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Cornelius Mead
Arkansas City.
1893 Arkansas City Directory.
ARKANSAS CITY MILLING CO.,
MANUFACTURERS AND JOBBERS OF
FLOUR, FEED AND MEAL.
A. A. NEWMAN, President.
W. H. UPTON, Vice-President
C. MEAD, Secretary and Treasurer.
C. H. SEARING, Manager.
J. LANDES, Supt. Milling Department.
Capacity 1,000 Barrels Per Day.
WATER POWER MILLS.
ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.
[PHOTOGRAPH OF ABOVE APPEARED ON NEXT PAGE.]
PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL.
Corner of Central Avenue and Summit Street. D. D. DeLong D. D., Pastor.
Midweek fellowship and praise service, Thursday evenings in the lecture rooms.
Y. P. S. C. E. meets Sundays at 6:30 p.m. O. H. White, president.
Pilgrim Association (ladies) meets Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.
Board of Trustees: W. E. Dickson, president; O. H. White, secretary and treasurer; C. Mead, W. E. Moore, and J. G. Danks.
Deacons: G. B. Moore, Amos Spray, and Dr. J. A. Loomis.
MEAD, C., of Searing & Mead, A C Milling Co., r 509 n 3rd st.
Mead, Chas., student, r 509 n 3rd st.
Note: At first the newspapers gave his name as “Meade.” This proved to be incorrect!
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 14, 1880.
Mr. Mead has lately arrived from the East, and we understand will go in the milling business with Major Searing. Mr. Mead is a gentleman of means, comes well recommended, and will be received as a welcome addition to our business circle.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 17, 1880.
Searing is a lover of nature and all that, but he says you can’t depend solely upon this agency to successfully conduct a flour mill of any pretensions, and the enterprising firm of Searing & Mead, in the purchase of an engine and steam fixtures, have removed the inconvenience under which they have frequently labored in the lack of water. Their new engine is expected daily, is of 75-horsepower, and with the stone addition to the mill which its advent necessitates building, is of the most substantial improvement of the season. It is encouraging to note such evidences of prosperity on the part of our friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1880.
Searing & Mead sustained quite a loss last Saturday in an accident at the steam and water mill on the Walnut. Some twelve to fifteen hundred bushels of wheat were stored in the north end of the mill directly over the fore-bay, and the floor giving way, the grain was precipitated into the water below. The grain being held in sacks, it is thought a good portion of it can be saved.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 5, 1881.
The Walnut Mills now run on full time and are prepared for merchant work and to exchange grists on short notice.
Will be prepared to grind corn and feed in about one week. SEARING & MEAD.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 5, 1881.
Messrs. Searing & Mead’s steam and water mill, on the Walnut, is now running on full time.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 13, 1881.
Messrs. Searing & Mead, of the Arkansas City Water Mills, have placed upon our table a sample of their “Arkansas City Belle” brand of flour, which we think, in the matter of color, quality, and general excellence, it is impossible to surpass. These gentlemen have been at a great expense in fixing up steam and other attachments to their mills, and we are prepared to say there is no firm in the county that can supply a better article of flour than that turned out by these mills.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 25, 1881.
Our old friend, F. Bohle, U. S. Inspector of Indian supplies, was in town last week, and examined and passed some 200,000 pounds of flour for the agencies in the Territory. Not a single pound of flour was rejected during this inspection, which augurs well for the first-class flour turned out by Messrs. Searing & Mead, at the Walnut Mills. This is the last inspection but one under the old contract. One more inspection will fulfill the contract granted in 1880, and work will at once be commenced upon the flour contracts awarded to A. A. Newman, a few weeks ago, for the coming year’s supplies.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 3, 1881.
C. R. Sipes is putting up a large water tank for Searing & Mead, of the Walnut mills.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 10, 1881.
C. R. Sipes has just completed a large water tank for Messrs. Searing & Mead, of the Walnut Mills. It is 7½ by 8½ feet and 3 feet in height, and its holding capacity is about 40 barrels.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.
The farewell party, given by Miss Lillie Chamberlain at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schiffbauer, on Tuesday evening of last week, was one of the grandest events of the season. The full moon shown down like an immense headlight, viewing apparently, with the many Chinese lanterns that were pendant from the surrounding trees, making the scene resemble that of fairy land rather than reality.
Mr. and Mrs. Mead attended.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 4, 1882.
MASQUERADE PARTY.
The social event of the Holiday week was the masquerade party held at the residence of Mr. James L. Huey on Friday evening, December 30th. A large number of invitations had been sent out, which were almost universally responded to, thus making the party a glorious success. The residence of Mr. Huey is one of the largest, and most commodious, in town; and as the merry throng of maskers promenaded the handsomely appointed salons of the mansion their costumes showed, to perfection, in the brilliant light of the glittering chandeliers. The guests were received by Mrs. James L. Huey, the hostess, assisted by her sister, Mrs. Fred Farrar, and it is needless to say, that under their hospitable care, every attention was shown “the motley crew” that claimed their cares. Refreshments in the shape of many tempting kinds of cake, sandwiches, teas, and coffee were liberally provided. Music lent its aid to the other enjoyments which coupled with the many unique costumes, and the cheering hum of voices lent a charm never to be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to take part in the festivities.
The following is a partial list of the guests with the characters they represented.
Mrs. Mead, Languedoc; Mr. Mead, Ghost.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 8, 1882.
Messrs. S. Matlack, C. Mead, C. L. France, of Toledo, Ohio, and ye editor returned to the city on Sunday last from their trip to the Territory and the Snag Boat “Wichita” after having had a most delightful week’s recreation. The members of the party are under obligation to Capt. Evins, of the Wichita, the first mate, Mr. Treline, and the engineer, Mr. Matthews, for the courtesies extended to them while on their vessel, which were duly appreciated and would be gladly reciprocated should occasion offer.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 15, 1882.
IMPORTANT TO FARMERS. The notice published by Messrs. Searing & Mead, of the Walnut Mills, is in this issue. Read it.
NOTICE: Walnut Mills! We have just furnished a reel exclusively for custom work, and after this date will grind wheat for one-eighth toll, and shelled corn for one-sixth.
SEARING & MEAD. Arkansas City, February 13th, 1882.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 26, 1882.
Messrs. Mead and C. Schiffbauer started for Osage Agency yesterday afternoon.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 10, 1882.
Searing & Mead have nearly filled their contract on flour.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1882. Personals Page.
Arkansas City Boom.
