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R. A. Houghton
CATTLEMAN.
Note: The entire Houghton family is covered in “abdocs.”
The following just covers R. A. Houghton during the time he was involved in the cattle business. Taking excerpts from Houghton file. MAW February 14, 2002
Kansas 1875 Census Creswell & Bolton Townships, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name age sex color Place/birth Where from
R. A. Houghton 24 m w Maine Maine
R. A. Houghton, 23, was listed in the Bolton Township census of 1873.
Reuben A. Houghton was married to Sarah E. Mantor by Probate Judge in January 1875 according to Winfield Courier announcement of February 4, 1875.
[Paper had her mentioned as “Manton,” which was incorrect.]
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.
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 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, 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, April 5, 1876.
Rube Houghton is doing a good grocery trade.
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, 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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, July 11, 1877.
The picnic in Bolton Township, July 4th, was well attended by an intelligent class of people. R. A. Houghton, Herman Godehard, and E. D. Eddy had stands on the ground and dispensed the lemonade, ice cream, candy, etc. We might go into details, but as we have two communications on the subject, will let it pass.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 5, 1877.
CHANGE. R. A. HOUGHTON sold his interest in the grocery store to M. E. Welch last week. The firm will be Mantor & Welch, who will continue to give bargains in groceries, queensware, etc. R. A. Houghton will open a clothing house in the two-story building recently moved to Summit street opposite the Traveler office in the spring.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 19, 1877.
The election of delegates at this place last Saturday was attended with considerable interest. The polls were opened at about three o’clock, and from that time until six, when they were closed, a lively time was had. The delegates elected were A. Chamberlain, Dr. Cormack, Kendall Smith, and R. A. Houghton. Two tickets were in the field, but the above were elected two to one. Whole number of votes cast: 92.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 26, 1877.
On last Saturday the delegates of the several townships, chosen to nominate officers for the Republican ticket, gathered together at Winfield. As considerable interest and strife was manifested among several of the candidates, the members of the convention met early to organize. After considerable dispute, the temporary organization was completed and Mr. Callison, of Spring Creek Township, chosen Chairman, Chas. Eagin, Secretary, with R. A. Houghton and L. J. Webb, tellers.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1877.
THE CONVENTION.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Sept. 22, 1877.
Pursuant to the call of the Republican County Central Committee, of Cowley County, the delegates assembled in convention at the courthouse, in the city of Winfield, on Saturday, Sept. 22, 1877, at 11 o’clock a.m.
The convention was called to order by T. K. Johnston, Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee.
The committee on credentials submitted the following report.
Mr. Chairman: Your committee on credentials beg leave to request that the following townships and delegates therefrom are entitled to representation and seats in this convention.
Creswell: A. Chamberlain, D. W. Cormack, Kendall Smith, Reuben Houghton.
The committee on permanent organization submitted the following report.
Mr. Chairman: Your committee on permanent organization and order of business beg leave to submit the following report.
For permanent chairman, J. B. Callison; for permanent secretary, Chas. H. Eagin; assistant secretary, R. A. Houghton.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.
Rube Houghton paid Caldwell a visit last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1877.
RUBE HOUGHTON offers the use of his new building, situated between Al. Horn’s and E. R. Kager’s places of business, for any entertainment the young folks want. Especially for a hop.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878.
R. A. Houghton goes into Stafford’s house, and Stafford goes into Col. McMullen’s house.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878.
R. A. HOUGHTON sold his house to Mr. Stanton, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, last week, for $700.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1878.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN have a few more horses and mules for sale for cash, or on time with GOOD security.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Claims allowed Jan. 10.
Pauper bills: J. V. Hines, $6.35; G. P. Wagner, $47.50; M. D. Stapleton, $8.87; S. E. Burger, $97.40; T. H. Thompson, $5; Boyer & Wallis, $18.50; Houghton & McLaughlin, $14.80; W. G. Graham, $28.70; K. Cline, $20.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
Item from the Traveler.
R. A. Houghton sold his house to Mr. Stanton, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, last week, for $700.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1878.
THOMAS MANTOR has charge of R. A. Houghton’s clothing store while Rube is absent in the country.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 24, 1878.
R. A. HOUGHTON will move his clothing to the store one door north of his present place of business, and before the close of the week will have a fine lot of fresh groceries that he expects to sell cheaper than he ever sold before. Rube has many friends, and will have a good trade.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
NEW GROCERY. RUBE HOUGHTON and THOMAS MANTOR, under the firm name of Houghton & Mantor, have opened a new grocery in the second building south of E. D. Eddy’s, and are offering goods cheaper than can be bought in any adjoining town in the Southwest. They have a fine lot of teas and coffee, and sugar that can’t be beat in quality or price. Both are energetic men, and won’t let you go off without a bargain.
AD: R. A. HOUGHTON. T. L. MANTOR.
GOOD NEWS FOR THE PUBLIC!
For several months past we have turned our attention exclusively to the clothing trade. We now take this method of informing the public that WE WANT THEM TO UNDERSTAND That in addition to our stock of Clothing, Hats, Caps, Boots, and Shoes, we intend to sell GROCERIES! Cheaper than ever sold in Arkansas City before. We can do it, for cash, and make a fair profit. We ask all of our former customers and as many more who want bargains to try us once.
