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Dr. George Emerson
Physician and Surgeon. Winfield.
[NOTE: RECORDS GIVEN FOR EMERSON IN 1878 AND 1880 ARE INCORRECT!
On April 12, 1886, Dr. Emerson celebrated his 46th birthday, which means he was born on April 12, 1840.
WINFIELD 1878:
George Emerson, 30 [38]; spouse, P. A., 30.
WINFIELD 1880:
George Emerson, 32 [34]; spouse, P. A., 31.
WINFIELD DIRECTORY 1880:
George Emerson, physician and surgeon. Office: Main, northeast corner 9th avenue, upstairs. Residence: 11th avenue s. w. corner Fuller.
Mrs. P. Bixby, residence, Dr. G. Emerson; Chas. Marks, servant, Dr. G. Emerson; Miss E. Ward, servant, Dr. G. Emerson.
WINFIELD DIRECTORY 1885:
George Emerson, Dr. Office: 100 East 9th. Residence: 321 East 11th Avenue.
Jesse Brown, works Dr. Emerson, 321 East 11th Avenue.
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
Dr. Emerson, late of New York, is about to locate in this city and practice in his profession as a physician.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
Mr. M. L. Robinson sold his house place to Dr. Emerson. He will now improve his reserved block in the southwest part of town. We expect to see a residence there next spring that in magnificence will eclipse everything else in Southern Kansas.
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1877.
CARD. G. EMERSON, M. D., Physician and Surgeon.
Office over New York Store (Manning’s brick.) Residence, corner 11th and Fuller Street. (Robinson house.)
Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.
Dr. Emerson is examining surgeon for the New York Life Insurance company.
Winfield Courier, May 16, 1878.
Some three weeks ago Mr. Lilburn Smith, of Harvey Township, accidentally cut his left hand with a knife, the blade cutting the arch of the arteries, cutting it to the palm of the hand. The bleeding was stopped at the time and it was supposed that the cut had healed. On Wednesday night, however, the wound began to bleed, compelling Mr. Smith to come to Winfield for treatment. On Friday, in Dr. Emerson’s office, Dr. Mendenhall, assisted by Drs. Black and Mansfield, opened the forearm in two places taking out the arteries and tying them. The operation was a severe and a delicate one. At this time the patient seems as well as could be expected. He is at A. A. Jackson’s.
Council Proceedings.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, June 3rd, 1878.
Council met in council chamber. J. B. Lynn, mayor, and G. W. Gully, E. C. Manning, and C. M. Wood, councilmen, present.
The following bills, claimed by various people, were referred to finance committee.
Dr. Emerson, small pox services: $15.00.
Special Meeting Winfield City Council.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, May 4th.
J. B. Lynn, mayor, and all councilmen present.
The following bills were referred to finance committee:
Bill of Boyer & Wallis, Drs. Strong, Emerson, and Mansfield, laid over.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson’s son, six years old, on Monday fell from a horse, bruising and putting his arm out of joint. He is in good care and doing well.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, June 17, 1878.
Bill of Dr. Emerson laid over.
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, July 1, 1878.
Bills of Drs. Strong, Mansfield & Emerson were referred to finance committee, to report at adjourned meeting Wednesday evening, July 3rd.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, July 3, 1878.
Action was taken on the following bills: [SHOWING AMOUNT ALLOWED ONLY]
Dr. Emerson, attendance on Miller: $2.50
Dr. Emerson, attendance on Brooks: $5.00
Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878.
MARRIED. Married at the residence of the bride’s father, Mr. A. C. Finney, on Thursday evening, October 3rd, by Rev. E. P. Hickok, Mr. S. M. Ford, of Kansas City, to Miss Minnie H. Finney, of Winfield.
The wedding was a quiet one, and passed off in the usual manner, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mrs. Bixby, and Messrs. Suss and Seward being the only guests. The bride was attired in a dress of cream colored silk. Although Miss Finney has been with us but a short time, she has made many friends who will miss her bright face and pleasant manners. Mr. Ford, as a correspondent of the Kansas City Times, is known to all Kansas. He has made many visits to our little city during the past six months, and we were not surprised at his capturing one of our fairest young ladies. The happy pair started for their future home in Kansas City on Saturday morning, and the best wishes of the COURIER go with them.
Winfield Courier, November 14, 1878.
DRS. BLACK & EMERSON,
PHYSICIANS, SURGEONS AND OBSTETRICIANS,
will attend to calls promptly in city or country. Particular attention given to Surgery and Diseases of Women and Children.
Microscopy and chemical analysis a specialty. Office in McCommon & Harter’s drug store, upstairs.
Winfield Courier, November 28, 1878.
Dissolution of Partnership.
The partnership heretofore existing under the firm name of Drs. Black & Emerson has this day been dissolved by mutual consent.
The accounts of the firm have been left in the hands of O. M. Seward for Collection.
G. BLACK, GEORGE EMERSON.
Winfield, Nov. 22, 1878.
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.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
Listed as a Courier Advertiser:
EMERSON, DR. G., is a physician and surgeon of great learning, skill, and reputation. He has a wide practice, which is becoming wider. Were this a less healthy country, he could not answer all his calls.
[PROFESSIONAL CARDS (WINFIELD)]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
DR. GEO. EMERSON, PHYSICIAN, SURGEON AND OBSTETRICIAN. OFFICE IN McCOMMON & HARTER’S DRUG STORE, UPSTAIRS.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.
The young folks are indebted to Dr. and Mrs. Emerson for a delightful evening spent at their residence on Wednesday of last week.
[BILLS AGAINST THE COUNTY PRESENTED AND PASSED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS...WILL NOT LIST CLAIMED OR ALLOWED!]
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.
Board of County Commissioners met in regular session [January 6, 1879]. Present: R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleeth, and G. L. Gale, commissioners, James McDermott, county attorney, and M. G. Troup, county clerk.
Among other proceedings had, bills against the county were presented and passed upon by the board as follows.
George Emerson: Jury Fee.
[POISONED: FAMILIES OF GEN. GREEN AND MR. MILLHOUSE.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
A case of poisoning, which fortunately did not result in serious injury, occurred last Saturday, in which the families of Gen. Green and Mr. Millhouse were the sufferers.
The facts as near as we can learn are as follows. Mr. Millhouse had purchased a beef-tongue, which Mrs. Millhouse prepared for the Fourth, and which they ate for dinner on that day without anything appearing to be the matter. Like all of our thrifty housewives, Mrs. Millhouse had prepared about enough for an army; and of course, they had some left over. This they, together with Mr. Green and family, ate for dinner on July 5th. A few hours after partaking of the tongue, they were all taken with a fit of vomiting, accompanied by severe cramping pains. Dr. Emerson was called in and did his utmost to relieve the sufferers.
It is impossible to say how the poisoning occurred, as those who ate of the tongue the day before were not affected in the least. It is a very mysterious case, and it may be that the cattle in the vicinity are diseased. If so, the matter should be looked into before other and more serious cases occur. At last reports the parties were all doing well.
[CHAS. S. SMITH, VERNON, KILLED.]
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.
A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.
One of our Most Prominent Citizens
Killed in a Threshing Machine.
Last Thursday afternoon, between four and five o’clock, news was brought to town that Mr. Chas. Smith, one of the most prominent citizens of Vernon township, had been caught by the tumbling-rod of a threshing machine, and was lying at the point of death. Dr. Emerson was called, and did all in his power to relieve the sufferer, but to no effect, and he lingered on until Saturday evening, when he breathed his last. The circumstances of the accident, as near as we can learn, were as follows.
Mr. Smith had been feeding the machine, but wishing to “oil up,” had called someone to take his place, while he got down under the machine, near where the tumbling-rod joins the cylinder, to oil the bearings. It seems he had finished oiling, and was about to raise up, when a pin in one of the knuckles of the rod caught in a short blouse he was wearing; and in an instant, he was wound around the rod, his head striking the machine and a wagon as he was wound up. No one seemed to see him when he was caught, and it was sometime before the machine could be stopped. When taken out, his clothes were nearly all torn off, one arm and leg frightfully mangled, and his head bruised and cut. A man was immediately dispatched to town for the doctor; the distance—over six miles—being accomplished in less than twenty-five minutes. When the doctor arrived, some hopes were entertained of his recovery, but Friday evening he commenced gradually sinking, and on Saturday evening his spirit took its flight to that bourne from whence no traveler returns.
The funeral, Sunday, was largely attended by parties from Winfield and surrounding country. Mr. Smith was one of our oldest and most respected citizens, and although having met with severe reverses, had, by his energy and industry, accumulated considerable property.
[A CUTTING AFFRAY: FIGHT BETWEEN SCHOCK AND FOSTER.]
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1879.
Last Wednesday evening an altercation occurred between two young men, Frank Schock, and William D. Foster, a son of J. S. Foster, of Rock township, that came very near being fatal. The boys had been attending a dance at the residence of Frank Davis. After the party broke up, the Foster boys. W. D. and Frank, accompanied by James McCollum, started for home. As they left the house Frank Schock and John Hamel were talking together in an undertone, and soon after Schock hailed them, telling them to stop as he wanted to whip them. Will Foster answered, “I won’t fight unless you are unarmed.” Schock answered that he had no arms and would fight him a square fight. Jas. McCollum volunteered to search Schock and see if he was armed, but Schock said, “D___n you, keep away from me,” whereupon the fight commenced.
Schock had a knife in his hand and commenced cutting Foster, who cried out, and the other parties separated them, Schock still striking, and cursing to be let alone until he had killed him.
Foster was taken to Frank Davis’ house, and Schock followed; and while the wounded man was being examined, stood by with the knife in his hand, apparently intending to cut again if he found he had not killed him. Schock soon got on his horse and escaped, since which time he has not been heard of. Fifty dollars reward has been offered for his capture. Dr. Emerson was called to attend the wounded man and thinks he will recover. Five cuts were found on his body.
Winfield Courier, December 4, 1879.
On last Monday evening, Dec. 1st, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Holloway entertained their many friends at their pleasant residence in South Winfield, the occasion being the birthday of Mrs. Holloway. A most delightful evening was spent in dancing, social converse, and in partaking of the various good things prepared by their kind hostess. Among those present were Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Jo. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Allison, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Root, Mrs. C. J. Adams; Misses Coldwell, Meech, Holmes, McCoy and Millington; Messrs. Harris, Robinson, Goldsmith, Seward, Bahntge, and Suss. All united in wishing Mrs. Holloway many happy returns of this most pleasant birthday.
[NEW YEAR RECEPTIONS.]
Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson, corner Eleventh and Fuller Sts., assisted by Miss Jessie Meech.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1880.
Mrs. Bixby, mother of Mrs. Doctor Emerson, on Saturday evening, fell downstairs, bruising her head, hip, and shoulder seriously and rendered her insensible. Since then she has been improving, but has been seriously ill.
John and Caro Emerson [Children of Dr. Emerson???]...
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
Master Bertie Lemmon entertained his little friends last Saturday at the residence of his grandmother. There were present John and Caro Emerson, Jimmie and Estelle Fuller, Lillian Bruner, Houston, Belle, and Maggie Platter, Laura and Maggie Hendricks, Maggie and Trudie Bedilion, Tommy and Jennie Wilson, and Egbert Moffitt. A nicer lot of little girls, or a manlier lot of little boys were never seen. Each did his best and made the party a very enjoyable one.
[THIRTY-TWO PHYSICIANS WHO HAVE FILED THEIR CERTIFICATES.]
Winfield Courier, August 26, 1880.
Upon Examination of the county records we elicit the starling information that only thirty-two physicians have filed their certificates with the county clerk as required by law. Here they are.
Danl. E. Anderson; A. C. Barr; George Black; D. W. Cole; Jas. A. Chapman; F. M. Cooper; D. Cunningham; Judson A. Chapel; W. E. Davis; P. K. Dobyns; Geo. Emerson; W. G. Graham; Jas. P. Graham; Jas. A. Griffith; J. J. Harden; C. G. Holland; Geo. M. Hawkins; Jno. B. McDill; W. S. Mendenhall; M. E. Munger; A. G. Mudgett; Jas. H. Pleasants; J. W. P. Rothrock; J. W. Wright; H. B. Rude; Robert H. Reed; Jas. T. Sheppard; W. M. Schofield; S. C. Tomlinson; Jas. Vawter; Silvester Wilkins; J. J. Wolf; Wm. T. Wright; Geo. P. Wagner; Homer & Wells.
Thirty-five names were listed for doctors: not thirty-two.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.
With the earliest settlers of Winfield, came Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, since which time their hospitable home has been a favorite with our society people.
At their reception last evening an unusually happy and enjoyable time was had. Mr. and Mrs. Millington, assisted by their daughters, Misses Kate and Jessie, were truly at home in the manner and method of receiving their friends, with a smile and a pleasant word for all. No wonder the hours passed so quickly by. All restraint and formality was laid aside for an evening of genuine good feeling and pleasure.
Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Rigby, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Dr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. Scovill, Mr. and Mrs. Lundy, Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, Mr. and Mrs. Kretsinger, Mr. and Mrs. Shrieves, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Millington, Mrs. Huston, Miss McCommon, Wirt W. Walton, and J. R. Conklin.
Refreshments were served to the satisfaction and praise of all, and not until a late hour came the “good nights” and the departure of friends for their homes, each of whom will not soon forget the pleasant evening with Mr. and Mrs. Millington. Daily Telegram.
Mrs. George Emerson...
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
The Ladies’ Library Association met at the library rooms on Tuesday, January 25th, and elected the following members as directors. Mesdames D. A. Millington, T. R. Bryan, T. G. Ticer, W. R. Davis, W. O. Scovill, J. C. Fuller, J. Swain, Eastman, J. P. Butler, Raymond, W. P. Hackney, Wallis, A. E. Baird, M. L. Read, E. S. Bedilion, A. H. Doane, G. Emerson, J. A. Hyden, A. T. Spotswood, C. S. Van Doren, J. W. McDonald, J. S. Mann, J. S. Loose, J. A. Earnest. The six last hold over under the constitution. The three first are re-elected.
The following officers were re-elected: Mrs. W. L. Mullen, president; Mrs. N. L. Rigby, vice president; Mrs. E. T. Trimble, secretary; Mrs. M. L. Robinson, treasurer.
The officers and directors voted upon themselves a tax of three dollars each to raise funds for the purchase of books and other expenditures of the association.
The editor congratulates the people of Winfield on the presence as citizens of such an array of self-sacrificing, intelligent, and enterprising fair ladies, and hope the city council will make a liberal appropriation and men having money will assist them in their noble work.
Dr. and Mrs. George Emerson...
[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 21, 1881.
Quite a jolly party left on the A. T. & S. F. Tuesday afternoon on a pleasure trip to Topeka and Kansas City. The party was composed of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Bahntge, Mrs. Dr. Emerson, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood and children, and Miss Smith. They will be absent several days. M. L. will stop over in Topeka to attend the directors’ meeting of the A. T. & S. F. M. L. Robinson was selected by the commissioners to vote the Cowley County stock.
[FRANK MANNY’S LETTER: PROHIBITION IN KANSAS.]
Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.
How It Has Killed Winfield and Cowley County!
Statements of Businessmen of Winfield and Leading Citizens of Cowley County,
Kansas, in Relation to the Situation.
GEO. EMERSON, M. D.
There is and has been very little sickness in this county all winter and spring, much less than usual. I do not attribute this to the operation of the prohibitory law. The State Medical Society meets on May 10th. Until then I do not intend to take the oath or to prescribe liquors. I do not intend to let anyone die on account of it, but shall administer it myself when necessary. I think the law needs to be authoritatively defined by the courts and then our profession will fall in to help carry out the law. We hold off a little now as a matter of prudence.
Mrs. Emerson...
Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson entertained about 75 of the young folks, both married and unmarried, at their pleasant residence last Friday evening. Singing was rendered by Miss McDonald.
Some of the ladies and their outfits were described by editor:
Mrs. Read Robinson, white Cashmere trimmed in white satin, white kid gloves and shoes; Mrs. George Robinson, plain and brocaded pink silk, handsome lace, white kid gloves and shoes; Mrs. George Whitney, heliotrope satin trimmed in brocade of the same color and Valenciennes lace; white gloves; Miss Nettie McCoy, brocaded peacock blue and old gold silk, silver filigree ornaments; Miss Julia Smith, handsome black silk, jet passementerie trimmings; Mrs. Emerson, white French bunting with lace trimming, and black silk velvet skirt.
Winfield Courier, May 12, 1881.
Oscar Seward and Dr. Emerson are having their quarters renovated and repaired until the rooms look like parlors.
Dr. and Mrs. Emerson and daughter, Caro Emerson...
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
Dr. and Mrs. Emerson and daughter, Caro, have returned from New York, where they have been for several weeks. They went by way of the Lakes, making a very pleasant trip.
The Doctor is looking quite hearty after his summer’s vacation.
Dr. and Mrs. Emerson...
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.
[SUSPECTED MURDER: PETER LARSON, ROCK TOWNSHIP.]
Winfield Courier, August 25, 1881.
Several days ago Peter Larson, a Norwegian living in Rock township, died suddenly in spasms. The funeral services were held and he was buried in that township. He was an elderly man in general good health and had no relatives in this country. He had a well cultivated and excellent farm, some fifty head of cattle, a large number of hogs, a great variety of farming implements, and was supposed to have large sums of money about his premises. He had two houses on his farm, in one of which he lived alone; and in the other lived one Harmon and his family, who was a tenant of his farm and had charge of his property to a considerable extent. After Larson’s death Harmon took charge of the property and soon it was suspected that he was running it off and selling it. It was discovered that he had carried eight fat hogs up to Augusta in the night and sold them there. He was arrested for grand larceny and now languishes in the county jail.
A variety of suspicious circumstances put the idea into his neighbors that he had poisoned Larson with strychnine. County Attorney Jennings was consulted and he found where, a few days before Larson’s death, Harmon had bought ten grains of strychnine in Douglass, and brought two persons from the drug store there to the jail in Winfield, who both identified Harmon as the person who made the purchase. The symptoms of Larson just before death were those of strychnine poison. On Tuesday Mr. Jennings had the body exhumed and called in Drs. Emerson, Graham, and others to make an analysis of the stomach, heart, and liver for poison. They have not reported as we go to press.
[PETER LARSON: PERISHED BY STRYCHNINE POISON.]
Winfield Courier, September 1, 1881.
We noticed in last week’s issue the death of Peter Larson, supposed from poison administered by one Harmon, a tenant of Larson’s. Since that time County Attorney Jennings has been thoroughly investigating the matter and has succeeded in bringing to light evidence that is very strong against Harmon. The facts, as near as can be gathered, are as follows.
Larson was a Norwegian by birth, without friends or relatives in this country; but an honest, hardworking man, much given to saving his dimes, and had accumulated considerable property. He owned a splendid farm in Rock township, had cattle, hogs, horses, and no one knows how much ready money, and was worth in all seven or eight thousand dollars. He had on his place the man Harmon and family and lived in a house near them.
One day a neighbor happened to pass Harmon’s and saw Larson have a fit; and immediately went to his help, and had a physician brought. Larson soon recovered from it, and when the cause of his illness was questioned, Harmon suggested that perhaps it was hydrophobia, as the dog had died that morning. Larson stated that he hadn’t been bitten by any dog and he seemed all right, so the neighbor left.
During the night he was taken with other fits and died before a physician arrived. He was buried next day, at Douglass. On the second day following, George Williams, one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Rock township, was appointed administrator by Judge Gans and instructed to immediately take possession of the property of the deceased.
George Williams soon discovered that some of the hogs were missing and found that during the previous night, Harmon had taken a load to Augusta and sold them. He immediately had Harmon arrested, stopped payment on the check, and recovered the hogs.
Harmon now lies in jail at this place. After the action on Harmon’s part led to suspicions of foul play, Mr. Williams and Attorney Jennings began a careful investigation of the circumstances of Larson’s death. The symptoms of the fits were found to be those of strychnine poisoning. It was ascertained that during the morning meal Larson had fed his dog from the food he was eating and that the dog ran to a pool of water, drank, and then stiffened dead. Mr. Jennings then went to Douglass, interviewed the druggists, and found that several days before one of them had sold a man a bottle of strychnine. The druggist described the man and his description answered to that of Harmon to a dot. He was then brought to Winfield, taken to the jail, and asked to point out from among the prisoners, if possible, the man to whom he had sold the poison. He immediately pointed out Harmon as the one.
The next day, Monday, the Probate Judge, County Attorney, and Drs. Emerson and Graham, went to Douglass, exhumed the body of Larson, took from it the stomach, heart, and liver, and returned with them to Winfield. The Doctors then made a comparative analysis of these organs and discovered strychnine, and thus the matter stands at the present writing. The liver is so strongly poisoned that if a fly lights upon it, it tumbles off dead as a mackerel.
The impression seems to be that there was a scheme on foot to get the old man out of the way quietly and then get away with the property before anyone knew it. The preliminary trial will be held soon, the result of which will appear in next week’s paper.
Winfield Courier, October 27, 1881.
Amos Mounts, a little son of Mr. J. H. Mounts, of Liberty township, was out herding on Friday evening, last, was playing around a pony, when the pony suddenly kicked him, crushing in his skull. Drs. Emerson and Davis were summoned as soon as possible. They operated upon the skull, taking out a piece and raised the balance. The boy revived and it is thought he will recover.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
GEORGE EMERSON, PRACTICING PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. Office over McCommon & Harter’s drug store, Winfield, Kansas.
[EDITOR SOUNDS OFF ABOUT PETER LARSON: STRYCHNINE?]
Winfield Courier, December 1, 1881.
G. E. Patrick, professor of chemistry in the Lawrence University, is a brick. Dr. Emerson readily found strychnine in the stomach of the late Peter Larson though he did not claim to be a practical chemist, but the great chemist of Lawrence was called in to settle the question. The professor made an analysis and pronounced that there was no trace of strychnine, months passed, and the supposed murderer is only tried for stealing hogs, is convicted, and sent for four years to the penitentiary; and now comes forward the said professor with the statement that he has analyzed the same matter again and found strychnine.
Either the chemicals or the chemist operate very slowly and with uncertain results!
[PETER LARSON’S STOMACH.]
Winfield Courier, December 22, 1881.
LAWRENCE, KAS. Dec. 6, 1881.
ED. WINFIELD COURIER: An item that appeared in your paper some time since, relative to my analysis of the viscera of Peter Larsen [Larson], does me injustice.
I do not propose to enter into the details of the matter, as these are all contained in my reports to the county authorities, and will be produced at the proper time in court. Suffice it to say here that the organ declared by all the authorities to be by far the most valuable in an analysis for poison, i.e., the gall-bladder, was not given to me at all, but was used by the physician at Winfield in his analysis; that, by a process recommended by high authorities, and one that I have always considered reliable, I was unable to detect any strychnia, but by a slight modification of this process (substituting sulphuric acid for ascetic) I shortly after succeeded in obtaining two distinct reactions (color test) for strychnia; and finally, that the whole time occupied by the work was less than eight weeks.
Now, Mr. Editor, in any further criticisms you may wish to offer on this subject, I merely make the reasonable request that you will stick to the facts.
I am, yours, etc., G. E. PATRICK, Prof. Chemistry, State University.
P.S. Papers that copied your first item will do me justice by copying this also.
Above we print a letter from the chemist of the State University. He seems to be exercised over the COURIER’S remarks on his attempted analysis of Peter Larson’s stomach, and calls for facts when we criticize his chemistry.
Dr. Emerson found unmistakable evidences of poison: the Professor wrote soon after the matter was submitted to him that there was strong evidence of poison, again that it did not seem so strong, and finally filed an official declaration with the probate Judge that he could detect no poison. He afterward came down to claim his $200 for the work, and met Dr. Emerson, who seems to have told him how to detect poison, for he immediately returned home, tried the job over again, and reported that he found poison. In the meantime the man held for the poisoning is brought into court, tried for stealing hogs, and sent up for four years.
The Professor claims that he had “only eight weeks” in which to make the analysis. Dr. Emerson only had five weeks, and boiled the liver down till it would kill flies. These are “the facts” the Professor seems so desirous of having brought out. If the Professor wishes to acquire fame and fortune making analyses of this kind, he should keep a cannibal to chew stomachs and livers given him to “analyze.” If he dies, it’s poison: if he feels around for more, the Professor can file an official paper that “no evidences of poison exist” and turn his attention to collecting his fee.
[ENTERPRISE ITEMS.]
Winfield Courier, December 22, 1881.
Dr. Emerson, of Winfield, operated for necrosis on a boy of Ed Collins, removing a large amount of the tibia, or shin-bone. The operation is a very important one, and those who witnessed it say that Dr. Emerson acquitted himself with credit. The boy will probably have a good limb.
Cowley County Courant, January 5, 1882.
Chas. W. Long, a farm laborer 19 years old, residing four miles north of the city, was brought into town today by Sheriff Shenneman and adjudged insane before a probate court jury. His sister and two brothers accompanied him and testified at the trial. He was first affected the 24th of December by a pain in his head and went violently insane the evening of that day and has had no rational moment since. He is very vicious, tearing his clothes off when his hands are free, and curses, spits, and endeavors to strike those who are near him. His sister testified that he talked a good deal of religion before he was attacked. He has no father, and his mother is supported by his brother. The family is in poor circumstances, and unable to care for him. Dr. Emerson has been attending him and pronounces it a very severe case.
Cowley County Courant, January 12, 1882.
The county commissioners were in session Tuesday and among other things, the following proceedings were had.
