J. M. Dever

                                    RAN GROCERY STORE AND BAKERY.
                                                              WINFIELD.
Winfield 1878: J. M. Dever, 48; spouse, E., 44.
Winfield 1880: J. M. Dever, 50; spouse, E., 46.
Winfield 1880: R. W. Dever, 22. No spouse.
Note: 1880 Winfield Directory showed “E. Baker” as owner. She was the spouse of J. M. Dever.
Winfield Directory 1880.
DEVER, E., Star Bakery and Confectionery, Main corner 10th avenue;
r., Millington corner 10th avenue.
Dever, Wilber, bookkeeper, M. L. Read’s Bank, r. 10th avenue s. w. corner Millington.
Record, O. S., baker, E. Dever.
Ring, Jno., baker, E. Dever.
Samson, C. C., clerk, E. Dever, boards same.
Steele, T. J., head baker, E. Dever, boards American House.
BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERS.
DEVER, E., Main, corner 11th avenue.
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
J. M. Dever becomes a partner with J. C. Weathers in grocery and provision store in Winfield. [J. C. Weathers later became a cattleman.]
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
J. M. Dever has purchased an interest in the Grocery and Provision store of Weathers & Bro. Mr. Dever is one of our oldest and most trusted citizens. A man of strict integrity and upright manly principles. And those doing business with the firm of Weathers & Co. can safely rely on being fairly dealt with.
NOTICE. All persons knowing themselves indebted to the late firm of Weathers & Bro., will save cost by calling at the store of J. C. Weathers & Co., and settling up.
J. C. WEATHERS.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
The ladies of the M. E. Church will give a social at the residence of J. M. Dever Wednesday evening, March 11th. Tableaux and refreshments given.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.

Rev. Mr. McQuiston, the newly appointed Methodist minister of this city, had one of his horses stolen from his stable last Tuesday night. Between nine and ten o’clock in the evening, Mr. McQuiston heard the neighing of a horse and upon going out, found a horse with a lariat and stake attached, wandering around near his stable. Thinking that it was a neighbor’s horse which had broken loose, he caught the animal and fastened it to the fence and then informed Mr. Dever that he thought his horse had broken loose and that he had fastened it to the fence. After an exami­nation Mr. Dever reported that his horses were safe, and when Mr. McQuiston went to look after the horse he had caught, the animal was nowhere to be found. It is supposed that the horse which was found loose belonged to the thieves, and that it was at this time the horse was stolen. Mr. McQuiston has offered fifty dollars reward for the return of the horse and thief or thirty dollars for the horse.
[J. C. WEATHERS & CO.]
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
The advertisement of J. C. Weathers & Co., which will be found elsewhere in this issue, will inform our readers where they can purchase their groceries, queensware, etc., cheap and at the same time be sure of getting a good article. Both members of the firm are well known to most of our citizens and need no recommen­dation from us.
AD: J. C. WEATHERS, J. M. DEVER, J. C. WEATHERS & CO.
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in GROCERIES, QUEENSWARE, GLASSWARE, STONEWARE, LAMP-CHIMNEYS, LAMPS, COAL-OIL, FISH, SALT, etc., AT THE BLUE FRONT ON SOUTH MAIN STREET, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Weathers & Dever take over I. F. Newland’s place in Old Log Store building...
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.
Weathers & Dever have moved their stock of groceries and provisions from their old stand into the old log store building, in place of Newland, who closed out at auction. Mr. Weathers and Mr. Dever are both too well known to require any recommendation from us, and we have no doubt they will do good business in their new location.
[WINFIELD LADIES AID SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1874.
MORE RELIEF. The Ladies Organize. A large meeting of ladies was held at the residence of Mr. C. A. Bliss today to organize a society for the relief of the poor. Mrs. Huston presided and Mrs. Rigby acted as secretary. The society was permanently organized with Mrs. C. A. Bliss as President and Mrs. N. L. Rigby, Secretary. They called it the “Winfield Ladies Aid Society.”
The city was divided into four wards, thus, all the territo­ry lying east of Main street and south of 9th Avenue, to consti­tute the 1st ward; East of Main street and north of 9th Avenue, the 2nd; west of Main street and north of 9th Avenue, the 3rd; and the remainder, the 4th ward. Committees to solicit aid, and hunt up the needy, were appointed as follows: for the first ward, Mrs. Dever, Mrs. Ferguson, Mrs. Platter, and Mrs. Robinson. For the second: Mrs. McClelland, Mrs. McMasters, and Mrs. McRaw. For the third, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Kelly, and Mrs. Mullen. For the fourth, Mrs. Dr. Black, Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. Flint. The Society meets every Friday afternoon, at the house of Mr. Bliss.
Students: Charley Deaver, Robert Dever, Maggie Dever...
[OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS: TEACHERS REPORT.]
Winfield Courier, February 4, 1875.
A report was given relative to pupils attending grammar and intermediate departments of Winfield schools by W. C. Robinson. “The efficiency of our schools is much hindered by tardiness and irregular attendance. Parents will oblige us by aiding in overcoming this difficulty.” Students in different departments were listed.
Intermediate Department. Charley Dever.
Grammar Department. Robert Dever; Maggie Dever.
W. C. ROBINSON, MISS S. E. ALDRICH.
Winfield Courier, February 11, 1875.

J. C. Weathers & Co. have closed up.
[WINFIELD CITY ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, April 8, 1875.
At the city election held here last Monday, the following city officers were elected.
Mayor: D. A. Millington.
Police Judge: W. M. Boyer.
Councilmen: Charles C. Black, James M. Dever, Jonathan Newman, N. H. Powers, and M. G. Troup.
The contest was very close, there being a tie for Mayor, which was decided by lot for Millington.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1875.
The City Council met at the office of Curns & Manser, April 12th, 1875, at 7½  o’clock, in pursuance of a call. Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; Jonathan Newman, James M. Dever, M. G. Troup, Chas. C. Black, Councilmen; J. W. Curns, City Clerk.
The call was read as follows:
STATE OF KANSAS, County of Cowley, City of Winfield,
To D. A. Millington, Mayor of the City of Winfield, greeting:
The undersigned members of the Council of said city would respectfully request that you call a special meeting of the Council of said city to be held on Monday, the 12th day of April, 1875, at 7½ o’clock, p.m., at the office of Curns & Manser, in said city, for the object and purpose of prescribing, by Ordi­nance, the times for holding the regular meetings of the Council of said city.
Councilmen, JONATHAN NEWMAN, JAMES M. DEVER, CHARLES C. BLACK.
In pursuance of the above request, I hereby call a meeting of the Council of the said city of Winfield, to be held at the time and place, and for the object and purpose in said request specified. D. A. MILLINGTON, Mayor of the City of Winfield.
Ordinance No. 50, fixing the times of holding the regular meetings of the Council was read, and on motion adopted by section as read.
The vote on the final passage of said Ordinance resulted as follows: Yeas—Chas. C. Black, Jonathan Newman, James M. Dever, M. G. Troup—total 4. Nays—none.
On motion Council adjourned. J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 22, 1875.
                                                           April 19th, 1875.
The Council met at Curns & Manser’s office at the usual hour. Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, C. C. Black, James M. Dever, Councilmen.
The minutes of the called meeting of April 12th were read and approved. M. G. Troup was placed in nomination and duly elected as president of the Council for the ensuing year.
It was moved and carried that the Mayor be empowered to appoint a finance committee for the ensuing year. M. G. Troup, C. C. Black, and James M. Dever were appointed as said finance committee.

