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Houghton Family

Sewell Houghton and Maria Jones were married in Maine, where they both were born.
One daughter, Mary M. Houghton, was born November 3, 1846, in Maine. She married A. A. Newman in 1869.
Kansas 1875 Census Creswell & Bolton Townships, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name                                       age       sex       color   Place/birth Where from
O. P. Houghton                        35        m         w                     Maine               Maine
M. B. Houghton (wife)  33        f           w                     Maine               Maine
T. R. Houghton             29        m         w                     Maine               Maine
H. J. Houghton (wife)   24        f           w                     ?                                  ?
R. A. Houghton                        24        m         w                     Maine               Maine
S. E. (Mantor) Houghton          [SEE BELOW.]
Another daughter, Hattie Houghton, married Wyard Gooch.
[SEE PAGES 98-99. O. P. HOUGHTON’S FATHER WAS ABLE HOUGHTON. HE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A COUSIN OF T. R. AND R. A. HOUGHTON AND MRS. ALBERT A. NEWMAN. ABLE HOUGHTON WAS 82 YEARS OF AGE IN JANUARY 1885 AND WAS LIVING WITH A DAUGHTER AT PARIS HILL, MAINE.]
Orrin P. Houghton, Theoron R. Houghton, and Reuben A. Houghton came to Arkansas City in the early days.
The first Cowley County census of Feb. 1870 does not list any Houghton’s.
R. A. Houghton, 23, was listed in the Bolton Township census of 1873.
[Note: Could not find any record of “Manton”in county or township. MAW]
Reuben A. Houghton was married to Sarah E. Manton by Probate Judge in January 1875 according to Winfield Courier announcement of February 4, 1875.
Newspaper wrong! Name was Mantor, not Manton.
Sarah E. Manton Houghton was the daughter of S. J. Mantor and a sister of Angie Mantor and Thomas L. Mantor. [SEE MANTOR FILE.] S. J. AND THOMAS L. MANTOR CAME FROM EMPORIA.
S. J. Mantor and Thomas L. Mantor (Mantor & Son) maintained the “City Hotel” in 1876: a three-story structure, in Arkansas City.
R. A. Houghton was listed in the Tisdale Township census of 1876.
R. A. Houghton was born in 1848 and either deceased or buried May 6, 1894, in Riverview Cemetery, Lot 3-23-L. He left his wife and 13 children.
T. R. Houghton, 46, and his wife H. J. Houghton, 40, were listed in the Arkansas City census of 1893. Theoron Russell Houghton was born April 18, 1844, and died Mar 26, 1926. He is buried in Riverview Cemetery in Lots 1 & 3-2-K. His wife, Helen T. Houghton, was born in 1851 and died April 22, 1912. She is buried in Riverview Cemetery, Lot 2 & 4-2-K. (NOTE - There were no obit’s in the Traveler.)
O. P. Houghton, 34, and his wife Marie B., 32, were listed in the Cresswell Township census of 1874.

O. P. Houghton, born in 1831, died Dec. 21, 1907, at Corpus Christi, Texas. Age 68. He was buried in Riverview Cemetery on Dec. 27, 1907. Lots 1 & 2-10-J. The information was provided by J. C. Topliff and H. H. Swafford. His wife, Marie B. Houghton, died in Dustin in the Indian Territory. She was buried in Riverview cemetery Dec. 23, 1906.
                             (NOTE - There were no obit’s printed in the Traveler.)
                                                                 * * * * *
                                                    HOUGHTON FAMILY.
From “Between Two Rivers” we learn the following facts about the Houghton family.
Theoron R. Houghton came to Kansas in 1871; his wife, Helen Josephine Houghton, came one year later from her home in Weld, Maine, to join her husband. Theoron R. Houghton was a brother of Mrs. A. A. Newman. He stayed with Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Newman until joined by his wife, meeting her in February, 1872, at Emporia. Helen Josephine Houghton was 18 years old, stopping at Emporia for two weeks visiting relatives. Mr. Houghton met her with a team and driver, and they made the trip to Arkansas City, a distance of about 150 miles, in a covered wagon loaded with household goods and provisions. “After a week’s journey by land, mud, and water, we arrived at the land of promise,” she stated.
The Houghtons had two daughters: Mrs. C. E. Sills of Arkansas City and Mrs. William May of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
After she arrived in Arkansas City, they proceeded to look for a house. They found a two-story frame, consisting of two rooms, one below and one above, without plaster or paint. “It stood where the Baptist church now stands.”
She commented: “As we were passing the first house east of the old Central Avenue Hotel, which is a rooming house now but was a carpenter shop in 1872, someone made the remark that the man the Indians had beheaded was lying in there.”
                                 [No explanation is given as to whom this man was!]
Mr. and Mrs. Theoron R. Houghton took in two boarders: Mr. Loveland and Mr. Topliff. They remained until spring. The Houghtons then moved to a farm east of the Walnut River.
“Mr. Houghton purchased three horses, and we began moving our household goods and provisions which had been purchased for the coming year. These he had hauled from Emporia, as everything in the provision line was very high: potatoes three dollars per bushel, and everything else in proportion. We had moved the last load to the farm, and Mr. Houghton had started back to the city. He had gone about a mile, when he looked back and saw our house in flames. He turned back; but when he reached there, everything was in ashes or past saving.
“The fire started from a prairie fire caused by some person’s carelessness. . . .
“All that we had left was our horses and cow and the clothes we had on our backs. These were indeed trying days. We had to borrow money at 25 percent compound interest. Lumber was almost impossible to get at any price, but we built a little house with two rooms, just shells we would call them, as plaster and paper was not the style.
“The winter of 1873 Mr. Houghton and I went to Mr. Henderson’s, a neighbor whose wife died and left a family of seven.”
Mrs. Houghton ended up cooking and looking after a family of nine.

Mrs. Houghton told a story about a son of Mr. Henderson, working on Dean’s cattle ranch at Red Rock, who was confronted with 12 Indians, who admitted to him that they had killed 12 of the cattle he was tending. [Page 52, Vol. I.] He ended up facing them and got away unharmed. At another camp five miles distant they rapped at the door and the colored cook opened it; they struck at him with a knife and shaved the side of his head. He rushed out of the back door and jumped into the creek, escaping to the States.
Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Houghton and Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Houghton are mentioned in Volume 1, page 113, under “Maine Colony” in Between the Rivers books.
                                               FROM NEWSPAPER FILES.
Emporia News, September 4, 1868.
                                                  NEW DRY GOODS FIRM.
As will be seen by their advertisement in today’s paper, Messrs. Newman & Houghton have purchased the store formerly owned by Mr. Pyle, in Jones’ new building. These gentlemen are lately from Maine, and have had a long experience in the mercantile business. They advertise what they can and will do. All they ask is a fair trial. We hope they may meet with encouragement and have a fair share of the patronage of the public. They go to work as though they understood their business, and as though they intend to do a fair legitimate trade with those who may favor them with their custom. We wish them abundant success.
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.]
Emporia News, September 4, 1868.
                                                              NEW FIRM!
                                                      Goods Cheap for Cash!
The undersigned having bought out the stock of W. A. Pyle at a greatly reduced price, would respectfully call the attention of the citizens of Emporia and surrounding country to the fact that they can and will sell
                                                            DRY GOODS,
GROCERIES, BOOTS AND SHOES, CLOTHING, Notions & Queensware, Cheaper than they can be bought elsewhere in SOUTHERN KANSAS.
We buy our Goods at first hand in New York and Boston, and save second profits paid by merchants buying in Chicago, St. Louis, or Leavenworth.
All Goods Warranted as Represented or MONEY REFUNDED.
                                                             Give us a Trial.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON,
                                            180 Commercial Street, EMPORIA.
Emporia News, September 25, 1868.
We are glad to know the new firm of Newman & Houghton are doing a lively business. One of the firm is now absent after new goods. They intend to bring on a stock that will not be excelled in quantity or quality.
Emporia News, October 16, 1868.
                                   NEWMAN & HOUGHTON’S NEW GOODS.

