought of the government. Land can be purchased from the present settlers at from three to ten dollars per acre. The very best tracts of land in the county containing running water, plenty of timber and bottom land, near to schools, and with a small amount of improvements thereon can be purchased for ten dollars per acre. Taxes are about four percent. Many schoolhouses, several bridges, and a courthouse have been built, and these must be paid for. Our taxes will diminish in percentum from this time forward.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1877. Editorial Page.
Democratic Correspondence.
EDITOR OF COURIER: Will you allow me, through the COURIER, to correct some errors that are prevalent among the Republicans. It appears that your party has an idea that the Democrats are opposed to everything in the shape of improvement, especially that we don’t want a railroad. All this arises from a want of information, and this want, by your permission I will supply.
To begin with, I want it understood that the Wah Hoss that you have been harping about through your columns is not a Democrat, never was one, and we are not responsible for anything that Bill Hackney says or does. We rode the mule last fall for electioneering purposes, but he did us more harm than good, and just because we patted and petted him to make a cat’s paw to worry the Republicans, many of them concluded he had changed his politics. Sir, if he were a Democrat, we would read him out of the party. Such men would kill any party that would patronize him. As soon as the election was over we turned him out to pasture, and we shall not take him up again unless we get another dirty job on hand that no Democrat will touch and then we may give him another call, as such work is adapted to his nature, and we can get him cheaper than anyone else.
I hope these explanations will satisfy your readers and that they will cease pointing the finger of scorn at every Democrat they pass and say, “There is a Hackney man, and he opposes railroads.” I do not know one Democrat that is opposed to a railroad coming to Cowley County, and further, I do not know of one but who will vote for bonds to build it. We are not talking politics now, we mean business.
We will drop Hackney for the present and take up another sprig not quite so large, the editor of the Telegram. Many of your readers are trying to palm him off on us, but you can’t come it. He is no more a Democrat than Hackney. But, say you, if he is not a Democrat, why do you patronize him? You take his paper. Not quite so fast, if you please. Hold on till I tell you how that is. There are a few men that pay Allison for doing their dirty work for them, and he sends the paper to any person the joint stock company orders, and that’s how we take his paper. We would not pay a cent for such a dirty sheet. The St. Louis department is all that is worth reading, and that is foreign to our interests. I hope this explanation will satisfy you that he is not one of us and that you will cease trying to palm off on us all the trundle-bed trash there is in the country.
We are just much as ashamed at the conduct of these men opposing our interests as any Republican can be. Such men are like grasshoppers, the more we have of them the worse we are off. They are splendid eaters for little fellows, but are death on supplies.
If we never had been disgusted with Bill Hackney before, his conduct at that railroad meeting on the 17th, ult., would be sufficient cause to stamp him with eternal infamy. He had no more business sticking in his gab there than your bread and butter preacher, and neither of them received any thanks for their false representations from the Democrats. They both got pay for their small talk but not from us. The Democrats enjoyed the drubbing Bill got from that old farmer as well as any Republican and were equally as proud of him for telling the usurper to his teeth that the meeting was not called for jackleg lawyers who pay no taxes but for producers, merchants, and mechanics; men that were a benefit to the county and not a curse, like the small men that sell their birthright for a mess of pottage. An old farmer and a Democrat from Pleasant Valley on leaving the Courthouse on that occasion remarked to his neighbor: “Hackney ought to have a rope around his neck and it tied to a good stout limb.”
A gentleman of Winfield (a Democrat) said to me, “I would not give this stump of a cigar for Bill Hackney,” and another gentleman remarked “that was the best thing ever happened to Bill, he is always sticking his nose where he has no business.” I must now turn my attention to the slang that is being published by Allison against that farmer for daring to assert his rights as a taxpayer against these gabby politicians that pay no taxes. The Democrats in his neighborhood say that farmer is a man that tends to his own business, that he is a good neighbor and law abiding citizen, a man of learning, and that he is putting forth more efforts to elevate the rising generation than any other, and that his efforts are appreciated by the community; and they denounce Allison as a calumniator, a braggart, and a liar, and like other intelligent Democrats, they deny that he belongs to the party.
