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John N. Florer
[At One Time Osage Indian Trader.]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 15, 1876.
JOHN FLORER, one of the licensed Indian Traders at Paw-hus-ka, paid this place a visit this week, and made us a pleasant call. Come again.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
We are sorry to learn that Ed. Finney is soon to return to Osage Agency, to take his former place in Florer & Rankin’s store. His older brother will take his place in the Livery here. Ed. has a host of acquaintances and warm friends at this place, as he deserves to have.
[FLEMING REPORTS ON STUBBS/FINNEY WEDDING AT OSAGE AGENCY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.
It was our privilege to meet the good people of Osage Agency at the nuptial ceremonies of Mr. Stubbs and Miss Finney, on Thursday evening, May 3rd, and seldom have we seen a more social and joyous group of individuals. We were surprised to meet there ladies and gentlemen who had graced the best society in the land, and others whose presence would adorn any reputable society.
Our host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Florer, spared no pains to make everything pleasant for their guests, and how admirably they succeeded, the good feeling and hearty enjoyment of all present may testify.
We congratulate our friend, Stubbs, in his success in marrying into one of the most reputable families of the State of Ohio. Rev. Mr. Finney and his noble wife, the parents of Mrs. Stubbs, and “the boys,” known to all, were missionaries of the Presbyterian Church in the State of Ohio, and their sterling character and earnest piety contributed in no small degree to the high position which that State takes today in all questions of morals and religion. Though now in heaven, yet the impress of their lives and character is reflected in their children.
We extend our congratulations also to Mr. Ed. Finney and his estimable wife in their recent and happy union, and take this occasion to assure both of these recently married couples that the best wishes of their many friends in this community accompany them to their new homes. S. B. FLEMING.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1877.
The Vinita Herald, formerly Indian Herald, published at Osage Agency, says that Mrs. J. N. Florer, Mrs. J. L. Stubbs, Mrs. J. E. Finney, and others were thrown from a carriage last week.
[COMMUNICATION FROM PAWNEE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1877. Front Page.
Scalp Raising.
PAWNEE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, July 20th, 1877.
Dr. W. McKay Dougan: I found so much work awaiting me here, that it has been impossible to fulfill my promise sooner. However, the facts connected with the meeting of Alexander, Broome, and Walton, with a party of Osages, on Gray Horse Creek, June 19th, are as follows.
Upon approaching the creek, they were startled by yells and running horses from the rear, and were at once surrounded by a dozen Indians, who were mounted, armed, and painted.
They produced a trade dollar of Dunlap & Florer’s, and from signs made the whites understood that they wanted to trade it for hair. It was thought best to comply, under the circumstances, and Harry Broome, for and in consideration of the dollar check, allowed them to cut from his head a lock of hair.
The Indians were now satisfied and left while the whites crossed the creek and stopped for dinner. While in camp they discovered an Indian on a bluff in the distance, who seemed to be signaling someone on the opposite side of the stream, and as they were about resuming their journey, they were again approached by Indians; this time three in number. This party was unarmed, and one of the number spoke tolerable good English. They were talkative and said a large party of Osages were mourning the death of a chief. They also stated that they were poor and had no money, but that they, too, wanted some hair, so that they could have a dance that evening. Broome was asked to furnish the article.
They objected to Alexander’s hair upon the ground that it bore too close a resemblance to the hair of the horse and Walton was in no trouble as his hair was too short to admit of a close cut. I have written a faithful account of the affair as detailed to me by one of the party, in whose word I place implicit confidence. Very cordially, S. MATLACK.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1877. [From Vinita Herald.]
Indians have sins enough of their own to answer for without being with those committed by the whites. The border white man, or plainsman, knows better than to receive money from Indians as an excuse for supplying them with hair and getting an opportunity to make impressions that are both false and damaging.
On his return to Pawnee, Harry Broome stated that he had been scalped by a mourning party of Osages, and then to put it beyond question, he exhibited the localities which had been shorn in accordance with his own will, at his own instance, for pay, and also for the vile purpose of setting a mark of disgrace upon the very people whose friendship he covets.
Old Mrs. Gossip was among the first to see how the young man’s head had been skinned, and heard him say (as she went off into an hysterical tantrum) that it was done by a murderous band of mourning Osages, and the world was then on wheels. Broome went to Canaville, Kansas, and made a similar statement of his hairbreadth escape from death at the hands of Indians on the warpath. Old men who had been neighbors with Indians for half a century, and must soon go to their graves, leaving behind them no prospect of sensational inscriptions for their funeral monuments, felt aggrieved to think that the obscurity of their lives had been the decree of fate; yet, everybody pitied poor Broome, and were full of doubt and curiosity as to how he felt as he set under the scalping knife of a wild Osage.
And as we have seen him passing each week, carrying the U. S. mail over the same route, nobody knows how we have wished we could have been brave and distinguished like him. We have admired the manner in which people approach and address him; we have courted and even stared at him until now, Stacy Matlack, the Pawnee (Indian) trader, says that Broome sold his hair to the Indians, and we learn that he was never scalped at all!
Two or three times a year we read of brutal murders and robberies of white settlers on the frontier by the Indians. And until the present Indian policy is perfected (instead of being abolished) and a provision is made for the care of the reckless whites, will the loss of life and the destruction of property in the future as in the past occasionally be cut. In nature prone to evil the hot blood of overbearing whites will continue to boil over in the way long familiar to the Indians.
