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S. P. Strong
Rock Township.
[Handled Sheep.]
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.
S. P. Strong, late of Indianapolis, Indiana, has bought the splendid farm of A. D. Lee, of Rock Township, and is going into farming on a large scale. He is a staunch republican, a gentleman of intelligence and culture, and will be heard from in the future history of this county.
Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.
Mr. S. P. Strong, of Rock, was in town last Saturday in company with Dr. J. P. Graham, late of Indianapolis, who has located in Rock and says the Walnut Valley is the finest he has ever seen.
Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.
Mr. Strong, one of Rock’s staunchest farmers, came down last week.
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
Primary Meeting. The Republican voters of Rock Creek Township met at Darien schoolhouse Saturday, August 3, 1878. Reuben Booth was chosen for chairman, G. H. Williams, Secretary. The following named gentlemen were chosen to represent the township at the Republican County Convention, to be held in Winfield, Saturday, Aug. 10, 1878.
For delegates: Sam’l. P. Strong, Chas. H. Eagin, Reuben Booth, Wm. J. Funk.
Alternates: E. R. Evans, Geo. H. Williams, Frank Akers, Wm. Palmer.
REUBEN BOOTH, Chairman. GEO. H. WILLIAMS, Secretary.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 15, 1878.
Delegates chosen for the Congressional Convention: E. A. Henthorn, W. P. Hackney, R. L. Walker, Dr. N. Hughes, H. H. Siverd, R. R. Turner, S. P. Strong.
Winfield Courier, September 12, 1878. Editorial Page.
The magnates of the Kansas City, Burlington & Santa Fe railroad arrived sooner than was expected. They came in on Wednesday evening of last week. The party consisted of Mr. Joseph P. Hale, capitalist of New York, Gen. Wm. H. Schofield, of Burlington, president of the road, James Hueston, engineer, and Orson Kent, treasurer. Messrs. Schofield and Kent were accompanied by their wives. The next morning the citizens of Winfield procured teams and took the gentlemen of the party and the gentlemen from Sedan out to several surrounding elevations to view the broad and beautiful valleys of the Walnut and Arkansas. The citizens then met in Manning’s new building, chose R. F. Burden, chairman, and W. M. Allison, Secretary, and were addressed at length by Gen. Schofield. He recounted the many difficulties that he had encountered and overcome in his struggles to build the road, succeeding in completing and putting in operation 44 miles and putting the company in such a condition in which it can now move the work along rapidly. He said they had now arrived at a point that they could promise to build the road to us within a reasonable short time if we shall secure to them the necessary aid, and desired an expression from our citizens.
E. C. Manning, J. E. Platter, D. A. Millington, S. P. Strong, C. Coldwell, J. B. Holmes, and A. B. Lemmon being called upon made short addresses, and the meeting appointed a committee of nine persons consisting of R. F. Burden, of Windsor, E. C. Manning, J. E. Platter, D. A. Millington, of Winfield, S. P. Strong, of Rock, C. R. Mitchell, of Arkansas City, O. P. Darst, of Dexter, W. A. Metcalf, of Cedar, and C. W. Roseberry, of Beaver, to confer with the officers of the railroad in relation to the terms which will be required of this county to secure the building of the road. The meeting adjourned, and committee met and organized by the election of D. A. Millington, chairman, and J. E. Platter, secretary. Gen. Schofield promises to return here within two weeks ready to submit a proposition and will notify the chairman of the committee of the exact time a few days beforehand, when the chairman will notify the balance of the committee by postal card. The distinguished visitors left in the afternoon to return; Messrs. Hale, Schofield, and Hueston went with Mr. Lemmon via Wichita. Anything further that may be developed in relation to this road will be given to our readers as early as possible. We need a railroad and want this if we can get it on reasonable terms in a reasonably short time.
Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.
The following are the names of the enterprising citizens who brought in the returns from different townships on the night after the election.
Rock: S. P. Strong, J. M. Harcourt, W. H. Grow, W. H. White, G. L. Gale, R. Booth, H. Fisk, J. B. Holmes.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
Mr. S. P. Strong, of Rock, came down Saturday. He was negotiating with Santa Claus.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1881.
S. P. Strong was appointed by the board as trustee of Rock township, to take the place of the one cut off by the new township.
[THE WOOL GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1881.
At an adjourned meeting of the Cowley Co. Wool Growers’ Association, held at Winfield January 8th, 1881, the following business was transacted.
Mr. Service being temporary chairman, secretary’s report of last meeting was read and adopted.
Names of members read and fourteen others added.
The following officers were elected by ballot for the ensuing year.
President: N. L. Rigby.
First Vice President: S. P. Strong.
Second Vice President: John Stalter.
Recording Secretary: A. D. Crowell.
Corresponding Secretary: S. C. Smith.
Treasurer: A. H. Doane.
Messrs. Smith, Silliman, and Chafey were appointed by the chair to act as a committee to select one from each township in the county to act as an executive committee.
Messrs. Stalter and Eastman were appointed by the chair to act as a committee to select and assign subjects to be discussed at the next regular meeting.
Motion was made and carried that Mr. Ezra Meech be appointed as a delegate to the State Wool Growers’ Association that is to be held at Topeka on the 18th inst., and Mr. Rigby as alternate.
Motion was made and carried that three and not more than five be appointed by the chair as a committee to visit the various flocks of sheep throughout the county and report regarding their condition, management, etc.
Messrs. Chafey, Meech, Smith, Eastman, and Crowell were so appointed.
After remarks by Mr. Lynn regarding the Eaton Tariff Bill now before Congress, a motion was made and carried that the corresponding secretary be instructed to request our representatives to Congress to favor said bill.
Motion was made and carried that the first clause of the constitution be so amended as to read, “Cowley County Wool Growers and Sheep Breeders’ Association.”
Motion was made and carried that the corresponding secretary be instructed to collect the petitions already distributed and present them through our Senator to the State Legislature.
Adjourned to meet at 10 o’clock, m., March 5th, 1881. A. D. CROWELL, Sec’y.
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
S. P. Strong, of Rock, registered at the Williams House Thursday.
Winfield Courier, June 30, 1881.
S. P. Strong of Rock came down to the “Hub” Tuesday. He came in just late enough to escape being caught as a juryman.
Winfield Courier, August 18, 1881.
Sim Moore is the longest, Sam P. Strong the fattest, and Parley Heath the handsomest man on the Republican Central committee.
[PROCEEDINGS OF THE REPUBLICAN COUNTY COMMITTEE, AUG. 11, 1881.]
Winfield Courier, August 18, 1881.
The Republican Central Committee met in Winfield, at the office of O. M. Seward at 2 o’clock p.m. in accordance with the call of the chairman. The secretary called the roll and the following members answered to their names. Beaver: C. W. Roseberry; Liberty: Justus Fisher; Maple: W. P. Heath; Richland: L. B. Stone; Silver Creek: S. S. Moore; Tisdale: J. S. Baker; Walnut: J. H. Morgan; 1st Ward Winfield: F. C. Hunt; 2nd Ward Winfield: O. M. Seward; Pleasant Valley: Z. B. Myers.
On motion S. P. Strong was empowered to act in place of S. C. Tomlinson, member from Rock township.
On motion, J. H. Curfman was admitted as member from Fairview township.
On motion, H. H. Martin was elected member from Ninnescah in place of D. Hopkins.
On motion, a committee of three, consisting of S. P. Strong, Justus Fisher, and C. W. Roseberry, was appointed to apportion the number of delegates for each township and report to the committee. . . .
First reference to Strong handling Merino sheep...
Winfield Courier, October 20, 1881.
