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Winfield Landmark: Old Log Store
[THE OSAGE RESERVE.]
Emporia News, January 14, 1870.
THE OSAGE RESERVE.
EDS. NEWS: With your permission, I will use your columns as a convenient medium for answering numerous questions concerning the Walnut and Arkansas valleys. Probably it will be hardly worthwhile to narrate all the ups and downs of a two weeks’ camping expedition; the game which we did not shoot, the poor jokes, and short rations. I will rather follow Mr. Gradgrind’s lead, and narrate the more important “facks.”
El Dorado seems to be flourishing beyond her former experiences. Business is brisk, whiskey scarce, town lots rising. The town is yet in its rough infancy, a total stranger to white paint and pine siding. We found our old friend, Dr. White, suffering from a most gratifying presence of customers.
Below El Dorado the valley widens, and farms are being rapidly opened.
Augusta is less excited than El Dorado, but seems to be doing a good business. Douglass, near the Southern line of Butler County, has a beautiful site, three stores, extensive water-power, and one of the best hotels on the border.
Butler County is larger than the State of Rhode Island: too large for convenience or comfort. There is much talk about carving a new county out of it and Cowley; in which case, either Douglass or Augusta would probably be the county seat.
Three miles south of Douglass we enter Cowley County and the Osage Reserve. The valleys grow in breadth and beauty, and numerous squatter cabins are visible, as we approach Lagonda, better known on the border as Dutch Creek. The word Lagonda is said to signify clear water, in the language of the Osages, and the name is well applied to a most beautiful stream, but the border settlers are not poetical, and adhere to the old name. The town consists, at present, of one log house and a log store, the former being the residence of Mr. C. Wood, formerly of Cottonwood Falls, and the latter owned by Baker & Manning of Augusta. This is a pleasant site, has one of the finest water-powers in Kansas, and is surrounded by a good country.
While at Lagonda we were somewhat amused and interested by attending a “claim trial.” The squatters on the Reserve are thoroughly organized for self-protection, and all claim disputes are referred to their league. Some fifty of the pioneers were present on this occasion, and the question was decided by vote. If legal forms were not very strictly adhered to, we at least concluded that substantial justice was done.
Below Lagonda the scenery changes. The Walnut Valley, still broad and beautiful, is bounded by vast precipices of white magnesian limestone. The stream is exceedingly tortuous in its course, and the timber large and abundant. Crossing the Walnut one mile below town, at the “Kickapoo Corral,” we climb the divide, and driving ten miles to the southward, stand upon high bluffs overlooking the Arkansas.
The river here is about the size of the Kaw at Lawrence. The bottoms are broad and fertile and the grass wonderful in its growth. We measured single stalks over ten feet in height. The soil is a sandy loam, loose in texture, but with an increased proportion of clay at the depth of four feet, and therefore not liable to “leach.” The settlers at Wichita tell wonderful stories about the adaptation of this soil to hoed crops. Immediately along the Arkansas, for a number of rods in breadth on each side, the soil is piled in sandy drifts, and dwarf oak and Chickasaw Plum are abundant. The Grouse, which flows into the Arkansas some ten miles southeast of the mouth of the Walnut, has broad bottoms, and even more timber than the Walnut. Its mouth is barely within the State. It flows for some distance parallel to the Walnut, about six miles from it.
Immediately east of the mouth of the Walnut, a range of limestone hills crosses the Arkansas, forming a gorge probably three-fourths of a mile in breadth, filled with timber from bluff to bluff. East of this range, we found hundreds of acres of oak openings, and very broad, fertile bottoms. Two other streams, the Neniskan and Shekaska, enter the Arkansas on the west side, within five or six miles above the mouth of the Walnut, each having broad bottoms, and abundance of timber. The Arkansas is far better timbered here than in the region further west. The uplands are generally smooth and fertile, based upon limestone.
The peninsula between the Walnut and Arkansas, towards its southern extremity, breaks off into a smooth swelling ridge, much like that upon which Emporia is situated, but narrower and somewhat lower. Timber, building-stone, sand, water power, all abound in the immediate vicinity. The site has every natural advantage to be found in Kansas; and here, on Monday, in the newest stage of the moon, and near the first day of the year, we laid the rude log foundations on which a thriving town may some day rise. We were spared the trouble of naming it; the charter of the Preston (Texas) and Salina railroad has already christened it Delphi.
The Sac and Fox and Osage Indians were camped close by. They are perfectly quiet and harmless; perhaps over-awed by the number of settlers. We made the acquaintance of a few of them: the superannuated chief, “Hard Rope,” “Little Bear,” E-keep-son-Ge, whose name is, translated, “Long-tailed Rat,” and some others. Like all the other settled Indians, the Osages are a dying race. Very few children now grow to maturity. “Strike-axe,” one of the principal chiefs, told one of our party that he had lost nine children, and only one remained. At the present rate of decrease, these tribes will soon disappear from the earth. “White man’s food” and consanguine intermarriages are mentioned as the most apparent causes.
We have the best evidence that the number of the Osages has been greatly exaggerated by interested parties; that 2,000 is above the figure. While encamped near them for some days, we were particularly struck by a sort of prolonged and unearthly wail, which rose every morning at daybreak from their villages—a sound that wonderfully harmonized with the note of the owl and coyote—rising and falling for several minutes in strange cadence. This was said by some to be their mode of worship; but Col. Manning, who has spent much time among them, told us that they were mourning for their dead. To us it seemed as if these pre-Adamite people were singing their own death-song.
Most of the timbered claims along the lower Walnut are now taken. The prairie claims are almost untouched. The valleys of the lower Grouse, the Arkansas, Neniskaw, and Shikaska, are almost totally unclaimed, and the best timbered lands await the pioneer. In its adaptation to grass, corn, fruit, and livestock, this region is hardly equaled in Kansas. The survey of the Walnut Valley branch of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. passes across the site of Delphi. A ferry for this point has been chartered, and will be put in operation early next spring. Other good things are in progress. Should the Osage title be extinguished this winter, the growth of this country will be wonderful; and it is impossible to describe the anxiety of the pioneers upon this point. Above all, they desire that the lands be sold only to actual settlers, and not made the plunder of great monopolists, in which prayer most of us will heartily join. If the present Osage Treaty be ratified, actual settlers will receive each a quarter section at $1.25 per acre. Now is the time to act. H. B. NORTON.
Cowley County Censor, May 13, 1871.
THE NEW CHEAP STORE OF MYTON & BROTHERTON. We have just opened in the Log Store, corner Main and Ninth Avenue. BIG AD!
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
Everything in the provision line at the old Log Store; that is the place for bargains.
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
If you want to keep cool, go to Myton & Brotherton’s and get a suit of those Dutch Linen clothes; they don’t cost much.
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
The grand rush for goods still continues at the Old Log Store.
Note Date in next item...some years later! Paper put in with earlier Winfield paper that showed up on same microfilm that I had. MAW
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mr. T. H. B. Ross took in Winfield last Friday in the interest of our school district. He says there have been many changes there, but few of the old “boys” are left, and Winfield does not appear now as it did in 1870-74. Caldwell Commercial.
Well, that’s a fact; there have been a good many changes in and around Winfield since those days. The old log store has been reduced to ashes, and some of the boys who used to gather there evenings to play “California Jack” and speculate on the future price of corner lots in Winfield, now take their wives and children to the theater in the fine Opera House that has arisen on the site of the old store. Max Shoeb’s blacksmith shop has given place to Read’s bank; the Walnut Valley House, as a hotel, has passed away. Likewise, the firms of Manning & Baker, U. B. Warren & Co., Alexander & Saffold, Bliss & Middaugh, Hitchcock & Boyle, Maris & Hunt, Myton & Brotherton, and Pickering & Benning. S. H. Myton is about the only one that is left. Tisdale’s hack, which came in whenever the river would permit, has given way to our two railroads; Tom Wright’s ferry, south of town, has been replaced by a handsome iron bridge, and Bartlow’s mill and its crew have disappeared.