Dr. Emerson was appointed physician to the poor at a salary of $100, per year.
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
Dr. Emerson was appointed County physician Tuesday. There were seven or eight bids in, but they were all the same, so it became a mere matter of selection.
Cowley County Courant, January 19, 1882.
Dr. Hawkins, of Dexter, well known in Winfield, is lying very low with the lung fever. Dr. Emerson was sent for today, and has gone over to render the professional brother what assistance he can.
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
Dr. Hawkins, of Dexter, was very low with lung fever last week and Dr. Emerson was sent for. But little hopes were then entertained of his recovery.
[CORRESPONDENT SOUTH FAIRVIEW: “RALPH.”]
Winfield Courier, January 26, 1882.
Mrs. Mark Barrick has been very sick for the past week. She is under the treatment of Doctor Emerson.
Johnny Emerson, son of Dr. Emerson...
Cowley County Courant, February 2, 1882.
Johnny Emerson, son of Dr. Emerson, met with quite an accident this forenoon. He undertook to ride the Speed and Schofield’s goat down to the stable from uptown when some thoughtless person set a dog on his goatship and he commenced to goat down the street at a lively rate, throwing the boy off and bruising his face up in a severe manner.
[FROM CORRESPONDENT: W. R. DAVIS, M. D.]
Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882. Front Page.
More Lock Jaw.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, February 4, 1882.
EDS. COURIER: Disclaiming all idea of offending or of obtaining for myself a cheap advertisement and regretting the apparent necessity for so doing, I yet deem it but justice to myself to notice an article in your paper of the 2nd inst., in regard to a case of lock-jaw in the person of one Adam Bass, a young negro man, who came under my surveillance on the 18th day of January and was discharged as relieved on the 27th day of the same month, just nine days after I was called.
The inference clearly deducible from the item as given you, is that the physician who waited upon said Bass was ignorant of his true condition and that the fellow was playing “possum” on him all the while, or as medical men would express it, he was malingering; for your item says: “finally Dr. Green was called and taking Dr. Emerson, they went out. The Doctor was satisfied in his own mind that the fellow was shamming and on this theory began a rigorous treatment, etc., and got him to admit that he was not so bad off as he thought.”
On the 19th day of January, said Bass was reported as having dislocated his shoulder and damaged his side by a fall in a well. I first saw him in company with Drs. Headrick and Green, and we examined him in the presence of Dr. Wells. As to his hurts, we found the ribs upon the left side evidently very sore and tender to the touch, while the shoulder was much inflamed and swollen around the joint. We all concurred in the opinion that there had been a dislocation and that it had been properly adjusted by Dr. Wells, and I deemed it but just to Dr. Wells to so state, and left the case in his hands. The following morning I was again called and refused to go, but told Dr. Wells that he had best go, and he did so. At noon the boy’s father again came for me and I again refused to go, but being told by him later that Dr. Wells wished to retire from the case, I visited him in the afternoon and found him with locked jaws, or that form of tetanus known as trismus. Dr. Emerson was then with me and I understood him to fully concur with me in the diagnosis, and he gave him a very thorough and searching examination and suggested a dissection of the offending nerve if we could establish what nerve to cut. I visited the boy after this for several days twice daily and each time found his jaws closed so firmly as to defy all my efforts to unlock them. I gave him chloroform several times and at least once had him completely anesthetized, or under its influence, and yet failed to move them. The boy had besides the closed jaws other prominent symptoms of tetanus. (I use the words tetanus, trismus, and lock-jaw as synonymous.)
The scholarly gentlemen who made the wonderful discovery that he was only malingering know full well that time enough (9 days) had elapsed for his partial recovery, if he was to recover at all, and further that the spasm attending this trouble does go off, just as it did in his case, i.e., relaxing and often returning for many days after the patient is considered relieved.
The day that they visited him together, Feb. 1st, I had positively refused to go, because as I informed the messenger there was no need of it, and that he would get well without further treatment. It may be that towards the close he did play “possum” to a certain extent in order to attain the sympathy of his dulciana, but I submit that no man could maintain as he did for several days and nights in succession an uninterrupted rigidity of the muscles of the jaw, defying all attempts at opening, and further assert that there would naturally be less difficulty in opening his jaws after the violence, of the trouble had been overcome or had passed away. I should not have commented on this matter but for the large amount of talk growing out of it upon the streets and the fact that it is largely known that I was the doctor made to appear so ignorant in diagnosis. Allow me to add that I set up no superior claims of intelligence, in fact, I am painfully aware of my own ignorance and freely admit that the world, and Cowley County more especially, contain very many wiser and greater men than myself. Still I have learned to go slow on diagnosis and avoid hasty conclusions, and when I know that I do not comprehend a case, I am always willing and ready to admit it.
Dr. I. Fleming, a practitioner of age and experience, a gentleman and a scholar, recently here from the state of Indiana to attend his son-in-law, Mr. Ticer, visited Adam Bass with me during the 7 or 8 days when he was at his worst, and when neither of the gentlemen who visited him for the first time did see him, hearing the matter freely canvassed on the streets, kindly mailed me the following certificate, which explains itself.
I have the honor to subscribe myself very respectfully, W. R. DAVIS, M. D.
Cowley County Courant, February 16, 1882.
DIED. It is again our duty to record the death of a prominent and respected citizen, J. H. Harris, familiarly called “Deacon.” He died at his residence on Tenth Avenue at 8:40 o’clock last evening, passing away as peacefully as if he had fallen asleep. His disease was pleuro-pneumonia and he suffered considerable during his sickness. Mr. Harris moved here from his farm in Fairview Township last September on account of his health, but a hunting expedition induced the aggravated form of the disease and he succumbed to the great leveler of all. His present family consists only of a wife and he himself was the last of his father’s family. He was attended by Drs. Green and Emerson. The funeral services will be held tomorrow.
Cowley County Courant, March 23, 1882.
The M. D. is the worst paid professional man, and they are not to be blamed sometimes for growling a little at being hauled out of bed in the cold at the dead hour of midnight, when it is possible they will never get anything for it, but occasionally they make a mistake about the paying ability of their patients, as well as newspapers and other people. A couple of Winfield’s pill rollers made a mistake recently which proved profitable to one of their rivals.
One of them was called to see a sick child six or eight miles in the country, and things not looking very stylish or wealthy around the country residence, the medicine man concluded not to go again; and when he was sent for the second time, said he could do the little child no good, and recommended another doctor, who went once also, and before leaving said he would not treat the child unless he could have his bill secured. This made the granger mad, and he came to town and employed Dr. Emerson, who it appears goes at every call, money or no money in sight. It now turns out that the farmer is pretty well-to-do and always has money, notwithstanding the looks of his clothes. The child is gradually improving, and the wrath of the granger has increased to such an extent that he swears he would burn his wealth before he would pay either of the first two physicians a cent for what they have done.
[A TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS: “J. K.” (JAMES KELLY)]
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
RECAP: Took Santa Fe train Feb. 8, 1882, with Conductor Miller in charge from Winfield. Stayed all night at Newton, then took the morning train for Las Vegas, New Mexico....first stop, Trinidad, Colorado. From Trinidad south the grade rises very rapidly, and I am told that it is one of the most interesting pieces of a road in the whole country...traveled at night...he could not see anything. Had breakfast at Raton...train then went downhill all the way to the south line of the territory, Las Vegas, being the objective point...took in the famed hot springs six miles from Vegas, at the foot of the Galinas mountains...the Santa Fe was in process of laying a track there. The Cormorants. Here he met several Winfield boys: J. E. Saint, Levi Seabridge, John Capps, Clarke Phelps, Val. Laubner, several others. He visited Santa Fe road headquarters, observed boxes marked “Return to A. T. Spotswood & Co.” and J. P. Baden, Winfield, Kansas.” He was told that these two firms shipped more produce into that territory than any other dozen firms in Kansas. Next trip was made to Socorro, 125 miles south...most structures were dobe, which was sun-dried brick: ground is plowed, then with an ordinary road-scraper it is scraped together in heaps, like hay cocks, and allowed to stand and take the weather for some weeks, the longer the better it is said. Then mixed with water and a stiff mortar is made, when it is moulded into ordinary sized bricks, spread out and dried in the sun. In the wall the brick is laid in mortar of the same stuff. “This dobe is said to last always, and I have no reason to doubt it, for the Catholic church at Socorro is said to be over 200 years old, and it is as sound now as ever, and bids fair to stand 500 years more. The same characteristics obtain here that is found at Las Vegas; only more so. Plenty saloons, gambling, and dance houses, etc. Cowboy, blowhard, no shoot again, unless it be in a drunken brawl. Another curious feature of the place is, that there is no moderate dram drinkers. Those who drink at all, do so with all their might, while he who doesn’t want to go to the dogs must let it strictly alone.”
He goes on to say that at Socorro he met several Cowley County friends: Dr. H. C. Holland, A. J. Rex, and G. W. Ballou and son, Frank. “These gentlemen are doing first rate in their respective callings. Dr. Holland is having a good practice, George Ballou is dealing in mining stocks, and A. J. Rex is working at his trade and watching his mining interests. Mr. Rex owns several ‘prospects’ or ‘leads,’ specimens of which he gave me. His claims are said, by experts, to be worth a good many thousand dollars. On the second day after my arrival at Socorro I was taken violently sick with erysipelas in my face and head accompanied with typhus fever, and the next two weeks are blank. To Dr. Holland, at whose house I lay, and to his estimable wife, and A. J. Rex, I am under many and lasting obligations for their great kindness and assiduous care. The morning of the 11th of March I was able to get aboard the train, and right gladly did I turn my face Winfield-ward, arriving home on the 13th inst. But being illy able to stand the journey, it sent me to bed another two weeks. But thanks to the skill of Dr. Emerson and the kindness of other good friends, I am able to finish this desultory letter begun several weeks ago. J. K.
NOTE: IN A LATER “PERSONAL” IT TURNS OUT THIS IS JAMES KELLY.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
Mrs. Daniel Bovee, who lives near New Salem, stepped off the pavement in front of Doane’s coal office Tuesday morning and broke her leg. Dr. Emerson was called, and after the limb was set, the lady was taken out home.
Mrs. Bovee again...
[NEW SALEM CORRESPONDENT: “OLIVIA.”]
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882.
Mrs. Bovee, while in town, made a misstep and broke one of the bones in the lower part of her limb. She was taken to Mrs. Swain’s and Dr. Emerson carefully set the broken bone, and her daughter, Miss Julia, tenderly cares for the poor afflicted mother, while Miss Sarah stays in the home nest and ministers to the physical wants of those at home.
George Emerson [Board of Education First Ward (to fill vacancy)]
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
The election for city officers in Winfield Tuesday resulted in the election of the following named gentlemen.
Justices of the Peace: T. H. Soward and G. H. Buckman.
Constables: H. H. Siverd and Frank Finch.
Councilmen:
First ward—R. S. Wilson.
Second ward—J. C. McMullen.
Members of Board of Education:
First ward (long term)—J. C. Fuller.
(to fill vacancy)—George Emerson.
Second ward (long term)—B. F. Wood.
(to fill vacancy)—A. H. Doane.
The election was conducted in an unusually quiet manner, and the best of feeling prevailed through the entire day.
SCHOOL BOARD. [FIRST WARD, FULL TERM.]
*J. C. FULLER: 140
Geo. Emerson: 71
J. E. Platter: 5
B. F. Wood: 3
A. H. Doane: 2
S. Bard: 1
SCHOOL BOARD [FIRST WARD: TO FILL VACANCY.]
*GEO. EMERSON: 144
J. C. Fuller: 68
A. H. Doane: 3
J. E. Platter: 1
John Wilson: 1
Mrs. Emerson...
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882.
On last Friday evening the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller was the scene of one of the merriest as well as the “toniest” parties ever given in Winfield. Mrs. Fuller has entertained her friends several times this winter without any of the young folks being present, but this time she honored them by giving this party, which was duly appreciated. Everyone invited, with but two exceptions, was present and never were guests more hospitably entertained. The evening was spent in dancing and other amusements, while an elegant collation consisting of cakes and ice cream was served at eleven o’clock. At a late hour the guests dispersed, all thanking their kind host and hostess for the pleasant evening so happily spent. The costumes of the guests were elegant and worthy of mention. We give below a list which we hope will be satisfactory to the ladies mentioned.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson, black satin dress, cashmere bead passementerie, diamond jewelry.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
Dr. Emerson drew three buckets full of water from Jacob Kirsch, who has been suffering with the dropsy, last week. Jacob feels relieved.
Cowley County Courant, April 27, 1882.
Dr. Emerson performed an operation upon Jacob Kirsch, who lives in the south part of town Wednesday, which seems almost incredible. Mr. Kirsch has suffered some time with dropsy, and had bloated so that an operation was necessary. The Dr. took from him three wooden buckets full of water Wednesday, rendering him temporary relief. Before the operation Jacob was a very fleshy man apparently, but now he is like a skeleton.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
Judge Bard’s little son, Charlie, was severely injured Saturday afternoon by inhaling steam. He had a tin tube and was experimenting with the steam from the nozzle of a tea pot, when he inhaled a mouthful of the steam, scalding his throat terribly. He was in a very critical condition Sunday, but is getting along nicely now under Dr. Emerson’s care.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
A SAD ACCIDENT.
One of Cowley’s Old Citizens Shot Through the Heart.
John Wesley Snyder, of Pleasant Valley Township, the Victim.
Our streets were the scene of one of the saddest accidents on Saturday, that has ever happened in the county. A street peddler by the name of Wood, from Topeka, had opened out his wares on the corner of Main Street and Ninth Avenue, and was selling them from the wagon. There was quite a crowd of people in town, and as usual those who had finished their business gathered around to see what the peddler had to say. Before commencing to sell he pulled off his coat and laid it on the front end of the wagon. Afterward, finding it in the way, he picked it up, carried it to the back end of the wagon and laid it over a trunk. As he threw it over the trunk a five-barreled revolver fell from the inside breast pocket, dropped over the side of the wagon, the hammer struck the hub of the hind wheel, and the weapon was discharged. The wagon at the time was surrounded by a dense crowd. After the report the peddler asked if anyone was hurt, and receiving no answer, proceeded with his selling. When the pistol dropped, John Wesley Snyder was standing just back of the hub and about two feet from the hind wheel of the wagon. Those standing nearest to him noticed that immediately after the report he brought his hand up to his breast, but made no remark. In a moment he turned, walked around the back end of the wagon to the south side, and sank down on the ground, the blood gushing from his mouth in torrents. Drs. Emerson and Mendenhall were on the ground in a few moments and pronounced the sufferer beyond the reach of human aid. In a few minutes they pronounced him dead. Just as he breathed his last, his wife was led through the crowd with a little baby clinging to her skirts. Her anguish as the terrible reality flashed upon her mind cannot be described. Added to the terrors of the scene were the frightened cries of the little child, just old enough to lisp its father’s name. Strong men were unable to control their emotions and turned away. After a time the wife was quieted sufficiently to be led away, the body was picked up and carried to the Coroner’s office where an inquest was held. Upon examination it was found that the ball had entered the body about four inches below the left nipple, ranging upward, cutting several of the larger blood vessels near the heart. The peddler was placed under arrest, but upon the rendering of a verdict by the Coroner’s jury that “deceased had come to his death by an accidental shot from a pistol belonging to W. H. Wood,” he was released.
Mr. Snyder was a resident of Pleasant Valley Township, and lived on the old Brane farm, near Odessa Schoolhouse on Posey Creek. He formerly lived in Fairview Township, northeast of Winfield, and has been a resident of the county for about eight years. He was forty-six years old and the father of eleven children, five of whom are dead, a member of the Christian Church, and one of Cowley’s most respected citizens. His taking off is a calamity that is deeply felt by neighbors and friends.
Dr. Emerson: President of School Board...
Winfield Courier, May 4, 1882.
The new School Board met Monday evening and organized by electing Dr. Emerson, President of the Board, and Fred C. Hunt, Clerk. The Board meets again Thursday evening, and desires that all applicants for positions in the schools fill such applications in writing at an early date. It was thought that the schools would be opened about September first.
Cowley County Courant, May 11, 1882.
The school board met last Monday evening at the office of the president, Dr. Emerson. Present: George Emerson, president; J. C. Fuller, vice president; A. H. Doane, B. F. Wood, and Fred C. Hunt, clerk. A communication from County Superintendent Story was read and filed. Bill of T. B. Myers for hall rent for commencement exercises rejected, the board holding that it had nothing to do with the matter.
Cowley County Courant, May 11, 1882.
DIED. The dead body of Amanda Franklin, a young colored girl eighteen years of age, was brought from Wichita on the 11 o’clock train Wednesday. She had been at work for Frank Williams of the Occidental Hotel in Wichita, for some time past. The circumstances surrounding her death are somewhat suspicious.
It seems that one Tom Mills, a young colored man, who has been quite intimate with the girl, procured for her a small phial of oil of Tansey, at one of the drug stores. The phial was found in the girl’s trunk and about two-thirds empty. It is surmised that the twain had been criminally intimate, and the Tansey was procured and used, to perpetrate an abortion, for which it is said to be a specie. Of course, this is only conjecture, but the circumstances, we think, warrant us in the statement. This, coupled with the fact that the girl had about a year ago an illegitimate child makes the suspicion doubly strong.
It is claimed by the friends of the girl that her death was caused by the sudden breaking and discharge of a tumor in the throat, which they say she was afflicted with. And so it is telegraphed from Wichita from the physician who sends what he says is a part of the tumor thrown up, but which Dr. Emerson says is but a piece of beefsteak, the contents of her stomach. The coroner, Dr. Wells, is at this writing summoning a jury for the purpose of holding an inquest; and it is understood that an autopsy will also be made, when he will be able to give our readers the exact facts. Under the circumstances it is rather singular, to say the least, that the matter was not more fully investigated at Wichita.
LATER. As we go to press the post mortem is being held and establishes the fact of the girl’s pregnancy. Although the examination is not yet complete, there can be no doubt as to the cause of the girl’s death.
STILL LATER. Examination completed. The odor of the oil of Tansey in the stomach shows, clear and distinct. The autopsy was conducted by Dr. Emerson, assisted by Davis and Wilson, in a very scientific manner.
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
A Pleasant Party.
On last Thursday evening Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson entertained a large company of their young friends at their elegant residence, which they have been fitting up with new paper of a very beautiful and expensive pattern. Having the carpets up in the parlors, it was considered a good time to give a party and take the opportunity to indulge in a dance. The evening was just the one for a dancing party, for although “May was advancing,” it was very cool and pleasant, and several hours were spent in that exercise, after which an excellent repast consisting of ice cream, strawberries, and cakes was served, and although quite late the dancing continued some hours, and two o’clock had struck ere the last guest had lingeringly departed. No entertainments are more enjoyed by our young folks than those given by Mr. Robinson and his estimable wife. We append a list of those persons on this occasion: Misses Jackson, Roberts, Josie Bard, Jessie Meech, Florence Beeney, Jennie Hane, Kate Millington, Jessie Millington, Scothorn, Margie Wallis, Lizzie Wallis, Curry, Klingman, McCoy, Berkey; Mr. and Mrs. George Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Jo Harter, Mrs. and Dr. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bahntge, Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hunt; Messrs. W. A. Smith, C. C. Harris, Charles Fuller, Lou Zenor, James Lorton, Lovell Webb, Sam E. Davis, Eugene Wallis, C. H. Connell, Dr. Jones, Campbell, Ivan Robinson, W. C. Robinson.
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
The Poison Case.
In the case of the colored girl, Amanda Franklin, who died at Wichita last week, the coroner’s jury returned a verdict to the effect that she came to her death from the effects of oil of Tansey procured for her by one Thos. Mills. A post mortem examination was held by Drs. Emerson, Davis, Wells, and Wilson, which disclosed the fact that the girl had been in a delicate condition for about two months, and also that she had taken a very large dose of oil of Tansey. The circumstances seem to indicate that young Mills was the cause of her trouble and had got her the medicine. Mills is under arrest at Wichita.
Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.
The social party at the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Emerson Thursday evening was one of the most enjoyable affairs within the history of Winfield. The Dr. and his estimable wife seem to thoroughly understand the art of entertaining their guests, and on this particular occasion, they were at their best, as it were.
The guests present were Miss L. Curry, Miss Andrews, Miss I. Bard, Miss I. McDonald, the Misses Wallis, Miss F. Beeney, Miss Jennie Haine, Miss A. Scothorn, Miss Jessie Meech, Miss Sadie French, Miss Julia Smith, Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Will Robinson, Ivan Robinson, Harry Bahntge, Eugene Wallis, W. H. Smith, W. A. Smith of Wichita, E. C. Seward, O. M. Seward, C. Campbell, C. H. Connell, Sam Davis, Capt. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Baird, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Bahntge, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Harter, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Speed, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barclay, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hunt, W. A. Walton, and Henry Goldsmith.
Mrs. Emerson...
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1882.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson entertained a party of friends at her home Thursday evening. About twenty-five couples were present.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1882.
The party given on last Thursday evening by Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Bahntge was one of the most enjoyable ever given here, and was looked forward to with pleasant anticipation for some time previous, for it is a well known society fact that Mrs. Bahntge’s charming little house with its merry occupants insure a lively time to their fortunate guests, and last Thursday evening was no exception to the rule. The evening was spent in dancing and other amusements, while a refreshing repast was served at a seasonable hour which was fully appreciated, and at a late hour the company dispersed, with hearty thanks to their kind host and hostess for the very pleasant evening spent. We append a list of those present.
Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson.
Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read.
Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood.
Mr. and Mrs. Buckman.
Judge and Mrs. Soward.
Dr. and Mrs. Emerson.
Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe.
Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Robinson.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. M. Whitney, of Wichita.
Mrs. Carson, of Cherryvale.
Mrs. Hackney.
Misses Nettie McCoy, Jennie Hane, Amy Scothorn, Kate and Jessie Millington, Margie and Lizzie Wallis, Belle Roberts, Florence Beeney, Josie Bard, Sadie French, Hila Smith.
Messrs. W. C. and Ivan Robinson, L. D. Zenor, L. H. Webb, Henry Goldsmith, C. C. Harris, W. H. Smith, C. E. Fuller, Jas. Lorton, C. Campbell, C. H. Connell, S. E. Davis, R. M. Bowles, Eugene Wallis, and O. M. Seward.
Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.
We were truly sorry to be unable to attend the party at the residence of our young friend, Chas. Bahntge, Thursday evening, but those who attended enjoyed one of the most pleasant evenings spent in Winfield for some time. Mr. and Mrs. Bahntge have a large number of friends in Winfield, and those who were so royally entertained at their home Thursday evening think more of them now than ever before. The following is a list of those who were present: Misses McCoy, Jennie Hane, Amy Scothorn, Jessie Millington, Kate Millington, Margie Wallis, Lizzie Wallis, Belle Roberts, Florence Beeney, Josie Bard, Mrs. French, Miss Smith, W. C. Robinson, Ivan Robinson, Lou. Zenor, Lovell Webb, H. Goldsmith, C. C. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. Buckman, Mr. and Mrs. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. George Whitney, of Sedgwick, Mrs. Carson, of Cherryvale, Mrs. Geo. Rhodes, W. H. Smith, Chas. Fuller, Jas. Lawton, Mr. Campbell, C. H. Connell, Sam Davis, Richard Bowles, Eugene Wallis, O. M. Seward.
Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.
Mr. J. H. Finch met with a severe accident last Saturday evening. As he, with Gen. Green, was driving on the approach to the west bridge, the team jumped to one side, upset the buggy, and threw Mr. Finch to the ground, breaking both the bones in his left leg, a little above the ankle. Dr. Emerson reduced the fracture, and Uncle Jim is now getting along very well.
Cowley County Courant, June 8, 1882.
Dr. L. V. Polk, of Rock township, has been very sick for the past week. Some time ago one of his mules was bitten by a mad dog, and died. The Dr. opened the animal and claims that a sore on his hand received the poison. Dr. Emerson, who has been attending Dr. Polk, says that he really has an attack of fever, but that he insists himself that it is hydrophobia.
Mrs. Emerson was evidently ill for some time...
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1882.
We are glad to state that Mrs. Dr. Emerson is able to drive out again after her long illness.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Mr. Edwards, working at Schmidt’s stone quarry, had his leg broken Monday. He was helping load a stone when the derrick gave way, and the stone fell, crushing his leg under it. He was brought in and Dr. Emerson dressed his wounds.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
IT IS SETTLED.
We Are to Have a Creamery, the First and the Best in the State.
The Stock Made up and the Work to Begin at Once. The Town is “Waking Up.”
Last Saturday the final subscription to the Creamery stock was made and the enterprise became an assured fact. We fully believe that it will prove one of the best investments made in the county and furnish a valuable market for the dairy products of Cowley.
Mr. M. W. Babb, the originator of the enterprise, came here about a year ago and, after visiting various creameries throughout Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, came home with the necessary papers and information and went to work, aided by a few of our public-spirited citizens; among whom Mr. J. P. Baden was first and foremost, with the success before mentioned. The following is a list of the stockholders.
M. W. Babb, 20 shares, $1,000.
J. P. Baden, 20 shares, $1,000.
Winfield Bank, 20 shares, $1,000.
J. E. Platter, 10 shares, $500.
M. L. Read’s bank, 10 shares, $500.
Samuel Lowe, 4 shares, $200.
J. P. Short, 2 shares, $100.
Wallis & Wallis, 2 shares, $100.
A. T. Spotswood & Co., 2 shares, $100.
W. G. Graham, 1 share, $50.
A. H. Doane, 2 shares, $100.
Frank Barclay, 2 shares, $100.
