 |
Seaton Editors After Scott
ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.
C. M. Scott. Editor of Arkansas City Traveler.
Little is known of Scott’s early education. He worked as a cub reporter and typographer for the Cadiz Republican. In May 12, 1867, Scott, now 19, left Cadiz to seek his fortune. He worked for a short time in September 1869 for a Topeka newspaper office.
He left several weeks later for Emporia, where he soon got a job setting type for Mr. M. G. Mains, who had just started the Emporia Tribune. Mains had a partner: Mr. Nixon. Scott noted in his diary that he was 21 years old on November 16, 1869.
On the following month the Norton brothers headed up a group, principally from Emporia, who were interested in creating a railroad terminus at a city initially called “Delphi,” by a railroad charter. The land they were interested in was owned by the Osage Indians. It would become Cowley County in the latter part of 1870.
C. M. Scott was recognized as the local editor of the Arkansas City Traveler, published by Mains. At first H. B. Norton was the editor. On December 15, 1870, L. B. Kellogg succeeded Mains in the proprietorship and became the editor, with Norton serving as special contributor and Scott still in the capacity of local editor.
Scott succeeded in getting the first number of The Arkansas City Traveler printed August 24, 1870, and issued the following day. He began to observe Osage and Kickapoo Indians as well as soldiers in Arkansas City.
On September 14, 1870, Scott noted that there were 34 buildings up in Arkansas City and that the basement of the new hotel had been completed. The hotel (the Woolsey House) was enclosed on September 21st, at which time there were 231 people settled in Arkansas City. A week later he noted that there were now 54 houses and flour was selling for $4.50.
It began to turn cold, so on Monday, October 17, 1870, he bought a stove and put it up. He also purchased a pair of boots. He needed both badly. The newspaper office had no floor and an indifferent roof. A tent had to be stretched overhead inside the building to keep the staff and material dry in wet weather. In fair weather equipment was moved out into the open air. A sudden rain storm would send the Traveler staff to work with straws to rid water from the newspaper “boxes.” The stove he purchased was the only means of heat in the winter. Everyone had to sleep rolled up together in blankets.
Indians were plenty—outnumbering the whites ten to one.
There was no Summit Street! There was only a narrow path through grass three feet high.
A humorous story is told on Page 42 of the INDIANS about the early beginnings of the newspaper that Scott handled.
[Story referred to above.]
Historical.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 1, 1884.
C. M. Scott is credited with being the first man who had the nerve to start a paper in the Arkansas valley. Atchison Champion.
The above is true in a certain extent. Mr. M. G. Mains, of Emporia, owned the material for the first paper in the Arkansas valley—The TRAVELER—and his name appeared as publisher, though C. M. Scott, as local editor, was editor, manager, foreman, and compositor.
We doubt if any paper in Kansas was started under greater difficulties than was the TRAVELER. The first number was issued August 25, 1870, since which time but two issues have been missed, and these in early days when high water cut off communication with the outside world, and the stock of paper had given out.
Everything came by stage from Emporia, 150 miles distant, and many times when the swollen streams made it impossible to come by way of Winfield, the plucky stage driver, interested in the dissemination of knowledge, would take the TRAVELER’s paper on a buckboard and come jogging down on the east side of the Walnut to Harmon’s ford, where he was met by the office boys in a boat, who took charge of the paper and carried it on their backs to town.
The office stood on the same corner it now does, and consisted of the sides and rafters of a building with no floor and but an indifferent roof. A tent was stretched overhead inside the building to keep the boys and material dry in wet weather, but in fair weather the cases were moved out into the open air. More than once a sudden dash of rain would fill the “boxes” with water, which of course could not be emptied out, and so the boys had recourse to straws, through which they sucked the superfluous fluid. (Whether this was the only manner in which the old TRAVELER force imbibed water, Capt. Scott fails to say.) During that long and cold winter of 1870-71 the boys slept in the well ventilated office, all rolled up together in blankets, while the beautiful snow silently and softly covered their slumbering frames with a mantle white and pure as were the fancies flitting through their dreaming brains; covered press, type cases and stones; wood box, saw-buck, and ax. In addition to this the boys “kept bachelors’ hall,” and cheerfully boiled beans and roller composition on top of a rickety stove, and baked bread on the hot coals. True, there was a hotel. Uncle Dick Woolsey presided over what is now known as the Central Avenue; but provender was an uncertain quantity in those days. Sometimes the beans were short, then it was the corn-bread; and again Uncle Dick would become so engrossed in descanting to a stranger upon the wonderful possibilities of Southern Kansas as to entirely forget to order more bacon. So the boys “bached,” and reveled in the luxury of Sunday hotel dinners.