Whites have taken but little pains to instill into the hearts of the Indians a feeling of confidence, but on the contrary, they have always tried to perpetuate the feeling of bitterness and distrust that exists between the two races.
There are now about two hundred and fifty thousand Indians in the territory of the United States, and they know and keenly feel their inability to cope with a nation numbering more than forty millions in the struggle for existence.
This emboldens bad white men to the commission of murder, treachery, and theft upon the persons and property of Indians. How then can it be wondered at that they do sometimes retaliate? They are not, today, accountable for the many blood conflicts that grew out of encroachment upon the rights of their ancestors by whites in years long gone by; nor are they answerable for the insatiable desire of the whites to pervert their innocent, devout, and ancient ceremonies into acts of bloodshed and rapine.
[COMMUNICATION FROM OSAGE AGENCY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 5, 1877.
By a letter from Osage Agency, we learn that Agent Beede will probably be back in October, as his health is somewhat improved. The Osages are at present busy putting up hay; the employees cut and rake it, so that the Indians can stack it. Hiatt & Florer are paying good prices in cash for wheat. The first issue of beef cattle on the new contract have been delivered, and the Indians are enjoying “fresh roast on a stick.”
Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1877.
John Florer, the trader at Osage Agency, is in town.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 29, 1882.
We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. John N. Florer, U. S. trader at Osage Agency, while in the city last week, and enrolled his name upon the TRAVELER subscription books.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1883.
J. N. Florer, of Osage Agency, passed through the city yesterday on his way to Coffeyville to ship cattle.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1883.
Master Walter Osage Florer, of Osage Agency, and Martin Stillwell, of Newton, Kansas, paid the TRAVELER a call yesterday. Walter is a son of J. N. Florer, of Osage Agency, and was the first white child born in the Osage Nation.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1883.
Mr. John Florer, of Osage, and Tom Finney, of Kaw Agency, were in town this week, greeting old friends and making new ones. They report a good trade and prosperous outlook at their respective places of business.
[INDIAN TERRITORY NEWS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1883.
A herd of Chickasaw cattle recently attempted to cross Mr. John Florer’s range at the mouth of Salt Fork, but Mr. Florer succeeded in keeping them off. These Chickasaws are through Texans that are driven into the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, and after being held a few months, are driven north. Stockmen are beginning to see that the loss from fever has been great enough this year to justify them in combining to prevent the drive. It is thought the herd will cross the Arkansas River east of Ponca Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1883.
We received an appreciated call from Mr. John N. Florer, of Osage Agency, one day last week as he was on his way to Lawrence.
[CATTLE BRANDS/ADS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1883.
We call attention to the new cattle brands of J. N. Florer, of the Osage Nation, and of the Berry Bros., of Shawneetown, Indian Territory, which appear this week.
AD. J. N. FLORER. Cattle Brands: F E [E on side] on both sides and circle on jaw. F on both sides and circle on jaw.
Horse Brand: J E on left shoulder.
Ranch in Indian Territory; P. O. Address, Kaw Agency, I. T.
AD. T. E. BERRY & BROS. (Geo. Berry in charge.) P. O. Address, Shawneetown, Indian Territory, or Pawnee Agency, Indian Territory.
Cattle Brands: Cross and bell on left side.
Young cattle brands: With cross and bell on both sides.
Old stock: B cross on right side and cross bell on left side.
Other brand: bow and arrow on right side.
Horse Brand: Cross bell on left shoulder.
[FLORER & POLLOCK: LEASE WITH OSAGE.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1883.
Messrs. Florer & Pollock have just completed arrangements with the tribe of Osage Indians, by which they lease over 100,000 acres of good grazing ground in the Osage Nation for a term of ten years, for a yearly consideration of three thousand dollars. We are glad to note this fact, for while it is a good thing for the gentlemen, it is equally good for the Indians, who thus realize a handsome profit from otherwise waste land.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 17, 1883.
J. N. Florer of Osage Agency was in the city yesterday.
[NEW TELEPHONES.]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 14, 1883.
Telephonic. Last week the TRAVELER spoke of a number of new telephones to be put in this week, and of the effort to have a line run to Ponca Agency. In this issue we wish to present the claims of the latter line to the citizens of Arkansas City. It is simply a question of business to the merchants of this city. Mr. P. W. Bossart, superintendent of the Kansas division, and who is expected here daily, says that Hunnewell is alive to the importance of connecting the agencies and cattle ranches south of us with some trading point in the state, and is doing her best to raise the necessary funds. Now the town that gives the most assistance to this project is the town that will reap the greatest benefit. The immense advantages thereby resulting to the agency and stockmen are self-evident, and that the Territory people will throw all the trade possible into the city thus reaching out for a closer connection is the only natural conclusion. There is no doubt that Arkansas City can raise more money and receive more support at the hands of Territory residents than any other border town. Mr. J. H. Sherburne, the trader at Ponca, has offered to give $500 to such an enterprise, and we may safely count on a liberal subscription from the various cattlemen around that section whose business interests are connected with those of Arkansas City. This should be met with a corresponding liberality on the part of our businessmen, which will insure telephonic connection with various points in the Indian Territory. A line to Ponca Agency means connection with Willow Springs, Ponca, Otoe, Nez Perce (and in a very short time, Pawnee), the cattle ranches of such men as Sherburne, J. N. Florer, R. A. Houghton, the Dean boys, and others whose interests are identical with ours, besides the various new instruments which will be ordered for parties in town wishing connection with those points. But we must work for this thing, or Hunnewell will step in ahead of us, and we will see the importance of it too late.
