John C. Roberts

                                Walnut Township. [Formerly Winfield Township.]
                                     Ioa Roberts, daughter of John C. Roberts.
                                        [Called by the papers “Iowa” at times.]
                            Emily Roberts Graham, daughter of John C. Roberts.
                                      Gary C. Roberts, son of John C. Roberts.
      [Called by the papers “Carrie” Roberts at times. Called C. C. Roberts at times.]
                                  [Charles W. Roberts, son of John C. Roberts.]
WINFIELD 1873:
Roberts, Jno. C., 37; spouse, Elizabeth, 41.
WINFIELD 1874:
Roberts, John C., 37; spouse, Elizabeth, 41.
Kansas 1875 Census, Winfield Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name                           age sex color          Place/birth Where from
J. C. Roberts                38  m    w                Indiana                Iowa
Elizabeth Roberts          42    f     w                Indiana                Iowa
Emily J. Roberts           17    f     w                Iowa                   Iowa
Henrietta I? Roberts     15    f     w                Iowa                   Iowa
Gary C. Roberts           13  m    w                Iowa                   Iowa
Chas. W. Roberts           8  m    w                Iowa                   Iowa
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Ioa Roberts and Emily Roberts...
[REPORT FROM SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 45.]
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1874
The school in District No. 45 closed on Thursday, Feb. 26, 1874. The three last days were passed in an examination on the different branches. In this the scholars took great interest, evincing the same determination to stand at the head of their classes that they have shown throughout the term. Several of them passed creditably, and would have done honor to any graded school.
The following is the average standing of the advanced classes.
Hattie Monforte, 9.4; Emily Roberts, 9.2; John Wiggins, 9; Iowa [Ioa] Roberts, 8.5.
John C. Roberts, Chas. A. Roberts, Mrs. C. A. Roberts, Mrs. Jos. C. Roberts, Jos. C. Roberts...
[MAPLE GROVE GRANGE.]
Winfield Courier, January 14, 1875.
Maple Grove Grange No. 714, P. of H. at regular meeting on the first Monday evening in December, the following named members were elected to fill the several offices for the ensuing year.
Master, Wm. Orr; Overseer, T. J. Johnson; Lecturer, A. Frazer; Steward, A. Orr; asst. Steward, D. Ferguson; Chaplain, John C. Roberts; Treasurer, J. H. Land; Secretary, Chas. A. Roberts; gate keeper, G. W. Prater; Ceres, Mrs. C. A. Roberts; Flora, Mrs. A. Frazer; Pomona, Miss Maggie Bush; Lady Asst. Steward, Mrs. Jos. C. Roberts; Trustees: Rev. Sol Ferguson, G. W. Prater, and J. H. Curfman. JOS. C. ROBERTS, Sec’y.

Ioa Roberts, Maple Grove Schoolhouse...
Winfield Courier, March 2, 1876.
We had the pleasure of attending a school exhibition at the Maple Grove schoolhouse on Tuesday evening last. The entertain­ment consisted of essays, recitations, dialogues, tableaux, etc., all of which were well selected and performed. The paper, headed the Maple Grove Bugle, which was ably edited and well read by Miss Ioa Roberts and Mr. Joe Monforte, contained all sorts of fun, such as poetry, conundrums, etc. The exercises were con­ducted by the teacher of that district, Mr. C. L. Swarts. We congratulate the people of Maple Grove for having secured the services of so competent a young man as Mr. Swarts as teacher in their district during the term of their winter school.
Ioa Roberts, teacher...
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1876.
Twenty-nine teachers were present at the examination last Friday and Saturday. Of those present the following received second grade certificates: Misses Dora Winslow, Maggie Stansberry, Mary Stansberry, Gertie Davis, Louisa Franklin, Laura E. Turner, Mr. C. C. Holland, and Mrs. I. E. Brown. Those who received third grade certificates are as follows: Misses Sarah Bovee, C. E. Fitzgerald, Ella Davis, Albertine Maxwell, Effie Randal, Sarah E. Davis, Ella Clover, Ioa Roberts, Emma Burden, Arvilla Elliot, L. A. Bedell, M. J. Huff, and Mr. M. L. Smith.
Ioa Roberts, Emily Roberts...
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
                                                      Our Winfield Schools.
The following students passed the required examinations and received teacher’s certificates: Misses Mary E. Lynn, Maggie Stansberry, Kate Gilleland, Sarah Bovee, Amy Robert­son, Ray Nauman, Ioa Roberts, C. A. Winslow, and Mrs. Estes.
Names of students worthy of special mention at the examina­tion at the close of the school year:
“A” Class Arithmetic: Mary E. Lynn, Emily Roberts, and Samuel E. Davis.
“B” Class Geography: Mollie Davis, Emily Roberts, Alice Pyburn, Nannie McGee, Minerva Martin, Ida McMillen, and Jennie Haine.
U. S. History: Harry McMillen and Emily Roberts.
“A” Class Grammar: Emily Roberts and Mary E. Lynn.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876.
                                                    The Republican Caucus.
Last Saturday the Republicans of Winfield Township met in caucus at the courthouse, at 4 o’clock p.m., and elected the following delegates to the county convention, to be held next Saturday in Winfield.
R. L. Walker, A. B. Lemmon, Nels. Newell, T. B. Myers, C. C. Pierce, M. G. Troup, E. P. Kinne, James Kelly, E. S. Torrance, and John Mentch were elected delegates, and W. M. Boyer, T. L. King, John Weakly, S. M. Klingman, S. Johnson, H. L. Barker, G. W. Robertson, J. E. Saint, John C. Roberts, and A. Howland, alternates.

The vote stood 91 for the ticket elected and 9 for the ticket that was defeated. It is an able delegation and was very enthusiastically supported.
J. C. Roberts, Winfield...
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
                                         Petit Jury List for Oct. Term of Court.
Wm. Morrow, Sheridan Township; G. S. Story, Maple; J. C. Roberts, Winfield; Rudolph Hite, Dexter; J. R. Thompson, Richland; T. B. Myers, Winfield; Hiram Blenden, Spring Creek; J. C. Campbell, Windsor; D. Francisco, Silverdale; A. S. Capper, Nennescah; S. D. Tolles, Pleasant Valley; Jas. Aley, Otter.
Miss (Ioa?) Roberts, Miss Mall Roberts...
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
                              Minutes of the Cowley County Teachers’ Institute.
Agreeable to the call of the County Superintendent of Public Instruction, the teachers of Cowley County met in annual insti­tute on Monday, Sept. 11th, at 9 o’clock a.m. On account of sickness in his family, Mr. Wilkinson was unable to attend, and the duty of conducting the Institute devolved on Prof. A. B. Lemmon.
The Institute organized by electing the following officers: President, Mr. D. M. Snow; Vice President, Mr. H. M. Bacon; Secretary, Miss M. A. Bryant. Messrs. Robinson, Bacon, and Millard, and Misses Cowles and Roberts were chosen a committee on query box.
Miss Mall Roberts, late of Oskaloosa, Iowa, illustrated her manner of teaching primary reading by introducing a class of little folks and leading them step by step through the lesson. For a half hour she held the attention of the members of her class riveted to their work. Observing members of the Institute learned a lesson from her plans that will be of value to them in their school rooms.
J. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
                                     Petit Jury List for October Term of Court.
Wm. Morrow, Sheridan Township; G. S. Story, Maple; J. C. Roberts, Winfield; Rudolph Hite, Dexter; J. R. Thompson, Richland; T. B. Myers, Winfield; Hiram Blenden, Spring Creek; J. C. Campbell, Windsor; D. Francisco, Silverdale; A. S. Capper, Nennescah; S. D. Tolles, Pleasant Valley; Jas. Aley, Otter.
Mall Roberts, Ioa Roberts...
Arkansas City Traveler, October 4, 1876.
List of those receiving certificates at the examination held at Winfield, September 15 and 16, 1876.
“A” Grades: Xina Cowles, Ella Wickersham, Mary A. Bryant, Geo. W. Robinson.
“1st” Grades: H. M. Bacon, H. W. Holloway, Miss Mall Roberts.

“2nd” Grades: Emery J. Johnson, J. H. Edwards, Wm. E. Ketcham, J. C. Armstrong, Oscar J. Holroyd, O. J. Record, T. B. Kidney, Porter Wilson, R. B. Corson, M. L. Smith, J. T. Tarbet, Charles H. Eagin, E. W. Snow, M. D. Snow, Byron A. Snow, C. W. Dover, George Lee, J. K. Beckner, Frank A. Chapin, J. M. Haw­thorne, T. P. Stevenson, Mrs. Bell Seibert, Mrs. A. R. Hauser, Fannie Skinner, Sarah Hollingsworth, Sarah E. Davis, Stella Burnett, Laura Turner, Anna O. Wright, Veva Walton, Georgia Christian, Gertrude Davis, Adelia DeMott, Lizzie Conklin, Sallie Rea, Miss M. J. Huff, Miss M. E. Lynn, Miss C. A. Winslow, Lusetta Pyburn, Helen Wright, Anna Buck, Mary E. Buck, Lucy Pedell, Kate L. Ward, Emma Saint, Mina C. Johnson, Maggie Stansberry, Kate Gilleland, Rachel E. Nauman, Kate Fitzgerald, Mary I. Byard, W. E. Meridith, Ioa Roberts, Lizzie Landis, Amy Robertson, Kate T. Hawkins, Anna Mark.
“A” grades are valid two years, “1st” grades one year, and “2nd” grades six months. There were four “A” grades, three “1st” grades, and fifty-seven “2nd” grades.
Ioa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
The following is a list of the teachers attending the Normal Institute, who secured certificates at the examination: Second grade certificates being valid six months, first grade one year, “A” grade two years.
SECOND GRADE: Emery J. Johnson, J. H. Edwards, Wm. E. Ketcham, J. C. Armstrong, Oscar J. Holroyd, O. J. Record, T. B. Kidney, Porter Wilson, R. R. Corson, M. L. Smith, J. T. Tarbet, Charles H. Eagin, E. W. Snow, M. D. Snow, Byron A. Snow, C. W. Dover, George Lee, J. K. Beckner, Frank A. Chapin, J. M. Hawthorne, T. P. Stevenson, W. E. Meredith, Mrs. Belle Seibert, Mrs. A. R. Hauser, Miss Fannie Skinner, Miss Sarah E. Davis, Miss Stella Burnett, Miss Laura Turner, Miss Anna O. Wright, Mis Veva Walton, Miss Georgia Christian, Miss Gertrude Davis, Miss Adelia DeMott, Miss Lizzie Conklin, Miss Sallie Rea, Miss M. J. Huff, Miss M. E. Lynn, Miss C. A. Winslow, Miss Lusetta Pyburn, Miss Helen Wright, Miss Anna Buck, Miss Mary E. Buck, Miss Kate L. Ward, Miss Emma Saint, Miss Mina C. Johnson, Miss Maggie Stansberry, Miss Kate Gilleland, Miss Rachel E. Nauman, Miss Kate Fitzgerald, Miss Mary I. Byard, Miss Ioa Roberts, Miss Lizzie Landis, Miss Amy Robertson, Miss Kate T. Hawkins, Miss Anna Mark, Miss Lucy Pedell, Miss Sarah Hollingsworth.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
John C. Roberts, our genial friend, who lives in the north­east corner of the township and keeps it from tipping up, is trying to adjust his back-bone to a jurors’ bench this week. Of course, he’s good humored, he always is.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1876.
ADELPHI Lodge, No. 110, of A. F. and A. M.’s of this city, elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Dr. Graham, W. M.; Ex Saint, S. W.; M. G. Troup, J. W.; Frank Baldwin, Treas.; and James Kelly, Secretary. The following appointments were then made: C. C. Black, S. D.; J. C. Roberts, J. D.; Jas. Simpson, S. S.; N. C. McCulloch, J. S.; Wirt W. Walton, Tyler.
Emma Roberts...
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1877.
                                                       Teachers Examination.
At the public examination held in this city on the 3rd inst., the following applicants presented themselves:

Misses Mattie Walters, Arvilla Elliot, Emma Roberts, Ella Freeland, Mattie Minnihan, Mollie Davis, Gertrude Davis, Sarah E. Davis, Arnie Lipscomb, Sallie E. Rea, Ella Underwood, Jennie Evans, Albertine Maxwell, Ida Grimes.
Mrs. Ida E. Brown, Mrs. S. A. Ledlie.
Mr. Will Lipscomb, Mr. William T. York, Mr. W. L. Burton, Mr. B. F. Maricle, Mr. P. W. Smith, and Mrs. Chas. H. Huff.
The qualifications of two of the applicants above mentioned entitled them to first grade; of fourteen, to second grade certificates, while six failed to sustain satisfactory examina­tion upon the questions given.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.
Mr. John C. Roberts has again removed to his farm northeast of town.
Ioa Roberts...
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
The following teachers received certificates at the examina­tion at Winfield, Friday and Saturday, March 23rd and 24th.
Misses Emma Burden, Sallie Leavering, Sarah E. Davis, Jennie Hane, Ioa Roberts, Arvilla Elliott, Mattie Minnihan, Alice Pyburn, Mary Lynn Emma Saint, Mary Tucker, Effie Randall, Dora Winslow; Mrs. M. S. Tucker, Mrs. A. R. Houser, Mrs. Adelia Baird; and Mr. S. J. Hockett.
Sixteen received certificates. Whole number of applicants thirty-seven. The first three received first grades. Many who failed have been teaching in the county two and three years.
Ioa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1877.
The following persons were made legal teachers by the Board of Examiners for Cowley County, on Monday, March 26th, 1877. Those receiving first grade certificates had an average of at least 85 percent, and those receiving second grade certificates, an average standing of at least 70 percent, as shown by their papers upon the questions for examination, submitted the 23rd and 24th of March.
First Grade: Misses Emma Burden, Sarah E. Davis, and Sallie Leavering.
Second Grade: Misses Jennie Hane, Arvilla Elliott, Mary Lynn, Alice Pyburn, Effie Randall, Ioa Roberts, Mattie Minnihan, Mary Tucker, Dora Winslow, Kate Fitzgerald, M. E. Saint, Mrs. M. L. Tucker, Adelia Baird, A. R. Houser, and Mr. S. J. Hockett. Thirty-six applications were made for certificates with the result as indicated above.
Mr. John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1877.
We learn that Mr. John C. Roberts will start for the Black Hills next Tuesday.
John C. Roberts, others, leaving for Black Hills...
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
We regret seeing the following named gentlemen leave our midst last Tuesday morning, en route for the Black Hills: N. C. McCulloch, John C. Roberts,  Joe Carter, F. Williams, T. A. Blanchard, Will Clark, and John and Joe Greenlee.
Emily Roberts...
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.

Miss Emily Roberts will teach the school in the district south of Winfield, known as the Hickok district.
Ioa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.
                                                      The Normal Institute.
The Normal Institute opened with the following teachers in attendance.
From Winfield: Margie K. Wallis, Lewis Brown, Pella Bradish, Nannie McGee, Mattie E. Walters, Ella Hunt, Henrietta King, Alice Pyburn, Lusetta Pyburn, Amy Robertson, C. C. Critz, Maggie Stansberry, T. J. Floyd, Sarah E. Davis, Sarah E. Aldrich, Ray Nauman, Mary A. Bryant, Ioa Roberts, Mattie E. Minnihan, John Bower, R. A. O’Neill, Lizzie T. Wallis, Sarah Hodges, Alice Bullock, Ella Freeland, Mina C. Johnson, W. Trevett, J. D. Hunt, G. B. Richmond, Nellie M. Aldrich, Hattie F. Finch, Celina Bliss, Samuel Davis, Ida Carey, Ella Stewart, Allie Klingman, Fannie Pontious, A. B. Taylor, M. D. Snow.
Ioa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, August 15, 1878.
                                                    Teachers’ Examination.
Winfield: Lewis Brown, Ella Hunt, Henrietta King, Alice Pyburn, Pella Bradish, Nannie McGee, Amy Robertson, C. C. Critz, Maggie Stansberry, T. J. Floyd, Sarah E. Davis, Sarah E. Aldrich, Ray Nauman, Mary A. Bryant, Ioa Roberts, Mattie E. Minnihan, John Bower, R. A. O’Neill, Alice Bullock, Ella Freeland, W. Trevett, J. D. Hunt, G. B. Richmond, Hattie F. Finch, Celina Bliss, Samuel Davis, Ida Carey, Allie Klingman, Fannie Pontious, A. B. Taylor, Warren Miller, Hattie McKinlay, Mrs. P. B. Seibert, Mrs. S. E. Litton, G. C. Whitelock, L. McKinlay, ’Squire Humble.
There were 44 second grade and 34 first grade certificates issued, eight applicants failing to reach the required standard.
Ioa Roberts...
Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.
                                                    Teachers’ Examination.
The following persons attended the examination held at Winfield, August 2nd and 3rd.
WINFIELD. Misses Mattie Minnihan, Ray E. Nauman, Henrietta King, Allie Klingman, Alice Pyburn, Maggie Stansberry, Ioa Roberts, Sara E. Davis, Sarah E. Aldrich, Mary A. Bryant, Nannie McGee, Amy Robertson, Hattie McKinlay, Ida Carey, Ella Freeland, Celina Bliss, Pella Bradish, Fannie Pontious, Ella Hunt, Mrs. Alice Bullock, P. B. Seibert, S. E. Sitton, Mr. R. A. O’Neill, G. B. Richmond, S. E. Davis, C. C. Critz, P. A. Martin, W. Trevett, J. D. Hunt, T. J. Floyd, L. C. Brown, G. C. Whitelock, L. McKinlay, Squire Humble, A. B. Taylor, G. W. Miller.
John C. Roberts’ son, Gary C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.
Gary C. Roberts, son of John C. Roberts, brought us on Tuesday a peck of the largest and finest peaches we have ever seen, many of them measuring nine inches in circumference.
Many thanks.
Emily Roberts, daughter of John C. Roberts,  marries A. B. Graham...
Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.

MARRIED. GRAHAM - ROBERTS. Mr. A. B. Graham and Miss Emily Roberts entered the state of double blessedness last Monday evening, and started for the State of Ohio the next morning. Rev. J. L. Rushbridge arrived from the east just in time to tie the knot. We wish the happy couple much joy and a safe return.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, May 16, 1878.
John C. Roberts returned from the Black Hills last Saturday.
Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.
John C. Roberts informs us that the Black Hills country is greatly overdone this season; but not quite so badly as last year.
Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.
Some think our post office very much crowded at the time of the evening mail; but we have some satisfaction in knowing that there are some places where it is much greater. Mr. Roberts informs us that he has been obliged to wait three hours at Deadwood in order to get an opportunity to inquire for mail.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
John C. Roberts brought in last Saturday the largest and finest ripe peaches we have seen this year, measuring from 8 to 9½ inches in circumference.
Ioa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878. Back Page.
                                                  TEACHERS’ DIRECTORY.
District No. 1, Winfield: Geo. W. Robinson, Emma Saint, Sarah Aldrich, Sarah Hodges, Mary Bryant, Allie Klingman, Ioa Roberts. District No. 48, Winfield: Alice Aldrich. District No. 43, Winfield: Mattie Minnihan. District No. 13, Winfield, Mina Johnson. District No. 9, Winfield, Celina Bliss. District No. 106, Winfield, Mrs. Alice Bullock. District No. 41, Winfield, H. G. Blount. District No. 12, Winfield, John Bower. District No. 77, Winfield, R. A. O’Neill. District No. 21, Winfield, A. B. Taylor. District No. 2, Arkansas City: C. H. Sylvester and Mrs. L. M. Theaker. District No. 20, Floral, G. B. Richmond. District No. 45, Tisdale, E. A. Miller. District No. 47, Tisdale, S. A. Smith. District No. 20, Moscow, R. B. Hunter. District No. 26, Little Dutch, T. J. Floyd. District No. 52, New Salem, Ella Davis. District No. 39, New Salem, Sarah Bovee. District No. 14, Lazette, Mary A. Tucker. District No. 15, Lazette, H. T. Albert. District No. 95, Lazette, Emma Burden. District No. 5, Dexter, H. Trevett. District No. 7, Dexter, R. C. Maurer. District No. 84, Cedar Vale, H. P. Attwater.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, December 26, 1878.
At the annual election, on the 17th inst., Adelphi Lodge, No. 110, A. F. A. M., selected the following officers for the ensuing year.
C. C. Black, W. M., W. C. Robinson, S. W., H. Brotherton, J. W., B. F. Baldwin, Treas., R. C. Story, Sec., J. E. Saint, S. D., P. Hill, J. D., M. L. Read, C., John C. Roberts, S. S., W. D. Byers, J. S., S. E. Burger, T.
Ioa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.
                                                       Teachers’ Directory.
                                                 District No. 1: WINFIELD.

Geo. W. Robinson, Emma Saint, Sarah Aldrich, Sarah Hodges, Mary Bryant, Allie Klingman, Ioa Roberts.
John C. Roberts...
[WALNUT VALLEY FAIR ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.
At a meeting of the stockholders held in this city on the 14th inst. the following were elected officers of the Walnut Valley Fair Association.
                                                Chief of Police: Jno. C. Roberts.
J. C. Roberts...
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP, COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1879.
                                        Walnut Twp., Cowley Co., July 12, 1879.
Pursuant to call, the citizens of Walnut twp. met at the courthouse in Winfield on the 12th day of July, 1879, and orga­nized by the election of J. H. Curfman, chairman, and T. A. Blanchard, secretary. The object of the meeting being stated, the nomination of a township ticket to be voted upon at the coming township election on the 22nd day of July, inst.
Committee on nominations appointed as follows: Robert Weakly, John Mentch, and John Hoenscheidt, who, after due deliber­ation, made report, which was received and unanimously adopted as candidates at the approaching election: trustee, J. C. Roberts; treasurer, Joel Mack; clerk, T. A. Blanchard; Justice of the Peace, Jessey King and S. E. Burger; Constable, T. J. Johnson and Abe. Land. Messrs. Mentch and Hoenscheidt were appointed a committee to procure ballots.
J. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1879.
From Mr. J. C. Roberts, who at present has charge of the old books of Winfield township, we have learned a few facts regarding the condition of the township. The floating indebtedness is $5,714.74. The bonded indebtedness is $19,000, of which the first bond of $2,000 was due Aug. 1, and $2,000 on the first days of February and August of each year until paid. The August installment has been paid and there is money enough in the treasury to pay the next semi-annual installment, which reduces it to fifteen thousand dollars. The question is now pending whether the commissioners can levy a bond tax on the territory comprising old Winfield township. The county attorney has the matter under consideration and the commissioners meet the first Monday in September to hear the opinion of the attorney and if possible make the levy. If the commissioners cannot levy the tax on the present assessment, the bonds coming due in 1880 cannot be paid, nor the interest accruing thereon. There should be no difficulty about levying this bond tax. It should be levied on all the property contained within the lines of old Winfield township and no other, and we deem it the duty of the commission­ers to see it done disregarding any legal quirk that may be raised adversely.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.

We interviewed J. C. Roberts, the trustee of Walnut town­ship, in relation to these matters. He admits that he was one of the workers in getting the Walnut township scheme, and that he circulated petitions by the “pale light of the moon,” but denies that his acts or those of any other men, who were active in the scheme, were the result of a desire to escape from the liability to pay their just proportion of the old Winfield township debt. They desire to pay such proportion and no more.
He says they were compelled to this action in self defense by the action the city had taken; that so long as the city was a part of Winfield township, the township board could levy the tax to pay principal and interest of the bonds and incidental expens­es on all the property of the township, but when the city by the acts of her citizens obtained an organization as a city of the second class, the township board could no longer levy a tax on the personal property in the city, and the city could not levy a township tax so that the city would escape its just proportion unless the city authorities should determine to levy the tax anyhow; that the bridge at Bliss’ Mill needs a considerable expense to secure it from danger and destruction, and that the city authorities refused to assist in that matter, claiming that they had no jurisdiction and showed a disposition to saddle the whole debt upon those outside the city, as in fact they seemed to believe they had done; that lawyers advised him and his associ­ates to that effect. He says that the men left in Winfield township had but one of two things to do: either to pay the whole bonded debt amounting to some $16,000 and interest, which the city men had voted upon the township, and the $5,721.74 of floating debt, which city men had contracted; or to put the balance of the township in a way that it could not be compelled to pay more than its just proportion.
He says they studied the matter carefully and determined upon the latter. They worked secretly because they knew they would otherwise probably be defeated.
He says he made a demand of the county commissioners that they should levy a tax on Walnut township sufficient to pay its proportion of the floating debt and the maturing bonded debt and interest; also, a small tax for incidental expenses, that he did not name; a two mill tax as we stated last week.
We shall have to admit that the foolish move of organizing the city as second class evidently placed our Walnut friends in a bad predicament and that they had a show of justification for the course they took to get out of it.
The more we learn of its effects, the more we see that the second class move plunged us into a labyrinth of difficulties. There seems to us but one way out of this part of the scrape. The commissioners must make the tax levy on the whole property within the lines of the old Winfield township. We think it their duty and the only way to save our credit and cost of suits.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1879.
                          LETTER FROM JOHN C. ROBERTS RE SHENNEMAN.