It was moved and seconded that the council agree to pay four dollars per month for the use of the upper room of the building situate on lot 6, in block 102, from this date until April 1st, 1876, to be used as a council room. Motion carried.
The following bills were presented and referred to the finance committee and reported favorably thereon and allowed.
Bill of J. M. Reed, clerk of election: $2.00
Bill of John Austin, removing dead dogs: $.50
An ordinance to provide for the appointment of a Clerk, Treasurer, Marshal, and City Attorney for the city of Winfield, and defining the duties and pay of the same, and providing for bonds of city officers was presented and read. On motion said ordinance was referred to a committee of the whole.
J. C. Fuller filed his consent and petition as the occupying resident owner of out lots No. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, in said city, and of the territory adjacent thereto on the east, and outside of the city, to have added from said adjacent territory to the city so much land as will make said out lots 150 feet wide east and west, and make the eastern limit of said city 150 feet east of the east line of Andrews street, in said city.
An ordinance in relation to extending the city limits on the east was presented and read. On motion said ordinance was duly adopted by sections. The vote on the final passage of said ordinance was as follows:
Yeas—M. G. Troup, C. C. Black, James M. Dever. Nays—none.
On motion the ordinance in relation to liquor license and the subject of general license was referred to a committee of the whole.
On motion adjourned to meet Monday, April 26th, 1875, at 7½ o’clock p.m.
J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1875.
The Council met at Council room, April 26th, 1875. A quorum being present, and there being no fire in said room, on motion adjourned to meet immediately at the office of Curns & Manser.
The Council met at the office of Curns & Manser in pursuance of adjournment.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; J. M. Dever, M. G. Troup, C. C. Black, N. M. Powers, Councilmen; J. W. Curns, Clerk.
The minutes of last meeting were read and approved.
It was moved and carried that the City Clerk be authorized to procure a warrant record for this city.
Joseph Likowski and Reinhardt Ehret made application by petition for a dram shop license. Said petitions were read and on motion were referred to a special committee of three, appoint­ed by the Mayor, to report on said petition to this Council at an adjourned meeting to be held on Friday evening next. J. M. Dever, M. G. Troup, and N. M. Powers were appointed on said committee.
W. M. Allison presented a bill of $4.60 for printing; Z. T. Swigart presented a bill of $40.00 for marshal; John Austin presented a bill of $1.50 for removing dead dogs; all of which were referred to the finance committee.

It was moved and seconded that the Council go into the committee of the whole to consider the Ordinances in relation to license. A motion was made to amend by inserting the words “with the Mayor in the chair,” which carried. The question recurring on the original motion with the amendment was carried.
After duly considering the subject of licenses, the commit­tee prepared an Ordinance in relation to the sale of intoxicating liquors, and one in relation to the appointment, duties, and pay of city officers, which were recommended for passage by the committee.
On motion the committee arose from a committee of the whole, and the Council proceeded to pass on an Ordinance in relation to the sale of intoxicating liquors. On motion said Ordinance was read and duly passed by sections. The vote on the final passage resulted as follows: Yeas—J. M. Dever, M. G. Troup, N. M. Powers, C. C. Black. Nays—none.
On motion adjourned to meet Friday evening next. J. W. CURNS, City Clerk.
Council met May 3rd. Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; N. M. Powers, M. G. Troup, C. C. Black, and J. M. Dever, Council­men. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
An ordinance to provide for the appointment of a clerk, treasurer, marshal, and city attorney, and defining the duties and pay of the same, was read and duly passed. The vote on the final passage was as follows: Yeas, Dever, Black, Powers, Troup. Nays, none.
An ordinance in relation to riding or driving upon side­walks, was read and duly passed. Vote on final passage as follows: Yeas—Dever, Troup, Black, Powers. Nays—none.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
Fred Hunt is clerking at Black’s. Wilber Dever at Green’s. Robert Deming at Myton’s, and Billy Hudson at Yerger’s. That’s right, boys; stick to it and it will make men of you. A. T. Stewart and old man Vanderbilt used to be clerks.
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
James Dever has returned from a four weeks trip to Kansas City and the Northeast.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
City Council met pursuant to adjournment Thursday, September 9th, 1875.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, J. M. Dever, C. C. Black, and W. M. Powers, councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
Cowley County District Court. The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the September term of the District Court, to be holden on and from the 27th, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.
CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY. Fred E. Waldron vs. J. M. Dever, et al.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1875.
City Council met November 11th, 1875, at 7 o’clock P.M.
Present: N. M. Powers, J. M. Dever, C. C. Black, Council­men, and B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
There being no quorum present, adjournment to meet on Monday, November 22nd, at 7½ P.M.

The Council would like all the businessmen and citizens generally to meet with them at that time as they think of provid­ing fire apparatus of some kind, and making a special levy to raise money for that purpose, and asks an expression of the tax-payers before it is done. Come out, one and all! B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
Maggie Dever...
[WINFIELD MUSICAL ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, December 9, 1875.
The Concert. 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.
Next item indicates that J. M. Dever was selling Notions...
[COURIER PATRONS.]
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
Our “Courier” Patrons. In beginning the “Centennial year,” with an enterprise like the one we have engaged in this week, it is but right and proper that we make honorable mention of the men who, by giving us their patronage, have greatly helped us in the “financial” part there­of.
DEVER, J. M., is one of the aborigines, as it were; is always ready to help in any public enterprise. When you want anything in the Notion line, call on him and he’ll call on you.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1876.
City Council met in regular session, March 6th, 1876.
Present: M. G. Troup, President of Council; C. C. Black, N. M. Powers, J. M. Dever, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The finance committee asked for, and was allowed, more time to report on the cancellation of city warrants.
Mrs. Dever...
[CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.

THE SISTERHOOD OF STATES, agreeable to a suggestion of ours made a few weeks ago, was represented by about fifty ladies on horse-back. This, without doubt, was the most interesting and attractive part of the procession. The ladies, be it said to their credit, without a single exception, rode well, although several of them had not been in a saddle more than once or twice for years. They managed their steeds with an easy grace, entirely surprising to that male portion of the lookers on, who, so vainly imagine that they alone can sit and guide a horse correctly.
The States and Territories appeared in the order of their admission into the Union. The “original thirteen” led off. Mrs. Dever represented Pennsylvania.
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1876.
MR. DEVER has quit traveling with his peddling wagon.
Wilber Dever...
[EVENING STAR CLUB.]
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1876.
Balloting was had on the following candidates, resulting in their election to full membership: J. Wade McDonald, James Hill, Bert Crapster, Wilber Dever, O. M. Seward, Fred Hunt, and Chas. Harter. The Club met last evening but we have not learned what additional business it transacted. We wish the association unlimited success, in its hitherto unoccupied field.
Miss Maggie Dever...
[PHILOMATIC SOCIETY OF WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.
Programme of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, March 16th, 1877.
Weekly Paper, Misses Dever and Levering.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1877.
On last Friday evening the weekly entertainment of the Winfield Philomatic society was as usual, good. The exercises consisted of instrumental and vocal music, essays, debates, the weekly paper, and answers to scientific and historical questions. The instrumental music, which was furnished by Prof. John Easton’s string band, was good. The Philomatic Weekly Journal was edited by Misses Dever and Levering in an able and fearless manner. It was brim full of wit and humor and good, sound sense. The debate upon the subject of “Whatever is, is right,” was conducted in an able manner. The final decision was in favor of  the negative. We hope the society will in the future as in the past meet with success.
[PHILOMATIC SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
Programme of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, April 13, 1877.
Weekly paper, Miss Maggie Dever and Dr. Hare.
J. M. Dever puts his stock of notions into building formerly used by S. Tarrant as a restaurant on east side of Main Street, Winfield...
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1877.
Mr. J. M. Dever informs us that he will in a few days put a large stock of notions into the storeroom formerly occupied by Mr. S. Tarrant’s restaurant. We wish him success in his new enterprise.
Wilber Dever...
Winfield Courier, June 21, 1877.