Every new building erected on Main street now is not, as then, dedicated with a dance, nor do married women attend them with children in arms, nor do they deposit their kids in the laps of blushing bachelors and join in all hands around. Our Justices of the Peace, when about to unite a loving couple, don’t tell them to “stan” up thar an’ I’ll fix you.” Our butchers, now, don’t go down behind Capt. Lowery’s house, shoot a Texas steer, cut him up with an axe and sell out the chunks before they are done quivering. The writer does not, on nights like Thursday last, rise up from his bed of prairie hay and water, in a little wall tent, and light out for the log store to get out of the wet. All of that kind of fun has passed away and we have had a new deal all around. Some of the men that in those days were frying bacon and washing socks in their bachelor shanties, are now bankers, postmasters, district judges, and palatial hotel keepers. The vigilantes are not now riding over the country every night making preparations to go to Douglass and hang its principal citizens. The bad blood stirred up by the memorable Manning-Norton contest for the Legislature has long since been settled. Winfield and Arkansas City have buried the hatchet; Tisdale, ditto. Our merchants don’t sell Missouri flour for $6 per sack, corn for $1.50 per bushel, and bacon for 33½ cents per pound. Bill Hackney (now the Hon. W. P.) does not come up every week to defend Cobb for selling whiskey in Arkansas City without a license. Patrick, the editor of the Censor, (our first newspaper) and Walt Smith, the proprietor of the “Big Horn ranch” on Posey Creek, have both gone west to grow up with the country. Fairbanks’ dug-out has been in ruins for years. Dick Walker is still running conventions, but not here. A. T. Stewart is no longer one of the boys. Speed, with his calico pony and big spurs, is seen no more on the Baxter Springs trail. Jackson has laid down the saw and plane and joined the ranks of the railroad monopolists. Colonel Loomis has shed his soldier overcoat. Zimrie Stubbs has climbed the golden stair, Nichols is married, Oak’s cat is dead: in fact, Bent, there is nothing anymore like it used to was in Winfield.
Return to earlier papers: 1872.
Winfield Messenger, November 8, 1872.
The “Old Log Store” is again inhabited. Its quaint old walls echo the footsteps of Van Hillis.
Next to Log Store...
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
We visited the new store of Mrs. L. H. Howard next door to the Log store, and examined the magnificent stock of the fine goods on display. Genuine French and Italian laces, scarfs, etc., that could not fail to please the most fastidious.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
GENERAL MERCHANDISE.
McMillen & Shield, General Dealers in Merchandise. Dry Goods, Groceries, etc. AT OLD LOG STORE, West Side Main Street. [SUCCESSORS TO ROBINSON & CO.]
MILLINERY.
MRS. L. H. HOWARD, MILLINERY AND LADIES FURNISHING GOODS.
One door north of Log Store.
HARDWARE.
S. H. MYTON, Dealer in Hardware. West side Main Street, two doors north of Log Store, Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 25, 1873.
Do not ask for credit at the Old Log Store for they will certainly refuse you.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
McMillen & Shields, at Old Log Store, are now prepared to supply Dealers with Flour at Wichita prices. They have just received a nice and large lot of Dried Fruits.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
28,000 lbs. Graded Flour at Old Log Store.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
ADS.
MRS. L. H. HOWARD, MILLINERY, ETC.
ONE DOOR NORTH OF LOG STORE.
McMILLEN & SHIELD, GENERAL DEALERS IN MERCHANDISE, DRY GOODS, ETC. AT OLD LOG STORE, WEST SIDE MAIN STREET.
S. H. MYTON, DEALER IN HARDWARE, ETC.
WEST SIDE MAIN STREET, TWO DOORS NORTH OF LOG STORE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 17, 1873.
Courier Office Removed.
THE COURIER OFFICE will be removed next week into the room heretofore used by the county as Courtroom and county offices. Remember the place—second floor of Old Log Store building. Our friends are requested to call and see us in our new quarters.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 17, 1873.
The County Officers will take up their beds and walk—from the Old Log Store building to the second story of the old town company building.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 24, 1873.
W. W. Walton has moved his office upstairs in the District Clerk’s office over the old log store.
Excerpt from long article...
[ARTICLE DESCRIBING WINFIELD/COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873. [From the Atchison Champion.]
Cowley County-Splendid Location-Excellent Water-Populous-Educational Interests-Mills, Bridges, Fair Grounds-New School Buildings and Churches-$10,000 Court House, and $2,500 School House on foot, etc.
WINFIELD, KAS., April 24, 1873.
Two newspapers are very well sustained, viz, the Winfield COURIER and the Cowley County Telegram. The former has just removed into more convenient quarters—over the “Old Log Store”—and has a very fine office. This office does the county printing for L. J. Webb, to whom it was awarded. Jas. Kelly is the editor and proprietor. Allison & Steinberger are editors and proprietors of the Telegram, which is a well printed, seven-column weekly, and has a good circulation.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 15, 1873.
JUST ARRIVED!
All aboard to see those nice new goods at the Old Log Store.
McMillen & Shields at the Old Log Store defy competition in nice goods and cheap goods. Be sure and see them—no trouble to show goods.
Double Rubber Bustles with which you can blow yourself up to the Double Grecian Bend size, or let yourself down to the common Russian Crook, at Old Log Store.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 22, 1873.
Mr. McMillen of Old Log Store notoriety, is now receiving his household furniture preparatory to making this his permanent place of residence.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 22, 1873.
Mr. Everleth, the popular salesman of the Old Log Store, expressed from this place on last Monday to Portland, Maine, a live rattlesnake, measuring twenty-four inches in length and having five rattles and a button. Mr. Everleth was solicited by a friend in Portland to send him a specimen of the rattlesnake from this State, and we presume he has expressed the first production of the season.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 12, 1873.
Our genial friend, McMillen, of the old log store, was made happy one day last week by the arrival of his family from Ohio. Mac makes this his future place of residence.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 3, 1873.
The Grand Caravan, which conveys the goods of L. P. Paul, arrived at his new store on the corner of Main and 9th Avenue, nearly opposite the old log store, on the 19th inst. His many friends and patrons are now invited to call and see him.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 17, 1873.
The Catalogue at the old log store under the control of Mr. Everleth has added one more cat to the list. McMillen Jr. has started a dog-main opposition. They both deserve the support of their friends.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 31, 1873.
The Old Log Store is termed by some to be a bee hive, from the fact that they are most always busy.
Do not fail to go to the Old Log Store and see those shoes made by hand. Whole stock doubled soled and sewed, $2.00 a pair.
Great variety of cheap hosiery and notions at McMillen & Shields’ old log store.
The Old Log Store (kept by McMillen & Shields) is establishing a very large trade, owing to their bringing on good goods and selling them at very reasonable rates.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 14, 1873.
J. A. Myton has taken his departure for his home in Illinois, after spending a week visiting old friends in our city. Mr. Myton has been recuperating his health in the mountains of Colorado, for some time, and speaks highly of that climate for all forms of long diseases. We were glad to see him, and sorry to part with him. Everybody doing business in Winfield for the last two years, will remember J. A. Myton, of the firm of Myton & Brotherton, as one of the best businessmen Winfield ever had. It was his energy, honesty, and integrity that made the “old log store” famous. His cordial greeting, his ever cheerful salutation, coupled with implicit honesty made people love to trade with him. He takes with him to his home the best wishes of his many friends about Winfield.
Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.
The highest market price paid for CORN at the Old Log Store.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
McMillen & Shields, General Dealers in Merchandise, Dry Goods, Groceries, etc. AT OLD LOG STORE, West Side Main Street.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
S. H. MYTON. Dealer in HARDWARE.
His stock comprises: CUTLERY, FARMING IMPLEMENTS, EDGE TOOLS, STOVES, TINWARE, etc. West side Main Street, two doors north of Log Store, Winfield.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.