Mr. S. P. Strong, the phat and jolly “member from Rock,” was perambulating over the streets Saturday. He is dealing some in thoroughbred Merino sheep.
Winfield Courier, December 29, 1881.
S. P. Strong was down Tuesday. He was accompanied by Mr. Murry, a young Hoosier who is taking in Cowley.
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
The Republicans of Rock Creek Township will meet at Rock Schoolhouse, on Saturday, January 28, at 7 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of selecting candidates for the various township offices. S. P. STRONG, Chairman, Township Committee.
Winfield Courier, March 16, 1882.
S. P. Strong came down Wednesday. As there were not many people in town that day, S. P. could get about the streets comfortably.
Cowley County Courant, May 18, 1882.
The Republican county convention to elect delegates to the congressional convention to be held at Emporia on the 24th inst., met at Manning’s Hall at 11 o’clock Saturday. The convention was called to order by D. A. Millington, chairman of the county central committee, who read the call. On motion of T. H. Soward, H. D. Gans was elected temporary chairman and J. V. Hines temporary secretary. On motion, committees were appointed as follows. Credentials: G. H. Buckman, P. M. Waite, Harvey Smith, John Wallace, and Frank Akers; Permanent Organization: S. Matlack, N. W. Dressie, R. M. Patten, S. Phoenix, and Wm. Sleeth; To select delegates to Emporia convention: D. A. Millington, Justus Fisher, Sara Burger, Oscar Wooley, and P. A. Lowry.
On motion convention adjourned to 1:00 o’clock P.M. On reassembling at 2 o’clock P.M., the various committees reported (reports too long for this issue).
P. M. Waite, of Vernon, elected permanent Chairman, and J. V. Hines permanent Secretary.
The following delegates and alternates were elected as follows to the Third District Convention to be held at Emporia on the 24th inst.: D. A. Millington, A. B. Elliott, P. M. Waite, C. L. Swarts, H. W. Stubblefield, L. B. Stone, S. M. Fall, Sampson Johnson. Alternates: S. P. Strong, Justus Fisher, W. B. Norman, William White, S. W. Chase, H. H. Martin, M. S. Teter, J. M. Hooker.
On motion the delegates to Emporia were instructed to cast their votes for Hon. Thomas Ryan, for Congress.
[ROCK TOWNSHIP.]
Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.
A Courant representative visited Rock township yesterday. To say that this is the best township in the county would lay the Courant liable to the charge of toadyism from which it prides itself on being so free. It is, however, one of the several very best in any county. No township in the county combines so many natural advantages. Besides vast quantities of the richest bottom land, there is abundance of timber, pure water in plenty, and exhaustive building and fencing stone, to be had for the quarrying; and wheat and corn everywhere. We think it probable that Rock township should be credited with having raised the biggest wheat in the State, that is, the largest yield to the acre. The acreage is not so large this year as last, but gives promise of being the best crop yet raised in that wheat raising township.
The Rock store kept by that clever, sensible Republican, George H. Williams, is the political headquarters, and may be said to be the county seat of Rock township. Here may be found a few congenial souls almost any time of the day. And the wayfarer can be accommodated with any kind of a discussion he feels himself capable of taking a hand in. The versatile Harcourt will lock horns with him on temperance, the conscientious Gale will hold him down on religion or the want of it, while Uncle John Holmes can wear him out on hogs and cattle. These gentlemen all live handy, and can afford now, to take their ease. They are in no sense loafers. They are men who have gathered a big competence by hard work and good management, who now feel that they have earned a rest on the shadowy side of their lives.
John Holmes, Esq., is the most extensive farmer in the county. He owns a thousand acres of the choicest land, nearly all of it in wheat and corn. We had the good fortune to be invited to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Harcourt, where in company with Mr. and Mrs. Commissioner Gale, we passed a pleasant hour. This is decidedly a hoosier neighborhood, every man within a radius of several miles having been lucky enough to get away from Indiana.
Tom C. Brown had the misfortune to have a fine mare badly torn on a barbarous barbed wire fence some time ago and now Tom wishes there wasn’t a wire of that kind in the State.
W. O. Baxter, M. L. Hollingsworth, W. L. White, G. M. Turner, F. G. Szirkowsky, Mr. Thompson, J. M. Harcourt, John Holmes, Mr. Bailey, and Sam Strong are among the most successful farmers of that township.
Mr. Szirkowsky is one of the most enthusiastic Kansans that we have yet found. Last year was to some extent a bad one, yet this man tells us that he paid out three hundred and fifty dollars over and above his living, off of a small farm of sixty acres. He is now out of debt and considers Kansas the best state in the Union.
Tom Harp is the blacksmith at Rock and is said to be a number one workman. As we expect to visit that section again, we will not say anymore now.
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882.
Mrs. S. P. Strong was taken quite ill last Saturday on her way to town. She was taken to a hotel here and after resting, recovered sufficiently to be taken home.
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1882.
[Skipped long article re meeting at Courier Editorial Room of Republican Central Committee April 15, 1882. Listing Township/Names. MAW]
Cedar, N. W. Dressie; Dexter, J. V. Hines; Liberty, Justus Fisher; Ninnescah, H. H. Martin; Omnia, A. Hattery; Pleasant Valley, Z. B. Myer; Rock, S. P. Strong; Silver Creek, Edward Pate; Tisdale, W. C. Douglass; Vernon, P. M. Waite; Winfield (1st Ward), D. A. Millington; Winfield (2nd Ward), T. H. Soward.
Beaver, Bolton, Creswell, Harvey, Maple, Otter, Richland, Sheridan, Silverdale, Spring Creek, Walnut, and Windsor townships were not represented.
Passed Resolution: They were against the calling of two state conventions to select Congressmen for the State at large and also State Officers.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1882.
Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Strong were in the city Friday.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
No delegates having been elected in Rock Township, we recommend that W. H. Grow, Alex Limerick, and Frank Akers cast the vote of Rock Township in this convention.
Delegates to the 3rd District Convention at Emporia, May 24th: D. A. Millington, Winfield; A. B. Elliott, Dexter; P. M. Waite, Vernon; C. L. Swarts, Creswell; H. W. Stubblefield, Walnut; Dan Maher, Richland; S. M. Fall, Windsor; Sampson Johnson, Prairie Valley. Alternates: S. P. Strong, Rock; Justus Fisher, Liberty; W. B. Norman, Maple; Wm. White, Fairview; S. W. Chase, Tisdale; H. H. Martin, Ninnescah; M. S. Teter, Beaver; J. M. Hooker, Omnia.
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1882.
S. P. Strong came down Tuesday to dispose of his wool clip for this year. He got 22 cents per pound.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1882.
County Political Points. The representative question in the north district is getting active. S. M. Fall, R. F. Burden, John Wallace, John D. Maurer, and S. P. Strong are mentioned as possible timber, while E. A. Henthorn and J. W. Weimer are in the field.
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1882.
Hon. T. E. Johnson of Indianapolis, Indiana, called on us Tuesday in company with S. P. Strong of Rock, an old friend of his. Mr. Johnson is taking a look of our county, and is highly impressed with its capabilities.
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1882.
The Republican Committee of Cowley County met at the COURIER office in Winfield, on Saturday, July 8th, at 1 o’clock p.m. Present: S. P. Strong, Rock Township.
68th DISTRICT COMMITTEE...S. P. STRONG, Chairman; J. V. HINES, Secretary.
