 |
Dr. John Fleming, Druggist
Winfield, Kansas.
[Note: The 1880 Winfield Directory showed “M. Fleming.” I have corrected my copy to show “F. Fleming.” The 1885 Winfield Directory showed Dr. J. Fleming, which is correct. MAW]
Winfield Directory 1880.
FLEMING, J., drugs and medicines, 9th avenue n. s. bet Main and Manning; rooms same.
O’Neil, R. A., clerk, J. Fleming, boards J. O’Neil.
Winfield Directory 1885.
Early Leonora, domestic at Fleming’s, 215 e 8th.
Flag Drug Store, Dr. J. Fleming, proprietor, 818 Main.
Fleming John, M D, res 215 e 8th.
Winfield 1880: John Fleming, 45. No spouse listed.
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878.
The great caravan of the season consisted of eleven loads of drugs and fixtures for Mr. Fleming, who will open a new drug store in Manning’s block.
Winfield Courier, October 24, 1878.
The following is taken from the Coffeyville Journal in relation to Dr. J. Fleming of the Flag Drug Store, recently located in this city.
“Dr. Fleming, druggist, of this city, packed up his goods, and with his family, left in a little train of some twelve wagons, last Wednesday. He intends locating at Winfield. We wish the Doctor all manner of success, yet we fear the move is not the best that could be made. He had a good business here, in his own building, where no rents were required. He will undoubtedly have more competition there than here. But we shall hope for the best. He was a good citizen and an excellent druggist.”
Winfield Courier, January 9, 1879.
NOTICE. I would respectfully announce to the citizens of Winfield and surrounding country that I have opened business in Dr. Fleming’s drug store, and feel myself competent to repair any and all clocks and watches, etc. R. B. TRUESDALE.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.
Notice the new “ad.” of the Flag Drug Store in another column. Dr. Fleming, the proprietor, came here from Coffeyville last fall, where he had been in the drug business for over ten years, and brings the best of references.
AD: The Flag Drug Store/The Leading Drug House/In/Cowley County.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
The following is a list of the principal business firms of Winfield.
DRUG STORES. McCommon & Harter, Brown & Glass, Ed. G. Cole, J. Fleming, Giles Bros., Johnston & Lockwood.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.
Petition of J. Fleming for druggist’s license presented and referred back on account of incompleteness and for bond.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1879.
Dr. Fleming, of the Flag drug store, is getting quite an extensive practice, although he came here to get away from it.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.
The walls of Col. Manning’s new building are going up rapidly and will be ready for roofing in a short time. Dr. Fleming will have his drug store on the first floor.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.
Dr. Fleming, with the assistance of Messrs. Monroe and Higgins, has caged “Excelsior” and inscribed the merits of Fleming’s ague tonic on his banner. The doctor don’t propose to hide his light under a bushel.
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879.
Dr. Fleming has moved the Flag Drug Store into his new rooms facing on Ninth avenue in Manning’s block. These are pleasant, airy apartments, and the doctor’s taste in arranging the shelving and bottles give it a neat appearance.
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879.
Dr. Fleming, while moving last week, ran a nail into his feet, causing a very painful wound and disabling him for some time.
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1879.
The following is a list of the elective and appointed officers of Winfield lodge No. 101, I. O. O. F., to serve for the ensuing year.
N. G.: A. W. Davis; V. G.: James H. Vance; Rec. Sec.: David C. Beach; Treas.: Max Shoeb; W.: John W. Smiley; C.: D. W. Southard; I. G.: M. B. Shields; O. G.: F. Ebenback; R. S. to N. G.: Jacob Lipps; L. S. to N. G.: Charles Youngheim; R. S. to V. G.: John Fleming; L. S. to V. G.: Daniel Sheel; R. S. S.: B. M. Terrill; L. S. S.: Jno. Hoenscheidt; Chaplain: W. H. H. Maris; D. D. G. M.: M. G. Troup.
Winfield Courier, March 25, 1880.
Dr. Fleming made a flying trip eastward on the S. K. & W. week before last, and returned accompanied by a lady who will hereafter be known as Mrs. Fleming.
