Maurer

         [John D. Maurer and brother, Rowland C. Maurer, handled cattle and hogs.]
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 1901.
[NOVEMBER 1870]         PAGE 425.
PHOTOS: 1)  JOHN D. MAURER.
              2)  ORIGINAL CLAIMS HOUSE OF JOHN D. MAURER.
              3)  PRESENT RESIDENCE OF JOHN D. MAURER.
JOHN D. MAURER, who journeyed to Kansas in 1865, after leaving the army, was a prominent citizen of Cowley County. He owned 520 acres of land in Dexter Township, a portion of which was fertile bottom-land lying in the valley of Grouse Creek. He was often called upon to serve in an official capacity, and, as often, discharged his duties in a satisfactory and creditable manner.
Mr. Maurer was born in Miami County, Ohio, in the town of Covington, July 1, 1843, a son of Jones and Frances (Cable) Maurer.
Jonas Maurer was of German descent, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1817. He was brought to Ohio by his parents in 1821, and lived there until 1864, when he moved to the vicinity of Emporia, Kansas, where his wife and daughter died the same year. He then lived mainly with his son, John D., and at intervals, with his other children during his declining years. He died in 1882, at the home of a daughter, at Madison, Greenwood County, Kansas. He was a Democrat until 1856, when he voted for John C. Fremont, and afterward was a staunch supporter of the Republican party.
James Maurer married Frances Cable, who was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 22, 1822, and died in June 1864. Her father was an Englishman, and one of four brothers who came to America—two locating in the South and the others remaining in the North. The well known writer, of Louisiana, George W. Cable, was a descendant of one of the brothers who went south.
John D. Maurer was the oldest of five children, the others being: Sally A. (Martindale), of Emporia; Rowland C., who was a farmer, living with his family near his brother, John D. Maurer; Anna Belle, who died, near Emporia, at the age of twelve years; and Eunice, who married Henry R. Branson, and died March 1, 1886.
John D. Maurer was reared in Ohio, where he attended school until he reached the age of nineteen years. He spent two years of the time in a select school, receiving especial preparation for teaching. He taught one term in Ohio, and also one term after moving to Kansas.
At the age of nineteen years, he enlisted, on August 7, 1862, in Company B, 94th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was discharged June 14, 1865. He served in the 14th Army Corps under Gen. Thomas, and was slightly wounded at Perryville, being incapacitated for service for six weeks. He also accompanied Sherman's army, as a private, on its "March to the Sea."
He journeyed to Kansas just after the close of the war, and worked as a cowboy for three years about Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas, and also engaged in farming.

A colony of his friends, 17 in number, first visited Cowley County in the spring of 1870. He also made a trip over the country, and finally located in Cowley County in November, 1870, bringing his family a short time afterward. He preempted his present home, the northwest quarter of section 20, township 32, range 7 east, as soon as the survey was made, and built a cabin 12 by 14 feet,  of native lumber. He hauled his logs to the mill of Bert French, at Dexter, giving half of the lumber as payment for the sawing. The lumber was of hackberry, walnut, and oak. In the spring of 1871, he split 3,000 rails, and in the winter of 1871-1872 he and his brother cut 300 tons of hay and took 350 head of cattle to feed. He set out two acres of orchard, and found that the Pippin and Ben Davis apples were the best for this county.
He eventually owned 520 acres of land, having bought part of it of the preemptors, G. C. Graham, Albert Graham, and Will Coates, all of whom moved away. A part of this tract, 180 acres, was in the fertile Grouse Valley, and was bottom-land, which he cultivated, the remainder being in pasture. He fed cattle and hogs largely and was engaged in general farming, always raising some wheat so as to rotate his crops, but making corn the principal crop. He favored Poland-China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. His crops failed twice, owing to the ravages of the elephant bug. He ended up with a finely improved farm, which he would not part with for $15,000. His original claim house was enlarged and in it he lived with his family for 25 years. His last modern residence of eight large rooms was 28 by 30 feet, two stories high, built in 1899. A new barn, built in 1900, was 30 by 32 feet; arranged for 12 horses, and had a granary and crib with a capacity of 600 bushels of corn, and a mow which held 20 tons of hay.
Mr. Maurer was married in 1868 to Alta M. Garlinghouse, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, November 28, 1848. Her father was a native of Kentucky, and married Margaret Reed, by whom he had 13 children: Lewis, a soldier of the Civil War, in 1901 was in the Soldiers' Home at Leavenworth; Mrs. Curtendahl, who lived in Emporia; Mrs. Sailor, who lived in Topeka; William and Stephen—who went to Oregon before the war. Mr. and Mrs. Garlinghouse lived with Mr. Maurer, at Winfield, while he was in office there; the father of Mrs. Maurer died in June 1898, aged 89, and her mother passed away in January 1899, aged 86.
[NOTE: 13 CHILDREN...BUT ONLY A FEW ARE ACCOUNTED FOR.]
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Maurer had four children.
1. Ralph J. Maurer. Born near Emporia, Lyon County, Kansas, he was conducting a store at Cambridge, and was married to Lena Hibbets, of Cowley County.
2. Willis R. Maurer. Lived on a farm one mile from his father. He married Stella Hankins, and had one child in 1901.
3. Maude Maurer. Taking musical instruction under Miss Gertrude Hale, at Winfield.
4. Rowland Blaine Maurer, 16 years old in 1901, attending school in district No. 7, which his father helped to organize.

Mr. Maurer served for 15 years on the school board. He served as justice of the peace, and was elected county commissioner in 1871, at the first regular election in the county. He was away from home at the time and did not know of his election for several days. He served two terms in the state legislature, having been elected in 1884, and reelected in 1886. He was always a Republican. He was elected registrar of deeds in Cowley County in 1895—serving four years—during which time he leased his farm and resided with his family in Winfield. He was made a Mason, at Dexter, and belonged to the blue lodge. He was made a Knight Templar, at Winfield, and was also a member of the Fraternal Aid in that city. He was a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security, at Dexter. He belonged to Siverd Post, No. 85, G. A. R., of Winfield, of which he was quarter-master two terms. He first joined at Dexter and was commander three times; but that post was disbanded. He also belonged to the A. O. U. W., of Dexter. Both he and wife were members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Maurer was a member of the Ladies of the G. A. R. at Winfield, and belonged to the Women's Relief Corps, at Dexter, until it was disbanded. They were Methodists and attended church at Dexter.
Kansas 1875 Census Dexter Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name                           age sex color     Place/birth                  Where from
John D. Maurer            32   m    w             Ohio                             Ohio
Alta M. Maurer            26    f     w                  Ohio                             Iowa
Ralph M. Maurer             5   m    w             Kansas
Willis Maurer                   2   m    w             Kansas
Jones Maurer               57    m    w             Ohio                             Ohio
R. C. Maurer                28    m    w             Ohio                             Ohio
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Rowland C. Maurer...
[REPUBLICAN TICKET]
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
For Senator, 25th District, J. M. ALEXANDER.
For Representative, 75th District, E. C. MANNING.
For county commissioners:
District No. 1: FRANK COX, of Richland
District No. 2: LUCIUS WALTON, of Beaver.
District No. 3: R. MAURER, of Dexter.
For Sheriff: THOMAS A. BLANCHARD, of Vernon.
For County Clerk: JOHN W. HORNBEAK, of Winfield.
For Register of Deeds: JOHN IRWIN, of Rock.
For Treasurer: A. H. GREEN, of Winfield.
Fort Supt. Public Instruction, JOHN DUDLEY, of Windsor.
For Coroner, DR. G. P. WAGNER, of Dexter.
For Railroad Assessor of the 11th Judicial District, DR. R. W. WRIGHT, of Labette County.
John D. Maurer, County Commissioner...
Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in Co. Clerk’s office in Winfield July 1st, 1872. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
The following bids were allowed. One in favor of A. A. Jackson for expressage on Co. books $25.75, and County Clerk $1.50, one for J. D. Maurer, Co. Commissioners, $17.30; one for O. C. Smith $16.50; one for Frank Cox, $16.70.
Adjourned until July 15th, 1872. FRANK COX, Chairman,