N. ROBERSON, HARNESS & SADDLES, THE BEST MATERIAL WORKED.
MAIN STREET, OPPOSITE OLD LOG STORE, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.
WE HAVE ENLARGED AND refitted the building formerly occupied by Mr. Green as a drug store, two doors north of the post office, and have removed our stock of goods from the old log store to the above mentioned building where we will be pleased to wait on our old customers and as many new ones as may be pleased to call on us. We have just received a new and fresh stock of dry goods which we will sell very cheap for cash. Remember the place: two doors north of the post office. McMILLEN & SHIELDS.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
WE HAVE ENLARGED and refitted the building formerly occupied by Mr. Green as a drug store, two doors north of the post office, and have removed our stock of goods from the old log store to the above mentioned building where we will be pleased to wait on our old customers and as many new ones as may be pleased to call on us. We have just received a new and fresh stock of dry goods which we will sell very cheap for cash. Remember the place two doors north of the post office. McMILLEN & SHIELDS.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
FISH! FISH! FISH! at Old Log Store.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1874.
McMILLEN & SHIELDS,
General Dealers in
MERCHANDISE,
Dry Goods, Groceries, etc.
AT OLD LOG STORE, West Side Main Street, Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1874.
Lost. A large woolen shawl lost by somebody in town a few days ago, which the owner can have by paying for this notice, and calling at the Log Store.
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1874.
Read Newland’s advertisement and then go and try him at the Old Log Store.
AD: NEWLAND’S CASH STORE, Goods sold 10 percent lower than the lowest. Call and examine the stock before purchasing elsewhere.
[GOODS EXCHANGED FOR PRODUCE.]
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
Newland at the Log Store is closing out his stock, preparatory to discontinuing the business.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.
Weathers & Dever have moved their stock of groceries and provisions from their old stand into the old log store building, in place of Newland, who closed out at auction. Mr. Weathers and Mr. Dever are both too well known to require any recommendation from us, and we have no doubt they will do good business in their new location.
Winfield Courier, October 29, 1874.
THE FINEST Syrup in the market at the Log Store.
Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.
Business Directory.
MISCELLANEOUS.
N. ROBERTSON. MANUFACTURER—And dealer in Harness, Saddles, Bridles, Collars, etc. Repairing done on short notice and in good order. Shop on Main street opposite Old Log Store.
Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.
If you want good coffee, 4 lbs. to the dollar, you must patronize the Old Log Store. Or if you are in need of any articles in the grocery line, the Old Log Store is a first class place to go to find it at bed-rock prices.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
The first political gathering held in the county took place at the log raising of the Old Log Store on the 1st day of April, 1870. It was called a Citizen’s Meeting to nominate candidates for the county officers to be elected May 2nd, 1870. It was the only full ticket voted for at that election, and of course all the nominees were elected. There were a few scattering votes cast for other individuals.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
Winfield.
The following is a short history of the town.
E. C. Manning built his claim house in January, 1870, and moved his family into it March 10th, 1870. It is the house just north of the stage stable in block 108 and is the oldest house in the city. What afterwards became the Winfield town site was then known as his claim.
The Winfield Town Company was organized Jan. 13th, 1872, with E. C. Manning, president; W. W. Andrews, vice president; C. M. Wood, treasurer; W. G. Graham, secretary; E. C. Manning, J. H. Land, A. A. Jackson, W. G. Graham, and J. C. Monforte, directors, and the foregoing named persons with T. H. Baker, S. S. Prouty, Thos. Moonlight, and H. C. Loomis, corporators; and that the object of this corporation was “to lay out a town site on the rolling prairie east of the Walnut River and south of Dutch Creek, the same being in Cowley County and embracing the particular forty acres of land on which the residence of E. C. Manning is situated, with the privilege of increasing the area of the town site as soon as practicable.”
In the organization the question of name was discussed, and finally the Christian name of Winfield Scott was honored. He was at that time the minister in charge of the Baptist church in Leavenworth.
In the course of the next four months after the organization, Manning, with the aid of the town company, had surveyed 20 acres of “the particular 40 acres” of his claim into the six blocks along Main street from 5th to 9th streets, and had built the old log store, now occu-pied by the Post Office and COURIER office, and had moved his stock of goods into it. Dr. Mansfield opened a small drug store in one corner of the Log Store May 1st, and shortly after erected a small drug store where the present store stands.
In June of that year Max Shoeb appeared and erected an open log structure where Read’s bank now stands, and plied his hammer and anvil therein.
July 4th, 1870, was a great day for Winfield. The first celebration in the county of our national birth day was held under a large bower in the rear of the Old Log Store, and Prof. E. P. Hickok was the orator of the occasion. Soon after this G. W. Green built and moved his family into a little house near where Mr. Gordon now lives, and Max Shoeb moved his family into the nucleus of the house he now lives in. Manning’s family had moved into his claim house before this on the 10th of March.
Winfield Courier, February 17, 1876.
VISIT TO THE HOME OF DR. AND MRS. W. Q. MANSFIELD.
Although not able to be present, on account of other engagements, at Dr. and Mrs. Mansfield’s party, which took place at their spacious residence last Monday evening, we learn that it was a very fine affair and one of the most agreeable gatherings that has ever assembled in Winfield. The day was the eighteenth anniversary of their wedding, and was a formal opening of their finely furnished home to their friends.
We had the pleasure of looking through the house a day or two since and were much gratified with the taste and judgment displayed in its arrangement and finish. The plastering and moulding was done by Messrs. Simpson and Stewart, the painting and paper hanging by Capt. J. C. Monforte. The work is the finest we have seen in our town. Everywhere in the selection, arrangement, and mounting of pictures, works of art, embellishments, and decorations of the rooms, could be seen the cultivated taste of Mrs. Mansfield. The furniture is new and of the most modern style, and we believe the finest in Winfield.
We noticed some very handsome and historical pictures suspended on the walls. “The Authors of the United States,” and “President Lincoln’s First Reading of his Emancipation Proclamation to his Cabinet,” are among the most conspicuous of the large steel engravings.
There are also some smaller pictures of historical interest. “The first steam train in America” shows the first train of cars that ran from Albany to Schenectady, on the Mohawk & Hudson railroad, in 1831. The passengers are all in view, and among the number are Thurlow Weed and Mrs. Mansfield’s father.
Another historical picture is “Collect Pond and its vicinity,” as it was in 1795, when Robert Fulton and John Fitch first tried their experiments in steamboat navigation. Their little yawl is holding two men, and a steam engine that one could carry off under his arm is in full view. Collect Pond was at that time where the center of New York City now stands. Center street and the Tombs now occupy the historical navigable lake.
There is another unique picture that cannot be omitted: a photograph of the first Grand Jury that was ever empaneled on this continent, composed of white and colored men. It was organized to indict traitors, Jeff. Davis among others, at Richmond, Virginia, shortly after the war. Dr. W. Q. Mansfield was one of that jury.
That comfort and simple elegance which the true American craves in a home are combined in the Doctor’s residence and make it the typical homestead of the Yankee heart. In common, with all their friends, we congratulate the Dr. and his wife, in again getting where the shadow of the “wolf at the door” is not seen, and the question of bread and butter does not chase them through dream-land. The Dr. and wife are proud of Winfield. No one will arise earlier or remain up later for its interests than they.
When they came here in 1870, they came to stay. In those days the Dr. crossed his feet and arms in sleep under a single blanket, and slept upon the floor of the “Old Log Store,” to dream of a better home than a stranger’s table and a stranger’s roof. And his dream is realized. A few months later saw Mrs. Mansfield, the boys, and the little broken horned cow taking up their abode in little “additions” to the rear of the drug store. Through sunshine and storm, through famine and plenty, “through evil report and good report,” the Dr. and wife have stuck to the faith until day is breaking. When the Dr. gets his three-story brick, one hundred feet deep, in the place of his present unpretentious business establishment, then will the acme of ambition in worldly possessions be realized. May they live to see that day, and many, many days thereafter.