Mr. Wilber Dever, who has for something over two years been dealing out quinine and other drugs at Green’s drug store, is rusticating for a week or so. Wilber has been in the drug business for more than three years and is a good druggist.
J. M. Dever starts “Star Bakery” in building formerly used by S. Tarrant...
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
See J. M. Dever’s card, Star Bakery. He has a first class baker and candy maker, and his customers are well pleased with his wares.
STAR BAKERY. JAMES M. DEVER.
At Tarrant’s old stand. Will supply you with Bread, Pastry, Fruit, and Confectioneries at low prices. He has a No. 1 baker. Call and see. Fresh made Candies.
Wilber Dever...
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.
Wilber Dever is one of the boys that will never curry favor from any man. Since he got kicked out of the stable while currying his horse, he is afraid to curry anything.
Wilber Dever, Maggie J. Dever...
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
Winfield Socially. The coming winter bids fair to be the most pleasant, socially, that Winfieldians have ever experienced. Many changes have taken place in the circle of young folks since the good old frontier days. New and attractive young ladies and gentlemen have settled amongst us, giving to Winfield an air of city life and gaiety when they meet “in convention assembled.” The recent Thanksgiving ball was followed so closely by Miss Kate Millington’s “dancing party,” and both so largely attended, that the indications are that those “who look for pleasure can hope to find it here” this winter. The last mentioned party, to use a stereotyped expression, was a “brilliant success.” Probably of all the gay and charming gatherings that have “tripped the fantastic,” etc., in our city, this was the most pleasant. The music was excellent, the refreshments good, and the polite and attentive demeanor of the fair hostess most agreeable.
The following persons were fortunate enough to be present at this party: Judge W. P. Campbell, of Wichita; W. W. Walton, of Topeka; Herman Kiper, of Atchison; Fred C. Hunt, W. C. Walker, Bert Crapster, Ed. P. Greer, Charley Harter, J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. J. Holloway, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Harter, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Earnest, Mr. and Mrs. James Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Thompson, Miss Inez Daniels, S. Suss, Josephine E. Mansfield, G. E. Walker, Mary McGaughy, M. B. Wallis, Fannie Wallis, Wilber Dever, Maggie J. Dever, W. C. Root, Jennie Hahn, W. Gillelen, Mattie Coldwell, J. N. Harter, Carrie Olds, T. C. Copeland, Katie McGaughy, O. M. Seward, Nora Coldwell, Dr. Strong, Amie Bartlett.
Of course, they one and all enjoyed themselves; wished the occasion might be often repeated, and voted (in their minds at least) Miss Kate to be the most “social campaign organizer” in the city.
Charles Dever...
Winfield Courier, December 20, 1877.

M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL. The M. E. Sunday school expect their “ship to come in” Christmas Eve. She will anchor at northeast corner of the M. E. Church. It is said that she will be well laden with beautiful and costly gifts for the children. The seats in front of the landing place will all be free and will no doubt be well filled with happy children expecting an interest in the cargo. The ship will be manned by W. O. Johnson, Joseph Porter, Charles Dever, Frank Robinson, Alvah Graham, Willie Lappin, and Geo. Black, sailors. All expecting friends or gifts on the ship are expected to be at the landing.
S. S. COMMITTEE.
Miss Dever...
Winfield Courier, December 27, 1877.
School Entertainment. On Thursday evening last, one of the largest audiences we have witnessed in this town was entertained in a most enjoyable manner at the M. E. Church by the pupils of our city schools. The entertainment was under the management of Prof. George W. Robinson, assisted by Misses Saint, Wickersham, and Bryant. At an early hour every available seat in the church was occupied by some friend of the school, eagerly waiting for the commencement of the exercises. At about quarter after 7 o’clock the programme was commenced by a piece of music entitled “Home of Rest,” very beautifully rendered by Misses Dever, Hane, Lowry, and Newman. We have not time nor space to make minute mention of each part of the exercises, but will make the sweeping statement that every part was excellent and merited great praise, and will let it suffice by mentioning more particularly a few which greatly impressed us. We considered the concert reading by the Fifth reader class of Miss Emma Saint’s department the best exercise of the evening, in that it showed better than anything else the progress which the pupils are making. It showed great labor and training on the part of the teacher as well as the pupils. The recitation of the “Bridal Wine Cup,” by Miss Lizzie Kinne, was very affecting, and left a deep impression on the minds of the listeners. The “Old Bachelor,” by one of the little boys, tugged hard at the heart-strings of many present. The recitation, “Tom’s Come Home,” by Miss Haidee Trezise, was very affecting. “The Three Lovers,” as read by Miss Inez Daniels, was excellent, and we hope the moral contained therein may be heeded by the young men of our flourishing town. Taken as a whole, the entertainment was a grand success. Great credit is due to our teachers for the manner in which the whole matter was conducted.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
J. M. Dever still runs the bakery which is becoming famous for the best bread in the Southwest.
Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.
J. M. Dever, Winfield’s “boss” baker, brought us a batch of the best Boston brown bread, just baked, for breakfast this bright and beautiful morning. It carried us back to our boyhood’s days and our early New England home.
Miss Dever...
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.

The “Cantata of the Seasons,” under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Kessler, was repeated at the M. E. Church on Wednesday evening of last week with the same eclat which greeted its first appearance. Mrs. Kessler performed exquisitely on the piano, assisted by Mrs. Earnest and Prof. Farringer. The Roberts Bros. furnished string band music of the highest order, while the performance of the vocalists, Mesdames Kelly, Holloway, Buckman, Swain, Earnest; Misses Coldwell, Dever, Stewart, Bryant, Bliss; and Messrs. Roberts, Buckman, Holloway, Holloway, Bliss, Payson, Chamberlain, Harris, Richmond, Root, Evans, and Berkey were very fine indeed. The Cantata company will soon commence to rehearse “Queen Esther” with a view to inaugurate Manning’s Hall, when completed, by the presentation of that beautiful cantata.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
Petition of J. M. Dever et al., in relation to non-residents selling fruits on streets. City attorney ordered to present an ordinance covering the prayer of the petitioners.
Mrs. Dever...
Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.
The ladies of the M. E. church will give a social at the residence of Mrs. Dever on next Friday evening, December 6th, for the benefit of said church. All are cordially invited to attend.
Wilbur and Maggie Dever...
Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.
                                                          Wooden Wedding.
On Friday of last week invitations were issued by Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Holloway to their many friends requesting their company on Monday evening, Dec. 2nd, to assist in celebrating the fifth anniversary of their marriage. Accordingly at the appointed time about 25 couples of our bravest and best assembled at their residence on the corner of 11th Avenue and Wood Street, and proceeded to make merry. The evening was spent in dancing and other amusements which enabled the guests to do justice to the ample refreshments provided by their kind hostess. Mr. and Mrs. Holloway, assisted by Miss W. Thomas, spared no pains to make the evening an enjoyable one. The party broke up at a late hour and all expressed themselves satisfied with their evenings entertainment. Some very pretty, elegant, and useful presents were received (although none were expected) of which the following is a partial list: Carved cigar holder, Geo. and Will Robinson; fancy table for flowers, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Allison; pair brackets, Mrs. Bruner and Mrs. Kate Holloway; brackets and match safe, Wilbur and Maggie Dever; card basket, Mr. and Mrs. Buckman; wooden sugar scoops, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson; moulding board and match safe, Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Randall; wooden jewelry, Miss Minnie Bacon; spool box, J. F. Holloway; jumping jack, Justin Porter; tooth pick, O. M. Seward; child’s rocking chair, Mr. John Moffitt; large rocking chair, Messrs. Speed, Clisbee, Harris, Seward, Suss, Root, and Baldwin. Mr. Holloway presented his wife with a handsome eight day clock and she returned the compliment by presenting him with an elegant clock shelf.
Maggie Dever...
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
MANNING’S OPERA HOUSE.
Opening Benefit.
The citizens of Winfield and vicinity purpose giving an entertainment benefit on Tuesday Evening, Dec. 17, 1878, at Manning’s Opera House, to show their appreciation of the enterprise of a citizen who has erected a magnificent hall in our city.

