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James A. Irwin
Windsor.
[TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.]
Winfield Courier, February 17, 1881.
Below we give a list of township officers elected at the February election. In some of the townships the Justices hold over.
WINDSOR: Trustee, A. B. Booth; treasurer, J. A. Irwin; clerk, Thos. Walk.
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1882.
Assessor’s Meeting.
On Monday, March 6th, 1882, the assessors of Cowley County, Kansas, met at Winfield.
Present:
Windsor: J. A. Irwin.
E. I. Johnson, J. S. Hill, and J. A. Irwin were chosen a committee on schedule of personal property assessments.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1883.
Assessors Meeting.
On Monday, March 5th, 1883, the Assessors of Cowley County, Kansas, met at Winfield.
Present:
J. A. Irwin: Windsor.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1883.
Assessors’ Meeting.
On Monday, March 6th, 1883, the Assessors of Cowley County, Kansas, met at Winfield. Present: J. B. Nipp, Creswell Township, I. D. Harkleroad, Silverdale; L. Holcomb, Pleasant Valley; Elisha Haynes, Harvey; R. B. Corson, Fairview; H. McKibben, Tisdale; W. Senseney, Ninnescah; Joseph Gorham, Maple; S. D. Jones, Beaver; J. A. Cochran, Liberty; J. A. Irwin, Windsor; D. Beard, Cedar; L. S. Cogswell, Omnia; E. D. Skinner, Vernon; B. Shriver, Sheridan; S. H. Wells, Dexter; H. J. Sandfort, Richland; J. P. Short, Winfield City; P. A. Lorry, Bolton; T. A. Blanchard, Walnut.
J. B. Nipp was chosen Chairman and P. A. Lorry Secretary.
J. A. Cochran, I. D. Harkleroad, and S. D. Jones were chosen a committee on schedule of personal property assessments, and reported as follows, which report was unanimously adopted as the basis of assessment for the year 1883.
[ASSESSORS’ RETURNS.]
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1883.
Assessors’ Returns of Personal Property and Population for 1883.
Total valuation of personal property in Cowley County on March 1st, 1883, as shown by the assessment rolls: $1,087,751.
Gain in valuation since March 1st, 1882: $252,408.
Valuation of K. C., L. & S. K. R. R., March 1st, 1883: $244,996.05.
Valuation of Wichita & Southwestern R. R., March 1st, 1883: $225,967.43.
[They gave gain of Personal Property and Population since March 1, 1882, by Townships, leaving Gains/Losses out for Cedar, Arkansas City, Omnia.
Total gain of Personal Property: $252,408.
TOWNSHIPS—POPULATION.
Beaver 780, Bolton 1,184, Cedar 677, Arkansas City 1,882, Creswell 763, Dexter 924, Fairview 512, Harvey 788, Liberty 716, Maple 636, Ninnescah 700, Omnia 347, Otter 463, Pleasant Valley 800, Richland 923, Rock 706, Sheridan 622, Silver Creek 928, Spring Creek 449, Silverdale 744, Tisdale 870, Vernon 930, Walnut 896, Windsor 900, Winfield City 3,284. TOTAL POPULATION: 22,516.
TOWNSHIPS—GAIN IN POPULATION.
Beaver 51, Bolton 221, Arkansas City 526, Creswell 92, Dexter 27, Harvey 171, Liberty 121, Maple 88, Ninnescah 53, Pleasant Valley 29, Rock 33, Sheridan 6, Silver Creek 131, Spring Creek 65, Silverdale 104, Tisdale 54, Windsor 14, Winfield City 624 [?].
Total Gain in Population of above townships: 2,410.
TOWNSHIPS WHICH LOST IN POPULATION:
Cedar 51, Fairview 9, Omnia 77, Richland 86, Vernon 79, Walnut 143.
Total Loss in Population of above townships: 445.
While the increase of personal property and population in the county is very satisfactory, the improvement in the assessors’ returns for 1883 seem to have kept pace with the general improvement of the county. Not a bad return this year; some with slight mistakes, thirteen correct, and altogether, without doubt, much the most correct returns that have been made since the organization of the county. Below I give the names of the trustees whose returns needed and received no corrections in this office.
S. D. Jones, Beaver; P. A. Lorry, Bolton; J. B. Nipp, Creswell; E. Haynes, Harvey; Jos. Gorham, Maple; T. H. Aley, Otter; Ludolphus Holcomb, Pleasant Valley; H. J. Sandfort, Richland, S. D. Williams, Rock, Geo. Eaton, Spring Creek; Hugh McKibben, Tisdale; J. A. Irwin, Windsor, J. P. Short, Winfield City. J. S. HUNT, County Clerk.
Excerpts...
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY TICKET.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, September 5, 1883. Editorial Page.
Hard to read. Some items partially ripped!
FOR SHERIFF, GEO. H. McINTIRE, OF CRESWELL.
FOR TREASURER, J. B. NIPP, OF CRESWELL.
FOR COUNTY CLERK, J. S. HUNT, OF WINFIELD.
FOR REGISTER OF DEEDS, T. H. SOWARD, OF WINFIELD.
FOR COUNTY SURVEYOR, N. A. HAIGHT, OF WINFIELD.
FOR CORONER, DR. H. W. MARSH, OF BEAVER.
FOR COMMISSIONER 3RD DISTRICT, J. A. IRWIN, OF WINDSOR.
[POLITICS.]
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
THE RIGHT MAN.
The Republicans of the third commissioner district were unanimous in the selection of J. A. Irwin, Windsor Township County Commissioner, and they made a most excellent choice. Mr. Irwin is a man of sound sense and judgment, which is rarely at fault in his wide intelligence, business qualities, and faith in the future greatness of Cowley. They make him the man for the place.
[REPUBLICANS: COUNTY TICKET.]
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
COUNTY REPUBLICAN TICKET.
For County Treasurer: Capt. J. B. Nipp.
For Sheriff: Geo. H. McIntire.
For Register of Deeds: T. H. Soward.
For County Clerk: J. S. Hunt.
For Surveyor: N. A. Haight.
For Coroner: Dr. H. W. Marsh.
For Commissioner 3rd District: J. A. Irwin.
[DISTRICT CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
THIRD COMMISSIONER DISTRICT CONVENTION.
On the adjournment of the county convention, Millington, chairman of the central committee, called the delegates from the Third Commissioner district in order.
S. B. Sherman of Windsor was elected chairman, and R. S. Strother of Harvey was chosen secretary.
J. A. Irwin of Windsor was unanimously put in nomination for commissioner.
Convention adjourned. S. B. SHERMAN, Chairman.
R. S. STROTHER, Secretary.
[APPEAL TO REPUBLICAN VOTERS.]
Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.
TO REPUBLICANS.
Two weeks from next Tuesday is Election day and every man should be prepared to turn out to the polls and vote. It is noted that when there is deep interest felt in the election and everybody turns out, we always elect good officers, but when there is little interest in the matter we are liable to have the other kind of officers foisted upon us. It is also noted that Democrats almost always turn out and vote and that when there is a short vote on account of little interest in the matter, it is Republican voters who stay at home. Men who consider themselves good and patriotic citizens, men who are otherwise moral, intelligent, and valuable citizens, often neglect this important duty, while every vicious, drinking, ignorant, dishonest, or law breaking man in the community is sure to be at the polls and vote and influence votes. Such in large cities are usually the ruling class and in all communities often control the results of the elections. It is the plain duty of every man who has an interest in good government, good laws, and good morals to always be at the polls with his vote and influence and no man who habitually neglects his duty is entitled to the credit of being a good or patriotic citizen.