Get this enterprise on a business basis, and the telephone company will doubtless make a proposition to the Territory people by which they may lease the line, have their own central office at Ponca, and manage the business for themselves. This can be done, and it will be done. It is only a question of a very short time. Besides forever holding the trade we already have in this direction, it will bring to our doors a large increase in revenue. Let Arkansas City merchants display their wisdom and business sagacity by taking hold of this enterprise and carrying it to a successful issue.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1883.
Tom Finney and John Florer, of the Territory, were in the liveliest city in southwest Kansas last Friday.
[CATTLE LEASES WITH INDIANS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 9, 1884.
As was stated in last week’s Chief, Hon. Eli Titus visited Sedan for the purpose of closing the contract for a lease of 81,800 acres of land in the territory. There were present at the meeting a number of Indian chiefs and the following cattle kings of Southern Kansas, who leased the number of acres set opposite their names. Hewins & Titus, of this place, leased 1,800 acres more than any of the other firms.
Hewins & Titus: 81,800 acres.
Wait, King, and Slaughter: 48,080 acres.
John P. Soderstrom: 65,000 acres.
Carpenter & Leahy: 50,000 acres.
Florer & Pollock: 75,000 acres.
Crane and Larimer: 80,000 acres.
The price paid per acre is three cents per year, the leases running ten years. The contract for fencing the land has been let, and it will be under fence next April. Grenola Chief.
[J. N. FLORER: ENDORSED BY HIS MANY FRIENDS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 30, 1884.
A Handsome Testimonial. The following from the Independence Evening Reporter of last Wednesday, will be read with interest and heartily endorsed by the many friends of Mr. J. N. Florer in this city.
“Our sanctum was lighted up yesterday by the benign countenance of John N. Florer, of the Indian Territory. Besides being a ‘lucky dog,’ he is the prince of good fellows, and we are always more than pleased to meet him. His present visit to our city has been made memorable by the presentation to him, by the stockmen of the Territory, of a most elegant gold, hand carved, Elgin watch. The watch was manufactured especially for the occasion, is eighteen karat fine, and the case alone weighs 70 pt. It bears the monogram of the recipient, ‘J. N. F.’ on the outside of the case in elegant design, while on the inside is engraved with matchless taste, ‘Presented to John F. Florer by his friends, the stockmen of the Osage reservation.’ It is a princely offering, and well worthy the gentlemen who made the present, the cost at the factory being $500. Mr. W. H. H. Larimer presented it yesterday at the Caldwell House, in impromptu but meek and tasteful remarks. It comes to Mr. Florer at his resignation as Indian trader at the Osage Agency, as a token of the appreciation in which his past efforts to do his duty have been held and an earnest of the good wishes of his friends for his future success in his new field of labor. Mr. Florer has for thirteen years been United States Indian trader at the Osage Agency, Indian Territory, and has so demeaned himself toward all who have come in contact with him, as to win the good will and respect of them all. The position is not one without its trials and difficulties, but Mr. Florer has been equal to all emergencies, and while the moving powers have frequently been changed, he has always been able to command from his friends those recommendations, which would secure his reappointment. This alone is the firmest and most telling testimonial he could have as to his ability, gentility, and business capacities. The Osage Agency in him sustains a loss they cannot soon replace. He goes to reside on his ranch near the Kaw Agency, Indian Territory, where he has 75,000 acres well stocked and surrounded by a wire fence.”
The good wishes of a host of Arkansas City friends follow Mr. Florer in his new enterprise, and with those friends the TRAVELER joins in congratulating him upon receiving so fitting a testimonial of his merits. May his good luck continue.
Arkansas City Republican, February 16, 1884.
Mr. J. N. Florer, of Kaw Agency, paid THE REPUBLICAN an appreciated call.
[JOHN N. FLORER, STOCKMAN.]
Arkansas City Traveler, February 20, 1884.
John N. Florer, the lucky stockman, was in town last Friday and Saturday, letting his friends gaze on that magnificent gold watch.
AD SHOWN A NUMBER OF TIMES. J. N. FLORER.
Cattle Brands—F followed by F on its side [F/F] on both sides and circle on jaw.
F on both sides and circle on jaw.
Horse Brand—JF on left shoulder.
Ranch in Indian Territory. P. O. Address, Kaw Agency, I. T.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 5, 1884.
That prince of good fellows, John Florer, was in the city Monday after ranch supplies. He was full of business, but spared time to call upon the TRAVELER, where he is always welcome.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 5, 1884.
Mrs. McCague, of Lawrence, accompanied by her little daughter, arrived in the city yesterday en route for Kaw Agency, where she goes to visit her brother, J. N. Florer, and sister, Mrs. T. M. Finney.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 19, 1884.
Osage Live Stock Association. At the meeting of the Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association at Caldwell, last week, the lessees of the Osage, Ponca, and Nez Perce reservations met at the Southwestern Hotel and organized the Osage Live Stock Association. Mr. Crane, of Independence, was chosen president of the association and W. J. Pollock secretary. The following cattle firms were represented.