Horning, Robinson & Co., 5 shares, $250.
H. Harbaugh, 2 shares, $100.
S. C. Smith, 2 shares, $100.
Curns & Manser, 2 shares, $100.
Jas. H. Bullene & Co., 2 shares, $100.
A. E. Baird, 1 share, $50.
J. S. Mann, 1 share, $50.
G. H. Allen, 2 shares, $100.
Geo. Emerson, 2 shares, $100.
Bliss & Wood, 2 shares, $100.
TOTAL: 116 SHARES, $5,800
The plans and specifications for the creamery engine and ice house are completed. The contracts will be let at once and the work pushed forward with unabated vigor. It is hoped that it may be running in three months. As the manner of operating these creameries is new to most of our readers, we will attempt to give an outline of it. In the first place, creamery butter commands everywhere from seven to ten cents more per pound than common country butter. On this margin the creamery works. They go out through the country and engage cream from every farmer, paying him as much as he can get for the butter after it is churned. The creamery furnishes the cans and sends a wagon to the farmer’s door every day to get the cream. They then, with their superior appliances, can make the cream into butter cheaply and get an excellent article, besides selling and feeding the buttermilk. When Winfield teams are scouring Cowley County from north to south gathering cream, and every farmer has an account at the creamery to draw against for his contingent expenses, we rather think the old days of “corn pone and bacon” will be entirely forgotten.
The stockholders met Tuesday evening, adopted articles of incorporation, and elected seven directors for the first year as follows: J. C. McMullen, M. L. Read, J. E. Platter, M. W. Babb, J. L. Horning, J. P. Baden, G. L. Holt. The Board of Directors are appointed a committee to act with Messrs. Holt and Hall in the selection of a site. Frank Barclay, A. H. Doane, and J. L. Horning were appointed a committee to superintend the erection of the creamery and accept or reject it when completed.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
RECAP OF ARTICLE POINTING OUT IMPROVEMENTS IN WINFIELD.
Dr. Emerson has made a new addition to his residence and largely beautified his grounds.
Dr. Emerson, 1st Vice President, South Kansas Medical Association...
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.
The South Kansas Medical Association met at Dr. Green’s office in this city Tuesday at 1 p.m., with forty members present. President Mendenhall called the meeting to order at 1 o’clock p.m. Both afternoon and evening sessions were held. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Dr. G. Boyd, of Newton, president; Dr. Geo. Emerson, 1st vice president; Dr. G. P. Wagoner, of Dexter, 2nd vice president; Dr. T. J. Miller, of Sedgwick City, secretary; Dr. Lewis Hall, of Augusta, assistant secretary; Dr. G. B. Allen, of Wichita, treasurer. The exercises were interesting and the meeting productive of much good.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, OCT. 2, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding. Present: Councilmen Gary, Wilson, McMullen, and City Attorney Seward. In the absence of City Clerk, D. C. Beach, on motion of Gary, O. M. Seward was appointed City Clerk pro tem. Minutes of meetings of Sept. 4th and 18th, 1882, read and approved.
The following accounts were presented and referred to the County Commissioners.
Dr. Emerson for professional services: $22.00.
Winfield Courier, October 12, 1882.
The Ivanhoe Club held their first meeting of the season at the residence of R. E. Wallis last Tuesday evening. They established a program of exercises and adjourned to meet at the residence of Dr. Emerson on Tuesday evening the 24th.
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1882.
Sporting News. The Grand Annual hunt of the Winfield Sportsmen’s Club took place last Thursday. The club met at the Brettun House Monday evening and elected J. N. Harter and Fred Whitney captains. Each hunter, with the advice of his captain, selected his route, and most of them went out to the field the evening before. The following is the score.
J. N. Harter, Capt., 2,700; Jas. Vance, 1,400; Frank Clark, 1,140; Frank Manny, 200; Jacob Nixon, 1,780; Ezra Meech, 620; Sol Burkhalter, 610; Dr. Davis, 310; C. Trump, 150; Ed. P. Greer, 160; E. C. Stewart, 120; G. L. Rinker, 360. TOTAL: 9,550.
Fred Whitney, Capt., 110; G. W. Prater, 290; J. S. Hunt, 1,130; C. C. Black, 1,070; Jas. McLain, 1,000; A. S. Davis, 100; H. Saunders, 130; Q. A. Glass, 240; A. D. Speed, 240; Dr. Emerson, 190; J. S. Mann, 100; J. B. Lynn, 000. TOTAL: 4,660.
The gold medal was won by Mr. Harter. The tin medal will be won by J. B. Lynn. On next Wednesday evening the nimrods will banquet at the Brettun, at the expense of the losing side. The score made by Mr. Harter has never been equaled in this county.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1882.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, NOVEMBER 6, 1882.
Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup in chair. Roll called. Present, Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; City Attorney and Clerk.
The following bills were presented, allowed, and ordered paid.
Dr. Geo. Emerson, medical attendance: $5.00.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1882.
William Duncan, living southeast of Winfield, was severely injured last week by his team running away, throwing him out of the wagon and bruising his head badly. He is in the care of Dr. Emerson and is doing well. At first the injuries were supposed to be fatal.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1882.
Last Tuesday evening Joseph Foster, a young son of J. L. Foster of Fairview Township, had his arm broken while running after another boy. Dr. Emerson splinted the arm up and it is now doing nicely.
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.
DIED. Miss Hanchet, a deaf and dumb girl living east of town, died very suddenly in spasms Monday evening. Drs. Davis and Emerson made a post mortem examination Tuesday and found that she had died from the effects of strychnine poison, probably administered by her own hand. She had been despondent ever since her brother, Frank Hanchet, died, and had threatened suicide. She was twenty-eight years old and could read and write fluently. The funeral was held Wednesday.
Mrs. Emerson...
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.
What Our People Did During the Holidays.
The young folks were well entertained on Monday night at the residence of Mrs. Dr. Emerson. It has grown to be a usual thing for the young folks to wind up the New Years festivities with that agreeable lady.
The Misses Meech were with Mrs. Emerson on New Years day, where they received calls informally. Miss Scothorn was with Miss Millington; Miss Andrews with the Misses Wallis; and Miss Smith, Miss Hane; Mrs. Bahntge and some others received in the same manner. There were but few gentlemen out, however, those who were out were equipped with elegant cards, much finer than those received last year.
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1883.
Mrs. Emerson accompanied by Misses Margie and Lizzie Wallis and Miss Julia Smith, went to Wichita Tuesday afternoon to hear the Madison Square Company play “Esmeralda.”
Excerpts...
[MURDER OF SHERIFF SHENNEMAN.]
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
At Udall a lot of farmers’ wagons were pressed into service and the physicians, the scribe, and others took their way across the prairies six miles into Maple Township to the residence of W. Jacobus, which was the scene of the terrible deed.
Arriving there we found the whole neighborhood gathered, most of them guarding the prisoner, who was securely bound. In a room just adjoining lay our Sheriff, with two bullets in his body, both close together in the lower right hand side of his stomach. Drs. Emerson and Green were bending over him, examining his wounds, while his heroic little wife, calm and collected in the midst of her terrible affliction, tried to cheer him up as much as possible.
Geo. Emerson signed petition: prohibition resulted in injury to town...
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
A Monumental Fraud,
With an Attempt to Make Anti-Prohibition Capital,
And Establish Glickeries in Winfield.
A PETITION AND REPLY.
The following petition was circulated last week by Frank Manny, taken to Topeka, and presented by him to Senator Hackney.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, January 23, 1883.
HON. W. P. HACKNEY, State Senator, Topeka, Kansas.
Inasmuch as the Prohibition Amendment, as enforced, has always resulted in injury to the material development of our town—it having signally failed to accomplish the object sought, the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating drinks—we would respectfully urge upon you the necessity of so providing for the enforcement of the law that its application shall be uniform throughout the State. If this is impossible, don’t sacrifice our town on the altar of inordinate devotion to an impracticable principle.
D. L. Kretsinger, John Bobbitt, S. G. Gary, H. S. Silver, J. P. Short, John M. Keck, J. B. Schofield, J. H. Vance, D. R. Gates, N. [?] Myers, W. H. Smith, M. L. Robinson, Vic S. Mays, Geo. Emerson, M. L. Read, L. F. Hess, J. Birdzell, A. A. Jackson, J. B. Richards, G. W. Miller, W. K. Davis, V. B. Bartlett, Chas. Schmidt, Allen Johnson, W. S. Mendenhall, J. N. Harter, Quincy A. Glass, F. J. Sydal, R. E. Wallis, Jr., Geo. C. Rembaugh, J. B. Lynn, M. B. Shields, J. P. Baden, J. F. Burroughs, G. L. Rinker, W. J. Cochran, C. L. Harter, D. V. Cole, J. E. Snider, J. S. Mann, Henry Goldsmith, R. M. Boles, John H. Hyde, W. B. Simpson, Hudson Bros., Edwin Bailey, Horning & Whitney, James M. Stafford, Alonzo Wharton, W. H. Shearer, R. Allison, J. Headrick, John Fogarty, H. F. Miller & Co., R. Carter, August Kadau, Beuler Buck, L. L. Beck, A. F. Kroan, D. H. Long, D. M. Harter, Joseph O’Hare, L. D. Zenor, J. W. C. Springston, J. N. Hall, R. J. Brown, M. C. Adair, E. C. Sengby, H. S. Bixby, O. [?C.?] A. Garlick, Geo. Daily [?], F. C. Nommsen, G. D. Headrick, D. A. Carr, M. W. Tanner, F. L. Weaverling, J. B. Goodrich, J. G. Kraft, O. H. Herrington, C. H. Mayler [?], C. C. Harris, H. L. Shivers, E. F. Blair, John J. Zant, M. H. Mount, B. F. Harrod, A. G. Wilson, E. C. Goodrich, Dick Silver, S. C. Smith, L. C. Harter, S. S. Major, W. Kenell, S. Burkhalter, A. Herpich, J. Flickinger, H. J. Weaver, W. H. Hudson, G. H. Wheeler, Charles Wm. Keef [?], Geo. H. Ratzer, C. W. Nichols, N. S. Ollie, Wm. W. Fleming.
NEXT COLUMN: J. L. Horning, W. C. Robinson, Chas. F. Bahntge, Wm. J. Hodges, A. T. Spotswood, Sam’l Bard, A. H. Doane, Wm. Whiting, A. E. Baird, L. C. Scott, A. D. Hendricks, R. C. Wilson, N. C. Clark, T. K. Johnston, G. W. Yount, Geo. M. Miller, John Dix, J. W. McRorey, G. H. Allen, G. E. Brach, C. Callins, F. M. Burge, Geo. Leiman, M. Hahn, A. J. Burgauer, Joseph Finkelling, J. A. Waggoner, C. M. Wood, John Fraser, W. D. Shotwell, J. Fleming, Wallis & Wallis, E. C. Seward, A. C. Taylor, J. L. Hodges, O. M. Seward, W. H. Dawson, L. B. Lattiff, S. H. Crawford, E. A. Cook, George Olive, C. W. Lathrop, Elijah Perigo, A. Bixbee, Devore Parmer, J. Batchelder, John A. Edwards, Isaac Behner, J. E. Miller, C. B. Dalgarn, Wm. Whitford, Ed Lamont, Wm. H. Fox, H. L. Wells, F. R. Hinner, Robert M. Woodson, W. F. Dorley, Brettun Crapster, A. C. Bangs, Berry Scroggins, G. J. Lockwood, E. H. Nixon, W. J. Wilson, G. J. Swind, Geo. F. Cotterall, H. C. Chappell, Edwin G. Fitch, Jas. McClain, J. W. Beard, S. L. Gilbert, W. A. Tilston, R. A. Lett, Jerry Eland, J. G. Myer, S. B. Stills, W. L. Hands, B. F. Cox, John D. Pryor, J. L. Littington, Harry Foults, Philip Sipe, T. E. Cochran, J. Heller, J. S. Mater, C. Seifert, John Fashing, J. S. McIntire, A. N. Emery, W. H. Allen, J. A. Patterson, Morris, T. W. Hambric, B. J. Mays, John Likowski, Ed F. Nelson, F. B. Clark, W. L. Webb, John E. Silany, W. H. Strahn, C. H. Limbocker, Samuel Layman, F. E. Sears, Wm. Kelly, M. G. Troup.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
Dr. Emerson has purchased a new buggy—the one Charlie Harter had imported.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
A. A. Jackson has been quite ill the past week with rheumatism of the heart. He is in Dr. Emerson’s care and is improving.
Emerson & Kretsinger proposed [Robinson’s boys]...
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
STRATEGY, MY BOY.
Some of the fellows have got up a ticket for the city election next Tuesday. They call it a kind of compromise ticket, claiming that it is on both sides of party politics, prohibition, water works, and every other question. Most of the candidates named are good fair men, but there is too little prohibition in it to call it a compromise on that question, being one prohibitionist to eight antis. In politics it is five Democrats, three Republicans, and one Greenbacker. The names are: Emerson for mayor; Kretsinger and Keck for council; Snow for police judge; O’Hare for city attorney; Silver and Wallis for school board; and Long and Pratt for constables. It looks to us that the main point of the ticket is to elect councilmen in the interest of Mart Robinson’s water works, for the getters up are willing to trade off any of their candidates except Krets. The water works fellows want Krets bad. They would trade off the balance of the ticket if necessary, but he must be retained at all hazards. The fact is, they know Krets would do anything that Mart would ask and he would ask even worse things than he would do himself. If they had put Frank Finch and Capt. Siverd on their ticket for constables, they would have shown a great deal more sagacity, for they are tried men doing their duty honestly, carefully, and fairly, and will get the votes of the best men of all parties and factions. There is talk of calling a public meeting to nominate a ticket.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, APRIL 2, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll call. Present: Councilmen Gary, McMullen, and Wilson; absent, Councilman Read.
The following accounts were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
Geo. Emerson, prof. Ser.: $5.00.
The following accounts were presented and approved and recommended to county commissioners for payment.
Geo. Emerson: $46.00.
Emerson elected Mayor; Kretsinger elected as councilman...
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1883.
The Election.
The city election Tuesday passed off very quietly, but little interest being manifested. On Monday evening a number of citizens met at the Opera House and placed a ticket in the field. Another meeting was held the same evening, which made up a second ticket. Dr. George Emerson was the unanimous candidate for Mayor by both meetings. The two tickets represented no distinctive issue of any character, unless it might have been termed a “waterworks” issue. In the first ward John McGuire was elected to the council over H. Silver by three majority. In the second ward D. L. Kretsinger was elected over S. L. Gilbert by forty majority. Capt. H. H. Siverd and Frank W. Finch were re-elected constables.
Votes shown.
MAYOR: George Emerson: 481.
POLICE JUDGE: J. E. Snow, 230; L. L. Beck, 255.
CITY ATTORNEY: Jos. O’Hare: 432.
TREASURER SCHOOL BOARD: George W. Robinson, 270; W. J. Wilson, 225.
CONSTABLES: H. H. Siverd, 299; Frank W. Finch, 251; David Long, 225; Jas. McLain, 222.
COUNCILMEN: 1st Ward, John A. McGuire, 132; H. Silver, 129.
COUNCILMEN: 2nd Ward, D. L. Kretsinger, 132; S. L. Gilbert, 92.
SCHOOL BOARD: 1st Ward, Dr. W. G. Graham, 259; 2nd ward, J. P. Short, 137; 2nd Ward, H. Brotherton, 89.
The new council is made up as follows.
All including the Mayor are Republicans, three councilmen and the Mayor are “anti-water-works”; in other words, in favor of holding the company down to the strict letter of their contract. Three are prohibitionists, and one an anti-prohibitionist.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
A lot of our young folks surprised Mayor Emerson and lady at their residence Friday evening. It was the occasion of the Doctor’s birthday—twenty-first, we believe. The party was royally entertained.
[KANSAS PRESS ASSOCIATION MEETING AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield, Courier, April 19, 1883.
Program of the Kansas Press Association at Winfield, May 9th and 10th.
1. Wednesday, May 9th, 11:30 a.m. Meeting at Santa Fe depot with band and carriages. Guests carried to the places assigned to them.
2. 2 o’clock p.m. Meeting at the Opera House. Song by the Arion Quartette. Address of welcome by M. G. Troup. Response. Business of the Association.
3. 8 p.m. Ball at the Opera House.
4. Thursday 9 a.m. Excursion in carriages to parks, quarries, factories, and other places of supposed interest in and about Winfield.
5. 2 o’clock. Meeting at Opera House. Song. Business of the Association.
6. 8 o’clock p.m. Meeting at the Opera House. Song. Business of the Association. Addresses, toasts, etc.
COMMITTEES.
Reception: Mayor, Geo. Emerson; Ex-Mayor, M. G. Troup; C. C. Black; Ed. P. Greer; Geo. Rembaugh; D. A. Millington.
Entertainment: J. P. Short, C. E. Fuller, S. L. Gilbert, R. C. Story, W. C. Robinson.
Excursion: H. E. Asp, P. H. Albright, J. B. Lynn, A. T. Spotswood.
MUSIC: G. H. BUCKMAN. BALL: D. L. KRETSINGER.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, APRIL 16, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Wilson, McMullen, and Gary. Minutes of the last regular meeting and of the meeting held April 6, to canvass the votes of the late city election were read and approved. Mayor Troup, Councilman Gary, of the first ward, and Councilman Read, of the second ward, whose terms of office had expired, then vacated their seats, and Geo. Emerson, Jno. A. McGuire, and D. L. Kretsinger, having filed their oaths of office with the clerk, took the seats thus vacated, as Mayor, Councilman from the first ward, and Councilman from the second ward respectively. Roll called. Present: Mayor Emerson, Councilmen Wilson, McGuire, McMullen, and Kretsinger. The council then proceeded with the regular order of business.
Two petitions in reference to gutters on Main Street were presented and were laid over until next meeting.
The report of the finance committee that the report of the clerk for quarter ending March 15, 1883, was correct, was received and adopted.
The report of the committee on streets and alleys was adopted.
The following accounts were presented and referred to the finance committee.
W. R. Davis, Med. Attend., City Poor: $95.00
Cal. Ferguson, team and hearse: $3.00
Courier Co., city printing: $22.50
L. H. Webb, elec. Exp.: $.55
T. H. Soward, Police Judge, office rent: $24.00
The following amounts were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
Judge and clerk of election: $22.00
Cal. Ferguson, room for election: $2.00
L. Wise, gutter, 10 Ave. and Main St.: $14.70.
The bond of L. L. Beck as Police Judge with C. L. Harter, J. M. Keck, H. S. Silver, and J. B Lynn as sureties, was presented and approved.
The report of the Police Judge for March and 9 days of April was presented and referred to the finance committee.
The mayor allowed the standing committees for the ensuing year as follows.
On streets and alleys: Wilson, Kretsinger, and McGuire.
On finance: McMullen, Kretsinger, and Wilson.
On fire department: Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire.
On public health: McGuire, McMullen, and Wilson.
On motion of councilman Kretsinger, councilman McMullen was elected President of the council for the ensuing year.
The committee on streets and alleys was instructed to secure the dirt from the excavation of Mr. Myton’s new building on the best possible terms.
Messrs. Black & Rembaugh and the Courier Co. submitted proposition to do the city printing for one year from May 1st as follows: Council proceedings without charge; other city printing except job work at rates allowed by law for public printing; job works at lowest schedule rates. On motion the printing was awarded to Black & Rembaugh for six months from May 1st, 1883, and to the Courier Co. for six months thereafter, and the City Attorney was instructed to draw a contract accordingly.
On motion the council adjourned.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
Mrs. Emerson...
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bahntge has been offered for the next meeting of the Ivanhoe Club on Tuesday, May 1. The following are on duty for miscellaneous selections: Miss Kate Millington, Mr. W. C. Smith, Miss Theresa Goldsmith, L. H. Webb, Mrs. Emerson, Mr. W. J. Wilson, Miss Allie Klingman, and Mr. C. F. Bahntge. As the club is to adjourn for the summer and as preliminary arrangements for a “Basket Picnic” are to be made, the members are earnestly solicited to attend. THERESA GOLDSMITH, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Council Chamber, City of Winfield, May 7, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Emerson in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McGuire, McMullen and Kretsinger; absent, Councilman Wilson. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
[At City Council Meeting.]
J. Wade McDonald, attorney for the Winfield Water Company, appeared and filed and presented to the mayor and councilmen a notification and request from said Water Company, in the words and figures following, to-wit:
Office of the Winfield Water Company, Winfield, Kansas, May 7th, 1883.
To the Honorable Mayor and Council of the City of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas:
GENTLEMEN: You are hereby notified and requested to proceed with all practicable dispatch to have condemned in the name of the City of Winfield, the right to perpetually divest from the Walnut River, at a point thereon northwest of the north end of Walton Street, of said city, all such quantity or quantities of water as may be necessary to enable the Winfield Water Company, its successors or assigns, to supply the said City of Winfield and the inhabitants thereof, with water, in pursuance with the provisions of ordinance numbered 167, of said city.
This notification and request is made in pursuance with and under and by virtue of the provisions of section 14 of said ordinance, numbered 167.
The Winfield Water Company by M. L. ROBINSON, President.
Attest: CHAS. F. BAHNTGE, Secretary.
And thereupon upon motion of Councilman McMullen it was ordered by the mayor and council that the city do forthwith, by Joseph O’Hare, Esq., city attorney, present, in the name of the city, a petition to the Honorable E. S. Torrance, judge of the district court of the County of Cowley, State of Kansas, requesting the appointment of three commissioners to lay off and condemn to the use of the city the right to forever divest from the Walnut River at a point thereon northwest of the present north end of Walton Street of said city, so much of the water of and from said stream as may or shall be or become necessary to forever supply from day to day and from year to year said city and the inhabitants thereof with an abundance of water for the extinguishment of fires and for domestic, sanitary, and other purposes as specified and provided for in and by ordinance numbered 167, of said city.
On motion, the Mayor, Councilman Kretsinger, and Mr. J. P. Short were appointed a committee to examine the question of providing the city with fire hose and carts.
G. B. Shaw & Co., were granted the privilege of erecting a windmill in the street near their place of business, subject to removal on order of council.
The Mayor appointed Giles Prater city marshal and street commissioner for the ensuing year, and on motion the council confirmed the appointment; the mayor then appointed E. S. Bedilion city clerk for the ensuing year, and the council refused to confirm, there being two votes for confirmation and two against; the mayor then appointed D. A. Millington city engineer for the ensuing year, and the appointment was confirmed by the council.
The city attorney was instructed to present an ordinance to prevent children from being on the streets at night. On motion the council adjourned.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
Last week Mayor Emerson received a letter from Mee & Co., Solicitors, of Bretford, England, inquiring the whereabouts of G. S. Gillott, and stating that Mr. Gillott’s children were made heirs of an uncle just deceased. There are several Gillotts in the county.
[APPOINTMENTS BY MAYOR.]
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
Mayor Emerson’s Appointments.
After several weeks of anguish and suspense on the part of expectant officers and their friends, Mayor Emerson has at last made his appointments. They were all what is termed “dark horses,” the small army of diligent applicants being entirely ignored. Giles W. Prater, the new marshal and street commissioner, is one of the early settlers in the county and a citizen of many and excellent qualities. He resides in Walnut Township, about four miles out, at present, but will move to town at once and assume the duties of position in a few days. Winfield has but little to do in the way of preserving the peace, but much in the way of improvement and beautifying her streets. This most important work has been sadly neglected during the past year, and it will take much energy and well-directed effort to redeem the alleys and crossings from the appearance of abandonment into which they have been allowed to fall. The mayor nominated for city clerk E. S. Bedilion, but the council refused to confirm him, probably on the ground that one office was sufficient at a time. Lovell Webb holds over.
[SCHOOL BOARD.]
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
School Board Meeting.
The Board met at the office of the Winfield Bank Monday. Present: Emerson, president; Fuller, Doane, and Wood, members. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Reports of all outstanding committees were accepted and the business of the old Board closed up as far as practicable. The new Board then proceeded to organize by electing Mr. Fuller, president; Mr. Wood, vice-president; and L. D. Zenor, clerk. The president then appointed the following committees.
Mr. Wood, committee on buildings and grounds.
Dr. Graham, common ways and means.
Mr. Short, committee on finance.
Dr. Emerson’s family take off for New York vacation...
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Mrs. Geo. Emerson and her children will start for Le Roy, New York, on Monday for a summer’s visit, leaving the Doctor to run the city government all by himself.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Where the Money Came From.
The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance.
Dr. Emerson: $2.00.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
W. A. Smith came down from Wichita to attend the surprise party at Dr. Emerson’s.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller and Mrs. Geo. Emerson finally got away Tuesday morning. The Fullers will be home about July 1st. Mrs. Emerson will remain away all summer.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
Last Saturday evening the Mayor and Mrs. Emerson were surprised by a gay party of young people who took possession of their residence and behaved as such people will. The victims seemed to enjoy it, however, for Mrs. Emerson said “It was too nice for anything,” and the surprisers thought so too.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, City of Winfield, May 21, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Emerson in the chair. Roll called. Present, Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, and Wilson; absent, councilman Kretsinger.
An invitation from the Mayor and Council of Wichita to attend the test of waterworks in that city on the 24th inst., was read, and on motion it was resolved that the Mayor make the necessary arrangements for the acceptance thereof, and that the Clerk notify the Mayor of Wichita of such acceptance.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883. [City Council Meeting.]
