Short Family

                          [The following was gathered by RKW years ago. MAW]
1926.
Winfield Courier, August 12, 1926.
James P. Short came to Winfield in the year 1870, and getting from the townsite company the lots on the northeast corner of Ninth and Main now covered by the buildings occupied by the Stafford Abstract company and Olds’s Drug store, he erected thereon first a tent and later a log house in which he kept Winfield’s first hotel. Later he built the building which now occupies the corner and houses the Cowley County Bank.
He was appointed deputy county treasurer on July 6, 1870, by John Devore, the first treasurer, and also was Winfield’s first assessor.
Mr. Short was born in Livingston County, New York, on June 16, 1845. He served in the Civil War in the New York Heavy Artillery from November 16, 1863, to May 1, 1865, through Grant’s last campaign from the Wilderness to Appomattox. He was married 53 years ago to Miss Melissa Phillips at Waterloo, Iowa. They had three children who survived Mr. Short: Phillip Short, who lived on a farm near Winfield; Mrs. Newton Anderson, of Denver, Colorado, and Mrs. L. A. Millspaugh, of Winfield..
                                                           James P. Short.
J. P. Short was in the Civil War as a member of Company M, 8th N. Y. Artillery.
The Winfield Census of 1874 lists J. P. Short, age 28, and his wife, Malissa, age 25.
                                                 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
                                             COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS.
                                      "Biography is the only true history." Emerson.
                    Biographic Sketches of Leading Citizens of Cowley County, Kansas.
                                   BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY.
GEORGE RICHMOND, Pres.; S. HARMER NEFF, Sec'y; C. R. ARNOLD, Treas.
                                                     CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,
                                                                    1901.
[1870]  PAGE 467.
JAMES P. SHORT was one of the pioneers of Cowley County, Kansas, where he arrived in the early summer of 1870, when the land was unsurveyed and still belonged to the Osage Indians, but was being negotiated for by the government. A few squatters lived in log houses along the streams, but there was not a house between the Walnut and Arkansas Rivers. The most thickly settled and prosperous part of the county was then a vast sea of prairie grass.
Mr. Short was born in Livingston County, New York, in 1845. Philip Short, his grand-father, was a pioneer in that part of the Genesee Valley, having moved there from Massachusetts, soon after the Revolutionary War. His descendants, now in the fifth generation, still occupy the old homestead which he and his sons literally hewed out of the virgin forest. He was noted among the hardy pioneers for his enormous size and strength, being nearly seven feet high and weighing over 300 pounds.

Among his sons was Col. Josiah Short, the father of James P. Short. He was an extensive land owner, and later in life engaged in milling, getting out timber and lumber, and being interested in other business enterprises. He was also a colonel of militia, in the old general muster and training days, in the “forties.”  He died before the War of the Rebellion. About this time, the mother of James P., who was born Mehitabel Livermore, also a native of Massachusetts, for the purpose of educating her children, moved to Lima, Livingston County, New York, the seat of Genesee College, and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary.
In Livingston County the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, attended the seminary, and was preparing to enter college, when, at eighteen years of age, he went to the war, enlisting in the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, which was raised in Western New York, the home of the colonel, Peter A. Porter, being at Niagara Falls. The regiment was first stationed at Forts McHenry and Federal Hill, Baltimore, Maryland. In the spring of 1864, when Gen. Grant took command of the Army of the Potomac, for the final struggle, the colonel asked for field service and the regiment was assigned to Hancock’s (2nd) Corps, and went through the campaign from the Wilderness to Petersburg, and later on to Appomattox. In this campaign of almost continuous fighting the regiment lost heavily. At Cold Harbor, about 12 miles out of Richmond, 650 men of the regiment were killed or wounded in less than twenty minutes. In one of the numerous battles around Richmond, Mr. Short was severely wounded, and spent most of the time thereafter at Lincoln Hospital, in Washington, until mustered out at the close of the war, in 1865.
Returning home, he again entered school, but found himself far behind the class on account of his two years’ absence, and soon decided to take Greeley’s advice and go West. He started for California, going by steamer from New York, then across the Isthmus of Panama, and up the Pacific Coast to San Francisco, a three weeks’ journey. In 1869, the Union Pacific Railroad was completed to the coast, and Mr. Short, disposing of his restaurant business, returned East on the eleventh through train to Omaha; it was a nine days’ trip in those days.
In the spring of 1870, with his mother and sisters, Mr. Short arrived in Kansas, locating then at Topeka. The Santa Fe Railway had started from there and was building westward toward Emporia. Southern Kansas was attracting immigration, and he joined the Cook brothers, of Topeka, who had, early in the spring, located claims on the Walnut River, and had returned for supplies; the trip was made by wagon. There were no bridges over any of the streams in this drive of 200 miles, and in many places the rough road was but a wagon track in the prairie grass. Mr. Short spent most of the summer in a log cabin on the river bank, about nine miles south of Winfield, on what is now part of the noted “Magnolia Farm,” in Pleasant Valley Township.

Winfield had been made the county seat, and a stage route had been put in operation along the Walnut River, from Emporia. Winfield greatly needed a hotel for the accommodation of people who desired to locate, and Col. Manning, president of the Winfield Town Company, induced Mr. Short to erect a hotel building, by offering him two lots on the northeast corner of Main Street and Ninth Avenue. The free offer was accepted, and the building was erected. During the construction, Mr. Short lived in a tent, thus partly renewing the old army life, without the attendant bullets and graybacks. The Walnut Valley House was opened on the first of October, and was the first building erected on the east side of Main Street, and the first two-story frame structure on the townsite. At that time there were only six other buildings, two of which were made of logs. The frame was sawed out of trees from the river, and the pine lumber, doors, windows, etc., were hauled from Emporia, 150 miles away. The old building was still standing in 1901, on Ninth Avenue, and its original site was then occupied by the Cowley County National Bank building. Mr. Short owned an interest in it. In 1871 he started a lumber yard, getting stock from Emporia, which by now had become the end of the Santa Fe Railway, as it built west.
In 1872 Mr. Short was married to Lissa M. Phillips, a native of New York State, who had journeyed west, to visit her brother, Edgar D. Phillips, one of the first settlers, and the first trustee of Rock Township. To this union were born Philip P., Edna H., and Ethel F. In the next few years, Mr. Short was engaged in various enterprises. As acting treasurer, he collected the first tax levied in the county. He was deputy county clerk, served several terms as city clerk and assessor; was a member of the board of education; president of the Winfield Building and Loan Association; and secretary of the county fair several years. He built several business and dwelling houses, and was always prominent in every public enterprise tending toward the development of the new country. He spent some time and money furthering the various projects which assisted in making Winfield one of the best towns in Southern Kansas.
In 1883 Mr. Short moved to his farm, situated on the west half of the northeast quarter of section 34, township 32, range 4 east, located just outside the city limits of Winfield. He erected large and commodious buildings, and planted about 10 acres in fruit and ornamental trees and shrubbery. The Black Crook Creek, which ran across the corner of his place, was well timbered, and in location, quality of land, and excellence of improvements, his farm was considered as one of the model farms of Cowley County.
A Republican, Mr. Short cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. He was a member of Siverd Post, No. 85, G. A. R., and, universally, commanded the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Cowley County Censor, March 18, 1871.
WALNUT VALLEY HOUSE. J. P. SHORT, Proprietor. The above house has just been finished and newly furnished throughout. Winfield, October 22, 1870.
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
The long and short of it is that Short of the Walnut Valley House keeps short cigars that are much better than long ones, and only ten cents each.
Walnut Valley Times, September 8, 1871.
J. P. Short is about to refit the Walnut Valley House, at Winfield.
[PEOPLES’ CONVENTION: WINFIELD.]
Walnut Valley Times, October 20, 1871. Front Page.
                                                PEOPLES’ CONVENTION.
The delegates from the several precincts to the Peoples’ Convention met at Winfield on Saturday, Sept. 30th, at 2 o’clock, P. M., and nominated the following officers:
For Representative, Judge T. McIntire, of Arkansas City.
For County Clerk, A. A. Jackson, of Winfield.
For Treasurer, E. B. Kager, of Arkansas City.
For Register of Deeds, J. H. Paul, of Vernon Township.
For Supt. Public Instruction, I. P. Hickok, of Winfield.

For Coroner, Manley Hemingway, of Windsor Township.
For County Commissioners for District No. 1, Mr. Phillips; District No. 2, H. L. Gilstrap; District No. 3, E. Simpson.
The ballots were as follows:
For Representative, J. H. Paul, 18, T. McIntire, 22, J. B. Fairbank, 8, R. B. Saffold, 2.
For County Clerk, A. A. Jackson was elected by acclamation.
For Sheriff, first ballot, a tie, second ballot: James Parker, 25, James Hart, 17.
For Treasurer, Kager, 32, J. P. Short, 11.
For Register of Deeds, J. F. Paul, 22; T. A. Hunt, 15; W. H. Dobyns, 4.
Manley Hemingway, I. P. Hickok, and three Commissioners were elected by acclamation.
This ticket gives more general satisfaction, and is a fairer distribution of offices than any ever before nominated. Arkansas Traveler.
Cowley County Censor, Saturday, October 28, 1871.
Short has received over a thousand bushels of corn the past week.
Cowley County Censor, October 28, 1871.
Short has a large lot of 6, 8 and 10 ft. flooring at $6 per hundred.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.
The following bills were acted upon.
One of J. T. Paul for other rent $30, additional; one for Lyon County for keeping prisoners $107, allowed; one of M. J. Brower’s, and others as Road viewers $15, allowed; one of L. Holcomb as judge of election $2, allowed; one of J. P. Short, for office rent, $27, allowed; one of S. Belveal, judge of election $2; one of J. S. Baker, laid over for want of form; one of C. G. Handy, as assessor of Tisdale Tp. $81.; one of J. D. Cochran rent of District Clerk’s Office, $7.50; one of T. H. Johnson for expressage on books, $2.50.
One of P. M. Walt returning Poll books, $1.60; one of W. Dunn and others road viewers $15; one of Insane Asylum for crazy woman, $10.; one of J. P. Short as assessor of Winfield Tp. $99.; one of Crane and Byron for County Books $50.; one of Patten Himrod as Assessor of Rutland Tp. $23,; one of Crane and Byron Co. books $176.50; one of J. B. Todd as Assessor of Windsor Tp. $65.; one of J. D. Cochran as judge of election, $2.00; one of S. L. Robinson as Assessor of Silverdale Tp., $36.; one of R. I. Theaker as Assessor of Bolton Tp., $51.50; one of F. A. Keys as Assessor of Dexter Tp., $80.; one of W. H. Kerns for Co. Printing $65.20.; one of R. H. Mitchell as Assessor of Creswell Tp., $109.55.; one of Charles Lish, judge of election, $2.00.; one of E. S. Torrance as Co. Attorney, $500.; one of G. P. Mayner, Coroner, allowed; one of E. S. Torrance, office rent $30.; one of Kellogg and Scott Co. Printing laid over; one of H. B. Beck as Assessor of Ninnescah Tp., $54.; one of Norman Shetten as messenger for Co. Attorney, $3.; one of Myton and Brotherton for goods for pauper of Winfield Tp., $41.74; one of C. F. Allen, Constable, costs laid over; W. Q. Mansfield for M. D. for pauper for Winfield Tp., $48.; one of J. F. Paul for Blanks $12.25.
Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.
A township convention was held at the courthouse last Saturday, and delegates were elected to the county convention. The delegates chosen were L. J. Webb, J. P. Short, and W. M. Boyer.

Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.
The attention of mill owners is called to the ad of Mr. J. P. Short in the special notice column. He is agent for one of the best Turbine wheels manufactured.
Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.
Deputy Treasurer Short starts for Topeka next week to make his final settlement with the State Treasurer. He will take several thousand dollars out of the county.
Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.
Real estate is changing hands lively. Mr. Howland sold ten acres of his farm east of town for $50 per acre. Mr. Wolf has sold his improved farm one mile east of town for $1,600, J. P. Short being the purchaser.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
Election day was one of the liveliest that Winfield ever saw. The streets were full of people all day. Everybody turned out and lent a hand to the good work. Every business firm but one spared one or more members, and twenty teams were employed in bringing in voters. Where everyone done so nobly, it is diffi­cult to particularize. Yet we cannot forbear to mention the committee for this precinct. Mr. A. T. Stewart and J. P. Short, who were in the saddle from “early morning till dewey eve” here, there, and everywhere; helping to roll up one of the heaviest votes ever polled in this township.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
We were pleased to notice the phiz of that genial good fellow, M. M. Jewett, who has been the guest of Mr. Short the past week. We grade him as one of the live men of Kansas and welcome him as such, and look forward to the, we trust not far distant, day when he shall make Cowley his permanent home.
Winfield Messenger, August 30, 1872.
              PROCEEDINGS OF THE REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
The Convention held at Winfield, Wednesday, August 20, for the purpose of nominating county officers, etc., was organized by electing J. B. Parmelee temporary Chairman, and J. P. Short temporary Secretary. A committee of one delegate from each Township was appointed on credentials; during their absence the Convention call was read by the secretary, and speeches were made by the different candidates notable among which was that of Capt. McDermott. Committee on credentials reported the names of sixty-six delegates entitled to vote, and at being present, or repre­sented by proxy. Report received and committee discharged. J. B. Parmelee was then unanimously elected permanent President of the Convention and J. P. Short was elected permanent Secretary. On motion L. J. Webb was elected Assistant Secretary.
A committee of three on resolutions was appointed consisting of the following named delegates.
P. G. SMITH, Dexter, Chairman.
C. A. EATON, Windsor, Chairman.
S. W. GREER, Winfield, Chairman.
On motion it was ordered that the nomination be made as in the published call.
Skipped all of the resolutions!

On motion the Convention proceeded to an informal ballot for Representative, with the following result.
JAMES McDERMOTT, 32; M. M. JEWETT, 16; S. M. BALL, 10; A. H. BECK, 4; J. B. BROWN, 3; J. B. FAIRBANK, 1. On motion the nomination of Mr. McDermott was made unanimous.
Convention proceeded to ballot for the following officers.
County Attorney:
E. S. Torrance 37; J. I. Mitchell 29.
District Clerk:
James Kelly 35, E. P. Hickok 19; W. W. Walton 12.
Probate Judge:
T. H. Johnson 52; _____ Millspaugh 13; J. B. Parmelee 1.
Superintendent of Public Instruction:
T. A. Wilkinson 38, J. B. Parmelee 25; S. W. Greer 3.
The ballot for delegates to the Congressional Convention at Lawrence to nominate three members of Congress and State Presiden­tial electors, resulted as follows—four delegates: J. P. Short; F. E. Collins; and E. C. Manning and W. M. Pickering as alter­nates.
Winfield Messenger, October 11, 1872.
J. P. Short returned last Saturday evening looking as neat as a new pin. An oyster supper was enjoyed at his expense, at which time everything passed off lovely, and all went away well pleased that they were ready when the “bridegroom called.” We wish the happy pair a pleasant journey through life.
Winfield Messenger, October 18, 1872.
J. P. Short wishes us to say that he did not give an oyster supper as we stated last week. The supper was given to him and his lady by a few of his bachelor friends.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
Bill allowed.
J. P. Short, pauper bill: $13.15.
J. P. Short, rent: $25.00.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
                                                      TRUSTEE’S NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given that on Saturday, January 25th, I will receive bids for the maintenance and care of the paupers in this township. Also at the same time will receive bids for medical attendance upon the same. J. P. SHORT, Township Trustee.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
                                                      COUNTY OFFICERS.
Judge 13th Judicial District: W. P. Campbell.
Board of County Commissioners: Frank Cox, Chairman; O. C. Smith, J. D. Maurer.
County Clerk: A. A. Jackson.
County Treasurer: E. B. Kager.
Probate Judge: T. H. Johnson.
Register of Deeds: J. F. Paul.
Deputy Register: Jno. W. Curns.