Republicans above all others should never neglect this duty. We urge each and everyone of them to make such arrangements beforehand that nothing will prevent them from discharging this duty. Go to the polls early and vote and work for the straight Republican ticket. There is no good reason why any Republican should fail to vote for every candidate on their ticket. There are two other tickets in the field; one of which is the straight Democratic ticket, and the other is self styled “Anti-Monopoly,” but is intended only as a decoy for the Democrats, to lure Republicans from voting their own tickets while Democrats, whatever they pretend, will vote the straight Democratic ticket. No candidate on either ticket is the peer of his Republican opponent.
J. A. Irwin, the candidate for commissioner of the third district, is one of the best men in the county, of sound judgment, wide intelligence, and great popularity, and just the man whom the people of the county can trust implicitly.
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.
Mr. Beemer, of Missouri, an old friend of J. A. Irwin’s, came over with him to visit the county seat last week. He is well pleased with Cowley.
[COMMISSIONER: J. A. IRWIN.]
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.
Our Next Commissioner. Mr. J. A. Irwin, candidate for Commissioner in the Northeast district, was in the city last Friday and made us a pleasant call. Since his residence of several years in the county, this is the second time we have had the pleasure of meeting him. His trips to the county seat heretofore have been purely on business, but with little time for forming new acquaintances. He is a sound, solid, sensible farmer and is held in highest esteem by all who know him. He will make a first-class officer.
Excerpts...
[NEWS FROM BURDEN ENTERPRISE.]
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883. [Editorial. Front Page.]
MAKE A SET OFF.
The Burden Enterprise said so many good and true things last week that we have clipped largely from its columns and will excuse it for its flings at the COURIER and its representations that this paper is inimical to the interests of Burden, which is very far from the truth.
SLANDER AS A POLITICAL ENGINE.
Knowing that James A. Irwin, the Republican candidate for Commissioner of the Third District is too popular and high respected to be defeated by honorable means, his political opponents have resorted to innuendo and slander. Two weeks ago the Grenola Chief, edited by Bob Hicks, uttered the following:
“The Republicans of eastern Cowley County made a grand mistake when they put in nomination James A. Irwin, as their candidate for commissioner. We fear that the Republicans will regret this step after the election, if not before.”
The Telegram seized upon this as a sweet morsel and added several innuendoes that there must be something bad in his old home record in Lewis County, Missouri.
The hostility of the Telegram to Mr. Irwin is easily explained by the fact that he is a Republican nominee and by its own admission in last week’s issue that it is fighting Irwin for official patronage. Now comes the Burden Enterprise and fully explains the hostility of Bob Hicks in the following language.
“When Hicks was under arrest for embezzling post office funds, he went to Mr. Irwin and asked him to go on his bond. Mr. Irwin refused, giving as a reason that he had no confidence in Hicks, and did not care to risk what little property he had in such a manner. Again, at the reunion at Topeka, Hicks went to Irwin and wanted to borrow money from him, which was refused. This made the galled jade wince and if any person will take stock in a dirty personal fight upon a man of Mr. Irwin’s standing, then we are very much mistaken in the intelligence of the citizens of Cowley County.”
The Enterprise also squelched the insinuation that there is something bad in Mr. Irwin’s Lewis County record by publishing the following testimonial from the leading men of that county.
“We, the undersigned citizens of Lewis County, Missouri, take pleasure in stating that James A. Irwin was a resident of this county for a number of years, and while he lived here was honored and respected as an honest, upright citizen, and fair in his transactions with his fellow man, and acted in such a manner as to command the respect and confidence of the people generally.”
This was signed by B. F. Thompson, Probate Judge, J. A. Bowls, Treasurer; Chas. R. Magee, Clerk, Circuit Court; W. G. Allen, Postmaster, Monticello; W. G. Watson, Clerk County Court; L. W. Samuels, Sheriff; and fifty-six others. . . .
This complete and thorough vindication was not needed among the people who have known Mr. Irwin well for years, in Windsor Township, as an honorable, upright man, of rare intelligence and worth. With these, no slander or innuendoes against him would be believed, but it is well to publish the vindication for the benefit of such voters in that district who have not had the fortune to become personally acquainted with him.
A newspaper and a party which will resort to such means to defeat a candidate are unworthy of support, and all friends of fair dealing of whatever party should rally and give Mr. Irwin such a vote at the polls as will show their disapproval of slander as a political engine.
[ELECTION RESULTS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 7, 1883.
The Result.
We had intended to give this week a tabular statement, by townships, of Cowley County’s vote, but can only give the majorities and will next week give the correct figures throughout. The following are the figures up to going to press, and they are subject to increase rather than decrease:
McIntire: 618
Soward: 457
Nipp: 637
Hunt: 800
Haight: 500
Irwin, 3rd district: 275
Dr. Marsh’s exact figures are not given, but will be in the neighborhood of 600. Sumner County has gone Republican by good majorities, with the exception of commissioner for the third district, who was defeated.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Recap: Official vote of Cowley County, Kansas, November 6, 1883.
For Sheriff: G. H. McIntire, R, 2309. Plurality: 594.
S. G. Gary, C, 1715.
J. F. Teter, G, 270.
1ST WARD, McINTIRE 162, GARY 158.
2ND WARD, McINTIRE 113, GARY 131.
For Register: T. H. Soward, R, 2199. Plurality: 426.
Geo. Eaton, D, 1773.
H. J. Sandfort, G, 258.
For Treasurer: J. B. Nipp, R, 2275. Plurality 516.
J. B. Lynn, D, 1759.
A. Walck, G, 193.
For Clerk: J. S. Hunt, R, 2524. Plurality 1020.
J. W. Hanlen, D, 1504.
C. C. Krow, G, 217.
For Surveyor: N. A. Haight, R, 2419. Plurality 603.
Ed Millard, D, 1810.
For Coroner: H. W. Marsh, R, 2365. Plurality 792.
W. I. Shotwell, D, 1573.
J. H. Land, G, 277.
For Commissioner: J. A. Irwin, R, 708. Plurality 282.
E. Haines, D, 426.
R. Stevens, G, 100.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Perhaps in view of the 282 majority given Mr. Irwin in the 3rd district, the Telegram will apologize for its endorsement of the flings made at him by the Grenola paper.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Mr. Irwin seems to be the runner in the county. 282 majority is a rousing endorsement for any man to receive.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
Commissioners Proceedings.
John C. Hendrickson was appointed trustee of Windsor Township in place of J. A. Irwin, resigned.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
Commissioner Irwin came over from Windsor, Saturday, and on Monday took his place on the Board. Mr. S. C. Smith was re-elected chairman of the Board. Mr. E. I. Johnson retires carrying with him the best wishes of his associates, and the public, whom he has served faithfully during his term as commissioner. A more honest, conscientious, faithful officer has never filled a chair in the Courthouse.
Question? Was Ed. Irwin of Windsor Township a son of Commissioner J. A. Irwin?...
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
On Tuesday Sheriff McIntire arrested Benjamin McClellan and Ed. Irwin of Windsor Township, and brought them before Justice Buckman. They are charged with throwing stones through a passenger coach on the Southern Kansas road on the evening of the 25th of December, Christmas. The railroad company is prosecuting the case.
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1884.
Moving Comment.