Excerpt from following:
Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13, 1876.
[VOL. 2, NO. 34.]
HISTORY
OF
COWLEY COUNTY.
The first political gathering in the county took place at the raising of the “old log store” (now the Winfield Courier and Post Office) on the 1st day of April, 1870. This was a citizen’s meeting and was held to nominate candidates to be voted for on the 2nd day of May.
Winfield.
The question of a name for the new town puzzled its fathers for several days. A minority wanted it called “Lagonda,” but the majority decided to honor Winfield Scott’s christened name. He was at that time the minister in charge of the Baptist church, in Leavenworth. Within the next four months, following the organization, forty acres of Manning’s claim was converted into lots, blocks, streets, and alleys. The old log store was built by Manning, which was occupied, in part, by Dr. Mansfield as a drug store, and by Baker and Manning with their goods. Soon Max Shoeb arrived, built a log cabin where Read’s bank now stands, and opened a blacksmith shop. On August 20th J. C. Fuller and D. A. Millington bought A. A. Jackson’s claim and proceeded, with Manning, to lay out that part of the town lying east of Main street. July 4, 1870, was a glorious day for Winfield. The first celebration in the county was held on that day, under an arbor in the rear of the old log store. Prof. E. P. Hickok was the orator of the occasion. From that time up to the present, Winfield has so rapidly increased in population that it is impossible, in this short sketch, to give even a synopsis of her growth;
but I will endeavor, however, to name the first who engaged in the different branches of business.
E. C. Manning was the first settler and merchant; Max Shoeb, the first blacksmith; Frank Hunt, the first hardware dealer; W. Q. Mansfield, the first druggist and physician; J. P. Short, the first hotel keeper; A. J. Thompson, the first feed store keeper; B. H. Dunlap, the first livery man; T. H. Johnson, the first lawyer; D. A. Millington, the first engineer and surveyor; J. C. Fuller, the first banker; M. L. Palmer, the first tinner; C. A. Bliss & Co., the first mercantile firm; J. C. Monforte, the first painter.
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
E. C. Manning is making arrangements to build a brick business house on the site of the “old log store.”
Winfield Courier, December 27, 1877.
N. C. Clark, of Vernon, recently found the way to the second story of the “old log store.”
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
The Wichita Eagle says: “Cowley County started a long ways ahead of Sedgwick, which was a howling wilderness when Cowley was boasting of an advanced civilization.” We recollect that in 1876 we first visited Sedgwick and Cowley. We found Wichita a city of 75 houses and the country about dotted with claim houses. Such was the “howling wilderness.” From there we went to Cowley. Saw only five claim houses in the latter county until we got to Winfield, which city consisted of Col. Manning’s old log store and claim house, Max Shoeb’s log blacksmith shop, and Dr. Mansfield’s slab drug store. Such was the “boasted civilization.” Neighbor M. M. M, we fear you depend too much on Canon Farrar and Henry Ward B.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1878.
THE “Old Log Store” will move out and away from its present location on Main street some time in March next. It was the second building erected on the town site of Winfield, and it will be eight years in that month since its foundation logs were laid. Much of the history of Cowley County has been moulded beneath its roof. It has served the purposes of church, schoolhouse, court house, ball room, printing office, store, post office, and political headquarters during these years.
Winfield Courier, March 7, 1878.
The “old log store” has for eight long years stayed at home and attended soberly to business, but now is manifesting peripatetic tendencies. The COURIER is in favor of railroads but does not fancy said building as a traveling car, so it has evacuated the premises and gone back to its cradle on Ninth avenue, just east of the stone stable and stone law office, where it will remain temporarily until we can build an office to suit us.
Winfield Courier, March 21, 1878.
The old log store has gone to a more northeastern site. Robert Hudson put his log wheels under it last Saturday and it had to budge, heavy as it was. In 1870 this building was about all there was of Winfield. It has done service as store, church, political headquarters, law office, post office, schoolhouse, printing office, and almost everything else, but it had to give place to a more pretentious building. It looks lonesome around the old site.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
There is now confined in the jail at this place a man by the name of Louis Tournier, whose father was a Colonel under the first Napoleon and fought with him at Waterloo. After the exile of Napoleon, Colonel Tournier was banished and came to America in 1817. He had been here but a short time when he was notified by the French government that he was at liberty to return, but he would not go back.
The son, Louis, was born in 1812 and is now sixty-six years old. He speaks and writes the French, German, and English languages fluently, and is well versed in ancient and modern history. He has traveled over the greatest portions of both continents, and is a well-informed man.
Louis Tournier came to Cowley County when the only building in Winfield was the “Old Log Store,” and settled on the Arkansas River about six miles below Arkansas City. His claim is on the strip, and he was about to enter it a short time since, when he learned that one of his neighbors, whom he had befriended and assisted in many ways, had secretly gone to the land office and entered on an 80 of it. The first knowledge the old man had of this fact was when the party who entered it began removing the timber and interfering with the crops, and in many ways annoying the old man, who at once took steps to contest the entry, and told the other party to keep away or he would hurt him. Thereupon he was arrested and bound over by Justice Bonsall, of Arkansas City, in the sum of $200 to keep the peace.
His friends proposed to give the bail; but the old man said he would not allow the prosecuting witness to trespass on the land, if he did so, he would hurt him, and rather than be bailed out and compelled to have trouble with the man, he chose to go to jail.
He has no relatives in this state, but has two daughters in Kentucky. When he was taken to jail he requested the privilege of keeping his bird dog with him, remarking, “I think a great deal of Caesar; he is my best friend.”
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
John Moffitt has moved the house formerly used as the office to his lumber yard to 8th avenue, east of the old log store, and has built a new office in its place.
Winfield Courier, September 26, 1878.
Robinson & Miller have a fine lot of furniture for sale at the Old Log Store.
Winfield Courier, October 3, 1878.
In another column will be found the new furniture “ad” of Robinson & Miller, at the “Old Log Store.” These gentlemen have put in a first-class stock of furniture, and are live, enterprising men. They intend to put in machinery for the manufacture of all kinds of furniture. They will undoubtedly do a large business.
AD: “OLD LOG STORE.”
ROBINSON & MILLER.
DEALERS IN FURNITURE, COFFINS, ETC.
All kinds of Furniture made to order in the latest style and finest finish. MATTRESSES made to order. Caning chairs a specialty.
Winfield Courier, October 17, 1878.
ROBINSON & MILLER
Have a fine lot of furniture for sale at the Old Log Store.
Winfield Courier, October 24, 1878.
STEALING THE TOWN SITE.
A SCRAP OF HISTORY.
Allison and other speakers in the interest of Troup, in their violent efforts to charge some evil against E. C. Manning, are making the statement that Manning stole the townsite of Winfield, and that it is from the money that he got for lots belonging to others, which has erected his magnificent building.
Now, some of the men who most strenuously insisted on Manning’s candidacy at this time, and who are among his most earnest supporters, are men who fought him all through this townsite contest and know, if anyone does, of any wrong that he did in relation to that matter. If they do not know of any, no one does.
But when such a charge is made, it is not against Manning alone, but becomes a personal charge against the senior editor of this paper and others associated with Manning in the town site enterprise, and we now propose to answer it by stating the facts which all who are familiar with the past history of this city know to be true, for the information of such voters as were not here, and know these matters only by hearsay.
The settlement of this county commenced in 1869, before the treaty for the removal of the Indians was made; before there was any survey of the lands or any steps taken to open these lands up for settlement, by settlers coming in and making claims of 160 acres each and improving them, which claims were afterward secured to these settlers by law. Among these claimants were E. C. Manning and A. A. Jackson, who made claims on what is now the north half of section 28. A. Menor and H. C. Loomis laid claims on the south half of same section, and C. M. Wood and W. W. Andrews claimed the half section next north of this section. Each of these claimants proceeded to occupy and improve his claim, and had as good a right to his claim as any man had on this reserve. Each had the undisputed right to prove up and enter his claim when the land should be ready to be offered.