In conclusion let me say to your readers that I will defend the Democratic party now as I did in the rebellion. The Republicans at that time threatened my life for defending the party, but I sill live to throw back your buzzard bait in your own teeth. We can’t swallow your Hackney; you must masticate him yourselves. As for Allison, a big toad could swallow him at one bite, but no Democrat will bite.
As soon as we can get a man of sense and a true Democrat to do our publishing, one that will be a credit instead of disgrace, we will turn Allison out to pasture with Hackney.
A DEMOCRAT.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1877.
MARRIED. David Crumford and Savannah Caviness were married at the Courthouse last Saturday night by Judge Gans.
Courthouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877. Front Page.
The various township assessors met at the Courthouse on Monday last, for the purpose of adopting a uniform personal property valuation list. Every township in the county was represented by its assessor except one. The meeting was organized by electing Capt. J. S. Hunt Chairman and S. S. Moore Secretary. On motion the following grades and appraisements were adopted for the present year.
HORSES. Stallions and fast horses, from $150 to $500; work horses, 1st grade, from $75 to $150; 2nd grade, from $35 to $75; ponies and colts, from $10 to $35.
NEAT CATTLE. 1st grade, bulls and four-year-old fat cattle, and over, from $30 to $45; 2nd grade, bulls and all fat steers less than 4 years old, $20 to $30; Cows—1st grade, from $20 to $30; 2nd grade, from $10 to $20. Steers—three-year-old, from $15 to $30; two-year-old, and heifers, from $8 to $15; yearlings, from $3 to $8. Twenty percent off for Texas cattle.
WORK CATTLE. 1st grade, from $70 to $100; 2nd grade, from $40 to $75.
MULES. 1st grade, per pair, from $200 to $250; 2nd grade, per pair, from $75 to $200; young mules, from $25 to $75; asses, from $20 to $250.
SHEEP. Fine wool bucks, from $7 to $13; common, from $1.50 to $5.
HOGS. From $2 to $25.
GOATS. From $1 to $3.
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. First class headers, harvesters, and threshing machines; 50 percent off from first cost; reapers, mowers, and wagons, 30 percent off from first cost; all other farming implements left to the judgment of the assessor.
Motion made and carried that all grain be assessed at its cash value at the bin and crib.
Motion made and carried that the papers in Winfield and Arkansas City be requested to print this basis gratuitously. S. S. MOORE, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.
The Christians are holding their protracted meetings in the Courthouse this week.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1877.
The Railroad Meeting.
On Tuesday evening a red hot railroad meeting was held at the Courthouse. The house was full. S. C. Smith was chosen chairman and W. M. Allison, secretary. A report of what had been done to secure an east and west railroad was made, and the steps thus far taken cordially endorsed. Enthusiastic speeches were made by several gentlemen. Perfect unanimity prevailed. Canvassing and Finance committees were raised and the following resolutions were adopted.
Resolved, That we, as citizens of Winfield, hereby pledge our confidence, sympathy, and assistance to each of the committees appointed by this meeting for the prosecution of this canvass.
Resolved, That we, as citizens of Cowley County, will each put forth our utmost endeavors to carry out and complete the M., P. & E., W. B. railroad enterprise now before us.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
The supper at the Courthouse, which was given by the ladies of the M. E. church, was a grand affair. The receipts amounted to about $30, and will be added to the church building fund.
Jail.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 2, 1877.
BARBER CAUGHT.
Before leaving this place last Tuesday week, Sheriff Walker deputized A. W. Patterson, and offered him a bonus of fifteen dollars if he would capture John Barber, who had escaped from the authorities at Dexter two days before. Mr. Patterson secured the assistance of Constable Gray, and the two started in pursuit. Before going far, they learned he had gone up the Walnut, and immediately followed. After hunting the most of the night, they abandoned the pursuit until next morning.
In the morning Patterson and George Walker found the trail of the criminal and followed it until they came to the house of Robert White, where it stopped. Alighting from the buggy both went into the house and found the man lying in bed asleep, with a Colt’s improved revolver and Bowie knife hanging in their sheaths on the bed post near his head. These were taken possession of by the officers, and a gun and pistol aimed at his head while they took hold of his leg to awaken him. As soon as he opened his eyes, Patterson said to him, “You are my prisoner.” He realized his situation at once, and coolly remarked, “Where are you going to take me?” He was told that he would have to go to Winfield, and he readily assented to it, as his wound needed careful treatment. He told the officers he did not want to go back to Elk County for fear his father and brother would mob him.
