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J. H. Finch, Winfield Jailer
Kansas 1875 Census Richland Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name age sex color Place/birth Where from
J. H. Finch 41 m w New York Illinois
M. J. Finch 33 f w Vermont Illinois
Frank Finch 30 m w Illinois Illinois
Hattie Finch 14 f w Kansas
Wm. C. Finch 12 m w Kansas
Cora C. Finch 7 f w Kansas
James A. Finch 5 m w Kansas
Ida Finch 5 f w Kansas
George Finch 1 m w Kansas
Mary J. Finch 1m f w Kansas
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
MINUTES OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY
OF COWLEY, STATE OF KANSAS, HELD AT WINFIELD,
MARCH 9TH, 1873.
Board met in county clerk’s office. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Board proceeded to canvass the vote on the bond election held March 1st, which resulted in the defeat of the Railroad proposition by 157 votes, and the County Building proposition by 531 votes. Poll books of Pattens, Omnia, and Spring Creek precincts were thrown out on account of informality.
On account of error in the assessment rolls, the tax of D. Smith of Cedar Township was remitted. C. Mayse made affidavit that he was not a resident of the State on March 1st, 1872, and on the same his tax was remitted. On affidavit of C. G. Handy, trustee, Sam’l Williston was allowed his constable exemption of $2.00.
Petition of J. H. Finch and 50 others, asking for a new township to be taken off from Tisdale and Omnia Townships, described as follows: Commencing at the N. E. corner of Sec 1, town 31, R 63; thence W on town line to N W corner of Sec 6, town 31, R 63; thence south on town line to 8S W corner of Sec 31, town 31, R 63; thence E on township line to S E corner of Sec 36, town 31, R 63; thence N to place of beginning. Petition granted and township set off, to be known as Silver Creek Township. Voting precinct established at Stephen Drapers’ house on Silver Creek, and election for township officers to be held at the general election on April 1st, 1873.
On petition Sec’s 6 and 7, town 31, R 7 E, were ordered off from Omnia and attached to Windsor Township.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 25, 1873.
Please announce the name of Dr. Samuel Thompson of Tisdale as a Republican candidate for the office of Representative. Subject to the decision of the Republican County Convention.
W. W. WALTON: Candidate for the office of County Surveyor.
John Irwin: Register of Deeds.
E. B. Kager: Re-election as County Treasurer. Backers: S. H. Myton, Wm. Orr, Geo. W. Baily, S. W. Green, W. P. Duncan, J. H. Finch.
Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.
Col. E. C. Manning, Mrs. Manning, Judge Ross, John Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, and J. M. [J. H.?]Finch started for a four week’s trip to Arkansas yesterday morning.
Which Mr. Finch is not spelled out in the following...
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876.
MR. FINCH has raised, by subscription, sufficient funds to purchase a pair of fur gloves for Tommy Young, the stage driver. They will be presented to him tonight on his down trip. This is not done as a “charity” act, but as a token of the donor’s esteem for a faithful public servant. Tommy is the best driver that ever drew rein between here and the railroad.
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1877.
[County Commissioner Proceedings...am only putting down amount allowed. Skipping amount claimed].
County Commissioners’ Proceedings.
OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK,
Winfield, Kansas, April 11th, 1877.
Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. All the Board present with James McDermott, County Attorney, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk. Among other proceedings had, sundry claims were presented and passed upon as follows:
Jurors—[Each paid $1.50.]
T. R. Bryan, M. G. Troup, J. H. Finch, B. M. Terrill, S. C. Smith, F. S. Jennings.
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877.
County Commissioners’ Proceedings.
OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK,
Winfield, Kansas, July 5th, 1877.
Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. Present: R. F. Burden, Chair-man, W. M. Sleeth and William White, members of the board, with James McDermott, County Attorney, R. L. Walker, Sheriff, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk. Among other proceedings claims against the county were presented to the board and passed upon as follows, viz.
J. H. Finch, bailiff fee, $13.50
Other Items:
J. H. Finch, court costs, $.90
[EDITORIAL COLUMNS.]
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ELECTED.
Winfield—C. C. Pierce, Trustee; B. F. Baldwin, Treasurer; E. S. Bedilion, Clerk; W. M. Boyer, G. H. Buckman, Justices; J. H. Finch, Burt Covert, Constables.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1878.
Colorado and Smith had a free fight last Monday. Colorado takes bad whiskey and then wants to fight almost everybody he meets. He imbibed many doses of the poison that day and followed Smith around all day to provoke a quarrel. Smith got poison, too, and as Marshal Stevens had his eye on them, they adjourned out of his jurisdiction, east of town, and “went in.” Colorado got the worst of it until Smith’s wife appeared on the ground and interfered. Constable Finch then appeared with Marshal Stevens, as a posse comitatus, marched Colorado to the calaboose to sleep off his drunk, and Smith to the office of Justice ______, who permitted him to contribute a small sum for the benefit of the school fund.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
J. L. M. Hill and J. H. Finch are the deputies our new sheriff has appointed. We think he has made good selections.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Claims allowed Jan. 10.
Bailiffs: B. Covert, $9; J. H. Finch, $9; E. L. Walker, $9; G. L. Walker, $9.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.
Finch, with his “boarders,” were scrubbing out the jail last Monday.
Winfield Courier, March 14, 1878.
Escape of Prisoners.
Young Finch went into the jail about 11 o’clock on Monday evening; his father, the jailer being absent at Wichita, to get the light and lock up the cells. On entering a cell, he was immediately shut in by the prisoners and two of them; a colored man charged with horse stealing, and Billson, the Arkansas City man charged with stealing jewelry, escaped. Hostetler remains. Says he did not want to leave. A good horse is missing from Dr. Davis’ place and a poker from the jail was left in place of the horse.
LATER. The white man has been retaken.
Winfield Courier, April 4, 1878.
Five tony boarders are registered at the Hotel de Finch.
The Daily Winfield Courier, Saturday Morning, May 11, 1878.
While J. H. Finch was on the witness stand in court, in answer to the question, “What official position do you hold in this county?” replied: “Constable, jailer, deputy sheriff, deputy U. S. marshal, and ex-deputy postmaster.”
Winfield Courier, June 6, 1878.
James H. Finch, of this city, has been appointed Deputy U. S. Marshal by Benjamin F. Simpson, U. S. Marshal for the District of Kansas.
Homicide.
Winfield Courier, June 6, 1878.
On last Saturday, June 1st, about four o’clock p.m., Jay Page, saloon keeper of this place, was shot and killed by L. J. Webb, attorney, and member of the House of Representatives of the State. Crowds of men immediately assembled around the scene of the transaction and great excitement prevailed. At the time of the shooting Mr. Page was standing against the counter of his saloon in conversation with Frank Manny, when Mr. Webb entered from the back room; and walking up to within about twelve feet of Mr. Page, drew a revolver from his pocket and fired—the ball entering Page’s left breast about five inches above the nipple. Page ran out the front door, blood gushing from his mouth and nostrils, crying that Webb had killed him. He ran along the sidewalk perhaps 100 feet and fell. He was taken up, bleeding from the mouth profusely. He expired immediately. No word was spoken in the saloon by either Webb or Page. After firing the shot Webb turned to the counter, where he handed his pistol to J. L. M. Hill, deputy sheriff, and went out in custody of Hill.
Coroner W. G. Graham caused to be summoned before him by J. H. Finch, deputy sheriff, a coroner’s jury, composed of W. Q. Mansfield, B. F. Baldwin, A. A. Jackson, H. Brotherton, A. E. Baird, and W. Gillelen. Frank Manny, Newton Ball, and Jesse Herndon, eye-witnesses to the transaction, were sworn and testified to the facts as above stated.
The jury returned a verdict to the effect that Jay Page came to his death by a shot from a pistol fired in the hands of L. J. Webb.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
Our councilmen, George W. Gully, Robert Hudson, and J. M. Olds lost some shirts from a clothes line at the American House one day last week, and a certain man was suspected of the theft. Deputy J. H. Finch was sent into the country to find the stolen shirts and other articles of clothing. Finch has the trunk in charge and is ready to deliver it to the owner whenever he calls for it.
Council Proceedings.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, June 3rd, 1878.
Council met in council chamber. J. B. Lynn, mayor, and G. W. Gully, E. C. Manning, and C. M. Wood, councilmen, present.
J. H. Finch, boarding prisoners: $11.25.
Special Meeting Winfield City Council.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, May 4th.
J. B. Lynn, mayor, and all councilmen present.
J. H. Finch, boarding prisoners: $11.25.
Winfield Courier, August 1, 1878.
WINFIELD, July 30th, 1878.
ED. COURIER: Please allow me to make known through your paper that I am wronged.
Last Saturday as I was sitting in the National Saloon, I was thrown upon the floor by one of the proprietors and struck several times, until Mr. Felix and John Beard rescued me from him. I had interfered to prevent a friend of mine from spending his money foolishly.
The marshal was sent for, who came and took me to the calaboose. On Monday I had a hearing before Judge Boyer on the charge of being drunk and my fine and costs were fixed at $7.50. I objected to the payment and was taken back to the jail. I would be allowed 50 cents a day to work it out on the streets and that would take me fifteen days to work it out.
I faired well enough for my dinner and supper, but was locked in a cell for the night. I had for my breakfast only two cuts of bread and a pint of water. I was told by Mr. Finch that he was doing as he was ordered by the city and that they intended to give me hell.
I did not know that I had so many enemies in the city. If I have wronged or insulted anyone in this town, I ask his pardon. I appoint Archie Stewart, Sheriff Harter, and Mr. Jackson to see Mr. Felix and his partner, and John Beard, and find out if I am right or wrong. If I am wrong, I will pay my fine; but if I am right, I will rot in jail before I will pay one cent.
Respectfully, DENNIS LYNCH.
We give room for Mr. Lynch’s complaint because it is respectful in tone and we know it is possible that some error may have been committed and that he may have suffered wrong. Of course, the judgment of the court is prima facie against him. We think if he is wronged, the city authorities will, when convinced of the fact, cause his release. We should advise him and his friends to keep out of the saloons, and then there will be little danger of suffering such wrongs or getting into the calaboose to be fed on bread and water. He is probably in error about what Mr. Finch said.
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, August 5, 1878.
Council met in council chamber in regular session: J. B. Lynn, mayor, and all councilmen present.
J. H. Finch, bedding prisoners: $15.00.
Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.
Marshal Stevens and the “Hotel de Finch” did a rushing business the latter part of last week. Charley knows how to preserve peace among our citizens.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
City Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, December 9, 1878.
Council met in council chamber.
Present: J. B. Lynn, Mayor; Councilmen Gully, Manning, and Wood. Councilman Jochems, having moved outside the city limits, his name was dropped.
J. H. Finch, boarding prisoners: $5.25
Winfield Courier, December 26, 1878.
COWLEY COUNTY.
One of the Garden Spots of Kansas.
Winfield, Its County Seat—Its Wonderful Growth and Business.
[Special Correspondent, Atchison Champion.]
WINFIELD, Dec. 18, 1878.
I was pleased to meet here J. H. Finch, deputy sheriff and deputy U. S. Marshal; also delivery clerk in the post office. Mr. Finch is an old Atchisonian, who has many warm friends there who will be glad to hear of his success.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.
Board of County Commissioners met in regular session [January 6, 1879]. Present: R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleeth, and G. L. Gale, commissioners, James McDermott, county attorney, and M. G. Troup, county clerk.
Among other proceedings had, bills against the county were presented and passed upon by the board as follows.
J. H. Finch, bailiff’s fees.
J. H. Finch, constable’s costs.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Action taken on the following bills.
Bill of T. B. Myers, restringing chairs,$1.75, admitted.
Bill of Frazee Bros., crosswalk, $25.50, admitted.
Bill of J. H. Finch, b’ding pric., $6.75, referred to finance committee.
T. K. Johnson was granted permission to extend his building on Main street.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
WINFIELD, KANS., Mar. 24, 1879.
Council met at usual time and place, Mayor Lynn in chair. Present, councilmen Jochems, Manning, and Wood.
J. H. Finch, boarding prisoners, $6.00.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.
The “Hotel de Finch” is full to overflowing.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1879.
Deputy Sheriff Finch last week received a telegram from Morrisville, N. Y., to arrest one Lewis E. Kinney alias Alvia Brown, who was supposed to be stopping at the residence of his cousin, Mr. Charles Frith, near Dexter. Mr. Finch started immediately for Dexter, and in less than ten hours he had captured his man, lodged him in the county jail, and telegraphed to the sheriff of Madison County, New York, to come and get him. Saturday he received a telegram to hold the man until further notice, and that he had forged a note to the amount of $378.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1879.
Mr. Jochems, at the council meeting Monday evening, made a very good suggestion, that of reducing the fare of prisoners and of providing a rock pile for them to exercise on between meals. The city has been entirely too easy on her prisoners heretofore, and the “Hotel de Finch” is so excellently managed that most of the professional bummers don’t care to stop anywhere else. The mortal terror of the above named gentlemen to anything like work, especially on a bread and water stomach, will have a wholesome effect, and the city will not be called upon to foot so many bills of “board for prisoners” at 75 cents a day.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.
Deputy Finch is always on the lookout for criminals, and can tell a horse thief whenever he gets his eyes on one. Last week he took in a suspicious looking darkey who answered a description which he had of a mule thief, and who proved to be the right man. He had stolen a span of mules and a wagon from near Independence, and was en route to Leadville when he was stopped by Mr. Finch.
[FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, WINFIELD, 1879.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
Last Friday was undoubtedly the biggest day Winfield ever had. Considerable preparation had been made by our citizens; but as so many celebrations were to be held in the county, no one expected such a crowd as gathered at the metropolis to observe “the day we celebrate.” Over 8,000 people were present.
The streets and avenues were lined with wagons, crowding the streets and lining the roads for miles.
About half past ten a.m., Gen. Green, with a corps of assistants, began the work of organizing the procession and getting the different township delegations together. The procession was delayed somewhat by the Vernon delegation, which came in about eleven o’clock headed by the Winfield Cornet Band, and took their places at the head of the column. When all was ready, the band struck up “Hail Columbia” and the procession, reaching from the courthouse to Millington street, south on Millington street to 13th avenue, thence west to Main street, and north to the grounds, over two miles, started. It was supposed that over half of the teams had not formed in the procession, and the number of wagons was estimated at five hundred.
The speech of the occasion, which was delivered by Judge McDonald, was pronounced by all to be one of his most brilliant efforts, and was as creditable to himself as it was pleasing to the audience.
Everybody seemed to be a committee of one to provide dinner for a score of persons, and we wished a dozen times that we had the capacity for victuals of the “two-headed giant” of picture book fame.
After dinner, the presentation of the flag to the largest delegation, was awarded to Vernon township. Prof. R. C. Story presented the flag in one of the neatest speeches it has ever been our fortune to hear. Judge Ross, Squire Barrack of Rock, and Rev. Joel Mason of Pleasant Valley made some happy and appropriate remarks.
In the “glass ball shoot,” which took place at 4 o’clock, Jas. Vance carried off the first premium, breaking 14 balls out of a possible 15. The races, owing to the bad condition of the track, were postponed.
The fire-works were a success, although for awhile it looked as if the committee on “fizzle” would make a good job of it. Through the exertions of E. P. Kinne, T. K. Johnson, J. H. Finch, and others of our citizens, the little “misunderstanding” was righted and everything “went off” nicely.
[IKE WHITE ARRESTED BY DEPUTY FINCH FOR STEALING INDIAN PONIES.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
A young fellow called Ike White, who has been about here for some time, was arrested by Deputy Finch last Tuesday for stealing some ponies from Indians in the Territory. The Indians tracked him to this place and found that the ponies had been sold at auction Saturday, and that the thief had flown. Deputy Finch immediately commenced working the matter up and soon obtained a clue to the whereabouts of the thief.
When arrested, White denied having stolen the ponies, and said he had bought them from another party. A good many of our citizens remember the White boys, who have been hanging around here for several years, and who seemed to be trying to convince themselves that they were desperadoes of the very worst type. When arrested White was a walking armory, having revolvers, dirk knives, bowie knives, and a rifle on his person. We understand that this is not the first time he has seen the inside of the cooler.
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879.
Last Sunday Deputy Finch started to Wichita with a man arrested at Dexter for violating the internal revenue laws in relation to the sale of liquor. The officers had been in pursuit of him for several years, but he had always escaped capture until taken in by our officers. Five years is the penalty for this offense. Verily, the way of the transgressor is hard.
[NOT A GOOD RUNNER: DEPUTY FINCH GETS IKE WHITE.]
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1879.
Deputy Finch came near losing one of his boarders last Saturday evening. He had allowed Ike White, who is a member of the cooler gang on the charge of stealing Indian ponies, to go to the pump in the rear of the jail for a pail of water; and Ike, having great faith in his speed and powers of endurance, concluded it was a good opportunity to make a break for liberty, which he accordingly did, scooting across Tenth avenue and down Millington street, with Deputy Finch following like a race horse about 150 laps in the rear.
