R. L. (“Dick”) Walker

Vernon Township 1873.
E. L. Walker, 22.
G. L. Walker, 25.
R. L. Walker, 29.
The Winfield census of 1874 lists R. L. Walker, age 31.
The Kansas State Census of 1875 lists Rebecca Walker, 57; R. L. Walker, 32; George Walker, 27; and Edward Walker, 24. Rebecca Walker and her son, R. L., were born in Pennsylvania. George and Edward were born in Ohio.
The Winfield Census of 1878 lists R. L. Walker, age 35, and his wife, Sada, age 26. Also, George L. Walker, age 28, and E. L. Walker, age 25.
                                         SHERIFFS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
Name                          Elected                        Term Expired.
J. M. PATTISON        November 8, 1870.      January 8, 1872.
JAMES PARKER        November 7, 1871.      January 11, 1874.
R. L. WALKER           November 4, 1873.      January 10, 1876.
R. L. WALKER           November 2, 1875.      January 10, 1878.
R. L. Walker was sheriff from the November 4, 1873, election, until his second term expired January 10, 1878.
                                                                 * * * * *
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Winfield Messenger, Friday, October 4, 1872. Front Page.
Premium List of the National Horse Fair, to be Held on the Grounds of the Cowley County Agricultural Society, at Winfield, Kansas, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, October 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1872.
LOT 3—HORSES FOR CARRIAGES. R. L. Walker, Superintendent.
Best span of mares or geldings any age, $20; best single mare or gelding any age, $15. Style and beauty to be considered above speed.
[REPUBLICAN DISTRICT CONVENTION.]
Winfield Messenger, Friday, October 18, 1872. Front Page.
Named as delegates from Cowley County: John Irwin, C. R. Mitchell, E. C. Manning, R. L. Walker, and L. J. Webb.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
Capt. R. L. Walker called on us. He has lately returned from a trip to Texas.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1873.
A call was made by the following Republicans of Vernon Township for a committee meeting of Republicans: Wm. Bonnewell, C. S. Smith, Henry Pennington, T. B. Ware, J. Cromer, John McMahon, W. G. Pennington, W. L. Pennington, Wm. L. Cromer, R. L. Walker, J. S. Wooley, H. L. Benedict, E. L. Walker and F. McMahon.
[ANNOUNCEMENTS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
L. LIPPMAN, CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF SHERIFF.

JOHN GAYMAN, MAPLE TOWNSHIP, CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF SHERIFF.
CAPT. R. L. WALKER, CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF SHERIFF.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1873.
Capt. R. L. Walker was nominated for Sheriff after a sharp fight; it seemed that many applicants for that position were determined not to yield the point, but all acquiesced in the choice of the convention. Capt. Walker was one of the boys “in blue” during the rebellion, and no doubt did valuable service for the country then as he will now after his election to the office of Sheriff of Cowley County.
Walnut Valley Times, October 10, 1873.
The following gentlemen were nominated at the Republican Convention in Cowley County last week for the offices named: Representative, James McDermott; County Clerk, M. G. Troup; Treasurer, E. B. Kager; Register of Deeds, N. C. McCulloch; Sheriff, R. L. Walker.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 13, 1873.
The Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County met in the County Clerk’s office November 7th, 1873. Present: Frank Cox and O. C. Smith.
Proceeded to canvass the votes of the election held Nov. 4th, 1873, which resulted in the election of the following officers who were declared duly elected.
For representative of 75th district: William Martin.
For County Clerk: M. G. Troup.
For County Treasurer: E. B. Kager.
For Register of Deeds: N. C. McCulloch.
For Sheriff: R. L. Walker.
For Coroner: Sim S. Moore.
For County Surveyor: W. W. Walton.
For Commissioner, first district, John Manly.
For Commissioner, second district. M. S. Roseberry.
For Commissioner, third district, R. F. Burden.
Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.
Every person in Cowley County who can raise enough money to pay half fare is going to Topeka as a delegate to the third house. Our worthy legislator, Hon. Wm. Martin, and his noon-day shadow, Allison, have already taken their departure and they will be followed in due time by W. W. Walton, R. L. Walker, E. B. Kager, James McDermott, James Kelly, and others too numerous to mention.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Captain Dick Walker, the new sheriff, is one of the most popular men in the county. Everybody who knows him bets on him. His personal appearance is strikingly favorable—except to criminals. In form: tall, straight, and well proportioned. In motion: lithe, graceful, and dignified. To those graces are added an intelligent countenance, whose flashing eyes and strong, well-turned features at once attract the attention of the observer. In repose: grand; in action, awful! His is a happy combination of the powers, arts, faculties, graces, and acquirements of the remaining members of the “ring.”  With the length of a Johnson, the sinews of a Green, the muscle of a Torrance, the nerve of a Kelly, the bearing of a Fuller, the decision of a Millington, the address of an Irwin, the brains of a McDermott, the brilliancy of a Webb, and the intuition of a Manning, Dick is calculated to get away with the baggage of all the passengers he goes for. Girls, he is not married, but wants to . . . well, you can guess the remainder. His mustache is so ticklish!
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
Official bond of R. L. Walker, Sheriff, received and ap­proved January 6th, 1874, amount of Bond $10,000.
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.
Prisoner Escaped! Rucker’s Lodgings Vacated! Worthlessness of the City Jail!! Wednesday morning last, our city was thrown into a tumult of excitement by the announcement that Thos. Rucker, the Lazette murderer, who had been confined in the city jail at this place since the tragedy last Christmas, was missing. The inhabitants of the town immediately proceeded to the jail and soon found that it was no hoax, but a bona fide fact. Scouts were immediately dispatched in every direction, but failed to discover any trace of his whereabouts.
The means by which he escaped are very indefinite. It is generally supposed that some outside party opened the doors and gave him his liberty, although it is possible that he had the tools furnished, and did the work himself. At any rate, he has gone, and the next thing is to find him, although Sheriff Walker is confident that he will soon have his hands on him, as well as the one who gave him his freedom.
And while he is gone, it would be well if the city council would put the jail in a condition to hold him an hour or so if he should be brought back. A man who has a friend in the world and wishes to get out need not stay in his cell an hour. In the first place, there is nothing to prevent anybody giving a pris-oner anything they wish, as the windows have nothing to protect them except some iron bars with space enough between to throw a sledge hammer.
Then again, the jail is at least twenty rods from the nearest human habitation, and the building could be bombarded with a ten pound cannon and the noise would be hardly heard by the citizens at home. The doors are also in such a shape that Rucker could easily have lifted them off the hinges with a crow bar. If some protection was put around the windows and the upper story occupied by a family, it would become more difficult for a prisoner to make his escape.”
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.
Sheriff Dick Walker has a new and safe way of keeping his prisoners. Since the jail has been “broke” so much, he takes them to bed with him. We understand that Mr. Walker will not trust anymore of his prisoners in the jail while the city authorities carry the keys.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.
An Explanation.
Winfield, February 17, 1874.
EDITOR COURIER: As a misapprehension seems to exist in the minds of some in regard to the ownership and occupancy of the jail in this city, will you allow me through your columns to make a statement of the facts in the case.

On the 19th of April last, a written contract was entered into between the City of Winfield and the County of Cowley, according to the terms of which, the county was to build a Courthouse at Winfield at a cost of $10,000 county orders, or $8,500 cash. The City of Winfield was to erect a city building at the cost of $2,500 in which was to be a jail for the accommo­dation of both city and county, and the city was to give to the county the free use of the jail for the confinement of prisoners, so long as the county should want it for that purpose. Both buildings were built according to contract, each costing some­thing more than the specified sum. The city building is two stories high. On the first floor are six cells with grated windows, and four of the cells have iron doors; the doors of two are of hardwood. The second story is finished as a hall. On the completion of the jail, the key was delivered to me by the builder, and at the request of Sheriff Parker—he having a prisoner ready to occupy the jail—I delivered the key to him, since which time the city has never had control of the jail proper. The city has held possession of the hall over the jail, which has been used for various purposes by permission of the city.
I presume that the misapprehension that exists arises from the fact that J. M. Young, who was acting jailor by appointment of Sheriff Parker, and afterwards by Sheriff Walker, was also City marshal; but the city never claimed any control of his acts as jailor, nor did he receive any instructions as such from the city authorities. Since the escape of the prisoner Rucker, the Sheriff deeming it necessary that the hall over the jail should be constantly occupied, the County Commissioners asked for a conference with the City Council, which was immediately convened for that purpose. At this conference the city offered to give to the county the use and control of the entire building, both stories, on condition that the prisoners of the city should be taken care of without expense to the city, except for board which the city would pay for. I believe the city has honestly and faithfully complied with the terms of the contract, and even offered more than required. S. C. SMITH.
[A FORGER NABBED: A. J. REEDER, ALIAS JACKSON.]
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
A Forger Nabbed. A few days ago a young man by the name of Wheeler, from Cedar County, Iowa, arrived in Winfield and immediately sought out Sheriff Walker, to whom he made known his errand, which was somewhat as follows.
Wheeler and his father do a general broker­age business in Cedar County, Iowa; that a man named A. J. Reeder, living in that county brought to their office, some six weeks ago, four or five promissory notes purporting to have been executed by parties living there and offered them for discount, which was readily given, as the parties whose names were attached were all good men. It turned out, however, that the notes were cleverly executed forgeries (amounting to about $2,000) and that this man, A. J. Reeder, was the forger. That he (Wheeler) had tracked Reeder to Winfield; that he was known here as Jackson, and further, that he (Reeder) was on the eve of a new departure for that Mecca of thieves and robbers—Texas; and that this man, Reeder, was a desperate character, who would never suffer himself to be taken without a desperate struggle. That, rather than be taken back to the scene of his crime, he would kill himself or the officer.