[Met at the office of T. H. Soward in Winfield.] Present: J. V. Hines of Dexter Township;
A. T. Smith of Harvey; W. P. Heath of Maple; A. Hattery of Omnia; Dan Maher of Richland; S. P. Strong of Rock; E. I. Johnson of Sheridan; Ed Pate of Silver Creek; T. J. Rude of Windsor. Otter not represented.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
S. P. Strong, Rock, elected temporary chairman; W. D. Mowry, Creswell, secretary.
Delegates entitled to seats. Rock: S. P. Strong, Frank Akers, E. J. Wilber.
State Convention Delegates: W. P. Hackney, C. M. Scott, S. B. Fleming, J. S. Hunt, Geo. L. Gale, P. B. Lee, S. P. Strong, Barney Shriver.
S. P. Strong, Rock Creek township, was elected as a member of the County Central Committee.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Convention Notes. There was no “uncertain sound” from the purling banks of Rock Creek Saturday. Geo. L. Gale of Rock, Capt. Shaw and S. M. Fall of Windsor, Uncle John Wallace of Dexter, H. C. Catlin of Liberty, and others of the “Old Guard,” were on hand Saturday to advise while the younger fellows did the fighting. Mr. J. D. Guthrie, of Bolton, was quite unwell Saturday, but was feeling much better when last we saw him at the train.
The Arkansas City delegation were a whole team with silver mounted trappings and a red dash-board. The leaders were a little fresh, but the wheelers held ‘em down, while the “swing horses” got in their work from both ends. The deal seemed to be mostly on “futures.”
James Utt and C. E. Hale got left by the gentleman who brought them over and the prospect of a thirty mile walk was dispelled by Senator Hackney, who got a conveyance and carried them over. Wm. Crawford came down from Ninnescah and gave the successful candidate for Superintendent a lift. Tom Rude has the satisfaction of knowing that he has lots of bright, energetic young girls all over the county who did their best for him all through the fight. As Chairman Strong put it, “the next thing in order was the nomination of Frank Jennings.” When a fellow takes a case like this by default, he ought to defer execution. Frank had no fault to find with his opponent.
Winfield Courier, August 31, 1882.
Mr. John Bailey of Rock sent us by Mr. S. P. Strong last Monday some Crawford peaches which measured ten inches. And still they come.
Winfield Courier, September 14, 1882.
Dr. Strong of Indianapolis, Indiana, a brother of S. P. Strong, has been visiting here for a week or more. He returned home by way of Topeka and stopped over to the re-union.
[ROCK TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “JIM.”]
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
Mack Strong, son of S. P. Strong, has returned home after a winter’s sojourn in Indianapolis. He has been attending a medical institute, for the benefit of his hearing, and comes back some improved.
[ROCK TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “JIM.”]
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1883.
Lambs are as plentiful as sands by the sea shore.
S. P. Strong has purchased a nice one horse buggy. Sam is too large for his grey pony.
Geo. M. Turner sold his farm of 160 acres to S. P. Strong. Consideration $4,000. Mr. Turner is going into the cattle business. Geo. is a No. 1 citizen and he will be missed. The worst thing about him is that he is a Democrat. JIM.
[ROCK TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “JIM.”]
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
Sam Strong caused a sudden depression in the egg market last week. A large dry-goods box was sitting near where he was standing. He got his foot in it, and Easter Eggs were scarce. His family have been eating eggs for the past week, and a week’s supply still on hand.
Dr. Hornady and brother from Indianapolis have been visiting S. P. Strong. They are thinking of locating here. We need a good doctor.
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
Messrs. S. P. Strong and Ex-Commissioner Gale, of Rock, were in the city Friday. Mr. Strong is one of the ten candidates for register of deeds, and withal one of the most whole-souled, genial gentlemen in the county. He measures four feet around the waist but will keep up with the head of the procession unless the weather gets mighty warm.
Note the following item plays up Maple City...
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
If a person wishes to gain an idea of the extensive stock interests in this county, they should drive over the road to Maple City. They will find herds of cattle and sheep on every farm besides large herds being driven from place to place where grazing lands are best. It will not be long until our stock interests will overshadow everything else in the eastern part of the county.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
UDALL. Hon. Judge Gans preached to the people here Saturday evening and Sunday to crowded houses. The Judge is a great favorite here.
The political pot has begun to boil and the smiling face of the candidate is occasionally seen on the street. Sam Strong, of Rock, opened the ball here looking after his chances for Register. Next came the Hon. Wm. White from Fairview, who would like that office for himself and told the people so. Now comes Tom Blanchard, our Tom O. S. from away back, and says he will either be Clerk of this county or raise potatoes for a living, as he has been doing, subject to the decision of the Republican County Convention.
We of Udall have been so very busy building during the past few months that we have had little time for anything else, and still the good work goes on. Seven months ago we were without a side track. Since that time one has been put in and a nobby little depot and telegraph operator, and our town is fast growing into importance. We now have eight business houses, and the amount of grain and stock shipped from this point during the past seven months has exceeded the expectations of the most sanguine. N.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
Fair Meeting. A mass meeting of farmers was held in the Opera House Saturday afternoon to consider the Fair question. A goodly number of farmers from every part of the county were present. W. J. Millspaugh, of Vernon, was elected chairman and S. P. Strong, of Rock, secretary. The report of the committee on soliciting subscriptions to the stock reported four thousand eight hundred dollars taken. The committee was then increased by the following additions, one in each township. Maple: W. B. Norman; Ninnescah: W. B. Norman; Vernon: W. J. Millspaugh; Beaver: Dr. Marsh; Beaver: S. D. Jones; Creswell: Capt. Nipp; Bolton: J. D. Guthrie; Rock Creek: Geo. L. Gale; Fairview: Cleve Page; Walnut: T. A. Blanchard; Pleasant Valley: Henry Harbaugh; Richland: Sam Phoenix; Tisdale: J. S. Baker; Liberty: Justice Fisher; Silverdale: L. J. Darnell; Omnia: Wm. Gilliard; Silver Creek: Harvey Smith; Sheridan: Barney Shriver; Spring Creek: J. S. Andrews; Harvey: Sam Rash; Windsor: S. M. Fall; Dexter: John Wallace; Cedar: Jas. Utt; Otter: T. H. Aley.
[W. B. Norman represented both Maple and Ninnescah townships.]
The Secretary was instructed to prepare and forward to each of the township committee blank subscription lists, with the request that they circulate them at once. This committee was instructed to report with the lists at a public meeting in the Hall at 2 o’clock, May 19, when all who have subscribed to the stock are requested to be present and form a permanent organization. Short speeches were then made by Senator Hackney, Jas. F. Martin, S. P. Strong, S. S. Lynn, Henry Harbaugh, F. W. Schwantes, John C. Roberts, D. L. Kretsinger, and others. After the meeting many new names were added and the list now foots up over five thousand dollars. Great interest was manifested by all the farmers present for the success of the enterprise. Over half the capital stock is already taken and it looks as if we were at last going to have an institution that will be a credit and an honor to the county. Winfield has responded nobly in this matter, and it now remains for the farmers to do their share, which they will undoubtedly accomplish.
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
William White, Jacob Nixon, S. P. Strong, T. H. Soward, N. W. Dressie are some of the aspiring Registers of Deeds who have called on us in the last few days. All are good men.
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.
Sec. 1 to 13 read and adopted. Sec. 14 amended to read “four-fifth consent or vote,” instead of unanimous.
Section 1 to 10 of the by-laws made and approved. On motion of Mr. Gale, the constitution and bylaws were then adopted as whole. After quite an interesting talk on the part of secretary and stockholders, a sense of the meeting was had instructing the Directors to push the work of improvement of grounds as fast as possible. On motion the meeting adjourned. D. L. KRETSINGER, Secretary, S. P. STRONG, Chairman.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1883.