RECAP: HE STATED THAT THE PEOPLE OF WALNUT TOWNSHIP ARE FOR SHENNEMAN....Mr. A. T. Shenneman at the age of sixteen entered the war of 1861, served till its close, and was honorably dis­charged from the service. Thus early in life he was inured in the trials and hardships of the fiercest war that has raged in modern times, and which have so effectually marked his career from that time to the present. Besides he has had the requisite experience in the line of duty pertaining to the office of Sheriff. We can say of a truth, as can a great many more, that he has performed duties without any compensation whatever and that too, when the proper officials refused to act at the time called upon to do so.
For instance, when A. B. Graham’s horse was stolen, not one of the proper officials could be prevailed upon to perform their duty. Not so with Shenneman. He was willing to go and did go, although he was not the officer elected to perform that duty, neither was he the deputy. Had he been Sheriff at the time the Arkansas City bank was robbed, instead of lounging around town, he would have pursued those desperadoes in person, and the probabilities are that he would have succeeded in securing them.
With A. T. as sheriff, cattle thieves, horse thieves, and desperadoes of all kinds will give Cowley County a wide berth, as they well know that they will have more than a mere pigmy to contend with.
Miss Ioa Roberts...
Arkansas City Traveler, August 27, 1879.
The best and most important improvement in our city is the thorough overhauling and remodeling of the City Hotel by Mr. J. C. Eager, an agent of Mr. Tisdale. He has done his work in a very thorough manner, having put the hotel in first-class condi­tion. From the new roof to the cellar, the house has been cleaned, freshly painted and papered outside and in, and the stairways have been altered and made much more convenient. The work being completed, the house will soon be thrown open to the public, and under good management will be certain to receive a large share of patronage.
By way of giving the hotel the “name of good places,” Mr. Eager gave a social dance on Tuesday evening of last week, which was a success in every particular, the lovers of the mazy keeping the fun up until the “wee sma’ hours.” Among those from abroad, i.e., Winfield, we were pleased to see Messrs. O. M. Seward, S. Suss, Charley Kelly, Eli Youngheim, Keys, Rodocker, also M. L. Bangs, while the fair sex was represented by a choice quartette composed of the Misses Patton, Miss Ioa Roberts and Miss Mattie Walters. This hotel has been opened under very favorable circum­stances, and Messrs. Eager and Tisdale deserve the thanks of this communi­ty for the increased accommodations that can now be furnished to strangers visiting our city.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1879.
The Cowley County Republican convention met on Saturday, Sept. 6th, at 11 o’clock a.m., at Manning’s Hall, in Winfield.
The following named gentlemen were appointed a committee on credentials: C. R. Mitchell, John R. Moore, James Shaffer, L. Lippmann, J. C. Roberts.
Committee on credentials reported the following named delegates entitled to vote in this convention; which report was adopted.
Walnut: J. C. Roberts, John Mentch, S. E. Berger, W. W. Limbocker, Jesse L. King, Joel Mack.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
Chief of Police Roberts had the hardest job of any at the fair, that of keeping order and clearing the track. He did his duty in a manner that won high words of praise from most of the peaceable citizens who visited the fair.
Miss Ioa Roberts...

Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
The contest between the ladies for the premium for the best lady rider was quite spirited. The contestants were Misses Etta Johnson, Ioa Roberts, Gertrude Davis, Ella Kelly, and Mrs. Laura Crawford. Miss Johnson won the blue ribbon and Miss Kelly the red.
Excerpts from a very lengthy article: Affidavit, John C. Roberts...
[A GRAND SCHEME TO ELECT HARTER SHERIFF BY FOUL MEANS.]
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.
We are reliably informed that one of the boldest and most vicious schemes is organized for the purpose of electing C. L. Harter to the office of sheriff by fraud, bribery, slander, and rascality.—The scheme embraces the buying up by whiskey and even money the hundreds of transients now in the county at work on the railroad or looking at the country, and voting them for Harter.
Now these things are not yarns got up for the occasion, but are susceptible of proof. We append a few affidavits, all we have room for, bearing on some of these statements, and there are plenty more to be had, even from the personal friends of Mr. Harter.
We appeal to the honest voters of this county to vote for Shenneman, a capable and honest man, instead of one whose unfit­ness requires the aid of fraud to give him any chance. We appeal to them that they see that all attempts at fraud in the coming election be detected and punished.
                                              J. C. ROBERT’S AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF KANSAS, )
      Cowley County.     )    ss.
J. C. Roberts, after first being duly sworn, upon his oath, doth say that he is a resident of Walnut township, formerly Winfield, in said county and state, and has been for more than eight years last past.
That in the month of November, 1878, my son-in-law had a horse stolen in said county, and my son-in-law, A. B. Graham, and myself went to the city of Winfield and endeavored to get Charles L. Harter, the Sheriff of said county to go with us after the thieves. Harter not being at home I went to Finch, the Deputy Sheriff, and asked him to go with us. This he refused to do then and wanted us to wait until the next day as he had ridden all the way from Wichita that day and was too tired.
We then went to look for A. T. Shenneman to get him to go with us. He was absent with passengers brought from Wichita and taking them to east part of this county. Learning that he would be back that night, we waited until 12 o’clock, at which time Shenneman came home. We told him what we wanted, and notwithstanding he had the day before driven from Winfield to Wichita and that day from Wichita to Winfield and thence some 12 miles and back that night, he immediately got his shot-gun and borrowed a revolver from J. H. Finch, Harter’s deputy, and we went at once after the thieves, traveling all that night and all the next day and the day follow­ing and got home at 12 o’clock that night, and while we were unsuc­cessful in our search for the thieves, the facts show what the Republican candidate for Sheriff will do when he is elected, and what the conduct of our present officials has been and will continue to be if Mr. Harter is elected. J. C. ROBERTS.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of October, 1879.

                                              W. P. HACKNEY, Notary Public.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.
The officers of Adelphi Lodge, No. 110, A. F. & A. M., for 1880, are
W. M.: James McDermott; S. W.: M. G. Troup; J. W.: E. P. Kinne; Treas.: C. C. Black; Sec.: W. W. Perkins; S. D.: R. C. Story; J. D.: James Simpson; S. S.: S. H. Myton; J. S.: J. C. Roberts; C.: E. T. Trimble; T.: S. E. Berger.
Winfield Courier, January 29, 1880.
Mr. J. C. Roberts, trustee of Walnut township, made us a pleasant call Saturday. Mr. Roberts’ friends are making an effort to put him in as trustee for another year. He is one of the best and most efficient officers that could be found and the business of the township could not be placed in better hands.
J. C. Roberts, trustee, and C. A. Roberts, clerk...
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
The fight in this township was very lively, over 170 votes being polled. Both the Republicans and Democrats had tickets in the field. The following was the vote.
For Trustee, J. C. Roberts, 113; D. W. Ferguson, 63.
For Clerk, T. A. Blanchard, 116; C. A. Roberts, 62.
For Treasurer, Joel Mack, 158; A. J. Thompson, 62.
For Justice of the Peace, John Hoenscheidt, 158; S. E. Burger, 112; G. W. Prater, 65.
For Constable, Frank Weakley and H. L. Thomas were elected.
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.
Pursuant to the call for a Republican convention for this township many of the leading men of the party assembled at the place appointed.
Mr. John Mentch was duly elected president, and Mr. John Hoenscheidt, secretary.
A number of high-headed democrats, with blood in their eyes, were also in attendance. They solicited one another of their own accord to join hands and mix in with the Republicans and to do their best licks to defeat J. C. Roberts for township trustee. Mr. Roberts received the unanimous vote of the Republicans, which caused the “Hotspurs” of Walnut township to boil over with rage. J. H. Curfman, a straight out Republican, was put in nomination against Mr. Roberts. Mr. Curfman politely informed the “democra­cy” that he would not be a candidate. They were then compelled to fall back on their own resources, and in consequence nominated David Ferguson, one of their own stripe and color. REPUBLICAN.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 21, 1880.
At the annual meeting of the Walnut Valley District Fair Association, the following named persons were elected as officers for the ensuing year:
President, Hon. E. P. Kinne, vice-president, Hon. J. W. Millspaugh; treasurer, J. L. Horning “76,” secretary, E. E. Bacon, general superintendent, Hon. W. J. Hodges, chief of police, John C. Roberts; Directors, Hon. A. A. Wiley, Hon. R. F. Burden, Hon. S. R. Marsh, Hon. W. W. Limbocker, Hon. P. B. Lee.
Ioa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, July 15, 1880.

The Normal Institute for 1880 has opened with a large attendance of teachers. Four instructors have charge of the divisions, and the aim of all is to make this summer’s work especially practical. The morning exercises begin at 7:30, in the courtroom, and the recitations end at 1 p.m. There are at present enrolled 79 teachers as follows.
Winfield: Ella Freeland, Mrs. W. B. Caton, A. E. Hon, Nannie McGee, Estella M. Cronk, Ioa Roberts, Maggie Stansberry, Ella Hittle, Fannie A. Pontious, Ray E. Nauman, Amy Robertson, Mary J. Melville, Rosa Frederic, Lincoln McKinley, Mattie Gibson, E. L. Cook, Anna F. Cuppage, James Lorton, Alice Aldrich, Lena Bart­lett, Nellie Aldrich, Ida G. Trezise, Nettie B. Porter, Sarah Hodges, Grace Scovill, Lou Lee, Lutie Newman, W. B. Dickerson, J. J. Stevens, Lena McNeil, Alice Bullock, Mary Randall, Hattie Andrews, A. B. Taylor, Ed Farringer, Ella Kelly, Mrs. A. M. Gillespie.
John C. Roberts...
                                              EUGENE E. BACON, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
At the Primary Republican Meeting held in Walnut township last Friday J. C. Roberts was elected chairman, and L. J. Webb, Secretary. John H. Morgan was elected a member of the County Republican Central Committee. J. C. Roberts, T. A. Blanchard, and Robert Weekly were elected a township Republican Committee.
John C. and daughter, Miss Ioa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, August 19, 1880.
Winfield is partly depopulated by the great exodus to the Knight Templars triennial reunion in Chicago. Last Saturday and Sunday the trains were loaded with excursionists, many of whom were taking this opportunity to visit friends in the east with the excursion rates for fares. A great many went from here whose names have not been given us, but the following are some that we know of: Dr. W. G. Graham and wife, Capt. S. C. Smith, E. P. Kinne, J. E. Conklin, Capt. James McDermott, Rev. J. Cairns and wife, Rev. J. A. Hyden and wife, J. D. Pryor, R. D. Jillson and daughter, Mrs. D. A. and Miss Jessie Millington. C. C. Black and wife, J. W. Johnson and daughter, J. P. M. Butler and wife, Miss Jennie Melville, G. H. Buckman, J. C. and Miss Ioa Roberts, Will Baird and wife, Mrs. N. L. Rigby, Jacob Nixon and wife, J. S. Hunt, and T. R. Bryan.
Winfield Courier, September 9, 1880.
J. C. Roberts and daughter returned from a visit to friends in the east Tuesday evening. While absent J. C. visited the Indiana State penitentiary, and while there learned the political preference of the convicts working in one of the shops. The convicts numbered 24 and the vote stood Hancock 22, Garfield 2. Horace Greeley wasn’t far from right when he said that “every democrat was not a horse thief, but every horse thief was demo­crat.” It is supposed that the two who voted for Garfield voted fraudulently.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, October 14, 1880.
The polling place for Walnut township has been fixed at the Chenault house, in the Northwest corner of the Thompson addition, opposite the old Wm. Maris residence.
                                                    J. C. ROBERTS, Trustee.
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.

The following are the names of the enterprising citizens who brought in the returns from different townships on the night after the election.
Walnut:  J. C. Roberts, also J. S. King, S. E. Berger.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
J. C. Roberts is one of the old wheel horses of the republi­can party and was last Tuesday reelected trustee of Walnut township.
[TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.]
Winfield Courier, February 17, 1881.
Below we give a list of township officers elected at the February election. In some of the townships the Justices hold over.
WALNUT: Trustee, J. C. Roberts; treasurer, Joe Mack; clerk, T. A. Blanchard; Justice, J. L. King.
[EQUALIZATION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.]
Winfield Courier, March 10, 1881.
Trustees of the several townships met at Winfield, March 7th, for the equalization of the personal property of Cowley. The following trustees were present: J. C. Roberts, Walnut township; J. Gregory, Omnia; E. Haynes, Harvey; U. Sparly, Cresswell; N. W. Dressie, Cedar; A. A. Becker, Pleasant Valley; J. F. Teter, Silver Creek; W. J. Johnson, Sheridan; S. D. Jones, Beaver; Joseph Craft, Maple; W. R. Wimer, Fairview; H. J. Sanford, Richland; A. B. Booth, Windsor; A. H. Serviss, Otter; J. Fisher, Liberty; J. D. Harkleroad, Silverdale; Wm. Trimble, Bolton; J. P. Short, Winfield City.
Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.
We do not believe all the yarns we hear about the peach buds being killed. John C. Roberts brings us a lot of twigs from his farm, showing every bud to be as lively as a bud can well be, and believes he will have a full crop. Others express similar opinions. We are under the impression that the upland peach buds are not injured, but in the low land a greater or less proportion of them are killed.
Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.
Mr. J. C. Roberts, trustee of Walnut township, has been putting in the week superintending the repairs on the Timber Creek bridge. He informs us that the abutments will be ready for the iron by Friday. The bridge will likely be opened for travel inside of thirty days.
Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.
Mr. John Roberts and Joel Mack keep order and help run the court. They have been appointed bailiffs for this term.
Winfield Courier, May 12, 1881.
J. C. Roberts says the Dutch Creek bridge will be here by June 1st. It will then take but a few days to complete it as the work of getting the parts is already done.
[THE NEW IRON BRIDGE.]
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.