VOCAL MUSIC: PROF. C. FARRINGER, MRS. JOHN SWAIN, G. H. BUCKMAN, MISS JENNY HANE, MISS MAGGIE DEVER.
Winfield Courier, December 19, 1878.
Pure apple cider at Dever’s Star Bakery.
Winfield Courier, December 19, 1878.
Candy toys at Dever’s Star Bakery.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
Listed as a Courier Advertiser:
DEVER, J. M., is the popular baker of Winfield. He has a way of making everything which he turns out, a little better than is obtained elsewhere. He also keeps fruits and confectioneries.
Wilber Dever...
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
[This issue listed Courier advertisers.]
READ’S BANK. This is one of the institutions of Winfield. The bank occupies a large and fine brick building, keeps its funds in an enormous fire-proof safe, with burglar proof chest combina­tion, and a time lock, and all modern safeguards. M. L. Read, the president, is a gentleman of character and abundant means. He owns a large amount of valuable real estate in this city and county, and is reputed one of the wealthiest men in the state. M. L. Robinson, the cashier, is one of the ablest financiers in the county, and under his skillful direction, success is sure. W. C. Robinson, his assistant, is an assistant indeed. Wilber Dever writes up the books. Each member of the force is a gentle­man by instinct and habit.
Patterson & Son, Architects, Builders: Office in Dever’s Bakery...
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
PATTERSON & SON. ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS. Office on Main Street, in Dever’s Bakery.
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1879.
A large stock of confectionery, just received, at Dever’s Star Bakery.
[WINFIELD BUSINESS FIRMS.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
The following is a list of the principal business firms of Winfield.
                                          BAKERIES AND RESTAURANTS.
J. C. Walters; J. M. Dever; Jas. Douglas & Co.; A. A. Jackson.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.
Mr. Dever has been making some changes in the Star Bakery, and it now presents a very attractive appearance. Mr. Dever knows how to run a first-class bakery, to which his many custom­ers can testify.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1879.
Mr. Dever seems determined to make the Star bakery first class in every respect. He has made several changes and addi­tions, and has a baker that can make anything, from a “Lincoln pie” to a high-toned wedding cake.
Dever moves to Tenth Avenue...
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1879.

Mr. Dever has moved into his new bakery on Tenth avenue. His increasing trade has long demanded more commodious quarters, and hastened the construction of the present building. It is filled with improved ovens, and is modern in all its features.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
Mr. Dever is removing the Star Bakery to the corner next to Horning’s old stand.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.
Mr. Dever has removed his Star Bakery to the corner south of the Williams House. The bakery has lost none of its popularity by the change, and still continues to be the leading bakery and confectionery in the town.
Miss Maggie Dever, at residence of J. M. Dever...
[NEW YEAR RECEPTIONS.]
Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880.
Miss Maggie Dever, at the residence of J. M. Dever, on the corner of Millington and Tenth Sts., assisted by Misses Jennie Hane and Clara Brass.
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1880.
On this (Wednesday) evening, at 8 o’clock, will be celebrat­ed the marriage of Will C. Garvey and Miss Maggie Dever.
Wilbur Dever...
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
Wilbur Dever has returned from his visiting tour.
Wilber Dever...
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
Wilber Dever left for Colorado last Thursday.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.
Wilber Dever has given up his position in Read’s bank and will go to Colorado the first of January.
Doc Dever???...
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1881.
Doc Dever is now in the employ of Gilbert, Jarvis & Co. as bookkeeper. Doc is one of the most accomplished office men of this city.
Wilber Dever...

[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
Wilber Dever has returned from Topeka to take charge of a loan office in Wellington for Gilbert, Jarvis & Co.
Dever being forced to move again for a new brick building...
Winfield Courier, March 24, 1881.
Mr. Dever is making arrangements to occupy the building vacated by Mr. West, with his Star Bakery. The building in which he now is will be moved away to make room for the new brick building to be built this spring.
[THE SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT OF THE SEASON.]
Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.
On last Thursday evening was gathered in the magnificent salons of M. L. Robinson one of the largest parties which have assembled in Winfield this past season. The honors of the occasion were conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood in the most graceful and pleasing manner, making each of the guests feel delighted and happy. A new departure was made in the hour for reception which we cannot too highly commend, that of substituting 7 o’clock for the late hours which usually prevail, but the habits of some were so confirmed that they could not get around until nine o’clock. The banquet was excellent beyond our power of description. Nothing was wanting to render it perfect in all its appointments. At a reasonable hour the guests retired, expressing the warmest thanks to their kind hostesses and hosts for the pleasures of the evening. The following are the names of the guests as we now remember them.
Miss Nettie McCoy, Mrs. Huston, Mrs. S. H. Myton, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Eastman, Mrs. Ticer, Mr. M. G. Hodges, Mr. C. A. Bliss, Mr. W. C. Robinson, Mr. W. A. Smith, Mr. W. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Loose, Mrs. Herrington, Mr. and Mrs. Van Doren, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Linn, Mr. and Mrs. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Platter, Mr. and Mrs. J. Harden, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Hodges, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. Conklin, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Bryan, Mr. and Mrs. Dever, Mr. and Mrs. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Barclay, Mrs. W. F. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. F. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Baird, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, and Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read.
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
Mr. Dever has fitted up an elegant ice cream parlor. He dishes up the cooling decoction in the highest style of the art.
E. Dever and Wilber Dever...
[RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.

E. Dever $2.50; Wilber Dever $1.00.
[THE MANNY TRIAL.]
Winfield Courier, July 7, 1881.
WILBER DEVER was called and stated that he had been at Manny’s, had obtained “ginger” from him. Pretty fair drink. Looks some like lager or Peruvian beer. Does not taste like beer. Does not know whether it was intoxicating or not. Had drank two or three glasses. Had never seen anyone intoxicated in or about Manny’s.
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
A merry party consisting of the gayest of her gay young people assembled at Miss Roland’s on last Saturday evening and proceeded to the residence of Mrs. A. T. Spotswood for the purpose of a complete surprise party to Miss Nettie McCoy, who leaves this week for a visit to her home in New Jersey. The following were present: Mr. and Mrs. Albro, Mr. and Mrs. Bahntge, Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. George Whitney, and Mr. and Mrs. Garvey; Misses Amelia and Clara Garvey of Topeka, Jennie Hane, May Roland, Allie Klingman, Sarah Hodges, Louise Crapster, Ida McDonald, Amanda Scothorn, Margie Wallis, and Jessie Millington; and Messrs. Davis, Dever, Hunt, Baldridge, Harris, W. A. Smith, W. C. Robin­son, Dr. Gunn, and Bahntge.
Winfield Courier, September 8, 1881.
Wilber Dever returned to Kansas City Wednesday. He informs us that Jarvis, Conklin & Co., will soon move into roomy quarters on eighth street.
Dever moves again: now located on 10th Avenue, east of McDougall building...
Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.
Mr. Dever keeps the Star Bakery rolling, and has brought up this time on his own premises on 10th Avenue, east of the McDougall building.
R. W. Dever...
[BIG WEDDING: FRED C. HUNT AND SARAH HODGES.]
Winfield Courier, October 27, 1881.
Individual castor, R. W. Dever.
Wilber Dever...
Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.
Wilber Dever has taken the position of cashier for the Santa Fe company at the Topeka depot. This is a very responsible position and we congratulate Wilber on his good fortune in securing it. He will honor the position as much as it honors him. Wilber is one of Cowley’s brightest boys, and his rapid advancement is no surprise to his many friends here. He is bound to go up, and no one can prevent it.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Wilber Dever, late of Winfield, has been appointed cashier of the freight department of the Topeka office of the A., T. & S. F. railroad. Mr. Berkley is still in the freight office, in charge of claims. Commonwealth.
[THE M. B. SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, November 24, 1881.