Sheriff: James Parker.
Deputy Sheriff: W. E. Dowd.
Coroner: G. P. Waggoner.
County Attorney: E. S. Torrance.
Clerk District Court: James Kelly.
County Surveyor: Manley Hemenway.
Deputy: W. W. Walton.
                                                    TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
Trustee: J. P. Short.
Treasurer: J. D. Cochran.
Clerk: D. A. Millington.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
There has been some trouble about the interest on the bridge bonds of this township. Trustee Short informs us that the bonds were not issued soon enough to have any interest come due this year. Not being registered by the State Auditor, they could not be certified up to the County Clerk, who makes the tax levy to meet the coupons.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1873.
                            Public Notice. [Trustee’s Office, Winfield, Feb. 14, 1873.]
The undersigned has erected on the Bridge, Signs, cautioning persons against riding or driving over the same faster than a walk. Those parties who have been in the habit of running horses over the West Bridge, are hereby informed that the law against the same will be strictly enforced. J. P. SHORT, Trustee.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
The first named in the “City Ticket:”
For Mayor. J. B. Fairbank.
For Police Judge. Wallis M. Boyer.
For Councilmen: Owen F. Boyle, Alonzo T. Stewart, Jas. P. Short, James D. Cochran, and James M. Dever.
The other is as follows:
For Mayor. W. H. H. Maris.
For Police Judge. Add. A. Jackson.
For Councilmen: Owen F. Boyle, Samuel C. Smith, Jas. D. Cochran, Hiram S. Silver, Chas. A. Bliss.
It behooves the people of Winfield to examine into the standing of these opposing candidates, and weigh their qualifica­tions for the different offices judiciously before entrusting to their care the welfare of our town.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
                                                          Notice of Election.
In the matter of the application of the majority of the electors of the unincorporated town of Winfield, in the county of Cowley, and state of Kansas, to be incorporated into a city of the third class, under the laws in such case made and provided.
Whereas, a petition to me presented, duly signed by a majority of the electors of said town of Winfield, setting forth:

1. The metes and bounds of said town to be as follows, to-wit: Beginning at a point 80 rods east of the n w corner of the n w qr of sec 23 t 32, south of r 4 east, thence s to the n line of the s w qr of said sec, thence s 1 deg, e 1900 feet, thence e 1309 ft. to the center line, thence n on said center line 1884 feet to the n e corner of the s w qr of said section, thence e 80 rods, thence n to the n line of said qr, to a point 1 chain and 10-1/2 links e of the n w cor of said qr, thence n 1 deg w 19 Chs., thence w 1 ch and 21 links, thence s along the line between s e and s w qr sections of 21, 19 Chs. to the s e corner of the s e qr of sec 21, thence w 80 rods to the place of beginning.
2. That said town contains a population of about six hundred inhabitants.
3. That said petition contains a prayer to be incorporated as a city of the third class. And, if appearing to my satisfac­tion that a majority of the taxable inhabitants of said town are in favor of such incorporation, and that the number of the inhabitants of said town exceeds two hundred and fifty, and does not exceed two thousand, therefore:
I, W. P. Campbell, Judge of the 13th Judicial District of the State of Kansas, being further satisfied that the prayer of the petitioners, in said petition, is reasonable, do hereby order and declare said town incorporated as a City of the Third Class, by the name and style of THE CITY OF WINFIELD, according to the metes and bounds aforesaid, and according to the law in such case made and provided:
And it is by me further ordered that, the first election in said City, for City officers, shall be held at the LAW OFFICE OF SUITS & WOOD, in said City, on the 7th day of March, A. D., 1873. And I hereby designate W. M. Boyer, D. A. Millington, and J. P. Short, to act as judges of said election, and J. W. Curns and J. M. Dever to act as Clerks of said election, and also, A. A. Jackson, A. T. Stewart, and O. F. Boyle to act as a Board of Canvassers.
It is further by me ordered, that the Clerk of the District Court in the county of Cowley, in said Judicial District, shall forthwith enter this order at length on the journal of proceed­ings of the District Court of said county of Cowley, and shall make publication of the same in some newspaper published in said City, at least one week before the said City election.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at El Dorado, Kansas, in chambers this 22nd day of February, A. D. 1873. W. P. CAMPBELL, Judge.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
Board met in county clerk’s office on March 9th. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Bills allowed.
J. P. Short, wood fur. pauper W Tp.: $3.00.
J. P. Short, supplies: $43.00.
J. P. Short, rent Co. Att’y & Sur offi.: $25.00.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 27, 1873.
For the information of your readers I would state that travel across the bridge south of town has been stopped. It was found that the north abutment was not sufficiently strong to hold the fill, and Maj. Hobson, the contractor, has several men at work putting it in shape. The bridge will probably be ready for crossing early next week.

On behalf of the Township Board I would state that as yet neither bridge has been accepted, nor will they, or the balance of the money be paid, until both are put in shape to conform to the contract. The contractor realizes the fact and is acting accordingly.
                                                       J. P. SHORT, Trustee.
Winfield, March 26, 1873.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873.
Our enterprising townsman, J. P. Short, has just finished hoeing his early rose potatoes, and expects to have them on the table in a few weeks.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 15, 1873.
J. P. Short is away visiting his friends at Topeka.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.
                                               The New Courthouse and Jail.
Through the kindness and courtesy of our capable Deputy County Clerk, Mr. J. P. Short, we are enabled to give our readers some idea of the new Courthouse, that is to be. The building is to be 40 x 50 feet; two stories high; the lower story 11 feet high in the clear; the upper story 13 feet high; hall 8 feet wide, running entire length of the building, with doors opening into rooms, eight in number on either side. At the head of the stairway, which runs from the main entrance door in the hall, are two small rooms which may be used for Jury, hat and cloak room, etc., or if necessary, can be added to the courtroom by folding doors. The courtroom proper is 37 feet 4 in., by 34 feet 10 in., in the clear, lighted by two large 4-light windows. The building is to be built of brick with a stone foundation. The contractors are Bailey & Sloan. The building is to be completed by November 1, 1873.
In connection with the above we understand the city has procured lots in the rear of the courthouse on which the City Fathers propose to locate the Jail.
Altogether it is a very desirable location, and we hope the contractors will do a good honest job; one that will be a credit to themselves, and a benefit to the county.
[COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS OF JUNE 10, 11.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 19, 1873.
In regard to the Courthouse award, it was ascertained that the county must pay its indebtedness in warrants, and that bids for cash could not be legally considered and the whole proceedings were set aside and an order made that sealed bids for erecting the Courthouse according to the plans and specification on file in the Clerk’s office would be received until 2 o’clock p.m., the 11th inst., and the County Attorney was directed to inform the former builders of the order made.
Adjourned until 11th inst.
11th inst. Board met as per adjournment.
All present: proceeded to open bids for Courthouse. Three bids were read, and the contract was awarded to Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, at $9,000 in scrip, their’s being the lowest bid to give bonds in double the amount of the bid, and the sureties to qualify in double the amount of the bond or for $36,000.
Messrs. Stewart & Simpson returned with their bond, and signed the contract. The sureties to the bond then qualified in the sum of $75,000. Bond approved.
Board adjourned until regular meeting of July 7th, 1873. FRANK COX, Chairman,
A. A. JACKSON, County Clerk, Per J. P. SHORT, Deputy Clerk.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 3, 1873.
List of Jurors Drawn for the July Term of Court.
I. F. Newland               Winfield Township
V. Baird                       Winfield Township
A. Ray                   Winfield Township
A. B. Gardiner        Winfield Township
Morgan Tullis               Tisdale Township
E. P. Young                  Tisdale Township
S. S. Majors                 Bolton Township
S. L. Ward             Bolton Township
Wm. Sartin             Otter Township
T. W. Bough                Otter Township
Philip Stout             Nenescah Township
Willis Wilson                Nenescah Township
                                               J. P. SHORT, Deputy Co. Clerk.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 24, 1873.
T. B. Myers has resigned his office as Trustee of this township. J. P. Short was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to fill the vacancy.
[PROCEEDINGS, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 31, 1873.
Continuation of raising land valuations in townships, followed by bills acted upon.
Ordered by the Board that J. F. Paul, Register of deeds, and E. B. Kager, County Treasurer, and Wilkinson, Superintendent of Public Instruction are assigned to the three office rooms over M. L. Read’s bank at rent $27.50 per month.
Followed by proceedings of board July 22, 1873.
Ordered that the Co. Clerk compare books and settle with the Co. Treasurer and leave an exhibit ready for the Board at their next meeting.
More road petitions laid over or granted.
Resignation of T. B. Myers, Trustee of Winfield Township, was received and accepted, to date from date. J. P. Short was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Bills were then acted upon.
[SPECIAL ELECTION: WINFIELD TOWNSHIP.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.

RECAP: ELECTION TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 1873, TO VOTE FOR OR AGAINST THE ISSUING OF BONDS OF SAID TOWNSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500 FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING A BRIDGE ACROSS DUTCH OR TIMBER CREEK AT THE POINT WHERE THE COUNTY ROAD PETITIONED FOR BY A. S. WILLIAMS AND OTHERS CROSSES SAID CREEK IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION TWENTY-ONE IN TOWNSHIP THIRTY-TWO SOUTH OF RANGE FOUR EAST IN SAID TOWNSHIP. SAID BONDS TO BE ISSUED IN SUMS OF $500 EACH WITH INTEREST PAYABLE SEMI-ANNUALLY AT 10% WITH COUPONS ATTACHED; BONDS TO MATURE IN NOT LESS THAN 12 NOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS....BALLOTS: “FOR THE BRIDGE AND BONDS” OR “AGAINST THE BRIDGE AND BONDS.” J. P. SHORT, Trustee.
D. A. MILLINGTON, Clerk.
Winfield, July 29th, 1873.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
The directors of the Agricultural Society will meet at the Fair Grounds, Saturday, Sept. 6th, 1873, at 2 o’clock P. M. They earnestly desire that the Superintendents of all the departments meet with them to acquaint themselves with their duties. The following are the names of the various Superintendents.
Capt. E. Davis; A. Walton; J. H. Churchill; J. P. Short; John R. Smith; E. B. Johnson; W. K. Davis; A. S. Williams; Will S. Voris; S. H. Myton; Samuel Darrah; James Stewart; Jas. H. Land; T. B. Myers; Geo. W. Martin; W. M. Boyer; Max Shoeb; John Swain; S. C. Smith, Mrs. L. H. Howard; Mrs. J. D. Cochran; Mrs. E. Davis; Mrs. J. C. Fuller; Mrs. C. A. Bliss; Mrs. Fitch; Max Fawcett; J. O. Matthewson; H. B. Norton; D. A. Millington; E. B. Kager, C. M. Wood; T. A. Wilkinson.
The Superintendents are desired to study carefully the rules and regulations of the society so they may be able to render assistance to exhibitors.
                                                         Soldiers Reunion.
We, the undersigned, late Soldiers of the Union Army, take this method of calling a meeting of the Soldiers of Cowley and adjoining counties to meet at Winfield, October 18th, 1873, for the purpose of getting acquainted and having a good social time.
                                            J. P. Short, Co. M, 8 N. Y. Artillery.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 23, 1873.
                                                   Meeting of the Veterans.
At half past 2 o’clock the soldiers, to the number of about 150, fell into line at the tap of the drum, and preceded by the Winfield Martial band, marched to the Methodist Church, which had been kindly tendered for their use. The meeting was called to order by T. A. Blanchard. L. J. Webb was chosen Chairman, and James Kelly, Secretary.
The chairman stated the object of the meeting to be to organize a permanent Soldiers’ Union.
The following were appointed a committee to make arrange­ments for the next meeting.
A. A. Jackson, L. J. Webb, J. P. Short, E. S. Torrance, and James Kelly.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 23, 1873.
NOTICE. Owing to the impossibility of negotiating bonds of any kind at present, the Township Board have decided to let the building of the bridge across Timber Creek rest for the present. J. P. SHORT, Trustee.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 13, 1873.
Soldiers’ Reunion on Thanksgiving Day. At a meeting of the committee of arrangements held at Dr. Mansfield’s, the following reception committee was appointed. Enoch Marris, A. H. Green, J. C. Bigger, E. C. Manning, Mrs. C. M. Wood, and Mrs. Flint. Soldiers arriving in the city will please report as early in the day as possible to the above committee at the city council room in the jail building just north of the courthouse, register their names, and receive their tickets for dinner. A full programme will be published next week.

                                                    C. M. WOOD, President.
J. P. SHORT, Secretary, pro tem.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 13, 1873.
Bill of J. P. Short et al, road viewers, allowed $14.50.
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.
      GRAND ANNUAL RE-UNION OF THE SOLDIERS OF COWLEY COUNTY,
                                   ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 27, 1873.
A CORDIAL INVITATION To participate in the festivities of the day is hereby extended to all the soldiers residing in the county. The following PROGRAMME will be observed.
AT 10, A.M. THE Reception Committee will commence to make up the Roster and distribute tickets for DINNER To all whose names are entered thereon.
AT 11, A.M. SOLDIERS will fall into line, in marching order, on Main Street, the right resting on Ninth Avenue, under the direction of the officer of the day, CAPT. McARTHUR, And march to the COURTHOUSE Where an address of welcome will be delivered by Captain S. C. Smith, The Mayor of Winfield, and the organization of the Soldiers’ Union completed.
AT 1, P.M. SOLDIERS will fall in for dinner.
AT 3, P.M. THERE will be a meeting in the Courthouse, and addresses will be delivered by the following soldiers: Chaplain E. P. Hickok, Maj. J. B. Fairbank, Capt. James McDermott, A. D. Keith, S. M. Fall, Maj. T. B. Ross, Rev. N. L. Rigby, J. C. Bigger, Esq., and other soldiers present.
AT 7, P.M. THERE WILL BE A GRAND BALL! And dancing will be in order, to conclude the festivities of the day.
The proceedings of the day will be enlivened with appropri­ate music by the Winfield and Arkansas City Cornet Bands. A. A. JACKSON, Chairman Committee on Arrangements.
                                                     J. P. SHORT, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
                                            GRAND MASONIC FESTIVAL!
To be given for the benefit of Adelphi Lodge, A. F. & A. M. at the Courtroom, Winfield, Kansas, Dec. 25th, 1873.
RECEPTION COMMITTEE. Dr. Graham, M. L. Read, A. Howland, P. Hill, J. P. Short, Mrs. A. A. Jackson, Mrs. P. Hill, Mrs. Robin­son, Miss Ella Quarles, J. L. M. Hill.
TABLE COMMITTEE. A. T. Stewart, J. F. Paul, T. A. Rice, W. M. Boyer, J. E. Saint, J. D. Cochran, J. C. Fuller, John Swain, J. A. Simpson, A. T. Shenneman, A. S. Williams, J. P. Short, Mrs. J. P. Short, Miss Read, Miss Mary Stewart, Mrs. Geo. Oakes, Mrs. J. F. Paul, Mrs. E. Maris, Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mrs. W. M. Boyer, Mrs. L. R. Paul, Mrs. L. J. Webb, Mrs. J. C. Weathers, Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Howland, Mrs. Hickok, Mrs. W. G. Graham, Mrs. J. D. Cochran, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Miss Parmelee, Miss Lizzie Graham, Miss Yount.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.

Board of County Commissioners met in Clerk’s office, Decem­ber 9, 1873. All present. After a thorough inspection of the work, the Courthouse was accepted from the contractors, and the bondsmen discharged.
                               A. A. JACKSON, Clerk., Per J. P. SHORT, Deputy.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
The Board of County commissioners met in Clerk’s office. All present.
                                                 J. P. Short, office rent: $48.00.
                             A. A. JACKSON, Co. Clerk. By J. P. SHORT, Deputy.
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874. Editorial.
                                                 THE COUNTY RECORDS.
The readers of the COURIER will remember that we published sometime ago an intimation that the county records, as left by Mr. Jackson, were in a bad condition, and should be thoroughly investigated.
The County Board, no doubt acting on the COURIER’s sugges­tion, met at the County Clerk’s office, and after careful delib­eration, concluded to appoint a committee of three to straighten out the records and give the new County Clerk a fair start with the world. They accordingly selected S. M. Fall, of Lazette; Lucius Walton, of Pleasant Valley; and Wm. H. Grow, of Rock; three as good men as the county affords, men of integrity and ability.
The committee met last Monday and began their labors. They had not proceeded far, however, until they came to the conclusion that they had an elephant on their hands—seeing that to go over the records from the time the county was first organized would be a summer’s job. They very wisely asked the Board to meet and advise them as to their duties in the matter before proceeding any further. The Board of County Commissioners have not met at this writing, so we are unable to tell what they will do. We hope, however, that now that the matter has been commenced, it will be probed to the bottom. The people of this county have a right and they demand to know how their affairs stand. We believe that the COURIER has never yet accused anyone of “defal­cation,” “corruption,” or anything of the kind, and we hope that the gentlemen who have made the records will be able to clear themselves of any corrupt intention. But should such turn out to be the case, the guilty one, be he friend or foe, need expect no mercy from the COURIER.
LATER. Since the above was put in type, the Board of County Commissioners met, and yesterday were in secret session with the committee. The cauldron is boiling. It has been ascertained that Devore, our former county treasurer, is a defaulter to a considerable amount—how much, cannot at this writing be ascer­tained. J. P. Short, Mr. Devore’s deputy, has turned over to Mr. Kager, as near as we can come at it, some $680.00, which he should have turned over with the office in July, 1872. There is also found to be a large amount of scrip afloat which Mr. Jackson’s books show to have been canceled, rumor variously estimating the amount of such extra scrip, all the way from $5,000 to $10,000.
Let us look into this matter. Here is say, to strike an average, $5,000 in scrip taken in as county tax by Mr. Short, while deputy for Devore; he presents it to Mr. Jackson for cancellation. Jackson takes the No. and amount and marks can­celed on his book, hands them back to the treasurer, who may sell it, thus putting it afloat once more to be taken up at some future time.

Now follows a few pertinent queries: What right had Mr. Short to present these orders to Mr. Jackson to be canceled, until he had marked them “paid” across the face, in red ink, as the law requires?
Then, why did Mr. Jackson cancel these orders if they were not marked “paid?” Then naturally follows another most painful query: was this whole transaction a big steal? Or was it simply negligence and want of knowledge of the law?
We most sincerely hope the latter is the correct conjec­ture. [We could not get at the exact figures as the committee of investigation together with the County Board sat with closed doors so that we could not get in.]
We hope these gentlemen will think better of this matter, and allow at least the accredited representatives of the press to know what is transpiring. The people who read the papers are the taxpayers of the county and they have a right to know all about it, and will know, let it cost what it may, so long as we run a paper.
[CARD FROM JOHN DEVORE - EX-COUNTY TREASURER.]
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1874
TO THE EDITOR OF THE COURIER:
Sir: Feeling that an explanation is due to the public and to myself, concerning the management of the affairs of the office of County Treasurer of Cowley County during the years 1870, 1871, and 1872, I desire to make the following statement.
In the spring of 1870, I was elected to the office of Treasurer of Cowley County, and held said office until the next January, by virtue of said election. In the fall of 1870, Mr. G. B. Green, of Grouse Creek, was elected; but owing to some cause, he failed to qualify and take the office, consequently, I held the office until August, 1872.
At the time of my election, the office was of little conse­quence, and I could not afford to leave my farm to live at the county seat to attend to its duties. Having been for some time acquainted with Mr. J. P. Short, and having confidence in his ability and integrity, I appointed him my deputy as soon as there were any duties to perform in the office, and he held said appointment and attended to all the duties of said office until it was turned over to my successor, Mr. Kager.
I paid no attention to the office, never handled any of its money in any way or shape, never received a cent of profit, not even a fee (as I gave all the fees to Mr. Short to attend to the office) from first to last. But the office actually cost me my bond and stamp then required by law. Nor until last week, did I know that there was any irregularity in the accounts or books of said office. JOHN DEVORE.
Winfield, Kansas, March 5, 1874.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
J. P. Short has built a neat little office on his lot on Main street.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.
COWLEY CLERK’S OFFICE,  Cowley County, Kan., April 16th, 1874.
The following is a list of bills allowed by the Board of County Commissioners at their last regular meeting, showing the amount to whom allowed, and for what purpose.
Election Judge: J. P. Short, $3.00.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.