Sheriff Dick Walker got the situation through his head at once, and tightening his belt, proceeded to George Fisher’s saloon, where he was soon enabled, by the description given him, to spot his man, who was intently engaged in a game of “pigeon hole” with some of the frequenters of that place. Dick quietly lighted a cigar, watched his opportunity, and placing the muzzle of his navy to “his man’s” ear, said, “Come Reeder, and go with me.” At the mention of his name and the determined manner of the Sheriff, Reeder was taken completely by surprise, and before he recovered, was unarmed and completely under the sheriff’s control. The next morning he was taken by Sheriff Walker and Mr. Wheeler to Florence, where he was put on the train and started for Iowa.
The arrest of this man, Reeder, alias Jackson, who, if he is the desperado he is represented to be, is one of the neatest jobs that has ever been done in Southern Kansas, and Sheriff Dick Walker has proved himself to be what his friends knew him to be when they elected him—the right man in the right place.
[ELECTION PROCLAMATION: SHERIFF R. L. WALKER.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
I, R. L. WALKER, Sheriff of the County of Cowley, in the State of Kansas, do hereby proclaim and make known unto the qualified voters of said county of Cowley that on the first Tuesday of April A. D. 1874, there will be held an election in the several townships of said County at the usual place of holding elections, for the purpose of electing in each of said townships the following officers, to wit: One Trustee, one Treasurer, one Clerk, two Constables, two Justices of the Peace; and one Road Overseer, in each road district of the several townships.
Given under my hand at my office in the City of Winfield, this 10th day of March 1874.
R. L. WALKER, Sheriff, Cowley Co.
[SHERIFF’S SALE: BREWERY CHATTELS, JOHN N. YERGER.]
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
RECAP.
PLAINTIFFS: Aug Kurtzeborn, M. A. Rozenblatt, Sol Bauman and Meyer Bauman, partners under the firm name of L. Bauman & Co.
DEFENDANT: John N. Yerger.
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that under, and by virtue of an Execution issued on the judgment in the above entitled cause and to me directed and delivered, I will on the 22nd day of April, A. D. 1874, at 2 o’clock p.m., at the brewery of Himelspaugh & Yerger, about one mile west of Winfield, in said county of Cowley, offer at public sale, and sell to the highest bidder for cash in hand, all the right, title, and interest of the defendant, John N. Yerger, in and to the following described chattels to-wit: Three (3) large barrels. One (1) tub. One (1) mash tub. Thirty (30) beer kegs. One (1) force pump and hose.
Said property having been levied upon as the property of said defendant, John N. Yerger.
R. L. WALKER, Sheriff.
Fairbank, Torrance & Green, Attorneys for plaintiffs. April 10, 1874.
Note: Believe this was the “Cave Brewery.”
NEXT ITEM CALLS FOR SALE OF THE PROPERTY.
PLAINTIFFS: Aug Kurtzeborn, M. A. Rozenblatt, Sol Bauman and Meyer Bauman, partners under the firm name of L. Bauman & Co.
DEFENDANT: John N. Yerger.

RECAP: Sheriff selling at the courthouse in Winfield to the highest bidder for cash, all the right, title, and interest of John N. Yerger in and to the following described land situate in said county of Cowley to-wit.
Beginning at a point on the North line of the South half of the South West quarter of section number twenty-nine (29) in township number thirty-two (32) South of Range Four (4) East twelve (12) chains East of the North West corner of said South half of said quarter section, thence South 6" West Four (4) chains, thence North 54" 15' east four (4) chains, thence north 6" East two (2) chains and eighty-two (82) links, thence due West on line three hundred and eighty-two (382) links to the place of beginning, containing land 86-100 acres more or less. The said land having been levied upon as the property of said John N. Yerger.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.
Sheriff Walker is back from Leavenworth, where he has been to take the prisoners sentenced at the last term of the District Court.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.
R. L. Walker, Sheriff: $79.60.
R. L. Walker, witness, $4.50.
R. L. Walker, Sheriff: $30.25.
R. L. Walker, Sheriff, paid as follows: $2.25; $14.25; $56.00; $2.00; $32.00; $73.50; $3.55; $4.15; $2.25.
R. L. Walker, lantern: $1.75.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.
The Council met at Sheriff Walker’s office May 4th, 1874, at 7½ o’clock p.m. Present: S. C. Smith, Mayor, and Councilmen J. P. McMillen, R. B. Saffold, S. Darrah, and H. S. Silver. J. W. Curns, Clerk. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
[S. L. BRETTUN VS. W. H. CADY: SHERIFF’S SALE.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1874.
RECAP: SHERIFF R. L. WALKER SELLS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1874, LAND OWNED BY W. H. CADY, WHO HAS BEEN SUED BY S. L. BRETTUN: West ½ of the southeast ¼ of section 21, tp. 30, south of Range four East of the sixth principal meridian in Cowley County, containing 80 acres, the said land having been levied upon as the property of said W. H. Cady.
Attorneys for plaintiff, S. L. Brettun: Alexander & Saffold.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1874.

Al Headrick is in limbo again; this time it is for stealing a horse in Labette County. He had been working for a man named Humphries, living twelve miles southwest of Parsons, and being out of work and out of money and not being anxious to walk away, he “borrowed” a horse and rode away. He says he meant to turn the horse loose and start him back home after he got to Grouse Creek, but his great aversion to treading on mother soil overcame his scruples in regard to keeping other people’s property and so he rode on. He stopped at a schoolhouse to attend church, a few miles north of town, on Timber Creek, where he was arrested by Sheriff Walker and Constable Shenneman, and lodged in jail at this place. Sheriff Walker started with him for Labette County, yesterday morning.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1874.
The following is a list of the bills allowed by the board of County Commissioners at their meeting commencing on the 18th day of May A. D. 1874.
R. L. Walker, sheriff: $10.50; $11.00; $25.00.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Sheriff Dick Walker, who left here a week ago yesterday to take Al. Headrick to Labette County, arrived at home last Wednes­day evening. He reports that the vigilantes had formed a plan to intercept him at the west line of that county, for the purpose of lynching his prisoner. But he, suspecting something of the kind as well as being warned by some of the citizens, eluded the committee by taking a circuitous route. Fortunate for Mr. Headrick’s neck that he was in charge of so brave and intrepid an officer as Sheriff Walker.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.
A good joke is told on Sheriff Walker, who, besides being the best Sheriff in Kansas, is one of the most bashful of bache­lors. Well, a short time ago, the amiable Richard was called upon to serve an attachment against a certain young and lovely widow living out in the country. He called upon her and said, “Madam, I have an attachment for you.” The widow blushed, and said his attachment was reciprocated. “You don’t understand me, you must proceed to court,” said the gallant sheriff. “No indeed,” replied the blooming widow, “This is not leap year, so I prefer you to do the courting.” “Mrs. H., this is no time for trifling, the Justice is waiting.” “The Justice,” replies the blushing fair one, “I prefer a parson.” Dick retired in disgust, and that widow is single to this day.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1874.
Al Headrick, who was taken to Labette County by Sheriff Walker a short time ago, broke the Jail of that county in company with another man and is now at large. A reward of $50 is offered for his apprehension.
[PROCEEDINGS OF 4TH OF JULY PLANNING COMMITTEE.]
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1874.
Captain R. L. Walker was appointed Marshal of the day.
[THE 4TH AT WINFIELD CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1874.
The 98th anniversary of the declaration of American indepen­dence was ushered in at Winfield with a round of 37 guns. a more beautiful morning never dawned on the day made immortal by the heroes, who, to achieve the independence of the thirteen colo­nies, pledged their “fortunes, their lives, and their sacred honor.” Before 10 o’clock the city was a perfect jam of people. But Chief Marshal Walker, with his corps of able assistants, soon had the mass in motion headed for the grove. The Winfield Silver Cornet Band, closely followed by the car of freedom, containing 37 beautiful young ladies, and drawn by four horses driven by Mr. N. Roberson, headed the procession. Arrived at the grove every­thing was found to be in first-class order.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.

