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Frank S. Jennings
Winfield, Kansas.
WINFIELD CITY DIRECTORY 1880:
Jennings & Buckman, lawyers, Main w. s. over Read’s Bank.
Jennings, Frank, lawyer, r. Walton, e. s. bet 8th and 9th avenues.
This has been a most confusing family to me. Frank S. Jennings had a number of brothers. At first only one of them settled in Winfield: S. H. Jennings. [At times the paper referred to him, I believe, as “H. S.” Jennings. Then later “Ed” Jennings was mentioned as a brother and it appears that Frank and S. H. Jennings assisted Ed Jennings in starting a cattle ranch in Indian Territory. Then the father [A. H. Jennings] passed away and before long another brother of Frank S. Jennings, A. H. Jennings, Jr., appeared. There was another brother by the name of Dr. R. P. Jennings, but it appears that he only visited Winfield and did not settle there. Finally we come up with yet another Jennings brother, George Jennings, and it appears that for a time Frank S. was his partner in a cigar manufactory in Winfield.
I have separate files for two of the brothers: A. H. and George Jennings. The others are included in the “Frank S. Jennings” file.
Frank S. Jennings was a lawyer, state attorney, and state senator, replacing W. P. Hackney.
WINFIELD CITY DIRECTORY 1885:
COWLEY COUNTY OFFICERS.
State Senator: F. S. Jennings.
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY.
[Skipping numbers: giving names only.]
Jennings & Troup. Jennings, F. S., residence.
COWLEY COUNTY TEMPERANCE UNION.
Meetings held monthly, or oftener, at the direction of the executive committee.
A. H. Limerick, President; S. H. Jennings, Secretary.
Jennings & Troup, attorneys at law, 903 Main
Jennings Frank S, cigar manufacturer, 914 Main, res 814 e 12th
Jennings Geo. S, cigar manufacturer, 914 Main, res 814 e 12th
Jennings S H, res s end Millington Street
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1876.
F. S. JENNINGS, of Delaware, Ohio, and G. H. BUCKMAN, of Delavan, Illinois, graduates of Michigan University law school, are looking at Winfield with a view to locating and following their profession. They are delighted with the country and town.
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
Jennings & Buckman have opened a law office under Read’s bank.
[CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
To the toasts.
“The Day We Celebrate,” was replied to by Mr. F. S. Jennings in a manner creditable to himself, the toast, and the occasion. It was, in our opinion, the most brilliant short speech of the day. The audience appreciated it, as was shown by their renewed acclamation.
Winfield Courier, July 20, 1876.
MESSRS. JENNINGS & BUCKMAN have their law office nicely fitted up, or down, rather, under Read’s bank. It is cool and pleasant there at all times. Call and see them.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.
MESSRS. JENNINGS & BUCKMAN yesterday had their first legal tilt since their location here. It was a trespass case before Esq. Boyer.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
Minutes of the Cowley County Teachers’ Institute.
Agreeable to the call of the County Superintendent of Public Instruction, the teachers of Cowley County met in annual institute on Monday, Sept. 11th, at 9 o’clock a.m. On account of sickness in his family, Mr. Wilkinson was unable to attend, and the duty of conducting the Institute devolved on Prof. A. B. Lemmon.
An interesting lecture on the “science of government” was delivered by F. S. Jennings, Esq., of Winfield. After comparing our government with others and showing the excellencies of our own, he proceeded to examine the different departments of our government and to make a cursory, but very satisfactory analysis of the same.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
The following attorneys are in attendance at the present term of court: M. S. Adams, of Wichita; L. B. Kellogg, of Emporia; C. R. Mitchell, A. Walton, and James Christian, of Arkansas City; James McDermott, Dexter; Webb & Torrance, Hackney & McDonald, Pyburn & Seward, D. A. Millington, J. M. Alexander, Jennings & Buckman, A. H. Green,
Pryor, Kager & Pryor, A. B. Lemmon, and John E. Allen, of Winfield.
Winfield Courier, November 2, 1876.
FRANK JENNINGS has been out the last ten days stumping it for Hayes and Wheeler, and getting acquainted with the people. He is not only an Ohioan, but a straight out and out Republican Ohioan. He makes friends for himself and votes for the nominees wherever he speaks.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1876.
MESSRS. GALLOTTI, Pryor, Copeland, Roberts, Asp, Franklin, Baldwin, Geo. Robinson, Will Robinson, Ed. Holloway, Jennings, Buckman, and the writer, are on the popcorn committee.
LATER. Messrs. E. S. Torrance and O. M. Seward are on it too.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1877.
Teachers Examination.
At the public examination held in this city on the 3rd inst., the following applicants presented themselves:
Misses Mattie Walters, Arvilla Elliot, Emma Roberts, Ella Freeland, Mattie Minnihan, Mollie Davis, Gertrude Davis, Sarah E. Davis, Arnie Lipscomb, Sallie E. Rea, Ella Underwood, Jennie Evans, Albertine Maxwell, Ida Grimes.
Mrs. Ida E. Brown, Mrs. S. A. Ledlie.
Mr. Will Lipscomb, Mr. William T. York, Mr. W. L. Burton, Mr. B. F. Maricle, Mr. P. W. Smith, and Mrs. Chas. H. Huff.
The qualifications of two of the applicants above mentioned entitled them to first grade; of fourteen, to second grade certificates, while six failed to sustain satisfactory examination upon the questions given.
An examination will be held the latter part of March.
R. C. STORY, GEO. W. ROBINSON, F. S. JENNINGS. Board of Examiners.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
The first regular meeting of the Philomatic society of Winfield, will be held at the Courthouse on Tuesday evening, Feb. 20, 1877.
PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING.
1. Miscellaneous Business.
2. Regular Business.
3. Music.
4. Essay—By D. A. Millington.
5. Music.
6. Discussion of the question:
Resolved, That the right of suffrage should be restricted by property and educational qualifications.
Affirmative, Rev. J. L. Rushbridge.
Negative, W. P. Hackney.
7. Music.
8. Scientific and Historical questions by the audience, to be answered by some persons appointed at the next meeting.
9. Report of Committee on programme.
Exercises to begin at 7 o’clock, p.m. All are invited to attend.
F. S. JENNINGS, Pres.
O. M. SEWARD, Secy.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.
The next regular meeting of the Philomatic society of Winfield will be held at the Courthouse, on Friday evening, March 2nd, 1877.
PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING.
1. Music by Miss Newman.
2. Select Reading; by Mrs. J. D. Pryor.
3. Weekly Paper, by Rev. J. L. Rushbridge.
4. Music, by Miss Gowen.
5. Answers to scientific questions.
6. Essay by F. S. Jennings.
7. Discussion. Resolved, “That the practice of the law elevates the profession.” Affirmative—Jas. McDermott, W. M. Allison. Negative—C. M. Wood, J. E. Allen.
8. Scientific questions by the audience.
9. Adjournment.
Exercises to begin at 7½ o’clock, p.m. All are invited to attend.
F. S. JENNINGS, President.
O. M. SEWARD, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
All parties interested in base ball are requested to meet at the law office of Jennings & Buckman on next Tuesday evening, when steps will be taken to organize a club in this city.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1877.
Programme
Of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, March 9th, 1877.
1. Music, By String Band.
2. Miscellaneous business.
3. Music, Vocal.
4. Select Reading, by Mrs. Jno. D. Pryor.
5. Music, by String Band.
6. Weekly Paper, by Misses Emma Saint and Jessie Millington.
7. Music, Vocal.
8. Declamations, by Miss Minnie Quarles and Ezra Bartlett.
9. Music, by String Band.
10. Discussion—“Resolved, that man is a creature of circumstances.” Affirmative—M. G. Troup and J. D. Pryor. Negative—G. H. Buckman and C. C. Black.
11. Music, Vocal.
12. Answers to Scientific and Historical questions.
13. Music, by String Band.
14. Adjournment.
Instrumental music for the evening by Prof. Easton’s string band.
All are invited. F. S. JENNINGS, Pres.
O. M. SEWARD, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.
Programme
Of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, March 16th, 1877.
1. Music, String Band.
2. Reading Minutes.
3. Election of officers.
4. Vocal Music.
5. Valedictory, F. S. Jennings.
6. Music, String Band.
7. Report of committees.
8. Miscellaneous business.
9. Music, Vocal.
10. Weekly Paper, Misses Dever and Levering.
11. Discussion, Resolved, “That what is, is right.” Affirmative: Messrs. Wood and Wilkinson. Negative: Rev. J. E. Platter and O. M. Seward.
12. Music, String Band.
13. Answers to scientific and historical questions.
14. Report of Committee on Programme.
15. Adjournment.
Music by Prof. Easton’s String Band.
All are invited.
F. S. JENNINGS, President.
O. M. SEWARD, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1877.
BASE BALL.
Attorneys vs. Businessmen.
That game of base ball on last Tuesday afternoon between the two nines, one of which was made up of attorneys exclusively and the other of businessmen, of this city, was decidedly an interesting one. The players, and a large crowd of spectators, assembled upon the ground, south of town, at [? failed to give time ?] o’clock p.m., soon after which the game commenced, with the attorneys in the field and the businessmen at the bat.
The first man called to the bat was Mr. Thos. Copeland, who made a fair hit, making a home run. Next came Geo. Robinson and A. C. Dickinson, both “fouled out.” Fred Hunt then went to bat and by a fair hit made second base, where he was left by Sid Major being put out by a fly catch, and being the third man out, when the businessmen went into the field and the attorneys to the bat. Mr. L. J. Webb was the first attorney called to the bat and “fouled out.” Mr. Buckman then followed with a fair hit and went to second base. Jno. Pryor went out on three strikes. A. H. Green then went to first base by a good hit, and Mr. Buckman at the same time making a score; Mr. Jennings went out on three strikes, being the third man out, put the side out, leaving Mr. Green on second base. The score was even at the end of the first inning, the businessmen gained five in the second, and the attorneys gained three in the third, leaving the businessmen only two ahead. The businessmen went seven more ahead in the fourth inning and sixteen in the fifth, leaving the score stand as will be seen below. The game was well played considering the fact that most of the players had not played a game of base ball for years and several of them never in their lives. Considerable interest was manifested in the game.
At the beginning of the fifth inning, Mr. Green withdrew from the attorneys, whose place was supplied by Will Holloway, and Geo. Robinson withdrew from the businessmen, whose place was supplied by Mr. Guinn, of Sheridan Township, who made during this inning the strongest hit made during the game and made a home run. O. M. Seward, of the attorneys, did excellent playing behind the bat. The game was called at the close of the fifth inning, at 5 o’clock p.m.; duration of the game 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Score given after article shows that Businessmen had 44 runs; Attorneys had 19 runs.
Players—Businessmen: Copeland, c.; Dickinson, p.; Hunt, F. C., s.s.; Robinson, 1st b.; Major, 2nd b.; Stuart, 3rd b.; Wallis, B. M., l. f.; Hunt, J. S., c. f.; Starwalt, r. f.
[FUNNY! THEY GAVE SOME INITIALS FOR DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS AND DID NOT GIVE INITIALS FOR OTHERS.]
Players—Attorneys: Webb, 2nd b.; Buckman, p.; Pryor, J. D., 1st b.; Green, c. f.; Jennings, 3rd b.; Seward, c.; Asp, r. f.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1877.
Programme
Of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, March 30th, 1877.
1. Music.
2. Reading minutes.
3. Miscellaneous business.
4. Music.
5. Select reading, by Miss Jessie Millington.
6. Music.
7. Answers to scientific questions.
8. Music.
9. Weekly paper: Mrs. T. A. Wilkinson and Fred C. Hunt.
10. Address, Henry E. Asp: “What poor boys have done, and what they may do.”
11. Discussion: Resolved, That “the services of legislators should be gratuitous.
Affirmative: Messrs. F. S. Jennings and T. A. Wilkinson.
Negative: W. P. Hackney and Geo. H. Buckman.
12. Music.
13. Proposals of questions to be answered at the next meeting.
14. Report of Committee on Programme.
15. Music.
16. Adjournment.
16. All are invited.
C. M. WOOD, President.
EMMA SAINT, Secretary.
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 $1.00.]
G. Black, R. B. Pratt, A. G. Wilson, C. M. Wood, J. B. Lynn, J. F. Walker.
F. S. Jennings, school examiner: $15.00
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
The following are the attorneys in attendance at the Cowley County district court now in session: L. J. Webb, J. E. Allen, D. A. Millington, Jennings & Buckman, E. S. Torrance, Hackney & McDonald, James McDermott, A. H. Green, Pyburn & Seward, J. M. Alexander, Pryor & Pryor, Henry E. Asp, Linus S. Webb, of Winfield; C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, James Christian, of Arkansas City; A. L. Redden, of Eldorado; M. S. Adams, of Wichita; J. D. McBrian, of Sedan, Chautauqua County; J. M. White, of Howard City, Elk County.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1877.
The lightning killed a mule belonging to Mr. Slemmons, at the Vernon schoolhouse Saturday night. Messrs. Millington, Jennings, Kelly, Seward, and railroad speakers from Arkansas City and Emporia were there. It’s kind of funny that the lightning selected that mule.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1877.
Mr. Jennings returned yesterday after a week’s visit to the eastern part of the State.
Winfield Courier, June 28, 1877.
F. S. Jennings, Esq., is the orator of the day at the 4th of July celebration at Lazette.
Winfield Courier, July 5, 1877.
Frank Jennings, Esq.., delivered the oration at Lazette yesterday. We warrant Mr. Jennings did not disappoint his hearers.
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877. Editorial Page.
From Lazette.
The largest picnic ever assembled in the Grouse Valley assembled at Lazette on the glorious 4th. The programme was read and music discoursed by the Lazette chorus band with Miss Minnihan, of Winfield, at the organ. . . .
A Sunday school address was delivered by Mr. Jennings, a young lawyer of Winfield, who has more than ever endeared himself both to young, and old, inspiring all with confidence that he is a man of promise, true principles, and a sound head. The next was an essay by Dr. Lear on music. . . . Next the reading of the Declaration of Independence by S. M. Fall with distinct enunciation. Then came the National Oration by Mr. Story. . . .
NEW COMER.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877.
F. S. Jennings, school examiner, $6.00.
Juror Fees: B. M. Terrill, $.75; J. J. Bair, $.75; J. E. Allen, $.75; A. H. Thompson, $.75; E. B. Pratt, $.75; and F. S. Jennings, $.75.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.
A nice new residence on south Mansfield street by F. S. Jennings.
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.
The District Court commenced its session on Monday with a light docket, and it is to be hoped that it will be cleared up this week. The following members of the bar present: Hon. W. P. Campbell, Judge; E. S. Bedilion, Clerk; R. L. Walker, Sheriff; M. S. Adams, of Wichita, C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, and A. Walton, of Arkansas City; J. McDermott, County Attorney, J. E. Allen, A. J. Pyburn, O. M. Seward, W. M. Boyer, L. J. Webb, W. P. Hackney, J. W. McDonald, E. S. Torrance, H. E. Asp, D. A. Millington, S. D. Pryor, J. D. Pryor, F. S. Jennings, G. H. Buckman, and A. H. Green, of Winfield, attorneys.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.
Programme
Of the Philomatic Society to be held at the Courthouse in Winfield, Friday evening, October 12th, 1877.
1. Music.
2. Reading of the minutes of last meeting.
3. Election of officers.
4. Music.
5. Valedictory by out-going president.
6. Music.
7. Discussion of the question: Resolved, That our country owes its prosperity more to the civil law than to the Divine law.
Affirmative: W. P. Hackney and O. M. Seward.
Negative: J. L. Rushbridge and F. S. Jennings.
8. Miscellaneous business.
9. Music.
10. Report of committee on programme.
11. Adjournment.
C. M. WOOD, President.
EMMA SAINT, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.
The Philomatic Society
Met last Friday evening with a very respectable attendance. The society elected M. G. Troup, President; J. E. Allen, Vice President; Kate Millington, Secretary; Fred Hunt, Treasurer. The music was excellent, and the debate was ably conducted by Messrs. Seward, Rushbridge, and Jennings.
Next meeting Friday evening, Oct. 19. Music, Paper by F. C. Hunt and Kate Millington; Select Reading, Will Stivers; Discussion, J. E. Allen, W. Q. Mansfield, and others, with sundry exercises.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY BY MILLINGTON & LEMMON.
[From the Kansas City Journal of Commerce.]
From a score of lawyers I select as the probable leaders of the profession here Hon. W. P. Hackney, Hon. L. J. Webb, the present representative from this district, Messrs. McDonald, Jennings & Buckman, and E. S. Torrance. Mr. Henry E. Asp is a young limb of the law, just admitted to practice in the district court, and gives promise of a successful career.
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
Teachers’ Examinations.
Public examinations of applicants for teachers’ certificates will be held during the coming year at the following times and places.
February 21 and 23, at Arkansas City, Dexter, and Winfield.
April 5th and 6th, and October 25th and 26th, at Winfield.
At the close of the county institute for 1878, at Winfield.
A State examination will probably be held during the spring or summer at Winfield.
Certificates of grades one and two will be issued upon examination in orthography, reading, writing, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, United States history, and constitution.
Grade “A” certificates require an examination upon the following additional branches: book-keeping, industrial drawing, the elements of entomology, the elements of botany, and the elements of geology.
Second grade certificates will be issued to candidates whose standing in no branch falls below 70 and whose average is 75 percent; first grade certificates will be issued to candidates whose standing in no branch falls below 85 and whose average is 90 percent; grade “A” certificates will be issued to candidates who have a standing in every branch of not less than 90 percent.
Certificates can be neither extended nor dated back.
Private examinations are contrary to law and cannot be given.
Only those teachers who hold certificates can legally teach, and with those only should school boards contract.
R. C. STORY, GEO. W. ROBINSON, F. S. JENNINGS, Board of Examiners.
Winfield Courier, December 27, 1877.
Jennings wants to know if it’s anybody’s business whether he courts on the square or all ’round the circle.
Winfield Courier, January 10, 1878.
One or two good, new houses for sale cheap. Apply to Jennings & Buckman.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Claims allowed Jan. 10.
School examiner: F. S. Jennings, $6; G. W. Robinson, $6.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
Teachers’ Examinations.
Public examinations of applicants for teachers’ certificates will be held during the coming year at the following times and places: February 22nd and 23rd, at Arkansas City, Dexter, and Winfield; April 5th and 6th and October 25th and 26th at Winfield, and at the close of the county institute for 1878. A State examination will probably be held during the spring or summer at Winfield.
Certificates of grades one and two will be issued upon examination in orthography, reading, writing, English grammar, geography, arithmetic, United States history, and constitution. Grade “A” certificates require an examination upon the following additional branches: book-keeping, industrial drawing, the elements of entomology, the elements of botany, and the elements of geology.
Second grade certificates will be issued to candidates whose standing in no branch falls below 70 and whose average is 75 percent; first grade certificates will be issued to candidates whose standing in no branch falls below 85 and whose average is 90 percent; grade “A” certificates will be issued to candidates who have a standing in every branch of not less than 90 percent.
Certificates can be neither extended nor dated back.
Private examinations are contrary to law and cannot be given.
Only those teachers who hold certificates can legally teach, and with those only should school board contract.
R. C. Story, Geo. W. Robinson, F. S. Jennings. Board of Examiners.
Frank S. Jennings marries Mrs. Inez (?)...
[Newspapers referred to “Ina Daniels” rather than Inez Daniels. Have corrected accounts to show Inez. Also, records indicate she was single and attended the Normal Institute for teachers.]
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.
TO BE MARRIED. F. S. Jennings has by years of apparent good behavior and strict attention to business won the admiration and confidence of his bachelor and—lady friends, but now he suddenly dashes all this to the ground by committing matrimony in the first degree. He had his preliminary examination before Judge Platter yesterday morning, who bound him over for trial. Of course, he will not escape a long imprisonment, and it is hoped that the beautiful Mrs. Inez will manage the punishment so as to secure his permanent good.
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.
F. S. Jennings, Esq., went to Arkansas City last week to conduct the teachers’ examination.
Frank S. Jennings marries Inez E. Daniels...
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.
Probate Judge’s Office.
MARRIAGE LICENSES.
Frank S. Jennings to Inez E. Daniels.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.
Frank Jennings, school examiner.
Frank Jennings and S. P. Channell were appointed to assist the Probate Judge to count the funds in the county treasury.
Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.
District Court Proceedings.
Monday, May 6th, 10 o’clock a.m. His Honor, W. P. Campbell, on the bench. Present: C. L. Harter, sheriff; E. S. Bedilion, clerk; Jas. McDermott, prosecuting attorney; attorneys C. Coldwell, W. P. Hackney, Henry E. Asp, J. E. Allen, D. C. Beach, E. S. Torrance, J. M. Alexander, A. J. Pyburn, N. C. Coldwell, Jas. Christian, G. H. Buckman, S. D. Pryor, J. Wade McDonald, C. R. Mitchell, J. D. Pryor, C. C. Black, R. C. Story, L. J. Webb, W. M. Boyer, F. S. Jennings, and D. A. Millington.
F. S. Jennings appointed guardian, ad litem, of minor heirs of Reuben Bowers.
Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.
The addresses delivered to the jury in the case of Harris versus Day et al., by Hon. Jas. McDermott, Frank S. Jennings, and J. Wade McDonald are all spoken of as forensic oratory of a high order. But few cases have been tried in so thorough and exhaustive a manner as was this.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Jennings, of Delaware, Ohio, are visiting their son, Mr. Frank S. Jennings, in this city.
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
R. C. Story, R. L. Rushbridge, O. M. Seward, H. E. Asp, and F. S. Jennings will spread the eagle at Floral.
Real Estate Transfers.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
E. C. Manning and wife to F. S. Jennings, lots 7, block 48, Winfield, $60.
Winfield Courier, August 1, 1878.
Real Estate Transfers.
E. C. Manning and wife to Frank S. Jennings, n. ½ 3 and s. ½ 8, blocks 113 and 48, Winfield; $40.
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
Primary Convention.
WINFIELD, August 3, 1878.
Convention met at the courthouse in pursuance to call of County Central Committee.
The meeting was called to order by W. Q. Mansfield, and D. A. Millington was elected as chairman and G. H. Buckman secretary.
On motion the chair appointed a committee of three to report names of delegates and alternates. S. M. Jarvis, E. P. Kinne, and W. M. Boyer appointed on such committee.
The committee reported the following named persons as delegates and alternates.
Delegates: R. L. Walker, W. P. Hackney, E. S. Torrance, F. S. Jennings, L. W. Spach, O. M. Seward, James Kelley, E. C. Manning, D. A. Millington.
Alternates: E. P. Kinne, W. M. Boyer, W. Q. Mansfield, G. H. Buckman, S. M. Jarvis, John Mentch, Sampson Johnson, Henry E. Asp, T. B. Myers.
On motion the report of the committee was adopted by the convention. Thereupon the convention adjourned. D. A. MILLINGTON, President. G. H. BUCKMAN, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.
Trial List.
The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the August A. D. 1878 term of the District Court of Cowley County, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.
CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY.
C. C. Harris vs. Sanford Day et al. [Hackney & McDonald and F. S. Jennings; James McDermott.]
CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY.
Mercy M. Funk, Administratrix, vs. M. G. Troup, Administrator. [Jennings & Buckman; J. E. Allen.]
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY.
John Nichols vs. Harrison Barton. [E. S. Torrance; Jennings & Buckman.]
Fonda & Gump vs. Walker Brothers. [Jennings & Buckman; Hackney & McDonald.]
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
Frank S. Jennings is moving into his new house.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
District Court.
Met Monday morning, August 26th, 1878.
Present: Judge W. P. Campbell, Sheriff C. L. Harter, Clerk E. S. Bedilion, Attorneys McDermott, Torrance, C. Coldwell, N. C. Coldwell, Hackney, McDonald, Pryor, Pyburn, Allen, Jennings, Buckman, Black, Webb, Alexander, Beach, Troup, Jarvis, Asp, of Winfield; and Dennison, of Osage Mission.
Winfield Courier, October 3, 1878.
Call for Sunday School Convention.
A Union County Sunday School Convention will be held at Winfield, Kansas, commencing on Friday, October 18, 1878, at 10 o’clock a.m., and continuing two days. The convention will be held at the Presbyterian church, and it is desired that every Sunday school in the county send three delegates with credentials to admit them as members, and also that the delegates from each school be furnished with statistics of attendance, members enrolled, and all other matters pertaining to the schools they respectively represent.
Entertainment during the convention will be gladly furnished all delegates from schools outside of Winfield free of cost. . . . F. S. JENNINGS, Chairman.
HENRY E. ASP, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, October 3, 1878.
To the many friends who have solicited me to become a candidate for Representative of the 88th District, I would say that I shall not be a candidate for any office. Hoping this course will be best for the Republican party, and thanking my friends who have so kindly interested themselves in my behalf, I am respectfully, F. S. JENNINGS.
Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878.
Skipped the call for Sunday School Convention given by F. S. Jennings, Chairman, and Henry E. Asp, Secretary. Purpose: Temperance.
Winfield Courier, October 31, 1878.
ANNOUNCEMENT.
There will be a Republican meeting held at the Fairview schoolhouse (better known as the Limbocker schoolhouse) on Friday evening, November 1st. The meeting will be addressed by Frank S. Jennings and other persons from Winfield. Greenbackers are cordially invited to join in the discussion.
[ATTORNEYS’ CARDS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 14, 1878. Front page.
JENNINGS & BUCKMAN [F. S. JENNINGS/G. H. BUCKMAN], ATTORNEYS AT LAW. BUSINESS IN STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS SOLICITED. COLLECTIONS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. LEGAL INSTRUMENTS CAREFULLY MADE OUT. OFFICE OVER READ’S BANK, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.
District Court.
Judge Campbell came down from Wichita on Monday and the session of court commenced.
Present: His Honor Judge W. P. Campbell; C. L. Harter, sheriff; E. S. Bedilion, district clerk; J. McDermott, county attorney; and Messrs. J. E. Allen, C. C. Black, S. D. Pryor, A. J. Pyburn, J. M. Alexander, F. S. Jennings, C. R. Mitchell, L. J. Webb, E. S. Torrance, N. C. Coldwell, W. M. Boyer, W. P. Hackney, O. M. Seward, C. H. Payson, H. E. Asp, G. H. Buckman, J. D. Pryor, D. C. Beach, W. M. Boyer, C. Coldwell, M. G. Troup, S. M. Jarvis, A. H. Green, attorneys.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
Dr. R. P. Jennings, of Delevan, Illinois, is visiting his brother, Mr. Frank S. Jennings, in this city. He is delighted with the place and surroundings and has a view of remaining to improve his health.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
MANNING’S OPERA HOUSE.
Opening Benefit.
The citizens of Winfield and vicinity purpose giving an entertainment benefit on
TUESDAY EVENING, DEC. 17, 1878
at Manning’s Opera House, to show their appreciation of the enterprise of a citizen who has erected a magnificent hall in our city.
COMMITTEE ON TOASTS: D. A. MILLINGTON, GEORGE W. ROBINSON, F. S. JENNINGS.
Mr. Jennings has a son...
Winfield Courier, December 26, 1878.
BIRTH. Mr. Frank Jennings came around on Tuesday morning with a proud step, a smiling countenance, and a bundle of cigars. He says that the boy is all right, weighs nine pounds, and will go into the practice of law at once.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.
The following is a list of new buildings erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner and cost of building.
Frank S. Jennings, residence, frame: $650.00.
F. S. Jennings, residence, frame: $1,100.00.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
Listed as a Courier Advertiser:
JENNINGS & BUCKMAN are young lawyers who have already won a reputation for talent and skill. Frank S. Jennings is an orator, and G. H. Buckman is most famous as a vocalist. He is a justice of the peace as well as lawyer.
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.
F. Jennings, school examiner.
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.
Manning’s Release From Support of Ingalls for U. S. Senatorship.
MR. EDITOR:—Having my attention called to an article in the COURIER of the 6th inst. in regard to a supposed action of the Republican Central Committee, signing a release for Mr. Manning from his obligations to vote for Ingalls for U. S. Senator, I beg space in your columns to say that the Republican Central Committee had nothing whatever to do with the matter, and that no release or paper of any character has been prosecuted to that committee dictating Mr. Manning’s duty as representative, or releasing him from any obligations he may be under to his constituents. If any action at all was taken in that direction, it was done without the sanction, knowledge, or consent of that committee, and in justice to other members of the committee, as well as myself, I render this explanation.
Most respectfully, F. S. JENNINGS.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.
COWLEY COUNTY SABBATH SCHOOL CONVENTION.
The following are the officers of the Cowley County Sabbath School Convention.
President: R. C. Story.
Vice President: W. M. Sleeth.
Secretary: F. S. Jennings.
Assistant Secretary: H. E. Asp.
Treasurer: James Harden.
Executive Committee: R. C. Story, F. S. Jennings, T. R. Bryan, Will Mowry, E. W. Jones, John R. Thompson, and A. S. Williams.
[CITY ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.
The election last Tuesday was very warm and excited, but everything went off pleasantly. The result was:
1st w. 2nd w.
BOARD OF EDUCATION.
Long Term, M. G. Troup ... 146 ...
Long Term, B. F. Baldwin . 102 ...
Short Term, N. L. Rigby .... 240 ...
Long Term, F. S. Jennings ... 336
Short Term, H. Brotherton ... 107
Short Term, I. W. Randall ... 122
Jennings won by a majority of 236 according to newspaper.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1879.
The entertainment given by Mr. Jennings’ Sunday school class in the Opera House last Thursday evening was a decided success. It consisted of singing, tableaux, and recitations, all of which was well performed. The proceeds, above expenses, amounted to something over forty-five dollars, which will be expended in repairing the parsonage.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.
We were pleased to meet Mr. L. W. Lawton, of Delano, Illinois, who is visiting Messrs. Jennings & Buckman, of this place. Mr. Lawton expresses himself as being highly pleased with Cowley County and Winfield, and we hope, at some future time, to number him among our citizens.
[ORGANIZATION OF BOARD OF EDUCATION.]
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.
The Board of Education, elect, met Monday evening in pursuance of the provisions of the law for the purpose of effecting an organization.
The meeting was called to order by Mr. M. G. Troup, after which officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows.
President: F. S. Jennings.
Vice President: N. L. Rigby.
Clerk: Fred C. Hunt.
The clerk’s salary was fixed at $50.00 per annum.
The Treasurer’s bond was fixed at $10,000.
Resolution passed that no application for position as teacher be considered until after the middle of June, and that in the meantime all applications be filed with the Clerk of the Board.
Board adjourned to meet again at the office of Jennings & Buckman, when the report of the retiring Board will be received. A full attendance of the retiring Board at that time is requested.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1879.
The meeting to devise ways and means for celebrating the “Glorious Fourth,” met at the office of Chas. Payson and organized by electing J. Conklin, chairman, and E. P. Greer, secretary. The following committees were appointed.
Arrangements: Messrs. Rogers, Manning, and Wm. Robinson.
Programme: Messrs. Kinne, Troup, and Jennings.
Invitations: Messrs. Allison, Conklin, and Millington.
Music: Messrs. Buckman, Crippen, and Wilkinson.
Let the different committees go to work and let us have a grand, old-fashioned time.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.
Mr. Frank Jennings and family are visiting friends in Kingman County, and will be absent several weeks.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.
Messrs. Jennings & Buckman are doing a splendid law business, and are fast coming to the front as one of the leading law firms of Southwestern Kansas. They are both young men of ability and culture, and have been unusually successful in their profession since they first hung out their shingle three years ago.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.
At a meeting of the School Directors on Monday, June 16th, F. S. Jennings in the chair, the following appointments were made for the coming year: Principal, Prof. E. T. Trimble, of Illinois, who takes the place of Mr. G. W. Robinson, resigned; Helen E. Meach, of Chicago, who takes the place of Miss Aldrich in the grammar department; Miss Sarah Hodges, who takes the place of Mrs. Moffitt, resigned—second intermediate; Miss Minnie Johnson, a new appointment, 1st intermediate; Miss Allie Klingman, returned, 2nd primary; Miss Mollie Bryant, 1st primary. The Chair appointed the committees for the ensuing year, to-wit: M. G. Troup, Finance; N. L. Rigby, Ways and Means; I. W. Randall, Care of School property. The first Monday in July was set for the next meeting of the Directors. The fall term of school opens September 1st.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1879.
Mr. Frank Jennings and family returned from their trip through the western part of the state last Friday. Mr. Jennings reports a very pleasant trip, and only regrets that he could not return in time to fly the eagle as per appointment at Douglass.
[WINFIELD VISITED BY EDITORS OF THE NEW DOUGLAS ENTERPRISE.]
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.
The editors of the New Enterprise enjoyed a pleasant visit to the beautiful and prosperous city of Winfield, last Monday. Mr. Eagin formerly lived there, but we had never before seen Winfield, and were surprised to find such a live, enterprising, and prosperous city.
While there we made the acquaintance of some of Winfield’s leading citizens: among them Hon. E. C. Manning, Hon. W. P. Hackney, Hon. J. Wade McDonald, Hon. J. M. Alexander, Gen. A. H. Green, Frank S. Jennings, attorneys, and Baird Bros., Lynn & Gillelen, Spotswood & Co., C. A. Bliss & Co., and S. H. Myton, merchants. We also made the acquaintance of the county officers who are all affable gentlemen.
[DISTRICT COURT CALENDAR - AUGUST TERM.]
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.
(Commencing Monday, Aug. 25, 1879.)
CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY.
W. H. H. Maris (Pyburn and Boyer, Jennings & Buckman) vs. T. W. Gant, et. al. (Pryor & Pryor, Webb).
P. J. Tuttle (Pryor & Pryor) vs. Lucy Clark, et. al. (Jennings & Buckman).
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY.
S. M. Jarvis (C. H. Payson) vs, W. D. Anderson (Jennings & Buckman).
James Kelly (F. S. Jennings) vs. Frank Manny (Hackney & McDonald).
CIVIL DOCKET. SIXTH DAY.
F. C. Wise (E. S. Torrance) vs, Cyrenus Castanian (Jennings & Buckman).
J. T. Hook, guardian (Jennings & Buckman) vs. C. F. Bannister (C. H. Payson).
CIVIL DOCKET. NINTH DAY.
Joel E. Cox (Hackney & McDonald) vs. Mary J. Cox (Jennings & Buckman).
John Smiley (L. J. Webb) vs. Harry Bahntge (Jennings & Buckman).
CIVIL DOCKET. TENTH DAY.
W. A. Redmon (Jennings & Buckman) vs. L. C. Harter, et. al.
[ATTORNEY CARDS.]
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.
JENNINGS & BUCKMAN [F. S. JENNINGS/G. H. BUCKMAN]. ATTORNEYS AT LAW. Business in State and Federal Courts solicited. Collections promptly attended to. Legal instruments carefully made out. Office over Read’s Bank, Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
The Cowley County Republican convention met on Saturday, Sept. 6th, at 11 o’clock a.m., at Manning’s Hall, in Winfield.
The convention was called to order by Frank S. Jennings, chairman of the central committee. N. J. Larkin was chosen temporary chairman, and A. J. Truesdale, temporary secretary.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1879.
The only way Frank Jennings can satisfy the minds of the public in regard to that hat is to publicly announce whether he bought it or borrowed it.
Excerpt...
[THE REPUBLICANS WIN...A GLORIOUS VICTORY...A CLEAN SWEEP!]
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1879.
Among the many who have contributed to the glorious vote in this county, our young friend, Henry E. Asp, W. P. Hackney, and J. B. Evans are worthy of special mention. They have been at work early and late and their telling eloquence has been heard over the county. Judge Caldwell, Frank Jennings, A. P. Johnson, and others have put in many stalwart blows. Jarvis, Green, Chairman Johnson, Torrance, and many others did efficient work; and though we may fail to mention others equally praiseworthy in this hurried notice, we will not neglect to state that our contemporary, the Semi-Weekly, has put a stalwart shoulder to the wheel.
[SCHOOL BOND ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
The call for a schoolhouse bond election by the Board of Education, is as follows.
To: J. B. Lynn, Mayor of the City of Winfield, Kansas.
SIR: You are hereby, by the Board of Education of the said city, requested, in accordance with Section 173, Chapter 92, Dassler’s Compiled Laws of Kansas, to call an election for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors of said city, the proposition of issuing Twelve Thousand ($12,000) Dollars worth of bonds, for the character and denomination, and for the purposes hereinafter set forth, as follows.
Said bonds are to be of the denomination of Five Hundred Dollars each, and to run Twenty years at the rate of six percent, per annum; the interest payable semi-annually on the first days of January and July of each year, and the principal payable at the end of Twenty years from the date thereof. Both principal and interest payable to the Commissioners of the Permanent School Fund at the office of State Treasurer of the State of Kansas. Said bonds to be sold at not less than 100 cents on the dollar, and the proceeds thereof used by the Board of Education of said city in purchasing a suitable site, and erecting a suitable ward schoolhouse, containing four school rooms, centrally located, in the second ward of said city of Winfield; and further, in erecting such an addition to, and making such alterations in, the present stone school building now located in the first ward of said city of Winfield, as will make said building a convenient and suitable schoolhouse, containing six (6) school rooms for said first ward. And still further, if said proceeds be not all exhausted in the purchase of said site, and the erection of said buildings, in fencing and ornamenting the grounds of said ward school buildings.
Done by order of the Board of Education of the city of Winfield, this 19th day of January, A. D. 1880. F. S. JENNINGS, President of the Board.
Attest: FRED C. HUNT, Clerk of said Board.
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
Jennings & Buckman are spreading themselves over considerable territory of late. They have enlarged their office by occupying the room adjoining, and have actually purchased a new table. The “boom” must have taken a new course.
[POLITICAL SLATES.]
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
The Telegram plumes itself on the fact that we did not deny its version of how some Republicans had been making up political slates. Its editor is too modest when he supposes that his inventions will be taken as truths unless contradicted. That yarn was a pretty good joke on certain Republicans; and is so taken and needs no denial.
But if it is of any interest to anyone to know what part we have taken in making up slates, we will say that we have named as our choice the following.
Gen. U. S. Grant for President.
Hon. Thos. Ryan for Congress.
J. P. St. John for Governor.
Prof. Thomas for State Superintendent.
Capt. McDermott for Attorney-General.
E. S. Torrance for District Judge.
F. S. Jennings for County Attorney.
R. C. Story for County Superintendent.
Winfield Courier, June 3, 1880.
Jennings & Buckman have a new safe. We congratulate them on this evidence of accumulating funds.
[REPORT FROM “L. J. N.” - NORTH RICHLAND.]
Winfield Courier, June 10, 1880.
Our township is in favor of Torrance for District Judge, T. R. Bryan for State Senator, Frank Jennings for County Attorney, James McDermott for State Attorney, and A. B. Lemmon for Representative.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 30, 1880.
Frank Jennings made us a pleasant call last Wednesday evening. He is looking around the county in the interest of his nomination for County Attorney. Between the two candidates, Mr. Jennings and Mr. Asp, there seems to be little choice. They are both young men of irreproachable character and good ability, and enjoy the friendship of all who know them. The lack of years is the only thing brought against either one of them. We would suggest that at the primaries next month the friends of these parties turn out and see that each has a fair show at least. If you stay away from the polls, some other parties will run a ticket through, for which you cannot blame them. It don’t do any good to growl after an election is over, if you haven’t done your part beforehand.
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1880.
Mr. Frank Jennings is repainting and refixing his residence property on 11th avenue.
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1880.
There will be a meeting of the stockholders of the Walnut Valley Fair Association at the office of Jennings & Buckman, on Tuesday, July 6th, 1880, at two o’clock sharp, for the transaction of important business. E. P. KINNE, President.
[REPORT FROM “SIR R. DeCOVERLY” - NORTH RICHLAND.]