Our stock of Clothing is new, having been received only last week, and our groceries can’t be beat. We offer you
MORE GOODS FOR LESS MONEY THAN YOU EVER HAD BEFORE.
HOUGHTON & MANTOR.
TWO DOORS NORTH OF THE POST OFFICE.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
FIVE WAGONS loaded with salt from East Saginaw, Michigan, drove up to Schiffbauer’s grocery last Sunday, and we have noticed equal amounts left at H. Godehard’s, Pierce & McLaughlin’s, Hoyt & Speers’, and Houghton & Mantor will soon have a like amount—and this, too, when salt just as good can be manufactured at Salt City, within nine miles of this place. Someone should engage in the business, as it would surely pay.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
HOUGHTON & MANTOR will not be undersold by Winfield or any other town—don’t forget it.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
Houghton & Mantor’s is the only place where you can get 8 lbs. white “A” sugar, 4 lbs. best coffee, and 4½ lbs. good coffee for one dollar.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.
HOUGHTON & MANTOR, the new cheap grocery and clothing firm, have a new awning over their windows and door, and a rack to tie to, for the accommodation of all.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
New turnips, radishes, and lettuce at Houghton & Mantor’s.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 22, 1878.
REUBEN A. HOUGHTON, the popular grocery man, sold the two-story building adjoining Al Horn’s shoe shop to ARTEMUS WARD PATTERSON, last week, to be occupied as a saloon. Artemus Ward Patterson has purchased some of the finest chromos of Dr. Loomis’ stock, and will adorn the room in style.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
HOUGHTON & MANTOR are selling 10 lbs. good N. O. Sugar and 8 lbs. A Sugar, and 4 lbs. best Coffee and 4-3/4 lbs. good Coffee for $1.00; best 60 cents. Japan tea for 50 cents, and good Japan tea for 49 cents.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
GENTLEMEN, we will sell you the best all wool flannel suits for $10.50, and all wool blue flannel suits for $9.00. Don’t fail to call and see our stock of Clothing which is all new and twenty percent lower then ever. HOUGHTON & MANTOR.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 5, 1878.
THERE were twenty-seven persons on the steamboat last Tuesday week. They were conveyed to the river in a wagon, and from the ford at Harmon’s went to the large island about three miles below the mouth of the Walnut. The trip was enjoyed by all. A. A. Newman and R. A. Houghton unfortunately were tipped from the small row boat into the river while attempting to get on the boat.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.
At the primary election last Saturday the following persons were elected delegates to the convention at Winfield next Saturday: J. H. Sherburne, Geo. McIntire, R. A. Houghton, George Allen, I. H. Bonsall, Jerry Tucker, and E. G. Gray.
[ITEM FROM THE WELLINGTON PRESS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
N. J. Dixon has purchased the interest of R. A. Houghton in the pioneer store at Caldwell, and becomes the successor to the late firm of Dixon & Houghton.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
Houghton & Mantor tell the people this week that they have a new lot of clothing of the latest and best styles. Clothe yourselves for the winter.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.
Arkansas City, Sept. 23rd, 1878.
Dear Traveler,
In company with R. A. Houghton, Wm. Sleeth, and Jas. Christian, your correspondent paid a flying visit to the ship yard on the west bank of the Arkansas River opposite the town, and there found Cyrus Wilson busily engaged in building a steam boat for John McClaskey and J. H. Seymour. The boat is intended to run between Arkansas City, Cowley County, Kansas, and Little Rock, Arkansas. The boat is a trifle larger than Aunt Sally. The ribs and hull are constructed of good oak lumber and will be a good substantial boat, 85 feet long and 22 feet beam. The hull is 83 feet by 16 feet on the bottom, and 85 feet by 18 feet on the deck, and with the machinery on board, will draw less than eight inches; the bow is not square like the Aunt Sally, but built with a “Model bow.” Messrs. McClaskey & Seymour deserve a great deal of credit for rushing this enterprise as they have. Being men of limited means, they have shown true western pluck in taking hold and working out of almost nothing this boat, and the public should give them all the aid in their power to enable them to put on a good and serviceable piece of machinery.
Their intentions are to put on McClaskey’s saw mill engine and load the hull with wheat and go to Little Rock and with the proceeds of the sale of the load of wheat purchase two good engines suitable for the work and finish the upper part of the boat down at some saw mill where good pine lumber can be had at reasonable figures.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.
Now is the time to buy your Clothing cheap. Houghton & Mantor have just received a large stock of Fall Clothing cheaper than ever has been offered in Cowley Co. before. Good suits from $6.50 to $7.50 and $8.00. Do not fail to call and see them before you purchase.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 25, 1878.
NEW GOODS. Houghton & Mantor blockaded the sidewalk Monday with their late arrival of new groceries, clothing, boots, and shoes. The boys are doing a lively trade.
R. A. Houghton becomes clerk for J. H. Sherburne, Indian trader at Ponca...
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
PONCA TRADER.
J. H. Sherburne, trader at the above Agency, commenced his building, 18 x 45 feet, on Monday last. He calculates to accommodate the travel on the road, and already has a good stable capable of stabling eight horses. He has engaged the services of R. A. Houghton as clerk, and if there is any trade to be done, these gentlemen will be sure to get a liberal support, as they will spare no pains to gain and keep the support of any who patronize them.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1878.