Winfield Courier, June 24, 1880.
Dr. Fleming left for Topeka Tuesday to attend the druggist convention.
Winfield Courier, July 15, 1880.
Dr. Fleming has removed his drug store to the Hudson building on Main street. The Doctor has a neat way of arranging his store which makes it very attractive.
Winfield Courier, September 9, 1880.
A lamp explosion occurred at Fleming’s drug store last Saturday evening, and for a short time there was danger of a conflagration, but the citizens quickly assembled in large numbers; and headed by the mayor, they quickly succeeded in smothering the flames.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
CIVIL DOCKET. SEVENTH DAY. John B. Fleming vs. C. C. Krow.
Winfield Courier, December 2, 1880.
Dr. Fleming is on the move with his drug store again.
[FRANK MANNY’S LETTER: PROHIBITION IN KANSAS.]
Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.
Here is the famous Manny letter.
“WINFIELD, KANS., April 1st, 1881. Herewith I send you a car load of barley, which please sell for me and remit proceeds after deducting all expenses. I have tried my best to dispose of it in our neighboring towns, but have not succeeded. I have invested $20,000 in my brewery, and I do not believe I could get $500 for it now on account of the prohibition law. I have over $1,000 worth of beer in my vaults and am not allowed to sell a drop. My barley and malt cost me 95 cents a bushel, but I cannot get 50 cents for it now. You have no idea how our people are upset by the new law. A year ago our town was prospering, not a house or store to be had, and now you will find from 100 to 150 houses vacated. Stores that brought $50 a month rent are empty. The state of affairs is such that even our prohibition people are getting scared and regret what they have done. If you should find anything for me there, please let me know. FRANK MANNY.”
Below are statements of businessmen and leading citizens of this city and county.
JOHN FLEMING, M. D., DRUGGIST.
My trade is about 25 percent better than it was a year ago, on account of a wider acquaintance. The health of the country is better than it was a year ago, scarcely any ill health. I do not think prohibition effects my trade in any way.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, May 12, 1881.
The following cases have been disposed of by the court up to date.
Fleming vs. Krow, judgment for plaintiff; new trial granted, and appeal dismissed.
[RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.
J. Fleming gave $5.00.
[THE MANNY TRIAL.]
Winfield Courier, July 7, 1881.
W. W. SMITH testified that he had drank “ginger” at Manny’s which looked like beer, but had not much foam, and made him tight. Was there several times, first at about nine o’clock, was not intoxicated when first went, was not intoxicated much at any time.
Cross examination: Drank ginger. Had drank nothing else that day but a dose of medicine put up by Dr. Cole for flat bottle. I took two swallows during the day; kept it in my side pocket. Did not give it to anyone during the day; offered to trade my watch for a pony, and do not think I offered any man a drink from bottle. Had bottle of “ginger” which I got from Manny and man drank from. Was not positive was at brewery three times. Think two of us drank quart or half gallon, went to brewery second time. Did not know whether he got dinner or not. Stayed at brewery longer third time than first times. Think drank more than at other times. Was intoxicated that day. Got in that condition about nine o’clock, and do not think can recall all that happened. Others afterward recalled things that I had said and done that I knew nothing of. Felt next day all used up and knew I had been drunk. Was arrested that day for being drunk. Had trial before Justice Kelly. Has no interest in case. Has been offered no consideration to testify in case. Got medicine from Dr. Fleming instead of Dr. Cole. Is in the habit of drinking intoxicating liquor to some extent. Had no other bottle except medicine and bottle of “ginger” and drank nothing but “ginger that day.”
Winfield Courier, September 22, 1881.
Dr. Fleming was arrested Monday on three different charges for selling liquor. The trial is set for next Tuesday. The penalty for the conviction is $100 fine for first offense, $500 for second, and imprisonment for the third.
Winfield Courier, September 29, 1881.