In conversation afterwards he told the officers if he had not been wounded, they could not have taken him. In reply to a question of killing the soldiers in Texas, he stated he had heard of it and that it was a man by the same name as his own, but not him. He is now in jail at Winfield, awaiting trial. From all accounts, his father and brother are not as worthy people as they might be, as the father of the culprit, it is said, sent his son to shoot the half brother, saying he had $6,000 to clear him with.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, Winfield, Kansas, May 9th, 1877.
Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners will meet at my office, in the Courthouse in Winfield, on Monday, June 4th, at 10 o’clock, a.m., of said day and proceed to equalize the assessment of property, as required by law. At which time and place all persons feeling aggrieved can appear and have all errors in the returns corrected.
M. G. TROUP, Co. Clerk.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1877. Editorial Page.
The railroad meeting at the Courthouse last Saturday was not so largely attended as it would have been had it not rained so as to prevent persons from remote townships being present.
The result of the meeting was practically the same—unanimity of feeling throughout, a general and determined line of policy agreed upon, a determination to put forth every honest effort to carry the bonds for the east and west proposition and to “nail down the hatchways” on the innumerable lies circulated by the enemies of the same.
A wordy little war between a Winfield and an Arkansas City divine, culminating in an unconditional surrender of the latter, helped to enliven the occasion.
The resolution, as published in the report of the proceedings, was offered by W. W. Limbocker, one of the sterling, thorough-going, hard-working farmers of which Winfield Township and Cowley County is justly proud. These are not only his sentiments, but those of a majority of the toiling, thinking men of this “province.”
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1877. Editorial Page.
SATURDAY’S RAILROAD MEETING.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, May 12, 1877.
At a railroad meeting of the citizens of Cowley County, held at the Courthouse, in Winfield, on motion Reuben Boothe was elected chairman and C. M. Wood secretary. By request E. C. Manning stated the objects of the meeting and then read a lengthy letter from the president of the Parsons railroad company, explaining his absence from the meeting and assuring the people of Cowley that the road would be built if the aid was voted. Mr. Manning further gave a full detail of the necessity, the probability, and the prospect of a railroad through the county from the east. Amos Walton, of Arkansas City, was called upon but failed to respond. Rev. Mr. Rusbridge then spoke in favor of the east and west proposition for railroad, and also exposed the attempted perpetration of frauds in opposition to the E. & M. R. R. Rev. Mr. Fleming of Arkansas City made a few remarks in explanation of his position on narrow gauge R. R. Mr. Mitchell, of Ark. City, was called upon and responded with remarks in favor of north and south railroad. Mr. Hackney, of Winfield, was called upon and spoke in favor of the east and west railroad. Mr. C. M. Wood, J. B. Evans, E. P. Young, and others, spoke on the subject.
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That we, the citizens of Cowley County, have full confidence in the Memphis, Parsons & Ellsworth R. R. Western Branch, project and that we will support it at the forthcoming election.
On motion the meeting adjourned. REUBEN BOOTH, Chairman.
C. M. WOOD, Secretary.
County Jail.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.
DISTRICT COURT in Cowley County adjourned last Thursday evening. Barber was sentenced to six months in the county jail for attempting to commit rape on his half sister.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1877.
Have you seen the new window blinds in the offices at the Courthouse?
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1877.
The ice cream festival given by the ladies of the M. E. Church Society, at the Courthouse on last Friday evening was the most enjoyable entertainment we have attended this season.
Receipts about $25.
Winfield Jail.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1877.
On Tuesday the Sheriff of Sumner County arrested at Arkansas City, this county, on a requisition from the Governor of Iowa, one John O. Fieldkirchner, of State Center, Marshal County, Iowa, and lodged him in the Winfield jail to await further orders. The young man is charged with seduction, which under the laws of the State of Iowa is very severely punished. Telegram.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1877.
Tardy Justice.