Some thieves came into town Monday night and stole one pair of boots, one pair of shoes, and a box of sweet potatoes from Houghton & Mantor, and relieved Lafe McLaughlin of a can of oysters and three pair of gloves. They then adjourned to Frank Schiffbauer’s and helped themselves to a set of harness, curry comb, and brush. The men were seen in the early part of the evening, and will probably be identified.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.
We called on Houghton & Mantor the other day and found their store crowded with people purchasing dry goods and groceries. The boys are doing a good trade, and are very attentive to business. The store will soon be moved into C. M. Scott’s building, formerly occupied by the Post Office. Give them a call.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 15, 1879.
SPECIAL NOTICE. All accounts due us must be settled within the next thirty days. Do not forget it HOUGHTON & MANTOR.
R. A. Houghton now spoken of as being one of the traders at Ponca Agency...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.
R. A. Houghton, one of the traders at the Ponca Agency spent a few days in the city last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 29, 1879.
C. M. Scott is fitting up the old Post Office building, which will be occupied by Houghton & Mantor.
[AD: HOUGHTON & MANTOR.]
Arkansas City Traveler, February 5, 1879.
Steamboat load of boots have just arrived at Houghton & Mantor’s which they are selling at Bed Rock prices. Lower than have ever been sold in Southern Kansas. Call and see them.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 26, 1879.
R. A. Houghton is up from the Ponca Agency.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.
ARKANSAS CITY ITEMS.
Quite a number of changes during the past week.
Tom Mantor and Rube Houghton have dissolved partnership. Rube and Joseph Sherburne will now devote all their time, talent, and energy to the “noble red man,” being traders at the Ponca Agency. Tom Mantor and Frank Speer have united their forces and will sell boots, shoes, clothing, and groceries at bottom prices at the old post office.
Old man S. J. Mantor and a young man from Michigan, W. M. Blakeney, have formed a partnership in the sale of groceries and feed.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1879.
Our Trip to Sac and Fox Agency.
Last week we made a trip to the Sac Agency, and met on our way many pleasant incidents. The first night after leaving town we stopped at the Ponca Agency where we found “the boys” of our acquaintance busy boosting the red man up the hill to civilization. Col. Whiteman was sick and we failed to meet him. Sherburne & Houghton are traders at the Ponca, and from the number of red blankets that hung on the noble sons of the forest, we conclude they are doing a good trade. Geo. Allen and Hank Nelson are drawing the brush in the schoolhouse, and giving cast [?] and complexion to the work.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 9, 1879.
From Ponca Agency through R. A. Houghton we hear that they are expecting the return of the runaway Poncas under guard. The Poncas will do their own breaking and expect to commence right away. They have been selecting their lands.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1879.
R. A. Houghton, of Ponca Agency, spent a few days in the city last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1879.
Theoron Houghton, Miss Hattie Houghton, and Mrs. R. A. Houghton made a flying visit to the Ponca Agency, returning Monday evening.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1879.
[Report by Editor Nathan Hughes on Visit to Territory.]
Under the supervision of Col. Whiteman, this tribe is gaining in livestock, the habits of industry are taught, and if undisturbed, in a short time will be an independent people. Sherburne & Houghton, the traders at the Ponca, are doing a good business, and with the addition of the Nez Perces, trade will be increased considerably. The loss of the interpreter at Atchison ten days ago is seriously felt by Col. Whiteman and the Indians. We met a number of employees at the agency, several who are residents of this town. On Sunday morning we started on our return, and with the cooling influence of a northwest breeze, our trip was a pleasant one.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 30, 1879.
Rube Houghton took his family to Ponca agency last Saturday morning.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 29, 1879.
Mrs. Rube Houghton came up from the Ponca Agency last week and her many friends will find her at her fathers.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 12, 1879.
R. A. Houghton, trader at the Ponca Agency, is spending a few days with his old friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 17, 1879.
R. A. Houghton is in town and says that he expects to be on hand and celebrate the arrival of the cars.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 17, 1879.
Miss Angie Mantor has returned from the Territory, where she has been passing a few weeks with her sister, Mrs. R. A. Houghton.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 7, 1880.
R. A. Houghton made a flying trip to Caldwell last Saturday.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 14, 1880.
Mrs. R. A. Houghton and Mrs. J. H. Sherburne returned to the Ponca Agency on last Friday.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 5, 1880.
R. A. HOUGHTON. FRANK SPEERS.
HOUGHTON & SPEERS,
Clothing, Hats, Caps, Boots, Shoes, and Gents’ Furnishing Goods of every description. A LARGE ASSORTMENT of the latest and MOST FASHIONABLE goods in each department just received. Call and see our new SUMMER STYLES in Clothing, Hats, etc. We have a full line of BOYS’ CLOTHING.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 26, 1880.
CATTLE IN THE TERRITORY.
The Caldwell Post states that there are 40,000 head of cattle west of the Chisholm trail in the Indian Territory. The following herds, held east of the trail, south and west of Arkansas City, will swell the number to 60,000.
R. A. Houghton, on Bodoc: 150
In addition to these there are a number along the State line, and several herds in the Nation, the number of which we did not learn.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 8, 1880.
BIRTH. Born to R. A. Houghton and wife, Sunday, September 5, a pair of girls. Rube is happy now.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 15, 1880.