J. P. Short has green peas and new potatoes of the early Rose variety for his table.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874. Editorial.
                                                           THE REPORT.
We publish in another place the report of the committee of investigation. It will be seen that the report brings Mr. Short and Mr. Kager several thousand dollars behind. Mr. Short claims that he holds receipts to, nearly or quite, cover the amount charged against him, and we have Mr. Kager’s word for it, that he has in his hands, even more money than the committee found against him. However this may be, we have no comments or criti­cisms to make until these gentlemen have had an opportunity to settle with the county board. We cannot however close this article without saying a word for the committee. They, we believe, have discharged their duty faithfully and conscientious­ly, and their report shows with what ability that work was done. We will have more to say of this when we have looked the field all over. Let this suffice for the present.
                                        REPORT OF THE COWLEY COUNTY
                                             INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE.
WE, your Committee appointed to examine the books and accounts of the County Clerk and County Treasurer, beg leave to submit the following report as the result of our investigation. In instituting the examination, we first took the books and accounts from the organization of the County up to the 16th day of July, 1872, at which time J. P. Short, Deputy County Treasur­er, turned the office over to E. B. Kager, the present incumbent of the office. On examination of the books and accounts of A. A. Jackson as County Clerk, and John Devore as Treasurer, under the management and control of J. P. Short, Deputy, we found the books and accounts in a very confused and tangled condition, the Treasurer not having made a settlement of his accounts during his term of office, and turned the office over to his successor without paying over moneys in his possession.
After due deliberation as to the best method of instituting the examination, we concluded to take the Tax-roll as it was furnished the Treasurer, by the County Clerk for collection, as a basis for our settlement and hold the Treasurer for all moneys coming into his possession by virtue of his office.
In making up the roll we found many mistakes for and against, but these, we consider merely the result of incompetency and inexperience on the part of the County Clerk.
In our report, $3,075.47 stands charged to Mr. Short, on account of the County which in reality is covered by county warrants which have been canceled on account of Short, but have not been destroyed or ordered applied on his account by the County Commissioners.
The tax-roll of 1872 is the greatest complication of figures and erasures that we ever saw, and we regard it as a matter of impossibility to arrive at just conclusions in every particular in making up the accounts, but we have made our figures from the most reasonable conclusions in the premises always giving Mr. Kager the benefit of the doubts. Mr. Kager has not made a settlement of his accounts since he came in possession of the office of County Treasurer, and reference to our report reveals the fact that he had a large sum of money in his possession on the first day of July, 1873, at which time the law requires him to make his annual settlement, and at which time most of the funds in his possession should have been paid out.

The accounts in both the County Clerk’s and County Treasurer’s ledgers, in most instances show clearly to our minds that the original charges have been erased and figures changed. In making up the account of School Land Sales, we took the County Clerk’s and Treasurer’s accounts in connection, from which to base a settlement; even then there may be, and doubtless is, discrepancies. We are informed that persons have made payments on school lands and have taken the Treasurer’s receipt therefor but failed to have it countersigned by the County Clerk and charged to the Treasurer as the law requires, and in other instances parties have made payments on School Lands for which neither Treasurer nor Clerk have given the proper credit.
We would recommend that notice be given through the papers of the County to parties who have purchased School Lands to examine the records and see if any such irregularities exist.
On comparing our School Land sales account with an abstract of school land sales received from the Auditor of State, we found Mr. A. A. Jackson had made an error in addition of the school land sales reported on account of Mr. Short in favor of the County Treasurer to the amount of $400.00, and $1,252.26 remained unreported. The same error occurs in his report to the Auditor of State of school land sales on account of E. B. Kager to amount of $2,260.20, and $97.80 remained unreported.
Mr. Kager says he has money in his possession that he does not know where to apply, but when he finds the proper place for it he is ready to pay the same over. This admission of the County Treasurer seriously involves his competency, in our opinion, for the faithful and efficient discharge of the duties of the office.
In justice to ourselves we must say that we have prosecuted the investigation under very unfavorable circumstances. There has been a continual disposition on the part of those directly interested in the settlement, and our County Clerk, M. G. Troup, to cover up and withhold information that would lead to a solu­tion of the complications connected with the work, hence it has been very tedious and discouraging to the Committee.
We found many irregularities in the accounts, particularly in the manner of making them up, and entering the same on their books. We have brought the best order out of the confused mess that we could and feel safe in saying that we have arrived at a good state of perfection in making up our accounts, and now submit the following figures as the result of our investigation, showing the amount collected on each fund, the amount paid out on the same, and the amount remaining in the hands of the Treasurer, up to the date of each settlement as the exhibit will show. LUCIUS WALTON, W. H. GROW, S. M. FALL. COMMITTEE.
                                             Winfield, Kansas, May 30th, 1874.
Report of the Committee of the financial condition of the County; Showing the gross amount collected on each fund and the amount paid out on the same; also the amount due the different funds at the expiration of the official term of J. P. Short as deputy County Treasurer, up to the time (July 16, 1872) E. B. Kager took possession of the office.
                                                       RECAP OF TOTALS:
Amount collected:         $14,658.81
Amount Paid out:                $  8,903.80
Remains Unpaid:                 $  5,759.08

Overpaid:                           $         4.07
Report of the Committee on the financial condition of the County from the 15th day of July, 1872, at which time J. P. Short, Deputy County Treasurer, turned the office over to E. B. Kager, County Treasurer, to July 1st, 1873; showing the net gross amount due each fund, the amount paid out on the same, and the amount remaining in the treasury on the first day of July 1873.
                                                       RECAP OF TOTALS:
Due Fund:                          $44,572.70
Paid out:                             $34,066.12
Remaining in Treasury:  $10,604.11
Overpaid:                           $       97.53
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1874.
Ex-Deputy County Treasurer J. P. Short has settled with the County Board and paid into the Treasury and produced receipts sufficient to cover the delinquency claimed by the investigators. The board has ordered the committee to proceed with the examina­tion of Treasurer Kager’s books up to date.
[THIRD EXHIBITION: COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1874. Front Page.
Note: Skipped details re exhibition September 1, 2, 3, 1874.
Officers of Cowley County Agricultural Society: A. T. Stewart, President; C. M. Wood, Vice President; J. D. Cochran, Treasurer; J. B. Fairbank, Secretary.
Directors: A. T. Stewart, W. Q. Mansfield, H. S. Silver, J. P. Short, F. W. Schwantes,
W. H. Grow, D. A. Millington, Amos Walton, W. K. Davis, C. M. Wood. J. D. Cochran, J. R. Smith, J. B. Fairbank.
Chief Marshal: H. S. Silver.
Chief of Police: R. L. Walker.
Excerpts...
[THE POST OFFICE RING.]
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874. [Editorial by James Kelly.]
An examination of County Clerk Jackson’s books, which was demanded by the COURIER and Mr. Troup, the Republican County Clerk, who succeeded Mr. Jackson, developed the fact that Jackson’s books, through incompetency, criminality, or both, were in a scandalously incorrect condition, and that J. P. Short, Deputy County Treasurer, had embezzled several thousand dollars of public money.
Short was not a Republican elect, but was a member of the P. O. “Ring,” a pet of the Telegram, and a howler against the Republican party.
An investigating committee of three, two of whom, the Chairman and one other member, opposed the Republican party last fall, has thus far failed to find anything wrong with the affairs of the Republican county officers although they have been in session several months.
Winfield Courier, February 18, 1875.
When you step into Sam Myton’s splendid new brick now, the first thing you see is the ever smiling face of Mr. J. P. Short, who will wait on you so pleasantly that you feel like spending your last nickel there.

Winfield Courier, October 21, 1875.
A NICE OFFICE ROOM over Green’s Drug Store for rent. Apply to J. P. SHORT.
                                               THE WINFIELD COURIER.
                                                     CENTENNIAL ISSUE.
                         WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.
July 6th, 1870, W. Q. Mansfield was appointed Deputy County Clerk; John Devore appointed J. P. Short Deputy Treasurer, and at the fall election Geo. B. Green was elected County Treasurer, but failed to give bond and qualify; consequently, John Devore held the office until July 2nd, 1872.
James P. Short was the first hotel keeper.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1876.
The following is the result of the vote cast at the city election held in Winfield last Monday.
SCATTERING: J. P. McMillen received 20 votes, C. C. Black 1; and J. P. Short 3, for Councilmen; and J. D. Pryor 5 votes for Police Judge.
The City Council proceeded to canvass the vote of Winfield city election, held on April 3rd, A. D., 1876, which resulted as follows:
Whole number of votes cast: 182.
For Mayor: D. A. Millington, 81; H. S. Silver, 80, E. S. Bedilion, 1.
For Police Judge: Linus S. Webb, 75; J. W. Curns, 81; J. D. Pryor, 5.
For Councilmen: A. B. Lemmon, 86; M. G. Troup, 91; C. A. Bliss, 81; T. B. Myers, 84; H. Brotherton, 88; N. Roberson, 71; Frank Williams, 76; N. M. Powers, 70; A. G. Wilson, 76; W. L. Mullen, 57; J. P. McMillen, 20; C. C. Black, 3; J. P. Short, 1.
D. A. Millington, having received the highest number of votes for Mayor, was declared elected. J. W. Curns, receiving the highest number of votes for Police Judge, was declared elected. A. B. Lemmon, M. G. Troup, T. B. Myers, C. A. Bliss, and H. Brotherton, receiving the highest number of votes for Councilmen, were declared elected.
On motion the Clerk was ordered to furnish each of the above named as elected with certificates of election.
On motion Council adjourned.
                                                 B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
[FOURTH OF JULY PREPARATIONS.]
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
Last Saturday, pursuant to call, the citizens of Winfield met at the Courthouse and organized a meeting by calling D. A. Millington to the chair and electing C. M. McIntire secretary.
After deliberation as to what steps should be taken to appropriately celebrate the 4th of July of the Centennial year, the following committee was appointed to draft a plan of procedure and report to a meeting of citizens last night: James Kelly, J. P. Short, C. M. McIntire, W. B. Gibbs, and W. C. Robinson.
Committee on Toasts: A. J. Pyburn, J. E. Allen, J. P. Short, Dr. J. Hedrick.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1876.

THE CALITHUMPIAN committee, for the 4th, is J. D. Pryor, W. W. Walton, J. L. M. Hill, J. P. Short, F. C. Hunt, and J. E. Saint.
[J. P. SHORT: VICTIM OF SEWING MACHINE SALESMEN.]
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
                                                                A Victim.
One morning last week one of our citizens happened to mention something about a sewing machine. It proved to be the most unfortunate remark he ever made. It had scarcely fallen from his lips till he was besieged in front and stormed in the rear by a half dozen full-grown sewing machine agents. This town seemed alive with them.
A long legged, cadaverous representative of the “Howe” grabbed him by the arm and proceeded to extol the merits of “the original eye-in-the-point-needle machine.”
On his left a “Grover & Baker” man clung nervously to the lapel of his coat and rapidly deliv­ered himself of the following: “The only genuine thorough­bred lock-stitched, hemmer filler, tucker, back-acting, noiseless running machine in existence is the Grover & Baker. You pay eighty dollars down and we take your note for the other half on sixty day’s time, secured by chattel mortgage, a deed of your house and lot, and a _______.”
Here the citizen found he was in for it. With a look of terror on his face, he broke away from his tormentors and rushed frantically down the street only to fall in the arms of a big, red-nosed Singer ambassador, who began his piece with: “I represent the only reliable sewing machine in the world. Our machines have taken premiums at Vienna, London, and the World’s Fair. They are noiseless running, easy guiding, self-adjusting, double tracked, steel railed, all wood, and finely finished. We warrant them not to break a thread, skip a stitch, ravel or run down at the heel. Buy one, make your wife a present, and your home henceforth will be a paradise.” He tried to explain that he didn’t want a machine, that it was all a mistake. But the hungry cormorant stuck to him closer than a brother.
He looked back, saw the Howe and G. & B. man accompanied by a “Wheeler & Wilson” linguist swooping down on him, while on the opposite side of the street stood a “Family Sewing” hoodlum ready to expatiate upon his patent frilling, pleating, bias-cutting, combination machine.
In despair he cried: “Villains, unhand me,” as he tore himself away and rushed madly through the alley towards his peaceful home. They followed him. With tattered coat and disheveled hair he rushed in, bolted the door, and fell into a chair. His wife bathed his head and put flannels to his feet while the agents climbed the fence and recited in solemn chorus: “Ours is the only labor-saving, self-acting, temper-cooling machine in the world.”
He came uptown Monday, bought a dog collar and a double barreled shot gun. His name is J. P. Short, and he says the next time that his wife sends him uptown for a sewing machine needle and those agents tackle him, there will be funerals of a third grade order in our quiet little city.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876. Editorial Page.
                           THE CENTENNIAL REFORMERS OF WINFIELD.
                                       Driven into their Holes and Smoked out.
                                       A Chapter of History Worth Preserving.
Recap: Involved Winfield Township: Republican local hierarchy versus local Democrats and Independents (self-styled Reformers).

At meeting in Courthouse 45 “Reformers” tried to control the organization of meeting called to obtain candidate for State Senator nomination from 88th representative district.
“Suddenly A. H. Green, a ‘leading Reformer,’ took the floor and called the meeting to order and nominated as chairman one of his followers. . . . James Kelly, chairman of the Republican Township Committee, called the meeting to order and L. J. Webb nominated Capt. J. S. Hunt as chairman. A rising vote was called for, resulting in 39 for, 12 against Hunt, a few not voting. J. P. Short was chosen secretary. . . . The balloting commenced and a large number of names had been registered, all of which voted for what were known as the Manning delegates, whereupon ‘the Reformers’ discovered that they were in the wrong conven­tion. . . . Subsequently, and after nearly 100 ballots had been cast, and many voters had retired from the hall, W. P. Hackney and two or three others returned to the meeting and complained that the call for the meeting was irregular and he thereupon gave notice that on next Tuesday Aug. 8th at 4 o’clock p.m., the Republicans would hold another meeting. He and Tansey denounced the resolutions [made voters pledge themselves to support Hayes & Wheeler] as a gag and the meeting untimely, etc. Aligned against them: Prof. A. B. Lemmon, E. S. Torrance, L. J. Webb, Samuel Burger, and S. W. Greer.
The Cowley County Telegram dated August 4, issued on Monday morning, August 8, had the following article.
                                      MORE CONTEMPTIBLE TRICKERY.
Within the past few days Cowley County has been the scene of more of that contemptible trickery and political intrigue and corrupt practices which has made the leaders of the Republican party, in the county, so odious in the sight of an honest people. And especially was Winfield the ground on which one of the dirtiest of these jobs was put up. Knowing that if the masses of the party were present at the primary convention, called for the purpose of electing 10 delegates to the county and district conventions, to be held on the 12th of the present month, the delegates selected by them, and who would, without question, vote for their men, no matter how odious they were, or what their records were, would stand no show for election. So they hit upon a plan whereby their friends would be sure to be present while the opposition would be busily at work on their farms and in their shops.

The day set by the county central committee was the 8th—the call so read—the Republican organ so stated in an editorial, and urged that upon that day every voter should turn out. Right in the face of this they quietly send out their strikers to tell the “faithful” that they must come in four days earlier, as the convention would be held then and their presence was needed. On the morning of the earlier day determined upon, a few posters were posted up in out-of-the-way places calling a primary for that afternoon. So far their little plan worked well, but when the Republicans who were opposed to this way of transacting business saw this, they went to work and gathered together a force suffi­cient to scoop them, which they would undoubtedly have done, had not one of the ring-leaders of the corrupt gang rushed through a resolution requiring that each man who voted should subscribe a pledge to support the nominees on the National, State, and county ticket. The “gag” a hundred or more Republi­cans refused to swallow, and they had it all their own way, electing their ticket by a majority equal to the number of their friends present. The whole proceedings were corrupt, illegal, and scandalous, and engineered by a set of political tricksters of whom the people of the whole county entertain feelings of the greatest disgust. It is only a continuation of the corrupt practices they have been foisting upon the people as Republican­ism for years past—and such a job as will cause the honest voters of the county to repudiate their entire outfit at the polls next November.
The men who managed the affair are respectively candidates for State Senator, County Superintendent, Probate Judge, Repre­sentative, District Judge, and County Attorney. Let the voters spot them. . . .
On Tuesday, August 8, before 4 o’clock, Cliff Wood, A. H. Green, T. K. Johnston, John D. Pryor, N. M. Powers, Joe Mack, and 5 or 6 others who do not desire to have their names published, because they do not approve of the action taken, slipped over to the courthouse one at a time by different routes and pretended to hold a meeting. . . . A few minutes before 4 p.m., Mr. Manning went to the courthouse to have the bell rung and upon entering the courthouse found that C. M. Wood was occupying a chair at the table as chairman and John D. Pryor occupying another chair in the capacity of secretary. Mr. Manning took the floor and inquired if the meeting was organized, and to what style of proceedings it had arrived whereupon a “reformer” at once moved an adjournment, which was at once put and carried, and ten of the purifiers of Cowley County politics fled the room in such haste as to leave three or four others who had not fully comprehended the trick, sitting in wonder at the unseemly haste of those present, and expecting to have a chance to vote for delegates.
As soon as Mr. Manning entered the room a bystander rang the bell, whereupon nearly one hundred voters poured over to the courthouse. A meeting was organized by electing S. D. Klingman as chairman and B. F. Baldwin secretary. The action of the “reformers” was related to the meeting. A committee on resolu­tions was appointed, which soon reported the following, which was adopted by sections, with but one dissenting voice to the first resolution.
They passed more resolutions, which endorsed the previous action taken.
Manning and his group won again!
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.
                                            Eighty-Eighth District Convention.
Pursuant to call the delegates of the 88th Representative District met in Republican convention at the courthouse, in Winfield, at 10 o’clock a.m., Saturday, August 12, 1876.
The object of the convention being to elect two delegates and two alternates to attend the Republican State convention on the 16th inst., at Topeka, a ballot was had resulting in the election of James Kelly and Wirt W. Walton as such delegates, and A. B. Odell and J. P. Short as such alternates.
There being no further business before the convention, on motion adjourned sine die.
                                                    R. C. STORY, Chairman.
CHAS H. EAGIN, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1876.
J. P. Short is “running” Boyer & Gallotti’s clothing store during the absence of the firm.
Winfield Courier, October 12, 1876.