A Stampede. Reader, perhaps you have seen a herd of Texas cattle stam­pede; perhaps the rush of animals, the clatter of hoofs, the cracking of horns that give terror to the scene are familiar to you; perhaps the thunder of a million buffaloes shaking the earth and startling all living things in their rush from the hills down into the waters of the Arkansas may have wakened you from your nap by the camp-fire, and sent the blood leaping through its courses like an electric shock; perhaps the sight of the sudden retreat of five thousand men as they were hurled back over the reserves by an overwhelming force may have clenched your teeth in fear and anger some day.
We have seen, and felt, all of these things, but the terror of men and stampede of animals was never more perfect than the occurrence that transpired last Monday in the building occupied by Curns & Manser at the time Justice Boyer discharged the prisoners, Brown, Onstott, and Brocknell.
The house was full of spectators, at least one hundred and fifty in number. Some of the knowing ones had predicted “bloody work” that day and expectation was on tiptoe.
Sheriff Walker had warrants for the re-arrest of the prison­ers in the event of their discharge, while deputy U. S. Marshal Hill, backed by two or three resolute men from the Territory, was determined to take the prisoners with a U. S. warrant. At the instant the word “dis­charged” escaped the mouth of the Justice, Sheriff Walker and deputies took possession of the prisoners and at the same instant Hill and his posse attempted to seize them.
At this instant revolvers were drawn by some of the offi­cers, and a panic struck the spectators. A rush was made for the doors and windows. Small men were knocked down and run over, a board petition extending clear across the room was thrown flat down, a long railing was torn out, windows were smashed out and tables, chairs, and bookcases, upset.
A man, who had boasted of having looked down the belching cannon’s throat, appeared sudden­ly from some aperture hatless, and with hair on end. A burley merchant escaped through a window, and was seen to cross the street at full speed with a window sash sticking midway upon his body. Two long legged lawyers, who have boasted of their exploits in bullying county justices into favorable decisions, escaped through the nearest window, hatless and breath­less. One took refuge in the nearest kitchen, while the other held his panting bowels against the unexposed side of a small “out house.” A fleeing spectator declared, “They were killing lots of men in there.” Two minis­ters of the gospel were thrown down and tramped upon by the rabble, and at least twenty laymen suffered the same treatment.
Not a shot was fired!
Next week this blood-thirsty mob start for the front to clean out the redmen.
[BASE BALL: FRONTIER’S VERSUS EL DORADO BASE BALL CLUB.]
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1874.
Base Ball. The El Dorado base ball club of El Dorado, played the Fron­tiers of this place a match game of ball on the grounds of the latter last Saturday, which resulted in the victory of the Frontier’s by a score of 35 to 38. Play was “called” at 3 o’clock p.m., and the game was called at 7, in the middle of the ninth inning, it being too dark to finish the game with safety. According to the rule, therefore, the score was counted at the end of the eighth inning.

The game was a very poor one, which was mainly owing to the strong wind which blew from the south, carrying the dust into the eyes of the catcher, and taking the ball whereso’er it listeth. The Winfield boys in none of their scrub games ever played so poorly. Not a whitewash was made on either side.
Bob Sheather of the Frontier’s, made the only home run, and put ten men out on first base, Cruden assisting six times. Walton caught two fouls and put two men out on 3 strikes, but at the fifth inning, having badly bruised his hand, he took second base and Cruden took his place behind the bat. Cruden caught one fair fly, five fouls, put one man out on second base, and one on three strikes. Hane put one man out on second base, and Morris one on third. Webb assisted once, Morris once, Walton once, Slemmons once, and Kenan twice.
On the side of the El Dorado’s, Gossard caught two fair flies, Shryer two, and Myers one. McIntire caught nine fouls, put one out on three strikes, and one out on home base, etc.
PLAYERS FOR FRONTIER BASE BALL CLUB.
Walton, Kenan, Slemmons, Sheather, Cruden, Morris, Webb, Hane, and Stewart.
Scorers: Frontier—V. B. Beckett. El Dorado—J. C. Elliott.
The ball in the evening was not as great a success as it would have been if Sheriff Walker had allowed the use of the courthouse, which he refused to do, whereupon the Valley House was procured and used, and a select, though small crowd, was in attendance. But everything passed off pleasantly, and as far as we know, the boys were well pleased with the entertainment.
The third game will be played at Douglass, on one of the days of the fair, which will be held in the middle of September next.
[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.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
John Brocknell, James Brown, Henry Bozark, and Dick Walker all take their meals at the Courthouse now. They will receive proper attention at the hands of Judge Campbell at the next term of the District court.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
CIVIL DOCKET, SIXTH DAY.
R. L. Walker vs. County Commissioners.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.
Sheriff Walker now carries the keys of the Telegram office.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.
Col. Manning has sued Allison of the Telegram for libel.
[LAZETTE NEWS.]

Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.
The late visits of Captain Walker and his good looking deputy, Burt Covert, produced a stir among the inhabitants of Grouse Creek Valley.
During the sitting of the District Court, Lazette seemed almost deserted, the citizens having gone in large numbers to pay their respects to Judge Campbell.
Winfield Courier, October 15, 1874.
Henry Bozark, the prisoner who escaped from Sheriff Walker in the dark on Monday night, was re-captured by deputy Geo. Walker today, on the head of Timber Creek. He is now in jail awaiting transportation to the penitentiary. Prisoners may as well understand that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a man to get away from Walker’s posse.
Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.
A. D. Speed has got back to Cowley again. Harter, Dick Walker, and Judge Saffold have our warmest sympathy, we know how it is ourself.
Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.
Dick Walker took Bozark, Onstatt, and Brocknell to Leavenworth last Monday. Bozark goes to the penitentiary and Onstatt and Brocknell will be given into the charge of the U. S. Marshal, Tough, who takes them to Arkansas to have another trial.
Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.
Last week J. C. Lillie, editor in chief of the Carpet-bagger, tried to crowd Allison and his office from their quarters under the bank, and install the Carpet-Bagger instead. Lillie had part of the office in the building before Allison discovered what he was up to when Mr. Allison went around and quietly told J. C. that he should just leave the rest of his baggage out of doors or find some other rooms.
As Lillie didn’t like to comply with this very mild request, he commenced abusing Mr. Allison, and telling him how quick he was going to whip him, but failing to do it, however, his anger subsided as it always does when Allison told him not to come any nearer. Mr. Allison then told Mr. Lillie a few things and called him some pet names such as thief, liar, and gambler, and telling how a number of times he had found him and his family nearly starving and helped them out by furnishing J. C. with work in his office. At this point Mrs. Lillie struck up and kept singing her song to the loudest key during the rest of the controversy.
In the meantime Geo. Walker, deputy sheriff, in whose hands the Telegram office then was, told Mr. Lillie that if he put any more of that Carpet-Bagger office into that cellar, that daylight would shine through him in about a minute. The Carpet-Bagger office still occupies a position on the outside of the building.
Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.

Good News for the Needy. Under the law, the County Treasurer is required to issue tax warrants on the first of January, against those persons who have failed to pay their personal property tax. All those persons who could possibly do so have paid their personal property tax, but still there is a very large class who cannot in any way meet the tax. They have not the means to buy bread with, and to issue tax warrants now would cause great distress to this class. Knowing the situation well, our popular sheriff, Dick Walker, has re­quested Treasurer Kager to withhold the issue of warrants to an indefinite time, in the hope that the legislature will pass a law setting the time of issuing tax warrants as late as June first, the time at which warrants should issue for the last half of the personal tax of those who have already paid one-half their taxes. Mr. Kager has kindly consented to comply with Sheriff Walker’s request. In the meantime petitions should be sent to the legis­lature asking immediate action in this important matter.
Winfield Courier, January 14, 1875.
A heavy theft was perpetrated here a night or two ago. It seems that Sheriff Walker took a threshing machine from somewhere on the Walnut to town and left it in the yard attached to the livery of Morris & Bro. Sometime during the night the machine was spirited away, no one knew wither. It was finally found, however, and brought to town. We have heard of thieves stealing saw mills and such like, but this is the first instance on record of a threshing machine being stolen.
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.
Traveler Item. Amos Walton will apply for admission to the bar next week before Judge Campbell.
Dick Walker, the best sheriff Cowley County ever had, was in town yesterday.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.
CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY.
No. 448. A. V. Polk, vs. R. L. Walker, et al.
No. 455. R. L. Walker, vs. David Huston.
No. 456. R. L. Walker, vs. Mary M. Huston.
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1875.
Sheriff Walker has gone to Leavenworth with the darkey who was convicted of stealing, at the recent term of our district court. He was also accompanied by Mr. C. P. Spalding, of Tisdale, who is wanted for something or other by the U. S. court now in session at Topeka.
Winfield Courier, May 27, 1875.
One day last week the boys at the Courthouse attempted to illustrate the cold water ritual of the Methodists by sprinkling each other. Judge Gans, an old hand at the business, “frowed de last water fust” on Dick Walker; and Dick, not being partial to water in any form, handed a pitcher full to Troup, which, owing to his carelessness, landed on top of his head. This set the ball to rolling. Troup returned the compliment by emptying his coal scuttle of dirty water in Walker’s left ear. Then Bedilion and Walton joined in—only to get treated to more cold water than they had been used to lately, and they retired satisfied. Then Walker and Gans formed an alliance, which they were just sealing with a “shake,” when the irrepressible Troup put in his ladle and sent them off shaking themselves and swearing vengeance against him. They soon proved too much for Troup, for while he was guarding the pump and watching Dick, Gans stole upstairs, and emptied four gallons of muddy water down his shirt collar; and in attempting to retreat, he was overhauled by long Dick and treated to another bath, which closed the circus for that day. They are now suffering from bad colds, the penalty for using too much cold water when their constitutions were not used to it.”
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1875.