EDITOR COURIER: On the evening of May 4th the Ladies’ Mutual Improvement Society, of Winfield, gave a public entertainment, but which, through some combination of circumstances the town papers have failed to notice. Of course the editors are too gallant to neglect, intentionally, such a treat as was on that evening given to the fine audience assembled in the Courthouse. Is it too late to do even tardy justice to this event? Really it was an event that deserves more than a passing notice, for it proved the existence of a society in our city whose aim is the cultivation of the social and intellectual faculties of its members. Can any society have a higher or a nobler purpose?
The salutatory, by Mrs. John D. Pryor, was pronounced admirable and sensible by all who have spoken of it. The quotation of poems from female poets was a brilliant selection of choice thoughts. The essay of Mrs. Tony Boyle, “Waiting,” was most excellent in style and brim full of fine ideas. The reading by Miss Wickersham, Misses Alice and Nellie Aldrich, were quite creditable in manner as well as matter. In the dialogue, “The Country Cousin,” Miss Kate Millington demonstrated her ability to “shine” in the kitchen not less than in the parlor. Mrs. Doctor Mansfield’s wax works formed a collection of beauty, grace, wit, worth, and genius rarely found in one assemblage, and to be justly appreciated, ought to be seen. The hen song was original, unique, mysterious. Only the most cultivated taste and the most refined ear could appreciate its beauties. The baby song, a quotation from Bitter Sweet, was lovely in conception and as lovely in execution. The exercises were interspersed with solos, duets, and quartettes, beautiful in thought and expression. The closing solo, by Miss Gowen, was one of the finest songs of the evening.
Truly may our citizens feel proud of this society, and may we all rejoice when again it will open its doors to a similar entertainment.
Courthouse Hall.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1877.
The Closing Exercises
of the Winfield public schools came off Friday afternoon of last week under the direction of Geo. W. Robinson, principal. The four schools united in giving an entertainment in the Courthouse hall. These exercises consisted of songs, declamations, essays, dialogues, and a paper. Jay Bryan, in a well delivered declamation, told us why a dog’s nose is always cold, and Samuel Aldrich rendered the “Wedding of Whitinsville” quite well. Three little girls, Ada Rushbridge, Minnie Andrews, and Nellie Plank gave a dialogue teaching the true source of pleasure, and Minnie Quarles and Anna Hunt illustrated the difference between the “good old times” and the present degenerate age. Frank Robinson came to the rescue of the much-abused grandmothers, while George Black advised us to “smile” whenever we can. Berkey Bartlett gave a good rendition of “The Sculptor Boy,” and Johnny Howland told us how well we look “sitting around.”
The essays by Misses Robertson, Nauman, and Winslow, were well read, and showed that this important branch of education has not been neglected by our teachers.
Lady Clare, by Miss Lizzie Kinne; Maud Muller, by Miss Laura McMillen; and The Ballad Carnilhan, by Miss Eugene Holmes, were recitations of some length and much merit.
The opening song was a good selection, and was well rendered. The quartette, Beautiful Rain, sung by Misses Jennie Hane, Lutie Newman, Eugene Holmes, and Jennie Lowry, was finely executed and highly appreciated by the audience.
The exercises altogether were quite pleasant, and scholars and teachers deserve praise for the labors which ended in this afternoon entertainment.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1877.
On last Saturday night a horse was stolen from C. W. Wooden, living about two miles south of town. Mr. Will Johnson, who has been working in this city since last winter, is the supposed thief. On last Friday evening he visited Mr. Wooden and was looking at his horse, which was lariated some distance from the house. On leaving he told Mr. Wooden he was going to his former home in Texas. He was seen on Saturday afternoon lying on the prairie, with his own pony lariated, but on Sunday was not to be found and Mr. Wooden’s horse was missing. Geo. Walker, the deputy sheriff, was at once notified, who immediately started in pursuit. He hunted over the prairie to the Arkansas River, until he found the thief’s trail, which he followed to Wichita, arriving at that place about 5 o’clock in the evening on Monday. Within twenty minutes after his arrival, Mr. Johnson was under arrest. He was lodged in jail in this city yesterday afternoon.