C. H. KINGSBURY & Co. can make a hole in the ground deeper and in shorter time than any set of well diggers we have ever seen wield the spade. Yesterday Mr. Kingsbury started down on Short’s lot just opposite this office and by dark he had the well walled half way up, and this morning is calling for a pump. How is that for expedition.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1876.
City Council met at Clerk’s office, Nov. 6, 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; A. B. Lemmon, C. A. Bliss, M. G. Troup, H. Brotherton, and T. B. Myers, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
On motion the council appointed T. B. Myers, J. P. Short, and R. B. Pratt a committee to test the new fire engine and to report to the council the best manner to organize and conduct a fire company in the city of Winfield.
On motion the fire committee were instructed to procure a place for the safekeeping of the fire department.
On motion the City Clerk was instructed to draw a warrant on the Treasurer for $20.58 freight paid on the fire engine.
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.
Short is tying up goods at the New York Store.
                                               WHO ARE DISAPPOINTED.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877. Editorial Page.
The taxpayers and farmers of Winfield Township are grievously disappointed at the action of Saturday’s meeting. They are no more so than the same class of men all over the county. It is a common cause. That our readers may see that our conclusions are justified, we give the names of the following heaviest taxpayers in town, who were in favor of a change of the law, and who have so expressed themselves: C. A. Bliss, C. C. Black, Dr. W. R. Davis, Col. J. M. Alexander, J. C. Fuller, J. B. Lynn, Dr. W. Q. Mansfield, B. F. Baldwin, D. A. Millington, Rev. J. E. Platter, J. P. Short, S. H. Myton, E. C. Manning, R. Hudson, W. L. Mullen, Wm. Rodgers, Max Shoeb, Ira Moore, J. P. McMillen, J. M. Bair, J. S. Hunt.
Besides these gentlemen there is a large class of smaller taxpayers in town of the same mind. Outside of the city limits four-fifths of the farmers are in favor of a change in the law.
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.
The festival given by the Presbyterian ladies, to raise funds to carpet the new Presbyterian church, came off on Tuesday evening at the new palace building of Mr. Frank Williams. Everybody was there with his wife, baby, sweetheart, brother, uncle, and mother-in-law, as Short says, “to get one good square meal.” The way the loads of two-story biscuits, pressed hash, chickens, grapes, ice cream, peaches, cake, etc., disappeared was wonderful. Everyone said a great many smart things and joined in the general merriment. Altogether it was one of the most enjoyable occasions that Winfield has ever seen. The receipts reached $90.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
J. P. Short says he will have on his farm just southeast of town about 300 bushels of the largest and finest peaches he has seen. They are mostly late varieties of budded fruit.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
                                                                 Peaches.

It won’t pay you to put up dry, flavorless seedlings when you can get budded fruit. I have any amount of late Crawford, Snow, and other favorite canning varieties, and the Heath Cling, an extra large cling for pickling. See samples and leave orders at A. H. Green’s drug store, or with J. P. SHORT.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
                                                                 Peaches.
After September 1st I will have fine peaches at from 50 to 75 cents per bushel, at my farm, one mile southeast of town. J. P. SHORT.
Short leases ground on Ninth Avenue for hardware and stove store.
Short puts up a building adjoining, to be occupied by Col. McMullen’s bank...
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
J. P. Short has leased ground on Ninth Avenue to Weston & Hyskell, who are erecting a hardware and stove store. He is also putting up a building adjoining, which will be occupied by Col. McMullen’s bank. This makes six new business buildings that have gone up on that street within the last thirty days.
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1878.
MARRIED. At the residence of J. P. Short, in this city, on Tuesday evening, January 22, 1878, by Rev. J. L. Rushbridge, Mr. William A. Hybarger to Miss Mary Howland. Both of Cowley County.
Winfield Courier, March 7, 1878.
Notice is hereby given that there will be a meeting of the Directors of the Cowley County Agricultural Society at the Winfield Bank on Saturday, March 9th, 1878, at 2 o’clock p.m., to settle up the business of said society. The directors are especially requested to be prompt in attendance. C. M. WOOD, Vice President.
J. P. SHORT, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.
The new city council met on the 3rd inst., and organized. Hon. J. B. Lynn, mayor, in the chair; present councilmen, T. C. Robinson, G. W. Gully, H. Jochems, C. M. Wood, and E. C. Manning. C. M. Wood was chosen president pro tem; J. P. Short, clerk; J. C. McMullen, treasurer; and N. C. Coldwell, attorney. The following committees were constituted: Streets and alleys, Messrs. Wood, Robinson, and Manning; Finance, Manning, Gully, and Wood; fire department, Jochems, Gully, and Robinson.
Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.
                                  [Published in the Winfield Courier May 23, 1878.]
                                                     ORDINANCE NO. 79.
An Ordinance Relating to Hawkers and Peddlers.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield:

SECTION 1. That before any hawker or peddler shall sell, or offer to sell, on any street or alley, or upon any sidewalk, public square, or area within the limits of the City of Winfield, any goods, wares, or merchandise, except the same be of his own manufacture or production, he shall make written application to the mayor for a license to pursue his occupation, in which he shall state the time for which said license is desired and the purpose of the same; and if the mayor approve the application, he shall endorse his approval upon, whereupon, after the payment to the treasurer of the license tax hereinafter required, such peddler or hawker shall receive a license signed by the mayor and countersigned by the clerk authorizing him to pursue his occupation for the time therein stated.
SECTION 2. A license may issue to any hawker or peddler for any time not exceeding one year, and such hawker or peddler shall pay to the city treasurer a sum not exceeding ten dollars in the discretion of the mayor for every day he desires to pursue his occupation in this city: Provided, That upon compliance with the provisions of the preceding section and payment to the treasurer of the city a sum not less than ten or more than one hundred dollars, in the discretion of the mayor, such hawker or peddler may receive a license for one year.
SECTION 3. Any hawker or peddler who shall pursue his occupation within the limits of this city without having first procured a license as required by this ordinance shall be fined in a sum not less than five nor more than one hundred dollars.
SECTION 4. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are hereby repealed.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram. J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
                                         WINFIELD, KANSAS, June 3rd, 1878.
Council met in council chamber. J. B. Lynn, mayor, and G. W. Gully, E. C. Manning, and C. M. Wood, councilmen, present.
                                           J. P. Short, City Clerk for May: $5.00.
Adjourned. J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
                                        Special Meeting Winfield City Council.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
                                              WINFIELD, KANSAS, May 4th.
J. B. Lynn, mayor, and all councilmen present.
The clerk stated that the pay allowed him was inadequate for the amount of services required, and asked that a committee be appointed to examine the affairs of his office and report as to the increase of compensation. Finance committee so appointed. Adjourned.
                                                     J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
                                  [Published in the Winfield Courier June 13, 1878.]
                                                      ORDINANCE NO. 80.
An Ordinance Providing for the Construction of Certain Sidewalks.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield.
SECTION 1. That a sidewalk of an uniform width of four feet be constructed within the limits of the City of Winfield, beginning at Main Street on the south side of Tenth Avenue; thence west on south side of Tenth Avenue to west side of Manning Street; thence south on the west side of Manning Street to the south side of Twelfth Avenue; thence along the south side of Twelfth Avenue to the west side of Menor Street; thence south along the west side of Menor Street to the south side of Court House Street.

SECTION 2. That a sidewalk of an uniform width of eight feet with a substantial curb-stone be constructed along the north side of Ninth Avenue, between Main Street and Millington Street.
SECTION 3. Said sidewalks shall be constructed of the stone commonly called flagstone, and no stone used in the construction of the same shall be of a less than two feet square nor less than three nor more than six inches in thickness, and the grading must be done and the stones laid so as to make a smooth and uniform surface.
SECTION 4. Unless the sidewalks for the construction of which provision is made by the first section of this ordinance shall be completed within sixty days after the passage of this ordinance by the owners of abutting lots, and unless the sidewalks required by the second section of this ordinance be completed within ninety days from its passage, then, and in that case, said sidewalks shall be built by the city, and the lots or pieces of ground abutting upon them shall be assessed for the payment of all expenditures according to the front foot abutting on the sidewalk constructed.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier. J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
                                                        Council Proceedings.
                                           WINFIELD, KANSAS, July 1, 1878.
Council met in council chamber. J. B. Lynn, mayor, absent; all councilmen but H. Jochems present.
                                                  J. P. Short, city clerk: $5.00.
                   Adjourned to Wednesday evening, July 3rd. J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
                                                        Council Proceedings.
The question of Firemen working out road tax was discussed, but no action was taken.
Adjourned. J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
Since the last flood washed off large quantities of wheat into the streams, the catfish are having a good time. J. P. Short mentions the fact that many catfish have been lately taken from the river and creeks, and on dressing them, their stomachs are found full of wheat.
Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.
                                                        Council Proceedings.
                                           Adjourned. J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
                                                       Council Proceedings.
                                                  WINFIELD, August 5, 1878.
Council met in council chamber in regular session: J. B. Lynn, mayor, and all councilmen present.
Petition of E. S. Bliss et al., for sidewalk, granted and ordinance in relation to same passed.
Petition of J. M. Dever et al., in relation to non-residents selling fruits on streets. City attorney ordered to present an ordinance covering the prayer of the petitioners.

Petition of S. H. Myton et al., for hitching-posts on Main and other streets granted, and owners granted the privilege of erecting the same under the supervision of the city marshal.
A resolution was passed allowing merchants and businessmen to have the space between the curb-stone and hitching-posts on which to display their wares.
J. C. Fuller contract for laying sidewalk approved.
W. A. Lee made a statement of grievance. No action taken.
On motion of Mr. Robinson, the mayor was instructed to inquire into the title of lots that were unoccupied at the time of the survey. Adjourned. J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
FIRST FRUIT. J. P. Short is again in the market with peaches, and people who have been waiting on him can now be supplied. See his “ad.” in another column.
                                                               PEACHES.
I am now prepared to deliver fine canning fruit; large white and yellow clings for preserving and picnicking, and fruit suitable for drying and peach butter. Leave word for me at McCommon & Harter’s drug store and I will call and take your orders. J. P. SHORT.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
                                                       Council Proceedings.
                                                 WINFIELD, August 19, 1878.
Council met in council chamber. J. B. Lynn, mayor, and councilmen Gully, Robinson, and Wood present.
The finance committee were instructed to ascertain what amount could be realized for the pest house.
                                               Adjourned. J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, CLERK.
                                                       SPECIAL MEETING.
                                                           August 20, 1878.
J. B. Lynn, mayor, and all councilmen present except H. Jochems.
Ordinance No. 82, in relation to levying tax for payment and of walks constructed passed.
Ordinance No. 83, in relation to retailing fruit on streets, held on table.
The following resolution was read and passed.
Resolved, That the city limits of the city of Winfield are hereby extended to embrace and include that portion of the southeast quarter of section 28, township 32, south of range 4 east, known, platted, and recorded as the Loomis addition to the city of Winfield. Adjourned.
                                                        J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, Clerk.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
                                                            District Court.
The following are the names of jurors drawn for this court: Levi Fluke, O. P. West, Thos. Parvin, S. D. Klingman, J. E. Cox, Sampson Johnson, A. B. Gardner, H. S. Libby, I. B. Todd, Michael Bush, H. J. Donley, T. A. Chapin, T. B. Myers, Dennis Cunningham, J. I. Mitchell, Devine Terrill, Daniel Hawkins, G. W. Yount, W. T. Beasley, J. W. Browning, Rudolph Hoffmaster, D. M. Patton, J. P. Short, J. W. Millspaugh.

Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878.
                                                       Council Proceedings.
City Council met in council chamber Monday evening, October 7, 1878. Present: J. B. Lynn, mayor, and Councilmen Gulley, Manning, Robinson, and Wood; N. C. Coldwell, city attorney; and J. P. Short, clerk.
A committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Wood, Robinson, and Manning, was appointed to confer with the Board of County Commissioners in relation to deeding the county jail building and the county purchasing balance of block on which the courthouse stands and improving the same.
                                                  J. F. Short, city clerk: $5.00.
On motion, Council adjourned. J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
                                                   City Council Proceedings.
Present: J. B. Lynn, Mayor; Councilmen Gully, Manning, and Wood. Councilman Jochems, having moved outside the city limits, his name was dropped.
                                                J. P. Short, City Clerk: $10.00.
There being no further business, council adjourned. J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, December 26, 1878.
                                                   City Council Proceedings.
Present: J. R. Lynn, mayor; and Councilmen Gully, Manning and Wood;  Absent, T. C. Robinson.
The following resolution was introduced, read, and unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That that portion of the southeast quarter of section 28, township 32 south, of range 4 east, known, platted, and filed for record as Fuller’s second addition to the city of Winfield be, and the same is hereby declared to be within the incorporated limits of the city of Winfield.
                                                        J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
The following lists three structures built by J. P. Short...
[LIST OF NEW BUILDINGS ERECTED SINCE 1/1/1878.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.
The following is a list of new buildings erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner and cost of building.
J. P. Short, residence, frame:     $500.
J. P. Short, residence, stone:     $400.
J. P. Short, residence, stone:     $400.
[CITY OFFICERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
Mayor.—J. B. Lynn.
Police Judge.—W. M. Boyer.

Members of the Council.—T. C. Robinson, G. W. Gully, H. C. Manning, H. Jochems, C. M. Wood.
Clerk.—J. P. Short.
Treasurer.—J. C. McMullen.
City Attorney.—N. C. Coldwell.
Marshal.—C. C. Stevens.
[KANSAS NEWS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 30, 1879.
Cowley County is receiving a large immigration.
City Clerk J. P. Short has been appointed to take the census of Winfield.
Ex-County Treasurer E. B. Kager, of Cowley County, died in Colorado recently.
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.
                                           CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
                                            WINFIELD, KANS., Feb. 3, 1879.
Council met at the usual place and hour. Mayor Lynn in chair; Councilmen Gully, Jochems, Manning, and Wood, and J. P. Short, clerk, present.
Petition of W. A. Lee et al. in regard to a certain culvert on Ninth Avenue was presented and read, and, on motion, the street commissioner was instructed to use his judgment in regard to changing the same.
J. P. Short, appointed to take the census of the city, reported that he had finished the same, and found 2011 inhabit­ants within the corporate limits of the city. Report accepted and ordered filed.
N. Fisher appeared and requested that he be allowed to sell confectionery, etc., on the street. Matter laid over till next meeting.
Bills of C. C. Stevens, marshal, $40.00, and J. P. Short, clerk, $10.00, allowed and ordered paid.
On motion, Council adjourned. J. B. LYNN, Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, Clerk.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.
                                           CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Council met at the usual place and hour. Mayor Lynn in chair; Councilmen Gully, Jochems, and Wood, and J. P. Short, clerk, present.
Petition of Capt. Sanford in relation to moving billiard table was granted on payment of five dollars to city treasurer.
The Mayor was instructed to use his discretion in regard to giving N. Fisher privilege of selling confectionery, etc., on the streets.
John Hoenscheidt, city engineer, was instructed to report at next meeting a description of the metes and bounds of the city and its additions.
Petition of D. A. Millington et al. for sidewalk on Ninth avenue presented and read; and on motion, same was granted and ordinance ordered drawn.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1879.
                                         Cowley County Horticultural Society.
Cowley County Horticultural Society met in Judge Gans’s office at the Courthouse. Rev. J. Cairns called to chair.

After adopting constitution and by-laws, the following gentlemen were elected to fill the various offices for the ensuing year.
President: Rev. J. Cairns.
Vice President  N. J. Larkin.
Secretary: J. P. Short.
Assistant Secretary: H. D. Gans.
Treasurer: G. W. Robertson.
Librarian: C. J. Brane.
On motion, Rev. J. E. Platter was invited to deliver an address on Horticulture at the next meeting.
After a motion requesting the county papers to publish the proceedings, the meeting adjourned to Saturday, March 15, 1879. J. CAIRNS, Pres.
J. P. SHORT, Sec.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.
                                           CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
                                          WINFIELD, KANS., March 17, 1879.
Council met at the usual place and hour, C. M. Wood, Presi­dent of Council, in chair; Councilmen Gully, Jochems, Manning, and Robinson; J. P. Short, clerk, and N. C. Coldwell, city attorney, present.
The Governor’s proclamation making Winfield a city of the second class was then read, after which a petition of some ninety citizens in opposition to changing the class of the city was read; and Mr. Manning moved that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. The matter was discussed by Councilman Manning and H. E. Asp and J. E. Allen, citizens, for, and N. C. Coldwell, Col. Alexander, and M. G. Troup, against. The roll being called the vote stood as follows: Yes—Jochems and Manning. Nay—Gully, Robinson, and Wood.
On motion of Robinson, the clerk was instructed to spread the Governor’s proclamation on the Record.
Ordinance No. 84, dividing the city into two wards, was then passed.
Action was taken on the following bills.
J. Hoenscheidt, establishing grade, $10,00, referred to Finance committee.
J. P. Short, taking census, $9.00.
C. C. Stevens, city marshal, $40.00.
John Becker, removing nuisance, $1.25.
James Walsh, laying crosswalk, $10.00.
All allowed and ordered paid.
On motion Council adjourned to 24th inst. C. M. WOOD, Acting Mayor.
Attest: J. P. SHORT, Clerk.
                                                       PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, It appears from a certificate of the Mayor and Council of the city of Winfield, in the county of Cowley, and State of Kansas, duly authenticated by the clerk of said city under the seal thereof, and bearing date February 19th, 1879, which has been duly filed in this Department, that the said city of Winfield, in the said county of Cowley, and State of Kansas, has attained a population of over two thousand and not exceeding fifteen thousand; and
Whereas, the Mayor and Council of said city of Winfield, have duly made out and transmitted to the undersigned an accurate description by metes and bounds of all the lands included within the limits of said city and the additions thereto;
Now, therefore, I, John P. St. John, Governor of the State of Kansas, in pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, do hereby declare and proclaim said city of Winfield, in said county of Cowley, and State of Kansas, subject to the provisions of an act entitled “An act to incorporate cities of the second class and to repeal former acts,” approved February 28th, 1872.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused to be affixed the great seal of the State.
[SEAL] Done at the Executive Department, Topeka, Kansas, this 27th day of February, 1879. By the Governor: JOHN P. ST. JOHN.
JAMES SMITH, Secretary of State.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
J. P. Short has been appointed by the mortgagees to dispose of the Stuart & Wallis stock of goods.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
                                           CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Council met at usual time and place, Mayor Lynn in chair. Present, councilmen Jochems, Manning, and Wood.
Sidewalk contract of Fortner & Cady approved. Treasurer made statement and Clerk instructed to examine same and vouchers, certify to its correctness, and have same published.
The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.
Lynn & Gillelen, mdse. for Mrs. Fox, $2.75.
McCommon & Hartsel, stationery, etc. $1.70.
J. P. Short, clerk, $10.00.
J. H. Finch, boarding prisoners, $6.00.
Adjourned to meet April 2nd, 1879. J. B. LYNN, Mayor
J. P. SHORT, Clerk.
[CITY TREASURER’S STATEMENT.]
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.
                                          WINFIELD, KANS., March 24, 1879.
To Hon. J. B. Lynn, Mayor of the city of Winfield.
The undersigned would respectfully submit herewith his report of his receipts and disbursements as Treasurer of the City of Winfield up to the present date as shown by the enclosed itemized statement.
May 8, 1878. To cash rec’d. of J. C. Fuller, former Treasurer: $750.21
May 13, 1878. To License, J. Likowski: $300.00
Sept., 1878. To cash of T. H. Bryan: $144.80
Oct. 13, 1878. To cash, J. Reynolds for pest house: $60.00
Jan. 13, 1879. To cash, N. C. Coldwell, City Attorney: $95.80
Feb. 6, 1879. To cash, Co. Treasurer, sidewalk tax: $223.53