The attraction for a few days has been at the new store of Newman & Houghton, in Jones’ building, next door north of Fraker & Peyton’s. On Monday night they commenced receiving their new goods direct from New York, and their store is now one of the best stocked in the place. Their goods must be cheap as they are shipped direct from New York, and they save the profits of western wholesale merchants. Their stock embraces everything in the line of ladies’ dress goods, clothing, groceries, etc. These gentlemen are determined not to be out-done in any respect. They are newcomers, and we hope our people will call and examine their stock and prices before making their purchases, as they hope, by close application to business and fair dealing to merit their share of the public patronage.
Emporia News, October 16, 1868.
                                                    Great Reduction in Prices.
Best Green Teas at $1.50 per pound.
Choice Black Ties at $1.25 per pound.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, October 16, 1868.
                                                           Low Prices Win.
A large stock of fancy cassimeres, satinets, jeans, tweeds, repellants, ladies’ cloth, flannels and linseys, which we will sell at lower prices than the same quality of goods were ever sold in this market. Call and see
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, October 16, 1868.
                                                       Shawls and Balmorals.
Choice styles of ladies and gents shawls; also a splendid assortment of balmorals, the cheapest in the market.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
[ADS.]
Emporia News, November 13, 1868.
                                                         Cheapest and Best.
The new stock of clothing, boots, and shoes, at 180 Commercial street.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
                                                             Just Received.
Latest styles of gents hats and caps, ladies’ furs and fur trimmed hoods, breakfast shawls, sontags, nubias, and scarfs; also children’s and misses hoods.
                                                 NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, December 18, 1868.
Newman & Houghton have just received a large stock of new goods.
Emporia News, January 1, 1869.
                                                         CARD. Dr. Morris.
Goods have arrived, and he is now ready for professional business. His office is over Newman & Houghton’s store. The Doctor prepares a specific remedy for the cure of Fever and Ague, which is never known to fail; also Anti-Bilious Pills, a sure preventative of the Ague by correcting the stomach and liver. Mixture and Pills $2.00.
Emporia News, January 8, 1869.
AD. Latest Styles in Caps. Fur, fur-bound and all grades cloth caps for Men and Boys, at NEWMAN & HOUGHTON’S.
Emporia News, February 5, 1869.
                          Instruments Recorded During the Week Ending Feb. 4, 1869.
                     Reported from E. P. Bancroft’s Real Estate and Abstract Office.
                 A. A. Newman to O. P. Houghton, warranty deed for ten lots in Emporia.

Emporia News, February 5, 1869.
The new crop of tea is now on the market, and some of the choicest brands have just been received by NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, February 5, 1869.
A fine lot of prints and muslins just received by NEWMAN & HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, February 5, 1869.
                                                            Great Bargains.
Shawls, nubias, scarfs, sontags, balmoral skirts, and hosiery are now selling at a great sacrifice at 181 Commercial street. They must be sold in thirty days.
                                              NEWMAN AND HOUGHTON.
Emporia News, March 19, 1869.
Mr. Newman started to Boston and New York on Monday morning to lay in a spring and summer stock for the store of Newman & Houghton.
Emporia News, March 19, 1869.
We are informed that the brother of our townsman, Mr. Newman, of the firm of Newman & Houghton, who arrived here from Maine on Wednesday morning, reports that there was seven feet of snow, on the level, in that State when he left. So badly were the railroads blockaded that he was three days in making fifty miles. Think of that, ye grumblers at the cold weather of Kansas.
Emporia News, April 16, 1869.
Mr. Houghton, of the firm of Newman & Houghton, has let the contract for putting up a business house, 25 x 60 feet, on Commercial street, near B. T. Wright’s hardware store. Messrs. Newman & Houghton have been in business here about a year, and have succeeded in building up a large trade. They are both young men of excellent business qualifications, and possess the energy and perseverance that will succeed anywhere.
Emporia News, April 23, 1869.
                                                            GOOD NEWS.
Newman & Houghton are receiving their extensive stock of goods this week, and those desiring first choice should call early. Their prices are very low. They bought in New York and Boston and shipped direct; therefore, you will not have to pay the profits of the St.. Louis and Leavenworth merchants. Their hats are of the latest styles, in endless variety, and cheap, too. Their Boots and Shoes have to be seen to be appreciated. They can beat the world on ladies’ dress goods. It is useless for us to attempt to enumerate what they have for sale, but will advise all go and see their large stock. All goods guaranteed or money refunded. No trouble to show goods.
Emporia News, April 23, 1869.
                NEW GOODS! NEW GOODS!! -AT- NEWMAN & HOUGHTON’S.
                                                Latest Styles and Lowest Prices.
We have just received direct from New York and Boston a large and choice stock of Domestic & Fancy Dry Goods, BOOTS AND SHOES, HATS, CLOTHING, NOTIONS, AND CARPETINGS.
We wish it distinctly understood that we buy at first hand of the Manufacturers and Importers, and will sell at prices to defy competition.

                                                   LOOK AT THE PRICES!!
Best Prints—Merrimac, Cocheco, Spragues, Pacifics, Arnolds, Amoskeng, and Denonels at 12 ½ cents per yard.
Ladies’ Hoop Skirts, 75 cents.
Ladies’ Cotton Hose at $1.50 per dozen.
Boys’ Wool Hats, 50 cents each.
Mens’ Wool Hats, 75 cents each.
Best Imperial Tea, $1.50 per pound.
Best Hyson Tea, $1.50 per pound.
Best Japan Tea, $1.50 per pound.
Best Oolong Tea, $1.25 per pound.
                         All Goods guaranteed as represented, or Money Refunded.
Emporia News, April 30, 1869.
Newman & Houghton have a set of croquet.
Emporia News, May 14, 1869.
Mr. Houghton’s new business house, next door south of Wright’s hardware store, is nearly completed, and will soon be occupied by McMillan & Fox. It will be one of the largest business rooms in the place.
Emporia News, June 4, 1869.
                                                  NEW BUSINESS HOUSE.
Messrs. Newman & Houghton have secured a lot on the corner of Mechanics street and Sixth avenue, just east of Gilmore & Hirth’s furniture rooms, and will put up immediately a business house, 26 x 70 feet, two stories high, to be built of brick with iron and glass front, and to be in all respects a first class business house. Business has heretofore been confined almost exclusively to Commercial street, but lots are held at such high figures that men are forced to branch off on the avenues where property is cheaper. We learn that another firm contemplates putting up a business house in the vicinity of this contemplated building.
Emporia News, June 11, 1869.
Newman & Houghton have received direct from New York a choice assortment of fine brown and bleached muslins—[?can’t read first word?], lawns, nansooks, and jaconets. Also, a large assortment of ladies’ hose, gloves, corsets, hoop-skirts, damask piano and table covers, marsailes and star quilts, lace curtains, oil carpetings, etc., which they are selling at extremely low prices.
Emporia News, August 6, 1869.
Mr. Newman, of the firm of Newman & Houghton, has gone East after a large stock of goods.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
Newman & Houghton are now selling off their present stock of goods very cheap, to make room for a large and complete stock which their Mr. Newman is now purchasing in New York and Boston.
Emporia News, August 20, 1869.