J. C. Roberts, Trustee of Walnut Township, called on us last Thursday, and invited us to go along and see the new bridge, while they examined the structure for final acceptance. We soon found ourself at the bridge, where were the treasurer and clerk of the township, Messrs. Blanchard and Joel Mack; Col. Bullene, of Leavenworth, the contractor, and his brother, J. G. Bullene; S. E. Burger, and a few others. We did not go as an expert, so our opinion was not given and did not count, but we were much pleased with the bridge. It appeared to us to be thoroughly well con­structed, and a complete bridge in every particular. It is a beautiful bridge, of a hundred feet span, on abutments far above high-water mark.
We came back, and all took some lemonade, at Col. Bullene’s expense. Then the parties sat down in the COURIER office and settled up, and the board paid for the bridge. A great deal of work has been done by Robert Weakley, S. E. Burger, George Brown, and others, to get up an interest, get the necessary legislation, and the necessary subscriptions. The Township Board have spent their time, and used the greatest care to make the bridge perfect in every respect, and have attended to their work faithfully. The people most interested give them full credit and grateful thanks.
This bridge is of much importance to Winfield in many respects, and the efforts of those whose exertions have secured the bridge will be appreciated.
John C. Roberts...
Arkansas City Traveler, July 20, 1881.
                                                    SOLDIERS REUNION.
                                       WINFIELD, KANSAS, JULY 14, 1881.
To the Union Soldiers of the late War:
We, the undersigned, your comrades and survivors of the late rebellion, believe that a reunion of the old soldiers now resi­dents of Cowley and surrounding counties, would meet your approv­al and serve to renew and strengthen a patriotic and brotherly feeling in the hearts of all old soldiers and lovers of the Union, we would, therefore call a reunion at Island Park, Winfield, Kansas, for the 7th and 8th of October, 1881.
For a more complete organization and the successful carrying out of this plan, we would ask all old soldiers residing in the limits above named, to meet at Manning Opera House, on Saturday, July 23rd, at 2 o’clock p.m., at which time to effect a permanent organization, and the appointment of such general and local committees as the meeting may deem proper, essential for the ultimate success of this—an old soldiers’ reunion—at the time and place above mentioned. The county papers are requested to publish this call.
                                               One of those listed: J. C. Roberts.
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
John C. Roberts, of Walnut Township, will be a candidate for county commissioner for the first district. He is a first rate man for the place, full of vim and good sense, economical, and careful in his public duties, a sound republican, and was a brave soldier in the late war, in which he was seriously wounded.
Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.
J. C. Roberts, trustee of Walnut township, made arrangements on Monday to send a family which had been camped on the creek north of town to the coal regions in Missouri. The family have been living on this creek for upward of a year, with an old tent to cover them and eating whatever they could pick up. The man seems to be an able bodied citizen, but a little “cracked,” while the woman is a poor creature, who has followed him around until all the life she ever had has left her.

They have two little children who look like skeletons, and seem to have grown old with suffering. The only thing in the way of edibles Mr. Roberts could find was about a pint of boiled corn. They gave Mr. Roberts their history, which is a very sad one. The woman ran away from home to get married. If she had sense enough left, she would doubtless run back as fast as she could. They wanted to go to Missouri where “the mast” is plenty, and Trustee Roberts concluded that the county would have to support them if they stayed, so it would be cheaper to pay their way and let them go. We thought we had seen suffering, but we have never seen such abject misery depicted on the faces of human beings as shown in the white, pinched features of that woman and her babies. It is as bad a case as we have ever seen.
J. C. Roberts, C. A. Roberts, Joseph Roberts...
Winfield Courier, Thursday,  October 27, 1881 - Front Page.
                                  OLD SOLDIERS OF WALNUT TOWNSHIP.
J. C. ROBERTS, PRIVATE, CO. K, 33RD IND. INFT.
C. A. ROBERTS, PRIVATE, CO. C, 48TH IOWA INFT.
JOSEPH ROBERTS, PRIVATE, CO. C, 40TH IND. INFT.
John C. Roberts, trustee, Walnut township...
Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.
The officers of the different townships interested in the old Winfield scrip business met at the Courthouse last Friday and apportioned the expenses of fighting the cases as follows: Vernon $15, Pleasant Valley $15, Walnut $30, Fairview $9, Winfield City $186. The valuation of the property of old Winfield Township is $437,854, and is divided as follows: Vernon $21,428; Fairview $12,914; Walnut $115,312; Pleasant Valley $21,613; Winfield City $266,559. [Figures do not match with total given of $437,854. MAW]
The cost of fighting the cases to be $300. Senator Sluss, of Sedgwick, looked the matter up thoroughly and gives a very strong opinion that the scrip was legally issued. Trustees, Becker, of Pleasant Valley; Weimer, of Fairview; Roberts, of Walnut; and clerk Beach, of Winfield, were present and assisted in making the apportionment.
J. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, February 2, 1882.
The Republicans of Walnut Township met last Saturday and nominated J. C. Roberts for trustee, T. Blanchard for clerk, Joel Mack for treasurer, and S. E. Burger for Justice. The first three are the officers who have been managing the affairs of the township for several years, and their re-nomination is an assurance that their official acts have been satisfactory to the Republicans of the township—an endorsement that was fully deserved. Jethro Cochran received again the nomination for constable. Henry Perry, a colored man, was nominated for constable against Mr. John Ferguson, and the boys say they are bound to elect him. From what we can learn, he is fully qualified to fill the office. We hope to see the ticket go through with a rousing majority, as it certainly will. Is “Olive Oil” satisfied with this convention?
J. C. Roberts...
Cowley County Courant, February 2, 1882.

The Walnut Township Republican convention met according to published notice at Frank Manny’s stone building. Ezra Meech was appointed chairman and F. S. Jennings, secretary. The following nominations were made: For Trustee: J. C. Roberts. For Clerk: T. A. Blanchard. Treasurer: Joel Mack. Justice of the Peace: S. E. Burger. Constables: Henry Perry, colored, and Jethro Cochran. Road Overseers: District No. 1, George Brown; District No. 2, Perry Hill.
Winfield Courier, February 9, 1882.
In Walnut Township the straight Republicans carried the day by a large majority and J. C. Roberts is trustee for another year. Tom Blanchard and Joel Mack got all the votes cast.
Winfield Courier, March 2, 1882. Editorial.
                                     THOSE WINFIELD TOWNSHIP SUITS.
We wish to brace up our city council in relation to these suits. They are in relation to the debts incurred by the last trustee of the old township, in building the bridges in excess of the amount voted by the people. For this excess township scrip was issued, the legality of which was questioned or denied at the time, and has never yet been decided. Three suits against the territory which comprised the old township are commenced to collect this scrip and the question to be determined by the court is: Is this scrip legal and binding? If so, what existing municipal corporation is liable and in what proportion? And in what way shall the money be raised? The suits already commenced involve the sum of about $5,000. It is necessary that these be defended in order that either of these questions should be properly settled and the interests of the corporations interested be protected and secured on equitable principles. John C. Roberts, trustee of Walnut Township, has been at work in the matter for sometime and has made, with the approval of the other townships and a majority of the city council, complete arrangements for the defense of these suits at a minimum cost. The county clerk has furnished the assessment rolls and a schedule of the proportion of the expense to each municipality is agreed upon. The officers of each township interested have signed a contract to pay their proportion of the expenses. It is doubtless the wish of the citizens that the city council also ratify the contract. It will cost $150 to defend these three cases and it is worth much more than this to learn the legal status of the claims. We cannot afford to let it go by default. This sum is the fee of H. C. Sluss, who has been selected as the counsel for the defense. In case the two principal suits are defeated, the sum will be double. The proportion of the $150, among the municipalities, will be about as follows.
Winfield City, $92; Walnut Township, $37; Pleasant Valley, $7.50; Vernon Township, $7; and Fairview Township, $4.50. The city of Winfield can well afford to stand the $92, and the council should promptly ratify. In case the suits are successful, Winfield City alone will have $3,000 to pay besides its proportion of some further claims which will be prosecuted. She can well afford to pay $92 or twice that sum to have her interest thoroughly looked after. Mr. Roberts has done the work; now let the council stand to and go ahead.
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1882.
                                                       Assessor’s Meeting.
On Monday, March 6th, 1882, the assessors of Cowley County, Kansas, met at Winfield.
                                             Present from Walnut: J. C. Roberts.
J. C. Roberts, Uriah Spray, and C. R. Myles were chosen a committee on schedule of real estate assessments.

Real Estate committee reported the same basis as adopted two years ago. The basis is from $1.25 to $10.00 per acre, except lands adjacent to the different towns in the county and small tracts well improved, which are left to the discretion of the assessor. The report was adopted.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MUNROE” - CHIMES FROM BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, March 30, 1882.
J. C. Roberts, our assessor, has been around, and how inquisitive; he must know all. If every man who came along was as inquisitive as Mr. Roberts, we should be tempted to use “cuss words.” J. C. is a good one, and is giving satisfaction.
Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.
Pursuant to call, a number of gentlemen interested in the organization of a Cowley County Agricultural Society met at the Courthouse Saturday, April 15th, 1882, and was called to order by T. A. Blanchard. Thereupon, J. W. Millspaugh, of Vernon town­ship, was elected Chairman and T. A. Blanchard, Secretary. F. H. Graham stated that the object of the meeting was to organize for the purpose of holding a county fair this fall. On motion of J. B. Jennings, the meeting unanimously resolved to hold a fair, and a committee of six gentlemen, consisting of J. C. Roberts, W. P. Hackney, W. J. Hodges, J. W. Millspaugh, J. H. Horning, and W. A. Tipton, was appointed to draft articles of incorpora­tion and report at the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned to meet on Saturday, April 22nd, 1882, at 2 o’clock, at which time all feeling an interest in the fair are requested to attend. All Cowley County papers requested to copy.
Mr. J. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882.
Mr. J. C. Roberts brought a 6½ months old pig to town Saturday, which weighed 334 pounds, and brought $19.80. This is what we call hogging it along lively.
J. C. Roberts, Fair Association...
Winfield Courier, May 4, 1882.
The officers elected for the Fair Association are W. A. Tipton, president; T. A. Blanchard, secretary; J. W. Millspaugh, Treasurer. The Directors are J. C. Roberts, J. J. Johnson, H. B. Pratt, P. M. Waite, W. A. Tipton, Chas. Schiffbauer, S. Phoenix, H. Harbaugh, W. J. Hodges.
John C. Roberts...
Cowley County Courant, May 11, 1882.
The Republicans of Walnut township held a meeting at Frank Manny’s stone brewery building last Saturday at which the follow­ing delegates and alternates were elected to attend the County Convention to be held in this city May the 13th inst.
Delegates: J. L. King, M. A. Graham, S. E. Burger, S. Cure, H. W. Stubblefield
Alternates: T. A. Blanchard, Joel Mack, John C. Roberts, Chas. Wilson, and C. E. Metzger.
The delegates were instructed to also vote for delegates to the State Convention to be held in Topeka on the 24th day of June next.
J. C. Roberts, Agricultural and Horticultural Society...
Cowley County Courant, May 11, 1882.
The board of directors of the Agricultural and Horticultural society met at the Courier office, in Winfield, May 6th, 1882, at two o’clock P. M.