A number of young ladies gathered at the M. E. Church Monday evening and organized themselves into a society. They propose to call themselves the M. B. Society. The following officers were elected: Miss Jessie Millington, President; Miss Allie Klingman, Vice President; Miss Jennie Hane, Secretary; Miss Ida McDonald, Treasurer.
The society will give a New England supper Friday evening, November 25, at the M. E. Church. The M. B. ladies will be dressed in New England costume of the time of Washington.
The following committees were appointed.
Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Rinker, and Mrs. Copeland: to solicit and arrange for supper.
Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. Dever, Mrs. Bedilion: to secure and prepare dishes.
Will Robinson, Will A. Smith, Miss May Roland, Miss Jennie Hane: to handle reception.
Mr. Crippen: to handle music.
Misses Allie Klingman, Jessie Millington, L. Graham, Annie Weaver, Emma Gridley, Amy Southern, M. Melville, Ida McDonald, Ida Trezise, Ella Bosley, M. Hamill, Emma Crippen, Miss Stebbins, and Miss Bard: to handle tables.
Those wishing a good supper in the good old New England style can be satisfied on Friday evening.
Star Bakery moved again. Now located on Tenth Avenue, east of Main Street, back of the McDougall Building...
J. P. Baden took over the finished McDougall building in 1885.
Winfield Directory 1885 shows the following:
Baden J P, groceries and dry goods, 1000-1002 Main, res 719 Manning.
Winfield Courier, December 15, 1881.
Fresh bread and cakes at the Star Bakery on Tenth Avenue, east of Main street. [The Star Bakery has been removed to Tenth Avenue back of the McDougall building, where those wanting nice fresh bread and confectioneries can find what they desire.]
Wilber Dever...
Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.
Wilber Dever and Miss Carrie Garvey came down from Topeka and spent a few days of last week in the city. They returned Saturday, accompanied by Mr. Will Garvey and Miss Jennie Hane, who will visit with Mrs. Garvey for a time.
J. M. Dever...
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
                                                   HARD ON THE D. B.’S.
                  The Businessmen Talk, Eat, and Prepare to Harvest Unpaid Bills.
Last Saturday evening a large number of the businessmen of Winfield met at the Brettun House and organized an association that will be of more practical benefit to businessmen and the trading public generally then anything that has yet been proposed. The matter has been talked of for some time, but recent events brought it to a focus, of which the “Merchants and Business Men’s Protective Association” is the outcome. The following gentlemen were present and assisted in the organization.

A. H. Doane, R. E. Wallis, J. A. McGuire, Will Hudson, A. E. Baird, W. J. Hodges, H. Brotherton, J. M. Dever, J. P. Baden, J. L. Hodges, R. E. Sydal, Lou Harter, Ed. P. Greer, J. B. Lynn, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, D. L. Kretsinger, A. T. Spotswood, S. W. Hughes, J. S. Mann, W. B. Pixley, W. R. McDonald, A. D. Hendricks, Col. Wm. Whiting, J. G. Shreves, J. W. Batchelder, J. L. Horning, T. R. Timme, J. L. Rinker, J. P. Short, B. F. Wood, J. A. Cooper.
A committee consisting of the officers and a committee of eight or ten members were appointed to draft constitution and by-laws to be presented at the next meeting to be held at A. H. Doane & Co.’s office Thursday evening. The object of the organization is for mutual protection against the class of men who obtain credit at one place as long as possible, then change to another, and so on around, and for heading off dead-beats of every kind. A list of all those who are in arrears at the different stores will be made out by each merchant and filed with the secretary, who will furnish each member with a complete list of all who obtain credit and the amount. Then, when a person desires to buy goods on time, the merchant can go to his list, find out how many other firms in town he owes, and how long the account has been running. If he finds that the person desiring credit owes every other merchant in town, he can safely make up his mind that he is a D. B. On the other hand, if he finds that the person asking for credit has paid his bill and is reckoned good by the other merchants in establishing his credit, he will find no trouble in getting all the advances he desires. It will weed out the dishonest fellows and protect those who pay their debts and show a disposition to deal honestly.
The above, as near as we can state it, is the object of the association. Here alone, good, honest, straightforward men all over the county have failed to get credit because there was no way to establish their standing while others who were no good have run annual bills all over town and never make an effort to pay. This will stop all that business and place them in a very unenviable light until their bills are paid.
After the adjournment of the meeting all repaired to the dining room of the Brettun and ate oysters and celery, drank coffee and cream, told vigorous stories of dead-beats and bill-jumpers, and treated each other to little bits of business experience that furnished points for future action. The supper was nicely served and thirty-nine sat down to the long table and took two or more dishes of “Oysters-loony style,” with fruit and lighter refreshments thrown in. One of the most unfortunate features of the supper was that there were no toasts. Nothing is so delightful after a nice supper as to sit back in your chair and note the writhings of the poor mortal who has been selected to tell about “The great American eagle, who laves his bill in the Atlantic and dips his tail in the Pacific,” and to see him squirm when he finds that he has forgotten the piece and got the proud bird’s tail in the wrong pond. We were very anxious to see this duty performed and had about concluded to call out J. L. Horning or A. T. Spotswood, with W. J. Hodges and R. E. Wallis as possible substitutes, when the thought struck us that it might prove a boomerang and our desire for toasts immediately expired.
Among the ladies who graced the occasion were Mrs. W. R. McDonald, Mrs. J. L. Rinker, Mrs. J. B. Lynn, Miss Sadie French, Mrs. W. J. Hodges, Mrs. S. W. Hughes, Mrs. J. A. Cooper, and Mrs. W. B. Pixley.
Mrs. Dever...
Winfield Courier, January 26, 1882.