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1880.
Richland is just now on needles: political needles I mean. The people waver in a balance between Jennings and Asp. Both, they say, are fine young men.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 28, 1880.
Frank Jennings, and that old stand-by, Finch, called upon us Monday. Frank is coming in at the close, and from appearances we judge he will walk away with the prize. The contestants are both fine young men, but only one of them can have the office.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1880.
Windsor township held her Republican primaries on Monday. The interest manifested was intense as shown by the fact that over 100 votes were polled. We are informed that the delegates elected stand on County Attorney two for Jennings and one for Asp; on Probate Judge, three for Gans; on Commissioner, two for Clay and one for Fall. The delegates are Shaw, Reynolds, and Denton.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1880.
Omnia township held her Republican primary meeting on Monday, with about fifty voters out. Jennings gets their two votes for county attorney, Fall gets two for commissioner, Gans and Coldwell get one vote each for probate judge. The delegates are Crow and Parsons.
Winfield Courier, July 29, 1880.
The Dexter township Republicans held their primary meeting last Saturday and had a large turn out, polling 102 votes. The delegates elected by 24 majority are for Jennings for County Attorney; three for Smith, one for Gans, and one for Coldwell for Probate Judge. The delegates elected are J. M. Reynolds, R. Maurer, O. P. Darst, T. J. Rude, and A. Elliott.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 4, 1880. Front Page.
COUNTY TICKET...REPUBLICANS.
State Senator, Hon. W. P. Hackney.
Representative, 88th District, A. B. Lemmon.
County Attorney, Frank Jennings.
County Superintendent, R. C. Story.
Probate Judge, H. L. Gans.
Clerk of Court, E. S. Bedilion.
Background on Jennings told in next item...
[FRANK S. JENNINGS: REPUBLICAN NOMINEE FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY.]
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
The Republican nominee for county attorney is a native of Delaware, Ohio. He is not to blame that President Hayes was born there too, for he could not help it. Frank was ten years old when the war commenced and was not a soldier in the war because his folks thought he was too young. However, he put in his time well in working on his father’s farm and attending school. He was educated at the Ohio Wesleyan University and then went through a course of law studies at the Ann Arbor Law school. He practiced a short time with his old preceptor at Delaware and then struck out for the west to obey the injunctions of the venerable Horace Greeley. He struck Winfield between four and five years ago and went to work. With his bright scholarship, industrious habits, sound judgment, and quick perceptions, he has become one of our best lawyers and is destined to rise to eminence as a jurist. He is a gentleman, one of the kind who regard the poorest laborers as equals, and acknowledge no superior class. He has made friends with all with whom he has become acquainted, and will poll more than the full strength of his party at the coming election.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 11, 1880.
In the 89th district Hon. C. R. Mitchell was on last Saturday declared the nominee for the Legislature by a vote of thirty-one to nine. His only opponent in the convention, Mr. Walton, gracefully yielded.
For County Attorney: Frank Jennings. Mr. Jennings has figured conspicuously in the affairs of Cowley County ever since his arrival—something over four years ago—and has won the respect and esteem of all who know him. By a very large majority the convention gave him the nomination.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 11, 1880.
M. G. Troup and Frank Jennings came down from Winfield last night to address the Republicans of this place, but on account of the temperance meeting, it was thought best to adjourn politics. Notice will be given next week of our next meeting.
Winfield Courier, August 19, 1880.
One of Lafe Pence’s old Democratic friends brought him yesterday a big watermelon, two feet long. Lafe left it on the table in his office and went out to invite his friends to a treat. Jennings and other rats about the building got the melon, cleaned out the inside, and then fastened it together again, so it looked as good as new. Lafe returned with his friends, and with his big knife slashed open the melon, when lo! it was as vacant as Allison’s skull. The friends did not like the joke, so they stood Lafe on his head and poured ice water down his
trousers.
[EDITORIAL ITEM: BASICALLY CONCERNS HON. W. P. HACKNEY.]
PARTY FEALTY.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 25, 1880.
The Monitor of last week, in an article entitled “Party Fealty,” makes a strong argument for the support of the entire Republican ticket this fall. The article is written in reply to one who signs himself “A Liberal Republican” after a lot of whining in the Winfield Telegram, in which he tries to defend his course in bolting the county ticket. So much of it as refers to Hon. W. P. Hackney we produce below. It tallies with our views exactly.
“If the majority of a party are not permitted in convention to name the men who shall receive the support of Republicans, what is the use of having conventions? Why not abandon them at once? Our present system for selecting delegates, holding conventions, and nominating tickets, is universal, and accepted by all. Under this system delegates were elected that nominated James A. Garfield; under this system delegates have been elected that will help nominate John P. St. John; under the same system delegates were elected that nominated Hon. W. P. Hackney, Frank Jennings, Judge Gans, and others.
“Who is there today that will vote for Hancock and still claim to be a Republican? Who is there, if St. John is nominated, that will vote for his opponent and claim to be a Republican? The same can be said as to Hackney and Pyburn, and other candidates. Will the Republican masses accept such men as Republicans? Rather will they say, ‘Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity; I know you not; you are not Republicans.’
“And what is the difference between a bolter of Garfield’s, St. John’s, or Hackney’s nomination? Were they not all nominated by the same process? Yet the Telegram, under the careful manipulation of ‘A Liberal Republican,’ says that ‘wherever the tricksters of any political party who manipulate our primaries, and make the party nominations, place upon their ticket men whose public and private life will not bear scrutiny,’ the people are to repudiate such nominations.’ Now this is richness intensified, coming as it does from a Democratic paper, in view of the killing, by that party, of Dixon, and others we might mention if we only had space, solely because they bolted a nomination.
“Whoever heard of a Democratic bolter? The dissatisfaction against A. J. Pyburn this fall in that party is the first exhibition that ever came under our observation. Did ‘A Liberal Republican’ have reference to Jack when he penned the above?
“How do the two thousand republicans of Cowley County who attended the primaries that elected delegates to the county convention like to be kicked by this ‘Liberal Republican,’ and called tricksters, corrupt manipulators, and other names? How do the ninety men who participated in the nomination of Mr. Hackney like to be denounced by this defamer as ‘corrupt manipulators?’ Only such wholesale abuse is indulged in by men who hate a party because they have been ignored by it.
“Mr. Hackney was nominated after one of the most spirited and hotly contested campaigns that ever took place in Cowley County. His opponents organized the party against him everywhere they could. The brought out against him a man who personally was one of the most popular men in Cowley County. For days and weeks they traversed Cowley County in a crusade against him, every effort known to politicians being resorted to in order to compass his defeat. He was fought by a cloud of old and life-long politicians of both good and bad repute. The primaries were attended by hundreds that never before looked after the preliminary affairs of the party. There was but one issue, and that was Hackney and anti-Hackney, and the friends of Mr. Hackney came out with fifty-six delegates, every man of them good and true, as were the thirty-four for his opponent. These ninety men met in the convention; they were good and true Republicans; fifty-six of them said that W. P. Hackney, a man whom they had known intimately for nearly ten years, should be their candidate for State Senator; and yet the Telegram charges these fifty-six men, and the Republicans in the various townships that elected them, as tricksters, etc., and that they nominated a bad man, and therefore must be bad themselves. The worst Democrat in the land does not say worse about Garfield, and yet where is the Republican of sense who pays any attention to such stuff? So every Republican should treat the idle sayings of ‘A Liberal Republican.’ They and the other Democrats are all toned with the same stick. Anything to beat Hackney is their motto. And why?
“Mr. Hackney came to Cowley County in August, 1870. He has been in politics ever since he came here. He was elected to the legislature from Sumner County in 1871 by a large majority. In 1873 again by a large majority. He stood so well in that body in 1874 that when State Treasurer Hayes was impeached by the house for the improper use of the money of the people, that body elected Mr. Hackney along with the now Chief Justice Horton and John Martin to prosecute him before the Senate.
“Moving to Cowley County in the fall of 1874, he was unanimously elected to the legislature in 1875 because of his well known integrity and ability; the redistricting of the State then as now being of commanding importance and vital interest to our people. His subsequent legislation for the people, his great services for the party during the past three years, all combine to make him a most formidable candidate and rival, hence when he received the nomination, the Democracy with his enemies jumped hands to beat him, and they opened up the sluice gates of their venom, and not satisfied with besmirching him, they equally assault the men who nominated him, and finally the Republican party. There is no excuse for any Republican to oppose him. There is every reason why every Republican should support him. His past services for the party and the people call for a solid Republican vote. The prosperity of our people, the hopes of Winfield and Cowley County from a commercial standpoint, call for his election.”
Arkansas City Traveler, September 22, 1880.
Frank Jennings and Hon. C. R. Mitchell will address the Garfield and Arthur club of Bolton township at the Bland schoolhouse tomorrow at 7 o’clock p.m. Let all good Republicans turn out and see that a rousing meeting is held.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 6, 1880.
Messrs. Jennings and Mitchell addressed the citizens of Silverdale Township last Monday night at Estus’ schoolhouse. The house was crowded to its utmost capacity, showing the interest manifested by the farmers in the coming election. Frank woke us up at 2 a.m. to tell us that Mitchell made the best speech of the campaign, and would carry Silverdale almost to a unit. We then rolled over and slept the sleep of innocence.
[REPORT FROM “RUSTICUS” - MAPLE CITY.]
Winfield Courier, October 7, 1880.
Recently I took a trip from Otter township to Salt City, passing through Arkansas City, and took the pains to interview the people pretty thoroughly both ways; and I find them a “Solid South” for Story and Jennings. If the north part of the county does as well, these men will appreciate the position they occupy in the hearts of the people. Prof. Story, they say, is such a wonderful pacificator—using such wisdom and judgment in adjusting troubles of whatever kind in the school districts with which he has to do. And “Jennings,” they remark, “is a Solon in law—gentlemanly and affable—just the man for the position he is soon to occupy.”
[STATE/LOCAL NEWS.]
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.
Hon. C. R. Mitchell, member elect from the 89th representative district, proves to be old 329 himself. His majority is exactly 329, and when Democrats write those figures on post-office boxes, door steps, and windows after this, C. R. will prosecute them for forgery.
From the official returns as given in the corrected table in this paper, it will be seen that in this county Garfield’s plurality is 1,073; St. John’s 1,080; Ryan’s 1,058; Torrance’s, 4,000. In the county Hackney’s majority is 774; Jennings, 919; Gans, 912; Bedilion’s, 1,121; Story’s 484. Lemmon’s majority in the 88th representative district is 631; Mitchell’s in the 89th is 329. Bullington’s majority in the 3rd commissioner district is 164.
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1880.
Jennings & Buckman have come to the front, that is they have removed their office from the back room to the front room. We are always glad to see our bright young men move forward.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
’Squire Kelly has moved his office to the rooms formerly occupied by Jennings & Buckman.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
Trial docket for December term, commencing on the first Monday (6th day) of December, A. D. 1880:
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY.
F. S. Jennings vs. Lyman C. Wood et al.
Winfield Courier, December 9, 1880.
Lovell H. Webb has moved his office from the Bahntge block to the rooms over Read’s Bank, lately occupied by Jennings & Buckman. Lovell is a bright, intelligent young lawyer of excellent habits.
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1881.
A gentlemen noted for his truth and veracity states that he found Frank Jennings standing on the courthouse steps at five o’clock Monday morning waiting to be sworn in.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1881.
The case of the State vs. Brash, for malicious trespass, tried before Judge Bonsall last week, resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff, leaving Mr. Brash in for $10 and costs, which probably made his little fun cost about $50. Messrs. Jennings and Houston were attorneys in the case.
[SALE OF THE RAILROAD STOCK.]
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
On Monday morning the county commissioners again called an advisory meeting of the citizens to consider the matter of selling the S. K. & W. stock.
Met at the office of Jennings & Buckman at 11 a.m., about forty citizens being present. Col. J. M. Alexander was chosen chairman and C. C. Black secretary.
It appeared that only two offers were before the commissioners, that of W. N. Coler & Co., of New York, of 65 cents for the stock, in the county 7 percent, bonds at par, and that of Edwards & Bo., of St. Louis, of 68 cents in cash for the stock.
A long discussion ensued, in which was discussed the relative merits of the two offers, the probability of getting better, and of loss by delay, in which many citizens took part. Finally the meeting passed the following resolution almost unanimously and adjourned.
Resolved, That this meeting advises the county board to sell the $68,000 stock to-day at 68 cents cash or Cowley 7 per cent, bonds at par (unless a better offer is made) to such parties as it shall deem best.
The commissioners then met and agreed to sell the stock to W. N. Coler & Co. for 68 cents cash, amounting to $46,240, the exchange to be made at Read’s Bank in Winfield without expense to the county, the bank becoming security that the purchaser shall consummate the trade immediately. As this arrangement saves the county all expense for exchange, transmission, etc., it is an advance over the St. Louis offer.
The treasurer drew on W. N. Coler & Co. for $46,240, accompanied with the stock, and Read’s Bank gave a receipt on deposits to the credit of the county of $46,240 in New York exchange. It is known, we believe, that N. Y. exchange is generally at a premium; never sells for less than par.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
Frank Jennings lives in Walnut township now. He has removed to east 12th avenue.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
The school board met Monday evening and appointed J. L. Horning as a member of the school board to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of Frank Jennings out of the city.
[COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, )
Winfield, Kans., Feb. 4, 1881. )
Board of Commissioners met in special session as a board of commissioners.
Present: G. L. Gale, chairman; L. B. Bullington, commissioner; Frank S. Jennings, county attorney; J. S. Hunt, county clerk.
The following fees for judges and clerks of the election held February 1, 1881, were presented and allowed.
RECAP ONLY: DEPENDING ON TOWNSHIP, JUDGES WERE PAID FROM $3.90 TO 6.50. CLERKS WERE PAID FROM $2.00 TO $5.50. TOWNSHIPS/NAMES OF JUDGES AND CLERKS WERE GIVEN + FEES.
I SKIPPED ALL OF THIS.
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1881.
At the council meeting Monday evening Thompson’s addition was taken into the city. This brings in the territory clear out on Ninth avenue to Thompson’s house. It puts Frank Jennings in the city once more.
Winfield Courier, March 24, 1881.
Mr. S. H. Jennings, a brother of our county attorney, has arrived in Winfield with his family and will probably locate among us. He has invested largely in Cowley, and Frank’s bright description of the country induced him to come himself. He is well pleased with Kansas.
Winfield Courier, May 12, 1881.
HARD TO READ: THINK IT SAYS...On Monday Mr. Jennings, brother of our county attorney, purchased the Holmes property adjoining the city on the south, for $3,150, cash in hand.
Winfield Courier, May 12, 1881.
County Attorney Jennings got through with an immense amount of criminal business at this term of court. He was successful in every case and furnishes several candidates for the state penitentiary.
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
The party consisting of F. S. Jennings, Ed. P. Greer, L. H. Webb, James Kelly, Will Stivers, T. H. Soward, Sol Burkhalter, Will Whitney, and J. H. Albro went last week to the Territory for fun, fish, and foolishness. All returned Tuesday evening except Ed., who returned the night before. They report lots of fun, fish, and squirrels. Grizzly’s and other large game were neglected. Most of them returned with their hair on.
[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.
Jennings & Buckman: $5.00.
[REPORT ON TRIP TO THE TERRITORY.]
Winfield Courier, June 23, 1881, and June 30, 1881.
ED. COURIER: It is now customary, I believe, when a party makes a trip anywhere, especially to the Indian Territory, for someone of the number to furnish an account of the same to the newspapers. As one of a squad of nine, who recently made a pilgrimage to the land of the Kaw, I will try to inform your readers of some of the matters and things connected therewith.
The party consisted of F. S. Jennings, Judge Tom Soward, W. R. Stivers, J. H. Albro, Will Whitney, L. H. Webb, E. P. Greer, James Kelly, and last but by no means least, Sol Burkhalter. The latter gentleman furnished the rigs and was of course wagon-master.
Grouse Creek was reached by noon of the first day, said day being, curiously enough, Thursday, June 9th, 1881, which should have been mentioned sooner.
Here a halt was called for dinner, and here also the verdancy of the party began to crop out. The temporary camp was made in a dense jungle on the lee side of a hill with a perpendicular front some twenty or thirty feet high. Underbrush, weeds, nettles, vines: pooh [?], but wasn’t it hot! Not a breath of air stirred a leaf in that miserable forest. Yes, it was hot, and some of us thought that spot would compare favorably with a modified hades according to the new version. But we had the shade.
While some of us built a fire and got dinner, Mr. Jennings, Judge Soward, and Will Stivers went in quest of game. Soon word was sent to send another gun and more ammunition, which request being speedily complied with, such a roar of musketing opened out as I’ll wager, the waters of the Grouse had not heard for many a day. Presently the mighty nimrods returned.
“Where’s your game?” chorused we of the bread and butter stay-at-home brigade.
“It crumbled in a hole,” mourned the Judge, “but I think it’s certainly wounded.”
“By the bones of my grandfather,” howled Webb (he never swears), “if those three big stout men with two double barreled shotguns and a rifle, haven’t been banging away at a poor little squirrel.
After dinner the company was formally organized by electing Jim Kelly to the office of . Brother Greer made the point that this being a civil company, the title should be “president.” This however was promptly rejected. “What?” said the Judge “Suppose we have trouble with the redskins, which is more than likely, how would it sound to say our President marched us up the hill and then marched us down again. I move it be Captain.” But here the beneficiary declared that would be no miserable captain and unless he be at once made Colonel, he would resign and leave the company to its fate. This settled it and the train moved out after dinner in the following order.
1. The elegant three-seated barouche containing the colonel, the major, the judge, Dr. Webb, Sergeant Whitney, and wagon-master Burkhalter, followed by the baggage wagon in which on the seat were Captain Albro and Chaplain Greer, with Will Stivers behind to look after things generally. Brother Greer drove the team, that is he drove it to the foot of the first hill, when the team stopped and would not be driven any further. We all got round the wagon, however, and pushed it up the hill notwithstanding the remonstrance of the team.
This Grouse Creek, I verily believe, is enchanted, or at least this company was, for all at once we couldn’t agree as to which side of the stream we were on. Of course, it made no difference, only it depended on a proper solution of this confounding mystery whether we were going up or down, towards or away from the Territory. Finally we came to a standstill and waited for two gentlemen who were plowing in a field to come to the end of their rows, which were headed off by the road, or more properly cow-path, we were then on. But our consternation was only increased when on inquiring, we found those gentlemen seemed to be as much at a loss as we were ourselves. One said we were on this side of the Grouse and would have to cross over to arrive at our destination; the other said as he had been in the country but a short time and was, unfortunately, from Missouri, really knew nothing about it. Just here a bright intelligent looking girl with a hoe in her hand, cut the miserable knot, not with the hoe, however. She explained by saying that dame nature had, right there, succeeded in reversing the old order, and made the bed so crooked that for a full half mile the water actually ran up stream. But I think if we could have told these good people where we wanted to go lucidly and plainly, they could have told us how to get there. But we couldn’t.
The caravan here parted in the middle, Chaplain Greer believing as he could successively steer the local columns of the COURIER, he certainly ought to be able to steer a two-horse wagon to the mouth of Grouse Creek. So he left us and drove out of sight into the wilderness. We, that is the other rig, took the opposite course. We drove into a pasture fenced with brush; out of that into a cornfield fenced with stone, and traveled down a row of corn about two miles—so we thought—let down a pair of bars and brought up in a cowpen. We were, however, more fortunate here for we found a man who could and would not only tell us where to go, but could actually tell us where we at that moment ought to be, instead of driving over his corn and garden patch, as we had done. Will Whitney, however, very adroitly mentioned “that those were the finest hogs he had seen in a long time,” which somewhat mollified the old man, who then told us how to get out. Thus, you see, kind words never die; and a little taffy, which Mr. Whitney after told us, was cheap, applied to the slab sides and ungainly snouts of the old man’s hogs, and got us out of an embarrassing dilemma.
In a short time after bidding good bye to the old man of the good hogs, we arrived at the house of Drury Warren, a gentleman well and favorably known to some of our crowd. Mr. Warren, however, was absent in the territory at the big “round up,” he having some six hundred head of cattle on the range on Black Bear Creek.
Having heard Mr. Warren speak favorably of some of us, and representing ourselves as “some of our best citizens of Winfield, we soon got into the good graces of kindly Mrs. Warren: to about half a bushel of onions, and permission to drive through the field, thus cutting off some three miles of long, hilly road. Let me here remark that Mr. Warren has one of the most valuable farms in Cowley County, or I might say, in the state. He has 520 acres in a body. Two-thirds of it lies in the rich bottom at the very mouth of Grouse Creek, which is in corn, and such corn! The like of which is duly seen on the Illinois and Sangamon river bottoms, and there but seldom.
Here we passed out at the south gate of the state and entered the Territory when Messrs. Greer, Albro, and Stivers caught up with us and when your correspondent shot a squirrel, found a nice spring of water, and where we camped for the first night.
Nothing of any importance happened to us except the bites of some huge mosquitos, which happened rather often.
The next morning we tried fishing in the raging Arkansas with but poor success. An old blood-thirsty villain of a fisherman, who I have no doubt now was anxious to get us away from there, told us of a good place where he said we would find bass in abundance, well on toward the Kaw agency. Here trouble commenced. Some wanted to pull up stakes and go at once, some wanted to send a scouting party first to spy out the land and report. But the goers-at-once being in the majority, carried the point, so strike the tent, hitch up, and pull out was the order.
Sometime that afternoon we overtook an Indian afoot, leading a dog. Someone of our party asked him some questions, which he wouldn’t answer. Then someone asked him what he intended doing with the dog. He then very politely told us to go to hades, saying, however, the old version pronunciation of that word.
We pitched our tents on the banks of the Arkansas River that night. Another meeting was held at noon to determine whether or not we would move again. The colonel, by virtue of his office, of course, presided. The debate was long, learned, and dignified. Greer, Webb, Stivers, Whitney, and Albro, for the move, ably presented their side of the case.
“You see, gentlemen,” said Webb, “that we are on the very verge of starvation. No water, nothing to eat.”
“That shows,” said Jennings, “that you do not know what you are talking about. Here we are on one of the most delightful spots the sun ever shone upon. Look at that mighty river and tell me that there is no water. Look at the countless turkey tracks, and tell me there is no game, nothing to eat. Why, we are here in the very bowels of plenty, and I, for one, won’t move a peg.”
The motion was, however, put and carried, so move it was. That same evening the company arrived at the mouth of Otter Creek, where it empties into the Grouse, and once more the tent was pitched. The next morning, it being Sunday, it was agreed that no fishing, hunting, or euchre be indulged in but that this Sabbath be spent quietly and reverently as became our best citizens.
After breakfast some of the boys thought they would have some fun at the expense of the others. Word was accordingly passed along that a meeting would be held to consider the propriety of returning to the camp vacated the day before. The president being in the seat of course, proclaimed and made known that a meeting would be held at once. Every member being present the trouble began.
“Now, may the devil take me,” said Chaplain Greer, “if this move don’t beat all the moves I ever heard of.”
“I opposed coming here in the first place, but now that we are here, I propose to stay,” said Jennings.
“Me too,” said Judge Soward, “let go who will, I shan’t.”
“Question! Question!” shouted the mob.
The motion being put, the chair declared it carried unanimously. That was a straw too much.
“Give me my blanket,” groaned Greer, “I can hire a farmer to take me home.”
“Give me my things,” howled Jennings, “I can walk.”
“Don’t take my gun,” yellowed Judge Soward, “I won’t budge an inch.”
Seeing that the joke had gone far enough, the boys were informed of the “sell” and soon all was again serene.
Monday morning, Mr. Greer, having been really in bad health when he started, was found to be much worse. It was accordingly decided to send him home. He was taken by Mr. Burkhalter to Arkansas City, put aboard the train, and we saw him no more.
And, now to conclude, for every good writer must conclude, I have endeavored to chronicle events just as they transpired. If perchance there may be a few little things that didn’t happen exactly as I have said, I certainly cannot be held responsible.
ONE OF THE NINE.
Winfield Courier, June 30, 1881.
Judge Campbell and Attorney Jennings “locked horns” several times during the Manny trial. It is needless to remark that the County Attorney came out ahead.
[THE MANNY TRIAL.]
Winfield Courier, June 30, 1881.
Winfield has been in a fever of excitement for the past few days over the arrest of Frank Manny for violating the prohibition amendment in selling beer. The trial was first brought before Justice Kelly, but the defense secured a change of venue to Justice Tansey’s court. Monday was the day set for the trial and early in the day numbers of spectators gathered to see the opening of the case.
The array of legal talent retained on the part of the defense was simply appalling: Judge Campbell, with eight years’ experience on the bench; J. E. Allen, one of the most precise and painstaking lawyers at the bar; O. M. Seward, the leading temperance attorney of the southwest; and Messrs. Soward & Asp, gentlemen of high standing at the bar. Certainly Mr. Manny should feel that his interests will be protected as far as the law is concerned.
County Attorney Jennings appeared for the State.
The hall opened at 9 o’clock, the jury was called, and the examination for jurors commenced. This proved to be a tedious matter as most everyone called had either formed or expressed an opinion, or had conscientious scruples that unfitted him for sitting in the case. Generally when a juror went into the box thinking he was unprejudiced, he found that he was mistaken before the lawyers got through with him. Up to noon thirty-five jurors had been called and twenty-nine of them proved to be incompetent.
After dinner the examination of jurors was continued and soon developed into a lively fight. The question was raised of whether a member of a temperance organization was a competent juror in the case, on which Judge Campbell made an exhaustive argument, insisting that such a person was not and could not be competent to sit in the case. County Attorney Jennings replied in a brief but convincing manner. He stated that if Judge Campbell’s theory was correct, a horse thief could be tried only by persons not opposed to horse stealing, and that persons who were in favor of enforcing the laws would not be competent jurors in criminal cases.
The court sustained the County Attorney, and the juror was passed. The jury was finally empaneled at 5 o’clock Monday evening.
The following is a list of the jurors: A. G. Wilson, James Bethel, E. P. Harlen, Elam Harter, I. N. Holmes, E. P. Kinne, J. H. Mounts, T. H. Jackson, T. S. Smith, Wm. Trezise, W. L. Moorehouse, and W. I. Shotwell.
TUESDAY.
The court met Tuesday morning and upon calling the jury, it was found that Mr. T. H. Jackson, of Vernon township, was absent. An attachment was issued by the court and the sheriff started for Mr. Jackson’s home. The court then adjourned until one o’clock. About two o’clock the sheriff arrived with Mr. Jackson, who was quite ill, and asked to be discharged. The court ruled that he must serve unless positively unable.
The case was then opened by a statement from the County Attorney. Judge Campbell then arose on a “question of privilege” and asked the court to rule that the state use but three wit-nesses for the proving of any one fact. After much discussion the court overruled the request. The defense then moved that the case be dismissed, alleging that the information did not state facts sufficient to warrant any action. After another lengthy argument, the court promptly overruled the motion.
County Attorney Jennings then attempted to open the case, when the defense again objected and moved that the case be dismissed because “the complaint was not sworn to by a responsible party.” Judge Campbell then made an exhaustive argument on a constitutional point. Mr. Jennings answered Judge Campbell at considerable length, and was followed by Mr. Asp for the defense, who closed the argument. The objection was overruled and duly excepted to, and the state proceeded with the examination of the first witness, Mr. Miller.
Mr. Miller testified that he resided in Winfield, and that he knew where Mr. Manny’s brewery was. He was asked if he had been in Mr. Manny’s brewery between the first day of May and the 21st day of June, the latter being the date the indictment was made. The defense objected on the ground that the state should confine its proof of offense to the date mentioned in the indictment: the 12th day of June. On this objection Mr. Allen spoke, and cited authorities, though none of our Supreme court. The State replied with Kansas authorities bearing directly upon the point. Mr. Asp closed the argument on this point, and the court overruled the objection.
MILLER LAUGHED!
The witness was allowed to answer the question; but instead of doing so, he laughed. The mouths of the audience cracked asunder, and his Honor got down under the counter to hold his sides. Witness then affirmatively answered the question. He also stated that he had drank something on Manny’s premises between those dates. The State asked in what building the drink was obtained. Before this question was answered, Judge Campbell requested his honor to instruct the witness that he was at liberty to refuse to answer any question that would tend to criminate himself. This request raised argument and the court adjourned to meet Wednesday morning, when the question will be discussed.
Court convened promptly at 6 o’clock and Judge Soward opened the argument. Numerous authorities were cited, among which were the celebrated Burr and Morgan cases. County Attorney Jennings replied in an extended argument, citing a large number of authorities.
At noon, Wednesday, we go to press. As yet the case has not been fairly opened, the defense bringing up point after point for the decision of the court. Each point must be argued exhaustively, which takes time and how long no one can tell. The case will be fought step by step. The council for defense will leave no stone unturned, and Attorney Jennings, although bearing up under a terrible pressure, will melt them at every turn. Our reporter will attend the trial throughout and a complete record of the proceedings will appear in our next issue.
[COUNTY ATTORNEY JENNINGS.]
Winfield Courier, June 30, 1881.
Our County Attorney will yet win his spurs as a knight of the law; though battling against enormous odds, he is holding his own with marked ability. He has met every point raised by the defense with a promptness, clearness, and energy which shows he is thoroughly conversant with his case in all its bearings, and has given a careful consideration and study, and that he is equally conversant with the points of his opponents. The objection of the defense as to the incompetence of the County attorney in signing the information, which was raised and argued by Judge Campbell from a constitutional standpoint, was a new thing and took the State unawares, but was met by Mr. Jennings with a readiness which showed a quick mind and a familiar knowledge of the fundamental principles of law, and that the good of an Ann Arbor training will tell.
[THE MANNY TRIAL.]
Winfield Courier, July 7, 1881.
THE EVIDENCE IN BRIEF.
Mr. Miller was then asked what he had drank at Manny’s. He stated that he had called for “ginger” and that he probably got what he called for. That it was about the color of barnyard drainage, that he had bought a quart, and had paid twenty cents for it, that he had never become intoxicated on it, and had never drank more than two glasses at a time. He was then asked when he had heard that “ginger” was being sold there.
The defense objected, but the objection was overruled. The witness then said that it was about the middle of May. He stated that he had never seen anyone become intoxicated on this drink. That he lived several hundred feet from the brewery; that it had about the same effect as lemonade.
Mr. Jochems was then called. He had been at Manny’s brewery twice since the first of May. The defense then objected on the ground that the prosecution should confine itself to the sale already proven and the point was ably argued by Mr. Asp. Mr. Troup assisting the state, spoke for ten minutes, and Mr. Asp closed the argument. The objection was sustained and the court held the prosecution to the sale proven to Miller and allowed to introduce testimony to prove the drink known as “ginger” was intoxicating, providing no date or other sale than the one made to Miller was fixed by date. Mr. Jochems then testified that he had drank “ginger” and that it produced no effect on him.
LEVI GAINS
was then called. He testified that he had been to Manny’s with a friend; that the friend had bought “ginger” and they both drank it. That he thought it was intoxicating; that it had effected him and had considerably intoxicated his friend; that it looked like beer.
H. DEWEY.
Mr. Dewey stated that he had drank “ginger” at Manny’s; that it had no effect on him; that he noticed symptoms of intoxication upon the friend who went with him; that the friend had a half pint bottle of liquid; that he procured a bottle at the brewery.
JOHN GIBSON
swore that he had been at Manny’s brewery and had drank “ginger” there. Only one glass because he was afraid it would make him tight. Looked like beer; didn’t taste like beer; saw another party intoxicated.
W. W. SMITH
Testified that he had drank “ginger” at Manny’s which looked like beer, but had not much foam, and made him tight. Was there several times, first at about nine o’clock, was not intoxicated when first went, was not intoxicated much at any time.
Cross examination: Drank ginger. Had drank nothing else that day but a dose of medicine put up by Dr. Cole for flat bottle. I took two swallows during the day; kept it in my side pocket. Did not give it to anyone during the day; offered to trade my watch for a pony, and do not think I offered any man a drink from bottle. Had bottle of “ginger” which I got from Manny and man drank from. Was not positive was at brewery three times. Think two of us drank quart or half gallon, went to brewery second time. Did not know whether he got dinner or not. Stayed at brewery longer third time than first times. Think drank more than at other times. Was intoxicated that day. Got in that condition about nine o’clock, and do not think can recall all that happened. Others afterward recalled things that I had said and done that I knew nothing of. Felt next day all used up and knew I had been drunk. Was arrested that day for being drunk. Had trial before Justice Kelly. Has no interest in case. Has been offered no consideration to testify in case. Got medicine from Dr. Fleming instead of Dr. Cole. Is in the habit of drinking intoxicating liquor to some extent. Had no other bottle except medicine and bottle of “ginger” and drank nothing but “ginger that day.”
LOUIE ZENOR
was then called. The defense then introduced the objection that the prosecution had introduced all the witnesses necessary to prove the character of the liquor known as “ginger.” This objection was made on Tuesday and overruled by the court. The court again overruled the objection. The witness stated that he was familiar with the location of Manny’s brewery, that it was located on the east side of section 21, township 42, range 4.
Cross examination: Was not surveyed; had never found corners. Did not know whether brewery was in frame or stone building. Was familiar with records of county; had seen in register’s office. Had examined records in relation to this particular tract.
CHARLEY HODGES
had obtained from Mr. Manny a drink known as “ginger.” Color dark red, darker than beer. Did not know whether it was intoxicating or not. Had no effect upon him. Had drank three or four glasses at once. Had drank beer but had no effect on him. Did not know whether “ginger” was fermented liquor or not. Did not know what fermented liquor was. Had foam like beer. Went out to brewery because wanted something to drink. “Ginger” was not a common drink.
Cross examination: Had foam something like cider or soda water.
W. A. SMITH
had been to Manny’s. Thinks it was near the Walnut. Had drank “ginger.” Was a kind of “maroon” color. Darker than beer. Did not know whether it was fermented or not. Had no effect on his system. As compared with water for quenching, its effect was about the same. May have stimulated to a slight extent. Had taken two or three glasses at once. There was quite a number there with him. Has never seen anyone in or about Manny’s brewery intoxicated since the 1st of May.
A. D. SPEED
has obtained “ginger” at Manny’s. Was a pleasant drink. Dark color. Had color of beer. Don’t know whether it was fermented or not. Never drank enough to know whether it was intoxicating or not. Had drank two glasses at once. Did not think he could drink enough to intoxicate him.
WILBER DEVER
was called and stated that he had been at Manny’s, had obtained “ginger” from him. Pretty fair drink. Looks some like lager or Peruvian beer. Does not taste like beer. Does not know whether it was intoxicating or not. Had drank two or three glasses. Had never seen anyone intoxicated in or about Manny’s.
GEORGE REMBAUGH
had been to Manny’s. Had drank “ginger” there. Look some like Peruvian beer. Had foam on it. Did not know whether it was intoxicating or not. Had seen persons under the influence of something in and about Manny’s.
Cross examination: Thought Peruvian beer was slightly fermented to make it sparkle and foam. Re-examined by the state. Had about same effect as a glass of ice-water.
The state here rested its case. The defense also rested without introducing a witness.
The court then instructed the jury as follows:
The court instructs the jury that the question in this case is whether the sale made to Dan Miller about the 20th day of May, 1881, was a sale of liquor that would produce intoxication, and the burden is upon the prosecution to establish that the liquor was intoxicating liquor and this must be done by the evidence to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden is upon the state to show that the liquor sold to Miller was an intoxicating liquor and that it was not sold for mechanical, medicinal, or scientific purposes, that the sale was made at the place described in the complaint.
The defendant is presumed innocent until he is proven guilty, and the state is required to make out each particular and material point in the case to the satisfaction of the jury beyond a reasonable doubt; and if, upon the whole of the evidence, both direct and circumstantial, there is a reasonable doubt of guilt, the jury should acquit.
The argument of the state was opened by Mr. Beach in a general review of the evidence. He was followed by Judge Soward who made an able argument extending over an hour and a half, containing many excellent points. M. G. Troup followed with an hour, Judge Camp-bell with an hour and a half, and Attorney Jennings closed.
The jury remained out all night and till late the next day when, having failed to agree, they were discharged by the court. The ballot stood seven for conviction and five for acquittal.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 13, 1881.
We received a pleasant call yesterday from Frank Jennings, our popular county attorney.
[COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
Board of county commissioners met in regular session. Present: G. L. Gale, H. Harbaugh, and L. B. Bullington, commissioners, and F. S. Jennings, County attorney, and J. S. Hunt, County clerk. . . .
Arkansas City Traveler, August 10, 1881.
County Attorney Jennings has collected about $2,500 of the amount overpaid to county officers on account of the raised census of 1878. This leaves only about $800 yet to collect.
Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.
Frank Jennings is about to join the Archery club.
[SUSPECTED MURDER: PETER LARSON, ROCK TOWNSHIP.]
Winfield Courier, August 25, 1881.
Several days ago Peter Larson, a Norwegian living in Rock township, died suddenly in spasms. The funeral services were held and he was buried in that township. He was an elderly man in general good health and had no relatives in this country. He had a well cultivated and excellent farm, some fifty head of cattle, a large number of hogs, a great variety of farming implements, and was supposed to have large sums of money about his premises. He had two houses on his farm, in one of which he lived alone; and in the other lived one Harmon and his family, who was a tenant of his farm and had charge of his property to a considerable extent. After Larson’s death Harmon took charge of the property and soon it was suspected that he was running it off and selling it. It was discovered that he had carried eight fat hogs up to Augusta in the night and sold them there. He was arrested for grand larceny and now languishes in the county jail.
A variety of suspicious circumstances put the idea into his neighbors that he had poisoned Larson with strychnine. County Attorney Jennings was consulted and he found where, a few days before Larson’s death, Harmon had bought ten grains of strychnine in Douglass, and brought two persons from the drug store there to the jail in Winfield, who both identified Harmon as the person who made the purchase. The symptoms of Larson just before death were those of strychnine poison. On Tuesday Mr. Jennings had the body exhumed and called in Drs. Emerson, Graham, and others to make an analysis of the stomach, heart, and liver for poison. They have not reported as we go to press.
Winfield Courier, September 1, 1881.
County Attorney Jennings went down to Arkansas City Tuesday to try the case against young Beard. A. H. Taylor appeared for the defense.
Winfield Courier, September 1, 1881.
At the preliminary examination of young Beard for “shooting to scare” at Arkansas City Tuesday, the defendant failed to appear, having evidently jumped his bail. His bail bond was $300, with his father as security, and county attorney Jennings will immediately collect the same. It looks as if the “scarer” is the worst one scared.
[PETER LARSON: PERISHED BY STRYCHNINE POISON.]
Winfield Courier, September 1, 1881.
We noticed in last week’s issue the death of Peter Larson, supposed from poison administered by one Harmon, a tenant of Larson’s. Since that time County Attorney Jennings has been thoroughly investigating the matter and has succeeded in bringing to light evidence that is very strong against Harmon. The facts, as near as can be gathered, are as follows.
Larson was a Norwegian by birth, without friends or relatives in this country; but an honest, hardworking man, much given to saving his dimes, and had accumulated considerable property. He owned a splendid farm in Rock township, had cattle, hogs, horses, and no one knows how much ready money, and was worth in all seven or eight thousand dollars. He had on his place the man Harmon and family and lived in a house near them.
One day a neighbor happened to pass Harmon’s and saw Larson have a fit; and immediately went to his help, and had a physician brought. Larson soon recovered from it, and when the cause of his illness was questioned, Harmon suggested that perhaps it was hydrophobia, as the dog had died that morning. Larson stated that he hadn’t been bitten by any dog and he seemed all right, so the neighbor left.
During the night he was taken with other fits and died before a physician arrived. He was buried next day, at Douglass. On the second day following, George Williams, one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Rock township, was appointed administrator by Judge Gans and instructed to immediately take possession of the property of the deceased.