Seeing Finch gaining rapidly, White concluded to take to cover, which he did in a patch of corn in the rear of the house occupied by Mr. Crane. Finch soon came up at a two-forty gait and after looking around some time found his man, crouching among the corn stalks, and who, under the persuasive influence of a six-shooter, was induced to return and carry in the water as he was first instructed to do. The task of carrying water will hereafter devolve upon some more contented boarder.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.
Deputy Finch returned from Arkansas City Saturday evening having in custody Zeke White and John Hoffman, who have been suspected for some time of trying to get Ike White out of jail. The boys seemed very much surprised when taken by Mr. Finch and one of them confessed that they had come to Arkansas City for the purpose of “getting stuff to get Ike out with.” Hoffman is supposed to have been with Ike White in the pony steal and will likely get a couple of years at Leavenworth. These are all young looking boys and have begun their career of crime at an early age.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.
Deputy Finch has been out again: this time after “moonshiners.” Last week he arrested Mr. Sol. Frazier, of Grouse Creek, for dealing in liquor without being able to show the requisite “parchment” from the government, and brought him before Judge Boyer, where he plead guilty and invoked the clemency of the court, and was fined $10 and costs, amounting to over $40, which was paid. Our worthy Deputy is death on crooked whiskey.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
Deputy Finch started to Leavenworth Monday with the prisoners convicted at the late term of court. Ike White goes for three years, Hoffman for one year, and Punkard for three years.
[“WINFIELD RIFLES.”]
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1879.
Last Friday the members of the new military organization met at the office of Gen. Green and were sworn in under the laws of the state. The company then organized by electing J. H. Finch First Lieutenant. The arms have been sent for and the boys have been drilling diligently. The company is composed of the very best class of young men in the city, and we predict that before long the “Winfield Rifles” will have, if not a “national reputation,” at least one of being the crack company of the state. The company only lacks a few members of being full, and at least a dozen have signified their intention of presenting their names for admission at the next meeting.
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1879.
The “Winfield Rifles” elected a full set of officers, last Saturday evening, and the muster rolls have been forwarded to the Adjutant General’s office. The General has been holding 65 stands of superior breech-loading Springfield rifles with which to outfit this company for some time, which will be sent as soon as the boys are mustered in. The officers of the company are: Mr. Charles Steuven, Captain; Mr. J. H. Finch, First Lieutenant; Mr. F. M. Friend, Second Lieutenant.
DANIEL GRAMM’S AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF KANSAS, )
Cowley County, ) ss.
Daniel Gramm, after first being duly sworn, upon his oath deposes and says, that he is a resident of Pleasant Valley township in said county and state and has been since about April 15th, 1879. That some time in the early part of July last he lost a span of mules, the same having been stolen, and since then has never heard of them. That as soon as affiant heard of the theft aforesaid he offered a reward of fifty dollars for said mules and applied to Charles L. Harter, the sheriff of said Cowley county, to look after the matter and wanted him to make a search. He did not seem to take any interest in the matter and affiant could get neither counsel nor assistance out of him, and the only aid he vouchsafed to affiant was “That he would look around town.” Afterwards I went to him with a letter from one of the men who I think stole my mules. That the supposed thief stated that he was at Raymond in Rice county, Kansas, and for them to write him there. I begged him to go and arrest the thief, but he would do nothing, and the thief finally came down and gave himself up and was sent to the penitentiary. Whether his disgust at Harter for not doing his duty had any thing to do with his voluntary surrender, affiant can’t say. Affiant applied to Harter’s deputy, “Jim Finch,” with same result; and further affiant says not. DANIEL GRAMM.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th dcy of October, 1879.
W. P. HACKNEY, Notary Public.
J. C. ROBERT’S AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF KANSAS, )
Cowley County. ) ss.
J. C. Roberts, after first being duly sworn, upon his oath, doth say that he is a resident of Walnut township, formerly Winfield, in said county and state, and has been for more than eight years last past.
That in the month of November, 1878, my son-in-law had a horse stolen in said county, and my son-in-law, A. B. Graham, and myself went to the city of Winfield and endeavored to get Charles L. Harter, the Sheriff of said county to go with us after the thieves. Harter not being at home I went to Finch, the Deputy Sheriff, and asked him to go with us. This he refused to do then and wanted us to wait until the next day as he had ridden all the way from Wichita that day and was too tired.
We then went to look for A. T. Shenneman to get him to go with us. He was absent with passengers brought from Wichita and taking them to east part of this county. Learning that he would be back that night, we waited until 12 o’clock, at which time Shenneman came home. We told him what we wanted, and notwithstanding he had the day before driven from Winfield to Wichita and that day from Wichita to Winfield and thence some 12 miles and back that night, he immediately got his shot-gun and borrowed a revolver from J. H. Finch, Harter’s deputy, and we went at once after the thieves, traveling all that night and all the next day and the day following and got home at 12 o’clock that night, and while we were unsuccessful in our search for the thieves, the facts show what the Republican candidate for Sheriff will do when he is elected, and what the conduct of our present officials has been and will continue to be if Mr. Harter is elected. J. C. ROBERTS.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of October, 1879.
W. P. HACKNEY, Notary Public.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1879.
Deputy Finch is terribly exercised over the knowledge that he is soon to lose his bread-and-butter position over the jail. No help for it, Mr. Finch, you’ll have to step down and out after January 1st.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1879.
The following commissions were issued at the governor’s department to officers of the Nineteenth Independent Co., K. S. M., lately organized at the thriving and growing town of Winfield: Captain, Charles E. Steuven; First Lieutenant, James H. Finch; Second Lieutenant, Florus M. Friend. We understand that this new company will uniform its members, and thus become an ornament to the regiment. Topeka Capital.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1879.
One of the most prominent of the “bread and butter brigade,” who are making such agonizing efforts to elect Harter, is Jim Finch. this the valiant gentleman who holds the position of Deputy United States Marshal and Deputy Sheriff of Cowley County, and who, by virtue of that position, started to Topeka last summer with a crooked whiskey man. He got along very well till they reached Newton, where he left his man on the platform of the depot while he crossed over to a saloon to get a drink, and on returning, found the prisoner had “sloped,” leaving his broken hand-cuffs as a keepsake for the brave officer. He returned to Winfield alone and you may be sure said nothing about the matter until it happened to leak out. This is the kind of a man we are to have for Deputy Sheriff if Harter is elected. A man who can neglect his duty, and “cat crow” with such evident relish, can never receive anything from the hands of the people of Cowley County.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1879.
It is not quite clear yet whether that “foul whiskey breath” belongs to Conklin or Finch.
[NOTICE TO MILITIA.]
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1879.
The militia laws of the state of Kansas require that each and every company shall meet at least once in each month. Now, therefore, I, J. H. Finch, 1st Lieutenant, commanding Winfield Rifles, order each and every member to report at Manning’s Hall, on the evening of the 14th day of November, 1879, at 7:30 sharp.
J. H. FINCH, 1st Lieut., Commanding.
[ Winfield Courier, November 27, 1879.
On Tuesday, Mrs. Keesey, who lives on Cedar Creek, about 7-1/2 miles northeast of Winfield, was examined before the Probate Judge on a charge of insanity. The principal witness was her husband, and from his testimony it appears that she had been ailing for about five years, but has not been violent until within the past year, since which time she has been growing worse, and on Monday evening, while in a violent passion, attempted to drown herself, but was prevented by her husband. She has on several occasions attempted to injure persons, among whom were her husband and children. Her appearance while in court was very wild and she attempted several times to escape, using a fire-shovel, stove-stick, and other weapons, (so effective in feminine hands), to intimidate Constable Finch, who had her in charge.
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1879.
Mounts and Clarke were discharged from further custody by the commissioners last Tuesday morning. This is a sad blow to Deputy Finch, as it deprives him of $2 per day board bill.
Winfield Courier, January 8, 1880.
For some time Deputy Finch has suspected that the prisoners in the jail were working to make their escape, and last Sunday evening he “laid for them” and discovered them drilling the bolts which hold the door. They had filed the cavities where they had been drilling with soap and blackened it with coal dust to look like the bolt head, and were only waiting for a favorable opportunity to make their escape.
Winfield Courier, January 15, 1880.
The army is well represented at Topeka this week. Gen. Green, Captains Bacon aand Steuven, Lieutenants Finch, Friend, Hoenscheidt, Greer, and Crapster represent the troops stationed at Winfield. In case war is declared before they return, they will go right in and not wait for the consent of their wives and sweethearts.
Winfield Courier, January 15, 1880.
From all accounts the boarders at the Hotel de Finch are getting a little unruly. Last Saturday evening they took pieces of wood and plugged up the padlocks to the cells so they could not be locked in. The result was that deputy Finch had to sit up all night in order to keep his birds caged.
Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.
Last Sunday morning, Mary Noalla, the crazy woman confined to the jail, attempted to run away. She was pursued by Mrs. Finch, and when overtaken, threw her arms around a fence-post and begged piteously to be allowed to go home, where, as she said, “her husband had 80 acres of land and lots of wheat.” It was with difficulty that she was persuaded to go back to the jail.
Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.
Monday evening a young woman by the name of Fanny Ray was brought in and placed under the care of Deputy Finch. She does not appear to be over 23 years old, and was married some time since to a man by the name of Ray. They lived happily together until four months ago, when her husband disappeared. She waited long and anxiously for his return, and as days lengthened into months, and he did not come back, her reason began to give way, and also her health, and she was soon thrown upon the charity of kind neighbors, who cared for her until her malady became so pronounced that it was decided to apply for her admission to the asylum. She comes from Cedar township, near the Chautauqua County line.
Question: Is Frank Finch the son of J. H. Finch???
Winfield Courier, January 29, 1880.
Mr. Frank Finch has been appointed to a deputyship under Sheriff Shenneman.
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
Capt. Siverd of Rock has been appointed jailer, in place of Mr. Finch. The keys of the jail have been turned over to him, but as yet Mr. Finch holds the fort in the second story.
Winfield Courier, March 11, 1880.
Mr. Ed Roland was elected 2nd Lieutenant of the Winfield Rifles Monday evening, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Finch and the promotion of Lieutenant Friend. Ed. will make a first class officer.
Winfield Courier, April 8, 1880.
Tuesday passed off very quietly. There was considerable “scratching” on both tickets resulting in the election of a mixed ticket. The following are the official returns.
FIRST WARD.
Justice of the Peace.
James Kelly: 89
G. H. Buckman: 82
W. M. Boyer: 57
W. E. Tansey: 55
Constable.
J. H. Finch: 82
J. T. Quarles: 63
D. F. Kerr: 50
Bert Covert: 49
Thos. Benning: 35
Ed. Weitzel: 26
Councilman.
W. S. Mendenhall: 77
W. A. Freeman: 79
Member of School Board.
T. R. Bryan: 157
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Mr. Frank Finch was severely burned while trying to get some of the furniture out of the Central during the fire last week. He was in the east wing of the building and the roof fell in on him. He is recovering rapidly and will be out again in a few days.
Winfield Courier, May 13, 1880.
Mr. Frank Finch was on the street Monday for the first time since the fire. He has lost that handsome mustache which so heightened his beauty in the past: a prey to the raging flames. Frank says if he is spared by a kind Providence, he will immediately begin the cultivation of another.
Winfield Courier, June 3, 1880.
The Census Enumerators are hard at work. The following is the list of districts and Enumerators of Cowley County.
169 M. S. Roseberry, Beaver township.
170 Wm. Trimble, Bolton township.
171 Jas. Utt, Cedar and Otter Townships.
172 I. H. Bonsall, Cresswell township.
173 J. A. Bryan, Dexter township.
174 E. M. Annett, Harvey and Omnia townships.
175 Justice Fisher, Liberty and Spring Creek townships.
176 W. B. Norman, Maple and Ninnescah townships.
177 Samuel Watt, Pleasant Valley township.
178 I. N. Lemmon, Richland township.
179 J. M. Harcourt, Rock Creek township.
180 E. A. Millard, Silver Creek township.
181 W. H. Clay, Sheridan township.
182 J. P. Musselman, Silverdale township.
183 W. C. Douglass, Tisdale township.
184 E. D. Skinner, Vernon township.
185 Chas. W. Jones, Windsor township.
186 S. E. Berger, Walnut township.
187 J. H. Finch, Winfield City, 1st ward.
188 Jas. Kelly, Winfield City, 2nd ward.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Finch have the sympathy of the entire community, in the loss of their daughter, Ida, last week.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1880.
A party of our citizens, comprising James Finch, Custer, Covert, and Walcott, with Patterson of Arkansas City, went to Arkansas City on a sort of a “jamboree.” They had one of Terrill & Ferguson’s best rigs, and on their return, when within four or five miles of town, managed by careless driving to upset the carriage, breaking the vehicle in divers places, and well nigh making it a complete wreck. The horses were not injured. Custer had a leg broken in two places. Patterson’s collar bone was fractured, and Walcott’s head serious bruised. Telegram.
Winfield Courier, August 12, 1880.
Monday Geo. Miller received a telegram from Wellington to look out for a couple of thieves who had stolen some green hides and started this way with them. Soon after two men entered his shop to sell some hides; and from the description, he judged them to be the thieves.Warrants were immediately put into Constable Finch’s hands and the parties arrested. They claimed to have purchased the hides at Hunnewell. Mr. Finch took them to Wellington Monday evening.
Winfield Courier, August 19, 1880.
James Kelly and Frank Finch are the delegates of the Good Templars of this city to the Grand Lodge of the State which meets at Topeka.
Finch mentioned in article...Jim is mentioned...not Frank???
[CONVENTION NOTES: WIRT WALTON MENTIONED.]
Winfield Courier, September 9, 1880.
After E. B. Brainerd was put in nomination by Hon. A. L. Redden, for Treasurer, M. G. Troup, of Winfield, arose and in a short address seconded the nominination. We were back of the Cowley delegation sitting on a table at the end of the hall beside the Hon. Eugene Ware, the famed poet of Fort Scott. Mr. Ware remarked to us that Mr. Troup’s speech was “just the neatest and best thing of the kind he ever heard.” Not long after this Mr. Troup was strolling past us and we had the pleasure of introducing to the poet the orator he had so gracefully complimented.
We met Gen. Rice, manager of the Western National Fair at Bismarck Grove. He told us to say that an attempt had been made to supply all Kansas editors with tickets to the fair, and if any have been missed, they should present themselves and let it be known and they will be provided with tickets. The fair opens the 13th and closes the 18th.
When we got home we found it currently reported that Wirt W. Walton was the nominee of the Convention for Secretary of State. This is a mistake by just two years. Wirt was like the colored Mr. Waller who, when named in the Convention for attorney-general arose and said he would not ask for the nomination “at this time.”
The delegation to Topeka would have had a good time had it not been for Jim Finch, who prevented them from getting the full benefit of their Havanas. Before one got his cigar two-thirds smoked, Jim would come around and borrow it under the pretence of lighting his own with it; but the moment he got the stub into his hand, he would stick it into his mouth and march smoking away. How many stubs he got in that way is unknown.
Some Crawford County men insisted that our name was Millington and that we were their candidate for the legislature. It was with difficulty that we convinced them that we were not our Crawford County brother.
Col. D. R. Anthony got into the St. John ranks before the lists were too full to admit more.
Judge Campbell was beaten as chairman of the convention 194 to 100. This was not a test of the relative merits of Morrill and Campbell as estimated by the convention, but only a test of the strength of St. John. Morrill was the St. John candidate, and it was expected that those in favor of St. John would vote for Morrill.
Wirt Walton and F. P. Baker do not like to eat crow, but much prefer chicken. They are usually quite fastidious about their diet and like to range themselves on the winning side. But both missed it this time, hence their disagreeable diet.
Reed, of the State Journal, declares he won’t eat the crow, he will be shot first. Wonder if he is interested in that Protective Union campaign fund.
W. P. Hackney, A. H. Green, Fred C. Hunt, and some others got left at Poppen-dick’s Friday morning when the train passed for the southwest. The night clerk woke up the wrong set of passengers.
M. G. Troup was a member of the committee on credentials and was complimented on the efficient work he did in that capacity.
Leading Republicans from all parts of the state inquired anxiously of us if there was any danger that Hackney would be defeated, stating that such a result would be a bad blow for the party not only in Cowley but throughout the State. We assured them that W. P. Hackney would be elected by more than 500 majority.
The trouble with Col. H. L. Taylor, of Sedgwick, E. B. Brainard, of Butler, and James McDermott, of Cowley, was that their local delegations were cold or lukewarm. In the latter case no canvass had been made in the State, or among the delegates, while opposing candidates had made a vigorous canvass and their local delegates were for them first and ready to trade anything else for them. Our delegates were for St. John first and were not solid for McDermott in any event. It was generally admitted that McDonald made the best impression and was the equal in other respects to any candidate. The only way to secure a nomination is to have some local delegation composed of effective and experienced workers who are for him so earnestly that they will be ready to sink all other preferences in his interests.
Winfield Courier, October 7, 1880.
Messrs. James Kelly and Frank Finch left for Topeka Monday. They go as delegates to the Grand Lodge of Good Templars which meet there today.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
Sheriff Shenneman started for Leavenworth, Monday, with Lewis, Grimes, and King, candidates for the penitentiary. Frank Finch went with him to see the sights and help guard the prisoners.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.