DIED. On Sunday, Sept. 12, infant girl of R. A. Houghton and wife.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 13, 1880.
R. A. Houghton & Co. have just opened the “Star” meat market on the west side of Summit street, where can always be found an abundance of every variety of fresh meat, chickens, etc. See their card in another column. This firm will pay cash for hogs in any number. Our old friend, J. I. Mitchell, manipulates the stock knife, which reminds us of the olden days.
AD: STAR MEAT MARKET,
West Summit Street, Arkansas City.
Has always on hand a supply of first class beef, mutton, pork, fish, and chickens.
Hides, pelts, and wool purchased. Cash paid for hogs.
R. A. HOUGHTON & CO.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 10, 1880.
Houghton & Speers have just received a new lot of clothing, and have left Jerry Adams to run the store while they are off on a hunt in the Territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 10, 1880.
Hunting is all the rage now. Last Monday morning a party of six started out, consisting of Eugene Eddy and nephew, Mr. Charles Crosswell, son of ex-Governor Crosswell of Michigan, R. A. Houghton, Frank Speers, Charley Howard, and Mr. Worthley, a brother-in-law of the Howard boys visiting them from Maine. They will be joined at Ponca Agency by Joe Sherburne and Mr. George Reed, a relative of Mr. Sherburne who arrived from the land of Platisted [?] last Friday—the entire party expecting to return Saturday night. May good luck attend them.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 12, 1881.
Houghton & Speers are probably doing the most flourishing business in the city now, with the stock of goods lately owned by Mr. Wilson. The goods were purchased at one-half the invoiced price, and are sold remarkably low.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 19, 1881.
Messrs. R. A. Houghton & Co. have sold out their meat market on the west side of Summit street to T. W. Park & Co., who will conduct the same in the future. The present proprietors will run the same in style, and aim to keep on hand everything pertaining to the business of a first-class meat market.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Houghton entertained a number of young people last Thursday evening at their residence in the north part of town, to the evident pleasure of those attending.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 11, 1881.
The keeping of stock in the Indian Territory has, of late years, assumed quite considerable importance as a business, many of our best citizens being engaged therein. Among the Cowley County men now holding stock in the Territory, we may mention the following: On Red Rock and Black Bear creeks are Messrs. Eaton, Potter, Estus, Libby, Wiley, and Warren; while in other parts of the Territory are Houghton, Henderson, Nipp, Walker Bros., Berry Bros., Dean Bros., Shriver, and others.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 18, 1881.
Messrs. Houghton & Speers, last week, took a stock of clothing and gents furnishing goods to their store at Hunnewell, for the coming season’s trade. Mr. Ben Matlack has charge of the establishment.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 22, 1881.
R. A. Houghton returned from the Territory last Thursday, where he has been for some time attending to the rounding up of his stock. He reports quite a rushing time, but so far has not recovered his full number by some forty head. These, however, he thinks will turn up shortly.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 20, 1881.
Mr. R. A. Houghton, who has been looking after his interests in the Territory for the past three weeks, returned to the city on Sunday last.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 7, 1881.
A dance was held at the Central Avenue Hotel last Friday evening in honor of Miss Julia Deming, of Wichita, who is now in the city, a guest of Miss Mattie Mitchell. Among the happy throng we noticed the following ladies and gentlemen.
Misses Julia Deming, Mattie Mitchell, Kate Hawkins, Lucy Walton, Mary Parker, Belle Cassell, Lizzie Wyckoff, Susey Hunt, Alma Dixon, Lilly Chamberlain, Ella Bowers, ____ Wouzo, Effie Tate, Mrs. R. A. Houghton, Mrs. C. R. Sipes, Messrs. S. D. Longsdorff, W. Cline, R. P. Hutchins, Chas. Hutchins, C. Swarts, ____ Ellis, A. H. Fitch, M. B. Vawter, C. C. France, C. Holland, C. M. Swarts, Chas. Swarts, C. R. Sipes, R. A. Houghton, J. Vawter, Ollie Stevenson, F. Farrar, and J. Kroenert, who merrily chased old Father Time till past the midnight hour.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.
The farewell party, given by Miss Lillie Chamberlain at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schiffbauer, on Tuesday evening of last week, was one of the grandest events of the season. The full moon shown down like an immense headlight, viewing apparently, with the many Chinese lanterns that were pendant from the surrounding trees, making the scene resemble that of fairy land rather than reality.
Members of Houghton family who participated:
Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Houghton.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.
At the primary meeting held last Thursday, the following gentlemen were elected as Delegates and Alternates to attend the Republican Nominating Convention at Winfield, on September 19th, 1881.
DELEGATES:
Capt. Nipp, G. H. McIntire, Cal. Swarts, C. M. Scott, Jerry Tucker, W. D. Mowry.
ALTERNATES:
I. H. Bonsall, R. A. Houghton, Frank Speers, J. C. Topliff, R. L. Marshall, A. B. Sankey.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 28, 1881.
DIED. At the residence of his parents in this city, Thursday, September 22nd, 1881, Albert Edward, son of Mr. R. A. and Mrs. Sarah Houghton, aged 2 years and 9 months.
It is with feelings of peculiar sadness that we record the death of little Bertie. Not only was he a bright and interesting child, whose presence was a ray of sunshine in the home of his parents, the patter of whose little feet and childish prattle will be sadly missed by both parents, grandparents, and other friends, but his demise marks the falling of the pall of death over this happy home for the third time in a little over a year.