The writer had the pleasure on last Saturday afternoon of accompanying a bright party of Winfield people to Cambridge. The day was clear and calm and many things were observed along the way which are worthy of note. We had been feeling very good over the rapid improvement of the queen city of the valley, Winfield, but a drive over this beautiful country revealed forcibly the vast strides being made in other parts of Cowley in the way of permanent improvement. Almost every farm shows new buildings, of one kind and another, a corral full of cattle and hogs and a general air of thrift. Some of Cowley’s best land and many of her wealthiest farmers are between Winfield and Cambridge. New Salem, the first town we strike, has the appearance of having come out of winter quarters in good spirits. Several new houses were noticed and the number of cars standing on the side track at the depot would denote quite a shipping trade. The little city over on the hill, Burden, has done itself proud during the past few months. On approaching the town we counted forty nine houses newly built or in course of erection. The place presented a business like appearance, the merchants were busy, and the streets were crowded with teams. We called around to see Brother Henthorn, but found nobody but the post office in. The Enterprise has several times accused the COURIER of being inimical to the interests of Burden, which it knew was a mistake, and we wanted to see its good looking and efficient young editor, J. W. Henthorn, and inform him of our intention to give the Enterprise and Burden a puff. The COURIER has always claimed that Burden was a remarkable little town, and while the railroad and splendid country around it have done much, there is no doubt that the town owes more of its prosperity to the Enterprise than to anything else. It has advertised and made Burden: the town never could have been what it is without a good local paper. Torrance has made but few recent changes. The most prominent thing is its fine schoolhouse, which is a very creditable structure. In traveling through Cowley, in any direction, the schoolhouses are a noticeable feature. At New Salem the schoolhouse would do honor to a much larger town. Burden’s schoolhouse is the finest building in the place, while that at Cambridge is superior to any outside of Winfield, Arkansas City, or Burden. It is a two story stone structure, 30 x 60 feet, is splendidly furnished, and has a fine bell. Mr. Will C. Barnes, a Winfieldite, to whom the company are under many obligations for courtesies extended, is principal and Miss Lizzie Palmer, well known to many Winfield people, is assistant. They are among Cowley’s most capable teachers and are giving good satisfaction. Of course, we called on the Cambridge News, and found the proprietors, Messrs. S. B. Sherman and H. F. Hicks, at home. One of them was busily engaged trying to explain to a rural gentleman that the News had ten times as many subscribers as that “vile sheet,” the Burden Enterprise, and that their list had increased until it contained one-fiftieth as many as the Winfield COURIER, the oldest and most reliable paper in the county. He must have been correct. Mr. W. G. Seaver, the energetic, intelligent young editor of the News, was at his post, but instead of writing narrow gauge editorials, he was making selections of type from a specimen book, with which to start a paper at Dexter in a few weeks. He thinks he can make a paper pay at that place. He is a racy writer and was at one time connected with the St. Joe Gazette. Should he start a paper at Dexter, it will undoubtedly be a success in point of excellence, the only uncertain thing being a sufficient patronage. We supposed that no Satanic angels ever visited a sequestered spot like Cambridge, but they do. A man with a grip and twenty-five cents worth of soap done up in little wads, opened out there during our stay. His lusty voice drew a crowd around him, and after placing five and two dollar bills in some of the wrappers and rolling them up, he commenced to dispose of the soap to persons who were anxious to get five dollars for two. After clearing fifty dollars, twenty of which came from a young man who seemed illy able to make such a contribution, he quietly slid out of town. There are always men ready to fall into such traps, and the only lamentable thing about it is that experience dost seem to teach them anything. We were pleased to meet at Cambridge Miss Tirzah A. Hoyland, who has been the regular correspondent of the COURIER from New Salem for many years. She is one of Cowley’s most intelligent ladies and has written many good things for this paper. She was visiting friends there. In and around Cambridge are many substantial, intelligent men, and other than those already named, we might mention F. S. Coons, proprietor of the Cambridge House, W. H. Palmer, Thos. S. Griffin, J. B. Lukens, L. B. Carter, J. P. Craft, J. S. Bernard, James B. Rowe, and others whose names we did not get. It is also the home of County Commissioner, J. A. Irwin.
[RICHLAND TOWNSHIP AGAINST NARROW GAUGE PROPOSITION.]
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1884.
From Richland. At a meeting of the voters of the south precinct of Richland Township held Monday night at Floral schoolhouse, Feb. 25th, 1884, Captain Stevens was chosen chairman, S. W. Norton, Jr., was chosen secretary. The object of the meeting was to consider the proposition of the projected Narrow Gauge. Rousing speeches against the proposition, as stated, were made by the chairman, Mr. Howard, and Mr. Irwin. The following resolutions were adopted by the meeting unanimously.
Whereas, The Commissioners of Cowley County have submitted to the voters a proposition to aid the Denver, Memphis & Atlantic railroad, which proposition we believe to be unfair, because, 1st. It is not binding enough on the company as to the kind of material to be used in the construction of said road, 2nd. Because said company does not bind itself to have in operation any connecting road outside of Cowley County, and 3rd. Because we believe the amount asked is exorbitant for the kind of a road to be built. Therefore, be it
Resolved, That we believe that it is to the interest to the voters of Cowley County to vote against the proposition of said Narrow Gauge.
Resolved, That we urge upon the people of other townships in the county to organize for the purpose of making a systematic fight against said proposition.
S. W. NORTON, Secretary.
Irwin boys???...
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
CAMBRIDGE NEWS.
One day last week the boys on the south prairie organized a crusade against the wolves, a number of which were known to have dens in the vicinity. They say it was not a very good day for wolves, but they managed to take in sixteen, capturing them all alive. Anyone wishing to try the experiment of domesticating a coyote, can now be supplied by calling on the McClellan, Farris, or Irwin boys.
[RICHLAND TOWNSHIP: ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
RECAP RICHLAND TOWNSHIP ELECTION PROCLAMATION.
May 17, 1884, special meeting Board of County Commissioners, came Adam Stuber, a resident taxpayer of Richland Township, praying that a special election be called for the purpose to subscribe to the capital stock of the Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Company $12,000, to aid in construction of the line of railroad from Kansas City, Missouri, through the county of Cowley and through Richland Township to the south line of the state of Kansas, in Sumner County, Kansas, by the way of Winfield, the said railroad company proposing to first construct the portion of its said line of railroad from the Saint Louis and San Francisco Railroad north or northeast from said county of Cowley through Richland Township by the way of the Winfield, etc. Election asked to be held June 23, 1884.
Board of County Commissioners: S. C. Smith, Amos Walton, J. A. Irwin. J. S. Hunt, County Clerk.
SAME TYPE OF PETITION FOR WALNUT TOWNSHIP. Dated May 18, 1884. Election to be held June 23, 1884.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
Richland Primary.
The primary convention in Richland township met at Summit schoolhouse on August 15th at 2 o’clock p.m., to elect delegates to the County Convention to be held at Winfield on August 23rd.
T. R. Carson was elected chairman; N. J. Larkin, secretary.
Delegates elected were J. R. Cottingham, Willis Wilson, H. H. Hooker, and T. R. Carson. Alternates, J. S. Hamilton, J. A. Irwin, Capt. Stuber, and G. W. Barstow.
The township central committee was then selected.
D. C. Stephens, chairman, and member of county central committee, N. J. Larkin and J. R. Carson.
Convention adjourned.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
REPUBLICANS IN COUNCIL. THE TICKET COMPLETED.
The county convention met pursuant to call, and was called to order by D. A. Millington, chairman of county central committee. After the reading of the call by the secretary, E. A. Henthorn, of Silver Creek Township, was nominated for temporary chairman and E. G. Gray, of Creswell Township, for temporary secretary.
The report of the committee on credentials was then submitted, and the following parties reported as entitled to seats in the convention.
WINDSOR. J. A. Irwin, R. F. Roberts, L. H. Phenis, B. H. Clover.
MOTHER GRUNDY’S NEWS BUDGET.
Her Chronicle of The Comings, Goings and Doings of Person at Home and Abroad
For the Past Week.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Commissioner Irwin came over this morning to attend the regular session of the Board which convenes today. He pays THE DAILY a high compliment. Thanks.
RAILROAD NOTICE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 7, 1885.
To all persons owning lands on the line of the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company, as the same is now or may be located through the County of Cowley, in the State of Kansas.