Dr. H. F. Hornady, late from Indiana, has recently located at Rock in the practice of his profession. He is a successful physician of the regular school and a gentleman. He made us a pleasant call last Saturday in company with Mr. S. P. Strong.
[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.
Proceedings of the Central Committee.
The Republican Central Committee of Cowley County met at the COURIER office in the city of Winfield Saturday, July 14th, 1883, at half past one o’clock p.m., and was called to order by the chairman, D. A. Millington. The secretary was ordered to call the roll of townships and the following members of the Central Committee were present.
Beaver, M. S. Teter; Bolton, P. A. Lorry; Cedar, N. W. Dressie; Creswell, J. B. Nipp; Dexter, J. V. Hines; Fairview, Wm. White; Harvey, R. S. Strother; Liberty, J. A. Cochrane; Maple (Not represented); Ninnescah, W. B. Norman; Omnia, J. L. Parsons; Otter (Not represented); Pleasant Valley, Z. B. Meyer; Richland, N. J. Larkin; Rock Creek, S. P. Strong; Sheridan, J. E. Jarvis; Silver Creek, E. C. Pate; Spring Creek (Not represented); Silver Dale, L. J. Darnell; Tisdale, S. W. Chase; Vernon, Oscar Wooley; Walnut, J. Mentch; Windsor (Not represented); Winfield, 1st ward, D. A. Millington; Winfield, 2nd ward, T. H. Soward.
The executive committee reported that they had paid all debts owed by the committee. A motion that the basis of representation be one delegate at large for each township and ward in the county and one additional delegate for each 30 votes and fraction of 15 over, cast in their township or ward for Hon. Thos. Ryan for congress in November, 1883, was carried.
The chairman appointed P. A. Lorry, S. P. Strong, and J. V. Hines a committee to apportion the delegates according to the basis adopted.
[POLITICAL CANDIDATES.]
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.
Saturday was a big day for candidates; indeed, every day now-a-days brings forth an enterprising batch of them. But Saturday was especially active in this commodity. They were all around here and there and everywhere.
Sam Strong is just passing, and his shadow on the sidewalk makes one think the sun has gone behind a cloud. He is the terror of hotel keepers, and one of the fattest, jolliest, and best natured of the cavalcade. He runs very fast for his size.
[POLITICAL NOTICES.]
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
N. W. Dressie, of Cedar Township, for Register of Deeds.
J. S. Rash, Harvey Township, Register of Deeds.
Jacob Nix, for re-election, Register of Deeds.
S. P. Strong, of Rock Township, for Register of Deeds.
S. S. Moore, of Burden, for Register of Deeds.
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
S. P. STRONG. We call attention to the announcement of S. P. Strong of Rock Creek Township as a candidate for the Republican nomination as Register of Deeds. He is certainly a strong candidate as he is an earnest, enterprising, and reliable gentleman who has made warm friends wherever he has become acquainted. He has been heartily with the Republican party from the first until now, has always been on hand when there was any work to do, and deserves recognition not only by his party but by the county. We need not assure anyone who knows him that he is in every way thoroughly well qualified and would make a most pleasant and popular county officer.
[ROCK CREEK CORRESPONDENT: “C. L.”]
Winfield Courier, August 9, 1883.
Misses Lida and Lou Strong are home from the Normal.
Mrs. Strong’s niece, of Missouri, who has been visiting friends here, will start home Friday, accompanied by her aunt, who will go on to Indiana.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
For Register of Deeds, Dr. Wagner presented the name of H. C. McDorman; Mr. Gale presented S. P. Strong; J. M. Barrick presented Wm. White; W. E. Tansey presented Jacob Nixon; D. M. Patton presented N. W. Dressie; A. J. Crum presented S. S. Moore; Dr. Carlisle presented T. H. Soward; and J. S. Strother presented J. S. Rash. Twelve ballots were taken...Total vote 99. Necessary to a choice, 50. Soward having 50 votes on the 12th ballot, was declared nominated, and his nomination was made unanimous. Closest one in votes next to Soward: McDorman.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
The Darien schoolhouse in Rock Township was destroyed by fire Friday night. Some wood had been put in the drum of the stove to dry. This caught fire, fell out on the floor, and set the building on fire. All of the paraphernalia of the school, many of the scholars’ books, and some belonging to the teacher, Miss Leota Gary, were destroyed. Darien was one of the oldest schoolhouses in the county, and has been a place of rendezvous for the denizens of Upper Walnut for many years. The old walls could have told many tales of red-hot political meetings where Uncle Reuben Booth held the boys level, or deep-laid plans to “capture the delegation” or “put up a trick,” in which George Williams, Harcourt, Strong, Gale, Grow, Wilber, and a host of others, were participants. Let a new house, raised on the ashes of the old one, be called “Darien.”
[THE FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
After a thorough overhauling of the Constitution and By Laws in the way of amendments, the following Board of Directors was elected to transact the business of the Association for the year 1884.
Jas. F. Martin: Vernon Township.
Harvey Smith: Silver Creek Township.
S. P. Strong: Rock Township.
H. Harbaugh: Pleasant Valley Township.
J. B. Nipp: Creswell Township.
P. B. Lee: Vernon Township.
S. S. Linn: Pleasant Valley Township.
K. J. Wright: Beaver Township.
J. O. Taylor: Walnut Township.
H. C. McDorman: Dexter Township.
J. L. Horning: Winfield.
A. T. Spotswood: Winfield.
C. C. Black: Winfield.
D. L. Kretsinger: Winfield.
Ed. P. Greer: Winfield.
A. H. Doane: Winfield.
Jas. B. Schofield: Winfield.
This directory gives ten to the county and seven to Winfield, which places the full control of the Association in the hands of the live, energetic farmers of Cowley. Let us hope that every member of the Board will be on hand at every meeting of that body and bend their united energies toward making Cowley’s Fair a model institution from which every county in the state may “draw inspiration” for building up a similar one. With twelve members of the board in the city last year, it was sometimes impossible to get nine directors out to a meeting.
S. P. Strong became a shareholder with his one share of stock.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
Township Officers. The Board of Commissioners met Tuesday and canvassed the vote for township officers. The following were declared elected.
Constables. Rock, A. B. Tuggle and S. P. Strong.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
Delegates from Rock: S. P. Strong, E. J. Wilber, H. L. Hornady.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
MARRIED. Mr. F. E. Pentecost, now of Arkansas City, and Miss Louie Strong, daughter of S. P. Strong, of Rock Township, one of Cowley’s oldest and most substantial citizens, were married Sunday. They passed through the city Monday on their way to the Terminus, where they will reside. The bride is an accomplished lady and the groom is a very worthy young man.
[ROCK CORRESPONDENT: “BASCOM.”]
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.
MARRIED. Married on Sunday, the 20th, at the residence of the bride’s parents, Mr.
F. E. Pentecost of Arkansas City, and Miss Lou, daughter of Mr. S. P. Strong of Rock, Judge Gans officiating. The affair was comparatively private, only the family and a few friends were present.
The bride was the recipient of the following presents.
Set of silver knives and forks: Mr. Charles Clark and Miss Lida Strong.
One dozen silver spoons: Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Wilber.
Castor: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Palmer.
Napkins rings: Dr. and Mrs. H. F. Hornady.
Glass set: Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Ballard.
Rocking chair: Messrs. Joe Pentecost and Puncheon.
The happy pair left in the afternoon for Arkansas City, where they will reside, Mr. Pentecost having a good business there as sales agent for the Granger Seed Drill. He is a young man of energy and industry and he has won a jewel in hand of the fair Lou. They have the well wishes of their many friends in their matrimonial enterprise. BASCOM.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR AND DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
CLASS D. SHEEP. Superintendent, S. P. Strong.