Who wrote that order for a gallon of beer and signed Sheriff Walker’s name to it? That’s what Dick wants to find out too.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
One on “Dick.” By way of retaliation the boys are circulating a good joke on Dick Walker this week. It is well known, far and wide, that he has an unusual sized understanding (he wears boots numbered somewhere away up in the teens), and that he never fails to embellish a joke when it passes through his hands.
“While at the picnic on the 3rd, at Arkansas City, he stood leaning against a tree, with his feet extended, listening to the sweet music of the Beethoven Society, perfectly unconscious of his surroundings. While standing there (unobserved by him) a young couple from Bolton Township came along, and, as they supposed, took a seat on a log under this same tree. The music stopped, and Dick, for the first time, noticed them. But as they were chatting merrily, he thought he wouldn’t disturb them, until the conversation took a turn where he thought, “Two is company, and three a crowd.”  So he modestly suggested that he was “sorry, he didn’t like to disturb them, but the fact was Harter wanted to see him over there by the lemonade stand.”
The young man said nothing, but his sweetheart allowed “He (Dick) could go as nobody was holden him.”  “Well,” said Dick, at the same time bowing gracefully with the upper part of himself, “I can’t, you see, as you are sitting on my left foot.”  It is needless to say that they moved, and rather suddenly too; and as they passed round the speaker’s stand, the girl was heard to remark, “Well! That must be that sheriff, Dick Walker, of Winfield, for nobody else has such feet outside of a museum.”
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY. Robert Allison vs. Richard L. Walker.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY. Oliver S. Williams vs. Richard L. Walker.
[ANNOUNCEMENT: FRANK GALLOTTI FOR COUNTY TREASURER.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
TO THE VOTERS OF COWLEY COUNTY. This is to certify that we, whose names are hereto sub­scribed, do most heartily recommend for our next County Treasurer, FRANK GALLOTTI, who has for the last year and a half faithfully and satisfactorily performed the duties of said office while acting in the capacity of Deputy; and we do hereby further certify that his character during that time has been such as to fully entitle him to the recommendation. The records of said office kept by him, bears ample testimony of his capability and efficiency. We consider him well qualified to fulfill the duties of said office, and therefore cheerfully recommend him to the voters of Cowley County as well worth of their cordial support, and who, if elected, will most faithfully and systematically perform the duties of said office.
R. L. Walker signed the above.
[POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
R. L. WALKER: REELECTION AS SHERIFF.
LEON LIPPMAN: CANDIDATE FOR SHERIFF.

A. N. DEMING [INDEPENDENT PARTY] FOR SHERIFF.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, October 7, 1875. Editorial Page.
Of Sheriff Walker and M. G. Troup we need say nothing; they have each served one term and their work speaks for them. The people of Cowley County believing in genuine reform, will see to it that these men who have served them so faithfully and well will still continue to serve them.
REPUBLICAN TICKET.
FOR REPRESENTATIVE: EDWIN C. MANNING OF WINFIELD.
FOR SHERIFF: R. L. WALKER OF VERNON.
FOR COUNTY CLERK: M. G. TROUP OF TISDALE.
FOR TREASURER: THOMAS R. BRYAN OF DEXTER.
FOR REGISTER OF DEEDS: EZRA P. KINNE OF CRESWELL.
FOR COUNTY SURVEYOR: WIRT W. WALTON OF WINFIELD.
FOR CORONER: DR. JOHN HEADRICK OF WINFIELD.
FOR COMMISSIONERS:
1ST DIST. - WILLIAM WHITE OF ROCK.
2ND DIST. - WILLIAM SLEETH OF CRESWELL.
3RD DIST. - R. F. BURDEN OF WINDSOR.
[REFORM CONVENTION!]
Winfield Courier, October 14, 1875.
The next heat was for Sheriff, for which there were five entries, to-wit: Hoffmaster, Deming, Lippman, Shenneman, and R. L. Walker. Walker’s name was withdrawn and Shenneman declined in favor of Deming. The last ballot resulted in favor of Hoffmaster.
Winfield Courier, October 21, 1875.       
We understand that Captain Hoffmaster, Reform candidate for Sheriff, has withdrawn from the ticket on account of sickness in his family, and that A. N. Deming of this place has been put on in his place. We congratulate Mr. Hoffmaster on the good sense evinced by him in getting out of the way, no matter what the cause. But what shall we say of our friend Deming? His courage is certainly commendable, but, as in the case of the little French bull, we cannot admire his judgment.
The people of this county will not trade a tried and trusty officer for anyone of whom they know nothing just for the fun of the thing. Dick Walker has by his upright conduct and official integrity endeared himself to the people of Cowley County, and they propose to continue him where he will do them the most good. We are sorry for Mr. Deming, as the result this fall will only bury him beyond resurrection.
[LAZETTE NEWS.]
Winfield Courier, October 21, 1875.

The joint discussion between the candidates of our parties came off last night. A good crowd met at the schoolhouse to see the aspirants for office and to hear the speeches. While there was no discussion between the opposing candidates, each one of them made a speech, not so much however to display his oratorical abilities, for each one said, “I am no orator, as Brutus is,” but to let the people see what good looking men were seeking to serve them. Col. W. P. Hackney opened the exercises, after which Messrs. Handy, Bryan, Kinne, Henderson, Deming, and Walker became bold enough to speak. Col. J. M. Alexander was then called out, and he made a happy and well received speech. Judge Gans followed the Colonel with some good natural remarks and a joke on one of the candidates. After our distinguished visitors had spoken, some of our township candidates and citizens joined in the “discussion.” Squire John Clover, Charley Jones, B. H. Clover, H. D. Wilkins, and Burt French made effective and telling speeches. There was but one disappointment in the evening, namely, the non-appearance of friend Walton of the Plow-Handle. The meeting was closed with a few remarks by the chairman, R. C. Story.
[WOOD WANTED: COURTHOUSE.]
Winfield Courier, December 2, 1875.
WOOD WANTED. The undersigned will receive written proposals for bids for furnishing Forty Cords of wood for the County until December 10th, 1875. The wood to be mixed green and dry, and delivered at the Courthouse in Winfield as needed, and payment made in Cowley County scrip. R. L. WALKER, Sheriff. Dec. 1, 1875.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.
Sheriff Walker is keeping house with his mother in the residence lately occupied by C. M. Wood.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
MARRIED. WALKER-WEBB. Tuesday evening, January 4, 1876, at the residence of the bride’s brother, L. J. Webb, by Rev. N. L. Rigby, Mr. R. L. Walker and Miss Sadie A. Webb.
Everybody in the county knows Dick Walker and no one has more friends than he. They all rejoice at his good sense and good fortune in selecting a companion for life. His new wife, though not one of the “old settlers,” has many friends in our midst and quietly captured the Captain that all the girls were going crazy after. “Still waters run deep.’”
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1876.
LUNATICS. Sheriff Walker has two lunatics on his hands, Frank Bungdefer, from Otter Township, and Scott Biggs. The State Insane Asylum is full or they would go there.
[SHERIFF’S SALE:  A. W. GRAHAM VS. AARON N. & JULIA ANN DEMING.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1876.
RECAP: A. W. GRAHAM, PLAINTIFF, VS. AARON N. AND JULIA ANN DEMING, DEFENDANTS. SHERIFF R. L. WALKER. SELLING AT PUBLIC AUCTION NORTHEAST QUARTER SECTION TWENTY-NINE, TOWNSHIP THIRTY-FOUR, SOUTH OF RANGE FOUR EAST, AND THE UNDIVIDED HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION TWENTY, TOWNSHIP THIRTY-FOUR, SOUTH OF RANGE FOUR EAST, IN COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS.
NOTE:  SHERIFF AT THIS TIME WAS R. L. WALKER.
[RAILROAD MEETING: RESIDENTS OF COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1876.

The undersigned, residents of Cowley County, cordially unite in inviting the citizens of said county to meet in mass meeting at Winfield, on Saturday at 2 P. M., FEBRUARY 5TH, to take such action as shall seem advisable upon consultation to secure the construction of a railroad into Cowley County. We desire each paper in said county to publish this call, and we hope that every township will be fully represented at said meeting.
Dated January 25, 1876.
VERNON TOWNSHIP: Wm. Martin, C. M. Donkin, R. L. Walker.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876.
Sheriff Walker’s deputies are hunting taxpayers with war­rants now-a-days.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 16, 1876.
MARRIAGE LICENSES. The following is a list of Marriage Licenses issued by Probate Judge Gans, during the month of January.
R. L. Walker and Sadie Webb.
Winfield Courier, March 23, 1876.
Sheriff Walker has been suffering from the effects of an attack of pneumonia.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, March 23,1876.
CIVIL DOCKET. SIXTH DAY.
J. B. Splawn vs. R. L. Walker, Sheriff.
W. B. Turner vs. R. L. Walker, Sheriff.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1876. Front Page.
R. L. Walker, Sheriff: $175.00; R. L. Walker, Sheriff: $30.00; R. L. Walker, Sheriff: $39.00; R. L. Walker, Sheriff: $37.75; R. L. Walker, Sheriff: $12.00; R. L. Walker, Sheriff: $12.00.
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1876.
JOHN ROE, the young man who stole Sam. Endicott’s mare, was convicted and sentenced to one year’s imprisonment in the peni­tentiary. Sheriff Walker went up with him last Monday.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.
Chas. H. Miller, the new U. S. Marshal for Kansas, has appointed Sheriff R. L. Walker as his deputy for this part of the district. We congratulate Mr. Miller on his selection. He could not have made one more acceptable to the people on the “border tier” had he submitted it to their popular vote. Capt. Walker will make a deputy worthy of the chief, and that is saying a great deal.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.