Under the head of “Manufactories” are three grist mills. That of Searing & Mead, capital invested $20,000, work ____ men, and grind 351 bushels per day. Wm. Speers’ Mill, capital invested $7,000, grinds 250 bushels per day. V. M. Ayres’ Mill, capital invested, $20,000. Grinds 500 bushels per day.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1882.
Charles Schiffbauer and C. Mead made a business trip to Osage Agency last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 21, 1882.
C. Mead returned from St. Louis yesterday.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1882.
Mr. Charles Schiffbauer and C. Mead, who have been absent for several weeks on a business trip in the Territory, returned to the city last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1882.
Messrs. Charley Schiffbauer and C. Mead, of Arkansas City, arrived at this place the 25th ult.; and, after remaining here three days, passed down the trail to Anadarko, where they made a brief stay, thence to this Agency. From here the gentlemen started on their journey, via all the lower Agencies, for Arkansas City. The former gentleman is of the enterprising firm of Schiffbauer Bros., at that place, and the latter of Searing & Mead, who have, for some years, made the flour for the Indians of this Territory. A Kansas City gentleman has the flour contract for this year, but Searing & Mead retain the contract of manufacturing the same, and it will be done at Arkansas City as heretofore. Transporter.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1882.
Al. Mowry is now engaged as engineer at Searing & Mead’s mill.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1882.
Mrs. Mead and Miss Lizzie Wyckoff are at Geuda Springs for a week’s vacation from the din and turmoil of our busy city.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 6, 1882.
WANTED 600 bushels of Corn at Searing & Mead’s Mill, for which will pay Arkansas City current prices. Berry Brothers.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 21, 1883.
Messrs. Searing & Mead’s dam was somewhat injured, during the recent high water, but not so much as to stop the mill from running. The repairs upon the dam will be made at once.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 21, 1883.
King Berry, last Thursday, shipped to Kansas City 182 head of cattle and two car loads of hogs, which we see by the stock report he sold to good advantage. King has been feeding the above stock near Searing & Mead’s Mill, in this vicinity, and we are glad to hear of his success in the venture.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1883.
We are pleased to hear that Mrs. Mead, who has been seriously sick for some time, is at this writing, very much better. We sincerely hope the change may be permanent.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1883.
It is with pleasure that we state that Mrs. C. Mead has improved somewhat during the past week, and her friends are hopeful of her recovery.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 18, 1883.
Obituary. DIED. At her residence in this city, on Friday last, April 12th, 1883, at 7 p.m., Rebecca, wife of our townsman, C. Mead, in the 34th year of her age, of consumption, after a lingering illness of several months. The funeral services were held at the house the following day, after which the remains were taken for interment to Brooklyn, New York, where they will be laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery. Mr. Mead and Miss Smith, an aunt of the deceased lady, who ministered to her during her last sickness, accompanied all that was mortal of their beloved relative upon its last earthly journey.
“He giveth his beloved sleep.”
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1883.
We understand that Mr. James Hill has disposed of his interest in the gravel contract to Messrs. Searing & Mead.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1883.
For Sale. A pair of work mares by Searing & Mead.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1883.
The telephone wire between the poles on the road to Searing & Mead’s mill were burnt so badly by the lightning on last Wednesday that they broke in two.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1883.
Searing & Mead have contracted to supply the A., T. & S. F. Railroad with forty cars of gravel per day for one year, to be used for ballasting the road bed. This will give employment to quite a number of hands through the winter.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 16, 1884.
OUR MILLS.
Searing Mead’s, upon the Walnut—and the three already mentioned, purchase all the wheat at the highest prices, for grinding purposes. This is made into flour and furnishes the material for Indian contracts, and the remainder is sent into the surrounding states and territories. Wheat has ranged from 75 cents to $4.00 per bushel, and corn from 30 to 35 cents.
Arkansas City Republican, March 8, 1884.
Samuel Dean, an employee at Searing & Mead’s mill, in attempting to adjust a belt on a wheel while in motion, came near meeting with a fatal accident, his clothing catching on a belt screw, wound around a shaft, and he was carried around several times, tearing off nearly all his clothing, and bruising him very badly.
Arkansas City Republican, March 29, 1884.
EDITORIAL PAGE: C. T. ATKINSON, EDITOR.
THE PROPOSED BRIDGE AT HARMON’S FORD.
An election has been called by the authorities of Creswell Township, for April 5th, 1884, for the purpose of voting $5,000 in bonds for the erection of a bridge at Harmon’s Ford. Many reasons can be adduced in favor of this measure. The farmers of eastern Creswell have aided the other portions of the township in building bridges. The bridge west of town, the one south of it, and the one at Searing & Mead’s flouring mill. These parties who now seek the bridge at the ford have received but little benefit, while their [WORD BLANKED OUT] have contributed to the erection of these necessary structures. Since the canal has been built, much mud and sand have accumulated at the mouth, and but a slight rain causes the Walnut to be impassable. These persons must then go to our city by the way of the mill, or return home. Someone may say, “Who travels this road?” We would say that the farmers of eastern Creswell, southern Silverdale, and in fact, all the residents of Grouse Creek and the lower Arkansas travel this road. The trade and traders from the Kaw and Osage agencies come to Arkansas City by this route. There is a prospect that the county will assume all responsibility for this bridge, but it may not, and it will not do for us to await such tardy action. If it does, so much the better, but we need run no risk. Much of the grading will be done by private parties. The assurance of such action is the word of such men as George Whitney, F. M. Vaughn, R. L. Marshall, and others, whose words are as good as their bond, and the bond or word of any of these gentlemen is always at par.
Arkansas City Republican, May 10, 1884.
Messrs. Hunt & Herron have shelled about 8,000 bushels of corn for Searing & Mead with their steam sheller this week. These men have done a large business with their sheller this spring and the past winter in Arkansas City and surrounding country. They shell about 2,000 bushels per day.
Arkansas City Republican, May 24, 1884.
Mr. C. H. Searing and Mr. Mead’s little son, Charlie, left Wednesday for the East.
Arkansas City Republican, May 31, 1884.
Messrs. Schiffbauer Bros., and Searing & Mead have been figuring on the Indian supplies contracts, and from dispatches lately received from F. P. Schiffbauer and C. H. Searing, who have been east for two weeks to put in the bids, it is quite probable that the greater part of these supplies will be furnished from Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1884.
He Wanted to Make His Own Whiskey.