1. Florer & Pollock.
2. Hewins & Titus.
3. Crane & Larimer.
4. Waite & King.
5. Carpenter & Leahy.
6. Soderstrom & Shoals.
7. Osage Brown & Son.
8. Joe Hurd.
[ALL OF THE ABOVE HOLDING CATTLE ON THE OSAGE RESERVATION.]
9. T. J. Gilbert & Co., Kaw Reservation.
10. R. A. Houghton, Nez Perce Reservation.
11. J. H. Sherburne, Ponca Reservation.
This association will work in harmony with other organizations of the same kind, yet it shall be a distinctive body. It is their intention to admit the Indian cattle owners into membership, giving them all the benefits and protection enjoyed by their white brethren. Nothing further than an organization was accomplished at this meeting, when they adjourned to meet again on Saturday, May 29, at Osage Agency. The men comprising this association are each and all large cattle owners, are men of influence and wealth, of enterprise and business acumen, and we doubt not that the Osage Live Stock Association will soon rank as high and favorably as does its sister, the Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association. Success to it.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1884.
Osage Leases. The following are the gentlemen to whom the council of the Osage Nation have leased ranges upon the lands belonging to the tribe.
E. M. Hewins; Wait & King; Carpenter & Leahy; Pollock & Florer; John Soderstrom; Crane & Larimer.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1884.
OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, March 29, 1884.
The Osage Live Stock Association met according to adjournment at the above date and place, with the following members present;
H. H. Crane, W. H. H. Larimer, and J. H. Pugh, of Independence.
Thomas Leahy and L. C. Wait, of Elgin.
J. N. Florer, of Kaw Agency.
W. J. Pollock, of Ponca Agency.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman H. H. Crane, after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Pollock. After an informal talk on matters relating to the organization and its interests, Mr. Pugh moved that in consequence of the small number present the meeting stand adjourned, to meet at Osage Agency at the time of the June payment, with the understanding that Judge T. L. Rogers would give all parties timely notice of the exact time of such meeting. Adjourned. W. J. POLLOCK, Secretary.
Immediately after the adjournment Messrs. Ed. Hewins, John Soderstrom, Joe Herard, and several other parties interested in stock put in an appearance, and although too late to participate in the formal meeting quite a little social talk was had on subjects connected with stock and the range.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, April 9, 1884.
NOT GOING TO GIVE A BREAKDOWN ON BRANDS COMPLETE WITH ILLUSTRATIONS IN APRIL 9, 1884, ISSUE OF TRAVELER...TOO MANY...SOME TOO HARD TO READ! JUST LISTING NAMES!
1. H. H. SHERBURNE.
2. W. J. POLLOCK.
3. R. A. HOUGHTON.
4. C. M. SCOTT.
5. J. N. FLORER.
6. N. W. PARVIN.
7. J. C. TOPLIFF.
8. E. R. DARROUGH.
9. ESTUS BROS.
10. DRURY WARREN.
NOTE: R. A. HOUGHTON SHOWS...Post office address: Arkansas City, Kansas, OR, C. C. ENDICOTT, range manager, Oakland Agency, Indian Territory. Range on the Nez Perce reservation. OODLES OF BRANDS!
NOTE: C. M. SCOTT...ON SIDE OF CATTLE: SCOT. Horse brand, CM on left shoulder. Range 6 miles south of Arkansas City. P. O.: Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas.
NOTE: J. C. TOPLIFF...LOOKS LIKE TOP ON SIDE OF CATTLE.
Sheep brand, S & T on left shoulder. Range 6 miles south of Arkansas City.
NOTE: DRURY WARREN brand looks quite different on side of cattle. Appears to me like N followed by two sizes of boots. States: Range on Duck Creek and Chicaskia, Indian Territory. GAVE UP TRYING TO READ OTHER BRANDS USED.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 30, 1884.
RECAP OF STOCK BRAND OWNERS LISTED IN APRIL 30, 1884, ISSUE OF ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.
1. J. H. SHERBURNE.
2. W. J. POLLOCK.
3. R. A. HOUGHTON.
4. J. N. FLORER.
5. N. W. PARVIN.
6. WILLOW SPRINGS STOCK RANCH [PINK FOUTS, MANAGER]...
Note: O I L used on left hip of horses. O I L was used on either side of cattle.
7. J. C. TOPLIFF.
8. E. R. DARROUGH.
9. ESTUS BROS.
10. DRURY WARREN.
11. C. M. SCOTT.
12. BURKE & MARTIN - P. O. Address, Red Rock, Indian Territory. Range on the Cimarron river, south of McClellan’s. Horse Brand: [?] on left shoulder. Cattle are branded on both sides. [B & M]
13. T. J. Gilbert & Co.
14. J. B. NIPP.
15. STEWART, HODGES & SNYDER, WINFIELD and ARKANSAS CITY.
Range on Turkey and Possum creeks, west of Ponca Agency, I. T.
Horse brand same as cattle.
Ear marks—Smooth crop on left and smaller fork and over-bit on right. LOOKED LIKE Sh with bar underneath on cattle depicted.