Monday morning the citizens of the west part of town were startled with the cry of “Help! Help! Murder!!”  Three men were seen scuffling on the street near Kirk’s blacksmith shop. Sheriff Walker rushed to the scene, and found old man Horneman in the hands of two men, who were trying to put him in a wagon. He was shouting vociferously and calling on the bystanders for help. Dick inquired of the parties by what authority they were acting, and they showed him a warrant for Horneman properly signed by the authorities of Rice County. Having the proper credentials, they chucked the old man in the wagon, and hurried off towards Wichita. Dick hurried up to the office of Pryor, who made immediate application to, and obtained of Judge Gans, a writ of habeas corpus. Armed with this and other necessaries, Dick started out after the kidnappers. A novel race ensued. The old man was pinioned to the lower deck of the wagon box by a two hundred pound deputy sheriff sitting on his broad chest, while the other sat upon the seat and drove furiously. As Walker came in sight, they redoubled their speed, thinking to reach the county line before him. They didn’t know the man or the mettle of the little bay team that was slashing up behind them. He came up, halted them, and demanded the prisoner. They gave him up without any “back talk.”  As Horneman, almost breathless, climbed into the buggy with Dick, he shook his fist at the big Rice deputy man and said: “By shimminy, you don’t sit on mine pelly so much now as before Valker came you did, eh!”  The cause alleged for the arrest was that Horneman stole a horse up in Rice County and brought it down here. The truth of the matter is this: Horneman hired a horse of Mr. Fitzsimmons, of Red Bud, loaned it to Tom Deering, who drove it up to Rice County and sold it. Horneman, having a chattel mortgage on the horse, went up and got it. Then he was followed and arrested for stealing the horse, as above stated. His trial will come off next Monday. The old man’s description of his ride, with the deputy sheriff sitting on him, was too funny for any use.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.
Sheriff Walker, J. P. Short, Cliff Wood, Burt Covert, and Mr. Tansey stopped at the Central Avenue last Monday, and ate enough to fill a bed tick. Dick’s health is improving since he is married. Cliff is as portly as usual. Burt still backs that charming moustache, and Mr. Tansey retains his natural good qualities.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 21, 1876.
At a meeting of the County Central Committee, held Monday, June 19th, Prof. Lemmon was chosen Chairman of the District Judicial Committee. Present: Esquire Morris, of Beaver, L. J. Webb, of Winfield, R. L. Walker, of Ninnescah, A. B. Lemmon, of Winfield, C. M. Scott, of Creswell.
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.
In Wilson’s History of Montgomery, we learn that our Sheriff, R. L. Walker, was one of the first three commissioners of that county. He was appointed by the Governor on the 3rd day of June, 1868. H. C. Crawford and H. A. Bethuram were his associates.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876.
Delegates. The following is a list of the delegates to the republican county convention, from the nine townships heard from.
Winfield: R. L. Walker, James Kelly, E. P. Kinne, M. G. Troup, T. B. Myers, C. C. Pierce, News Newell, Jno. Mentch, E. S. Torrance, and A. B. Lemmon.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876.
The Republican Caucus. Last Saturday the Republicans of Winfield Township met in caucus at the courthouse, at 4 o’clock p.m., and elected the following delegates to the county convention, to be held next Saturday in Winfield.
R. L. Walker, A. B. Lemmon, News. Newell, T. B. Myers, C. C. Pierce, M. G. Troup, E. P. Kinne, James Kelly, E. S. Torrance, and John Mentch were elected delegates, and W. M. Boyer, T. L. King, John Weakley, S. D. Klingman, S. Johnson, H. L. Barker, G. W. Robertson, J. E. Saint, John C. Roberts, and A. Howland, alternates.

The vote stood 91 for the ticket elected and 9 for the ticket that was defeated. It is an able delegation and was very enthusiastically supported.
[REPUBLICAN COWLEY COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876. Editorial Page.
Winfield: Delegates, R. L. Walker, A. B. Lemmon, News. Newell, T. B. Myers, C. C. Pierce, M. G. Troup, E. P. Kinne, Jno. Mentch, James Kelly, and E. S. Torrance. Alternates, W. M. Boyer, T. L. King, Jno. Weakley, S. D. Klingman, S. Johnson, H. L. Barker, G. W. Robertson, J. E. Saint, John C. Roberts, and A. Howland.
E. S. TORRANCE, Chairman. A. B. ODELL, Secretary.
On motion the following named persons were selected, by acclamation, as delegates to the 3rd District Congressional convention: L. J. Webb, R. L. Walker, J. B. Evans, M. G. Troup, and E. C. Manning; and the following named as alternates: L. Lippman, J. W. Millspaugh, S. S. Moore, T. W. Moore, and A. B. Lemmon.
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 committee on credentials then submitted the following report.
“Your committee on credentials beg leave to report the following named persons entitled to seats as delegates in the convention.”
Vernon Township: J. S. Wooley, F. W. Schwantes, and J. W. Millspaugh.
Winfield: R. L. Walker, A. B. Lemmon, News. Newell, T. B. Myers, C. C. Pierce, M. G. Troup, Jas. Kelly, E. P. Kinne, John Mentch, and E. S. Torrance.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
Deputy U. S. Marshal R. L. Walker has been for several days engaged in ferreting out the illicit distilling of liquor near this place, and on Sunday last found where the still had been, and arrested Wm. McGee as one of the parties connected with it. McGee was brought to town and confined at the Central Avenue Hotel. On Monday morning, about three o’clock, he asked to go out, pretending to be sick. Mr. Walker gave his consent, telling Mr. McGee to leave his boots and hat. McGee left them, and in his shirt and pants, made a run toward the Arkansas River Bridge, getting so much of a start that the Sheriff did not overtake him. The still, we are informed, was on Cass Endicott’s farm, but had not been there a great while. Not long ago it was on Grouse Creek, and by this time there is no telling where it is. It seems the parties connected with it moved it about from place to place, and located it where they chose, without the knowledge of the owners of the land. It remains to be proven whether even McGee was in any manner connected with it. The efforts of the Sheriff, however, have resulted in stopping its work in Cowley County.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
It is rumored that considerable whiskey was sold from the distillery at this place. We were told that it could only be obtained at night from a stranger: a woman, or a man in women’s clothes.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.

Barrels. The parties connected with the whiskey distilling who stored twenty-two empty barrels in Mr. Maxwell’s timber will have until Saturday to get them away. The parties are known, so they need not run around after night to do the work, but come right out in the daytime if they want them.
[SHERIFF’S SALE: CAYUGA CHIEF MANUFACTURING VS. CARDER.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
Recap: The Cayuga Chief Manufacturing Company, Plaintiff, versus Thomas M. Carder, Defendant. Sheriff R. L. Walker. James Christian, Attorney for Plaintiff.
Sheriff to sell at the south front door of the courthouse in Winfield, for cash, the following premises, to-wit: Beginning 24 rods south of the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 22 in township 33, south of range 6 east, running thence north, parallel with the first line, 40 rods, thence east to place of beginning, containing 5 acres, with the appurtenances thereunto belonging, valued at $75.00; and the Dexter Mill Property, consisting of five acres of land, with all appurte­nances thereunto belonging, situated on the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 13, township 33, south of range 6 east, situated in Cowley County, appraised at $3,000.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
The Sheriff told us last week he had McGee at the Central Avenue. He was mistaken; in short, he lied, for McGee was at Walker’s barn. We say this because the Central Avenue don’t want the credit of keeping him. That is, keeping McGee.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.
SHERIFF WALKER started for Osawatomie, last Tuesday. He took Scott the lunatic with him.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.
CIVIL DOCKET. W. A. Sharp vs. R. L. Walker; B. D. French vs. R. L. Walker.
 Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
DICK WALKER, much to the surprise of his friends, returned from Osawatomie Saturday night. His pockets are full of precipes, summons, and the like, as he rushed up and down the country, bringing in the jurors, witnesses, and litigants. He and his corps of deputies are on the warpath.
[ARREST: NOTORIOUS CHARLES HOWERTSON.]
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
An Arrest. Monday evening the crowd around Fuller’s bank and near the apple wagons on Main street had an opportunity to see the neatest magisterial job that has been performed in this county for some time.
Information was given Sheriff Walker that one of the apple peddlers from Arkansas on our streets was the notorious Charles Howertson, of Knox County, Missouri, who, in July last shot and killed one Hiner, near Edina, in that county. The informant, one of the best citizens of our county (we refrain from giving his name for prudential reasons), knew Howertson personally a few years ago, and recognized him in his new role of apple vender.

Walker prepared to arrest him and to make assurance doubly sure, called in A. H. Green, who performed the part of confidence man to perfection. When everything was in readiness, Green stepped up behind their man and spoke out quick and sharp, “How do you do, Howertson?” at the same time extending his hand for a “shake.” Howertson, taken by surprise, of course, turned round quickly when the name was spoken and advanced a step to meet the supposed acquaintance.
At this juncture Walker closed his vice-like grip on the Missourian’s arm and informed him that he was a prisoner. Howertson made an attempt to draw his revolver, which was in his right hand pocket, but of course failed. The boys were too much for him. They unarmed him and marched him off to the calaboose.
When informed of the charge against him, he admitted that he did shoot a man in Missouri last July, and added that if the Sheriff hadn’t got the drop on him, he would have shot him. He says the man Hiner that he shot is not dead yet, but the Hiner that his brother shot died. It seems that the two Howertsons got into a difficulty with the two Hiners, which terminated in the death of one of the latter and the wounding of the other.
The Howertsons fled to Arkansas, and have eluded the offi­cers up to the present time. Sheriff Walker telegraphed to the Sheriff of Knox County, notifying him of the arrest. The Howertsons are said to be desperate and lawless men. They were “rebel bushwhackers” during the late war and led a terrible life.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
John R. Thompson, one of the sterling farmers of Richland Township, left his cattle ranche, upon invitation of Sheriff Walker, and is in town serving his country in the capacity of a petit juror.
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1876.
E. S. C., Which means “Evening Star Club.”
The above named social organization is just making its debut in Winfield’s fashionable “upper-ten” society. The need of a similar association has long been felt in this community. “Hoodlum dances” have become the rule instead of the exception and are growing very monotonous. Social lines are now to be drawn, and a new order of things will soon take the place of the old breeches-in-boots regime. “Hoe-downs” and their concomitant evils will pass into oblivion, and the big nosed “caller” who used to sing out, as he buckled on to the red-haired girl him­self, “Grab pardners for a quadrille!” will be a thing of the past. Kid gloves and waxed moustaches are not to take the place of all these old frontier familiarities, but a jolly, fun loving, respectable class of our citizens who have been reared in the higher walks of life, resume their position in the social scale, and propose to conduct these entertainments in a manner that will reflect credit upon the management and the city at large. The world moves and we must keep pace with the hour, socially, morally, and otherwise.
The charter members, so to speak, of the Club are Messrs. Frank Gallotti, Esq. Boyer, E. W. Holloway, T. K. Johnston, R. L. Walker, J. B. Lynn, W. P. Hackney, C. C. Black, J. O. Houx, and A. E. Baird, as they were its organizers. At their meeting on the 17th instant, the following constitution was read and adopt­ed.
Constitution of the Evening Star Club of the City of Winfield.
Art. 1. An association is constituted in the City of Winfield, Kansas, under the name of “The Evening Star Club.”
Art. 2. The object of the Club is to give a series of Social Dances, and other entertainments as may be decided by the same.