For several months Searing & Mead have been missing grain from their bins, but have been unable to detect the guilty parties. Last Sunday morning, however, William Burroughs, a drayman in the city, was seen coming from a Santa Fe car with a basket of corn. This car was about half loaded for shipment, Searing & Mead being the consignors. Burroughs was arrested Monday morning, and acknowledged the theft so readily that further search was made about his premises, resulting in finding a lot of carpenter’s tools, which had been taken from a Mr. Pond, his tool chests having been broken open a week ago last Friday. He was also charged with stealing a saddle, bridle, and whip. In Burroughs’ cellar were found about 100 whiskey bottles, which told too plainly the story of his downfall. He has been in the habit, we learn, of buying straight alcohol and diluting the same to satisfy an appetite that has drowned all instincts of manhood and literally ruined him. A few years ago he was a hard working, industrious man, and managed to buy a house and several lots, but of late he has given way to the desire for drink, which has brought him to his present condition. It will sweep away the earnings of years to get himself out of his scrape. Burroughs’ trial was held before F. P. Schiffbauer and he was found guilty, on three counts, each petit larceny. For stealing the corn, he was fined $5 and costs; for stealing the tools, $10 and costs; and he was sentenced to sixty days in the county jail for stealing the saddle, bridle, and whip.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 25, 1884.
Searing & Mead’s mill commenced running at nights last Monday, and is now grinding twenty-four hours per day. In addition to their large merchant trade throughout the Territory, these gentlemen have an item of 1,700,000 pounds of flour to supply for Uncle Sam this year.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 25, 1884.
J. R. Rogers returned from Ohio last week, and is now at his old place as head miller for Searing & Mead.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 2, 1884.
Bridge Building.
The township board met last Friday evening to receive and open bids for building the bridge across the Walnut at Harmon’s ford. The following bids were received and passed upon.
Bullene Bridge company, $4,400, with 5 percent discount for cash.
Missouri Valley Bridge company, $4,400.
Smith Bridge company, $4,000.
Kansas City Bridge company, $4,475.
King Bridge company, $4,500.
Raymond & Campbell, $4,535.
Canton, Ohio, Bridge company—iron, $4,300; combination, $3,900.
M. S. Hasie—iron, $4,385; combination, $3,435.
James Hill, combination bridge on piling, $3,806 and $2,500—the former bid for a four-span bridge, each span fifty-two feet.
After carefully considering the question, the contract was awarded to the Canton Bridge company, whose agent is Mr. J. R. Sawyer, of Wichita. The bridge will be of iron, with two spans of seventy-five feet each, and seventy-six feet of approaches. Their bid, $4,300, is $700 less than their former bid, and they give forty feet more bridge.
The bridge near Searing & Mead’s mill, for which the township paid $2,200, is only eighty feet long, and the piers were already furnished, besides which no approaches were built by the contractors. While the sum to be paid for the new bridge is rather more than the people wished to pay, yet the bridge as completed will be the best one in this part of the county, and we hope to soon see it underway.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1884.
The culvert bridge, this side of the Walnut, nearing Searing & Mead’s Mill, was broken through last Saturday by a steam thresher.
Arkansas City Republican, August 2, 1884.
Mr. C. Mead, and Mrs. C. H. Searing started the first of the week for a trip to the sea shore.
Arkansas City Republican, August 30, 1884.
All this week, Indians have been arriving from the Nation to get their supplies. So far, in the neighborhood of 60 teams have been loaded with flour from Searing & Mead’s mill. Teams will be arriving here almost daily for the next two months to receive their supplies.
Arkansas City Republican, September 13, 1884.
C. Mead returned home from New York yesterday.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 17, 1884.
The jolly miller, Cornelius Mead, returned from New York last week, and is now busy superintending the old reliable Walnut Mills.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 1, 1884.
During the past two weeks, there has been a corner in Chicago on September corn, running the price up to 80 cents. Searing & Mead, of the Walnut Mills, and V. M. Ayres, of the Canal Mills, of this city, saw a good thing in this if they could get their corn to the Garden city in time, and began telegraphing to Santa Fe parties for information as to what could be done. Mr. Nickerson replied that he would furnish all the cars wanted, run the train through to Kansas City on passenger time, and allow his cars to go on to Chicago. The Rock Island road then agreed to take the train through from Kansas City in thirty-six hours. This was good enough, and resulted in a train load of twenty cars leaving this city last Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., and arriving in Kansas City at 7:30 a.m. next day. A second train of twenty cars left on Thursday evening at 9 o’clock, and, like the other, was run through on special time. The first train stopped in Kansas City only one hour and reached Chicago in time for our millers to realize 78 cents per bushel for their 11,000 bushels. The second train load sold for 73 cents. These gentlemen had twenty car loads of corn already in Kansas City, which has also been sent to Chicago, making sixty car loads in all, or about 33,000 bushels. As the price paid for the corn here will average about 30 cents, Messrs. Searing, Mead, and Ayres have realized a handsome profit from the Chicago corner. (Approximately $15,000 less freight.)
Arkansas City Republican, October 11, 1884.
Searing & Mead have been awarded the contract of furnishing 250 tons of coal to the Chilocco schools. Frank Hutchison received the contract for hauling the coal to the schoolhouse. About twenty teams are engaged in the hauling, and will be utilized for about two weeks.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
Tuesday afternoon we visited McLaughlin, Newman & Hess addition adjoining the town north of the East school building. Sixth Street has been extended a half mile beyond the city limits, and this way is being rapidly used as the way to Searing & Mead’s mill. In time it will be the principal thoroughfare to Winfield on account of the sand on Summit Street. This street is devoid of sand and will make one of the handsomest driveways in Arkansas City. Lots are being rapidly sold in this addition. We understand that the contract for one dozen residences has been let, which will go up right away. Culverts are being placed in and good drainage will be had. To anyone desiring good lots, this addition would be a splendid place to invest.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
Parties living east of the Walnut say that water has backed up to the bridge at Searing & Mead’s mill owing to the canal sand. We wonder what has become of our bridge men.
Arkansas City Republican, November 8, 1884.
Riley Rogers, Searing & Mead’s head miller, is building an addition to his residence.
Arkansas City Republican, December 6, 1884.
S. G. Rike had his foot severely mashed last Monday morning. He was accompanying Searing & Mead’s hay baler to the country, and in some way Mr. Rike got his foot under the ponderous machine. He will be laid up a month or more from the effects.
Arkansas City Republican, December 20, 1884.
Searing & Mead, of an Arkansas City mill, having the richest thing in the country. Some months ago they secured a government contract for several 1,000 pounds of flour for the Indians. This contract was taken on the basis of ninety cents per bushel for wheat. They are now filling the contract with wheat at forty five cents, and are realizing one hundred percent profit on the wheat aside from their profits as figured on the contract. They will be in good shape to start a country newspaper. Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 24, 1884.
Searing & Mead’s Walnut Mills were closed Tuesday for some few repairs.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 7, 1885.