On motion it was resolved to ask the Winfield Water Company to give the city a bond of indemnity against loss or expense on account of possible suits concerning the condemnation proceedings for water works.
Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.
On invitation from the mayor and council of Wichita, Mayor Emerson, Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, and Wilson, and citizens Lynn and Bryan, went up to Wichita last Thursday to witness the formal test of their waterworks. The party express themselves as well pleased with the test and that the works are a success. They are especially pleased with the hospitality shown them by the officers and citizens of that place.
Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.
A young five year old son of Mr. Emerick, living near Seeley, was kicked by a horse Tuesday and had his arm broken. Dr. Emerson set the limb and the boy is now doing well.
[FOURTH OF JULY.]
Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.
WE WILL CELEBRATE.
An Enthusiastic Meeting and Gratifying Results.
By virtue of a previous call, the citizens met to devise ways and means for a 4th of July celebration at Winfield. Capt. J. S. Hunt was elected President, and O. M. Seward, Secretary.
Hon. C. C. Black stated the object of the meeting, and Col. Whiting moved to celebrate. Carried.
On motion Mayor Emerson was elected President of the day, and Col. Whiting, Marshal, with power to select his own aids, and have general charge of programme for the day.
Winfield Courier, July 26, 1883.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson returned home last week, much to the Doctor’s pleasure. He had enjoyed the blessings of hotel life to his heart’s content.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.
On last Thursday Dr. Emerson removed from the throat of Frank Smith’s little girl a nickel that had been there eighteen days. It was taken out with a probe. The little one suffered untold agonies and the parents are overjoyed at its relief.
Winfield Courier, September 13, 1883.
From the following items found in the Wellington Democrat, it seems that a good many of Winfield’s citizens were in some way attracted to that burg last week.
“Ivan Robinson, of Winfield was in the city this week. Henry E. Asp and wife, of Winfield, were in the city on Wednesday last. Dr. Cole, Miss Nellie Cole, and Dr. Emerson and wife, of Winfield, were in the city on Tuesday last. S. G. Gary, J. Wade McDonald, and F. K. Raymond, all of Winfield were in the city this week attending court. Senator W. P. Hackney of Winfield, was a pleasant caller on Tuesday last. Although opposed to Mr. Hackney, politically, we cannot help admiring the man. Tony Sykes, the foreman of the Winfield Courier for ten years, was in the city Tuesday, and we had the pleasure of a hand shake with him. Sykes is one of the best job and general printers in the State.”
[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1883.
Mayor’s Proclamation. By request of a part of the businessmen of Winfield, I hereby suggest that, so far as practicable, all business houses be closed from 11 o’clock a.m., until 4 o’clock p.m., on Thursday, September 26th, in order that all who desire may attend the County Fair on said day. GEORGE EMERSON, Mayor. Sept. 19th, 1883.
Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.
DIED. Martha Jackson, a colored woman about forty years of age, dropped dead at her home in the east part of the city on last Sunday morning. She came from the South about two years ago and has been making her home with the colored family of Andrew Shaw, assisting them in the laundry business. On Sunday morning she arose as usual and just after getting dressed, fell, and died immediately, not uttering a word after falling. She had made no complaints and was considered unusually robust and healthy. Doctors Emerson and Green made an examination and pronounced her death the result of paralysis of the heart.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
The Hydrophobia Case.
For some time the case of Amos Harris, of Harvey Township, has been attracting considerable attention. It appeared to be a case of hydrophobia, and for three weeks he had severe fits, barking like a dog and snapping at the attendants. Sometimes he would partially recover, get out and roam over the country, disturbing the peace of the inhabitants. Most all of the local physicians examined the case and pronounced it hydrophobia, he having been bitten by a dog some years ago.
Finally, Dr. Emerson was called, and after a brief examination, pronounced his hydrophobic antics a sham, and that his ailment was a mental one. The Doctor came home at the instance of the township trustee and had the young man brought before the Probate Court on a charge of insanity. The trial was held before a jury and a verdict returned of idiocy, which will necessitate his being cared for by the county. The young fellow played the hydrophobia game nicely. He could tell when he had a fit coming on and would notify the attendants to tie him and get ready. After Dr. Emerson went up and looked at him, he prescribed the energetic application of a raw-hide when the next fit came on, since which time the fits have ceased. The best part of the thing is that Dr. Emerson is taxed up with the costs of the trial which amounts to twenty dollars.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Drs. Green, Mendenhall, and Emerson attended the semi-annual meeting of the South Kansas Medical Society at Wichita on Tuesday. There was a large attendance and an interesting meeting. In the election of officers for the ensuing year, Dr. Geo. Emerson was made president and Dr. C. C. Green, secretary. Thus is Winfield honored.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, November 12, 1883.
Council met pursuant to adjournment, Mayor Emerson in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, Kretsinger, and Wilson. Minutes of the last two regular meetings and adjourned meeting read and approved.
The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.
Frank Barclay, piping, etc., to drinking fountains: $34.75.
The acceptance by Wm. Whiting of the gas ordinance was ordered filed and spread upon the council proceedings.
On motion the Council decided that the city should put in gutter in front of Newton’s Harness Shop, where the city well is to be removed.
[ENTERTAINMENT: DR. & MRS. GEO. EMERSON.]
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1883.
The most delightful entertainment of the season was given by Dr. & Mrs. Geo. Emerson on Tuesday evening of this week. The guests present were: Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Ordway, Mr. & Mrs. J. Wade McDonald, Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Baird, Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. & Mrs. M. L. L. Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. & Mrs. G. H. Allen, Mr. & Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. & Mrs. C. F. Bahntge, Mr. & Mrs. W. J. Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. D. A. Millington; Mrs. F. Mendell of Texas, Mrs. H. P. Mansfield of Burden, Mrs. Perkins, late of Australia, Mrs. Frank Barclay, Mrs. C. L. Harter; Misses Lizzie Wallis, Margie Wallis, Jennie Hane, Florence Beeney, Nettie R. McCoy, Huldah Goldsmith, Clara Brass, Sadie French, Julia Smith, Jessie Meech, Caro Meech, Jesse Millington; Messrs. M. J. O’Meara, D. L. Kretsinger, W. H. Smith, W. A. Smith of Wichita, E. H. Nixon, L. D. Zenor, W. C. Robinson, Geo. W. Robinson, E. Wallis, G. Headrick, F. F. Leland, H. Bahntge, E. Meech, Jr. It was an exceedingly lively party and the host and hostess had omitted nothing which could add to the general enjoyment. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson stand at the head of the list of those in Winfield who know how to entertain their friends.
Winfield Courier, December 20, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller entertained a large number of friends at their elegant home Friday evening. It was a pleasant company and the hospitality was highly enjoyed. Among those present were Mayor & Mrs. Emerson, Mr. & Mrs. Bahntge, Mr. & Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. & Mrs. Hickok, Mr. & Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. & Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. & Mrs. Mann, Mr. & Mrs. W. S. Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. Millington, Mr. & Mrs. Silliman, Mr. & Mrs. Ordway, Mr. & Mrs. Tomlin, Mr. & Mrs. Col. Whiting, Mr. & Mrs. Geo. W. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Greer, Mr. & Mrs. Allen, Mr. & Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Mr. & Mrs. Dr. Green, Mr. & Mrs. Brown, Mr. & Mrs. H. G. Fuller, Mr. & Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. & Mrs. Branham. Also, Mr. Elbert Bliss, Mrs. Albro, Mrs. Doane, Mrs. Foos, Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Ripley, of Burlington, Iowa, Mrs. Judge Buck of Emporia. These evening gatherings are becoming quite a feature in our social life, and nowhere are they more heartily enjoyed than at Mr. Fuller’s.
Winfield Courier, January 10, 1884.
Dr. Emerson’s colt put one of its hind feet into the phaeton Tuesday, while driving along Main street. It was rather an unusual performance for the Mayor’s horse to indulge in.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
The Masquerade.
The members of the Pleasant Hour Club have made the winter thus far very pleasant in a social way. Their hops have been well attended, and the utmost good feeling and harmony has prevailed. Their masquerade ball last Thursday evening was the happiest hit of the season. The floor was crowded with maskers and the raised platforms filled with spectators. At nine o’clock the “grand march” was called, and the mixture of grotesque, historical, mythological, and fairy figures was most attractive and amusing. Then, when the quadrilles were called, the effect of the clown dancing with a grave and sedate nun, and Romeo swinging a pop-corn girl, was, as one of the ladies expressed it, “just too cute.”
The following is the list of names of those in masque, together with a brief description of costume or character represented.
LADIES.
Mrs. Emerson, Daughter of the Regiment.
Emerson and Wilson oppose Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire...
[WINFIELD WATERWORKS.]
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
WATERWORKS ACCEPTED.
The city councilmen at their meeting Monday evening accepted the waterworks, Messrs. Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire voting aye; Mr. Wilson and Mayor Emerson opposing. This was hastily done while the reservoir had never been filled to test whether it was strong enough to hold two million gallons of water as required by the ordinance and while the question of whether the company had a right to the water from the “mill pond” was pending in the court. Since the acceptance the court has decided that the company have no right to use the water, thus leaving the city with a dry, waterless waterworks on its hands and $3,000 a year tax. We expected Kretsinger would vote for an acceptance whether there was any water in the reservoir or not, but we were surprised beyond measure when McMullen went over thus early and McGuire with him, while we honor Mr. Wilson and the mayor for their conservative and prudent course in the interests of the city. We do not mean to reflect on the motives of the gentlemen who voted for acceptance. We give them credit for doing what they considered just and proper in the case, and we hold them in higher respect, but we think they have made a mistake.
Emerson part of coal company...
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
Coal.
A coal company has been formed for the purpose of prospecting for coal here. Quite a large sum has already been subscribed to prosecute the work and it is the intention of the company to begin work as soon as the necessary boring machinery can be secured. This enterprise is a most important one for our City. There is no doubt but that our town is underlaid by coal deposits and all it needs is enterprise to develop them. The following gentlemen are the incorporators: W. P. Hackney, M. L. Robinson, B. F. Cox, J. L. Horning, C. C. Black, J. M. Keck, O. M. Reynolds, C. L. Harter, S. C. Smith, and Geo. Emerson.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
More Fires.
Again, on Sunday evening, an attempt was made to set fire to property in the city. A lot of hay was stuffed under the rear end of Hendricks & Wilson’s hardware store and ignited. It was done about half past seven o’clock in the evening. Mr. James McLain, who has been acting as night watchman, first discovered and put it out. Shortly before, when walking across Manning Street and Tenth Avenue, he passed a man who was walking hurriedly. As soon as he passed, the man broke into a run, and a moment after McLain discovered the fire. When he turned, the man had disappeared in the darkness. What the object of these incendiaries is cannot be defined. The fire in the Hodges barn could have injured but little business property if successful. The fire started in the Shenneman barn, immediately after, when the hose was handy and hundreds of people standing around to use it, could not have been set with a very villainous intent to destroy, as the destroyer might have known it would be put out in a minute. The setting of the Sunday evening fire early in the evening, when everyone was about, showed a lack of deep intent to do great injury. However, our people have resolved to put a stop to it, and to that end the following paper has been prepared and duly signed, and the total sum of $222.50 goes to the person who runs the fire-bugs in.
We, the undersigned, promise to pay the sum set against our respective names as a reward for the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons engaged in setting any incendiary fire in the city of Winfield, either heretofore or hereafter.
THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $5.00:
S. C. Smith, T. K. Johnston, Horning & Whitney, Wm. Newton, Hudson Bros., McGuire Bros., J. B. Lynn, Geo. Emerson, COURIER Co., Ella C. Shenneman, W. S. Mendenhall, Winfield Bank, M. L. Read’s Bank, Rinker & Cochran, Miller & Dawson, H. Beard, Whiting Bros., Hendricks & Wilson, A. E. Baird, Johnston & Hill, J. N. Harter, Farmers Bank, Wallis & Wallis, F. V. Rowland, J. S. Mann, Hughes & Cooper, A. B. Arment, Quincy A. Glass, W. L. Morehouse, McDonald & Miner, Curns & Manser, J. D. Pryor, M. Hahn & Co., O’Meara & Randolph, S. H. Myton, J. P. Baden, Telegram, Scofield & Keck, Henry Goldsmith.
THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $2.50.
R. E. Sydal, S. D. Pryor, E. G. Cole, Kraft & Dix, H. Brown & Son, Brotherton & Silver, F. M. Friend, F. H. Blair, F. H. Bull, T. J. Harris, Albro & Dorley.
TOTAL RAISED: $222.50
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
“Mayor Emerson made a mistake in his selection of fire marshal. Daddy Millington was the man for that position and Ed. Greer for second position. The only danger from this combination would have been that they would willingly let the town be reduced to ashes in their attempt to crush the water-works. . . .
“If Dad Millington and Me too Greer had been on the roof of Mrs. Shenneman’s stable when the firemen cut loose with their inch and a quarter stream, they would have thought that about four million of nature’s wash basins had been upset on their miserable heads.”
Telegram.
We have always thought that within Rembaugh’s aesthetic frame slumbered the incipient fires of a genius that would some day flash upon the world like the rays of a tallow candle on the summit of Pikes Peak. The above, from his pen, would appear to one who did not know him to be the mutterings of a disordered mind. They are really sparks from his storehouse of wit and humor, drawn from the inspiration of a ten dollar fire in a hay-mow. We might quote a column more of the same kind, from the same source, and fruits of the same inspiration, were we sure that the public would bear with us. If the marshal has ever inadvertently collected money of him as poll-tax, it ought to be refunded. There is a statute exempting such persons from municipal burdens. Their existence is a sublime proof of the mercy of God, and should be borne cheerfully.
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson and Mrs. Chas. F. Bahntge took a little pleasure and business tour to Kansas City last week, returning one day this week.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
Oliver of Akron Observes.
That James Defenbaugh, who has been quite sick at Mr. Metzger’s for three weeks past, is recovering quite rapidly under the treatment of Dr. Emerson.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
ANOTHER RAILROAD!
WINFIELD WILL BE THE “FUTURE GREAT” OF SOUTHERN KANSAS.
A Third Competing Line to be Built At Once.
On Monday evening a large meeting was held in the Courthouse for the purpose of receiving and discussing the new railroad proposition. The meeting organized by placing Mayor Emerson in the chair with Geo. H. Buckman as secretary. Henry E. Asp then read the proposition as decided upon in a conference between the representatives of the railroad company and the railroad committee. After the reading of the proposition, Mr. James N. Young, of Chicago, representing the company, was introduced and stated that the company were now ready to build the road, and desired to do so with as little delay as possible. That their intention was to build from a connection with the St. Louis & San Francisco, north or northeast from Winfield, to the south line of Sumner County, during the coming summer, and that the company desired an expression from the citizens as to whether they wanted the road or not, and would aid it, at once, so that the final location of the line might be decided upon.
Senator Hackney was then called out and made a ringing speech in favor of the proposition and urged all to take hold with a will and secure it while they had the opportunity. Ex-Mayor Troup also spoke strongly in favor of securing the road at all hazards, as did Mr. Black, of the Telegram, and Judge T. H. Soward. A vote was then taken on the proposition, and almost every person in the house voted the affirmative. A committee of five, consisting of Geo. H. Rembaugh, Henry E. Asp, George. H. Buckman, Geo. H. Crippen, and Ed. P. Greer, was appointed to secure the necessary amount of names to the petitions. The meeting was one of the largest ever held in the city and enthusiastic and united on the railroad question.
Hose Company No. 1 [Robinson Hose]...
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.
Hose Company No. 1 was out in splendid new uniforms Monday evening. Headed by the Juvenile Band, they paraded down Main Street, and to the residence of Mr. M. L. Robinson, where an informal reception was held, after which they visited Mayor Emerson’s home. The new uniforms are neat and showy and the effect is imposing. The boys composing our hose companies are as fine bodies of young men as any city can show and we are justly proud of them. No. 1 has been christened the “Robinson Hose,” in honor of Mr. M. L. Robinson, who assisted them liberally in completing their organization.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
Last Sunday was the most perfect of May days, calm, clear, and buoyant, such as only Kansas can supply, and all nature seemed at her loveliest. In consequence, the temptation for a visit to the Chilocco Indian School below Arkansas City was so great as to almost depopulate our city of its society people. Those who yielded to temptation on this occasion were Mayor Emerson and family; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Albro; Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Blair; Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Nelson; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wallis and daughters, Miss Bertha and Birdie; Mr. and Mrs. Beeny; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilson, and Mrs. J. E. Saint; E. H. Nixon and Miss Jessie Millington; M. J. O’Meara and Miss Lizzie Wallis; M. H. Ewert and Miss Margie Wallis; Byron Rudolph and Miss Sadie French; Mr. Walters and Miss Florence Beeny; Joe Finkleburg and Miss Anna Hyde; Fritz Ballein and Miss Nina Anderson. With such a bright and happy crowd, nothing but a most enjoyable trip could be the result. This Indian school is becoming a very popular resort for persons in search of recreation and information.
[SOUTHERN KANSAS RAILROAD: PROPOSED CHANGE.]
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
Proposed Change on the Southern Kansas.
Word was received last Friday of the intention of the Southern Kansas railroad officials to put on a night passenger train from Kansas City to Harper, passing here at about ten in the morning and returning in the afternoon, while the regular day train would be stopped at Independence. Our people were in favor of the new train, but heartily opposed to having the regular train stopped at Independence. A meeting of businessmen was held Friday evening at which Mayor Emerson and Messrs. Long, Black, and Horning were appointed a committee to interview the railroad officials, at Lawrence, to secure the continuance of the regular train to Winfield. The heaviest passenger traffic of any town on the line comes from this city, and the business is such as to demand both these trains. A train leaving for Kansas City at the same time as the Santa Fe, would greatly lessen our railroad accommodations.
LATER: We learn that the committee were successful in their efforts and that both trains will run through from Kansas City to Harper.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1884.
Dr. Emerson is again in his office after a severe tussle with typho-malarial fever.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1884.
Mayor Emerson was detained from the council meeting Monday evening by sickness.
Mrs. Emerson was married before: her son, John Ballard, returned from school...
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
Master John Ballard has returned from school in the state of New York, and his mother Mrs. Emerson, is happy. So is the Mayor.
[TRAIN WRECK.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
A Railroad Smashup!
An Accommodation Train on the Southern Kansas Badly Wrecked Near Cambridge.
Many Passengers Injured and the Coach Used Up.
For some time past the Southern Kansas railroad has been running an accommodation train, which connects with the extra passenger at Independence and runs through, on fair time, to Harper. On this train is, in addition to the caboose, a first-class passenger coach. Most of the passengers arriving in Independence in the evening take this train and in this way make several hours over the regular through passenger train arriving, for instance, at Winfield at 5:10 a.m., instead of at 10:30.
This train was badly wrecked last Saturday morning at 3 o’clock between Grand Summit and Cambridge, about twenty-five miles east of this city, in Cowley County. The train was going down grade at a rapid rate, when a front wheel of the coach went down. The train, of course, couldn’t be stopped on down grade for some distance, and the coach plunged around over the track, plowing up the ground terrifically, until an up grade was reached, when the car broke off and rolled over almost on its top. The coach contained about twenty-one passengers, who were tossed helplessly through the car. Scarcely one escaped injury, while many were seriously hurt, and a few fatally.
Mrs. S. C. Sumpter, of Walnut Township, with a sister, was in the car returning from an Illinois visit. Mr. Sumpter met them at the depot here to find them fearfully cut and bruised about the head and shoulders, and a startling story they told.
Mrs. Hoyland and her three daughters, from Wisconsin, were within a few miles of their destination, New Salem, where her brother, J. W. Hoyland, was awaiting them. The old lady was badly cut about the head, the oldest daughter had a shoulder broken, the next received what were supposed to be fatal internal injuries, and the youngest girl was seriously bruised. Physicians were procured from Cambridge and the injured cared for until the west bound passenger train picked them up.
It was impossible for us to ascertain further names, as nearly all of the unfortunate were taken on to their several destinations.
Some who were unable to travel were left at Cambridge. Dr. Emerson, of this city, the Company’s physician, gave them early attention.
The Doctor and Senator Hackney, attorney of the company, spent Sunday at Cambridge.
None of the train men were injured. The conductor was in the caboose and the brakeman was just leaving it to set the coach brakes when the disaster occurred.
Names or officers not given [Emerson was still Mayor.]...
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
DOINGS OF THE CITY DADS.
Notice by the Winfield Gas Company that they had finished the system of gas-works as contemplated by Ordinances No. 176 and 177, was referred to a special committee consisting of Councilmen Hodges, McDonald, and McGuire.
Lawless served with Sampson Johnson & Senator Hackney...
[LAWLESS HAS AN EDUCATED DOG. SERVED WITH SAMPSON JOHNSON.]
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1884.
Mr. Wm. E. Lawless, an old soldier of the 7th Illinois, has been in the city for several days. He is selling notions and has with him an educated dog, which is a wonder. He met many of his old comrades here. Mayor Emerson very kindly remitted his license, a favor that is justly due a crippled soldier. He served with Sampson Johnson during the war and was in the same regiment with Senator Hackney, and was with the latter gentleman when he was wounded. He was a bugler in the service and uses the same bugle to call a crowd together on the street. Sampson Johnson said he recognized the sound as soon as he heard it.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
Mrs. Sim Moore, of Burden, is suffering very severely with her hand. Some time last week she went to the barn to fix an animal that was loose and got her thumb caught in the rope, tearing the flesh badly. Sunday the hand and arm began to swell and pain terribly and Monday a man came down for Doctor Emerson to amputate the hand. Her sufferings were excruciating.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
DR. GEO. EMERSON, PHYSICIAN and Surgeon. Office over Harter Bros. drug store. Tuesdays and Saturday will be devoted exclusively to office practice.
Van Hook or Vanhook??? [See items given after next one about Emerson]...
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
DIED. Wm. H. Vanhook, a young man for fourteen years in the employ of Geo. W. Miller, our cattle man, and the last four years manager of Mr. Miller’s Territory ranch, died last week at Hunnewell. He was taken a few days before, while in the Territory, with typho-malarial fever. Mrs. Miller and Dr. Emerson left here as soon as apprized, but before they reached him, the grim destroyer had done his work. The body was brought to Winfield and buried Friday from the Christian Church, Rev. H. D. Gans officiating. The attentions of Mr. and Mrs. Miller could not have been exceeded had the young man been an own son.
Miller Burying Ground.
The Miller family did buy cemetery lots in the Graham-Union Cemetery. On March 13, 1900, Joe C. Miller bought block 2, lot 29. Joe Miller’s infant daughter died March 27, 1897, and is buried there with a headstone. On May 11, 1900, George W. Miller bought block 2, lot 36, and there is no record of any burials there. These lots are side by side. G. W. Miller died in 1903, while the family was still living in Winfield, but the body was sent to Crab Orchard, Kentucky, for burial. There are no other burials recorded by headstone or in the Winfield city records.
To visit these lots, approach the cemetery from the south, enter at the second entrance, go to the second crossroad west of the street, turn north and the Miller properties are the second and third lots north on the east side of the road way.
There are references to the Miller burying ground in Winfield.
One is in the book “Fabulous Empire” by Gipson, page 3. “So Zack had to stay around home and play with the neighbor kids, longing for the day when he could ride with old Milton Van Hook, the 101 cowhand who could spin a kid exciting, long-winded range yarns by the hour.”
“That hope was never fulfilled, though. Old Milton died before Zack ever got big enough to ride with him. (Note- Zack was born in 1878.) Typhoid got the old cowhand in an upstairs room of the Hale Hotel in Hunnewell.”
“ -----. They just carried him on outside and loaded him into a rig and set off for Winfield with him.”
Notes from Arkansas City historian, Lois Hinsey. “Milton Van Hook lived here (Hunnewell) ---. He is thought to be buried in a Miller plot, following his death in 1880's, in Winfield, Ks.”
Note from Richard Wortman 1/21/1994. I visited Graham Union Cemetery 1/9/94. Enter at south entrance, drive west but do not enter circle drive. About 35 feet south of road is a plot with a curb around it. The legal description is block L, lot 6. It is large enough for 10 burials. The Winfield city records show it was bought by (first name unknown) Van Hook in 1881. The first burial recorded in the Winfield city records was Milton Vanhook, who died 9/18/1881 and had no headstone.
Inside the curb surrounding the plot is a granite shaft with the name Vanhook on it. It reads “Wm. H. Vanhook, died 9/18/1884, age 28. The base is limestone with a carving of a longhorn steer and a coiled rope. There is no visible sign of a saddle. The base also says Dawson-Winfield. (After checking Dawson Monument Co., I find that they have no record of the creation of this stone or who paid for it.) The top of the shaft has had something on top which has been broken off, or weathered off. One source (Sally Wilcox) stated that it used to be a longhorn steer’s head but was broken off by vandals and destroyed.
The Courier obituary of 9/25/1884 states “William H. Vanhook, a young man for fourteen years in the employ of Geo. W. Miller, our cattle man, and the last four years manager on Mr. Miller’s Territory ranch, died last week at Hunnewell. He was taken a few days before, while in the Territory, with Typho-malarial fever. Mrs. Miller and Dr. Emerson left here as soon as apprized, but before they reached him the grim destroyer had done his work. The body was brought to Winfield and buried Friday from the Christian church, Rev. H. D. Gans officiating. The attentions of Mr. and Mrs. Miller could not have been exceeded had the young man been an own son.”