Lot 1—Fine Wools.
Fine wool sheep include Spanish, French, and American Merinos, Saxons, and their crosses.
[Listed ram 2 years and over; 1 year, under 2; ram lamb.]
[Listed ewe 2 years old; 1 year, under 2; three ewe lambs.]
Lot 2—Long Wools.
Long wools include Leicesters, Lincolnshires, Shropshires, Cotswolds, Southdowns, and their crosses.
[Listed ram 2 years and over; 1 year, under 2, ram lamb.]
[Listed ewe 2 years and over; 1 year, under 2; three ewe lambs.]
Lot 3—Sweepstakes.
[Listed Ram of any age or breed; ewe, same; Buck with 5 of his lambs; Flock of 15 of any breed.]
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
ROCK. Delegates: S. P. Strong, Charles Holmes, Clem Bradshaw. Alternates: None.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
THE COWLEY COUNTY FAIR AND DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION WILL HOLD ITS SECOND ANNUAL EXHIBITION AT WINFIELD, KANSAS, SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 25, 26, AND 27, 1884.
DIRECTORS. A. H. Doane, A. T. Spotswood, C. C. Black, J. B. Schofield, S. S. Linn, Ed. P. Greer, D. L. Kretsinger, H. Harbaugh, J. F. Martin, J. B. Nipp, J. L. Horning, Harvey Smith, S. P. Strong, P. B. Lee, K. J. Wright, J. O. Taylor, H. C. McDorman.
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
Organization of Blaine and Logan Club.
Pursuant to notice the committee appointed to organize a Cowley County Blaine and Logan Club met at the COURIER office at 2 o’clock p.m., July 19, 1884. T. H. Soward was elected President, J. R. Sumpter, Secretary, and W. J. Wilson, Treasurer. The following gentlemen were elected vice-Presidents of the Club.
Beaver, M. F. Teter; Bolton, J. D. Guthrie; Cedar, Alec Grouse; Creswell, C. T. Atkinson; Dexter, S. H. Wells; Fairview, Wm. White; Liberty, Justus Fisher; Maple, Ed. Morse; Ninnescah, A. J. Worden; Omnia, W. H. Gilliard; Otter, A. H. Mills; Pleasant Valley, D. S. Sherrard; Richland, Capt. Stuber; Rock, S. P. Strong; Sheridan, Barney Shriver; Silver Creek, J. W. Henthorn; Silverdale, J. N. Darnell; Tisdale, Hugh McKibben; Vernon, Oscar Wooley; Walnut, S. E. Burger; Windsor, R. F. Roberts; Winfield 1st Ward, W. J. Wilson; Winfield 2nd Ward, G. H. Buckman; Harvey, R. S. Strother; Spring Creek, J. J. Estus.
Motion that the Vice Presidents be instructed to organize Blaine and Logan Clubs in their townships at the earliest possible time, and report their organization and members to the President of this Club, carried. On motion the chair appointed Capt. White, W. J. Wilson, and J. R. Sumpter a committee on finance. The Club adopted as a badge a plain blue ribbon with the names of the Republican candidate for President and vice-president printed thereon. Adjourned to meet on the call of the Chairman. J. R. SUMPTER, Secretary.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
The various delegations reported the following names for committeemen.
Beaver: J. R. Sumpter. Bolton: J. D. Guthrie, west precinct. Bolton: R. L. Balyeat, east precinct. Cedar. A. B. Harold, east precinct. Cedar: Wm. Tumelson, west precinct. Creswell: L. E. Woodin, Sr. Dexter: S. H. Wells. Fairview: J. H. Curfman. Harvey: S. J. Neer. Liberty: J. A. Cochran. Maple: Wm. Wise. Ninnescah: G. S. Cole. Omnia: A. Hattery. Otter: J. B. Graves. Pleasant Valley: S. Johnson. Richland: N. J. Larkin, north precinct. Richland: D. C. Stephens, south precinct. Rock: S. P. Strong. Sheridan: J. Burt. Silver Creek: E. A. Henthorn. Silverdale: L. J. Darnell. Spring Creek: J. J. Shreeves. Tisdale: W. C. Douglass. Vernon: T. Thompson. Walnut: John Mentch. Windsor: W. B. Todd. Winfield: W. J. Wilson, 1st ward. Winfield: G. H. Buckman, 2nd ward.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
Mr. H. C. Hawkins brought in a string of mammoth bunches of Concord grapes Friday. The clusters would weigh over a pound each. They were highly relished by the grape-famished horde of Fair Association directors and visiting statesmen, who, unfortunately for us, were present when Mr. Hawkins brought them in. Sam Strong, of Rock, ate five pounds.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.
A number of prominent farmers met at the COURIER office Saturday last, and determined to hold a Farmers’ Institute at the Opera House in Winfield, on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 29th and 30th, to be conducted by Professors of the State Agricultural College. J. S. Baker, of Tisdale, was chairman of the meeting and Jas. F. Martin, of Vernon, secretary. An executive committee of nine was appointed by the meeting, to have charge of the entire matter, composed of the following gentlemen: M. H. Markcum, Pleasant Valley, chairman; Dr. C. Perry, Winfield; T. A. Blanchard, Walnut; J. R. Sumpter, Beaver; J. S. Baker, Tisdale; J. F. Martin, Vernon; F. W. McClelland, Walnut; Henry Harbaugh, Pleasant Valley; and S. P. Strong, Rock. This committee is arranging an interesting program of music, essays, lectures, and discussions, which will appear next week. Four Professors of the Agricultural College will be on hand with addresses and the occasion promises to be of much pleasure and benefit to the farmers of the county. Let every man constitute a committee of one to work up a large attendance from his neighborhood. In addition to splendid addresses and essays, everything of interest to farmers will be throughly discussed. This is a grand opportunity for Cowley farmers to interchange ideas and broaden knowledge, and everyone of them should be present with their ladies.
[FARMERS’ INSTITUTE.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON. The first business taken up was the formation of a permanent farmers’ organization for the county. Mr. Adams moved that a committee of one from each township be appointed to perfect a plan of organization. Carried. It was also agreed that the present officers hold over until the final organization be effected. It was moved and seconded that sub-committees on organization be effected. It was moved and seconded that sub-committees on organization and plan of work be appointed. Carried. The chair named the following gentlemen on organization—Dr. Perry and F. A. A. Williams; and on plan of work—M. A. Markham and F. W. McClellan.
The full township committee was made up as follows.
Bolton Amos Walton.
Beaver F. H. Burton.
Vernon R. J. Yeoman.
Ninnescah L. Stout.
Rock S. P. Strong.
Fairview T. S. Green.
Walnut F. W. McClellan.
Pleasant Valley A. H. Broadwell.
Silverdale George Green.
Tisdale J. S. Baker.
Winfield Dr. Perry.
Liberty J. C. McCloy.
Richland D. C. Stevens.
Omnia W. R. Stolp.
Silver Creek John Stout.
Harvey R. S. Strother.
Windsor Samuel Fall.
Dexter W. E. Merydith.
Cedar J. H. Service.
Otter Mr. Mills.
Sheridan J. R. Smith.
Maple Mr. Fitzsimmons.
Creswell Ed. Green.
Spring Creek H. S. Libby.
This committee with the sub-committees and officers were requested to meet at the Courier office on Saturday, February 14th, at one o’clock P. M.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
Cowley’s Farmer’s Institute is now a permanency. A good number of our wide-awake farmers met at the COURIER office Saturday last with Mr. J. S. Baker, of Tisdale, in the chair and Mr. F. A. A. Williams, of Winfield, Secretary. Dr. C. Perry, chairman of the committee on organization, submitted a plan of organization, which was discussed and adopted as follows.