Present: J. C. Roberts, R. B. Pratt, P. M. Waite, W. A. Tipton, W. J. Hodges, S. W. Phoenix, and J. W. Millspaugh.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing term: W. A. Tipton, President; Henry Harbaugh, Vice President; T. A. Blanchard, Secretary; J. W. Millspaugh, Treasurer; W. J. Hodges, Superintendent.
The Treasurer was required to enter into a bond of $2,000 and to have the same ready for approval at the next meeting.
The following committees were appointed.
Finance: W. J. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, James Vance, J. L. Horning, James Schofield.
Printing: T. A. Blanchard, E. P. Greer, W. A. Tipton.
Grounds: W. J. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, J. W. Millspaugh.
Bylaws: W. A. Tipton, F. S. Jennings, Henry Asp.
Committee on grounds were directed to meet May 8th, 1882.
Committee on premium list, the board.
The secretary was directed to procure a rubber stamp seal bearing the legend, “Cowley County Agricultural and Horticultural Society Seal.”
The Secretary was directed to publish the proceedings in all the county papers.
Adjourned to meet May 20th, 1882. T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary.
John C. Roberts, alternate delegate...
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1882.
The Walnut Township primary was held Saturday and the following persons were elected delegates to the County convention: J. L. King, M. A. Graham, S. E. Burger, S. Cure, H. W. Stubblefield. The alternates were as follows: T. A. Blanchard, Joel Mack, C. E. Metzger, Chas. Wilson, J. C. Roberts. A resolution was passed instructing these delegates to assist in the election of the delegates to the State Congressional Convention also.
J. C. Roberts, Fair...
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1882.
                                                             About the Fair!
The Board of Directors of the Cowley County Agricultural Association met at the COURIER editorial rooms Saturday afternoon for the purpose of organizing and getting into working order. The directors present were Messrs. J. C. Roberts. R. B. Pratt, P. M. Waite, W. A. Tipton, W. J. Hodges, S. W. Phoenix, and J. W. Millspaugh. The following officers were elected for the ensuing term.
W. A. Tipton, President.
Henry Harbaugh, Vice President.
T. A. Blanchard, Secretary.
J. W. Millspaugh, Treasurer.
W. J. Hodges, Superintendent.
The Treasurer was required to enter into a bond of $2,000 and to have the same ready for approval at the next meeting.
The following committee was appointed.
Finance: W. J. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, James Vance, J. L. Horning, James Schofield.
Printing: T. A. Blanchard, E. P. Greer, W. A. Tipton.

Grounds: W. S. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, J. W. Millspaugh.
By-Laws: W. A. Tipton, F. S. Jennings, Henry Asp.
Committee on grounds were directed to meet May 8th, 1882.
Committee on premium list, the board.
The Secretary was directed to procure a rubber stamp seal bearing the legend, “Cowley County Agricultural and Horticultural Society Seal.” The Secretary was directed to publish the proceedings in all the county papers. Adjourned to meet May 26th, 1882.
                                               T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
RECAP OF REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION, HELD AT THE OPERA HOUSE IN WINFIELD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1882, AT 10:00 A..M., CALLED TO ORDER BY D. A. MILLINGTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTY COMMITTEE.
Delegates entitled to seats.
Walnut: J. P. Henderson, J. C. Roberts, E. M. Reynolds, T. A. Blanchard, R. I. Hogue.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.
John C. Roberts has brought us some peaches that are hard to beat, being 9 to 9½  inches in circumference.
Article mentions W. D. Roberts, J. C. Roberts, and C. A. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.
GENTLEMEN: In making my report to this society I would be glad to give in detail somewhat of a description of the condition of the orchards I visited; but this report should not be of sufficient extent to embrace so much. I will say, however, that the orchard of W. D. Roberts was literally loaded with the finest fruit. I obtained very fine specimens of Hubbardson’s Nonsuch, Maiden’s Blush, Pennsylvania Red Streak, Limber Twig, and Willow Twig apples. He had many other varieties in full bearing; but not desiring to get all the varieties from one orchard, I then visited Mr. L. E. Gilleland, two miles northwest of Winfield, where I found the finest apples I ever saw; and I do not say this to depreciate in any sense the productions of other orchards. Mr. Gilleland has earned the success he has attained, and well deserves it. One variety of apples (Gloria Mundi) produced single specimens that weighed one and one-fourth pounds, and measured sixteen inches around. I also got fine samples of Ben Davis, Wagner, Grindstone, Kansas Keeper, McAfee’s Nonsuch, and Willow Twig.
From J. C. Roberts: Northern Spy, Rambo, Janet, Yellow Bellflower, Little Romanite, and Maiden’s Blush apples and very fine Bartlett pears.
From C. A. Roberts: Hay’s Winter Wine, Willow Twig, and Wine Sap apples.
Fair: J. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1882.
The Board of Directors of the Agricultural Fair Association met at the COURIER office last Saturday to close up the business of the late fair. Present: Judge Tipton, president; T. A. Blanchard, secretary; J. J. Johnson, J. C. Roberts, W. J. Hodges. After transacting such business as came before it, the Board adjourned until Saturday, October 28th, which is the regular meeting.

J. C. Roberts...
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “SPECTATOR.”]
Winfield Courier, December 7, 1882.
Mr. J. C. Roberts has the best filled cellar and a peep into the boxes of apples will convince the most skeptical that Cowley will grow fruit. There are also fruits in cans, jelly, marmalade, etc., but to realize how a thrifty farmer can live, just take a seat at his table after the products of the farm, orchard, and garden have passed through the deft fingers of Mrs. Roberts.
Excerpts: J. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
A mass meeting of farmers was held in the Opera House Saturday afternoon to consider the Fair question. A goodly number of farmers from every part of the county were present. W. J. Millspaugh, of Vernon, was elected chairman and S. P. Strong, of Rock, secretary. The report of the committee on soliciting subscriptions to the stock reported four thousand eight hundred dollars taken. The committee was then increased by the following additions, one in each township.
Short speeches were then made by Senator Hackney, Jas. F. Martin, S. P. Strong, S. S. Lynn, Henry Harbaugh, F. W. Schwantes, John C. Roberts, D. L. Kretsinger, and others. After the meeting many new names were added and the list now foots up over five thousand dollars.
J. C. Roberts...
[SOUTH FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “ROB ROY.”]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
An organization has been formed known as the “South Fairview Stock Company.” They have purchased of Mr. Bennett, of Topeka, an imported Norman horse. The names of the members are A. Hollingsworth, W. J. Orr, A. Orr, W. W. Limbocker, J. C. Roberts, L. Stevens, J. Caspar, T. Walker, and M. C. Headrick.
John C. Roberts, Winfield...
[OLD SOLDIERS: ROLL OF HONOR.]
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
                                    Roberts, John C., Winfield, g s w r thigh, $4.00.
Miss Iowa Roberts...
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
                                                           The Masquerade.
The members of the Pleasant Hour Club have made the winter thus far very pleasant in a social way. Their hops have been well attended, and the utmost good feeling and harmony has prevailed. Their masquerade ball last Thursday evening was the happiest hit of the season. The floor was crowded with maskers and the raised platforms filled with spectators. At nine o’clock the “grand march” was called, and the mixture of grotesque, historical, mythological, and fairy figures was most attractive and amusing. Then, when the quadrilles were called, the effect of the clown dancing with a grave and sedate nun, and Romeo swinging a pop-corn girl, was, as one of the ladies expressed it, “just too cute.”

The following is the list of names of those in masque, together with a brief description of costume or character represented.
LADIES.
                                             Miss Iowa Roberts, Water Nymph.
C. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
                                                           The Masquerade.
The members of the Pleasant Hour Club have made the winter thus far very pleasant in a social way. Their hops have been well attended, and the utmost good feeling and harmony has prevailed. Their masquerade ball last Thursday evening was the happiest hit of the season. The floor was crowded with maskers and the raised platforms filled with spectators. At nine o’clock the “grand march” was called, and the mixture of grotesque, historical, mythological, and fairy figures was most attractive and amusing. Then, when the quadrilles were called, the effect of the clown dancing with a grave and sedate nun, and Romeo swinging a pop-corn girl, was, as one of the ladies expressed it, “just too cute.”
The following is the list of names of those in masque, together with a brief description of costume or character represented.
                                       Among the gentlemen listed: C. C. Roberts.
J. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
                                                              OUR FAIR.
Following is a list of Shareholders and Number of Shares Held.
                                                            J. C. Roberts, 1.
C. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
A pocket-book containing certificates of deposit and other papers, on which is the name of N. M. Pell, was found by Mr. C. C. Roberts, northeast of town, last week. The property is at this office.
C. C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
A pocket-book containing certificates of deposit and other papers, on which is the name of N. M. Pell, was found by Mr. C. C. Roberts, northeast of town, last week. The property is at this office.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
In Walnut Township the whole Republican ticket was elected with the exception of John
C. Roberts for trustee, who was defeated by A. J. Thompson.
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT: “CANARY.”]
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
The township election came off according to proclamation and J. C. Roberts, the Republican nominee, was defeated and A. J. Thompson, the Democratic nominee, was elected in his stead by seven majority. It is not for me to say why it is thus, but time will tell, and that time is anxiously awaited by several of the Walnut Township Republicans.
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Roberts...

Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
A large number of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Roberts, of Walnut, were entertained at their home last Friday evening. The occasion was the celebration of Mrs. Roberts’ birthday.
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Roberts, family, and friends...
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
                                                        TRUE HAPPINESS.
Nothing is so certain to bring genuine happiness to us as to watch the happiness of others, as the result of our own sympathy or gentle words or helpful deeds. . . .
This life is more beautiful to us when we strive to increase each other’s happiness and lighten each other’s burdens. To this end we in our community have been striving for some time past. Our last effort was on Friday, Feb. 8th, at the home of Uncle John Roberts. A goodly number met to assist him in celebrating the fifty-fourth anniversary of Mrs. Roberts’ birthday, which was wholly unexpected by her. Each came with baskets well filled with everything that was good in the way of eatables. Mrs. Roberts was escorted to the parlor to entertain the company, while Mrs. Robertson, J. Moore, and D. Ferguson, with John Ferguson as waiter, assisted Miss Ioa and Emily in preparing supper. The table fairly groaned beneath its load of good things, which everyone enjoyed to their utmost capacity.
After supper the following presents were presented to Mrs. Roberts.
Miss Florence Prater, silver mustard spoon.
S. Bush, half dollar.
Mrs. Cora Shafer, wine glasses.
Mr. and Mrs. D. Wilson, pictures.
Mrs. Sorey, jelly glass.
Jasper Cochran, majolica pitcher.
Mrs. Frank Cochran, chair tidies.
Mr. E. W. Ferguson, set linen napkins.
Mrs. D. Robertson, apron.
Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Graham, silver butterdish.
Mrs. Mollie Ferguson, set linen napkins.
C. C. Roberts, family bible.
Charley Roberts, silver pickle castor.
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Monforte, Jr., set linen napkins.
J. C. Roberts, marble top center table.
Miss Ioa Roberts, chandelier.
                                                                 D. W. F.
Carrie Roberts...
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
Mr. W. F. Dorley sold his sorrel pacer Monday to Carrie Roberts, of Walnut Township, the consideration being two hundred dollars. Mr. Dorley has disposed of about all of his Winfield property and will go east to find a remedy for the rheumatism with which he has been very seriously afflicted for some time past.
Ed. G. Roberts, Chas. W. Roberts...

[COUNTY NORMAL INSTITUTE.]
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1884.
The County Normal Institute opened Monday with flattering prospects for a successful session. The enrollment is unusually large, and a real, live interest manifested in the work. It is conducted by Prof. B. T. Davis of the State Normal School, one of the best educators of the State, ably assisted by Prof. A. Gridley and County Superintendent Limerick. The Model Department, under the management of Miss Stretch, is a very attractive feature of this session. The arrangement of the work was for a session of eight weeks, but should the weather become hot, and the teachers wearied, the work may close at the end of the sixth week. Following are the names of those in attendance.
GRADE B: Jennie Brengle, Lucy E. Cairns, Antony B. Carroll, Amy Chapin, Clara Davenport, Lida Howard, Emma Howland, Ora Irvin, Jennie Kempton, Ella Kempton, Ella R. King, Anna Kuhn, Lizzie Lawson, Angie McCartney, Erma La McKee, Mary E. Miller, Josie Pixley, Anna Robertson, Quincy A. Robertson, Chas. W. Roberts, Ed. G. Roberts, Cora Robins, Maggie Seabridge, Hattie Wiley.
Ed. G. Roberts, Chas. W. Roberts...
Arkansas City Republican, June 21, 1884.
                                                      County Normal Institute.
The County Normal Institute opened Monday with flattering prospects for a successful season. The enrollment is unusually large, and a real live interest is manifested in the work. It is conducted by Prof. B. T. Davis of the State Normal school, one of the best educators of the state, ably assisted by Prof. A. Gridley and County Superintendent Limerick. The Model Department, under the management of Miss Stretch, is a very attractive feature of this session. The arrangement of the work was for a session of eight weeks, but should the weather become hot, and the teachers wearied, the work may close at the end of the sixth week.
Following are the names of those in attendance.
                                                               GRADE B.
Jennie Brengle, Antony B. Carroll, Clara Davenport, Emma Howland, Jennie Kempton, Ella R. King, Lizzie Lawson, Erma La McKee, Josie Pixley, Quincy Robertson, Ed. G. Roberts, Maggie Seabridge, Lucy E. Cairns, Amy Chapin, Lida Howard, Ora Irvin, Ella Kempton, Anna Kuhn, Angie McCartney, Mary E. Miller, Anna Robertson, Chas. W. Roberts, Cora Robins, Hattie Wiley.
John C. Roberts...
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, July 30, 1884.
                                                       ANNOUNCEMENT.
The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association will hold its Second Annual Exhibition at Winfield, Kansas, September 23 to 27, 1884. This Association comes before the public with more attractions and better facilities than any like Association in the State. It is a well established fact that our grounds are the largest and best in the State, our buildings, stables, and stalls ample and commodious, thus affording the exhibitor more comfort, pleasure, and money than any Fair Association in the State.