In 1870 these several parties and others formed the project of making a town site. A town company was formed and Manning was to give the town company a certain 40 acres of his claim when he had entered it, for which the company was to pay one-half of the expense of building the old log store. Jackson, Wood, Andrews, Loomis, and Menor were all to sell portions of their claims to the town company at about seven dollars per acre, so that in the aggregate the town site should be 160 acres.
In August, 1870, we, in company with J. C. Fuller, came here. Jackson was then “off the track,” denying having agreed to sell any part of his claim and stating that he never would sell any of it to the town company. We bought Jackson’s claim for J. C. Fuller, paying Jackson $1,000 in cash for it.
It was found that neither of the other parties would sell any part of their claims to the town company, but Manning turned over his 40 acres to the town company as it had been agreed, and this was all the land that the town company could get out of the original arrangement.
No one then doubted the right of E. C. Manning to the remaining 120 acres of his claim, or of J. C. Fuller to his 160 acre claim bought of Jackson. In the meantime, through the efforts of Manning exclusively, the county seat had been located at Winfield, at which time Manning was the only occupant, and, deeming it necessary to move ahead in building up the town in order to retain the county seat and other advantages, and as there was not land enough belonging to the town company, the Winfield Town Association was formed by Manning, Fuller, and others, including ourself, to handle another 40 acres of Manning’s claim with the west 80 acres of Fuller’s claim, which, with the town company’s 40 acres, made a town site of 160 acres in square form. This was surveyed and platted, and the two companies proceeded to give away lots to persons who would improve and occupy them, to other persons who would work for the benefit of the town in any way, and for other purposes to benefit the town. More than one-third, and nearly one-half of the lots in value, have been given to occupants, to stage companies to induce stage service to Winfield, for services in and outside of Winfield, for churches, schools, courthouse and jail, and for other public purposes.
The two companies with Manning, Fuller, and ourself, have paid out in the aggregate more than five thousand dollars in cash for the general benefit of the town site in various ways, aside from buildings for personal use. These expenses are too various for enumeration, and perhaps some of these expenditures were not judicious. One hundred dollars to procure early railroad surveys to this place, for instance, also ninety dollars for printing and circulating posters and papers to advertise the town, two hundred dollars to enter the town site, expenses in traveling to railroad director’s meetings, making a ferry across the Walnut, running roads, surveying the town site, employing legal counsel, etc. Each of us have expended a great deal of time in various ways intended to benefit the town.
The parties who were induced to occupy and improve lots on the town site before the survey and before the entry, did so under an express agreement, generally in writing, as to what their individual interests in the town site should be and what should be the interests of the town companies. The government survey took place in January, 1871, and on the 10th day of July, 1871, the land became subject to entry at the land office at Augusta.
In nearly all the other town sites of the state made before entry, the original claimants entered the land and then deeded to the occupants, town companies, and others, according to previous agreement, and that was originally the intention with regard to this town site, but the commissioner of the general land office had made a ruling in the case of this reserve, that the claimant must, before entering, subscribe an oath, that he had not sold or agreed to sell or otherwise dispose of, any part of the claim he proposed to enter, and though this ruling was clearly outside of law and the oath if taken would not be an oath at all in fact (as afterwards decided by the courts) yet Manning and Fuller did not like to conform to it as others were doing. They, therefore, procured the probate judge of the county to enter the town site under the town site laws, and then each entered the other 80 acres of his claim in his own name.
About this time became manifest a disposition of some of the occupants to claim more of the town site than the lots they had improved and quite an excitement sprung up. In order to avoid litigation and make an equitable settlement, Manning called a public meeting in which he offered for the two companies to submit all the matters of difference to arbitration, the companies naming one arbitrator, the dissatisfied occupants the second, and the two thus appointed to select the third, who should hear the evidence of all parties and determine their interests and rights in the town site and their decision should be final, which proposition was voted down and rejected by the dissatisfied occupants. It has since frequently been offered to individuals.
The probate judge, under the law, appointed three commissioners to set off the lots to the several occupants according to their respective interests, and they made their award in accordance with the previous agreement between the occupants and companies as to what those interests should be as above stated and the probate judge executed the deeds accordingly.
The larger number of the occupants expressed themselves satisfied, and to quiet the titles made quit claim deeds to the companies of their interests in the unimproved lots. A few would not be satisfied, but commenced an action to set aside the deeds made by the probate judge. This action was in the courts some time and was finally beaten in the Supreme court on demurrer.
Another action was commenced having the same final object in view, which was finally beaten in the Supreme court. The companies in order to try to get the people to work in harmony for the general benefit of the city, made a great many concessions to pacify these litigants.
During the pendency of the first action, a settlement was made with A. A. Jackson, a leading disturber and plaintiff in that action, by which, in addition to the $1,000 and the two valuable lots that had already been given him, the companies gave him two other valuable lots for any remaining or supposed interest he had in the balance of the town site and the nominal sum of $25, and he withdrew from the suit.
Others were compromised with in various ways, and made quit claims, quiet was restored and all seemed united to promote the general prosperity. These litigations had been very expensive and damaging to the prosperity of the town and had stirred up much bad blood, making Manning many bitter opposers, but in the few years since, the bitterness has mostly died away.
Jackson concluded to grab another valuable lot and Hill & Christie brought suit for possession. Jackson defended on the ground that the deed of the probate judge to the Winfield town company on which Hill & Christie’s title was founded was illegal and void. Jackson employed Hon. A. J. Pyburn and two other attorneys to defend, but was beaten in the trial. As the law provides for a second trial in a case of this nature, this action is now pending in the district court for a new trial.
Two attorneys whom Jackson employed were newcomers and had not gained a practice in the courts. They attempted to start a practice and make a reputation by stirring up a grand litigation on this old town site matter, assured parties that they could burst up the whole thing, get the deeds of the probate judge set aside and a new deal of the town lots. They offered to take the job for one-third of the spoils and urged upon the city council to commence litigation at the public expense.
They finally got A. A. Jackson to go in as plaintiff and a suit was commenced against the Town Company, Manning and Fuller, with a great flourish of trumpets about their ponderous papers and pleadings, but no notice was taken of their summons until court time and they demanded judgment for default, when they learned that they did not know how to get a case into court. They now seemed to conclude that the reason they got beat each time was the fault of the law, and set themselves to manipulate politics so as to get a law passed that would help them beat in these cases, and in another case in which they have succeeded in getting an elderly woman, who had a lot given her, and a slab shanty on it at the time of the entry, to start another suit for a rip up of titles and a new deal.
Pyburn, one of Jackson’s attorneys, is a member of the State Senate and it is thought he can be depended upon to get the new law through the Senate, and, if they can get Troup elected to the House, they feel confident they can pass a law that will beat Hill & Christie, town company, et al., in their pending suits and everybody else that holds title under either of the town companies.
This is the real attempt to steal the town site, but not by Manning. We have no apprehension that any law they can get passed, or any litigation under it, or under the present law, will ever void the titles to the town site, but we do apprehend that it might promote and cause a vast amount of expensive litigation which would be a great detriment to the city by throwing doubt upon titles; make much room for vicious lawyers to practice barratry and champerty, and stir up more bad blood without the least benefit to anyone except the lawyers employed in the matter.
By the way, the lots which Manning has been selling to help build his brick block are in the part of his original claim which he entered himself, and not in that part which was entered by the probate judge, if that makes any difference. Manning probably never got much, if anything, more for lots on the town site than he has expended for the general benefit of the town.
This way of commencing a suit in the courts and then getting a law passed by the legislature to rule and decide the case is a new invention in litigation which no Yankee lawyer would have ever thought of. Such are the facts about stealing the town site.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
[This issue listed Courier advertisers.]
ROBINSON & MILLER occupy classic ground. They are in the old log store of historic associations, and they honor their hall by turning out to their customers the best kind of furniture at satisfactory prices.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.