Indians were plenty—outnumbering the whites ten to one. What is now our well graded Summit Street, with its twelve-foot stone sidewalks, was then a narrow path through grass three feet high; and for a few months an Indian’s right to this path was not questioned by white intruders.
One day a TRAVELER “head rule” was missing, and the most careful search failing to bring it to light, for three weeks the paper was issued without this desirable adjunct to its neat appearance, when a swarthy son of the forest was seen with the long brass ornament dangling from his neck, and was persuaded to give up his trophy.
Many such instances might be cited; many stories told that would sound strange and curious in the light of our present advancement and civilization; but the foregoing gives a fair idea of the experiences in those days, not only of the TRAVELER, but of the handful of businessmen who laid the foundation for this prosperous city. Thanks to the men “who had the nerve to start the first paper in the Arkansas valley,” and to those who have so liberally patronized it from the beginning, the TRAVELER is now well on in its fifteenth year, more prosperous than ever, and Arkansas City is truly queen of the border—a city of education, refinement, and enterprise, and growing faster than any two cities in Southern Kansas.
Note: The above story was written by Standley, who was editor of the Traveler in 1884.
Editors after C. M. Scott.
Scott noted in his diary that his last day at the Arkansas City Traveler occurred October 31, 1878.
On that same day the Traveler printed an ad by him.
“PONY FOR SALE CHEAP. I have an old Indian pony, gentle as a dog, well suited to carry some little boy or girl to school, that I will sell for $10. Reason for selling—got tired of carrying water for it.”
On November 6, 1878, Scott announced in the paper that he had resigned, turning over the newspaper to Nathan Hughes.
“For more than eight years we have published the TRAVELER, encountering every trial and adversity, and sharing alike the enjoyments and hardships attending the settling of a new country.
“We began young, very young for the position, and it was not attended without mistakes. We have said things that we regretted sorely, and should have given expression probably when we did not. But with all we flatter ourselves that the TRAVELER is a success, and a recognized journal among the many.
“Other matters of more profit and less labor have invited us.
“We shall always make Arkansas City and Cowley County our home, although the greater portion of our time for a year or more will be elsewhere.”
After Scott: Nathan Hughes.
In the November 20, 1878, issue of the Traveler, the new editor, Nathan Hughes, commented: “Scott is breaking Texas ponies. There is one in sight of the office now that is well broke; in fact, if it were broke a little more, it would be dead broke.”
[VALEDICTORY: NATHAN HUGHES, PUBLISHER.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, April 21, 1880.
VALEDICTORY.
The TRAVELER will hereafter appear under the auspices of other parties, having this day sold the same. During the period that I have published the TRAVELER it has been the means of bringing a good immigration into the town and country while it has received the benefit of a good circulation. All debts due the TRAVELER on subscription to the amount of one dollar and over are due and payable to me, while amounts for subscription less than one dollar will be due my successor. NATHAN HUGHES.
After Nathan Hughes: Standley & Gray.
NEW PUBLISHERS —
STANDLEY & GRAY. H. P. STANDLEY - E. G. GRAY.
STARTING WITH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1880, ISSUE OF TRAVELER.
[EDITORIAL PAGE.]
THE TRAVELER, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1880
STANDLEY & GRAY, PUBLISHERS.
SALUTATORY.
As stated last week, this issue of the TRAVELER appears under new management, and in this connection a few remarks with reference to the causes which led to this change will not be out of place. At the request of a large number of the citizens of Arkansas City, we had resolved to commence the publication of a new paper, to be called the Arkansas City Republican, and for that purpose purchased and set up a press and other material in the room now occupied by the TRAVELER.