A. A. JACKSON, Clerk.
Winfield Messenger, Friday, July 19, 1872.
                                          ALBERT YALE & CO., Publishers.
RECAP: Request to voters of Cowley County to vote for bonds for courthouse and jail. Request signed by County Commissioners:
FRANK COX, RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
O. C. SMITH, BOLTON TOWNSHIP.
J. D. MAURER, DEXTER TOWNSHIP.
After their statement, more editorials appear requesting votes for bonds for courthouse and jail.
Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in the County Clerk’s office, July 15, 1872.
Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Bills were allowed in favor of O. C. Smith as County Commis­sioner $6.00, J. D. Maurer $6.40, and Frank Cox $6.00.
Winfield Messenger, September 20, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in adjourned session in County Clerk’s office, September 16th, 1872. Present: Frank Cox and J. D. Maurer. Proceeded to levy the tax for assessment year ago. Ordered that a county tax of one mill on the dollar levied on the Township of Vernon as a Township tax; also of one and one half for Dexter Township; also one and one half for Beaver Township; Richland, two mills, Bolton, two mills; Windsor, one; Cedar, one mill; Creswell, one mill, Posey Creek one and one half; Pleasant Valley, one mill, Nenescah, two mills; Silver Creek, two mills; and Tisdale, two mills.
And, also to meet the interest and principal on school bonds.
Frank Cox, County Commissioner, $18.30.
J. D. Maurer, County Commissioner, $6.40.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s Office, January 6th, 1873.
Present, Frank Cox and J. D. Maurer.
The County Board (owing to the informalities of the call of the elections to take place on the 11th and 18th of this month) made the following: That the order calling the elections on the 11th and 18th of January, 1873, for the purposes of voting for and against the issuing of bonds to be used in the building of a court house and jail and also the subscribing of stock to the Kansas and Nebraska railroad be revoked and declared void, and that no elections will be held on those days.
As the Winfield Messenger has failed to comply with her part of the contract for county printing, the Board ordered that the original contract between the Winfield Messenger and the Arkansas City Traveler be declared void and that the County Clerk is instructed to have all the county work done at the Winfield Courier office up to July 1st, 1873; according to the proposition on file with the County Clerk.

It was ordered by the Board that a temporary jail be built of the following dimensions, 12 x 18 feet and 10 ft. high, built of 2 x 6 oak spiked together and not to exceed in expense the sum of five hundred dollars in cash and it was further ordered that the County Clerk be authorized to receive sealed bids upon the building of said jail after advertising for proposals in the Winfield Courier for two weeks, and that he let the same to the lowest responsible bidder and enter into contract with the same upon plans and specifications to be on file in the Clerk’s office.
Frank Cox and J. D. Maurer, services as County Commissioners: $18.50.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
                                                      COUNTY OFFICERS.
Judge 13th Judicial District: W. P. Campbell.
Board of County Commissioners: Frank Cox, Chairman; O. C. Smith, J. D. Maurer.
County Clerk: A. A. Jackson.
County Treasurer: E. B. Kager.
Probate Judge: T. H. Johnson.
Register of Deeds: J. F. Paul.
Deputy Register: Jno. W. Curns.
Sheriff: James Parker.
Deputy Sheriff: W. E. Dowd.
Coroner: G. P. Waggoner.
County Attorney: E. S. Torrance.
Clerk District Court: James Kelly.
County Surveyor: Manley Hemenway.
Deputy: W. W. Walton.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
Board met in county clerk’s office. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Board proceeded to canvass the vote on the bond election held March 1st, which resulted in the defeat of the Railroad proposition by 157 votes, and the County Building proposition by 531 votes. Poll books of Pattens, Omnia, and Spring Creek precincts were thrown out on account of informality.
Petition signed by 200 voters asking that the Herd Law be repealed, and also one signed by 998 voters asking that it be kept in force. The opinion of the Board with the advice of the county attorney is, “That as a board we have no authority to revoke the present herd law, without additional legislation,” and so order.
O. C. Smith, Frank Cox, J. D. Maurer, for ser. as com. & mileage: $30.50
All of the bills of the Judges and Clerks at the last election were allowed and orders drawn.
John D. Maurer, road overseer...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 27, 1873.
                                               DEXTER, KS., March 22, 1873.
The people of this township met at this place this afternoon and nominated the following persons to fill the various township offices at the spring election.

For Road Overseers, 1st district, John D. Maurer; 2nd district, N. P. Rider; 3rd district, Isaac D. Rice.
J. D. Maurer, county commissioner...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.
The County Commissioners met in the County Clerks’ Office. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Proceeded to select a location for the Courthouse. After due consideration of the different propositions submitted, it was decided to locate the building on South one-half of Section 169, the Winfield Town Association deeding the same to the County.
Proceeded to open the bids for building the Courthouse. Nine separate bids were received, ranging from $6,550 to $8,000. The Contract was awarded to the lowest bidders, Messrs. Bailey & Sloan, of Rock Township, and they were given till Tuesday to produce their bondsmen to qualify in double the amount of the bid.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 17, 1873.
Board met in Co. Clerk’s office July 7th, 1873.
Present: Frank Cox, J. D. Maurer, and O. C. Smith.
J. D. Maurer, township committee...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 25, 1873.
The following township committee was elected: T. R. Bryan, chairman; J. D. Maurer, F. A. Creager; all farmers. Dexter is taking hold of the farmer question in earnest.
J. D. Maurer, county commissioner...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 9, 1873.
Board of County Commissioners met at the County Clerk’s office Oct. 6th, 1873. Present: Frank Cox, J. D. Maurer, and O. C. Smith.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
                                                   JAMES KELLY, EDITOR.
The Courthouse is now completed, and the county officers assigned to their respective places. We think that a description of this beautiful structure will not be altogether uninteresting, at least, to the tax payers of the county; although we may say right here, that no pen picture can give more than a crude idea of this splendid building.

The main building is 40 x 50 ft. The foundation is of stone, rubbleworked, cut-stone water-table, door, and window sills. The walls are 16 in. thick, and are of the best quality of brick. The first story is 11 ft. high, and the second 15 ft. The roof is what is commonly denominated double gable truss and heavily iron strapped, and bolted, with a tower 22 ft. high, the foundation posts of which are 12 x 12 inch oak timbers extending clear across the entire width of the building, the whole sur­mounted by a beautiful weather-vane, constructed by Mr. C. R. Sipes of Arkansas City, and we believe, a present to the county. A hall 8 ft. wide runs through the building, from South to North, with heavy double panel doors at each end. The offices are arranged on each side of the hall, six in number, and are 13 x 15 ft. sq.  with two large 10 light windows in each room. The Courtroom proper is on the second floor, and is 37 x 38 ft. in the clear. On the north end, and on either side of the stair landing, are two jury rooms each 12 ft. square, which open into the courtroom by folding doors. The inside is painted both inside, and out, with three coats, and has three coats of plaster, the last a plaster paris finish; and is, on the whole, one of the best, prettiest, and most substantial buildings, of the kind—and certainly the best for the money—in the state. Of the contractors, Stewart & Simpson, we need say but little: their work speaks for them. The brick bank building of M. L. Read, and now the courthouse, will stand as monuments of the skill, honesty, and integrity of Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, long after they will have passed away. The sub-contractors, Messrs. Rice & Ray, carpenters, also deserve special mention. But our space will not permit us to say further than that they have shown themselves to be master workmen, and have done the county a good, honest job.
We cannot close this imperfect sketch without saying a word for our county Board, Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and John D. Maurer. They early saw that the building of good substantial buildings would be a saving to the county every year. The history of our neighboring county, Howard, is just now a case in point. Elec­tion after election has been held, the county seat moved, to use a homely phrase, “from pillar to post.” Thousands of dollars annually squandered in vain attempts to settle it. They, in common, with all right thinking men, saw that in a short time the history of Cowley would furnish but a parallel to the history of Howard, and that so long as the county had no buildings of her own, the county seat was simply a bone of contention, to be pulled hither and thither at the whim or caprice of any who might take it into their heads to move it.
The Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County have built a better courthouse, for less money, than can be found in any other county in the state. No stealing, no jobbing, no trickery, of any kind whatever, but honesty, faithfulness, a desire to do the very best for the public have marked the history of the enterprise in an uncommon degree. The Board of County Commissioners deserve the thanks of every taxpayer in Cowley County.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
Board of County Commissioners met in Clerk’s office, Decem­ber 9, 1873. All present. After a thorough inspection of the work, the Courthouse was accepted from the contractors, and the bondsmen discharged.
The county officers were assigned to the Courthouse on Monday, December 15, 1873. After that date no bills for office rent will be allowed.
James Kelly was directed to procure appropriate signs and place the same on the office doors of the Courthouse.
The County Clerk was directed to have the wood prepared for the stoves in the county offices.
The sheriff was ordered to set up the county stove that is in the District Clerk’s office in the courtroom of the Courthouse.
O. C. Smith, Commissioner: $12.00
J. D. Maurer, Commissioner: $12.40
Frank Cox, Com. and Supt. Courthouse: $49.40
Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.
The Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Frank Cox, John D. Maurer, and O. C. Smith, completed their labor, as a Board, last Monday.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
The Board of County commissioners met in Clerk’s office. All present.
O. C. Smith, gopher scalps; Co. Commissioner: $16.20