J. A. Myton, of the old firm of Myton & Brotherton of the Old Log Store of “Auld lang syne,” is here visiting his cousin, Sam, and his many friends. Mr. Myton is in business at Casey, Ill., and is very sorry he ever left Winfield.
Excerpts from long article about Winfield...
[COWLEY COUNTY: FROM THE TOPEKA COMMONWEALTH.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
ED. COMMONWEALTH:—The first settlers came into Cowley County in 1869. I cannot ascertain the exact time. Its growth and development has been marvelous. I shall only give your readers a few statistics of 1879 to sustain my assertions.
WINFIELD
Winfield is a city of the second class with a population of two thousand five hundred. It is beautifully situated on the east bank of the Walnut river, and extends back to the mounds on the East. It is the largest, liveliest, best town south of Wichita.
Its first settler was C. M. Wood, who located on the town site, April 20th, 1869. Two gentlemen, Jas. Renfro and U. B. Warner, accompanied him at that time. They were joined in a few days by E. C. Manning, at the present time a member of the Legislature from this county. They were burnt out by Indians on the first of June of the same year, and compelled to leave. No one occupied the site from that time until the 10th of October, when Wood returned, bringing his wife with him. They erected a log house which was fired by the Indians again, but they succeeded in saving it and holding the fort. The last of November, Manning and Baker brought on a stock of goods and used Wood’s house for a storeroom until they could erect a store, which they did of logs. The old log store is still in use in the city. From the beginning it has grown to its present dimensions and is still growing. The dry goods business is represented by some of the best firms in the State. They carry very large stocks and sell an immense amount of goods.
[THE FIRE.]
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Last Thursday night, between 11 and 3 o’clock, Winfield was visited by the most disastrous conflagration yet happening within her borders. The fire started in the old log store, one of the landmarks of the town, and for years occupied by the COURIER, but was now being used by F. Leuschen as a cabinet shop. The fire is supposed to have originated from the old rags, oil, and varnish in the shop. The alarm was given before the fire was thoroughly underway, and had those first on the ground been furnished with decent appliances, it might have been controlled, saving thousands of dollars worth of property. The old log building was like a tinder box and made a very hot fire. Next to it on the east were two buildings, one belonging to C. L. Harter and occupied by the moulder at the foundry, the other owned and occupied by Robert Hudson. These buildings were both destroyed, but the contents were saved.
Immediately west of the log building, across the alley, was an old livery barn belonging to Hackney & McDonald, which was the next to go.
From this the fire was communicated to the Central and Lindell hotels. As soon as it was evident that the hotels must go, the work of getting out the furniture began. Carpets, bedding, crockery ware, and furniture of all descriptions were tumbled promiscuously out of windows and doors into the street, much of it being broken and smashed. The hotels being dry, pine buildings, burned rapidly, sending up large cinders which fell in different parts of the city, making the utmost vigilance necessary to keep them from igniting buildings three blocks from the fire.
When the two hotels caught, everyone turned their attention toward saving the buildings on either side of the street. They were covered with men who handled buckets of water and barrels of salt, and by their exertions prevented the fire from spreading and destroying the larger part of the business portion of our city.
The old part of the Central Hotel was owned by Jas. Jenkins, of Wisconsin. The new part of the Central Hotel was owned by Majors & Harter. They had sold out to A. H. Doane, and were to have given possession Saturday morning.
The Lindell Hotel was owned by J. M. Spencer, and was leased by Jas. Allen one month ago.
Our citizens generously opened their homes to the homeless people, and accommodations were offered for more than was needed.
The following is a list of the losses and insurance.
Captain Stevens, store, loss $1,000; no insurance.
Fred Leuschen, furniture store and dwelling, loss $1,200. Insurance on stock, in Home, of New York, $300.
C. L. Harter, tenant dwelling, loss $300; no insurance. Tenant had no loss except damage.
Robert Hudson, dwelling, loss $800. Mrs. Hudson removed most of her furniture. No loss except damage. No insurance on either house or contents.
Hackney & McDonald, livery stable occupied by Buckhart, loss $800; no insurance.
Central Hotel, main building: James Jenkins, loss $3,500; insurance, $1,500 in the Atlas.
Central Hotel, Majors & Harter portion: loss to building, $2,500; insurance, $2,100, as follows: Weschester, Springfield Fire & Marine and Hartford, $700 each. [Their insurance was on building and furniture.] The loss of Majors & Harter in excess of their insurance will be upwards of $3,000.
PUZZLING! $2,100-INSURANCE...AND YET $700 EACH ($1,400)...DOES
NOT COMPUTE WITH $2,100 INSURANCE...COULD BE THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN $2100 AND $1400 WAS INSURANCE
ON CONTENTS!
J. M. Spencer, Lindell Hotel, loss $2,500; insurance $1,000, as follows: Fire Association, $500; Phenix, of Brooklyn, $500; James Allen, loss $1,000; insurance, $800.
Policies are in the agencies of Gilbert, Jarvis & Co.; Curns & Manser; and Pryor & Kinne. The companies are all first class, and the losses will be promptly adjusted and paid.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mr. T. H. B. Ross took in Winfield last Friday in the interest of our school district. He says there has been many changes there, but few of the old “boys” are left, and Winfield does not appear now as it did in 1870-74. Caldwell Commercial.
Well, that’s a fact; there have been a good many changes in and around Winfield since those days. The old log store has been reduced to ashes, and some of the boys who used to gather there evenings to play “California Jack” and speculate on the future price of corner lots in Winfield, now take their wives and children to the theater in the fine Opera House that has arisen on the site of the old store. Max Shoeb’s blacksmith shop has given place to Read’s bank; the Walnut Valley House, as a hotel, has passed away. Likewise, the firms of Manning & Baker, U. B. Warren & Co., Alexander & Saffold, Bliss & Middaugh, Hitchcock & Boyle, Maris & Hunt, Myton & Brotherton, and Pickering & Benning. S. H. Myton is about the only one that is left. Tisdale’s hack, which came in whenever the river would permit, has given way to our two railroads; Tom Wright’s ferry, south of town, has been replaced by a handsome iron bridge, and Bartlow’s mill and its crew have disappeared.
Every new building erected on Main street now is not, as then, dedicated with a dance, nor do married women attend them with children in arms, nor do they deposit their kids in the laps of blushing bachelors and join in all hands around. Our Justices of the Peace, when about to unite a loving couple, don’t tell them to “stan” up thar an’ I’ll fix you.” Our butchers, now, don’t go down behind Capt. Lowery’s house, shoot a Texas steer, cut him up with an axe and sell out the chunks before they are done quivering. The writer does not, on nights like Thursday last, rise up from his bed of prairie hay and water, in a little wall tent, and light out for the log store to get out of the wet. All of that kind of fun has passed away and we have had a new deal all around. Some of the men that in those days were frying bacon and washing socks in their bachelor shanties, are now bankers, postmasters, district judges, and palatial hotel keepers. The vigilantes are not now riding over the country every night making preparations to go to Douglass and hang its principal citizens. The bad blood stirred up by the memorable Manning-Norton contest for the Legislature has long since been settled. Winfield and Arkansas City have buried the hatchet; Tisdale, ditto. Our merchants don’t sell Missouri flour for $6 per sack, corn for $1.50 per bushel, and bacon for 33-1/2 cents per pound. Bill Hackney (now the Hon. W. P.) does not come up every week to defend Cobb for selling whiskey in Arkansas City without a license. Patrick, the editor of the Censor, (our first newspaper) and Walt Smith, the proprietor of the “Big Horn ranch” on Posey Creek, have both gone west to grow up with the country. Fairbanks’ dug-out has been in ruins for years. Dick Walker is still running conventions, but not here. A. T. Stewart is no longer one of the boys. Speed, with his calico pony and big spurs, is seen no more on the Baxter Springs trail. Jackson has laid down the saw and plane and joined the ranks of the railroad monopolists. Colonel Loomis has shed his soldier overcoat. Zimrie Stubbs has climbed the golden stair, Nichols is married, Oak’s cat is dead: in fact, Bent, there is nothing anymore like it used to was in Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, January 5, 1882.