George Williams soon discovered that some of the hogs were missing and found that during the previous night, Harmon had taken a load to Augusta and sold them. He immediately had Harmon arrested, stopped payment on the check, and recovered the hogs.
Harmon now lies in jail at this place. After the action on Harmon’s part led to suspicions of foul play, Mr. Williams and Attorney Jennings began a careful investigation of the circumstances of Larson’s death. The symptoms of the fits were found to be those of strychnine poisoning. It was ascertained that during the morning meal Larson had fed his dog from the food he was eating and that the dog ran to a pool of water, drank, and then stiffened dead. Mr. Jennings then went to Douglass, interviewed the druggists, and found that several days before one of them had sold a man a bottle of strychnine. The druggist described the man and his description answered to that of Harmon to a dot. He was then brought to Winfield, taken to the jail, and asked to point out from among the prisoners, if possible, the man to whom he had sold the poison. He immediately pointed out Harmon as the one.
The next day, Monday, the Probate Judge, County Attorney, and Drs. Emerson and Graham, went to Douglass, exhumed the body of Larson, took from it the stomach, heart, and liver, and returned with them to Winfield. The Doctors then made a comparative analysis of these organs and discovered strychnine, and thus the matter stands at the present writing. The liver is so strongly poisoned that if a fly lights upon it, it tumbles off dead as a mackerel.
The impression seems to be that there was a scheme on foot to get the old man out of the way quietly and then get away with the property before anyone knew it. The preliminary trial will be held soon, the result of which will appear in next week’s paper.
Winfield Courier, September 22, 1881.
At last the Cronk-Constant difficulty, which has so long disturbed the peace and quiet of the Posey Creek neighborhood, has been brought to a quietus by the conviction of Fogg and Cronk for assault and battery on the Constant boys; and Messrs. Fogg and young Cronk now languish in the County jail. This has been a most distressing affair from the beginning—a regular neighborhood row—and a neighborhood row is the worst row in the world. This is the third or fourth time the matter has been dragged into the courts, and we sincerely hope that it will be the last. If the thing goes on, someone will pass the remainder of their days in the penitentiary. Fogg and Cronk were fined $25 each and the costs, amounting in all to nearly $150. County Attorney Jennings did all he could to allay the feelings he foresaw would grow out of these bickerings; but finding it of no use, he determined to prosecute vigorously and to the fullest extent of the law every disturbance of the peace: and when our County Attorney clears the decks for action, someone is bound to get hurt.
[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.
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
Court is in session: the lambs and the lions are mingling together in harmony under the soothing influence of Judge Torrance’s presence. Among the lions we notice Henry H. Asp,
T. H. Soward, Frank Jennings, G. H. Buckman, D. C. Beach, O. M. Seward, J. E. Allen, Jas. O’Hare, S. D. Pryor, James McDermott, A. P. Johnson, A. H. Green, W. P. Hackney, A. B. Taylor, Lovell H. Webb, C. R. Mitchell, Joe Houston, Cal. Swarts, Charlie Eagan, and others. The list of lambs can be found in our Court docket of last week.
Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.
Our young attorneys are covering themselves all over with glory at this term of court. Henry E. Asp won golden opinions in his defense of Gels, in which he secured the acquittal of his client. Attorney Jennings and Mr. Asp on the one side and Mr. Hackney and Joe Houston on the other are fighting the Armstrong case step by step. The balance are impatiently waiting until their turn comes.
Excerpts...
[COURANT EDITOR PAYS A VISIT TO DISTRICT COURT, WINFIELD.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
We paid a visit to the District Court Thursday, with a view of taking in the situation so far as possible, and to see if District Court is the same in Cowley County now as it was in 1872, when our city was in embryo, and the brilliant attorneys and learned judges of today occupied about the same positions on the stage of life. On entering the room, many familiar faces, and more strange ones, turned toward us as if to say: “Wonder if he expects justice here!”
Frank Jennings, who would rather succeed in convicting a man then to go home to his family before ten o’clock at night, was asking all manner of questions of an Arkansas City banker, who was so unfortunate as to pay out $500 last May on a forged draft, and Henry Asp set to his side yelling, “We object” to every question, and would then turn and look Joe Houston uneasily in the face until the court would remark, “Objection overruled.”
[ARTICLE ABOUT CAPT. SIVERD/FRANK JENNINGS.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
It is kind of queer how a man will make a fool of himself. The other night it was intensely dark, the sky being overcast with dense clouds. About 9 P. M. Capt. Siverd was going by Frank Jennings’ and something possessed him to take the barn door off its hinges and set it up against Frank’s bedroom window, so as to keep it dark in the morning, and make him sleep late. He did so and left. During the night Frank got a notion that he heard a noise outside and got up, and without lighting the light, went to the window and raised it to look out. As he thrust his hand forward, it came in violent contact with the barn door, which knocked him backward upon the floor. He arose, amazed, excited, and bruised. His conclusion was that somebody outside had laid for him and hit him, so he yelled defiance to him and began to put on his clothes. Having dressed he tore outside and gazed round trying to find somebody, but failed, and in the darkness didn’t discover the barn door. Soon he heard another noise outside. Again he sprang up and rushed to look out, and again he was violently hit upon the head. That time he was wild.
He got his shotgun and without waiting to dress, ran out. He thought he saw the figure of a man a little distance away and fired at it. It didn’t fall and he fired another barrel. Then he tore into the house and got his ammunition. He tried once more to look out of the window, and a fearful whack convinced him that the villain still pursued him. Out he went. His firing had aroused one or two of his neighbors. As they drew near he blazed away at ‘em, but fortunately, he missed, and they fled. He kept firing at anything he could imagine was a man until the ammunition was gone. Then the aroused neighbors pounced on him. They thought he was insane. He was nearly so. Finally lanterns were brought and the matter explained, and it was found that the “man” first fired at was the County Attorney’s seersucker suit on the clothesline. And he had aimed to hit. Matters being cleared up, Frank was persuaded to retire. But if he finds out who put that door there, gunning will be resumed.
Winfield Courier, November 24, 1881.
County Attorney Jennings’ labors during this term of court have been excessive. He has been successful in every case but one, and furnishes the state with six wards and thirty-three and a half years service.
Winfield Courier, December 8, 1881.
Judge Torrance has sustained County Attorney Jennings in rulings that will save the county thousands of dollars. One of them was the clause which most county attorneys in the state construe as requiring the county to pay the defendant’s costs in criminal cases where acquittal is secured. When bills for such costs were presented to the commissioners, Attorney Jennings advised them that the statute did not require their payment by the county. They refused to allow the bills and they were carried up. Last week the cases came up for trial and Judge Torrance held that Mr. Jennings was right in refusing to endorse the bills. This is quite a feather in Frank’s cap.
Winfield Courier, December 15, 1881.
Hackney and Jennings have been over to Independence this week to attend to cases changed from the district court of this county.
Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.
The Enterprise Says That
Frank Jennings and Henry Asp, of Winfield, made a raid on this office last Monday.
Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.
Valley View.
Last Thursday evening, in company with County Attorney Jennings, we attended an entertainment given by the Sabbath school at Valley View Schoolhouse in Vernon Township. Mr. Jennings was invited to deliver an address, and we went along as a kind of an “amanuensis” to do the editing. The drive out through the bright moonlight with the crisp, cool air blowing in our faces was delightful. Arriving at the schoolhouse, we found it crowded with the best and happiest lot of people it has ever been our good fortune to meet. We have often heard of the generous hospitality of the folks up there, but are now ready to affirm that the half of it has never been told. Everybody seemed to have brought enough for themselves and five others, and as Jennings and I were the only ones who had not brought anything, the prospects for a bountiful feast were most flattering. There was pound cake and ten-pound cake embellished with frosting and confectionery, chickens and turkeys, fried and roasted, in about the ratio of one chicken and half a turkey for every person present, and pies and other edibles enough to have fed St. John’s battery. The exercises were opened with an organ solo, “St. Paul’s March,” by Miss E. Martin, followed by a song, “Young Pilgrims, by the school. Master Robert Craig declaimed “Our Country’s Flag,” and rendered it nicely for such a little boy. Master Lee Snyder recited “Mother Eve,” a beautiful selection, in a very creditable manner. Pearl Martin told about “Dropping Corn,” and drew from it many moral and social precepts that we would all be better by following. Next came a song, “Holy Trinity,” by the school, and then Miss Emma Martin read “A Noble Revenge,” and sang a beautiful and touching piece, “Home is Sad Without a Mother,” in a way that brought tears to the eyes of many. The sentiment contained in this song is very fine and was admirably brought out by Miss Martin. After the song T. A. Blanchard, master of ceremonies, introduced Mr. Jennings, who delivered a ten minute address. Just when we were beginning to console ourself with the idea that Jennings was about through and we would soon be able to assist in the destruction of the fowl and cake so temptingly displayed, he made the startling announcement that he did not intend to make a speech, but that “his friend, Mr. Greer, was fully prepared and he felt sure would do justice to the occasion.” In about a minute we discovered that we were being “led like a lamb to the slaughter,” and when Tom Blanchard got up with a smile all over his face and announced that “they would now listen to an address by the Hon., etc.” we felt that Mother Shipton’s prophecy couldn’t be fulfilled any too soon. We spoke—and we’ll give $2.50 for a comprehensive report of the speech. The tempting visions of fried chicken and frosted cake vanished away into thin air and our oratorical powers went with them. The audience discovered this at the same time we did, and we sat down amid impressive silence. We have charged Tom Blanchard and Frank Jennings with this conspiracy and some day we’ll get a chance to get even. Elder Snyder then delivered a short address, congratulating the Sunday school on its success and cheering them up to renewed work and greater exertion. Mr. Snyder is putting his whole soul into the work and is meeting with abundant success. Messrs. Geo. Conner, C. F. Martin, and W. Millspaugh sang a laughable piece entitled “All the World’s a Barber Shop,” the last verse of which told about lawyers shaving their clients and giving them “the meanest shave of all.” It was our laugh then.
The feature of the evening, of course, was the supper and the kind ladies who served the plates filled them up till each one looked like the apex of Pikes Peak. It was an absolute shame the way Jennings ate, and were it not that his voracity on that occasion is likely to reflect upon the fair name and fame of our city, we would let it go unnoticed. The fact is he thought he was expected to eat all that was set before him, but if anybody should tell us that “the wish was father to the thought,” we wouldn’t try to refute it. After supper an hour was spent in greeting friends and just as we were about to depart, the house was called to order and the chairman, in behalf of the Sunday school, presented Mr. Jennings and the writer with two beautiful cakes. To say we were surprised would not express it. In behalf of Mr. Jennings and on our own account, we wish to extend to the school our hearty thanks for this kind token of their esteem. The generous, home-like hospitality of the people; the kindnesses showered upon us from every side; the many new acquaintances formed and old ones renewed; all tend toward making this one of the pleasantest evenings we have ever spent.
[REPORT FROM “GREEN”—VALLEY VIEW, VERNON TOWNSHIP.]
Cowley County Courant, January 12, 1882.
VALLEY VIEW, VERNON TOWNSHIP, January 1st, 1882.
There was a social hop December 18th at the residence of Mr. T. A. Blanchard, at which we noticed the faces of several Winfieldites who seemed to enjoy the country dance most hugely, especially the supper prepared by Mrs. Blanchard, who has few equals in the culinary art. On the 28th Valley View Sunday school held a social for the purpose of raising money to purchase an organ. Miss Emma Martin presided at the organ. Near the close of the exercises Mr. Jennings and Greer of Winfield were each presented with a handsomely ornamented cake by Mr. Blanchard, in behalf of the Sunday school. The social was a financial success. Sufficient funds to purchase the organ were realized with a surplus in the treasury. Great praise is due Mr. Martin, the superintendent, as he is one of those energetic workers who spare neither time nor money to interest and benefit his school.
Jennings becomes partner of Troup; dissolves partnership with Buckman...
Cowley County Courant, January 19, 1882.
The old established and well known law firm of Jennings & Buckman has been dissolved. This firm came here a few years ago, and had steadily increased its law practice, and won the highest respect of all who had business transactions with it. Messrs. Jennings and Troup have formed a law partnership, and have fitted up the rooms over Read’s Bank, that were formerly occupied by the old firm. Mr. Buckman occupies the rooms in the rear, over the same building, where he still continues to dispense justice to unfortunate litigants. While we thought Messrs. Jennings and Buckman were wedded in the law practice, we believe the new firm will meet with the success that two such capable men as our worthy Mayor and County Attorney must bring. We wish the new firm and Mr. Buckman success.
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
The law firm of Jennings & Buckman has been dissolved. Mr. Buckman has taken rooms across the hall from those occupied by the firm. This was one of the oldest law firms in the county, and their success has been won by hard work and faithful attention to business. They now each hold an office of trust, and stand high in the confidence and esteem of their fellow men.
Cowley County Courant, January 19, 1882.
Judge Buckman has moved into the back rooms over Read’s bank, and Jennings & Troup occupy the front rooms. Excellent loafing quarters up there now.
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
Jennings & Troup have fitted up their office in first-class style. It is a mighty comfortable place to spend an hour, although they wouldn’t have us say it for a dollar.
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
County Attorney Jennings went down to Atlantic City, Wednesday, to try a case on a grand larceny charge. A farmer in Bolton Township is charged with stealing a harrow and plow.
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
Messrs. Frank S. Jennings and M. G. Troup have formed a co-partnership in the law business. No two men in the State of Kansas are better fitted to work together than these gentlemen. They are both lawyers of acknowledged merit, thoroughly acquainted with all branches of the practice, and chuck full of legal lore. They will take rank with the leading firms of the Southwest at once.
Winfield Courier, January 26, 1882.
One Isaac F. Moore, of Arkansas City, was arrested Tuesday by County Attorney Jennings on a charge of selling liquor. He plead guilty to two counts, and was fined $100 in the first and 90 days in the county jail in the second. He was put in the custody of Marshal Sinnott, but during the night got away, and is at present conspicuous for his absence, while Sinnott mourns and refuses to be comforted. Under the circumstances Moore will not be apt to return, which is perhaps as well as if he had remained, been an expense to the county, and returned to his lawlessness when his time was out.
S. H. Jennings made Superintendent: brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, January 26, 1882.
From the Sunday School Record.
The Methodist Sunday School has gone into the publishing business. Last Sunday they issued a beautiful eight page paper, part of the matter for which was written by the scholars and printed for them at the COURIER Job Office. The first page was devoted to local affairs of the church and school, from which we clip the following items of news.
The Ladies’ Aid Society has spent $75 to $100 on stoves, etc., for the church this year.
Mr. S. H. Jennings makes a good Superintendent. He pleases the children and everybody else.
Brother W. O. Johnson has been Superintendent of the School for the past two or three years. As his business calls him away from the city, he was obliged to give up the school, much to the regret and disappointment of all. Brother Johnson was a faithful worker, always present on time. He took a great interest in the children, and did all he could to benefit them. The children miss him very much. When he resigned, Brother Gridley took the school for a few weeks. He soon moved to Douglass, and left the school in the care of the Pastor. During November and December, the school increased from 110 to twice that number, so that, when the Pastor turned the school over to the present Superintendent, there was an attendance of 222.
The Methodist Church is but a little over one hundred years old, and has a membership of over three million in America. It also has some of the best colleges and universities in the country. Many of the prominent educators are Methodists. They are all prohibitionists.
The Ladies” Aid Society has been in active operation for several years. The ladies have done much toward furnishing the church and parsonage. They deserve credit for their untiring energy. Mrs. Dever has been President most of the time that the society has had an existence, and she has been a faithful worker.
Our church had an exceedingly poor job of plastering; it is falling off badly. During the coming year the ceiling must be replastered, or paneled. Paneling would be the most durable, cheapest, and by far, the prettiest. This can be done during the hot weather of the coming summer. The trustees should commence looking after this at once. This subscription must clear the church. Many have paid promptly.
At the commencement of the year there were 155 members in the church. During the year 120 have united with the church by profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus, and have been taken on probation. We have received 35 into the church by letter. Every Sabbath persons are uniting with the church. We have a present membership of 310, all of whom live in and about Winfield. Most of them are active members. We have just doubled our membership during the year. For piety, intelligence, wealth, and influence, those who have come into the church this year will equal almost any organized church in Kansas. There have been more persons received into the church this year by profession of their faith and taken on probation, than have been received during the whole history of the church before. This church was made up, mostly, of those who came here Christians. During the two years previous to this, but seven were received into the church from probation; some were received by letter; before that time, the record is not complete.
Several hundred dollars of the debt have been paid this year. Our penny collection has been good. The treasurer has been able to pay about $50 of the incidental debt of last year, to keep up all the expense of this year, and to have a few dollars in the treasury. This speaks well for the liberality of the people, and also shows a large increase in the congregation.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 1, 1882.
Frank Jennings and M. G. Troup have formed a law partnership. They will make one of the best legal teams in this county, as both are well known as accurate, careful lawyers.
CARD: F. S. JENNINGS M. G. TROUP
JENNINGS & TROUP,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW,
Winfield, Kansas.
Office up stairs over the Post Office.
Cowley County Courant, February 2, 1882.
In our issue of yesterday we noticed the arrival of the first car of Cana Valley coal. Our limited space at the time forbid a more extended notice of the coal or a more liberal mention of the parties who are interested in the company. The COURANT is ever ready to advance the interest of Winfield and Winfield men. It will be remembered that this company, consisting of Messrs. Hodges, Myton, Silver, Jennings, Asp, and others, was organized in October last, since which time the company have expended over $5,000 in the purchase of land leases, mining tools, and the development of the mines which are located eight miles south of Grenola in the Cana Valley. Like all new organizations they have had everything to contend against, and at times failure seemed to stare them in the face, and but for the indomitable pluck of Messrs. Hodges and Myton, the Cana Valley Coal Company would long since have been numbered with the dead. Today the company is on a solid basis with a bright and glorious prospect ahead.
From a scant vein of 14 inches, the show is now 20 inches, and a much better grade of coal. From a wagon load a day, their capacity has increased to 500 bushels. They are now able to supply the retail demand at the mines and ship from five to ten cars per week. Since the arrival of the Cana Valley coal to this market, our people have had time and opportunity to test its quality. It is pronounced by many that the Cana coal is far superior to any other grade of soft coal mined in the southwest. The coal is free from rock and slate, burns clean, and leaves only a white ash. There is no offensive gas which escapes from the stove; and no accumulation of soot in the pipe or flue. The company have very wisely made the reliable coal firm of A. H. Doane & Company their agents in Winfield, and will keep them supplied at all times with Cana coal, putting it in the market at the price of other soft coal.
Winfield Courier, February 2, 1882.
A car of coal from the Caney Valley mines came in Thursday and was distributed among our citizens at $7 per ton. The coal is of excellent quality and is clear and firm. The company is taking out now about 300 bushels a day, part of which they sell at the mines for 15 cents per bushel. They expect to ship about three carloads per week hereafter. It looks as if Messrs. Myton, Hodges, Jennings & Co., will yet become black-diamond aristocrats. They have put considerable money into this enterprise and we are glad to see it turning out so well.
Cowley County Courant, February 2, 1882.
The Walnut Township Republican convention met according to published notice at Frank Manny’s stone building. Ezra Meech was appointed chairman and F. S. Jennings, secretary. The following nominations were made: For Trustee: J. C. Roberts. For Clerk: T. A. Blanchard. Treasurer: Joel Mack. Justice of the Peace: S. E. Burger. Constables: Henry Perry, colored, and Jethro Cochran. Road Overseers: District No. 1, George Brown; District No. 2, Perry Hill.
Cowley County Courant, February 2, 1882.
The first carload of coal shipped by the Cana Valley Coal & Mining Company came in last evening and was taken by A. H. Doane & Company. It is claimed that this coal is of better quality than the Osage.
Winfield Courier, February 9, 1882.
Bonds Wanted.
The undersigned desires to invest $1,200 in school bonds. Will pay the market price. Bonds and interest payable at Winfield, Kansas. Inquire or write to G. L. RINKER, Executor of the estate of Judge Baily deceased, or JENNINGS & TROUP, Attorneys.
Next item shows only one brother of Frank S. Jennings lived in Winfield. His name was S. H. Jennings. Brother visiting: Dr. R. P. Jennings from Delavan, Illinois...
Cowley County Courant, February 16, 1882.
Dr. R. P. Jennings, from Delavan, Ill., is here visiting his brothers, F. S. and S. H. Jennings.
Note: Next item refers to Dr. R. P. Jennings of Delaware, Ohio (not Delavan, Ill.)...
Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882.
Dr. R. P. Jennings, of Delaware, Ohio, is visiting his brother, Frank.
Winfield Courier, February 23, 1882.
Mr. W. A. Smith, a brother-in-law of Frank Jennings, from Ohio, arrived Monday. He will spend a few weeks looking over our county.
Frank S. Jennings gets a daughter...
Winfield Courier, February 23, 1882.
BIRTH. County Attorney Jennings went to Butler County last Thursday on legal business. On his return he was somewhat surprised to find his family increased by one during his absence.
Winfield Courier, February 23, 1882.
BIRTH. And now comes County Attorney Jennings with a bran new daughter as bright and lively as a cricket. It will be a week old Friday morning.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 1, 1882.
BIRTH. County Attorney Jennings smiles: It’s a girl.
Cowley County Courant, March 2, 1882.
F. S. Jennings, the Cowley County prosecuting attorney, is in the city. He is the man who makes it hot for ye whiskey men of the temperance town of Winfield. Wichita Times.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 15, 1882.
BONDS WANTED.
The undersigned desires to invest $1,200 in School Bonds. Will pay the highest market price. Bonds and interest will be payable at Winfield, Kansas. Write, or inquire personally, of G. L. Rinker, Executor of estate of Judge Bailey, deceased, or Jennings & Troup, Attorneys, Winfield, Kansas.
S. H. Jennings: brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
A suspicious circumstance happened at the Hoosier Grocery that may furnish some clue to the high handed raid on Mr. Jennings’s hen coop last Sunday night. A lady accosted Charles Hodges and inquired the price paid for chickens, which Charles informed her was eight cents per pound for fat and young chickens, dressed. The lady then produced from under her apron a large dressed chicken weighing seven pounds, which Charles purchased, and which upon critical examination, proved to be a fourteen year old rooster and tougher than the head of a base drum. The spring chicken will be on exhibition for a few months and we advise Mr. Jennings to call around and see if he can recognize the departed.
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
Mr. S. H. Jennings, who lives on the old Holmes place south of town, was last Saturday night the victim of one of the most bold and daring robberies and of the most dastardly character that is recorded in the annals of crime. During the night a band of separate and hungry men forcibly entered the chicken coop and stole eighteen chickens, cleaning out the ranch, and leaving it as desolate and chickenless as the grave. Age or sex was not spared; the old and the young, the low and the high, the tough and the tender, were swooped down upon by the invaders and torn from their peaceful and happy home. The outrage stands out in the light of the nineteenth century a dark blot upon American civilization. Brave roosters and fair hens were cut off in the plentitude of their existence. The penitent and impenitent were alike taken. The repentant hen who had gone to sleep happy in the resolution that she would lay more eggs in the future, and the belligerent rooster who had promised himself a free fight in the morning, shared alike the horrible fate that awaits stolen chickens in general. Such a sack was never seen since Rhoderik Dhu laid waste the pleasant hamlets of the Lowlanders, or the itinerant preachers of Indians struck terror to the yellow legged chickens of the backwoods. Never before has such a case of “fowl” play been brought to our notice. There is every reason to think that Jesse James and his villains are at the bottom of this. The last train robbery at the Blue Cut brought but little money, and these hunted desperadoes are probably at some rendezvous on the Walnut, tearing those innocent and unfortunate victims of their red-handed crime, limb from limb. The coop that once held a happy family is now desolate and empty, and where once resounded the happy cackle of the rooster and the clarion notes of the hen is heard nought but the mournful echoes of the passing sounds. Mr. Jennings has the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in this prostrating blow that has left his heart and hen coop such an aching void.
Winfield Courier, March 16, 1882.
Someone cabbaged seventeen yellow-legged chickens from Mr. S. H. Jennings Monday night. The heads were found lying in a heap near the chicken house. Revs. Hyden, Tucker, and Jones left the next day for other towns.
Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
The Wellingtonian was favored on Wednesday with a call from Mr. Frank Jennings, the county attorney of Cowley County. Mr. Jennings is one of those county attorneys who has at heart the public good and does not forget to do his duty and his whole duty. Wellingtonian.
Cowley is proud of her county attorney. He is a terror to law-breakers and wrong-doers. No more efficient and conscientious man ever held an office of public trust than Frank S. Jennings.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
Burden comes to the front with a shooting affray, though so far we have been unable to get the full particulars, only being able to get one side of the story, that of the man who did the shooting. The man who was shot is Ben Saunders, and his assailant is Henry Causey. The two live on adjoining farms about four miles west of Burden, and from what we can learn, have not been on the most friendly terms. Causey is an old resident; and according to his story, some eight years or more ago had his land surveyed and planted a hedge on the line, as then established between him and the farm now owned by Saunders. It appears that recently Saunders had a new survey made without giving notice to Causey, and the new line established runs over onto Causey’s land, taking away from his hedge and a strip of cultivated land. Thursday, Saunders went over into Causey’s field and began plowing, when Causey went out with a shotgun and ordered him off. Saunders refused to go, and said he had a notion to go and get his gun. Causey said to go ahead and get it, when Saunders replied that if he should, Causey would run. Causey said for him to try it and see, and Saunders started toward his house, but after going about a hundred yards turned and came back and picked up some stones and threw them at Causey. He then started on to plowing when Causey fired at him, the shot taking effect in Saunders’ legs, which seemed to lessen his appetite for agricultural pursuits the remainder of the day.
Causey came over to Winfield in the evening and tried to have the County Attorney have him arrested for assault and battery, but Mr. Jennings refused to file a complaint against him until he had time to look up the case. Causey has retained Henry Asp to defend him, and is expecting to be arrested any hour. He says he would much rather have a preliminary examination here in Winfield than over at Burden.
Cowley County Courant, April 13, 1882.
We like Frank Jennings, but he is now subject to no little joking on account of the manner in which the Courier slobbered all over him for having given an opinion and having it sustained by the Commissioners, and Judge Torrance, as well, to the effect that the officers were not entitled to their fees in criminal cases, when the defense was acquitted. The officers interested did not feel inclined to accept the opinion as final, appealed to the Supreme Court, and that tribunal having reversed the decision, the boys will now get their fees and the county will be called upon to put up a few dollars costs. It will now be in order for the Courier to switch, declare the County Attorney ought to have known better, and give him a genuine drubbing, just for luck. Not in earnest, of course, but simply as a matter of form. Of course, Frank was a brilliant attorney when he objected to the allowing of these claims; but now that the Supreme Court says he was wrong, former comments do not go, and the Courier must right itself or not be the champion of the taxpayer.
S. H. Jennings, brother of Frank S. Jennings, purchases Axtell’s restaurant...
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.
Mr. S. H. Jennings has purchased the property now being occupied by Axtell’s restaurant for $2,200.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.
County Attorney Jennings went up to Topeka Monday to look up some authorities in the Supreme Court Library.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.
In the case taken to the Supreme Court, the decision of Judge Torrance and County Attorney Jennings was reversed, so that now the county must pay the costs of criminal cases whether conviction is secured or not.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.
MONEY TO LOAN. I am prepared to loan money on very favorable terms on improved farm property in Cowley County, in sums to suit on three to five years time. C. H. Robinson, office with Jennings & Troup.
Unknown if the R. P. Jennings mentioned in next item refers to F. S. Jenning’s brother, Dr. R. P. Jennings...
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
TRIAL DOCKET.
The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the April term of the District Court, commencing on the 25th day of April, A. D. 1882.
CIVIL DOCKET. SIXTH DAY.
R. P. Jennings vs. Martha J. Miller et al.
S. H. Jennings, brother of Frank S. Jennings, purchases from D. W. Rogers the building occupied by the English Kitchen Restaurant [Axtell’s Restaurant?]...
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
The building occupied by the English Kitchen Restaurant has been purchased by S. H. Jennings, brother of our County Attorney, from D. W. Rogers, for the sum of $2,200.
J. S. and Milton Jennings [Wichita and Marion, Indiana] not related...
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
J. S. Jennings, of Wichita, and his brother, Milton Jennings and wife, of Marion, Indiana, came down to Winfield yesterday, and no doubt will become citizens of our town. Milton is President of the Indianapolis & Fort Wayne Railroad company. They are both well pleased with our town.
F. S. Jennings mentioned in following item???...
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882.
Recap Publication Notice, District Court of Cowley County. S. E. Schermerhorn, Plaintiff, versus Samuel T. Endicott, Nellie D. Endicott, F. S. Jennings, Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, A. D. Wear, S. M. Jarvis & R. R. Conklin doing business under the name and stole of Jarvis, Conklin & Co. [Paper had “Endecott” at first. This was later corrected to show “Endicott.” MAW]
To the defendants, A. D. Wear, S. M. Jarvis, and R. R. Conklin in the above entitled action. Sued by Plaintiff (Endicotts) for $231.93 and interest thereon at the rate of 12% per annum from November 29, 1880, and for costs of suit and foreclosure of mortgage, etc.
Property: West half of Southeast Quarter, and Southwest Quarter and Northeast Quarter, all in Section 35, Township 34, south of Range 4E.
Plaintiffs’ attorney, J. F. McMullen.
Attested to by Cowley Co. District Court Clerk, E. S. Bedilion.
J. B. Jennings???...
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882.
Pursuant to call, a number of gentlemen interested in the organization of a Cowley County Agricultural Society, met at the Court House Saturday, April 15th, 1882, and were called to order by T. A. Blanchard. Thereupon, J. W. Millspaugh, of Vernon Township, was elected Chairman and T. A. Blanchard, Secretary. F. H. Graham stated that the object of the meeting was to organize for the purpose of holding a county fair this fall. On motion of J. B. Jennings, the meeting unanimously resolved to hold a fair, and a committee of six gentlemen consisting of J. C. Roberts, W. P. Hackney, W. J. Hodges, J. W. Millspaugh, J. L. Horning, and W. A. Tipton was appointed to draft articles of incorporation and report at the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned to meet on Saturday, April 22, 1882, at 2 o’clock, at which time all feeling an interest in the fair are requested to attend.
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
Pursuant to call, a number of gentlemen interested in the organization of a Cowley County Agricultural Society met at the Courthouse Saturday, April 15th, 1882, and was called to order by T. A. Blanchard. Thereupon, J. W. Millspaugh, of Vernon township, was elected Chairman and T. A. Blanchard, Secretary. F. H. Graham stated that the object of the meeting was to organize for the purpose of holding a county fair this fall. On motion of J. B. Jennings, the meeting unanimously resolved to hold a fair, and a committee of six gentlemen, consisting of J. C. Roberts, W. P. Hackney, W. J. Hodges, J. W. Millspaugh, J. H. Horning, and W. A. Tipton, was appointed to draft articles of incorporation and report at the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned to meet on Saturday, April 22nd, 1882, at 2 o’clock, at which time all feeling an interest in the fair are requested to attend. All Cowley County papers requested to copy.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
This is Court week and our lion-like attorneys are in clover. The following gentlemen are present: A. J. Pyburn of La Mars, Missouri; C. R. Mitchell, of Geuda Springs; Senator Hackney, Judge McDonald, Judge Tipton, Jas. O’Hare, Henry E. Asp, S. D. Pryor, J. F. McMullen, D. C. Beach, O. M. Seward, J. E. Allen, A. P. Johnson, James McDermott, P. H. Albright, T. H. Soward, Geo. H. Buckman, M. G. Troup, and County Attorney Jennings.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1882.
About the Fair!
The Board of Directors of the Cowley County Agricultural Association met at the COURIER editorial rooms Saturday afternoon for the purpose of organizing and getting into working order. The directors present were Messrs. J. C. Roberts. R. B. Pratt, P. M. Waite, W. A. Tipton, W. J. Hodges, S. W. Phoenix, and J. W. Millspaugh. The following officers were elected for the ensuing term.
W. A. Tipton, President.
Henry Harbaugh, Vice President.
T. A. Blanchard, Secretary.
J. W. Millspaugh, Treasurer.
W. J. Hodges, Superintendent.
The Treasurer was required to enter into a bond of $2,000 and to have the same ready for approval at the next meeting.
The following committee was appointed.
Finance: W. J. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, James Vance, J. L. Horning, James Schofield.
Printing: T. A. Blanchard, E. P. Greer, W. A. Tipton.
Grounds: W. S. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, J. W. Millspaugh.
By-Laws: W. A. Tipton, F. S. Jennings, Henry Asp.
Committee on grounds were directed to meet May 8th, 1882.
Committee on premium list, the board.
The Secretary was directed to procure a rubber stamp seal bearing the legend, “Cowley County Agricultural and Horticultural Society Seal.” The Secretary was directed to publish the proceedings in all the county papers. Adjourned to meet May 26th, 1882.
T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary.
Cowley County Courant, May 11, 1882.
The board of directors of the Agricultural and Horticultural society met at the Courier office, in Winfield, May 6th, 1882, at two o’clock P. M.
Present: J. C. Roberts, R. B. Pratt, P. M. Waite, W. A. Tipton, W. J. Hodges, S. W. Phoenix, and J. W. Millspaugh.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing term: W. A. Tipton, President; Henry Harbaugh, Vice President; T. A. Blanchard, Secretary; J. W. Millspaugh, Treasurer; W. J. Hodges, Superintendent.
The Treasurer was required to enter into a bond of $2,000 and to have the same ready for approval at the next meeting.
The following committees were appointed.
Finance: W. J. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, James Vance, J. L. Horning, James Schofield.
Printing: T. A. Blanchard, E. P. Greer, W. A. Tipton.
Grounds: W. J. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, J. W. Millspaugh.
Bylaws: W. A. Tipton, F. S. Jennings, Henry Asp.
Committee on grounds were directed to meet May 8th, 1882.
Committee on premium list, the board.
The secretary was directed to procure a rubber stamp seal bearing the legend, “Cowley County Agricultural and Horticultural Society Seal.”
The Secretary was directed to publish the proceedings in all the county papers.
Adjourned to meet May 20th, 1882. T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary.
Frank S. and S. H. Jennings, brothers, buying cattle...
Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.
Frank Jennings and brother have gone to the Territory to buy cattle. They will be gone several weeks.
According to the next item, if I read it correctly, there were three Jennings brothers [S. H., Frank S. and Ed. (?) Jennings]...
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1882.
Messrs. S. H., Frank, and Ed. Jennings started for the Territory Tuesday morning, where they will locate a cattle ranche and purchase stock for it.
Question: Did S. H. Jennings purchase building and make Axtell the landlord???
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1882.
Axtells’ Restaurant is becoming one of the most popular institutions in the city. There are few more hospitable, whole-souled landlords than Axtell.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1882.
Frank Jennings, our county attorney, and his party passed through the city last week on their return from a hunting trip in the Nation.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 2, 1882.
At the Republican primary held in Sheridan Township the 20th inst., the delegates were instructed to support Sol A. Smith as first-choice for county superintendent and T. L. Rude as second choice. They were also instructed to support Judge Gans for probate judge, E. S. Bedilion for district clerk, and F. S. Jennings for county attorney.
Excerpts...
[COUNTY REPUBLICAN CONVENTION: WINFIELD.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 9, 1882. [Editorial Column.]
The County Republican Convention met in Winfield on last Saturday, and was called to order at 10 o’clock a.m. by D. A. Millington. The temporary organization was effected by the election of Samuel Strong, of Rock, temporary Chairman, and W. D. Mowry, of Creswell, as temporary Secretary. After the appointment of the usual committees, the Convention adjourned until 1 o’clock p.m. The Convention was called to order at the appointed time, and the temporary organization was made permanent. The several committees then made their respective reports, which were acted upon, and the Convention then proceeded to the nominations of County officers. There were eighty-seven delegates in the Convention, each township being fully represented.
Gans and Jennings were nominated by acclamation. For the office of Clerk of the District Court, E. S. Bedilion was nominated by a vote of sixty-seven to twenty in favor of Mr. Millspaugh, of Vernon township.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Frank S. Jennings nominated for County Attorney.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Convention Notes.
As Chairman Strong put it, “the next thing in order was the nomination of Frank Jennings.” When a fellow takes a case like this by default, he ought to defer execution. Frank had no fault to find with his opponent.
S. H. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Horticultural Society Meeting.
WINFIELD, AUGUST 5, 1882.
Society called to order by President Martin. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. President appointed F. A. Williams, G. W. Robertson, and R. I. Hogue a committee to test and report on fruits placed on exhibition on table. Committee on State Fair collection reported by Secretary; good encouragement and cooperation of our orchardists, so far. State reports from State Horticultural Secretary for 1881 received and distributed to members present. Suggestion from President Martin that bees are necessary to fertilize flowers of tomato by carrying the pollen. General discussion on grape. It was suggested by a member that the Delaware grape should be planted on the north side of buildings to insure returns this far south. Invitation extended to society by T. A. Blanchard, Secretary of Agricultural Society for this Society to take charge of the Horticultural exhibit at County fair this fall. Mr. Hogue moved that “Resolved, That the Cowley County Horticultural Society take charge of and make an exhibition of fruits at our County Fair this fall.” Carried. Moved and carried that President appoint a committee of five to take charge of such exhibition at Fair. President appointed Jos. Taylor, F. A. Williams, S. Maxwell, R. I. Hogue, and J. Nixon such committee. Motion prevailed that the Society meet at COURIER office each Saturday in August at 2 p.m. Committee on fruit reported as follows.
“The Committee find exhibited the following specimens of fruit.
“Apples. Chimney Strawberry and Pennoch, G. W. Robertson; White Pippins, J. F. Martin; Variety unknown, fine, S. H. Jennings.
“Peaches. Crawford’s Early, very fine, Mr. Howland and Mrs. Parker; Geo. 4th, Geo. W. Robertson; Large Early York; S. H. Jennings.
S. H. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.
Sabbath School Mass Meeting and Convention.
The New Salem Sabbath school has made arrangements for a “Sabbath School Mass Meeting and Convention,” to be held on Thursday, August 31st, in Mr. R. Steven’s grove, on Timber Creek, three miles northeast of the old New Salem schoolhouse.
While all who come will receive a hearty welcome, the following neighboring schools have received special invitation to be present, and to also furnish music: Queen Village, Prairie Home, Pleasant Hill, Moscow, Floral, Tisdale, Silver Creek, Burden, Walnut Valley, Fairview, Prairie Grove, Summit, Richland, Maple Grove, and Baltimore.
Addresses are expected from the following speakers: Rev. J. E. Platter, Messrs. S. H. Jennings, S. S. Holloway, and Jas. McDermott, of Winfield; Revs. S. B. Fleming of Arkansas City, Irvin of Floral, Knight of Burden, and Firestone of Baltimore.
Exercises will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Please come early, bring your “Gospel Hymns,” and let us do good work for the Master.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1882.
Frank Jennings was in town, on official business, last Thursday.
Mr. S. H. Jennings of Winfield...
[NEW SALEM CORRESPONDENT: “OLIVIA.”]
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.
New Salem Pencilings.
Again, dear COURIER friends, the time has come for a little chat in your happy homes through the medium of my pencil. The time since our last little talks seems so very, very long, and yet it is not two weeks.
The picnic is the latest effort in the social line, and owing to the drizzling weather, it was almost a failure. The Salem school were mostly there, as they were the entertainers, but the other schools were not out in full. The Floral and Queen Village schools entertained us with some good singing, and Mr. Jennings of Winfield made some excellent remarks that were fully appreciated. Mr. Holloway talked to the little ones and drew them out in answering questions. They seemed to be pleased. The dinners were all that could be desired in that line. The people seemed well provided with wraps and umbrellas, but a picnic cannot be a success upon a damp day. Our Moscow neighbors ate their goodies and sang their songs, we presume, in their homes, and we would all have felt better had we done likewise.