Two little sisters, lovely twins, passed away during the last autumn, and now little Bertie, too, is gone to the bright world above. . . . S. B. FLEMING.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 30, 1881.
O. J. Gould says he has rented the room now occupied by Houghton & Speers and will, as soon as those gentlemen vacate, seat the same, put in a stage and otherwise fix it up as a temporary hall, which will be a good enough thing for this season. Another winter must see Arkansas City with an Opera House equal to any in the Arkansas Valley.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 4, 1882.
MASQUERADE PARTY.
The social event of the Holiday week was the masquerade party held at the residence of Mr. James L. Huey on Friday evening, December 30th.
Refreshments in the shape of many tempting kinds of cake, sandwiches, teas, and coffee were liberally provided. Music lent its aid to the other enjoyments which coupled with the many unique costumes, and the cheering hum of voices lent a charm never to be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to take part in the festivities.
Houghton family members in attendance:
T. R. Houghton, Blazes.
Mrs. Nellie Houghton, Dreadnaught.
R. A. Houghton, Judge.
Mrs. R. A. Houghton, A Bride.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 1, 1882.
We are reliably informed that the building occupied by Houghton & Speers has been rented for one year to a gentleman from Kansas City, who will fit the same up in good style throughout and run as a billiard hall.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 8, 1882.
Messrs. Houghton & Speers have removed their stock of clothing to the building south of Wm. Rose’s boot and shoe shop.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 8, 1882.
Notwithstanding the inclement weather of last Sunday, the rite of baptism by immersion was administered to Mrs. R. A. Houghton, of this city, and Chas. Weatherholt, of East Bolton. The ceremony took place at Harmon’s Ford, on the Walnut River, during the afternoon.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1882.
HOME MISSION SOCIETY. The ladies composing the above Society met last Monday evening, at the residence of Mrs. R. A. Houghton. . . .
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY.
Houghton & Speers vs. Jas. Hardin, County Treasurer.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1882.
It is with pleasure we call the attention of our readers to the “ad” of Messrs. Shelden, Houghton & Co., which appears in this issue. This firm has always in stock the latest styles of Clothing, Hats and Caps, Ladies’, Gent’s, and Children’s Shoes, etc. The also make a specialty of Stockmen’s goods. Their store is located on West Summit Street, opposite the Post Office. Give them a call.
AD: CLOTHING.
J. G. SHELDEN. R. A. HOUGHTON. F. SPEERS.
Shelden, Houghton & Co.,
ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
—(DEALERS IN)—
Gents’ and Children’s Clothing, Hats, Caps, Boots and Shoes.
STOCKMEN’S GOODS A SPECIALTY.
BOOTS (AND) SHOES.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 7, 1882.
R. A. Houghton, who has been absent looking after his interests in the Territory for the past two months, returned to the city last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 7, 1882.
R. A. Houghton went to the Territory again today to tend to his cattle on the Black Bear.
Note: Another member of the Houghton family [O. P.] also had cattle...
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1882.
Mr. O. P. Houghton returned from the Territory last Sunday, where he has been for several days looking after his stock interests.
Back to R. A. Houghton...
Arkansas City Traveler, July 5, 1882.
R. A. Houghton and Tom Hill shipped five carloads of cattle from this place last week, for which they received the highest market price at Kansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1882.
Mrs. W. E. Gooch and Mrs. R. A. Houghton will start for the Eastern States next week.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 26, 1882.
Mrs. R. A. Houghton, Mrs. W. E. Gooch, Mr. and Mrs. Sherburne, Mrs. Eddy, and Mrs. A. A. Newman will leave tomorrow for the East.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1882.
R. A. Houghton and Frank Speers shipped four carloads of cattle to Kansas City yesterday morning. Mr. Houghton went with them, and will visit Maine before returning to this city.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1882.
Green & Snyder made the following sales of land on Monday last.
Eighty acres in East Bolton owned by R. A. Houghton to A. C. Crutchfield, of Waverly, Missouri, for $500.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1882.
R. A. Houghton, more familiarly known as “Rube,” grasped us by the hand last Monday, he having just returned from a trip to his former home in Maine.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1883.
Mr. R. A. Houghton has severed his connection with the firm of Shelden, Houghton & Co., of this city and the business will be conducted in the future by Messrs. Shelden & Co.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 4, 1883.
Mr. R. A. Houghton is building an addition to his residence in the northeast part of town, which will add greatly to its appearance and convenience.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 18, 1883.
Mr. R. A. Houghton’s addition to his residence is now completed, and consequently gives this gentleman one of the most commodious homes in the city.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1883.
R. A. Houghton ships three car loads of cattle to Kansas City today.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1883.
Harry Guenther, employed as cook at R. A. Houghton’s cattle camp, had the misfortune to break his collar bone last week, his horse stumbling and falling on him. Good medical attendance is bringing him around all right.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1883.
R. A. Houghton returned from Kansas City last week, where he reports having sold his cattle at good figures.
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.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1884.
BIRTH. Born to the wife of R. A. Houghton, on Friday, February 1, a daughter. Rube shows his pride and happiness in every movement.
[STOCK BRANDS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1884.