To cash from all other sources: $290.22
Total: $1,863.56
CONTRA.
By cash paid on vouchers drawn by J. B. Lynn, Mayor, and J. P. Short, city clerk: $1,864.28
leaving a deficiency in the Treasury of $.72. J. C. McMULLEN, City Treasurer.
I hereby certify the above to be a true and correct copy of the city treasurer’s report as filed in my office the 24th day of March, 1879.  J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
                                                   SYNOPSIS OF REPORT.
At the regular council meeting, March 24th, the clerk was instructed to examine the itemized report and vouchers accompany­ing the above, and if found correct to certify to the same, and publish it, with a synopsis of the report, which is given below, the fully itemized accounts of which are on file in my office and open to the inspection of anyone interested. The following are the principal receipts and expenditures not specified above.
                                                               RECEIPTS.
License, Saloon: $900.00
License, Billiards and ten-pins: $67.50
License, Concerts, shows, etc.: $54.00
License, Auctioneers, peddlers, etc.: $98.75
Fines in police court: $84.00
From Brooks estate: $95.80
                                                         EXPENDITURES.
Small pox prevention: $587.04
Street crossings, gutter stones, etc.: $842.39
Sidewalks: $222.53
Official salaries to date: $480.00
Boarding prisoners: $64.74
Rent to date: $51.00
The unpaid salaries, rent, and other expenses will probably increase the total expenditures for the year ending March 31st, 1879, to $2,000. There are outstanding at this date unpaid city warrants to the amount of $100.15. All of which is respectfully submitted.
                                                     J. P. SHORT, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1879.
BARGAINS! Having been appointed by the mortgagees, Bindskoff, Borbe & Co., to take charge of and sell the Stuart & Wallis stock of Clothing and Gents Furnishing Goods. . . .
It will pay you to inspect these goods as they are to be sold at STRICTLY COST PRICES and without reservation.
At the old stand on Main street, opposite the Opera House. J. P. SHORT.
Winfield, March 24, 1879.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.
                                                     THE COURT HOUSE.
Under this head the Semi-Weekly dishes up a column and a half editorial to prove that the county ought at once to go to a large expense in building additions to, and in remodeling the courthouse.

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

The original plan of the schoolhouse was made by John B. Fairbank, District Clerk, who requested Millington to help him in drafting and making specifications and estimates, which he did, but that plan was finally widely departed from in the construc­tion, and therefore Millington is not entitled to a particle of the credit of that structure.
Millington only, of that Association, had anything to do with the letting of the contract and building of the bridge. He was temporarily the township clerk at that time and claims his share of the credit with his colleagues, Short and Boyle, and with other leading men of the town.
We challenge Mr. Conklin or anyone else to show that any member of the Town Association had any connection whatever with the building of either of these three structures except as above specified.
Now as relates to these three structures, built at that early day when there were no civil engineers or architects within reach and to procure such would cost such large sums, when everything was high and hard to get and when our citizens were beset by every kind of hardship and discouragement, we think these structures, though not beautiful nor even sufficiently substantial, were very creditable monuments to their enterprise and energy, the terrible denunciations of our neighbors notwithstanding.
Now, Mr. Semi-Weekly man, we expect you, we challenge you to state precisely what were the “gigantic frauds,” the jobberies and rascalities, which you charge in such sweeping and general terms, as to stigmatize the whole community at that time. Be specific and give the names of those who perpetrated them. If either of the gentlemen we have named, or any other citizen is guilty, give us the name and make specific charges against him that he may have a chance to defend himself. Then no longer make assassin and cowardly attacks in the dark, calculated to bring odium upon almost every man of note in the city without giving anyone an excuse for defending himself.
It is a very poor way to secure the desired additions to the courthouse to endeavor by misrepresentations and charges of fraud against the entire business population of Winfield and thereby making Winfield odious to the people of the county.
If you really desire the improvement you advocate, we would suggest that you examine the records of the past and give the facts.
The following refers to a convention of editors from Kansas at Winfield...
[REPORT FROM KINSLEY GRAPHIC.]
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
. . . . In due time an engine arrived, and at half past twelve the train steamed into Winfield, as pretty a little city as lies in Southern Kansas. The band, military company, and citizens, who had awaited our arrival for hours, hearing of the accident to the train, had gone home, but the reception committee were there, with carriages and omnibuses, and in a short time the party were being driven to hotels and private residences, where they had been assigned. It was our good fortune to be placed under the care of Mr. J. P. Short, city clerk, and to him and his excellent lady we owe much for the enjoyment of the day.
At four o’clock the editors, their ladies, and the invited guests, were taken about the city in carriages, and then to the wharf on the Walnut, where was tied up the steamer Necedah, a small steamboat, 31 feet long, built to run on the Walnut. For several hours the little craft was kept busy steaming up and down the river, giving the editors and their ladies an opportunity to try a life on the ocean wave. The Necedah carries twenty passen­gers and navigates the river fourteen miles above the city.

In the evening a grand ball was given at the opera house, and at 12 o’clock a banquet was tendered the guests at the Central Hotel.
The entertainment of the association by the citizens of Winfield was elaborate. No expense, time, or trouble was spared to make the occasion the happiest and most enjoyable since the inauguration of their quarterly meetings. The work of entertain­ing was not left alone to the committees, but each citizen appeared to make the day a pleasant one for visitors. Winfield is a city of 3,000 or 3,500 inhabitants, beautifully located in the Walnut valley, surrounded on the north, west, and south by timber and on the east by a range of hills and mounds. The town is built on a slight elevation, just enough to make the drainage good. It has two railroads, the A., T. & S. F., and the K. C., L. & S.; three newspapers, the Daily Telegram, W. M. Allison, editor; the Monitor, J. E. Conklin, editor, and the COURIER, D. A. Millington, editor.
Nearly every branch of mercantile business is represented. Stores, hotels, banks, mills, foundries, and breweries had the appearance of active business. Owing to their quarries of superior building stone, Winfield has in the whole a better class of buildings than most young towns in Kansas. Their walks are laid with flagstone, and altogether there is a little over ten miles of sidewalk in that lively little city.
Winfield Courier, August 26, 1880.
J. P. Short, wife, and child had a close call last Monday evening. They were riding in a buggy near the ford beyond the Tunnel mill with a timid team, when a man rose up in the weeds beside the team, which frightened the horses, and they ran the buggy on a stump, which pitched J. P. out on his head. Mrs. Short caught the child and chucked it down in the bottom of the buggy, reached down over the dashboard, and secured one of the trailing lines, by which time the team had rushed down the bank into the rocky riverbed, where they ran in a circle over the rocks until men enough got inside the ring to stop them. Short is very lame, but little other damage was done, though it is a wonder that all had not been killed. We honor the brave lady for her prompt and sensible act in such a bewildering emergency.
Winfield Courier, October 14, 1880.
City Clerk, Short, will keep his office open Saturday evening for the benefit of those who cannot register during the day.
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.
Through the efforts of Hon. A. B. Lemmon, the Walnut river is to be stocked with trout and shad and perhaps some other kinds of fish. State Fish Commissioner Long has procured us 20,000. They are now on the road. J. P. Short will start today to receive them at Topeka, bring them down, and place them in the river. Telegram.
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1880.
Messrs. Lemmon and Hackney paid Mr. Short’s expenses to Topeka to receive from state commissioner Long about twenty thousand California trout which were to be used in stocking the Walnut. Mr. Short started from Topeka with them in good shape, but owing to delay of the train caused by eastern excursionists, he was unable to get them here alive. Mr. Lemmon has worked hard to get these fish, and he declares he will not give it up so, but will try it again. Monitor.
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1880.

We expected that between Long and Short we should get 20,000 fish of medium length, but through the series of unforeseen circumstances, we do not get any. Commissioner D. B. Long put up at Topeka for J. P. Short to bring to Winfield 20,000 California trout of the size of about an inch in length. The barrels in which they were to be transported had been used for some other purpose, but were approved by Mr. Long. Mr. Short was instructed to keep ice in the water and keep the water cold.
He shipped with his fish on the regular train, but there were on board about 2,000 excursionists, which made the train so long, heavy, and slow that the ice provided got melted before the journey was half performed. Mr. Short could not get more ice on the way, nor water colder than the wells, and the fish died on his hands. This is the Long and Short of it.
[TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN WANT IN WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, December 16, 1880.
A meeting was held in the council rooms last Thursday evening to consider means for temporary assistance to those in want in our city.
John B. Lynn was made chairman, and James Kelly, secretary.
By a vote of the meeting the city was divided into four wards by Main street and Ninth avenue, and committees were constituted as follows.
                         Northwest:  Mesdames Short and Dr. Davis and Mayor Lynn.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.
With the earliest settlers of Winfield, came Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, since which time their hospitable home has been a favorite with our society people.
At their reception last evening an unusually happy and enjoyable time was had. Mr. and Mrs. Millington, assisted by their daughters, Misses Kate and Jessie, were truly at home in the manner and method of receiving their friends, with a smile and a pleasant word for all. No wonder the hours passed so quickly by. All restraint and formality was laid aside for an evening of genuine good feeling and pleasure.
Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Rigby, Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Dr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. Scovill, Mr. and Mrs. Lundy, Mr. and Mrs. Lemmon, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, Mr. and Mrs. Kretsinger, Mr. and Mrs. Shrieves, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Millington, Mrs. Huston, Miss McCommon, Wirt W. Walton, and J. R. Conklin.
Refreshments were served to the satisfaction and praise of all, and not until a late hour came the “good nights” and the departure of friends for their homes, each of whom will not soon forget the pleasant evening with Mr. and Mrs. Millington. Daily Telegram.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.

MR. AND MRS. J. C. FULLER. Socially this has been one of the gayest winters in the history of our city. Almost every week has been made pleasant by a social gathering of some sort or other. One of the most pleasant of these was the reception by Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller last Friday evening. The guests were many and the arrangements for their entertainment were complete.
Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Loose, Mr. and Mrs. James Harden, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Hodges. Dr. and Mrs. VanDoren, Mr. and Mrs. McMullen, Mr. and Mrs. Eastman, Rev. and Mrs. T. F. Borcher, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Bryan, Dr. and Mrs. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Short, Dr. and Mrs. Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Boyer, Mr. and Mrs. Trimble, Mr. and Mrs. Moffitt, Mr. and Mrs. Speed, Mr. and Mrs. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. Kretsinger, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Shrieves, Mr. and Mrs. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. Scovill, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Carruthers, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Black, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Hamil­ton, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Fuller, Rev. and Mrs. Hyden, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Williams, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Mullen, Miss Mary Stewart, Miss May Williams, Father Kelly, O. F. Boyle, and Charles Fuller.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.
J. P. Short was appointed city assessor by the council Monday night.
Winfield Courier, March 3, 1881.
Short is mad, and he proposes blood and war to the first man who whittles on the “corners” stairs. No fooling this time.
[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; I. D. Harkleroad, Silverdale; Wm. Trimble, Bolton; J. P. Short, Winfield City.
[REPUBLICAN WARD MEETINGS.]
Winfield Courier, March 24, 1881.
The Second Ward Meeting was held at the opera house. G. H. Buckman called the meeting to order. James Kelly was chosen chairman and J. P. Short secretary. J. L. Horning was nominated for member of the school board. M. L. Read was nominated for council. James Kelly, T. H. Soward, and S. H. Myton were chosen a ward committee.
Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.
Clerk Short has made one of the most efficient city officers.
Short putting on a new roof on “corner” building...
Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.
J. P. Short has been putting a new roof on his corner building.
Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.
A man cried out: “Fight! Fight!” on east Ninth avenue Saturday afternoon. Everybody ran, and it looked so much like a fire that J. P. Short made a break for the engine house, and started east with the soda fountain. He returned the same evening.
Short and Troup above Winfield bank building...
Winfield Courier, May 19, 1881.

J. P. Short can be found with M. G. Troup, upstairs, in the Winfield Bank building.
[ASSESSMENT.]
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
City Assessor Short, has completed the city roll and turned the same over to the County Clerk. If possible, this is the best looking set of assessment books that has ever been returned in this county. The Assessor has taken the greatest care, and is willing to set up the cigars, if a mistake can be found.
The figures are as follows:
Total value of real estate:                       $266,587.00
Total value of personal property:           $187,957.00
$454,544.00
Total valuation for 1880: .............   $417,965.00
Increase: ...........................      $  36,579.00
This being the odd year, real estate is not assessed, the improvements only being added, or taken off, where burned or otherwise removed. Taking this fact into consideration, and also the hotels and other buildings that were burned and have been taken off the roll, it is gratifying to note the increase. Taking the usual basis of valuation, the above shows that over $100,000 worth of buildings were erected in the city in the past year. Including the new hotel, more than half that amount of buildings are now under contract to be completed in ninety days; from which we infer that, in spite of last season’s poor crops, and the prohibitory amendment combined, Winfield is steadily going forward.
[RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.
Rev. J. E. Platter was chosen chairman and made one of his neat and impressive speeches followed by Messrs. Hackney, Troup, Beach, and others.
A committee of ten gentlemen was appointed by the chair to canvass for subscriptions, consisting of Messrs. C. C. Black, J. S. Hunt, J. B. Lynn, M. G. Troup, D. A. Millington, D. L. Kretsinger, J. P. Short, R. E. Wallis, W. H. Smith, and H. D. Gans.
A committee of ladies was appointed to canvass for clothing, bedding, etc., consisting of Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. J. D. Pryor, Mrs. Earnest, Mrs. Jewell, Mrs. Van Doren, Mrs. Horning, Mrs. Albro, Mrs. Spotswood, Miss Nellie Cole, and Miss Mary Steward.
The committee of gentlemen organized with C. C. Beach, chairman, J. P. Short, secretary, and R. E. Wallis, treasurer.
Early on Tuesday morning a wagon load of provisions was sent to Floral under charge of Messrs. Black and Short.
                                         J. P. Short contributed $5.00 in cash also.
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
J. P. Short has gone to Salt Lake City “over the mountains to see what he can see.” He will report to the COURIER such events and sights as appear to him out of the usual run.

Winfield Courier, August 25, 1881.
We received copies of Salt Lake City, Utah, papers from Mr. J. P. Short, who is traveling in the west, last week.
Winfield Courier, September 8, 1881.
J. P. Short will assist in the conduct of the State Fair, as assistant secretary. He went up Monday.
Winfield Courier, September 8, 1881.
O. F. Boyle returned from Colorado with J. P. Short last week. They will spend several days among friends here and then go east for his wife.
Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.
Mr. Joe Harter has been absent for the past few weeks, visiting at Eureka Springs. During his absence J. P. Short did duty as drug clerk.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
J. P. SHORT is the authorized solicitor of the Daily and Weekly COURANT, and receipts for money paid on subscription to him will be honored at this office.
Cowley County Courant, January 5, 1882.
Mrs. J. P. Short was the recipient of a beautiful Christmas present in the shape of a fine majolica jar of foliage plants, for window ornament. Mr. Frank Manny was the generous donor, and kindly gave Mrs. Short a first choice from his well-stocked greenhouse.
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
                                                   HARD ON THE D. B.’S.
                  The Businessmen Talk, Eat, and Prepare to Harvest Unpaid Bills.
Last Saturday evening a large number of the businessmen of Winfield met at the Brettun House and organized an association that will be of more practical benefit to businessmen and the trading public generally then anything that has yet been proposed. The matter has been talked of for some time, but recent events brought it to a focus, of which the “Merchants” and Business Men’s Protective Association” is the outcome. The following gentlemen were present and assisted in the organization.
A. H. Doane, R. E. Wallis, J. A. McGuire, Will Hudson, A. E. Baird, W. J. Hodges, H. Brotherton, J. M. Dever, J. P. Baden, J. L. Hodges, R. E. Sydall, Lou Harter, Ed. P. Greer, J. B. Lynn, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, D. L. Kretsinger, A. T. Spotswood, S. W. Hughes, J. S. Mann, W. B. Pixley, W. R. McDonald, A. D. Hendricks, Col. Wm. Whiting, J. G. Shrieves, J. W. Batchelder, J. L. Horning, T. R. Timme, J. L. Rinker, J. P. Short, B. F. Wood, J. A. Cooper.
Winfield Courier, March 2, 1882.
Mr. J. P. Short has been reappointed by the council as city assessor. Mr. Short is a most efficient officer, and as the real estate is to be again listed this year, his services will be doubly valuable.
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1882.
                                                       Assessor’s Meeting.
On Monday, March 6th, 1882, the assessors of Cowley County, Kansas, met at Winfield.
                                                         Winfield: J. P. Short.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.