Sheriff Shenneman and Deputy Frank Finch returned from Leavenworth Wednesday morning last, having safely delivered to the warden of the penitentiary Tom King, Kenton Grimes, and Earnest Lewis, who were sentenced at the late term of court. Cowley County now has eighteen representatives in that institution.
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1881.
J. H. Finch, of this city, is elected assistant door-keeper of the senate, and W. O. Kretsinger, brother of our Krets, is journal clerk of the senate.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.
Fred Hunt, Jim Finch, and Wirt Walton went into office without opposition.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
Mr. James H. Finch has a title. He is “Col. Finch, of Allen County,” at Topeka.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
J. H. Finch, the gentleman from Allen County, came down from Topeka again on Saturday to remain over until Monday, when he returned again to his fat office at the portals of the Senate.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
At the last regular meeting of Winfield Lodge No. 20, I. O. G. T., the following officers were installed for the ensuing term commencing February 7th, 1881.
W. C. T.: T. H. Soward.
W. V. T.: Mrs. Henry Rowland.
W. S.: J. C. Rowland.
W. F. S.: Mrs. M. L. Jewell [? Jowell ?].
W. T.: Professor E. P. Hickok.
W. C.: Rev. J. Cairns.
W. G.: Miss Mary Cairns.
W. Sen.: H. H. Siverd.
Asst. S.: Miss Ella Freeland.
I. M.: Miss Mary Clark.
I. H. S.: Miss Mary Cochran.
L. H. S.: Miss Libbie Smith.
P. W. C. T.: Professor E. T. Trimble.
L. D.: Frank W. Finch.
NOTE: FIRST INITIAL IN TITLES PARTIALLY OBSCURED...COULD HAVE
SOME WRONG!
Winfield Courier, March 10, 1881.
Mr. Frank W. Finch came over last Saturday night and remained in town until Monday morning. We like Frank very much, but we fear he contemplates capturing one of Oxford’s fair daughters, thereby lessening our population, and this is what we are taking exceptions to. Oxford Weekly.
Frank, rise and explain.
[REPUBLICAN CITY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, March 31, 1881.
RECAP: Judge Soward and Ed Greer were appointed tellers. On motion of Hackney, delegates were requested to deposit the ballot on the call of the secretary. Nominations being in order, the following gentlemen were placed in nomination for mayor: T. R. Bryan, S. C. Smith, J. C. McMullen, and M. G. Troup. On the fourth ballot Mr. Troup was nominated.
On motion rules were suspended and Lovell H. Webb was nominated for city attorney by acclamation.
T. R. Bryan received the nomination for city treasurer, and S. C. Smith for treasurer of the school board by acclamation.
For police judge J. T. Hackney and James Kelly were nominated. Mr. Hackney received the nomination.
For justice of the peace, Capt. Tansey was nominated by acclamation.
For constables: J. H. Finch and Capt. Siverd, by acclamation.
Fred C. Hunt was made chairman of the central committee, when the convention adjourned.
[ELECTION RETURNS.]
Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.
The result of the city election of last Tuesday is given in the table below. Names of candidates on the Republican ticket are in Roman, Citizens ticket in small caps, and on both in caps.
SKIPPED ALL THIS BREAKDOWN...
FOR MAYOR: M. G. TROUP AND J. B. LYNN.
TROUP WON: MAJORITY 28.
FOR CITY ATTORNEY: L. H. WEBB, O. M. SEWARD.
SEWARD WON: MAJORITY 27.
FOR CITY TREASURER: T. R. BRYAN.
BRYAN WON: MAJORITY 483.
FOR TREASURER, SCHOOL BOARD: S. C. SMITH, J. D. PRYOR.
PRYOR WON: MAJORITY 17.
FOR JUSTICE OF PEACE: J. H. KINNEY, W. E. TANSEY.
TANSEY WON: MAJORITY 84.
FOR POLICE JUDGE: JAMES KELLY, W. E. TANSEY.
TANSEY WON: THEY SHOWED MAJORITY OF 1...CONFUSING!
FOR CONSTABLES: H. H. SIVERD, J. H. FINCH, J. T. QUARLES, B. McFADDEN, E. P. HICKOCK...I THINK!
SIVERD WON: MAJORITY 58; AND
J. T. QUARLES WON: MAJORITY 106.
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
J. H. Finch is helping Gen. Green through a rush of real estate business.
Finch entries [more than 1] found under civil docket. below]...
[TRIAL DOCKET DISTRICT COURT MAY TERM, 1881.]
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
CRIMINAL DOCKET: STATE OF KANSAS VERSUS 59 CASES...
Theo Miller, R. Ehret, Jos. Whiteman, Frank Manny, John Himelspach, James Fahey, Frank Merrill, Stephen O’Lane, Theo R. Timme, Thos. H. Benning, E. A. Henthorn, Geo. Miller, B. M. Terrill, Joe R. Smith, A. W. Patterson, Harry Bahntge, David Harter, A. H. Green, Barney Shrivers, Thos. Wright, Sid S. Major, W. A. Gibbs, S. S. Moore, Geo. Corwin, Ed G. Cole, A. Hatfield, ____ Squires, John Custer, Wayne Bitting, Ed Appling, Ed Howell, S. R. Walcott, W. L. Mullen, H. Jochems, James Allen, L. J. Webb, Ed Collins, Sol Frazier, R. Ehret, Major F. Moss, Geo. Haywood, E. B. Weitzel, Allison Toops, Willie Fogg, Alex May.
CIVIL DOCKET: 120 CASES.
Patrick Harkins vs. David F. Edmons; C. C. Harris vs. Sanford Day; Mercy M. Funk vs. Cinthia Clark et al; W. W. H. Maris vs. T. W. Gant et al; James Kelly vs. Frank Manny; J. A. Myton vs. S. H. Myton et al; M. E. Bolton vs. Caroline Arnold; S. D. Pryor et al vs. M. L. Read et al; John Lowry vs. C S & Ft S R R Co; Seymour Tyrant vs. David Hitchcock; Same vs. C. L. Harter et al; John Pittinger vs. Samuel B. Atkinson et al; B. B. Vandeventer vs. S K & W R R Co.; John S. Mann vs. J. D. Burt et al; John B. Lynn vs. S K & W R R Co.; M. L. Read vs. Francis M. Small et al; M. L. Read vs. John J. Breene et al; Curns & Manser vs. Warren Gillelen; J. W. Lane vs. T. S. Green; John Stuart vs. B. Corrygan; Edward Geist vs. same; John Templeton vs. same; J. E. Hayner & Co. vs. H. L. Cowles; Wm. D. Rason vs. John Brooks; Emma J. Keffer vs. George Brown et al; Albert P. Johnson vs S K & W R R Co.; Oscar F. Weeks vs. same; Martha C. Dyer vs. Andrew R. Wilson; Daniel Bell vs. County Commissioners; E. M. Bird vs. same; J. R. Harmon vs. same; C. C. Hollister vs. same; Sarilda Paxton vs. Clayton A. Paxton; Miles L. Smith vs. W. P. Olney et al; Henry S. Ireton vs. Charles A. Bliss; D. M. Osburn vs. Godfrey Mast et al; Harry McNeil vs. A. T. Shenneman; John Moffit vs. John Smiley et al; Same vs. Thomas Wright et al; Joseph W. Pugsley vs A. T. Shenneman; Mary Lawson vs. Peter Lawson; Wyland J. Keffer vs. T. B. Norman; McCord, Nave & Co. vs. A. T. Shenneman; City of Winfield vs. Joseph Poor; Malin Fowler & Co. vs. Knisley & Bowles; John Himelspach vs. same; Ida Arnold vs. Elizabeth Dressel et al; John B. Fleming vs. C. C. Krow; Winfield Bank vs. T. M. Linscott; Moore Brothers vs. J. H. McBerth [? McBeth would seem more like it ?]; J. L. Byers vs.
W. B. Seward et al; M. L. Read vs. H. Tisdale et al; Basheba Goodell vs. Charles Goodell; W. H. Fritch vs. T. M. Maddox; Robert Allison vs. James Finch; Frank C. Wood vs. Geo. H. McIntire; Hackney & McDonald vs. Bolton and Creswell townships; Thomas J. Jackson vs. James P. Williams et al; James P. Walch vs. Knisley & Bowles; S. L. Brettun vs. Jacob G. Titus et al; Field, Leiter & Co. vs. A. T. Shenneman; M. L. Read vs. John L. Rusbridge; Brotherton and Silver vs. Elmer V. Stevens; H. P. Farrar vs. E. R. C. Gray; John B. Tallman vs. John H. Willis et al; James L. Huey vs. Agnes Wilson; George B. Green vs. James Harden; Libby & Moody vs. James Harden; Almost Wiley vs. James Harden; R. L. McDonald & Co. vs. Agnes Wilson; Tennent Walker and Company vs. Agnes Wilson; Evan Richards et al vs. S. B. Littell; Aultman & Taylor Co. vs. George Hafer; Winfield Bank vs. H. F. Burnett; Rosanna E. Sydall vs. James H. Finch; W. M. Wyeth & Co. vs. P. J. Sydall; S. P. Kinsley vs. A. T. Shenneman; Frank S. Sydall vs. James H. Finch; T. E. Lewis vs. E. A. Wilson; In the matter of W. M. Null for mill dam; Adolphus H. Green vs. E. F. Widner et al; Daniel Sheels vs. G. E. Bradt et al; M. Brettun vs. Alvin E. McDeed; Rufus B. Wait vs. E. E. Lewis; M. L. Read vs. Samuel C. Fitzgerald; F. E. Lewis vs. Charles Jones; S. B. Tucker vs. O. F. Boyle et al; Nancy A. Snodgrass vs. John Snodgrass; Jennie P. Coleman vs. Geo. W. Coleman; L. Lowenstein vs. B. Saddler; Mary Lewes vs. Lewis Sherbino; J. E. Hoyt vs. A. T. Shenneman; Comstock, Castle & Co. vs. E. S. Rose; Elijah Wells vs. Nancy J. Wells; Rilda P. Hughes vs. Charles Marshall; Robert E. Wallace vs. Martin West; March C. Anderson vs. Wm. D. Anderson; Margaret J. Manning vs. Edwin C. Manning; Almira I. Clay vs. Wm. Clay; Hattie B. Fuller vs. J. S. Chick; Jostin [?] Hollister vs. John L. Morton et al; John W. Sargeant vs. Susan Sargeant; John Lowry vs. F. A. Osborn; Aultman Taylor & Co. vs. Reuben Corman et al; Wm. C. Hatchings vs. Thomas Copeland; Mason & Tulle vs. Malinda Clay et al; Frank J. Sydall vs. James H. Finch; N. C. Myers vs. Elijah Murphey et al; Quincy A. Glass vs. School District 123; John Rhodes vs. John T. Quarrels; James E. Searl vs. Overa Y. Searl; Simmons and Ott vs. J. B. Williams et al; Thos. James vs. James Boyd.
[RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.
From Finch...
Frank Finch $1.00
A. S. Tucker $1.00
Smaller collections $57.20
Sent from Arkansas City $46.50
The above is not a perfect list, but is as near correct as possible in our hurry in going to press. The committee have raised in cash $801.00.
Besides the cash contributions the committee of ladies secured a large amount of clothing and bedding from families all over the city. A full load of these was sent up to the sufferers on Wednesday morning and more to follow during the day. Some merchants gave groceries and other goods from their stores. The committee are distributing the property and cash as judiciously as possible, so as to do the most good.
Winfield Courier, June 23, 1881.
Smith tried last Monday evening to walk on both sides of the street at the same time and Frank Finch took charge of him. He was going to fight the case to the bitter end, but the next day when the jury was impaneled, he had sense enough to see that they were not Topeka jurymen, so he confessed he had taken too much fly in his beer. In consideration of telling where he got his drink, his fine was made nominal.
[BAR DOCKET DISTRICT COURT - COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, November 3, 1881.
Cowley County, Kansas, November A. D. 1881 Term.
Judge: Hon. E. S. Torrance.
County Attorney: F. S. Jennings.
Sheriff: A. T. Shenneman.
Clerk: E. S. Bedilion.
SECOND DAY - CIVIL DOCKET.
C. C. Harris vs. Sanford Day, et al.
Mercy M. Funk vs. Cynthia Clark et al.
M. E. Bolton vs. Caroline Arnold.
M. L. Read vs. Francis Small, et als.
Lena McNeil vs. Charles H. Payson, et als.
Joseph M. Weeks vs. A T & S F R R Co.
Oscar F. Weeks vs. A T & S F R R Co.
Sarilda Paxton vs. Clayton A. Paxton.
M. D. Osborn & Co. vs. Godfred Mast et al.
John Smalley vs. Thomas Wright et al.
Frank C. Wood vs. George H. McIntire.
Hackney & McDonald vs. Bolton and Creswell townships.
S. L. Brettun vs. Jacob G. Titus.
Frank J. Sydall vs. James H. Finch.
Matter of William M. Null to erect a mill dam across Walnut River.
Adolphus H. Green vs. E. F. Widner et al.
Daniel Sheel vs. G. E. Bradt et al.
Samantha B. Thomas vs. O. F. Boyle et al.
THIRD DAY.
Justin Hollister vs. John L. Morton et als.
William C. Hastings vs. Thomas Copeland et al.
Frank J. Sydall vs. James H. Finch.
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
A lamp exploded at the residence of Mr. J. H. Finch Friday evening. Mrs. Finch was severely burned about the hands and arms while trying to extinguish the flames. The blaze was finally smothered without much damage being done. We don’t have explosions because we buy 175 test oil of a gentleman who doesn’t advertise in the COURIER. Of course, everyone can tell who that is for he’s about the only one. Under these circumstances the omission is as profitable as the commission.
Winfield Courier, November 24, 1881.
The Good Templars had another interesting meeting this week. The paper edited by Mrs. Beach was a gem. It sparkled with wit, eloquence, pathos, and instruction. The address by W. C. T. Finch startled the Lodge and electrified the members, but viewing it from a critic’s standpoint, I think there is great room for improvement. We have been troubled with a smoky place for some time, and last night Capt. Siverd explained the mystery by saying, “that it was caused by one of Mr. Beach’s ideas getting crosswise in the flue.” I will say to those of the members who have stayed away on account of the smoke that they can come back now, as the obstacle will be removed and put to its legitimate use next Monday night during the debate. The attendance and interest are increasing. Let us have a full lodge at the next meeting. BY A MEMBER.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
The motion for a new trial in both the Armstrong and Haywood cases, which were argued Monday, were overruled, and sentence was pronounced, and was that Thomas Armstrong be kept at hard labor in the penitentiary for fifteen years and to pay the cost of prosecution; George Haywood, convicted for forgery, ditto, seven years. J. McDade, grand larceny, one year. Jas. Jackson, horse stealing, five years. Emall Harmon, stealing hogs, four years. Joseph Rest will have an opportunity to “rest” in the same place for eighteen months. a sort of a compromise verdict was rendered in the Sydal-Finch case. Wheeler & Wilson against Thompson was on trial when reporter left.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Mr. S. L. Gilbert, a loan agent in this city who has resided here for several years, the senior member of the firm of Gilbert, Jarvis and Co., has been arrested and held to bail in the sum of $100, to appear before U. S. Commissioner Webb of this city, and answer to the charge of having opened a letter belonging to the latter named firm after its dissolution. The action was brought upon the complaint of J. H. Finch at the instigation of Mr. S. M. Jarvis, of Kansas City, and will come up for hearing on the 22nd of this month. Gilbert claims the letter in requisition was written to him as a personal and was so answered, which he hopes to establish to the satisfaction of the court and everybody else.
Cowley County Courant, January 5, 1882.
The much expected and long _______ [part of article missing] of masquerade came off Friday evening and was a grand and perfect ________. There were at least one hundred ________ on the floor and the rear seats of the hall were crowded with visitors __________ jollier and happier crowd has never assembled in Winfield since the first country hoe-down in the “old log store.” The beauty and chivalry of the city were there, the lights were good, the music was excellent, everybody was good natured, the ushers were obliging, the door-keepers were careful, the floor managers were watchful and active, and the whole hall was conducted without clash or discord, and fully met the expectations of those who had anticipated a first-class ball, and a lively, happy time. There were many rich and beautiful costumes, and many ludicrous representations that kept the visitors continually interested and overflowing with laughter.
The general march commenced at 8:30 o’clock with 41 couples on the floor, and formed a brilliant procession striking in its comic effect. Beautiful and rich costumes glittering with gold and silver trimmings, dukes and kings, knights and ladies, Indians, negroes, harlequins, grotesque figures, all commingled in one strange and startling crowd.
At 11 o’clock the command was given to form in procession for a march, a grand circle was formed in the hall, the order to face in was given, followed by the order to unmask, and for the first time the parties knew each other, face to face. The ejaculations of surprise, the mutual exclamations of “Well, I declare! Is that you?” attested the excellent manner in which the disguises were gotten up.
At twelve o’clock the hall was deserted for supper, after which tthe dancing was resumed until the—well, that is—the wee—or rather—oh, what’s the difference?—”until the wee sma’ hours,” according to Hoyle, when everybody went home, rather broke up for the next day, but having had a glorious, happy time. The names and characters of those participating we give as follows as near as we could find out, with running comments.