It is almost impossible to get a brand for stock different from any other brand. In looking over the Northwestern Live Stock Journal, published at Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, we notice Pink Fouts’ “F” brand on the horses up there; R. A. Houghton’s hat brand, and Drury Warren’s boot brand on the sides of steers that range on the Sweet Water. Every letter in the alphabet and almost every figure is represented somewhere, besides houses, bells, scissors, keys, etc. Some are branded with but a dot, while others are branded all over. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in New York, sent a committee to Texas recently to try to license the stockmen to adopt some other mode of marking stock, but the old burning principle is held to still.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 27, 1884.
Mr. Gilbert’s polled bulls have come on, and are being held in Newman’s pasture on the Arkansas River near this place. They are beauties. Rube Houghton expects to have a couple of car loads of the same kind here soon.
R. A. Houghton gets the entire Nez Perce reservation lease...
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1884.
Capt. C. M. Scott was in the city Friday with Chiefs Joseph and Yellow Bull, of the Nez Perce Indians. They were here for the purpose of perfecting a lease to R. A. Houghton for 75,000 acres of their land. The lease was for ten years and for a consideration of $2,000 per year. It will make a pasture capable of holding 4,000 head of cattle.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1884.
A New Lease. Mr. R. A. Houghton, of Arkansas City, has succeeded in securing a lease from the Nez Perce Indians, their entire reservation situated on the Cherokee Strip, for a term of ten years. The reservation is 12 miles square, and one of the best watered and grassed ranges in the Territory. The annual rental is about 2½ cents per acre. Mr. Houghton has a bonanza in this range, and we wish him success. He has about 2,500 cattle on the range now and will place a lot more on it during the summer. He will try the Galloway mulleys a turn and see what the result will be on the beef part of his herd. Caldwell Journal.
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.
R. A. Houghton received the last car of wire for fencing his range last week and immediately made arrangements for stringing the same on the posts.
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...Postoffice address: Arkansas City, Kansas, OR, C. C. ENDICOTT, range manager, Oakland Agency, Indian Territory. Range on the Nez Perce reservation. OODLES OF BRANDS!
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]...
NOTED THAT O I L WAS USED ON LEFT HIP OF HORSES AND THAT
O I L WAS USED ON EITHER SIDE OF CATTLE.
7. J. C. TOPLIFF.
8. E. R. BARROUGH.
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 Republican, May 3, 1884.
R. A. Houghton sold his stock of clothing this week, to James Armstrong from Illinois. Mr. Armstrong is expecting a large stock of new goods to arrive in a few days, and will open a large establishment. Mr. Houghton will remain with us and devote his time to the care of his cattle in the Territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 7, 1884.
C. M. Scott and R. A. Houghton made a purchase of five head of Polled Angus males at Wellington last week. The cheapest animal sold at Mathews’ sale of imported Galloway stock, last Saturday, was a yearling calf for $350.
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.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1884.
R. A. Houghton and Mr. Armstrong, the gentlemen who lately purchased Mr. Houghton’s stock of goods, received a carload of Galloway bulls last week. Rube was showing one of the dimpled darlings on the streets last Saturday. He—the bull—is a daisy, pulling down the scale at 1,850 pounds.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1884.
Rube Houghton’s team started off the business of the week last Monday morning by running away. Coming to the large telephone pole at the corner of Summit Street and Fifth Avenue, they tried to pull it down, but only succeeded in turning themselves over and tearing their harness off. Luckily no wagon was attached to them, or the damage might have been serious.
Arkansas City Republican, May 17, 1884.
A team belonging to R. A. Houghton ran away in the main streets of the city Monday morning, causing considerable excitement for a time. The horses had been hitched to a wagon near the Star Livery Stable, and the whiffle trees detached themselves from the wagon, when they started carrying the whiffle trees with them. They ran with great rapidity against the telephone post at A. A. Newman’s corner, breaking down the corner post of the shed on the front of his store, and breaking the harness that held them together, and throwing one horse flat to the ground. No other damage resulted. Several other teams were on the streets at the time, some of which became frightened, but their drivers succeeded in holding them.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 23, 1884.
STOCK BRANDS.
R. A. HOUGHTON. Post office address: Arkansas City, Kansas, OR C. C. ENDICOTT, range manager. (Oakland Agency, Indian Territory).
Illustration shows H with a line from middle of H to upper right of steer depicted. Another illustration shows a + and V on side of cattle.
OTHER BRANDS: [looks like a T with a small bar at base of T that goes to the right]...on left side of hip and [A BAR] on right hip of most of them.
M C on right side and [half circle at base of F] left side.
Half circle over the letter R right side of hip.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 17, 1884.
Mr. Isaac Ochs, of Auburn, Indiana, bought through Frank J. Hess, last Monday, R. A. Houghton’s stock of merchandise and will take possession the first of next month.
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 HEARARD 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, 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. Waite, ____ ____ 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 8, 1884.
Following is a complete list of stockholders in the Arkansas City Woolen Manufacturing Company, mention of which was made last week.
One of the members: R. A. Houghton.
Cattle for sale: O. P. Houghton...
Arkansas City Traveler, October 8, 1884.
Ad. For Sale. 45 head of two- and three-year-old cattle. O. P. HOUGHTON.
Back to R. A. Houghton...
Arkansas City Republican, November 22, 1884.