The procedure against Dr. Fleming for violating the liquor law resulted in a plea of guilty in two cases and the payment of two fines of $100 each and the costs. One of the cases to which he plead guilty was brought under the nuisance act. His premises are therefore declared a nuisance and subject to be closed at any time by the constable. This Doctor is in a very close box and will find himself obliged to follow the straight and narrow path or shut up shop.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Dr. Fleming has got everything fixed in shape, and wants to have his friends call and see him at his new stand opposite the Opera House.
Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.
Dr. Fleming is now located at Mann’s old stand, two doors south of Wallis & Wallis.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
THE FLAG DRUG STORE. THE LEADING DRUG HOUSE IN COWLEY COUNTY.
Opposite Manning’s Opera House, Winfield.
Where you will find Dr. J. Fleming’s Fever & Ague Tonic, an antidote for all malarial trouble. Dr. Fleming is sole proprietor and manufacturer.
Winfield Courier, February 2, 1882.
Mr. O. S. Ticer, of Las Vegas, New Mexico, accompanied by Miss Mattie Ticer, left on Wednesday for their old home in Indiana. Mrs. Ticer will accompany her father, Dr. Fleming, to his home as soon as her business is settled.
Cowley County Courant, February 23, 1882.
Information was filed in the District Court yesterday charging John Fleming with unlawfully selling intoxicating liquors. Also charging said Fleming and Drs. H. L. Wells, David V. Cole, and John Headrick for unlawfully prescribing intoxicating liquors. The cases will be tried at the April term. We have no comments to make. The gentlemen are in the hands of the court and entitled to hearing without prejudice anyway. Dr. Cole has given bond and retained J. F. McMullen as attorney. We understand each of the others have also given bond except it may be Dr. Wells.
Winfield Courier, February 23, 1882.
At a special session of the District Court last Friday, information was filed against Dr. Cole, Dr. Wells, Dr. Hendricks, and Dr. Fleming for unlawfully prescribing intoxicating liquors, and they were arrested and held to bail. All secured bail, and the cases will come up for trial at the April term of the District Court.
Cowley County Courant, March 2, 1882. Editorial.
Not content with the false statements made by Saint John, the Courier must, of course, do as its candidate does and indulge in some lightning calculating on its own account. In last week’s issue in a short editorial under the head of “Whisky vs. Schools” and speaking of the recent distribution of the county school fund, the following appeared in the Courier. “The amount of county fund is 20 cents for each pupil in the county. This county fund is composed principally of the fines assessed against violators of the prohibitory law. Under local option the school fund received no benefit from the liquor business. Each pupil in Cowley County can consider that it has received twenty cents worth of schooling out of the refractory liquor dealers.”
It would be hard to crowd into another article of that space as many false statements. For the sake of the common cause of truth and honesty, we will state the facts. The county school fund apportioned was 20 cents for each pupil and amounted to $1,438.80. Of course, this comes from fines. The fines in this amount, assessed under the prohibitory law, amounts to just exactly $300. ($200 paid by Fleming and $100 paid by Manny.) The number of pupils under which the apportionment was made was 7,194. This would make to each pupil between four and five cents.
“Each pupil in Cowley County can consider that it has received twenty cents worth of schooling out of the refractory liquor dealers.” They may consider as the Courier states, but they will consider one of the most monumental pieces of ignorance we ever had brought to our notice. The statement that “under the local option law the school fund received no benefit from the liquor business” is fully as true as the other. Of the school fund apportioned about $187 was for fines under the old local option law. This county school fund consisted of fines for gambling arising out of the action of the last grand jury.
It may be that ignorance caused the Courier to make this awful break, but such ignorance is more criminal than deliberate prevarication. No person who would spend five minutes investigating the matter would make such statements and a newspaper that shows so little care in its utterances and such a disregard for any approach toward facts isn’t to be given common credence.
The Courier, intoxicated with vanity, and straining every nerve like a man pulling himself up by his boot straps, sees nothing but its own glorification and sacrifices nothing to secure the object of its sight.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
CRIMINAL DOCKET, FIRST DAY.
There were two cases on the docket: State vs. John Fleming.
Cowley County Courant, May 4, 1882.