You and each of you, are hereby notified that the undersigned Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, in the state of Kansas, will on the 8th of June, A. D. 1885, on the north line of section number six (6) in township number (80) south of range number seven (7) east in Cowley County, Kansas, where the line of said railroad enters said section, commence and from day to day (Sundays excepted), proceed southwesterly along the line of said road, through the townships of Harvey, Omnia, Richland, Fairview and Walnut in said county to the city of Winfield in said county and thence to the city of Arkansas City in said county, and thence in a southwesterly direction to the south line of said county, and lay off a route for said railroad, and appraise the value of the land taken from each quarter section or lot of land through and over which said line of railroad is now or may be located in said county, and assess and adjudge the damages to each quarter section or lot of land through and over which said line of railroad is now or may be located in said county.
S. C. SMITH, J. A. IRWIN, AMOS WALTON,
County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas.
FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP RAILROAD BOND ELECTION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 7, 1885.
WHEREAS, on the 5th day of May, A. D. 1885, at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Cowley, State of Kansas, the following, among other proceedings, were had by and before said Board of Commissioners and duly entered of record on the journal of their proceedings of that day, to-wit;
“In the matter of the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic Railway:
Now on this 5th day of May, A. D. 1885, at a session of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Cowley, State of Kansas, duly holden at the Court House in the City of Winfield, in said county, present, S. C. Smith, chairman, Amos Walton and J. A. Irwin, members of said Board, and J. S. Hunt, county clerk, comes J. Wade McDonald, attorney for the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic railway; and presents to the said Board the petition of J. M. Barrick and seventy-eight other resident tax payers of the municipal township of Fairview, of said county of Cowley, praying that a special election be called for the purpose of submitting to the voters of said township a proposition for said township to subscribe to the capital stock of the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic railway, to the amount of ten thousand (10,000) dollars, and to issue the bonds of said township in the sum of ten thousand (10,000) dollars in payment for said stock upon the terms and conditions in said petition mentioned and provided for; said petition being in the words and figures following, to-wit;
To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas.
We, the undersigned petitioners, resident taxpayers of Fairview township, in Cowley County, respectfully ask that you submit to the qualified electors of said township, at a special election to be called for that purpose, the following proposition, to-wit;
Shall the Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County order the County Clerk, for and in behalf of said township, to subscribe for twenty shares of $500 each of the capital stock of the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic Railway, in accordance with the laws of the State of Kansas, and in payment therefor issue the bonds of said township, running thirty years, bearing six percent interest, payable semi-annually, redeemable after ten years, at the will of said township, provided said township shall give one year’s notice to the Fiscal Agency of the State of Kansas at New York City, of their election to call any of said bonds, upon the following conditions, namely;
When the roadbed of said railway is built and track laid, of standard gauge, and cars running thereon, from a connection with the Missouri Pacific, or the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf, or the St. Louis, Fort Scott & Wichita Railroad, through said township, with a suitable depot and side track sufficient to accommodate the business, located at the most convenient and practicable point in said township, the bonds of said township, to the amount of $10,000 shall be delivered to said railway, upon the delivery by said railway to the County Treasurer of twenty shares, of five hundred dollars each, of the full paid capital stock of the said railway, issued for and in the name of said township.
Unless said road shall be completed as aforesaid, within two years from the time of voting said bonds, said railway shall forfeit all right to said township bonds.
The form of ballot to be used at such election shall be as follows: “For the subscription to stock and issue of bonds to the Denver, Memphis & Atlantic Railway;” and “Against the subscription to stock and issue of bonds to the Denver, Memphis & Atlantic Railway.”
And your petitioners will ever pray.
And said Board of County Commissioners having duly heard, examined and considered said petition together, with the evidence in support thereof, doth find that said petition is in writing and is signed by more than two-fifths of the resident tax-payers of said township, and it is in all respects according to, and sufficient in law. It is therefore ordered by the Board of County Commissioners, of the county of Cowley, State of Kansas, that a special election be held in the municipal township of Fairview, of said county, on Wednesday, the 10th day of June, A. D. 1885, and that thirty days notice be given by the Sheriff of said county, by publication in THE WINFIELD COURIER, a weekly newspaper printed and published at the city of Winfield, in the said county of Cowley, and of general circulation in the township of Fairview, for the determination by the qualified electors of said township, of the following proposition, to-wit;
Shall the board of County Commissioners of Cowley County order the County Clerk, for and in behalf of said township, to subscribe for twenty shares of $500 each of the capital stock of the Denver, Memphis & Atlantic Railway, in accordance with the laws of the State of Kansas, and in payment therefor, issue the bonds of said township, running thirty years, bearing six percent interest, payable semi-annually, redeemed after ten years, at the will of said township, provided said township shall give one years notice to the Fiscal Agency of the State of Kansas at New York City of their election to call any of said bonds, upon the following conditions, namely;
When the roadbed of said railway is built and track laid, of standard gauge, and cars running thereon, from a connection with the Missouri Pacific, or the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf, or St. Louis, Fort Scott and Wichita Railroad, through said township, with a suitable depot and side track sufficient to accommodate the business, located at the most convenient and practicable point in said township, the bonds of said township, to the amount of $10,000 shall be delivered to said railroad, upon the delivery by said railway to the County Treasurer of twenty shares, of five hundred dollars each, of the full paid capital stock of the said railway, issued for and in the name of said township.
Unless said road shall be completed as aforesaid, within two years from the time of voting said bonds, said railway shall forfeit all right to said township bonds.
And it is further ordered that the form of ballot to be used at such election shall be as follows: “For the subscription to stock and issue of bonds to the Denver, Memphis & Atlantic Railway,” and “Against the Subscription to stock and issue of bonds to the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic Railway.” Now
THEREFORE, I, Geo. H. McIntire, sheriff of the county of Cowley, State of Kansas, in pursuance with the aforesaid proceedings and order of the said board of county commissioners and the statutes of the State of Kansas, in such case made and provided, do hereby proclaim and make known that on Wednesday the 10th day of June, A. D. 1885, there will be held in the township of Fairview, of the county of Cowley, State of Kansas, at the usual voting places therein, an election for determination by the qualified electors of said township of the proposition embodied in and set forth by the above and foregoing order of said board of county commissioners, at which said election the ballots used shall be in the form specified, and provided for in and by said order of said board of county commissioners. Given under my hand at my office in the city of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas, this 5th day of May, A. D. 1885. GEO. H. McINTIRE. Sheriff of Cowley County, Kan.
ADVERTISING RAILROAD ELECTIONS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.
James A. Irwin, of the board of county commissioners, is one of the tried and true men of this county, and his judgment is always clear and intelligent. In the matter of advertising the township railroad elections, he saw at once the propriety and justice of placing the proposition for each township in the local paper published in such township, because it was in no sense a county matter paid by the county and there is no reason that it should be published in the official paper of the county as urged, and because the local paper only pays township taxes and works especially for the benefit of the particular township, and is entitled to the benefit of the patronage paid for by his township. In pursuance of this principle, he promptly voted to place the proclamation for Ninnescah township in the Udall Sentinel, but in the first instance he was in a minority of one, then
AMOS WALTON
saw the injustice of the thing and immediately changed his vote to the Sentinel, which gave it the job. We have had many differences of opinion with Mr. Walton on personal, local, and political matters, but these have not so prejudiced us against him that we fail to see his sterling qualities, his wide intelligence, his sagacity, energy, and love of justice. We specially commend him in this act in favor of the Sentinel.
RAILROAD NOTICE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.
To all persons owning lands on the line of the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company, as the same is now or may be located through the County of Cowley, in the State of Kansas.
You and each of you are, are hereby notified that the undersigned Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, in the state of Kansas, will on the 8th of June, A. D. 1885, on the north line of section number six (6) in township number (30) south of range number seven (7) east in Cowley County, Kansas, where the line of said railroad enters said section, commence and from day to day (Sundays excepted), proceed southwesterly along the line of said road, through the townships of Harvey, Omnia, Richland, Fairview and Walnut in said county to the city of Winfield in said county and thence to the city of Arkansas City in said county, and thence in a southwesterly direction to the south line of said county, and lay off a route for said railroad, and appraise the value of the land taken from each quarter section or lot of land through and over which said line of railroad is now or may be located in said county, and assess and adjudge the damages to each quarter section or lot of land through and over which said line of railroad is nor or may be located in said count.