The following is a list of the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association.
                                               Stockholder listed: J. C. Roberts.
J. C. Roberts...
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
THE COWLEY COUNTY FAIR AND DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION WILL HOLD ITS SECOND ANNUAL EXHIBITION AT WINFIELD, KANSAS, SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 25, 26, AND 27, 1884.
The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association is not an individual concern. Its stockholders number over a hundred and fifty of the leading farmers and businessmen of the county. Its capital stock is $10,000, divided into 200 shares of $50 each. One hundred and sixty of these shares are now taken and paid for and the money expended in purchasing the grounds, erecting buildings, stalls, pens, fencing, amphitheater, and improving the finest race track in Kansas. Everything is paid for. The profits of last year were over $1,800, every cent of which was put on the grounds in additional improvements. There are forty shares yet to place. They will be taken before Fair time and the proceeds used in putting up a main exhibition building between the two wings already erected and in other needed improvements. It is especially desirable that this stock be taken by the farmers of the county, for upon them, most of all, will the future success of Cowley’s Fair depend. The grounds were purchased for $75 per acre. They are worth today, without the improvements, $150 per acre, so in the rise of land alone the stockholder has doubled his money. There is no doubt but that this stock will be most desirable property, aside from the immense public benefit of the Association to the agricultural and stock interests of our county. Had the profits of last year been paid to the persons who were then stockholders as dividends they would have received over 30 percent interest on their investment. But they preferred to strengthen the Association and let the money remain in its treasury.
The following is a list of the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association.
                                            Listed as Stockholder: J. C. Roberts.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.
[Editorial column has a long discourse about Democrats attacking Republicans, especially those living in Cowley County.
RECAP. Attacked Henry E. Asp, Republican candidate for county attorney.
Geo. Rembaugh wrote and published a letter in the Telegram charging Mr. Asp with collecting funds for clients and refusing to pay over, so that Mr. Torrance, his partner, had to pay and the Judge was about to disbar him, send him to prison, and other awful things.
Then he charged Asp with trying to bribe John C. Roberts to vote and work for the railroad bonds. . . .
Torrance told all who would listen that attack was done by liars.
Mr. John C. Roberts, daughter Iowa, son Carrie...
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.

Mr. J. C. Roberts, of Walnut, with his daughter, Miss Iowa, got in Thursday last from Clark County, where they were improving a share of Uncle Sam’s real estate. Carrie Roberts, the son, is also holding down a “claim” near the young town of Ashland. Mr. Roberts is very enthusiastic over the prospects of that country.
Charley Roberts...
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.
The Senior Class of the High School will give an entertainment Friday night, December 12th, at which the following programme will be presented.
1. Opening Chorus: Senior Class.
2. Declamation: Charley Roberts.
3. Recitation: Vertie Noble.
4. Solo: Minnie Andrews.
5. Essay: Cora Reynolds.
6. Dutch Song: Jessie Smedley.
7. Recitation: Maud Kelley.
8. Declamation: Clint Bull.
9. Solo: Lottie Caton.
10. Recitation: Ida G. Trezise.
11. Closing Chorus. Senior Class.
After the literary exercises the audience will adjourn for a social, during which refreshments will be served. Let everyone come and enjoy themselves; we are sure they will feel well repaid. Admission, 15 cents.
John C. Roberts, Walnut Township...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Walnut township elected her straight Republican ticket. Trustee, Uncle Johnny Roberts; clerk, Fred Arnold; treasurer, M. N. Chafey; justice, J. L. King; constables, Abe King and N. R. Wilson.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 7, 1885.
The following are the names of the trustees elected at last Tuesday’s election in the different townships of Cowley County.
                                               J. C. Roberts, Walnut Township.
John C. Roberts...
                                                   TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
            Result of the Official Canvass of the Vote by the County Commissioners
                                                            Last Tuesday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
Walnut: J. C. Roberts, trustee; Fred Arnold, clerk; M. N. Chaffee, treasurer; J. L. King, justice; Abe King and N. R. Wilson, constables.
Iowa and Charles Roberts...
                                                     THE MASQUERADE.
                                 Another of Winfield’s Charming Social Events.
                                  The Participants and Characters Represented.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.

The annual masquerade party of the Winfield Social Club has been the crowning social event of every winter for years past, and the one at the Opera House last Thursday evening was all that past successors could have spoken for it—in fact, many pronounce it superior to preceding ones in selectness and refinement of conduct. It was free from the promiscuous crowd and jam that usually characterize such gatherings, there being just maskers enough to fill the floor nicely and make dancing most enjoyable. The characters represented were varied and unique, elicited much admiration from the large number of spectators, and we regret our lack of space to mention each in detail. Following are the names of the maskers and the characters represented.
Ladies: Miss Nellie Cole, Cerus; Miss Mattie Harrison, Milk Maid; Miss Iowa Roberts, Water Nymph; Miss A. Marks, Wichita, Fancy Costume; Miss Leota Gary, Flower Girl; Mrs. J. L. Horning, Ghost; Miss Nina Anderson, Fancy Costume; Misses Emma and Mattie Emerson, Fancy Costumes; Miss Anna Hyde, Spanish Lady; Miss Sarah Kelly, Fancy Costume; Miss Carrie Anderson, Fancy Costume; Mrs. Ed. Cole, Folly; Mrs. Lovell Webb, Cards; Mrs. D. Rodocker, Daily News; Mrs. George Dresser, Sailor Girl; Miss Mattie Kinne, Frost; Miss Jennie Snow, Cotton Girl; Miss Hulda Goldsmith, Flower Girl; Miss Jennie Lowry, Butterfly; Miss Hattie Stolp, Fancy Costume; Miss Ida Johnston, Music; Miss Lou Clarke, Fancy Costume.
Gentlemen: B. W. Matlack, Jumping Jack; Dr. C. C. Green, Monkey and Dude; Everett Schuler, British Artilleryman; Eli Youngheim, Humpty Dumpty; Eugene Wallis, Noble Red Man; Ed. McMullen, Phillip’s Best; F. F. Leland, Double-action Pussy and Flying Dutchman; George Read, The Devil; Fred Ballein, Hamlet; D. A. Sickafoose, Page; Frank Weaverling, Mexican; A. B. Taylor, Indian War Chief; Charles Roberts, Old Uncle Joe; W. J. Hodges, Highlander; Jos. O’Hare, British Officer; Addison Brown, Highlander; J. E. Jones, Sailor; George Schuler, Page; Tom Eaton, O’Donovan Rossa; M. H. Ewart, Page; Jake Goldsmith, Clown; M. J. O’Meara, Humpty Dumpty; S. Kleeman, Black Dude; Laban Moore, Monkey; John Hudson, Clown; Frank K. Grosscup, Spanish Cavalier; A. Snowhill, Prince; A. Gogle, King Henry; Frank H. Greer, Beggar’s Student.
The excellent music of the Winfield orchestra and the experienced prompting of Mr. Chas. Gray, captivated all, while the careful floor managing of Messrs. A. H. Doane and Lacey Tomlin made everything go off without a hitch.
John C. Roberts...
                                                 TOWNSHIP ASSESSORS.
            They Meet at the Court House and Decide upon a Basis of Assessment.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
The following named township and city assessors of Cowley County met pursuant to law at the office of the county clerk Monday last to agree upon a basis of valuation for 1885.
                                               J. C. Roberts, Walnut Township.
The meeting organized by electing James Benedict, chairman, and H. H. Martin, secretary.
J. F. McDowell, J. C. Roberts, Elisha Haynes, H. H. Martin, and F. M. Vaughn were appointed a committee to draft and submit a basis of assessment.
John C. Roberts...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 7, 1885.

The following named township and city assessors of Cowley County, Kansas, met pursuant to law, at the office of the county clerk, March 2, 1885, at Winfield.
                                             John C. Roberts, Walnut Township.
John C. Roberts...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 12, 1887. From Saturday’s Daily.
J. C. Roberts was down from Walnut Township today. He is a candidate for the office of County Treasurer and is a genial gentleman. He was in Arkansas City two years ago and then he thought us but a village. His surprise at our growth in that time is very great. It was phenomenal. Mr. Roberts has been a resident of Walnut Township for many years, he having made that fact known on a cottonwood home-made shingle sixteen years ago.
John C. Roberts...
                                                       DISTRICT COURT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 26, 1885.
The District Court for Cowley comes a month earlier under the law changing this district. The next term opens the first Saturday in April, for which the following persons have been drawn as petit jurors: Wm. H. Buckles, Winfield; Samuel Wilson, Omnia; Jno. Ross, Walnut; Jo. McMillen, Richland; Geo. S. Howard, Creswell; Daniel Bunnell, Silverdale; A. H. Havens, Dexter; S. G. Phillips, Pleasant Valley; O. P. Pierce, Silver Creek; W. H. Stewart, Creswell; R. L. Condiff, Spring Creek; C. A. Peabody, Dexter; J. T. Rittenhouse, Windsor; D. D. Kellogg, Ninnescah; J. N. Fleaharty, Silverdale; J. A. Patterson, Walnut; Wm. Wadsack, Richland; M. H. McKune, Pleasant Valley; Samuel Eslinger, Winfield; J. C. Roberts, Walnut; G. W. Yount, Walnut; L. E. Woodin, Sr., Creswell; J. O. Reed, Silver Creek; W. W. Underwood, Dexter.
Iowa Roberts and brother [Carry, Cary C.]...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
Miss Anna Kuhn, one of Winfield’s sturdy young ladies who is “holding down” a claim in Clark County, came home last Thursday and returned to her post of honor today. Miss Iowa Roberts is also at home after several weeks’ sojourn on her Clark County claim. For pluck, intelligence, and true independence, we will put Cowley County ladies against any.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Carry Roberts left Monday for his Clark County claim.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Miss Iowa Roberts left on the Santa Fe this afternoon for her Clark County claim. Her brother, Cary C., leaves in the morning for that place by wagon.
Carey Roberts [This time]: Gather this is C. C. Roberts, son of John C. Roberts...
                                           MAPLE GROVE. “OBSERVER.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
Dennis Robertson and Carey Roberts left last Tuesday morning for Clark County. Good luck to you, boys.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 7, 1885.

Uncle Johnny Roberts, assessor of Walnut township, has completed his rounds. Walnut shows an increase for the past year of about 380 in population. She shows up 854 males and 726 females: a total of 1,580. There are 11 foreign born females and 24 males; 7 colored males and 6 females. The number of families is 295: averaging about five. The personal property roll is not yet footed.
John C. Roberts...
                               MEMORIAL AND DECORATION SERVICES.
                  The Program Entire as Adopted by Winfield Post No. 85, G. A. R.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.
On Flowers: D. L. Kretsinger, chairman, W. W. Painter, J. W. Millspaugh, F. M. Lacy, J. C. Roberts, Adam Stuber, M. S. Scott, J. W. Fenway, H. H. Harbaugh,        Farnsworth, D. L. McRoberts.
John C. Roberts...
                                           MAPLE GROVE. “OBSERVER.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
Recent rains have washed out a great deal of corn. Mr. Sumpter is re-listing all of his. Robt. Bush has listed his twice already and will list again. J. C. Roberts is not done planting yet.
John C. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.
The president of the Kansas City & Southwestern Railway Company has ordered the board of County Commissioners, under seal of the company, to deliver the bonds of Walnut township, voted in aid of this railroad, to Trustee Roberts, should they be issued, for immediate cancellation, according to the stipulations of the proposition to be voted on next Monday. The same order has been made regarding the bonds of Richland and Omnia. Thus is knocked in the head the argument of some opposers that the company means to push its line through these townships in time to cabbage the bonds already voted by them, as well as the county bonds to be voted Monday.
John C. Roberts...
                                                  Auditor’s Report for May.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
                                                       ASSESSORS’ FEES.
To Whom Allowed.            Amount Allowed.
J C Roberts                                $154.50
                                                           JUROR’S FEES.
J C Roberts                                $    3.80
Chas. W. Roberts...
                                         COWLEY’S NORMAL INSTITUTE.
                      It Opened Monday with 108 Enrolled—Flattering Prospects.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.