Courthouse in El Dorado.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 4, 1877.
PROF. HOYT is organizing a class in gymnastic performances. The courthouse is the place where they exercise themselves. The professor is quite an expert at the various tricks on the horizontal bar, tumbling, etc., having been connected at various times with traveling exhibitions. He is as good as any of them. Eldorado Press.
You can bet your last nickel on our “Buffalo Joe.” He gave lessons to the circus performers here two years ago.
Excerpts from long article...
Jail.
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877.
County Commissioners’ Proceedings.
D. F. Long, jail repairs, $3.00
Courthouse Insurance.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1877.
Two different companies, in which the Courthouse has been insured, have failed and the county has lost the insurance money. T. K. Johnston was the agent who wrote up the policies.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877. Editorial. E. C. Manning, Editor.
REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
The Republican voters of Cowley County are hereby notified that there will be a delegate convention of Republicans to be held at the Courthouse in the city of Winfield on Saturday, Sept. 22nd, 1877, at 11 o’clock A.M., for the purpose of nominating one Sheriff, one County Clerk, one Register of Deeds, one Treasurer, one County Surveyor, one Coroner.
Also one Commissioner each for districts No. 1, 2, and 3, to be nominated by the delegates from their respective districts.
The following is the representation each township is entitled to in the convention as fixed by the Central Committee, at their meeting Aug. 4th, 1877.
Beaver, Cedar, Harvey, Liberty, Maple, Ninnescah, Omnia, Otter, Pleasant Valley, Silver Creek, Sheridan, Spring Creek, Silverdale, Tisdale, two delegates.
Bolton, Dexter, Rock Creek, Richland, Vernon, Windsor, three delegates.
Creswell, four delegates.
Winfield, six delegates.
It is recommended by the committee that the primary meetings for the election of delegates be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 1877, at 2 o’clock p.m., at the usual place of voting in each township, except in townships where there are two voting precincts, in which case the place of meeting may be designated by the Chairman of the Township Committee, except further that in Winfield and Creswell townships said primaries will be held at 1 o’clock p.m.
CHAS. H. EAGIN, Secretary.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.
Prof. L. B. Kellogg, of Emporia, will address the teachers and citizens Friday evening at the Courthouse on “Education for the People.” Free to all. Give him a house full.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.
REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
The Republican voters of Cowley County are hereby notified that there will be a delegate convention of the Republican party to be held at the Courthouse, in the city of Winfield, on Saturday, September 22nd, 1877, at 11 o’clock, a.m., for the purpose of nominating the following officers:
One Sheriff, one County Clerk, one Register of Deeds, one Treasurer, one County Surveyor, one Coroner.
Also one Commissioner each for districts 1, 2, and 3, to be nominated by the delegates from their respective districts.
The following is the Representation each township is entitled to in the convention, as fixed by the Central Committee at their meeting Aug. 4th, 1877.
Beaver, Cedar, Harvey, Liberty, Maple, Ninnescah, Omnia, Otter, Pleasant Valley, Silver Creek, Sheridan, Spring Creek, Silverdale, Tisdale, two delegates each.
Bolton, Dexter, Rock Creek, Richland, Vernon, Windsor, three delegates each.
Creswell, four delegates.
Winfield, six delegates.
Total, 56.
It is ordered by the Committee that the primary meetings for the election of delegates be held on Saturday, Sept. 15th, 1877, at 2 o’clock p.m., at the usual places of voting, in each township, except in townships where there are two precincts, in which case the place of meeting shall be designated by the Chairman of the township committee, except further that in Winfield and Creswell townships, said primaries will be held at 1 o’clock p.m.
Let every Republican voter in the county be present at the primary meetings at the hours above designated, in order that a fair and impartial representation may be had in the convention.
By order of the Republican Central Committee. T. K. JOHNSTON, Chairman.
NOTE: IN THE PREVIOUS ISSUE, COURIER PRINTED ELECTION NOTICE BY CHAS. H. EAGIN, SECRETARY...IT WAS REPEATED IN THIS ISSUE...THE NOTICE GIVEN BY EAGIN AND JOHNSTON WERE MORE OR LESS IDENTICAL EXCEPT EAGIN SAID “It is recommended by the committee that the primary meetings for the election of delegates be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 1877, etc.,” WHEREAS JOHNSTON SAID “It is ordered by the committee, etc.,” and added final paragraph: “Let every Republican voter in the county be present at the primary meetings at the hours above designated, in order that a fair and impartial representation may be had in the convention,” followed by the line “By order of the Republican Central Committee.”