In the cases of the State vs. Drs. Headrick, Holland, and Cole, the court held the information insufficient and allowed the prosecution to amend. The case of the State vs. Dr. Fleming for selling liquor contrary, etc., was, after the jury had been impaneled, dismissed. The information located the doctor on the wrong side of the street.
Cowley County Courant, May 4, 1882.
The whiskey cases have been dragging their tiresome lengths through the District court now in session here, since Tuesday of last week, and up to the present writing (Wednesday afternoon) four cases have been disposed of and the case of Dr. Wells is pending. The two cases against Dr. Fleming came up Tuesday, one was thrown out of court after the jury had been empaneled, and the other was tried up to the time for the jury to retire, when the Judge instructed the foreman of the jury to sign a verdict of not guilty, which he did, and the defendant was discharged. The case against McRorey was dismissed without going to trial. The costs accumulated up to the present time are something like $500 or $600, and still there is no money added to the school fund in the way of fines. The taxpayers may murmur a little after awhile when these bills are to be paid, but then they will have the consolation of knowing that the Saint John agents at this place have had that much fun. We shall endeavor to furnish a full account of the trials in due time.
Winfield Courier, May 4, 1882.
The district court has been grinding along slowly this week. The jury in the Causey trial returned a verdict of assault and battery and Causey was fined $100, and costs. The case against Dr. Fleming for unlawfully selling liquor was nullified. In the case against him for unlawfully prescribing, the court instructed the jury to bring in a verdict of “not guilty.” A new lot of special jurors were drawn. The following are the gentlemen selected: Justice Fisher, H. S. Buckner, John Bowen, A. Hurst, J. W. Hiatt, A. Balwin, [Baldwin?], C. S. Weatherholt, John Crap, Calvin Sturm, Daniel Campbell, Isaac Schurtz, R. W. Stephens, C. F. Harper, J. B. Tucker, M. A. Graham, A. V. Carvin, A. J. Walck, David G. Lewis, Levi Weimer, David Meriden, D. S. Sherrard, V. Hawkins, and Chas. C. Smith.
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882. Editorial.
PERSECUTING DEMOCRATS. We are told that there is great complaint in some quarters, charging that the prosecutions of several physicians charged with prescribing intoxicating drinks in violation of law is a political move got up only for the persecution of Democrats. It is stated that only Democratic physicians are interfered with, etc. Dr. Wells, they admit, however, is an exception; but they say he is an enemy of Hackney, which is the reason he was classed as a Democrat.
Now we have known Dr. Wells, not only as a Republican, but as a friend of Hackney up to the time the Doctor was arrested, and we have known Dr. Headrick many years and have always understood him to be a Republican. Dr. Cole and Dr. Fleming are all whom we have known as Democrats, who have been proceeded against here. If the object was to persecute Democrats, Dr. Davis would have been the first one to strike at, for he is the most powerful and influential Democrat of the whole lot.
Now, we do not see what anyone in this county wants to persecute Democrats for. They are generally good fellows, some of them are very popular, and none of them are politically dangerous in a county which has eleven hundred Republican majority. We do not observe any ill feeling towards the Democrats. They are patronized in business by Republicans just as well as are Republicans. Who ever refused to employ or trade with Judge McDonald, or John B. Lynn, or A. T. Spotswood, because they are Democrats? Who refuses to eat dinner at the Brettun because the proprietors are Democrats? H. S. Silver sells just as many seeds as though he was a Republican, and the whole community seems just as friendly to Democrats as Republicans, and would resent an outrage on one just as strongly as the other. Some of our most valued friends are Democrats, and the thought of discrimination outside of politics never entered our mind.
[COWLEY WHISKEY CASES.]
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882. Editorial.
THE WHISKEY CASES OF COWLEY. The Courant of last Tuesday contains a long rambling editorial of two columns under the above head, which properly condensed would read about as follows.