WHEREAS, Everyone engaged in the business of agriculture can be benefitted by having at command the combined experiences of practical men engaged in said business, and more particularly so where the peculiarities of climate and soil have to be learned before successful results can be obtained; and
WHEREAS, That if a proper spirit of emulation can be excited among us the result will be that the standing of the agricultural profession will be raised in the estimation of the whole community in this region and that values of agricultural property will be greatly enhanced.
Therefore, we, the undersigned farmers in Cowley County, do hereby organize ourselves into an association to be called The Farmers Institute of Cowley County, Kansas.
The objects of this association will be to hold regular meetings for the discussion of agricultural topics and the dissemination of facts, which shall tend to produce the results before stated. Anyone interested in the cultivation of the soil or the raising of livestock can become a member of this association by the annual payment of the sum of fifty cents.
The officers of this Association shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall be elected annually and who shall perform the duties usually required of such officers.
There shall be a Board of Directors, which shall be composed of the aforesaid officers, ex-officio and one member in each township, who shall take in charge the interests of the Association, each in his respective township, and to have for a part of his duty the organization of a local Farmers Club auxiliary to this Association. The before named Board of Directors to have the complete management of the affairs of this Association.
The officers of the Association shall be the officers of the Board who, with two directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. There shall be an annual meeting of this society continuing two or more days for the election of officers and for the discussion of agricultural topics in accordance with a program arranged by said Board of Directors, and there shall also be such other meetings as the Board of Directors shall call.
Any other rules and regulations can be added to these articles of association by a majority vote of members present at the annual meeting. After the adoption of the plan of organization, the following members were enrolled, and paid their admission fee.
G. L. Gale, M. H. Markcum, R. J. Yeoman, J. S. Baker, J. F. Martin, F. W. McClellan, W. E. Merydith, F. H. Burton, Dr. C. Perry, R. T. Thirsk, A. H. Broadwell, D. C. Stevens, H. McKibben, S. P. Strong, and F. A. A. Williams.
The officers of the Institute were selected as follows.
Mr. S. P. Strong, of Rock township, President; Mr. F. W. McClellan, of Walnut, Vice President; Mr. F. A. A. Williams, of Winfield, Secretary; Mr. M. H. Markcum, of Pleasant Valley, Treasurer.
The following board of township directors was elected, conditioned on their becoming members of the organization.
Bolton, Amos Walton; Beaver, F. H. Burton; Vernon, R. J. Yeoman; Ninnescah, L. Stout; Rock, E. J. Wilber; Fairview, T. S. Green; Walnut, R. T. Thirsk; Pleasant Valley, A. H. Broadwell; Silverdale, George Green; Tisdale, J. S. Baker; Winfield, Dr. Perry; Liberty, J. C. McCloy; Richland, D. C. Stevens; Omnia, W. R. Stolp; Silver Creek, John Stout; Harvey, R. S. Strother; Windsor, Samuel Fall; Dexter, W. E. Merydith; Cedar, J. H. Service; Otter, Mr. Mills; Sheridan, J. R. Smith; Maple, Mr. Fitzsimmons, Creswell, Ed. Green; Spring Creek, H. S. Libby.
On motion, M. H. Markcum, F. W. McClellan, and Dr. C. Perry were appointed a committee on plan of work. Jas. F. Martin was elected honorary vice president of the Institute by a unanimous rising vote. The meeting adjourned to Saturday, Feb. 18th, at 1 o’clock p.m. The committee on grass seed will correspond with leading firms east and west, and find where the best seed can be obtained cheapest, and be prepared to select at the next meeting of the Institute. Persons desiring to order through the Institute should be present at that meeting.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
An adjourned meeting of the Cowley Co. Farmers’ Institute was held at the COURIER office Saturday last, with President S. P. Strong, of Rock, in the chair. Secretary F. A. A. Williams read minutes of last meeting, as previously published, and they were adopted.
Dr. C. Perry, from the committee on plan of work, made his report. The following is the plan of work adopted.
1st. The President shall appoint standing committees from the board of directors consisting of one member each, who shall have in charge particular branches of agriculture; said committees shall collect all the facts and experiences practicable, in relation to their respective branches, and shall report the same to this Association when called upon by the President. Said committees shall be arranged as follows.
1st. Committee on Horticulture. 2nd. Soils and cultivated crops. 3rd. Grasses. 4th. Breeding and marketing of stock. 5th. Dairying. 6th. Farm buildings. 7th. Forestry.
2nd. The secretary or other person appointed by the President shall collate from the report such facts and information as shall be beneficial to the members of this Association and shall publish the same in any county paper that will do the same free of expense.
3rd. The program for the winter meeting to be carefully arranged and the subjects selected for consideration fully discussed, and reliance must largely be placed upon local talent.
The following are the standing committees as appointed by the President.
On Horticulture, R. T. Thirsk; Soils and cultivated crops, Dr. Perry; Grasses, F. A. A. Williams; Breeding and marketing stock, F. W. McClellan; Farm buildings, G. L. Gale. Forestry, J. F. Martin.
The next thing taken up was the report of the Committee on grass seed. The Secretary reported the rates received from several eastern and western firms, and the chairman of the Committee (Mr. Martin) reported confidential rates given to members of the Institute by our Winfield seed firm, Brotherton & Silver. He also showed a sample of English blue grass seed, and stated that on the farm of Mr. Hanna, north of Winfield, it had succeeded well, sown on rocky knolls and tramped in by stock; would keep green all summer and was much preferred in Kentucky and in parts of this State where it had been tried, to Kentucky blue grass. The action taken on the report of the Committee on grass seed was about as follows.
That the Society desired to patronize home institutions and will order grass seed of them if it can do so at reasonable rates. Any parties desiring to order through the Institute can correspond with the Secretary, who, with the other officers of the Association, have power to transact such business.
The Secretary was requested to notify the directors of the different townships of their election, and request them to form township organizations as provided in the constitution.