From the Sunday School Record. The Methodist Sunday School has gone into the publishing business. Last Sunday they issued a beautiful eight page paper, part of the matter for which was written by the scholars and printed for them at the COURIER Job Office. The first page was devoted to local affairs of the church and school, from which we clip the following items of news. The Ladies’ Aid Society has spent $75 to $100 on stoves, etc., for the church this year. Mr. S. H. Jennings makes a good Superintendent. He pleases the children and everybody else.
The Methodist Church is but a little over one hundred years old, and has a membership of over three million in America. It also has some of the best colleges and universities in the country. Many of the prominent educators are Methodists. They are all prohibitionists.
The Ladies” Aid Society has been in active operation for several years. The ladies have done much toward furnishing the church and parsonage. They deserve credit for their untiring energy. Mrs. Dever has been President most of the time that the society has had an existence, and she has been a faithful worker.
Charlie S. Dever...
Winfield Courier, February 2, 1882.
George M. Black and Charlie S. Dever entertained a large party of young folks on last Friday night at Mrs. Dr. Black’s. They stayed up late as they dared and went home with happy hearts, wishing for another such an evening.
1880 Winfield Directory.
SIMMONS & OTT, meat market, Main w. s. between 9th and 10th avenues.
[Simmons & Ott were replaced by Whiting Bros. Meat Market.]
Dever moves again: 3 doors north of Whiting Bros. Meat Market. Later entry on March 16, 1882, indicates Star Bakery was two doors north of Whiting Bros. Meat Market...
Cowley County Courant, February 16, 1882.
Mr. Dever has moved the Star Bakery to the building three doors north of Whiting Bros. meat market.
Dever: Moved into Miss Mansfield’s old stand three doors north of Whiting’s Meat Market...
Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882.
Dever’s Star Bakery has been moved to Miss Mansfield’s old stand three doors north of Whiting’s Meat Market.
E. Dever places notice of Star Bakery move...
Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882.
AD. REMOVAL OF THE STAR BAKERY TO MAIN STREET.
The old reliable “Star Bakery” is again on Main Street, west side, between 9th and 10th avenues, where they keep always on hand a full stock of BREAD, PIES, ETC., and where the hungry can get an excellent lunch. E. DEVER.
Dever: Two doors north of Whiting’s Meat Market???...
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
E. DEVER, PROPRIETOR OF THE STAR BAKERY, TWO DOORS NORTH OF WHITING’S MEAT MARKET, WINFIELD.
Chas. Dever...
Cowley County Courant, June 29, 1882.

Winfield is going to have a band. Wednesday evening a number of young men met at THE COURANT office, and organized a cornet band, with the following members: Ed. Farringer, R. I. Mansfield, Frank Barclay, Ed. McMullen, Will Farringer, Will Hodges, Ad. Brown, Chas. Dever, and Will Ferguson. The boys are all young, active, and composed of the right kind of material to make an excellent band. All they need to do is to practice diligently, and we have no fears that the day is not far hence when Winfield can boast of one of the best bands in the state. In order to make the organization strong, it will be necessary for the businessmen of Winfield to do all in their power to help the boys along. By unanimous vote of the members, it was decided to christen it THE COURANT BAND.
J. M. Dever has moved to Douglass. Was Mrs. Dever running bakery?...
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.
J. M. Dever is agent for the Union Mills, of Douglass.
Chas. Dever...
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.
The COURIER Cornet Band met Monday evening for the first time under the new management. The remaining members of the old Winfield Band and all but two of the new band have consolidated, making a very strong band of thirteen pieces. Mr. Geo. H. Crippen was elected Musical Director; Geo. H. Buckman, President; Addison Brown, Secretary; and Chas. Dever, Treasurer.
R. Wilber Dever visiting father’s family...
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1882.
R. Wilber Dever is down from Topeka for a week’s visit with his father’s family. Wilber looks well and happy and his many friends are glad to see him.
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1882.
Wilbur Dever has been tendered, and we understand has accepted, the position of Treasurer of the Kansas Loan and Trust Co.
Charles S. Dever...
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.
C. S. Dever, who has been employed in Read’s Bank, has accepted a position in the Santa Fe R. R. employ and is stationed at Argentine, Kansas. Everybody is sorry to have Charlie go as he is a great favorite here. His brother, Wilbur, has left the R. R. employ and has gone to work for the Kansas Loan & Trust Co., at Topeka.
Mr. and Mrs. Dever. Also, Charles S. Dever...
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. Dever and Charlie had their Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Will Garvey in Topeka. They returned on Monday.
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1883.
Miss Etta Robinson takes the place of Charlie Dever in Read’s Bank.
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1883.
Mrs. Dever entertains the Ladies’ Aid Society of the Methodist Church, this week.
[PROHIBITION.]
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.

WINFIELD DON’T WANT SALOONS. On looking over carefully the list of signatures on the petition to Hackney, we find a considerable number of names of persons who live in the country, and many more whom nobody knows. We find only 101 names, less than half of those on the petition, who are known as citizens of Winfield. Less than half of these probably understood what they were signing, and are in favor of saloons. It is presumable that the originators got all the names of prominent Winfield men they could by any kind of representations; and, considering all these things, the petition is not so very formidable after all. But it is enough to give our city a bad name, and give a severe stab to the cause of prohibition. The Kansas City Journal’s Topeka correspondence says that the names of all the prominent men and business firms of Winfield are found on that petition, except one bank and one hardware store. We notice that the following Winfield firms and names are conspicuously absent from the petition.
J. M. Dever was listed as one of those who did not sign petition.
Timothy Hart, former partner of J. M. Dever, commits suicide...
Tisdale Township 1873: T. Hart, 48.
Tisdale Township 1874: T. Hart, 49.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1883.
SUICIDE! Another Tragedy and Another Life Gone Out.
AN UNSOUND MIND THE CAUSE. DIED. Timothy Hart, a man well known to many of our people, and who was at one time in partnership with J. M. Dever in the bakery business, suicided Monday evening by shooting himself through the heart with a thirty-two calibre revolver. About six months ago he and Mrs. Smith, of Vernon Township, were married. He soon exhibited signs of crankiness and ran his wife’s son off the place. This caused a separation and Hart came to town. Monday he told several persons that he was going to kill himself. In the afternoon he went out to his wife’s place. On the way out he met several persons and informed them that unless he could make a settlement, he would kill himself. He went to the house, went in and sat down immediately in front of his wife. He then asked her if she would give him some shoats for a piece of land he had, and whether, if he went out of the house, she would let him come in again; that he hadn’t anything to live for and nothing to live on, and asked if she would give him enough money to buy him a coffin. The woman sat sewing, with her head down, and did not see his movements. Her daughter, Dolly, who was sitting near, saw him draw the pistol, put it to his heart, and fire. He fell over on the floor and died in a few minutes. The Coroner was summoned and a jury empaneled as follows: A. A. Knox, foreman; Wm. Rose, J. M. Jarvis, J. A. Kerr, M. J. Land, J. S. Baker. The verdict was that he came to his death by his own hands. Hart’s mind had been unsettled for several years.
Mrs. Hart has had more than the usual amount of trouble in her household. Her first husband was killed by a threshing machine, and now her second husband kills himself.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
Wilber and Charlie Dever came down Friday and were present at the dance that evening.
Next item indicates J. M. Dever has moved to Topeka...
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
Mr. J. M. Dever came down from Topeka Monday, and will spend a week visiting friends here.
James M. Dever and S. S. Holloway: partners in drill attachment agency...