The several cases against physicians tried at the term of court just closed cost the county at least $1,500, yet no one was convicted and sentenced, tho everyone of them was terribly guilty. The law drives out the saloons and therefore the drugstores are low tippling saloons and the doctors are their foils. The witnesses against the doctors would not tell the truth, and therefore there was no evidence against the accused presented to the juries, and the juries could not have rightfully convicted. The attorneys for the State did all that could be done and are the peers of any lawyers in Southern Kansas. The Judge favored the prosecution and is one of the strongest supporters of the law. If the witnesses had told the truth, the result would have been the same for in other counties where four witnesses have sworn distinctly to a specific violation of this law, the jury has, in violation of their oaths, refused to convict. There are cities in the state where the law is absolutely a dead letter, and in general the officers of the law are powerless to enforce this law. There is no other law which is met by such a state of affairs and therefore the prohibition law is wholly bad, totally depraved, and should be repealed at once.
Now we take issue with some of the above doctrines of the Courant. We do not believe that all the drug stores are low tippling saloons, all the physicians their foils, the witnesses all perjurers, and jurymen ditto. We do not believe there is anything in this law that will make a perjurer of a truthful man. We do believe that we have honorable, conscientious, law abiding druggists and physicians. We do not believe that these prosecutions have cost the county $1,500. But if it is a fact that some druggists or physicians are violating the law, they should be prosecuted just as often as any evidence could be found against them at whatever necessary costs. This law is just like any other law that prohibits practices to make money which have heretofore been tolerated. The Missouri law to prohibit gambling meets with the same difficulties in enforcement. There are cities in Missouri in which the gambling fraternity rule and the law is a dead letter. In that state, witnesses and jurymen perjure themselves, lawyers and newspapers rant about the odiousness of the law and the impossibility of its enforcement, the gamblers and their friends threaten and bulldoze and browbeat witnesses and jurymen and attorneys, and weak, timid men and politicians fear the law is a failure and ought to be repealed. Similar scenes have followed the lately enacted Ohio laws to prevent keeping saloons open on Sunday and some other restrictions such as we had in our former “dram shop act.” It does not follow that these laws are bad or ought to be repealed, but it does show a bad state of morals and the necessity of stringent laws, made as perfect as possible, and that these laws should be enforced as far as possible.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
Dr. Fleming has recently purchased a neat little dwelling on east Eighth Avenue.
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
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.
J. Fleming was one of those who signed the petition.
[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. J. Fleming gave $1.00.
[BUSINESSMEN’S MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.
Businessmen’s Meeting. The businessmen and clerks of the city met at the COURIER office Wednesday evening and organized by electing Col. Whiting chairman and Ed. P. Greer Secretary. Mr. Brooking stated the object of the meeting to be to effect a mutual arrangement to close the stores at eight o’clock in the evening. Mr. Spotswood spoke in favor of the proposition, and was desirous that an arrangement be made by which both clerks and proprietors could get a little time for rest and social enjoyment. Mr. Mann accorded heartily with Mr. Spotswood in the matter, as also did Mr. Cooper. Mr. Webb desired to know how long the arrangement would hold, and after general discussion it was decided to make it between the 11th day of June and first of October. On motion of Mr. Hall a committee consisting of Messrs. Shields, Copeland, Hendricks, and Fleming were appointed to draw up an agreement to be presented all merchants in the city for their signatures. They reported the following.
We, the undersigned, hereby agree to close our respective places of business at 8 o’clock p.m., of each evening in the week, except Saturday, commencing June 11th, and continuing until October First, 1883. The time of closing to be indicated by the ringing of the city bell. This agreement made on the express conditions that all persons carrying conflicting lines of goods join in the arrangement.
On motion of Mr. O’Meara, duly carried, the chair appointed the following committee to wait on merchants not present with the agreement: Messrs. O’Meara, Cooper, Hendricks, Baird, and Fleming. On motion of Mr. Goodrich, Col. Whiting was added to the committee in behalf of the clerks. After discussion regarding the formation of a permanent organization, the meeting adjourned. It is to be hoped that the objects sought by the gathering will be accomplished, which can only be done by all uniting. It is understood that about every merchant in town with two exceptions, is in favor of closing. If there is any set of men in town who need rest and out-door exercise during the hot summer months, it is the over-worked clerks and merchants. In no other occupation is a man compelled to put in sixteen to eighteen hours per day—every minute of his time when awake. It is a matter of simple justice and humanity that everyone should recognize.