The much expected and long _______ [part of article missing] of masquerade came off Friday evening and was a grand and perfect ________. There were at least one hundred ________ on the floor and the rear seats of the hall were crowded with visitors __________ jollier and happier crowd has never assembled in Winfield since the first country hoe-down in the “old log store.” The beauty and chivalry of the city were there, the lights were good, the music was excellent, everybody was good natured, the ushers were obliging, the door-keepers were careful, the floor managers were watchful and active, and the whole hall was conducted without clash or discord, and fully met the expectations of those who had anticipated a first-class ball, and a lively, happy time. There were many rich and beautiful costumes, and many ludicrous representations that kept the visitors continually interested and overflowing with laughter.
The general march commenced at 8:30 o’clock with 41 couples on the floor, and formed a brilliant procession striking in its comic effect. Beautiful and rich costumes glittering with gold and silver trimmings, dukes and kings, knights and ladies, Indians, negroes, harlequins, grotesque figures, all commingled in one strange and startling crowd.
At 11 o’clock the command was given to form in procession for a march, a grand circle was formed in the hall, the order to face in was given, followed by the order to unmask, and for the first time the parties knew each other, face to face. The ejaculations of surprise, the mutual exclamations of “Well, I declare! Is that you?” attested the excellent manner in which the disguises were gotten up.
At twelve o’clock the hall was deserted for supper, after which tthe dancing was resumed until the—well, that is—the wee—or rather—oh, what’s the difference?—”until the wee sma’ hours,” according to Hoyle, when everybody went home, rather broke up for the next day, but having had a glorious, happy time. The names and characters of those participating we give as follows as near as we could find out, with running comments.
Miss Libby Mansfield, pink and blue domino, very pretty.
Mrs. Frank Sydal, Mary Stuart.
Mrs. Fred D. Whitney, domino.
Mrs. I. W. Randall, flower girl; neat and pretty.
Miss May Benedict, Maud Muller, rake and all, kept a sharp eye out, no doubt wished the Judge would come again.
Miss Jennie Lowry, highland lass, very neat and pretty costume.
John McGuire, Texas Bill.
John Hudson, Texas Jack.
Miss S. French, as Spanish girl, was very attractive, and tastily costumed.
Miss Florence Beeny, daughter of the regiment, one of the most brilliant costumes on the floor.
Miss Carrie Garvey, of Topeka, as Undine, a most beautiful costume of pale green, and unexcelled.
Miss Jessie Millington, queen of hearts, very pretty.
Mrs. J. E. Saint, Mother Hubbard, unique and a perfect disguise.
Miss Weitzel, sailor girl, pretty.
Miss May Roland, frost, a beautiful costume.
Miss Cora Berkey, Winfield Daily COURANT, dark red paper dress, trimmed with COURANT heads. Very unique, neat, and pretty, of course, and takes our individual cake.
Miss Jennie Hane, snow, clear white canton flannel, very pretty.
Miss Margie Wallis, flower girl, very pretty, indeed.
Miss Jessie Butler, fancy costume.
Miss Lizzy Wallis, skating girl, pretty.
Miss Mamie Tipton, country maiden, surprised her friends.
Mrs. Geo. A. Rhodes, butterfly, one of the daintiest and prettiest costumes on the floor.
Mr. G. H. Allen, country girl.
Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, country girl.
Mrs. A. H. Doane, country girl.
Miss Amanda Scothorn, “My pretty red rose,” very pretty.
Miss L. Bank, of Oxford, as light [?], looked very nice.
Miss Alice Herring ________ [SOME OF THIS MISSING/MESSED UP]
Beatrice Carruth __________REST ALL GARBLED.
SOME OF THE NAMES MENTIONED AMONG MEN [BUT CANNOT TELL WHAT THEIR COSTUMES WERE!
James Lorton, C. E. Fuller, Fred Whitney, Sam. E. Davis.
THEN PAPER GOT BACK ON TRACK:
Chas. Black, as a slant eyed heathen (John Chinaman) was one of the best characters, and was well acted out, few penetrating his disguise.
Jos. O’Hare, Robinson Crusoe.
Henry Noble and H. N. Jones, as Uncle Josh and Aunt Polly on stilts, brought down the house (these two characters were first rate).
T. R. Timme, as a merry boy, got the drop on the boys by padding himself.
W. P. Griffith, gentleman.
Lou Zenor, Spaniard.
Geo. Rhodes, as a rooster, was cock of the walk, and presented a grotesque appearance.
James Vance, base ballist.
Eli Youngheim, dandy, first rate.
Dave Harter, as a Dutch boy, with top, in our estimation, took the prize cake among the male masks. Dave stood them all off until he danced, when some of the boys caught on.
Abe Steinberger threw a gloom over the occasion as a huge, over-fed Dutch boy.
Frank Finch, as the “choice flour of the family,” was evidently kneaded at the ball.
Though these are not all the maskers, the list is as complete as we could make it. A good many did not give in their names and characters and among them several visitors from adjoining cities, whose names we would like to have published.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
Echoes From the Past. We have before us bound files of the COURIER from the first copy, issued ten years ago. They contain an ever-varying panorama of the life and growth of Cowley and her people, of peculiar interest to the old residents, and replete with incidents and anecdotes of early life for the new-comers.
In the issue of March 27, 1873, Mr. James Kelly modestly announces in a half column salutatory that he has bought the COURIER, and has “no friends to reward or enemies to punish;” and in a card below R. S. Waddell, the founder of the paper, says his last say.
January 25, 1873, we learn that “Wirt W. Walton has been successful in his canvass for Journal clerk of the House of Representatives.”
A little farther on we learn that “Dr. Geo. Black, hailing from Iowa, has settled among us.”
April 24, 1873, was the COURIER’s first experience in house-moving, and we are informed that “The COURIER office is now removed to the Old Log Store, and we are now in better shape than ever to entertain our friends.”
For many years the Old Log Store continued as the COURIER headquarters, and from it each week issued scathing articles on the “Post Office Ring” and the “Court House Ring,” and various and sundry other “rings,” which then, as now, tried to gobble up everything in sight.
The subject which seemed to engross most of its attention during these pioneer times was that of encouraging immigration and railroads. Week in and week out we find one, two, and three column articles setting forth the beauty and fertility of Cowley County and the splendid commercial advantages of Winfield, while upon the fourth page was kept standing a long “Description of Winfield and Cowley County.”
The issue of April 17, 1873, seems to disclose the COURIER’s first leaning toward prohibition, as we find that “Mr. Bellmore sent us a keg of beer and we have been happy ever since—salubriously happy.”
The first authentic railroad boom appears in the same issue, and stunning article in flaming head-lines announces “Glory Enough! Cars are Coming!!” In the light of the present, we find that it took the cars six years to get here.
June 12, 1873, we learn that “Rev. J. E. Platter, our new Presbyterian minister, preached a very able sermon at the stone church last Sabbath,” and that “another shanty is being stuck up on Main street.”
In the issue of July 10, 1873, we find a half column description of M. L. Read’s new bank, which concludes by saying: “The business energy and willing disposition manifested by Mr. Read to invest money in our town endows him with the respect and confidence of the whole public.”
July 24, 1873, we learn that “E. P. Young, late of Pennsylvania, is building a fine stone house on his farm near Tisdale.” We are also informed in three words the astonisher that “Winfield still alive!” and that “Ed. Bedilion was made happy the other day by a little ‘incident.’ It’s a girl.”
August 21, 1873, attention is called to “the announcement of A. T. Shenneman for the office of sheriff,” and the editor adds, by way of endorsement, “We are glad to see such men asking for the suffrage of the people. Mr. Shenneman has made a good marshal and will make an honest, sober, and impartial sheriff.” How little did the writer realize what the future would bring forth.