Winfield Courier, June 21, 1883.
Messrs. Jas. M. Dever and S. S. Holloway are agents for a new drill attachment, consisting of a lot of rollers which follow each drill and press the ground down on the wheat. It is said to be a sure cure for winter-killing, and to save seed.
Winfield Courier, July 5, 1883.
Will Dever came down Tuesday and will spend a week among his many friends here.
Next item indicates that Mrs. W. C. Garvey is daughter of J. M. & Mrs. Dever and that Mrs. Dever is now living in Topeka...
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
Mrs. W. C. Garvey and her mother, Mrs. Dever, who have been visiting with Mrs. E. S. Bedilion, will return to their home in Topeka Saturday.
Charlie Dever...
[W. E. PENN WRITES FROM TEXAS.]
Winfield Courier, January 3, 1884.
For the COURIER: From Texas. Now that I am at home and the smoke of the battlefield has cleared away, and I have had my Christmas dinner, I take a calm and unprejudiced view of Winfield and the people. I should take Winfield to be as healthful as any of the Western towns or cities, and more so than many of them. I did not discover any local cause for sickness. Judging from the six weeks I was there, and what I heard from some of the citizens, I should say that you have a delightful climate, except the hot winds in the summer and now and then a blizzard in the winter.
Judging from what I saw on the streets on Saturdays especially, I take it the county round about the town is being settled up with good, substantial, frugal citizens. I did not see but two men under the influence of Mr. Winslow’s maddening tonic. One man, not a woman, I thought, had recently kissed Mr. Winslow, or his breath was a little perfumed with the tonic. It certainly is bad enough to kiss a nice, decent man, or to permit yourself to be kissed by one, but to kiss old Winslow is infinitely worse than to kiss a pig pen. I did not hear but three oaths. Two of them were uttered by grown men, and the other by a little girl about four or five years old. If she is not checked pretty soon, it will prove her eternal ruin. One dark night one of your good citizens, but I don’t think he belonged to any church, made a little mistake. Stepping up behind me not far from the Post Office, he said: “Say, I’ve got a bottle of old rye; let us go in and take a little.” At this moment the light from a lantern flashed upon the scene, and I said, “You are mistaken in your man, sir,” which he had now discovered, whereupon he put up a job of running that was really amusing to look upon. How far he ran and when and where took up, I cannot say.

Have never been among a people I learned to like better than the people of Winfield after I had been there about three weeks. I can truthfully say that I never had such a time to get a meeting started. The Baptists seemed ice-clad and the sinners iron-clad. But how changed the scene when we got acquainted. All the while I could not blame the people because there are so many frauds of every kind, preachers and evangelists, as well as others traveling over the country, that people are bound to protect themselves from their often well laid plans.   Judging from an insulting note I received while in Winfield, some people had an idea that I was after money, and I take this occasion to say that money was never mentioned by the Pastor, Bro. Cairns, or myself during the correspondence relative to my going to Winfield, and I certainly never mentioned it myself while in the town, while there nearly six weeks. One brother handed me three dollars and a country brother sent me five dollars, and the night I left Bro. Bliss handed me $10 and said that something more, he thought, would be made up, and I learn that something more has been done, but how much I do not know. The members of the church and congregation contributed $25 to aid in building a house of worship in my town, and Miss Lucy Cairns raised $16, and Miss Sola Farringer $5, and Pleasant Cookson, V. R. Bartlett, J. S. Mann, Rev. E. P. Hickok and Mrs. S. R. Hickok contributed $5 each. Miss Edith Stone, Charlie Dever, E. T. Rogers, B. K. Stalkup, Miss Nettie Case, Josiah E. Wilson, and John W. Soward agreed to raise, or pay $5 each by the first of March for the same purpose, making in all for the church $106.
If my life and health is spared, I hope to visit Winfield some more, for I think it a good place, with a number of the best people I ever knew. I know that my Baptist brethren have had a pretty hard struggle in building their very handsome house of worship, but as soon as they get a good breath they must add at least four rooms to their parsonage.
I have told my people here that Winfield has four of the handsomest church buildings I have ever seen outside of a large city. The capital invested in drinking saloons here is worth five times as much as all the church buildings put together. I am trying to have one nice church building here, which will inspire others to do the same. W. E. PENN.
Wilber Dever, Topeka, visiting friends...
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1884.
Wilber Dever is down from Topeka, visiting among his many friends. He likes to meander around the old familiar haunts occasionally.
Wilber “Doc” Dever...
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1884.
It seems that Wilber Dever has been guilty of the unpardonable atrocity of sporting a Cleveland hat. The following from the Topeka Capital tells the story.
“Lakin Garvey, the assistant in the Santa Fe ticket office, and ‘Doc,’ the cashier at the depot, donned white plug hats yesterday, and boarding a hand car took a run down the main line east to the scene of Tuesday’s wreck. As the car hove in sight, and the section men and wrecking crew caught a glimpse of the Democratic beavers, an unearthly yell went up, which almost lifted the hats and their wearers from their car. With unflinching bravery they approached closer and this is the greeting they received: ‘Arrah, would ye moind the judes now?’ ‘Look at that purty man with the Dimocratic cady,’ and more remarks of the same nature. The boys were at first determined to brave the storm, but it became more furious, and they were obliged to mount their special observation car and propel themselves back to the city. The true Irishman has always been dead against white ‘churn’ hats.”
Charles Dever...
[WINFIELD SOCIAL CLUB.]
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1884.

The young men of the city met on Tuesday at the office of A. H. Doane & Co., and organized “The Winfield Social Club,” the object of which is to “trip the light fantastic,” bi-monthly. These social hops have been a society feature of the city for years back and a great source of true recreation. Frank Leland is president of the club; Lacy Tomlin, Secretary; and Charley Dever, Treasurer. The membership will be about thirty-five couples. The first hop will be given on Friday night, the 28th.
Charles Dever...
[WEDDING: Fred D. Blackman and Ida M. McDonald.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
The Christmas Night Wedding. A large assembly witnessed the marriage of Mr. Fred D. Blackman and Miss Ida M. McDonald, in the Methodist church last Thursday evening. The ceremony was most impressively conducted by Rev. B. Kelly, and the happy couple were attended by Misses Lizzie McDonald and Maude Kelly and Messrs. W. C. Robinson, Lewis Brown, James Lorton, and Charley Dever. The bride was beautifully attired in white satin. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Robinson, on behalf of the official church board, stepped to the rostrum, and in a very neat speech presented the bride with forty dollars in gold as a token of appreciation of her valuable musical services to the church. At eight o’clock a large number of friends were received at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. McDonald, where congratulations, an excellent repast, and general mirth were freely indulged in. The presents were numerous and elegant, and the congratulations hearty. Among the most noticeable presents was a very handsome silver pitcher, presented to Mr. Blackman by his young gentlemen friends. No personal mention of ours could possibly add to the high esteem in which the happy couple are held by all who know them. The COURIER again wishes them happiness and prosperity. We append a list of the principal presents: White velvet hand-painted pin cushion, Miss Belle Lowe; pair of silver napkin rings, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Millspaugh; picture and easel Madonna, Charles Dever; silver vase, Leota Gary; silver celery stand, Lizzie Graham; silver vase, Minnie Gibson; colored glass with castor, Nettie McCoy; colored glass water set, W. C. Robinson; pair of hand-painted gilt plaques, Lena Walrath; hair ornament, Gracie Oliver; hand-painted velvet banner, Mrs. Leavitt; bracket lambrequin, Jessie Millington; hand-painted hammered brass plaque, Miss Anna Hunt; beveled-edge French plate mirror with Hammered Brass frame, M. Hahn; gold-lined individual silver butter dishes, Miss Delia Lisk; set silver teaspoons, sugar spoon, and butter knife, Lizzie and Margie Wallis and Maggie Taylor; Russia leather photograph album, Lewis and Addison Brown; one-half dozen China fruit plates, Lucy Tomlin; one set silver spoons, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Robbins and Miss Carrie Tillotson, Aurora, Illinois; China salt and pepper bottles, Mr. and Misses Rev. Kelly; silver cake basket, Ida Johnston; silver fruit basket, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Miner; silver berry dish, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Kennedy and Miss Lydia Young; large mounted silver water pitcher and mug, E. H. Nixon, M. H. Ewart, Geo. Headrick, James Lorton, and M. J. O’Meara; silver tea-set and waiter, bride’s parents.
Charles Dever...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
Charley Dever has been honored with the position of clerk of the city school board, Lou Zenor having resigned. Charley is one of our brightest, most reliable young men, and will fill the position to the satisfaction of all.
Charles S. Dever, collection clerk, First National Bank...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.