Winfield Courier, January 3, 1884.
Dr. Fleming was arrested Wednesday morning charged with violation of the prohibitory law. He is arrested on ten counts. The case comes before the District Court at its present session.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1884.
The Fleming case has been before the court this week. At the present writing the defense is just beginning to introduce its evidence.
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
County Attorney Jennings has filed a case against Dr. Fleming, which will go to the Supreme Court, on the question whether a physician can furnish liquor to a patient and take pay for it.
[TRIAL: DR. J. FLEMING.]
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
The Fleming Case. The trial of Dr. J. Fleming, which occupied all of last week in the District Court, resulted in conviction on three counts after the jury had been out about twenty hours. The indictment was drawn on ten counts. The first ballot of the jury stood eleven for conviction in all counts and one for acquittal in all but three. This one man then hung the other eleven for twenty hours and, under our faulty jury system, compelled them to come to his views in order that justice might be at least partially meted out to him. It seems to us that three-fourths of a jury ought to govern. The Doctor’s impression that he could run a grog shop under a physician’s cloak has had a most disastrous and unhappy awakening. There are “physicians” of about the same stripe at Burden, New Salem, and Udall, who had better profit by his experience, if rumors we catch floating about are true. Violating the Constitution and Laws has been found to be a losing game, all over the State.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
A Heavy Dose. Last Thursday morning Judge Torrance passed sentence upon Dr. Fleming. It consisted of a fine of five hundred dollars and costs, amounting in all to over seven hundred dollars. In delivering the judgment of the Court, Judge Torrance made some very strong and pointed remarks. He said that the prohibitory law should be enforced and while physicians should be allowed to use liquor in the practice of their profession when used as such, no physician could sell it as a grog shop keeper. The Court seemed to have considered strongly the question of adding a penalty of confinement in the jail, but owing to the Doctor’s infirm physical condition, did not do so. The Doctor’s experience is costly, and should be lasting.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
The following is a list of names set for trial at the January, 1885, term of the District Court of Cowley County, commencing January 6th, 1885.
First Day - Criminal Docket. State versus John Fleming.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.
State vs. John Fleming, illegally administering liquor to patients with a probate court permit: motions to quash information were overruled by the Court. The defendant refusing to plead guilty or not guilty, the Court ordered a plea of not guilty. The Co. Attorney, with leave of the Court, entered a nolle prosequi and the defendant was discharged. The Supreme Court recently decided that such administering as herein charged was violation of the law, but the County Attorney seemed to lack evidence to convict.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
Dr. John Fleming found difficulty in entering his drug store about twelve o’clock Sunday night, hunted up the night-watch, took off the lock, and found therein a broken key, which bore evidence of coming from the genius of a knight of the jimmy. There had doubtless been an attempt to burgle.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
Dr. Fleming has gone into the manufacture of inks and makes a fine quality of black and colored fluid. He sends THE COURIER a sample bottle and it writes well.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 1, 1885.
Mrs. Coulter, wife of Jas. Coulter, who resides on the Arkansas in Beaver Township, was brought to town for the purpose of undergoing a surgical operation for the removing of a cancer. The operation was performed at the residence of Dr. Fleming by Dr. Wright, assisted by Drs. Fleming, Pugh, and Tandy. The entire right breast was removed. At this writing Mrs. Coulter appears to be doing finely and in a fair way to recovery. Winfield Tribune.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.
The case of R. S. Patterson vs. John Fleming, suit to recover $685 on promissory note, was filed with District Clerk Pate Saturday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
The City Council met Thursday afternoon to open the various bids to furnish grounds for the city building. No conclusion was reached and an adjournment was had till after supper, when all the bids were rejected as being too high. There were nine bids in as follows:
Joseph Likowski, one lot on Millington Street between 8th and 9th, $1,800.
Episcopal Church Board, two lots, corner of Millington and 8th, $2,400.
Senator Hackney, two lots, corner of 9th and Fuller, opposite the Court House, $2,000.