The late publisher of the TRAVELER having signified his willingness to dispose of that property, and we, from our old-time connection therewith, deeming that as publishers of the TRAVELER we could do better and more work, both for our patrons and ourselves, than by commencing the publication of a third paper in the city, entertained his proposition and negotiations were commenced which resulted in our giving up the Republican enterprise and purchasing the Arkansas City TRAVELER, which will hereafter be published by us at the old office in the basement of Newman’s brick.
The politics of the paper will remain, as ever, staunch Republican, while editorially it will be our aim and constant endeavor to render its columns spicy and entertaining, replete with the latest local and foreign news, and ever to work for the welfare of our patrons, Arkansas City and vicinity in particular, and Cowley county in general.
In this course we hope to merit a continuance of the patronage now enjoyed by the TRAVELER; and to so largely increase the same that we may be enabled ere long to enlarge to an eight-column paper, which we think the present size and importance of our town and the excellent and populous country contiguous thereto will fully warrant. Asking our many friends to extend us their patronage and assist us in placing the TRAVELER upon its old footing in the county, we respectfully subscribe ourselves. STANDLEY & GRAY.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 5, 1880.
TO OUR PATRONS. All subscriptions to the TRAVELER which, up to April 21, 1880, would amount to $1 or more, are due the late publisher, and should be paid up to that date, while subscriptions dating since August 21, 1880, are due and payable to us.
STANDLEY & GRAY.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 19, 1880.
The Arkansas City TRAVELER appears under the firm name of Standley & Gray—Hughes having sold out to them. The new firm had made arrangements to establish a new paper at the City, but Nathan didn’t like so much competition, hence sold to the boys.
The TRAVELER is already greatly improved, and we hope it will continue in its upward flight towards prosperity and perfection. Reflex.
After Standley & Gray: H. P. Standley.
[STANDLEY & GRAY SEVER PARTNERSHIP...H. P. STANDLEY RUNS PAPER.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 30, 1881. Editorial Page.
With this issue Mr. Gray severs his connection with the TRAVELER, which will hereafter be published by H. P. Standley.
After H. P. Standley: Frederic Lockley.
H. P. STANDLEY, Editor and Proprietor until April 8, 1885.
[FREDERIC LOCKLEY, EDITOR & PUBLISHER, STARTING APRIL 8, 1885.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, April 8, 1885.
Editorial Change.
With this issue I close my proprietary connection with the TRAVELER. During a period of five years, I have owned and edited this paper, and have spared no effort to promote the growing interests of the people of Arkansas City and Cowley County. That my labors have been acceptable is evidenced by the prosperous condition of my business, and the good will manifested towards the TRAVELER by all our citizens. But the time has now come when more labor must be devoted to the editorial care of the journal than I have been able to bestow, and accordingly I resign that duty to Mr. Frederic Lockley, an experienced journalist, whose past labors in this state and the western Territories are a guaranty of his fitness for the position he now assumes. That gentleman has purchased my entire interest in the TRAVELER and I cheerfully commend him to the confidences of many patrons. In retiring from the control of these columns, I desire to return my sincere thanks for the friendly support that has been extended to me. H. P. STANDLEY.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, April 8, 1885.
The announcement made above renders incumbent on me the statement that I enter upon the duties of editor and publisher of the TRAVELER with the feelings of an old Kansan, as I have never lost my residence in this state, although I have spent the last twelve years in the Territories. Kansas has tripled in population since I wielded the pen redactorial [?] in its principle city, and this southern portion of the state has grown from a sparsely settled frontier region, to a prosperous and well settled country, distinguished for the enterprise and intelligence of its citizens, and their devotion to law and morality.
My predecessor, in retiring from the proprietary control of the TRAVELER, will still be retained as business agent. The patrons of this journal will thus have dealings with one whose methods have won their approval, and this division of labor will admit of more care and labor being bestowed upon the preparation of the paper, and the endeavor will be made to furnish its readers a weekly journal which shall be surpassed by none other in Cowley County. FREDERIC LOCKLEY.