At the back of the lot is a granite stone which states “Father. December 12, 1932. The Courier obituary, published 12/13/1932 states; “George K. Vanhook of Ponca City, father of Mrs. Claude Brown of Winfield, died at the 101 ranch in Oklahoma at 5:25 p.m. Monday. He was born in Crabapple (Crab Orchard), Ky., in 1850 and was 82 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by three children, Mrs. Claude Brown, Glenn W. Vanhook, and Claud E. Vanhook.”
Note from the book “The 101 Ranch” published in 1937 by Alma Miller England, page 8. “Rainwater and the late George Vanhook (who had died 5 years before the book was written) of the 101 Ranch accompanied Colonel Miller many Times. Vanhook had come with Miller to Newtonia from Crab Orchard, Kentucky, the Miller ancestral home.”
At the front of the lot is a double marble stone that reads; M. Claude Brown, 3/7/1882, 11/6/1958; Georgia Brown, 3/12/1887, 5/16/1970.
From this we find that Milton Vanhook and his two boys, George K. (born in 1850) and William H. (born in 1856) came from Crab Orchard, Ky., to Newtonia, Mo., with Geo W. Miller in 1870. They also moved with Miller to Winfield, Hunnewell, and on to the 101 Ranch.
From the book “Fabulous Empire” by Gipson and Zack Miller. Page 104. “Jimmie Moore had sung for the last time ---. When Zack got back, they’d already buried the little Irishman in the 101 burial lot at Winfield where today a big granite shaft, with carvings of empty saddles and coiled ropes, marks the graves of many a good 101 cowhand.” (Note - This was in late 1893 or early 1894 according to Zack Miller’s memory.)
Notes from Lois Hinsey about Jimmie Moore. “When he died a few years later (after 1893) he was buried in the plot in Winfield.”
Note from Richard Wortman. It is strange, to me, that there is no mention of Milton Vanhook’s wife, or George Vanhook’s wife. I have no indication to show that William Vanhook was ever married.
Joe Cayton...
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1884.
A team belonging to Mr. Joe Cayton, of Liberty Township, ran away on the street Monday. Mr. Cayton was on the ground when the team started, and sprang between the wheels to get the lines when he was thrown down, the wheels passing over his body. He was picked up senseless and carried up into Dr. Emerson’s office, where he was soon restored to consciousness. He was afterward removed to the residence of Mr. T. R. Bryan, where he was kindly cared for. It is to be hoped that his injuries may not prove serious.
Joe Cayton follow-up:
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1884.
Mr. Cayton, the gentleman who was injured in the runaway Monday was removed to his home Tuesday. Dr. Marsh, who attended him, reports no bones broken and no serious injuries sustained.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.
The South Kansas Medical Society meets at Wichita Tuesday next, November 11th. Drs. Geo. Emerson and C. C. Green of this city are president and secretary. All our prominent physicians will attend.
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
DEADLY BULLETS!
Saturday Night’s Excitement has a Sequel in the Murder of a Colored Man
And the FATAL SHOOTING Of a White!
General Recklessness and Bad Whiskey the Cause.
FLETCHER AND BURGE THE VICTIMS.
Notwithstanding the intense excitement caused by the Presidential uncertainty, Winfield was free from dangerous passions and fatal results until Saturday night, when the deadly revolver, in the reckless hand, took the life of Charlie Fletcher (colored) and gave Sandy Burge (white) a death wound. Excitement had been at a fever heat during the evening, but had vented itself up to eleven o’clock only in civil hilarity, playing of bands, and other harmless modes of jollification. But at that hour the celebrating portion of the crowd had mostly exhausted all enthusiasm and departed to their homes, leaving the ground in charge of the more boisterous. The Democrats had been celebrating during the evening the supposed elevation of Cleveland; and though loud denunciation of disciples of both parties had been indulged in, this sad ending is thought by all to have no political significance, but merely the result of whiskey and undue recklessness. However, we present the evidence at the Coroner’s inquest, from which all can draw their conclusions. The affair is very much deplored by members of both parties, as anything but an honor to our civilization and the good name of our city.
Fletcher died within an hour after the bullet had passed through his abdomen, and was buried Monday afternoon from the colored M. E. Church, of this city, a large concourse of white and colored citizens following the remains to South Cemetery.
Burge walked, after being shot, in company with the marshal, to Smith’s lunch-room, sat down, and soon fainted away. He was taken to the Ninth Avenue Hotel, where doctors were summoned and where he remained till Sunday morning, when he was removed to his home and family in the east part of the city. He was shot with a thirty-two bullet, which entered just below the fifth rib on the right side and passed through the right lung and came very nearly out at the back. As we go to press he still lies in a critical condition, though the physicians give him the possibility of recovering. But little change has been noted in his condition since Sunday.
Coroner H. W. Marsh was summoned, impaneled a jury Sunday afternoon, and held an inquest on the body of young Fletcher.
The jury was composed of Messrs. John McGuire, J. B. Lynn, George Emerson, T. H. Soward, W. J. Hodges, and James Bethel, who brought in a verdict that Fletcher came to his death by a pistol shot from the hand of Sandy Burge.
A synopsis of the evidence is given herewith, which fully explains the whole affair.
The first witness called up was Andrew Shaw, colored. He said: “I saw Charlie Fletcher on the corner of Ninth and Main on Saturday night, at what hour I don’t know. I saw no one shoot, nor did I see anyone with a pistol or other weapon in hand. I saw Fletcher fall. Before this I told him to have no row. When I heard the first shot, Charlie whirled around and fired. I saw the flash of a gun from the direction where Sandy Burge was standing. I also saw Mr. Lacy there with a star on.”
Dan’l D. Miller was next called. He said: “I saw a difficulty last evening at the corner of Ninth Avenue and Main Street about 11 o’clock. I was standing on the curb-stone near the hydrant when Henry Franklin, colored, came and spoke to me. He told me he understood the white boys were making up a mob to drive the darkies out of town and if they were, they would have a good time doing it. I told him I had heard nothing of the kind and thought everything would be all right if they behaved themselves. While we were talking, Lewis Bell was also talking. A. A. Thomas, standing near, said: ‘Democrat, Republican, or any G__d d___m man that jumps on me during this campaign will carry his guts off in his hand.’ Bell said: ‘I am a Democrat and if you jump on me, I’ll see that you jump off.’ Thomas replied, ‘the hell you say.’ Thomas then left and Bell was talking about the G__d d____m niggers or coons. Franklin, colored, went to Bell and Bell knocked him down. Just at that time Sandy Burge drew his revolver. I was about two feet from him. I advanced, grabbed him by the right shoulder, and whirled him around facing south and told him to put up his gun. He replied: ‘I won’t fight a G__d d___m nigger a fist fight.’ Some man then hollowed to turn his G__d d__m gun loose or put it up. He tore loose from me and whirled round facing northeast; his pistol in hand, and immediately there was a flash of a pistol about 10 or 12 feet east of where Burge stood. At this time Burge threw his hand up, made a slight noise, and as his hand came down, his pistol fired. I saw the colored man fall and he fired his pistol as he fell. The colored man was standing 10 or 12 feet nearly north of Burge—12 feet from where the first shot was fired. The next moment Burge fired his pistol again in the same direction. I don’t know who fired the first shot. I think the first shot struck Burge. I also think the shot fired by Burge struck Fletcher and I don’t think it was Fletcher’s shot that struck Burge. There were two shots fired from down the street east of us, after Burge and Fletcher shot. The first shot of the last two burned my face and made me dodge. The second one struck the lamp post. Don’t know who fired them. Then I shot around the corner.”
Henry Franklin, colored, was then called, who testified: “I saw Charlie Fletcher at McGuire’s corner about 11 o’clock. I was standing near the lamp-post, and after Bell struck me, Fletcher passed by me. Burge was standing east of me 5 or 6 feet, on the sidewalk. I can’t tell who fired the first shot. It came from about where Burge stood. I think Burge shot twice. My opinion is that Burge shot Fletcher and Fletcher shot Burge.”
James H. Finch then took the stand: “As I stood on McGuire’s corner last night about 11 o’clock, I saw a colored man come along. He stopped just off the curb-stone and some man spoke to him. The colored man said, ‘I don’t want any trouble,’ and laughed. Somebody at this time pitched in for a squabble and then the colored man fell to the sidewalk. Someone said, ‘Give it to the son of a b____.’ Just at that time Burge put his hand to his hip pocket to draw a revolver and began backing off from where he stood, in rather a stooping position. I watched him because I had a conversation with him about an hour before and he was drinking and I thought there might be some trouble. I thought in his condition if there was trouble, he would be in it. I was some 20 feet from him when he started to draw his revolver and made toward him, thinking I could knock his revolver out of his hand or his arm up so he would not shoot into the crowd. Before I got to him he fired two shots and snapped the revolver once. He shot a little northwest. Saw the man who was shot as he commenced falling. He was 12 or 15 feet northwest of Burge. He was a colored man. Burge shot the first shot and the darky shot about the same time. I should say four or five shots were fired. The colored man was falling when he shot, and I can’t tell where the other shots came from. I thought Burge’s second shot went some other way than toward the colored man. The darky said, when I went to him, that Sandy Burge shot him.”
The next witness was Alex. Franklin, colored: “I knew Charlie Fletcher and was on McGuire’s corner about 11 o’clock last night. The first thing I saw, old man Franklin was pulling Henry Franklin off the ground. I then saw Sandy Burge’s revolver; then the reports and the blaze of it; the reports were about together, and then Charlie Fletcher fell. Charlie fired one shot and Sandy the other. I heard four shots. A stone Mason, unknown to me, shot two shots! Sandy then snapped his revolver again and walked off. Don’t know whether he shot twice or not. Charlie told me when we took him home that Sandy shot him and he shot Sandy.”
Frank A. Smith was then introduced: “I came up the sidewalk from Jim Smith’s lunch room last night about 11 o’clock. There was a crowd on McGuire’s corner. I heard a blow struck and soon after saw Sandy Burge walking backward and pulling a revolver. I told him to put up his gun. He then shot. I believe he shot down within five feet of his own feet. The next shot he fired so as to range about a person’s breast. As he shot the second shot, the colored man said, ‘I am shot!’ and fell. Fletcher told me after he was down that Sandy Burge shot him. There were from five to eight shots fired.”
Capt. J. B. Nipp testified: “I heard a fuss on McGuire’s corner last night, about 11 o’clock, and went over there. I saw Sandy Burge draw his revolver and back up. Heard several say ‘Put up your gun!’ and heard five shots fired. Saw the blaze of the pistol from where Sandy stood; think Burge did a part of the shooting and don’t know who did the rest. The time was very short between the knock-down and the shooting; the time between the first three shots was not long enough for a man to draw his revolver; about time for pulling a trigger.”
John W. Dix said: “I saw a crowd on McGuire’s corner last night a little after 11 o’clock and ran over there. I heard a blow when nearly there and on getting to the crowd saw Sandy Burger with his revolver drawn down by his side. Someone told him to put it up or turn it loose. Then they began to rush toward him and he backed up, telling them to stand back; but they kept telling him to put it up. The words were repeated a number of times, when he backed off the crossing east a few paces and told them not to crowd him or he would shoot and started to raise his pistol; before he got it up, the colored man shot him. The flash of the colored man’s pistol was not gone before Sandy’s flashed. Sandy and the colored man shot at each other.”
A. A. Thomas next testified: “I heard there was going to be a fight and went over to McGuire’s corner. There I saw Henry Franklin, colored, staggering through the crowd. They said he had been hit. Saw Sandy Burge with his revolver out and Charlie Fletcher had his in his coat pocket with his hand on it. Sandy started off the gutter-stone and said, ‘That won’t do.’ I told Fletcher to keep his pistol in his pocket, that Sandy was bluffing. Fletcher and I walked 10 or 12 feet toward the crossing. Then Sandy shot downward into the ground. I then moved southward and heard two shots. The smoke came from both the colored fellow and Sandy and I don’t know which shot first. It seemed that Fletcher shot as he was falling.”
The testimony of Marshal Herrod was introduced, as follows. “I took a pistol away from Sandy Burge last night just after the shooting and took one from the hands of the colored man while he yet lay in the street. (Here the balls from the wounds and the pistols of Fletcher and Burge were produced in evidence, the balls fitting exactly their respective pistols.) There was two shots out of Burge’s pistol and one out of Fletcher’s when I got them.”
Said John Easton: “I met Sandy Burge yesterday morning between 7 and 8 o’clock and in a conversation with him he said, ‘I will kill the first d___n nigger that steps in my way.’”
James McLain testified: “I heard Fletcher say that Bell couldn’t get to him; he could reach him first. I searched him about fifteen minutes after and found no pistol. Bell was cursing and swearing and had two or three rackets.”
Dr. C. C. Green testified to having found Fletcher lying in the street in a dying condition and gave location of wound, which passed through the abdomen. The bullet was a forty-five caliber.
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
The South Kansas Medical Society met at Wichita Tuesday. The attendance from here were Drs. Emerson, Mendenhall, Green, Wright, Tandy, and Park. The meeting was a very pleasant one and wound up with a big banquet in the evening.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.
Society.
A very pleasant entertainment was given by Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, at their splendid residence in this city, on Thursday evening, December 10th. About sixty to seventy guests were present, among whom we remember by name the following.
Rev. and Mrs. W. R. Kirkwood, Prof. and Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Buckman, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Ordway, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Williams, Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Hunt, Dr. and Mrs. C. S. Van Doren, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mrs. Frank Williams of Wichita, Mrs. J. H. Bullen, Mrs. W. H. Albro, Mrs. Whitney, Mrs. Arthur Bangs, Miss Nettie McCoy, Miss Anna McCoy, Mr. W. H. Smith, Mr. Lew Brown, and Mr. W. C. Robinson.
Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, made up of rain, mud, snow, and cold, the guests enjoyed themselves to the utmost, and after partaking of a magnificent supper, music, and mirth, the guests separated with warm thanks to their host and hostess, who had afforded them so much pleasure, and with the aid of Arthur Bangs, most of them, we presume, found their own domiciles in due time.
[UDALL. — “G.”]
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.
Drs. Mendenhall, Emerson, and Knickerbocker attended D. C. Green during his sickness.
DIED. Our city is again thrown into a state of gloom by the sudden death of D. C. Green, of the firm of Green & June. Mr. Green had been suffering from a long standing hernia, and on the 12th inst. took violently, rendering a surgical operation imperative, but alas! human skill could avail nought against the grim destroyer and today (the 16th) we commit all that is earthly to man’s last sad resting place. The deceased was one of our best and most enterprising citizens, coming here at the start. He assisted as much, if not more, to the upbuilding of Udall as any of our citizens, with a hand of charity ever open to assist the unfortunate. None came to him for assistance or sympathy that went away disappointed. At the state of our town, he was postmaster and filled the position to the satisfaction of all. He was a member of Mulvane Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and will be buried with Masonic honors. To the writer of this he was a most intimate friend and his loss will be felt by him more deeply than words can express. He leaves a wife and two small children to mourn his sad and untimely departure, who in this hour of their great and sad visitation, have the sympathy of all.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
DR. GEO. EMERSON.
PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON.
Office over Harter Bros. drug store.
Tuesday and Saturdays will be devoted exclusively to office practice.
Tin Wedding Celebration.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
On Wednesday evening of last week, Mayor Emerson and lady threw their pleasant home open for the entertainment of invited guests, it being the tenth anniversary of their wedding. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Ordway, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Williams, Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mrs. J. E. Saint, Mrs. Perkins; Misses Sadie French, Margie Wallis, Jessie Millington, Josie Baird, Nettie McCoy, Anna McCoy, Mattie Harrison of Hannibal, Mo.; Messrs. E. H. Nixon, R. B. Rudolf, M. H. Ewart, M. J. O’Meara, and Ezra Meech. Each bore a token of respect and good will. Under the royal entertainment of Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, all passed the evening most enjoyably and departed with the old year, heartily wishing the “bride and groom” many anniversaries of their wedding, down to the one of diamonds, with its silver tresses.
Doings of the City “Dads.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
Following pauper claims were recommended to County Commissioners for payment: Holmes & Son, coal, $18.50; Rinker and Cochran groceries, $20.00; McGuire Bros. ditto, $31.00; J. W. Johnston, coffin, $10.00; J. N. Harter, medicines, $32.00; Mrs. H. H. Horner, Midwife services, $10.00; J. S. Rothrock, board, $2.00; L. L. Beck, R. R. fare, $12.00; Geo. Emerson, Medical attendance, $151.00.
Follow-up article to Emerson receiving $151.00, etc....
OUR COMMISSIONERS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 22, 1885.
From the looks of the long list of claims allowed by our “County Dads” at their last session, a stranger might think that some influence was brought to bear that was not just as it should be. To say the least, for instance, Doane & Co.’s coal bill for Court House ($191.00) was sufficient for at least twenty families for the same time, beside twenty-one pauper bills. No doubt Doane & Co. are all right, as perhaps all the rest may be, but it does seem to the uninitiated that it’s not a different thing to get in a bad account as a pauper bill; in fact, some of our merchants have boasted that it’s a slick way to collect bills when other methods fail. I am creditably informed that it is not unusual for such bills to contain charges for tobacco, cigars, candy, and the like.
Another large item is the doctor bills. Why don’t our “Dads” contract with some good doctor to attend to the county poor as do other counties in eastern states, for a salary. It seems to me that the service would be as good, and at much less cost.
One question that troubles us grangers is: what constitutes a pauper? We have known instances of fellows owning teams that will not work them at reasonable wages receiving aid from the county. Now we think these things are not looked into as they should be.
One more complaint: We believe it to be the duty of public servants to consider always the best interest of the master, the public, and we think that duty has been disregarded in the matter of printing. If it is necessary for the Tribune to receive aid, the end might be accomplished by a “pauper bill.” Justice would say the paper having the largest circulation should have the public printing in order that the greatest number of taxpayers might be benefitted.
Another suggestion: We grangers think the county seat ought to be run somewhat in the interest of the county. As things are tending, Cowley will soon be an attachment to Winfield.
OLD SETTLER.
The above was written by a very intelligent and substantial farmer of the Democratic persuasion, a man whom we very highly respect. We have not scrutinized the work of County Commissioners very closely and cannot say how much justice there is in the above strictures. We presume they are just in some directions, but have been hearing the most bitter and indignant complaints on the other side of the question. It is stated that this winter has been very severe on many persons of moderate means, both in the city and county, and many families have suffered very much because they were unable to obtain fuel and other means to keep them warm; that physicians have reported this distress in various cases to the township trustees and the city mayors and urged the necessity of aid from the public funds; that these orders have been approved by the township boards and city councils and the bills have been allowed by the County Auditor, who has simply done his duty in the premises, but that the County Commissioners, or rather that Commissioner Smith has repudiated these bills and refused to allow them to be paid, and this on the slimmest pretexts, such as that this bill had omitted the word “pauper,” and that bill had omitted some other word, and thus rendered it technically imperfect. It is now stated that the coal merchants and other dealers, have, in consequence of this action of the commissioners, refused to honor all orders of the trustees and mayors, and there are many poor and worthy families who are suffering terribly without a pound of fuel and cannot get it, and this, during the extremely cold weather. Mayor Emerson and our city council are said to be very indignant and excited over this outrageous action, as it has been called, of the county board, and are about to call a public meeting to devise means of relief.
Now we have given two sides to the question and leave it with our readers. We are not deciding the case, but expect a careful scrutiny of the county expenses would show many places where economy could be exercised much more humanely than in disallowing these bills for coal and similar necessaries to save many families from perishing.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
The beautiful, commodious home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller was the scene of a most pleasant gathering of our young society people on last Thursday evening, the occasion being in honor of Miss Mattie Harrison, a highly accomplished young lady of Hannibal, Mo., who is visiting here. The pleasing entertainment of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, gracefully assisted by Miss Harrison and other members of the family, banished all restraint and made genuine enjoyment reign supreme. Miss Harrison made a beautiful appearance in a lovely evening costume of white Nuns-veiling, entrain, and a number of elegant toilets were worn by the ladies. Those present were Mayor and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cole, and Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Fuller; Mrs. W. J. Wilson and Mrs. J. Ex. Saint; Misses Jessie Millington, Anna Hunt, Nellie Cole, Emma Strong, Jennie Lowry, Hattie Stolp, Mamie Baird, Lena Walrath, Mattie Kinne, Alice Dickie, Maggie Taylor, Sarah Kelly, and Alice Aldrich; Messrs. Ezra Nixon, T. J. Eaton, M. J. O’Meara, M. H. Ewart, Ed. J. McMullen, B. W. Matlack, F. F. Leland, Everett and George Schuler, Lacey Tomlin, James Lorton, Lewis Brown, W. H. Smith, D. E. Kibby, and Frank H. Greer. At the proper hour a splendid repast was spread and received due attention from the joyous crowd. The “light fantastic” keep time to excellent music and the hours flew swiftly by until the happy guests bid adieu to their royal entertainers, feeling delighted with the few hours spent in their pleasant home.
Another follow-up to pauper sufferings, etc....
HELP FOR THE SUFFERING.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
The merchants of the city having refused to fill pauper orders, owing to the action of the County Commissioners in disallowing bills on technicalities, Mayor Emerson called a meeting of businessmen at the Council chamber Thursday last to devise means for the sustenance of the dozen or two freezing and starving families in the city. A guarantee was numerously signed to the amount of over three hundred dollars, vouching the payment of these bills if rejected by the Commissioners. Thus were the unfortunate little faces that had been vainly trying to draw warmth from a cold stove and succor from an empty cupboard made comfortable. Our merchants were justifiable in refusing these orders unless guaranteed, for they must wait at least three months for the currency and when a big risk of having the bills refused is attached, it is much more than should be expected.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
Messrs. W. C. Robinson and Grant Stafford left yesterday for the World’s Fair. Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, and Mayor and Mrs. Emerson also leave today for the Crescent City, joining the first named persons at Kansas City. This will make a delightful party and their Southern vacation will certainly prove most enjoyable.
Emma and Mattie Emerson [???]...different Emerson family???...
THE MASQUERADE.
Another of Winfield’s Charming Social Events.
The Participants and Characters Represented.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
The annual masquerade party of the Winfield Social Club has been the crowning social event of every winter for years past, and the one at the Opera House last Thursday evening was all that past successors could have spoken for it—in fact, many pronounce it superior to preceding ones in selectness and refinement of conduct. It was free from the promiscuous crowd and jam that usually characterize such gatherings, there being just maskers enough to fill the floor nicely and make dancing most enjoyable. The characters represented were varied and unique, elicited much admiration from the large number of spectators, and we regret our lack of space to mention each in detail. Following are the names of the maskers and the characters represented.
Ladies: Miss Nellie Cole, Cerus; Miss Mattie Harrison, Milk Maid; Miss Iowa Roberts, Water Nymph; Miss A. Marks, Wichita, Fancy Costume; Miss Leota Gary, Flower Girl; Mrs. J. L. Horning, Ghost; Miss Nina Anderson, Fancy Costume; Misses Emma and Mattie Emerson, Fancy Costumes; Miss Anna Hyde, Spanish Lady; Miss Sarah Kelly, Fancy Costume; Miss Carrie Anderson, Fancy Costume; Mrs. Ed. Cole, Folly; Mrs. Lovell Webb, Cards; Mrs. D. Rodocker, Daily News; Mrs. George Dresser, Sailor Girl; Miss Mattie Kinne, Frost; Miss Jennie Snow, Cotton Girl; Miss Hulda Goldsmith, Flower Girl; Miss Jennie Lowry, Butterfly; Miss Hattie Stolp, Fancy Costume; Miss Ida Johnston, Music; Miss Lou Clarke, Fancy Costume.
Gentlemen: B. W. Matlack, Jumping Jack; Dr. C. C. Green, Monkey and Dude; Everett Schuler, British Artilleryman; Eli Youngheim, Humpty Dumpty; Eugene Wallis, Noble Red Man; Ed. McMullen, Phillip’s Best; F. F. Leland, Double-action Pussy and Flying Dutchman; George Read, The Devil; Fred Ballein, Hamlet; D. A. Sickafoose, Page; Frank Weaverling, Mexican; A. B. Taylor, Indian War Chief; Charles Roberts, Old Uncle Joe; W. J. Hodges, Highlander; Jos. O’Hare, British Officer; Addison Brown, Highlander; J. E. Jones, Sailor; George Schuler, Page; Tom Eaton, O’Donovan Rossa; M. H. Ewart, Page; Jake Goldsmith, Clown; M. J. O’Meara, Humpty Dumpty; S. Kleeman, Black Dude; Laban Moore, Monkey; John Hudson, Clown; Frank K. Grosscup, Spanish Cavalier; A. Snowhill, Prince; A. Gogle, King Henry; Frank H. Greer, Beggar’s Student.
The excellent music of the Winfield orchestra and the experienced prompting of Mr. Chas. Gray, captivated all, while the careful floor managing of Messrs. A. H. Doane and Lacey Tomlin made everything go off without a hitch.
NEW SALEM PENCILINGS. “OLIVIA.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
Mr. McMillen when suffering recently, became worse, and Dr. Emerson, of Winfield, was sent for. Mr. McMillen is now convalescent. OLIVIA.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Mayor and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Irve Randall, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Dr. D. V. Cole, and Miss Nellie, Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Byron Rudolph, Will Robinson, Col. Loomis, A. J. Thompson, Grant Stafford, and C. C. Harris are among those who have got home this week from a delightful trip to the Crescent City. They report the sights of the World’s Fair varied and grand. One of the unique things mentioned is a miniature representation of Geuda Springs, surrounded by circulars describing the Western Saratoga.