The Episcopal ladies were overrun, New Year’s afternoon, with visitors, who came to enjoy their hospitality—which is renowned in Arkansas City. The names of the ladies who received were: Mrs. W. E. Gooch; Mrs. R. E. Grubbs; Mrs. Nicholson; Mrs. M. S. Hasie; Mrs. Frank Beall; Mrs. John Landes; Mrs. J. H. Hilliard; Mrs. A. J. Chapel; Miss Jennie Peterson; Misses Hasie, Etta Barnett, Mame Stineman, Minnie Stewart. The names of the principal callers were Maj. M. S. Hasie; Mr. Nicholson; I. H. Bonsall; Dr. H. D. Kellogg; T. S. Moorhead; Dr. J. A. Mitchell; A. D. Hawk; Rev. J. O. Campbell; J. H. Hilliard; Chas. Chapel; Phil. L. Snyder; Ed. L. Kingsbury; Lute V. Coombs; Leavitt Coburn; Frank M. Grosscup; Richard L. Howard; B. E. Grubbs; S. Matlack; C. Mead; John Kroenert; Sam P. Gould; Dr. A. J. Chapel; Wyard E. Gooch; Dr. G. H. J. Hart; C. H. Searing; G. W. Cunningham; F. P. Schiffbauer; Charles Schiffbauer; O. Ingersoll; Sam Wile; Al. Levy; Frank Beall; C. R. Sipes; R. C. Multer. The ladies received royally, and a royal attendance was the result.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 7, 1885.
Knights of Pythias.
Triumph Lodge No. 116, of Arkansas City, Kansas, was instituted last Friday night, with the following members: Judge A. J. Pyburn; T. J. Sweeny; G. W. Miller; C. C. Sollitt; T. H. McLaughlin; F. W. Farrar; G. S. Howard; J. J. Clark; J. M. Ware; W. E. Moore; H. P. Standley; H. P. Farrar; J. L. Huey; J. A. McIntyre; W. B. Higgins; W. D. Mowry; C. Mead;
O. Stevenson, Jr.
The lodge was instituted by the following members of the Newton lodge: John S. Haines, Chancellor Commander; G. W. Holmes, Past Chancellor; P. J. Mathis, Past Chancellor; Henry E. Brunner, Vice Chancellor; H. Godfrey, Master at Arms; A. R. Ainsworth, Isaac Levy, and J. A. Heilman.
After the institution of the lodge in due form, the following officers were elected and installed: A. J. Pyburn, Past Chancellor; W. D. Mowry, Chancellor Commander; H. P. Farrar, Vice Chancellor; J. L. Huey, Prelate; C. C. Sollitt, Keeper of Records and Seal; T. H. McLaughlin, Master of Finance; F. W. Farrar, Master of Exchequer; T. J. Sweeny, Master at Arms; G. W. Miller, Inside Guardian; J. J. Clark, Outside Guardian.
In the final instructions the visiting brethren remarked that they never before had had the pleasure of instituting a lodge with such bright prospects of future usefulness and growth, and that has the inherent strength and stability that Triumph Lodge No. 116 had.
After the initiatory ceremonies were concluded, all adjourned to the dining room of the Windsor Hotel, where a feast was served, “such as never man saw”—all the delicacies of the season, and served only as Mo, the genial host, and his able corps of assistants can. Thus the time passed until nearly five o’clock Saturday morning, when the participators parted, the visitors extending their heartiest thanks to the new lodge for the Knightly manner in which they had been received, having been treated in a truly royal way, worthy of their patron Knights of old.
The new lodge returns thanks to the visiting K. P.’s for their kindness and vote them to be genial, jovial, generous fellows with hearts fully as large as their feet, and hope to meet them many times in and out of the lodge room.
The visitors left on the 2:30 p.m. train Saturday for Newton.
Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.
Searing & Mead received ten carloads of corn Tuesday. It was bought at Mulvane, Belle Plaine, Cheney, and other towns, and shipped here. They cannot obtain enough corn here to supply their demand.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 14, 1885.
Messrs. Wood, of Winfield, Ayres, Mead, Landes, Beall, and Sleeth met at the Leland Hotel Wednesday last, to perfect drawings and specifications for the Arkansas River boat, soon to be built in St. Louis. The size of this boat will be 16 feet wide and 75 feet long, being forty horsepower. The boat will be completed in about sixty days.
Arkansas City Republican, January 17, 1885.
C. Mead is away this week. Searing says he has gone up the “flume.” We suppose by that he has gone away to buy grain.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 4, 1885.
C. Mead was taken sick Friday night, and is now confined to his bed.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 11, 1885.
There was a small break in Searing & Mead’s dam across the Walnut Friday, but as the water was low in that river, it did not result seriously, being readily repaired.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 11, 1885.
Mr. C. Mead has been very seriously sick for a week or more. As we go to press we learn that he is somewhat better, and there are hopes of his speedy recovery.
Arkansas City Republican, February 14, 1885.
C. Mead is getting well.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 18, 1885.
Searing & Mead and Frank J. Hess have hung out the black flag, and declared war against competitors.
Arkansas City Republican, February 21, 1885.
C. Mead is able to be up, but not strong enough to resume his labor.
Arkansas City Republican, March 21, 1885.
Searing & Mead, proprietors of the Walnut Mills, in the last ten days have disposed of 250,000 pounds of feed stuff to the soldiers camped on Chilocco. It was mostly corn and hay.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 1, 1885.
THE KANSAS CITY AND SOUTHWESTERN.
A meeting of our citizens was called Monday night to hear the proposition of the K. C. & S. W. Ry. Co. J. Q. Ashton was elected chairman and Wm. Jenkins, secretary. The proposition, as read by the secretary, was submitted in the form of a petition to the board of county commissioners, and tenor of it was as follows. The undersigned resident tax payers respectfully petition for a special election to be called for the purpose of accepting a proposition to subscribe $160,000 to the capital stock of the K. C. & S. W. R. R. Co., and to issue bonds to that amount, to aid in securing said road to be constructed from Kansas City, in the state of Missouri, to the south line of the state of Kansas, through said county, the Co. first promising to construct that portion from the St. L. & S. F. R. R. north or northeast from said Cowley County into and through said county by the way of the City of Winfield and the city of Arkansas City to the south line of the state. The bonds to be issued to be of the denomination of $1,000 each, to run 30 years (redeemable at the expiration of 10 years at the will of the county), to bear 6 percent interest, the interest payable semi-annually at the fiscal agency of the state of Kansas to the city of New York.