Art. 3. The Club will have a regular meeting every fort­night, and a special meeting whenever deemed necessary by a majority of the board of trustees.
Art. 4. All business of the Club must be transacted at the regular meetings.
Art. 5. The administration of this Club will be conducted by a board of trustees, composed of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and three directors, to be elected by its members at a regular meeting.
Art. 6. A person wishing to become a member of this club must have his or her name proposed by one of the members at a regular meeting.
Art. 7. Every petitioner for membership shall be balloted for at a regular meeting.
Art. 8. To become a member of this Club, the petitioner must receive the unanimous vote of the members present at the balloting, must sign the constitution, and pay an admission fee of Two dollars, and a monthly fee in advance of one dollar.
Art. 9. A member in arrear of one month fee will have no voice in the regular or special meetings, and if in arrear of two month’s fees, will lose his membership.
Art. 10. The duties of the officers of this Club, and the order of business to be transacted by the same, shall be regulated by bylaws drawn as soon as the club is constituted.
Art. 11. None but the members of the club will be admitted at the regular Dances given by the same unless non-resident.
Art. 12. A non-resident shall be admitted at the dances of this club only when supplied with an invitation.
Art. 13. All invitations must be signed by the board of Trustees.
Art. 14. This Club will be considered constituted when the constitution is signed by ten persons who will be charter members.
The election of officers following, W. P. Hackney was chosen president; J. B. Lynn vice president; A. E. Baird, treasurer; J. O. Houx, secretary, and T. K. Johnston, C. C. Black, and
F. Gallotti as directors.
Frank Gallotti was appointed a committee of one on bylaws. Balloting was then had on the following candidates, resulting in their election to full membership: J. Wade McDonald, James Hill, Bert Crapster, Wilbur Dever, O. M. Seward, Fred Hunt, and Chas. Harter. The Club met last evening but we have not learned what additional business it transacted. We wish the association unlimited success, in its hitherto unoccupied field.
[DEMOCRATIC VICTORY MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1876.
Jollification. The Democratic jollification last night, over the election of one man out of the thirty-one on the ticket, was a huge affair. At an early hour sundry dry goods boxes, barrels, etc., were fired at the crossing of Main and 9th, the band was brought out, and the unterrified proceeded to get together. They met to rejoice over the election of Mr. Pyburn for fear that they wouldn’t have anything else to rejoice over. Mr. Pyburn was called out and in a few words thanked the Democrats for his election, which cooled the ardor of the bushwhacking Republicans, who were hanging on the outskirts expecting to get a comforting crumb.
Mr. McDonald followed him, of course, and put on the finish­ing touches. By insinuating remarks he cast reproach upon the name of the defeated candidate for State Senator.

This was more than his hearers could stand, and the only applause he received at its close was loud and repeated cries for “Manning!” “Man­ning!!” Mr. Manning climbed halfway up the stairway that led to the speakers stand and stopped, remarking that it was a time for “the Republican flag of Cowley County to stand at half mast.” From this stand he gave the “bushwhacking” enemy in his own party such a raking as they will remember for years. He had no feeling against the honest Democrats, who voted their honest sentiments, but against the men who had been nursed and petted by the Repub­lican party until they thought they owned the entire thing.
Mr. Hackney, late of California, was then called out and tried to explain why he was furnished with a “sleeping car” to ride free from Topeka to Galveston last winter, while his con­stituents were holding mass conventions at home to persuade the same road to build them a line down this valley. He then spoke a few kind words to “my friends,” the Democrats and Republicans, whereupon a full fledged “Dymocrat,” about half “set up,” yelled out, “Which side yer on?” This brought our friend Hackney down, and after more music the next Democratic (?) orator took the stand.
L. J. Webb, who had carried his district by a Republican majority of nearly four hundred, gave the jollifiers a few words that convinced them they had missed their man again.
Dick Walker, the Republican wheel-horse of this county, next stood up and put on the “cap sheaf.” He spoke of Arkansas City’s going back on him, bolting Webb’s nomination, Kinne’s nomination, and every other nomination the Republicans had ever made that wasn’t dictated by them, and that loyal old Vernon, “the only loyal State in the Union,” would remember them for all time to come.
Dick was followed by Capt. McDermott, Prof. Lemmon, and Mr. Kelly. They all made Republican speeches, which the poor Demo­crats were compelled to swallow. Prof. Lemmon said that he thought the meeting was called to attend a Republican funeral. That thirty out of thirty-one corpses were Democrats, and the anthem singers were nearly all Republicans.
The crowd was good humored and everything passed off harmo­niously. The funniest thing is to find where the Democratic jollification came in. The meeting was captured by Republicans, and seven speakers out of ten were “true blue Republicans.”
Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Walker, Friday, the 24th inst., a son. Weight ten pounds.
ED. WALKER has stopped talking politics. Cause: his weighty responsibilities as uncle.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1876.
DICK WALKER purchased the ten acre tract of land lying east of the road leading north from the bridge from Col. Manning and will use it as a stock lot. Its water boundary and nearness to town makes it very valuable for that purpose.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1876.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Dec. 4, 1876.
Ordinance No. 61 was duly approved by the Mayor. In accor­dance with ordinance No. 61, the Mayor with the consent and recommendation of the Council, appointed R. L. Walker as Chief of the fire department of the city of Winfield, T. B. Myers, Engi­neer, and H. S. Silvers as Captain, of said fire department.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

HAMPTON, whom Mr. King pointed out on our streets last summer as having shot a man in Missouri, and who was arrested by Sheriff Walker and held until sent for, has had his trial. It resulted in a verdict of guilty of shooting with intent to kill. His brother, who was in the same fracas, was found guilty of murder in the first degree. Sentence had not been passed upon them because of a motion for a new trial. They will probably receive the punishment they deserve. The Howerton, who was arrested here, threatened to avenge himself upon Mr. King as soon as released for having pointed him out to the authorities.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
Caught At Last. Monroe and McGee, the illicit whiskey distillers whom Sheriff Walker frightened out of this county, were arrested near Elgin, Kansas, last week, by a detective, and are now at Topeka awaiting trial.
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
HEAR THEM THUNDER! Rejoice and Be Exceeding Glad Because the Tax Payers of Cowley Have Been Delivered From The 3 Percent Despoiler. Three Names that will be “God Blessed” by the Mortgage Oppressed Of Cowley While There is Gratitude in the Human Heart—Manning, Webb, Walker.
LATEST DISPATCH. TOPEKA, KAN., FEB. 27, 1877, 4 o’clock p.m.
TO JAMES KELLY, Winfield, Kansas.
Bill has passed the House O. K. Signed: MANNING.
Dear reader: The above isn’t much; but it means a great deal more than we can tell in this short article. It means that the bill to repeal the infamous “two thirds” clause of the railroad law which was passed in the interest of the railroads then operated in Kansas, has passed both branches of the legisla­ture, and that now the interest paying and mortgage bedeviled yeoman of Cowley County can get a railroad by a majority vote.
It means that brain and muscle has at last triumphed over money, wind, and brag. We cannot refrain from congratulating the good people of this county upon their happy deliverance from the thraldom of the money ring of Winfield. Now we can get a rail­road in spite of the opposition of Read and Robinson and their paid strikers, the Hackneys and Rushbridges.
The friends of a railroad have reason to thank Col. Manning, Leland J. Webb, and R. L. Walker for their untiring efforts in their behalf. Over the active opposition of Pyburn in the Senate, Mitchell in the House, the Traveler and Telegram, the brick bank, with a Method­ist preacher and a lawyer as a tail to the kite thrown in. Leland J. Webb, solitary and alone, aided by Col. Manning’s fertile brain and Dick Walker’s splendid tact, wins the fight and the people are again triumphant. Glory enough for one day.
[CRITICISM IN EDITORIAL OF E. C. MANNING.]
Arkansas City Traveler, March 7, 1877. Editorial.
PRETTY GOOD. The Courier of last week gives an exceedingly complimentary notice of the editor himself, for the wonderful influence he exerted in securing the passage of the new bond law bill requiring a majority vote only, and says: “The friends of a railroad have reason to thank Col. Man­ning, Leland J. Webb, and R. L. Walker for their untiring efforts in their behalf. Leland J. Webb, solitary and alone, aided by Col. Manning’s fertile brain and Dick Walker’s splendid tact, wins the fight and the people are again triumphant.”