Comments by MAW:
During the time Lockley was running the Traveler into the ground, another newspaper was started...
ARKANSAS CITY REPUBLICAN.
[From Saturday, February 16, 1884, though April 12, 1884.]
STARTED OUT WITH COOMBS, CLARK & ATKINSON, Proprietors.
[CHANGED TO CLARK & ATKINSON, Proprietors.]
Arkansas City Republican, February 16, 1884.
Professor Atkinson, of the Arkansas City Schools, in connection with C. W. Coombs and J. J. Clark, will begin the publication of a paper at that place soon. This will give the city by the canal three papers. We suppose the new one will be a patent outside, following suit with the other two. If the new proprietors are wise, they will put out an all home print, full of live, bright, newsy matter, if it’s only four columns to the page. That city is a good field for such a paper. Another patent wouldn’t live six months. Winfield Courier.
The suggestion of the Courier was acted upon before it was received. THE REPUBLICAN, as can be discerned by an experienced eye, is “an all home print.” As for the printed matter, it appears for itself.
[Note: Third paper referred to above was the Democrat by McIntire.]
Arkansas City Republican, March 29, 1884.
EDITORIAL PAGE: C. T. ATKINSON, EDITOR.
Arkansas City Republican, March 29, 1884.
A change in ownership of THE REPUBLICAN has taken place since our last issue. Much job work required the attention of Mr. C. W. Coombs, and he offered his one-third interest to either of his partners, for a sum commensurate with his exertions expended upon the newspaper. His interest was purchased by C. T. Atkinson. As a job printer Mr. Coombs has no superior, and hereafter he will devote his entire time to his special work.
LATER. Yesterday evening C. T. Atkinson purchased C. W. Coombs’ interest in THE REPUBLICAN job office.
[SO: EFFECTIVE WITH MARCH 29 ISSUE COOMBS IS OUT/HOWARD HAS BEEN HIRED AS FOREMAN/ATKINSON IS NOW MAJOR OWNER OF PAPER.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, April 5, 1884.
CLARK & ATKINSON, PROPRIETORS.
Arkansas City Republican, April 5, 1884.
After consideration last Saturday, C. W. Coombs decided to retain his interest in THE REPUBLICAN job office. The newspaper is now owned by John J. Clark, one-third interest, and C. T. Atkinson, two-thirds interest. It is the determination of the proprietors to make THE REPUBLICAN the best weekly in southern Kansas. In order to do this, they would ask the friends of the enterprise to send us the names of their friends and acquaintances, that samples may be mailed to them.
ARKANSAS CITY REPUBLICAN.
[From Saturday, April 19, 1884, through June 7, 1884.]
CLARK & ATKINSON, Proprietors.
ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 1894.
OUR PLATFORM—PRINCIPLES EVER, POLICY NEVER..
Arkansas City Republican, June 28, 1884.
A Change.
The world goes on, and so do we. Since our last issue a change has been made in the proprietorship of THE REPUBLICAN. Mr. Coombs wished to retire, and Messrs. Clark & Atkinson purchased his share, and then so equalized their shares in both newspaper and job printing office, that the two latter gentlemen are equal partners in both departments. The change is important, as it adds much strength to the firm, simply because it will now be one firm instead of two, and in unity there is strength. We claim to have the finest job office in southern Kansas, and our foreman, R. C. Howard, is the acknowledged peer of any printer in the state. Our efforts in the past have been met with a success surprising even ourselves. We sincerely thank our friends for their cordial aid, and desire that they may patronize us in our new branch of the business.
ARKANSAS CITY REPUBLICAN.
[From Saturday, August 2, 1884, through September 20, 1884.]
STARTS OUT WITH CLARK & ATKINSON, Proprietors.
[CHANGES TO WAGNER & HOWARD, EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS.]
OUR PLATFORM—PRINCIPLES EVER, POLICY, NEVER.
CHANGE IN EDITORS...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 30, 1884.
WAGNER & HOWARD, EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS.