Adjourned to Saturday, March 21, at 1 o’clock p.m.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
The Cowley County Farmers’ Institute held its regular monthly meeting at the COURIER office, Saturday last with President S. P. Strong in the chair. Secretary F. A. A. Williams reported having received the Kansas City Price Current as ordered, and read letters from wholesale implement firms relative to furnishing members of the Institute with machinery. The Secretary was instructed to subscribe for the Winfield DAILY COURIER, containing market reports, draw an order for amount of three months subscription, and keep on file, in the COURIER office, with the Daily Price Current. On motion of J. F. Martin, Ed P. Greer was elected honorary member of the association. The secretary was instructed to procure a safe receptacle for the papers, records, and other property of the association. Ed P. Greer was elected assistant secretary. M. H. Markcum, J. W. Millspaugh, and G. L. Gale were appointed a committee to interview our implement firms and lay before them a proposition from a Kansas City firm to give reduced rates on implements to members of the Institute and see if they will do the same. The committee was instructed to file their report with the assistant secretary for members desiring information. Messrs. Strong, Perry, Gale, and others gave experience as to clover and wheat. Some clover and alfalfa had winter killed, but a good deal of it was coming up thick with young plants from last year’s seed. All agreed that clover seeds much more heavily in this country than in the east. Dr. Perry thought the raising of clover seed would be a very profitable industry in this country. Mr. Millspaugh advocated deep plowing for all crops, especially for corn. [Cannot read next sentence.] Other members thought grass would do well in most places if the ground was properly prepared, and the wild [?] nature subdued. Mr. Martin had great faith in grass growing in Cowley County. Had shown his faith by investing nearly a hundred dollars in grass seed. Reported fruit buds generally in fine condition, raspberries somewhat injured. It was voted that the Institute meet at 2 p.m., and adjourn at 4:30 p.m. Mr. Markcum and Dr. Perry were appointed a committee to see about a larger room for meeting.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
View and survey ordered in the D. S. Haynes road, with S. P. Strong, Wm. Grew, and Andrew Dawson viewers.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Strong, of Rock, were down Friday on their way to spend the Fourth with their daughter, Mrs. Ed. Pentecost, at Arkansas City.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The rotund and always happy S. P. Strong was in the hub from Rock Friday.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
The convention met at the Opera House in Winfield at 10 o’clock a.m. today according to the call, and was called to order by W. J. Wilson, chairman of the county committee. E. A. Henthorn, Secretary of the committee, read the call. On motion of G. H. Buckman, Hon. T. A. Blanchard was elected chairman pro tem and took the chair. On motion of Geo. T. Walton, E. A. Henthorn was elected secretary pro tem and took his seat. On motion of S. P. Strong, voted that the chair appoint a committee of five on credentials. The chair appointed S. P. Strong, Ed Pentecost, G. P. Haycraft, Ed Nicholson, and W. B. Weimer. On motion of Geo. T. Walton, voted that the chair appoint a committee of five on permanent organization. The chair appointed Sid Cure, A. H. Jennings, J. S. Rash, John Bartgis, and S. C. Pattison. On motion of P. A. Lorry, voted that the chair appoint a committee of five on order of business. The chair appointed P. A. Lorry, Sampson Johnson, W. E. Tansey, J. R. Sumpter, and Capt. Stuber. On motion of J. C. Long, the chair was instructed to appoint a committee of five on resolutions. The chair appointed John C. Long, E. A. Henthorn, Dr. H. F. Hornady, L. E. Woodin, and R. C. Maurer.
ROCK.
Delegates: E. P. Hornady, W. R. Grow, Jas. Atkinson, E. J. Wilber, S. P. Strong.
Alternates: John Holmes, J. B. Holmes, James Walker, Reuben Booth Jr., Wm. White.
Moved by Mr. Strong that Winfield be allowed two members of the Central Committee, Arkansas City two, and each township one, which motion prevailed.
[THE FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
Among leading horticultural exhibitors so far are S. C. Sumpter, of Walnut; S. C. Cunningham, Ninnescah; Henry Hawkins, Vernon; S. P. Strong, Rock; J. B. Callison, Spring Creek; W. C. Hayden, Walnut; Jake Nixon, Vernon.
The police management was the admiration of all visitors. On Thursday there were at least ten thousand persons and five to six hundred horses and a great number of all manner of wheeled vehicles inside of the magnificent grounds, and yet the quiet gentlemanly demeanor and military precision and firmness of the corps and Chief Strong kept things just as quietly and orderly as if there had been five acres to each team. Chief Strong and his score of ex-soldiers deserve great credit for their quiet yet firm manner of keeping order. But then it is not much of a job to manage a large crowd of Americans when there is no whiskey or gambling. Prohibition prohibits at least at the Cowley County Fair. Sam Strong as chief is the right man in the right place. He had had an assistant, Sid Cure, who appeared to occupy the same position.
The first arrest made on the grounds was by Chief of Police Strong. Secretary Kretsinger was the victim. He had given strict orders to arrest any horse found tied to a tree. A boy drove his horse and returning, hitched it to a tree. Mr. Strong promptly cabbaged the horse and arrested the secretary. The fine is five dollars. Krets will put up.
Chief of Police Strong is a host. He makes things lively in the police department, and woe be unto the unfortunate boy who is caught crawling under the barbed wire fence.
Sid Cure makes a handsome assistant to Chief Strong and helps regulate the police department in good style.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
The Indianapolis Journal, in its write-up of Indiana’s State Fair, gives the grand fruit exhibit sent from Cowley County, this handsome notice: “‘And where is Cowley County!’ was the eager inquiry of hundreds of the thousands who looked admiringly upon the magnificent array of apples, pears, peaches, grapes, melons, and other products temptingly spread in the Exposition Building. Well might they ask, for surely a finer fruit display was never seen in Indiana. Cowley County is in Southern Kansas, on the border of the Indian Territory. The exhibit is for the purpose of advertising to the world the productiveness of that new and wonderful region. The display is in care of Capt. P. A. Huffman, a well known Indianan, recently moved there, together with J. F. Martin, President of the Cowley County Agricultural Society, S. P. Strong, vice-president, and J. D. Guthrie, one of the directors. The county seat is Winfield, a beautiful little city of 7,000, with gas, water, and every convenience possessed by Indianapolis. Arkansas City, another beautiful little city of 4,000 residents, is also in Cowley County. This county, only fifteen years old, is the eighth in population, ranks eighth in the production of corn, ninth in cultivated lands, and tenth in wheat. It has 30 post offices; church organizations, 36; church edifices, 26; value of church property, $110,000. Of organized school districts, it has 145; school buildings, 143; value of buildings, $162,817; school population, 10,800. In June 1870, when the first census was taken, its population was 726. It is now 32,000. Its climate is that of the most salubrious portions of middle Tennessee. No wonder it is fertile, as it is watered by the Arkansas and Walnut rivers, and Silver, Grouse, Rock, Timber, Dutch, Little Dutch, Muddy, Badger, Beaver, Otter, Cedar, and Steward creeks, all of which are skirted with timber, such as walnut, oak, locust, cottonwood, hackberry, sycamore, mulberry, ash, elm, hickory, maple, etc. We fear that Captain Huffman and the gentlemen with him, together with the handsome showing of the products of this Kansas garden spot, will cause an exodus of thrifty, enterprising Hoosiers to that place which we can hardly afford to spare.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
The Indianapolis Evening Minute gave the exhibit of Cowley County at the Indiana state fair this meritorious send-off. “Cowley County, Kansas, comes to the front with a display that is unparalleled in the history of our fairs, and the show is more marvelous when we learn that the entire exhibit is from this one county alone, and not gathered up from the entire state. To enumerate more particularly, there are forty-seven varieties of apples along, seven varieties of pears, and an endless profusion of peaches and grapes, mammoth melons and enormous pumpkins, corn, wheat, oats, rye, and barley, and many other items that must be seen to be fully appreciated. As this exhibit is intended more to advertise Cowley County, it has been placed in charge of representative men, including Capt. P. A. Huffman, a well known citizen of Indiana, who now makes Kansas his home; J. F. Martin, president of the Cowley County Agricultural Society; S. P. Strong, vice president; and J. D. Guthrie, one of the directors. These gentlemen are prepared to give all the information desired; but for fear some may miss seeing them and fail to learn the facts, we will state that Winfield is the county seat, with 7,000 inhabitants, and possessing all modern conveniences in the way of gas, water, etc., and as the city is, so is the county, fully up to the march of modern improvement in all that makes life pleasant. The moral tone of the county is exemplified in the fact that prohibition of the liquor traffic is strictly enforced, schools and churches abound on every side, and the emigrant leaving his home in the east for Cowley County finds that instead of moving into the wilderness, he has only exchanged one civilization for another and perhaps a better one.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
James F. Martin Home. “I arrived home Sunday morning from Indianapolis, having left our fruit exhibit on Friday evening last in care of Capt. Huffman, Mr. Guthrie, and Mr. Strong. The directors decided on Friday to continue the fair through Saturday, hence the necessity for some of us to remain. The anxiety on my part in regard to health of my family caused me to turn thus early homeward, not even remaining long enough to take a look at the city and its suburban residences and public buildings. While I am glad to find my family comfortable, I am led almost to regret being deprived of their pleasure. Mr. Guthrie will probably return on Tuesday, and Mr. Strong in eight or ten days. Capt. Huffman will start homeward with a splendid lot of Jersey cattle about the middle of the week. The Captain had a splendid opportunity to make his selections and Cowley will thus have a fine acquisition. My companions no doubt had a world of trouble with the fruit, etc., on yesterday, from which knowingly, I made an escape. During the fair we had hundreds of appeals for samples of the exhibit, that they might carry them to their homes, but from necessity we could not grant such requests during the fair, but finally arranged that at 12 o’clock on Saturday, the distribution would take place. Just think of about fifteen hundred people, more or less, clamoring for a share. Penning these lines in haste, I leave the reader to imagine the dilemma of my friends, and how, at this distance, I can enjoy, to them, a terrible ordeal.