Miss Libby Mansfield, pink and blue domino, very pretty.
Mrs. Frank Sydal, Mary Stuart.
Mrs. Fred D. Whitney, domino.
Mrs. I. W. Randall, flower girl; neat and pretty.
Miss May Benedict, Maud Muller, rake and all, kept a sharp eye out, no doubt wished the Judge would come again.
Miss Jennie Lowry, highland lass, very neat and pretty costume.
John McGuire, Texas Bill.
John Hudson, Texas Jack.
Miss S. French, as Spanish girl, was very attractive, and tastily costumed.
Continues on...
Dave Harter, as a Dutch boy, with top, in our estimation, took the prize cake among the male masks. Dave stood them all off until he danced, when some of the boys caught on.
Abe Steinberger threw a gloom over the occasion as a huge, over-fed Dutch boy.
Frank Finch, as the “choice flour of the family,” was evidently kneaded at the ball.
[COMMUNICATION: “WILLIAM J.” - NORTH FAIRVIEW INTELLIGENCE.]
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
Your quillist had the pleasure of a friendly chat with Mr. Frank Finch, of Winfield, last week, while on his tour collecting taxes.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
A squaw was taking in the city today rigged out in a Government blanket, red flannel drawers (we’ve got Short for authority for this), a four dollar pair of button kid shoes, clock silk hose, and no bonnet. The outfit of Indians in town today have been taking a great deal of interest in the city election, especially in the success of Frank Finch, A. H. Doane, G. H. Buckman, and Judge Bard. Frank is credited with the silk stockings, and it is said the other fellows fitted out the bucks with the valises they were toting around.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
The election for city officers in Winfield Tuesday resulted in the election of the following named gentlemen.
Justices of the Peace: T. H. Soward and G. H. Buckman.
Constables: H. H. Siverd and Frank Finch.
Councilmen:
First ward—R. S. Wilson.
Second ward—J. C. McMullen.
Members of Board of Education:
First ward (long term)—J. C. Fuller.
(to fill vacancy)—George Emerson.
Second ward (long term)—B. F. Wood.
(to fill vacancy)—A. H. Doane.
The election was conducted in an unusually quiet manner, and the best of feeling prevailed through the entire day.
Winfield Courier, March 16, 1882.
Mr. Frank Finch, Sheriff Shenneman’s efficient deputy, will be a candidate for constable at the coming city election. At present it seems that Frank will have no opposition. He will make a splendid officer, a fact that is recognized by everyone.
Winfield Courier, March 23, 1882.
In another place in this paper will be found the announcement of Capt. H. H. Siverd for re-election to the office of Constable. Mr. Siverd has filled this office for the past year to the satisfaction of everyone, is an active, energetic officer, and fearless in the discharge of his duty. He should be re-elected without opposition, and from present appearances this is about what will happen. Siverd and Frank Finch will make a splendid team.
Winfield Courier, March 30, 1882.
IN THE HANDS OF THEIR FRIENDS.
H. H. Siverd will be a candidate for re-election to the office of Constable for the city of Winfield.
Geo. H. Buckman will be a candidate for the office of Justice of the Peace for the city of Winfield.
Frank W. Finch will be a candidate for the office of Constable for the city of Winfield.
T. H. Soward will be a candidate for the office of Justice of the Peace for the city of Winfield.
W. E. Tansey will be a candidate for re-election to the office of Justice of the Peace for the city of Winfield.
Winfield Courier, March 30, 1882.
Capt. Siverd and Frank Finch will be elected constables by common consent.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
City Election.
The City election last Tuesday passed off pleasantly and quietly, but there was strenuous work done. As usual, the successful candidates are happy and the unsuccessful feel a little sore. There were no party nominations and the contest, so far as there was a contest, was mainly on the prohibition issue. The anti-prohibitionists on Monday evening made up a good strong ticket largely of prohibition candidates with the evident main object of beating Buckman for Justice, Siverd for Constable, and whoever might be nominated in the first ward for councilman by their opponents. The prohibitionists accepted their nominations so far as suited them, but substituted other names for five principal offices, as appears below, to make up a complete ticket. The long and short term candidates for school board happened to get reversed on the two tickets, which occasioned the votes for full term and vacancy for the same candidates. Every man on the prohibitionist’s ticket was elected by majorities ranging from 55 to 180. The average vote on contested candidates in the whole city was 245 prohibition to 145 anti, or 100 majority. This is the way we look at the matter, but others may view it differently. The following is the vote in full. Those names prefixed by * are elected.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
*G. H. BUCKMAN: 256
*T. H. SOWARD: 277
W. E. Tansey: 201
H. B. Lacy: 15
E. S. Bedilion: 1
CONSTABLES.
*H. H. SIVERD: 293
*FRANK W. FINCH: 239
Burt Covert: 97
S. J. Hepler: 104
Tom Wright: 58
O. M. Seward: 23
J. E. Allen: 1
COUNCILMAN [FIRST WARD].
*R. S. WILSON: 150
S. Bard: 72
Dan Maher: 1
J. C. McMullen: 3.
COUNCILMAN [SECOND WARD].
*J. C. McMULLEN: 168
W. J. Hodges: 6
W. H. Smith: 1
SCHOOL BOARD. [FIRST WARD, FULL TERM.]
*J. C. FULLER: 140
Geo. Emerson: 71
J. E. Platter: 5
B. F. Wood: 3
A. H. Doane: 2
S. Bard: 1
SCHOOL BOARD [FIRST WARD: TO FILL VACANCY.]
*GEO. EMERSON: 144
J. C. Fuller: 68
A. H. Doane: 3
J. E. Platter: 1
John Wilson: 1
SCHOOL BOARD [SECOND WARD, FULL TERM]
*B. F. WOOD: 95
A. H. Doane: 72
W. J. Hodges: 2
SCHOOL BOARD [SECOND WARD: TO FILL VACANCY]
*A. H. DOANE: 93
W. H. Smith: 71
B. F. Wood: 4
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1882.
Lodge Items—Communicated.
The Good Templars had one of the most pleasant meetings at their hall on last Saturday evening of any since their Lodge was organized. It was the evening for installation of officers, and they were regularly installed by Lodge Deputy, E. T. Trimble.
The officers for the ensuing quarter are:
W. C. T., Mrs. E. T. Trimble.
W. V. T., Frank W. Finch.
P. W. C. T., David C. Beach.
R. S., E. T. Trimble.
L. S., Forest V. Rowland.
R. Sec’y, Frank H. Greer.
Ass’t Sec’y, Miss May Halyard.
F. Sec’y, Miss Anna Rowland.
W. T., Mrs. L. Scheffhousen.
W. Chap., Rev. J. Cairns.
W. M., James Lorton.
W. D. M., Miss Alice Dunham.
W. G., Miss Lizzie Scheffhousen.
W. Sen., M. F. Higgans.
Organist, Miss Lola Silliman.
Chorister, Mrs. H. Rowland.
Violinist, W. W. Leffingwell.
Librarian, Mrs. A. Hamilton.
After the installation the members mingled in social intercourse for some time, and were entertained with music by the choir, literary exercises, etc. Quite a large delegation from the Oxford Lodge came over in answer to a special invitation. The members of Winfield Lodge passed a few very pleasant hours with their visitors, and dispersed at a late hour feeling that “there was strength in union.” The party from Oxford returned at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon. OBSERVER.
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
Frank Finch has resigned his position as deputy sheriff and will hereafter devote his exclusive attention in gathering in the dividends accruing to the successful execution of the duties of constable for the City of Winfield. That’s right.
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
THE CONVENTION.
The Solons Meet in Conclave and Elect Delegates to the District and State Conventions.
An Ovation to Senator Hackney.
The convention met promptly at 11 o’clock a.m., and was called to order by D. A. Millington, Chairman of the County Central Committee, who read the call under which the convention met. On motion of T. H. Soward, H. D. Gans was elected temporary chairman and J. V. Hines, temporary secretary. On motion committees were appointed as follows.
Credentials: G. H. Buckman, P. M. Waite, Harvey Smith, John Wallace, and Frank Akers.
Permanent Organization: S. Matlack, N. W. Dressie, R. M. Patten, S. Phoenix, and W. M. Sleeth.
To select delegates to conventions: D. A. Millington, Justus Fisher, Sam Burger, Oscar Wooley, and P. A. Lorry.
On motion convention adjourned, to 1:30 p.m. On reassembling committee on credentials reported as follows.
MR. CHAIRMAN: We, your committee on credentials, report the following delegates and alternates from the various townships as entitled to seats in this convention.
Winfield City, 1st Ward, Delegates: J. E. Conklin, G. H. Buckman, D. A. Millington, Geo. F. Corwin, H. D. Gans. Alternates: A. H. Johnson, A. T. Shenneman, E. P. Greer, Henry Paris, James Kelly.
Winfield City, 2nd Ward, Delegates: A. B. Whiting, L. H. Webb, J. H. Finch, T. H. Soward, John Swain, W. E. Tansey. Alternates: A. H. Green, M. L. Robinson, Jas. H. Bullen, O. H. Herrington, J. L. Horning, M. B. Shields.
Sheridan Township, Delegates: D. A. Pfrimmer, C. G. Graham, Levi Anier. No alternates.
Walnut Township, Delegates: S. Cure, J. L. King, H. W. Stubblefield, S. E. Burger, M. A. Graham. Alternates: C. Wilson, T. A. Blanchard, Geo. Youle, Joel Mack, C. Metzger.
Omnia Township, Delegates: J. C. Stratton, E. M. Henthorn. No alternates.
Silver Creek Township, Delegates: Harvey Smith, T. P. Carter, J. M. Clover, J. M. Hooker. No alternates.
Creswell Township, Delegates: G. S. Rorick, W. M. Sleeth, Theo. Fairclo, R. H. Reed, Uriah Spray, W. H. Speers, S. Matlack. Alternates: A. Dunn, O. J. Pickering, J. Barnett, RR. J. Maxwell, Chas. France, J. L. Huey, John Williams.
Dexter Township, Delegates: John Wallace, H. C. McDorman, J. V. Hines, S. McKibbens. Alternates: C. W. Barnes, C. A. Walker, A. J. Truesdell, R. C. Nicholson.
Maple Township, Delegates: S. F. Gould, G. C. Edgar. Alternates: W. B. Norman, S. L. Dougherty.
Cedar Township, Delegates: N. W. Dressie, Fisher. No alternates.
Harvey Township, Delegates: John Denton, James Hickman. No alternates.
Vernon Township, Delegates: P. M. Waite, Thos. Thompson, W. L. Homes, H. O. Wooley. No alternates.
Bolton Township, Delegates: P. A. Lorry, R. M. Hatton, A. A. Clark. Alternates: J. C. Coulter, S. F. Bowers, John Lunton.
Tisdale Township, Delegates: Tom Walker, John Ingraham, H. McKibben. No alternates.
Richland Township, Delegates: J. R. Thompson, C. F. McPherson, S. W. Phenix, Dan’l. Maher, L. B. Stone. No alternates.
No delegates having been elected in Rock Township, we recommend that W. H. Grow, Alex Limerick, and Frank Akers cast the vote of Rock Township in this convention.
We further recommend that J. B. Nipp cast the vote for R. H. Reed, that C. M. Scott cast the vote for U. Spray, and Calvin Swarts cast the vote for W. M. Speer for Creswell Town-ship in this convention, those delegates and their alternates being absent.
Pleasant Valley Township having elected no delegates, we recommend that Henry Forbes, S. A. Sparks, J. Camp, and H. Harbaugh cast the vote of that township in this convention.
Also, Liberty Township, having elected no delegates, we recommend that Justus Fisher, H. C. Catlin, and C. W. Frith cast the vote of Liberty Township in this convention.
We further find that B. H. Clover was authorized by Windsor Township to cast the full vote of Windsor Township in this convention.
G. H. BUCKMAN, Chairman.
There was more...I skipped. MAW 9/26/99
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1882.
Jim Finch is the victim of a very serious accident. While alighting from a buggy Saturday he slipped and fell, breaking his leg in two places. He is now laid up for repairs, and is suffering considerable pain.
[STATE NORMAL SCHOOL NOTES.]
Cowley County Courant, April 27, 1882.
This week completes the second of the remaining half term of ten weeks, leaving seven weeks more of actual work.
The literary societies have long since settled their difficulty with the faculty, and are now working with renewed energy.
Miss Hoxie’s class in drawing have been occupied for some time past in drawing plans for school houses. A prize is to be given for the best conceived and executed plan.
Only till the middle of June, and the Normal will graduate a class of over thirty, who will undertake to instruct the youth of the state according to the most scientific principles.
President Welch and wife started Saturday for a week’s trip to New Mexico. The Professor did not like to leave his class for so long, but they took the matter in hand and courteously voted him a leave of absence.
We met Mr. Frank Finch of Winfield perambulating the streets of Emporia one afternoon of last week. We gently took him in charge and conducted him through the Normal building. We were surprised that he did not seem impressed with the beauty of the professional class girls, who were present that afternoon. But come again, Frank, our girls are not all professionals.
There was more...I skipped. MAW 9/26/99
Cowley County Courant, May 18, 1882.
Frank Finch has retired from the position of Deputy Sheriff, and will hereafter give his entire attention and time to the duties of constable of the City of Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.
Winfield Rifles are getting ready for the State encampment to be held at Topeka next September. Young Men who want to join may leave their names with F. M. Friend, Cornelius Trump, Frank Finch, or C. E. Stevens.
Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.
Mr. J. H. Finch met with a severe accident last Saturday evening. As he, with Gen. Green, was driving on the approach to the west bridge, the team jumped to one side, upset the buggy, and threw Mr. Finch to the ground, breaking both the bones in his left leg, a little above the ankle. Dr. Emerson reduced the fracture, and Uncle Jim is now getting along very well.
Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.
James H. Finch has received his commission as deputy U. S. Marshal.
Winfield Courier, July 20, 1882.
A CARD. Hon. Jas. McDermott, Winfield, Kansas.
DEAR SIR: We the undersigned citizens of Cowley County, Kansas, anxious that an able and faithful man represent us in the coming legislature, and ever mindful of the important legislation that will come before that body, unite in requesting you to become a candidate for the office of Representative from this district, July 11th, 1882.
Hackney, W. P.; Gridley, A.; Bethel, Jas.; Millington, D. A.; Greer, Ed. P.; Finch, Frank W.; Siverd, H. H.; Pryor, J. D.; Wilson, W. J.; Hunt, J. S.; Bryan, T. R.; Curns, J. W.; Harris, T. J.; Arrowsmith, J. W.; Hendricks, A. D.; Soward, T. H.; Story, R. C.; Reynolds, E. M.; Buckman, G. H.; Haight, N. A.; Cook, S. A.; Webb, L. H.; Fuller, C. E.; Hudson, W.; Wood, B. F.; Kelly, James; Shot, J. P.; Platter, Jas. E.; Gridley, A., Jr.; Asp, Henry E.; Trimble, E. T.; Roberts, W. D.; Moore, Wm. H.; Hackney, J. F.; Waite, R. B.: McMullen, J. C.; Lee, W. A.; Holloway, S. S.; and others.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, July 17, 1882.
Hon. W. P. Hackney, T. H. Soward, D. A. Millington, and others:
GENTLEMEN: I have received your very flattering call to become a candidate for the legislature in this district, and after due consideration, have concluded to consent to the use of my name in that connection. At first I did not regard the proposition favorably, owing to business interests which I thought might suffer thereby but upon the representations of friends that I might be able to assist to some extent in making the temperance laws more effective; in guarding the interests of Cowley County in the Congressional apportionment; and in securing any other advantages that may be desired for the county and which may be attainable; I have overcome my reluctance and hereby authorize my friends to use my name as a candidate before the Republican District Convention—and if nominated and elected I will hold myself bound to consider the interests of the people of Cowley County as of paramount importance to all other interests, and will give my best efforts to maintain and protect them. Respectfully yours, JAMES McDERMOTT.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
RECAP OF REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION, HELD AT THE OPERA HOUSE IN WINFIELD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1882, AT 10:00 A..M., CALLED TO ORDER BY D. A. MILLINGTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTY COMMITTEE.
S. P. Strong, Rock, elected temporary chairman; W. D. Mowry, Creswell, secretary.
Delegates entitled to seats.
Winfield 1st Ward: H. H. Siverd, Frank Bowen, M. G. Troup, H. E. Asp, W. P. Hackney.
Winfield 2nd Ward: T. H. Soward, C. Trump, H. Brotherton, Frank Finch, Sol. Burk-halter, I. W. Randall.
66th REPRESENTATIVE CONVENTION: N. M. Chaffey, chairman; W. B. Weimer, secretary.
Delegates—
Fairview: J. H. Curfman, A. J. McCollum, W. B. Weimer.
Ninnescah: J. A. Hood, Wm. Crawford, D. W. Pierce.
Tisdale: Dr. Rising, W. C. Douglass, S. W. Chase.
Vernon: D. M. Hopkins, C. M. Skinner, Joseph Hann, W. J. Bonnewell.