ABSTRACT OF COUNTY AUDITOR’S REPORT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 19, 1885.
Abstract of the monthly report of the County Auditor of Cowley County, Kansas, of claims certified to the County Clerk, on the First Monday of March, 1885.
[Showing Amount Allowed Only.]
Emily Wooden pauper claim: $13.29
D. Palmer & Co. pauper claim: $5.00
Mowry & Sollitt pauper claim: $1.95
J. W. Johnston pauper claim: $10.00
Thos. Goodwin pauper claim: $14.25
L. L. Beck pauper claim: $12.00
McGuire Bros. pauper claims: $21.10; $5.00; $5.00
Holmes & Son pauper claim: $18.50
J. B. Lynn pauper claim: $7.00; $19.44; $1.35; $20.09
Eli Blenden pauper claim: $13.28
West & Dyer pauper claim: $5.45
J. S. Crabtree pauper claim: $64.50
Geo. Emerson pauper claim: $31.00
J. N. Harter pauper claim: $32.00
H. L. Wells pauper claim: $5.00
H. H. Horner pauper claim: $10.00
J. S. Rothrock pauper claim: $2.00
H. W. Marsh, coroner’s fees: $10.00
S. R. Marsh, medical expert’s fee: $7.00
H. W. Marsh, coroner’s fees: $6.00
Geo. Emerson witness fees: $1.00
S. B. Park witness fees: $1.00
S. R. Marsh, medical expert’s fees: $1.00
W. S. Mendenhall, medical expert’s fees: $10.00
J. B. Lynn, pauper claim: $15.85
Series of articles re the Vandermark matter follows...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.
ARKANSAS CITY’S SHAME.
A House of God Desecrated Shamefully.
E. A. Barron observed early one morning last week a girl emerging from the Methodist Church. This circumstance raised his curiosity and he made an investigation and found that the church had been occupied that night, as a fire was burning and things were somewhat in confusion. He promptly notified the marshal, who identified the girl as Alida Vandermark, who was brought here from the East by S. Matlack to work for him, and was discharged on account of certain disgraceful actions. She was arrested and confessed that Ery Miller and herself had been in there all that night. Miller was soon hunted up and the justice before whom they were arraigned, fined them $50 and costs each, amounting to $109, and sentenced them to the county jail until such fine and costs were paid.
This is the most disgraceful proceeding that has come to light for a long time. The heinousness of the offense demanded all they got—not taking into consideration the fact that the church of God was defiled by their actions. No punishment can be too severe for them.
The startling intelligence was vouchsafed by the young reprobate, that he or some other—which, is not quite clear—had frequently done this. When our people are subject, not only to the disgrace of such proceedings but to the desecration of their place of worship, it is high time we move ourselves and get rid of such characters as Kansas City is now doing—expel them by force from our midst, with a warning never to return.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.
Hon. W. P. Hackney was down from Winfield, Saturday, representing the state in the case against Alida Vandermark and D. F. Best. Criminals must expect trouble when that holy terror, Bill Hackney, gets after them.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.
Police Court.
Things have been somewhat livelier in this line for the past week.
City of Ark. City vs. Ery Miller, complaint of E. A. Barron, president of the M. E. Church Board of Trustees, plead not guilty; fined $50 and costs, total $54.50, sentenced to the county jail until such fine and costs are paid.
Ditto vs. Alida Vandermark, same complaint, fine and sentence.
Justice Court.
State vs. Alida Vandermark, unlawful cohabiting as married, $5 and costs, total $31.18, committed to county jail.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 31, 1885.
A youth by the name of Ery Miller and a maiden by the name of Alida Vandermark were arrested last Saturday morning for desecrating the M. E. Church. At their trial before Judge Kreamer, they were found guilty and fined $50 each and costs. They were taken to Winfield to expatiate their crime in the county bastille.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Ery Miller and Alida Vandermark recently desecrated the Methodist church at Arkansas City by lodging therein; and the Traveler loudly condemns the heinous offense, and the authorities sat down on the rapscallions a hundred dollars’ worth, which they were unable to pay and languish in the county bastille.
A FEW WOMANLY POINTS AND ARGUMENTS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
In view of the coming municipal election, at which time the voters of this city are to use the responsible privilege of choosing officers to govern our city, schools, etc., it being of importance to have men elected who will be on duty when our persons or property are in danger, a number of the ladies of the W. C. T. U., who help to sustain the treasury of our city and county by taxation (without representation), think it a duty we owe ourselves and those mutually interested, to use the only privilege given us, free speech, in defense of our homes and firesides.
We have been drawn into a discussion of the proper enforcement of the laws of chastity and temperance, not from any seeking of our own, but incidentally, and we believe providentially. Not wishing to injure anyone, but believing the transactions of all good men and women will bear investigation, we go to the public record and find the expense of the grand jury for November, 1884, to be $918. We do not object to the calling of the grand jury under existing circumstances; but we do object to the necessity of calling it, and are sure, if the city officers had done their duty, that much of the expense might have been saved.
We also learn in the investigation the astonishing fact that the salary of the mayor is one dollar per annum, making his services, of course, gratuitous. “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” Much cannot be expected of any man performing his duty without remuneration. Pay the mayor an honest compensation for his labor that citizens may feel free to call upon him to enforce laws, and he to spend the time necessary to attend to the sanitary and moral condition of the city. Also, we would suggest a more critical watch over the city officers, with a proper remuneration for the services of all, and that when they have done their duty in arresting offenders and placing them in the hands of the court, that the law be strictly enforced, with due regard for penalties, that the law may become a terror to evil doers and the majesty of our court sustained.
This brings us to a disagreeable subject, but one which we think needs to be noticed, because of many false rumors connected with it. Our city has always, we believe, and nobly, too, refused to license houses of ill fame; nevertheless, they have been allowed to flourish in our midst, with frequent arrests for drunkenness and other intolerable misdemeanors. The offenders have been thrown into jail; fined ten dollars and costs, and turned loose to fester anew, until arrested and the same farce gone through with again. Thus it was at our last term of court with one Mollie Burke, who, according to the record, was brought before the court on the 20th day of January, 1885; the defendant was placed before the bar, was asked if she had any council, and answered in the negative. She was asked if she desired any council, she answered she did not; thereupon she was required to plead to the indictment of the grand jury, to which said defendant plead guilty. Her plea was, therefore, considered, ordered, and adjudged by the court that she pay the fine of ten dollars, the costs of the prosecution, taxed at $21.45, and that she stand committed to the county jail until such fine and costs are paid; and it is further adjudged by the court that the said Mollie Burke executed to the State of Kansas a good and sufficient bond with sufficient sureties in the sum of three hundred dollars, conditioned that she keep the peace for the term of two years from this date, and that she stand committed until such securities be given. On January 20th she was again brought before the court with council, when a motion was made for a modification of the foregoing penalties. Hearing an affidavit on the motion, the court sustained it, and she was relieved from giving bond for good behavior, to keep the peace, etc. She was therefore ordered to be discharged. With these facts before us, we beg leave to ask what has been accomplished for morality, good order, and the general well being of society by the large outlay of money by the county, as above mentioned? The prisoner found herself in the same position after all this as before, and with very little expense and trouble to herself.
Another question we would like right here to ask: by what course of reasoning was the account of the W. C. T. U. for seven dollars and twenty-one cents expended for Lida Vandermark refused by the council on the ground she was not a pauper, when we see one week later an account of seven and a half dollars allowed for the same person as a pauper? O, consistency, thou art a jewel!
Again we ask, what incentive can we have to labor for the advancement of morality, when such hindrances are continually thrown in our way by officials of the law elected by yourselves? And we ask all thoughtful, candid, law-abiding citizens to think well on these things. It is true we have no place to put these persons, either to punish or reform. Let us build a reformatory for women, enlarge the jail for men, and then mete out justice equally to all; and, with the blessing of God, we will begin the work of reform in earnest, and try to teach that virtue is as honorable in men of all ages as it is lovely in women.
Some time ago, when the engine was located for our water-works, one place was condemned because it was near pig-pens and a slaughter-house; nevertheless the water riffled by them as clear on the surface as at other places; but these wise men knew it was not healthy, notwithstanding its apparent purity and placidity. So with our city beautiful for situation, with every God-given advantage, and with, we believe, when troubled, “it casteth up mire and dirt,” but like the chain pump in our cisterns, we believe agitation will purify, and with the disinfectants of honest officers and an equal enforcement of the law, the moral condition will be improved.
We find there are in the City of Winfield 1,488 children of school age and that the enrollment for the year is 1,150, which leaves 138 children out of school. We are told almost daily, in newspapers, from platform and pulpit, that education is the bulwark of our free government; that every child should be taught the genius of our institutions that he may compare with others and learn to appreciate the blessings he enjoys. We have also the figures of $9,000 as about the cost of the new east ward schoolhouse. So the cost of one grand jury is about one ninth that of a good school building needed to meet a crying demand for another to accommodate the 300 and more children, who are loafing around our streets learning wickedness. Now we ask a redress for these ills and believe there is no better remedy than to make our laws a terror to evil doers, which will produce economy in the outlay for criminals, and enable us to make a more liberal expenditure for education, with wiser laws to compel attendance at school, during the whole school year.
W. C. T. U.
A CARD.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
To the W. C. T. U.:
From your article published April 1st, in regard to the administration of the city government in relation to the immoralities practiced in Winfield, I am irresistibly led to the conclusion that you are grossly ignorant of the facts or else maliciously intended to misrepresent. Now, if you desire light rather than darkness, and mean business rather than gush or twaddle, call at my office and I will give you such an explanation as will enable you to talk with some degree of intelligence on the Vandermark matter. GEORGE EMERSON.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIR.
The Last Meeting of the Old Council, Monday Evening.
A Big Grist Ground Out.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
The old City Council held its last meeting Monday evening.
The Committee previously appointed to look up the matter of adjusting city order number 241, given to Winfield Water Company in July, 1884, recommended that the City pay one thousand dollars of the order, and issue a new one for the balance, due February 17th, 1886, bearing seven percent interest, which was adopted.
The Committee on opening the street west of Courier Place recommended that the City purchase the ground and immediately lay out the street.
The following pauper claims were referred to the County Commissioners for payment: A. H. Doane & Co., coal, $15.95; J. N. Harter, goods and medicines, $12. O’Meara & Randolph, shoes, $1.25; George Emerson, medical attendance, $22.50; claims of J. C. Long, groceries, etc., amounting to $106.50.
HAPPY WOMEN.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
There are at least four happy women in Winfield: Mrs. Dr. Emerson, Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mrs. Col. Whiting, and Mrs. Millington. The latter we know most about. She makes a fire to cook a meal of victuals with as little work and trouble as it takes to light a gas light, much less than it takes to light a lamp. She changes her cook stove fire to little or much by a mere turn of the wrist, cooks everything nicely and as quickly as is desirable, with no trouble and little work, bakes, boils, broils, fries, stews, and fricassees with equal facility, does not have to handle wood, kindlings, coal, coal oil, or gasoline; but her fire is always ready and always goes out instantly with a slight turn, when she is through with it. She has no fear of explosions or conflagrations, but is perfectly secure, and cooks with half the work required for wood stoves, coal stoves, oil stoves, or gasoline stoves. Besides her fuel is as cheap as any other and no bother to get.
She has a gas cooking stove and her fuel is supplied by the gas company. We believe the other ladies mentioned are equally happy in the same way. Several other ladies of this city are going to join the procession to unalloyed domestic bliss.
Since our wife got her gas stove, four days ago, she has not scolded a single scold, nor asked us for a single dollar. She has found no fault with our clothes or our doings, and she even smiles when we come late to dinner. Who would not have a gas cooking stove?
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
MRS. ANNA QUARLES THE VICTIM.
An act was perpetrated Thursday night between the hours of twelve and one that makes a very dark spot on the fair name of Winfield. The home of Mrs. Anna Quarles, widow of Col. Quarles, so well known in days gone by, was entered by some damnable demon and she nearly beaten to death as she lay in her bed. A DAILY COURIER reporter called at the house on Riverside avenue, a block east of the Santa Fe depot, and found Mrs. Quarles lying in bed and suffering terrible pain. Just above her right temple was an awful gash about two inches long and to the bone, evidently made with some blunt instrument; her right shoulder and arm were beaten black and blue, her eyes swollen nearly shut, and other marks of violence. She said: “I was partially awakened last night by footsteps in my room. I thought it was one of the children and said, “Who’s there?” Before I had aroused from my comatose condition, a low flash came from the lamp, and before I could look around, I was struck an awful blow on the head. This stunned me for a second, when I screamed: “Murder! Murder!! And tried to rise from the bed. The blows, from what seemed to me to be a heavy cane or club, came thick and fast on my head and shoulders. I threw my arm up; and as I did so, a fearful blow was given me on my left side. I was sightless from fright and pain and could do nothing but scream for mercy. Everything came so suddenly that I could distinguish nothing. I got from my bed—I don’t know how—and with blood streaming down my face rushed into the street, when Mr. C. C. Pierce and other neighbors came to my assistance. I have only a faint recollection of the circumstances. Can’t tell whether there was more than one person attacked me or not—was too badly stunned and frightened to realize anything. Hardly knew what had been done until it was all over, and not till this morning did I know all. With my recalling memory, I think it was a large man who beat me. I have not an enemy in the world that I know of, and have no idea what caused this brutal assault. No attempt, whatever, was made to outrage my person—all was with the club and no words were spoken. Think I must have left the door unlocked last night, but don’t know. My youngest child was sleeping with me, and the others in that bed (a small bed in the corner of the same room). Don’t know what they did, but think they screamed also. The children say they don’t know what kind of a person it was.” Mrs. Quarles moved into this house last Monday. It is a small box house with two rooms, fronting north. Her bed was just to the right of the door on entering and the other bed was in the southeast corner, just back of hers. The stand on which sat the lamp was a few feet from her bed to the left of the entrance. The floor and sidewalk where she went during the terrible assault were lined with blood. Mrs. Quarles is a woman about thirty years of age, of frail and delicate physique, and has seen a hard time in the last few years. She has three children, the oldest about eight years and the youngest four. Since the death of her husband, nearly three years ago, the only means of subsistence for herself and family have been her own exertions, with rent to pay. During the past winter she has been almost constantly sick, and dependent upon neighborly assistance. She is accomplished and fairly winsome. Her circumstances in early life were such as to make present circumstances terribly humiliating to her natural pride and ambition. Her ambition to do for herself and be free from the charity of others is traceable to her winter’s feebleness. This brutal assault is very mysterious. One of the theories advanced by general gossip is that for some years there lived in this house a family whose domestic infelicity was the talk of the neighborhood. His threats were deep and loud. A year ago he departed for other pastures, and she soon after obtained a divorce. Since his departure the widow has occupied this house. Last week she took onto herself another husband, and together they vacated the premises last Saturday. Monday morning Mrs. Quarles moved in. Certain parties were almost positive that they saw the person in question in this city Thursday. This gave rise to the theory that he had returned in a rage at his former wife’s re-marriage and with vengeance in his heart and blood in his eye sought the house where he supposed she still lived to beat her to death. The screams showing his mistaken victim, he suddenly decamped. To ascertain whether this man had been in the city during the past few days, the DAILY COURIER reporter visited the Santa Fe and Southern Kansas trains, interviewed the conductors, train, and depot men, Arthur Bangs, and everyone likely to know whether he came in, and found no trace whatever of his arrival. No one but the woman before named had seen anything of him, and she couldn’t swear to identity. This theory is doubtless without foundation. The man was so well known that he couldn’t get in and out of the city stealthily enough to avoid recognition. Another theory is that local jealousy did it, with a woman at the bottom. This case is so dark and unfathomable that every circumstance that seems in the least plausible is greedily devoured by a curious public, and much injustice is likely to be done. Mrs. Quarles stands well among her neighbors, none of them attributing for a moment the awful deed to any action of hers. That the scoundrelly savage was prompted by no desire to satisfy his animal passions is plain from the manner of the assault. That he did not enter for robbery is also very evident. The surroundings and circumstances were far from burglarious. He went into that house with murder in his heart, and the brutal determination and weapon with which to beat out life. The whole circumstances show nothing else. Our officers are following up every link in the case and will likely reveal something soon—If it can be done.
Several parties who reside near the Santa Fe depot report having seen a man on horse-back going down Riverside avenue west at full-tilt just after the screams of Mrs. Quarles were heard Thursday night. This would seem that the perpetrator of the damnable deed rode into town, concealed his animal, and rode right out after partially carrying out his very evident purpose of murder. Our officials are on the scent and will keep it warm until something can be unearthed. Mrs. Quarles is resting easily, and it is thought nothing dangerous will result from the terrible bruises.
Under the care of Dr. Emerson, Mrs. Quarles is doing as well as could be expected. The kind neighbors are giving all the care and assistance in their power.
THE OLD AND NEW!
The Old City Officers Lay Aside the Robes of Office and Step Down and Out.
EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS.
City Attorney Hackney, City Clerk Buckman, and Marshal McFadden.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
PROCEEDINGS OF LAST NIGHT’S COUNCIL.
The old City Council met last night in regular session for the last time.
The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.
Geo. Emerson, medical services, city prisoners, $11.50.
Mayor Emerson reported having secured at $1.50 per week a home with Joseph Hassel for a pauper child named Slade.
The new mayor and councilmen were then sworn in, composing the Council as follows:
Mayor, W. G. Graham; Councilmen first ward, W. R. McDonald and James Connor; second ward, A. H. Jennings, T. B. Myers; third ward, W. J. Hodges, G. H. Crippen; fourth ward, J. P. Baden, J. N. Harter. Councilman Crippen was unanimously elected president.
The bonds of City Treasurer, Jno. D. Pryor, and Police Judge, W. H. Turner, were approved.
THE COUNTY PARLIAMENT.
Grindings of the County Commissioners Since Our Last Report.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
The contract for erecting a county poor house, at a cost of $3,107, was awarded to Connor & Son, a contractor of this city. A constitutional exemption was allowed J. F. Martin.
Dr. George Emerson was made physician to and ex-officio member of the Local Board of Health of Cowley County. The County Commissioners compose this Board. The Commissioners were at the poor farm today selecting a site for the new poor house. They adjourned this evening to Tuesday next, when the K. C. & S. railroad proposition will likely be considered.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
Henry Hahn, of Vernon township, in crossing the gutter on South Millington street, near J. S. Mann’s residence, was thrown from the spring seat of his wagon last evening. He fell with fearful force on the side of his face, peeling the skin off and making very serious disfigurement. Dr. Emerson dressed him up. It took an hour to bring Henry to. He was able to get home, but will “cuss” our streets for some time. Such gutters as the one in question are certainly worthy of special attention from our Street Commissioner. They are death on vehicles and human comfort and safety.
BAD ACCIDENT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
Mrs. Duraslar, living on the corner of 5th Avenue and Davis street, was dangerously injured yesterday. She bought some goods at the grocery of A. S. Wickham, to be delivered, and got in the delivery to ride home. Several deliveries in the south part of town had to be made first, and in crossing the deep gutter on Millington street near J. S. Mann’s residence, the horses got frightened and started to run, when Mrs. Duraslar, fearing the boy couldn’t manage them, jumped out of the wagon, lighting square on top of her head on the stone crossing. She was knocked senseless, taken into Mrs. Funk’s house, and Dr. Emerson called. She rallied and was taken home last night, but has since been unconscious most of the time and serious concussion is feared. The family is large and poor and, though no fault of Mr. Wickham’s, he is seeing that she has every attention, and will pay the expenses. This is another warning for our street commissioner to fill up that ditch near Mann’s. Several bad accidents have happened there, with some narrow escapes. Fill it up, if it takes the wool off, Jap.
MURDER MOST FOUL!
Mrs. White’s Skull Crushed in by a Flat-Iron or Ax While Lying in Bed!
THE DEMON UNKNOWN!
A Parallel to the Quarles Tragedy, With Results More Deep and Despicable.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
THE STORY OF THE HORRIBLE AFFAIR.
Monday night between one and two o’clock, a tragedy was enacted almost the simile of the one in which Mrs. Anna Quarles was the victim, a few months ago. But its results are even more mysterious and horrible! In company with Dr. Emerson, a COURIER reporter visited the scene at eight o’clock this morning. On the bank of Timber creek, just north of Tom Johnson’s residence and near Frank Manny’s Brewery, is a little box house, 10 x 12, with pasteboard roof, papered cracks, and no windows. On entering this crude house a sickening sight met our gaze. Lying on a hay bed, and surrounded by circumstances indicating almost poverty, was the victim of this tragedy. The face, neck, hair, and bed clothing were covered, and the throat and lungs filled, with blood. The whole skull over her right eye was crushed in, exposing the brain and presenting a terrible sight. Mrs. R. H. White was only mechanically breathing, expected to pass unconsciously away at any moment. Just back of her lay the baby, a nice looking little girl of two years, calmly sleeping. The other child, a little girl of five, had been taken to Mrs. Tom Johnson’s. At the foot of the bed stood the husband, and around the house was a crowd, anxious to learn the particulars. Starting at the fountain head,
MR. WHITE SAID:
“My wife and I were married in 1880, in Johnson County, Illinois, where most of our relatives live. Last fall we came west, to take a claim. When we reached Winfield, I thought it would be better to stop here, work at my trade, painting, until spring and then go out west. But I was unable to obtain much work, rents were high, and we had a hard time to get along. Last April I got permission of T. J. Johnson to build this shanty, to save rent, and here we have since lived. We rented a garden patch, my wife tended it while I painted, and we were getting along well. In Illinois I was once in the edge of a fearful cyclone, one that tore up everything in its track, and I have since been deathly afraid of storms. My wife wasn’t afraid, and so since living here I have been in the habit of going down into the lime kiln (on the creek’s bank, in the edge of the timber about a hundred feet from the house), and staying there till the storm was over. Last night, about 12 o’clock, it looked like a cyclone, and leaving the babies asleep and my wife lying on the side of the bed with only her shoes off, went down to the kiln, thinking to prepare it for the wife and babies; but on reaching there, I covered my head with an oil cloth and stayed probably an hour and a half, not considering it worthwhile to get the folks. It quit raining and calmed down and I went to the house. Before I got there a flash of lightning showed the door to be ajar and it looked like the light was out. On getting there I found the door partly open, but the light burning all right. My wife was lying as I had left her excepting her head was hanging over the edge of the bed and her face was covered with blood. I thought she had fallen, hurt herself, and fainted; and I ran for Mr. Mann and Mrs. J. R. Scott (both living only a little way) and got some camphor. She was unconscious and her hair had fallen down over the awful gash covering it so that I didn’t know how bad she was hurt until somebody brought Doctors Emerson and Graham. Then it dawned upon me that some devil had come into the house while I was out and dealt the awful blow. My wife or I hadn’t an enemy in the world that we knew of; have always got along well and were as happy as our poor circumstances would admit. I don’t have the least idea who could have done the deed. I heard no screams and had suspicioned no one or any such harm. She is my first wife and we only have these two children. She is twenty-four years old and I am thirty-six. She weighed about one hundred and fifty pounds, was unusually healthy and always light-hearted. Her folks are well off in Illinois, and we have both seen better days. I have been painting for twelve years. I took much pride in landscape and sketch painting, and hope to make a fine artist.” Several sketches of Winfield residences and scenery were lying around the house, among them sketches of the homes of W. J. Wilson and Dr. C. Perry, painted for practice.
THE PREMISES.
The furniture in the house is in harmony with the shell containing it. It is very meager, consisting of a small cooking stove, three wooden bottom chairs, a few dishes, mostly tin, a rude bedstead, with hay tick and pillows, and a small home-made table. No signs of a struggle were visible, excepting the print of a bloody hand on the round of chair that sat just under her head, as she was found. Sheriff McIntire and Marshal McFadden were early on the ground, and found suspicious footprints. They indicated a number nine boot or shoe and that the party had come up from the west and had looked through a large knot hole in the wall, supposedly to see who was in the room. This was the only trace that could be found. The blow was undoubtedly struck with a flat iron or an ax. The gap commences in the middle of the right forehead and runs diamond shape above the temple and into the hair. The skull bone was broken into splinters and taken out piece by piece by Drs. Graham and Emerson, who at once pronounced the injury fatal. The bones removed, a ghastly sight was revealed in the deep cavity: a mixture of blood and brain.
THE NEIGHBORS.
Our reporter interviewed the neighbors and found that all had formed a good opinion of Mr. and Mrs. White. None had ever heard of a family jar or anything that would denote domestic infelicity. Both husband and wife always appeared to be industrious and happy as possible with such meager pecuniary comforts. Mr. Mann was the first neighbor aroused last night, between one and two o’clock. He hastily put on his clothes and went over. When he got there, White had his wife in his arms dashing water in her face, which was streaming with blood. When Mann came in he laid her down on the bed and ran over to J. R. Scott’s, the painter, and Mrs. Scott was soon at the murdered woman’s side. Mrs. White and Mrs. Scott had been more intimate than any of the rest of the neighbors and takes much sympathetic interest in the sad affair. She found Mrs. White lying on the bed unconscious, her frame in a terrible tremor, and the blood streaming from her mouth and nose. The husband was trembling from head to foot, though making no other demonstrations. The physicians arrived at four o’clock, and not till then, when a number of neighbors had gathered, did any realize the terrible extent of the injury. White told all the neighbors when he aroused them that his wife had fallen and hurt herself, and he didn’t appear to understand how bad the hurt was. Mrs. White had often told Mrs. Scott how good her husband was to her. One day last week she called Mrs. Scott’s attention to a trampish looking man whom she said was an utter stranger to her and yet had passed by her door several times with a queer stare at the house. The children didn’t wake up until the noise made by the neighbors as they came in, and knew nothing of the tragedy that takes away their mother.