The said railroad shall enter the said Cowley County on the north side thereof, and extend through said county in a southwesterly direction, and through the townships of Omnia, Richland, Fairview, and Walnut, to Winfield, and thence by the most practicable route to Arkansas City, and touching its corporate limits, and thence to the south or west line of said Cowley County, with suitable passenger and freight depots located—one in Omnia Township, two in Richland Township, one within ¾ of a mile by an air line from the crossing of Main Street and Ninth Avenue in the city of Winfield; one in Pleasant Valley Township; one within ¾ of a mile of the intersection of Central Avenue and Summit Street, in Arkansas City; and one in Bolton Township. The railroad to be of standard gauge, to be a first-class road, and to be built and completed and have cars running thereon, for the transaction of business to Arkansas City on or before six months from date of election, and to the south or west line of Bolton Township, on or before nine months.
Provided, That before any election shall be called, the said company shall give security either by depositing with the county treasurer a sum sufficient to defray the expenses of said election or by executing a bond to the State of Kansas for the benefit of said county to pay the costs of such election, in case the said company fails to build said road.
When the company shall have built 10 miles of road and fully equipped the same, bonds to the amount of $30,000 are to be issued to them; when they reach Winfield, bonds to the amount of $30,000 more shall be issued; when they shall reach Arkansas City, $40,000 more, and the balance when completed.
The form of the ballots to be “For the railroad stock and bonds of the K. C. & S. W. R. R. Co.,” and “Against the railroad stock and bonds of the K. C. & S. W. R. R. Co.”
With very little discussion the proposition was adopted. The following committee was appointed to work in the interest of the road to the outlying townships: Maj. W. M. Sleeth, H. P. Farrar, J. L. Huey, C. Mead, Rev. S. B. Fleming, J. Q. Ashton, Wm. Jenkins, S. Matlack, N. T. Snyder, Maj. M. S. Hasie, Judge T. McIntire; and they were empowered to add others to the committee at their discretion.
The first steps have now been taken toward securing this road, a good beginning made. But our people must realize that it is only a beginning, a small one at that. Before us lies a great deal of hard, persistent work. The eastern portion of this county, through the mistaken idea that if the road does not traverse their townships, it will be of no benefit to them, will oppose the bonds to a man. The northwest will go equally as strong the same way. We take the following statistics from the last report of the Board of Agriculture, because we have not the vote of the townships at hand.
The population of concerned townships in 1884. Omnia Township: 458; Richland Township: 905; Walnut Township: 1,285; Pleasant Valley: 936; Creswell Township: 879; Bolton Township: 1,228; Winfield, City: 3,617; Arkansas City: 2,838. TOTAL: 12,186.
Population of county in 1884, 26,149. Difference: 14,018. Leaving a majority against us in 1884 of 1,977. This, of course, is allowing that everyone is in favor of the road in the townships named and all the rest against us. We presume that this relation between the total population and the number of voters remains the same relatively all over the county.
The additional fact must also be kept in mind that while Winfield and Arkansas City have increased in population at from 25 to 40 percent since the above census was taken, the rest of the county has in a very small percent. Looking at it in this light, the most favorable we can allow, the total population of the townships mentioned above is less than the balance of the county, and the voters in proportion. The difference and a sufficient number more must be obtained by hard work. Not by the holding of an occasional meeting in the outlying townships, but by meeting six nights in the week, and twelve hours a day. If this road will be of any benefit to us, it will be of thousands of dollars in benefit. This will take time, money, and dogged persistence. If our city wants to do this work, or its share of it, well and good. If not, then the county bonds can be counted on as defeated from the beginning.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 8, 1885.
Ad. Found! A small sum of money which the owner can have by proving property and paying for this notice. C. MEAD.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, April 18, 1885.
Ross Merrick Thursday sent Thomas Corbin to town with a wagon load of wheat to sell to our millers, and instructed him to receive the money and bring it back to him (Merrick). Corbin got here alright, sold the wheat to Searing & Mead, drew the money from the bank, and flitted away quietly, leaving the team hitched on our streets. Mr. Merrick came in yesterday morning and swore out a warrant for the arrest of Corbin alleging the above facts. Officers were put on Corbin’s track, but up to time of going to press they had not captured him. Mr. Merrick is an old citizen in this vicinity and resides on his farm four miles northwest of town. Corbin has been employed in working on his farm for some time.
Arkansas City Republican, April 18, 1885.
Searing & Mead are loading four and five teams with flour for Cheyenne Agency daily.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 13, 1885.
Last Monday evening a citizen’s meeting was held in Highland Opera House to take steps toward preparing for the Fourth of July. A committee was appointed to solicit funds and the meeting adjourned. Thursday evening the adjourned meeting convened with Judge Sumner presiding, and Judge Kreamer as scribe. The soliciting committee reported they had received subscriptions to the amount of over $500. The report was accepted and the committee instructed to solicit more funds in order that Arkansas City may have the celebration of the Southwest. Mayor Schiffbauer arose and told the audience that he had been requested by Messrs. Searing & Mead to announce that they were in receipt of a dispatch from T. S. Moorhead saying that the steamer, The Kansas Millers, sailed out of St. Louis June 10 for Arkansas City and that it would be here positively by July 4th, or burst a boiler.
This speech created a great deal of enthusiasm and right then and there the meeting determined that Arkansas City should have the biggest celebration ever known to the southwest. Other speeches were delivered by citizens present after which the meeting adjourned with instructions to the committee on general arrangements to meet in the council chamber last evening to determine who shall be the orator of the day. It is intended to try and secure Robt. T. Lincoln, secretary of war under Arthur, for this purpose. Music will be plentiful that day. In all probability the four bands of southern Cowley, consisting of the Buckskin Border Band, Mechanics’ Independent Silver Cornet Band, The Cyclone Band, and the cornet band of Bolton Township, will furnish the delightful strains. A rip-roaring good old time will be had and don’t you forget it. The amusements of the day will consist of a slow mule race; sack races; greased pole climbing; dancing; speeches; fireworks at night; drilling by the Arkansas Valley Guards; and riding on the Kansas Millers. Everybody from far and near are invited to come and celebrate Independence day.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 18, 1885.
NAVIGATION COMPANY.
Searing & Mead, Wood & Bliss, of Winfield, V. M. Ayres and the Arkansas City Roller Mill Company compose the navigation company. V. M. Ayres is president and C. H. Searing Secretary. These four milling firms, having practicably demonstrated that the Arkansas is navigable by steamers on the pattern of the “Kansas Millers,” and having used $7,000 to further the enterprise already, naturally turn to the town most benefitted for assistance in the furthering of the enterprise. The directors are B. F. Wood, Maj. W. M. Sleeth, and James Hill.