A squaw was taking in the city today rigged out in a Govern­ment blanket, red flannel drawers (we’ve got Short for authority for this), a four dollar pair of button kid shoes, clock silk hose, and no bonnet. The outfit of Indians in town today have been taking a great deal of interest in the city election, especially in the success of Frank Finch, A. H. Doane, G. H. Buckman, and Judge Bard. Frank is credited with the silk stock­ings, and it is said the other fellows fitted out the bucks with the valises they were toting around.
Next two items go together: Short referred to in the second article...
Winfield Courier, March 23, 1882.
                                                TRUSTEES VS. HERD LAW.
EDS. COURIER: As your paper always has been open to the people for the expression of their views on any matter concerning their interests, I take the liberty of addressing myself to your readers on a subject of great importance to every taxpayer in Cowley County. At the last meeting of the trustees of the various townships of the county, it was resolved to canvass the vote of the county on the herd law question. Now I, for one, would like to know what right they have to spend the time that the county pays for, to satisfy a few cattle men. I do not propose to debate the question, but simply state my belief in a few words, viz.: Cowley County owes her present prosperity to the fact that she has had a good herd law. To be compelled to fence would bankrupt nine-tenths of our farmers, and the repeal of the herd law would benefit a few cattle men only. Should our worthy township Dads devote any time to canvassing or discussing any question outside of such as may arise in the discharge of their duties as assessors, they simply violate their oath of office, and should be dealt with accordingly. There would be quite as much propriety in their ascertaining how many favored St. John’s election, should he conclude to run again. I do not wish to accuse the whole meeting with any intention of wrong doing—far from it. I believe we have trustees that are above such trickery. The resolution was sprung on the meeting, and passed without proper consideration. I trust it will be re-considered, and that a few tricksters will find they cannot run the county to suit their individual interests. TAX PAYER.
                 [We publish the above, and invite short, crisp articles on the subject. ED.]
Winfield Courier, March 30, 1882.
                                               “TAXPAYER” VS. TRUSTEES.
EDS. COURIER: You invite expression upon the article written by “Taxpayer” in your last issue, and I, being a member of that body which resolved to canvass the township that I represented, have this to say to every taxpayer in Cowley County, that the herd law question was sprung by Mr. Short or Mr. Roberts, I do not remember which, and if either of these men are working for the interests of “a few cattle men,” I do not know it. The object of the canvass was to get the expression from the voters of the county and place the same before the County Commissioners. It is useless to call a vote upon the subject and cost the county five or six hundred dollars and result in no good. This canvass need not cost the county one dollar, nor shall it on my part. It is a self-evident fact that Cowley County is not wholly an agricultural country, and the time has fully come when every farmer should turn his attention partly to stock raising.

“Taxpayer” is fearful of tax—no, he is afraid the herd law will be repealed, and he will have to stop loafing and go to fencing or about five years hence he will be compelled to evacuate. He undertakes to scare the people by telling them that it would “bankrupt nine-tenths of them” if they were compelled to fence. We have farms fenced in our community with but little money. Two dollars and an ounce of energy will fence a pretty good farm in five years. Try it, Mr. Taxpayer. “Cowley County owes her present success to a good herd law,” and he should have added, “borrowed capital.” Every successful man studies to utilize everything nature has provided for his convenience and happiness, and I know we are not doing it in Cowley, nor can we (when I say we, I mean the poorer class, for I belong to that class) until we abolish this herd law. The statute does not specify how an assessor shall be transferred from one residence to another, whether he shall be carried by the swiftest steed, or use his own pleasure and walk, or what questions he may ask nor what he shall not ask the one whom he assesses. I have thoroughly canvassed Sheridan Township upon the herd law question as far as I have gone, and I am happy to say a very great majority are pleased with the movement. I hope, Mr. Editor, to be able to place before you shortly the expression of this township, and if I have violated my oath and not performed the duties of my office, I am in the hands of the commissioners, and whatever punishment they deal out, I will take it like a little man. I hope, brother trustees, you will continue to make a thorough canvass of your respective townships. I am willing for the majority of those whom I assess to say what amount of time I consume in the matter, and I will be more than willing to deduct it from time occupied. I think by the time all the returns are in, “Taxpayer” will feel like crawling in his hole and pulling the hole in after him. Respectfully, E. I. JOHNSON.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
Assessor Short suspended his labors Tuesday. There was so much real estate in the air that he couldn’t assess it properly.
A series of articles re assessment in Cowley County follows...
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1882.
                                                    A LITTLE “FIGGERIN’.”
           Some Interesting, Instructive, and Valuable Information Gleaned From the County
                                                         Assessors’ Reports.
                                                  All the County in a Nut-shell.
At the present writing all the assessors’ reports with the exception of Winfield City, are in, and the abstracts have been completed by the clerk. In going over these books, one can gather a fund of information that is most valuable, and of exceeding interest to those who take an interest in the growth and prosperity of the county. The returns show a most satisfactory condition of affairs. The population has increased during the year nearly half a thousand—while the assessed value of personal property will reach twelve hundred thousand dollars—a most decided increase over last year.
                                                          AGRICULTURE.

The returns show 373,697 acres in cultivation in the county. This is 17-1/2 acres for every man, woman, and child in the county, and 70 acres to every horse. There is growing in the county, 35,226 acres of wheat, of which Vernon Township has the largest area, 4,454 acres. In corn we have 111,637 acres, of which Bolton Township takes the lead with 7,571 acres. Bolton also takes the lead in oats, having 514 acres of the 5,141 growing in the county. In rye, Vernon Township has 193 acres to 661 in the county. Irish potatoes are growing on 1,276 acres, and Vernon again lays it over her sister townships with 106 acres. Castor beans seem to be quite popular in Rock Township, as she has 200 of the 656 acres cultivated in the county. We are surprised to find eleven and one-half acres of tobacco growing in the county, of which Sheridan Township has four. As we published several articles during the winter on the subject of raising tobacco for sheep dip, we would be under many obligations to those who are growing it if they would give the COURIER readers the result of their experiments. There seems to be a growing demand for Cowley County sorghum, and we find 1,345 acres growing in the county. One of the most noticeable features in the above figures is the great falling off in the area sown to wheat and the tremendous increase in the cultivation of corn. With our present prospects for bountiful harvests, we will garner about six hundred thousand bushels of wheat and six million bushels of corn, worth three and one-half millions of dollars. This is about $150 for every man, woman, and child in the county from the wheat and corn crops alone. Our old friend over east whom fortune has blessed with thirteen children is in luck. Under a communistic division of our present corn and wheat crop, his share would be worth twenty-two hundred and fifty dollars.
                                    OUR GARDENS, DAIRY, AND POULTRY.
While the men are lording it over the fields and worrying about their corn and wheat, castor beans, and sorghum, Cowley’s ladies are not idle by any manner of means. There is too much independence among our womenfolks for that. While the men were busy in the fields, the ladies were quietly at work making a statistical record that we are proud to record. They made it with 421,799 pounds of butter, 26,822 dollars worth of poultry and eggs, and (with perhaps a little help, grudgingly given by the aforesaid lords of the field) raised thirteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-four dollars worth of “garden truck.” If all the butter that Cowley’s thrifty housewives churned during the year 1881 was gathered together in one lot, it would make sixteen carloads and would take two of the largest locomotives of the K. C., L. & S. Railroad to pull it over the Flint Hills—Ninnescah Township furnishes the highest figures in the butter list; being 31,850 pounds—or an average of 125 pounds made by every lady in the township. Richland is a close second with 31,380 pounds. Creswell Township furnishes the highest figures on “garden truck,” having raised $3,085 worth—an average of $4.00 per capita. Otter Township takes the lead in the poultry and egg business, having sold $3,570 worth during the year; an average of $7.50 per capita.
                                                             LIVESTOCK.

Our livestock interests are increasing rapidly and the exhibit this year is gratifying. We have 20,355 head of cattle, 13,827 head of hogs, 60,666 head of sheep, 5,600 horses, and 27,700 dogs. Windsor township takes the lead in cattle with 1,716; Beaver in hogs with 1,802; Bolton in horses with 381 head; Windsor in sheep with 6,412 head, and Bolton again comes to the front with a dogged perseverance and shows a herd of 166 hungry, howling canines. If any citizen of Bolton wants to immortalize himself, let him kill a dog. We heard of a dog the other day that killed 26 sheep in a single night. If all the dogs in the county were to go out sheep hunting, there wouldn’t be enough sheep by 11,094 to furnish them one night’s amusement. In order to equalize this thing, we must have more sheep and less dogs. We suggest that the same change be made in the dog crop that there has been in the wheat and corn crop—raise less dogs and more sheep for a year or two. We need a dog prohibition law and hereby nominate Cyrus M. Scott, Ezra Meech, and John Stalter as candidates for the legislature on that issue.
                                                                FENCES.
In spite of her youth, and the herd law, Cowley makes a pretty fair exhibition in the fence line. We have 231 miles of stone fence, worth $480 per mile; 1,572 miles of hedge fence and about as much more board, rail, and wire fence. We did not make the footings of the board, rail, and wire; but estimate the whole amount of fencing in the county at three thousand miles, worth a quarter of a million of dollars. Windsor Township has the largest number of miles (53) of stone fence and Tisdale the largest number of miles (228) of hedge fence.
                                                        CORN ON HAND.
There was on hand in the county on the first of March 218,019 bushels of old corn, worth at the present price $152,613. This is 40 bushels for every horse, and 18 bushels for every hog. We ignore the horned brutes in this calculation and will insist that they live on grass.
                                           DIFFERENCES IN ASSESSMENT.
Some very funny facts are brought to light by striking the average of assessments in the various townships. In Harvey Township we find that the average value of a horse is $47.24, while in Maple Township they only average $21.21 each. In Dexter Township cattle are worth on an average $14.40 a head while in Silverdale Township they drop to $6.36 a head. The last named township, while their cattle are worth less than half as much as Dexter’s, their sheep are worth $1.31 a head—one-half more than in Maple, where they are only assessed at 90 cents a head. In Bolton Township hogs average $3.51 a head while in Sheridan they drop to 83 cents a head—in other words, for taxable purposes a Bolton hog is worth four Sheridan hogs. Here is a problem for our statesmen to exercise their faculties on. Some law should be enacted that will make a hog in Sheridan worth just as much as a Bolton porker, and a Silverdale steer stand up side by side with his Dexter neighbor and take his medicine. Under the present system there seems to be no way by which an equality of assessment can be reached. No two men will put the value of an animal the same. In a township where everyone owns cattle, the prevailing sentiment will be in favor of low assessments on cattle, and the same in other localities where hogs or sheep are largely owned. These differences in assessments are just as great all over the state as in Cowley. Some counties pay less than their proportion of State tax, others pay more.
                                                           POPULATION.
The returns of Winfield City are not yet in. The above figures do not include Winfield except in the personal property statement. When these returns are in, they will add considerable to some of the products enumerated above—noticeably, the dog total. We have made no account of the mules and asses because such a statement, with Winfield out, would be as uncertain as the Greenback vote. The returns, so far as taken, indicate our city population to be about 3.000. Below we give the population of the county by townships. It is taken from the returns with the exception of Winfield, which is subject to correction when Assessor Short finishes his work.

Beaver: 729, Bolton 963, Creswell 671, Cedar 695, Dexter 897, Fairview 521, Harvey 617, Liberty 595, Ninnescah 647, Maple 548, Omnia 414, Otter 463, Pleasant Valley 831, Richland 1,009, Rock Creek 673, Silverdale 640, Silver Creek 797, Sheridan 616, Spring Creek 384, Tisdale 822, Vernon 999, Walnut 1,039, Windsor 922, Winfield City estimated at 3,000, Arkansas City 1,356. Total: 21,248.
[FIGURES VERY HARD TO READ...PROBABLY SOME ARE WRONG!]
                                                      CHANGING CROPS.
There is an increase since March 1881 of 22,081 acres in cultivation. There are 27,484 acres less wheat growing this year than last, and 17,785 more corn. There was sold last year  $8,217 more poultry and eggs in the county than the year before, and 14,501 more pounds of butter. There are 20,355 more sheep in the county this year than last—an increase of one-third. We haven’t as many hogs by 15,811—about half—as last year. It is quite a study to note the change in the cultivation of certain kinds of corn, while this year we have 111,037 acres of corn. In 1878 we had 13,163 more acres of wheat than corn. In 1879 we had 9,998 acres more corn than wheat. In 1880 everybody planted wheat and we had 5,209 more acres of wheat than corn. In 1881 the farmers changed their minds again and planted 30,592 more acres of corn than wheat. This year the farmers seem to be more in favor of corn over wheat than ever and we find 75,811 more acres in corn than in wheat. The increase in population during the year is about 2,000.
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1882.
                                                     FOURTH OF J. U. L. Y.
On Tuesday evening the citizens met at the Opera House to hear the report of the executive committee on 4th of July celebration. The committee reported as follows.
On Music: J. P. Short, E. H. Blair, G. H. Buckman, H. E. Silliman, and R. C. Bowles.
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1882.
                                                   No Celebration at Winfield.
The Executive Committee on 4th of July Celebration, after due consideration, has resolved not to celebrate at Winfield this year, and all preparations are declared off. . . .
By order of the committee. J. P. SHORT, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, July 20, 1882.
Hon. Jas. McDermott, Winfield, Kansas.
DEAR SIR: We the undersigned citizens of Cowley County, Kansas, anxious that an able and faithful man represent us in the coming legislature, and ever mindful of the important legislation that will come before that body, unite in requesting you to become a candidate for the office of Representative from this district, July 11th, 1882.
                                J. P. Short was one of the people who signed request.
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1882.
Mrs. J. P. Short left on the Santa Fe Tuesday afternoon for Colorado, where she will spend five or six weeks visiting friends in Denver, Manitou, and Durango.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
                                                           IT IS SETTLED.
                        We Are to Have a Creamery, the First and the Best in the State.
           The Stock Made up and the Work to Begin at Once. The Town is “Waking Up.”
Last Saturday the final subscription to the Creamery stock was made and the enterprise became an assured fact. We fully believe that it will prove one of the best investments made in the county and furnish a valuable market for the dairy products of Cowley.

Mr. M. W. Babb, the originator of the enterprise, came here about a year ago and, after visiting various creameries throughout Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, came home with the necessary papers and information and went to work, aided by a few of our public-spirited citizens; among whom Mr. J. P. Baden was first and foremost, with the success before mentioned. The following is a list of the stockholders.
                                                   J. P. Short, 2 shares, $100.
[GLUCOSE WORKS.]
Winfield Courier, August 31, 1882.
A number of the businessmen of the city convened at Doane & Kretsinger’s office Monday evening to consider the proposition of Messrs. Morse, Scott & Harris for building a glucose factory at Winfield.
After Messrs. Harris & Kirby returned, the above proposition was read to them and after considerable discussion they accepted the proposition. On motion a committee of five consisting of M. L. Robinson, J. B. Lynn, J. C. McMullen, A. T. Spotswood, and J. P. Short was appointed for the purpose of raising the ($25,000) and putting the matter in shape.
On motion G. S. Manser, M. G. Troup, and D. L. Kretsinger were appointed a committee to draw up articles of incorporation and file with Secretary of State and procure a charter and M. G. Troup, J. P. Short, J. W. McDonald, and J. W. Curns were appointed a committee to make contract for the carrying into effect the proposition.
Winfield Courier, August 31, 1882.
                                                       GLUCOSE WORKS.
                 The Largest Glucose Manufactory in the West to be Located at Winfield.
                  Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars to be Expended at Once in its Erection.
                                                   Winfield “Takes the Cake.”
A meeting was held on Monday evening at A. H. Doane & Co.’s office for the purpose of considering a proposition for erecting a glucose factory in this city. About thirty of our leading businessmen were present. M. G. Troup was made chairman and J. W. Curns Secretary. M. L. Robinson stated the object of the meeting, setting forth clearly and concisely the advantages to be derived from the establishment.
Mr. Harris, representing eastern capitalists, was present, and made a proposition. Another proposition was made by citizens, to organize a joint stock corporation and erect a building and works to cost $75,000, of which $25,000 should be furnished by citizens and $50,000 by the eastern capitalists; the building to be 175 by 225 feet, four stories high, with a capacity for using 2,000 bushels of corn per day; and to be called the Winfield Syrup and Sugar Refinery. The proposition was accepted.
Committees were appointed as follows.
On soliciting subscription to the capital stock: M. L. Robinson, J. C. McMullen, A. T. Spotswood, J. B. Lynn, J. P. Short.
On incorporation: G. S. Manser, M. G. Troup, D. L. Kretsinger.
On contract: M. G. Troup, J. P. Short, J. Wade McDonald, J. W. Curns.
                                   [Note: Winfield did not get a Glucose Plant.]
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.