STARTLING NEWS. Various rumors of bank failures, suspension of work on the railroad, and other exciting stories have been afloat in our community for some days past; but the most startling intelligence has just reached us. It has just been ascertained, for a certainty, that Newman & Houghton’s new goods, direct from New York, have reached Topeka, and next week there will be offered at the old stand of Newman & Houghton the largest and finest stock of dry goods, carpets, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc., ever seen or heard of in Southern Kansas, which will be sold so low as to astonish all the world and the rest of mankind. Come and see for yourselves.
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
SOMETHING NEW. In this age of improvement and progress, almost every day brings something new. Among other new things Newman & Houghton have just received from New York a splendid stock of carpetings, mattings, oil cloths, table covers, etc., which the ladies of Emporia and vicinity are particularly invited to call and examine. A full line of domestics, dress, and fancy goods will be opened in a few days. Also a large and carefully selected stock of hats, caps, boots, shoes, and clothing. Please call and see our goods and prices.
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
O. P. Houghton has bought out the interest of I. D. Fox in the late store of McMillan & Fox. The new firm may be found in the old room near the courthouse, with a heavy stock, and always ready for business.
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
O. P. HOUGHTON, of the firm of Newman & Houghton, would respectfully inform his old customers and friends, and the public generally, that he has purchased the interest of I. D. Fox in the establishment of McMillan & Fox, No. 128 Commercial street. I shall take equally as much pleasure in selling groceries and woolen goods at my new place of business as I did in measuring calico at my former place.
I have decided, after deliberate consideration, that a city life in Emporia, surrounded by so many congenial spirits, is preferable to herding Texas cattle on the frontier.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
AD. WOOL! WOOL! WOOL!
                                                       McMillan & Houghton,
                                     DEALERS IN Wool, Woolen Goods, -AND-
                                                             GROCERIES,
New Store, below Wright’s, near the Court House, EMPORIA, KANSAS.
The motto of this firm shall be “Small profits and quick returns.” We are paying the highest market price for WOOL, either in cash or goods.
Our stock of woolen goods is complete. It Cannot be Equaled West of the JACKSONVILLE (ILL.) FACTORIES. To our stock of Woolen Goods we have added a LARGE & COMPLETE STOCK -OF- GROCERIES.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. McMillan & Houghton. Newman & Houghton.
[LOCAL NOTICES.]
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
Just Received. Large stock of Groceries at McMillan & Houghton’s.
Now is the time, and Newman & Houghton’s is the place to select new dresses.
If you want a Blanket that will stand the rub, go to McMillan & Houghton’s.

A splendid stock of Flannels, plain and fancy, just received at Newman & Houghton’s.
Cheap Balmorals and Coverlets, at McMillan & Houghton’s.
For Ladies’ and Gent’s underwear, go to Newman & Houghton’s.
Woolen Blankets. A large stock just received at Newman & Houghton’s.
If you wish to see something new and tasty for table covers, call at Newman & Houghton’s.
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
NEW AGENCY. Hanna & Danford have opened an office in Jones’ building, over Newman & Houghton’s store, in the room lately occupied as a Presbyterian church, where they will do a general agency business. They will buy and sell lands, furnish abstracts of titles, pay taxes, do conveyancing, insurance, etc. . . .
Emporia News, September 10, 1869.
The Presbyterian Church has leased the upper story of the new building of Truworthy & Tandy, on Commercial street, and will occupy it for a place of worship till they can build. It is a very commodious room, much larger, better ventilated, and in every way more suitable for a growing congregation than the one they have been occupying. It will be ready for use by Sabbath week. Services next Sabbath at the hall over Newman & Houghton’s store, morning and evening. Sabbath school at 9 o’clock a.m.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
MARRIED. At the residence of W. R. Bradford, Esq., corner of State street and Fifth avenue, September 18th, by Rev. M. L. S. Noyes, Mr. ORRIN P. HOUGHTON, of this city, to Miss MARIA BISBEE, of Sumner, Maine.
MARRIED. At the residence of the bride’s father, in Weld, Maine, September 6th, 1869, by Rev. A. Maxwell, A. A. NEWMAN, of Emporia, and MARY M. HOUGHTON, of Weld.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
                          [New Advertisers. Newman & Bro., McMillan & Houghton.]
McMillan & Houghton are receiving the largest and best stock of Cassimeres and Jeans ever brought to Emporia.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
NEW FIRM. As will be seen in a new advertisement, G. W. Newman supersedes O. P. Houghton in the dry-goods business. Young Mr. Newman has been in the store some months as a clerk, and has already made many friends by his urbane and gentlemanly deportment. We wish the new firm a rush of customers and drawers full of greenbacks.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
RETURNED. Our fellow townsman, A. A. Newman, has returned from Maine, where he had been spending several weeks, a few days ago. As will be seen in the proper place, he brought with him a wife. The lady of O. P. Houghton also accompanied Mr. Newman here. We welcome these gentlemen among the Benedicts of the town, and wish them and their brides a long, happy, and prosperous residence with us.
[ADS: McMILLAN & HOUGHTON.]
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
McMillan & Houghton still have some of that choice corn meal so much praised.
A large stock of home-knit socks, at 60 cents per pair, at McMillan & Houghton’s.

If the ladies want any kind of HEAVY SHOES, all they will have to pay for them will be $1.25 to $2.00, at McMillan & Houghton’s.
Coverlets, Balmorals, and Blankets; any price, color, or quality at McMillan & Houghton’s.
Emporia News, September 24, 1869.
Ad. T. MORRIS, M. D., PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, EMPORIA, KANSAS. . . .
Office over Newman & Houghton’s store.
Emporia News, October 8, 1869.
Asa Gillett has purchased, for the firm of Gillett & Hadley, the lot and building now occupied as a residence and millinery shop, next door north of Newman & Houghton’s. He bought of T. Johnson and C. Sipes, paying them $2,000. Less than a year ago these gentlemen bought the property for $800.
Emporia News, November 5, 1869.
CRANBERRIES. Thanks to McMillan & Houghton for a nice package of fresh cranberries. The public will find a supply at their store.
Emporia News, December 17, 1869.
Cash paid for Eggs, Butter, Lard, and Potatoes at McMILLAN & HOUGHTON’s.
Emporia News, December 24, 1869.
J. S. McMillan, of the firm of McMillan & Houghton, returned from the East a few days ago, where he had been spending some weeks, during which time he purchased a heavy stock of groceries, provisions, and woolen goods, for this market. Look in upon them. They always have a good stock, always sell cheap, and always try to give satisfaction.
Emporia News, January 7, 1870.
                                    EMPORIA AND HER BUSINESS HOUSES.
                                             A Glimpse of the Business of 1869.
                                                            DRY GOODS.
The principal houses are Bancroft and McCarter, Newman and Bro., T. G. Wibley, Hall and Bro., J. C. Fraker, and P. G. Hallburg. The first named firm commenced business in October, and has sold at the rate of from eight to ten thousand dollars per month.
Newman Brothers (late Newman and Houghton) have sold during the year in the neighborhood of fifty thousand dollars worth of goods.
                                                             GROCERIES.
Most of the stores above (dry goods) keep groceries, but we have some large establishments exclusively in the grocery and provision business. Bailey and Painter, Gillett and Hadley, McMillan and Houghton, and Wicks and Mayse are the principal firms in this line of trade. They are all doing a splendid business. The houses of McMillan and Houghton and Bailey and Painter have been established during the past year. Wicks and Mayse bought out G. W. Frederick. Bay and Hall, an old house in this trade, went out of business. Besides these houses, J. L. Dalton, Ferguson and Harvey, and John W. Morris do a very considerable grocery trade. Estimate for grocery trade of the town during 1869: $200,000.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.