Charles S. Dever, the efficient collection clerk of the First National, arrived Friday on the Santa Fe, looking much better after his vacation.
Charles Dever...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
The pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood was, last night, the scene of a most enviable gathering of our young society people. The occasion was in honor of the Misses Sarah Bass, of Kansas City, and Sarah Gay, of St. Louis, accomplished and attractive young ladies who are visiting their aunt, Mrs. Spotswood. It was one of the jolliest companies; all restraint was banished under the royal hospitality of the entertainers. Those present were Dr. and Mrs. Emerson and Misses Nettie McCoy, Julia Smith, Libbie Whitney, Jessie Millington, Bert Morford, Hattie Stolp, Nellie and Kate Rodgers, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Gertrude McMullen, Ida Johnston, Sadie French, Minnie Taylor, Leota Gary, Maggie Harper, Anna Hunt, Mary Hamill and Lizzie McDonald; Messrs. J. J. O’Meara, W. H. Smith, F. F. Leland, B. W. Matlack, T. J. Eaton, Eugene Wallis, Lacey Tomlin, D. H. Sickafoose, W. R. Whitney, M. H. Ewart, Byron Rudolf, Harry Bahntge, E. J. McMullen, Everett and George Schuler, James Lorton, Charles Dever, Frank Robinson, Addison Brown, Fred Ballein, S. D. Harper, and F. H. Greer. Music, cards, the “light fantastic,” and a collation of choice delicacies made the time pass most pleasantly. Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood and daughter, Miss Margie, and the Misses Bass and Gay did the honors of the evening very delightfully, and reluctantly did the guests depart, with appreciative adieu, wishing many more such happy occasions.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
Cowley County celebrated the Fourth everywhere.
The pleasantest celebration was had by some of our young folks: entrancing Misses Nellie Cole, Leota Gary, Sarah Gay, Sarah Bass, Hattie Stolp, Gertrude McMullen, Ida Johnston, Lizzie McDonald, and Hattie Andrews; Messrs. H. E. Kibbe, George Schuler, F. F. Leland, B. W. Matlack, Amos Snowhill, Lacey Tomlin, Frank Robinson, Addison Brown, and Charley Dever, who packed their baskets and hammocks, etc., and hied down the river to Prof. Hickok’s farm and spent the day under the branching oaks, on a pretty blue grass lawn, amid the festive chiggers and balmy breezes.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

Our Equestrians. The fancy of our young folks has succumbed to equestrianism and almost every evening a bevy are out with their glossy chargers for a gallop about the city. Last night a whole platoon of health invigorators and pleasure seekers, through the horseback medium, took in the city. The beauty and grace of the ladies was almost equaled by the gallantry and comeliness of the young chaperons while the handsome horses came in for a share of womanly praise. Among the company were Misses Edith Hall, Sarah Bass, Kate Rodgers, Minnie Taylor, Sarah Gay, Anna Hunt, Bert Morford, Ida Johnston, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Lizzie McDonald; Messrs. Lacey Tomlin, Tom J. Eaton, Eugene Wallis, Chas. S. Dever, Frank Robinson, Ed. J. McMullen, Addison Brown, and F. H. Greer. Horseback riding is one of the most graceful and invigorating accomplishments, and the young lady who makes it a frequent practice will not have to paint the roses on her cheeks and her headaches will flee into the great reservoir of nonentity. It beats sitting in the “palah” fingering the “pianah” for your best fellow. Make him take you out riding. Roller-skating, croquet, and hammock are nowhere in comparison. Girls, if you would be happy, pretty, and buxom, cultivate equestrianism. Of course, advice to the boys is ungraceful—they get afoot anyway, and don’t care a cent for rosy cheeked beauty or effeminate accomplishments. If they can steer clear of ice cream parlors, they are happy, and get off remarkably easy.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
A party of our young folks, composed of Misses Leota Gary, Ida Johnston, Jennie Maxon, Nellie and Katie Rodgers, and Ida McDonald, and Messrs. A. F. Hopkins and Charley Dever, were chaperoned Wednesday by Mr. W. W. Jones for a trip among the mazes of the Winfield Roller Mills. Mr. Jones is a former employee of the mill, knows all about flour, and his genial courtesy made the visit very pleasant and profitable. Of course, the young ladies were familiar with dough and bread, but that the grains of wheat traveled hundreds of miles on elevators and through “mashers,” “refiners,” “graders,” etc.,—intricacies sufficient to stump many a philosopher—before reaching its flour state had hardly occurred to them. Then the new Corliss engine, with its immense drive wheel of 26,000 pounds weight and three huge boilers, was another feature for feminine wonder. From the fourth story of the mill opportunity was given for lovely telescopic views: stretching miles down the winding Walnut. When the young ladies emerged from the mill, they were as beautifully powdered as the most fastidious admirer of cosmetics could desire.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
Miss Anna Hunt opened her pleasant home Thursday to our young society people. The occasion was most enjoyable, distinguishing Miss Anna as a successful entertainer. She was very agreeably assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Hunt in doing the honors of the evening. Those present were Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Oliver, Dr. and Mrs. J. G. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hosmer, Mrs. Frank Balliet; Misses Bertha Williamson, of Cincinnati; Clara Lynch, of Wichita; Corinne Cryler, of Parsons; Edith Hall, of Burlington, Iowa; Nona Calhoun, of Maysville, Kentucky; Mollie Brooks, Sarah Bass, Sarah Gay, Bert Morford, Jessie Millington, Nellie Cole, Mary Randall, Lizzie McDonald, Maggie Harper, Ida Johnston, and May Hodges; Messrs. R. B. Norton, of Arkansas City; M. J. O’Meara, T. J. Eaton, M. H. Ewart, Lacey Tomlin, S. D. Harper, J. R. Brooks, Chas. Dever, Addison Brown, Everett and George Schuler, James Lorton, Chas. Hodges, and Frank H. Greer. With a bright moon, balmy atmosphere, and vivacious young folks, the lawn, adorned with Chinese lanterns, was indeed a lovely scene. Restraint was completely banished by the charming entertainment. Social promenade, music, a banquet of choice delicacies consisting of ices, cake, etc., the “light fantastic,” with cribbage and other games made the evening fly very happily, to remain among the pleasant memories of the participants.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 10, 1885.
Chas. S. Dever is off for a few days with his folks at Topeka. Of course, he’ll have a good time. One of his objects will be treatment for his slight deafness by a Topeka specialist.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Chas. S. Dever got home Friday from several days with his folks at Topeka.
     The Marriage of Mr. Ezra H. Nixon and Miss Jessie Millington Thursday Night.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Among the guests: Chas. S. Dever.
THE TOKENS AND DONORS.
Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bedilion, Chas. S. Dever and mother, and Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Garvey, of Topeka, decorated china after dinner coffee cups and saucers.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Among the guests at the Nixon-Millington wedding last Thursday evening were Mrs. Henry E. Asp, of Winfield; and Mrs. Jas. M. Dever, of Topeka.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
C. S. Dever got off Monday for a holiday bum. He will spend a week with his folks in Topeka, and then two weeks down in Pennsylvania, with—well, we promised to keep mum and we will. Grand vacation to you, Charles.
Mr. Lewis Brown and Miss Lena Walrath are Joined In The Matrimonial Bond.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
THE REMEMBRANCES. Bronze relief picture, Chas. S. Dever.
Above was the last entry I could find on Dever family. MAW