Mr. Jennings was the guest of Rev. Graham and Mr. McMillen Thursday.
S. H. Jennings...
[HORTICULTURAL MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.
Horticultural Meeting.
SATURDAY, Sept. 16th, 1882.
In absence of secretary, S. H. Jennings was elected pro tem.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1882.
Our county attorney, Frank Jennings, was visiting our city yesterday.
Frank S. Jennings...
[SILVERDALE CORRESPONDENT: “REPORTER.”.]
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
Silverdale.
EDS. COURIER: We attended the Greenback speaking at the Centennial schoolhouse in this township on the eve of Sept. 26th. W. A. Tipton and H. D. Kellogg were the principal speakers although our local advocates of the cause made a very able effort. Judge Tipton occupied about two hours’ time in abusing the two old parties, being particularly severe on the Republican party. His speech was fully up to the average of his party and I think he had committed his lesson well as it was nothing more nor less than a repetition of Gen. Weaver’s speeches. He accused our party with having enacted laws favoring the rich man and ignoring the poor; with having deliberately robbed the poor soldier by only paying him $5.00 per month and giving the difference to the Shylocks. Now we most assuredly thank the Judge for his sympathy, but assure him that it was not a money consideration which caused us to enter the army in October, 1861. It was for the union of the states that caused us to put ourselves up for a target on nearly every battlefield from Louisville, Kentucky, to the Gulf. When we enter suit against the government for an equalization of pay, we will be glad to have the Judge take our case. He told us further our party had depreciated our greenbacks. Now we always thought it was Gen. Lee’s democratic army that did it; and if we had only had a few more thousand men to prevent his success, we would probably have been able to maintain them nearer on a par with gold, notwithstanding Seymore, Hendricks, Vallandingham, and Voorhees persisted in saying they were unconstitutional and worthless, and we have no doubt but what Judge Tipton voted with these worthies all the time. I shall refrain from following him through his entire speech for it would be a great waste of printer’s ink, but anyone who desires may read his speech by getting one of Weaver’s; except the part referring to Representative Ryan, who he accused of building the finest residence in the state on a salary of $5,000 a year, but said Ryan was a Republican, which accounted for it. He also assailed the public career of Mr. Jennings, and said if we would elect him, he should do the business of attorney much cheaper to the county, for he would not make a smelling committee of himself, besides the old women of Winfield could not control him. We know who will control him. The seven or eight hundred Republican majority will do it, and we regret to think it, too, as he is a stranger and it is his first effort to secure an office. I mean his first effort here, but it is
“Sweet to run, but oh, how bitter,
For an office and then not git’er.”
Doctor Kellogg followed and his effort at speech making was not equal to Blaine or Conkling, and we do not think the Greenback party committed much waste of talent by nominating the doctor. He made it his chief point to favor the recording of a certain road. A few nights ago when he spoke in this township he was going to have the Arkansas River opened for navigation, which is of much importance to Southern Kansas. About the next time the Doctor comes he will be in favor of the legislature making an appropriation to buy pipes for all the old women, but he will hardly succeed in this as the State Treasury will be severely taxed to buy pants for the small members of the legislature who are trying to straddle the Republican, Democratic, and Greenback parties, prohibition, and anti-prohibition. The doctor says when he goes to the legislature he will not accept a pass from the Santa Fe road. It occurs to us that he is going by water, up “Salt River,” for he is sounding his political fog horn now but it will avail him nothing. His political aspirations are forever wrecked, as they should be for deserting his party.
When an opportunity presents itself, your reporter will always be present to chronicle the speeches of such illustrious men. REPORTER.
Robert Pratt of Illinois, uncle of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, October 12, 1882.
Robert Pratt and his son, Austin, of Tazewell County, Illinois, in company with Mr. Marshall, spent last week looking over our county with a view to investing. Mr. Pratt is an uncle of County Attorney Jennings.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, October 18, 1882.
Frank Jennings passed through our city yesterday on his way to Spring Side School House, to attend the Republican rally.
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1882.
It Does Prohibit a Little.
Ed. Weitzel was tried last week before Justice Buckman for selling beer and whiskey contrary to law. The trial lasted three days. Jennings & Troup and Henry E. Asp prosecuted and J. Wade McDonald and S. D. Pryor defended. Saturday evening the jury of twelve, after consulting two or three hours, brought in a verdict of guilty. The Justice assessed a fine of $200, and costs. The costs, attorney’s fees, and some little outside matters which he would not like to mention, must have cost him about $250, and there are yet five complaints against him to be tried. He took an appeal with a thousand dollar bond. If tried in the District Court, the witness who happened (?) to be absent will be present, there will be no doubt about the result, and it will probably cost him $1,000 in all. Frank Manny says that Ed. was an officer of the Good Templars and a warm advocate of the prohibition amendment and that he is now taking his own medicine so he must not squeal.
It seems that Ed. commenced selling at his hotel stand, which he was using as a billiard hall, during fair week. He hired W. D. Smith to tend bar for him at $25 per month. He kept his business so close that it did not get out on him until last week. He had then sold intoxicating liquors to the amount of about $60. Frank Jennings got hold of it, investigated the matter, and made six complaints against him and one against the boy, Smith, his bar tender. Ed. got bail for himself, but let Smith go to jail. Ed. was tried on one case, convicted and fined $200, and cost. Smith plead guilty and was fined $100. Ed. then plead guilty on another complaint and was fined $100. The fines and costs in all amounted to over $600, besides attorney fees and other expenses, with four complaints standing against. Verily the way of the transgressor is hard.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1882.
Judge W. A. Tipton, Frank Jennings’ opponent for County Attorney, last week put himself upon record as “unqualifiedly opposed to Prohibition,” but said, “If I am elected, I will enforce the law.” That is not the kind of a temperance man to tie to in our opinion.
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1882.
OFFICIAL VOTE OF COWLEY COUNTY.
F. S. JENNINGS, REPUBLICAN, DEFEATED W. A. TIPTON, GREENBACK AND DEMOCRAT...2,203 TO 1,725. [COUNTY ATTORNEY.]
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.
Frank Jennings returned from a visit to his old home, last week. He was glad to get back. The clammy atmosphere of Ohio in no way compared with the free, invigorating air of Kansas, and it made him heartsick to breathe it, so he returned after six days, during which time he accomplished much missionary work in the way of turning people in the direction of this part of the vineyard.
[BUSINESS CARDS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1883.
Jennings & Troup. Attorneys at Law. Winfield, Kansas. Office in first rooms over Read’s Bank.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1883.
SHERIFF’S SALE: S. E. Schermerhorn, Plaintiff, Against Samuel T. Endicott, Nellie D. Endicott, F. S. Jennings, The Traveler’s Insurance Company, of Hartford, Connecticut, A. D. Wear [?] and Jarvis, Conklin & Co., Defendants.
S. H. Jennings...
[HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1883.
SKIPPED LONG ARTICLE ON FRONT PAGE RE MONTHLY MEETING OF COWLEY COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, JANUARY 6, 1883, PRESIDENT MARTIN, WHICH PLAYED UP REPORTS FROM JACOB NIXON, S. H. JENNINGS, ROBERTSON, THIRSK, ETC.
Jennings & Troup...
[LEGAL NOTICES.]
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1883.
RECAP PROBATE COURT, MATTER OF ESTATE OF HENRY SHAVER, DECEASED. JOHN SHAVER, JAMES H. SHAVER, BENJAMIN E. SHAVER, ELMIRA SACKETT, MATTHEW SHAVER, AND ELIZABETH A. KINSLEY, CHILDREN AND HEIRS AT LAW OF SAID DECEDENT.
FINAL SETTLEMENT...JOHN H. MOUNTS, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY SHAVER, JENNINGS & TROUP, ATTORNEYS.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
RECAP ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE, PROBATE COURT, ESTATE OF N. M. SCOFIELD, DECEASED. ADMINISTRATOR: J. B. SCOFIELD. JENNINGS & TROUP, ATTORNEY FOR ADMINISTRATOR.
Excerpt...
[MURDER OF SHERIFF SHENNEMAN.]
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
The doctors, after carefully examining the wounds, decided that Sheriff Shenneman could not be moved that evening. After the examination the doctors gave the reporter as their opinion that his recovery was hardly probable and that he had less than one chance in ten. Messrs. Asp and Jennings left there at ten o’clock Tuesday evening at which time Mr. Shenneman was resting easy and sent word to the boys that he would be all right in thirty days. He was under the influence of opiates.
[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.
Listed as not signing petition: Frank S. Jennings.
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 proportion of the 650 voters in the city signed the petition.
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
Public Meeting.
The citizens of Winfield, irrespective of party or sentiment on the prohibition question, are requested to meet at the Opera House on Monday evening, February 5th, for the purpose of discussing the petition forwarded to Senator Hackney, advising him as to his action with regard to the legislation on the subject of the prohibitory law. F. S. JENNINGS, H. D. GANS, M. L. ROBINSON, J. S. HUNT, A. T. SPOTSWOOD, P. F. JONES, JAS. E. PLATTER, D. A. MILLINGTON, M. G. TROUP, T. R. BRYAN, HENRY E. ASP.
[PROHIBITION AND HACKNEY.]
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
AN ARDENT PROHIBITIONIST.
It is stated that the man who originated the petition to Hackney in the “glorious cause of prohibition,” before that petition was circulated, approached County Attorney Jennings and asked him the following question in substance: “Now if the city council should pass an ordinance licensing the sale of lemonade and other drinks, something like the Topeka ordinance, and could thereby raise a revenue of $3,000 a year on the sale of liquor, would you not be willing to leave the prohibition and liquor business to the city authorities and refuse to prosecute?
Frank S. Jennings and two of his brothers (S. H. and Ed. Jennings) went to Ohio following death of their father, A. H. Jennings, Sr....
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
Frank S. Jennings received a dispatch from Ohio Tuesday morning announcing the death of his father, which occurred Monday night, of apoplexy. He and his brothers, S. H., and Ed., started east on the 3:30 train.
Frank S. Jennings versus M. L. Robinson...
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
Is He Fish or Fowl?
A Remarkable Record Made by a Remarkable Man.
“A WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING.”
[NOTE: FIRST PART WAS SET UP IN TWO COLUMNS.]
[Left column] FOUR WEEKS AGO. “Suppose the City Council were to license three persons at a thousand dollars each to sell ‘soda water and other drinks, what would you do?’”
M. L. Robinson to County Attorney Jennings.
[Right column] THIS WEEK. “Friends, let us not do anything to injure the glorious cause of prohibition, so near to our hearts!” M. L. Robinson at meeting Monday night.
[Left column] PRESTO! “Inasmuch as the Amendment as enforced has always resulted in injury to the development of our town . . . . We would respectfully urge upon you the necessity of so providing for its enforcement that its application shall be uniform throughout the state. If this is impossible, don’t sacrifice our town on the altar of inordinate devotion to an impracticable principle.” Petition written by M. L. Robinson.
[Right column] CHANGE! “That petition meant that the law should be enforced in other parts of the state as well as here, and did not mean saloons in Winfield.” M. L. Robinson’s explanation of the petition.
Above we present four utterances from the tongue and pen of M. L. Robinson. Placed as they are the reader will have no difficulty in determining that M. L. Robinson is either a vacillating hypocrite or a knavish fool.
But in order to show the peculiar manner in which this gentleman works to secure the backing of citizens in his schemes, we will be pardoned for referring to the above chronologically.
Some four weeks ago Robinson approached County Attorney Jennings and in the very cautious manner shown in his language above quoted, intimated to him (Jennings) that three men stood ready to pay a thousand dollars each for a license to sell “soda water and other drinks” in this city, and asked him what he would do, in his official capacity, if such license was granted and they opened up. Mr. Jennings very quickly told the gentleman that he would prosecute all infringements of the law to the fullest extent—that he had sworn to enforce the constitution and the law, and should regard his oath and his duty without fear or favor. This was a fitting reply to such an insult, and Mr. Robinson sought elsewhere to find a man who would betray his honor, his pledges, and his oath to accommodate a “smiling, influential banker.” Strange as it may seem, he settled upon Senator Hackney as the man. Wily in all his undertakings, he knew that backing must be secured for such a proposition, so a petition, ambiguous in language and uncertain in construction was drawn and placed in the hands of a man interested in opening saloons, and by him circulated. Upon its face the petition meant something or nothing, or anything. To the businessman, glancing at it in the hurry of busi-ness activity, it meant just what his convictions on the prohibition question were. To the pro-hibitionists it meant “Strive to have the law enforced in other places as it is here.” To the anti-Prohibitionist its true and real animus could be shown in a moment. Thus, in the hurried way petitions are always signed, this harmless looking document was signed by lawyers, doctors, businessmen, and citizens generally who would no more lend their names to assist M. L. Robinson in his efforts to subvert constitutional obligation and trample law under foot than they would start on a trip to the moon. The petition was then taken to Topeka and placed in the hands of Senator Hackney, by Frank Manny. Had the petition been a fair and square declaration of principle, either for or against prohibition, every sane and sensible man knows that it would have received respectful and candid consideration at the hands of Senator Hackney. But he knew a few things that the signers of the petition did not know. He had spent the Sunday before in Winfield and at that time learned of Mr. Robinson’s proposition to County Attorney Jennings. He also knew that he was equally interested with Robinson in a scheme whereby three thousand dollars saloon tax would materially benefit both of them in a financial way—and this scheme was the water-works business. He looked at the petition and saw that it was in Robinson’s hand-writing. He also saw it was not a fair, square statement of principle, but contradictory, ambiguous, and calculated to deceive. In an instant he saw through it all, as would everyone who signed the petition had they known these facts. He saw that M. L. Robinson, seeing an opportunity of adding to his hoarded wealth, was willing and anxious to open up the “flood gates of drunkenness and debauchery” in our city. He knew that Robinson had approached a sworn officer of the law with intentions looking to that end, and receiving no encouragement, had come to him, thinking that he, if fortified with a respectable petition and with the same personal interests involved, would betray the pledges made by him to the people of Cowley County, turn his back upon the constitution and his oath to support it, and sell himself and his people for gold.
M. L. Robinson little counted upon his man when he reckoned that W. P. Hackney could be cajoled or influenced into such an action. Turning upon his maligner, he hurled the petition back into his teeth in words of burning indignation—words that will live in the
hearts of the people of Cowley County as long as love of honor lasts, and words that will rise to haunt the author of that petition until he passes beyond the scenes of human weakness. With that desire for fairness so characteristic of Senator Hackney, he did not confine the full measure of his wrath to the one at whom it was directed, but supplied a part of it to some officers of the law. This loop-hole was eagerly seized by the doughty banker, and through it he seeks to wreck his vengeance on the Senator by drawing into the fight the men who had signed his petition, and who hoped to express a matter of principle, knowing nothing of the sordid motives and dark pit-falls behind it. In this he partially succeeded, until the above facts were brought out at the Monday night meeting.
When a resolution, severely condemning Mr. Hackney, was offered, to defend the Senator from this gross and venomous assault, Rev. Platter opened the eyes of the people to Robinson’s duplicity by making a statement of the facts, as given him by Mr. Hackney. Since then one of the best men who signed that petition, a citizen as highly respected as any in the community, said to us: “Until I learned the true inwardness of this matter, I thought Hackney’s letter was ill timed and intemperate. I now think he did just right, and wonder why he didn’t make it hotter.” Others of our businessmen, signers of the petition, have expressed the same feelings; and all of them, except a few who were in collusion with Robinson, or whose souls are owned (through the medium of mortgages or overdrafts) by him, will take a similar view, and, instead of feeling outraged toward Hackney, will put their anathemas where they belong.
By his action in this matter, M. L. Robinson has lost the confidence of all the better classes of this community. Having betrayed the principles he has heretofore, and now pretends to avow—betrayed men into supporting him with a false document, written with the intention of deceiving, he has certainly placed himself in an unenviable light before his fellow men, and must of needs, reap the consequences. A man who works honestly, openly, and fairly against a cause he believes to be wrong, is a freeman exercising the highest and noblest rights of citizenship decreed him by the Constitution of a free country. But when a man steals forth under the cloak of hypocrisy, and attempts to subvert law and unduly influence those in whom the people have vested power, he sinks below the level of a freeman, and becomes a menace to liberty and good government.
[PROHIBITION.]
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
COMMENT IS UNNECESSARY.
His allusion to my approaching county attorney Jennings is but a tissue of falsehood and distortion. . . . . We asked him (Jennings) what he would do in case the council as talked granted license to sell soda water, pop, and other drinks as done in Wichita and other towns.
M. L. Robinson in the Telegram.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
REJECTED.
Last week Wednesday the House carried Hon. C. R. Mitchell’s motion to reject the joint resolution re-submitting the prohibitory amendment by a vote of 65 to 51. In the roll call we find the names of Mitchell and Weimer for rejection and Johnston against rejection. What do the prohibitionists who voted for J. J. Johnston think of that?
[CORRESPONDENCE.]
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883.
COMMUNICATED.
After returning from the public meeting at the Opera House on last Monday night, I felt completely unstrung, my feminine nerves not being accustomed to such a strain. It was a long time before I fell asleep. Toward morning, however, I fell into a troubled slumber. I dreamed a dream which was possibly suggested by incidents in the meeting.
THE DREAM.
I dreamed that I was standing on the corner of Main St. and 10th Avenue. The street was full of people, the cause of whose coming together I could not at first discern. My eye soon caught sight of a banner down the street, and behind it I could distinguish what seemed to be the outline of a procession. They were evidently coming in my direction, so I waited to see the sight. As they drew near I saw that the bearer of the banner was Mr. Frank Manny. On the banner was inscribed the words, “Prohibition Forever.” Following the leader was a magnificent chariot drawn by four milk-white steeds, and in this chariot was seated with arms folded in solitary grandeur, Mr. M. L. Robinson. The reporter of the Telegram was standing by and I asked him what that meant, and he said, “There is the author of a grand declaration and petition in favor of Prohibition, and the four milk-white steeds are symbolical of the purity of this mission.”
After the chariot came the Mayor and City Council in carriages. Some Councilman seemed to be missing, however. Next came a hearse with three men on top bearing petitions to the City Council. I could not read all that was written on them, and the men wore black masks. I could, however, distinguish the words “petition,” “soda water and other drinks,” and the figures “$1,000.” Then came a procession of men on foot who looked rather dazed and bewildered. As the procession moved on, a party of women in which I found myself, followed along on the pavement to see what was going to happen.
When we came abreast of the front of the procession the solitary man in the chariot saw us, and waving us back with his hand, said, “This is no place for women!”
We dropped back a little, but when some men who were following along said, “Go ahead. You have just as much right to see this performance as anybody!” we kept on.
The procession passed east on 11th Ave., to Millington Street, and thence south until they came in front of Senator Hackney’s residence, where they paused. Then the man in the chariot said, “No. 1 to your post!” and straightway one of the masked men on the hearse dismounted and went forward and took hold of the bridle of Mr. Manny’s horse. Mr. Manny dismounted and carrying the banner in one hand and a roll of paper in the other, went up the steps and rang the door bell. After a pause Senator Hackney came out. He took the paper, which was smilingly handed to him, and read it aloud. I may not remember the exact words, but it ran somewhat thus:
“Inasmuch as the prohibitory law as enforced has always resulted in injury to the material development of our town, we would respectfully petition our honorable senator to use his endeavors to secure its uniform enforcement throughout the state. If this is impossible, do not sacrifice our town on the altar of inordinate devotion to an IMPRACTICABLE PRINCIPLE.”
He rolled up the paper and looked over the procession. Seeing that the man holding the horse had a paper, and also the other two-masked men, he said, “What’s that paper you fellows have in your hand?” When they saw he was getting mad, they hastily folded up their paper and said nothing. Just then County Attorney Jennings, who had followed the pro-cession, said: “They contain petitions to the City Council for licenses to sell soda water and other drinks for $1,000 each, and they are in the same hand writing as the petition you hold in your hand.”
Then the Senator’s eyes blazed and he said so that it could have been heard all over the town: “You fellows want me to violate my constitutional obligations and help you to get a law framed under which you can open up saloons in Winfield.”
Thereupon he flung the paper at the petitioners. Some of it dropped in the chariot and some fell into the carriages of the city officials. Then up rose the man in the chariot and said vociferously: “This is an outrage! It isn’t fair! It isn’t just! No representative has a right to treat petitioners this way! It don’t mean saloons! It only expresses our devotion to the glorious cause of prohibition, so dear to our hearts!”
Some profane person in the procession or crowd, I couldn’t distinguish which, yelled out, “In a horn!” At this point a large number deserted the procession and all became confusion.
I awoke and it was broad daylight.
[HACKNEY.]
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883.
HOW THEY LOOK AT IT.
The reply of Senator W. P. Hackney to the Winfield hoodlums hit the nail every time. Hackney is our style of man. He has no policy except that of the public interests and no duties other than his sworn obligations. He is our next candidate for governor and when elected to that high office a faithful discharge of his duties; recognition of constitutional obligations, and faithfulness to his constituency may be expected. Under him the constitution of this state will not be like an old coat to be laid aside or hung up to dry at the pleasure of the owner. Larned Chronoscope.
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1883.
Dr. Davis. If you are indebted to Dr. W. R. Davis, call at our office and settle at once before costs are made. JENNINGS & TROUP.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
Court opened Monday morning at 9 o’clock with Judge Torrance on the bench. County Attorney Jennings entered a nolle in all the doctor cases. The Manny case was put on for trial and a jury empaneled. Wm. Rose was granted a divorce from his wife.
Refers to convention of newspaper editors...
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Notes of the Convention.
Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Jennings entertained Miss Brown of Burlington, and to them was assigned Miss Hattie Pugh.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Where the Money Came From.
The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance.
F. S. Jennings contributed $2.00.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.
County Attorney Jennings made a business trip to Chanute and Baxter Springs last week.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, June 21, 1883.
Recap: John P. Strickland, Administrator of the Estate of Dan A. Strickland filed a petition for payment of debts owed, etc. Jennings & Troup, Attorneys, H. D. Gans, Probate Judge. June 15, 1883, date of petition.
Winfield Courier, July 5, 1883.
Frank Jennings introduced to this office last Monday a full company of capitalists, statesmen, and professional men from his old town, Delaware, Ohio. As nearly as we can recollect their names, they were Mr. Glover, Mr. Neff, Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Stevens, and Senator Marriott. Frank says they collectively represent more brains and money than is often found with so small a company.
Winfield Courier, July 5, 1883.
Rooms. Three office front rooms for rent over Wallis’ store. Enquire of F. S. Jennings.
S. H. Jennings, brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.
Mr. S. H. Jennings picked a blackberry from his patch Tuesday that measured three and one-half inches around. It was mammoth.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.
Judge Torrance held a special session of court Monday for the trial of civil cases. The case of Carpenter against Winfield Township was tried. It is the case growing out of the old Winfield Township scrip. Senator Sluss appeared for the defense and Jennings and Troup for the plaintiffs.
[PROHIBITION.]
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.
A Saloonless City.
Messrs. M. David and Wm. Park are residents of Geuda Springs, which city by the way is located half in Cowley and half in Sumner Counties. Lately they conceived the idea of running open saloons on the Cowley side of the street, which was done several days ago. On Monday County Attorney Jennings was informed of the fact and soon had papers out for M. David’s arrest. He was found in Winfield, arrested, and gave bond. The officer went over Tuesday to arrest Park, but he had flown. During the day, Tuesday, there was much feeling exhibited by citizens of the Springs over the matter, some wanting the saloons to run, others wanting them closed. The keepers might as well move across the street or shut up shop.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.
The jury in the case of M. David tried last week for selling liquor at Geuda Springs, brought in a verdict of guilty after being out but a half an hour. A fine of one hundred and fifty dollars and costs, amounting in all to over three hundred dollars, was assessed. On Monday Mr. David and his son were arrested on several additional counts. It looks as though there wouldn’t be a great deal left of Mr. David after Attorney Jennings gets through with him.
S. H. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1883.
Mr. Powell, recently from Illinois, made a brief talk “showing his colors,” and urging the necessity of every man of principle taking a firm stand in favor of prohibition and the proper enforcement of the law. Mrs. E. Smith then read an essay on “Loyal Woman’s Work,” setting forth most ably the accomplishments of woman in this grand work and what remains for her yet to accomplish, dwelling largely on the efficacy of moral suasion and gospel temperance.
Mr. S. H. Jennings was called out next, and waded into the subject with his characteristic earnestness until the whole audience was perfectly imbued with enthusiasm. He turned from the dark side of the temperance question and demonstrated its progress; went way back to his boyhood days when whiskey and beer were considered almost a household necessity, and gradually came down with each degree of progress until he struck glorious Kansas with her total abstinence law, and lastly the achievement of prohibition in Winfield. He spoke of the scarcity of drunken men on our streets compared to the times of yore and to certain towns in other states; of the many large public gatherings this season with scarcely a drunk man perceptible. Touching on the violation of the law in our midst, he laid the guilt to the citizen himself; that it was not his duty to stand back and cavort about lawlessness, but to assist in convicting criminals and uphold the law and officers by his example and influence.
The meeting had a decided effect in stimulating the people to renewed exertions in the enforcement of the law. Arrangements have been made whereby a series of semi-monthly union temperance meetings will be held in the different churches, conducted alternately by the Good Templars and Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.
Excerpts: S. H. Jennings...
[HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1883.
SPECIAL MEETING COWLEY COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY,
AUG. 18TH, 1883.
Society called to order by President; minutes of special meeting read and approved. Society requested Mr. N. G. Davis to publish his essay on “Onion Culture and Varieties.” President appointed as a Committee to collect and exhibit fruit at the County Fair (not to compete for premium as a society) by consent of Society, Jacob Nixon, S. H. Jennings, Dr. Marsh. S. E. Maxwell, A. J. Burrell, N. J. Larkin, R. L. Hogue, A. R. Gillett. President read report on Tree Growth, from Mr. Frederick McIntosh, as follows.
“It has been said by the poet that the groves were God’s first Temples. And in years that are gone by; in the lapse of centuries when the Druids met in groves to practice their heathen rites, we see that they, rude and barbarous though they were, chose groves to practice their mystic and magical ceremonies.
“Aside from their grandeur, beauty, and utility, there is nothing that adds so much to the value of a farm as groves. At my few leisure moments of the past week I have visited some of the groves of your county, and learned what I could of them. I first inspected Mr. Pennington’s place, on the western border of the county. I found he had about 5,000 cottonwoods, 60 feet high, 5 feet, 10 inches in circumference—that is, a great many were; some not more than three feet. the largest were nine years old, from cuttings; the others being planted some years later. He then went with me to his walnut grove, consisting of 400 beautiful trees about 50 feet high. They were also 9 years old from seed.
“We then visited Mr. Joseph Han’s catalpa grove, which was a grand sight indeed. There were 2,000 trees in his ground about thirty feet high, 8 years old from seed. We then took a glance at Mr. Pennington’s catalpa trees. They were fully 40 feet high, planted from seed 9 years ago. He had about 100.
“We then had completed all that was of interest in forestry at that point, so we visited Mr. Isaac Wood’s place. He had about 2 acres of fine cottonwood trees, about 50 feet high; could not learn when they were planted—would judge about 7 or 8 years from cuttings.
“There being no other groves on my road, and having only a few moments to spare, I found I could not visit the grounds of some other parties. I concluded to drive back to this place and tell you the result of my trip. You will see at once that you may all be able to sit in the shade of grand, beautiful groves if you only will. A great many persons think and act as though they could not have trees around them. To prove to the people of Kansas that they could have forests, Mr. Robert Douglas, of Waukegan, Illinois, who certainly understands forestry, says: ‘In order to establish the fact that forests can be successfully planted without the aid of experts, we took three contracts in Crawford County, Kansas. We have already planted 500 acres, two contracts, and will plant 500 acres more before the first day of May. These trees are planted by ordinary laborers, superintended by a man who never worked a day in a nursery. They are planted with spades, and stand 4 x 4 feet apart. We plant 2,720 trees to the acre. Our contract calls for 2,000. They consist of three-fifths catalpa speciosa and two-fifths ailanthus. The catalpa three years planted stand 6 to 10 feet high, 2 to 3 inches in diameter at the collar.’
“Thus you may see what can be done in your own county and also at other places in Kansas. In conclusion, I will say that walnut, from its value, deserves to be planted largely, and as a county laborer in horticultural pursuits, I wish that you who are without groves would make a strong effort, and I am sure you will not fail. As we glide slowly down the stream of life, we can have the consolation that someone will be benefitted by our labors, and the wind will whisper among the leaves as the sounds of many Aeolian Harps, making music in our souls for the good we have done. FREDERICK McINTOSH.”
Mr. Jennings—Ash very easy grown; has maple sown from seed last spring 8 feet high.
Mr. Jennings exhibited Hayes Wine and K. Codlin apples.
Mother of Frank S. and S. H. Jennings visiting...
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1883.
S. H. and County Attorney Jennings are enjoying a visit from their mother, Mrs. J. H. Jennings, of Delaware, Ohio.
A. H. Jennings, brother of S. H. and Frank S. Jennings, visiting...
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1883.
Mr. A. H. Jennings, a brother of S. H. and County Attorney Jennings, recently from Delaware, Ohio, is helping J. S. Mann through the rush of fair week and may remain with him for some time. He has many years experience in the clothing business.
Excerpts: S. H. Jennings, brother of Frank S. Jennings and Mrs. A. H. Jennings, Jr., wife of another brother of Frank S. Jennings...
[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1883.
In blooded cattle the showing is equally as good. About thirty short horn bulls are on exhibition, among the best being those of J. O. Taylor, S. H. Jennings, Mr. Bain, and J. S. Baker. Mr. Taylor shows a herd of short horn cows and calves, three of them the celebrated Jerseys. Mrs. M. J. Gilkey of Maple City, Mr. Thompson of Rock, S. H. Jennings of Winfield, and Mr. Bain, recently from Kentucky, also show very fine specimens of short horn cows and calves—some of them exceptionally good. That Cowley has made wonderful strides in the improvement of her cattle and horses, our fair readily shows. For the convenience of those who, like the writer, for instance, can’t tell a short horn cow from any other, if both cows had their heads in a barrel, Mr. Taylor is stationed at the corrals and takes great pleasure in showing the visitors around.
DRAUGHT HORSES.
Best team of mares or geldings, D. R. Green, Winfield, 1st premium; S. H. Jennings, Winfield, 2nd.
ROADSTERS.
Single roadster gelding 3 and under 4, S. H. Jennings, Winfield, 1st premium.
[S. H. Jennings’ premiums were withheld for disrespect towards the Judges of Class C.]
Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
County Attorney Jennings has filed a case against Dr. Fleming, which will go to the Supreme Court, on the question whether a physician can furnish liquor to a patient and take pay for it.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 13, 1884.
Judge E. S. Torrance and Frank Jennings, our county attorney, were in our city last Monday.
Arkansas City Republican, February 23, 1884.
Our genial, jovial county attorney, F. C. Jennings, paid us a pleasant call last Monday.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1884.
The Narrow Gauge.
Its Present Status and Prospects and Some of its History.
Facts and Conclusions.
The object of this article, the last we shall lay before our readers before the election of March 11th, is not to influence votes either against or for the pending railroad proposition, but to give our readers a fair, honest, manly, and impartial statement of all facts and acts bearing upon the question before us which we have not heretofore stated, an account of what has been done the past week, what is now being done in relation to the matter, and what are our conclusions on points of controversy, leaving the effects to be what it will on the vote of March 11th. The voters are the jury who are to decide this case and we choose to come before them at this time, not as a partisan attorney on either side, but to talk as a judge might talk to a jury about to decide an important case.
We do not expect to please either side by this course and it will be easy to accuse us of mulishness and fogyism by the one side, of “flopping” and selling out by the other, and of straddling by both; but we shall satisfy our own sense of justice and right, and merit the approval of all fair minded citizens, whether we get it or not.
Rustlers of younger, warmer blood like the junior editor, are not content to take such a position as we indicate. They have an impulse to be foremost in every controversy on one side or the other; they scent the battle from afar and promptly take an active and vigorous part. We have several youngerly men in this city of vigor, energy, and snap, who when they work together in a good cause can perform wonders. We admire and appreciate them and always want them on our side, but we are older and the great many conflicts of opinion we have encountered and passed through tend to make us slower to engage in a heated controversy and to content us with smaller results. Yet we have courage and fearlessness sufficient to make a pretty strong fight when there is an important interest or principle to fight for and to continue the struggle as long as we are confident that we are serving the best interest of our community by doing so.
SOME HISTORY NOT HERETOFORE MADE PUBLIC.
But before we assume the judicial ermine, we cannot forbear to state some of the facts that have placed this proposition in the bad predicament in which we now find it. We must be indulged in one last kick at the bad management which has placed us in this ambiguous position. We have earnestly desired to give this company a fair chance to build this road if it can be built on a basis which will do no damage to any Cowley County taxpayer, property owner, or citizen, and to make it of value to all. The first time we were approached on the subject by the representatives of the railroad company, we told them that if they would put a proposition before the people to vote a reasonable amount in which proposition the interests of the people were amply secured in clear and unmistakable language, we would support it heartily. The company ought to have given us such a proposition in the outset, ought to have consulted with leading citizens of the county representing all the various interests, and made such concessions as to the details of the proposition as they could, to accommodate these interests, before their petition was printed and circulated, ought to have made all the concessions then, that they have since made by stipulations, and more too. They ought to have given us a clear cut honest proposition that would be final and not need any coddling up with stipulations of doubtful validity. Instead of that, we have before us a proposition conceived in duplicity, blotted all over with badges of fraud, and then patched up with stipulations to cure most of the defects, yet leaving many in doubt whether they are cured or only covered up.
This is the first railroad proposition that was ever put before the people of this county for their votes in this way. Former propositions have been read before meetings of citizens and been discussed and amended in various ways to meet the views of the people, before the petitions were circulated.
The excuse that they did not know that these concessions would be demanded is too frivolous and not true. It is only a presumption that the people would consider all railroad propositions alike and would take down anything bearing that name without scrutiny or question as coming from superior beings of unselfish attributes, instead of coming from men not unlike other men who want to drive a sharp bargain.
An attorney of this city was consulted on legal points about the drawing up of that petition. He stated that it would be necessary to include in the proposition each of the points since conceded by the stipulations and some others; his advice was unheeded in all points except as to the form of ballots.
The first we were permitted to know of this matter was an invitation to meet representatives of the road and citizens at the Brettun House for consultation and discussion, and we went. The time of the meeting was taken up with speeches to explain the great advantages such a road would give to this county, but no proposition was read or produced and no indication of details were given except that the company wanted this county to vote them $100,000, which we objected to as too much. They also stated that they would make the stipulation that the road should be completed to and through the county in a year from the voting of the bonds if we recollect right. We told them that the time was too short in the present condition of the money markets, and we advised them to take plenty of time so as to obviate the necessity of forfeiture, but to make the time certain. No draft of a petition was presented, no further opportunity was given to make suggestions as to what it should contain. When we asked to see their petition, we were answered that it was not ready, but that we would have a chance to see it and make suggestions before it was finally decided upon. The meeting adjourned and the very next morning a printed petition was in circulation for signatures and it was evident that it was printed and ready before the meeting was called at the Brettun House. The object of this duplicity was evidently to get as many committed in advance to the support of an unseen proposition, and to get so many signatures before attention was called to its defects that it would be accepted to save doing the work over again.
We then began the fight, not against the road, but against the proposition, and another meeting was called at the Brettun House, to which we were invited, and Maj. Hanson, Col. Doniphan, and other representatives of the company were present. This meeting was also largely occupied with speeches about the great advantages of such a road to us; but we got a chance to state many of our objections to the proposition and to urge amendments, but all the satisfaction we could get was that of course the company intended to do most of these things we demanded, would be a fool if it did not, but they did not want the proposition lumbered up with all this frivolous stuff presented in a carping and fault finding spirit, and besides, it was too late to alter the petition for it had already been signed by near eight hundred taxpayers.
Now we do not wish to treat Maj. Hanson, Col. Doniphan, and the other gentlemen of the company with discourtesy, for we think that if they had managed this business, we should have got a fair proposition in the first place, but they apparently did not manage it.
We learned that it was a Winfield man who was getting up the proposition and engineering it along. We observed that it was a Winfield man who swept aside our objections as frivolous; a Winfield man who said the several things we have mentioned in answer to our suggestion and who gave the cue for what should be said by others and otherwise managing the machine. We noticed that the gentlemen from St. Jo. and other parts seemed to be only figureheads to make a show of eastern capital and railroad builders. We think that if they had managed the business, we should not be now in this predicament.
REPORTING FALSEHOODS.
We must also give one kick at the manner we were treated last Friday and since by friends of the proposition. While every means in their power was being tried by committees and delegations to convince us that we ought to support the proposition now, and we were standing squarely against such a course in our replies, a report was being busily circulated all over the city and county that we had agreed to support the proposition. From Friday noon up to Monday night we had occasion to dispute this falsehood, perhaps a hundred times, by asserting that we had not agreed to any such thing and should not. We had not given any indication that we might even lean a little in that direction. If we say anything in this article that leans in that direction, it will be wholly incidental and not in pursuance of any promise or understanding with anyone. Some folks seem to think the only way to carry their ends is by lying.
Having thus ventilated this scrap of history, we now state
WHY WE WITHDRAW FROM THE FIGHT.
After carefully considering all that we have said in the past issues of the COURIER, we find nothing that we desire to take back and little which we will modify. We think our position has been the right position and that it has brought forth fruits which are of advantage to the county. We stand upon our record. The result has been the filing of a stipulation with the county clerk by the president and secretary of the railway company which concedes to the people of the county several of the most important points which we have demanded. It concedes that the road shall have all the attributes of a first class narrow gauge road, several of which are specified, or no bonds shall be delivered. It concedes that the first $50,000 of the bonds shall not be delivered on the mere building of the road from the west line of the county to Winfield. It concedes that no bonds shall be delivered until a first class narrow gauge road is built from Joplin to Winfield and trains of cars running thereon. It concedes that no bonds shall be delivered, but that all shall be forfeited, unless the road is built and completed in first class order and cars running thereon from Joplin, Missouri, to Winfield within eighteen months from the filing of the stipulations. It concedes the construction of such stations and side tracks as seems to bee the wants of the people along the line as a condition precedent to the delivery of the bonds.
THE ATTITUDE OF WINFIELD.
Another reason we have to give is the attitude of the citizens of Winfield. We live in Winfield, have lived here since 1870 when it was a raw prairie. We think we have contributed something to its prosperity. The citizens of Winfield are our friends and neighbors and heaviest patrons. They are as a body energetic, honorable, and intelligent businessmen whom we highly respect, whose interests are the same as ours, and whose opinions are entitled to great weight. They have since our last issue held meetings and resolved almost unanimously to accept the stipulation as good and binding and to support the proposition with the stipulation with their time and money. They are so sanguine that it is best to support it and carry it if possible that they have gone down in their pockets and brought out the liberal sum of a thousand dollars to expend in canvassing the county to advocate the proposition. They will turn out every day and among them make several speeches every night until the day of the election when they will work at the polls everywhere. If they are at work for their own interests as they fully believe they are at work for the whole county and perhaps a lesser degree, how can we stand up and fight against them under such circumstances?
They have treated us handsomely in this matter and have used on us able arguments and the powers of eloquence to convince us that it was our duty to turn in with them and use the influence of the COURIER to support this proposition and we candidly confess that the pressure on us is so great that we can hardly resist it.