THE HUSBAND.
Mr. White is, of course, in a terrible position—one which involves many theories that may do him injustice. The cool manner in which he accepts the sickening affair seems to play against him in the minds of many. Those who know him best attribute this to his naturally quiet and unassuming disposition, and that though outwardly undemonstrative, within is brooding the deepest sorrow. Before the reporter he exhibited no nervousness and talked very calmly, giving details without a falter. When the reporter left, he was sitting at the table eating some biscuits and drinking some coffee a neighbor had brought in. He is a man of fair looks and small in stature. He appears inoffensive and, as far as anyone knows, is a man of good habits. Such a mystery, of course, is always surrounded by various theories formulated by circumstantial evidence and a curious public. Of course, THE COURIER, having made thorough examination, has its theory but withholds it until put to use, if there is anything in it, by our officials. We present the bare facts in the case and, for the present, will leave a searching public to draw its own hypothesis. No arrests have yet been made.
THE VICTIM.
The victim was still breathing at three o’clock this afternoon, though life was almost extinct. To one beholding the awful cavity in her head, the wonder is forcible that she lived a moment after the blow. This is probably accounted for by her wonderfully robust constitution. She is of compact build, good nerve, and has suffered little from sickness. She has never uttered a word or groan since the blow—merely breathes.
Coroner Marsh, of Tannehill, was sent for and will take charge of the body and hold an inquest as soon as life ceases.
At five o’clock last evening the victim of Tuesday night’s terrible tragedy, Mrs. R. H. White, succumbed to the inevitable. The husband was taken into custody by Sheriff McIntire and lodged in jail, without a warrant, to avoid any injury that might possibly be done to him. Coroner H. W. Marsh was in the city and immediately impaneled the following jury and began the inquest: E. D. Taylor, Henry Brown, J. C. Curry, W. A. Freeman, E. S. Bedilion, and Dick Gates. Drs. Emerson and S. R. Marsh examined the body and found no evidences of violence excepting the crash in the skull. After examining the premises, the jury separated and the inquest was adjourned to the Court House at 8 o’clock this morning.
THE CORONER’S VERDICT, EVIDENCE, THEORIES, ETC.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
DR. GEO. EMERSON
said: “I was called for Tuesday morning about 5 o’clock, and on reaching there found Dr. Graham, J. R. Scott, T. J. Johnson, and others there. I made a post mortem examination of the body with Dr. S. R. Marsh. The wound must have been made by a heavy blunt instrument and with great force. The flat-iron was tried in the wound and presume the wound was given by it. We also examined and found human blood on the flat-iron. From our critical examination of the body, I do not think there could have been any sexual intercourse for at least twenty-four or thirty-six hours before death. I think the woman was probably lying down on her left side when the blow was given, though the blow might have been made when the woman was standing, but she must have been instantly placed on the bed to have spattered the wall above the head board with blood.”
DR. S. R. MARSH,
testified: “I held, in connection with Dr. Emerson, a post mortem examination on the body of Mrs. Julia Ann White. I have heard Dr. Emerson’s testimony and I fully concur therein.”
This concluded the testimony, the throng was asked to retire and the jury went out. After twenty minutes deliberation the jury returned their
VERDICT:
The verdict was sealed, and owing to the excitement among our people, it has been made known only to the officials and the reporter and its appearance in THE COURIER will be the first knowledge the public will have of the jury’s decision. “An inquisition holden in the city of Winfield in Cowley County, Kansas, on the 9th and 10th days of June, 1885, before me, H. W. Marsh, Coroner of said County, on the body of Mrs. Julia Ann White by the jurors whose names are hereunto subscribed, the said jurors, do say, that the said Julia Ann White came to her death on the 9th day of June, 1885, from a blow received from a blunt instrument (probably the flat iron shown to the jury), crushing the skull, said instrument in the hands of Robert H. White, husband of the said Julia Ann White, with murderous intent. In testimony the said jurors have hereunto set their hands this 10th day of June, 1885.—Henry Brown, J. C. Curry, W. A. Freeman, E. S. Bedilion, E. D. Taylor, and D. R. Gates. Attest: H. W. Marsh, Coroner Cowley County.”
THE WINFIELD NATIONAL BANK.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
We are in receipt of a handsome circular announcing the change of the Winfield Bank to the Winfield National Bank, with a paid in capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and an authorized capital of five hundred thousand dollars. H. B. Schuler is president and E. T. Schuler, cashier. The directors are H. B. Schuler, J. B. Lynn, C. Perry, Dr. Geo. Emerson, Arthur M. Green, of Pleasant Valley; H. R. Branson, of Dexter; and George H. Williams, of Rock. The new National opens up under the most favorable auspices. Mr. Schuler is a banker of long experience and is conservative and careful as a manager. The directors are among our best businessmen and capitalists. The old Winfield Bank has long enjoyed the confidence and a large share of the business of our people and THE COURIER predicts for the Winfield National, into which it has merged, long continued success and prosperity.
A STRANGE FREAK.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
Dr. Emerson, while talking of the probability of White being the murderer of his wife, Friday evening, cited a strange case to prove the theory that if White did the deed, it was under a momentary aberration, and that he knew nothing of having done the possible deed until it was over, and probably not even now. A few weeks ago one of Mr. Hetherington’s sons was ailing. He was in bed and lying in the open door was his dog, that he thought the world of and all knew he wouldn’t intentionally harm. He got out of bed, took the hatchet, lying near, laid the dog’s neck across the door sill, and cut his head off smack smooth. To this day he knows nothing about killing the dog, excepting what he has been told, and can hardly be convinced that he did it.
A SOCIETY EVENT.
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. H. 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.
THE WHITE MURDER AGAIN.
A Preliminary Examination Fails to Develop Any New Facts.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
At first R. H. White, in the bastille charged with the brutal murder of his wife, Julia Ann, was undecided as to whether or not he would wave preliminary examination, and had the matter put off. When his brother came on, arrangements were made to get $600 for the defense. Then a preliminary hearing was instituted and began before Judge Snow yesterday, with County Attorney Asp prosecuting, and Jennings & Troup and McDermott & Johnson for the defense. No new facts have been introduced. The evidence is almost verbatim to that published from time to time in THE COURIER and which has become trite to the public. There was a difference in the testimony of Doctors Emerson and Graham, regarding the flat iron. Dr. Emerson thought the wound was undoubtedly produced by the iron, while Dr. Graham thought this very improbable. W. C. Allen, representative of Johnson County, who is visiting in this county, was introduced and testified as to the good character of White and his family when he knew them, a few years ago. The trial is still in progress and will not be decided before tomorrow. White waived the jury in his trial.
GO IN PEACE!
Robert H. White, Charged With The Murder of His Wife, Bids the Bastille Adieu.
NO CONVICTING EVIDENCE.
Judge Snow’s Decision in Full, With Other Facts of the Preliminary.
THE DESPICABLE TRAGEDY ENDS IN DARKNESS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
What seems to be the last chapter in the deepest and most damnable murder that ever stained the history of any community closed Thursday. Robert H. White, charged with the awful crime of having crushed in the skull of his wife with a flat iron or other instrument, languished in the county jail until ten days ago, undecided as to whether he would waive preliminary examination or not. His brother came out from Illinois and proffered $250 or more to his brother’s defense. Jennings & Troup and McDermott & Johnson were secured as counsel and Tuesday afternoon the preliminary trial began. County Attorney Asp conducted the prosecution and Senator Jennings and A. P. Johnson the defense. The evidence presented was a repetition of that given at the coroner’s inquest, which appeared in full in THE COURIER, and is perfectly known to all. The only new witnesses of importance were W. C. Allen, legislative representative of Johnson County, Illinois, who has been visiting friends in this county. He knew White and his family in Illinois, and testified to their good character. The evidence of J. H. Rendleman, father of Mrs. White, corroborated the statements as to the perfect felicity always existing between White and wife, and that White always had a terror for storms. He said that, on his place in Illinois, White had a cave where he always went in times of storm. His wife seldom went with him. Doctors Graham, Emerson, and Marsh differed as to the flat iron being the instrument of murder. Dr. Graham claimed it very improbable that the iron made the wound, while Doctors Emerson and Marsh were positive that it was used.
THE SOCIAL CIRCLE.
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, July 30, 1885.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Oliver’s compliments for a Progressive Euchre party in honor of their guests, Miss Lynch and Miss Criley, were accepted by a very pleasant and well selected party of young folks, Saturday, and a very interesting game was played, after which nice dishes of ice cream and delicate cakes were eaten. Mrs. Fred Hunt received a beautiful Alligator-bound book, a head prize, and Mr. Rudolf a pack of fine playing cards as the most successful gentleman, while Miss Margie and Mr. Eugene Wallis were the unfortunate ones, receiving respectively, a baby rattle and a large tin horn. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hunt, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Misses Sadie French, Sallie Gay, Sallie Bass, Jessie Millington, Margie and Lizzie Wallis, Clara Lynch, Corinne Criley, and Messrs. Ewart, Eaton, Wallis, Tomlin, McMullen, M. J. and Will O’Meara, Rudolf and W. H. Smith.
ANOTHER HAPPY OCCASION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
Storm or cloud, wind or cyclone, heat or cold can’t check the jollity and genuine sociability of our young folks. Facing a very elevated mercury, the presence of the Italian band imbued them, and Monday an impromptu party was given at the rink—not to dance much, you know, but just to enjoy the charming Italian music. But the charm of Terpsichore came with that of the music and round and round whirled the youth and beauty, in the mazy waltz and perspiration. The rink, with its splendid ventilation and smooth roomy floor, has a peculiar fascination for lovers of the dance, which, added to perfect and inspiring music, easily explains the enjoyment that reigned last night. The ladies, arrayed in lovely white costumes and coquettish smiles, always look bewitching on a summer evening. And right here we know the remark will be endorsed, that no city of Winfield’s size can exhibit a social circle of more beauty, intelligence, and genuine accomplishment—no foolish caste, no “codfish aristocracy,” or embarrassing prudishness. Among those present last night, our reporter noted the following, nearly all of whom “tripped the light fantastic.” Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Oliver, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hosmer, Misses Bertha Williamson, Nellie Cole, S. Belle Gay, S. Gay Bass, Anna Hunt, Edith Hall, Mamie Shaw, Maggie and Mattie Harper, Gertrude and Nellie McMullen, Bert Morford, Nona Calhoun, Emma Strong, Sadie French, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Nina Anderson, Jennie Lowry, Hattie Andrews, and Belle Bertram; Messrs. Fred C. Hunt, A. D. Speed, Willis Ritchie, D. H. Sickafoose, Amos Snowhill, S. D. and Dick Harper, Eli Youngheim, Ed J. McMullen, B. W. Matlack, T. J. Eaton, P. H. and E. C. Bertram, Everett and George Schuler, Lacey Tomlin, Byron Rudolf, P. S. Kleeman, Harry Bahntge, and George Jennings.
Ezra Meech...
EZRA MEECH DANGEROUSLY HURT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Ezra Meech, Jr., met with a very bad accident yesterday morning at Dr. Emerson’s ranch on Silver creek. He intended to start to Michigan Friday, to a family reunion, taking along a number of horses. He was rounding the animals up in a rough pasture, assisted by a small boy, both mounted. Ez. sent the boy around a steeply inclined mound, while he went straight over. Both were at full tilt and collided at the other side, knocking both horses down and throwing Ez. to the ground on his head, it is supposed. He was unconscious, and the boy brought in assistance, had Ez. taken to a house on a stretcher, and a physician from Burden summoned. Dr. Emerson was also sent for. He went out Thursday afternoon and returned late last night, reporting Ez. still unconscious and almost motionless. The Doctor thinks it either very serious brain concussion or nerve paralysis, more probably the latter. No scars were visible. The case is undoubtedly very dangerous. Dr. Emerson went out again Friday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Dr. Emerson and O. M. Seward went out Friday and spent the night with Ezra Meech. The Doctor says Ez. has been entirely unconscious ever since the accident. He only exhibits restlessness occasionally. The Doctor says the blow that caused the concussion was received on and just above the temple. His long unconsciousness, without a rally, makes his recovery very improbable. His father, in answer to a telegram, said he would start from Michigan immediately, and will probably arrive Sunday. Of course, it is impossible to remove Ez. from Dr. Emerson’s ranch, but he is receiving all the attention the people of that neighborhood and friends from here can give.
EZRA MEECH RECOVERING.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Ezra Meech was brought in from Silver Creek early Monday and is now receiving every attention at the home of Dr. Emerson. He was brought in on a cot in a spring wagon. Yesterday afternoon he began to exhibit consciousness and can now recognize everyone, though his mind wanders and has no definite hold on anything. He seems to know nothing of his accident, and imagines it is Thursday and he must rush to get the horses on the car for a start for Michigan. Dr. Emerson says he will recover, but it will likely be sometime before his mind entirely gets its equilibrium. Miss Jessie Meech, his sister, arrived today. The father was sick and unable to come.
More on Ezra Meech...
EZRA MEECH LITTLE BETTER.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
Very little change is noticed in Ezra Meech’s condition since he was brought in from Dr. Emerson’s ranch last Saturday. His injury is much worse than expected when he first returned to consciousness, and his friends greatly fear the injury to his mind will be permanent. His left side is paralyzed—he only being able to move his arm a little. While he recognizes everyone, his mind won’t stay for a moment on one subject. The Doctor, however, sees some change for the better. In the pleasant home of Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, with his sister, Miss Jessie, and kind friends at his side, he receives every attention. The accident broke not a bone—scarcely left an outward scar. The jar did it.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
V. R. Woods, an employee at Schmidt’s quarry, had a leg terribly mashed Friday while loading stone on cars with the derrick. A big stone caught his leg fair and square and mashed the bones up in bad shape. Dr. Emerson splinted it up and hopes to avert amputation if the warm weather doesn’t head off the remedies.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
NEW SALEM PENCILINGS. “OLIVIA.”
At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Watsonberger, July 22nd, by Rev. Geo. Bicknell, Mr. Arthur Emerson and Miss Florence Hughes, both of Sheridan, Kansas, were made one in the presence of a large number of guests. The happy couple were escorted to the train by Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, of Winfield, where they bade them adieu, as they started for a bridal tour to Davenport, Iowa. “Olivia” did not get fooled out of the cake as did those Floralites, for Mrs. Watsonberger made an honored guest of me, and provided some cake to bring the vision of a whispering man to the pleasant dreams that sometimes visit wedding guests. May this happy couple always be as happy as now.
County Board of Health: Dr. Emerson, member elect, and commissioners compose the board...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The County Commissioners met today and organized as a county board of health. The Commissioners and Dr. Emerson, member elect, compose this board. The by-laws and suggestions of the State board were adopted. Our local board will next dissect the county and see to its various rottenness.
Dr. Emerson’s office relocated...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
Dr. Emerson’s office is still over Harter’s drug store—but not at the old place. It is now in Green’s building, next to Johnston’s furniture store.
[Note: Johnston’s Furniture store was at 918 Main Street.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The sixteen-year-old son of A. DeTurk, of Pleasant Valley, got a bad injury yesterday. He was hauling water to a thresher in a barrel. The barrel upset and threw him under the horses’ feet. A horse stepped on his head, fracturing his skull over the brain. Dr. Emerson raised the skull and took out the splinters, and he may recover. He is unconscious and very dangerously hurt.
Isaac DeTurk...
A BAD ACCIDENT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
Frank Keller started to thresh some oats on Tuesday in Highland Park. He was going to haul oats to town and was pulling up near the thresher when the mules became frightened, running off. Mr. Keller had the lines wrapped around his arm and was unable to unwrap them. The mules ran twenty rods, by this time breaking loose, throwing him out, and the wagon running over his arm, broke it in two places, above and below the elbow. Dr. Emerson was sent for at once, and set the broken limb.
A TERRIBLE DEATH.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
The life of Isaac DeTurk, the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. DeTurk, living in the Elbert Bliss residence, has been slowly but surely ebbing away. His death is one of the most terrible. A few weeks ago he was hauling water in a sled tank to the threshing machine on his father’s Pleasant Valley farm. On top of the tank was a barrel on which he was sitting. A sudden stop threw him five feet headlong to the rough ground. The whole left side of his forehead was crushed in. The skull was raised and the splints taken out, but he gradually failed, though conscious part of the time. For several days past, the brains oozed out from the skull, a terrible sight, yet consciousness was occasional.
A SAD DEATH.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Isaac DeTurk, of whose terrible accident we have made mention several times, died yesterday at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. DeTurk, in the Parsonage addition. He was but sixteen years old, a bright, ambitious boy, and his death is one of the saddest—a very hard blow to the family. It will be remembered that he was thrown from a water sled several weeks ago, while hauling water to a thresher, near the Grange Hall, south of town. He was either kicked by one of the horses or struck a projection with great force, as the skull of his left forehead was crushed in, making a hole the size of a silver dollar. The skull was replaced and everything possible done to relieve, but death was inevitable. Up to last Thursday he talked intelligently at times and hopes were entertained, then his tongue became paralyzed, though he was conscious most of the time up to a few hours before death. The brains oozed out of the aperture in quantities, and his retaining consciousness is a mystery. The funeral was held at four o’clock from the residence, conducted by Rev. Reider, and was attended by many sympathizing friends. Such a sorrow touches the deepest chord of every soul, causing it to reflect the kindliest words and thoughts of condolence. The remains were buried in the south cemetery.
A NARROW ESCAPE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 10, 1885.
An accident occurred on Monday at the abutments of the new K. C. & S. W. railroad bridge across Timber Creek, just north of town. Charley Schmidt is constructing these abutments with a big force of hands. The excavation for the west abutment is right in the bank, making a wall on one side eighteen feet perpendicularly. At the top, within three or four feet of the edge, is the large derrick. The tramp of the men on the damp ground was too much for it, and a dozen or two loads of dirt went down with a terrible thud, covering the abutment where eight or ten men were working. That no one was killed is a mystery. Charley Kelly made a spring for life, but was caught on the back and left foot, spraining them badly. Dan Berigan got his body from under, but his left leg got an awful jolt, a bad fracture. John Ivy’s escape was the most marvelous. He was right in the center of the pier, but happened to look up just as the bank began to give. With a yell, he sprang, escaping just at the moment. Dr. Emerson has Kelly and Berigan in hand. It will be several days before they can again handle themselves as of yore.
List of doctors in Cowley County: 96 already with more to be counted...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Dr. Emerson, as physician of Cowley’s Local Board of Health, is taking a registry of the county’s doctors. Already he has a list of ninety-six, with several precincts to hear from. And still the county lives! With such an array of doctors combined with thirty or forty drug stores, the people are marvelously escaping Gabriel’s bugle.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
All cases of contagious diseases and all death from any cause must be reported to the health officer of each county. A failure on the part of a physician to make such report subjects him to a fine. Dr. Emerson, at Winfield, is the health officer in this county.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
Winfield National Bank.
NO. 3351.
CAPITAL, $100,000.
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL, $500,000.
President: H. B. Schuler
Cashier: E. T. Schuler
DIRECTORS:
C. Perry, H. B. Schuler, Geo. H. Williams, J. B. Lynn, A. H. Green, Geo. Emerson,
H. R. Braum.
OFFICIAL LIST OF PREMIUMS
Awarded at the Cowley County Fair,
September 21st to 25th, 1885.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.
The list given below shows money premiums only. Checks for same will be ready after October 1st, and must be claimed by November 1st, 1885, or forfeit to the association. (See rule 12.) Diplomas for exhibits having no competition may be had by calling at the Secretary’s office.
Lot 4. Preserves.
Preserved currants. Mrs. G. Emerson 1st, Mrs. G. W. Robinson 2nd.
Emerson and Tandy become partners...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
Dr. Geo. Emerson and Dr. T. B. Tandy have formed a partnership in the practice of medicine. They will have office rooms over Harter’s drug store. These gentlemen are well known as physicians of high standing.
The Marriage of Mr. Ezra M. Nixon and Miss Jessie Millington Thursday Night.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
At an early hour the large double parlors, sitting room, and hall were filled almost to overflowing by the following friends.
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Capt. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Buckman, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, Rev. and Mrs. H. D. Gans, Col. and Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Senator and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Ed P. Greer, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, Judge and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Root, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Senator and Mrs. J. C. Long, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Senator and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. R. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Richards; Mesdames J. C. Fuller, A. T. Spotswood, E. P. Hickok, Ed Beeney, T. B. Myers, A. C. Bangs, Judd, H. H. Albright; Misses Emma Strong, Sallie McCommon, Nettie R. McCoy, Annie McCoy, Anna Hunt, Margie Wallis, Lizzie Wallis, Ida Johnston, Leota Gary, Sadie French, Hattie Stolp, Lena Walrath, Minnie Taylor, Huldah Goldsmith, and Lillie Wilson; Messrs. R. E. Wallis, C. Perry, Geo. C. Rembaugh, C. F. Bahntge, W. C. Robinson, E. Wallis, Ad Brown, Lewis Brown, Ed J. McMullen, Frank H. Greer, P. H. Albright, I. L. Millington, T. J. Eaton, M. J. O’Meara, M. H. Ewart, R. B. Rudolph, M. Hahn, James Lorton, C. D. Dever, E. Schuler, F. F. Leland, Lacey Tomlin, Jos. O’Hare, Eli Youngheim, H. Sickafoose, H. Goldsmith, Moses Nixon, L. D. Zenor, and George Schuler.
The bridal tokens were numerous, valuable, and handsome—the admiration of all who saw the array last night.
THE TOKENS AND DONORS.
Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Root, Mr. W. C. Robinson, and Mr. C. F. Bahntge, silver tea set, five pieces.
Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mrs. J. P. Short, and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, bouquet of cut flowers.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
Mrs. Al. Roberts was taken to Winfield Wednesday and has been placed under the care of Dr. Emerson. Mrs. Roberts was so weak that she had to be carried aboard the cars in a chair. We hope to hear soon that she is speedily recovering. Udall Sentinel.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Dr. George Emerson, Dr. C. C. Green, Dr. S. B. Park, and Dr. M. Wortman went to Wichita Tuesday afternoon to attend the annual meeting of the Southwest Medical Society. Its election of officers, a well prepared program, and a grand banquet occur tonight.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Dr. and Mrs. Emerson came in from the west on the S. K. train Monday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson entertained a very enjoyable whist party Monday evening. Our young folks always hail with delight the opportunity for an evening in Mrs. Emerson’s pleasant home. As an entertainer, she is unexcelled.
OUR FESTIVE SPORTSMEN.
A Day Amid Shot and Shell.
Game Scarce and Scores Small.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
The annual hunt of the Winfield Sportsmen’s Club, yesterday, was all in a conglomerate mass on the floor of the Brettun House office last evening, where President Harter and Secretary Glass conducted the count of the terrible slaughter and gave the individual scores. It was a tired crowd of hunters, many of them looking very sad eyed. The unlucky ones swore on a stack of powder that Cowley County is just about gameless—some of them didn’t see a cotton tail all day; yes, some of them didn’t see anything, which is verified by the nonentity of their score; but hardly by the appearance of their ammunition, which seems to whisper, “wasted on the desert air.” But an honest consultation of hunters was unanimous in the verdict that they never did so much traveling for so little game. The game appeared to have been notified of its impending fate and crawled in its hole. Capt. Huffman’s division laid it over Capt. Hunt’s division by a good majority. The losing side sets up the banquet at the Brettun tonight, when a big time is anticipated. James McLain, as last year, bobbed up serenely with the champion score and raked in the gold medal. Dr. Riley, with a score of 20, raked in the tin medal.
THE SCORE.
Huffman’s Division.
P. A. Huffman, 1620; Jas. McLain, 1755; J. N. Harter, 410; Fred Whiting, 665; K. McClung, 765; Chas. Holmes, 730; F. Kessinger, 180; John Eaton, 235; J. R. Handy, 1130; Q. A. Glass, 115; Dr. J. G. Evans, 385; Dr. Emerson, 385; Dr. Riley, 20; J. B. Garvin, 215; T. J. Harris, 65; L. M. Williams, 170. Total: 8,845.
Hunt’s Division.
J. S. Hunt, 595; Jas. Vance, 705; F. Clark (didn’t hunt); Jap Cochran, 955; H. D. Gans, 910; J. B. Nipp, 805; J. Denning (didn’t hunt); Geo. Jennings, 805; M. L. Devore, 320; Geo. Headrick, 390; A. H. Doane (didn’t hunt); Geo. McIntire, 320; G. L. Rinker, 220; J. Barnthouse, 260; Hop Shivvers, 260; D. McCutcheon (didn’t hunt). Total: 6,445.
Emerson was a pupil of Dr. Chamberlain of Michigan...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
The COURIER has had the pleasure of a call from Dr. D. C. Chamberlain, of Grand Traverse, Michigan, who is visiting his friend and former pupil, Dr. George Emerson. Dr. Chamberlain is a learned and successful physician from old Rutland County, Vermont, the editor’s native county, where they were boys together and the exchanged reminiscences of old times was a delight to them if not to others present.
Requirements of State Board of Health...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
The following circular has been received by Dr. Emerson, county health officer, from the state board of health, which is of interest to physicians and clergymen. “As County Health Officer, through this circular, or your county papers, or both, you will please notify every physician and midwife in your county that they are required by the State Board of Health Law to return all certificates of births, still-births, and deaths to the County Health Officer, instead of the County Clerk; and notify every minister, judge and justice of the peace in your county that the law requires them to return all marriage certificates to the County Health Officer, instead of the County Clerk. All of said certificates must be returned as above directed from and after the date this notice is received.