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.
Mr. D. A. Millington will lecture before the teachers and citizens at the Courthouse on Friday evening next. Subject: Prairie and Forest Fires.
County Jail.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1877.
HORSE THIEF CAUGHT.
On Friday night of last week, W. L. Han, living on Grouse Creek, fourteen miles from the mouth, brought into this place one Thomas Conkhite, whom he had pursued and arrested for stealing a dark bay horse from his herd. The horse was taken by Conkhite while the owner was at dinner, and ridden to South Haven, where his father lives. As soon as Mr. Han found his horse missing, he followed the thief, and came upon him on the prairie near South Haven. When Conkhite saw Han, he started his horse on a run. Han rode the best horse, and soon came within shooting distance, and fired two shots. Conkhite then threw up his hands and cried: “I’ll surrender; for God’s sake, don’t shoot me!” He was then brought into town and tried before Judge Christian, who bound him over in the sum of $300 and gave him in charge of Wm. Gray, the city marshal. Mr. Gray handcuffed him and kept him until three o’clock in the morning, when he deputized Mr. Han to watch him until daylight. Mr. Han went to sleep, and the prisoner ran to the Arkansas River, got on the ferry boat, and took it across. Just as he landed, he met a man with a team, whom he asked to cut off the handcuffs. The man worked at them awhile, and then drove on to town and told of the occurrence. Several persons started in pursuit, but could not find him. Before long he went to John Linton’s house in Bolton Township, and told him he had escaped from the officer in town, where he had been arrested for being drunk. Mr. Linton told him if that was the case, he guessed he would take charge of him, and brought him back. Mr. Linton’s courage is commendable, especially so since he has to use a crutch, to get along. After the arrival of Conkhite, he was taken to Winfield, and confined in the county jail to await his trial.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.
Mrs. W. D. Russell’s troup of vocalists will give a concert at the Courthouse in Winfield on the evening of Sept. 8th.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
RAILROAD MEETINGS.
Meetings will be held at the following places for the purpose of discussing the proposition to vote $120,000 in bonds to the Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railway Co., as follows:
Thomasville schoolhouse in Beaver tp., Monday, Sept. 10th, at 7 p.m.
Brane’s schoolhouse, Pleasant Valley tp., Tuesday, 11th, at 7 p.m.
Park’s schoolhouse in Silverdale tp., Wednesday, 12th, at 7 p.m.
Dexter schoolhouse, Thursday, 13th, at 7 p.m.
Coburn’s schoolhouse, in Silverdale township, Friday 14th, at 7 p.m.
Maple City, Saturday, 15th, at 7 p.m.
Patton’s, in Cedar tp., Monday 17th, at 7 p.m.
Darien schoolhouse, Rock tp., Monday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.
Floral schoolhouse, Rock tp., Monday, Sept. 10, 7 p.m.
Lazette, Wednesday, Sept. 12th, at 7 p.m.
Tisdale, Thursday, Sept. 13th, at 7 p.m.
Worden schoolhouse, Vernon tp., Friday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m.
Schoolhouse near the line between Ninnescah and Maple townships, Saturday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m.
Courthouse at Winfield, Monday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.
Everybody invited to be present. Don’t fail to attend to this, the most important of all matters relating to your welfare.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
Concert at the Courthouse Saturday evening.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 13, 1877.
The Hon. E. P. Bancroft, of Emporia, and other speakers, will address the voters of Cowley County on the subject of railroads as follows: Thursday evening, Sept. 13th, at the Tisdale schoolhouse, Tisdale; Friday evening, Sept. 14th, at the Worden schoolhouse, Vernon; Saturday evening, Sept. 15th, at the schoolhouse near the line between Maple and Ninnescah townships, Monday evening, Sept. 17th, at the Courthouse in Winfield.
Jail.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 19, 1877.