Walnut: J. L. King, E. S. Bliss, W. W. Limbocker, N. M. Chaffey, G. W. Prater.
Winfield, 1st ward: J. E. Conklin, James Bethel, D. A. Millington, J. W. Craine, T. R. Bryan.
Winfield, 2nd ward: B. F. Wood, Wm. Whiting, W. J. Wilson, J. H. Bullen, Frank Finch, T. H. Soward.
Votes for Representative from 66th District: James S. Baker 11; James McDermott 18.
McDermott declared the nominee.
CENTRAL COMMITTEE, 66TH: T. H. Soward, chairman; Wm. White, secretary.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Good Templar Items.
The Good Templars of this city on last Friday evening installed the officers for the term commencing August 1st as follows.
P. W. C. T.: Mrs. E. T. Trimble.
W. V. T.: Mrs. Riehl.
W. Sec.: James Lorton.
S. T.: Miss M. Page.
W. G.: Miss Lizzie Schaffhousen.
W. Sen.: S. B. Davis.
W. C.: John Rowland.
W. A. Sec: Miss May Halyard.
W. F. Sec.: D. C. Beach.
W. M.: Frank W. Finch.
W. D. M.: Miss Alice Dunham.
R. H. S.: Mrs. Clara T. Beach.
L. H. S.: Mrs. Kate M. Smedley.
W. C. T.: Frank H. Greer.
L. D.: E. T. Trimble.
Sec. Of Divisions: Miss Lizzie Gridley.
The Lodge has been formed into two literary divisions, furnishing exercises for the entertainment of the members alternately. The exercises consist of essays, recitations, music, debates, etc. They are now editing a semi-monthly paper called the Prohibitionist, which is always very interesting. The members are not only striving to forward in every way possible the temperance cause, but are making the lodge room a pleasant place to spend an evening. The lodge is weekly increasing in numbers, and the meetings are becoming very interesting and profitable. J. B.
James H. Finch, Siverd, Covert among veterans...PARTIAL LIST GIVEN...
[OLD VETERANS’ REUNION.] Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.
VETERANS OF THE LATE WAR WHO WISH TRANSPORTATION TO TOPEKA DURING THE REUNION IN SEPTEMBER, 1882.
Burt Covert, Co. H, 21st N. Y. Cav.
H. H. Siverd, Co. B, 1st O. Cav.
James Finch, Co. D, 13th Kans. Inft.
W. B. Caton, Merrill’s Horse Vol. Cav.
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1882.
The Good Templars installed their officers on last Friday evening for the quarter com-mencing Nov. 1st as follows.
W. C. T. S.: S. B. Davis.
W. V. T.: Mrs. N. J. Lundy.
W. S.: Miss Ella Kelly.
W. C.: John Rowland.
W. F. S.: D. C. Beach.
W. M.: Wm. Lorton.
W. T.: Mrs. Anna Hamilton.
W. I G.: Miss Mary Cairns.
W. Sen.: John Conner.
P. W. C. T.: Frank H. Greer.
W. A. S.: Frank W. Finch.
W. D. M.: Miss Alice Carson.
W. R. S.: Miss Louie Morris.
W. L. S.: Miss Lizzie Schafhousen.
Captain of Division No. 1: F. W. Finch.
Captain of Division No. 2: James Cairns.
Organist: Miss Lola Silliman.
Winfield Courier, November 30, 1882.
Frank Finch returned from a trip south Monday. He saw no grasshoppers, didn’t hear of the man who broke his leg, or the news of the war—in fact, our informant-pump failed to elicit a small local item from his anatomy.
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.
The Spy of Atlanta.
The Committee on behalf of Winfield Post No. 85, G. A. R., and St. John’s Battery of this city, wish through your paper to express our high appreciation of the presentation of the Spy of Atlanta given here on the evenings of December 14, 15, and 16 by Col. L. D. Dobbs.
Col. Dobbs gave us a first-class entertainment, surpassing the expectation of everyone who witnessed it; and causing our best judges of theatricals to pronounce the Spy of Atlanta the most interesting entertainment ever given in our city.
To say that the performance under the skillful management of Col. Dobbs was a com-plete success, and to commend the Spy of Atlanta under the management of the Col. to the Grand Army of the Republic of Kansas is only an act of justice.
S. V. Devendorf as “Jake Schneider,” was immense, a complete show in himself—his every appearance convulsed the audience in roars of laughter. Devendorf as a comedian is an artist and will always be welcomed in Winfield with a crowded house.
Mrs. R. Jillson was as fine a conception and presentation of the character of Maud Dalton as could be wished; natural, graceful, and original. She won the hearts of the audience and gave to the character of “Maud” a sublime pathos that melted and moved our hearts and tears at her bidding.
The Post and Battery most cordially thank her for contributing so much talent for our benefit.
Mrs. Haight as Mrs. “Dalton,” showed all the true motherly feeling of the character she represented. She was a true mother and we know no higher praise.
Miss Josie Bard, as “Carrie Dalton,” was just what you would expect her to be. Her presentation of the flag was perfect, her singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” grand, and when her wonderfully sweet and cultured voice accompanied by her guitar rendered the “Vacant Chair,” we were glad the chair was vacant, that we might hear the song.
R. M. Bowles as “Edwin Dalton the Spy,” was equal to the leading character of the play. Mr. Bowles is a cultured actor, and his rendition of “Edwin Dalton” was grand. As husband, brother, soldier, prisoner, and spy “Richard was himself” a natural artist.
George H. Buckman represented “Farmer Dalton” so naturally that we thought we were in the country, and felt like we wanted to stay there the balance of our life with the grand old gentleman.
Col. Whiting as “General Sherman,” was a fine conception of the character of the general of our army. He looked and acted the soldier and though surrounded by a brilliant staff was the hero.
The children, Harry and Lottie Caton, as “Little Willie and Nannie,” captivated the audience. Brave “Willie!” Gentle “Nannie!” God will surely bless such noble children.
The tableaux were the finest we ever saw and the young ladies who composed them are as beautiful off the stage as they were in the tableaux.
We would like to describe the beautiful angel, but if we speak of one justice would demand the same of all and our communication would be suppressed on account of its length.
We must thank the “Sisters of Charity,” Misses Ida Bard and Mary Berkey, and felt like we would be willing to be wounded ourselves, if we could look up into their sweet faces.
Samuel Davis as “Pete,” was a life-like personation of a true southern darkey. He was one of the best actors in the cast.
To the soldiers commanded by Capt. Finch and others, we tender our thanks for their assistance and military bearing.
In this notice is it impossible to do justice to all, but rest assured that we feel grateful for the kindness shown us by the entire cast.
Committee: SAM. BARD, Chairman; H. L. WELLS, N. A. HAIGHT, J. E. SNOW,
T. H. SOWARD.
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.
A GAMBLING HOUSE RAIDED.
Last Friday Harry Bahntge, who has been for a long time running a gambling den in a room back of his billiard hall in the Brettun House, was arrested and brought before Justice Buckman. He plead guilty to running a gambling table, was fined one hundred dollars and costs, which he paid, and went on his way rejoicing. In about an hour he was again arrested on another charge, which he likewise settled up. But the majesty of the law was not satisfied, and he was immediately arrested a third time, on another charge, and after it was settled, he was again pounced upon for the fourth time by the sheriff. This was more than even Mr. Bahntge’s proud spirit could brook, and he prayed the Court for mercy. When it was inti-mated that the end was not yet, and that the next case was five hundred or the pen, he wilted like a cabbage plant at high noon, and swore by all that was good and great that if they would but spare him the last dose, he would pay all the rest up, throw his room open, turn the gambling devices over to the officers, take the bars from the doors and the blinds from the windows, and let the bright sun of heaven pour into its iniquitous recesses forever more, amen; and further, that he would never do so any more. Upon these conditions he was let off, after paying two hundred and fifty dollars in fines and costs, and turning over to the constable his gambling table and checks, which were, by order of the Court, destroyed in the public street. The execution of the table was witnessed by a large concourse of people.
Mayor Troup and his associate and assistant in breaking up this business, Frank W. Finch, are entitled to the thanks of the community in addition to the knowledge of having done their whole duty in the premises.
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.
Constable Frank Finch and Marshal Herrod had a severe tussle with Tom Wright and Mr. Smith last Saturday in which Tom came very near getting away with all of them. Finch and Herrod had a warrant for Tom’s arrest, but when they went to serve it he objected strongly, and Frank got out his bill, when Smith interfered. Frank then turned around and belted Smith, when he slipped and fell. At this Tom Wright came to the front and lit on Frank’s prostrate form, and things assumed a war-like aspect until Marshal Herrod got hold of him, after which he surrendered. Tom is a good one when he gets on his muscle.
[CITY COUNCIL MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 1, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Present: Councilmen McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; absent, Read. Minutes of last regular meeting and of the adjourned and special sessions were read. A motion was carried to amend the minutes of the meeting of Dec. 26 so as to show the votes of the several Councilmen on the tie vote there recorded. Upon the motion to reconsider Sec. 1 of the proposed ordinance, the vote was as follows: Those voting aye were Councilmen McMullen and Gary; those voting no were Councilmen Wilson and Read. Upon the motion to amend Sec. 1 by the addition of the proviso, Councilmen McMullen and Gary voted aye and Councilmen Read and Wilson voted no. Upon the motion to adopt Sec. 1 as originally adopted, Councilmen Read and Wilson voted aye and Councilmen Gary and McMullen voted no. The minutes as amended were then adopted.
The following bills were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
Frank W. Finch, services as assistant marshal: $30.00.
[MURDER OF SHERIFF SHENNEMAN.]
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
TERRIBLE MURDER.
LATER: The prisoner was taken to Wichita this (Wednesday) afternoon by Deputy Finch that he might be out of the way of violence in case of Sheriff Shenneman’s death. As he was being brought in Tuesday evening, a lot of men in a wagon met them out about a mile from town, but the buggy in which he was being taken was lighter and the team faster, and the officers ran away from the pursuers. They came into town in a roundabout way and unloaded the prisoner just back of D. A. Millington’s residence, ran him through the back yard into Rev. Platter’s wood shed, where he was held by Deputy McIntire while the others scouted around. At the time he was put in the wood shed, the jail was surrounded by citizens, while others were patrolling the alleys in the vicinity. Deputy McIntire says that during the time he held the prisoner in the wood shed footsteps could be heard prowling around, and that the prisoner wanted to be shackled to him, given a pistol, and he would go into the jail. When he found George wouldn’t accede to that request, he hunted around and got a smooth stick of stove-wood. As soon as the crowd around the jail could be attracted to another part of town, the officers carried the prisoner over and put him in jail, where he was kept very quietly until taken away on the train Wednesday.
At ten o’clock today (Wednesday) Sheriff Shenneman was resting easy, and friends were more hopeful than before. The doctors, however, fail to give much encouragement.
[PROHIBITION.]
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
WINFIELD DON’T WANT SALOONS.
On looking over carefully the list of signatures on the petition to Hackney, we find a considerable number of names of persons who live in the country, and many more whom nobody knows. We find only 101 names, less than half of those on the petition, who are known as citizens of Winfield. Less than half of these probably understood what they were signing, and are in favor of saloons. It is presumable that the originators got all the names of prominent Winfield men they could by any kind of representations; and, considering all these things, the petition is not so very formidable after all. But it is enough to give our city a bad name, and give a severe stab to the cause of prohibition. The Kansas City Journal’s Topeka correspondence says that the names of all the prominent men and business firms of Winfield are found on that petition, except one bank and one hardware store. We notice that the following Winfield firms and names are conspicuously absent from the petition.
[HAD ALL HE NAMES IN THIS AND LATER ARTICLE IN TWO COLUMNS...AM JUST GOING TO LIST THEM ONE AFTER THE OTHER, AND HOPE I CAN READ AND GET THEM CORRECTLY...VERY SMALL PRINT.]
COURIER Office, Winfield Bank, S. H. Myton, W. E. McDonald & Co., W. C. Root & Co., Hughes & Cooper, J. W. Johnston, J. S. Hunt, A. B. Arment, D. F. Best, F. M. Friend, C. E. Stueven, N. M. Powers, H. D. Gans, T. R. Bryan, C. Farringer, McGuire Bros., A. H. Green, T. J. Harris, Wm. Newton, Jacob Nixon, Curns & Manser, T. B. Myers, L. B. Stone, Frank Jennings, Henry E. Asp, G. H. Buckman, H. H. Siverd, Frank Finch, J. Wade McDonald, T. H. Soward, Ed Bedilion, J. M. Dever, Bliss & Wood, W. P. Hackney, P. H. Albright & Co., R. C. Story, Youngheim Bros., E. S. Torrance, Mr. Tomlin, Brown & Son, H. Brotherton, E. T. Trimble, W. A. Lee, A. B. Robinson, A T & S F R R STATION, Holmes’ Packing House, K C L & S R R Station, C. Trump, Dr. W. G. Graham.
Besides all the clergymen of the city and more than four hundred other businessmen and voters of the city, it does not show up big when we remember that but a very small propor-tion of the 650 voters in the city signed the petition.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
The Good Templars installed their officers for the ensuing quarter on last Friday evening as follows.
W. C. T.: Frank W. Finch.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
How ’Twas Done!
The Evidence Before the Coroner’s Jury and the Verdict.
TELEGRAM FROM THE FATHER.
The investigation by the Coroner on the body of young Cobb was commenced Thursday morning and lasted until Friday noon. The courtroom was constantly thronged with people during the inquest. The Coroner secured the services of Judge Tipton as attorney and David C. Beach as clerk. Below we give a synopsis of the evidence.
The first witness put upon the stand was Frank W. Finch, who knew nothing whatever of the occurrence until told in the morning, when he notified the Coroner, and they together repaired to the scene of the hanging.
Sheriff McIntire was the next witness called. He stated that the deceased was brought in the evening before and placed in his custody by Deputy Taylor. He made a bed and fixed him comfortably for the night, leaving on one pair of shackles.
Deputy Taylor informs us that the prisoner was quite talkative while he was being brought down from Wichita, and exceedingly abusive. He said Shenneman was the fifth man he had killed, and he was glad he had killed him. That he expected to get away, and wanted to kill five more men before he died, mentioning Jacobus, the school teacher, Frank Finch, and Taylor as four of them. He seemed to talk in the most cold blooded manner of murder and revenge. When Taylor examined his shackles before taking him from the Wichita jail, he found them cut, and put on two new pairs; but left the old ones on, saying nothing about his discovery. Several times on the road, the prisoner tried to get Taylor to take off the shackles on one pretext and another, but the Deputy kept him heavily ironed just the same. He showed no signs whatever of weakening during all his captivity until he made the confession in the jail on Wednesday evening to Mrs. Shenneman.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
Frank Finch tells a good joke on M. L. Robinson, and which portrays certain traits in the gentleman’s character so clearly that we reproduce it.
Frank and Troup were coming into town, Monday evening, before the meeting. When passing near M. L.’s house they were hailed, and that worthy came rushing up to the buggy, stuck his head under Troup’s nose in that confidential manner so peculiarly his own, and said: “We’ve got ’em on the hip! Now don’t be too strong anti-prohibition. We want to go slow. Just keep cool; we’ve got the resolutions!” He had his resolutions, and he has them yet—in his pocket. By the way, how do the anti-prohibition boys, who turned out so nobly at his solicitation, like the way he kicked them overboard and flopped back to the “glorious cause of prohibition, so near to his heart?” His eagle eye must have detected a nickel on the side of prohibition that he hadn’t seen when he was negotiating with them.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
Council Proceedings.
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, Feb. 5, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll called. Present: Council-men Wilson, McMullen, and Gary; absent, Councilman Read.
Minutes of last regular meeting, and of the adjourned meetings of Jan. 16 and 17 were read and approved.
The bill of F. M. Freeland for 75 cents for board furnished city poor, was approved and recommended to the county commissioners for payment.
The following bills were presented and allowed and ordered paid.
A. T. Shenneman, board city prisoners: $1.50.
Frank W. Finch, Assistant Marshal, January: $15.00.
Beach & Denning, rent, Council room: $3.00
City officers’ salary, January: $67.00.
Wm. Moore & Sons, well stone: $5.00.
The City Attorney was instructed to inquire into and report upon, by ordinance or other-wise, the question whether those taking out licenses as movers of buildings cannot be protected as such licensees.
On motion Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.
Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
Frank W. Finch is a candidate for re-election as constable this spring. Frank is one of the best young men and has made an excellent record as an officer. He is capable and energetic, thoroughly familiar with the duties of the office, and will meet with but little, if any, opposition.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
A new militia company was organized Monday evening with twenty-five members. D. L. Kretsinger was elected Captain; Frank W. Finch, First Lieutenant; and Jas. McLain, Second Lieutenant. Chas. Stueven was appointed Orderly Sergeant. The company is com-posed of excellent material and every member is enthusiastic in the matter. They are armed with breech-loading Spencer rifles. In Captain Kretsinger’s hands, with the assistance of Charlie Steuven, the company will be a credit to our city.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
STRATEGY, MY BOY.