Arkansas City Republican, July 25, 1885.
Last Monday night between 11 and 12 o’clock the cry of “fire” rang out upon the still night, and the gentle Kansas zephyrs wafted the sound to the ponderous ears of the REPUBLICAN reporter. Springing from our bed, of down—on the floor—we hastily donned the first article we placed our hands on and started on a dead run for the scene of the conflagration. We were among the first to arrive and we found the St. Louis Restaurant and Grimes & Son’s Drug Store almost enveloped in flames. The fire had gained so much headway that it was impossible to put it out.
The predominating idea was to save Mowry & Sollitt’s brick drug store, and leave the old frame buildings go. In accordance with the view, the hose was turned on the Pickle building while the excited populace attempted to tear down the building occupied by A. G. Heitkam with his tailoring establishment, but the heat from the burning buildings was so excessive that the crowd turned its efforts to tearing out the Diamond Front building.
The fire spread in both directions and in 20 minutes after the origin of the fire, the St. Louis Restaurant, Grimes & Son’s Drug Store, Chas. Bundrem’s Meat Shop, D. L. Means’ Implement House, and O. F. Lang’s Restaurant were in ashes.
By the time the fire had got a good hold on Heitkam’s Tailor Shop, the Diamond Front building had been torn out and the brick drug store was saved.
The nine buildings were burned in about one hour and a quarter. After once getting a start, they went as if they had been saturated with coal oil. They were so dry and old that it is a wonder that the fire was not conveyed across the street by the great heat. The wind hardly stirred and by persistent efforts of everyone, the fire did not get into the brick buildings.
Ery Miller and C. Mead did good work with the hose in staying the flames.
Arkansas City Republican, August 1, 1885.
The “Kansas Millers” took a load of freight down to Pawnee Agency yesterday, stopping at intermediate points. Searing & Mead sent flour; V. M. Ayres, flour and corn; and the Roller Mill Co., flour. Maj. C. H. Searing and wife, Mrs. H. Clevinger and little boy went as passengers. The boat will return in time to take care of the Wichita excursion.
Arkansas City Republican, August 8, 1885.
The K. C. & S. W. surveying corps finished the preliminary survey to the town site yesterday evening. They stopped on the road leading to Searing & Mead’s mill, just east of the Santa Fe road.
Arkansas City Republican, September 19, 1885.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hilliard were surprised by a very pleasant party last evening. They were spending the evening very pleasantly with Mr. and Mrs. Powell and Miss Laura King, relations of Mrs. Hilliard, from Chicago, when the party took them by storm. Those invited were Messrs. Philip Snyder, Will Daniels, Chas. Mead, Herman Wycoff, Charlie Chapel; Misses Mollie and Linda Christian, Clark and Cora Thompson, Jessie Miller, Lucy Walton, Fannie Cunningham, Minnie Stewart; Mrs. Fred Miller, Mrs. Gooch; Mr. and Mrs. Capt. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Topliff, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Parsons, Mr. and Mrs. Worthley, Mr. and Mrs. Ayres, Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Alexander, Mr. and Mrs. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Grubbs, Mr. and Mrs. Landes, Mr. and Mrs. N. T. Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. Matlack, Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Farrar, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Searing, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Cunningham, and Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
The City Council met in regular session on Monday evening, all the members present, acting Mayor Thompson in the chair.
Bids for curbing and guttering the east side of blocks 79, 80, and 81, and the west side of blocks 67, 68, and 69 were opened and read as follows.
Duncan & Jones, per linear foot: $1.45
George F. Grey offers to lay two blocks for 18½ cents per square foot.
Cornelius Mead, curbing and guttering, per linear foot: $1.50; Stone crossing, per linear foot: $.80.
J. C. McGee, curbing and guttering: $1.65; Stone crossing: $1.00.
John Senthouse, curbing and guttering: $1.60; Stone crossing: $1.00.
J. E. Parkins, curbing and guttering: $1.87; Stone crossing: $1.00.
Dennis Harkins, curbing and guttering per lot, $30; crossing, per foot, 25 cents.
J. W. Ruby, 2 blocks, curbing and guttering, per sq. Ft. of stone, 25 cents.
These bids were referred to the committee on streets and alleys to consider, and report on Wednesday evening, the 21st.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 24, 1885.
The city council met in regular session Monday evening. Members present were councilmen Thompson, Dunn, Dean, Hill, Hight, Bailey, and Prescott. C. G. Thompson, acting mayor, presided.
The allowance of a few minor bills occupied the attention of the honorable board for a short time when they passed on to other business. The following parties presented bills for curbing and guttering, which were opened and read: Duncan & Jones, F. Gray, Cornelius Mead, J. C. McGee, John Senthouse, J. E. Parkins, Dennis Harkins, J. E. Beck & Co., and J. W. Ruby, and by motion the same was referred to committee on streets and ordered to report Wednesday evening.
Wednesday Evening. Council convened with Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Thompson, Davis, Dunn, Hight, and Bailey present. The contract for guttering and curbing two blocks of Summit street and putting in crossings was awarded to C. Mead and he was given 90 days into which to fulfill his contract. His bond was $1,500.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 4, 1885.
Council met at 7:30 on Monday evening, Mayor Schiffbauer presiding. Councilmen Bailey and Hill absent. The contract of the city with Cornelius Mead for the guttering and curbing of six blocks on Summit Street, and the laying of four stone crosswalks on Summit Street and Fifth Avenue was read. The curbing and guttering to cost $37.75 per lot and the crosswalks 80 cents per linear foot; the work to be finished by April 1st. Mr. Eldridge protested against the work as faulty in design and too expensive by one-third. Mr. Henderson joined in the protest, objecting to the use of flag stones and proposing cobble stones. Dr. Alexander was another protestant. The block between Central and Seventh Avenues was not half built up, and when the lots came to be improved, the guttering and curbing would have to be taken up. Councilman Dunn, of the committee on streets and alleys, answered the various objections. The mayor said these protests came in too late to be of any avail. The resolution of the council to curb and gutter the blocks named had been advertised four consecutive weeks in the TRAVELER, the official organ of the city, and proposals for the work had been advertised the same length of time in the same paper. Not a protest had come in during all this time, and the natural inference of the council was that the property holders interested approved the work. The contract had now been let and the bond filed, and the objections made could not be regarded. The contract was approved. A bond for $1,500 for the faithful performance of the work was read and approved. Cornelius Mead, principal, and Messrs. Searing and Frank J. Hess, sureties. A resolution was adopted that the owners of scales on the blocks named, be notified to remove them far enough into the road to admit of the gutters being made. By resolution F. B. Scott, engineer of the water works, was allowed $50 a month, on condition that he do all the work.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 14, 1885.