J. D. Maurer, Co. Commissioner: $12.40
Frank Cox, Co. Commissioner: $18.40
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Hon. J. D. Maurer, late County Commissioner, and one of the best the county ever had, was in town a few days ago.
John D. Maurer, Dexter Township committee member...
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1874.
At the primary meeting held in Dexter Township last Tuesday, the following persons were elected as a township committee for the ensuing year: T. R. Bryan, chairman; J. D. Maurer, and F. A. Creager.
Excerpts...
[THE POST OFFICE RING.]
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874. [Editorial by James Kelly.]
Nor can one word of reproach be truthfully said against any of the county officers elected by the Republican party two years ago, save it be some acts of the county board.
Now we declare that neither the Republican party nor any of its active members were responsible for the actions of the board which were subject to criticism. The county board was composed of two men, Messrs. Cox and Maurer, who were elected by the Republican party, and Mr. Smith, the other, was elected on the liberal ticket. There are but one or two acts of that board that can by any stretch of the imagination be subjected to justifiable censure. One is the erection of the courthouse, without authori­ty from the people, another was extravagance in purchasing books and blanks for the county officers.
For the first act, Col. J. M. Alexander and the P. O. ring are responsible. They are the parties who more than anyone persuaded Mr. Cox to make the contract with the city of Winfield to build a courthouse and jail.
Mr. Maurer, one of the Republican commissioners of the county, never consented to the movement. This action of the board was taken, too, in the face of a protest against it, signed by several prominent Republicans of Cowley County, E. C. Manning among the number.
The Telegram at the time endorsed the action of the board, and ridiculed the protest. This action of the P. O. ring cost the county $12,500.
Rowland C. Maurer...
[TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1874.
                                        Teacher present at Institute: R. C. Maurer.
J. D. Maurer, Dexter Township relief committee member...
Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.
The following is a list of the different Township Relief Committees who have reported to the County Committee.
                               Dexter Township: K. Cline, R. Hite, and J. D. Maurer.
Rowland C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, January 21, 1875.
                                                            Lazette News.

January 20th, 1875. The school taught by Roll Maurer some few miles south of Lazette closed its session this week.
Winfield Courier, March 4, 1875.
                                                            Lazette News.
R. W. Jackson has a famous team. Only he himself can handle them without danger. J. M. Woollen, Roll Maurer, and R. C. Story tried it on their return from the teachers’ institute last fall, but the smash up was sad to behold. A few days ago Story tried his hand again with the team, but the horses ran away, tumbling him off the wagon, one of the hind wheels running over him, but with little damage else than a severe bruise. Not satisfied with this performance, the horses got away twice afterwards on the same day, the last time pulling up before a hay stack.
Winfield Courier, October 28, 1875.
The following teachers were in attendance at the examination last Friday and Saturday.
                                                       R. C. Maurer, Dexter.
John D. Maurer...
                                               THE WINFIELD COURIER.
                                                     CENTENNIAL ISSUE.
                         WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
ELECTED.            EXPIRED.
J. D. MAURER                  Nov. 7, 1871.        Jan. 11, 1874.
J. D. Maurer, Dexter...
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1876.
The undersigned, residents of Cowley County, cordially unite in inviting the citizens of said county to meet in mass meeting at Winfield, on Saturday at 2 P. M., FEBRUARY 5TH,
to take such action as shall seem advisable upon consultation to secure the construction of a railroad into Cowley County. We desire each paper in said county to publish this call, and we hope that every township will be fully represented at said meeting.
DEXTER TOWNSHIP: T. W. Coats, J. D. Maurer, Mark Kenton Hull, Levi Quier, J. A. Bryan, George Bryan.
R. C. Maurer, John D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1876.
                                                      Grouse Valley Items.
R. C. Maurer closed his school on the 25th ultimo.
John D. Maurer has sown a fine lot of blue grass seed in his timber. It does well in this valley.
J. D. Maurer...
[COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876. Editorial Page.
Dexter: Delegates, J. D. Maurer, T. R. Bryan, Jno. Wallace, and G. P. Wagner. Alternates, W. W. Underwood, J. H. Serviss, F. A. Creager, and O. P. Darst.
R. C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.

Leon Lippman and R. Maurer were chosen at the Dexter conven­tion last Friday to represent the south district of Cowley in the State convention.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.
At the convention held at Dexter last Friday by the Republi­cans of the 89th representative district, Leon Lippman and Roland Maurer were elected as delegates to the State convention. They are instructed for Hon. Jno. Guthrie for Governor.
J. D. Maurer, Dexter Township Justice...
[COMPLETE LIST OF TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.
Township—DEXTER:
TRUSTEE, H. C. McDORMAN.
CLERK, D. A. MERYDITH.
TREASURER, O. P. DARST.
JUSTICES: J. D. MAURER; P. G. SMITH.
CONSTABLES: S. H. WELLS; J. A. BRYAN.
John D. Maurer, road viewer...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 24, 1877.
A petition signed by G. P. Wagner, and others, asking for a view and a survey for the purpose of locating a certain County road, commencing on the County road at or near the schoolhouse in school district No. 5, running thence some thirty three degrees west to the north line of the town site of Dexter, at Maple street, and that the present County road between the place of beginning above and the range line between ranges six and seven be discontinued, was presented and granted, and J. A. Bryan, John Maurer, and W. W. Underwood, appointed viewers, and the County survey will meet on the 6th day of March, A. D. 1877, at 10 o’clock, and proceed to view and survey said road.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1877.
Road viewers—J. A. Bryan, $2.00; J. D. Maurer, $2.00; W. W. Underwood, $2.00.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, May 31, 1877.
Election Fees: J. D. Maurer, $2.00.
John D. Maurer: has a daughter...
Winfield Courier, December 6, 1877.
                                                  ITEMS FROM DEXTER.
BIRTH. Mr. John D. Maurer is one of the proudest men in this section, becoming the father of a long sought for daughter.
The Daily Winfield Courier, Saturday Morning, May 11, 1878.
John D. Maurer, of Dexter, came around yesterday to interview the COURIER.
R. C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, June 6, 1878.
R. C. Maurer, of Dexter Township, long absent in Ohio in search of a wife, has returned bringing his sheaves with him.
J. D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, July 25, 1878.