Rube Houghton is spending a week on his cattle ranch in the territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 3, 1884.
R. A. Houghton sold some of his fat cattle to Whiting Bros. of Winfield, and to Joe Garris, one of our meat men.
Arkansas City Republican, December 13, 1884.
R. A. Houghton went up into Montgomery County Tuesday.
Arkansas City Republican, December 20, 1884.
R. A. Houghton has taken office room down in the REPUBLICAN office.
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 3, 1885.
Last Wednesday morning was the coldest we have experienced. Ira Barnett’s thermometer registered 8 degrees below zero. R. A. Houghton’s mercury marked 18 below.
Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.
R. A. Houghton was in the territory this week.
Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.
R. A. Houghton says the report going around over the country that cattle are doing well on the range this winter is untrue. He said while he saw some cattle in good condition, he saw twice the number in poor condition. He was in the territory two days and riding nearly all the time.
Arkansas City Republican, January 17, 1885.
R. A. Houghton came home from the Territory Tuesday.
Arkansas City Republican, January 24, 1885.
R. A. Houghton went over to Caldwell Wednesday to bring home a team belonging to him.
Houghton, Hill & Thomas and Cowley County Cattle Company...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 31, 1885.
Houghton, Hill & Thomas and Cowley County Cattle Company have already lost about 100 head of cattle. Mr. Houghton thinks they will come out handsomely if the loss does not exceed 300 head. The cattle of this company were what is known as through Arkansas and Mississippi cattle. Old range cattle, he reports doing very well, and the loss will be small.
Houghton, Hill & Thomas...
Arkansas City Republican, February 7, 1885.
Last week we slandered the cattle of Houghton, Hill & Thomas by unintentionally saying they were Arkansas and Mississippi cattle. We meant to say those which had died were of this kind. The way the error occurred was that the horse editor jumped over into the cow pasture.
Arkansas City Republican, February 28, 1885.
R. A. Houghton went to Wichita Thursday morning on business.
Arkansas City Republican, April 4, 1885.
Miss Anna Meigs, and Mrs. R. A. Houghton left for Anthony Tuesday morning on a week’s visit.
Arkansas City Republican, April 11, 1885.
Mrs. R. A. Houghton did not visit in Anthony as long as she intended. She came home Saturday, accompanied by Mrs. H. O. Meigs.
Arkansas City Republican, April 18, 1885.
Last week Rube Houghton took his horse, “Keno,” down to his ranch. Rube had barely got home when “Keno” returned also. This is a Mary had a Little Lamb story.
Arkansas City Republican, April 18, 1885.
T. D. Richardson and R. A. Houghton went to Montgomery County Tuesday to look at some land which the former was trying to buy from the latter.
Cowley County Cattle Co. Wm. J. Hodges, R. A. Houghton, Geo. Kirkpatrick, Wm. M. Snyder, A. C. Wright...
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, May 27, 1885.
Stock Notes.
The Cowley County Cattle Co., with a capital of $150,000, is the latest addition to our moneyed interests. The officers of the company are Wm. J. Hodges, President; R. A. Houghton, Vice President; Geo. Kirkpatrick, Treasurer; Wm. M. Snyder, Secretary and General Manager. The present Board of Directors are R. A. Houghton, Wm. M. Snyder, Geo. Kirkpatrick, A. C. Wright, and Wm. J. Hodges. The P. O. Address of the company is Arkansas City, with ranch and range on the Nez Perce Reservation, Indian Territory.
R. A. Houghton at Newman’s???
Arkansas City Republican, June 27, 1885.
R. A. Houghton is the new manager of the clothing department of A. A. Newman & Co.’s mammoth dry goods establishment.
[Note: This is the only entry re R. A. Houghton working for Newman. The other paper said nothing about it and the Republican had no follow-up on this item. If R. A. Houghton did work for Newman, it was very temporary. MAW]
Arkansas City Republican, July 4, 1885.
Little Miss Clara Houghton, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Houghton, has been on the sick list several days past.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
R. A. Houghton went to Kansas City last Saturday and returned Monday.
R. A. Houghton gets back into the grocery business...
Arkansas City Traveler, September 30, 1885.
Business Changes.
We report an important business change in this city. The popular grocery firm of J. W. Hutchison & Sons retire from the lists, and R. A. Houghton succeeds. These parties are well known, and have enjoyed the confidence of the public for many years. As merchants the Hutchison family have won an enviable reputation for their business enterprise, their uniform fair dealing, and courteous attention to all classes of patrons. Rube Houghton, who has purchased the business, is one of our pioneer merchants, being engaged in merchandising when Arkansas City was in the egg, and Southern Kansas was emerging from an Indian reservation into the home of the progressive white man. The transfer was made a few days ago, the stock being invoiced to the purchaser; and Rube Houghton, the old time merchant and more recent cattle baron, is now at home to welcome his many friends and supply the wants of his patrons. Housekeepers and others who have been purchasing their groceries at this popular house will regret to see the former firm name erased, but their confidence in the house will be unimpaired with R. A. Houghton in charge, and he will retain the brothers Ed. and Bob as assistants. We predict the present owner with his business experience and extensive acquaintance can hold his own against all competitors.
Arkansas City Republican, October 3, 1885.