Mrs. J. P. Short returned from a summer’s tour through Colorado Friday. She had a glorious time, and is much refreshed and improved in health.
Winfield Courier, November 2, 1882.
Gen. A. H. Green left Saturday for Las Vegas, where he will try to regain his health.
J. P. Short takes charge of his business.
Edna Short, daughter of J. P. Short, one of those who attended party...
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1882.
                                                        Little Folks’ Party.
A large number of little folks gathered together at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor Monday afternoon to celebrate with little Mamie her third birthday. The crowd was the jolliest and liveliest we have seen and each of the little folks seemed to take in the full measure of enjoyment. A splendid repast was set for them which they attacked with a relish. Little Mamie received a large number of elegant presents from her young friends. The following is a list of the presents and of those present: 1 silver set knife, fork, and spoon; 2 Majolica plates; 2 gold sash pins; 1 gold ring; 1 child’s decorated china wash stand set; 1 child’s dinner castor; 1 hand painted mug; 1 porte-monnaie; 5 China cups and saucers; 2 China mugs; 1 glass mug; 1 doll’s parlor suite; 1 autograph album; 1 photograph album; 1 wood tea set combination table and cupboard; 1 Brittania tea set; 2 child’s glass sets; sugar bowl; butter dish, etc.; 3 dolls; 2 doll’s canopy top phaetons; 1 doll and carriage; 2 picture books; 1 flat iron and stand; 1 bell cart and span of goats; 1 bouquet; 1 basket of flowers; 1 satin puff box; 1 panorama egg; 6 elegant birthday cards; 1 little brown jug; 1 necklace of pearl beads; 1 shell box; 1 photograph with frame; 2 China match safes; 2 bottles perfumery; 1 card receiver (Kalo Meda); 2 handkerchiefs (embroidered); 1 collar; 1 tooth-pick holder.
Present: Misses Birdie Wright, Edna Glass, Blanche Bliss, Blanche Troup, Stella Buckman, Mamie Black, Frankie Black, Mary Spotswood, Maggie Pryor, Edna Pryor, Muriel Covert, Annie McDonald, Clara Austin, Pearl E. Snyder, Maggie Johnson, Emma Johnson, Bernice Bullen, Beryl Johnston, Nina Nelson, Nona Nelson, Lube Myton, Josie Myton, Ethel Carruthers, Mary Brotherton, Bell Brotherton, Nina Harter, May Harter, Maud Miller, Gertie Lynn, Effie Lynn, Edna Short, Alma Miller, Mollie Trezise, Lillie Trezise, Fannie Bryan, Flossie Bullen, Ollie Newcomb, Edna Fitch, Maud Cooper, Daisy Clark.
Masters Eddie Greer, Eddie Thorp, Ralph Brown, Roy Robinson, Bertie Silliman, Vere Hollenbeck, Charles F. Green, Charlie Sydal, Henrion McDonald, Dolphi Green, Clare Bullen, Bruce Carruthers, Edgar Powers, Charlie Lynn, Paul Bedilion, Codie Waite, Zack Miller, Willie Trezise, Carl Farringer, Walter Baird, and Willis Young.
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.
Minnie and Goldie Sykes gave a dinner New Years to a number of their acquaintances. Everything was gotten up in miniature style—children’s dishes, pies, etc., and to say they had a “large time” wouldn’t half express it. Among those present we noticed the Misses Lulu and Josie Myton, Effie and Gertrude Lynn, Bertha and Clara Wells, Blanche Wood, Hattie Trump, Edna Short, Stella Pixley, May Stuckup, and Masters Guy Wood and Charles Lynn.
                                               COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
Recap of Claims Submitted in report of Commissioners Proceedings given by J. S. Hunt, County Clerk of Cowley County. Talesman: J. P. Short.

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
The following petition was circulated last week by Frank Manny, taken to Topeka, and presented by him to Senator Hackney.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, January 23, 1883.
HON. W. P. HACKNEY, State Senator, Topeka, Kansas.
Inasmuch as the Prohibition Amendment, as enforced, has always resulted in injury to the material development of our town—it having signally failed to accomplish the object sought, the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating drinks—we would respectfully urge upon you the necessity of so providing for the enforcement of the law that its application shall be uniform throughout the State. If this is impossible, don’t sacrifice our town on the altar of inordinate devotion to an impracticable principle.
                                      One of those who signed petition: J. P. Short.
[CORONER’S JURY: HANGING OF COBB.]
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
The investigation by the Coroner on the body of young Cobb was commenced Thursday morning and lasted until Friday noon. The courtroom was constantly thronged with people during the inquest. The Coroner secured the services of Judge Tipton as attorney and David C. Beach as clerk.
Geo. Emerson, John Nicholas, J. P. Short, John Riley, and James Bethel were also called as witnesses, but were all enjoying peaceful slumber at the time of the lynching, and were merely at the jail to see the prisoner on the evening before.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
Council met in regular session. In the absence of the Mayor, President Read took the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Wilson, Gary, and Read. Absent, Councilman McMullen.
The City Attorney presented a proposed ordinance entitled “An ordinance regulating the moving of buildings in Winfield,” which was read, and the further consideration thereof postponed until the next regular meeting.
A written communication from the Mayor was presented and read appointing J. P. Short Assessor of the city for the ensuing year. On motion the appointment was confirmed by an affirmative vote of the three Councilmen present.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
Assessor Short has begun his work of taking the lists of taxable property and population.
[ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1883.
SCHOOL BOARD: 1st Ward, Dr. W. G. Graham, 259; 2nd ward, J. P. Short, 137; 2nd Ward, H. Brotherton, 89.
[KANSAS PRESS ASSOCIATION MEETING AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield, Courier, April 19, 1883.
COMMITTEES.
Reception: Mayor, Geo. Emerson; Ex-Mayor, M. G. Troup; C. C. Black; Ed. P. Greer; Geo. Rembaugh; D. A. Millington.

Entertainment: J. P. Short, C. E. Fuller, S. L. Gilbert, R. C. Story, W. C. Robinson.
Excursion: H. E. Asp, P. H. Albright, J. B. Lynn, A. T. Spotswood.
MUSIC: G. H. BUCKMAN.    BALL: D. L. KRETSINGER.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
Council met in regular session, Mayor Emerson in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McGuire, McMullen and Kretsinger; absent, Councilman Wilson.
On motion, the Mayor, Councilman Kretsinger, and Mr. J. P. Short were appointed a committee to examine the question of providing the city with fire hose and carts.
[SCHOOL BOARD.]
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
The Board met at the office of the Winfield Bank Monday. Present: Emerson, president; Fuller, Doane, and Wood, members. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Reports of all outstanding committees were accepted and the business of the old Board closed up as far as practicable. The new Board then proceeded to organize by electing Mr. Fuller, president; Mr. Wood, vice-president; and L. D. Zenor, clerk. The president then appointed the following committees.
Mr. Wood, committee on buildings and grounds.
Dr. Graham, common ways and means.
Mr. Short, committee on finance.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
J. P. Short has our thanks for valuable assistance in various work.
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Notes of the Convention. Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short entertained Miss McElroy of Humboldt and Miss Lane of Wyandotte.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Where the Money Came From. J. P. Short gave $5.00.
[MILLINGTON SURPRISED.]
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
A COMPLETE SURPRISE. Sixty-five ladies and gentlemen of the best citizens of Winfield joined in a plot last Wednesday, May 16th, to surprise D. A. Millington, editor of the Winfield COURIER, and his wife at their residence, on the thirty-fifth anniversary of their marriage, and were completely successful. It was raining quite briskly all the evening with no prospect of a “let-up.” Between 8 and 9 o’clock we were quietly looking over our late exchanges; our wife was busy in household affairs in a gray dress in which she felt some delicacy about receiving company, when we found our house suddenly taken possession of by J. C. Fuller and lady, J. Wade McDonald, Mrs. J. E. Platter, C. A. Bliss, Dr. C. C. Green and lady, J. P. Short, Geo. Rembaugh and lady, A. T. Spotswood, Miss Jennie Hane, E. S. Torrance, Mrs. John Lowry, Mrs. I. L. Millington, E. P. Hickok and lady, and others. The greater portion of the party lived more distant and were still waiting for the rain to slack up.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.

OPERA HOUSE, May 19, 1883.
The stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association met pursuant to adjournment. Mr. Millspaugh called S. P. Strong to the chair and D. L. Kretsinger was chosen secretary. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. The committee on subscription of stock reported progress and were on motion continued. On motion of Mr. Martin, the meeting proceeded to a permanent organization, without change of officers. The charter was then read and approved. A form of constitution and by-laws was then submitted by the secretary. Mr. Short moved they be adopted as read. Mr. Lynn amended to read and adopt by sections. Motion prevailed as amended.
[OLD SETTLERS’ REUNION.]
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1883.
OLD SETTLERS’ REUNION. At Riverside Park, Thursday, May 31, 1883.
The Old Settlers’ Association of Vernon Township was called to order by the President, J. W. Millspaugh. Minutes of the last meeting read by the Secretary, H. H. Martin, and approved.
On motion of J. H. Werden, the Association of Old Settlers of Vernon Township was dissolved, and an association of the Old Settlers of Cowley County organized.
Election of officers for the ensuing year are as follows.
E. S. Torrance, president.
J. W. Millspaugh, vice-president.
Jacob Nixon, secretary and treasurer.
Motion prevailed that the president appoint an executive committee of one from each township. The president appointed as such committee the following.
Beaver: Lucius Walton.
Cedar: D. M. Patton.
Creswell: I. H. Bonsall.
Dexter: Jesse Hines.
Fairview: Wm. White.
Harvey: Robt. Strother.
Liberty: Justus Fisher.
Maple: Adam Walck.
Ninnescah: A. A. Jackson.
Omnia: W. H. Gilliard.
Otter: Daniel Kantz.
Pleasant Valley: A. H. Broadwell.
Richland: N. J. Larkin.
Rock: Reuben Booth.
Sheridan: E. Shriver.
Silver Creek: Harvey Smith.
Silver Dale: W. H. H. Maris.
Spring Creek: J. B. Callison.
Tisdale: E. P. Young.
Vernon: J. E. Dunn.

Walnut: H. C. Loomis.
Windsor: Mc D. Stapleton.
Winfield City: J. P. Short.
Motion by Mr. H. H. Martin that all residents that came to this county prior to June 1st, 1875, be eligible to membership in the organization, carried. President instructed to appoint a committee of three on program for next meeting.
President appointed as such committee: Wm. P. Hackney, C. M. Scott, and S. M. Fall.
On motion, the 1st Tuesday in September next was appointed as the first regular meeting.
Interesting personal reminiscences of early times in the county were given by Messrs. Millspaugh, Murphy, Hawkins, Bonnewell, Kinney, Werden, Schwantes, and the president.
Adjourned to meet at 10 a.m., 1st Tuesday in September next.
E. S. TORRANCE, President. JACOB NIXON, Secretary.
[ASSESSORS’ RETURNS.]
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1883.
                      Assessors’ Returns of Personal Property and Population for 1883.
Total valuation of personal property in Cowley County on March 1st, 1883, as shown by the assessment rolls: $1,087,751.
                                 Gain in valuation since March 1st, 1882: $252,408.
Valuation of K. C., L. & S. K. R. R., March 1st, 1883: $244,996.05.
Valuation of Wichita & Southwestern R. R., March 1st, 1883: $225,967.43.
[They gave gain of Personal Property and Population since March 1, 1882, by Townships, leaving Gains/Losses out for Cedar, Arkansas City, Omnia.
                                        Total gain of Personal Property: $252,408.
                                              TOWNSHIPS—POPULATION.
Beaver 780, Bolton 1,184, Cedar 677, Arkansas City 1,882, Creswell 763, Dexter 924, Fairview 512, Harvey 788, Liberty 716, Maple 636, Ninnescah 700, Omnia 347, Otter 463, Pleasant Valley 800, Richland 923, Rock 706, Sheridan 622, Silver Creek 928, Spring Creek 449, Silverdale 744, Tisdale 870, Vernon 930, Walnut 896, Windsor 900, Winfield City 3,284. TOTAL POPULATION: 22,516.
                                      TOWNSHIPS—GAIN IN POPULATION.
Beaver 51, Bolton 221, Arkansas City 526, Creswell 92, Dexter 27, Harvey 171, Liberty 121, Maple 88, Ninnescah 53, Pleasant Valley 29, Rock 33, Sheridan 6, Silver Creek 131, Spring Creek 65, Silverdale 104, Tisdale 54, Windsor 14, Winfield City 624 [?].
                                 Total Gain in Population of above townships: 2,410.
                                TOWNSHIPS WHICH LOST IN POPULATION:
Cedar 51, Fairview 9, Omnia 77, Richland 86, Vernon 79, Walnut 143.
                                  Total Loss in Population of above townships: 445.
While the increase of personal property and population in the county is very satisfactory, the improvement in the assessors’ returns for 1883 seem to have kept pace with the general improvement of the county. Not a bad return this year; some with slight mistakes, thirteen correct, and altogether, without doubt, much the most correct returns that have been made since the organization of the county. Below I give the names of the trustees whose returns needed and received no corrections in this office.

S. D. Jones, Beaver; P. A. Lorry, Bolton; J. B. Nipp, Creswell; E. Haynes, Harvey; Jos. Gorham, Maple; T. H. Aley, Otter; Ludolphus Holcomb, Pleasant Valley; H. J. Sandfort, Richland, S. D. Williams, Rock, Geo. Eaton, Spring Creek; Hugh McKibben, Tisdale; J. H. Irwin, Windsor, J. P. Short, Winfield City. J. S. HUNT, County Clerk.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.
J. P. Short has sold his residence property on Manning Street to D. Berkey for two thousand dollars. He will give possession in October, and will then remove to his Walnut Township farm. Walnut is rapidly catching the cream of our population.
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.
W. C. Robinson was elected a director in the Building & Loan Association in Mr. Platter’s place. J. P. Short was elected treasurer.
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.
Skipped Monthly Meeting of Horticultural Society, July 7. Names Mentioned: Mr. Gillett, Mr. W. A. Ela, Mr. Jennings and Robertson, Mr. N. G. Davis. President J. F. Martin. Mr. W. C. Hayden. Mr. F. A. Williams, Mr. J. P. Short, Mr. Henry Hawkins, Mr. Jacob Nixon, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
BIRTH. And now comes J. P. Short with a handful of fine Havanas and announces the advent of a bran new girl of regulation weight into his family.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
Talk about competition. The returns of Assessor Short were completed in June and disclosed the fact that the west ward had been losing ground, while the east ward had increased three hundred. Since that time there have been twenty-eight births in the west ward with a present rate of three each day. It’s only a question of time and figures when the balance of population will be changed.
J. P. Short now resident of Walnut Township...located hotel on corner where Harter’s drug store now stands thirteen years ago (1870)...
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1883.
J. P. Short is now a resident of Walnut Township, and is occupying his farm. He located on the corner where Harter’s drug store now stands, thirteen years ago. The first few months of his residence was made in a tent. The weather was bad, the tent leaked, and many were the hardships he experienced. He can look back to those days now with a good deal of satisfaction.
[OLD SOLDIERS: ROLL OF HONOR.]
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
ROLL OF HONOR. We publish below the roll of old soldiers in this county drawing pensions from the government for injuries sustained on account of service, with monthly rate of allowance. It shows that there are one hundred and forty-six soldiers in the county drawing pensions, and that the government pays to them monthly the aggregate sum of $1,509.66-3/4. This is a record that no county but ours can show. It is certainly one that “Cares for him who has born the brunt of battle and for his widows and orphans.”
                                 LIST OF PENSIONERS, COWLEY COUNTY.

[NOTE: THEY GAVE THE NUMBER OF CERTIFICATE FOR EACH ONE. DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS HARD TO READ AND MANY ARE LONG, I HAVE SKIPPED.
LISTING “Number of Certificate.” MAW]
1. NUMBER OF CERTIFICATE.
2. NAME OF PENSIONER.
3. POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
4. CAUSE FOR WHICH PENSIONED [SOMETIMES ABBREVIATED].
5. MONTHLY RATE.
6. DATE OF ORIGINAL ALLOWANCE...NOT ALWAYS GIVEN.
                                     Short, James P., Winfield, g s w lt hand, $8.00.
                                                 [Gun shot wound to left hand.]
Winfield Courier, December 6, 1883.
Messrs. J. P. Short, J. W. Curns, and H. Silver have been appointed to appraise the Brettun estate and are now at work. The task is a big one as the estate owns a large amount of land scattered all over the county.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
The stockholders’ meeting of the Building & Loan Association was held Monday evening. Nearly four hundred shares of the different series were represented. Messrs. I. W. Randall, J. W. Connor, C. E. Fuller, and J. P. Short were elected as directors. The reports of the secretary exhibited a most prosperous condition of the affairs of the Association. It is another of our public institutions which is doing a grand work for the community, in furnishing a safe, sure, and profitable investment for mechanics, laboring men, and persons of small means. It enables them to build homes for themselves and pay therefor in monthly installments. Many stockholders have secured a plot of ground, borrowed money from the Association to put up a home, and are paying in the way of assessments on their stock and interest on the loan, no more than they formerly paid for rent. In a few years they will have a home, all paid for, and hardly know how they got it. Too much cannot be said in praise of this institution and the work it is doing.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
OUR FAIR. On Monday afternoon the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association met in the Opera House for the purpose of re-organizing the Board of Directors for the year 1884, and receiving reports of the condition and doings of the Association for the year. About seventy-five stockholders, representing nearly all of the subscribed stock, were present.
J. P. Short was a stockholder, holding one share.
[BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1884.
The Directors of the Building & Loan Association organized Tuesday night by electing R. E. Wallis, president; Henry Goldsmith, vice president; J. F. McMullen, Secretary, and J. P. Short, Treasurer.
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.

Citizens of Walnut Township met January 24, 1884, and nominated the following citizen ticket: For Trustee, J. P. Short; for treasurer, G. W. Yount; for clerk, D. W. Ferguson; for J. P., John Ross; for constables, John Anderson and Jos. C. Monforte; executive committee, T. A. Blanchard, O. P. Fuller, Senior, and C. A. Roberts.
[POLITICS: TOWNSHIP CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
A Card.
To the Voters of Walnut Township: I am informed that at the township convention held last Saturday, I was nominated for Trustee of the township and that it is proposed to have the nomination endorsed at the Republican convention next Saturday. While I highly appreciate the implied confidence and honor conferred, I am compelled to decline the nomination, which was made notwithstanding my positive refusal to accept. My farm and other interests demand my whole personal attention; I have been a resident of the township but a few months and there are older residents who desire the office. Having been assessor of Winfield for several years, as such I have about lost all confidence in my fellow man, and desire to rest awhile and have it restored. But seriously, while thanking you for the highly esteemed compliment, I beg to respectfully but positively decline the nomination or endorsement if made. Respectfully, J. P. SHORT.
[COWLEY COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
Cowley County Horticultural Society met in COURIER office, on May 31, 1884.
President Martin in the chair. Geo. Ordway elected secretary pro tem.
Mr. Short has tried the Turner Raspberry. They failed to live through the winter and gave no crop.
G. W. Robinson was selected delegate to the State Horticultural society at Junction City.
J. P. Short was also elected a delegate to the same.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
A careful examination of the assessors’ enumeration of inhabitants of the county was made and the Board found that the population of the county was 26,137.
A. J. Thompson, A. H. Jennings, and J. P. Short appointed viewers on J. W. Bryan county road.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
Talesman: J. P. Short.
[COWLEY COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
Monthly Meeting of the Horticultural Society.
The Cowley County Horticultural society met in regular monthly session August 2nd.
President J. F. Martin appointed Messrs. Short and Mentch committee on fruit on exhibition.
By J. P. Short. Splendid lot of Hales Early peaches.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
The following is a list of the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association. On the list of stockholders: J. P. Short.