S. C. SMITH, J. A. IRWIN, AMOS WALTON,
County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.
County Commissioner Irwin came over Monday to continue, with the Board of County Commissioners, the condemnation of the K. C. & S. W. right of way.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
County Commissioner Irwin left Friday to spend Sunday at home, to return Monday morning. The Board goes over the K. C. & S. W. line the first of the week to condemn the right of way, and with numerous other county business the Commissioners will be in session all this month.
COUNTY AUDITOR.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
The following claims were allowed in July.
Salary county commissioners:
S. C. Smith $75.00
Amos Walton $75.00
J. A. Irwin $75.00
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
James Lynn, of Wabash, Indiana, dropped in on THE COURIER Monday with County Commissioner Irwin. Mr. Lynn is visiting his cousin, S. M. Fall, of the Grouse Valley, and making a prospecting tour of Southern Kansas. Like many Indianians, he thinks strongly of casting his anchor in Kansas. Of course, he is delighted with our county and its grand prospects.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.
Whether or not Amos Walton succeeded in convincing the people of his district that he is the Board of County Commissioners, that Smith and Irwin are but the Kings and knights on the chessboard which he moves as he pleases, and that by his wonderful sagacity he saved the county $600 in the county printing; the said people did not seem to think they needed his valuable services any longer and so they elected J. D. Guthrie Co. Com., vice Amos Walton, not resigned. The accident of three years ago was not repeated.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.
County Commissioner Irwin was over from Cambridge Thursday. He has been down with the fever for several weeks and is looking very dilapidated.
SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION FOR ROCK CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
WHEREAS the Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, in the State of Kansas, at a special meeting duly convened on the 22nd day of December, A. D. 1885, duly made and caused to be entered of record in the office of the County Clerk of said County, the following order, to-wit:
NOW, on this 22nd day of December, A. D. 1885, at a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, State of Kansas, duly convened, present, S. C. Smith, Chairman; J. A. Irwin and Amos Walton, Commissioners, comes Jno. M. Harcourt, a resident tax payer of Rock Creek Township, in said Cowley County, and with him comes Sixty other resident tax-payers of said Township, and present their petition in writing to the Board of County Commissioners of said County, praying that a special election be called in said Township, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of said Township, a proposition for said Township to subscribe for One Hundred and Eighty (180) shares, of One Hundred ($100) Dollars each, of the capital stock of the Florence, El Dorado and Walnut Valley Railroad Company, and in payment therefor to issue to said Railroad Company Eighteen bonds of said Rock Creek Township, of the denomination of One Thousand ($1,000) Dollars each, said bonds to be payable upon the terms and conditions in said petition mentioned and described, and the said Board of County Commissioners having duly heard, examined and considered said petition, and the evidence of witnesses introduced to support thereof, doth find: That said petition is in writing, that said petition is signed by more than two-fifths of the resident tax-payers of said Rock Creek Township, and is in all respects in conformity with the law. The following being a copy of said petition, to-wit:
To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas:
We the undersigned, your petitioners, being resident tax-payers and legal voters of Rock Creek Township, in the said County and State, respectfully petition your Honorable Body to submit to the qualified electors of said Rock Creek Township for their acceptance or rejection, at a special election to be ordered by your Honorable Body, under and in pursuance of the laws of the State of Kansas, and an act entitled “An Act to Enable Counties, Townships and Cities to Aid in the Construction of Railroads, and to Repeal Section Eight of Chapter 39 of the Laws of 1874,” which took effect February 29th, 1876, and amendments thereto, the following proposition, with terms and conditions herein specified, to-wit:
Shall the Rock Creek Township, Cowley County, in the State of Kansas, subscribe for One Hundred and Eighty shares of One Hundred Dollars each, of the capital stock of the Florence, El Dorado and Walnut Valley Railroad Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Kansas, and in payment therefor, issue to said Railroad Company Eighteen bonds of said Rock Creek Township, of the denomination of One Thousand Dollars each; said bonds to be payable to the bearer at the fiscal agency of the State of Kansas, in New York City, thirty years after the date thereof, bearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum payable annually, for which interest coupons shall be attached, payable at the fiscal agency aforesaid.
This subscription of stock and issue of Bonds to be upon the following conditions, namely: As soon as said proposition shall be determined in the affirmative, by canvass of the votes cast at said election, the Board of County Commissioners of said County of Cowley, for and in behalf of said Rock Creek Township shall order the County Clerk to make, and the County Clerk shall make, said subscription, in the name of said Township for said One Hundred and Eighty shares of capital stock of said Railroad Company; and when the Railroad of said Railroad Company shall be built of standard gauge, and completed, and in operation, by lease or otherwise from its present terminus at Douglass, Butler County, Kansas, to a connection with the Railroad of the Wichita and South Western Railway Company, at or near the junction of that Railroad with the Railroad of the Southern Kansas Railway west of Winfield, in the County of Cowley, in the State of Kansas, or to a connection with the Southern Kansas Railway or the Wichita & South Western Railway at any point between said junction and a point one-half mile east of present depot of the Southern Kansas Railway, at Winfield, the said Florence, El Dorado and Walnut Valley Railroad Company shall receive Eighteen Thousand Dollars of said bonds and issue One Hundred and Eighty shares of stock therefor.
The said Board of County Commissioners shall cause such bonds, with interest coupons attached, as aforesaid, to be issued in the name of said Township of Rock Creek and shall deliver the same to said Railroad Company on delivery or tender to the Treasurer of said Township by said Railroad Company, of certificates for its share of fully paid up capital stock of said Railroad Company, equal in amount with said bonds dollar for dollar; provided said Railroad shall be built and completed and in operation on or before the 1st day of November, 1886; and provided further, that said Railroad Company shall construct a suitable depot building, and side tracks at some convenient point in said Township.
And it is also to be stipulated and agreed between said Railroad Company and said Township by the delivery and acceptance of said eighteen bonds and exchange therefor of said capital stock, that said shares of said capital stock, and the subscription therefor by said Township, shall be valid and binding, irrespective of the authorized capital stock of said Railroad Company, which shall be otherwise taken and subscribed for.
The ballots to be used at said election shall be in the following form to-wit: The ballot in favor of said proposition shall contain these words: “For the subscription of stock and
issue of bonds to the Florence, El Dorado and Walnut Valley Railroad Company.” And the ballot against said proposition shall contain these words: “Against the subscription of stock and issue of bonds to the Florence, El Dorado and Walnut Valley Railroad Company.”