But we owe a duty to our readers and friends in other parts of the county, to those who depend upon us for the facts in cases of movement in our county affairs, who depend upon us for impartial conclusions in such cases, and these duties we must not ignore. We shall try impartially to give them all this, all the facts about what is going on affecting this question and not trying to influence their votes further than facts, and what we conscientiously believe are just conclusions, will do it. They are the jurymen and must do their own voting. We cannot do their voting for them if we would. They must each decide for themselves whether they will vote at all, how they will vote, and how much they can afford to do to get their neighbors to vote.
LEGAL VALUE OF THE STIPULATION.
Up to the filing of the stipulation, a week ago, there seemed to be no reasonable doubt that the proposition would be defeated by an overwhelming majority. Much now depends upon the opinions held by the voters of the binding force of that stipulation. We stated last week that we did not believe it is of any binding effect. We have investigated the matter as much as possible since and have got the opinion of several attorneys on that matter. Messrs. Jennings, McDermott, and we suppose, McDonald, state as their legal opinion that the stipulation is valid and binding, while the others we talked with expressed some doubt. No decisions were found exactly in point, but general principal is laid down that a proposition to be voted upon must be advertised as a whole according to law, thirty days in this instance. We form the conclusion from what we get from the authorities, that only that part of a proposition which has been advertised thirty days could be considered as a part of it, but we conclude that a party can waive a part of the benefits accruing to himself under it and that such waiver for a consideration such as to induce acceptance of the main proposition would be enforced. At worst we do not think it probable that any court would compel the issue of the bonds on technical grounds unless the conditions of the waiver had been fully complied with. This is the opinion of all our attorneys. This is a modification of the opinion we expressed last week and the result of further inquiring and investigation. We think there is little danger of any bonds being issued unless the stipulation is fully performed and within the time named.
The clean and sure way to amend was to withdraw the proposition and suspend the election; then draw a new proposition expressing everything on both sides—everything the company will now concede in clear and unmistakable language—then circulate it and get the signatures of two fifths of the taxpayers and have the commissioners call an election giving thirty days notice. But some of the attorneys say that this cannot be done and that the election once called cannot be stopped, and they support their positions by arguments a little paradoxical and conflicting, but they may be right. Anyway, the election will be held and if the bonds are voted down, another election cannot be called unless on a petition of the majority of the voters of the county.
The representatives of the company say that this will never be done and that they will, if voted down now, either go around us or submit township bonds along the same line. We do not know what they would do in that event if they themselves do, which is doubtful. They would doubtless do what appeared to them to be the best thing for them to do when the time should come.
THE VALUE OF THE ROAD.
We print in another column an article sent us by Mr. Thos. McDougal, which was published in the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette of the 28th ult. Mr. McDougal is the owner of the tower brick building, corner of 10th and Main Streets, in this city, and is otherwise interested in this city and county and it seems fair to give the article a place. We do not expect a narrow gauge road would be near as valuable to us as a standard gauge over the same route would be, but it should be considered that no company proposes to build a standard gauge over this route and there is no present probability that such a project will ever be worked up. The route is one on which a road is very much needed. It brings a market and railroad facilities close to the homes of the people of a large section of one county in the central and southeastern part of the county, who are now far from such facilities and who have contributed their quota to paying for and procuring such facilities for other and more favored sections of the county.
Again it is fair to state that the narrow gauge roads complained of in the article referred to were so near failures simply because they were so shabbily built, built to make all the money possible out of the construction, and were not compelled to make good roads in order to get their bond subsidies. This is different. The stipulations compel this company to make a first class road in every particular in order to get the bonds voted by this county, and if they don’t do it, they won’t get the bonds.
Then these Ohio narrow gauges were only short snatches of roads without any narrow gauge connections. This must be built at least 150 miles long, from Joplin to Winfield, in a specified time, to get our bonds. If they can do that they can readily add 150 more miles to Larned in about the same time or a little longer and 300 miles of road in a string is not one of those short snatches of road. Again this road aspires of magnificent narrow gauge connections not less than the great Denver & Rio Grande system, a system of assured permanence and success, to say nothing of the Paramore system from St. Louis to Texas and other projected systems east of here. But the company is not compelled to build to a connection with either of these systems in order to get our bonds, and it depends wholly upon the ability of the company to make these connections and whether it can make money by doing so, to settle the question whether it will be done or not.
But it must be conceded that 200 miles of road already constructed and in operation would give the company a wonderful impetus and power as well as standing in financial circles and it could reasonably be expected that they would be able to succeed; and if they have the ability, we doubt not the promise of profit on the construction would be amply sufficient to induce them to make every effort in that direction.
ABILITY TO BUILD THE FIRST TWO HUNDRED MILES.
We have heretofore expressed a strong doubt of the ability of the company to build the first two hundred miles in the time named in the proposition before us on account of the present depressed condition of the money market when even no new standard gauge bonds can possibly be placed, for standard gauge bonds have always been looked upon with more favor than narrow gauge bonds. We must concede however that the depression of the market is “letting up” of late, that there is an abundance of idle money in the east seeking safe investment, and that there is every reason to expect that the markets will return to their normal condition within the next ninety days. Then from the accounts from other counties and townships along the line of this road, it looks like, that if these bonds are voted in this county, it will give such an impulse in the other counties and townships that bonds will be voted in addition to what are already voted, sufficient to secure $600,000 of municipal bonds along the first 600 miles of the road, an average of at least $2,000 per mile from Joplin to Larned.
Now we still hold that a first-class narrow gauge road can be built over this whole route at not far from $6,000 a mile, and we have no doubt that the company can put money enough into it to build the first twenty miles, say, $120,000. They have then that much of a basis of mortgage bonds. They can negotiate with a money syndicate and hypothecate the $600,000 of municipal bonds to it, prior to delivery, which will serve as security to the mortgage bonds. Then the syndicate through its financial agent can dole out the money on these bonds to pay the bills for construction as fast as the work is done; and as fast as the municipal bonds are delivered, they can be sold or taken by the syndicate and the proceeds applied on the debt or on the construction. The small amount of money that must be raised on the mortgage bonds, not over $4,000 per mile, will be amply secured by these hypothecates, the first twenty miles of the road wholly paid for and the first mortgage on the whole road.
So we conclude that if these bonds are voted, the road will be built and on time. But we must further concede that as the expense of this election must now be borne anyway, there would be no damage to the county if these bonds are carried and the road should not be built.
WOULD IT BE WORTH TO THE COUNTY WHAT IT WOULD COST?
While we have contended that $100,000 is too much to vote to a narrow gauge by at least $20,000, and that much more than the county need to have given had the matter been properly handled in the start by those who ought to have done so, the question is reduced to whether we can afford to take the risk of holding out for better terms, and whether the road would be worth $100,000 to the county. The COURIER had the courage to shoulder the risk of holding out, up to now, but having accomplished something by it, we now shift the further risk on the shoulders of the voters.
If the road is built, there can be no question that it would be worth much more than $100,000 to the county. It would make produce sell higher all over the county and reduce the prices of coal, lumber, and other things brought in, to an extent largely beyond that sum. It would itself be taxable property which would be assessed not less than $150,000 in the county and in consequence of it probably enough other property would be brought into the county or be enhanced in value sufficiently to increase the assessment another $150,000, making $300,000 the sum it adds to the assessment rolls, and so long as the tax levy for all county purposes is 20 mills or more to say nothing of school district and township taxes, the county tax on this property will be sufficient to pay the $6,000 yearly interest on the bonds. So at the worst, no man in any part of the county would be any worse off for the building of the road and the issue of $100,000 six percent county bonds, even in the matter of taxes.
THOSE ALONG THE LINE MOST BENEFITTED.
It is natural to expect that the most unanimous support of the proposition will be found along the line of the proposed road and the most general opposition will be found in places most distant from the road, because along the line of the road people are benefitted most by it. In addition to the benefit of nearness to the accommodations and the greater enhanced value to property, the railroad is taxed for the townships and school districts it runs through while townships and school districts in the county which the road does not touch get no benefit from township and district taxation of railroads. This is neither fair, just, nor right, and should be remedied by a constitutional amendment if, as is concluded, it cannot be remedied without. But this injustice is not in itself a reason that persons not benefitted by these taxes should vote against the bonds, for they are benefitted in other ways to such an extent that they are better off with the bonds than without them because of taxation for county purposes alone. It cannot help them to vote against what will do them good because the same thing will do the others more good.
BONDING RATE.
If the bonds are carried next Tuesday and if the road is built in full compliance with the stipulation, $100,000 of the bonds of the county will be issued, and the interest on these bonds will be $6,000 a year with 40 miles of road to tax. The rate of bonding is $2,500 a mile. This will not be so bad as the $4,000 a mile we gave the C. S. & S. F. on 32 miles of road on which we issued $128,000 of bonds on which we are paying $7,680 a year interest. Notwithstanding we gave this road so much it is a fact that this road has been a benefit to the taxpayers of this county as it is paying into the county treasury about $9,000 a year, which is $1,320 more than enough to pay the yearly interest on the bonds issued to it. This of course is not all county tax but much the larger portion of it benefits the whole county in reducing taxation. Then there is unquestionably in this county property, including this railroad, that would not be in the county but for the building of this road, sufficient to make the assessment rolls at least $600,000 higher than they would otherwise have been. The taxation of this property raises double the amount for county purposes alone, that it takes to pay on the bonds issued to that railroad, and relieves the taxpayers all over the county to that extent. But this is but a small portion of the advantages that this road has given the whole county over and above what it has cost us.
The K. C. L. & S. K. though, is the clean road for benefits to this county notwithstanding these benefits are reduced by being taken out of competition with the Santa Fe. The stock we got for the bonds sold for enough to cancel all the county bonds issued to it except $22.500, on which the yearly interest is only $1,575, while the road pays over $9,000 per annum into the county treasury. If we could have got this narrow gauge into such a shape as this, we could have howled for the bonds with all the vim in our power.
OUR BOND TAXES.
A large number of the citizens of the county have applied to us for information regarding the financial relation of the present roads to the county. We have compiled from the records of the County Clerk the following figures.
AMOUNT OF TAXES PAID INTO THE COUNTY TREASURY BY A. T. & S. F.
For 1880: $6,593.61.
For 1881: $6,422.22.
For 1882: $7,849.81.
For 1883: $9,596.35.
TOTAL: $30,461.99
AMOUNT OF TAXES PAID INTO THE COUNTY TREASURY BY K. C. L. & S.
For 1880: $6,853.55.
For 1881: $7,240.74.
For 1882: $8,443.36.
For 1883: $9,659.22.
TOTAL: $32,196.87.
AMOUNT OF INTEREST PAID BY COWLEY COUNTY ON BONDS ISSUED IN AID OF CONSTRUCTION OF A. T. & S. F.
For 1880: $7,680.00.
For 1881: $7,680.00.
For 1882: $7,680.00.
For 1883: $7,470.00.
TOTAL: $30,510.00.
AMOUNT OF INTEREST PAID BY COWLEY COUNTY ON BONDS ISSUED IN AID OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE K. C. L. & S.
For 1880: $4,760.00.
For 1881: $3,132.00.
For 1882: $2,065.00.
For 1883: $2,085.00.
TOTAL: $12,042.00.
Total amount of taxes paid into County Treasury by both railroads up to date: $62,661.35.
Total amount of Interest paid by Cowley County to date on all bonds issued in aid of construction of railroads: $43,532.85.
Excess of taxes over interest paid: $20,139.00.
THE EVILS OF VOTING THESE BONDS.
We need not say anything more about the benefits and the evils that would accrue to the county if this road is built or if these bonds are voted. Both sides of the question will be well ventilated all over the county.
Arkansas City is organized, up and doing in fighting the bonds. Her people, too, are putting their hands down in their pockets and contributing money largely to make a fighting fund. They have printed papers and circulars by the tens of thousands and are circulating them all over the county filled with literature against bonds, against narrow gauges, and most particularly, against voting bonds or building the railroad over this particular route. They will canvass the county and stump and talk against the bonds everywhere and leave no stone unturned, no means untried. They will doubtless tell many truths and much that is untrue. Their fight against the proposition is for a very different object form what ours has been. We wanted the road built, and over this line, while we fought for security and better terms for the whole county. They looked upon our fight with apathy, caring nothing about the terms or the cost to the county, but fight it because the route is not by way of Arkansas City. They hope that defeating this proposition will in some way compel somebody to build some road to them. They do not want any road built in the county or any adjoining county unless it is built to them. They are fighting the proposition made to Chautauqua County as well as that to their own county. Our fight was to benefit the whole county, but not to keep a railroad from any part of it. Their fight is to keep a railroad from every part of this route in the county and is utterly selfish, and this selfishness makes us want to take off our coat and wade in for the bonds.
MORE ABOUT BENEFITS.
The Telegram will tell a great deal of truth, this week, perhaps a little colored, about the organization of the C. M. & A. Railway company and the value the road will be to this county if it is built. The Winfield committee will send out circulars all over the county containing similar facts and perhaps similar coloring. The speakers from the stump will dress up the facts relative to the great advantages this road will be to the whole county if built. After stripping these speeches and literary productions of all this ornamental work, it must be conceded that there will remain the strong and very important ground work of facts, which are too weighty to be brushed aside, showing it of immense importance that we secure this road if possible.
The only questions to determine are: can we get this road if we carry this proposition at the election of March 11th? And can we get the road if we vote this proposition down? We do not now hesitate to answer the first question in the affirmative. We have reliable information just arrived that money is already secured conditioned only on the amount of bonds voted along the first 200 miles. The last question we cannot answer so promptly. If we knew that it would be submitted again and on better terms with a clear proposition, we would not be on the fence today but would readily say: vote it down. But even then we should not feel sure of our position. We have held out in the hope that we should see the principal officers of the company before this time and convince them that it was necessary in order to carry the bonds to withdraw this proposition, make a new proposition with more concessions than are embraced in the stipulation, especially that of $2,000 per mile and $80,000, and call a new election. It is now too late for that to be done and we fear the consequences of voting down the bonds. Had not the stipulations been filed, we would never have flinched let the consequences be what they would, but with so much conceded, we may well hesitate. The more we think of it, the more we fear the effect of voting down these bonds now, would be to so influence the election called in Chautauqua County and townships further east, that they too would vote down the proposition before them, which would certainly block the building of the road. We cannot help but think that if Cowley votes up these bonds, it will so stimulate Chautauqua and the townships with hope of a railroad that they would carry the bonds over the opposition said to come from the stockmen, and ensure the road.
The threat about the company changing the route and going around us with township bonds does not scare us “worth a cent.” We have heard of too many such scares and we can assure the Arkansas City men who are fighting the route selected through the county so vehemently and offering to raise for the company $150,000 in township bonds if they will change the route around by Arkansas City, that the thing will never be done, and that if the road is ever built through this county, it will be built on the route now proposed.
THE SOUTH EAST TOWNSHIPS.
There is another thing that scares us some and that is the idea of submitting township bond propositions along this route, which would be very unjust to the people in the southeast quarter of the county, for that is the only portion of the county which is very distant from railroads, the portion of the county which has received the very least benefit from the railroads we have, while they have cheerfully paid their full proportion of the interest of the bonds which produce them. Now when they have a chance to get a road, one that satisfies them and one they are enthusiastically for, on terms that will not cost the county near as much per mile as the other roads have averaged; it would be mean indeed in the balance of the county, to compel them to resort to the very onerous method of resorting to township bonds; and we believe there are few men in this county who would be willing to treat them in that shabby way; few who would not be willing to help them out by the same means which have given roads to other parts of the county, particularly when they can do it and at the same time, as we have above shown, benefit themselves, all of them to some extent and most to a very large extent, by the same vote which gives our southeast friends a road which will do them so much good.
FINALLY,
We have been several days writing this article. We have been flattered much by many persons who have attributed much importance to what we should say this week. We have felt that we did not want the responsibility arising from having influence thrust upon us. Therefore, we set out last Saturday to write this article in a spirit of impartiality, from the fence as it were, so as to be sure and make no mistakes with our influence if we had any. This has caused us to study and investigate and think a great deal, and this has been making it more and more difficult to keep our position on the fence. We now know that we are far from indifferent and on looking back over our work on this, we see that from day to day we have been forming and been growing in the conviction that it was best and the only safe way to vote for the bonds, and this growth of conviction may be apparent as we have written and re-written parts of this article from day to day and passing it over to the compositor. With the most of this article on the press ready to run, it is now too late to change the style of the beginning to suit the conclusion of the ending and we may as well say that we have made a good fight for a proposition better and safer for the county in several different points, we have compelled the company to meet us more than half-way, and to yield and secure to us the most important points. We have got from them all that we can get in the way of concession. It is of very great importance to the county, and the balance of benefit largely in its favor if the road is built for us as specified, 150 miles within a year and a half at the cost of not over $100,000 and no value to the stock, which is the very worst that can possibly take place, except that it should not be built and the bonds be forfeited, and that the danger of missing these important benefits of having this road built at all, is so very great, that the only safe way is to now vote for the bonds and carry them if possible. So we get down off the fence and announce that we shall vote for the proposition.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1884.
Railroad Meeting.
A large and enthusiastic railroad meeting was held at the Courthouse last Thursday evening. Speeches were made, the present status of the railroad proposition discussed, and the opinions of all the lawyers present called out as to the validity of the stipulations. They all said they were good and binding in law. The benefits of the road were set forth in glowing colors by Messrs. Jennings, Soward, McDermott, and others. After becoming satisfied on the question of the legality of the stipulations, the meeting resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the prospects for carrying the bonds. It was plain that if the value of the proposed road to the county could but be put fairly before every taxpayer, the bonds would be carried. Committees were then organized and over five hundred dollars subscribed for the purpose of printing and circulating information and holding meetings.
S. H. Jennings, brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1884.
Rev. P. F. Jones and M. L. Read were absent last week attending the M. E. Conference at Newton. Mr. Read went as the Lay Delegate from the Winfield church. Messrs. S. S. Holloway, W. R. McDonald, S. H. Jennings, and A. Gridley also attended, as visitors. Rev. B. Kelly, for the past three years in charge of the Wichita M. E. Church, comes to Winfield this year and Rev. Jones goes to Marion Center.
Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1884.
County Attorney Jennings is encased in a cave of gloom. His prize calf died with the black-leg. His affections were wrapped up in that calf. He had fed it skimmed milk with a spoon, and watched its youthful development with tenderest solicitude, only in the end to see it die with such a vulgar complaint as the black-leg. What matters it if the calf was mangy, carried an abbreviated tail, and had lost an ear in a sanguinary encounter with a town cur—it was a good calf and ought to have lived a long, useful, and prosperous life. Frank has our sympathy and, if he will accept it, fifty cents to buy him a new calf.
Frank S. Jennings: first mention of him being state senator...
Arkansas City Republican, May 17, 1884.
Frank Jennings gave us a pleasant call last Wednesday, while he was in the city. He is one of the purest of officials, and has rendered himself extremely popular during the last four years, by the efficient performance of his duty. Many of the people of the county desire that he accept the position of State senator from this district. A better man cannot be chosen.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 11, 1884.
Lou Skinner is again a candidate for public attention. He was arrested last Wednesday night for being drunk, and on giving bond was discharged until the next morning. On his way home he drew a revolver on Frank Lorry, ordering him to throw up his hands and give over his money. He changed his mind, though, and proceeded home. He failed to show up Thursday morning, but on Monday he was arrested and held until the forfeited bond was made good, when he was immediately arrested on a state warrant for his attempted highway robbery of Frank Lorry. His preliminary examination was held yesterday before Police Judge Kreamer, County Attorney Jennings appearing for the state.
Skinner waived preliminary examination and was bound over in the sum of $500 to appear at the October term of court. He has not yet furnished bond.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1884.
County Attorney Jennings was in the city yesterday.
Frank S. Jennings...
[WINFIELD STREET RAILWAY.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
Winfield to have a Street Railway.
An ordinance was presented to the city council on Monday evening by Messrs. W. P. Hackney, J. C. Long, T. H. Soward, and F. S. Jennings, granting to them a ninety-nine years street railway franchise. It was favorably considered by the council, but laid over for final action to the next meeting. The ordinance provides that an acceptance of its conditions must be filed in writing within thirty days after its passage, and the conditions specify that a first-class street railway, from the Santa Fe to the S. K. depot and on certain streets and avenues, shall be finished and fully and properly equipped for operation by July 4, 1885. The fare is placed at five cents for adults and three cents for children under fifteen, with no fare for those under three years when accompanied by parents. The high character and abilities of the gentlemen taking hold of this enterprise leaves no doubt of its being pushed rapidly forward to completion. The benefits to our city of a street railway are unquestioned, and the projectors are satisfied of its making a paying investment. Winfield is ascending the golden stairs with steady step and will never be behind in public conveniences.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
An ordinance granting a franchise for a street railway was continued to the next meeting.
Frank S. Jennings’ daughter, Nellie, seriously ill, dies...
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.
Nellie, the bright little two-year-old girl of Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, was attacked with membranous croup Monday. No hopes were entertained for her recovery until Tuesday night, when the physicians expressed a faint change for the better.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
DIED. Once again we are called upon to mourn with friends the loss of a loved one. Nellie C., the bright little daughter of F. S. and Inez C. Jennings, passed away on Wednesday morning after an illness of one week. No sorrow which the heart can know falls heavier than when death takes from the arms of loving parents one of these little ones. The remains were followed to the cemetery yesterday afternoon by a large number of sympathizing friends.
[CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1884.
The City Council held an adjourned session last Thursday evening. Ordinance No. 194, granting to W. P. Hackney, F. S. Jennings, John C. Long, and T. H. Soward a ninety-nine years’ street railway franchise, was passed.
Arkansas City Republican, June 14, 1884.
F. S. Jennings, our genial county attorney, gave us a pleasant call Tuesday, while he was in the city.
Arkansas City Republican, June 21, 1884.
F. S. Jennings was in the city Tuesday on legal business.
[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
On motion of F. S. Jennings, Hon. W. P. Hackney was chosen temporary chairman and on motion of Ed. P. Greer, C. T. Atkinson was elected temporary secretary. It was moved and carried that the chair be instructed to appoint all committees.
WALNUT. Delegates: W. P. Hackney, F. S. Jennings, R. I. Hogue, S. Cure.
Alternate: John Mentch.
S. H. Jennings...
[COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
Listed as a Talesman: S. H. Jennings.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, July 30, 1884.
ANNOUNCEMENT.
The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association will hold its Second Annual Exhibition at Winfield, Kansas, September 23 to 27, 1884. This Association comes before the public with more attractions and better facilities than any like Association in the State. It is a well established fact that our grounds are the largest and best in the State, our buildings, stables, and stalls ample and commodious, thus affording the exhibitor more comfort, pleasure, and money than any Fair Association in the State.
The following is a list of the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association.
Listed as a stockholder: F. S. Jennings.
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1884.
The lawyers say that Capt. Siverd is one of the quickest acting and most effective witnesses ever put on the stand. For further particulars, inquire of Frank Jennings.
[BLAINE AND LOGAN CLUB.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
A number of the Republicans of Vernon Township met at the Werden schoolhouse last Friday evening and organized a Blaine and Logan club. Mr. Jennings and others from Winfield were present and addressed the club. . . .
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1884.
Recap. Jennings & Troup, attorneys for plaintiff, James H. Pulliam, vs. Susan Columber, William H. Columber, and Harriett Columber, defendants. Petition to be answered by September 20, 1884, to quiet, fix, and decree the title to real estate.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Republican, August 23, 1884.
F. S. Jennings was in the city Monday prosecuting the persons who were accused of highway robbery.
Troup & Jennings...
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
A Valuable Farm for Sale at a Sacrifice.
A chance for big money to be made. Before renting for another year, I will sell my farm adjoining the City of Winfield for less money then it will ever be offered for again. This proposition will hold for 10 days only, after which it will be for rent. Parties desiring a bargain and the best bargain now on this market, will find it to their interest to call on me at office of Troup & Jennings, for the next five days, or on Albright and Limbocker Real Estate Agents for the next ten days; after this, it will be withdrawn. I mean business.
W. R. DAVIS, M. D.
Frank S. Jennings nominated for state senator to succeed Senator W. P. Hackney...
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.
Resolutions passed, among them the following.
Resolved, That the Hon. W. P. Hackney has for the last four years represented this senatorial district in the state senate with distinguished ability, fidelity, and success, has fully redeemed every pledge, and now retires from the office by his own choice and with our hearty approval of his course as state senator.
Nominations then being in order, Hon. W. P. Hackney placed the name of F. S. Jennings before the convention, for the office of state senator, and moved his nomination by acclamation. This was done, and Mr. Jennings came forward and thanked the convention, pledging himself to ever work for the best interests of the people.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
Business House on Main street for rent; inquire of F. S. Jennings.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1884.
Frank S. Jennings, Esq., of Winfield, county attorney for Cowley County for two terms past, has been nominated for senator from that district to succeed Senator Hackney. Mr. Jennings is making a brilliant record for a young man, and his name indicates that he will get there. Ed. P. Greer, city editor of the Courier, was nominated for representative from that district. We are glad to see our neighbors reciprocate the services that editors bestow upon their parties in many ways. Editors make good legislators. Wichita New Republic.
S. H. Jennings, brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.
Monthly Meeting of the Horticultural Society.
Report of committee as follows:
Mr. Jennings: Fall Pippin and Pen Red Streak, fine.
Both S. H. and A. H. Jennings mentioned: brothers of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1884.
The State Fair.
The writer attended the State Fair at Topeka last week on “Ben Butler Day,” and is prepared to confess that the caricatures devoted to “Old Ben” by Puck and Judge are absolutely flattering as to beauty. Ben is not at home as a stump speaker, especially in stalwart Republican Kansas, and his speeches elicited very little enthusiasm. The Fair was something to make blooming, happy Kansas prouder than ever, and an advertisement of incalculable benefit. Every department was complete. A look at the magnificent displays proved the feebleness of words to express the gigantic possibilities of the garden spot of the world, Sunny Kansas. We noticed on the grounds from Winfield: Misses Lizzie and Margie Wallis, and Messrs. R. E. Wallis, J. O. Taylor, W. H. Turner, A. H. Green, S. H. and A. H. Jennings, J. P. Short, Harry Bahntge, Chas. Schmidt, A. Gogoll, and Tom Matherson.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, October 1, 1884.
The Burden Republican rally on Monday was a glorious success, over 2,500 people participating. A pole 120 feet high was raised, and speeches were made by Messrs. Jennings, Asp, and Tansey. Music for the occasion was furnished by the Winfield Glee Club. We need just such a rally in this section, and should take steps to secure it by turning out tonight.
SEDAN JOTTINGS. — “JASPER.”
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
Your correspondent paid a visit to eastern Cowley lately. Everybody seemed to be rejoicing that Jasper’s racket was no longer heard in the land. Therefore, I “hop to the front” with the following statements.
Hurrah for Ed Greer and Frank Jennings.
[BURDEN: BLAINE AND LOGAN SUPPORTERS.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
BURDEN’S REPUBLICAN ENTHUSIASM.
A number of our citizens attended the Blaine and Logan pole raising at Burden on Monday and report the biggest crowd that our sister city, considering all her previous big days, ever saw. And the enthusiasm was equal to the magnificent crowd. The Winfield Glee Club, composed of Messrs. Blair, Snow, Roberts, Shaw, and Crozier, with Prof. Stimson, organist, and Burden’s two splendid brass bands, furnished the best of music for the occasion, while Messrs. Jennings and Asp delivered rousing addresses. The pole was one hundred and twenty-five feet high and was raised without an accident. In striking contrast was this demonstration to the Democratic pole raising at the same place a few weeks ago, when they had to call on Republicans to help boost their poor old stick into the air; where no music, no speaking, and no crowd were the principal attractions—a regular Democratic fizzle. Burden and vicinity are rife with true-blue, energetic, intelligent Republicans, and the fact that enough Democrats can’t be found to raise a Cleveland and Hendricks pole is the greatest index to the prosperity, substantial and general enterprise of that sprightly little city and surrounding territory.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1884.
Messrs. F. S. Jennings and Judge Gans administered pure Republican doctrine to the people of Torrance Saturday night. The crowd was large and enthusiastic. The result of the Democratic county caucus had just reached there, and of course no Democrat ventured out.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1884.
TORRANCE TROUBLES.—J. I. C. (jay-eye-see).
Politics does not run very high in this part of the county. Jennings and Gans’ speeches aroused the dormant powers of some and they may think a little louder in the future.
Frank S. Jennings and H. G. Gans of Winfield entertained the people at this place last Saturday night by telling them solid facts and some anecdotes, but they made hosts of friends and they need not fear the results at this place.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 15, 1884.
B. W. Perkins, our congressman and congressman-elect, addressed our citizens last night in the opera house. Mr. Perkins is a forcible and entertaining speaker, and though he has been hard at work in this campaign; speaking twice a day sometimes during the past three weeks, his speech last night was as vigorous and fresh as though the campaign had just begun. Kansas may well be proud of her representatives in congress. He was followed by Messrs. Soward and Jennings, of Winfield, in short but telling speeches.
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1884.
About two hundred of our Plumed Knights, accompanied by the Courier Cornet Band, filled a special train for Arkansas City, Tuesday evening, where Congressman B. W. Perkins, Judge T. H. Soward, and County Attorney Jennings warmed up the cold, diabolical hide of the Democracy in rousing addresses. Torchlight processions and general Republican enthusiasm composed a big time and our boys returned more than satisfied. Our Glee Club got in its work with campaign songs.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
RECAP OF BIG REPUBLICAN RALLY IN ARKANSAS CITY.
First speaker was Hon. B. W. Perkins, our congressman. He was received at the depot by Rev. J. O. Campbell and Committeeman Maj. L. E. Woodin. Also received by over 100 men, headed by John Daniels, who welcomed the Plumed Knights of Winfield who came in on a special train plus the Courier band. “They played several strains of music at the depot and on the opera house balcony.” Arkansas City people who furnished martial music: L. J. Wagner, J. S. Daniels, and N. C. Hinkley. Rally held in Highland Hall. At rally music rendered by Winfield Glee Club and the Courier band. Perkins was followed by Messrs. Soward and Jennings of Winfield. Winfield visitors: Henry Asp; Capt. Nipp, a Plumed Knight; Capt. James Finch, who commanded the Plumed Knights.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 22, 1884.
STATE REPUBLICAN TICKET.
For Governor: JOHN A. MARTIN.
Judge 13th District: E. S. TORRANCE.
Senator 27th District: F. S. JENNINGS.
Representative 67th District: LOUIS P. KING.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
RECAP. District Court. Cora E. Lippencott, Plaintiff, vs. Charles S. Lippencott, Defendant, re divorce. Jennings & Troup, Plaintiff’s Attorneys.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, November 19, 1884.
We noticed Sheriff McIntire and County Attorney Jennings on our streets Monday.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 19, 1884.
Our county attorney, Frank Jennings, was in the city on Monday and Tuesday of this week, attending to legal business.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 19, 1884.
County Attorney Jennings came down Monday to try the case of Edward Bass and William Perry, on the charge of stealing corn from Bass’ father, Lewis Bass. Perry was discharged and Edward Bass found guilty and fined $10 and costs, amounting to $30.80.
Arkansas City Republican, November 22, 1884.
F. S. Jennings was down from Winfield Thursday and yesterday on business.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 26, 1884.
Frank Jennings is a very frequent visitor to our city of late.
S. H. Jennings, brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Republican, December 6, 1884.
The county Temperance Union convened Thursday per call. A fair attendance was had. The meeting was held for the purpose of organizing so as to be able to work in harmony with the state association. The following officers were elected: President, A. H. Limerick; vice-president, S. H. Jennings; Secretary, Mrs. W. B. Caton; and treasurer, Miss Fannie Stretch. The county was divided into seven districts, and a president elected from each district. Rev. S. B. Fleming was the president elected from this district. These seven district presidents and the county officers constitute the executive committee. The convention adjourned and the executive committee was ordered to meet one week from next Monday at Winfield for the purpose of transacting other business.
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.
County Temperance Convention.
A good representation of the Temperance workers of the county assembled at the courthouse on last Thursday morning, according to a call of Rev. B. Kelly, president of the County Temperance Organization, for the planning of vigorous work throughout Cowley. The old organization was made auxiliary to the State Temperance Union and named “The Cowley County Temperance Union.” The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, A. H. Limerick; vice-president, S. H. Jennings; Secretary, Mrs. W. B. Caton; treasurer, Miss Fannie Stretch.
Seventh District, City of Winfield, S. H. Jennings.
Pithy addresses were made, the best plans of work thoroughly discussed, and the meeting was very profitable.
F. S. Jennings, Notary Public...
First National Bank at Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
REPORT of the Condition of the First National Bank at Winfield, in the State of Kansas, at the Close of Business December 20th, 1884.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts ......................................................................... $203,187.91
Overdrafts ......................................................................................... 162.46
U. S. bonds to secure circulation ...................................................... 12,500.00
U. S. bonds on hand .......................................................................... 1,500.00
Premiums on bonds ........................................................................... 2,600.22
Real estate, furniture and fixtures ...................................................... 12,500.00
Redemption fund with U. S. Treasurer .............................................. 562.00
Due from State banks and bankers .......... $12,077.76
Due from other National banks ............... 6,532.67 18,610.43
Legal tender notes .................................... $18,000.00
Bills of other banks .................................. 44,106.00
Gold .......................................................... 8,500.00
Silver ......................................................... 4,286.00
Nickels and pennies .................................. 221.01
Checks & other cash items ........................ 6,645.25 81,853.26
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock ......................................................................................... $ 50,000.00
Undivided profits .................................................................................. 9,535.30
Circulation ............................................................................................. 11,240.00
Deposits ................................................................................................. 265,608.11
$335,783.41
I, W. C. Robinson, Cashier of the First National Bank of Winfield, Kansas, do solemnly swear that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
W. C. ROBINSON, Cashier.
Correct - Attest:
M. L. READ,
M. L. ROBINSON, Directors
GEO. W. ROBINSON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 2d day of January, 1885.
F. S. JENNINGS, Notary Public.
My commission expires February 13th, 1885.
Senator Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
Hon. F. S. Jennings, our Senator, Hon. John D. Maurer, Representative of the 68th District, and Ed. P. Greer, Representative of the 66th District, left for Topeka yesterday. Hon. L. P. King, of the 67th District, goes up Saturday. The Legislature convenes Tuesday next.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.
Senator F. S. Jennings, after four years administration of the office of County attorney, retires with the esteem and satisfaction of all. He has performed, valuably assisted by Mr. M. G. Troup, the duties of county prosecutor with ability, justice, and energy. His labors in the State Senate, we predict, will also be most acceptable to his constituents.
S. H. Jennings, brother of Senator Frank S. Jennings...
THE BOARD OF COUNTY FATHERS.
What Has Been Done to Date at its Present Session,
Beginning on January 5th.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.
Tax remitted on 11 percent of $1,300, property of S. H. Jennings, in Pleasant Valley.
Senator Frank S. Jennings...
[STATE NEWS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 21, 1885.
We notice Frank S. Jennings on the following Senate committee: Ways and Means, Fees and Salaries, Corporations, Roads and Bridges, and Cities of the Second Class.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 22, 1885.
Senator Jennings, of Cowley, is on the Senate Committee of Ways and Means, on that of Fees and Salaries, on Corporations, on Cities of the Second Class, and is Chairman of the Committee on Roads and Bridges.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 22, 1885.
SENATE.
JOINT RESOLUTIONS PRESENTED.
Senator Harwi offered a concurrent resolution to construct an elevated railroad between the two houses. Senator Jennings opposed. Laid on the table.
SENATE, JAN. 16.
Senator Jennings of Cowley introduced a resolution for the appointment of a committee of five on the political rights of women. Motion to lay on the table was lost. The vote on the adoption stood 19 to 19 and was lost.
Senator Jennings offered joint resolution No. 5, to amend Art. 3 of the constitution by striking out Sec 2. Laid over.
STANDING COMMITTEES.
2. Ways and Means: Buchan, Crane, Smith, Kelley (John), Harwi, Jennings, Young.
7. Fees and Salaries: Granger, Kimball, Shean, Edmonds, Jennings.
9. Corporations: Bawden, Congdon, Humphrey, Jennings, Kellogg.
11. Roads and Bridges: Jennings, Edmonds, Kimball, Kohler, Blue.
33. Cities of the Second Class: Harkness, Wasson, Jennings, Whitford, Kimball,
Lingenfelter, Redden.
[TORRANCE TROUBLES. “JAY-EYE-SEE.”]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 22, 1885.
Hon. J. D. Maurer, Representative from this district to the State Legislature, spent Saturday evening and Sunday at home. He reports everything lovely as can be expected. He thinks F. S. Jennings is one of the big guns of Kansas and is destined to become a leader of the senate.
LEGISLATURE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
SENATE, JANUARY 20.
Concurrent resolution 13 to reduce the freight on grain which had passed, was called up on a motion to reconsider.
The following is the resolution:
WHEREAS, The grain industry is the great source of wealth and prosperity to the State of Kansas and as such should not be burdened with excessive freight rates, therefore be it
Resolved, By the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring therein), that the attention of the committee on railroads is called to the present grain freight charges over the several roads of this State, with a view that they be restricted to a fair and equitable maximum by the Legislature of the State of Kansas.
The motion to reconsider was lost. Those voting in the affirmative were Senators Barker, Blue, Buchan, Case, Green, Hewins, Hick, Humphrey, Marshall, Shear, and Sheldon.
Those voting in the negative were Senators Allen, Bawden, Congdon, Crane, Donnell, Edmonds, Granger, Harwi, Jennings, M. C. Kelley, H. B. Kelley, Louis Kelley, Kellogg, Kimball, Kohler, Lloyd, Lingenfelter, Lowe, Pickler, Ritter, Rush, Smith, Wasson, White, Whitford, Young.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
SENATE, JANUARY 21.
Senator Jennings introduced a resolution in regard to Oklahoma. Laid over.
Senator Jennings, of committee of Roads and Bridges, reported back bill and recommended passage.
SENATE, JANUARY 22.
Senator Jennings’ resolution with regard to Oklahoma was indefinitely postponed and the House resolution taken up and passed. It reads as follows.
WHEREAS, The Government of the United States, by treaty with the Seminole Indians in 1866, and in the same year the treaty with the Creek Indians, purchased absolutely all of the lands belonging to said tribes lying west of the Indian meridian, which is about the ninety-sixth meridian, and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of our hardy and homeless pioneers are already occupying said Government lands, and thousands more with their families are preparing to go thereto in the near future; and
WHEREAS, We believe it to be the right of every homeless American citizen to secure the same on the public domain; therefore be it
Resolved, (by the Senate, the House concurring therein), That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested, to use all honorable means to procure the passage of the bill, opening for settlement, under the homestead laws, all of the Indian Territory unoccupied by Indian tribes. And
Resolved further, That correct copies of this resolution be enrolled, signed by the President of the Senate, and sent to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress, and that a copy be sent to the President of the United States and the Secretary of the Interior; also to the President of the United States Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and that they be requested to lay the same before their respective bodies.
A lengthy discussion was had upon the Senate concurrent resolution instructing the various committees on charitable institutions to visit them, participated in by Senators Green, Blue, Buchan, Kellogg, Jennings, Barker, Allen, John Kelly, and others. All agreed that it was well to visit the institutions, but it was defeated on the ground that the committees already had the power and it was unnecessary to instruct.
The resolution of Senator Kellogg to appoint a special committee of five on the rights of women being under consideration.
Senator Buchan moved to amend by inserting, “and all other troublesome humans.”
Senator John Kelly moved to lay the whole subject on the table.
On this motion Senator Kellogg demanded the yeas and nays, which resulted as follows.
Ayes: Allen, Barker, Blue, Buchan, Case, Greene, Harkness, Harwi, Hick, Humphrey, M. C. Kelly, John Kelly, Lingenfelter, Lowe, Marshall, Miller, Redden, Shean, Sheldon, Smith, Wasson—ayes, 21.