J. D. Maurer, the veteran ’Squire of Dexter Township, was in town last week.
J. D. Maurer: state delegate...
[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.
STATE DELEGATES: B. F. BALDWIN, E. C. MANNING, I. H. BONSALL, C. H. EAGIN, J. D. MAURER, CAPT. J. B. NIPP.
R. C. Maurer [papers vary on listings]...
Winfield Courier, August 15, 1878.
                                                    Teachers’ Examination.
Dexter: Aldora Harden, Viola Harden, Kate L. Ward, Belle Byard, R. C. Maurer, Alpha Harden, Anna Harden, T. J. Rude.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.
The following persons attended the examination held at Winfield, August 2nd and 3rd.
DEXTER. Misses Alpha Harden, Anna Harden, Viola Harden, Alie Harden, Kate Ward, and Belle Byard; Mrs. A. J. Hoyt. R. C. Maurer, and T. J. Rude.
J. D. Maurer: state delegate...
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
The State Republican Convention met at Topeka yesterday. Delegate J. B. Nipp started last Friday, and delegates C. H. Eagan, B. F. Baldwin, E. C. Manning, and I. H. Bonsall started Monday. J. D. Maurer probably went by way of Eureka. James Kelly, R. L. Walker, and Ed. Clisbee go along for company. We have an inveterate habit of guessing, so will guess that John A. Martin, L. U. Humphrey, T. H. Cavanaugh, P. I. Bonebrake, John Francis, A. B. Lemmon, Willard Davis, and A. H. Horton will be the nominees. If we hit right on five out of the eight, it will be a good guess. We still think Martin will be the nominee for governor on the first formal ballot.
Winfield Courier, September 5, 1878. Editorial Columns.
This body met at Topeka on August 28th.
Nominated for Governor: Martin, Anthony, St. John. St. John declared winner.
On the first 14 ballots Manning, Baldwin, Maurer, Eagin, and Nipp of Cowley delegation voted for Anthony, Bonsall voting constantly for Martin. On the 15th ballot Manning made a short speech and the five Cowley County delegates left Anthony and voted for Martin. This caused some excitement and after the 16th ballot in which they voted the same way the convention adjourned until morning after which caucuses were held and an attempt made to combine the forces of Anthony and St. John.
A ballot was taken for Superintendent of Public Instruction, C. R. Pomeroy receiving 32 votes and Allen B. Lemmon the balance, or several times as many, but before the result was announced Mr. Lemmon was made the unanimous choice by acclamation.
R. C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878. Back Page.
TEACHERS’ DIRECTORY. District No. 7, Dexter, R. C. Maurer.
J. D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, October 31, 1878.

Having been informed that Will M. Allison has been making charges against E. S. Torrance, the Republican candidate for county attorney of Cowley County, in reference to his connection while formerly county attorney of Cowley County with the allowance of a salary of $500 to T. H. Johnson, then probate judge of said county, and the allowance of damages to said Johnson on account of the laying out of a road on his premises, I desire to make the following statement.
At the time the salary and damages were allowed to Mr. Johnson, O. C. Smith, Frank Cox, and myself constituted the Board of County Commissioners of said county. Mr. Smith has since died and Mr. Cox has removed from this state. I was present at the sessions of the county board at which the salary and damages aforesaid were allowed. In relation to the salary, Mr. Torrance advised the board that, under the law, it was in their discretion whether they should allow a salary to Mr. Johnson for his services as probate judge, and that if they saw fit to allow such salary, it could in no event exceed $500. Mr. Torrance had nothing to do with the allowance of his salary, and if any blame is to be attached to anyone on account of the allowance of the salary, it should fall on the board and not on Mr. Torrance.
In relation to the road damages, the board allowed Mr. Johnson what they thought was right, and Mr. Torrance had nothing to do with the matter whatever, except to advise the board that, under the law, they should allow such damages as in their judgment they thought just and reasonable. J. D. MAURER.
J. D. Maurer and R. C. Maurer, road viewers...
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.
                    Both J. D. and R. C. Maurer were paid a fee for being road viewers.
R. C. Maurer, teacher...
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.
                                                       Teachers’ Directory.
R. C. Maurer’s school was connected with Dexter. He was a teacher in District No. 7.
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.
R. C. Maurer’s school, in district 7, closed Wednesday of last week.
John D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.
                                                     THE COURT HOUSE.
Under this head the Semi-Weekly dishes up a column and a half editorial to prove that the county ought at once to go to a large expense in building additions to, and in remodeling the courthouse.

It says that “whoever is responsible for building the courthouse where it is, with a swamp between it and the business portion of the town, demonstrates his unfitness to be entrusted with public interests, and has a small soul; that “Winfield has in days gone by been cursed by incapacity and cupidity;” that the courthouse, the schoolhouse, and the lost bridge “are the ear marks that indicate jobbery and rascality, “the indubitable evidences of “gigantic fraud” in those responsible for their construction.
About three months ago the editors of the Semi-Weekly came to this place utter strangers to the people of this city and county and found the city so prosperous and promising, the result of the labor and exertions of its earlier citizens, that they concluded to establish themselves here and reap a part of the harvest these earlier citizens had sown. Finding that in their gleanings they did not at first accumulate sheaves very rapidly, they concluded that the fault must be in the rascality and incapacity of those whose labor sowed the seed, and hence, we have this wholesale attack upon our best and most valued citizens.
The persons who projected and carried out the building of the courthouse and jail were W. H. H. Maris, then Mayor; S. C. Smith, R. B. Saffold, C. A. Bliss, H. S. Silver, J. D. Cochran, S. Darrah, then councilmen; J. M. Alexander, city attorney; Frank Cox, of Richland, John D. Maurer of Dexter, and O. C. Smith, of Cresswell, county commissioners.
Fifty-eight leading men of Winfield were most active in this matter and guaranteed the title to the courthouse ground and many prominent men of the county approved the measure.
The persons who projected and carried out the building of the schoolhouse were John B. Fairbanks, District Clerk, J. D. Cochran, Director, S. H. Myton, Treasurer, and some others.
J. P. Short was the trustee and O. F. Boyle the treasurer by whom the contract to build the bridge was let, and during most of its construction, and H. S. Silver, E. S. Bedilion, and B. F. Baldwin were the township officers who made the final settlement with the contractors.
Here we have an array of names honored in this community, names of men never before charged with rascality and incapacity, men in whom we older settlers believe and trust and yet the sages of Mt. Pulaski in three short months have seen through all these men and found them guilty of incapacity, unfitness, jobbery, rascality, and gigantic fraud.
It may be that these gushing freshmen meant to attach these pet words to other than those mentioned above, to the members of the “Old Town Company, or rather Town Association,” for instance. If that is the case, the records are open to inspection and we state distinctly that no member of the Winfield Town Association had any connection whatever with the building of the courthouse except to give a deed of the half block of land on which it stands to the county, and two lots on which the jail stands to the city, (all they ever agreed or were ever expected to give) in compliance with the bargain between the city council and county commissioners, that the county should build a courthouse and the city a jail in which the county should have a right to keep prisoners. One of them protested against the building of the courthouse.
One member of that Association, Fuller, was district trea­surer when the contract for building the schoolhouse was let, but Myton succeeded him before the work commenced.
The original plan of the schoolhouse was made by John B. Fairbanks, District Clerk, who requested Millington to help him in drafting and making specifications and estimates, which he did, but that plan was finally widely departed from in the construc­tion, and therefore Millington is not entitled to a particle of the credit of that structure.
Millington only, of that Association, had anything to do with the letting of the contract and building of the bridge. He was temporarily the township clerk at that time and claims his share of the credit with his colleagues, Short and Boyle, and with other leading men of the town.