NOW therefore, pursuant to the prayer of said petition, and in compliance with the laws of the State of Kansas, and an Act entitled “An Act to Enable Counties, Townships and Cities to Aid in the Construction of Railroads and to Repeal Section 8, Chapter 39, of the Laws of 1874,” which took effect February 29, A. D. 1876, and the amendments thereto. It is therefore ordered and declared by the said Board of County Commissioners, that the prayer of said petitioners be and is hereby granted, and that a special election be held in said Rock Creek Township at the usual place of holding elections therein on
WEDNESDAY, the 27th day of JANUARY, A. D. 1886,
and that thirty days notice of said election be given by the Sheriff of said County as hereinafter provided; and at said election the said proposition as set forth in said petition shall be submitted to the qualified voters of said Township, and as soon as said proposition shall be carried at such election and shall be determined in the affirmative by a canvass of the votes cast at such election, the Board of County Commissioners of said County of Cowley for and on behalf of said Rock Creek Township shall order the County Clerk to make, and said County Clerk shall make, such subscription of stock in the name of the Rock Creek Township for One Hundred and Eighty (180) shares of the capital stock of said Florence, El Dorado and Walnut Valley Railroad Company, and the said Board of County Commissioners shall, at the time hereinafter mentioned, cause said bonds, with interest coupons attached to be made out in the name of said Rock Creek Township, to be signed by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners of said County of Cowley, attested by the County Clerk of said County, and said bonds shall be of the denomination of One Thousand ($1,000) dollars each, and shall be payable to the bearer at the fiscal agency of the State of Kansas in New York City, thirty years after the date thereof, and shall bear interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, payable annually; for which interest coupons shall be attached to said bonds as aforesaid, payable at the fiscal agency aforesaid. And when the said Railroad of the said Railroad Company shall be built of standard gauge, and completed and in operation by lease or otherwise, from its present terminus at Douglass, in Butler County, Kansas, to a connection with the Railroad of the Wichita & Southwestern Railway Company at, or near the junction of that Railroad with the Railroad of the Southern Kansas Railway Company west of Winfield, in the County of Cowley, State of Kansas, or a connection with the Southern Kansas Railway, or the Wichita & South Western Railroad at any point between said junction and a point one-half mile east of the present depot of the Southern Kansas Railway, at said City of Winfield, then the said Florence, El Dorado & Walnut Valley Railroad Company shall receive the said Eighteen thousand ($18,000) dollars of said bonds, being Eighteen bonds of the denomination of One Thousand ($1,000) dollars each as aforesaid, and the said Florence, El Dorado & Walnut Valley Railroad Company shall, at the same time it receives said bonds, make out, execute under seal of said Railroad Company, and deliver to the Treasurer of said Rock Creek Township in the name of and for the benefit of said Rock Creek Township, certificates of full paid stock of the capital stock of said Railroad Company, in an amount equal to the amount of the bonds of said Rock Creek Township so received by it, dollar for dollar in exchange therefor, and in consideration thereof, provided: That said Railroad shall be built and completed, and in operation, by lease or otherwise as aforesaid, on or before the First day of November, A. D. 1886, and a suitable depot building and side tracks shall be constructed at some convenient point in said Township.
The ballots to be used at such special election for and against the proposition to take stock and issue bonds therefore as recited shall be in the following form, to-wit: The ballot in favor of said proposition shall contain these words: “For the subscription of stock and issue of bonds to the Florence, El Dorado & Walnut Valley Railroad Company.”
And it is further ordered that the sheriff of said Cowley County, make due proclamation of the holding of said election to the voters of said Rock Creek Township, of the time and place of the holding thereof by publishing the same for at least thirty days preceding the time of the holding of said election as required by law, in the WINFIELD COURIER, a weekly newspaper published and printed in the City of Winfield, in said County of Cowley, and of general circulation in said Rock Creek Township, and that in said proclamation he set forth the foregoing order and proceedings of said Board of County Commissioners in full.
Done by the Board of County Commissioners, of Cowley County, in the State of Kansas the 22nd day of December, A. D. 1885. S. C. SMITH, J. A. IRWIN, AMOS WALTON,
Board of County Commissioner of Cowley County, Kansas.
Attest: [SEAL] J. S. Hunt, County Clerk.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
The Board of County Commissioners Saturday, adopted the following: “In view of the retirement of Commissioner Walton, after three years’ service, we, the remaining members of the Board, wish to express our appreciation of his valuable services. By his sound judgment, general intelligence, and unfailing diligence, as well as by his uniform courtesy, he has made our duties less irksome and contributed largely to the success of our labors. Our remembrance of him will always be kindly, and we tender him our best wishes for his future happiness and prosperity.” To Capt. J. S. Hunt: “The Commissioners of Cowley County desire to express to you, at this expiration of your term of office, our appreciation of your ability in the conduct of a county office and to say that as a public servant all the duties of the office have been discharged accurately and faithfully, and that as a courteous and able assistant to the County Commissioners in their duties, they will remember you for years. They desire also to express the hope that your future may be crowned with the success your merit deserves. S. C. SMITH, J. A. IRWIN.”
The new Board, with J. D. Guthrie, of Bolton, the new member, met Monday and organized by electing Capt. S. C. Smith, chairman.
The first business brought up was the letting of the county printing. THE COURIER was designated as the official paper of the county for the coming year, at legal rates.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Commissioner J. A. Irwin was over from Windsor Monday. He leaves in a few days for a three week’s visit to his aged mother in La Relle, Mo. His mother is 82 years old and yet quite buoyant. Mr. Irwin takes with him a copy of each of Cowley’s twelve papers, as the best possible index to the county’s material prosperity and worth.
OTTER VALLEY. “JESSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
J. A. Irwin, Henry Beamer, D. T. Rowe, and Duane Foster spent Tuesday in Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
County Commissioners Smith and Guthrie met Friday and canvassed the railroad vote, finding it all O. K., carried by the majorities already given in THE COURIER. Commissioner Irwin is visiting in Missouri.
COUNTY AFFAIRS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
The Board of County Commissioners held a short adjourned meeting Monday, with Commissioners S. C. Smith and J. D. Guthrie, present, to settle the M. Schofield county road matter. County Commissioner Irwin still being absent in Missouri and one of the attorneys in the case being absent, it was postponed to March 15th.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
County Commissioner J. A. Irwin has returned from his La Belle, Missouri, visit, having spent a very pleasant month with his aged mother and old friends.
SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
WHEREAS, on the 2nd day of March, A. D., 1886, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Cowley, in the State of Kansas, duly made, and caused to be entered of record in the office of the County Clerk of said county, the following order to-wit:
OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, WINFIELD, KS., March 2nd, 1886.
NOW, on this 2nd day of March, A. D. 1886, at a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas, duly convened, present: S. C. Smith, Chairman; and J. A. Irwin and J. D. Guthrie, Commissioners, S. J. Smock, County Clerk, and Henry E. Asp, County Attorney, there is presented to said Board of County Commissioners an act of the legislature of the State of Kansas, entitled, “An act in relation to building and maintaining bridges in Cowley County, Kansas, and to provide for levying and collecting taxes for such purposes.” Approved February 18, 1886. And upon consideration of said act, it is ordered by the said Board of County Commissioners that a special election be and is hereby called to be held in said County of Cowley, on Tuesday, the 8th day of April, A. D. 1886, for the purpose of taking the sense of the electors of said Cowley County as to whether the said act of the legislature of the State of Kansas shall be in force in said Cowley County; and for the purpose of determining the said proposition.
And it is further ordered that the Sheriff of said county give at least twenty days’ notice of said election, of the time and places of the holding thereof, by proclamation, and by publishing the same for at least twenty days in the WINFIELD COURIER, a weekly newspaper printed and published in said County of Cowley, and of general circulation therein, and being the official paper of said county, and by posting the same as written or printed handbills at each of the several voting precincts in said county, at least twenty days before the time of the holding of said election.
And it is further ordered that the votes and ballots for the said proposition shall have written or printed thereon the following words: “For the Special Bridge Act,” and the ballots and votes against said proposition shall have written or printed thereon these words: “Against the Special Bridge Act.”
And it is further ordered that in said proclamation the said sheriff set forth the foregoing order in full.
Done by the Board of County Commissioners of the county of Cowley in the State of Kansas, this 2nd day of March, 1886
S. C. SMITH, J. A. IRWIN, J. D. GUTHRIE
County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas.
STATE OF KANSAS, COWLEY COUNTY, ss
Now, therefore, I, G. H. McIntire, Sheriff of the county of Cowley, in the state of Kansas, under and by virtue of the foregoing order of the Board of County Commissioners of said county of Cowley, and the authority in me vested by law as such Sheriff, do hereby proclaim and make known that on Tuesday, the 5th day of April, A. D. 1886, there will be held a special election in said county of Cowley, at the usual voting precincts therein, for the purpose and in the manner and form as set forth in said order of the said Board of County Commissioners of said Cowley County, and that in all other respects said election will be held, the returns made and the result ascertained in the same manner as is provided by law for general elections.