The facts are that the two gentlemen spoken of, not members of the Legislature, learned at Winfield that the law was about to pass, as we learned here, and immediately hurried away to share the supposed glory of its success. The matter was all understood before the gentlemen left Winfield, and they barely arrived to see the result of it, notwithstanding credit is given to the gentleman of “fertile brain” notoriety.
Mr. Webb worked earnest­ly for the bill, and with the assis­tance of Prof. Kellogg, of Lyon, and members from the Western counties, secured its passage, while the Winfield gentlemen were eagerly hunting over the papers to learn the result.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1877. Editorial Page.
OUT OF THE WOODS. Cowley County is out of the woods on the railroad question. The Kansas legislature has cut the withes that bound us hand and  foot. It is not possible for sidewalk politicians, money loaners, town-rivalry, and present existing railroad lines to prevent the grain growers of Cowley County from obtaining cheap transportation over a direct line of railroad. We can help ourselves, and all know how it is with people who can help themselves; then there are plenty who are willing to help them. The men and communities who sought to bind the withes tighter now hang their heads in shame and are shaking in their boots.
Never since Cowley has been settled have its people experi­enced such a sensation as last week’s COURIER created—consterna­tion among the few, joy among the many. Such hand shakings and congratulations among the farmers over the news on the bond law question never was known in this new country. Last Thursday and Friday evenings men left their homes after dark to go two and three miles to read a copy of the COURIER containing the news. By word, by letter, and correspondence to the COURIER the warmest commendations and words of encouragement have poured in upon us for the persevering effort made and success obtained right in the jaws of seeming defeat.
Several times during the last three weeks our friends at Topeka had informed us that help was needed at Topeka to pass the bill changing the law from a two thirds vote on railroad bonds. The first step necessary seemed to be to get an expression of the people here in favor of the change. An attempt was made to obtain that expression. It was defeated. Our readers know by whom and how. While that meeting was held Senator Pyburn was here in person and informed all with whom he talked that the law could not and should not be changed. As soon as he arrived in Winfield private letters left here to the majority law friends in Topeka to push the bill through the Senate during Pyburn’s absence. It was done. On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., Feb. 22, word was received from Topeka informing us of its passage and advising that it was necessary that help should be present to put the bill through the House. In two hours from the time of receiving the letter, three “solitary horsemen” in an open buggy might have been seen leaving Winfield at a brisk trot. They drove to Wichita in six hours that cold, dark night, arriving about 10 minutes before the train started for Topeka. Arriving at Topeka at noon they found the bill in the hands of the “Com­mittee on Municipal Corporations,” which was hostile to its passage.

To get a favorable report out of a committee that was opposed to the passage of the bill, to lift the bill over the Committee of the Whole, to put it on third reading without amendment over the heads of two hundred bills, each of which had friends anxious for their passage, to overthrow and outwit the opposition of the older counties, the railroad terminuses, the lines which carry our products, the three members from Butler, one from Sedgwick, one from Greenwood, Mitchell and Pyburn from Cowley (for Pyburn had returned and opposed the passage of the bill through the House), and to finally obtain 67 votes, three more than was necessary, looks, now that the battle is over, an impossible task.
It would make a long story to tell it all; and furthermore, it would let our enemies into the mysteries of legislative legerdemain which might be of advantage to them hereafter.
But we cannot leave this subject without giving the names of those who were not members of the Legislature, but to whom the people of Cowley are under special obligations for this great favor; this quick, decisive, and glorious victory, with all the odds against us.
Here they are: A. B. Lemmon, W. W. Walton, R. L. Walker, B. F. Baldwin, and a State officer in high position who would not like to have his name mentioned in this connection. Modesty prevents our naming the other individual.
The heavy battle was fought in the House. It occupied the most of the day Tuesday. Of course, our own Webb was the only champion on the floor for the bill from the great southwest. Hon. Ed. Hewins, of Cedarvale, did noble work. Guy of Chautauqua, Dobyns of Elk, Hubbard of Sumner, Baldwin of Wichita, and Baker, one of the members from Greenwood, stood square up to the work in all the parliamentary dodges that were taken by the enemies of the bill to defeat it.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1877. Editorial Page.
Winfield is not very anxious for a railroad; they only want to invite the farmers to discuss the propriety of repealing the present bond law, and then kick up a muss generally, just for fun, you know. But if Winfield wants a road, they must have more work and less buncombe.             Cedarvale Blade.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.
McGee and Monroe, who were arrested a few weeks since at Elgin, were confined nine days in jail at Independence, and finally released for want of sufficient evidence.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.
McGee at Liberty. On the 27th of February, McGee was arraigned before the court at Independence, Kansas, charged with illicit distilling, and making spirituous liquors without a license. There being no evidence against him, he was released. He then entered suit against the parties that arrested him for $1,000, for false imprisonment, and finally compromised by them paying him $200.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877. Editorial Page.
THE PASHA OF COWLEY. Hon. William Ross evidently has read the “Kingdom of Wichita.” He is a member of the House from Sedgwick County and sympathized with us in the struggle over the bond law, although voting against the change. He writes as follows to the Wichita Eagle.

“Among the distinguished visitors to the Capital this week was Col. Manning, Pasha of the benighted province of Cowley, accompanied by his ambassadors. He derived his name from once having been engaged in Manning a flatboat of the Atchisontopekaundsantafee river. His chief business here was the signing of the Declaration of Independence of Cowley, March 1, 1877. And that the event might be celebrated in a becoming manner, the Pasha, his High Priest Webb, Chief Secretary Walton, and Walker, High Sheriff of the Province, were escorted along Kansas Avenue in great pomp, each bearing in his hand a copy of the document that should make their people forever free. Filing into a photography they were received by the paint­ers with uncovered heads, who placed them in position. It was a night never to be forgotten. There stood the Pasha in the background, his shadow on the wall looking taller than usual. Near him stood the high priest, one eye watching the painter, the other watching a spider, who after several attempts reaching the ceiling, which was considered a favorable omen, that the day was near at hand when the Pasha and the Pashaers, the rest of the Cowleans, and their wives and little ones, should have the pleasure of spending the happy days “riding on the rail.”
“The chief secretary and the high sheriff of the Province sat cross legged on mats made from the pelts of the cashmere goat. The object accomplished, the Pasha returned by steamer to the head of navigation on the Atchisontopekaundsantafee river, to tell the glad tidings to the Cowleyites, and live in high hopes of the future.”
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1877. Editorial Page.
CLEAR THE DECKS! NAIL DOWN THE HATCHWAYS!! Prepare for Action!!!
A crisis is upon Cowley County. Danger threatens. Action is necessary. There is no more time for parley. For a long time Cowley has needed a railroad. It is now in condition to secure one or more. But these conditions must not be destroyed.
About two weeks ago gentlemen came to this county from Emporia representing a corporation known as the Kansas City, Emporia & Southwestern railroad company. They said that the company proposed to build a narrow gauge railroad from Emporia to the south line of the State at or near Arkansas City, within eighteen months. That the line would come through Greenwood County and thence west to Augusta, in Butler County, thence south down the Walnut Valley; that Greenwood County would aid the road to the extent of $4,000 county bonds per mile; that the townships in Butler County would do the same; that Cowley would be required to also vote $4,000 in county bonds per mile, and issue the same and deposit them with an agent at New York City before work would commence, and that the amount of bonds to be issued should be governed by the number of miles in the line of survey as made by the company; and further, that in case any lawsuits against the company should delay the progress of the work, the time of the delay should not be counted as part of the time in which the road should be completed. These and many other arbitrary provisions were embraced in the proposition.
The citizens of Winfield and vicinity were consulted by these gentlemen on the question of aiding the road according to the terms, the desire being to submit the proposition at once to a vote of the people. The gentlemen making the proposition were informed that Cowley County did not want to vote aid to their road until it has secured its local aid up to the north line of the county; and further that the county could not afford to give more than $100,000 to a north and south road, because it wanted to stand ready to help an east and west road; and further that the escrow, and other objectionable clauses should be stricken out.