We challenge Mr. Conklin or anyone else to show that any member of the Town Association had any connection whatever with the building of either of these three structures except as above specified.
Now as relates to these three structures, built at that early day when there were no civil engineers or architects within reach and to procure such would cost such large sums, when everything was high and hard to get and when our citizens were beset by every kind of hardship and discouragement, we think these structures, though not beautiful nor even sufficiently substantial, were very creditable monuments to their enterprise and energy, the terrible denunciations of our neighbors notwithstanding.
Now, Mr. Semi-Weekly man, we expect you, we challenge you to state precisely what were the “gigantic frauds,” the jobberies and rascalities, which you charge in such sweeping and general terms, as to stigmatize the whole community at that time. Be specific and give the names of those who perpetrated them. If either of the gentlemen we have named, or any other citizen is guilty, give us the name and make specific charges against him that he may have a chance to defend himself. Then no longer make assassin and cowardly attacks in the dark, calculated to bring odium upon almost every man of note in the city without giving anyone an excuse for defending himself.
It is a very poor way to secure the desired additions to the courthouse to endeavor by misrepresentations and charges of fraud against the entire business population of Winfield and thereby making Winfield odious to the people of the county.
If you really desire the improvement you advocate, we would suggest that you examine the records of the past and give the facts.
Mrs. John D. Maurer...
[REPORT FROM DEXTER.]
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1879.
Mrs. John D. Maurer is visiting friends at Topeka.
John D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
John D. Maurer, of Dexter township, was in the city Monday.
Winfield Courier, December 25, 1879.
John D. Maurer, ex-county commissioner, and J. V. Hines, postmaster at Dexter, made our new office a pleasant visit last Friday.
J. D. Maurer, enumerator...
[NATIONAL CENSUS.]
Winfield Courier, April 8, 1880. We expect that the county is divided into twenty enumeration districts with enumerators as follows.
             J. D. Maurer was the enumerator for District No. 7 [Liberty & Spring Creek].
R. C. Maurer, Republican delegate...
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.

J. D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
George Denton, of Harvey, George Gardenhire of Windsor, and James England and J. D. Maurer, of Dexter, were in the city Tuesday on business connected with the material interests of Grouse valley.
Winfield Courier, September 22, 1881.
The old soldiers of Dexter township met and organized last Saturday preparatory to attending the reunion to be held here October 21st and 22nd. Over fifty enrolled. H. C. McDorman was elected captain; W. E. Megredy, 1st lieutenant; J. D. Maurer, 2nd lieutenant; and O. P. Darst, Sergeant. The boys are enthusiastic and will attend in a body.
Winfield Courier, September 22, 1881.
A very destructive prairie fire swept over Dexter and Otter townships Sunday and Monday. It commenced on Crab creek, by a camper leaving fire on the road, and rushed at a terrific rate northeast through the township, burning a strip three or four miles wide and carrying destruction to everything in its path. Almost the whole township turned out to fight it, but succeeded in having little but their houses. We have been unable to get a complete list of losses, but have learned of the following. A. Huelsenbeck, 13 tons of hay, four wheat stacks, and some corn; Mr. Barber, 100 tons hay; J. D. Maurer, all of his hay, stable, and chicken house; Mr. Sandfort lost his hay; and Messrs. Bibler and Hite had much property burned. Our informant states that a report was current in Dexter that several houses were burned, but as yet no information to that effect has been received. The camper who let out the fire ran away, leaving six head of mules and horses, a wagon, and two cows, which the officers have. A boy and a girl were with the things, but the man had gone and has not been heard of since. The boy and girl state that the fire started from a pipe which the father was smoking.
R. C. Maurer...
R. C. Maurer is busy improving his farm. He is enclosing a large pasture with a stone fence.
Mr. Wm. Martindale, of Greenwood County, made a flying visit to his relatives here last week.
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1882.
Mr. R. C. Maurer, of Torrance, was taking in our city Saturday. R. C. is solid on a switch for Torrance.
Death notice of Jonas Maurer, father of both John D. and R. C. Maurer...
Cowley County Courant, May 11, 1882.
DIED. We find the following in the Emporia Daily News of Monday. “Mr. H. C. Cross received a telegram from Mr. Wm. Martindale, at Madison, announcing the death of Mr. J. Maurer, the latter’s father-in-law. Mr. Maurer was a resident of Cowley County, and was visiting with his children at Madison. He was an old gentle­man, over sixty years of age, and during a recent cold rain storm contracted a severe cold through exposure, and for some time had been feeling very badly from its effects.

“The dispatch was quite brief, but we presume death resulted from that cause. The funeral occurred at Madison this afternoon. Mr. Maurer was a highly esteemed citizen of Cowley County, and his demise will be regretted by a large circle of friends outside his immediate vicinity. The afflicted relatives have the sympathy of all in this hour of their bereavement.”
[TORRANCE CORRESPONDENT: “DAMON.”]
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1882.  A telegraph dispatch came here last Friday from Greenwood County, stating that the old gentleman Maurer was dying. Rol took the early morning train Saturday in hopes of finding his father yet alive. John was absent from home when the sad news arrived, but returned Saturday, and Sunday morning, with Henry Branson, started in answer to his father’s dying call. The intelligence of Mr. Maurer’s dangerous illness has struck a chord of universal sympathy in this entire community.
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
                                                       Torrance and Vicinity.
DIED. Mr. Maurer died Sunday, May 7, at Martindale’s, in Greenwood County. Roe arrived in time to see his aged father alive, but when John got there the old gentleman was a corpse. He was buried on Monday last. No recent death has caused more deep sorrow and sympathy for the bereaved ones than that caused by the sad news of Mr. Maurer’s demise.
[GROUSE VALLEY CORRESPONDENT: “SUBSCRIBER.”]
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
We were pained to learn of the death of Uncle Jonas Maurer, an old and respected citizen of this neighborhood. He died at the home of his daughter in Greenwood County. The family and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in this their sad bereavement.
John D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1882.
                                                       County Political Points.
The representative question in the north district is getting active. S. M. Fall, R. F. Burden, John Wallace, John D. Maurer, and S. P. Strong are mentioned as possible timber, while E. A. Henthorn and J. W. Weimer are in the field.
John D. Maurer, Jonas Maurer, deceased...
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.
JOHN D. MAURER, HAD “ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE” APPEAR IN PAPER RE ESTATE OF JONAS MAURER, DECEASED...DATED AUGUST 22, 1882.
J. D. Maurer, Post Commander...
Winfield Courier, October 26, 1882.
T. H. Soward, H. L. Wells, J. E. Snow, J. A. McGuire, and Jacob Nixon went over to Dexter last Monday evening and organized Post No. 133 G. A. R., with J. D. Maurer, Post Commander; H. C. McDorman, S. V. C.; Megredy, S. V. C.; Wells, Treasurer, and O. P. Darst, Chaplain. Number of members: 19.
J. D. Maurer, depot agent at Torrance...
[TORRANCE CORRESPONDENT: “CROCKETT.”]
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1883.

Torrance is neither dead nor asleep, but has assumed the undisputed rights of a full-fledged station. The depot was opened the 1st day of this month, with J. D. Maurer as agent. Passengers will no longer have to stop at Cambridge and foot it to Torrance, and vice versa. The depot has received two good coats of paint, which rather sets the rest of the houses in the shade.
R. C. Maurer...
[DEXTER CORRESPONDENT: “GRANGER.”]
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
Mr. Rol. Maurer is having a good stone house put up by a good workman, Mike Walters. Rol. proposes to stay in the valley.
J. D. Maurer, R. C. Maurer...
[DEXTER CORRESPONDENT: “REPUBLICAN THE 2.”]
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
J. D. Maurer, L. B. Bullington, and others are going to fence large pastures soon.
R. C. Maurer, of North Dexter, has the stone work of his mansion completed, and, from appearances, it is certainly one of the permanent fixtures of the valley.
R. C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
The Dexter Township convention was held at the Dexter schoolhouse, in Dexter, January 26. Meeting called to order by the chairman of Dexter Township committee, and H. D. McDorman called to the chair and R. C. Maurer, Secretary, and the following candidates were placed in nomination: L. H. Wells, trustee; C. A. Walker, treasurer; L. C. Pattison, clerk; J. V. Hines and Willis Elliott, Justices of the Peace; Thos. Blakeley and E. V. Elliott, constables. After some more minor nominations, the meeting adjourned.
                         H. C. McDORMAN, Chairman; R. C. MAURER, Secretary.
J. D. Maurer...
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
On W. S. Rigdon road, John Maurer, Wm. Reynolds, and W. W. Underwood appointed viewers.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.
Our delegation to Chicago leaves Saturday. Cowley will be represented by Hon. W. P. Hackney, T. H. Soward, Judge Gans, D. A. Millington, J. W. Wilson, M. G. Troup, Capt. J. B. Nipp, J. D. Maurer, E. A. Henthorn, and Spence Miner.
Arkansas City Republican, May 31, 1884.
Cowley County’s delegation to the Chicago Republican Convention will be composed of Hon. W. P. Hackney, T. H. Soward, Judge Gans, D. A. Millington, J. W. Wilson, M. G. Troup, Capt. J. B. Nipp, J. D. Maurer, E. A. Henthorn, and Spence Miner.
R. C. Maurer...
Arkansas City Traveler, July 16, 1884.
                                                  COUNTY CONVENTION.
                              Proceedings of the Delegate Convention Last Saturday.
Nominations of delegates were next in order, which resulted in the choice of the following gentlemen: Hon. W. P. Hackney, Rev. J. O. Campbell, Rev. B. Kelley, Senator Long, J. W. Henthorn, Hon. C. R. Mitchell, R. C. Maurer.
J. D. Maurer...

[BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 19, 1884.
Henry Branson, John Maurer, and W. W. Underwood were appointed viewers on A. W. Kavanaugh county road.
A. J. Thompson, A. H. Jennings, and J. P. Short viewers on J. W. Bryan county road; Henry Branson, John Maurer, and W. W. Underwood viewers on J. W. Edmonds road; same viewers on the Kavanaugh road.
Henry Branson, John Maurer, and W. W. Underwood were appointed to view R. J. Mead county road.
J. D. Maurer, stockholder...
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.
                                  J. D. Maurer was listed as one of the stockholders.
Mrs. J. D. Maurer, R. C. Maurer [becomes a father]...
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1884.
                                            DEXTER ITEMS - “UNCLE SAM.”
Mr. and Mrs. Garlinghouse, parents of Mrs. J. D. Maurer, are visiting with her this summer.
BIRTH. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Roll Maurer, a boy; weight 11 ½ pounds. Roll is doing as well as could be expected.
J. D. Maurer...
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
Henry Branson, John Maurer, and W. W. Underwood were appointed viewers on A. W. Kavanaugh county road.
R. C. Maurer...
[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
DEXTER. Delegates: H. R. Branson, Ed. Nicholson, D. A. Mandeth, L. G. Patterson.
Alternates: S. H. Wells, W. G. Seaver, R. C. Maurer.
John D. Maurer, R. C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
Messrs. John D. Maurer, candidate for the legislature for the 68th district, Roll Maurer, and W. K. McComas, of the Burden Enterprise, were over Monday and spent a pleasant hour in the COURIER office. They were in the custody of Geo. Gardenhire, the Staunch old Democrat of Grouse Valley, and when we last saw them, had him nearly converted. There is a faint ray of hope for George yet.

John D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1884.
                                                   Representative Nominations.
We neglected to announce last week the unanimous nomination by the Republicans of the 68th district of Mr. John D. Maurer as their candidate for Representative. John Maurer is so well known and highly respected all over the county that any personal endorsement we might give is unnecessary. He was one of Cowley’s early county commissioners; is an energetic, upright, thorough going citizen, fully alive to the needs of the people and one in whose hands their interests may be safely trusted. He will be elected by a large majority.
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1884.
                                  TORRANCE TROUBLES. — “JAY-EYE-SEE.”
The people of Torrance are to be troubled again by the office seekers, this time Henry Asp and J. D. Maurer are to be the plagues, still the people think they can stand it to hear them for one night, which will be on the 30th inst. Come out everybody and listen to them.
                                         Abstract of County Auditor’s Report.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
The following is an abstract of the report of the claims allowed by the County Auditor for the month of November, A. D., 1884.
                                              J. D. Maurer et al. Road Viewers.
John D. Maurer, Representative 68th District...
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 22, 1885.
Hon. John D. Maurer, of Cowley County, is a member of the Committee on County Lines and County Seats; also of the Committee on Agriculture and Horticulture and of the Committee on Inter-state Commerce.
                                                   HOUSE COMMITTEES.
                                           District No. 68. J. D. Maurer, Dexter.
County Lines and County Seats: J. L. Burton, A. W. Mann, R. E. Lawrence, T. A. McNeal, R. F. Bryant, J. D. Maurer, H. R. Talbott, G. E. Beates, Levi Wilhelm.
Agricultural and Horticultural: Wiley Bolingar, R. E. Lawrence, E. J. Holman, R. P. Blaine, J. D. Maurer, S. J. Stewart, W. H. Dockard.
Interstate Commerce: W. D. Pratt, A. J. Hardest, S. J. Osborn, S. Odgen, J. M. Morgan, J. D. Maurer, J. P. Johnson.
[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.
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.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
H. B. 367. Report by the committee on Temperance was again read, having been re-engrossed, and upon roll call was passed. The following is the vote.
      [Note: Maurer was one of the 80 representatives who voted aye; there were 33 against.]
                                JOTTINGS FROM DEXTER. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
Hon. J. D. Maurer has kindly remembered some of his friends in sending them copies of the Daily Capital. Many thanks and best wishes for our Representative.
                                                      OUR DELEGATION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
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.
                                                    GOOD LEGISLATION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
The house did nobly yesterday in its action on the Imbecile asylum bill and on the university natural history bill. The first of these provides for the removal of the state imbecile asylum from its temporary location in Lawrence to a permanent place at Winfield in Cowley County. Hon. E. P. Greer and Hon. L. P. King, and Hon. J. D. Maurer, the members from Cowley, made a splendid fight; and the gentlemen from Douglas County showed their good sense by offering no particular opposition. The state university never ought to be hampered by the immediate presence of any other state institution, and the south-central part of the state now feels that it has been properly recognized. We congratulate Cowley County on its success. Capital.
                                           DEXTER NEWS. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Hon. J. D. Maurer has returned home from Topeka.
                                       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.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Hon. J. D. Maurer came over to the hub today and will attend the meeting of the Winfield Chapter, R. A. M. tonight. He has about recovered from his winter’s legislative experience.
R. C. Maurer...
                                                 DEXTER. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 7, 1885.
R. C. Maurer has purchased the farm belonging to Jim Pierce, and Jim has gone west to grow up with the country.
J. D. Maurer...
                                                     TERRIBLE FLOODS!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
Cowley County has great reason to congratulate herself on her escape of the terrible disaster which overtook counties east of her. Though the rains here stand paralleled only by the great flood 1877, yet the damage is comparatively light. H. E. Silliman is in receipt of a letter from his partner in the stock business on Grouse, Norman Hill, stating that a number of their cattle and hogs perished. Mr. C. A. Peabody lost 120 head of hogs, and J. D. Maurer was driven from home and much of his property destroyed. Crops all along the Grouse valley are completely destroyed. Excepting the railroad bridges across Silver and Grouse, this is the only very serious damage done in this county.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
John D. Maurer, Administrator, estate of Jonas Maurer, deceased. Final Settlement on August 10, 1885. McDermott & Johnson, Attorneys.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
Hon. John D. Maurer was over from the Grouse valley Tuesday. He says the web worm has left and corn is looking grandly. The wheat is mostly harvested and promises well. He says the S. K. is putting in Torrance’s first telegraph office today.
                                             RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
At a special communication of Dexter Lodge, No. 156, A. F. & A. M., the following resolutions were adopted.
WHEREAS, It has pleased the Supreme Architect of the Universe in His infinite wisdom to call from labor among us to refreshment in the Supreme Grand Lodge above, our well beloved brother, M. H. Reynolds, therefore, be it
Resolved, That while we deplore his untimely end, we bow in humble submission to the fiat of our Supreme Grand Master while our deceased brother takes his seat as a member of the Supreme Grand Lodge above.