J. A. Cooper, two lots, opposite M. E. Church, $4,500.
Dr. Fleming, 3 lots, all or parts, back Christian Church, $1,000 to $2,800.
Christian Church, $1,000 to $2,800.
E. C. Seward, two lots just west of Kirk’s mill, $2,400.
The council intended to advertise for more bids; but Senator Hackney was on hand, grabbed a chair, and in two minutes had written out a bid offering his two lots for $1,000. The council was inclined to continue consideration when W. A. Lee said, “Put it there and I’ll give you a check for $100!” This put the lots down to $900, and without parley the council said in one voice, “Accepted.” And everybody, barring a few fellows who would kick if their mother-in-law should want to die, is heartily satisfied with its location. The lots are cheap—dirt cheap—they were cheap at $2,000. They are centrally located, and plenty near the business portion of the city for the fire department. The extremely low price of these lots is another exhibition of Hackney’s indomitable enterprise. The City Fathers now have $9,100 to put into a city building—sufficient to erect an elegant and spacious building, a credit to the city in architecture and large enough to supply the demands when our city gets its twenty-five thousand inhabitants, in a few years. The council is determined, now that they have money enough, to make this building complete in every way. Architects Ritchie and Cook are now at work on pencil sketch plans, to submit to the council Monday evening, when a plan will be adopted and bids for the building’s construction advertised for immediately. The building will probably be fifty feet wide, eighty or a hundred feet deep, two stories. The east and south fronts will be of pitched ashlar work, like the Farmers Bank building. On the first floor, in front, will be the fire department; next police court; next a dozen or more cells for a city prison. Upstairs will be a large council hall, big enough for all public meetings of a municipal character, with a full set of offices for the city government. A couple of rooms upstairs will also be arranged for firemen, that some of them can sleep there regularly. Altogether the building will be one an honor to the city—one to answer every purpose for years to come. It will not be built for the present only, but for the future growth that is inevitable.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
CIVIL DOCKET. ELEVENTH DAY.
194, 2282. R S Patterson vs John Fleming, David C Beach pros.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
R. S. Patterson vs. John Fleming. Judgment by default for $1,080.40 on promissory note.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Dr. J. Fleming is out after a severe illness, but is very weak and fears serious results. He will go to Hot Springs or some other health resort in a short time, if he can get away.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Dr. Fleming was taken quite sick Friday at the store and had to go home.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
FLAG DRUG STORE CLOSED. The Flag Drug Store was closed Wednesday on attachment by R. S. Patterson for $1,088.90, a judgment obtained in the last term of our District Court against John Fleming. Patterson is a Kansas City wholesale liquor dealer and this debt is an old one, a judgment being taken to avoid the “out law” claim of the “statoots.” E. F. Blair, Louie [Lewis] Brown, and Chas. Slack were appointed appraisers and were taking an invoice today. The stock is in the name of Mrs. Fleming, and it is doubtful, should she make a fight and prove her ownership, whether this judgment is worth anything, as related to the drug stock.
Courier Co. paid $5,000 for Lot 10, Block 128. Plans made to build an office for paper on this lot, previously owned by Dr. John Fleming...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Last Thursday the COURIER CO. paid $5,000 for lot 10, block 128, Winfield, the lot now occupied by Fleming’s drug store. Truth requires us to state that not a dollar of the money paid was made in THE COURIER office, but we hope for some assistance from the business of the office in building the fine large building we propose to build thereon for the office and works of the COURIER establishment this season.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
Recap: G. H. McIntire, Sheriff, to settle suit of R. S. Patterson, Plaintiff, versus John Fleming, Defendant, on Tuesday, the 16th day of March, 1886, at 10 o’clock a.m., will sell at the Flag Drug Store on lot ten in block one hundred and twenty-eight on the east side of Main Street, Winfield, to the highest bidder, for cash in hand, a stock of goods, drugs, medicines, and fixtures taken as the property of John Fleming and appraised at $797.80, and to be sold under said execution and appraisement as the property of said John Fleming.
[Above item was the last found on Dr. John Fleming in Winfield Courier.]