16. T. E. BERRY & BROS.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, May 14, 1884.
A CORRESPONDENT of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat has been traveling through the Indian Territory on horseback, from agency to agency, and airing his views in the G. D. His letters are interesting, but lack the element of truth in many particulars. It is not to be supposed that a man can gain a very accurate knowledge of an agency and its affairs on one day’s hanging around. In one of his letters the correspondent gives Mr. Florer, of Kaw agency, a very complimentary notice, which is all well and good, but as we have Mr. Florer’s word for it that he never met this shover of the quill, we are naturally inclined to doubt his statements when he attacks and abuses equally good men. It is unfortunately true that these traveling newspaper men always happen to strike the disaffected and disgruntled portions of a community, either among Indians or white men. The grumblers are ever to the front. Many statements of the Globe-Democrat correspondent are merely rumors, and are given as such; others are but the growlings of uninformed and jealous parties, who lack the ability to make their own business a success, and seek to hurt others. The pencil pusher makes out that our friends, J. H. Sherburne and R. A. Houghton, are rolling in wealth, all of which we hope is so, but we fear it was written more in a spirit of malice than friendship. The enterprising itinerant reporter should take more time to investigating, and then his letters, in addition to being interesting, might be entitled to some weight on the ground of truthfulness.
Another name that may have to be added to that of cattlemen...
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1884.
B. F. Childs has his cattle brand in this issue of the TRAVELER.
[VERY HARD TO READ...COULD HAVE THIS ALL WRONG!]
CANNOT MAKE OUT BRAND ON SIDE OF COW ILLUSTRATION.
B. F. CHILDS, Arkansas City, Kas. Range on Salt, Antelope, and Elm creeks. Ranch two miles below the forks, Osage Nation. Brand on either or both sides. Holes in both ears. Reward for return of strays. A. J. HENDERSON, Foreman.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1884.
Capt. T. G. Ayres, of Coffeyville, Kansas, and Gen. J. E. Ayres, of Cambridge, Illinois, passed through the city last Saturday in charge of J. N. Florer, who took them down to his cattle ranch for a pleasure trip. The gentlemen returned last Monday, well pleased with Southern Kansas and the Indian Territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 21, 1884.
John N. Florer, having followed Doris’ circus half through the state, left it at Winfield, and returned to his wigwam at Kaw Agency last Sunday.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 4, 1884.
G. Y. Smith, one of Kansas City’s heaviest merchants, was in the city last Friday, on his return home from a pleasure trip to the stock ranch of J. N. Florer. Mr. Smith, in addition to his immense Kansas City establishment, has also large cattle interests in the Territory, and finds time about once a year to come down and hunt and fish, while he watches his hundreds grow into thousands, and so on ad infinitum.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 25, 1884.
KAW AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, June 17.
The tiresome monotony of our usually quiet village has been somewhat relieved the past few days by an occasional business transaction and the presence of one or two strangers.
T. J. Gilbert, of your city, was here one day last week transacting business with the Kaw council relative to his lease. Mr. Gilbert purposes raising feed inside his enclosure on the Kaw reservation, and was here asking permission of the council to cultivate some of the land.
The permit was granted, Mr. Gilbert paying in addition to the grazing price, 50 cents per acre for all the land cultivated.
Special Indian Agent Folsom, of Washington, D. C., and Major Haworth, Inspector of Indian schools, arrived here Sunday, en route to Osage Agency, the former to witness the annuity payment about to be made to the Osages, and the latter in the interest of the school. After inspecting the Osage Agency school, Major Haworth will return to Kaw, where he will perform a similar duty, and from here he goes to Arkansas City.
A couple of United States officials of your city were here on Sunday in search of a transgressor of the law.
Mr. T. M. Finney and family were made very happy on Sunday, the 15th inst. by the arrival of a handsome boy baby. Both mother and babe are getting along nicely, and our affable Tom is correspondingly proud.
During the high water, our mail has been very irregular, consequently the news of the presidential nominations was tardy reaching us. Upon its receipt J. N. Florer was immediately seized with a paroxysm of St. Vitus’ dance, and is now laid up from too violent enthusiastic demonstrations.
The crops are looking fine and grazing unusually good. Beef cattle are already being rounded up for shipment. J. N. Florer will make a large shipment this month.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1884.
J. N. Florer, whose range is on the Osage reservation, was in the city last Saturday en route for Coffeyville. He had started 500 head of steers to Coffeyville, from which point he intended to ship last Monday.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 23, 1884.
J. N. Florer came in from Kansas City last Thursday, leaving for his cattle ranch the next day. He is having a “daisy” cattle cut made, which will make its appearance soon.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 13, 1884.
N. McCague, with Bullene & Co., Lawrence, is taking a vacation with the families of J. N. Florer and D. T. Finney at Kaw Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 27, 1884.
J. N. Florer and wife passed through the city for Chicago last Thursday. J. N. has just shipped 100 head of fat steers to the Chicago market.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 17, 1884.
John Florer and Ed and Dave Finney were in town last Friday and Saturday, as jolly as ever.
Arkansas City Republican, September 20, 1884.
John Florer was up from the territory Tuesday, and his talk on the Oklahoma country to a visitor attracted quite a crowd in front of the Leland Hotel.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 8, 1884.
Osage Live Stock Association. Quite a number of the stockmen of the Osage Nation and vicinity met in the council rooms at Osage Agency September 30, 1884, for the purpose of taking steps toward forming an association having for the object the mutual benefit and protection of those engaged in stock raising on the Osage and contiguous reservations.