Resolved, That in his death, Dexter Lodge, No. 156, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, loses one of its most earnest and faithful craftsmen, and one who has ever taken great pleasure in hewing out the rough ashlers and fitting them for use in the erection of our Masonic Temple, which is the earnest desire of all good and true Master Masons.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the bereaved wife and parents of our deceased brother; a copy spread upon the minutes of the lodge, and a copy furnished to The Eye, Winfield COURIER, and Telegram, with a request that they publish the same.
         JOHN D. MAURER, W. G. SEAVER, S. H. WELLS, Committee on Resolutions.
R. C. Maurer...
                     What the County Fathers Have Done Since Our Last Report.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
         R. J. Gilbert, with John Reynolds, W. W. Underwood and R. Maurer, road viewers.
J. D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
The following petit jurors have been drawn to serve at September term of District Court: Fred Arnold, Walnut; Josiah Houser, Maple; Fred Hoobler, Silverdale; James Utt, Cedar; S. E. Davis, Creswell; H. C. Carter, Liberty; J. H. Bowman, Walnut; James Conrad, Sheridan; J. R. Taylor, Vernon; William Hall, Harvey; J. H. Aley, Otter; J. D. Maurer, Dexter.
                                                 DEXTER. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
J. D. Maurer will ship his fat cattle this week: 58 in number.
Mr. Garlinghouse, father of Mrs. Maurer, has been dangerously sick for the past week, but at this writing is improving slowly.
R. C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
H. R. Branson, R. C. Maurer, and W. D. Allen were over Saturday from Torrance.
Hon. John D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Hon. John D. Maurer was over from the Grouse Valley Saturday.
                                           DEXTER DOTS. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 10, 1885.
Mrs. Garlinghouse, mother of Mrs. John Maurer, is on the sick list this week; also Mrs. Enright.
R. C. Maurer...
                                                 DEXTER. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
A Republican convention was held in Dexter, Saturday. The following gentlemen were elected delegates to the county convention: R. C. Maurer, C. W. Dover, Ed. Nicholson, J. A. Bryan, John Wallace, J. V. Hines, and C. A. Peabody.
R. C. Maurer, J. D. Maurer...
Arkansas City Traveler, September 23, 1885.
                                     REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
Committee On resolutions: John C. Long, E. A. Henthorn, Dr. Hornady, L. E. Woodin, R. C. Maurer.
The committee on resolutions reported as follows.

Mr. Chairman and gentlemen: Your committee on resolutions beg leave to report the following declaration of principles.
Resolved, 1st. That we heartily endorse the principles laid down by the last republican national state convention.
2nd. We heartily endorse the administration of his excellency, John 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 senate of Kansas, and of each of our representatives, the Hon. Ed. P. Greer, Hon. Louis P. King, and Hon. J. D. Maurer, and hereby desire to express our appreciation of their ability, fidelity, and patriotism.
4th. We hereby denounce the democratic party as an enemy to 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.
Which report was adopted without debate.
J. D. Maurer, R. C. Maurer...
                                    REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
On motion of J. C. Long, the chair was instructed to appoint a committee of five on resolutions. The chair appointed John C. Long, E. A. Henthorn, Dr. H. T. Hornady, L. E. Woodin, and R. C. Maurer. On motion, the convention adjourned to 2 o’clock p.m., sharp. Just previous to adjournment the chairman announced that all the delegates would be provided with dinner tickets by calling at the secretary’s desk.
                                                                DEXTER.
Delegates: E. B. Nicholson, C. A. Peabody, J. A. Bryan, J. V. Hines, C. W. Dover, R. C. Maurer, John Wallace.
Alternates: W. L. Reynolds, Sol Smith, Dick Gilbert, L. C. Patterson, John Clifton, J. D. Maurer, Sam Nicholson.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 26, 1885.
                                                Republican County Convention.

The convention met at the Opera House in Winfield at 10 o’clock a.m., last Saturday, according to the call, and was called to order by W. J. Wilson, chairman of the county committee. On motion Hon. T. A. Blanchard was elected chairman; pro tem, E. A. Henthorn, secretary, pro tem. On motion of S. P. Strong, the chair appointed a committee of five on credentials. The committee consisted of S. P. Strong, Ed. Pentecost, G. P. Haycraft, Ed. Nicholson, and W. B. Weimer. On motion the chair appointed a committee of five on permanent organization as follows: Sid Cure, A. H. Jennings, J. S. Rash, John Bartgis, and S. C. Pattison. On motion of P. A. Lorry, the chair appointed a committee of five on order of business as follows: P. A. Lorry, Sampson Johnson, W. E. Tansey, J. R. Sumpter, and Captain Stuber. On motion of J. C. Long, the chair was instructed to appoint a committee of five on resolutions. The chair appointed John C. Long, E. A. Henthorn, Dr. H. T. Hornady, L. E. Woodin, and R. C. Maurer. The convention then adjourned until 2 o’clock p.m., partaking of a fine dinner at Winfield’s best hotel during the recess.
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. Respectfully submitted.
J. C. Long, L. E. Woodin, H. T. Hornady, R. C. Maurer, E. A. Henthorn, Committee.
R. C. Maurer...
                                                           LAND SLIDES.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
Harvey Gillespie et ux to R C Maurer, s hf se qr and sw qr se qr 20-32-7e, 160 acres: $400.00.
Hon. J. D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Hon. J. D. Maurer dropped in on us Friday. He has just returned from Ohio where he has been rusticating for the past month.
Maud Maurer; Mrs. J. D. Maurer...
                                           DEXTER DOTS. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
Maud Maurer is down with lung fever. Hope she will soon recover.
S. A. Smith and wife were the guests of Mrs. J. D. Maurer last Sunday.
Hon. J. D. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.
Hon. J. D. Maurer was over from Grouse Thursday. He has just returned from a months ramble around the haunts of his youth, Miami County, Ohio. He gained thirteen pounds in corpulency and had a big time.

J. A. Bryan killed near farm of R. C. Maurer...
                   J. A. Bryan, an old Citizen of Dexter Township, Thrown From his
                      Wagon and his Neck Broken.—Sad Ending of a Valued Life.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.
J. A. Bryan, brother of T. R. Bryan, well-known in Winfield, and brother-in-law of Samuel Nicholson, of Dexter, was killed Tuesday afternoon about two o’clock, 3 miles northeast of Dexter, by being thrown from his wagon. He left home in the morning to go after a load of wood about three miles from his home, and after loading his wagon, started for home. After going about 2 miles and when near Roe Maurer’s farm, in going down a long, steep hill, by some means the neck yoke gave way and his team started to run, throwing him to the ground head first, and it is supposed breaking his neck, as indications point to instantaneous death. There were no bones broken, as far as could be seen, and, from appearances, the only bruise or scratch was on the side of his head. The team ran about 300 yards when it became detached from the wagon and after running about 2 miles, stopped to feed on a wheat field, where Mr. Graham found them and went on in hunt of the owner, whom he found lying by the roadside. Word was immediately sent to Dexter and the authorities repaired to the scene and took charge of the body, which was placed in a wagon and conveyed to his home, where a heart-broken wife and two children awaited the arrival. As no one was with him at the time of the accident, various theories are advanced as to the manner of his death, and it is hard, at this time, to give very authentic details of the sad affair. Mr. Bryan was one of the oldest settlers of Dexter township and was highly respected by all.
R. C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
R. C. Maurer, one of Dexter’s wide awake farmers, was over from the Grouse Wednesday.
J. D. Maurer...
                                              TORRANCE ITEMS. “DAN.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
J. D. Maurer and I. H. Phenis were in Winfield several days last week, being caught in the storm.
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.
                                              TORRANCE ITEMS. “DAN.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Mrs. John D. Maurer received a telegram Monday morning telling her that Mr. Maurer was very sick at Topeka. She drove over to Winfield and took the A. T. & S. F. for Topeka.
                                           DEXTER DOTS. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Hon. J. D. Maurer started for Topeka last Friday.
The late blizzard was hard on stock as a number of hogs and cattle froze to death.
The news came over the wires Sunday that Hon. J. D. Maurer was very sick at Topeka and dispatched for his wife to come. She started Monday.