J. F. MARTIN.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Capt. P. A. Huffman, Mr. J. D. Guthrie, and Mr. S. P. Strong, who with President Jas. F. Martin, had charge of Cowley’s grand agricultural and horticultural display at the Indiana state fair at Indianapolis last week, got home yesterday. They are hilariously enthusiastic over the magnificent success of our display. It was the biggest strike ever made for our splendid county. The committee were continuously besieged by eager witnesses and enquirers. Our committee did stalwart work in advertising Cowley. Besides the wonderful surprise and admiration elicited by our mammoth productions, thousands of circulars were distributed, showing up the vast resources of our county. Our fame was spread all over the east by this grand display, and an immense immigration is a surety. But the crowning point to our exhibit was the fact that a Michigan exhibitor who was downed by Cowley, bought thirty-five varieties of fruit from our display, took them to St. Louis, and took the first premium with them as Michigan apples—Cowley’s victory, you see. Think of our young county getting the first honors in such an exposition, and competing as fruit from Michigan, but glorious for Cowley County. That we can down the world for prolific productions is assured. The fourteen-year-old kid gets away with its full grown cotemporaries of any age or breed. Hip! Hip!! Hurrah!!! Messrs. Huffman, Martin, Guthrie, and Strong have the sincere appreciation of every citizen for the grand work they have done in this big advertisement.
MORE PRESS NOTES. The Indiana Weekly Farmer, the representative agricultural journal of that state, gave our display this notice: “Cowley County, Kansas, with its splendid displays of peaches, pears, apples, etc., made our eyes stand out with wonder, and our mouth water with longing to taste. Such large, showy, perfect fruit it would be impossible to collect in our state, and it will not be strange if Kansas gets a large increase of Indiana immigration as a result of showing how highly nature has favored her in this respect.”
KANSAS’ TRIUMPHANT DISPLAY. The Indianapolis Bulletin grew enthusiastic and said: “It was hardly the fair thing for Cowley County, Kansas, to send such a superb exhibit of agricultural produce to the Indiana state fair because our farmers can’t help wanting to go to Kansas and raise similar produce when they view the line this county displays. Such fruits, melons, vegetables, grain, etc., as is shown in this exhibit must raise visions of Eldorado, and truly give Kansas a wonderful advertisement. The exhibit is made by the Cowley County Fair Association, of which J. F. Martin is president and S. P. Strong, vice-president.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
S. P. Strong, one of Cowley’s Indianapolis fruit exhibit committee, got home Monday. He remained longer than others of the committee to visit his old Indiana friends.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.
A. H. Gladden, from Indianapolis, Indiana, an old friend of S. P. Strong, of Rock, dropped in on us Saturday. He is looking for a good location for a hardware store.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Sheriff McIntire, Justices Buckman and Snow, and County Clerk Hunt have drawn the following thirty-six petit jurors, according to law, for the December term of the District Court. S. P. Strong, Rock township, was one of the 36 jurors chosen.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
The committees, appointed at the citizens’ meeting, to work up the submitting of propositions for the extension of the Florence El Dorado & Walnut railroad from Douglass to Winfield, met yesterday afternoon in McDougall’s hall to determine on the apportionment of the amount of aid asked. Judge T. H. Soward called the meeting to order. S. P. Strong was chosen chairman and W. J. Wilson, Secretary. M. L. Robinson then explained the object of the meeting, to get everything in readiness for aggressive work in submitting the propositions and securing this road. The townships through which the road will run were represented as follows.
Rock: S. P. Strong, H. F. Hornady, E. J. Wilber, and W. H. Grow.
Fairview: J. C. Page and T. C. Covert.
Walnut: J. C. Roberts, J. B. Corson, John Mentch, T. A. Blanchard, J. Anderson, W. D. Roberts, and E. M. Reynolds.
J. C. Page, 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. Hornady, W. H. Grow, J. M. Harcourt, and E. J. Wilber.
Fairview: Tom Covert, J. C. Page, 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.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Geo. H. Williams, Dr. Hornady, S. P. Strong, and others prominent in Rock, spent last Friday in the city.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
No institution has done more for the onward march of our splendid county than The Cowley County Fair & Driving Park Association. Its prosperity has been marked from the start. From an organization composed of a few gritty, enterprising, and energetic men, three years ago it bought sixty acres of ground on the beautiful Walnut and today has one of the best improved and most valuable Fair Grounds in the West. Its natural advantages and fine improvement and arrangements, backed by one of the most productive and public spirited counties and a liberal fair management. The association’s Fairs have been magnificent successes—the greatest heralders of Cowley’s worth and fame. The Fair Association has grown until its stockholders now embrace fully 100 of the best farmers and citizens of the county.
Five Directors, holding three years each, were elected as follows: S. P. Strong, J. R. Sumpter, J. R. Smith, W. J. Wilson, and K. J. Wright, the latter two to fill vacancy caused by resignation of A. T. Spotswood and John D. Maurer.
THE NEW OFFICERS. At the adjournment of the stockholders’ meeting, the Directors of the Association met and elected the officers of The Cowley County Fair & Driving Park Association, for this year: S. P. Strong, of Rock, President; F. W. Schwantes, of Vernon, Vice-President; W. J. Wilson, of Winfield, Secretary; A. H. Doane, of Winfield, Treasurer; J. R. Sumpter, of Beaver, General Manager. The Directors meet again April 9th, and on the second Friday of each month.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
Sam Strong is down from Rock, and says work has commenced on the extension of the Santa Fe from Douglass.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
S. P. Strong, J. M. Harcourt, and John B. Holmes returned from Topeka, having incorporated and filed the charter of “The Rock Town Company,” of Rock, Cowley County, Kansas. Term of charter, fifty years. Directors: Alden Speare, of Boston; W. G. Dickinson, W. A. Coates, Topeka; J. M. Harcourt and S. P. Strong, of Rock. Capital stock, $50,000. John B. Holmes is a member of the company, which has just secured control of 160 acres, four forty acre tracts cornering right on the old site of Rock, on which they will build their town. As will be noticed, three of the incorporators are prominent Santa Fe officials, who will back the town and put it right forward. The location of Rock is one of the best in the west for a splendid county town. It is surrounded by the best agricultural district in Cowley and is in the center of an enterprising, wealthy, and influential neighborhood. The Santa Fe company takes a half interest in the town and the Town Company grant it two miles of right of way, which is evidence that the Santa Fe means to make Rock a good town. Dirt is now flying on the Santa Fe extension, just this side of Douglass, where a half mile of right of way was purchased from James Thompson for $900. That graded, a jump will be made to the secured right of way at Rock, and after April 22nd, when the official condemnation begins, the grading and track laying will be boosted through to Winfield with a rush. The Rock Town Company organized with Alden Speare, president; S. P. Strong, vice-president; W. A. Coates, secretary and treasurer.