The Cowley County Normal Institute opened Monday in the High School building with a splendid outlook. One hundred and six were enrolled—almost double the first day’s enrollment of any year since the Institute’s inception. Sixty is the largest recorded for any first day up to this year. Prof. J. N. Wilkinson, of the State Normal School, is conductor, and Prof. A. Gridley, Miss Ella Kelly, and Mr. Will C. Barnes, all educators of experience and ability, are instructors. Of course, County Superintendent Limerick has general supervision. The teachers are vigorous and ambitious, exhibiting great interest in the enhancement of their vocation. The Institute is a marked contrast to that of last year, in attendance. Over half are new faces, if anything an improvement in appearance over any past Normal. Last year the Institute was held seven weeks, with one session a day. This year it will be but four weeks, with two sessions daily; morning, from 10 to 12; evening, 4 to 6. Following is Monday’s enrollment.
                                                              A. GRADE.
S. W. Norton, H. S. Wallace, H. G. Norton, J. C. Bradshaw, Oliver C. Fuller, Julia L. Caton, Chas. W. Roberts, F. E. Haughey.
John C. Roberts...
                                                  TISDALE. “GROWLER.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
Our young folks that went to Arkansas City the 4th came back poorer and wiser. “So goes the world.”
Base ball, sack races, wheelbarrow races, etc., filled up the time until near sundown, when the young folks adjourned to Bourdette’s Hall to “trip the light fantastic.” So ended one of the most enjoyable gatherings ever had in this township.
After an hour spent in refreshing the mortal portion of ourselves, we were again called to listen to fine music by Miss Ballard, after which a few short speeches among which were pretty remarks from John R. Smith and Uncle Johnny Roberts, of Walnut township.
Long before the time appointed wagons and carriages filled with happy people and good things to eat were wending their way into Gay’s grove, and soon the grounds were filled with beaming faces of lads and lassies all bent on making the most of the time. The grounds were in splendid order, reflecting credit on the committee in charge. Long before eleven o’clock the seats were all well filled. The exercises opened by singing “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.” Miss Ballard, of Winfield, presided at the organ. An impromptu speech from Ex-Senator J. C. Long came next. John disclaimed having any ability to “fly the bird,” but when he got down to his work ’twas easy to see that the old Eagle had his master. J. C.’s fifty minute talk was a real feast and was enjoyed by old and young. Capt. H. H. Siverd gave us a pleasant little speech of thirty minutes, containing a good deal of wit and much sound sense. The Captain seems to know how to win the favor of the ladies. His appreciation of pies, cakes, etc., shows cultivation. We all hope to see the Captain and Senator soon again.
Chas. W. Roberts...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The attendance of the County Normal Institute has reached its zenith and below we present a complete list of those in attendance.
                                                              A. GRADE.
Bradshaw, J. C.; Caton, Julia L.; Fuller, Oliver P.; Haughey, F. E.; Littell, W. B.; Norton, H. G.; Norton, S. W.; Overman, S. F.; Owen, H. A.; Roberts, Chas. W.; Wallace, H. S.; Elder, Fred S.; Bliss, Celina.
John C. Roberts...
                                                       A QUEER RESULT.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
Uncle Johnny Roberts sowed nine acres of wheat and timothy last fall. A peck and a half of wheat was drilled to the acre and one peck of timothy. The latter was put in the timothy attachment of the drill and sowed in right after the wheat. This spring the timothy began to loom and killed the wheat entirely out, leaving only here and there a little cheat. Uncle Johnny’s idea was that the timothy would just get a good start by harvest; he would then head the wheat and get later on a crop of timothy. The timothy made over two tons to the acre.
John C. Roberts...
                                                 MAPLE GROVE. “TYPO.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
The wheat will not average as much as was expected two or three weeks before harvest, owing to the tremendous attack made upon it by the chinch bug the last seven or eight days before ripening, causing the grain to shrink considerably. But looking at the matter from a practicable standpoint, the farmers have very good reason to be elated over the prospect of having enough and to spare.
Uncle Johnnie Roberts says the theory that tame grass (especially timothy), is not a success in this country, is exploded, and is jubilant over the prospect of having enough timothy hay to feed him through till the next crop comes on. The writer has seen several excellent pieces of this grass growing in the neighborhood which attests Uncle Johnnie’s idea. Fall sowing seems to be the most successful.
John C. Roberts...
                                                            OUR ROADS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.

All interior towns like Winfield depend on their trade and consequent prosperity upon the products of the soil, and the more accessible we as a city make ourselves, the more prosperous we will be as a community. It should be our aim to aid the farmer in hauling to our city the largest amount of his various products, with the least amount of labor and time. And in this question of good roads and bridges, every businessman in the community is equally interested with the farmer. In the various pressing needs of a new and growing community, roads and bridges for reason of lack of money are neglected; but with us that time is now past, and if we expect to keep our trade and secure new, we have got to cooperate with adjacent townships and make better roads. I do not expect that Winfield should do it all; but I do expect that we as interested parties shall do our part. Our city has made many complaints about Vernon’s neglect to keep the west bridge in repair. It would have been good business on our part if, instead of foisting upon her a burden she did not want, we would have shown a willingness to share the expense of such burden. The people of that township would have felt more kindly to us, and there would have been no broken limbs and losses of property. A community is made up of individuals, and bulldozing tactics do not succeed with the farmer any better than the latter—particularly where you are obliged to live as neighbors, and future favors are expected. An excellent move has been made on securing the J. F. Martin road through Vernon, and the $600 may be thought by many to be excessive; but when it is recollected that the consideration is a new double track bridge across the Walnut, it will be readily recognized that the amount is not excessive. This bridge and road should have been built years ago, and at 7th avenue instead of 9th, as now proposed. The further north we make this bridge, the more territory from that direction we secure for our trade. If, when the old Bliss bridge went out, a new and better one had been built, there today would be no Kellogg, with its fine roller flour mill and its opposition stores. This is an illustration of where our “save at the spigot” policy has lost us a fine trade for all time.
In conclusion, I want to particularly call the attention of our businessmen to the condition of the Dexter road. This is a township road with Winfield and Walnut on the north and Pleasant Valley on the south; and it is one of the most important roads that leads into the city. Over it comes all the trade from Dexter, Otto, and Maple City, and I do not exaggerate when I say that for months past the condition of this road would have been a disgrace to Arkansas. There is about one hundred yards between Mr. Eddie’s and Mrs. Platter’s farms that for weeks have been simply impassable. Farmers have been obliged to go north to the Tisdale road, or make a long detour south; and now after eight days of dry weather, a load can be hauled through it by doubling teams. I have tried various ways to get this road worked, and for the reason that I had from six to twenty men at work in my quarries on the land east of Mr. Eddie’s; and in my failure to do so, I have been subjected to additional expense and loss, and was obliged to discharge several men who would have had a steady job with good roads. I first saw the Justice, J. C. Roberts, and he said no tax was levied by Walnut and he had no money to do it with. If road tax had been levied, the Southern Kansas alone would have been obliged to pay $200 of it. My next move was by subscription, and parties answered they would not give from their private means for a public purpose where all were equally interested. I next hired two men and teams and tried to ditch it, but only succeeded in partially carrying off the water. To repair this road, I will furnish at the quarry all the broken stone necessary, and less than a hundred dollars would ditch it and give a macadamized road over the worst places. As I said at first, we are all interested in good roads leading to our city; and if I have in this article succeeded in making our businessmen feel their responsibility, it will not be long until such a road as I have described will be an impossibility in this section.
                                                           J. E. CONKLIN.
John C. Roberts...
                                              ANOTHER QUEER RESULT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
J. W. Cottingham, of Richland, comes up with a timothy record that takes the belt so far as heard from. Last fall, while drilling a five acre field in wheat, he sowed timothy broadcast before the drill, expecting, as did Uncle Johnny Roberts, that the wheat would mature and be harvested before the timothy made much of a start, and by this scheme he would get two crops. Most of the wheat froze out in winter and what little was left stood no show in competition with its rival. The timothy made four tons to the acre; the wheat nothing. It was on bottom land.
John C. Roberts...
                                             NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.

I will receive sealed bids until August 29th, for the building of two stone approach walls to the timber creek bridge, walls two and one half feet at bottom, eighteen inches at top, six feet high and thirty feet long each. Also five hundred linear feet of grade near S. E. Burgess farm, as per specifications now in my possession. Right received to reject any and all bids.
                                      J. C. ROBERTS, Trustee, Walnut Township.
                     [Yes. They had “Right received” instead of “Right reserved.]
John Roberts: [Not certain this was John C. Roberts]...
                                                           CITY RULERS.
                           Grindings of Their Last Night’s Meeting. A Big Grist.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The rulers of the city met last night in regular semi-monthly session, Mayor Graham presiding and Councilmen Connor, Jennings, Myers, Crippen, and Baden present; absent, Councilmen McDonald, Hodges, and Harter. An ordinance assessing cost of sidewalks put down by the city; an ordinance providing for the construction of certain walks; an ordinance providing for the annexation of certain territory in the city were passed. Petition of W. A. Lee to build stone building with shingle roof on lots 16, 17, and 18, block 109, was rejected. The resignation of W. J. Cochran as street commissioner to take effect on the 20th inst., was accepted. Councilman Jennings was appointed to contract for boarding city prisoners, and they decided on paying only thirty-five cents per day each for said prisoners, a day to include three meals and a night’s lodging. An ordinance, after some discussion, in which the property owners most interest took part, was ordered widening east Fifth avenue. W. J. Wilson, clerk of the school board, presented the tax levy made by the board for school purposes, as follows: For general school purposes, 10 mills; for bond fund, and to pay interest on one bond, 4½ mills, which levy was approved by the council. The street and alley committee was instructed to purchase dirt for street grading from the Eaton-Short cellar excavators, ten cents per load, delivered. The following bills were ordered paid: Wm. Moore & Sons, stone for crossings, $106.68; H. L. Thomas, crossings, $59.01; N. Hurley, blacksmithing, $4.35; John Roberts, work for city, $4.87; A. G. Glandon, salary assistant marshal to Aug. 4, $5.
John C. Roberts...
                                    REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
      Everything Harmonious, With No Opposition to Speak of. A Ticket Unexcelled.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
                                                               WALNUT.
Delegates: Frank Conkright, J. L. King, Frank Weakley, John Mentch, J. C. Roberts, T. A. Blanchard, Sid Cure.
Alternates: B. F. Walker, Mel Graham, John Anderson, Geo. Brown, S. C. Sumpter, Noah Wilson, J. H. Sorey.
                                         WALNUT TOWNSHIP ELECTION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.
The election in Walnut township will be held at William Frederick’s, the stone house south of Manny’s brewery. JOHN C. ROBERTS, Township Trustee.
                                                        BOGUS TICKETS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.