Noes: Bawden, Congdon, Crane, Donnell, Jennings, M. B. Kelly, Kellogg, Kimball, Mohler, Pickler, Ritter, Rush, White, Whitford, Young—noes, 15.
SENATE, JANUARY 26.
A considerable discussion ensued on the Oklahoma resolutions, in which Senator Jennings and others took part.
Excerpts...
OUR TOPEKA CORRESPONDENCE.
[Note: The following lengthy report was written by E. P. Greer.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
For the purpose of informing itself as to the condition and necessities of the public institutions of the State, the Ways and Means committees of both House and Senate have appointed sub-committees to personally inspect and report upon them. Senator Jennings will investigate the penitentiary on the part of the Senate and Ed. P. Greer from the House committee will report upon the charitable institutions. The sub-committees start on their rounds Monday.
Senator Jennings is attaining a deserved prominence and his ability and influence are felt and recognized. He is a member of the Ways and Means Committee of the Senate. With two members in the Joint committee, Cowley may hope for substantial recognition, and if she does not get it, it will not be the fault of her delegation.
THE ROSTER.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
The following is the complete roster of the members of the legislature.
SENATE.
District No. 22. Frank S. Jennings, Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Will J. Wilson came home from Topeka Saturday morning and returned Monday evening. The Legislature had adjourned over until Tuesday. Ed. Greer and Frank Jennings did not come home. They were on a tour of inspection of the State charitable institutions, each being a sub-committee of the Ways and Means Committee of his House.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Our Cowley County boys figure on legislative committees as follows: Frank Jennings, in the Senate, is Chairman of the Committee on Roads and Bridges, a member of the Ways and Means, and Fees and Salaries. In the House L. P. King is on the Penitentiary and Temperance Committees. J. D. Maurer, County Lines and County Seats, and Agriculture and Horticulture. E. P. Greer is Chairman of House Committee on Printing. Telegram.
IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Senate joint resolution No. 4, to provide for a Constitutional Convention, was taken upon the motion pending to recommend its passage.
A long discussion ensued on the question.
Senator Jennings was not anxious to take the vote yesterday because he believed that no discussion would change a vote. The question is not on prohibition or anti-prohibition but it is a question whether we shall submit a vote to the people which, under the Constitution, cannot be taken until 1888. Between now and then there will be another howl fresh from the people, and we might as well pass a law to take effect four years hence as to presume that the people wanted this Legislature to submit the question four years in advance, and thus forestall the people’s action two years hence in electing representatives. He spoke eloquently in favor of the present homestead exemption, and said the Senator from Butler, if he went before the people on that question, would find that the popular voice would as completely overwhelm as it had when this question was decided four years ago. While he was in practice, a prohibitionist, he would greatly prefer to vote directly for a resubmission than to vote for a convention. He would meet it squarely rather than by indirection. The whole discussion would turn upon that one question, and the other great interests of the people be made subservient thereto. The decision of the Supreme Court referred to had no effect in preventing the execution of the law.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
SENATE, FEBRUARY 6.
REFUSE OSAGE LAND.
Senator Jennings introduced the following resolution.
WHEREAS, There still remains of the Osage diminished reserve lands in the State of Kansas small remnants of a character unit for agricultural purposes, and only fit for pasturage, and
WHEREAS, Said lands cannot be preempted by reason of the fact that they are not of sufficient value to bring the price of $1.25 per acre in addition to the cost of making the improvements required by preemption laws of the United States, therefore
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas, the House of Representatives concurring therein, That our Senators and Representatives in Congress be respectfully requested to take such steps as may rapidly bring said unsold lands into market, to be sold to the highest bidder at less than fifty cents per acre.
Laid over under the rules.
SENATE, FEBRUARY 7.
The concurrent resolution offered by Senator Jennings, yesterday, in regard to refuse Osage lands; and by consent, on the motion of Senator Allen, the resolution was amended to include Osage ceded lands, and passed.
SENATE, FEBRUARY 10.
Senator Barker, from a majority of the Committee on Temperance, reported back Senator Allen’s bill to establish a metropolitan police force in cities of the first class, with the recommendation that it pass, also that it be placed at the head of the calendar.
Senator Lowe and Sheldon made a minority report.
On the motion to adopt the majority report and place the bill at the head of the calendar, Senator Sheldon demanded the ayes and nays, which resulted: Ayes, 16; Nays, 12.
Ayes: Messrs. Allen, Baker, Blue, Buchan, Case, Congdon, Donnell, Edmonds, Granger, Green, Harkness, Hick, Humphrey, Jennings, H. B. Kelly, John Kelly, Kellogg, Kohler, Pickler, Redden, Ritter, Shean, Smith, Wasson, White, Whitford—26.
Nays: Messrs. Bawden, Crane, Harwi, Hewins, M. Kelly, B. Kimball, Lingenfelter, Lowe, Marshall, Miller, Sheldon, Young—12.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
Frank Jennings, Will Wilson, and Louis P. King came down from Topeka, to spend the Sabbath at home.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 21, 1885.
Senator Jennings has introduced at the senate a bill in regard to the building and maintenance of bridges. It contains 20 sections and is quite too lengthy for the REPUBLICAN to go into detail. Section 10 of the bill provides for a bridge fund and is as follows.
“The county commissioners of the several counties in this state are authorized to levy a tax annually on all taxable property of the respective counties of this state, not exceeding five mills on the dollar, for the purpose of providing a bridge fund, to be expended under the provisions of this act.”
Sections 12, 13, and 14 concern us more directly and are as follows.
SEC. 12. All bridges constructed under the provisions of this act, shall thereinafter be repaired and kept up jointly by the township, in which said bridge is located, and the county; the township bearing one-third and the county two-thirds of such expense.
SEC. 13. All bridges proposed to be built under this act, over any stream or other place requiring such bridge, and across the boundary line between two townships in the same county, the election for such bridge shall be called in each township at the same time and in the same manner as hereinbefore provided for holding the election in one township; and if a majority of the votes cast in each township shall be in favor of the proposition, then the board of county commissioners shall levy and collect from each of said townships one-sixth the cost of such bridge, which shall be expended as herein provided.
SEC. 14. The board of county commissioners of the counties of this state shall hereafter appropriate out of the bridge fund of their respective counties, money sufficient to pay two-thirds of the necessary repairs and expenses of keeping up any bridge or bridges already built by township or townships, or by the county, where the original cost exceeds $300; and such township or townships in which such bridge or bridges are located, shall pay one-third the expenses of the repairs and expenses out of the road and bridge or other tax fund of such township or townships.
This bill to us appears to be a good one, yet there may be some flaws in it. Anyway, it is head and shoulders above any law we have in regard to bridges.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 25, 1885.
County and Township Bridges.
We make the following extracts from the Senate Bill introduced by Senator Jennings. The bill makes provision for the defects in the present law and has the merit of exceeding practicability.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:
SECTION 1. Whenever the trustees of any township in any county of this state shall present to the board of county commissioners of his county a petition, signed by two-fifths of the resident taxpayers of each township, praying for the construction of a bridge within said township, at a point to be mentioned in said petition, the necessary cost of which will exceed five hundred dollars, the board of county commissioners of above named state shall inquire into the facts set forth in such petition, and if said board deem the building of said bridge of sufficient public necessity and utility, it shall determine upon a plan, the kind of materials to be used, and estimate the cost thereof.
SECTION 2. The said board of county commissioners, after determining the necessity and public utility of building a bridge under section 1 of this act, shall submit to the qualified electors of the township in which said bridge is proposed to be built, at a special election to be held for that purpose, a proposition as to whether said township shall pay one-third of the cost of building said bridge; which proposition shall state the precise point at which such proposed bridge is to be constructed, the kind of materials to be used, and the estimated cost of the same. At least twenty days’ notice of the time and place of holding said election, either by publication for three consecutive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation in said township, or by posting up printed notice thereof in not less than eight conspicuous places in said township.
SECTION 10. The county commissioners of the several counties in this state are authorized to levy a tax annually on all the taxable property of their respective counties, of not exceeding five mills on the dollar for the purpose of providing a bridge bond, to be under the provisions of this act.
SECTION 11. The board of county commissioners shall have the executive control of letting all contracts under the provisions of this act, and making payments therefor, and the county treasurer shall pay out no money out of this bridge fund to be expended under the provisions of this act, except upon a warrant signed by the chairman of such board and attested by the county clerk. Provided further, No money shall be paid to any person, company, or corporation contracting to build such bridge, until all the materials for such bridge are on the ground: And provided further, That not more than half the cost of building such bridge shall be paid until such bridge is completed and accepted by said board.
SECTION 12. All bridges constructed under the provisions of the act shall thereinafter be repaired and kept up jointly by the township in which said bridge is located, and the county; the township bearing one-third and the county two-thirds of such expense.
SECTION 13. All bridges proposed to be built under this act, over any stream or other place requiring such bridge, and across the boundary line between two townships in the same county, the election for such bridge shall be called in each township at the same time and in the same manner as hereinbefore provided for holding the election in one township; and if a majority of the votes cast in each township shall be in favor of the proposition, then the board of county commissioners shall levy and collect from each of said townships one-sixth the cost of such bridge, which shall be expended as herein provided.
SECTION 14. The board of county commissioners of the counties of this state shall hereafter appropriate out of the bridge fund of their respective counties, money sufficient to pay two-thirds of the necessary repairs and expenses of keeping up any bridge or bridges already built by township or townships, or by the county where the original cost exceeds $300; and such township or townships in which such bridge or bridges are located, shall pay one-third the expense of the repairs and expenses out of the road and bridge or other tax fund of such township or townships.
SECTION 16. Whenever the township shall declare on the records of that township that the building of a bridge is necessary at some point in their townships, and that the cost of the same will be less than five hundred dollars and more than one hundred dollars, then the township trustee shall immediately present a copy of the record of that action of such board to the board of county commissioners, and if said board deems the building of such bridge practicable and of sufficient public utility, and that it will cost less than $500 and more than $100, said commissioners may build the same as provided herein for the building of other bridges, without an election for that purpose being held in the township or townships where such bridge is located.
SECTION 17. All bridges in the counties in this state costing one hundred dollars or less shall be built and repaired exclusively by the township in which they may be situated.
SECTION 19. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication in the statute book.
Excerpts...
OUR TOPEKA CORRESPONDENCE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
Senator Hackney was up last week and is responsible for the biggest sell of the session. In the early stages of the effort to create the Nineteenth Judicial district, which takes Sumner County from Judge Torrance’s jurisdiction, Mr. Hackney opposed it and wrote several letters to friends here on the subject. This came to the care of the Wellington fellows and they immediately sat down on their tails and commenced to howl! After further consideration of the matter and in conformity to the wishes of many friends, Mr. Hackney withdrew his objections, and the bill passed the House and went to the Senate. Thursday evening a giant scheme was concocted and the following dispatch was sent.
TOPEKA, KAS., Feb. 18, 1885.
WM. A. McDONALD, Wellington, Ks.
Hackney with a Winfield mob is here with their coats off fighting Judicial bill. Senators Jennings, Buchan, and Blue are with them. I am powerless. Come and bring every man who will on first train. Don’t delay. Important sure. Don’t pay any attention to any dispatch sent from here in my name. Look out for a trick. Treachery everywhere. Signed, LINK.
Senator Lingenfelter is the member of that body from Sumner and the signature was very easily construed to mean him. In addition to this a dozen other dispatches were sent to the mayor, clerk, and other leading citizens, referring them to the above dispatch. As every man, woman, and child in Sumner has been staking their hopes of future happiness on the new judicial district bill, one can imagine what consternation these dispatches created. Immediately the hosts were collected, a picked crowd of the bravest and most valiant warriors selected, a collection taken up, and with blood in every eye they proceeded to march on the capital. On Friday morning just at break of day they filed by twos into the corridor of the Copeland, commander-in-chief McDonald and A. Q. M. General Reed leading the van and proceeded to stack arms and provide ammunition. Senator Lingenfelter was aroused from slumber sweet to counsel with the warriors on the terrible situation. When the “true inwardness” of the matter began to unfold itself, there was roaring and gnashing of teeth followed by scenes that would make a peaceable prohibitionist shudder to repeat, but suffice it to say that from that day until it falls into the hands of some county-seat census taker, the Copeland register will contain the names of a long list of Wellington’s distinguished citizens as “guests of Bill Hackney and Dick Walker.” If it will help the matter any, I might intimate that Senator Ed. Hewins wasn’t an entire stranger to the scheme. The bill finally passed the Senate with but two opposing votes on the day they were here. The occurrence was the talk of the town for several days.
The session is drawing to a close and the calendar is still encumbered with two or three hundred bills, with as many more in the Senate. Most of them cannot, by any possibility, be got through before the fifty days for which the members can receive pay expires. It requires a great deal of patriotism to “work for nothing and board yourself,” so the possibility of a “raid on the treasury” for postage stamps with which to pay board bills is imminent. I sound this warning note so that my legal friend who hurls Blackstone at the court with one hand and writes of the deep and damnable corruption of the servants of the people with the other, may throw himself into an undivided state into the breach and save the one millionth part of a mill which a thieving legislature might rob him of. Up, Brutus, and at him!!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
SENATE, FEBRUARY 18.
IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
On motion of Senator Jennings, the Senate went into Committee of the Whole on general orders, but pending consideration of the bill to regulate pharmacy, the Committee rose and the Senate adjourned.
The Senate went into Committee of the Whole, Senator Redden in the chair, on the special order, the Senate bill No. 140, Senators Kelly and Lloyd’s bill, to secure
RAILROAD MAXIMUM FREIGHT RATES.
On which speeches were made by Buchan, Barker, Hick, Lowe, Shean, Blue, and other Northeastern Senators against maximum rates, and by Lloyd, Jennings, Crane, and H. B. Kelly in favor of the bill. The principal argument against the bill was that on distances less than 100 miles the rates in the bill were greater than now charged by railroads.
This argument was met by Kelly, who offered an amendment fixing rates on short distances as low as the present rates charged.
This, we think, was useless, for the Senators from localities in the Northeast portion of the State in favor of whom the railroads grossly discriminate, cannot be appeased by anything short of the defeat of the bill.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
SENATE, FEBRUARY 20.
SPECIAL ORDER.
The special order was taken up as follows.
Substitute for Senate joint resolution No. 5, proposing to amend article 3 of the construction, by striking out section 2 thereof, and amending section 13 thereof by inserting the within proposed amendment for section No. 2. This joint resolution provides for the Judiciary of the State. It makes the Supreme Court to consist of five Judges, the oldest by election to be Chief Justice, except in cases where two or more hold commission of the same date, in which case the preference is to be decided by lot. No man shall be eligible under thirty-five years of age. The term shall be six years. The two additional Justices are to be appointed by the then Judge until the election of successors, in 1887, which one shall be elected to serve until the second Monday in January, 1890, and the other till the second Monday in January, 1892. The salary is to be $4,000. The term of office of District Judge shall be four years, and no person shall be eligible under thirty years of age. A County Court is to take the place of the Probate Court, and the Judge must be a practicing attorney. The joint resolution has considerable detail; but this statement gives the gist of the whole matter.
Senator Jennings, the author, explained the provisions of the joint resolution.
After very careful consideration and business-like examinations of the different provisions of this important amendment of the Constitution, Senator Blue moved that when the committee rise it reports this measure back and recommend its passage, subject to amendment and debate, which motion prevailed.
WHY THE EXPRESS OFFICES ARE TO CONTINUE TO BE DOGGERIES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
The greatest obstacle to the enforcement of the prohibitory law is the fact that express companies take orders for liquors of persons all along the line of the railroads, and bring such liquors from Missouri to supply their customers for drinking purposes. And even this is not the worst of it. The express offices in the towns and cities of Kansas have become the vilest kind of doggeries, keeping on hand beer and whiskey in bottles, kegs, and demijohns for sale, and selling to those who apply. Of course, they have a pretense that the sale is a delivery of a package received by express, C. O. D., addressed to the applicant, but in fact the address is supplied to a package already on hand when the applicant calls, so a man can get his order on a Kansas City house filled in one minute after leaving his order with the express agent in the interior of Kansas. It is the baldest kind of violation and defiance of the law, and these vile dons of infamy running as express offices ought to be suppressed whatever the damage or inconvenience to our citizens in their legitimate uses for express business.
Two of these dens have existed in Winfield for the past two or three years, and the only valid argument used here against the prohibitory law is that under it the express companies without paying any license or other tax do the dram-shop business that would pay license and other taxes but for the law.
Senator Jennings attempted in the Senate to amend H. B. 367, by fining the transportation companies heavily and imprisoning the agents or employees who handle, transport, and deliver intoxicating liquors to anyone in Kansas not authorized to sell under the law, or to anyone to be used as a beverage, or sold in violation of law.
But this amendment failed because it interferes with railroad traffic, and a majority of the Senators are owned by the railroads. Some Senators are strongly for any amendment which will make the prohibitory law more efficient, save such as will interfere with or tend to regulate railroad traffic. With them, railroads and express companies are above law, are “bigger” than the State of Kansas, and should rule and regulate the State instead of the State regulating them.
One of the smart arguments against the amendment was that it would “bust up” the Republican party. This is the stock of argument on all questions, and if any member of the Kansas Legislature is idiotic enough to let such a foolish, bulldozing argument influence him in the least on any question, he should be furnished quarters in the State Imbecile Institution at once.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
LEGISLATURE.
SENATE, FEBRUARY 25.
The day was mostly spent in discussion of H. B. 367 amendatory and supplemental to the prohibitory law. Senators Lloyd, H. B. Kelly, White, Blue, Hick, Pickler, Bawden, Buchan, Kellogg, Jennings, and others took part. Many proposed amendments were voted down and one carried, that proposed by Mr. Jennings making the penalty for the first offense not less than $100, and ten days imprisonment and for subsequent offenses, not less than $200 and thirty days imprisonment, and in no case over $500 and ninety days imprisonment. Several amendments to make the language more grammatical carried.
SENATE, FEBRUARY 26.
After ordering three bills in regard to schools, one in regard to free libraries, one for organization and compensation of militia, and one in relation to bridges, to third reading, subject to amendment and debate, the Senate took up the special order, House bill No. 367, the temperance bill.
Senator Jennings moved an additional section prohibiting railroads and express companies from transporting and delivering any of the liquors named in section one, except to druggists holding permits. It fines the company and imprisons the employees.
Senator H. B. Kelly moved to lay the amendment on the table. Lost. Yeas 5, nays 23.
The question was recorded on motion of Senator Jennings.
Senator Jennings spoke earnestly in favor of his amendment. He went into a recital of his own experience and the experiences of others in his district. The law had been pretty faithfully executed, but the great barrier in its way was in the fact that when all other means of evading it had failed, the resort was had to securing it through railroads and express offices. There was no reason why common carriers should be able to assist the violators of law.
Senator White opposed the motion.
H. B. Kelly, Lloyd, and several others discussed the amendment.
The amendment of Senator Jennings was then lost: yeas 14, nays 21.
Senator Allen offered the following amendment, which was adopted.
Any officer, agent, or employee of any railroad company, express company, or other common carrier, who shall knowingly carry or deliver any intoxicating liquors to or for any person, to be sold in violation of this act, or the act to which this act is amendatory and supplemental shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500, and be imprisoned in the county jail not less than thirty nor more than sixty days.
SENATE, FEBRUARY 28.
Senate bill No. 284, an act making an appropriation and providing for the erection of a suitable building for the “Kansas asylum for idiotic and imbecile children,” at Winfield, Kansas.
Senator Barker moved to strike out “Winfield” and insert “Lawrence.” He said that this proposition would involve the State in an expense of thirty or forty thousand dollars to no purpose. There was now a building suitable for all the purposes of this school, which could be obtained for nothing. In these times of depression, there was no necessity for useless expenditures.
Senator Jennings spoke very earnestly in favor of Winfield, his own town, and of its advantages. Other Senators spoke upon the subject, but it was hardly serious enough to bring out good speeches. Some of them thought the institution could do no good either to the imbeciles or anybody else.
Senator Barker’s motion failed, and Winfield was selected as its locality, and the bill was put upon third reading.
SENATE. MARCH 2.
The Senate went into committee of the whole, Senator White in the chair, on the special order, Senate bills 151 and 182, both relating to grand juries.
Senator Jennings explained that the first in order provided for grand juries at each term, while the last provided for a grand jury at least one term in the year.
The motion to have two terms a year carried and the bill was recommended for passage.
The committee rose, and the report was agreed to.
Senator Jennings moved to suspend the rules and that the bill fixing the terms of the District Court in the Thirteenth District be read a third time. Adopted. The bill was read a third time and passed.
Four local bills passed a third reading.
THIRD READING.
Senate bill No. 284, an act making an appropriation and providing for the erection of a suitable building for the Kansas Asylum for Idiotic and Imbecile Youth, at Winfield, Kansas, was passed. The appropriation is $25,000.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
LEGISLATURE.
SENATE, MARCH 3.
Senator Miller called up the report formerly made of the committee of the whole on the question of a constitutional convention. The President directed the Secretary to read the journal. This being done, it was found that the committee had reported in favor of the indefinite postponement of the question, and that, pending a motion of Senator Redden to disagree to the report of the committee, the whole matter had been laid over by consent to await the action of a full Senate. Senator Miller then moved to take the question up, and the Chair stated the question to be on the motion of Senator Redden to disagree to the report, and the yeas and nays being demanded resulted as follows.
Yeas: Buchan, Edmonds, Harkness, Harwi, Hewins, Kelly, M. C., Kelly, Jno., Kimball, Lloyd, Lingenfelter, Lowe, Miller, Redden, Rush, Sheldon, White, and Young.
Nays: Allen, Barker, Bawden, Blue, Case, Congdon, Crane, Donnell, Granger, Green, Hick, Jennings, Kelley, H. B., Kellogg, Kohler, Marshall, Pickler, Ritter, Shean, Smith, Wasson, and Whitford.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
SENATE, MARCH 6.
Senator Jennings introduced a bill, by consent, providing for the purchase of land at Winfield, Kansas, for the school for imbecile youth. An emergency having been created, it was read a second and third time and passed.
RAILROAD LEGISLATION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
The Legislature adjourned Saturday. The House and the Senate failed to agree upon the railroad question, hence it failed to give the people the relief they asked for. The bill passed by the House after a long and bitter contest, was as near perfect in all its provisions as it would be possible to enact. It was fair to the railroads and just to the people. But the Senate could not see it that way. That body was evidently not in favor of very stringent measures and rejected the House bill for a mild and harmless one of its own. Thus the matter hung until Friday night at nine o’clock when a conference committee was asked for by the House. The committee on the part of the Senate was Senators Buchan, Blue, and Loyd, and on the part of the House, Messrs. Gillett, Blair, Simpson, Rhodes, and Greer. The session of the committee lasted until four o’clock in the morning when an agreement was finally reached, and a bill reported containing the vital and salient features of the House bill. This report was unanimously adopted by the Senate, but a few of the rabid anti-railroad members of the House refused to endorse it and the report failing to receive a constitutional majority was lost. A second conference committee was then appointed and Cowley was represented again thereon by Senator Jennings, but this committee was made up of the rabid antis on the part of the House, refused to agree, and the session expired without a line of legislation on this, one of the most important subjects before the public.
This result is traced directly to the lack of judgment and hard-headedness of a few of the most radical members. While the bill reported by the first conference committee was not all that could be desired, it was a very great improvement over the present law, and the fact was plainly evident that it was all that could be secured at that session. The vote on accepting the report was taken at five o’clock in the morning, when nearly half the members were worn out and gone home. It stood forty-nine for and twenty-one against, and required the constitutional majority of sixty-three to carry. The votes against were cast by members who should have been for it. Their mistake was in demanding everything when a moment’s exercise of judgment should have convinced them that such action meant nothing.
THE REMOVAL OF THE IMBECILE ASYLUM.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
While we regret exceedingly that the Imbecile Asylum will be removed from Lawrence and that consequently our city will assume very important proportions, still there are views in which the removal has a more favorable appearance. If the institution were permanently located here the antagonism of certain portions of the State would be aroused at every session of the legislature when the necessary appropriations for the asylum and the university were asked for. There exists a natural jealousy among the legislators representing different sections of the state in regard to state institutions and there is and always will be a strong opposition to the monopolizing by one city of any large portion of the funds devoted by the state to educational and charitable purposes. There is no doubt that the absence of the asylum and the necessity of asking appropriations for it will materially facilitate the obtaining of liberal appropriations for the far more important institution, the state university. Cowley County will hereafter be an applicant for the appropriation of state funds and we can safely count upon her delegation for assistance in our similar needs. We do not wish to be understood as being satisfied or pleased with the loss of the asylum but we merely mention points in which it can be seen that in this case as in all others, it is “an ill wind that blows no good.” Equally with losing the institution we regret the loss from our ranks of our citizens of Col. H. M. Greene, the efficient superintendent. Mr. Greene is a gentleman of high culture and attainments and Lawrence can ill afford to lose him. Lawrence Journal.
The only bad feature about the distribution of state institutions is in the fact that the counties in which they are located have a community of interests, and consequently form a powerful combination which is almost irresistible. They generally get about what they want from the legislature in the way of appropriations, and about everything else. It is a nice thing for those counties which form the “ring,” but a little hard on the “outs.” Cowley has been taken into this mutual admiration league. She need not wail seriously over this matter, however.
OUR DELEGATION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
We wish to say that Frank S. Jennings has covered himself with glory in his work as State Senator. He attained an influence and respect second to none in that able body, and has been one of its most industrious and efficient workers.
In this connection we are not going to let sentiments of sham delicacy prevent us from saying that Ed. P. Greer has done in the House as well as Frank has in the Senate, and has attained the same degree of influence and efficiency. No member of either House has worked more hours or more skillfully in carrying out the wishes of his constituents. He returns very much worked down, but happy in his success.
Louis P. King and John D. Maurer have represented their constituents ably and well and have earned the gratitude of the districts they have represented and of the whole County.
Excerpt...
HACKNEY HAPPENINGS. “MARK.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Since his last contribution, “Mark” enjoyed a week’s recreation at the State Capital and Manhattan, returning by way of Kansas City. Were he to give a description of the sights, scenes, and pleasures incident to his trip, the columns of the COURIER would be too much crowded. During his sojourn at Topeka he was the recipient of many valuable favors and appreciated courtesies from Representatives Greer and King and Senator Jennings, for which they have his hearty thanks. Having spent much time in the House part of the Legislature, he was pleased to notice the active part Hon. Greer took in the debates of that August assembly. Hons. King and Maurer, although more conservative, appeared none the less interested and solicitous concerning the disposition of bills. Senator Jennings seemed to have but few, if any, superiors in the Senate, and was quite fortunate in accomplishing what he undertook. “Our boys,” with possibly one single exception, made as clean and clear a record as legislators as any county delegation in the State. The fact that they finally secured the Imbecile Institution after a close and sharp contest, entitles them to the just recognition of our people in the future. The “boys” are now acquainted and could exert a more powerful influence in the next Legislature.
TISDALE. “GROWLER.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
We all swear by Jennings and Greer. They are daisies.
We feel like giving three cheers and a tiger for Frank and Ed. for what they did for Cowley. That “Imbecile Bill,” as it is called, is a big thing for Cowley, if J. J. J. didn’t think we wanted it.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Recap. Administrator’s Notice: Estate of Edward Richardson, deceased. Catherine Richardson, declared Administratrix. Jennings & Troup, Attorneys. Effective date: March 10, 1885.
S. H. Jennings: Brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 26, 1885.
Rev. S. S. Holloway delivered an enthusiastic and well received sermon at the Methodist church last Sunday morning, and Mr. S. H. Jennings gave a very sound lecture in the evening.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, April 1, 1885.
F. S. Jennings of Winfield perambulated our streets Saturday.
FROM J. CAIRNS, DAYTON, “WASHINGTON TERRITORY.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
Permit me, through your valuable paper, to acknowledge with gratitude my sincere thanks to the pastor, deacons, and members of the Winfield Baptist church for their having made the Baptist church and pastor in Dayton the subject of prayer.
On the eleventh day of March, we secured the services of the Rev. A. P. Graves, D. D., evangelist, who was welcomed by a large congregation, that has increased until no house in town will hold the people, and very many precious souls have been converted. As first fruits sixteen were baptized last Sunday, eight more received, with many more saved, and others inquiring the way. Dr. Graves is a preacher with a national reputation, a bold, fearless defender of the faith, whom God has owned and blessed in almost every State and territory of the Union. When we consider that state of religion here six months ago, and then today, we can but say: “What hath God wrought?” and still infidelity is strongly entrenched. I have often been told that the people were too far advanced to have another revival here, but the best ever held in Dayton is the one we are having at present, so we have evidence that God hears prayer. I hope that my friends will excuse me for not answering their letters, as I am very busy, and am suffering from a cold that hurts my head.
All through February and March we have had the finest weather I ever saw. Cattle are doing well on the grass, and spring wheat all sown and looks well.
I must congratulate you on securing the institution for large bodies and small minds. I may come back again, and most people like a good large home, so thanks for Jennings, Greer, and other noble young Honorables—they have done well. We also congratulate you on the new temperance law. I think you have a sure thing on intemperance. May God bless the cause, and add to that impartial suffrage, so that the heart being right the whole nation may follow suit. Excuse haste; more anon. J. CAIRNS.
Senator Frank S. Jennings and Representative Ed. G. Greer...
A SAD CASE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
Our New Salem friends seem to be laboring under a misapprehension of facts in their resolutions condemning Senator Jennings and Representative Greer. The petition for the division of the township contained 139 names, the validity of which no one seemed to question. The remonstrance contained 167 names, but Trustee Sparrow certified in writing that 34 were either duplicated or not bona fide residents of the township. These deducted left the petition 139 and the remonstrance 133. In addition to this the names on the petition represented three-fifths of the taxable property in the township. So much for the “rights of the majority.” That the action taken was in accordance with the wishes of a majority of the resident taxpayers of Tisdale township, there is no question or a doubt in the minds of either Senator Jennings or Representative Greer. Of course, it is perfectly right for Mr. J. J. Johnson to hold meetings, misrepresent the facts, and cause various good and usually fair and honorable men to feel themselves aggrieved and outraged. As for Mr. Baker, the writer hereof cares not the least what he may do or say. His importance is felt only by himself. There is nothing in his head to speak of, except what J. J. Johnson puts there. When Johnson kicks he squeals; and so far as appears, this is the full fruition of his uses here on earth. There are many excellent and worthy men in and about New Salem for whose good opinion the writer cares much. Upon their account, especially, the matter in controversy was most carefully weighed and the balances of justice evenly held. That it weighed against them was no fault of theirs. Like the fable of poor dog Tray, they were in bad company, and are the sufferers thereby.
F. S. Jennings [rather than A. H. Jennings] listed as member of committee. Both F. S. and A. H. Jennings brothers of Senator Frank S. Jennings...
LOCATING THE IMBECILE ASYLUM.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
A committee has been appointed by the Winfield Enterprise Association, composed of W. G. Graham, A. H. Doane, F. S. Jennings, and Ed. P. Greer, to receive bids and look up a location for the Imbecile Asylum. Persons owning land within two miles of the city to dispose of for this purpose, should interview this committee. Forty acres is required.
Senator Frank S. Jennings...
AN ACCEPTABLE WINFIELD.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
In 1876 an appropriation was made by the legislature to refund the counties of the state the expenses incurred in caring for and transporting the insane, and allowing for future expenditures. The “back-pay” allowance was gobbled up without Cowley getting in her bill. Senator Jennings took hold of the matter in the last legislature and succeeded in raising the back appropriation to twenty thousand dollars and equalized the matter by reducing the appropriation for the future to ten thousand. County Clerk Hunt went over his books of years gone by and sent in our bill at once, about twelve hundred dollars, for which a draft from Auditor McCabe was received last week.
Senator Jennings...
THE WEST BRIDGE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
Several times lately teams have been thrown over the embankment from the narrow approach to the west bridge. One citizen had a limb broken. It seems that not until some terrible accident resulting in the death, perhaps, of ladies or innocent children occurs, will the proper authorities take steps toward abating the danger. The law, as it stands, makes it the duty of the officers of Vernon township to attend to this, and makes Vernon responsible for the damage. The burden is heavy and THE COURIER believes, with the citizens of that township, that it is unjust, and the law should be remedied so that the county will bear at least a share of the expense of keeping up all the bridges. Had Senator Jennings’ bill covering this matter become a law, the remedy would now be at hand. But it isn’t. The legal responsibility rests with Vernon and she should accept it in as good grace as possible and trust to the nature and equity and justice of their case for relief. Should someone be killed through their negligence of a legal obligation, it would be an everlasting blemish on the fair name of Vernon township. The Board of County Commissioners cannot, under the law as it now stands, afford any relief.
Frank Jennings and Capt. Siverd...
ROCK. “ROXY.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
We are expecting Frank Jennings and Capt. Siverd up soon to talk on railroad bonds.
Unknown: Whether the following refers to Mrs. S. H. Jennings or Mrs. A. H. Jennings and S. H. or A. H. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 7, 1885.
METHODIST CHURCH.
Rev. Dr. Fisher filled Rev. Kelly’s pulpit yesterday. The church was well filled. The music, both vocal and instrumental, was as usual, excellent. The opening selection was especially fine. The first lesson ready by Rev. Kelly from the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, was one of the most beautiful passages of God’s word. After a fervent prayer by Rev. Kelly, in which he invoked God’s blessing upon our President, his counselors and all others, the chant of the Lord’s Prayer was sung. The following announcements were made: The Ladies Aid Society will meet next Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m., with Sister Hilton Jennings; the Sabbath school, this afternoon, at 3 p.m.; the Young People’s meeting Thursday night at 7:45; class meeting next Sabbath, Bros. Jennings and Berkey, leaders; Miss Nellie Brown will give a reading at the Opera House Thursday evening, under the auspices of the Ladies Relief Society of the G. A. R.; Dr. J. B. Ford, of Independence, will exchange with Rev. Kelly next Sabbath; an official meeting will be held next Friday evening; all members are requested to be present; the trustees of the church will meet Monday afternoon at 4 p.m., at the First National Bank in regard to business of re-seating this church. Dr. Fisher presented one of the most touching discourses we have had the pleasure of listening to for years. The congregation were spell-bound, many being moved to tears. Such a discourse is a rare treat. . . .
Frank S. Jennings...
COLLEGE MEETING.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
Pursuant to call the citizens met in mass meeting at the Court House Tuesday evening, with J. C. Long presiding and Ed. P. Greer as secretary, for the purpose of considering the question of securing the Methodist College. Senator Hackney, of the visiting committee, explained the situation. M. L. Robinson then proposed a plan whereby the twenty acres and fifteen thousand dollars necessary might be raised. He proposed to be one of eight to organize the College Hill Addition Company, secure land in some available location, set aside twenty acres thereof for the college site and guarantee ten thousand dollars to the fund. This suggestion was immediately adopted, and the following gentlemen subscribed to the shares at once: M. L. Robinson, W. P. Hackney, Chas. F. Bahntge, John W. Curns, W. R. McDonald, T. H. Soward, A. J. Thompson, and S. H. Myton. After some further discussion on the matter by Judge Gans, Mayor Graham, J. E. Conklin, and others, the meeting adjourned to meet again this evening. Messrs. Baden, Millington, Spotswood, Wallis, Conklin, F. S. Jennings, Bedilion, and Whiting were appointed as a committee to confer with the members of the College Hill and Highland Park Association and report proceedings. Mayor Graham, H. B. Schuler, and Senator Hackney were appointed to attend to the reception and entertainment of the College Commission. The railroad question was also discussed at some length, and a committee of seven consisting of Messrs. Farnsworth, Bowen, M. M. Scott, Siverd, Chas. Schmidt, and J. E. Conklin were appointed to see that the registration was fully made. An assessment of $1.00 was levied upon the members of the Enterprise Association to defray the expenses of the railroad canvass. The solution of the college problem seems to be at hand. If this association furnishes the twenty acres and ten thousand dollars, certainly our citizens will furnish the other five thousand. Now is the time to act in this matter, and when the committee calls, be ready to put down liberally.
Frank S. Jennings...
IMPORTANT FOR WINFIELD.
(STREET RAILWAY.)
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.
Col. J. W. Hartzell, the veteran street railway builder, has dropped down to Winfield, attracted by the splendid array of horses at our fair, perhaps, and at a glance has taken in the immense resources surrounding our little city; and anticipating a general boom, he has secured the franchise for building our street railway from Messrs. Long, Read, Hackney, and F. S. Jennings, and work will be commenced thereon within 60 days and pushed to completion at as early a day as possible. A connection will be built between the depots and to the fair ground and Riverside Park, and other extensions as the development of the city may demand. Col. Hartzell has built nearly all of the street railways in Kansas, and this fact coupled with his indomitable tact and energy is a sufficient guaranty that Winfield will have a first-class street railway, and that at an early day.
Frank S. Jennings and brother, A. H. Jennings...
LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds yesterday.
J L Hodges and wife to F S Jennings and A H Jennings, lot 12, block 149, Winfield: $3,200.00.
Next entry: F. S. and A. H. Jennings and their wives...
LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds yesterday.
F S Jennings and wife and A H Jennings and wife to A J Thompson, lot 12, block 149, Winfield, quit claim: $75.00.
Senator Frank S. Jennings...
ALL WIND.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
A report was sailing around our streets Monday that the Bank of Commerce, Udall, has closed its doors. The report grew out of a few uneasy depositors who got scared because of a desire of Mr. McKinlay to dispose of his banking business. Senator Jennings went up yesterday and investigated the matter for the depositors and found that about fifty percent of the deposits were on hand, in cash and exchange, with collateral sufficient to balance. Mr. McKinlay, failing to get means expected from his Missouri property, became a little uneasy, and though really in no danger, sold his business to P. W. Smith, one of his heaviest depositors and one of Udall’s prominent men.
Frank S. Jennings’ brothers, S. H. and A. H. Jennings, purchase Judge Ide store building, corner of Main and 8th avenues in Winfield...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.
The Judge Ide store building, corner of Main street and 8th Avenue, has been sold, through Curns & Manser, to S. H. and A. H. Jennings for eight thousand dollars. A little over two years ago the Judge bought this property from A. D. Speed for six thousand dollars.
LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds yesterday.
H W Ide to S H and A H Jennings, lot one blk 108, Winfield: $8,000.00.
S. H. Jennings: Brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
Rev. James Miller, pastor of Grace Methodist church, Bloomington, Illinois, and Elder R. E. Guthrie, one of Illinois’ pioneer ministers, now residing at Wichita, dropped in on THE COURIER Friday in company with Mr. S. H. Jennings. Rev. Miller is Mr. Jennings’ old Illinois pastor.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
At first R. H. White, in the bastille charged with the brutal murder of his wife, Julia Ann, was undecided as to whether or not he would wave preliminary examination, and had the matter put off. When his brother came on, arrangements were made to get $600 for the defense. Then a preliminary hearing was instituted and began before Judge Snow yesterday, with County Attorney Asp prosecuting, and Jennings & Troup and McDermott & Johnson for the defense. No new facts have been introduced. The evidence is almost verbatim to that published from time to time in THE COURIER and which has become trite to the public. There was a difference in the testimony of Doctors Emerson and Graham, regarding the flat iron. Dr. Emerson thought the wound was undoubtedly produced by the iron, while Dr. Graham thought this very improbable. W. C. Allen, representative of Johnson County, who is visiting in this county, was introduced and testified as to the good character of White and his family when he knew them, a few years ago. The trial is still in progress and will not be decided before tomorrow. White waived the jury in his trial.
Frank S. Jennings...
LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
Rufus L McDonald et ux to F S Jennings w hf lots 1, 2, and 3, blk 31, Udall: $1,600.00.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
What seems to be the last chapter in the deepest and most damnable murder that ever stained the history of any community closed Thursday. Robert H. White, charged with the awful crime of having crushed in the skull of his wife with a flat iron or other instrument, languished in the county jail until ten days ago, undecided as to whether he would waive preliminary examination or not. His brother came out from Illinois and proffered $250 or more to his brother’s defense. Jennings & Troup and McDermott & Johnson were secured as counsel and Tuesday afternoon the preliminary trial began. County Attorney Asp conducted the prosecution and Senator Jennings and A. P. Johnson the defense. The evidence presented was a repetition of that given at the coroner’s inquest, which appeared in full in THE COURIER, and is perfectly known to all. The only new witnesses of importance were W. C. Allen, legislative representative of Johnson County, Illinois, who has been visiting friends in this county. He knew White and his family in Illinois, and testified to their good character.
A. P. Johnson’s speech occupied forty minutes and Senator Jennings spoke an hour and ten minutes. He brought out the theory that the simple lunatic who was found in that neighborhood a day or so afterward was the murderer. His own vicious habits had made him an imbecile and the likelihood of an attempt at outrage by him, as he passed by the door coming from the woods, was shown probable. But County Attorney Asp, in his closing argument, showed by the evidence of the shoe tracks around the house and the fact that no clue was found on her person by the physicians that would lead to the belief that any outrage had been attempted, was uncircumstantial.
Mother of Mrs. S. H. Jennings pays a visit...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
Mrs. Eliza Peabody, of Champaign, Illinois, mother of Mrs. S. H. Jennings, and Mr. C. W. Knapp, of Normal, Illinois, a brother-in-law, arrived Friday. Mrs. Peabody will remain for some time. Mr. Knapp will go out to the wild west to enter his old vocation, real estate and loans.
Jennings & Troup...
AN INTERESTING CASE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
John A. and Chas. A. Riehl, minor sons of Mrs. Eliza Riehl, have filed in the District Court, by their guardian, Daniel Mater, suit against Joseph Likowski, for $5,000 damages, charging him with causing the death of their father, Jacob Riehl, whom they claim died on July 22nd, 1877, from liquors obtained and drank in Likowski’s saloon in this city. Attachment and garnishee are field with the case, attaching Joe’s property next to Curns & Manser’s real estate office, and garnisheing money belonging to Joe, in the hands of Eliza Riehl, G. H. Buckman, and E. J. Crary. Mrs. Riehl, it will be remembered, litigated with Likowski for years over the latter’s west Main property. It was decided a few months ago, in the Supreme Court of the State, Likowski gaining the suit on the grounds of the Riehl deed being only in trust, a contract to which effect Joe held. In this damage suit, A. B. Jetmore & Son, of Topeka, and Jennings & Troup, of our city, are attorneys for the plaintiffs.
Senator Jennings...
THE SALEM P. O. FIRE.
The Examination of Dr. Crabtree Still Goes On, With Deep Interest.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
The case of Uncle Sam against Dr. J. S. Crabtree, charging him with burning the New Salem post-office, is still progressing. The principal witnesses of the prosecution were Dr. Downs and W. H. Lucas, the former of whom swore out the complaint. Lucas was assistant Postmaster under Crabtree and clerked in the drug store. He swore that he closed the store at 10 o’clock and went home, leaving the lamp, with light turned down, on the counter. After the fire, he found the remains of the lamp and oil can six or eight feet from where he left them, and behind the prescription case; was positive that someone had tampered with them. Dr. Downs swore positively that he saw Crabtree enter the store door between 10 and 11 o’clock. Downs’ testimony was badly mangled by Senator Jennings—made a mass of improbabilities. He swore that he saw Crabtree at the desk in the store, when a map and witnesses proved this impossible, owing to the location of Downs’ office, across the street. A dozen or more witnesses had a very depreciating effect on the evidence of both Downs and Lucas, while a dozen or more of Burden’s best men testified that Crabtree didn’t leave the Burden I. O. O. F. Lodge until 10:30. The fire broke out at 11 o’clock and the defense shows conclusively that Crabtree couldn’t have reached Salem by that time, it being a good hour’s drive. The court room is crowded, all of New Salem and surroundings being present, with a large number from Burden. At this writing Dr. Crabtree is telling a good straight story, unbroken by the cross-fire of U. S. Attorney W. C. Perry. P. O. Inspector Crowell and James Grimes, who is looking after the insurance company’s $1,200 interest, are present. The examination closed last evening with his acquittal. His many friends are rejoicing at its happy termination.
Senator Frank S. Jennings...
THE SALEM P. O. BURNING SEQUEL.
Dr. Crabtree, Charged With the Deed, Is Discharged After Two Days Examination.
How It is Taken.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
The examination of Dr. J. S. Crabtree, late assistant P. M. at New Salem, charged with burning the Salem postoffice, fixtures, mail, etc., found its sequel Wednesday in the discharge of the Doctor. The case was before U. S. Commissioner, L. H. Webb, for two days, and was one of intense interest. Almost the whole population of New Salem, with many from Burden, were present, and six witnesses for the prosecution and twenty for the defense were examined. Dr. L. S. Downs and W. H. Lucas were the principal prosecuting witnesses, Dr. Downs having made the complaint. The case was ably conducted by U. S. District Attorney, W. C. Perry, for the prosecution, and Senator F. S. Jennings for Crabtree. P. O. Inspector Maj. J. M. Crowell, who worked up the case, assisted Perry with the evidence and Deputy U. S. Marshal O. S. Rarick was the attending marshal. Lucas, Crabtree’s assistant in the drug store and postoffice, which were both in the same building, swore that he locked the store up and went home at 10 o’clock, leaving the light burning on the counter. After the fire he found the remains of the lamp and coal oil can some feet from where he had left them, and he was satisfied that someone had moved them. Dr. Downs swore positively that, at about 11 o’clock, sitting in the door of his house, one hundred feet across the street, he saw Dr. Crabtree unlock the door, enter the building, lock the door behind him, and carry the lighted lamp behind the prescription case. He saw nothing more until the alarm of fire. Shortly after he reached the spot, Dr. Crabtree came driving up, calling “fire!” A dozen or more witnesses swore that Crabtree didn’t leave the Burden I. O. O. F. Lodge until about 10:30. The distance to Salem is eight miles, a good hour’s drive, showing it very improbable for Crabtree to reach Salem before the fire broke out. Crabtree swore that he first saw the fire when a mile from it, and didn’t know it was a building until very near the town, and that it was his building till he was in town. Crabtree’s previous good character was established, and it was shown that in case the $1,200 insurance was paid, he would still be the loser seven hundred dollars or more. No possible motive was shown for the crime. Commissioner Webb’s grounds of discharge were that while Downs was probably honest in his statements, and thought he saw Crabtree enter the building, and very likely did see someone enter, yet his distance away made it possible for him to be mistaken as to the person he saw, and when considered with the testimony of Crabtree’s whereabouts, made that possibility almost an absolute certainty. That the fire was incendiary, there is no doubt from the evidence, but who did it can’t be established in law. Sympathy has been very largely with Crabtree from the first, and all familiar with the case are happy at his discharge. The general impression is that the prosecution was prompted by professional jealousy, and much unsavory criticism is given Downs. All are satisfied that Crabtree is without a stain in the matter.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Senator F. S. Jennings, with wife and boy, left Monday for two days at Sedan. Frank went on legal business and, as a husband should, took his wife along to keep him straight.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
Judge Snow’s court was entertained Monday and Tuesday by an interesting case from Cedar township, wherein Laura Alexander charged Trower Jacobs, a young man of twenty-five, with being the unlawful father of her month old babe. George Dolby also came in for a share, being charged with assault on Jacobs with intent to kill, and Dolby had a case against Jacobs for disturbing his peace—three cases all in one, a spicy mixture. Dolby is a widower of forty and Laura, a girl of twenty-two, is his sister-in-law and keeps house for him. Jacobs was her “feller,” without ever popping the question. After his arrest for bastardy, he gave bond and returned to his farm, where Laura sent for him. Dolby had told him to keep off the place, and when he went over, let him have it with an ax, cutting Jacobs up considerably. The cases were all thin—seemingly a kind of a normal mix up that meant money, and this morning Laura compromised the matter for $316, and all the cases were withdrawn, each litigant paying their share of the costs. A good share of Cedar township were on hand as witnesses. Senator Jennings was counsel for the defense.
F. S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
There has been another enterprise organized here during the week. It is for the purpose of laying out a town in old Stanton County, and is called the Veteran Town Company. The members are: J. A. Cooper, J. B. Nipp, M. L. Robinson, Geo. W. Robinson, Ivan Robinson, J. L. M. Hill, J. R. Taylor, S. H. Rodgers, Jas. H. Bullen, W. R. McDonald, T. H. Byers, F. L. Branniger, F. S. Jennings, E. P. Greer, John Arrowsmith, A. R. Nipp, J. C. Long, J. C. Vorheis, Wm. Camery, and T. H. Soward. The offices are: J. A. Cooper, president; J. B. Nipp, vice-president; W. R. McDonald, secretary and general agent; Geo. W. Robinson, treasurer. The company owns eleven hundred acres of land in Stanton County, one section of which is now being laid off as the town of “Veteran.” It is located in the beautiful Bear creek valley, and will be the county seat of that new county when organized. The company is a strong one and will proceed at once to build a city without further ado. A large number of lots have been already contracted for and buildings will go up on them at once. A newspaper is now on the way and the VETERAN COURIER will soon unfold its banner to the breeze. W. R. McDonald is the authoritative business head of the company and will remain on the ground.
Jennings & Troup...
THE A. C. HOMICIDE.
The Murderer in Bad Shape—Other Minorities of Interest.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
Henry Mowry, the murderer of J. P. Smith at Arkansas City, Friday, is in bad physical condition. The wound is all right, doing well, but his nerves appear to be shattered. He has fully awakened to the reality of his terrible crime and for forty-eight hours he didn’t close his eyes in sleep. Dr. Mendenhall has been employed by the brothers, Al. and Will, who have been at the jail with Henry most of the time since Saturday. Sunday morning Henry had a dozen or more spasms, his frame in a perfect rack, and he had to be held in bed. During these spasms and struggles, his mind ran on his enamorer and he said, “Give me my child; she’ll get away with it!” “Yes, you’ll go back on me after getting down on your knees to me, will you?” Opiates only seemed to string him up until last night, when he relaxed and got rest. This morning his mind is clear, but he was too weak physically for an interview. His relatives take the terrible affair with deep distress. Jennings & Troup, of this city, and Hon. David Overmyer, of Topeka, will be the attorneys for the defense. The excitement at Arkansas City has quieted down, though public opinion is yet loud against Mowry. Mrs. Smith, wife of the murdered man, signified her intention to bring suit for damages. To avert this, Mowry has put his property, $4,000 worth of real estate and stock, into other hands. The woman in this case, Mrs. O. F. Godfrey, is fine looking and keen in conversation. He is not prepossessing either in looks or converse. He seems to have been completely infatuated, and it is thought the matter had been weighing heavily on him some time before the tragedy. It is thought to be a more complicated case than the surface indicates. The defense will try to stave the trial over the September term of the District Court. The preliminary examination will probably be waived. Having killed an innocent man, whatever may be proven in the woman matter, will not relieve him from the penalty of cold-blooded murder. His only hope seems to be the insanity plea.
Trial Docket Cowley County District Court,
September Term, 1885, Commencing Sept. 1st.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
1786. Henry Hansen vs Joseph Davis, Jennings & Troup, attorneys for plaintiff; W. P. Hackney for defendant.
1812. Mary Stokes vs J. S. Hunt, County Clerk, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff; Joe O’Hare and J. D. Pryor for defendant.
1858. Dwight Ripley vs D A Millington, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
1899. James Jordan vs Winfield Twp., et al. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff; Joseph O’Hare for defendant.
1922. J A Field & Co vs Brotherton & Silver. D. C. Beach for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for defendant.
1923. C E Foss & Co vs Phillip Sipe. D. C. Beach for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for defendant.
1929. School Dist. No. 13 vs School Dist. No. 133. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff; McDonald & Webb for defendant.
1937. Bartlett & Co vs A T & S F R R Co. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff; Hackney & Asp for defendant.
1964. Nannie C Fuller vs Board Co Commissioners, et al. J. F. McMullen for plaintiff; Joe O’Hare, Jennings & Troup for defendant.
1979. James Jordan vs Elihu Wade. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
1980. F W Schwantes vs C A Bliss et al. S. D. Pryor, W. A. Tipton, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
1988. M L Read vs J E Parkins et al. McDonald & Webb for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for defendant.
1997. Marshall Lambert vs Hiram Blenden. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff; Hackney & Asp for defendant.
2026. Ada M Rice vs Lewis M Rice. W. P. Hackney, McDermott & Johnson for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for defendant.
2032. Jeremiah Weakly vs Burton D Guinn et al. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff; McDermott & Johnson for defendant.
2033. Frances M Mallett vs Burton B Guinn et al. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff; McDermott & Johnson for defendant.
2034. Wesley Mallett vs Burton D Guinn et al. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff; McDermott & Johnson for defendant.
2052. Isaak L Newman vs William H Speers et al. Mitchell & Swarts and Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
2063. B W Matlack vs R M Hess. J. F. McMullen for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for defendant.
2069. Andrews et al vs R Gates. Dalton & Madden for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for defendant.
2076. Edward Barnes vs M L Robinson. C. M. Leavitt for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for defendant.
2097. The Wichita & Southwestern R R Co vs G H McIntire, Sheriff et al. A. A. Hurd, Robert Dunlap and W. P. Hackney for plaintiff; H. E. Asp, Jennings & Troup and C L Swarts for defendant.
2107. S B Riggs vs Camilla Bigler et al. Kellogg & Sedgwick for plaintiff. Jennings & Troup for defendant.
2151. Assignment of Shriver & Co. Jennings & Troup for defendant.
2155. Adelia A Kibbe vs Lyman S Kibbe. Hackney & Asp for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for defendant.
2157. Morrison Implement Co vs Hiram Brotherton et al. D. C. Beach for plaintiff. Jennings & Troup for defendant.
2160. J E Hayner & Co vs G M Gardner. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
2171. John A Reihl et al vs Joseph Likowski. Jetmore & Son and Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
2179. Jas F Monical vs Martha E Monical. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
2189. M G Troup vs Mary C Zall. Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
THE A. C. HOMICIDE.
The Murderer in Bad Shape—Other Minorities of Interest.
Henry Mowry, the murderer of J. P. Smith at Arkansas City, Friday, is in bad physical condition. The wound is all right, doing well, but his nerves appear to be shattered. He has fully awakened to the reality of his terrible crime and for forty-eight hours he didn’t close his eyes in sleep. Dr. Mendenhall has been employed by his brothers, Al. and Will. Smith, who have been at the jail with Henry most of the time since Saturday. Sunday morning Henry had a dozen or more spasms, his frame in a perfect rack, and he had to be held in bed.
During these spasms and struggles, his mind ran on his enamorer, and he said, “Give me my child; she’ll get away with it!” “Yet, you’ll go back on me after getting down on your knees to me, will you?”
Opiates only seemed to string him up until last night, when he relaxed and got rest. This morning his mind is clear, but he was too weak physically for an interview. His relatives take the terrible affair with deep distress.
Jennings & Troup, of this city, and Hon. David Overmyer, of Topeka, will be the attorneys for the defense.
The excitement at Arkansas City has quieted down, though public opinion is yet loud against Mowry. Mrs. Smith, wife of the murdered man, signified her intention to bring suit for damages. To avert this, Mowry has put his property, $4,000 worth of real estate and stock, into other hands.
The woman in this case, Mrs. O. F. Godfrey, is fine looking and keen in conversation. Mowry is not prepossessing either in looks or converse. He seems to have been completely infatuated, and it is thought the matter had been weighing heavily on him some time before the tragedy. It is thought to be a more complicated case than the surface indicates.
The defense will try to stave the case over the September term of the district court. The preliminary examination will probably be waived. Having killed an innocent man, whatever may be proven in the woman matter, will not relieve him from the penalty of cold-blooded murder. His only hope seems to be the insanity plea. Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
Buried in Kansas City.
KANSAS CITY, Aug. 24. The remains of ex-Police Officer James P. Smith, who was shot and killed last Friday, arrived here yesterday morning from Arkansas City, Kansas, and were met and taken in charge at the Union depot by the lodges of Odd Fellows, and carried to Undertaker Welden’s. The funeral took place at 3 o’clock, the remains being interred at the Union Cemetery.
The deceased was for many years a resident of this city, and was one of the officers who resigned at the expiration of his term about two years ago. He had a home on Highland Avenue, which he traded for some property at Arkansas City, on which he established a brick yard. He has resided in that city ever since.
When a member of the metropolitan police, Smith was regarded as a brave and competent officer. Before coming to Kansas City, he had resided in Texas, and during a fight with Indians had been scalped and left for dead, but had managed to crawl away after the savages had left the field.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
The Mowry-Smith Tragedy.
Saturday afternoon last the remains of James P. Smith, the man who was shot down by Henry Mowry, were taken to Kansas City for interment. The body was escorted to the train by the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias organizations. Mrs. Smith went with the remains to Kansas City. She was accompanied by Mrs. Rev. Walker and S. C. Lindsay. The latter was sent by the two organizations of which Mr. Smith was a member. The party arrived at their destination at 6 o’clock Sunday morning, and the funeral occurred at 3 p.m. under the auspices of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. Lodges. Mrs. Smith has a sister residing in Kansas City, and she will remain with her until she recovers from the blow and her impaired health. She will return here and settle her affairs and then go back to Kansas City and make it her future home. Her health has been bad lately. She is a frail and delicate woman, but bears up as well as could be expected under the circumstances.
Henry Mowry, on being taken to Winfield, was placed in the hands of a physician. He had a fever, but the Doctor had it broken up by Tuesday. Sunday he had five spasms caused by fever. He has about recovered. The wound in his thigh has healed. It did not cause him much trouble. The preliminary examination will come off next week sometime and at Winfield. Jennings and Troup will defend Mowry, and Hackney and Asp will prosecute.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 5, 1885.
Henry Mowry Remanded to Jail.
Wednesday afternoon the preliminary trial of Henry Mowry was begun before Justice Snow at Winfield. The examination lasted all afternoon and was concluded Thursday morning. Senator W. P. Hackney appeared for the state and Jennings & Troup and W. E. Stanley for the defense. The testimony brought out was almost verbatim to that gained at the Coroner’s inquest. The REPUBLICAN had intended to give the testimony, but as nothing new was adduced, we omit it. Justice Snow, after hearing the matter through and the argument for and against Mowry, decided that it was not a bailable case. Mowry will have to stay in jail until his trial comes off.
THE MOWRY HOMICIDE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
The preliminary examination of Henry Mowry for the murder of J. P. Smith at Arkansas City a few weeks ago, began yesterday before Judge Snow. The court room was filled with spectators, twenty-five or more being from Arkansas City. J. H. Fazel was appointed stenographer in the case. The first witness called was Mrs. Belle Godfrey, the woman in the case, whose testimony was substantially the same as that given in THE COURIER at the time of the tragedy. Senator W. P. Hackney, acting County Attorney, conducts the prosecuting, and Jennings & Troup and Mr. Stanley, of Stanley & Wall, Wichita, are for the defense. The case will likely consume most of tomorrow. Tomorrow’s COURIER will contain a resume of the evidence.
Excerpts: Senator Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, September 9, 1885.
COUNCIL MEETING.
Mr. Dean said the repair of the west bridge was more essential to our businessmen than mending the city streets. A large amount of trade was lost to our city because of its dangerous condition, and money voted by the council to put it in fit condition for travel would certainly be approved.
Mayor Schiffbauer remarked that the people of Arkansas City would soon find themselves without bridges, and they wanted stirring up to a knowledge of this fact. There is no law in the state to define the duty of county or township in the matter. Last year Senator Jennings introduced a bill in the legislature, requiring county commissioners to appropriate money towards building necessary bridges, and if the cost was over a certain amount to bill them entire. But the measure did not pass. Now that our city is set apart from the township, the council is without authority to devote money to such a purpose, the township won’t do it, and the county cannot. There is thus no way on God’s earth to build necessary bridges, or keep old ones in repair.
Excerpts: Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 10, 1885.
The preliminary examination of Henry Mowry for the murder of J. P. Smith at Arkansas City on August 21st, began at 2 o’clock Wednesday before Judge Snow. The court room was crowded with eager spectators, largely from the Terminus. The prosecution was conducted by Senator Hackney, acting County Attorney, and the defense by Jennings & Troup, of this city, and W. E. Stanley, of Wichita. The Judge appointed J. H. Fazel stenographic reporter. The evidence throughout was almost verbatim to that given at the coroner’s inquest and published in full in THE COURIER. Mrs. Belle Godfrey, the woman in the case, was the first witness called by the State. She is a lady of considerable attraction—a sweet face, neatly clad form, and apparently winsome disposition. She told her story without hesitation, in a straight forward way that won friends.
THE DEFENSE
introduced no evidence. The main point of the preliminary, on the part of the defense, was to make a bailable case, and draw out the State’s evidence as a gauge. It was argued at length whether or not the case was bailable. W. E. Stanley opened the argument. He presented the impossibility of malice or premeditation on the part of Mowry in killing Smith. Smith had no warrant and no right to pursue. Stanley held that nothing could be made of it but manslaughter, with as light bail as possible. Senator Hackney argued for the prosecution, showing that the offense was murder in the first degree and nothing else, and consequently not bailable. Mowry did not shoot in self defense. Smith had no visible weapons, and could not harm Mowry, and the intervening between the three times Mowry hollowed halt allowed plainly premeditation. He stopped and went on twice before he shot. Senator Jennings, for the defense, then closed the argument, and the case was submitted.
A question was asked by Jennings: “If this is not a bailable case, will the Court please state what is one?”
The Court replied: “I have not yet said that this case was not bailable. I may say it, but haven’t yet.”
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Republican, September 12, 1885.
Frank Jennings was in the city Tuesday. By the way, Lawyer Jennings is one of the leading attorneys in southern Kansas.
Senator Jennings...
ANOTHER WALNUT BRIDGE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
A meeting of Vernon and Winfield citizens was held in this city Monday to arrange for a new bridge on the old piers on the Walnut at Bliss & Wood’s mill. Chas. C. Black was president of the meeting and G. H. Crippen secretary. It was determined to erect a six thousand dollar bridge. Senator Jennings, J. B. Lynn, S. H. Myton, J. W. Millspaugh, Billy Moore, S. W. Schwantes, B. F. Wood, and J. F. Martin were appointed as committeemen to boost the matter through. It is proposed to erect a $6,000 bridge on private subscription. Twenty-two hundred dollars were subscribed in this meeting, the largest amount, $800, by Bliss & Wood. The road, as condemned and paid for years ago, leading from Vernon to this bridge, runs along the north bank of the river until it strikes the bluff, where it comes out on the section line. Another meeting will be held on the 28th to perfect matters.
Excerpts: Senator Frank S. Jennings...
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 26, 1885.
At 2 o’clock the delegates assembled once more in convention, and the reports of committees were had. The committee on organization that the temporary organization be made permanent. The committee on resolutions then reported the following resolutions.
Resolved, 1st, That we heartily endorse the principles laid down by the last Republican National and State conventions.
2nd. We heartily endorse the administration of his Excellency, Jno. A. Martin, as Governor of Kansas, and hereby express our hearty appreciation of his wisdom, ability, and patriotism.
3rd. We hereby heartily endorse the course of our State Senator, Hon. F. S. Jennings, in the state of Kansas, and of each of our Representatives, the Hon. J. D. Maurer, Hon. Louis P. King, and Hon. Ed. P. Greer, and hereby desire to express our appreciation of their ability, fidelity, and patriotism.
4th. We hereby denounce the Democratic party as an enemy of good government, and a foe to the commercial advancement and prosperity of our common country.
5th. We hereby recommend that the office of county auditor be abolished; it being a useless expense upon the several counties of the state, and we request our State Senator and representatives to use their influence in the next session of the legislature toward accomplishing this end.
Senator Jennings...
FREE AIR ONCE MORE!
Henry Mowry Admitted to $7,000 Bail.—The Case Presented and Ably Argued.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
The case of the State against Henry Mowry, charged with the murder of J. P. Smith at Arkansas City, in August, came up before Judge Dalton yesterday afternoon, and was continued to the next term of the District Court and the defendant admitted to $7,000 bail. The State’s evidence as given at the preliminary examination was presented to the Court by the defending attorneys, Senator Jennings, of this city, and W. E. Stanley, of Wichita, to show a bailable case, County Attorney Asp holding out against. In addition to the stenographic evidence, Senator Jennings, who had examined the Godfrey premises at Arkansas City, put a new phase on the matter by swearing that Mowry fired into Godfrey’s house through the window of a room in which he couldn’t help but know, being familiar with the house, neither Godfrey nor his wife were in, with no possible show of hitting them, indicating that the shots were for a scare. The arguments, by Asp, Jennings, and Stanley were pointed and pithy, as to whether deliberation and premeditation, necessary to murder in the first degree, were proven in Mowry’s killing of Smith. Asp claimed positive evidence of deliberation in the fact that Mowry halted Smith three times before he shot, warning him each time. Smith had no visible weapon and was the only one in close pursuit—if not almost the only one in pursuit at all. The defense argued that Mowry’s terrible fear made deliberation impossible, and that the shot was the result of momentary passion—could be nothing else from the evidence. The Court held that the evidence was not sufficient to prove premeditation and deliberation. A number of Mowry’s friends and the State’s witnesses were present from Arkansas City, and Mowry was congratulated on getting fail, the most noticeable one who shook his hand being O. F. Godfrey, over whose wife this whole tragedy occurred. The bond was taken down to Arkansas City last evening. The bondsmen will be W. D. and Al. Mowry and their mother and others. The bond will likely be approved tomorrow, and Henry released.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 10, 1885.
Out on $7,000 Bail.
The case of the State against Henry Mowry, charged with the murder of J. P. Smith at Arkansas City in August, came up before Judge Dalton Monday afternoon, and was continued to the next term of the District Court and the defendant admitted to $7,000 bail. The Courier says the State’s evidence as given at the preliminary examination was presented to the Court by the defending attorneys, to show a bailable case; County Attorney Asp, holding out against. In addition to the stenographic evidence, Senator Jennings, who had examined the Godfrey premises at Arkansas City, put a new phase on the matter by swearing that Mowry fired into Godfrey’s house through the window of a room in which he couldn’t help but know, being familiar with the house, neither Godfrey nor his wife were in, with no possible show of hitting them, indicating that the shots were for a scare. Asp claimed positive evidence of deliberation in the fact that Mowry halted Smith three times before he shot, warning him each time; Smith had no visible weapon and was the only one in close pursuit—if not almost the only one in pursuit at all. The defense argued that Mowry’s terrible fear made deliberation impossible, and that the shot was the result of momentary passion—could be nothing else from the evidence. The court held that the evidence was not sufficient to prove premeditation and deliberation. The bond was brought down to Arkansas City Tuesday and filed. Henry Mowry came home Tuesday evening.
Senator and Mrs. Frank S. Jennings...
The Marriage of Mr. Ezra M. Nixon and Miss Jessie Millington Thursday Night.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
At an early hour the large double parlors, sitting room, and hall were filled almost to overflowing by the following friends.
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Capt. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Buckman, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, Rev. and Mrs. H. D. Gans, Col. and Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Senator and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Ed P. Greer, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, Judge and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Root, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Senator and Mrs. J. C. Long, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Senator and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. R. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Richards; Mesdames J. C. Fuller, A. T. Spotswood, E. P. Hickok, Ed Beeney, T. B. Myers, A. C. Bangs, Judd, H. H. Albright; Misses Emma Strong, Sallie McCommon, Nettie R. McCoy, Annie McCoy, Anna Hunt, Margie Wallis, Lizzie Wallis, Ida Johnston, Leota Gary, Sadie French, Hattie Stolp, Lena Walrath, Minnie Taylor, Huldah Goldsmith, and Lillie Wilson; Messrs. R. E. Wallis, C. Perry, Geo. C. Rembaugh, C. F. Bahntge, W. C. Robinson, E. Wallis, Ad Brown, Lewis Brown, Ed J. McMullen, Frank H. Greer, P. H. Albright, I. L. Millington, T. J. Eaton, M. J. O’Meara, M. H. Ewart, R. B. Rudolph, M. Hahn, James Lorton, C. D. Dever, E. Schuler, F. F. Leland, Lacey Tomlin, Jos. O’Hare, Eli Youngheim, H. Sickafoose, H. Goldsmith, Moses Nixon, L. D. Zenor, and George Schuler.
THE TOKENS AND DONORS.
Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Jennings and Mrs. T. B. Myers, Smyrna rug.
Mrs. F. S. Jennings, ebony clock.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Recap. M. L. Read, plaintiff, vs. Ira Freeman, Henry Freeman, Van Freeman, defendants.
Suit filed in District court asking judgment for $60.00 with 12 percent interest, from March 12, 1881, Concerned real property and asked for sale of such. Jennings & Troup, Attorneys.
Senator Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
LIST OF APPOINTMENTS.
By Republican Central Committee.
Harvey Township. Armstrong, Oct. 26; Hickmans, Oct. 27. F. S. Jennings and T. H. Soward.
Ninnescah. Udall, Oct. 29. F. S. Jennings and A. H. Limerick.
Bolton. Theaker’s, Oct. 29; Mowry’s, Oct. 30. F. S. Jennings and C. R. Mitchell.
LIST OF APPOINTMENTS.
By Republican County Central Committee.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
Townships.
Harvey: Armstrong, Oct. 24; Hickman’s, Oct. 27. F. S. Jennings and T. H. Soward.
Ninnescah—Udall, Oct. 29. F. S. Jennings and A. H. Limerick.
Bolton—Theaker’s, Oct. 29; Mowry’s, Oct. 30. F. S. Jennings and C. R. Mitchell.
Arkansas City Republican, October 24, 1885.
LIST OF APPOINTMENTS BY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE.
Bolton: Theaker’s, Oct. 29. Mowry’s Oct. 30. F. S. Jennings and C. R. Mitchell.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.
Recap of a very long Publication Notice re District Court of Cowley County, Kansas.
The First National Bank of Peoria, and William E. Stone, Plaintiffs, versus Gordis R Cobleigh and Mary V. Cobleigh, and Lucius I. Day, Gordis R. Cobleigh, Normand S. King, Herbert F. Day, William G. Marsters [? Masters] and Samuel H. Van Sickler, partners under the firm name of Day Brothers and Co., Edward S. Jaffray, Howard S. Jaffray, James McVicker, John R. P. Woodriff, and Charles J. Hadfield, partners under the firm name of E. S. Jaffray and Co., Nonotuck Silk Company, a private corporation, Merrick Thread Company, a private corporation, Frederick C. King and John Fildes, Jr., partners under the firm name of King and Fildes, Alonzo W. Rollins, Theodore A. Shaw and J. Hentry Snitzler, partners under the firm name of Rollins, Shaw and Co., William Jack, Leslie D. Puterbaugh, William M. Herren, Rachel Herren, Samuel W. McFarlin, Sarah J. McFarlin, Charles F. Leonard, James D. Curtis, and Francis M. Boyer, Co-defendants.
Judgment: seven were given in this long document, in favor of the said plaintiffs and against the said defendants. Order given to sell, with appraisement, the northeast quarter of section thirty-one in township thirty-one south, of range eleven east, in Elk County, Kansas, with proceeds to be sent to court to grant plaintiffs.
Sale of property to be handled by the Sheriff of different counties in Kansas: Rush, Barton, etc. Jennings & Troup, Attorneys for Plaintiffs.
Senator Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Senator Jennings and Will C. Robinson took an eastern tour to Burden on “biz.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Senator Jennings left on the S. K. Monday for Sedan on legal “biz.”
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
Recap. Jennings & Troup, Attorneys for Plaintiff, Amos Dressel, Elizabeth Bryant, and John Bryant, Plaintiffs, versus Charles Dressel, Lewis Dressel, and August Dressel, and A. A. Jackson, as guardian for Lewis Dressel and August Dressel, minors, Defendants. Petition to be answered by January 22, 1886, relative to one-fifth interest in property. Property must be sold and divided, one fifth each, to Defendants having an interest in property.
LITIGATION’S LENGTHY LIST.
The Grist in Waiting for the December, 1885, Term of the District Court,
Beginning Tuesday, the 15th.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY.
Henry Hansen vs Joseph Davis, Jennings & Troup for prosecution; Hackney & Asp for defense.
Francis J Sessions vs J P Strickland, Hackney & Asp pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Dwight Ripley vs D A Millington, Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
J A Field & Co vs Brotherton & Silver, David C Beach pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
C E Foss & Co vs Phillip Sipe, D C Beach pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
School District No. 13 vs School District No. 133, Jennings & Troup pros; McDonald & Webb defense.
Bartlett & Co vs A T & S F R R Co., Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Wichita & South Western R R Co vs L B Stone Co Treasurer et al, Hackney pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Nannie C Fuller vs Board County Com et al, J F McMullen pros; Jennings & Troup, Jos O’Hare and Hackney & Asp defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY.
James Jordan vs Elisha Wade, Jennings & Troup pros.
F W Schwantes vs C A Bliss et al, S D Pryor pros; W A Tipton and Jennings & Troup defense.
M L Read vs J E Parking, McDonald & Webb pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Marshal Lambert vs Hiram Blenden, Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Jeremiah Weakly vs Burton D Guinn et al, Jennings & Troup pros; McDermott & Johnson defense.
Francis M Mullett vs Burton D Guinn et al, Jennings & Troup pros; McDermott & Johnson defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY.
Wesley Mallett vs Burton D Guinn et al, Jennings & Troup pros; McDermott & Johnson defense.
Isaiah L Newman vs William H Speers et al, Mitchell & Swarts and Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
B W Matlack vs Richard U Hess, J F McMullen pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Andrews & Losure vs Richard Gates, Dalton & Madden pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Edward I Barnes vs M L Robinson, C M Leavitt pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY.
The Wichita & Southwestern Railroad Co vs G H McIntire as sheriff et al, Hurd & Dunlap and W P Hackney for pros; Henry E Asp, Jennings & Troup and C L Swarts defense.
William H Hilliard vs Samuel D Pack et al, A J Pyburn pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. SIXTH DAY.
Lawrence Dawson vs The Kansas Life Association, Hackney & Asp pros, Jennings & Troup defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. SEVENTH DAY.
Adelia A Kibbie vs Lyman S Kibbie, Hackney & Asp pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Morrison Implement Co vs Hiram Brotherton et al, David C Beach pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
J E Hayner & Co vs G M Gardner, Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Geo Hefner vs W A Lee, Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
James A Crane vs Lizzie Crane, Hackney & Asp pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. EIGHTH DAY.
123, 2196. Warren Cottingham vs K C & S W R R Co., Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
125, 2198. Nancy A Cottingham vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
126, 2199. James Hollingsworth vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
129, 2205. Daniel Maher vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
133, 2209. J W Cottingham vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
134, 2210. M C Hedrick vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
232, 2212. W J Orr vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
137, 2213. Volney Baird vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Maria A Andrews vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp and Dalton defense.
W G Graham vs Kansas City and Southwestern R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
G W Yount vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
W W Limbocker vs Kansas City & South Western R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
W W Limbocker vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Adam Walck vs School District No. 91 in Cowley County, Kansas, George Tice, Director, E J Cole, Clerk and H I Daniels, Treasurer, said district. Hackney & Asp pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
John W Curns & G S Manser, partners by the firm name and style of Curns & Manser vs Harvey W Stubblefield et al, Jennings & Troup pros.
James H Land vs Monroe Marsh, Jennings & Troup pros.
M L Pearson vs Robert Hudson, W T Madden pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
M L Read vs Ira Freeman et al, Jennings & Troup pros.
CIVIL DOCKET. TENTH DAY.
John Lowry vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings and Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Addie W Sykes vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Winfield Water Co vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Riverside Park Association vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
W W Curtis vs William H Speers et al, Jennings & Troup pros.
Samuel S Linn vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings and Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
W H H Teter vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp, defense.
185, 2271. A G Robinson vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
187, 2272. A G Robinson vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. ELEVENTH DAY.
187, 2273. A G Robinson vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
191, 2278. Estate of Hilary Holtby vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
195, 2283. Alice A Patterson vs John W Patterson, McDonald & Webb pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
201, 2290. B F Kirker vs G H McIntire as Sheriff, Jennings and Troup pros.
203, 2292. George H Stalter vs Francis M Mundy et al, Jennings and Troup pros.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
Recap. T. S. Covert, Administrator, estate of M. T. Covert, deceased, Attorneys Jennings & Troup, to make final settlement of estate January 9, 1886.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
Recap. Robert P. Vermilye, Administrator with will annexed, Jennings & Troup, attorneys, Notice to creditors re estate of Joseph F. Vermilye, deceased, of final settlement of said estate January 9, 1886, at Winfield Court House. Property to be distributed according to provisions of will.
Excerpt: Senator Frank S. Jennings...
FLORENCE, EL DORADO & WALNUT.
The Township Committees Meet and Arrange Propositions.
Some Convincing Figures.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
When it comes to the advancement of Winfield and Cowley County, our people are a unit. Enterprise, energy, and grit have put our county and city far in advance of any others in all fair Kansas and will continue to do so. Winfield is destined to be the great metropolis of Southern Kansas, one of the big commercial and educational cities of the big west. With citizens of rare intelligence, progress, and vim, with natural surroundings and possibilities unexcelled, she can be nothing else. The enthusiasm of our businessmen in securing enterprises for the advancement of our city was forcibly exhibited last night in the rousing meeting for the consideration of the extension of the Florence, Eldorado & Walnut railroad, owned by the Santa Fe Co. The meeting was called to order by M. L. Robinson. W. G. Graham was chosen chairman and W. J. Wilson, Secretary. Mr. Robinson then explained the object of the meeting, and read letters from A. A. Robinson, General manager of the Santa Fe, agreeing to extend this road from Douglass to Winfield for $3,000 a mile, reserving only the necessity of erecting an independent depot here, the road to either connect with the Wichita & Southwestern at the junction just over the Walnut bridge and run into the Santa Fe depot, or cross the S. K. just east of, and using, that depot. The intention is a union depot here for the Southern Kansas, Wichita & Southwestern and Florence, Eldorado & Walnut railroads. The Santa Fe is determined to push through the Territory, which right of way it has already secured, at once. The extension will be made from Winfield, with the machine shops, roundhouse, etc., for this southern division and the roads of southern Kansas, at this place. An editorial elsewhere explains the requirements and advantages fully. Enthusiastic speeches were made last night in favor of this and other enterprises by Rev. B. Kelly, Henry E. Asp, T. H. Soward, Senator Jennings, John A. Eaton, and John McGuire.
Every movement must have money back of it to insure its success. This and other enterprises needing agitation take money. Contributions were called for to be placed in the hands of the Winfield Enterprise Association for use in submitting these railroad propositions and any other progressive enterprise for which the Association sees necessity. Over $500 was subscribed as follows.
F. S. Jennings contributed $15.00.
Frank S. Jennings...
THE JUSTICE MILL.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
John A. Eaton, on examination by a committee composed of Henry E. Asp, Frank S. Jennings, and David C. Beach, was admitted to the bar, as a regular practitioner.
The docket this term shows 212 cases. It will keep the court on the jump to clear the docket.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
Robert P. Vermilye, administrator with will annexed, Jennings & Troup, attorneys, notice of final settlement January 9, 1886.
Frank S. Jennings...
A PATHETIC SCENE.
The Court, Jury and Bar in the Arms of Fair Alice.