Hog Cholera. While sitting in the barber shop last Tuesday evening, waiting for the artist to call out “next,” W. J. Hamilton came in. During a conversation that ensued between him and C. Mead, we ascertained that death by cholera in the hog family had been very extensive in this part of Cowley County. Nearly every hog owner has suffered a heavy loss by the ravages of this disease. This was news to us. We knew that hog cholera had been in this vicinity, but thought its extent had been slight. In the daily papers we read where hogs are dying by thousands in all parts of the United States, but were surprised to hear that heavy losses had been sustained by parties here. This is the first season the disease has ever manifested itself in this community, and there appears to be no remedy yet discovered by which it can be prevented. Upon inquiry we found Mr. Hamilton had lost about 70 fine hogs by the disease already, and they are still dying off at the rate of three and four per day. Searing & Mead lost 300; J. Keller, 100; Dunn & Johnson, 300; Wm. Johnson, 20; S. H. DeWeese, 200; P. A. Ireton, 40; C. C. Tuby, 40; Davenport & Ayers, 200; and several others. A farmer in Silverdale Township lost 40 in one night. Some persons are inclined to think that the disease is not cholera, but it is the general opinion that it is the pure, unadulterated hog cholera. Anyway, whatever it may be, it is fatal, and it is seldom that a hog survives an attack. With the advent of cold weather, the ravages of the disease have stopped to a considerable extent. It was during the summer months that the heavy mortality existed.
Arkansas City Republican, November 21, 1885.
Wichita is trying the experiment of graveling her streets. Last week Searing & Mead shipped 12 carloads of gravel to that city. Why would it not be a good plan to gravel our streets, and especially depot street? It costs Wichita $18 to get a load of gravel there from here, there being $14 of freight on each car. Arkansas City could get the same material for $6 per car. If Wichita can pay $18, Arkansas City should be able to pay $6.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 5, 1885.
Searing & Mead are in receipt of a letter from Wichita parties stating that the streets which have been graveled in that city are excellent, much better than the most sanguine anticipated. Arkansas City can gravel her streets two-thirds cheaper than Wichita, and we should now improve the opportunity. With graveled streets and stone sidewalks, Arkansas City would be the most beautiful city in Kansas. Let this matter be agitated.
Arkansas City Republican, December 5, 1885.
Searing & Mead are working like Trojans to get in the curbing and guttering. One block on Summit street is about completed. The four crossings at the bank corner are in.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 9, 1885.
Searing & Mead are making a substantial job of the guttering and curbing they are engaged on; next the sidewalks will have to be adjusted to the grade they have established.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 9, 1885.
City council met in regular session, on Monday evening, A. D. Prescott in the chair. Councilmen Hill and Thompson were absent.
Bills were presented. Searing & Mead, $441.34, allowed.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 12, 1885.
Searing & Mead stopped work on the curbing and guttering on Summit street Wednesday because of the cold weather.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 23, 1885.
The following officers were elected at the last regular meeting of Crescent Lodge No. 133, at Masonic Hall, Saturday evening, December 19th. W. M.: Charles Hutchins; Senior Warden: C. Mead; Junior Warden: Fred Hawk; Treasurer: Calvin Dean; Secretary: S. C. Lindsay. The offices of Senior and Junior Deacons, Senior and Junior Stewards, and Tyler will be reappointed and all installed on or before January 27th.
Arkansas City Republican, December 26, 1885.
Crescent Lodge, No. 133, A. F. & A. M., held an election of officers last Saturday night. Chas. Hutchins was elected W. M.; C. Mead, S. W.; A. D. Hawk, J. W.; Calvin , Treasurer; and S. C. Lindsay, secretary.
Arkansas City Republican, December 26, 1885.
The council convened in regular session last Monday evening. All members were present except Capt. C. G. Thompson. On motion Mr. Mead was instructed to put in crossings at the corner of Summit street and Central avenue and the corner of 4th Avenue and Summit Street. The crossings are to be the same as those put in at the crossings on Summit Street and 5th Avenue.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 16, 1886.
Statement of the amount of orders issued, to whom issued, and for what purpose issued, on the bond funds for the building of the Central or Stone School Building, between June 24, 1884, and December 19, 1884; and orders issued to teachers from October 1, 1884, to June 3, 1885. Also, amount orders issued on the Incidental fund from July 10, 1884, to June 3, 1885. This is the best the present board can do. Not having any receipts recorded on the district clerk books, drawn from the county treasurer, we can give nothing but the one side.
MO. DA. YR. TO WHOM ISSUED. FOR WHAT PURPOSE ISSUED. AMOUNTS.
Nov. 14, 1884 Searing & Mead, thirty-three tons coal: $101.06
Feb. 25, 1885 Searing & Mead, 14,630 pounds coal at $6.00 Per Ton: $43.86
May 2, 1885 Searing & Mead, one cord of wood: $6.50
Arkansas City Republican, February 20, 1886.
The contract for the grading of 5th Avenue and bridging the canal was awarded to C. Mead Monday. The bids were as follows.
FOR GRADING. FRANEY, $735; BLAIR, $840; MEAD, $640.
FOR BRIDGING. MITTS, $525; TRASK, $725; MEAD, $390; GILLESPIE, $304.
Arkansas City Republican, April 24, 1886.
Monday last Searing & Mead purchased the Canal Roller Mills and started the idle machinery working Wednesday. Since V. M. Ayres & Son left the Canal Roller Mills, they have been at a stand-still, but from now on they will be run to their fullest capacity. The REPUBLICAN gladly chronicles the above. This institution could have fallen in no better hands. Messrs. Searing & Mead are enterprising gentlemen and reliable. They thoroughly understand the milling business and will beyond a doubt, make a thorough success of their venture. They will also continue their management of the Walnut Mills.
Arkansas City Republican, May 8, 1886.
AD. CANAL MILLS. We have purchased the Canal Mills formerly owned by V. M. Ayres, where we shall be pleased To See Our Old Friends, And as many new ones as choose to favor us with their patronage. Special Attention will be given to EXCHANGE WORK, and the Highest Price Paid for Wheat. Searing & Mead.
Arkansas City Republican, June 12, 1886.
The council met in regular session Monday evening. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Prescott, Hight, Thompson, and Thurston. The following bills were allowed.