Uncle Johnnie Roberts showed us a bogus ticket presented at the Walnut township polls Tuesday. To all appearance it was a Republican ticket with S. J. Smock’s name scratched and Fred C. Hunt’s in writing beneath. The ticket was without a flag. These tickets were peddled around by a staunch Republican (?). The bogus tickets were soon found out and the instigator of this had to “let up,” and seek other friends.
John C. Roberts...
                                     FLORENCE, EL DORADO & WALNUT.
                       The Township Committees Meet and Arrange Propositions.
                                                   Some Convincing Figures.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
The committees, appointed at the citizens’ meeting, to work up the submitting of propositions for the extension of the Florence El Dorado & Walnut railroad from Douglass to Winfield, met yesterday afternoon in McDougall’s hall to determine on the apportionment of the amount of aid asked. Judge T. H. Soward called the meeting to order. S. P. Strong was chosen chairman and W. J. Wilson, Secretary. M. L. Robinson then explained the object of the meeting, to get everything in readiness for aggressive work in submitting the propositions and securing this road. The townships through which the road will run were represented as follows.
Rock: S. P. Strong, H. F. Hornaday, E. J. Wilbur, and W. H. Grow.
Fairview: J. C. Paige and T. C. Covert.
Walnut: J. C. Roberts, J. B. Corson, John Mentch, T. A. Blanchard, J. Anderson, W. D. Roberts, and E. M. Reynolds.
Winfield: H. H. Siverd, J. A. Eaton, D. L. Kretsinger, Col. Whiting, T. H. Soward, B. T. Davis, M. L. Robinson, S. J. Smock, G. H. Crippen, J. E. Conklin, W. P. Hackney, G. L. Gale, Chas. Schmidt, W. J. Wilson, Ed P. Greer, H. E. Asp, A. H. Limerick, F. C. Hunt, and J. W. Curns.
Judge T. H. Soward then came forward with figures, taken directly from the official records of the county, that will knock the winds out of the “burdensome taxation” growler, should he attempt to display himself. They are conclusive evidence that the voting of bonds to secure this railroad is not a burden.
Here are the figures.
                                                       ROCK TOWNSHIP.
The assessed valuation 1885: $132,800.00
Tax levy of 1885 except school and road: $2,184.80
Interest on $18,000 bonds asked for at 6 per cent: $1,080.00
Valuation with proposed road bed: $178,300.00
The present rate of taxation on township with road, will produce: $3,137.98
Tax to be raised with interest on bonds: $3,264.89
Difference and amount to be raised: $226.91
                                                    FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP.
Assessed valuation 1885: $16,335.00
Tax levy 1885 except school and road: $1,844.15
Interest on $19,000 bonds asked for, 6 per cent: $600.00
Valuation with proposed road bed: $183,835.00
Present rate of taxation with road bed will produce: $3,143.77

Total tax, with interest on bonds: $2,444.15
Difference in favor of township: $699.62
                                                     WALNUT TOWNSHIP.
Assessed valuation 1885: $231,328.00
Tax levy 1885 except school and road: $3,642.51
Interest on $15,000 bonds asked: $900.00
Valuation with proposed road bed: $365,838.00
Same rate taxation will produce: $5,229.82
Total tax with interest on bonds: $4,542.51
Difference in favor of township: $687.37
                                                          COMPARATIVE.
Windsor township in 1879 had a valuation of $73,129.09
Valuation 1881 with S. K. R. R.: $193,153.00
Increase in valuation: $120,024.00
Maple township, 1879, had a valuation of $70,307.00
Valuation 1881, with R. R.: $90,278.00
Increase in valuation: $20,000.00
These figures prove conclusively that the increase of valuation by the advent of railroads pays the bonds with a sinking fund. There is no burden involved in the voting of aid to railroads. And when you add to the road itself the big increase of values through railroad facilities, transportation, convenience, etc., the benefit is incalculable.
J. C. Paige, T. C. Covert, W. P. Hackney, and W. H. Grow made pointed remarks. It was decided to submit propositions to Rock for $18,000; Walnut $15,000; Fairview $10,000; Winfield $17,000, making the $60,000 required for the extension. Committees were appointed to canvass and work up the propositions, as follows.
Rock: G. H. Williams, R. Booth, Sr., S. P. Strong, H. F. Hornaday, W. H. Grow, J. M. Harcourt, and E. J. Wilber.
Fairview: Tom Covert, J. C. Paige, H. C. Schock, J. W. Douglass, J. M. Barrick, R. P. Burt, A. J. McCollum.
Walnut: T. A. Blanchard, John Mentch, J. P. Short, John C. Roberts, W. D. Roberts, E. M. Reynolds, Chas. Schmidt.
The propositions are now being printed, and in a few days will be ready for signatures. The benefit of this extension is potent in every thinking man, and little opposition will be experienced.
                                                ONWARD AND UPWARD!
            The Florence, Eldorado & Walnut Rail Road to be Extended to Winfield.
                                                       Machine Shops, Etc.
                                                  A RAILROAD CENTER!
  Another Big Enterprise for the Advancement of the Queen City of Southern Kansas.
                                   THE ROUSING MEETING LAST NIGHT.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.

When it comes to the advancement of Winfield and Cowley County, our people are a unit. Enterprise, energy, and grit have put our county and city far in advance of any others in all fair Kansas and will continue to do so. Winfield is destined to be the great metropolis of Southern Kansas, one of the big commercial and educational cities of the big west. With citizens of rare intelligence, progress, and vim, with natural surroundings and possibilities unexcelled, she can be nothing else. The enthusiasm of our businessmen in securing enterprises for the advancement of our city was forcibly exhibited last night in the rousing meeting for the consideration of the extension of the Florence, Eldorado & Walnut railroad, owned by the Santa Fe Co. The meeting was called to order by M. L. Robinson. W. G. Graham was chosen chairman and W. J. Wilson, Secretary. Mr. Robinson then explained the object of the meeting, and read letters from A. A. Robinson, General manager of the Santa Fe, agreeing to extend this road from Douglass to Winfield for $3,000 a mile, reserving only the necessity of erecting an independent depot here, the road to either connect with the Wichita & Southwestern at the junction just over the Walnut bridge and run into the Santa Fe depot, or cross the S. K. just east of, and using, that depot. The intention is a union depot here for the Southern Kansas, Wichita & Southwestern and Florence, Eldorado & Walnut railroads. The Santa Fe is determined to push through the Territory, which right of way it has already secured, at once. The extension will be made from Winfield, with the machine shops, roundhouse, etc., for this southern division and the roads of southern Kansas, at this place. An editorial elsewhere explains the requirements and advantages fully. Enthusiastic speeches were made last night in favor of this and other enterprises by Rev. B. Kelly, Henry E. Asp, T. H. Soward, Senator Jennings, John A. Eaton, and John McGuire. Committees were appointed as follows to see that this matter is properly worked up.
Winfield: Capt. Nipp, J. E. Conklin, D. L. Kretsinger, C. Schmidt, Col. Whiting, J. A. Eaton, and A. H. Doane.
Walnut: J. B. Corson, J. B. Short, J. C. Roberts, T. A. Blanchard, and W. D. Roberts.
Fairview: M. C. Headrick, J. C. Paige, A. H. Limerick, J. W. Douglas, and T. S. Covert.
Rock: G. L. Gale, G. H. Williams, H. F. Hornaday, E. J. Wilber, J. M. Harcourt, S. P. Strong, J. P. Holmes, and John Stalter.
Every movement must have money back of it to insure its success. This and other enterprises needing agitation take money. Contributions were called for to be placed in the hands of the Winfield Enterprise Association for use in submitting these railroad propositions and any other progressive enterprise for which the Association sees necessity. Over $500 was subscribed as follows.

Farmers Bank, $50; First National Bank, $50; Hackney & Asp, $50; T. H. Soward, $25; A. H. Doane, $15; Harris, Clark & Huffman, $15; F. S. Jennings, $15; Curns & Manser, $10; H. Brown & Son, $10; Jennings & Bedilion, $15; Thos. McDougall, $10; H. G. Fuller & Co., $10; Cash, $10; G. L. Gale, $5; Col. Whitney, $5; Ed. Weitzel, $5; C. Schmidt, $5; H. T. Shivvers, $5; J. G. Kraft, $5; G. H. Buckman, $5; W. J. Wilson, $5; W. G. Graham, $5; Dr. C. Perry, $5; W. L. Morehouse, $5; J. P. Baden, $5; G. B. Shaw & Co., $5; Sol. Burkhalter, $5; Hendricks & Wilson, $5; Dr. Pickens, $5; E. F. Blair, $5; Mrs. E. J. Huston, $5; W. S. Mendenhall, $5; John W. Dix, $5; Gregg & Rice, $5; E. P. Young, $5; J. B. Farnsworth, $5; J. E. Conklin, $5; A. F. Hopkins, $5; V. W. Baird, $5; John McGuire, $5; A. E. Baird, $5; W. C. Root, $5; A. C. Bangs, $5; H. E. Silliman, $5; Bertram & Bertram, $5; Daniel Taylor, $5; W. C. Robinson, $5; W. F. Bowen, $5; R. B. Waite, $5; T H Group, $5; Frank W. Finch, $2.50; Stafford & Hite, $2.50; A. Gridley, Jr., $2.50; Frank Manny, $2.50; W. H. Dawson, $2.50; A. DeTurk, $2.50; D. Gramm, $2.50; W. B. Cayton, $2.50; Geo. L. Gray, $2.50; I. W. Cook, $2.50; D. L. Kretsinger, $2.50; W. W. Limbocker, $2.50; Sol Frederick, $2.50; F. J. Barnes, $2.50; John Stretch, $2.50; W. L. Pridgeon, $1.00; E. I. Crary, $1.00; J. D. Appleby, $1.00; T. B. Ware, $1.00; R. B. Mitchell, $1.00; J. A. Barr, $1.00; R. Taggart, $1.00.
John C. Roberts...
                                         WALNUT TOWNSHIP ELECTION.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Notice to the voters of Walnut township, Cowley County. The Railroad bond election on the 27th day of January, 1886, will be held at Phillip Belveal’s residence, just south-west of the Water Works reservoir, in said townshi8p, east of the city of Winfield.
                                    John C. Roberts, Trustee; T. A. Blanchard, J. P.
John C. Roberts...
                                                  VALUE OF RAILROADS.
                                                          In Paying Taxes.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
If those persons who are afraid to vote the bonds of their township next Tuesday for fear of increase of taxes will study the following table of statistics of Cowley County taken from the public records, they will vote the bonds merely as a speculation, simply on the ground of the taxes they will pay on their property and the reduction of taxation on individual property.
                                                      JUST TO THE POINT.
Total average value per mile of Southern Kansas railroad in Cowley County for 1885, $6,203.24.
Walnut township was taxed to pay interest on bonds of same, $181.95.
The railroad valuation in Walnut township for 1885 was $41,020.
[Note: At this point it was impossible to read small figures correctly and set up the data given as paper did. Will try to give breakdown. Paper proceeded to give very confusing statistical data.]
Breakdown of tax [road tax, state tax, county tax, railroad bond, township, and Districts (1, 45, 127): $1,315.02.
Total tax on all railroads in county for all purposes, $17,424.12.
Total amount levied to pay interest on railroad bonds on all property in county other than railroad property: $3,986.04.
[The above statement was certified by J. S. Hunt.]
[More statistical data followed showing tax paid by Southern Kansas railroad in Cowley County for the year 1885 by townships; also interest paid by townships on railroad bonds. Number of miles of track in the county: 40.26. Assessed value per mile: $6,203.62. Total valuation in county: $260,137.96.]
[This was followed by tax paid by railroad in Windsor township, Silver Creek township, Richland township, Walnut township, and Vernon township.] Statement then made that the total tax paid to Southern Kansas railroad in excess in the five townships: $4,271.72.]

In addition to above tax, the railroad company pays the 10 mill Co. levy on $260,140, amounting to $260,140 and 1 mill on same for railroad bond fund; $260.14, making a total of $2,861.54, which is applied exclusively to the payment of interest on railroad bonds. The above statement was certified by J. B. Nipp, Treasurer. John C. Roberts certified that he had examined the above records in relation to Walnut township and found them correct.
In the above statement for Walnut township are included $124.86 road tax paid by the S. K. railroad company. The road tax levy in Walnut township was three mills. This tax is paid by the citizen taxpayers of the township mostly, in labor on the public roads, but that which is not paid in, labor is returned to the county clerk, put on the tax rolls of the county, and collected by the treasurer in cash. The railroad pays in cash and the cash is used in the township for buying tools and bridge timber, and to pay for such labor as is not supplied by the citizens on their taxes. Thus Walnut township receives directly in cash from the S. K. railroad $124.86 as road tax, which alone will go far toward paying the interest on the bonds.
Fairview township having but very little of the S. K. railroad, gets much less of this road tax money from that railroad, but she has the same three mill tax.
Rock township has a 2 mill road tax, but gets no money from any railroad on account of it, for she has no track within her limits. When she has a railroad in her limits assessed at $40,000, she will levy a 3 mill road tax and receive from that railroad $120 a year thereon.
Fairview, if she gets this road, though the D., M. & A. should not be built, will have an assessed value of railroads amounting to $70,000 and receive from them $210 a year in cash.
Walnut will receive, if these bonds carry, $150 more a year from railroads on this road tax, raising the amount to $276 a year.
John C. Roberts...
                                               BETHEL ITEMS. “RODEN.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Trustee Roberts paid Bethel a short visit last week.
John C. Roberts...
                                                 TOWNSHIP ASSESSORS.
                        They Meet and Agree Upon a Basis of Valuation for 1886.
                                                        Actual Cash Value.
The assessors of the several townships and cities of Cowley County, Kansas, met at the office of the County Clerk at 10 o’clock a.m. on Monday, March 1st, 1886, for the purpose of fixing a basis of assessment for the real and personal property of said county for the year 1886.
The following assessors were present.
                                                       J. C. Roberts, Walnut.
John C. Roberts...
                                              BETHEL ITEMS. “FANNIE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.

Our assessor, J. C. Roberts, starts on his annual rounds Monday. The real estate will also be assessed this year and at the same valuation of two years ago, and yet we are told that we have increased wonderfully in wealth the past two years and taxation still as high as ever. The old farmer is taxed for what wheat and corn he may have on hand at the time of assessment, be it only enough to bread his family and feed his team through while preparing for a crop. It looks as though the old granger might as well close the shop if this thing continues much longer.