Blushes, Hugs, and Kisses.—How They All Took It.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
The scene in the court room on the announcement of the dismissal of Alice Jeffries’ case, was extremely pathetic. The fair heroine, with a heart o’er flowing with gratitude at her release from the horrible charge of midnight burglary, threw her arms around the neck of Judge Snow, her leading attorney, and affectionately impressed a sweet kiss on his manly brow. This was a signal for Campbell and Sumner, and she found them braced for the awful ordeal. She satisfied them with a hearty hug or two, and made for the jury, which looked desperately for a means of exit—none there. With tears dimming her eyes, she showed hand-shakes and thankful words clear around, even shaking hands with the two against her. The court, the while, was sightless with tears, but some considerate member of the bar, who saw, through tears, the Judge’s impending fate, rushed up with encouraging words, “put him on.” He wiped his weeping eyes and looked up just as the onslaught came. The two foot counter didn’t save him. Reaching her eager arms over all, she took in the Court with a loving embrace, and “may heaven bless you, Judge.” Judge Torrance has been called rather modest; perhaps he is, but the whole bar declare that his nerve on this occasion was heroic—are almost ready to declare that they heard the smack of a kiss. But, next to Snow, Campbell took it the hardest, and absolutely put his hand up to ward off the kiss. Sumner took in the whole circus just as though he had been there before and didn’t care a darn. But Snow was teetotally broke up. He had expected a demonstration among the other folks, but hoped for less publicity in his case. His blushes illuminated the whole court room. She hunted for Ed Pate, but he had hid under the counter. Sheriff McIntire came next, but he had hooked on to Time’s forelock and slid out. She afterward tackled him in his office, with the curtain down. Composing herself for a moment, she bethought herself of the excellent courtesy shown her by Messrs. Hackney & Asp. She saw the awful dejected look o’erspreading Bill’s face and tackled him first. Drawing his wild west locks over his brow, he took her demonstrations as meekly as a lamb—actually seemed rather to rather like it. Henry Asp by this time was under the table. But the attorneys hauled him out, about as nonplused an individual as you ever saw. Lovell Webb and Frank Jennings sympathetically braced him, one on either side, while Henry pleadingly extended his arms. He had to stand it, but swears he can never meet another attack like that. The whole scene knocked the hose clear off Walkup, Baily, or Frankie Morris—absolutely beggared description. We don’t pretend to do it justice. If Alice had given THE COURIER man a little attention, he could have written her up with much better satisfaction. She ran out of kisses before she got to us.
Senator Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
Henry E. Asp was caned, silvered, and broomed last night. His services to the city of Winfield in securing the K. C. & S. W. railroad and in every public enterprise for the advancement of our splendid city have always been spontaneous, indomitable, and effective. This merry Christmas time was the occasion for a demonstration of appreciation. Accordingly an elegant silver tea set and water service, a beautiful gold-headed cane, and—a jump from the sublime to the ridiculous—a thirty-five cent broom, were secured as tokens by the following representative gentlemen of the city: Rev. B. Kelley, M. L. Robinson, W. C. Robinson, J. L. M. Hill, Senator Jennings, D. A. Millington, T. H. Soward, J. C. Long, Sol Burkhalter, Judge Gans, Col. Whiting, Senator Hackney, H. H. Siverd, J. L. Horning, and Ed P. Greer.
LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
John Gray et ux to F S Jennings, 123 acres in w hf se qr 31-23-6e: $4,050.00.
Another brother of Frank S. Jennings, A. H. Jennings, and S. H. Jennings has turned up. Actually he has been in Winfield for some time and was a partner of Mr. Wilkinson. Am setting up a separate file for him. MAW
MORE ORANGE BLOSSOMS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
The bridesmaid of today is a bride tonight. It has been vaguely hinted that the deed was contemplated. The “best fellow” of the contract has carried around with him a faraway look, as if expecting something very unusual—something of life-time moment. Now it is all over. Rev. H. D. Gans was called in Friday evening last and Mr. George Jennings and Miss Jennie Lowry were united in heart, hand, and fortune. It occurred at the home of the bride’s parents, Capt. and Mrs. John Lowry, in the presence of only immediate relatives. Both are well known and popular among our young folks. Miss Lowry has grown to womanhood in Winfield, is a graduate of our High School, and has always been active in the city’s society. Mr. Jennings is a brother of the Senator, A. H. and S. H., and one of Winfield’s best young men—frugal, genial, and sturdy—just the kind of young man that oftenness make successes in life. THE COURIER, with many friends, wishes Mr. and Mrs. George Jennings all the happiness and prosperity obtainable in a long life.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank S. Jennings...
A VERY ENJOYABLE RECEPTION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
The agreeable home of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Miller was a lively scene Tuesday evening. It was the occasion of the twentieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, which fact was unknown to the guests until their arrival, making the event all the more appropriate and lively. It was one of the jolliest gatherings of married people, old and young, composed as follows, as near as we can recall: Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Dr. and Mrs. T. B. Tandy, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Col. and Mrs. Wm. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Ed G. Cole, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson, Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Greer, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Lynn, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Stone, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Buford, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Warner, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Albro, Mrs. Alice Bishop, Mrs. Scothorn, Mrs. R. B. Waite, Mrs. Hartwell, Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. Wm. Whiting, Mr. J. R. Brooks, and Mr. D. Taylor. The warm-hearted hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Miller was at its best, and their admirable entertainment made the freest and heartiest enjoyment. The collation was exceptionally excellent. In the folding doors was a handsome banner inscribed 1866-1886, indicative of the anniversary. Not till after twelve o’clock did the guests depart, in the realization of having spent one of the happiest evenings of the winter.
Senator Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Senator Jennings and Representatives Ed. P. Greer, Louis P. King, and John D. Maurer went to Topeka Sunday to attend the special session of the Legislature.
KANSAS LEGISLATURE.
What Was Done in Senate and House on Saturday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
The House resolution instructing our Senators and Representatives in Congress to secure a law granting a pension to all soldiers of the late war was considered and adopted.
Senator Harkness desired to amend by striking out the age, and making it apply to all soldiers, especially the poor man.
Senator Donnell hoped the Senate would not regard the soldiers as paupers, but deserving men who by their efforts kept the country on the map of the world.
Senator Jennings endorsed the position of Senator Donnell.
Senator H. B. Kelley believed the soldiers were men who had right on their side.
Senator Harkness was not in favor of passing a resolution of this kind to please the old soldiers.
THE D., M. & A. BILL.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
Representative Greer writes from Topeka: “I enclose copy of my bill for relief of the D., M. & A. Senator Jennings has already got it through the Senate and I have everything cut and dried for its passage in the House. I am satisfied that the road will be built at once if we succeed in passing this act. Everything is running along smoothly, with lots of work cut out for the future. We will save our three representatives, but by a mighty close scratch.” The following is the D., M. & A. relief bill. It is an Act in relation to railway corporations, and authorizing and confirming change of gauge in certain cases, and municipal aid in such cases.
Sec. 1. Any railroad corporation which has been heretofore or may be hereafter, organized and incorporated under the laws of this state, for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating a narrow-gauge railway, shall have the right, and is hereby authorized by vote of the holders of a majority of its stock (subscribed and issued), to change the gauge of its track from narrow gauge to standard gauge.
Sec. 2. Whenever any railway corporation shall change the gauge of its track as authorized by section one of this act, it shall be the duty of the secretary of such railway corporation to certify to the secretary of the state, under his hand and the seal of said railway corporation, the fact of such change having been made, and the date thereof.
Sec. 3. If, before the passage of this act, any such railway corporation, by vote of its stockholders, shall have changed the gauge of its track from narrow gauge to standard gauge, and shall, within sixty days after the passage of this act, by its secretary, and under its corporate seal, certify to the secretary of State the fact of such change, and the date thereof, such change is hereby ratified and confirmed, and shall have the same force and effect as if made after the passage of this act.
Sec. 4. Any change of gauge of track such as is hereby authorized, whether by amendment of articles of incorporation, or by resolution and certificate thereof, shall be filed and recorded by the secretary of State, and certificate thereof given, the same as in cases of articles of incorporation.
Sec. 5. Whenever any railway corporation organized to construct and operate a narrow-gauge railway, shall have availed itself of the benefits of this act, by changing the gauge of its track, or certifying to such changes as herein provided, any municipal bonds, before such change, or certificate, voted to such railway company, shall not be invalid by reason of such change of gauge, Provided, Such change does not conflict with the terms of the proposition under which such bonds were voted; but such bonds shall, by the proper authorities for any county, township, or city having voted such bonds, be delivered to such railway corporation, upon its compliance with the terms of the proposition under which they were voted; and such bonds shall be as valid and binding upon such county, township, or city as if the original charter for such railway corporation had authorized the same to construct, maintain, and operate a railway of standard gauge.
Sec. 6. Any railway corporation having received municipal bonds voted in aid of the construction of a narrow-gauge railroad shall, before being entitled to the benefits of this act, procure the consent to such change of gauge by the county, township, or city from whom such bonds were received; which consent must be given by the board of county commissioners for the county or any township thereof, and by the Mayor and councilmen for any city.
S. H. Jennings: Brother of Frank S. Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
Carpenters are at work today on Col. McMullen’s building on Main street, formerly occupied by the Chicago Millinery store. They are tearing away one half of it. The remaining half, owned by S. H. Jennings, will be fixed up for a small store room. The building, occupied by Sam last summer as an ice cream parlor, will also be moved off and the Colonel will put up a fine building in the place of these old frame ones.
Senator Frank S. Jennings...
KANSAS LEGISLATURE.
Senate Not in Session on Saturday.
Important Railroad Bill in the House.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
Senate bill No. 1, introduced in that body by Senator Jennings, and passed on third reading, was recommended for passage. This bill is an act in relation to railway corporations, and authorizing and confirming change of gauge in certain cases, and municipal aid in such cases. This bill provides that narrow gauge railroads, to which aid has been voted, may become standard gauge roads, and otherwise make improvements without additional cost to the people. There was no opposition.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
Mrs. Senator Jennings returned today from a visit with her husband at Topeka.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
Sheriff McIntire says he found Senator Jennings and Ed. P. Greer both in the penitentiary, last Sunday—there on an inspection tour from the legislature.
GRAND JURY RESOLUTIONS.
The G. A. R. Boys Repudiate Senator Jennings’ Reflections.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
The Winfield Post, G. A. R., at its regular meeting Monday eve passed unanimously the following.
WHEREAS, There are more than two thousand old soldiers in Cowley County, Kansas, who gave the best years of their lives in behalf of the flag. And,
WHEREAS, In the Senate of Kansas, the question of the appropriation of $25,000 to defray expenses of our National Encampment, if held in Kansas in 1887, being under discussion; And,
WHEREAS, Senator F. S. Jennings opposed said appropriation, and is reported in the daily papers of Topeka to have said, “That his constituents thought the recurrence of state and national encampments entirely too frequent, that the old soldiers themselves were getting tired of the show, and they wanted a little quietness.” And
WHEREAS, Their sentiments as reported in said papers are well calculated to place us in a false position before our comrades, both in the state and the nation. And,
WHEREAS, If Senator Jennings entertains the sentiments attributed to him as above; then as a part of his constituency who wore the blue and fought the gray, we repudiate such sentiments. And we are not now, and we never expect to be of the opinion that State and National reunions are too frequent, or that we ever tire of meeting our old comrades in arms, and in what he is reported to have branded as a “show.” But we shall ever deem it the honor and glory of our lives that we may meet again and again, and renew the memories and the glories of the late war. Therefore, be it
Resolved, That Senator Jennings be requested to say through the columns of the daily Capital, a paper whose editor was a soldier, whether or not he entertains the sentiments attributed to him as above, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the distinguished Senator, and one to the daily Capital for publication. That we thank Senators Rush and Harkness for their manly stand on the above question, and that copies of these resolutions be sent to them.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, with a copy of Senator Jennings’ speech, be forwarded to each of the six posts in this county, with a request that they take action thereon.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished each of the daily newspapers of this city, with a request that they be published.
HEADQUARTERS OF WINFIELD CAMP NO. 25 S OF V.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Resolved, That Winfield Camp No. 25, Sons of Veterans, hereby endorse the resolutions of Winfield Post No. 85, G. A. R., in regard to the action of Senator F. S. Jennings in opposing an appropriation for the National Encampment.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished each of the newspapers in the city with a request that they be published. W. L. Pridgeon, Capt.; C. M. Storm, Ord. Sergeant.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 24, 1886.
We publish on another page the full text of Senator Jennings’ bill in relation to building and maintaining bridges in Cowley County, which has passed the legislature and is now a law. We are indebted to Hon. L. P. King for a printed copy of the bill.
SENATOR JENNINGS’ ACT.
An Act to Provide for the County to Build and Repair Bridges.
The following bill was presented in the Senate of the State Legislature, by Mr. Jennings, and passed both Houses.
An act in relation to building and maintaining bridges in Cowley County, Kansas.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:
SECTION 1. Whenever the trustees of any township, or the mayor and council in cities of the second class, in the county of Cowley, shall present to the board of county commissioners of said county a petition, signed by two-fifths of the resident taxpayers of such township or city, praying for the construction of a bridge within said township or city at a point to be mentioned in said petition, the necessary cost of which will exceed five hundred dollars, the board of county commissioners shall immediately inquire into the facts set forth in such petition, and if the said board deem the building of said bridge of sufficient public necessity and utility, it shall determine upon a plan, the kind of materials to be used, and estimate the cost thereof.
SECTION 2. The said board of county commissioners, after determining the necessity and public utility of building a bridge under section 1 of this act, shall submit to the qualified electors of the township or city in which said bridge is proposed to be built, at a special election to be held for that purpose, a proposition as to whether said township or city shall pay one-third of the cost of building said bridge; which proposition shall state the precise point at which such proposed bridge is to be constructed, the kind of materials to be used, and the estimated cost of the same. At least twenty days’ notice of the time and place of holding said election, either by publication for three consecutive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation in said township or city, or by posting up printed notices thereof in not less than eight conspicuous places in said township or city.
SECTION 3. Such elections shall be held at the usual places for holding elections in such townships or city, and shall be conducted by the officers or persons provided by law for the holding elections in any township or city, and shall be governed according to the rules and regulations provided by law for the holding of other township or city elections.
SECTION 4. The vote at such election shall be by ballot, and the tickets used shall have written or printed thereon the words, “For the building of the bridge,” or “Against the building of the bridge,” and if a majority of the vote cast at such election have the words, “For the building of the bridge,” then the proposition shall be declared to be carried.
SECTION 5. The county commissioners of said county shall, immediately after the proposition to build a bridge under this act shall have been declared carried, advertise the time and place of letting the contract for the construction of such bridge, by publication in some newspaper of the county and of general circulation therein, for at least three consecutive weeks, and shall in said notice state the kind of bridge, its dimensions, and the material to be used in the bridge, its piers and abutments. They shall receive only sealed proposals for the building of the same, and no proposal shall be received after 12 o’clock M. of the day advertised for letting said contract.
SECTION 6. Said board of county commissioners shall let said contract to the lowest responsible bidder, provided said lowest bid for completing said bridge ready for travel does not exceed the original estimate upon which the election in the township or city authorizing the building of such bridge was submitted, in which case said board shall re-advertise for bids in the manner as if no bids had been received.
SECTION 7. The board of county commissioners, after the proposition shall have been declared carried in any township or city, shall levy a bridge tax upon the entire taxable property of such township or city having voted to build a bridge under the provisions of this act, sufficient to raise one-third the estimated cost of building such bridge as stated in the election proclamation, and no more, which levy shall be extended on the tax roll and collected as other taxes; and if more taxes are thus collected than are necessary, after such bridge is built, the balance shall be turned over to the road and bridge fund of such township or city: Provided, That if the petition presented to the board of commissioners by the trustee or mayor and council, asking for the building of such bridge, shall ask that the tax be levied in two years, then said board shall levy half each year; but the contract to build such bridge shall not be let until half of said tax is levied and collected; And provided further, That if the estimated cost of such bridge exceeds six thousand dollars, then said board of county commissioners shall make no levy unless directed so to do, within twenty days after the votes of said election are canvassed by the township board through the trustee or the mayor and council of such city through the mayor, but the township board or mayor and council may issue the bonds of the township or city as hereafter mentioned.
SECTION 8. No bonds shall be executed and sold to build any bridge or bridges under the provisions of this act by said county, nor shall any township or city in said county, issue its bonds to pay its proportionate share, unless the entire estimated cost of such bridge shall exceed six thousand dollars, in which event such township or city may issue its bonds in denominations of not less than one hundred dollars, and shall be payable as such city may direct, in not less than five or more than twenty years from the date thereof, with interest not to exceed eight per centum per annum, which said interest shall be payable semi-annually, at such place as the principal sum is made payable, and for which said interest said bonds shall have coupons attached; and such bonds and coupons shall be signed by the township trustee, and attested by the clerk, or by the mayor of such city, and attested by the city clerk; and the money received from the sale of said bonds shall be turned over to the county treasurer of said county, to be held by him in the same manner as if said money had been collected in taxes.
SECTION 9. The township or city officers of any township or city in said county issuing bonds under the provisions of this act shall levy each year and cause to be collected as other taxes are collected, sufficient tax to pay the interest on said bonds as they shall become due, and create a sinking fund for the final redemption of such bonds, which taxes shall be collected as other taxes are collected, and when collected shall be and remain a specific fund for such purposes only. If said bonds run for a period of more than five years, then such sinking fund may be annually invested in bonds of the United States, State of Kansas, or bonds of the township or city issued under the provisions of this act, and not more than their face value. Bonds so purchased shall be held by the township or city, and when the bonds issued under this act shall become due, such purchased bonds shall be sold at the highest market price, and the proceeds applied to the redemption of the bonds issued under this act.
SECTION 10. The county commissioners of said Cowley County are authorized to levy a tax annually on all the taxable property of said county, of not exceeding three mills on the dollar, for the purpose of providing a bridge fund, to be expended under the provisions of this act.
SECTION 11. The board of county commissioners shall have the exclusive control of letting all contracts under the provisions of this act, and making payments therefor, and the county treasurer shall pay out no money out of the bridge fund for any township or city, created under the provisions of this act, except upon a warrant signed by the chairman of such board and attested by the county clerk; Provided further, No money shall be paid to any person, company, or corporation contracting to build such bridge, until all the materials for such bridge are on the ground; And provided further, That not more than half the cost of building such bridge shall be paid until such bridge is completed and accepted by the board.
SECTION 12. All bridges constructed under the provisions of this act shall thereafter be repaired and kept up jointly by the township or city in which said bridge is located, and the county, the township, or city bearing one-third and the county two-thirds of such expense.
SECTION 13. All bridges proposed to be built under this act, over any stream or other place requiring such bridge, and across the boundary line between two townships, or between a city and township, in said county, the election for such bridge shall be called in such township, or township and city, at the same time and in the same manner as hereinbefore provided for holding the election in one township or city; and if a majority of the votes case in such township, or township and city, shall be in favor of the proposition, then the board of county commissioners shall levy and collect from each of said townships, or townships and city, one-sixth the cost of such bridge, which shall be expended as herein provided.
SECTION 14. The board of county commissioners of said Cowley County shall hereafter appropriate out of the bridge fund of said county, money sufficient to pay two-thirds of the necessary repairs and expenses of keeping up any bridge or bridges already built by township or townships, or city, or by the county, where the original cost exceeds $300 [?? NOT SURE OF THE FIGURE GIVEN ?]; and such township or townships, or city, in which such bridge or bridges are located, shall pay one-third the expense of the repairs and expenses out of the road and bridge or other tax fund of such township or townships or city.
SECTION 15. It shall be the duty of the township trustee of each township in said county, and the mayor of such city, to supervise the repairing of the bridges in his township or city; and whenever the road overseer shall notify the township trustee, or the street commissioners notify the mayor, that any bridge needs repairing, the trustee or mayor shall at once take the necessary steps to, and shall make such repairs; Provided, If such repairs at one time shall exceed $100, then such trustee or mayor shall confer with the chairman of the board of county commissioners, who shall, with such trustee or mayor, have such repairs made if any be necessary.
SECTION 16. Whenever the township board of any township, or the mayor and council of such city, in said county, shall declare on the records of their township or city that the building of a bridge is necessary at some point in their township or city, and that the cost of the same will be less than five hundred dollars and more than one hundred dollars, then the township trustee or mayor shall immediately present a copy of the record of the action of such township or city to the board of county commissioners, and if said board deem the building of such bridge practicable and of sufficient public necessity and utility, and that it will cost less than five hundred dollars and more than one hundred dollars, said commissioners may build the same as provided herein for the building of other bridges, without an election for that purpose being held in the township or townships or city where such bridge is located.
SECTION 17. All bridges in said county costing one hundred dollars or less shall be built and repaired exclusively by the township or city in which they may be situated.
SECTION 18. That when two or more townships or cities in said county shall vote for the building of bridges, at or near the same time, then said bridges shall be built in the order in which the propositions were voted, unless the board is clearly satisfied that one or more of such bridges is of greater public necessity and utility than the others, in which case the bridge of most necessity to the public may be built first.
SECTION 19. Before this act shall take effect and be in force in said county, an election shall be called and held in said county for the purpose of taking the sense of the electors of said county as to whether this act shall be in force in said county; and if a majority of the votes cast at such election shall be in favor of this act, then said board shall, on the day said vote is canvassed, enter upon the records of the commissioners of said county an order declaring the act in full force and effect in said county, and thereafter this act shall be in full force and effect in said county.
SECTION 20. That for the purpose of taking the sense of the voters of said county, as provided in the preceding section, the board of county commissioners of such county shall call a special election, to be held for that purpose, on the first Tuesday in April, 1886, and public notice of the time and purpose of said election shall be given for at least twenty days in the official paper of said county, and by posting written or printed handbills at each of the several voting precincts in said county. The votes for the proposition shall have written or printed thereon, “For the special bridge act,” and those against shall have written or printed thereon, “Against the special bridge act.” Such elections shall be conducted in all other respects as provided in the general election laws of the state.
SECTION 21. This act shall take effect and be in force after its publication in the Winfield Courier, and after it shall have been carried at the election herein provided for, and the order to that effect made by the board of county commissioners of said county.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Senator Jennings and wife got home Wednesday from Delavan, Illinois, where they have been visiting since the Legislature adjourned.
Jennings & Troup...
LEGAL NOTICES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
Recap: Franklin P. Smith, Plaintiff, vs. Arthur Shupe, Mary E. Shupe, Eva Smith, Alma Smith, Elma Smith, Bert Smith, Sarah J. Smith, William O. Mounts, Frank T. M. Smith, Oscar Smith, Wilson Walters, Elizabeth Walters, and Jonathan Duncan as administrator of the estate of Charles F. Smith, deceased. Defendants. Franklin P. Smith, By Jennings & Troup, His Attorneys. Petition to be heard April 17, 1886, to quiet title of plaintiff to real estate.
Senator Jennings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
Senator Jennings left last Thursday for western points. He will probably be gone a week.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.
James Whitehead, charged with stealing Col. Ridgeway’s horse, at Torrance, had his examination before Judge Buckman Thursday, and was bound over. County Attorney Swarts couldn’t get up from Arkansas City, and Lovell H. Webb appeared for him. Senator Jennings is Whitehead’s attorney. The bond was placed at $300. The victim languishes.
Jennings & Troup...
Bar Docket for the April Term of the Cowley County District Court,
Convening Tuesday, the 6th.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.
CIVIL DOCKET.
1. 1786. Henry Hansen vs Joseph Davis, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
4. 1858. Dwight Ripley vs D A Millington, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
7. 1899. James Jordan vs Winfield Township, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Jos O’Hare and Hackney & Asp for def.
8. 1909. Bliss & Wood vs C C Harris et al, McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, D C Beach and Jennings & Troup for def.
9. 1937. Bartlett & Co vs A T & S F R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
10. 1938. The Wichita & South Western Railway Co. vs L B Stone, County Treasurer et al, W P Hackney for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
16. 1980. F W Schwantes vs C A Bliss et al, S D Pryor and W A Tipton for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
27. 2032. Jeremiah Weakley vs Burton D Guinn et al, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, McDermott & Johnson for def.
28. 2033. Francis M Mallett vs Burton D Guinn et al, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, McDermott & Johnson for def.
29. 2034. Wesley Mallett vs Burton D Guinn et al, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, McDermott & Johnson for def.
31. 2052. Isaac L Newman vs William H Speers et al, Mitchell & Swarts and Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
39. 2069. Andrews & Losure vs Richard Gates, Dalton & Madden for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
41. 2076. Edward L Barnes vs M L Robinson, C M Leavitt for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
44. 2295. H M Beachman vs George E Hasie and W S Hasie, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup and A J Pyburn for def.
47. 2107. S B Riggs vs Camilla Bigler et al, Kellogg & Sedgwick for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
63. 2155. Adelia A Kibbe vs Lyman S Kibbe, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
64. 2159. Nicholas Belveal vs The Kansas Protection Union, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
66. 2169. James S Sterrett vs Joseph W Calvin et al, G H Buckman for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup and J F McMullen for def.
67. 2173. George Heffron vs W A Lee, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
80. 2205. Daniel Maher vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp and Dalton for def.
84. 2210. M C Hedrick vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup and Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
85. 2211. Arthur Orr vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
86. 2212. W J Orr vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
87. 2213. Volney Baird vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
90. 2221. W G Graham vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
91. 2222. G W Yount vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
92. 2223. W W Limbocker vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
93. 2224. W W Limbocker vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
97. 2232. Adam Walck vs School District No. 91, in Cowley County, et al, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
102. 2242. M L Pearson vs Robert Hudson, W T Madden for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
105. 2246. The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
112. 2259. John Lowry vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
113. 2260. Addie W Sykes vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
115. 2263. W W Curtis vs William H Speers et al, Jennings & Troup for def.
117. 2269. Samuel S Lynn vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
118. 2270. W H H Teter vs The Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
119. 2271. A J Robinson vs The Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
120. 2272. A J Robinson vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
121. 2273. A J Robinson vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
125. 2278. Estate of Hillary Holtby vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
128. 2283. Alice A Patterson vs John W Patterson, McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
134. 2290. B J Kirker vs G H McIntire as Sheriff, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
148. 2297. R H Moore vs Wm Ford and H P Snow, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
152. 2312. Amos Dressell et al vs Charles Dressell et al, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
159. 2320. Alfred M Strickland vs A Henthorn et al, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
163. 2329. H G Fuller vs Curns & Manser, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
164. 2330. H G Fuller & Co. vs John B Harden, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for def.
167. 2335. F I Pike vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
169. 2337. Charles Seyfer vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
172. 2340. C J Beck vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
173. 2341. Henry B Hollowell vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
174. 2342. W D Mowry vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
175. 2343. S L Gilbert vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
185. 2358. Florence Puncheon vs L H Braden, Wm M Jenkins for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
192. 2365. Joseph Musgrove vs Harriet H Musgrove, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
196. 2369. W H Merritt vs Mary J Martin and Samuel J Martin, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff.
Jennings & Troup...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
DISTRICT COURT.
Thursday was entirely taken up in empaneling a jury in the Henry Mowry murder case from Arkansas City. The regular venire, with six talesmen, were exhausted in selecting the following jury: G. W. Hosmer, H. O. Brown, Fountain Seacat, J. D. [?] McMains, W. S. Caster, C. W. Dover, W. Drury, Henry Chitwood, D. W. Frew, S. Bonifield, J. G. Anderson, and L. Conrad. Jennings & Troup, of this city, and W. E. Stanley, of Wichita, are counsel for the defense, and Henry E. Asp and County Attorneys Swarts & Webb conduct the prosecution. Mr. Asp is in the case from the fact of this case having come up under his regime as county attorney. He will also assist in the Marshall case. The case in hand is a big one, with a woman at the bottom of it—a case the facts of which have numerously appeared in THE COURIER and with which all are familiar, making a rehash of the evidence unnecessary. The mother of the prisoner, a fine looking old lady, with his brothers, W. D. and Al., occupy seats within the railing and exhibit deep concern. The woman in the case, Mrs. O. F. Godfrey, and husband are here from Chicago, to where they recently moved. There are two dozen or more witnesses in the case and its trial will probably occupy a week or more.
Arkansas City Republican, April 17, 1886.
The evidence in the Mowry trial at Winfield was all in Wednesday morning. Judge Torrance adjourned court until Thursday morning, when the attorneys began their argument.
Judge Torrance read his instructions to the jury and County Attorney Swarts opened the argument with a keen-cut speech of a couple of hours. It surprised those unfamiliar with his ability. Senator Jennings followed for the defense and occupied most of the afternoon in a speech, seeking to establish epileptic mania in his client at the time of the shooting. Henry E. Asp came next, for the prosecution, followed by W. E. Stanley for the defense.
LATER. Just as we were going to press, the word reached us that the jury rendered their verdict after being out about five hours—a verdict of “guilty of murder in the first degree.”
[HENRY MOWRY MURDER CASE: MOTION FOR A NEW TRIAL.]
Arkansas City Republican, May 15, 1886.
Henry Mowry’s Sentence.
The motion for a new trial in the Henry Mowry murder case came up before Judge Torrance, Jennings & Troup arguing for the defense and County Attorneys Swarts & Webb, assisted by Henry E. Asp, under whose official regime the case was brought, representing the county. A gallant fight was made by Mowry’s attorneys, but the court refused to grant a new trial. Mowry’s attorneys gave notice that they would file a motion in arrest of judgment and would have it ready Tuesday morning, after which Mowry was returned to jail and placed again in solitary confinement.
Wednesday morning Judge Torrance overruled the motion for an arrest of judgment and passed the following sentence.
“It is the judgment of the court that the defendant, Henry Mowry, be hanged by the neck until he is dead, at such time as the Governor of this state, for the time being, may appoint; not less than one year from the date of his conviction. It is further ordered by the court that the clerk of this court make out under his hand and the seal of this court, and deliver to the sheriff of this county, a warrant reciting the conviction and sentence of the defendant to the penitentiary of this state, and to deliver him over to the warden thereof, to be, by the warden of the penitentiary, kept at hard labor, safely kept at hard labor, in the walls of the penitentiary, until such time as may be fixed for the execution of this sentence, by the governor of this state.”
Jennings & Troup...
Arkansas City Republican, May 22, 1886.
Council Proceedings.
The city council met Monday evening in regular session. Present: C. G. Thompson, C. G. Thurston, A. A. Davis, A. D. Prescott, J. Hight, C. Dean, and O. Ingersoll.
Jennings & Troup, $12.50; laid on table.
Arkansas City Republican, May 29, 1886.
Council Proceedings.
Monday evening the city council met. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen A. D. Prescott, O. Ingersoll, A. A. Davis, C. T. Thurston, C. G. Thompson, and J. Hight.
The following bills were allowed.
Jennings & Troup; allowed.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 29, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
Frank S. Jennings, of Winfield, was in the city this afternoon attending to legal business.
Frank S. Jennings settles matters...
[FIGHT: JARVIS & HUNT, FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF WINFIELD.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 25, 1886. From Saturday’s Daily.
Semblance to Bunke-shop.
The Visitor relates a queer story regarding the First National Bank of Winfield. It appears from the columns of the journal mentioned above that Jarvis & Hunt have been having little “differences of opinions,” until they had gotten to be big ones. Jarvis wanted to buy or sell the other’s interest in the business. Hunt refused. One day when Jarvis was out, Hunt took all of the firm’s papers and went to the First National Bank and was in the act of signing them all over to it when the first mentioned gentleman happened in. Jarvis demanded to know what Hunt was doing with the firm’s papers without his knowledge and made a grab for them and obtained most of them. Hunt also grabbed, but he was not quick enough.
The story is best told now in the Visitor’s own words.
“Hunt then jumped at him, trying to take the papers away from him, Jarvis declaring that half of the papers were his and he would not give them up until he knew what disposition was being made of them and held on and refused to give them up. At this, Mart Robinson, the president of the bank, proceeded to take a hand and while he and Hunt were scuffling with Jarvis, trying to get the papers, Geo. Robinson, the cashier, ran in from behind the bank counters and grabbed Jarvis by the throat, choking him and demanding the papers. All three were at him at the same time; but in spite of the garroting and scuffling, Jarvis succeeded in keeping a fast hold on the papers.
“Between the scuffling and choking, the voice of Mart rose high, telling Jarvis that ‘he had no business to come into their place of business and gather up papers—that the papers were in Hunt’s possession and he had no right to them.’
“Jarvis also took occasion, as the pressure of George’s fingers from time to time let up to tell them ‘that he proposed to take his property whenever he found a set of d____d thieves and robbers like they were undertook to down him.’
“Finally Jarvis told them to let him loose, that he wanted to speak to Hunt. They released him and he asked Hunt ‘what he was going to do with the papers and why he had taken them out of the office unbeknownst to him and without his consent?’
“Hunt answered that ‘he was signing them over to the bank to keep him from robbing him.’
“Jarvis said that ‘no one wanted to rob him, that he believed it all a scheme of a set of thieves to rob him.’
“The Robinsons then made a show of apologizing, saying that ‘they didn’t know what papers they were when he picked them up.’
“Words followed words until Mart locked the door and informed Jarvis that he should never go out of the bank while he kept possession of the papers and finally he and George again attacked him: Mart going for the papers and George, taking his favorite hold, tried to shut off his wind. He still clung to them and they again detested and blankly apologized to Jarvis, assuring Jarvis that they were very sorry to have any trouble. Jarvis then told them that they would never get the papers out of his hands as long as he lived, and finally after a third unsuccessful tussle and choking, they agreed that he should send after an attorney. Frank Jennings was sent for and it was settled by a list of the papers being prepared for Jarvis and the bank retaining them.”
Senator Jennings...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 23, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
The Representative Question.
The coming political fight in this county is warming up considerably. The pot is fast beginning to boil. The principal contest has narrowed down apparently to which candidate for representative of this district will be elected. Our readers are aware who those are before them seeking the office. The Republican nominee is Hon. L. P. King; the Democratic nominee is F. P. Schiffbauer. The former is of Beaver Township; the latter of this city.
Many of our Democratic readers, who reside in this city, accuse us of a lack of patriotism for Arkansas City because we do not support Mr. Schiffbauer, claiming that Mr. King is a Winfield man and the latter a true blue Sandhiller. We deny this allegation, and of all who have made it, have demanded proof. As yet, not one could furnish it. Some assert that Mr. King does his trading in Winfield. We know this to be false. We have seen Mr. King a number of times buying provisions at our stores and the Daniel Bros., the blacksmiths, inform us that they have been doing all his work in their line for three years past. The truth of the whole matter is, this is a trumped up charge. In fact, it is a Democratic campaign lie made out of whole cloth and one which that party has sprung on every nominee of the Republican party since there has been a rivalry existing between Arkansas City and Winfield. We think it is about time they give us something new. That old taunt is too tame and won’t wash down with the voters of this district. On the other hand, we assert Mr. King to be a strong Arkansas City man. He realizes that if this town is benefitted, he will be also. With this in view he has always labored for his constituents. Right here, we can hear some good old Democratic campaigner remark: “He didn’t do us any good in the legislature; he didn’t even get us a bridge law; we want to send someone there who will do Arkansas City some good.” Well, we reply, he did do us some good in the legislature, and did us no harm. Will you be kind enough to tell us of some one legislator from this district who ever did as any great good since this district has been organized? There never was but one and that was Dr. Leonard. If Mr. King had been a legislator then, he probably would have accomplished the same end for us as Dr. Leonard. The gist of the whole thing then is simmered down to the bridge question. If our memory serves us well, we believe Mr. King in the last legislature made an exceedingly strong fight on this question. Many of our readers are not aware of the facts in the case, and so we repeat them. During the early part of the legislature, Senator Jennings introduced a bridge bill, which it was thought would suit us if it could be made a law. Mr. King refrained from introducing a bill at the time because from a conference of a committee of our prominent citizens he learned that Jennings’ bill would do, and he and they thought best not to antagonize it by introducing another. The bill passed the house, but was defeated in the senate. By the time the fate of this bill was known, the session of the legislature was so far advanced that it was useless to introduce another bill, and it would have been folly to have done so. At the special session Mr. King introduced a bill, which a committee of the city sanctioned as the proper thing, and worked hard for its passage; but it too was defeated. The reason why is very simple. Senator Jennings, Mr. Greer, and Mr. Maurer worked diligently against it. The first is our senator; the remaining two, representatives from districts in this county. We ask who could accomplish the passing of our bridges on the county when the entire remaining delegation from Cowley County was against him? There is no man who could have accomplished the task undertaken by Mr. King.
In regard to sending a man from Arkansas City to the legislature who will do us some good, we will say that by sending Mr. King from this district, more good will be accomplished than by sending Mr. Schiffbauer. The Republican nominee is equally as brilliant, if not a great deal more so, than the Democratic nominee. Then why should the Republicans of Arkansas City disrupt their party by voting for a man who has been in every political organization known, except the prohibition, and has no fixed political principles governing him. He has been in the Republican party; he has been an Independent; he has been in the Labor party; and now he is in the Democratic, so he tells us. Perhaps he is by this time a full fledged “Irishman’s flee,” and will rest content until after the election. Quite likely then he will hop over to the prohibitionists. Again, should the Republicans of this city vote against Mr. King and elect his opponent, a chasm would be created between Arkansas City and the townships of the district. At present the townships and this town are in harmony, and we must keep them so. It is conceded that this district is Republican; and should Schiffbauer be elected, it would be by Republican votes. In the Republican nominating convention, the delegates from the county, excepting Bolton Township, were solid for King and against the gentleman brought out by the city. We might sometime in the future desire to ask for railroad bonds from the townships which are urging Mr. King forward very strongly, and then we would be told to get our favors at the hands of the Democracy. Republicans, we cannot afford to allow this breach to be made. It behooves us all to get out and labor for Mr. King’s election or else we will kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Our prosperity today is principally due to the aid which the surrounding townships have extended us.
Further, if Mr. Schiffbauer should by a chance be elected, what could he do for Arkansas City in a Republican legislature? He would be sent there as a Democrat. His principles would not be in accordance with the powers that be and therefore he would gain no recognition. Mr. King, as before, would be placed on many important committees from the fact that he is a Republican and could there serve Arkansas City, his district, and the State to a greater advantage. Besides, his first term experience would place him on any equal footing with the majority of his brother legislators. In conclusion, we say to Republicans, work and vote for Hon. L. P. King for representative.
Jennings & Troup...
Arkansas City Traveler, November 10, 1886.
As we intimated yesterday morning Jennings & Troup served a temporary restraining order on the county commissioners, notifying them to not give to the F. E. & W. V. R. R. the bonds of Walnut Township. The order was granted by Judge Torrance in Chambers on a showing that the company hadn’t kept their contract with the township. The stipulation required a line of road to be built from the north line of the township to the corporate limits of Winfield, which would have given them five miles of track. The matter will have to come up for final hearing before Judge Torrance, when the order will either be made perpetual or dissolved. Winfield Visitor.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 13, 1886. From Saturday’s Daily.
The farmers of Walnut Township have already opened their battery on Winfield. They have employed Jennings & Troup to take such steps and begin such action in the courts as will release them from obligations to issue $15,000 in bonds to the F. E. & W. V. Railroad.
Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 27, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Frank Jennings came down from Winfield yesterday to see how much the Sandhill was booming.
Senator Frank S. Jennings...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 5, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
Senator F. S. Jennings compliments the REPUBLICAN with the biennial message, in pamphlet form, of Gov. John A. Martin to the legislature of Kansas of 1887.
[RAILROADS: D. M. & A.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 26, 1887. From Saturday’s Daily.
“As the matter now stands, the Missouri Pacific runs to Arkansas City,” Lawyer Jennings was heard to remark in his office at Winfield; “Gould told me himself that he would accept Arkansas City’s proposition.” Let us see. Arkansas City’s proposition to Mr. Gould was to run his main line of the D. M. & A. into our city and leave the county seat entirely out. We boom.