John D. and Rowland C. Maurer’s sister dies...
                                           DEXTER DOTS. “MOSS ROSE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
Hon. J. D. Maurer’s youngest child has been very sick with pneumonia; also his wife’s brother is afflicted with the same disease. At the present writing they are on the mend.
Died, at her home three miles north of Dexter, on Monday evening, March 1st, Mrs. Eunice Branson, wife of Henry Branson, of pneumonia. Mrs. Branson’s sickness was of short duration, but very severe, not being bedfast quite a week. She was doing well up to Saturday morning when she took a relapse and rapidly grew worse until death ended all. Her only sister, Mrs. Martindale, residing at Madison, Greenwood County, was telegraphed for, but alas! She was too late to see her sister; her spirit had departed half an hour before her arrival. Mrs. Branson was a sister of R. C. and J. D. Maurer. She was twenty-seven years of age last December. Could she have lived a few hours longer, she would have witnessed her tenth wedding anniversary, as they were married March 2nd, 1876. It was a sad blow to Henry to give her up and more sorrowful still for those little, motherless children, who need a loving mother’s care more than anything in this world. But the Master calls and we must go. She leaves a husband and seven children to mourn her untimely loss, her youngest a babe two months old. She was buried Wednesday at 2 o’clock in the Dexter cemetery and was followed to the grave by a large procession of relatives and friends. The funeral was preached at the residence by Rev. N. A. Rankin, the Presbyterian minister of Dexter.
John D. Maurer resigns...
                                Cowley County Fair & Driving Park Association.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
Five Directors, holding three years each, were elected as follows: S. P. Strong, J. R. Sumpter, J. R. Smith, W. R. Wilson, and K. J. Wright, the latter two to fill vacancy caused by resignation of A. T. Spotswood and John D. Maurer.
At the adjournment of the stockholders’ meeting, the Directors of the Association met and elected the officers of The Cowley County Fair & Driving Park Association, for this year: S. P. Strong, of Rock, President; F. W. Schwantes, of Vernon, Vice-President; W. J. Wilson, of Winfield, Secretary; A. H. Doane, of Winfield, Treasurer; J. R. Sumpter, of Beaver, General Manager. The Directors meet again April 9th, and on the second Friday of each month.
R. C. Maurer...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
Messrs. R. C. Maurer and I. M. Jackson were over from Torrance on Tuesday and honored us with a call. They are prominent representatives of the Great Grouse Valley.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
The preliminary examination, before Judge Buckman, of Alfred B. Elliott for the murder of Wilborn M. Chastain, at Dexter, on the 22nd, closed at five o’clock last evening. The defendant was granted bail in the sum of $10,000, which was promptly given. The court room was thronged with anxious listeners. The interest was intense and when the case was declared bailable, signs of approbation were noticeable all around.
                                                         G. M. HAWKINS.

I am acquainted with A. B. Elliott. I knew W. M. Chastain since a year ago last June. I didn’t see the defendant till 8 o’clock on the 22nd. I saw Chastain that day, after he was shot, about two o’clock. He was lying in the road. Maurer, Merydith, Hines, et al were there also. I approached first. The body was in the middle of the road, legs and arms extended, head to the north, left arm extended. His heart was beating. I looked at his chest and saw where several shot had entered and where the blood was oozing out. The shot were about No. 30. I heard no conversation regarding the Elliott trouble that day or before, excepting a day or two previous, Elliott was in my office when he said he had got his daughter home from Arkansas and said, “I think we are done with Chastain.”
                                                              J. V. HINES.
I have lived in Dexter 13 years; known Elliott six or seven years; Chastain two years. Didn’t see Elliott on the 22nd. Saw Chastain in the morning and at noon when he came in my office. He cashed a check for Merydith. Next time I saw him, after dinner, riding north with Frank Ross. Chastain rode an iron gray pony. Saw him next after he was killed. Went down in hack with R. C. Maurer, W. E. Merydith, and Dr. Hawkins. Body was on the ground. Saw pistol on the ground. Got Smith and Wesson out of left pocket. Didn’t go to bridge. Have had no conversation with the defendant since the deed. Before this row heard Elliott talk about trouble with Chastain. Elliott said he believed he would arrest Chastain. He afterward said Chastain had shielded himself from the law. Chastain had no office. He boarded at Dunlap’s, only a few steps from my office. Saturday morning Elliott met me in the post office and said, “I don’t know what to do; it seems like I’ve got to do something. I believe I had better take the start. I’ve got to kill him or be killed, with likely some of my family. He won’t let my family alone. I wish you’d let me have the key to your office so I can stay there at night.” I wouldn’t do it. He said, “I don’t care. I’m going in there. You can have me arrested if you want to.” He was excited. I thought about it and concluded to arrest both and put them under bonds. I sent for Church, and he said he would make a complaint. Chastain heard we were going to do this. Chastain called Church out and said there was no use of any arrests; he wouldn’t shoot Elliott unless attacked. Church saw Elliott and he said the same thing. Elliott never said what he wanted to use my office at night for.
The Judge said the evidence warranted the charge of murder in the first degree and the prisoner would be held. “I believe the prisoner is entitled to bail and as he is able to give sufficient bond, I will place his bond at $10,000.”
The crowded audience arose and the preliminary was over. Mr. Elliott was warmly congratulated at his fortune in getting bond. All over the audience and especially among the Dexterites, could be seen a strong leaning in favor of Elliott. The attorneys for the defense immediately prepared the bond. Plenty of men were on hand to sign the bond. The bondsmen are: Alfred B. Elliott, Rowland C. Maurer, John B. Harden, S. G. Elliott, John R. Smith, Azro O. Elliott, Isaac H. Penis, Tully G. Hoyt, George M. Hawkins, John M. Reynolds, J. Wade McDonald, James McDermott, H. R. Branson, and J. M. Jackson—fourteen names. The bond was approved. The bondsmen were not required to qualify. The bond aggregates big wealth.
Arkansas City Republican, April 3, 1886.

A. B. Elliott, the Dexter murderer, had his preliminary examination Monday and Tuesday. The Judge decided that although the warrant charged murder in the first degree, there was no evidence to convict Elliott of being the murderer outside of his own statement. That he would release Mr. Elliott on $10,000 bail. The bond was prepared and the following named persons stepped up and signed it: R. C. Maurer, J. A. Harden, T. G. Elliott, John R. Smith, Azro G. Elliott, I. H. Phenis, T. G. Hawkins, J. Wade McDonald, and James McDermott. The bond was approved and Mr. Elliott was released.
J. D. Maurer...
Arkansas City Republican, June 12, 1886.
                                                         County Convention.
The Republican County Convention met at Winfield Saturday. The convention was held in the opera house. The meeting was called to order at 10 o’clock and Tom Blanchard of Walnut Township was elected chairman and E. A. Henthorn, secretary. Nine delegates were elected as follows.
State Delegates: J. D. Maurer, E. A. Henthorn, A. McKibben, L. E. Woodin, J. S. Wilkins, P. A. Lorry, T. H. Soward, A. J. Werden, and G. W. Brown.
Congressional Delegates: W. M. Jenkins, H. W. Marsha, Jos. McCleary, A. T. Crawford, E. Shriver, S. H. Wells, W. G. Graham, H. T. Hornady, and P. B. Lee.
The State Delegates were instructed for John A. Martin for governor; Jas. Hamilton, state treasurer; T. McCarthy, auditor. The congressional delegates for B. W. Perkins.
The convention was harmonious, excepting for T. H. Soward. Winfield, his home city, cast 18 votes against him. Arkansas City cast 15 against him.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 2, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Dexter Township Saturday afternoon instructed the Republican delegates for Alberts, Swarts, Maurer, and Overman.
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.
[POLITICS: ELECTION RESULTS.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 13, 1886. From Wednesday’s Daily.
FOR REPRESENTATIVE, 61ST DISTRICT.
John Maurer, 1,015; A. M. Newman, 583.
Maurer’s majority, 432.
R. C. Maurer...
Arkansas City Republican, December 4, 1886. Supplement. [Seven Road Notices.]
RECAP: Gather notices were all presented to the Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas, held on the 8th day of October, A. D. 1886.
3. John H. Kennedy and others of Otter Township...view and survey for the purpose of locating and vacating certain county roads...W. W. Underwood, R. C. Maurer, and Jno. M. Reynolds, viewers, N. A. Haight, county surveyor.