McMillan & Houghton have disposed of their stock of woolen goods, and have put in their store instead a large and magnificent stock of queensware and glassware. These gentlemen are doing a very heavy retail business, and we infer from the number of loaded wagons we see leaving their door, that they are doing considerable in the jobbing line.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
                                                           Business Notices.
                        Groceries at reduced rates at McMILLAN & HOUGHTON’S.
      Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
HEDGE PLANTS. Blackburn & Hamilton are selling fine, healthy hedge plants at McMillan & Houghton’s.
Emporia News, May 13, 1870.
Our old settlers all know McMillan & Houghton, and for the benefit of the newcomers, we will say that they keep everything in the way of groceries, flour, feed, queensware, etc., and they are very sure to have butter and eggs and all kinds of country produce. You will do well to make a note of this, stranger.
Emporia News, June 24, 1870.
Go to McMillan & Houghton’s for the best Washing Crystals and Blueings.
Those Torpedoes and Fire-Crackers have just arrived at McMILLAN & HOUGHTON’s.
Go to McMillan & Houghton’s and get some of their white Castile Soap.
Emporia News, September 9, 1870.
CHANGE OF FIRM. In our peregrinations through the city in search of items the other day, we discovered our friend and late pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. R. M. Overstreet, essaying, with an expression of the most obstinate determination in every feature, to tie up a pound of groceries. It seemed like a great waste of manly virtue on so small an affair, but we only asked an explanation of his appearance behind the counter. He had bought out Mr. Houghton, and was undergoing his initiation in the art of doing up sugar and coffee. Well, well, what changes do occur in this world! But Overstreet will do what’s right, and all who want good bargains in groceries, go and buy them of Overstreet; it will tickle you to see him tie them up.
Emporia News, May 5, 1871.
                           MEMBERS OF EMPORIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
     LIST OF MEMBERS WHO HAVE FAILED TO RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTION.
A. A. Newman
T. H. McLaughlin.
O. P. Houghton.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871.
                                                        ARKANSAS CITY.
We [Stotler] spent a few days in this beautiful and thriving young town, which sets upon an elevation at the junction of the Arkansas and Walnut Rivers. We were perfectly delighted with the town and surrounding country. If we were going to change our location in this State, we would go to Arkansas City as quick as we could get there. Its location is good for at least two railroads, one down the Walnut and one through the Arkansas valley. The Arkansas valley is much broader and more fertile than we had expected to find it. We firmly believe the Arkansas Valley soil will excel every section in the State in corn and vegetable crops.

In Cowley and Sumner Counties nearly every quarter section has upon it a bona fide settler. Fortunately the speculators were not allowed to get their clutches on an acre of it. On account of this heavy settlement, Arkansas City is bound to have a good trade. She will also receive a share of the Texas trade.
This town has over 100 buildings. Among the rest, and about the largest and best, is the city hotel, kept by our friend, H. O. Meigs. It is the best kept hotel in the Walnut Valley. The table is supplied with good, substantial food, and what is not the case with all tables, it is clean and well cooked; altogether, this is the cleanest, best ventilated, and most homelike public house we have found in our travels lately.
We found here a large number of old Emporia men in business, among whom we may mention O. P. Houghton, Judge McIntire and sons, the Mortons, Charley Sipes, Mr. Page, Mr. Beck, and others. They are all doing well, and have unlimited faith in their town and county.
Beedy & Newman are building a large water mill near the town. They have already expended $8,000 in the enterprise, and will soon be ready for sawing.
Close to the town we found Max Fawcett upon a beautiful piece of land amid grape vines, trees, shrubs, and flowers. He is testing the capabilities of the soil for all kinds of fruits, and has so far the best encouragement. Wherever he is, Max. will be a public benefactor.
We shall go to Arkansas City again in two or three years on the cars. We shall ride up to Meigs’ hotel in a comfortable bus from the depot, and see a town of two thousand inhabitants. You see if we don’t. Cowley is the prettiest, healthiest, and most fertile county we have seen in the State.
[BOARD OF COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
The following bills were presented and rejected.
Newman & Houghton, laid over endorsing the County Attorney’s decision.
L. M. McLaughlin, laid over with same action as Newman & Houghton.
Bills allowed:
Newman & Houghton, goods for pauper: $7.45
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 13, 1873.
Houghton & McLaughlin at the Green Front, Arkansas City, are turning out goods to the amount of $5,000 per week. And why is it? Simply because they sell cheap, and keep everything anyone wants.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 6, 1874.]
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
The following bills were laid over and rejected.
Farrar, Houghton & Sherburne, supplies for pauper Welch, rejected. Endorsed that Cowley County does not feel able to sustain this family any longer.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
Last Wednesday we were favored with a call from Mr. Houghton of the firm of Farrar, Houghton & Sherburne of Arkansas City, and Mr. Davidson of Wellington. Mr. Houghton had been having a troublesome tooth operated upon by the dentist, but was as sociable as ever. Mr. Davidson reports considerable excitement at Wellington over the coal question.

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1874.
THE GREEN FRONT STORE at Arkansas City, Kansas, will sell you—
Choice Natural Leaf Tea at (per pound) $.40.
Choice Rio Coffee (per pound) $.30.
7 lbs. peaches for $1.00.
15 1 lb. Bars of Choice Family Soap: $1.00
14 lbs. Choice White Beans: $1.00
4 Spools Best Thread: $1.00
                                              HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1874.
                                          County Commissioners Proceedings.
The following is a list of the bills allowed by the board of County Commissioners at their meeting commencing on the 18th day of May A. D. 1874.
                                 Farrar, Houghton, & Sherburne,  pauper bill: $36.50
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1874.
Mr. R. Houghton, of Arkansas City, passed through town on his way east where he intends spending a few months.
Winfield Courier, February 4, 1875.
                                                  MARRIAGE LICENSES.
List of Marriage licenses issued by the Probate Judge for the month of January, 1875.
                         Reuben A. Houghton to Sarah E. Manton. [Mantor is correct.]
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.
                                                      District Court Docket.
                                               CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY.
                              No. 417. Farrar, Houghton, et al, vs. Martin Hammond.
[DISPOSITION OF DISTRICT COURT CASES.]
Winfield Courier, March 25, 1875.
Disposition of cases in the District Court up to Wednesday night.
                 417. Farrar, Houghton, et al, vs. Martin Hammond, judgment for plaintiff.
[NOTICE: FRANK GALLOTTI VS. ORRIN F. HOUGHTON, ADM.]
Winfield Courier, April 1, 1875.
                                                         Publication Notice.
                                    STATE OF KANSAS, COWLEY COUNTY.
In the District Court of the 13th Judicial District, in and for Cowley County, State of Kansas.
Frank Gallotti, Plaintiff, vs. Orrin P. Houghton, Adminis­trator of the estate of Lucien W. Emerson, late of Cowley County, Kansas, and the unknown heirs of said Lucien W. Emerson, Defendants.
Recap: Unknown heirs must answer on or before May 15, 1875, etc. Otherwise, property will be conveyed to plaintiff. Lots 10 and 20 in block 12, lot 8 in block 34, lot 24 in block 64, lot 7 in block 31, and lots 17 and 18 in block 155 in Arkansas City.
                                            E. S. BEDILION, Clerk Dist. Court.
Pryor & Kager, Plaintiff’s Attorneys.

[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
                                               CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY.
                                 Frank Gallotti vs. Orrin P. Houghton, Administrator.
                                      Houghton & McLaughlin vs. Robt. Washam.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1875.
                                                 County Warrants to be Paid.
                   COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE, WINFIELD, Nov. 1, 1875.
By virtue of authority given by an Act of the Legislature of the State of Kansas, approved February 10th, 1875, entitled “An Act to amend Section Sixty-nine of Chapter Twenty-five, General Statutes of Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-eight,” I hereby give notice that the principal and accrued interest of County Warrants herein below described will be paid at the County Treasurer’s Office, in Winfield, on and after the 1st day of November, 1875, and that the interest on said warrants will cease on that day. E. B. KAGER, County Treasurer.
By F. GALLOTTI, Deputy.
Names of parties to whom warrants are payable:
HOUGHTON & CO.: 18 WARRANTS—VARIOUS AMOUNTS [$20.75; $11.65; $12.40; $10.30; $27.75; $14.64; $13.80; $7.00; $18.15; $10.15; $10.15; $6.25; $5.70; $2.45; $18.15; $7.10; $14.00; $2.65.]
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1875.
                                  NOTICE TO DELINQUENT TAX-PAYERS.
                              COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE, WINFIELD,
                                 COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, Dec. 27, 1875.
NOTICE is hereby given to all persons interested that the following described tracts of land and town lots, situated in the County of Cowley and State of Kansas, sold in the year 1873 for the tax of 1872, will be deeded to the purchaser on the 5th day of May, A. D., 1876, unless redeemed prior to that date.
Given under my hand this 27th day of December, 1875.
                                              E. B. KAGER, County Treasurer.
By F. GALLOTTI, Deputy.
THE FOLLOWING: LISTED AS LIVING IN ARKANSAS CITY.
                                                          Houghton & Baird.
                                                     CENTENNIAL ISSUE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.
                                                        ARKANSAS CITY.
A splendid brick church, the best edifice of the kind in the country, a substantial frame church, a cut stone bank (J. C. McMullen’s), the City Hotel, a three-story structure, kept by Mantor & Son, the Central Avenue, a commodious two-story build­ing, Houghton & McLaughlin, immense dry goods store, J. H. Sherburne & Co.’s two-story business house, J. C. McMullen’s elegant private residence constructed of brick with cut stone trimmings, costing $6,000, are among the most prominent and expensive of the buildings upon the town site. It contains about 550 population.