Some of the fellows have got up a ticket for the city election next Tuesday. They call it a kind of compromise ticket, claiming that it is on both sides of party politics, prohibition, water works, and every other question. Most of the candidates named are good fair men, but there is too little prohibition in it to call it a compromise on that question, being one prohibi-tionist to eight antis. In politics it is five Democrats, three Republicans, and one Green-backer. The names are: Emerson for mayor; Kretsinger and Keck for council; Snow for police judge; O’Hare for city attorney; Silver and Wallis for school board; and Long and Pratt for constables. It looks to us that the main point of the ticket is to elect councilmen in the interest of Mart Robinson’s water works, for the getters up are willing to trade off any of their candidates except Krets. The water works fellows want Krets bad. They would trade off the balance of the ticket if necessary, but he must be retained at all hazards. The fact is, they know Krets would do anything that Mart would ask and he would ask even worse things than he would do himself. If they had put Frank Finch and Capt. Siverd on their ticket for constables, they would have shown a great deal more sagacity, for they are tried men doing their duty honestly, carefully, and fairly, and will get the votes of the best men of all parties and factions. There is talk of calling a public meeting to nominate a ticket.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
Ira McCommon made an assignment to Frank W. Finch, assignee, on Tuesday for the benefit of his creditors. His liabilities do not exceed five hundred dollars and the assets are much greater. We hope to see him on his feet again soon.
[ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1883.
The Election.
The city election Tuesday passed off very quietly, but little interest being manifested. On Monday evening a number of citizens met at the Opera House and placed a ticket in the field. Another meeting was held the same evening, which made up a second ticket. Dr. George Emerson was the unanimous candidate for Mayor by both meetings. The two tickets represented no distinctive issue of any character, unless it might have been termed a “water-works” issue. In the first ward John McGuire was elected to the council over H. Silver by three majority. In the second ward D. L. Kretsinger was elected over S. L. Gilbert by forty majority. Capt. H. H. Siverd and Frank W. Finch were re-elected constables.
Votes shown.
MAYOR: George Emerson: 4481.
POLICE JUDGE: J. E. Snow, 230; L. L. Beck, 255.
CITY ATTORNEY: Jos. O’Hare: 432.
TREASURER SCHOOL BOARD: George W. Robinson, 270; W. J. Wilson, 225.
CONSTABLES: H. H. Siverd, 299; Frank W. Finch, 251; David Long, 225; Jas. McLain, 222.
COUNCILMEN: 1st Ward, John A. McGuire, 132; H. Silver, 129.
COUNCILMEN: 2nd Ward, D. L. Kretsinger, 132; S. L. Gilbert, 92.
SCHOOL BOARD: 1st Ward, Dr. W. G. Graham, 259; 2nd ward, J. P. Short, 137; 2nd Ward, H. Brotherton, 89.
The new council is made up as follows.
All including the Mayor are Republicans, three councilmen and the Mayor are “anti-water-works”; in other words, in favor of holding the company down to the strict letter of their contract. Three are prohibitionists, and one an anti-prohibitionist.
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1883.
Arkansas City Election.
The election at Arkansas City on Tuesday resulted in the election of H. D. Kellogg, Mayor; I. H. Bonsall, Police Judge; and O. S. Rarick, T. McIntire, F. Schiffbauer, E. D. Eddy, and J. Ridenour, Councilmen, by a two thirds vote. These candidates are not considered to be prohibitionists. The defeated candidates for councilmen are C. H. Searing, T. H. McLaughlin, S. Matlack, and Fred Farrar.
[NOTICES.]
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.
I am now ready to sell the stock of drugs of Ira D. McCommon at private sale, either in whole, or in lots to suit purchasers. FRANK W. FINCH, Assignee.
[NOTICES.]
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
ASSIGNEE’S NOTICE. I am selling the stock of drugs of Ira L. McCommon very cheap. Parties wishing to buy anything of the kind will do well to call. Country druggists can be supplied with shelving, counters, drawers, bottles of all kinds, show cases, etc.
FRANK W. FINCH, Assignee. Winfield, May 2nd, 1883.
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
At Public Auction. I will, on Saturday, May 19th, 1883, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, all that is left of the stock of goods of Ira L. McCommon, at the store south of Read’s Bank, Winfield, Kansas. The property to be sold includes most of the drugs of said stock, bottles, patent medicines, oils, etc. Hours of sale, 10 a.m. to 12 m., 2 to 5 p.m., and 7-1/2 to 9 p.m. FRANK W. FINCH, Assignee.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.
J. H. Finch dug up a piece of post from an old post hole in the west part of town Tuesday which was thoroughly petrified. It must have gone through this process within the past eight years, as no posts were set in that part of town before that time.
Winfield Courier, June 28, 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Finch left Wednesday for Osawatomie in charge of Mrs. Gribben, from Silverdale Township, an insane lady.
[SHERIFF GARY RAISES POSSE.]
Winfield Courier, June 28, 1883.
A Shooting Raid.
Last Friday a young man rode hurriedly in town and reported that he had been robbed at Limbocker’s ford on Dutch Creek by two men. On receipt of the news, Sheriff Gary became greatly excited. Here, at least, was a chance to achieve fame and glory, and show the world that he was in truth and in fact a valiant and active officer, by starting out at once and bringing in the robbers, alone and single handed. But hold! As he buckles on his trusty revolvers and girds about his loins a fresh belt of cartridges, a change comes over the spirit of his dream. He remembers that robbers are bold, bad men, and he remembers reading in a dime novel in the long years ago about bandits who laid in ambush for their pursuers and sometimes captured them and carried them away into the fastnesses to die of starvation. As he thought on these things and wondered what raven would feed the widow and orphans when he was gone, he grew sad, until finally he decided to raise a “posse” to defend him in case the robbers refused to be arrested peaceably. No sooner was the decision made than it was carried into effect—and right here was brought actively into play our sheriff’s wonderful power as an organizer. In less than two hours he had fourteen men, seven double-barreled shot guns, and twenty-two revolvers on their way to the scene of the robbery, three miles out. The order of march was as follows.
Frank Finch, with hand cuffs and shackles.
Charlie Limbocker, accompanied by a double-barreled shot gun.
Ben Herrod ditto.
F. M. Burge ditto.
A. B. Taylor, deputy sheriff, carrying in addition to his own, part of the Sheriff’s armory.
Johnny Riley, double-barreled shot gun and two revolvers.
W. J. Hodges and Johnny Hudson, Aids-de-camp to Sheriff and Ex-Captain S. G. Gary.
Ammunition wagon.
Owing to the limited time and the absence of Capt. Haight, the battery was not called out, but “held in reserve.” Arriving at the scene of action, the “posse” was halted and Sheriff Gary advanced cautiously to the front, where he discovered Constable Siverd with the alleged victim.
Mr. Siverd had been on the ground some time, examined for tracks, found none, and concluded that the robbery was a canard. He so informed the doughty sheriff, which seemed to revive his drooping spirits and the “posse” was allowed to disperse while the Sheriff returned to Winfield by way of New Salem.
It was an active and valiant struggle to defend the rights of an injured citizen, and we take pleasure in commending Sheriff Gary for his energy, and for the rare power of organization he displayed in getting such a large force of men, fully equipped and on the road in such a short space of time. We tremble for the result should a bonafide robbery occur within his jurisdiction. The expenses of conveying the “posse” were only $12.50, which the county can well afford to pay.
“Because Sheriff Gary performs the duties of his office in an energetic but quiet and unostentatious manner, Greer becomes disgruntled and wants the Sheriff to make more noise and fuss. Capt. Gary is not that kind of man, Ed.” Telegram.
Winfield Courier, July 5, 1883.
Recap Assignee’s Notice in the matter of the Assignment of Ira L. McCommon, for the benefit of his creditors. Frank W. Finch, Assignee, on September 25, 1883, in the office of District Clerk commenced adjusting and allowing claims against the said Estate of Ira L. McCommon, an insolvent debtor of Winfield.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
Mr. James Finch started for Colorado Monday afternoon on the receipt of a telegram announcing the dangerous illness of his son, Will, who has been there for the past two years.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1883.
FROM COLORADO.
HOWARDS, Colorado.
EDITOR COURIER—Dear Sir: You will see, by the heading of this, that I have wan-dered away from the haunts of vice and am now whiling away a short period in the virtuous State of Colorado—blessed Colorado, beautiful Colorado. God forgive me if I lie, for if I do, it is done meaningly, and through pure cussedness. We are now located in a little valley in Fremont County, called Pleasant Valley. God forgive the author of that name. This Pleasant Valley is about twelve miles long by from twenty feet to a quarter of a mile wide, made up of rocks and a little, very little, farming land; and oh, such farming land! Why, if a man should be caught on such a piece of land in Cowley County, he would be arrested, taken before Judge Gans, tried for a lunatic, convicted, and put into the hands of By Gravy to be taken to the insane asylum. But when I think of it, there is no danger of such a thing happening, for I do not believe there is as poor a piece of land in the whole State of Kansas as this valley contains. Nothing is raised here, only by irrigation. Now, the middle of Sep-tember, we sit down to table to eat green peas, corn, cucumbers, and all other vegetables, except tomatoes—these are not ripe yet. The town of Howards consists of a depot, one store, and two houses—yes, and eight coal pits. The inhabitants consist of about a dozen young men who call themselves pine pushers; that means they chop and haul pine wood for the coal pits, and, by the way, there is one more important personage here, who calls himself a prospector. No one ever knew him to find anything until the other day, when he says he struck it rich. He has good naturedly shown me some of his specimens, and offered to sell me one-half interest in the mine for $1,000. I came mighty near buying it. I did not grumble at the price. I offered him his price, and offered to pay him $1.00 down, and give my note for the balance, but he could not see it that way; but did offer to take $100 down, and wait for the balance until I made it out of the mine, which he assured me was very rich. But I only had my little old dollar, and therefore I lost a fortune. By gravy, I told him, if he would wait until I could send for Geo. Miller, Dave Long, Mart Robinson, Joe Likowski, and Tom Soward, we would take the whole mine. I told him I knew Tom Soward would invest, for he was just about to be elected register of deeds of our county, and he was bound to have more money than he could invest in Kansas. That last seemed to strike the fellow, and he agreed to let me know day after tomorrow, providing I would spend the dollar for cider, which I agreed to do, feeling sure my partners would refund it to me. Now, Ed., if you should see any of them (my partners, I mean), tell them not to whisper it to anyone, for I know, if it should get out, we will be pestered to death with applications to join our company.
And now I must tell you that, while I am sitting writing this, with the doors and windows open, I can look out onto the mountains that do not look to be more than a mile off, but which are really fifteen miles off, and see them covered with snow, and still snowing; and I want still further to say to you that I am not to blame for being caught out in this beautiful State; but I came to nurse young By Gravy, who has been very sick with typhoid fever. But, thank the Lord, with His help, and the nursing of his mother, he is getting better, and will soon be able to come back to glorious old Kansas. BY GRAVY, alias J. H. FINCH.
[G. A. R. REUNION.]
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.
THE RE-UNION.
The re-union last week in spite of the inclement weather, was a fair success. About six or seven hundred of the veterans gathered together and enjoyed a general good time. The executive committee of this post of the G. A. R. worked faithfully. Their arrangements were carefully planned and everything in readiness for a grand old-fashioned jubilee, but it com-menced raining a week before and continued to drizzle up to the second day of the re-union. It was decided on the first day to postpone it indefinitely, and visiting posts were telegraphed not to come, but the rain clearing up on the second day, it was resolved to go on with it. On Friday there were fully six hundred old soldiers on the grounds and several hundred visitors, including ladies. The exercises were interesting throughout. On Thursday evening Congress-man Perkins delivered a speech in the Opera House, which was the main feature of the occasion. Mr. Perkins is a splendid speaker and “knows how it was himself.”
Taken altogether the re-union was a pleasant social gathering, and while not the success that it would have been had the weather been favorable, we hope to see it the beginning of regular annual meetings, which will grow in interest until time shall call the old soldiers to another world.
NOTES.
The registration lists show the names of over four hundred old soldiers.
Dr. H. L. Wells, as chairman of the Executive Committee, did good work. He was ably assisted by Messrs. Stone, Arment, Scott, Finch, and Stubblefield.
Dexter Post carried off the beautiful banner offered for the best drilled post. The boys deserve the honor.
Rev. Cairns, post chaplain, made one of the most eloquent and feeling speeches we have ever heard.
During the re-union thirty members were mustered into the Winfield Post G. A. R.
The chicken chase by Tony Agler and S. Cure was one of the most laughable things out, and only eclipsed by the sure enough chicken hunt the night before.
Levi Quier was in his glory and got as much fun out of the re-union as anyone.
The address of welcome delivered by T. H. Soward was excellent, and fired the boys with much of the old-time enthusiasm.
The re-union committee has money enough to pay all its bills and a balance in the treasury.
[KANSAS SOLDIERS AT THE REUNION.]
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.
List of Kansas Soldiers at the Re-union.
H. W. Stubblefield, Reg. 16, Co. H, Capt.
J. H. Finch, Reg. 13, Co. D, Private.
J. W. Sparks, Reg. 2, Co. D, Private.
J. C. Clarey, Reg. 12, Co. K, Private.
T. M. Williams, Reg. 2, Co. I, Private.
Enoch Henderson, Reg. 5, Co. D, Private.
Wm. Jones, Reg. 15, Co. K, Private.
James Kenzey, Reg. 5, Co. I, Private.
T. W. Tharp, Reg. 2, Co. F, Private.
Amos Walton, Reg. 9, Co. B, Private.
N. W. Dressie, Reg. 8, Co. C, Private.
J. W. Powell, Reg. 12, Co. D, Private.
Joseph Powell, Reg. 6, Co. H, Private.
W. S. Williamson, Reg. 9, Co. C, Private.
Dempsey Elliott, Reg. 9, Co. C, Private.
Winfield Courier, December 27, 1883.
TO BE MARRIED. Frank W. Finch left Monday afternoon for Roca, Nebraska, where he will lead to the altar Miss Alice Dunham. The lady visited here about a year ago, and is known to many Winfield people. Frank is one of our most substantial young men, ambitious, energetic, and combining many qualities which are requisite to success. They have the hearty well-wishes of many friends.
Winfield Courier, January 3, 1884.
Frank W. Finch, assignee Iva L. McCommon for the benefit of his creditors, asking for a discharge from his trust as said Assignee, in court January 21, 1884.
Winfield Courier, January 3, 1884.
Frank W. Finch and his bride retuned home Friday and on Friday afternoon Frank was industriously engaged in distributing cigars and receiving the compliments of his many friends. We wish the young couple much joy in their new life.
Winfield Courier, January 10, 1884.
The new county officers step in next Monday. Register Soward will probably find a very efficient assistant in our present Deputy Sheriff, A. B. Taylor, while the position of Under-Sheriff will be filled by Frank W. Finch.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
The following officers were duly installed Wednesday evening of last week by Winfield Post No. 85, G. A. R.
C. E. Steuven, P. C.
S. Cure, S. V. P. C.
B. W. Stout, J. V. P. C.
H. L. Wells, Surgeon.
A. H. Limerick, Q. M.
C. Trump, O. of D.
J. E. Snow, Adj’t.
A. B. Arment, Chaplain.
M. M. Scott, O. G.
Sam’l Smedley, Guard.
J. H. Finch, Serg’t Maj.
N. W. Dressie, Q. M. Serg’t.
The post mustered during the year, 1883, 127 recruits, and 70 during the last quarter of 1883, and now numbers 163, with regular attendance of about 60, and is booming.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
The mayor has appointed Mr. D. L. Kretsinger as chief fire marshal under the new fire department ordinance. Jim Clatworthy is appointed captain of company No. 1 and Frank Finch of No. 2.
[COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
Council met Monday evening. City Attorney was granted further time to prepare vagrancy ordinance. Committee on streets and alleys was allowed further time to report on sidewalk petition of W. P. Hackney et al.
Following accounts were ordered paid.
Vance & Colling, team and carriage: $4.50.
B. F. Herrod, burying dogs and moving stone: $3.00.
G. W. Crane & Co., six registration books: $6.00.
John Weitzenboltzzer, work on street: $1.25.
E. F. Sears, crossings: $4.20.
F. W. Finch, boarding city prisoners: $22.50.
Council contracted with F. W. Finch for board of city prisoners at 75 cents per day.
D. L. Kretsinger was confirmed as chief fire marshal.
The mayor appointed J. W. Arrowsmith city assessor and appointment confirmed.
Mr. Kretsinger stated that he had appointed Mr. Clatworthy captain of fire company No. 1, and F. W. Finch captain of fire company No. 2. Fire marshal was instructed to procure lanterns, trumpets, and other necessary supplies for the use of the fire department.
City clerk was instructed to notify English Bros. that the city has on hand something over $900.00 to apply on their orders, and for them to send orders to a bank here for payment to that extent.
Appointment of James McLain as night watch at $2.00 per night confirmed.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
Fire Department.
The following is the organization and enrollment of the Fire Department.
City Fire Marshal, D. L. Kretsinger; 1st Asst. Marshal, James Clatworthy; 2nd Asst. Marshal, Frank Finch.
Hose Company No. 1. Jas. Clatworthy, Captain.