J. W. Redden, M. D., Secretary State Board of Health.
PEARL PARTY.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
One of the pleasantest parties of the season assembled at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt last Saturday evening to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of their wedding. The spacious rooms were well filled and the host and hostess were everywhere present with their careful attentions which, seconded by Miss Anna, made the enjoyment complete. During the evening the Rev. Mr. Reider was brought forward and in a neat and appropriate speech presented to the host and hostess a beautiful set of silverware as a testimonial of the high appreciation of the contributors for the recipients, accompanied by a card with the compliments of the following: Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Keck, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mrs. Whitney, Mrs. McClellan, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Dr. and Mrs. T. H. Elder, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Young, Rev. and Mrs. Reider, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Silliman, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. Col. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Albro, Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Rinker, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Crane, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Silver, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Hendricks, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. McDermott, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Arment, Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Manser, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. C. Collins, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Pickens, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McGraw, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Friend, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Crippen, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson, Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Austin. This silver tea set embraced cake basket, berry dish, six teaspoons, and sugar spoon. Dr. and Mrs. Geo Emerson, pearl card case. Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, silver fruit dish.
Capt. Hunt responded as happily as the emotions of this surprise would permit.
A magnificent collation was placed before the guests, which was highly enjoyed, and after music and other entertainments, the party dispersed with many thanks to their entertainers for the pleasures of the evening. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Silver, Mr. and Mrs. John Keck, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Silliman, Mr. and Mrs. Col. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Austin, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Arment, Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Wright, Mrs. McClellan, Mrs. Whitney, Sr., and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Reider, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Manser, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. James McDermott, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Crane, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Hendricks, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Dr. and Mrs. T. H. Elder, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McRaw, Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. C. Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Bliss, Mrs. J. A. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt.
LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
Elvia Burge and husband to Geo Emerson, lot 7, blk 330, Thompson’s ad to Winfield: $600.00.
A BAD WRECK!
The S. K. Passenger Train Derailed and Demolished by a Jagged Bluff.
A BROKEN RAIL!
The Passengers Considerably Shaken Up and Cut by Glass and Splinters.
TOO MUCH CHRISTMAS TURKEY.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
The east-bound passenger on the Southern Kansas, Friday evening, struck a broken rail about a mile west of town, throwing the baggage car, smoker, and two day coaches into the ditch, leaving only the sleeper, front trucks of the mail car, and the engine on the track. The engineer saw the broken rail before he struck it and turned on the air brakes, but the baggage car in jumping the track, knocked her air cylinder off, rendering connection with the cars following that impossible. The front trucks of the smoker slipped her sockets and, turning endways, were tumbled end over end under the car, causing them to pitch and toss much like a ship in a heavy sea. Running out almost to the rails of the track, just where the accident occurred, is an abrupt bluff of jagged rock. This bluff completely demoralized the side of the car and windows, filling the car with flying glass and splinters much to the discomfort of the passengers, who were vainly trying to climb up to the other sides. The ladies’ car was also thrown almost on its side, causing a general mixture of scared females and equally as badly scared men, who hadn’t presence of mind enough to grab a seat before they tipped. Fortunately, no one was hurt—that is, badly hurt. A few passengers in the smoker and the train boy received a few cuts about their hands and person by the flying glass. The escape of at least half the passengers with no injuries whatever was most marvelous, for all on the right hand side of the train were exposed to more or less chance of being badly hurt. It was quite ludicrous, after the danger was all over, to see the crowd of passengers, each holding on to his or her seat or window sill, and gazing at each other with blanched cheeks and voiceless tongues, unable to understand the situation and fearful of unknown and expectant dangers. When finally made to understand their true position, everybody shuffled out as well as they could by bracing themselves against the ends of the seats, took an inventory, found everybody safe, and most of the men walked the remainder of the distance to town. Some of our citizens were on the train with their families, whom they had to bring to town in vehicles, among them being Dr. Emerson and wife, Joe Harter and wife, Dr. Chamberlain, Matt Ewart, and Miss Anna Hunt, who Christmassed in Wellington. The loss to the railroad company is very great. At least two of the coaches are totally demolished, and the running gear and air brake apparatus of two or three more are in bad condition. The wrecking train was telegraphed for to Wellington, and was soon on the field of action. In connection with the section men here, they are succeeding in clearing the track and fixing it up, and all trains run on schedule time after Saturday noon.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Harter, Br. Chamberlin, Miss Anna Hunt, and Matt Ewart spent Christmas in Wellington, guests of A. D. Speed at the Arlington. The feast was immense.
Excerpts...
A HAPPY NEW YEAR INDEED.
Its Grand Celebration in Winfield.
The Liveliest Life in the City’s History.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
At a number of places the preparations were great, with grand banquets, among these being the home of Mrs. Black, she being admirably assisted in receiving by Mrs. B. H. Riddell, Mrs. A. C. Bangs, Mrs. Ada Perkins, and the Misses Lizzie and Margie Wallis, who had sent out neat “at homes” and entertained over fifty guests; at the home of Chas. F. Bahntge, where Misses Nona Calhoun and Bert Morford were kept busy receiving from four to eight; at Mrs. Dr. Emerson’s, where she was assisted by Mrs. W. L. Webb, and Miss Anna Hunt; at Mrs. L. G. and Miss Nellie Cole’s; at the residence of R. E. Wallis, where Miss Willie Wallis was assisted by Misses Jennie Snyder, Annie Doane, Lillie Wilson, Pearl Van Doren, and Margaret Spotswood—the happiest bevy imaginable. The spreads at all these places were simply immense, embracing about everything. At the numerous other places the greeting was not supplemented by refreshments, a happy thought to the callers after they had got through with the wedding dinner and the “layouts” above given. Some of the ladies gave their callers very fine cards—cards exquisite as New Year’s souvenirs.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
Last night was the eleventh anniversary of Dr. and Mrs. Emerson’s marriage. For years back they have celebrated their wedding anniversary with a social gathering, and this New Years was no exception. Their home was the scene of a very happy party composed of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Balyeat, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bahntge, and Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cole; Mrs. W. L. Webb, Mrs. E. H. Nixon, and Mrs. B. H. Riddle; Misses Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Nettie and Anna McCoy, Sadie French, Nellie Cole, Anna Hunt, Mamie Baird, Johnson, Nona Calhoun, and Bert Morford; Messrs. J. L. M. Hill, Ray Oliver, M. J. O’Meara, C. P. and Harry Bahntge, Everett and George Schuler, Tom J. Eaton, Byron Rudolf, L. B. Davis of Chicago, R. E. Wallis, Jr., E. M. Meech, Will and Frank Robinson, and Frank H. Greer. The opportunity for an evening in Mrs. Emerson’s agreeable home is always hailed with delight. Her graceful and hearty hospitality completely banishes any formal feeling and makes all go in for a good time. A jollier gathering than that last night would be very hard to find. The “light fantastic” tripped to the excellent time of Master Olmstead, with whist, and a collation unexcelled, afforded genuinely enjoyable pastime till almost one o’clock, when all bid their genial hosts appreciative adieu, wishing them many returns of such happy wedding anniversaries, all declaring that no city can afford more admirable entertainers than the Doctor and his vivacious lady.
A PLEASANT PARTY.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson entertained a very pleasant little party of friends Wednesday eve. An evening in their spacious home is always most delightful. Those participating last night were: Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Robinson, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, and Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt; Mrs. Mary Whitney; Misses Nettie and Anna McCoy, Julia Smith, Libbie Whitney, Nona Calhoun, Bert Morford, and Anna Hunt; Messrs. Chas. F. and Harry Bahntge, W. H. Smith, Will and Frank Robinson, Will Whitney, Lacey Tomlin, A. F. Hopkins, and Will Hodges. Various amusements, supplemented by a choice collation, followed by dancing, in which the “old folks” took a lively part, passed the evening very agreeably. The graceful entertainment of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson always makes perfect freedom and genuine enjoyment.
NEW SALEM PENCILINGS. “OLIVIA.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
A. R. Carrol has been seriously troubled for some time with his tonsils, rendering his duties as teacher arduous; and thinking he needed rest, obtained vacation, and went to Winfield. Dr. Emerson relieved him of part of the offending tonsils by quietly and successfully “amputating” them.
A VERY ENJOYABLE RECEPTION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
The agreeable home of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Miller was a lively scene Tuesday evening. It was the occasion of the twentieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, which fact was unknown to the guests until their arrival, making the event all the more appropriate and lively. It was one of the jolliest gatherings of married people, old and young, composed as follows, as near as we can recall: Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Dr. and Mrs. T. B. Tandy, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Col. and Mrs. Wm. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Ed G. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson, Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Greer, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lynn, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Stone, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Buford, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Warner, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Albro, Mrs. Alice Bishop, Mrs. Scothorn, Mrs. R. B. Waite, Mrs. Hartwell, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. Wm. Whiting, Mr. J. R. Brooks, and Mr. D. Taylor. The warm-hearted hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was at its best, and their admirable entertainment made the freest and heartiest enjoyment. The collation was exceptionally excellent. In the folding doors was a handsome banner inscribed 1866-1886, indicative of the anniversary. Not till after twelve o’clock did the guests depart, in the realization of having spent one of the happiest evenings of the winter.
Dr. Emerson, president, Whist Club...
WHIST CLUB MEETING.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
The Whist Club met Monday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Hunt. There were ten couples present and a very pleasurable evening spent. The requisite number of games for the championship of the winter were finished and Miss Ida Ritchie and Tom J. Eaton were declared the champions. The competition during the last few meetings grew very warm, and some highly scientific playing was recorded. New officers were elected as follows: Dr. Emerson, president, and Fred C. Hunt was re-elected secretary and referee. The next meeting, Tuesday evening next, will be with Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller. Hereafter, all members who can’t be present are to send their regret by the morning before the meeting, that even tables may be arranged.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
A meeting of the stockholders of the Winfield National Bank was held Tuesday, Jan. 12th, 1886. C. Perry, Arthur H. Green, Geo. Emerson, J. B. Lynn, Geo. H. Williams, Henry R. Branson, and H. B. Schuler were elected directors. The officers elected are H. B. Schuler, President; Everett Schuler, cashier; and Geo. H. Schuler, assistant cashier.
SOCIAL RECEPTION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
A pleasant party met at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wallis Tuesday eve and were charmingly entertained by the host and hostess and their four vivacious daughters. After a session of general conversation and a very excellent and elaborate collation, the company retired with a high sense of enjoyment. Those present as far as now occurs to us were: Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pryor, Dr. and Mrs. Evans, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Journey, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. E. Beeny, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Hon. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Col. and Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bullen, Mr. and Mrs. S. Lowe, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, Mrs. Col. Whiting, Mrs. Will Whiting, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. G. H. Allen, and Miss Agnes Lynch, Wichita.
A GRAND SOCIAL EVENT.
The Pleasant Hour Club Scores Another Big Success in Its Annual
Bal Masque at the Opera House Last Night.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Never did Winfield have a more successful and thoroughly pleasurable social event than last Thursday night at the Opera House, the fifth annual Bal Masque of the Pleasant Hour Club. It was the talk of the town from the issuing of the invitations and fully met the fondest expectations. The enthusiasm of the city’s young society people has been warm all winter—keener than for years, which insures supreme enjoyment of their every social gathering. But of course this was the eclat affair, as to arrangements and anticipation. By 9 o’clock the maskers, under the expeditious carriage accommodation of Arthur Bangs, were about all present, and the hall represented a novel and romantically interesting scene. The devil and the heavenly angel, wings and all, pooled issues and consorted as though the millennium was indeed at hand. The peasant and the lord clasped arms and drowned all distinction, while Uncle Sam watched the antics of the clown, the Castle Garden twins, and pussy kids with a satisfaction banishing all weights of state. At a little past nine, the grand promenade was formed and then the fun for the large audience of spectators, as well as for the weird and ghostly maskers, began in earnest.
On with the dance, let joy be unconfined!
No sleep till morn when youth and pleasure meet,
To chase the going hours with flying feet.
With the superb music of the Roberts’ orchestra, the splendid prompting of Chas. Gay and J. L. M. Hill as chief floor manager, the dances went on with a smoothness admirable. In manipulating the floor Mr. Hill, agreeably assisted by A. H. Doane, was perfectly at home, with a genial promptness at once recognized. About 65 couples were in mask, just enough to nicely fill the floor, without the crowd and jam too apt to mar the pleasure of such an occasion. The number of really fine costumes, especially among the ladies, was unusual and the disguises were remarkably good. At 11 o’clock the jolly maskers were lined around the hall and the masks lifted, when the usual “Well, who on earth would have ever thought it!” “Why, I knew you as soon as you took off your mask!” “How completely you fooled us, and what a dumpling of a suit.” A thousand ludicrous surprises were vented, as the “great unknown” confronted each other.
THE REPRESENTATION.—THE LADIES.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson was attired in the peculiar Egyptian array, with silver bangles on pretty colored satin. She was taken for everybody else but herself.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Dr. Chamberlain, after an extensive visit with Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, returned Sunday, on the S. K., to Michigan.
PROFESSIONAL CARDS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
PHYSICIANS.
DR. S. J. GUY. Office in McDougal building over Baden’s, where he can be found day and night when not professional engaged.
DR. C. C. GREEN. Office in McDougal Building. Residence, fourth house west of Spotswood’s store, north side of street.
DR. C. M. RILEY, Physician and Surgeon. Permanently located in Winfield. Office temporarily in Glass’ drug store. Residence 7th avenue, two blocks east of the Brettun.
J. G. EVANS, M. D. Office over J. C. Long’s store, next to Central Telephone office. Residence, 1208 Menor street, opposite M. L. Robinson’s.
DR. F. M. PICKENS, Physician and Surgeon. Calls promptly attended day and night. Office over Carson’s clothing store, North Main. Residence, 3rd Ward.
EMERSON AND TANDY. (GEO. EMERSON, T. B. TANDY). Physicians and Surgeons. Office over Harter’s drug store, South Main, Winfield, Kansas.
H. L. WELLS, M. D., Eclectic. Office over Express office back of Goldsmith’s. Residence: 1009 Lowry Street, Winfield, Kansas. Sole control of the Brinkerhoff system.
S. B. PARK, Physician and Surgeon, Winfield, Kansas. Office over Hudson Bro’s Jewelry Store. Office hours 9 to 12 a.m., 2 to 5 p.m. Residence, 902 East 8th Avenue. Telephone Exchange.
H. J. DOWNEY, M. D., Physician and Surgeon, Winfield, Kansas. Office in Torrance-Fuller block over Friend’s music store. Calls attended promptly day or night from the office, unless absent on professional business.
WRIGHT & PUGH. (W. T. WRIGHT, C. E. PUGH). Physicians and Surgeons, Winfield, Kansas. Especial attention given chronic and surgical diseases. Office in Torrance-Fuller block, upstairs.
THOS H. ELDER. Physician and Surgeon, Winfield, Kansas. Office over Curns & Manser’s real estate office. Residence, corner 11th Avenue and Loomis Street. Special attention given to Diseases of women and children. Calls promptly attended.
S. R. MARSH, M. D. Offers his professional services to the citizens of Winfield and vicinity in the practice of medicine and surgery. Office on 10th Avenue, west of McDonald’s store, where he may be found at all hours day or night when not professionally engaged.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
Mrs. Dr. Emerson again received a number of the young folks Thursday evening. An evening in her home is always joyfully hailed. She is unexcelled as a popular entertainer.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
M. M. Scott met with a severe accident Saturday at McGuire Bros.’ store. He and Walter Denning were scuffling when Denning pushed him over a box; and falling over himself upon Scott, crowded him against a box. Upon getting up it was found that Mr. Scott had broken a rib. He was taken home in a buggy and Dr. Emerson sent for. It is very unfortunate for Mr. Scott and much regretted by Mr. Denning, that such an accident should arise from a little fun.
A CHARMING EVENT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Certainly there could be no happier occasion than that at the elegant and spacious home of C. F. Bahntge, Thursday. It was the bi-weekly party of the G. O. club. The popularity of Misses Bert Morford and Nona Calhoun and Messrs. Chas. F. and Harry Bahntge as entertainers was fully sustained—warm-hearted, graceful, lively and free, a manner that completely banished all restraint and made supreme gaiety unalloyed.
The guests were: Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, and Mrs. B. H. Riddell; Misses Ida Ritchie, Mattie Harrison, Sallie Bass, Jennie Hane, Anna Hunt, Mary Randall, Mary Berkey, Emma Strong, Leota Gary, Nettie and Anna McCoy, Ida Johnston, Nell and Kate Rodgers, Nellie Cole, Hattie Stolp, Eva Dodds, and Lizzie and Margie Wallis; Messrs. J. L. M. Hill, P. H. Albright, G. E. Lindsley, Will E. Hodges, Byron Rudolf, Everett T. and George H. Schuler, Ed. J. McMullen, Lacey T. Tomlin, Tom J. Eaton, Willis A. Ritchie, Harry Sickafoose, Wm. D. Carey, Frank N. Strong, Frank F. Leland, Ivan A. Robinson, Addison Brown, and Frank H. Greer.
The appointments of this richly furnished and very agreeable home are splendidly adapted to a gathering of this kind. The Roberts Orchestra was present with its charming music and the joyous guests indulged in the “mazy” to their heart’s content, mingling cards and tete-a-tete. The collation was especially excellent and bounteous. Nothing but the ancient “wee sma” hours abridged the gaiety, when all departed with warmest appreciation of their delightful entertainers.
And right here we can’t quell the remark that the young ladies have made a brilliant success of the G. O. Club. It is one of the most pleasurable sources of amusement yet inaugurated in the city—one giving the young ladies ample scope to exhibit their superior qualities in the entertainment line. It is a very pleasant and successful alternate to the Pleasant Hour Club. Of course the P. H. has long since delivered the prize to the G. O.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Emerson & Tandy performed a very delicate operation Thursday on the fourteen year old son of Mrs. Eliza Riehl, taking from his bladder a thirty-grain gravel. It was done in less than twenty minutes and the boy is doing well.
WHIST PARTY.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller entertained a very delightful whist party in their pleasant home Friday evening. The excellent qualities of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller as entertainers are well known and always make an evening in their home most admirable. Those who enjoyed this occasion were: Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Eaton, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Nixon, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McMullen.
Mrs. Emerson...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Mrs. W. J. Wilson entertained a small tea party at her residence, on East 11th St., on Saturday evening. Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Nixon, Mr. and Miss Ritchie, and Mr. T. J. Eaton were presented together with Miss Jennie Hane, who ably assisted Mrs. Wilson in making a pleasant evening.
SOCIAL WINFIELD.
Very Pleasant Meetings of the G. O. Club and Literary Union.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
The G. O. Club gave another of its very enjoyable parties last evening in the agreeable home of Miss Anna Hunt. The juicy consistency of real estate didn’t interfere in the least with the attendance. Cabs were out and annihilated any weather inconvenience. Those participating in the gaiety of the evening were: Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, and Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt; Misses Nettie and Anna McCoy, Lizzie and Margie Wallis, Ida Ritchie, Nellie Cole, Maggie Harper, Ida Johnston, Mary Berkey, Eva Dodds, Hattie Stolp, Minnie Taylor, and Leota Gary; Messrs. C. A. Bower, A. G. Haltinwanger, Frank F. Leland, Addison Brown, Charles F. and Harry Bahntge, Otto Weile, Willis A. Ritchie, Lacey T. Tomlin, H. D. Sickafoose, G. E. Lindsley, P. S. Hills, James Lorton, Eugene Wallis, Will E. Hodges, George Schuler, and Frank H. Greer. The graceful entertainment of Miss Anna, appropriately assisted by Capt. and Mrs. Hunt, was most admirable. With various popular amusements and the merriest converse, supplemented by choice refreshments, all retired in the realization of a most delightful evening, full appreciating the genial hospitality of Miss Hunt. The G. O.’s will probably have but one or two more meetings this season. Successful indeed have been its parties during the winter, affording a very pleasurable alternate to the Pleasant Hour Club. The young ladies have certainly shown themselves adepts in the art of entertainment. The boys readily deliver the laurels.
The Literary Union, though unavoidably meeting on the same evening of the G. O., had a good attendance and an evening of much interest and profit. It met in the capacious home of Miss Lola Silliman, whose happy reception made perfect freedom and enjoyment. The program was acceptably arranged and meritable—Quartette music by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Brown, C. I. Forsyth, and Charles Slack; a revel with Longfellow, with numerous and applicable quotations, all giving a stanza; a basso solo by Mr. Forsyth, with Miss Kelly at the instrument; essay, “The Moral Codes,” N. W. Mayberry; vocal duet by Mrs. Brown and Chas. Slack; recitation by Miss Maud Kelly; duet, violin and piano, A. F. Hopkins and Miss Silliman; recitation, by Frank H. Greer. Besides those named there were present: Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Silliman, and Mrs. A. Silliman; Misses Eva Berkey, Minnie Burney, and Ora Lowry; Messrs. P. S. Hills, James Lorton, O. D. Wagner, M. A. Stewart, C. E. Webb, L. E. Barbour, and Lewin Plank. This Union certainly has a meritable object—the drawing out, in pleasant and profitable entertainment, the city’s literary ability and taste. It will at once enlist the appreciation of all of a literary or musical turn. Among the city’s numerous parties where “airy pleasantries” are the order, a Union of this kind is very appropriate. The next entertainment will be given in the new St. James Hotel parlors, in conjunction with a social by the Ladies Aid Society.
THE SOCIAL CIRCLE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
Dr. and Mrs. George Emerson gave a most happy tea party Saturday evening to a gay bevy composed of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilson, Mrs. E. H. Nixon, Miss Jennie Hane, Mr. W. C. Robinson, and Mr. C. F. Bahntge. The very agreeable entertainment of Mrs. Emerson always ensures great pleasure and satisfaction, and so it was Saturday evening. With a naturally lively crowd, coupled with the graceful entertainment, the evening was one of great delight.
Mrs. Emerson...
SOCIAL WINFIELD
Indulges in the Fashionable Novelty of Five O’clock Luncheon.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.
The most fashionable novelty is five o’clock luncheon, a full-dress reception of ladies only, for tea and an hour or two of social chat, such as only ladies, when untrammeled by the awkward presence of men—who were never made to talk—can enjoy. Last evening Winfield had the first full-fledged introduction of this pleasurable novel. It was a reception by Mrs. A. H. Doane and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, two of the city’s most delightful entertainers, at the home of Mrs. Doane. A little after four the invited guests began to arrive and by 5 o’clock the parlors were a scene of the liveliest mirth and social freedom, the following prominent ladies being present: Mesdames C. H. Taylor, C. L. Harter, Ray Oliver, George Raymond, George Rembaugh, J. F. Balliet, G. H. Buckman, O. Branham, W. H. Albro, Ela Albright, E. M. Albright, J. J. Carson, L. M. Williams, J. A. Eaton, J. C. Miller, Col. McMullen, J. F. McMullen, B. W. Matlack, C. C. Collins, Henry Brown, Lewis Brown, J. H. Tomlin, E. P. Young, J. N. Young, Dr. Van Doren, M. J. Darling, W. H. Shearer, R. E. Wallis, D. A. Millington, Wm. Mullen, H. L. Holmes, W. P. Hackney, Dr. Brown, M. L. Robinson, Geo. Robinson, S. D. Pryor, Dr. Emerson, M. L. Whitney, J. L. Horning, J. D. Pryor, Geo. W. Miller, Edwin Beeny, Frank Doane, and Miss Lena Oliver. At the appointed hour a luncheon of choice delicacies, with a sprinkling of appropriate substantials, was bounteously and gracefully served. It was one of the happiest gatherings imaginable. The ladies were all handsomely and fashionably attired. By half past six all had departed, realizing the pleasantest reception for many a day. The main object of the “five o’clock luncheon” is to dissipate the inconveniences of the “fashionable call,” where all is prim form, with little opportunity for forming genuine friendships. It is certainly a most admirable mode of widening friendships among the ladies of the city, as all will attest who experienced the very agreeable hospitality of Mrs. Doane and Mrs. Kretsinger, on this occasion.
A HAPPY SURPRISE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
Tuesday was the 46th milestone in the path of Dr. Geo. Emerson. In the evening he went uptown perfectly innocent of the impending fate his wife and a number of warm friends had decreed. He was telephoned for at 8:30 to rush home at once, which he did to find his home had been entered by Messrs. H. B. Schuler, F. C. Hunt, J. F. Balliet, L. H. Webb, G. W. Robinson, J. N. Harter, R. B. Rudolph, J. C. Fuller, D. A. Millington, W. J. Wilson, and Tom J. Eaton. The surprise was most complete and happy. Enjoyment prevailed throughout the evening, in the indulgence in whist and a choice luncheon. The evening will long remain a pleasant memory to the surprisers and the surprised.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
DISTRICT COURT.
The Mowry murder case is still grinding and will hardly get to the jury before Thursday. The defense introduced in expert testimony Dr. Shanks, of Arkansas City, and Drs. Emerson and Pickens, of this city. The defense rested last evening. This morning the state commenced rebuttal testimony, placing on the stand Drs. Evans and W. T. Wright, who have been testifying all day. The defense presses its case entirely on epileptic insanity.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
Drs. Emerson and Tandy performed a difficult surgical operation on a fine Jersey of J. J. Carson’s troubled with a diseased joint Monday.