In 1870 the following enterprises were established and were the first of the kind in the city: C. R. Sipes’ hardware store; Sleeth & Bro. saw mill; Richard Woolsey, hotel; Newman & Houghton clothing house (first in the county); Paul Beck, blacksmith shop; E. D. Bowen grocery store; Keith & Eddy drug store; J. I. Mitchell Harness shop; T. A. Wilkinson, restaurant and boarding house; Wm. Speers, first ferry across Arkansas River.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.   
                                              HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN
Have the largest stock of Dry Goods, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, Clothing! And Notions, in the Walnut Valley, which they will sell for the next Sixty Days!  Cheaper than any House in the Valley for Ready Pay. We will trade for Cash, Wheat, Oats, Corn, Furs, and Hides, Cattle, Horses, or Mules. We are going to sell!
Our stock of groceries, as usual, is complete, fresh, and cheap!
[A LETTER FROM “OBSERVER” TO LAWRENCE STANDARD.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876. Front Page.
                                              ARKANSAS CITY, Jan. 4, 1876.
                   [Note: C. M. Scott, Editor, was “Observer” in this case. MAW]
In my last letter I informed you that Newman & Co. were building a fine brick store room 25 by 100 feet. The fine weather or some other cause has struck S. P. Channell & Co. with the same fever, so that they are now at work digging out the basement, to erect a new brick store room alongside of Newman’s, 25 by 100 feet, same style and finish; and from the way that Houghton & McLaughlin look across the street and see those two splendid brick stores going up, I shouldn’t be astonished if they caught the fever also, and by spring another new brick store will go up on the opposite corner. “Example is a wonderful teacher.”
Pitch in gentlemen, the investment is a safe one, in the opinion of a casual
                                                              OBSERVER.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
As the railroad time in Wichita is being changed so often, and cannot be depended upon, arrangements are being made to have the standard time obtained from there every few days, and kept at E. D. Eddy’s, Houghton & McLaughlin’s, and elsewhere, in order that all living in the City may have the same time together, instead of so many different ones, as at present.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
NEW HOUSES. The cellar for O. P. Houghton’s residence, on the lot south of the First Presbyterian Church, is made.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
                                                     WORSE AND WORSE!
Houghton & McLaughlin, of the renowned “Old Reliable,” Green Front store, now come out announcing for the next sixty days they will sell, trade, and almost give away their entire stock of winter clothing, hats, caps, boots, shoes, and notions, for less money than any house in the valley. This is not “talk,” but an actual and unprecedented fact, and those who doubt it will do well to come and see. Never before in the history of Cowley County or Southern Kansas, have goods been marked down to the figures they have them at this place, at this day. Carry the news, and let the people have the benefit of it.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.

Our Mayor, O. P. Houghton, James Benedict, and R. F. Smith make regular trips to Winfield, once a week, now.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
SCALES. Houghton & McLaughlin have purchased C. R. Sipes’ hay scales, and moved them on the corner near their store.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 2, 1876.
Sold Out. R. A. Houghton has sold his half-interest in the dry goods store to A. A. Newman. Rube says it don’t pay to sell goods on close figures, and then have a man run off every now and then owing him a hundred dollars.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
                                                         Railroad Meeting.
A MEETING of the citizens of this place was held at H. O. Meigs’ office, on last Wednesday evening, to elect delegates to the Railroad Convention to be held at Topeka Monday, February 7th, and canvass matters concerning railroads generally.
Judge Christian was elected Chairman, and C. M. Scott, Secretary.
A letter was then read by Hon. S. P. Channell, and remarks made by Rev. S. B. Fleming, Dr. J. T. Sheppard, and others.
On motion S. P. Channell and H. O. Meigs were elected delegates to attend the Convention at Topeka, and L. McLaughlin, Rev. Fleming, O. P. Houghton; T. H. McLaughlin, James Benedict, L. C. Wood, Judge Christian, C. R. Mitchell, C. M. Scott, Wm. Brown, Geo. Harmon, P. J. Davis, J. W. Hutchinson, I. H. Bonsall, and some others, delegates to the mass Convention at Winfield. On motion the Band was invited to go, and a Committee appointed to see that their expenses were defrayed. After some discussing of different projects, the meeting adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876.
The Beethoven Society gave one of their musical feasts at the schoolhouse, last Saturday evening, at which many were present. The exercises consisted of vocal and instrumental music of the highest order, and were exquisitely rendered and duly appreciated. PROGRAM LISTED. #15 WAS “HARK!  APOLLO STRIKES THE LYRE.”  PARTICIPANTS:  C. R. SIPES, WILL MOWRY, PROF. HULSE, MRS. C. R. MITCHELL, E. D. BOWEN, E. R. THOMPSON, MISS SHERBURNE, MRS. NEWMAN, MRS. R. A. HOUGHTON, MRS. R. C. HAYWOOD. The receipts of the evening were $18.90, a portion of which will be given to the school bell fund.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 23, 1876.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN are sending vast quantities of wheat to Wichita every week. The firm does an immense trade for the border, and deal largely in grain.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 23, 1876.
The excavation for E. R. Thompson’s new house, in the rear of Houghton & McLaughlin’s store, is completed.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 1, 1876.
Men are at work on the foundation of Mr. O. P. Houghton’s house.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “OBSERVER”—COWLEY COUNTY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 15, 1876. Front Page.
                                                   From the Spirit of Kansas.

                                        [Excerpt Pertaining to Arkansas City.]
As another evidence of our growth and prosperity as a five-year-old county, I will state what I believe to be true, from the best information I can get—that for the past five months there have been shipped from Cowley County, on an average, twenty wagon loads of wheat per day, averaging thirty-five bushels to the load—making in all over 107,000 bushels of wheat. I have counted as many as sixty loads per day between this place and Wichita. Some 2,000 bushels of wheat were shipped from our town in one day by Houghton & McLaughlin.
I notice preparations for quite a number of new dwellings to be put up this spring. O. P. Houghton, one of our leading mer­chants, has commenced hauling the brick and putting in the sills of his new residence. The Rev. S. B. Fleming is having a neat brick parsonage built that will be ready for occupation in a couple of months. Our grocery merchants, Page & Godehard, each contemplate building this spring. We hear of others who will need a house soon. Our Methodist brethren have contracted for a new church to be completed by the first of June.      OBSERVER.
                                                   Arkansas City, February 27.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 15, 1876.
It cost Houghton & McLaughlin about ten dollars, last week, to tell the people they did not intend to trust any more, and now they propose to do as they have said.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.
A. A. NEWMAN purchased the entire stock of Sherburne & Stubbs last week, and moved all but the groceries to his store room. We learn that R. A. Houghton purchased the groceries of Mr. Newman and intends keeping a grocery store. He has engaged Mr. S. J. Mantor to take charge of the groceries.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 29, 1876.
The Fire Extinguishers are placed as follows: One at the Central Avenue Hotel, one at E. D. Eddy’s, and one at the Post Office. Houghton & McLaughlin have a private one belonging wholly to themselves.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1876.
Rube Houghton is doing a good grocery trade.
Cowley County Democrat, Thursday, April 6, 1876.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN AT THE GREEN FRONT STORE, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, DRY GOODS, HATS, CAPS, BOOTS, SHOES, NOTIONS & CLOTHING,  IN THE WALNUT VALLEY Which they will sell at Cost for Cash, Wheat, Corn, Oats, Hides, For Cattle or Horses, for the next SIXTY DAYS.
This Stock is New and Fresh, but must make room for our Spring Stock.
                                                              A Full Line of
                                           GROCERIES ALWAYS ON HAND.
                            Thankful for past favors, we ask a continuance of the same.
                                            HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 12, 1876.
                                                                 TREES.