OUR PLATFORM—PRINCIPLES EVER, POLICY NEVER.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 30, 1884.
The Arkansas City REPUBLICAN changed hands last Saturday, Atkinson & Clark selling to Howard & Wagner. The new proprietors are thorough printers, and are in every way worthy of success. We extend to them the right hand of fellowship and assure them of our good wishes. Traveler.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 30, 1884.
The Arkansas City REPUBLICAN has again changed hands. Last Saturday Atkinson & Clark stepped down and out. Wagner & Howard took their place as publishers of the paper. Messrs. Wagner & Howard are both practical printers, and will no doubt make THE REPUBLICAN a success. Here’s our [ILLUSTRATION OF HAND], boys, shake.
Democrat.
WAGNER & HOWARD HEARD FROM...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 30, 1884.
EDITORIAL PAGE: ARTICLE ENTITLED “OUR DEBUT.”
With this week’s issue of THE REPUBLICAN, new proprietors assume control. As announced last week, owing to the dissatisfaction existing between its former proprietors, they concluded to dispose of their interests to third parties, instead of resorting to legal proceedings, in order that peace and harmony might prevail. Accordingly, purchasers were found in the persons of the undersigned, and THE REPUBLICAN continues to flourish.
As our predecessors have often stated why the paper was established, we need not repeat, but simply say that a continuance of its primitive principles will be advocated in the future.
Republicanism, temperance, and morality will be our battle-cry. Believing them to be righteous causes, we shall always try to be found in the front ranks fighting our opponents with untiring zeal and renewed vigor.
The establishment of THE REPUBLICAN is now a fixed fact beyond any doubt. Owing to the never-ceasing efforts of its ex-editors, the paper has been placed on a good paying basis; yet its present editors, either from modesty or newness of position, enter the journalistic field in southern Cowley with some trepidation. We are strangers in a strange land, and should we for a time fail to a slight extent in giving the local news, we hope our readers will bear with us until we become acquainted.
We lay no pretensions to journalistic ability; our writings won’t be mistaken for those of Whitelaw Reid or Horace Greeley, but what we may have to say upon the issues of the day, will be set forth in plain and ungarnished words of truth, without hope of reward or fear of punishment.
Now comes the finis. Our honest endeavor shall be to conduct a NEWS PAPER. How well we shall carry out that intention, the future will tell. But why waste time in words, rather let us to work and thus prove our good intentions. Hoping to meet you one and all, and gain your friendship, we remain
Most Respectfully Your Friends, WAGNER & HOWARD.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 6, 1884.
Wagner & Howard became proprietors and editors of the Arkansas City REPUBLICAN, an excellent paper, with its issue of August 30. Emporia Republican.
Arkansas City Republican, September 13, 1884.
Wm. Wagner, of Tiffin, Ohio, arrived in Arkansas City last Saturday evening. He is a brother of the senior editor of THE REPUBLICAN and expects to teach school this winter.
[NOTE: THIS IS THE FIRST REFERENCE TO WAGNER...SENIOR EDITOR?]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 29, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
The Arkansas City Daily Republican, a neat and newsy six column folio, is the latest visitor to this shop. It has all the vim and enterprise Messrs. Howard & Wagner have always put into their weekly. It is a pica daily in an agate town, but starts off with a good patronage. Dick Howard can make the daily Republican a success, if a daily can be maintained in such a town. The daily business in small towns is not the maker of bonanza kings.
Winfield Courier.
The above is a fact, and that is why the REPUBLICAN has always advised the Courier to stop its daily. No; a daily paper cannot exist in a small town.
ARKANSAS CITY REPUBLICAN.
[From Saturday, March 5, 1887, through April 2, 1887.]
B. A. & G. WAGNER, Proprietors.
[NOTE: Above were designated proprietors. Editorial page showed the following: “WAGNER & HOWARD, Editors.” I considered the situation confusing. MAW]
It was at this point in 1887 that my late husband, Richard Kay Wortman, made me stop going to microfilm to get old newspapers and told me that we had to print Book No. 1 of Cowley County History. He told me that it was at this point that the Traveler run by Editor Lockley ceased and that the Republican changed into the Arkansas City Traveler, which I believe was run by Wagner and Howard until Howard took charge.