Members: W. Lanagan, M. L. Garrigue, W. A. Kuhns, J. W. Hall, John Riley, E. Borghert, C. R. Delay, Frank Cropton, S. Crandall, E. C. Green, Ed Cochran.
Hose Company No. 2. Frank Finch, Captain.
Members: F. L. Noble, W. H. Clark, R. S. Howard, John Wooden, R. D. Rodgers, F. A. Whitney, E. F. Nelson, F. J. Pierce, A. McNeil, C. Trump, and W. S. Brown.
The Department is now thoroughly organized and under the efficient management which Mr. Kretsinger gives any enterprise he takes hold of, assisted by Jas. Clatworthy and Frank Finch, will down any fire that has courage enough to show its little light.
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1884.
Ladies’ Library Association.
The next regular monthly meeting of the Ladies’ Library Association will be held on Tuesday, March 4th, at 3 p.m. At the last semi-annual meeting the following named ladies were elected as officers and directors for the ensuing year.
For president, Mrs. C. S. VanDoren; vice president, Mrs. T. B. Myers; secretary, Mrs. N. J. Lunday; treasurer, Mrs. C. B. Millington; librarian, Mrs. W. L. Mullin.
For directors: Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mrs. M. J. Wood, Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mrs. G. W. Miller, Mrs. W. R. Kirkwood, Mrs. A. E. Dawson, and Mrs. F. W. Finch. Secretary.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.
The Good Templar Mite Society met on Tuesday evening with Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Finch.
[COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.
The City Fathers met on Monday evening in regular session, all present. Sidewalk Ordinance 187 was passed. Report of Police Judge for December and January found correct.
The street commissioner was instructed to ascertain the cost of 800 feet sewer pipe, to be attached to the Brettun House sewer leading down Main and across the S. K. Depot, and report the same to the Council at the next regular meeting.
The report of committee on location of gas ports was adopted.
The following bills were ordered paid.
Black & Rembaugh, printing, $35.
Frank W. Finch, board of city prisoners, $30.75.
Judges and Clerks of election, $20.00.
R. S. Wilson, stone furnished the city, $10.00.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.
Will Clark has been elected to the captaincy of Fire Company Number Two in the place of Frank W. Finch, resigned.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
The City Fathers.
The regular meeting of the City Council occurred Monday evening. Ordinance No. 192, relating to the duties of certain city officers, was passed.
F. M. Freeland and A. H. Jennings were granted building permits.
Petition of Chas. H. Sweet et. al. in relation to the sale of fireworks, was laid on the table.
Remonstrance of D. N. Sheppart et. al., relating to certain sidewalks, was also tabled.
An ordinance granting a franchise for a street railway was continued to the next meeting.
City Clerk’s bond was approved.
H. H. Siverd appeared on the part of Winfield Post G. A. R. and invited the City Government to participate in the decoration services on May 30th.
The city attorney was instructed to carry the case of the city against R. B. Waite to the Supreme Court.
The following bills were allowed and ordered to be paid.
E. F. Sears, crossings, $35.52.
T. J. Hawkins, crossings, $12.00.
Fire Company and volunteer firemen, $32.00.
Frank W. Finch, boarding city prisoners, $3.00.
D. L. Kretsinger was appointed and confirmed as chief fire marshal for the ensuing year.
[MEMORIAL DAY.]
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.
MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 30TH, 1884.
Order of Exercises, Formation of Procession, etc.
OFFICIAL STAFF.
Col. Wm. Whiting, Chief Marshal.
Aids De Camp: H. H. Siverd, James McDermott, James H. Finch, W. O. Whiting, and Frank W. Finch.
Medical Director: Homer L. Wells, M. D.
The procession will form at 1 o’clock.
The following is the position assigned to the different societies in the procession, which have signified their acceptance to take part in the memorial exercises.
1. Chief Marshal and staff mounted.
2. Courier Band.
3. Cowley Legion No. 16 and Knights of Pythias No. 70.
4. I. O. G. T. No. 20.
5. A. O. U. W. No. 18.
6. Fire Department.
7. Girls and Flowers.
8. Juvenile Band.
9. Grand Army of the Republic.
10. Ambulance Corps.
11. City Government in carriages.
12. Citizens in carriages and wagons.
13. Citizens on horseback.
Formation of the Procession.
The Grand Army of the Republic will form on the west side of Main Street facing east, right resting on 10th Avenue.
The other societies will form on Main Street, west side facing east, right on 9th Avenue according to their position in the procession.
ORDER OF MARCH.
The column will march south on Main Street to 10th Avenue, then countermarch north on Main Street to 7th Avenue, then east on 7th Avenue to Gray Street, north on Gray Street to city limits, and thence to Union Cemetery, where the decorating of the graves of the deceased soldiers will take place, under the auspices of the Grand Army of the Republic.
By Order of the Executive Committee.
H. H. SIVERD, Chairman.
J. E. SNOW, Adjutant and Secretary of Committee.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.
Boarders are becoming so numerous at the county bastille that Landlord Finch has had to cast about for more room. The single “cots” heretofore used for the weary criminal to lay himself upon for slumber, have been replaced by “bunks” on the penitentiary plan—one above the other against the wall. Seven disregarders of law are now county guests. There is nothing Democratic about Sheriff McIntire’s administration.
Humorous...
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.
That a little fun now and then will attract the best of men was demonstrated Monday. A man in a struggle to keep his seat on a bucking mustang, followed by a hilarious crowd, came near “quashing” the dignity of the District Court. Lawyers, clients, witnesses, and even the Judge, rushed to the windows to see the show. Even dispensers of law are admirers of the equestrian fetes of the festive cowboy.
[CEMETERY: GRAVES OF DECEASED SOLDIERS.]
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.
Soldiers Graves in the Cemetery.
The public are requested to report the exact location of the graves of deceased soldiers in any of the Winfield Cemeteries to comrade J. H. Finch, A. D. C., prior to May 30th, 1884, or meet him at Winfield Cemetery after 1 o’clock p.m., May 30th. By order of Executive Committee. H. H. SIVERD, Chairman; J. E. SNOW, Adj’t and Sec’y.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
Messrs. S. Cure, Chas. Steuven, H. L. Well, and J. H. Finch left Tuesday for a Territory trip of several days.
[OLD SOLDIERS: JULY 4TH.]
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1884.
Fourth of July—Attention Old Soldiers.
The Grand Army of the Republic and all old soldiers are expected to assemble at Post No. 85, over Baden’s dry goods store, in Winfield, July 3rd, at 3 p.m. sharp and march to the Fair Grounds, where a bean supper, dress parade, and grand camp fire and torch light drill will take place with other amusing army exercises. The following committees have been appointed by Post No. 85 to carry out the programme for the 3rd and 4th of July.
Executive Committee: T. H. Soward, H. H. Siverd, J. H. Finch, A. E. Davis, and Geo. Crippen.
Invitation Committee: C. E. Steuven, J. E. Snow, and A. B. Arment.
Committee on Program: S. C. Smith, W. E. Tansey, and Capt. Wakefield.
Committee on Quarters: J. C. Long, Sid Cure, and C. Trump.
Reception Committee: H. L. Wells, C. E. Steuven, Capt. Wakefield, A. E. Davis, and J. E. Snow.
Torch Committee: H. L. Wells, C. Trump, and Dr. Stiles.
Committee on Police: J. H. Finch, chief police on fair ground, J. E. Snow, and B. W. Stout.
Committee on Music: Geo. Crippen, H. W. Stubblefield, and J. W. Arrowsmith.
Fuel, quarters, and rations free of charge to all old soldiers and their families. A jolly good time to all old veterans without money and without price. Come.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1884.
A most youthful start on the road to robbery was brought to a halt in this city Monday. Last Sunday Mr. Yearger, of the agricultural firm of Caldwell & Yearger of Oxford, went away from home with his family and accidentally left his pants, containing over two hundred dollars, hanging in the closet. Harry Love and Geo. Richards in some way knew of this. They went around to the house and while one kept watch on the outside, the other went in and relieved the pocket of one hundred and thirty dollars of its contents. They then took the evening train and came to Winfield. Harry Love is a deaf and dumb boy, and the other is a son of the notorious Richards, of Oxford, who has been accused of numerous deviltries at that place. The boys, youth-like, were displaying their possessions here on Monday, buying jewelry and making an immense spread for twelve-year-olds. This was noticed by our officers and they at once surmised that something was wrong. The attempted to “take in” the boys, but the little fellows took leg bail at a rate to astonish the natives. The deaf and dumb boy didn’t appear to understand the necessity of rapid action and soon came under, but the other out-distanced Frank W. Finch, Tom Herrod, and others, and was soon sailing over the hill across the river. He was caught about seven miles from town and taken to Oxford by Tom Herrod. About a hundred dollars was found in possession of the deaf and dumb boy, who is now in jail here. These boys will doubtless be considered good subjects for the reform school at Topeka.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
Proceedings of the City Council.
The city government convened in regular session Monday evening and disposed of the usual amount of business.
The Committee on streets and alleys was granted further time to report on construction of watering fountains.
The following bills were ordered paid.
Jos. O’Hare, postage, express, etc., $1.00.
A. H. Glanden, closings, $15.40.
E. F. Sears, crossings, $14.25.
The Committee on Finance recommended payment of livery bills, $15.00, for transporting visitors around the city; also payment of bill of Winfield Water Company off $1,809.66 for rental of hydrants up to July 15th, 1884. The reports were adopted and warrants ordered drawn, with the stipulation that the Water Company should only e paid out of the first money collected for the purpose paying the hydrant rentals.
Report of Finance Committee approving reports of City Treasurer and Police Judge were adopted.
Bill of Frank W. Finch, boarding city prisoners, $10.50, and Black & Rembaugh, printing, $78.75, were referred to Finance committee.
City Clerk’s statement for quarter ending June 15th was ordered published.
Bill of Whiting Bros., $1.00, meat furnished pauper, was recommended to County Commissioners for payment.
Councilmen McGuire and Crippen and City Attorney O’Hare were appointed to determine the metes and bounds of certain adjacent territory with the necessary resolutions taking it into the corporate limits of the city of Winfield.
City Treasurer was instructed to pay judgment against city in case of Carpenter vs.
C. C. Pierce et al.
A resolution compelling certain derelict property owners on Main Street to lay the gutters previously provided for by the county, and asserting the right and intention of the city, unless it was done by owners, to construct the same and assess cost against the property. This is a proper step and should be enforced at once.
A resolution requiring property owners to keep their gutters free of rubbish will now be in order.
[LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1884.
The semi-annual meeting of the Ladies Library Association was held last Tuesday and elected six directors, as follows: Mrs. Whiting, Mrs. Bullene, Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mrs. I. W. Randall, Mrs. Kate Wilson, and Mrs. Geo. Rambaugh [?Rembaugh?]. Those directors holding over are: Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mrs. M. J. Wood, Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mrs. G. W. Miller, Mrs. W. R. Kirkwood, Mrs. H. E. Dawson, and Mrs. F. W. Finch; the president, Mrs. C. S. Van Doren, and the secretary, Mrs. N. J. Lundy. The Association is in a flourishing condition.
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
Miss Anna and Master Fred Dunham, cousins of the writer, arrived Monday from Roca, Nebraska, and will visit some time with their sister, Mrs. Frank W. Finch, and other relatives.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
Winfield Primary Election.
The Republican primaries of Winfield to elect delegates to the county and district conventions were held in both wards on last Friday, August 15th, from 3 to 7 o’clock, p.m.
The principle contest and interest was centered in the office of county attorney between Henry E. Asp and A. P. Johnson, candidates. The voting for delegates was by ballot, each ballot containing the choice of the voter for the several offices to be filled, by way of instructions to delegates, as well as the names of the delegates voted for. Two tickets were in the field: the one known as the Asp ticket and the other as the Johnson ticket.
The result was:
First Ward: Asp, 189; Johnson, 70.
Second Ward: Asp, 137; Johnson 58.
Totals: Asp, 326. Johnson, 128.
The delegates elected are:
First ward: J. C. Long, M. G. Troup, Frank W. Finch, T. R. Bryan, Albert McNeal, W. J. Wilson, and J. T. Hackney.
Second ward: G. H. Buckman, M. B. Shields, T. B. Myers, Wm. Whiting, J. L. M. Hill, and Spencer Miner.
The delegates are instructed to support Henry E. Asp for county attorney; E. S. Bedilion for clerk of the district court; H. D. Gans for probate judge; A. H. Limerick for Superintendent of public instruction; Frank S. Jennings for state senator; and Ed. P. Greer for representative.
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.
WINFIELD—1ST WARD. J. C. Long, M. G. Troup, F. W. Finch, T. R Bryan, Albert McNeal, W. J. Wilson, T. J. Hackney.
WINFIELD—2ND WARD. G. H. Buckman, M. B. Shields, T. B. Myres, Wm. Whiting, J. L. M. Hill, Spence Miner.
The committee on organization recommended that the temporary organization be retained, with M. G. Troup and Wm. White as assistant secretaries.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.
A woman’s relief corps was formed here on Monday last. This is an organization in connection with the Grand Army of the Republic, and is one of the most interesting and useful helps towards the advancement of the objects of the G. A. R. in existence. The meetings are held every Thursday at 3 p.m., until further notice. The success of the Corps is largely due to the exertions of Comrades H. H. Siverd and J. H. Finch, committee of the
G. A. R.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.
Woman’s Relief Corps.
The Woman’s Relief corps, No. 39, was organized in Winfield on Monday, the 8th of September, by electing the following officers.
President, Mrs. E. P. Hickock.
Senior Vice President, Mrs. J. S. Hunt.
Junior Vice President, Mrs. George Crippen.
Secretary, Mrs. Rev. Kelly.
Treasurer, Mrs. E. B. Dalton.
Chaplain, Mrs. J. H. Finch.
National Inspector, Mrs. Bates.
Conductor, Mrs. W. H. Shearer.
Guard, Mrs. T. B. Myers.
They were installed by order of the Deputy President, by Commander C. E. Steuven, of Post No. 85, G. A. R.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1884.
DOINGS OF THE CITY FATHERS.
Owing to the absence of Councilmen McDonald and McGuire, the former in Virginia and the latter Chicago, the city government has been “all broke up” since August 4th, as far as meeting was concerned, until Monday evening last, when they ground out the pending grist.
An ordinance dividing the city into five wards, and regulating fire alarms was passed.
The petition of H. H. Siverd et al, for a four foot sidewalk on the south side of blocks 171, 191, 2121, 231, and 251 and lots 7, 8, and 9, in block 271, was granted and an ordinance ordered.
Petition of A. G. Wilson for appointment as city weighmaster for the semi-annual term ending March 6th, 1885, was laid over, and Councilmen McGuire and Hodges were appointed to examine into the matter.
The following bills were ordered paid.
E. F. Sears, crossings, $55.08.
E. F. Sears, for fixing crossings, $1.50.
Cal. Ferguson, team and carriage, $2.00.
J. D. Lee, making water troughs, $14.61.
Frank W. Finch, boarding city prisoners, $34.50.
City officers salaries for August, $129.98.
J. C. McMullen, rent fire department building for August, $25.00.
A. H. Glanden, crossings, $62.90.
D. L. Kretsinger, services as chief fire marshall, $12.90.
Wm. Moore, stone for crossings, $25.63.
Hose Co. No. 1, fires at Whiting’s, Mann’s, Kirk’s, and call of mayor to exhibit water-works in May last, $42.00.
Hose Co. No. 2, fires of Whiting, Mann, and Kirk, and call of mayor to exhibit water-works to Independence officials, $43.00.
A. W. Makle, city prisoner serving out fine in county jail for assault and battery, was released.
Appointment of B. McFadden as a special police was confirmed by the council.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
Meeting of Blaine and Logan Clubs and a Flambeau Club.
A meeting of the Blaine and Logan Club of Winfield was held at the Courthouse Monday evening. The meeting came to order by electing Mr. A. H. Limerick, Chairman, and W. A. McCartney, Secretary. The object of the meeting was stated by W. J. Wilson. Speeches were made by T. H. Soward and W. P. Hackney in favor of the complete organization and equipment of a Blaine and Logan club. It was decided to organize the club into three companies of torch-bearers and one Flambeau club. The following officers were elected: Colonel Whiting, Commander of battalion and D. L. Kretsinger, Adjutant; Spencer Miner, Captain “Co. A”; Frank Finch, 1st Lieutenant; M. B. Shields, 2nd Lieutenant; T. J. Harris, 3rd Lieutenant; Capt. J. B. Nipp, Captain of “Co. B”: W. P. Hackney 1st Lieutenant; John McGuire, 2nd Lieutenant; H. H. Siverd, 3rd Lieutenant; Cap Steuven, Captain of the Flambeau club; H. G. Norton, 1st Lieutenant; W. A. McCartney, 2nd Lieutenant; Frank H. Greer, 3rd Lieutenant. The election of officers for “Co. C” was deferred until Tuesday evening. A meeting of the officers of the different companies was called for Wednesday morning for the purpose of appointing various committees, and deciding on the kind and number of suits and torches to be ordered. After the completion of business of the meeting, Henry E. Asp was called on, and responded in one of his characteristic speeches, after which the meeting adjourned.
[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
GENERAL NOTES OF THE FAIR.