Bills of C. Mead, $522.72 for crossing and sidewalks, and $124.58 for curbing and guttering. Referred to street and alley committee.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 19, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Monday Kroenert & Austin received official notice that they had been awarded the contract for furnishing four car-loads of salt to the Chilocco Indian schools this year. Kroenert & Austin had over 500 competitors bidding against them, and yet they got there, Eli, and don’t you forget it. Searing & Mead have the flour contract; and Bower & Wood have the meat contract. If Arkansas City possessed no other advantage for becoming a city, the Indian Trade alone would almost make one of her.
Arkansas City Republican, June 26, 1886.
Saturday morning Searing & Mead, upon going to their Canal flouring mills, discovered the horse of their miller, Dan Murphy, still hitched in the stable, and everywhere around were marks of high water from the storm of Friday night. They began to search everywhere for the body of Mr. Miller, supposing that he had been drowned. They even went so far as to begin dragging the canal, expecting each moment to bring the body to the surface. After working for some time in this manner, the thought struck them that perhaps the miller had gone home afoot. Accordingly a messenger was dispatched to the home of Mr. Miller and there he was found in bed asleep. He explained that the water became so high between the mill and stable that he thought it unsafe to attempt to go to the animal, and so footed it home.
Arkansas City Republican, June 26, 1886.
The city council met Monday evening. Present: Mayor F. P. Schiffbauer; councilmen A. D. Prescott, Jas. Hill, O. Ingersoll, C. G. Thompson, A. A. Davis, C. Dean, C. Thurston, and J. Hight. Report of committee on curbing and guttering the street received and read. Moved that the report be compared with specifications and committee report at next meeting.
On motion the bill of C. Mead for putting in street crossings was allowed.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 21, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
Some time ago a party of ladies went down along the Walnut to sketch Searing and Mead’s mill and adjacent scenery. On the same day the special artist of the REPUBLICAN was also out sketching and by chance came in sight of these ladies. Unseen by them he viewed them at a distance and employed his time sketching. He saw them abandon their artistic occupation and form themselves into a swimming party, and went on with his sketching. He observed them as they swam like mermaids, and he continued to sketch. He beheld them plunge and paddle in the placid and shallow water—and still he sketched. By this time he had them sketched. He has spent the last week retouching the picture, intending to make a “cut” of it for the paper. All who have seen the drawing pronounce it a valuable work of art.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 21, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
C. Mead left for a sojourn in Colorado this morning. He will be gone a week or more.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 27, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Searing & Mead received the bill of lading yesterday for 108,000 pounds of sugar, which will go into the Territory to sweeten up “Poor Lo.”
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 4, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
Mrs. C. H. Searing, C. Mead, and little boy, all returned home today from their visit out in Colorado.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 22, 1886.
Work is progressing on the canal extension, the weather being favorable for excavation. The head gates are about finished, but there remains upwards of 3,000 feet of the channel to dig, which will take three or four weeks yet. The flouring mills are kept idle, of course, but both Searing & Mead, and the A. C. Roller Mills Co., are buying all the wheat that offers, intending to make a busy and continued run as soon as the water is turned in.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 25, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
The city council met in regular session last evening. Present: Mayor Schiffbauer; councilmen C. G. Thompson, J. Hight, C. Dean, O. Ingersoll, and A. D. Prescott.
C. Mead asked that scrip be issued him for curbing and guttering, as certain lot owners were delinquent. On motion the request was granted.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 2, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
Ira Barnett bought 61 head of hogs from Searing & Mead Monday, for shipment. The bunch weighed 20,075 pounds. The average was a little more than 329 pounds. Five of them weighed 2,550 pounds.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 9, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
G. B. Mead, of Brooklyn, New York, brother of C. Mead, is visiting in the city.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 15, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
This afternoon at about 4 o’clock two men, E. S. Lumpkins, of Sedgwick County, and a railroader became involved in a dispute in front of M. David’s place of business. Lumpkins threw his opponent down and was holding him when Miller McAfee ran up to the combatants, pulled Lumpkins over on the curb-stone, and kicked him in the eye with the heel of his boot. Just then Mead, Johnson, and Johnnie Breene came up and made the arrest of McAfee, who tried to get away. Lumpkins was taken to Dr. Wright’s office where he received treatment. It was feared the eye-ball was injured but on examination the wound proved no more serious than a severe cut in the face beneath the eye. His face was terribly swollen. The railroader and McAfee were taken before Judge Bryant and are having their trial as we go to press. McAfee’s act was very cowardly and uncalled for.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 22, 1887. From Thursday’s Daily.
Last night C. Mead, in coming down the stairway of his home, fell and transmogrified his Grecian nose into a Roman, besides draping his eyes in Egyptian blackness. No bones broken, but body and spirit considerably bruised.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 5, 1887. From Wednesday’s Daily.
C. Mead returned last evening from a ten day’s trip in Missouri.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 12, 1887. From Monday’s Daily.
B. W. Keeler was down from Wichita Saturday and made purchase of 80 acres of land of Meigs & Nelson. It lies down on the Walnut bottom north of the road leading to Searing & Mead’s mill. Thirty days ago Meigs and Nelson purchased this tract of land of Lafe McLaughlin for $10,000. A short time before Mr. McLaughlin bought the land of his brother-in-law, Samuel Philbrick, for $4,300. Mr. Philbrick was here from Maine last fall and was induced to buy the land from Frank Finney for $4,300. In a short time he longed to return to Maine and he sold his land for what it cost him in order to do so.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 12, 1887. From Wednesday’s Daily.
John Landes and C. Mead were up to Newton yesterday attending the millers’ state convention. A permanent organization was effected with J. Underwood, of Salina, as president; Ben Wood, of Winfield, first vice-president. This organization is for the advancement of the milling business of the state.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 5, 1887. From Saturday’s Daily.
The Muret farm, we are informed, was sold this morning for $50,000 to eastern parties. This tract of land lies north of the road leading to Searing & Mead’s mill and east of the railroad.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 5, 1887. From Monday’s Daily.
Saturday the wind blew a perfect gale in this region. During the afternoon, Searing & Mead’s corn crib near the Santa Fe depot was blown over. Unfortunately for a Ponca Indian, he had his team tied to it. When the crib went over, it fell on one of his ponies, killing it. It also broke his wagon badly. Poor Lo, he was sadly demoralized.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 5, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
Searing & Mead sent a wagon load of flour to a Dexter merchant today. Austin Bros., sent three wagon loads of groceries.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 12, 1887. From Saturday’s Daily.
Searing & Mead shipped two car-loads of flour over to Caldwell today. From there it will be sent south to the Cheyenne Indians. Arkansas City supplies an extensive territory with flour.
[Note: RKW made the following notation concerning 1889 relative to C. Mead.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 27, 1889. C. Mead claimed a lot in Guthrie.