An attempt is now being made to pardon John W. Barber, who was sentenced to jail last May for assault with intent to rape. The punishment of criminals in many instances often proves a mere farce.
Jail.
Winfield Courier, September 13, 1877.
Notice of Application for Pardon.
Notice is hereby given that on the 27th day of September, 1877, the undersigned will apply to the Governor of the State of Kansas for the pardon of one John W. Barber, now confined in the jail of Cowley County, Kansas, having been convicted at the May term, 1877, of the district court of said county, of the offense of assault with intent to rape.
LELAND J. WEBB, Attorney for John W. Barber.
Winfield, Kansas, Sept. 6, 1877.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
JOHN W. BARBER gives notice in another column that on the 27th inst. he will make application for a pardon. We are surprised at his doing this. He is the guest of the county and is as highly honored in Winfield as Gen. Grant is in Europe. Some months ago the mayor presented him with “the freedom of the city.”
Notice of Application for Pardon.
Notice is hereby given that on the 27th day of September, 1877, the undersigned will apply to the Governor of the State of Kansas for the pardon of one John W. Barber, now confined in the jail of Cowley County, Kansas, having been convicted at the May term, 1877, of the district court of said county, of the offense of assault with intent to rape.
LELAND J. WEBB, Attorney for John W. Barber.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Republican Convention.
The following persons are elected delegates to the Republican convention at the Courthouse next Saturday.
Beaver. M. Teter, A. B. Littell.
Bolton. Hawkins, Buzzi.
Cedar. Wiley, W. A. Metcalf.
Creswell. A. A. Chamberlain, R. A. Houghton, T. E. Mantor, Dr. Cormack, Mantor.
Dexter. J. F. Hardin, Wallace Creagor.
Harvey. Martin Barber, Robt. Strother.
Liberty. J. H. Mounts, Henry Collier.
Maple. H. H. Siverd, W. B. Norman.
Ninnescah. Dr. Keffer, Leonard Stout.
Omnia. W. H. Gilliard, E. Henthorn.
Otter. J. J. Smith, Hiram Utt.
Pleasant Valley. T. J. Harris, Chas. Seacat
Richland. Daniel Maher, Samuel Groom, John R. Thompson.
Rock. Chas. Eagin, W. J. Funk, Geo. H. Williams.
Silver Creek. Wm. May, Harvey Smith.
Silverdale. B. French, B. W. Herbert.
Sheridan. H. Treadway.
Spring Creek. Wiley.
Tisdale. J. S. Baker, O. P. West.
Vernon. F. W. Schwantes, P. M. Waite, C. S. Smith.
Windsor. M. Jackson, J. Reynolds, Geo. Lee.
Winfield. Jno. E. Allen, H. L. Barker, W. P. Hackney, N. M. Chaffee, L. J. Webb, and Sampson Johnson.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Rev. J. C. Hill, of Adrian, Michigan, will deliver a lecture, interspersed with reading, at the courthouse on tomorrow (Friday) evening. The proceeds to be applied for the benefit of the new Presbyterian church. Admittance 25 cents. Mr. Hill is highly recommended as an orator and humorist, and has made his name quite famous in Michigan.
Courthouse.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
THE CONVENTION.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Sept. 22, 1877.
Pursuant to the call of the Republican County Central Committee, of Cowley County, the delegates assembled in convention at the courthouse, in the city of Winfield, on Saturday, Sept. 22, 1877, at 11 o’clock a.m.
The convention was called to order by T. K. Johnston, Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee.
On motion Albert Chamberlain of Creswell Township, was chosen temporary chairman, and Chas. H. Eagin, of Rock Township, temporary secretary.
On motion the following committees were appointed by the chairman: Committee on permanent organization, C. A. Metcalf, A. A. Wiley, Robt. Strother, C. S. Smith, and H. L. Barker.
Committee on credentials, W. P. Hackney, H. H. Siverd, James Utt, G. W. Herbert, and Daniel Maher.
On motion convention adjourned to meet at half past 1 o’clock.
A. CHAMBERLAIN, Temporary Chairman.
CHAS. EAGIN, Temporary Secretary.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Convention called to order by the chairman.
The committee on credenti