The meeting was called to order by the temporary chairman, Col. H. H. Crane, with Col. W. J. Pollock at the secretary’s table.
On motion, the above named gentlemen were unanimously elected as permanent chairman and secretary, with Mr. J. N. Florer as treasurer.
Motion of Mr. Florer: That the membership fee to this association be $2. Adopted.
Motion of Mr. Hewins: That any member of the Osage Nation, any Indian owning stock, or any person rightfully occupying ranges on the Osage, Kaw, Cherokee, Ponca, and Nez Perce reservations may become members of this association upon payment of $2 to the treasurer. Adopted.
Membership fees were then paid by the following named stock men and stock firms, who were enrolled by the secretary upon the books of the association.
NAME POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
W. J. POLLOCK PONCA AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
FLORER, GOULD & AYRES KAW AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
JANE BENVENUE KAW AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
B. F. CHILDS ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
VIRGIL HERARD OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
GUS CHOTEAU OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
LOUIS ROGERS OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
ANTONIE ROGERS OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
JUDGE T. L. ROGERS OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
HEWINS & TITUS CEDARVALE, KANSAS.
W. S. BROWN & SONS INDEPENDENCE, KANSAS.
CRANE & LARIMER INDEPENDENCE, KANSAS.
H. ROBERTS KAW AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
W. P. MATHEWS OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
J. H. SHERBURNE PONCA AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
WAIT, KING & PUGH ELGIN, KANSAS.
ELGIN CATTLE CO. ELGIN, KANSAS.
T. J. GILBERT & CO. ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
R. A. HOUGHTON ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
E. M. MATHEWS OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
C. N. PRUDOM OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY.
On motion of E. M. Hewins, Col. W. J. Pollock was appointed a committee on constitution and by-laws, to report at the next meeting of the association.
On motion of E. M. Hewins, J. N. Florer was authorized to get up a brand book, to include the brands of all members of the association who send their brands to him on or before November 10, 1884. Any person owning stock, not a member of this association, desirous of having their brands inserted in the brand book, under the head of “Miscellaneous brands,” can do so by sending description of brand and four dollars to J. N. Florer, treasurer of the Osage Live Stock Association.
On motion of Mr. Hewins, Mr. Florer was appointed a committee to give the stock men of the above reservations and others interested notice of this action of the association in such manner as he deems best.
On motion of E. M. Hewins, the chair appointed the following gentlemen delegates to attend the national live stock convention, which meets at St. Louis on November 17, 1884:
Col. W. J. Pollock, L. C. Wait, ____ ____ Carpenter, J. N. Florer, W. S. Brown, and W. H. H. Larimer.
On motion of Mr. Hewins, the chairman, Col. H. H. Crane, was added to the above delegation as an honorary member.
On motion of Mr. Florer, the meeting was then adjourned to 9 o’clock a.m., of December 29, 1884, to meet at Osage Agency, Indian Territory. W. J. POLLOCK, Secretary.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 22, 1884.
A Correction. In the report of the proceedings of the Osage Live Stock Association some two weeks since the types read: “Any person owning stock, not a member of this association, desirous of having their brands inserted in the brand book, under the head of ‘Miscellaneous brands,’ can do so by sending description of brand and four dollars to J. N. Florer, treasurer of the Osage Live Stock Association.”
It should read two dollars instead of four, and new members of the association can have their brands inserted by sending them with two dollars to the TRAVELER office. If the parties desire more than one brand cut or any additional brand block, they will be charged at the rate of two dollars for each additional cut and 50 cents for each brand block. Additional stamps not requiring cuts or blocks, no extra charge. Brands will be received up to December 1, 1884.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
J. N. Florer, fresh from the territory, perambulates our streets this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 5, 1884.
J. N. Florer was in the city Monday.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 3, 1884.
John N. Florer and wife were in the city Saturday.
Arkansas City Traveler, Supplement, December 24, 1884.
FLORER, GOULD & AYRES.
Post Office Address: Kaw Agency, Indian Territory, Via: Arkansas City, Kansas.
[BIG ILLUSTRATION OF COWBOY ROPING A CALF...ON SIDE OF ANIMAL THERE APPEARS TO BE TWO “F”s ....FIRST F IS UPRIGHT/SECOND ON ITS SIDE.]
CATTLE BRAND: 0 on both side and jaw, and [OBSCURED ... LOOKS POSSIBLY LIKE F F - OR ELSE F R] on both sides. DUE TO ILLUSTRATION I BELIEVE THE CATTLE BRAND IS “F F” AS SHOWN ON ILLUSTRATION.
HORSE BRAND: J F on left shoulder.
Arkansas City Traveler, Supplement, December 24, 1884.
BRANDS LISTED.
1. LOVE BROS. [J. D. LOVE/F. A. LOVE]
2. DRURY WARREN.
3. WILEY & HARKNESS.
4. B. F. CHILDS.
5. J. A. SHOWALTER.
6. PINK FOUTS.
7. STEWART & SNYDER.
8. T. E. BERRY & BROS.
9. H. R. DARROUGH.
10. C. M. SCOTT.
11. J. C. TOPLIFF.
12. ESTUS BROS.
13. BURKE & MARTIN.
14. W. J. POLLOCK.
15. J. H. SHERBURNE.
16. R. A. HOUGHTON.
17. HEWINS & TITUS.
18. FLORER, GOULD & AYRES.
Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.