Done at the Sheriff’s office in the city of Winfield, in the county of Cowley, state of Kansas, this 3rd day of March, A. D. 1886.
G. H. McINTIRE, Sheriff.
[Note: I skipped the Act bringing about the above election for bridge construction. It was very lengthy. The law referred to was Senate Bill No. 2, February 20, 1886.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
County Commissioner Irwin, just home from a month or more at his old home, Lewis County, Missouri, reports a good immigration certain for Kansas and Cowley County from that section this spring and summer. The farmers there have tired of eking out a chary existence on forty and eighty acres of worn out land. Nothing is being done in city or county improvements—everything ancient and slow, a big contrast to the bustle and rush of Cowley County.
ANOTHER WINFIELD RAILROAD.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
Winfield men are to the front again with another railroad scheme. It is one of considerable magnitude, the Kansas City, Colorado & Texas railroad, with a total length of 1,500 miles and a capital stock of $30,000,000. The directors named in the charter are Capt. J. B. Nipp, Senator J. C. Long, J. L. Horning, H. D. Gans, J. H. Fazel, N. M. Powers, Jas. A. Irwin, Edwin Beeny, John Kuddiman, of Winfield, and others from abroad. Among the foreigners: L. S. Olmstead, builder of the Chicago & Alton, B. F. Beesley, J. L. Morrison, and D. H. Mitchell, old railroad men from Jacksonville, Illinois. Already capitalists and other old railroad men are seeking interest in the scheme. The capital stock is limited to $20,000 a mile. The proposed route is from Kansas City to and through the counties of Wyandotte, Johnson, Franklin, Douglass, Osage, Lyon, Morris, Chase, Marion, Dickinson, Saline, McPherson, Ellsworth, Rice, Barton, Rush, Ness, Lane, Scott, Wichita, and Greeley, to the western line of the state; thence through Colorado to Denver. A line will diverge in Osage County, and pass southwesterly through Osage, Lyon, Coffee, Greenwood, Chase, Butler, Cowley, and Sumner; thence through Indian Territory and Texas to San Antonio. Another line will branch off in Morris County and pass through Chase, Marion, Butler, Harvey, Sedgwick, and Sumner, going through Indian Territory and Texas to San Antonio.
OTTER VALLEY. “JESSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
Commissioner Irwin has returned from his visit to Missouri. He says they have had a cold winter there.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
County Commissioner Irwin is over from Cambridge. The Board has a special meeting tomorrow.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
County Commissioners, Capt. Smith and James A. Irwin, met in special session Friday to call the elections to vote bonds for the Independence & Southwestern railroad along its line in this county. Petitions were presented containing more than the requisite number of names, by Otter, for $17,000 in bonds; Spring Creek, $19,000; Cedar, $20,000; Liberty, $19,000; and Walnut, $10,000. The elections were called for May 1st, 1886. The city council, in recognition of petitions properly signed, will call an election in Winfield on Monday evening next, for the same date, to vote $15,000 in bonds, making the $100,000 in aid required by the Santa Fe for this extension. Arkansas City was also up, en masse, with petitions asking an election in Otter, Cedar, Spring Creek, and Liberty for exactly the same amount of bonds for a railroad from Oswego to Arkansas City, chartered by an Arkansas City company with Jim Hill at the head. Commissioner Guthrie came up at 3 o’clock. The election was called for . It will be a straight and hot contest.
THE R. R. STRUGGLE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
The County Commissioners met on Friday morning and received the petitions of citizens of Walnut, Liberty, Spring Creek, Cedar, and Otter townships for elections to vote on bond propositions to the Independence and Southwestern railroad. The petitions were granted and the elections were called for May 1st.
In the afternoon they met again and received petitions of citizens of Cedar, Spring Creek, Silverdale, and Cresswell townships for elections to vote on bond propositions to the Kansas State Line Railroad Company.
The principle struggle was between Winfield and Arkansas City for priority in the elections, Winfield working for the former and Arkansas City for the latter of the above sets of petitions. The Commissioners gave the precedence to the former company for the reasons hereinafter stated; but we will first remark on the positions of the individual commissioners. They were fully informed on the situation; but it is probable that two of them acted partly from the bias of location and surroundings and on the theory that though they are the representatives and guardians of the interests of the whole county, yet each is more especially the exponent of the interests of his particular district.
Capt. Smith represents the first district, and therefore Winfield, in this matter, and acted as he should have done. Commissioner Guthrie represents the second district and did all he could in the interest of Arkansas City, just as we should have done had we been in his place. Commissioner Irwin represents the 3rd district, which had no interest in the struggle, and he had no bias, so he could act impartially, as he did, and decided justly according to the facts, as every unbiased person knowing fully the situation will testify.
The facts were substantially as follows: Two months or more ago a scheme was started by Winfield people and the Santa Fe company to build a railroad direct from Winfield to Fort Smith by way of Maple City and the Caney river. A charter was then filed for such road, but it was necessary to secure the right of way through the Territory; therefore, the citizens of Winfield and the Santa Fe officers at Topeka sent W. P. Hackney to Boston and Washington. At Boston he got authority and instructions from the General officer of the Santa Fe company, and at Washington he secured the passage of a right of way section for this road by congress. Returning home with instructions he arrived more than two weeks ago and immediately got the petitions printed for the several townships above named, but had to send them to General Manager A. A. Robinson at Topeka for examination and approval before circulating. The petitions were approved and returned here Friday the 5th inst., and were circulated for signatures on Monday the 8th, in all the townships named. After these petitions were printed, some of the citizens of Arkansas City began to devise means to head it off. They hastily organized the “State Line Railroad Company” and filed their charter as late as the 5th, though they had their petitions in the field a day or two earlier. Their petitions for the townships of Spring Creek and Cedar are essentially like those of the Santa Fe for the same townships and for the same amounts and were evidently written by someone with the Santa Fe proposition before him. Our Arkansas City friends are wide awake and got up early enough to be entitled to the precedence and so Commissioner Irwin justly decided. We hope our Canal City friends will take their partial failure with the same equanimity that Winfield did when Arkansas City got away with the Western branch of the K. C. & S. W.
RAILROAD NOTICE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
To all persons owning lands on the line of the Geuda Springs, Caldwell and Western Railroad, as the same is now, or may be located, through the county of Cowley, in the State of Kansas:
You and each of you are hereby notified that the undersigned Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, State of Kansas, will, on
The 20th DAY of APRIL, A. D. 1886,
at the point where the line of said Geuda Springs, Caldwell and Western Railroad connects with the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad, on the southeast quarter of section No. 26 township 34, south of range No. 3 east, in said county, at the hour of 10 o’clock a.m. of said day, commence, and from day to day, Sundays excepted, proceed along the line of said road through the township of Bolton, in said county of Cowley, to the west line of said county, and lay off a route for said railroad and appraise the value of land taken from each quarter section or other lot of land, through and over which said line of railroad is now or may be located, and assess and adjudge the damages to each quarter section or other lot of land through which said railroad is now or may be located in said County. Such right of way to be one hundred feet in width, unless it shall be necessary to take more for the purpose of construction of and security of said road, for cuttings and embankments, in which event a sufficient quantity for such purposes will be taken.
S. C. SMITH, J. A. IRWIN, J. D. GUTHRIE.
County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas.
SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION FOR LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, in the State of Kansas, at a special meeting duly convened, on the 12th day of March, A. D. 1886, duly made and caused to be entered of record in the office of the County Clerk of said County, the following order, to-wit:
Now, on this 12th day of March, A. D. 1886, at a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Cowley, State of Kansas, duly convened, comes Alexander Thomson, a resident tax payer of Liberty township, in said Cowley County, and with him comes seventy other resident tax payers of said Liberty township, and present their petition in writing to the Board of County Commissioners of said County, praying that a special election be called in said township for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of said township a proposition for said township to subscribe to the capital stock of the Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company, to the amount of nineteen thousand dollars, and to issue the bonds of said township to the amount of nineteen thousand dollars to said Railroad Company in payment for said stock, upon the terms and conditions in said petition mentioned and described; and the said Board of County Commissioners having duly heard, examined, and considered said petition, and the evidence of witnesses introduced in support thereof, doth find:
That said petition is in writing; and that said petition is signed by more than two-fifths of the resident tax payers of said Liberty township, and is in all respects in conformity with the law, the following being a copy of said petition, (the signatures of the petitioners omitted) to-wit:
PETITION
To the Honorable Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas.
We, the undersigned, your petitioners, being resident tax payers of Liberty township, in the county of Cowley, State of Kansas, respectfully petition your honorable body to submit to the qualified electors of said Liberty township, for their acceptance or rejection at a special election to be ordered by your honorable body, under and in pursuance of the laws of the State of Kansas and an act entitled “An act to enable Counties, Townships and cities, to aid in the construction of railroads, and to repeal section 8 of chapter 39, of the laws of 1874" which took effect February 29th, 1876, and amendments thereto, the following proposition, under the terms and conditions hereinafter specified, to-wit:
Shall the township of Liberty, in the county of Cowley, in the state of Kansas, subscribe for One Hundred and Ninety shares, of One Hundred dollars each, of the capital stock of The Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Kansas, and in payment therefor issue to said railroad company
nineteen bonds of said Liberty township of the denomination of One Thousand dollars each? The subscription of stock and issue of bonds to be upon the following conditions, namely: As soon as said proposition shall be determined in the affirmative, by canvass of the votes cast at said election, the Board of County Commissioners of said county of Cowley, for and on behalf of said Liberty township, shall order the County Clerk to make, and the County Clerk shall make said subscription, in the name and for the use of said Liberty township for One Hundred and Ninety shares of the capital stock of said railroad company, and when the said railroad company shall have built or caused to be built, and have in operation, with cars running thereon by lease or otherwise, its said railroad into and through said township of Liberty and from the City of Winfield to the east line of the county of Cowley, on or before the 1st day of September A. D., 1887, it shall be entitled to demand, and receive the sum of Nineteen Thousand dollars of said bonds of said Liberty township upon the presentation and tender of certificates of nineteen thousands dollars of its fully paid capital stock therefor.
Provided that said railroad company shall construct a suitable depot building, side tracks, and stock yards at some point on the line of its road in the said Liberty township.
The said Board of County Commissioners shall cause such bonds to be issued, payable to the bearer at the fiscal agency of the state of Kansas, in the City of New York, thirty years after the date thereof, and bearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, payable annually for which interest coupons shall be attached payable at the fiscal agency aforesaid, and shall deliver the same to the said railroad company upon delivery or tender to the township treasurer of said Liberty township by said railroad company, of certificates of its shares of fully paid up capital stock, equal in amount with said bonds, dollar for dollar.
The forms of ballots to be used at said election shall be: “For the subscription of stock and issue of bonds to the Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company,” and “Against the subscription of stock and issue of bonds to the Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company.”
Now, therefore, pursuant to the prayer of said petition, and in compliance with the laws of the State of Kansas in such cases made and provided, and an act of the Legislature of the State of Kansas entitled “An act to enable counties, townships, and cities to aid in the construction of railroads, and to repeal section 8 of chapter 39 of the laws of 1874" which took effect February 29th, 1876, and all acts of the Legislature of the State of Kansas amendatory thereof, and supplemental thereto, it is declared and ordered by the said Board of County Commissioners that the prayer of said petitioners be, and the same is hereby granted, and that a special election be held in said Liberty township at the usual place of holding elections therein, on
SATURDAY, the first day of MAY, A. D. 1886,
and that thirty days notice of said election be given by the Sheriff of said county as hereinafter provided; and at said election the said proposition as set forth in said petition shall be submitted to the qualified voters of said Liberty township; and in case said proposition is carried at said election, and shall be determined in the affirmative by a canvass of the votes at said election, the Board of County Commissioners of said Cowley County, for, and on behalf of said Liberty township shall order the County Clerk to make, and the County Clerk shall make said subscription in the name of, and for the use of, said Liberty township for one hundred and ninety shares of the capital stock of said, The Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company, and when the said Railroad Company shall have built, or caused to be built, its said Railroad into and through said Liberty township, and from the city of Winfield in said county, to the east line of said county, on or before the first day of September, A. D. 1887, and shall have the same in operation, and have cars running thereon by lease or otherwise, it shall be entitled to demand and receive the sum of nineteen thousand dollars of said bonds of said Liberty township upon the presentation and tender of certificates of nineteen thousand dollars of its full paid capital stock therefor.
The said Board of County Commissioners shall cause such bonds to be issued, and such bonds shall be payable to bearer at the fiscal agency of the state of Kansas in the City of New York thirty years after the date thereof, and bearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, payable annually, for which interest coupons shall be attached to said bonds, payable at the fiscal agency aforesaid, and the said bonds shall be delivered to the said railroad company when the said railroad company shall have built or caused to be built its said line of railroad and have the same in operation as aforesaid, and shall have constructed a suitable depot building, side tracks, and stock yards at some point on the line of its road in the said Liberty township, and upon the delivery or tender to the township treasurer of said Liberty township by said railroad company of certificates of its shares of full paid capital stock equal in amount of said bonds, dollar for dollar in exchange therefor and in consideration thereof.
The ballots to be used at such special election for and against the proposition to take stock and issue bonds therefor, as above recited, shall be in the following form, to-wit: The ballot in favor of said proposition shall contain these words: “For the subscription of stock and issue of bonds to The Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company,” and the ballot against said proposition shall contain these words, “Against the subscription of stock and issue of bonds to The Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company,” and it is further ordered:
That the sheriff of said Cowley County make due proclamation of the holding of said election to the voters of said Liberty township, of the time and place of the building thereof
by publishing the same for at least thirty days next preceding the time of the holding of said election in THE WINFIELD COURIER, a weekly newspaper published and printed in the city of Winfield, in said Cowley County, and of general circulation in said Liberty township, and that in said proclamation he set forth the foregoing order and proceedings of the said Board of County Commissioners of said Cowley County in full.
Done by the Board of County Commissioners of said Cowley County, this 12th day of March, A. L. 1886.
S. C. SMITH, J. A. IRWIN.
County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas.
ATTEST: S. J. SMOCK, County Clerk.
[Skipped the rest of this notice.]
SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION FOR SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
Similar to the one for Liberty township.
Pertinent differences:
NOW, on this 12th day of March, A. D. 1886, at a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of the county of Cowley, state of Kansas, duly convened, comes James S. Gilkey, a resident tax payer of Spring Creek township, in said Cowley County, and with him comes eight-six other resident taxpayers of said Spring Creek township, and present their petition in writing to the Board of County Commissioners of said county, praying that a special election be called in said township for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of said township a proposition for said township to subscribe to the capital stock of the Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company, to the amount of Nineteen Thousand dollars, and to issue the bonds of said township to the amount of Nineteen Thousand dollars to said railroad company in payment for said stock, upon the terms and conditions in said petition mentioned and described....
Shall the township of Spring Creek, in the county of Cowley, in the State of Kansas, subscribe for One Hundred and Ninety shares, of one hundred dollars each, of the capital stock of The Independence and Southwestern Railroad Company...
Provided that said Railroad Company shall construct a suitable depot building, side tracks, and stock yards at some point on the line of its road in the said Spring Creek township...