[COWLEY COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
A Chance to Show Ourselves. At the County Horticultural Society meeting held last Saturday, J. P. Short exhibited a splendid lot of peaches. They were brought in at the request of Capt. Geo. W. Ashby, who is traveling over the state selecting fine specimens of fruit to go into the State exhibit at the New Orleans Exposition to be held next fall and winter. . . . Capt. Ashby will be here again during our county fair to select fruit and vegetable specimens.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
Our Horticultural Society. The display of fruit at the meeting of the Cowley County Horticultural Society held in the COURIER editorial room last Saturday was magnificent beyond our powers of description. Apples were brought that were all but perfect in every way, grapes of every variety, peaches as fine as ever produced in any state, and garden vegetables the equal of any. The discussion on the various topics of planting, pruning, grafting, and training, with the result of different methods before them was most interesting and valuable to those who were so fortunate as to be present. The growth of the society has been gratifying to the COURIER, not alone for the good it is accomplishing, but as a compliment to President Jas. F. Martin, Messrs. Nixon, Mentch, Short, Cairns, Robertson, Hogue, Maxwell, and the few other faithful and enthusiastic members of the Society who have stood by it in all the struggles and trials of its infancy. They have persisted in the work until today it is fast becoming a power for the dissemination of practical knowledge that will result in much good in Cowley in a most material way. To all persons interested in fruit growing we say come out and attend these meetings and our word for it will be abundantly repaid.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
Special Meeting Horticultural Society.
August 16th, 1884.
Society called to order by President. Minutes of last meeting read and accepted. President appointed Messrs. Gillett and Secretary committee on fruit exhibition. Discussion by Messrs. Adams, DeTurk, and Martin on the prolongation of the grape and training. Mr. DeTurk would train low on the trellis.
Communication from State Secretary read and passed.
J. P. Short, Esq., appointed committee on part of Society to preserve specimens of fruit for state committee. All members and all others requested to leave specimens at meeting of Society on first Saturday in September.
Short renting 400 acre stock farm, location unknown...
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.
If you want to rent a No. 1 stock farm, look up J. P. Short’s ad. in this issue.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.
Stock Farm for Rent. A splendid stock farm containing over four hundred acres, eighty in cultivation, forty in timber, balance hay and grazing land. Walnut River runs through place, also fine spring branch. Will lease to the right party for a number of years; possession given March 1st, next. Address or apply to J. P. SHORT, Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.

Cowley in the Worlds Exposition. Last Monday, Mr. J. P. Short, as committeeman for the Cowley County Horticultural Society, shipped his collection of fruit for the World’s Exposition at New Orleans. The collection was made under his supervision and is very fine, embracing specimens of every variety of our fruit. They will be exhibited as the “Cowley County, Kansas, collection.” Cowley is always in the lead.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1884.
The State Fair. The writer attended the State Fair at Topeka last week on “Ben Butler Day,” and is prepared to confess that the caricatures devoted to “Old Ben” by Puck and Judge are absolutely flattering as to beauty. Ben is not at home as a stump speaker, especially in stalwart Republican Kansas, and his speeches elicited very little enthusiasm. The Fair was something to make blooming, happy Kansas prouder than ever, and an advertisement of incalculable benefit. Every department was complete. A look at the magnificent displays proved the feebleness of words to express the gigantic possibilities of the garden spot of the world, Sunny Kansas. We noticed on the grounds from Winfield: Misses Lizzie and Margie Wallis, and Messrs. R. E. Wallis, J. O. Taylor, W. H. Turner, A. H. Green, S. H. and A. H. Jennings, J. P. Short, Harry Bahntge, Chas. Schmidt, A. Gogoll, and Tom Matherson.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. Boyle and Mrs. Root, sister of Mrs. Boyle, are at present the guests of Mr. J. P. Short and lady. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle will return to Colorado next week.
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1884.
Mrs. E. Houston, Mrs. H. Brown, Mrs. Geo. Ordway, and Mrs. J. P. Short spent last week visiting Mrs. Frank Williams and other Wichita friends.
Short raised fine pedigree Berkshire hogs for sale...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
Some weeks ago J. P. Short inserted an advertisement of his fine pedigree Berkshire hogs for sale, in the COURIER. His first customer was from McPherson County, who ordered one by express. In a letter acknowledging the receipt of the pig, he says it was much better than he expected, and finer by far than some which a neighbor had expressed from the east. J. P. has heard from that advertisement many times, and instead of having to hunt up customers, they come to him.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.

Winfield Building and Loan Association. The annual meeting of the stockholders of this association was held on Monday evening with a fair attendance. The reports of the secretary and treasurer were read, exhibiting in detail its affairs. From these reports it appears that there has been loaned by the association on bond and mortgages $11,750, secured by first lien on productive real estate in each case of more than double the amount of the loan. The association has three series running and aggregating about 450 shares, and opened a fourth series on the first of January, upon which nearly a hundred shares have already been subscribed. It was shown that the profit on the first series for three years, since it was first taken, amounted to $26.50 on the investment of $36.00, and on the second series, upon an investment of $24.00, $6.50 for two years, and on the third series, an investment of $12.00 for the past year, a profit of $1.75. The stock is paid in monthly installments at $1.00 per share. The institution is growing finely and is a befit to Winfield in building houses and in furnishing a safe and profitable way of investing monthly savings. The new board of directors consists of W. C. Robinson, A. B. Snow, C. F. Bahntge, J. F. McMullen, C. E. Fuller, J. P. Short, J. S. Mann, J. W. Connor, and A. T. Spotswood.
The Board met on Tuesday evening and elected their officers for the coming year: President, J. S. Mann; Vice President, J. W. Connor; Treasurer, Henry Goldsmith; Secretary, J. F. McMullen. Subscriptions to the fourth series may be made at the secretary’s office on 9th Avenue.
J. P. Short and daughter, Edna...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
J. P. Short left Wednesday for a few days sojourn at the State Capitol. He was accompanied by his daughter, Miss Edna.
Shorts talks about raising rent on his buildings due to higher awnings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.
The raising of the awnings has vastly improved the beauty of our streets. J. P. Short says he is going to raise the rent on his buildings, as a renter can now stand in the door and see a dog fight at the other end of town—a convenience he did not enjoy under the old low awning reign.
Farmers Bank purchases J. P. Short corner, where Harter’s drug store located.
Short to build three two-story buildings: one fronting on Main; two fronting on Ninth Avenue...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.
The Farmers Bank has purchased, through Messrs. Harris & Clark, the J. P. Short corner, where Harter’s drug store is. They get seventy-five feet of the lot for $7,500. They will immediately begin the erection of a fine two story bank building. J. P. Short will also build three two story buildings, one fronting on Main street and two on Ninth Avenue.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds yesterday.
    J P Short et ux to John A Eaton, 75 feet off w end of lot 12, blk 128, Winfield: $7,500.00.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
The rulers of the city met Monday in regular semi-monthly commune. Present: Mayor Graham and Councilmen McDonald, Connor, Myers, Crippen, and Harter. Absent: Councilmen Jennings, Baden, and Hodges.
Building permits were granted J. P. Short and H. B. Schuler.
An indemnity bond was required of John A. Eaton, making the city harmless from any damage that might occur from moving the Harter building into 9th avenue.
Excerpt from long article...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.

A month more will show a building impetus in Winfield astonishing to all. The new school building, the Winfield National extension, the fine Farmers Bank and J. P. Short blocks, and other notable improvements are now progressing, while a drive around the city exhibits residence buildings and improvements on every hand. And our contractors are busily figuring on numerous prospective improvements—all extensive and valuable—in harmony with the general progressive air of the Queen City.
J. P. Short sells the following: 1) Headrick building (sold to A. P. Johnson); 2) Harris & Clark office; 3) Bliss & Wood grain office; 4) harness shop; 5) tin shed.
Work on Farmers Bank and Short lots to commence.
Harter building to be moved over in Ninth Avenue.    
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
The J. P. Short landmarks were all sold Monday and will be moved off to make room for an imposing block, an honor to the city. A. P. Johnson bought the Headrick building, $87; the Harris & Clark office, $100; and the Bliss & Wood grain office, $51. A. H. Doane got the harness shop, $101; and H. G. Fuller got the little tin shed, $5. The buildings will likely be moved onto residence lots. Work on the bank and Short lots will commence at once. The Harter building will be moved over in Ninth avenue.
Excavation begins on cellars of Eaton and Short buildings...
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The street and alley committee was instructed to purchase dirt for street grading from the Eaton-Short cellar excavators, ten cents per load, delivered.
George Rembaugh rents old Short Building (Harter’s Drug Store), in the street and on wheels, location not told...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
POST OFFICE LOCATED. The post office change of location is finally settled. As no particular location can possibly be satisfactory to all the unterrified, George has finally hit upon a plan that will be sure to suit. He has rented the old Short building lately occupied by Harter’s drug store, now in the street and on wheels, and has engaged Fred Kropp’s mules to haul the postoffice about town everywhere any Democrat wants it. It will receive and deliver the mails at the depots and then roll off around town. This plan seems to satisfy everybody except Arthur Bangs. He is kicking like a Texas steer, for it will “bust up” his mail carrying business.
Herrod & Paris have contract to excavate Eaton & Short cellars on the corner of Ninth and Main...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Ben Herrod and Hank Paris have the contract for excavating the Eaton-Short cellar on the corner of Ninth and Main. They are making things hum.
Excerpts...
Description: Farmers Building, Eaton office, new Short building...
New Buildings, Residence and Business, Spring Up All Over the City.
Their Owners, Style, Cost, etc.—A Resume of our Improvement Boom!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
                                                   [Farmers Bank Building.]

The Farmers Bank building, on the corner of Main Street and 9th Avenue, will be by far the best building in this part of the State. It will be built of the gray stone, with blue stone trimmings, and will have a galvanized iron cornice, crestings, and dormer windows, with a slate roof, mansard and gothic front on the third floor part of the building. The building will be 50 x 115 feet, of which the front 50 x 75 feet will be three stories, and the 40 x 50 feet at the rear, fronting on 9th Avenue, will be two stories high, but will have the same style of finish and general appearance of the front part except the mansard front.
                 [John Eaton’s office, other rooms: part of Farmers Bank Building.]
Mr. Eaton’s part of the building (25 x 75 feet of the corner) will have two good basement store rooms, well lighted and ventilated, with a fire-proof vault for each. The first floor will contain the Banking rooms, with Mr. Eaton’s law office with side entrance at the rear, and a large burglar and fire-proof vault for the bank. Two broad, easy stairs will give access to the second floor rooms of the building; one stair in the center of the Main Street front, the other near the center of the 9th Avenue front. The second floor of this building will contain three suites of offices of three rooms and a closet to each.
                                [J. P. Short’s portion of Farmers Bank Building.]
Mr. Short’s part of the building will have a good cellar, but no basement rooms. The first floor will have three good store rooms with a rear light and entrance to each. The second floor will have ten suites of offices of two rooms each, connected by wide folding doors. They do not contemplate finishing the third floor at present; but when done, it will make at least six good office or sleeping rooms. This building will be the “Office Block” of the city, and will contain thirteen suites of the best lighted and ventilated offices in the city. The building will cost $20,000. A fine drawing of the building will be completed soon and will show what it will be when completed.
Excavation completed on Farmers’ Bank and Short part of building...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Hank Paris and Ben Herrod, the contractors, finished the Farmers’ Bank and Short excavation Friday. Eighteen hundred cubic yards of dirt were taken out in twelve days. All the contracts, except painting, in the building’s construction, have been let. Conner & Sons have the mason work contract, McKay & Pettit the carpentry, and John Craine the plastering.
Excerpts from lengthy article: Farmers Bank & Short’s block mentioned...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
Main street’s old rookeries, of pioneer days, are being moved to back streets, and in their places are going up imposing brick and stone blocks. The fine three story block of the Farmers Bank and J. P. Short’s block; the Winfield National Bank extension; the commodious Commercial Hotel addition; Irve Randall’s business block; that of Wallis & Wallis; Curns & Manser, and numerous others might be mentioned among the boom in Main street buildings. And many other valuable blocks are projected for erection at once. The next three months will make a magic change in Winfield.
Excerpts from lengthy article.
Note: building of Farmers’ Bank and J. P. Short, on corner of Ninth and Main...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.

The large and elegant building of the Farmers’ Bank and J. P. Short, on the corner of Ninth and Main, the Weitzel extension to the Commercial hotel, the Winfield National Bank addition, the fine residences of John A. Eaton, Mrs. Silliman, and numerous others equally as good, are a true indication of the boom we are experiencing and shows that our capitalists are not timid with their money.
Short selling hogs from location one mile east of south end of Main Street...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.
FOR SALE. Fifty head of shoats ready for feeding, one mile east of south end of Main street. J. P. Short.
Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short...
     The Marriage of Mr. Ezra M. Nixon and Miss Jessie Millington Thursday Night.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
At an early hour the large double parlors, sitting room, and hall were filled almost to overflowing by the following friends.
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Kennedy, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Capt. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Buckman, Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, Rev. and Mrs. H. D. Gans, Col. and Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Senator and Mrs. W. P. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Ed P. Greer, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, Judge and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Root, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Senator and Mrs. J. C. Long, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Balliet, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Senator and Mrs. F. S. Jennings, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. R. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Richards; Mesdames J. C. Fuller, A. T. Spotswood, E. P. Hickok, Ed Beeny, T. B. Myers, A. C. Bangs,         Judd, P. H. Albright; Misses Emma Strong, Sallie McCommon, Nettie R. McCoy, Annie McCoy, Anna Hunt, Margie Wallis, Lizzie Wallis, Ida Johnston, Leota Gary, Sadie French, Hattie Stolp, Lena Walrath, Minnie Taylor, Huldah Goldsmith, and Lillie Wilson; Messrs. R. E. Wallis, C. Perry, Geo. C. Rembaugh, C. F. Bahntge, W. C. Robinson, E. Wallis, Ad Brown, Lewis Brown, Ed J. McMullen, Frank H. Greer, P. H. Albright, I. L. Millington, T. J. Eaton, M. J. O’Meara, M. H. Ewart, R. B. Rudolph, M. Hahn, James Lorton, C. D. Dever, E. Schuler, F. F. Leland, Lacey Tomlin, Jos. O’Hare, Eli Youngheim, H. Sickafoose, H. Goldsmith, Moses Nixon, L. D. Zenor, and George Schuler.
THE TOKENS AND DONORS.
Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mrs. J. P. Short, and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, bouquet of cut flowers.
Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Short, steel engraving, Lancelot.
Warner & McIntire, with their planing mill, turning out frame and fancy work for the Farmer’s Bank building (includes Eaton and Short portions)...
Warner & McIntire, contractors, doing the frame and fancy work for Eaton’s buildings (Farmers’ Bank and residence); Short block (part of Farmers’ Bank);
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Messrs. Warner & McIntire, the contractors, have under contract sixteen residence and business buildings—over sixteen thousand dollars worth in carpentry, planing, and scroll work. Their planing mill is turning out the frame and fancy work for Eaton’s buildings, the business blocks of Short, Wallis, and Curns & Manser; the Imbecile Asylum and College buildings; Charley Fuller’s residence, and numerous others, with more to follow. Their mill is full of work, clear to the brim.

Comments about timing in getting rid of old rookeries, getting new buildings...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
ALL IS WELL THAT ENDS WELL.
Anathemas have been heaped for years on the heads of the men who persisted in coining large rents from the old rookeries on Main street, and yet were able to shove them off and put up good buildings. Sweeping fires have been silently longed for. Developments prove that the sticktoitiveness of those old frame buildings have been a good thing in many instances. Look at the J. P. Short corner and the McGuire corner. Nothing but the magic development of Winfield in the past year or so would prompt the erection of such magnificent buildings as the Farmers Bank and Short blocks and the projected block of the First National. Had those rookeries been removed even a year back, no such buildings would have adorned those corners—the main pillars to the business portion of the city. Now the old Keck barn has fallen into hands that will rear in its stead buildings a credit to the city. As the city grows, so does the class of its business blocks improve. The blocks now put in the place of these relics must be large, valuable, and of modern architecture to harmonize with the metropolitan air of our city. The next year will leave but a few old frame landmarks—all will be replaced by improvements worthy the coming Kansas City of the great southwest. And the opportunity for these magnificent improvements are largely traceable to these men whom we have been wont to class as hogs, in swinging to their old landmarks with enormous rents. But the edict has now gone forth, with the future of our city thoroughly established: the rookeries must go. And their owners know it, and are preparing to meet the inevitable demand.
J. P. Short...
                                     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.
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.
                                                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. P. 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.
Plumbing, gas fitting, and steam heating (I. W. Randall & Co.) For Farmers Bank and J. P. Short’s building...
                                              HARDWARE, STOVES, ETC.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
In walking around town today we dropped into the Hardware and Stove House of I. W. Randall & Co., and found the firm up to their eyes in business. They are carrying an immense stock of Hardware and Stoves of all kinds, which they are selling at low prices. They believe in the rule of giving value received for every dollar spent with them. In addition to their Hardware and Stove business, they are doing an extensive plumbing business, gas fitting, and steam heating. They have taken some large contracts in this line, have just finished the plumbing in D. A. Millington’s house, are also fitting up Col. McMullen and John A. Eaton’s houses, and Farmers Bank and J. P. Short’s buildings with Steam, Gas, and Water. Parties wanting work in this line should see these jobs; they speak for themselves.
J. P. Short’s mother dies in Topeka...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.
J. P. Short went to Topeka Thursday noon in response to a telegram announcing the sad intelligence of the death of his mother in that city this morning.
Reference to Short portion of Farmers’ Bank Building...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.
J. P. Short feels aggrieved. He advertised elegant suits of office rooms in the Farmers Bank block, and the gentle compositor made it “Torrance-Fuller block,” which he expects to own in time, but doesn’t claim yet. We gladly make the correction and kill the compositor.