Hugh McGinn, of Florer, Indian Territory, was in the city the first of the week. He left $5 with us for two copies of the REPUBLICAN. He is an employee of Florer, Gould & Co.’s ranch.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.
John N. Florer was up Sunday.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 11, 1885.
Ware & Pickering started twelve teams loaded with coal and salt for Florer, Gould & Ayres’ range yesterday morning.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 11, 1885.
OSAGE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, March 7, 1885.
Stockmen, Attention! The members of the Osage Live Stock Association are requested to meet at Osage Agency Friday, March 27, promptly at 9 o’clock, to transact business of importance. Wm. Pollock, Secretary. J. N. Florer, Treasurer.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 1, 1885.
Osage Live Stock Association. Pursuant to call the above association met at Osage Agency on March 17th, 1885, with the following members of the association present or represented: G. M. Carpenter, L. C. Wait, Wm. Larimer, Virgil Herard, J. H. Pugh, Julian Trimbly, John Soderstrom, T. J. Gilbert, J. N. Florer, H. N. Hampton, P. Revard, P. M. Matthews, Gus Choteau, W. J. Pollock, A. C. Stitch, E. M. Hewins, R. T. Hampton, T. L. Rogers.
In the absence of the president and secretary, L. C. Wait was elected to the chair, pro tem, and H. P. Standley, acting secretary pro tem.
Meeting called to order and minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
The report of committee on by-laws received and action taken upon the same section as read, after which they were adopted unanimously as a whole.
In accordance with section 3 of the by-laws, the president appointed the following gentlemen as the Executive Committee for the transaction of the general business of the association until its regular meeting Sept. 30th: W. J. Pollock, G. M. Carpenter, H. H. Crane,
Julian Trimbly, Virgil Herard, Judge Rogers, and E. M. Hewins.
On motion the acting secretary was elected as honorary member of the Association.
On motion of J. N. Florer, seconded by T. J. Gilbert, it was decided for the purposes of the spring round up, that the Osage reservation should be divided into five districts, and the Kaw reservation into one, and each district send one man, each leaseholder on the reservation to send one man, and Messrs. Brown and Herard each to furnish four men for the round up, to meet at Osage Agency on Monday, May 18th, 1885.
On motion of J. N. Florer, seconded by T. J. Gilbert, that the Arkansas City TRAVELER be the official paper of the Osage Live Stock Association. Carried.
After the transaction of some other minor business, the meeting adjourned.
Below we append, by request, the names and addresses of the members of the association at this writing.
Florer, Gould & Ayres, Kaw Agency, Indian Territory.
Col. W. J. Pollock, Ponca Agency, Indian Territory.
T. J. Gilbert & Co., Arkansas City, Kansas.
Mrs. Jane Benvenue, Kaw Agency, Indian Territory.
B. F. Childs, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Virgil Herard, Elgin, Kansas.
Elgin Cattle Co., Elgin, Kansas.
Wait, King & Pugh, Elgin, Kansas.
Gus Choteau, Pawhuska, Indian Territory.
Louis Rogers, Pawhuska, Indian Territory.
E. M. Matthews, Pawhuska, Indian Territory.
C. H. Prudom, Pawhuska, Indian Territory.
Pat Rogers, Pawhuska, Indian Territory.
Hewins & Titus, Cedar Vale, Kansas.
W. S. Brown & Sons, Independence, Kansas.
Crane & Larimer, Independence, Kansas.
Hy Roberts, Kaw Agency, Indian Territory.
Harrison H. Hampton, Bartlesville, Indian Territory.
J. H. Sherburne, Ponca Agency, Indian Territory.
C. M. McClellan, Otoe Agency, Indian Territory.
R. T. Hampton, Bartlesville, Indian Territory.
Drury Warren, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Peter Revard, Elgin, Kansas.
Harkleroad & Irons, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Jos. Greenlee, Kaw Agency, Indian Territory.
John Soderstrom, Farm Creek P. O., Kansas.
C. W. & W. W. Sholes, Fredonia, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 8, 1885.
J. N. Florer, of Kaw, paid us a pleasant call yesterday.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 8, 1885.
J. N. Florer left yesterday for Chicago, intending to return in about two weeks.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 8, 1885.
W. T. Finney, of Kaw Agency, accompanied by his wife and child and Mrs. Florer, left on yesterday’s train for Lawrence. We are sorry to learn Mrs. Florer has been ill for several weeks past, but hope the trip may result in a speedy convalescence.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 22, 1885.
J. N. Florer was in the city Saturday on his return from Chicago. He started for the Kaw Agency Sunday morning.
Arkansas City Republican, August 15, 1885.
Johnnie Florer and family passed through the city Thursday en route for Kaw Agency.
Arkansas City Republican, September 5, 1885.
J. N. Florer and T. M. Finney were in the city from the Territory the first of the week.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 25, 1885.
JUSTICE ON THE PLAINS. A Cattle Thief Passes in his Checks.