In the same paper appears the announcement of M. G. Troup as a candidate for county clerk “without regard to rings or cliques.”
We also find that it is “hot and dusty,” and that “Sam Myton is digging a well.”
The “walls of the new Court House are now one story high.”
The same issue contains notice of the marriage of Abe Steinberger and Ida Mann, and that “the bride in losing a short Man gains a long one.”
September 4, 1873, we learn that “the Commissioners changed the plan of the Court House so that it has a double gable instead of a single gable roof.”
In the same paper is a notice of the death of Mrs. Robert Hudson.
In the issue of September 11, 1873, the announcement is made that “J. W. Curns, of this place, and G. S. Manser, of Arkansas City, have formed a co-partnership to do a general land office business.” We also learn that “Democrats are on their ear.” They are in the same position yet. This paper also contains the announcement of R. L. Walker for sheriff.
September 18, 1873, “Richland Township wants a threshing machine.” That was before she got Sam Phenix. We also learn that “Mr. Menor threshed 380 bushels of wheat from twelve acres.”
Sept. 25, 1873, “Capt. Hunt, of South Haven, is in town purchasing seed wheat for his farm. He is a stranger now.” Oct. 2, “First frost of the season,” and “Spaulding’s store at Tisdale burned.” Oct. 9th we learn that “two cells of the jail are now in readiness to receive any of our citizens who can’t behave themselves outside.”
From the issue of October 16, 1873, we learn that “J. C. Fuller wants it distinctly understood by those parties in the east part of the county who think all the banks in the county have suspended, that the Winfield Bank has been open for business every day, has paid all demands and checks in cash, has continued to loan to its regular customers and is prepared to do the same in future.” Mr. Fuller’s bank was about the only one in the State which was paying currency on demand at that time, it being the time of the great panic.
October 23, 1873, it is announced that “the jail will be dedicated by a dance tomorrow night,” and “this week the Telegram enters on the second year of its publication—if it gets out.” This issue also contains a lengthy local, “To correct any erroneous impressions that may have been created in the minds of the readers of a small paid local in last week’s COURIER and Telegram, Read’s Bank wants it distinctly understood that it, also, has been open for business at all hours during the panic,” etc.
April 8, 1874, “C. G. Grady’s mammoth circus” exhibited. This was Winfield’s first circus. In the same issue, “J. B. Lynn, formerly of Olathe, has opened out a stock of dry-goods and groceries.”
May 1, 1874, we find that “Tom Blanchard has discovered lead.” This seems to have been Tom’s first mining enterprise.
July 3, 1874, the announcement is made that “R. C. Story, of Indiana, is now here looking up a location. We hope he will conclude to remain with us.”
July 31, 1874, “James Harden, of Dexter, threshed his wheat and got 28-1/2 bushels per acre.” This was early threshing.
July 17, we find a card from Jim Hill denying charges made by Allison that his dog caused the runaway of a lady’s team. Jim says: “Please allow me to say, that my dog is not a worthless, contemptible cur, as he would have his readers believe, nor does it bark at him. My dog never barks at such insignificant objects. I have no dog and never owned one.”
August 28, 1874, the types say, “We are happy to welcome to our town Mr. W. P. Hackney.” On the 7th of the same month the editor felicitates himself with the thought that “This week’s issue of the COURIER reaches the handsome figure of 441 copies. This gives it much the largest circulation in the county.”
Oct. 22nd we find that “There was a dance at Thomasville last night.”
[CORRESPONDENTS.]
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1883.
A FEW RAMBLES BY A COWLEY COUNTY LADY.
Leaving Winfield August 10th at three p.m., I arrived at Maryville, Missouri, at ten a.m., the following day, without any startling occurrences and nothing worthy of note save a few reflections, which were that the stations seem but a few miles apart, and at each but a few minutes are given for exit and admittance and for those going on to take in the outlines of things and quietly put them in shape as we jostle on to our destinations. Here my thoughts became retrospective.
The last time I traveled this road was in 1871, when the terminus was Cottonwood Falls, from which we “pursued the even tenor of our way” to Winfield in a two horse wagon, which we thought to be preferable to a stage coach, and which, with its white cover, was the unmistakable sign of emigration. After stemming the tide of wind and weather for three days, we arrived safely without the occurrence of anything which, at that time, seemed worthy of notice. But now we distinctly remember that the stations were far apart, and consisted generally of a single house, with a few acres of sod-corn about it, and the sight, which became almost monotonous, of a man with a few yoke of oxen or a span of horses, and sometimes a boy for driver, turning over the sod. Here and there on the road could be seen a pile of rock for a “foundation,” or a few slabs set up on end, with one left out for a door and a hole sawed out for a window, striking emblems of what we hoped to do and of what we have accomplished, with vast acres of undulating prairie stretching out before the pioneer, bounded only by the misty horizon, and stimulating his ambition by the wealth and plenty there in store, if not for himself—for his children.
I would not have the reader suppose that on this trip of 1871 I did not pass the then small towns of El Dorado, Augusta, and Douglass, and thence to Winfield, where we all brushed our hair and donned our nicest attire to peep out at the future seat of government of Cowley County. We found that we had only halted at a common-place log store, with the post office, dry-goods, groceries, etc., as the chief attractions. The upper story of this old building, I remember, was the birthplace of the Winfield COURIER. Near by was the small frame bank of J. C. Fuller. On the corner where now stands a block of buildings containing the Winfield Bank and that of M. L. Read, the COURIER office and numerous offices in the upper story, was the bare prairie, so with the opposite corner where now stands the magnificent brick block containing our Opera House. These wonderful changes stand to the old settler a quiet recognition of the hasty rewards produced, not alone by perfect management, but by the progressive march of railroads and other modern inventions, which have so annihilated distance as to make it possible for us to travel many more miles in a day than in those pioneer times, and which enable us to tell a brother in New York or San Francisco at 6 o’clock that sister died in Arkansas City, on the border of the Indian Territory, at half past three.
But we are passing on to new scenes, and as the conductor enters calling out the stations, I awake from my reverie to think of the present.
The towns are now but a few miles apart, and at every one there are from three hundred to several thousand inhabitants, and always one or more churches and schoolhouses, attesting the fact that religion and education are twin sisters, and that our progress would be less and our civilization fall short of its wonderful achievements without either. So we pass over the beautiful, rolling prairies of Kansas. with comfortable homes, orchards laden with ripening fruit, more than was expected and enough for home and much for market; herds of fat cattle and horses grazing in the pastures, and, if my judgment is right, enough wheat to supply the foreign demand.
The shades of night here gather around us, and we are at Newton, not where Sir Isaac saw the apple fall, but where I take a sleeper to change my reflections on Kansas past, present, and future to the interpretation of the wheezing and sneezing of the engine, which I found beyond my comprehension and fell into fitful slumbers.
Daylight brought us to Atchison, which the early hour and location of the depot prevented us from seeing much of; enough, however, to prove it to be a large manufacturing and business center. At sight of the “Big Muddy,” I could not help falling into another retrospection, when, in 1857, it was the great highway for commerce and emigration, and when the writer was left by a thoughtful husband in St. Joseph while he did business in Leavenworth, where were fought the early political battles between the powers of slavery and free state. It was at that time unpleasant if not dangerous for a woman to be in Leavenworth, though I sometimes made the venture in the quieter days, and well do I remember when the steamer would launch at Iatan, pass over to Atchison, and soon, with quickening anticipation, be landed in Leavenworth.
Here we are reminded that we are hungry, and after breakfasting, we slowly pass over that strongly built structure, the Atchison bridge, and wind our way to St. Joseph over a very flat road with the Missouri near on one side and high hills, covered with timber, on the other. The scene here is very different from that in Kansas. There is the same frequency of railroad stations and the same cheering emblems of civilization and religion; but hills, high and rough, with immense trees and thick underbrush. We soon arrive at Maryville, meet our friends, and leave further description for another letter. C. H. G.