The finest lot of fruit and shade trees that our attention has been called to in this vicinity is to be seen in the rear of Houghton & McLaughlin’s store, under the control of Mr. Trissell, agent of the Rose Hill Nursery, of Chetopa. The trees were put on the ground last Monday, being six wagon loads in all, and during the first two days one-half of the lot were delivered. He has the largest growth of one-year-old trees you have seen.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1876. Front Page.
Full Report of All the Business Transacted by the Board of County Commissioners Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, April 10, 11, and 12.
                                               COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE,
                                         WINFIELD, KANSAS, April 10, 1876.
Board met in regular session. Present, R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleeth, Commissioners; A. J. Pyburn, County Attorney, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk. Journal of last regular session read and adopted.
Bills were presented and disposed of as follows.
                                      Houghton & McLaughlin, pauper bill: $31.50
Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1876.
                                                           NEW HOUSES.
More new houses are under construction in this place now than we have seen since the second year of its settle­ment.
                                         O. P. HOUGHTON: A two-story brick.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1876.
The ladies of the First Presbyterian Social Society will meet at the house of O. P. Houghton, at 2 o’clock p.m., today. All are invited to attend.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 3, 1876.
                                                STEAMBOAT IS COMING
                                                                   -AND-
                                                  R. A. HOUGHTON & CO.
Are on hand with the Largest Stock of Staple and Fancy Groceries, Provisions, Stoneware, etc., you have seen in the City.
                                              Tobaccos and Teas a Specialty!
Our stock of Teas is the largest ever brought to this market, and will be sold lower than ever before, and cheaper than any house in the Valley. Drop in and see us.
Store at J. H. Sherburne’s old stand, one door south of City Hotel, and opposite the Cowley County Bank.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1876.
NEW GOODS this week at Houghton & McLaughlin’s and A. A. Newman’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1876.
Strayed or Stolen. One blazed-face, spotted horse pony, 2 years old; white feet and white eyes. Also one spotted mare pony, blazed-faced; white feet; supposed to be about 6 years old; lump on back, caused by saddle. Anyone returning the same, or giving information that will lead to their recovery, will be liberally rewarded.
                                  HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN, Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1876.

HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN’s new goods have been coming in for the past week by the wagon load, and they now have their counters and shelves full of the late styles of prints, calicoes, and fine dress goods; with an elaborate display of fancy laces, trimmings, and notions. Their stock of clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, as usual is very large and will be sold at fair prices.
Cowley County Democrat, May 18, 1876.
                                                      Arkansas City Items.
Newman, Channell, and Haywood’s brick buildings swarm with workmen and are rising every day.
Houghton & McLaughlin, and Newman are rolling in a big stock of goods, and the people are taking them off right along. They propose to duplicate Wichita or any other prices.
Five blacksmith shops in running order shows that the farmers are at work.
Assessment of Taxable property in Creswell Township for 1876:
Personal Property $ 54,692
Real Estate $111,383
Lots in Arkansas City $49,604
Total: $215,679
     Increase since 1875: $13,863.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.
CLOCKS. Houghton & Mc. have a fine assortment of wooded and metal frame clocks, which are curiosities as well as ornaments and valuable time pieces.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 21, 1876.
HOUGHTON & Mc. want the man who borrowed their scoop shovel to bring it back.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1876.
40 Head of two-year-old cattle for sale by Houghton & McLaughlin.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1876.
                                                  REAL ESTATE AGENTS.
C. R. Mitchell and O. P. Houghton have formed a partnership, and this week open an office to buy and sell real estate in this and adjoining counties. We know of no two men we could more fully recommend to the public than these gentlemen. Settling in an early day, they are familiar with the country, and know where to buy cheapest. Mr. Mitchell is a prominent attorney, and Mr. Houghton a thorough businessman of years’ experience. We recommend them to the public generally.
[FOURTH OF JULY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1876.
Animated by that spirit of independence which characterized our patriot sires of old, a small party of Arkansas City Fourth of July-ers turned their backs upon the great show at Winfield, and started for the Territory; where upon the broad prairies, by the sparkling waters of the Shilocco, we might have room to “spread” ourselves, and liberty to partake of the Legislature’s forbidden fruit for which we all had an “orful hankerin’.” Our objective point was the spring—everybody knows where that is. We left town at 8:30, with banners flying, and at 9:15 passed the State line and beyond the limits of the game law. And right here I would like to call the attention of the authorities to a system of lawlessness that exists along the border, which if persisted in will disgrace us as a community, and cause great annoyance to the Government.

I allude to the disgraceful conduct of Polk Stevens et al., in cutting up the State line and using the pieces for well ropes, lariats, etc.
After passing into the Territory, O. P. Houghton, E. D. Eddy, Kendall Smith, Henry Mowry, and others, armed with double barrel shot guns and dogs—I mean dogs and double barrel shot guns—started out to hunt for game, while the rest of the party went to look for the spring, which (everybody knowing exactly where it was) we found immediately. Here we corralled our wagons, and to the tops thereof stretched wagon covers, and soon had a comfortable tent commodious enough to cover our whole party of fifty. The next thing in order was to prepare the “wittles.”  L. McLaughlin’s pony express came in on time bringing a game sack full of game, consisting of young quails, snipes, woodpeckers, and prairie chickens of all ages, from the newly bedged with parts of its late domicile hanging to them to the toothless old hen of “ye olden time.”  Eddy, under the supervision of Mrs. Houghton and Mrs. L. McLaughlin, cooked the game in a very satisfactory manner, while Tyler McLaughlin, as chief cook of the coffee department, covered himself all over with glory and cinders.
Kendall Smith and Jim Benedict roasted three pecks of wormy sweet corn, and Mrs.—candor compels me to say it—Mrs. Meigs ate it. Evidently the author of “Ten Acres Enough” had never seen Mrs. Meigs eat roasting ears. Other parties disposed of grub in the same proportion, but the undersigned sat between Jim Benedict and the “picter” man, and as a consequence, went home hungry, and “Oh! how dry I was.”
After dinner we had a patriotic song by Mrs. Alexander and O. P. Houghton, and an eloquent address by E. D. Bowen, M. D. The toast, “The flag of our Union: long may it wave, from Kansas to Maine and Georgi(e)a,” was responded to by E. D. Eddy. Mrs. Alexander was the life and spirit of the party (she carried the spirit in a bottle). After our patriotism had effervesced, T. H. McLaughlin set up the lemonade, and we started for home. On the way Mrs. L. McLaughlin unfolded some blood curdling panther “tails” of the early days in the backwoods. Just as the Centennial sun sank to rest, we returned to our homes, with a feeling of pity for those people of limited means who could not afford to travel, but were compelled to put up with the skeetery and weedy woods of Winfield.
                                                        ANNIE VERSARY.
Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13, 1876.
                                                         [VOL. 2, NO. 34.]
                                                               HISTORY
                                                                      OF
                                                      COWLEY COUNTY.
                  Read at the Centennial Celebration, July 4th, 1876, at Winfield, Kansas.
                                                    BY WIRT W. WALTON
                                                        ARKANSAS CITY.
On January 1, 1870, the first stake was driven in the town of Arkansas City by the town company. On March 1st G. H. Norton built the first house on the town site. It was occupied as a residence and store. G. H. Norton, appointed in April, 1870, was the first postmaster.
During the year of 1870 the following enterprises were established, being the first of the kind in the city.