Some brief mention has been made in the press of the fatal shooting of Frank Pappan, a Kaw half-breed, about two weeks ago. The particulars of the tragedy, as they come to us from the territory, show that a man in Elgin, Kansas, named Lew Wait, had a beef killed in his pasture by Pappan and a companion, named Al Linscott. Depredations of this nature have been extensively carried on at the cattle ranches, and the owners have been on the alert to discover the thieves. Suspicion attached to Linscott and a fellow herder called Barra Kid, it being remarked that cattle mysteriously disappeared whenever they undertook the guardianship of herds. These robberies were talked over in the cow camps, and various theories suggested, but the operators were deft enough in their movements to escape detection. The mystery prompted a young man, named Cy Stevens, who had a taste for adventure, to set himself about the task of discovering the cattle thieves. He hired himself as a cowboy to John N. Florer, whose ranch is on the Osage reservation; and Linscott and Barra Kid being fellow employees, he had an opportunity of overhearing some of their conversation. From the intimations that reached his ears, this amateur detective concluded that these men were concerned in the numerous cattle depredations, but before he could lay any plans to catch them, the parties slipped off to Texas.
Our informant was unable to give dates, but his information is that they returned from their wanderings, and settled down at Shawneetown. Here they made the acquaintance of Frank Pappan, and enlisted his services in their cattle lifting operations. Cy Stevens had mentioned his discoveries to the cattle owners interested, and when the daring raid was made on Lew Wait’s pasture, suspicion was at once directed to the perpetrators. There was a general turn out of the cowboys and Pappan and Al Linscott were corralled in a blacksmith shop. The administration of justice was swift and sure. Revolvers were pointed at them from all sides, and the command given that they hold up their hands. The surprise was complete, and the two men had no chance to parley. Hands were uplifted in token of submission, but it was noticed that the half-breed grasped a revolver. The code of the plains condemns this as an act of treachery, and an immediate fusillade extended him on the earth in the agonies of death.
We have not heard that any proceedings have been instituted against these avengers. Among a herder community, horse and cattle stealing is regarded as a far more heinous offense than murder, and the ridding the neighborhood of such a pest is popularly regarded as an ample justification of the deed.
Note: Article shows that Florer was on the Osage reservation. Believe this is wrong. Everything shows that his mailing address was Florer, Kaw Agency, Indian Territory, at the time above article was printed. Also, in studying all the entries, believe the name is “Wait” as corrected by me and not “Waite” as article showed in paper. MAW
Arkansas City Traveler, January 27, 1886.
Johnny Florer and J. E. Finney, both experienced Indian traders, of Gray Horse, spent a few days in town last week, and put out for home on Monday.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 10, 1886.
J. E. Finney came in from the Osage agency yesterday, and reports Grouse Creek booming. Being unfordable, he abandoned his team and crossed in a boat. Lumber has been ordered in town for dwelling houses for himself and J. N. Florer; but the roads in their present condition are impracticable for hauling a load. Chilocco Creek is also a torrent, and the stage from Ponca was delayed last evening, the driver fearing to cross it in the dark. He arrived in town this morning.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 31, 1886.
John N. Florer and W. H. Gambell came in from the Osage on Thursday. The latter is bookkeeper to the trading firm of Hale & Phillips. They report Agent Hover still absent in Washington, and matters at the agency preserving their wanted quiet
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 10, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
Chas. Schiffbauer and Johnnie Florer came up from Kaw Agency this evening to join a tea (?) Party at the residence of his Honor, Mayor Schiffbauer.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 29, 1886.
About two weeks ago two saddle ponies were missing from the cattle ranch of Florer, Gould & Ayres, on the Kaw reservation, and the manager of the ranch, Capt. A. J. Hersey, thinking they were stolen and believing he knew the thief, came to town as soon as he missed the animals, to have the thief arrested. He found the man he wanted in the city, but the missing ponies were not in his possession. Leaving him to be shadowed by the officers, Capt. Hersey returned home after a day’s stay here to make further search for the ponies. Last Wednesday he wrote to Sam Burris, informing him that he had found the ponies in the Osage country, making their way to a ranch, but whether they had been stolen or turned loose, he was unable to say. He ordered the watch on the suspected party removed, and this ended the matter.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 6, 1886.
John N. Florer, from the Osage Agency, was in town on Monday, having brought a young daughter with him to attend school.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 15, 1887. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Col. John Florer arrived in the city last night from St. Louis, where he had been, en route for Gray Horse, Indian Territory.
[The above is all that I have thus far on John Florer. MAW]
On February 16, 2002, Sam Dicks, historian with Emporia State University, sent the following information on John N. Florer.
Emporia Weekly Republican, December 17, 1891, page 3, column 1.
WEDDING GUESTS. At 12 o’clock, November 26th, at Gray Horse, Indian Territory, John L. Bird and Miss Maude Florer were united in marriage by the Rev. Richard Cordley, of Lawrence. Both the bride and groom are white. Miss Florer, at one time, attended the College of Emporia and will be pleasantly remembered by many persons in this city. Her father, Col. John Florer, is a licensed trader at Gray Horse, and the ceremony was performed in his store room. Over 300 Osage Indian warriors were present and twenty beeves were given to them and they killed, roasted, and ate the animals in honor of the event.
[Mr. Dicks pointed out that Cordley was a Congregational minister at Lawrence, and in the late 1870s and early 1880s he was minister at Emporia. The College of Emporia was a Presbyterian College founded about 1882 (Vernon and William Allen White also went there) and it folded circa 1973. Their old library building is now used for Emporia State University archives.]