R. A. Houghton has once more donned the active business harness. Tuesday he purchased the grocery establishment of J. W. Hutchison & Sons. The consideration was a 240 acre farm in Montgomery County. While we do not like to witness the Hutchison boys’ retirement from business, yet we are glad to note that they are succeeded by a gentleman who will so well perpetuate the business commenced by them. Mr. Houghton has been a resident of Arkansas City for 13 years, and being engaged in mercantile pursuits the most of that time, he enjoys an extensive acquaintance. His friends and acquaintances gladly welcome him back to the turmoil of an active business life. Rob and Ed Hutchison will remain with Mr. Houghton, and their smiling countenances will make all the old customers of J. W. Hutchison & Sons feel perfectly at home. Frank Hutchison will rusticate, or, perhaps, better still, will get married. We wish all good luck.
Arkansas City Republican, October 17, 1885.
R. A. Houghton & Co., is the name of the new grocery firm. T. G. Hill and G. W. Herbert are members of the firm. Success, gentlemen.
[MARRIED: ANNA MEIGS AND L. V. COOMBS.]
Arkansas City Republican, October 24, 1885.
The following is a list of the names of the donors and their presents and will show in what high estimation the receivers were held by their many friends.
Hanging lamp: Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Houghton.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 9, 1885.
GRAND RALLY!
Every day and evening this month at R. A. HOUGHTON.
FRESH GROCERIES, Flour and Feed.
Latest Styles of QUEENSWARE, GLASSWARE, ETC.
A Fine Assortment of HANGING LAMPS.
Call Early and Secure a Reserved Seat.
SOUTH ROOM UNDER THE OPERA HOUSE.
Arkansas City Republican, December 26, 1885.
MARRIED. Last Thursday evening at the residence of R. A. Houghton, Miss Angie R. Mantor was united in marriage to Lorenzo Goff. Rev. S. B. Fleming performed the ceremony. The wedding was a quiet one, none but relatives being in attendance. Miss Mantor is one of Arkansas City’s most estimable, and christian ladies. Mr. Goff is a well-to-do farmer residing four miles northeast of town. As soon as married, the couple departed for the home of Mr. Goff and the future home of Mrs. Goff. The REPUBLICAN congratulates this most worthy couple and hopes their married life will be nothing but pleasure and joy.
Arkansas City Republican, January 16, 1886.
BIRTH. Born January 6, 1886, to Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Houghton, a boy babe.
Arkansas City Republican, January 23, 1886.
The Cowley County Cattle Company held their annual meeting last Monday evening in Judge Pyburn’s office and elected the following officers. President, W. J. Hodges; vice president, W. M. Snyder; secretary, R. A. Houghton; treasurer, W. M. Snyder, and manager,
G. L. Kirkpatrick.
Arkansas City Republican, February 20, 1886.
R. A. Houghton & Co., have purchased the grocery stock of Henry Endicott. The trade was consummated Monday. Messrs. Houghton & Co., are now conducting the two stores, and will until March 10, when the stocks will be combined, and placed in the room formerly occupied by Mr. Endicott. Elsewhere in one of our columns this firm advertises a big reduction in prices of groceries; queensware and glassware being sold at cost.
Arkansas City Republican, February 20, 1886.
Saturday last a dispatch was received by R. A. Houghton, apprizing him of the death of his mother, who resides in Maine. A few days previous a message had been received stating that Mrs. Houghton was very sick, and her daughter, Mrs. Wyatt Gooch, and son, T. K. Houghton, had immediately started for her bedside. The deceased was the mother of Mrs. A. A. Newman, Mrs. Wyatt Gooch, R. A. Houghton, and T. K. Houghton. The death was unexpected and is a sad blow to the children.
Arkansas City Republican, March 6, 1886.
G. W. Herbert has traded his interest in the grocery business of R. A. Houghton & Co., to W. S. Upp, of the firm of Blakeney & Upp. In other words, Wm. Blakeney and R. A. Houghton exchanged partners.
Arkansas City Republican, March 13, 1886.
R. A. Houghton & Co., have combined the stocks of their two stores. They will now be found at Hank Endicott’s old stand.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 28, 1886.
George Kroenert, of Wichita, last week purchased of T. H. McLaughlin the property on Summit Street where R. A. Houghton & Co., have their store. The price paid was $6,500.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 19, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
R. A. Houghton will leave for the state of Maine in a few days accompanied by his aged father, who is desirous of returning to his old home. Mr. Houghton will visit the sea shore while away.
Houghton, Hill & Co. [What happened to Thomas?]...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 31, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
Houghton, Hill & Co., shipped 23 carloads of cattle Saturday night from Cale to St. Louis. They also shipped 13 loads yesterday.
R. A. Houghton...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 27, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
R. A. Houghton returned from his Maine trip Saturday evening.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 5, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
The two little girls of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Houghton are quite sick with the measles.
R. A. Houghton and his partner, W. S. Upp, grocery firm...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, April 2, 1887. From Monday’s Daily.
The delivery team of Houghton & Upp ran away this morning. The driver left the team in front of a residence while he took some groceries in. The Frisco train came along and frightened the horses. They ran several blocks, breaking the wagon badly. No one was injured.
I have more questions than I do answers relative to the activities of R. A. Houghton. It appears that at times he got “mad” at the status quo with respect to partners, etc. He sure changed partners a lot. Then when it comes to dealing in the cattle business, he ended up with different entities. MAW