Sleeth & Bro’s saw mill; C. R. Sipe’s hardware store; Richard Woolsey, hotel; Newman & Houghton, clothing house; Paul Beck, blacksmith shop; E. D. Bowen, grocery store; Keith & Eddy, drug store; J. I. Mitchell, harness shop; T. A. Wilkinson, restaurant; Wm. Speers, the first ferry across the Arkansas River.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1876.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN intend putting 335 acres in wheat this fall.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1876.
O. P. HOUGHTON is building a granary, 20 x 30 feet, with a capacity for over 3,000 bushels of wheat.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876.
                                                               Delegates.
The following is a list of the delegates to the republican county convention, from the nine townships heard from.
      Creswell: I. H. Bonsall, W. M. Sleeth, O. P. Houghton, Geo. McIntire, and Dr. Hughes.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876. Editorial Page.
                                                 COUNTY CONVENTION.
The Republican county convention convened at the Courthouse, in Winfield, on Saturday, August 12th, at 1 o’clock p.m., and was called to order by A. B. Lemmon, chairman of the Republican county central committee. R. C. Story was elected temporary chairman and James Kelly secretary. A committee on credentials was appointed, consisting of Messrs. E. S. Torrance, J. W. Tull, A. B. Odell, T. R. Bryan, and S. M. Jarvis. The committee reported the following persons as having been duly elected as delegates and alternates to the convention.
Creswell: Delegates, I. H. Bonsall, Nathan Hughes, Geo. McIntire, O. P. Houghton, H. D. Kellogg, and Wm. M. Sleeth. Alternates, A. A. Newman, R. A. Houghton, T. C. Bird, W. H. Speers, Elisha Parker, and W. S. Hunt.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 23, 1876.
RUNAWAY. Monday afternoon O. P. Houghton, E. D. Eddy, and Revs. Fleming and Croco, went out in search of what they might annihilate, and found a flock of chickens. Mr. Eddy fired, whereupon the horses took fright, jumped up and down, straddled the pole of the wagon, broke it off, and started to run. Eugene, thinking mother earth a more desirable stopping place than soaring in the air, landed safely. Rev. Croco endeavored to, and partially succeeded. Rev. Fleming, with his usual tenacity, held off until the vehicle crossed a rut, when he got out suddenly. O. P. Houghton held on until the team was checked, when he expressed himself gratified that he had not ended the career of one deacon and two ministers.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 23, 1876.
FALL BARLEY. Some choice fall barley for sale at Houghton & McLaughlin’s and S. P. Channell & Co.’s. Call early and secure it at once.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
O. P. HOUGHTON is a Notary Public.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
R. A. HOUGHTON returned from Caldwell last week. We noticed his store room full of customers last Saturday, and concluded that Rube has all he can attend to at home.

Winfield Courier, August 31, 1876.
                                                              Fall Barley.
Some choice fall barley for sale at Houghton & McLaughlin’s and S. P. Channell & Co.’s, Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
The social of the Presbyterian society will be held at the residence of Mr. O. P. Houghton on Wednesday evening, Sept. 13.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1876.
                                      A HAPPY DAY FOR ARKANSAS CITY.
                     Indian Contracts Awarded to Newman, Channell & Haywood,
                                          To the Amount of $40,000 and over.
We learn by letter that the bids of A. A. Newman, Haywood (of Channell & Haywood), and McLaughlin (of Houghton & McLaughlin), for flour and transportation to the different Agencies south of us have been accepted as follows.
For Sac and Fox Agency, delivered there in indefinite quantities, at $2.48 per 100 lbs., and the following quantities to be delivered at the respective agencies:
For the Kiowa, 220,000 lbs. at $3.29.
For the Wichita, 80,000 lbs. at $3.29.
For the Pawnees, 200,000 lbs. at $2.23.
For the Cheyennes and Arapahos, 260,000 lbs. at $2.97.
For the Osages, indefinite quantity, at $2.19 per 100 lbs.
This will give a cash market for wheat at our very doors, freighting for a number of teams, and employment to many men, and build up for the town a business greater than known before.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1876.
The Sociable of the 1st Presbyterian Church that was to have been held at the house of O. P. Houghton this week, has been postponed on account of sickness in the family.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.
                    MITCHELL & HOUGHTON [C. R. Mitchell/O. P. Houghton]
                                       Real Estate Agents and Notaries Public.
                                      Will buy and sell Real Estate on Commission.
We have for sale CHEAP LANDS, TOWN LOTS, AND FARMS. Improved and unimproved; also, business and dwelling houses for sale and for rent. We will loan and invest money and pay taxes for foreign parties, furnish abstracts or titles, make conveyanc­es, and do a general Land Office business. GIVE US A CALL.
                   Office upstairs, opposite the City Hotel, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876.
MR. WM. PARKER is doing some very fine work at O. P. Houghton’s new residence. He is a splendid workman.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876. Editorial Page.
                           PROCEEDINGS OF REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.

The committee on credentials being called submitted the following report: Your committee on credentials find that the following named gentlemen were duly elected as delegates to this convention, and all are entitled to seats therein.
Creswell: N. Hughes, I. H. Bonsall, Geo. McIntire, O. P. Houghton, H. Kellogg, and W. M. Sleeth.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.
FARM SOLD. O. P. HOUGHTON sold H. & Mc.’s half-section farm in Bolton Township last week for $2,500. It has 250 acres broken, and ready for wheat.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 4, 1876.
CHOICE FALL BARLEY may be had at Houghton & McLaughlin’s, Channell & Haywood’s, or of the undersigned, at $1.00 per bushel. Now is the time to sow.  J. C. TOPLIFF.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 18, 1876.
HOUGHTON & MC. have goods, trunks, groceries, and everything piled sky high in and about their store.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1876.
O. P. HOUGHTON started to Cheyenne Agency, Monday morning, in a light wagon. Rev. Fleming accompanied him.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 25, 1876.
The largest sale of merchandise ever made in this place was on last Saturday. Newman, and Houghton & McLaughlin retailed $500 worth each, and in the evening Mr. Newman sold $1,000 worth at wholesale.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1876.
PAY UP!  PAY UP!  All over-due notes and accounts must be paid immediately. We mean this to apply individually. HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.
MEAT SHOP. Henry Endicott has a meat shop in with R. A. Houghton & Co.’s grocery.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.
FROM FT. SILL. Rev. Fleming and O. P. Houghton returned from Fort Sill last Saturday, after a journey of two weeks. The trip paid them for the time spent.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.
FOR SALE. One mule about 14 hands high, with harness; is a good worker, and in fine order; inquire of Houghton & McLaughlin or of myself, 2-1/2 miles southeast of town.
                                                       JAMES C. TOPLIFF.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 29, 1876.    
DRESS MAKING. MRS. R. A. HOUGHTON begs to inform the public that she is prepared to do dressmaking and all kinds of plain and fancy sewing. Work-room at Mrs. Godehard’s millinery store. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Excerpts from next article pertaining to Houghton Family...
[COMMITTEE FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND FESTIVAL.]
Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876.
                                        COMMITTEE ON CHRISTMAS TREE.