Cowley’s fair this year was, in some departments, especially that of agricultural display, greatly inferior to that of last year. In the agricultural department this was largely due to the fact that crops are not generally so good as last year, and that no one interested themselves sufficiently in making the collection. In the cattle department the premiums were too small and the charges for stalls and pens too high, as was also the case in the horse department. These mistakes will be remedied in another year. The display in hogs and sheep was very fine, although many exhibitors were deterred from bringing hogs through fear of cholera. In fruit and household products the display was magnificent. In stock, while the numbers were not so large as last year, the grades were better, and spoke well for the success of our stock breeders.
Financially and in point of attendance the fair was much ahead of last year. The attendance on Thursday was about ten thousand, on Friday eight thousand, and on Saturday five thousand. The net profits, after paying all premiums and expenses, will be about eighteen hundred dollars.
The fair is now on a firm, sound, and prosperous basis, with all its stock placed and a good surplus in the treasury. It now behooves the stockholders and directors to so adjust the next premium list as to do away with as many of its objectionable features as possible and offer premiums large enough to make it an object for all to bring out their stock and productions.
Mr. A. J. Thompson’s premium of his Short Horn cattle amounted to $88.50.
John R. Smith’s herd of thoroughbreds were beauties and carried off first premium as a herd.
J. Scott Baker’s fine premium Short Horn bull was a fine animal and attracted much attention.
Mrs. Wesley McEwen was very fortunate and had a splendid display of jellies, preserves, and canned goods.
N. J. Thompson took $89 in premiums in the cattle ring with his thoroughbreds. His cattle were very fine.
Isaac Wood took $55.50 in premiums on his hog exhibit and sold his huge show hog, “Kentucky King, 2661,” to Stewart & Boyle, of Wichita, for $100.
N. L. Yarbrough’s fine display of colts from his noted stallion, “Clyde,” attracted great attention, and he carried off a whole bolt of blue ribbon.
Bahntge, Kates & Co., only exhibited one cow out of their splendid herd of thoroughbreds, and she took $41 in premiums. Next year they expect to down the county.
E. Copeland & Son, of Douglass, exhibited their splendid herd of Merino sheep and took a large number of premiums. The wooly friends of man were out in beauty and value.
The display of S. Kleeman of dry goods of all kinds from his store showed much enterprise and he made many friends by his gentlemanly deportment in explaining his attractions.
The beautiful vase of Cowley County stone, displaying the workmanship and artistic taste of Frank L. Wright, worthily took the blue ribbon. It was four feet high and greatly admired.
“Executor,” the pretty racer in charge of F. M. Harlan, of Parsons, was the lion of the free for all speed ring events, roping in first money. He is a half brother of Judge McDonald’s stallion colt.
The careful manner in which Uncle Wesley Paris sprinkled the Fair ground and the avenue leading to them, last week, with a little Providential assistance, was a great source of pleasure to the vast crowd. Uncle Wesley never does things by halves.
There were but two fights and no arrests on the grounds. Much credit is due chief of police Siverd and his efficient aides, Messrs. Tansey and Finch, for the able manner in which the police force was handled.
Our merchants showed characteristic enterprise by closing their stores and turning out in full force at the fair, on “Winfield Day.” The grounds, as a result, were continually crowded with surging humanity Thursday afternoon, all city business being suspended.
Hendricks & Wilson had a display of stoves which was highly creditable to their ever-reliable establishment. Mr. Hendricks was kept busy explaining the points of interest to the gentle housewives, who are always looking out for improvements in the cooking art.
Mr. J. T. Orr, who won the gold medal in the five mile race, is one of the fastest, as well as one of the most expert riders in the state. He has been engaged to travel with a large circus next year. His feats of fancy riding at the rink Saturday evening were wonderful.
The horticultural exhibit at the fair is especially worthy of note and a finer “lay out” we challenge any county in the west, of the age of Cowley, to produce. About every variety of fruit that ever grew on a tree was there to be seen. It was positive proof of Cowley’s adaptation to fruit.
The noted sorrel, “Caroline,” who won first money in the 2:40 pacing race, making the mile in 2:39-1/2, and also took first premium in sweepstakes for best mare any age or breed, was purchased soon after her victories by Judge J. Wade McDonald, for $1,000. The Judge is a great admirer of fancy horse flesh, and in “Caroline” has a daisy.
Harry West, the young bicyclist from Wichita, was unfortunate. His wheel threw him the first heat, bruising him badly. In the second heat he was thrown again, his wheel falling into that ridden by Mr. Page, and completely demolishing it. Mr. Page was quite badly hurt, in addition to the loss of his hundred and fifty dollar bicycle.
A two-gallon “demijohn” of whiskey was captured by the police force and turned over to the secretary as “contraband goods.” During the day it mysteriously disappeared, since which time neither whiskey nor demijohn has been heard of. It was taken from the office while the secretary was attending to his duties in the judges’ stand during the races by some parched and thirsty individual.
That Cowley is making wonderful strides in the improvement of her cattle and horses, our fair readily proved. There were any number of big Clydesdales, Norman, and Canadian and a profusion of trotting and running horses, together with as fine brooders and yearlings as any county can produce. The long-horned, wild-eyed Texas cattle have given place to Short-horns, Galloways, Jerseys, Polled-Angus, and the other high grades. The hint of Providence is being well heeded in the number of fine cattle being raised in Cowley.
In chronicling a visit to our fair, the A. C. Republican says: “Once more the fact that Kansas leads the Union in agriculture productions was verified. A fine display of fruits of all kind met our gaze on all sides in the horticultural hall. S. E. Maxwell had a magnificent display of fruit there. Corn, which beat anything we ever saw in the “Sucker” state, was piled around in the agricultural hall. One ear we picked up and examined measured 14 inches in length, and as near as we could count had over 1,486 grains on the cob. Wheat, oats, blue-grass, rye, and in fact all kinds of agricultural products were displayed. The number of cattle on exhibition Wednesday was small, but the grade was first class.”
We print below a complete list of premiums awarded from the Secretary’s books.
Skipped this. MAW
Following two items are related...
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1884.
Flora Harrison, a young girl about fifteen years old, was arrested Tuesday and lodged in the county jail on charge of petty larceny. While Mrs. Holmes was watching the political procession Monday, the girl entered her house, found a portmonia containing five dollars on the center table, and walked out with it. On its being missed she was traced through the identification of a neighbor, who saw her enter the house. The girl is comely and bright and seems to be surrounded with a strange degree of mystery, having roamed from Philadelphia to Colorado, remaining there a short time with an aunt, and turning up here under circumstances very hidden. She carries an air of innocence which makes her case very pitiable, putting in much time in convulsive sobs. She is homeless and friendless, and our public-spirited ladies are proffering assistance and encouragement.
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1884.
The young girl whom we mentioned last week as being in the toils for petty larceny, in the presence of the noble ladies of our Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, told a very different story. Her name was Mable Gray and her parents live in Wellington, the father being a shoemaker. He mother took her to Wichita to remain with a lady of that place, and becoming dissatisfied, she drifted to this place. Jailor Finch telegraphed the parents, bought her a ticket, and sent her home, from where this rugged experience will keep her from again wandering. She was very penitent.
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
DEADLY BULLETS!
Saturday Night’s Excitement has a Sequel in the Murder of a Colored Man and the
FATAL SHOOTING Of a White! General Recklessness and Bad Whiskey the Cause.
FLETCHER AND BURGE THE VICTIMS.
Notwithstanding the intense excitement caused by the Presidential uncertainty, Winfield was free from dangerous passions and fatal results until Saturday night, when the deadly revolver, in the reckless hand, took the life of Charlie Fletcher (colored) and gave Sandy Burge (white) a death wound. Excitement had been at a fever heat during the evening, but had vented itself up to eleven o’clock only in civil hilarity, playing of bands, and other harmless modes of jollification. But at that hour the celebrating portion of the crowd had mostly exhausted all enthusiasm and departed to their homes, leaving the ground in charge of the more boisterous. The Democrats had been celebrating during the evening the supposed elevation of Cleveland; and though loud denunciation of disciples of both parties had been indulged in, this sad ending is thought by all to have no political significance, but merely the result of whiskey and undue recklessness. However, we present the evidence at the Coroner’s inquest, from which all can draw their conclusions. The affair is very much deplored by members of both parties, as anything but an honor to our civilization and the good name of our city.
Fletcher died within an hour after the bullet had passed through his abdomen, and was buried Monday afternoon from the colored M. E. Church, of this city, a large concourse of white and colored citizens following the remains to South Cemetery.
Burge walked, after being shot, in company with the marshal, to Smith’s lunch-room, sat down, and soon fainted away. He was taken to the Ninth Avenue Hotel, where doctors were summoned and where he remained till Sunday morning, when he was removed to his home and family in the east part of the city. He was shot with a thirty-two bullet, which entered just below the fifth rib on the right side and passed through the right lung and came very nearly out at the back. As we go to press he still lies in a critical condition, though the physicians give him the possibility of recovering. But little change has been noted in his condition since Sunday.
Coroner H. W. Marsh was summoned, impaneled a jury Sunday afternoon, and held an inquest on the body of young Fletcher.
The jury was composed of Messrs. John McGuire, J. B. Lynn, George Emerson, T. H. Soward, W. J. Hodges, and James Bethel, who brought in a verdict that Fletcher came to his death by a pistol shot from the hand of Sandy Burge.
A synopsis of the evidence is given herewith, which fully explains the whole affair.
The first witness called up was Andrew Shaw, colored. He said: “I saw Charlie Fletcher on the corner of Ninth and Main on Saturday night, at what hour I don’t know. I saw no one shoot, nor did I see anyone with a pistol or other weapon in hand. I saw Fletcher fall. Before this I told him to have no row. When I heard the first shot, Charlie whirled around and fired. I saw the flash of a gun from the direction where Sandy Burge was standing. I also saw Mr. Lacy there with a star on.”
Dan’l D. Miller was next called. He said: “I saw a difficulty last evening at the corner of Ninth Avenue and Main Street about 11 o’clock. I was standing on the curb-stone near the hydrant when Henry Franklin, colored, came and spoke to me. He told me he understood the white boys were making up a mob to drive the darkies out of town and if they were, they would have a good time doing it. I told him I had heard nothing of the kind and thought everything would be all right if they behaved themselves. While we were talking, Lewis Bell was also talking. A. A. Thomas, standing near, said: ‘Democrat, Republican, or any G__d d___m man that jumps on me during this campaign will carry his guts off in his hand.’ Bell said: ‘I am a Democrat and if you jump on me, I’ll see that you jump off.’ Thomas replied, ‘the hell you say.’ Thomas then left and Bell was talking about the G__d d____m niggers or coons. Franklin, colored, went to Bell and Bell knocked him down. Just at that time Sandy Burge drew his revolver. I was about two feet from him. I advanced, grabbed him by the right shoulder, and whirled him around facing south and told him to put up his gun. He replied: ‘I won’t fight a G__d d___m nigger a fist fight.’ Some man then hollowed to turn his G__d d__m gun loose or put it up. He tore loose from me and whirled round facing northeast; his pistol in hand, and immediately there was a flash of a pistol about 10 or 12 feet east of where Burge stood. At this time Burge threw his hand up, made a slight noise, and as his hand came down, his pistol fired. I saw the colored man fall and he fired his pistol as he fell. The colored man was standing 10 or 12 feet nearly north of Burge—12 feet from where the first shot was fired. The next moment Burge fired his pistol again in the same direction. I don’t know who fired the first shot. I think the first shot struck Burge. I also think the shot fired by Burge struck Fletcher and I don’t think it was Fletcher’s shot that struck Burge. There were two shots fired from down the street east of us, after Burge and Fletcher shot. The first shot of the last two burned my face and made me dodge. The second one struck the lamp post. Don’t know who fired them. Then I shot around the corner.”
Henry Franklin, colored, was then called, who testified: “I saw Charlie Fletcher at McGuire’s corner about 11 o’clock. I was standing near the lamp-post, and after Bell struck me, Fletcher passed by me. Burge was standing east of me 5 or 6 feet, on the sidewalk. I can’t tell who fired the first shot. It came from about where Burge stood. I think Burge shot twice. My opinion is that Burge shot Fletcher and Fletcher shot Burge.”
James H. Finch then took the stand: “As I stood on McGuire’s corner last night about 11 o’clock, I saw a colored man come along. He stopped just off the curb-stone and some man spoke to him. The colored man said, ‘I don’t want any trouble,’ and laughed. Somebody at this time pitched in for a squabble and then the colored man fell to the sidewalk. Someone said, ‘Give it to the son of a b____.’ Just at that time Burge put his hand to his hip pocket to draw a revolver and began backing off from where he stood, in rather a stooping position. I watched him because I had a conversation with him about an hour before and he was drinking and I thought there might be some trouble. I thought in his condition if there was trouble, he would be in it. I was some 20 feet from him when he started to draw his revolver and made toward him, thinking I could knock his revolver out of his hand or his arm up so he would not shoot into the crowd. Before I got to him he fired two shots and snapped the revolver once. He shot a little northwest. Saw the man who was shot as he commenced falling. He was 12 or 15 feet northwest of Burge. He was a colored man. Burge shot the first shot and the darky shot about the same time. I should say four or five shots were fired. The colored man was falling when he shot, and I can’t tell where the other shots came from. I thought Burge’s second shot went some other way than toward the colored man. The darky said, when I went to him, that Sandy Burge shot him.”
The next witness was Alex. Franklin, colored: “I knew Charlie Fletcher and was on McGuire’s corner about 11 o’clock last night. The first thing I saw, old man Franklin was pulling Henry Franklin off the ground. I then saw Sandy Burge’s revolver; then the reports and the blaze of it; the reports were about together, and then Charlie Fletcher fell. Charlie fired one shot and Sandy the other. I heard four shots. A stone Mason, unknown to me, shot two shots! Sandy then snapped his revolver again and walked off. Don’t know whether he shot twice or not. Charlie told me when we took him home that Sandy shot him and he shot Sandy.”
Frank A. Smith was then introduced: “I came up the sidewalk from Jim Smith’s lunch room last night about 11 o’clock. There was a crowd on McGuire’s corner. I heard a blow struck and soon after saw Sandy Burge walking backward and pulling a revolver. I told him to put up his gun. He then shot. I believe he shot down within five feet of his own feet. The next shot he fired so as to range about a person’s breast. As he shot the second shot, the colored man said, ‘I am shot!’ and fell. Fletcher told me after he was down that Sandy Burge shot him. There were from five to eight shots fired.”
Capt. J. B. Nipp testified: “I heard a fuss on McGuire’s corner last night, about 11 o’clock, and went over there. I saw Sandy Burge draw his revolver and back up. Heard several say ‘Put up your gun!’ and heard five shots fired. Saw the blaze of the pistol from where Sandy stood; think Burge did a part of the shooting and don’t know who did the rest. The time was very short between the knock-down and the shooting; the time between the first three shots was not long enough for a man to draw his revolver; about time for pulling a trigger.”
John W. Dix said: “I saw a crowd on McGuire’s corner last night a little after 11 o’clock and ran over there. I heard a blow when nearly there and on getting to the crowd saw Sandy Burger with his revolver drawn down by his side. Someone told him to put it up or turn it loose. Then they began to rush toward him and he backed up, telling them to stand back; but they kept telling him to put it up. The words were repeated a number of times, when he backed off the crossing east a few paces and told them not to crowd him or he would shoot and started to raise his pistol; before he got it up, the colored man shot him. The flash of the colored man’s pistol was not gone before Sandy’s flashed. Sandy and the colored man shot at each other.”
A. A. Thomas next testified: “I heard there was going to be a fight and went over to McGuire’s corner. There I saw Henry Franklin, colored, staggering through the crowd. They said he had been hit. Saw Sandy Burge with his revolver out and Charlie Fletcher had his in his coat pocket with his hand on it. Sandy started off the gutter-stone and said, ‘That won’t do.’ I told Fletcher to keep his pistol in his pocket, that Sandy was bluffing. Fletcher and I walked 10 or 12 feet toward the crossing. Then Sandy shot downward into the ground. I then moved southward and heard two shots. The smoke came from both the colored fellow and Sandy and I don’t know which shot first. It seemed that Fletcher shot as he was falling.”
The testimony of Marshal Herrod was introduced, as follows. “I took a pistol away from Sandy Burge last night just after the shooting and took one from the hands of the colored man while he yet lay in the street. (Here the balls from the wounds and the pistols of Fletcher and Burge were produced in evidence, the balls fitting exactly their respective pistols.) There was two shots out of Burge’s pistol and one out of Fletcher’s when I got them.”
Said John Easton: “I met Sandy Burge yesterday morning between 7 and 8 o’clock and in a conversation with him he said, ‘I will kill the first d___n nigger that steps in my way.’”
James McLain testified: “I heard Fletcher say that Bell couldn’t get to him; he could reach him first. I searched him about fifteen minutes after and found no pistol. Bell was cursing and swearing and had two or three rackets.”
Dr. C. C. Green testified to having found Fletcher lying in the street in a dying condition and gave location of wound, which passed through the abdomen. The bullet was a forty-five caliber.