RKW had a file on Howard...
Richard (“Dick”) Clinton Howard.
Richard (Dick) Clinton Howard[1] was born in Greencastle, Indiana, February 23, 1863. His parents were Richard T. Howard (died in 1866) and Julia A. Duty (died in Arkansas City in 1905).[2] He was the youngest of six children in the family.
R. C. Howard attended public school in Greencastle, Indiana, until the age of 14 when he began a nine year career in the printing business.
Arkansas City Republican, March 29, 1884.
R. C. Howard, originally of Greencastle, Indiana, but who for some months past has been local editor and foreman of the Fredonia Democrat, has this week accepted the position of foreman of THE REPUBLICAN office. Mr. Howard is industrious and attentive to business, and thoroughly understands the newspaper work. THE REPUBLICAN congratulates itself upon acquiring the services of so competent a person.
He came to Kansas in 1883 and worked for a year and a half on the newspaper in Fredonia. He came to Arkansas City in March, 1884. He worked as a printer for several years on the Arkansas Valley Democrat, which was later the Arkansas City Republican and still later the Daily Traveler.
Arkansas City Republican, June 21, 1884.
R. C. Howard, foreman of THE REPUBLICAN office, went to Fredonia, last Saturday, to look after his prospective matrimonial interests.
Arkansas City Republican, July 12, 1884.
Mrs. J. A. Howard, the mother of J. L. and R. C. Howard, arrived in the city Thursday and will make this her permanent home.
Arkansas City Republican, November 15, 1884.
MARRIED. Married last Monday evening at the residence of the bride’s parents, in Fredonia, Kansas, R. C. Howard and Miss Fannie Defever. They arrived in Arkansas City on the noon train Wednesday.
[Comments from RKW]...
In 1886 R. C. (“Dick”) Howard bought a half interest in the Weekly Republican with B. A. Wagner as his partner. They started the first daily, calling it the Arkansas City Daily Republican. In 1889 Mr. Howard sold his interest in the Daily Republican and acquired a half interest in the Daily Traveler, with T. W. Eckert as his business associate.
Howard was appointed postmaster in 1898 and served four years. He was compelled to dispose of his newspaper interests at that time as the government did not allow postmasters to operate personal businesses while holding office. At that time he sold his interests to Mr. Eckert.
In 1903 R. C. Howard repurchased a half interest in the Traveler, with W. G. Anderson as his partner. They were in business together for about four years until he bought W. G. Anderson’s interest. W. G. Anderson then bought the Winfield Free Press and moved to Winfield. Anderson later acquired the Winfield Daily Courier.
He served in the Kansas house of representatives in 1918-1919 and as a state senator from 1920 to 1924. He was mayor of Arkansas City from 1926 to 1928
In March 1923, Mr. Howard sold the Traveler to Oscar S. Stauffer. On leaving the newspaper field Mr. Howard became interested in the Howard-Ralston Investment Company. He built the Rex Theatre Building at Arkansas City, which was at the time of its erection the finest theatre in Kansas.
In 1929 he acquired the weekly Tribune and with his two sons, Forrest and Harry, operated it.
Mr. Howard was twice married. His first wife was Fannie De Fever ( of Fredonia, Ks.) whom he married November 10, 1884, at Fredonia. She was the mother of his two sons, Forrest R. and Harry D. Howard. She died in 1892.[3] His second wife, Mrs. Rhoda Martin Coulter Howard, died in 1924. By her first marriage, she had a son, J. Max Coulter.
The older son, Richard Forrest Howard, graduated from Arkansas City High School and attended Kansas University two years. He married Miss Helen Newton and they had four children: Richard Newton, Helen Harriet, Richard Forest, and Billie.
The second son, Harry DeFevre Howard, was educated in the Arkansas City schools and began delivering newspapers at the age of 11. He married Dorothy Ralston and they had one son, Richard Angus Howard.
* * * * *
Arkansas City Traveler, Tuesday, November 12, 1918.
Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Howard have moved from their former home over the Traveler office to 104 North B street, which has recently been remodeled and made into a modern residence.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, February 19, 1918.
OLIVE BRANCH IN HIS HAND.
Rep. Howard is “Writ” up by the Topeka Daily Capital.
A Biographical Sketch of the Editor of the Traveler
Appears in the Monday Issue of That Newspaper.
In the Topeka Capital Monday morning, appears a write-up of Representative R. C. Howard, editor of the Traveler, accompanied by a caricature of him holding an olive branch, as a result of his having assumed the role of peacemaker between D. A. R. and their opponents in picking the design for the state flag. The article is reproduced in the Traveler because it gives some interesting “dope” on his advent into Kansas thirty-six years ago. Following is the clipping from the Capital:
“The flip of a penny decided the first town that Representative ‘Dick’ Howard located in when he came to Kansas. The flip of a dollar decided him in becoming a candidate for his first elective office. Beyond the two incidents mentioned, the gentleman from Cowley county has never been known to take a chance.
“Hating the Germans as he does, the gentleman from Cowley never dreamed that in the legislature he would take the role of peacemaker. Yet he has. As a member of the committee on state affairs he has for days been attempting to arrange an armistice between the Daughters of the American Revolution and their opponents in their bitter contest over the choice of a state flag. With his winning smile he has been offering the olive branch to the ‘wimmin folks’ and a truce may be declared.
“Known Everywhere as ‘Dick.’
“Upon his marriage license and other important documents, the name of the gentleman from Cowley is R. C. Howard. Elsewhere he is known as ‘Dick’ Howard. Thirty-six years ago Dick Howard and his brother drove to Kansas in a buggy. At the fork of a certain road they paused to select a city in which to locate. One road led to a city of the same name as the two young men who sat in the buggy (Howard) and the other road led to Fredonia. With the customary proclivity brothers have for disagreeing, one of the Howard boys desired to go to Fredonia and the other selected Howard. ‘Dick’ Howard had exactly 4 cents in his pocket. He flipped one of them. Heads up, they went to Howard; tails they went to Fredonia. ‘Dick’ Howard lost, and from that date until the summer of 1918 he never took another chance. In Fredonia Mr. Howard found employment on the old Fredonia Times. The vicissitudes of a country printer need not be recounted. In a couple of years he went to Arkansas City, where he procured a job at five-per-week plus board and permission to sleep on a buffalo robe in the back shop. Six months later he had given his note for half interest in the paper he was employed on. In 1886 he started the first daily newspaper in Arkansas City and still has his original first subscriber.
“Boom times came and he suffered with the others, but hung on. Gradually Arkansas City came back to its own, and so did Howard. The little country paper he had struggled so hard to hold for more than thirty years has been a daily; now, as the Arkansas City Traveler, it has a full leased wire report and is one of the widely known smaller daily newspapers of the state. Its editor owns real estate and bank stock.
“Last summer Representative Howard was asked to become a candidate for representative. He demurred, hesitated, took a chance, and lost. Tails up he would agree to run; heads up he would not. He flipped a coin—this time a dollar. He lost and had to run. At the election he had to run against a Democratic farmer. The farmer carried the city and the editor carried all the rural districts and was elected.
Representative Howard’s greatest ambition in the legislature is to get ‘good roads and better bridges for Cowley County.’”
RKW never had time to do further research on Howard, Traveler, etc.
As you are probably aware by this time, I am still trying to get more old newspapers from microfilm to computer age, and at the same time as Dr. Bottorff and others request it, I am trying to make articles out of newspaper files. The work never stops except when the “doggoned” microfilm reader gets hot and I have to turn it off to cool and then work on other things. Bulbs are now $19, and it is getting mighty expensive to run microfilm reader I have for any length of time.
I gather from my late husband’s notes that Stauffer took over from Howard; as a result, I think you can trace the complete history of the Arkansas City Traveler. I hope that is the case.
I hope this additional material I am sending will help you to complete the history of the city newspaper.
[1] Check cemetery for death date.
[2] Check cemetery for death date.
[3] Check Cemetery for death date.