Mrs. C. R. Sipes, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. J. Breene, Mrs. R. A. Houghton, Mrs. T. Mantor, Miss M. Thompson, Mrs. L. McLaughlin, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. T. R. Houghton, Miss F. Skinner, Mrs. S. P. Channell, W. H. Gray, Mrs. T. H. McLaughlin, Al Mowry, Mrs. James Benedict, L. C. Norton, I. H. Bonsall.
                                                NEW ENGLAND KITCHEN.
Mrs. Mary Baker, Mrs. L. C. Norton, Mrs. I. H. Bonsall, Miss M. Houghton, Mr. T. H. McLaughlin, O. P. Houghton, Miss Bowers, Kate Hawkins, Miss Lizzie Ela, J. H. Sherburne, T. R. Houghton, Mr. Ela, J. C. Topliff.
                                                          SUPPER TABLE.
Mrs. S. B. Fleming, Mrs. Dr. Kellogg, Mrs. O. P. Houghton, Mrs. W. S. Ela, Mrs. L. McLaughlin, Mrs. T. O. Bird, Mrs. B. W. Sherburne, Mrs. E. Parker, Mrs. M. Marshall, Mrs. W. B. Skinner, Mrs. T. H. McArthur, Mrs. M. Peede, Mrs. Hartsock, Mrs. Anna Guthrie, H. P. Farrar, J. I. Mitchell, C. R. Sipes.
                                                  TO PROCURE OYSTERS.
R. C. Haywood, R. A. Houghton, E. D. Eddy.
[CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL: AT NEWMAN’S NEW BUILDING.]
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.
Festival to be held at Newman’s new building, on Christmas night, Monday, December 25, 1876. Everybody and his wife are expected, and cordially invited to come. Besides the Christmas tree, there will be a charade acted by the ladies and gentlemen of Arkansas City; a Yankee kitchen in “ye olden style” with pumpkin pies and baked beans one hundred years old, fresh and nice, and a supper of modern times, with all the luxuries of the season. Fresh fish from the fish pond, caught on the spot, to order, and oysters from the Walnut. Now, young ladies, remember leap year is drawing to a close, and only a few days are left, and you should not lose the last chance you may have for four years to come. Who knows what fate may have in store for you, or what the fish pond may produce? And everybody should remember that but few of us will be on hand to attend the next Centennial festival, and make the most of this opportunity.
Come, everybody, and have a good time. The Christmas tree will be decorated in the afternoon, and persons wishing to have gifts put on the tree will please hand them to someone of the committee before 4 p.m., as there will be too much to attend to in decorating the hall to receive packages after that hour.
The committee appointed to decorate the tree is as follows:
Ladies—Mrs. Sipes, Mrs. Breene, Mrs. T. Mantor, Mrs. T. H. McLaughlin, Mrs. T. R. Houghton, Mrs. Dr. Hughes, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. R. A. Houghton, Miss Mattie Thompson, Miss Kennedy, Miss F. Skinner.
Gentlemen—S. P. Channell, W. H. Gray, James Benedict, I. H. Bonsall, L. McLaughlin, Al. Mowry, L. C. Norton.
Anything left at Bonsall’s photograph gallery before the 25th will be taken care of and put on the tree by the committee.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN have again secured the services of JAMES C. TOPLIFF, to assist them in the store, as salesman and bookkeeper. Many friends of Mr. Topliff will be glad to have him back, to trade with.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.
                                                             LAST CALL!

All accounts and notes over due and unsettled on the 23rd of Dec. 1876, will be placed in the hands of the Justice for collec­tion. Take due notice thereof and govern yourselves accordingly.
                                            HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 3, 1877.
ANOTHER GROCERY is to be opened in Pearson’s building soon after R. A. Houghton & Co. move to their new quarters.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
SOLD OUT. A. A. NEWMAN sold his entire stock of dry goods to the old reliable firm of Houghton & McLaughlin, last week, and the goods are being moved to the latter’s store until Newman’s building is completed, when Houghton & McLaughlin will occupy the new room and continue as before (in spite of Indian raids, grasshoppers, or Nick himself), to be the “Old Reliable” green front store, known all over Southern Kansas as the cheapest place to buy any and all kinds of dress goods, dry goods, clothing, groceries, queensware, notions, furs, carpets, etc. They have been here from the first, and will remain to the last. Mr. Newman will now devote his whole time to his mill and Indian contracts.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.
R. A. Houghton will remove his grocery store to the room formerly occupied by A. A. Newman, and open up another fresh lot of the best brands of sugar, coffee, tea, tobacco, flour, and all kinds of eatables.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 10, 1877.
R. A. HOUGHTON made cash sales last Monday to the amount of over $100. He is now occupying the room one door north of the post office.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 10, 1877. Editorial Column.
The large stock of goods of A. A. Newman & Co., some $10,000 worth, recently purchased by Houghton & McLaughlin, is now being removed to the Green Front, until the new brick store is ready for them on the opposite corner.
This, with their own stock of goods, has so crowded their store as to make it almost impossible to get around, and in order to dispose of them before spring, they offer better bargains than any other house this side of Emporia. This firm was well named “Old Reliable,” having commenced here at the first settlement of the town six years ago, occupying a small room in the building now owned by L. C. Wood, and doing mostly their own hauling.
Business began to increase on their hands so rapidly that they were obliged to have an addition to the building, in all 50 feet long. This store was occupied three years, when, their business still further increasing, they were obliged to build the present large business house, known as the “Green Front,” with several storehouses to hold their immense stock of goods, and now for the fourth time they are compelled to look for larger quarters.

We believe this firm has built up its present very large trade by straightforward dealing, treating all alike, and giving everyone the worth of his or her money. In spite of hard times, grasshopper, and Indian raids, and while nearly every house has changed hands one or more times during the past six years, the “Old Reliable” still holds together, and will continue to hold on to the last—giving all the most goods for the least money of any house in Cowley County.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 17, 1877.
The store house of Houghton & McLaughlin, south of the “Green Front,” has been turned into a meat shop. Henry Endicott, Proprietor.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 17, 1877.
A. A. NEWMAN has the entire contract for furnishing flour to the Pawnees, Cheyennes, etc., having purchased Houghton & McLaughlin’s, and R. C. Haywood’s interests.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 17, 1877.
BUSINESS was quite lively in town last Saturday, notwith­standing the day was very unpleasant. Houghton & McLaughlin’s store was crowded all day, making it almost impossible to get in or out.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 31, 1877.
C. M. SCOTT, while idly experimenting with a loaded shot gun, on last Wednesday morning, blew a hole through the partition between the post office and R. A. Houghton’s grocery, resulting in no further damage, however, than a general scare for a minute or two.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 21, 1877.
                                                             RUNAWAY.
A lively runaway took place in front of our office last Thursday, creating a little stir for a short time. The team belonged to R. A. Houghton, and took fright while standing alone, untied, running around Houghton & McLaughlin’s store, and strik­ing the hub of another wagon as they passed. A number of persons followed them yelling whoa, whoa. No material damage was done.
Excerpt from long article by C. M. Scott...
[A JOURNEY TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY: BY C. M. SCOTT.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 21, 1877 - FRONT PAGE. And TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 28, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
                                   A JOURNEY TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY.
                     Fort Sill, Wichita, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Agencies.
While at the different Agencies, our resident minister, Rev. Fleming, who made a tour similar to our own through the Territory, with Mr. O. P. Houghton, some time since, was highly spoken of and requests made that he should repeat his visit.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN will continue the grocery trade in their old store building after they remove to Newman’s brick.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
SOME thief or thieves stole a rope from Theo. Houghton’s oxen, and appropriated two of A. A. Newman’s poorest ponies last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
MR. BERKEY traded his farm to Houghton & McLaughlin for $2,200 worth of dry goods and will open a store in Salt City this week. His stock will be about a $3,000 one, and will be a great benefit to the residents of Salt City.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1877.

A SUIT was held before Justice Hunt last week between Houghton & McLaughlin and Pittman, for an amount due on account. The first parties gained the suit. C. R. Mitchell was attorney for plaintiff, and E. B. Kager, for defendant.
Excerpts from following article...
[BIDS FOR BREAKING AT PAWNEE AGENCY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
Bids received March 26, 1877, for breaking 800 acres of prairie at Pawnee Agency, Indian Territory, to be completed by the 15th of June.
R. A. HOUGHTON, 200 ACRES AT $2.50.
T. R. HOUGHTON, 200 ACRES AT $2.50.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN, 200 OR 400 ACRES AT $2.89.
Several others from Cowley County had previously offered to break at $3.00 per acre.
Breaking to be done in a good and workmanlike manner, and as such accepted by the agent, who will present duly certified vouchers for payment to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
The work was awarded to the lowest bidders, in the order of the bids.
R. A. Houghton, 200 acres.
T. R. Houghton, 200 acres.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
All unsettled accounts of R. A. Houghton & Co., not settled by April 20th will be placed in the hands of the Justice of the Peace for collection. We mean business and must have money.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 28, 1877.
A GOOD TEAM, harness and wagon, for sale for cash, on time, on first mortgage security. R. A. HOUGHTON.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
CITY ELECTION. The election of city officers took place last Monday, quietly and peaceably, with the following result.
Mayor: Dr. Kellogg

 

Cowley County Historical Society Museum