Without coming to any agreement, the gentlemen went to Arkansas City and soon thereafter we find men in every township in the county, from Arkansas City, circulating petitions calling an election on the Emporia proposition without any modifications. All day on Saturday men from the country came to Winfield pro­testing against the action of the people of Arkansas City in this precipitating such an infamous proposition upon the county.
On Saturday evening the people of Winfield held a public meeting to consider the situation. At that meeting a committee consisting of J. E. Platter, S. C. Smith, W. Q. Mansfield, R. L. Walker, Frank Williams, J. E. Allen, and E. C. Manning was appointed to pay special attention to the railroad question. That committee held a meeting on Monday and chose S. C. Smith as chairman and J. E. Allen as secretary. After discussing the situation fully and advising with many of our citizens, and also citizens from different parts of the county, and hold several sessions, finally a subcommittee of three—Messrs. Platter, Williams, and Manning—was appointed to go to Arkansas City and endeavor to effect some change in the railroad programme.
On Tuesday that subcommittee, accompanied by other citi­zens, went to Arkansas City and held a conference with the people there. The committee requested the people of Arkansas City to postpone calling a railroad bond election until the Emporia line, or some other line should secure local aid up to the county line of Cowley. This suggestion was rejected by the Arkansas City people. Then they were asked to agree to a double proposition, voting $100,000 bonds to the north and south road and a like amount to an east and west road, bonds to be delivered when the roads were built, the roads to be constructed within eighteen months. This was rejected. Several other terms, plans, and methods of adjustment and harmony were talked of, but no satisfactory plan could be arrived upon.
It was suggested that the interests of all parts of the county should be considered and that this Emporia proposition had bad clauses in it and that the petitions were being signed without a full understanding of the terms thereof. But no method presented itself whereby the present emergency could be passed without a struggle, and the committee returned home between two and three o’clock in the morning.
Yesterday the committee conversed very generally with the citizens of Winfield and several people from the different parts of the county and in the afternoon held a session and resolved that as the county was likely to be forced into a vote on the question of aiding a railroad at once, hence the Memphis, Parsons & Ellsworth Railroad, Western Branch, company should be called upon to at once present its proposition for the consideration of the voters of Cowley County.
The proper officers of that company will be here this week and submit their plans and resources and purposes to our people and petitions will be put in circulation at once if satisfactory terms can be agreed upon. They are expected on Friday or Satur­day. We hope they will be here on Saturday and that as many people as possible from different parts of the county will find it convenient to be here on that day in the hope of seeing and learning all about the east and west road.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.
WINFIELD CITY OFFICERS. The election of city officers at Winfield last Monday resulted in the following vote: For Mayor—R. L. Walker, 119, Dr. Davis, 82. Police Judge—J. W. Curns, 197. Councilmen—Wilson, 201; Jackson, 195; Baird, 197; S. C. Smith 122; Cliff Wood, 106; Charles Black, 88; S. H. Myton, 89. The first five were elected.

Winfield Courier, April 5, 1877.
The city election on Monday resulted in the choice of the following officers for the ensuing year: For Mayor, R. L. Walker; for Councilmen, A. G. Wilson, S. C. Smith, A. E. Baird, C. M. Wood, and H. Jochems; For Police Judge, John W. Curns.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, on the 9th day of April, A. D., 1877, the Board of Commissioners of Cowley County in the State of Kansas, made and entered on record the following order, to-wit:
In the matter of the petition of A. H. Green, et al, for an order calling a special election to be held for the purpose of voting aid to a certain railway company.
Now comes the said A. H. Green and presents to the Board a petition in writing, signed by Nineteen hundred of the resident tax-payers of the county, praying that a special election be called for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the county the question of making a subscription of the sum of Four Thousand Dollars per mile for each mile of railway constructed by said company in said county, to the capital stock of the Memphis & Ellsworth Narrow Gauge Railway Company, Western Branch, and issuing a like amount of the bonds of the county in payment therefor,
Provided, That the total amount of said subscription and bonds shall not exceed One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars.
And upon full consideration of said petition and the evi­dence and arguments adduced and offered in support thereof, it is found by the Board that said petition has been duly signed by two fifths of the resident tax-payers of the county, and is in all respects regular and sufficient.
It is therefore, on this 9th day of April, A. D., 1877, conformable to the statute in such cases, made and provided, and pursuant to the conditions and prayers on that behalf in said petition set forth and contained, ordered by the board that a special election be held in the county of Cowley, at the several precincts therein, on the 22nd day of May, A. D. 1877, for the purpose of then, there, and thereby submitting to the qualified electors of said county the following proposition to-wit: Shall said county of Cowley subscribe to the capital stock of the Memphis and Ellsworth Narrow Gauge Railway Company, Western Branch, the sum of four thousand dollars per mile for each mile of railroad to be constructed by said company in said county, said stock to be paid for by an equal amount of the bonds of said county of Cowley to be issued and delivered to said company as follows, to-wit; Twenty-five thousand dollars of such bonds to be issued and delivered and same amount of such stock to be received therefor when said railway company shall have com­pleted and put in operation a railway from the city of Parsons, in Labette County, State of Kansas, to its depot, permanently established at a point in said county of Cowley, within one half mile of the crossing of Cherry street and Broadway, in the townsite of Lazette, twenty-five thousand dollars when twenty miles of said railway shall be completed in said county, and seventy thousand dollars when such railway is completed and put in operation to its depot, permanently located within half a mile of the crossing of Main and Ninth streets, in the city of Winfield, in said county. The aggregate amount of such bonds not to exceed one hundred and twenty thousand dollars.

Provided, That no bonds shall be issued to said company unless the said railway shall be completed and in operation from said City of Parsons to the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston Railway within seven months, nor unless completed and in opera­tion to Elk Falls, in Elk County, Kansas, within twelve months, nor unless completed and in operation to its depot in the City of Winfield within eighteen months from the 22nd day of May, A. D. 1877.
The said railway shall be a three feet gauge road, with rails not inferior to iron of thirty pounds per yard, and to be well constructed and equipped in every respect, with suitable passenger and freight depots at Lazette, Winfield, and an inter­mediate point between the two, on the line of road.
Said bonds to draw interest at the rate of ten percent per annum, payable semi-annually, on the 15th days of April and October of each year. No part of the principal to be paid for ten years from the date of the bonds, after which it shall be paid in ten equal annual installments. Coupons shall be at­tached for the installments of both interest and principal payable at the Fiscal Agency of the State of Kansas in the City of New York.
The forms of the ballots to be used at said election to be: “For the Railway Stock and Bonds,” or “Against the railway Stock and Bonds.”
And it is further ordered by the Board that the Sheriff give notice of the time and purpose of said election by his proclama­tion on that behalf to be published in the Winfield COURIER for the period of thirty days preceding the date of such election.
STATE OF KANSAS, Cowley County,   ss.
I, M. G. Troup, County Clerk in and for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify the above and foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original order.
Witness my hand and seal this 10th day of April, A. D. 1877.
   [SEAL.]  M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.
Now, therefore, I, R. L. Walker, Sheriff of Cowley County, Kansas, do hereby proclaim and make known that on Tuesday, the 22nd day of May, A. D. 1877, there will be held a special elec­tion at the several voting precincts in said county of Cowley for the proposition contained in the above order, in the manner and form therein provided and set forth.
R. L. WALKER, Sheriff of Cowley County, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
Dick Walker has two bruises on his forehead and the skin pulled off his left cheek. He was standing on the pile of rocks at the bridge at Bliss’ mill watching some boys fishing and fell.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 18, 1877.
Sheriff Dick Walker is Mayor of Winfield; and John Allen, City Attorney.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
WINFIELD, KAN., April 6, 1877.
City Council met at the Mayor’s office pursuant to a special call of the Council April 6th, 1877.
Present: R. L. Walker, Mayor; A. G. Wilson, H. Jochems, A. E. Baird, C. M. Wood, and S. C. Smith, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

The Clerk read the call for the special meeting and the Council proceeded with the special business by electing S. C. Smith President of the Council.
The Clerk read the following appointments made by the Mayor for the subordinate city offices for the year: City Attorney, J. E. Allen; City Clerk, B. F. Baldwin; City Treasurer, J. C. Fuller; City Marshal, J. D. Cochran.
B. F. Baldwin thanked the Mayor for the appointment of City Clerk, but owing to business of his that employed all his spare time, withdrew his name and suggested the name of Henry E. Asp to the Mayor, who was appointed.
On motion of Councilman Wood, the council proceeded to vote on the confirmation of appointments by ballot, resulting in the unanimous confirmation of the appointments except that of Henry E. Asp, as clerk, which stood three for and two against. A majority having voted for all the appointments, they were de­clared duly appointed.
The Mayor appointed three standing committees for the year, as follows, to-wit:
Finance Committee. S. C. Smith, H. Jochems, and A. G. Wilson.
Committee on Streets and Alleys. A. E. Baird, H. Jochems, and C. M. Wood.
Fire Committee. C. M. Wood, S. C. Smith, and A. G. Wilson.
There being no other business for which the meeting was called, on motion the Council adjourned. B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1877.
R. L. Walker, drawing jury: $2.00.
R. L. Walker, sheriff fee: $3.00.
R. L. Walker, sheriff: $140.00.
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1877.
Ordinance No. 63. An ordinance to amend section 8 of an ordinance of the City of Winfield entitled “an ordinance to provide for the appointment of a clerk, treasurer, marshal, and city attorney of the city of Winfield and defining the duties and pay of the same, and providing for bonds of city officers,” numbered 53, and approved May 2, 1875.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Council of the City of Winfield:
SEC. 1. That Section 8 of ordinance Number 53, of the City of Winfield, approved May 31, 1875, be amended to read as follows, to-wit:
Sec. 8. The pay of the Marshal shall be a salary of $40.00 per month, which shall be in lieu of all fees, costs, and other claims, chargeable to the city for services, and he shall be entitled to the following fees to be charged as costs:
For arresting each person, bringing him before the police judge and making complaint: $1.00
For each commitment, 25 cents.
For serving subpoena, first person, 50 cents.
For each additional person, 25 cents.
For impounding first animal, 75 cents.
For the impounding each additional animal in the same lot, owned by same person, 25 cents.
And Section eight of ordinance Number 53 is hereby repealed.

SEC. 2. This ordinance to take effect and be in force from and after its publication in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved April 17, 1877. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
DICK WALKER, MAYOR OF WINFIELD AND SHERIFF OF THIS COUNTY, was in town yesterday with his deputy, Burt Covert, in search of John Barber, who attempted to rape his half sister at Dexter last week, and was shot in the head by her brother, the ball striking about the ear and coming out alongside of the nose. Barber was lying in bed, unable to be up, as all supposed, until last Sunday when he heard that he was to be tried for the murder of four soldiers in Texas. He then got up and left. When last seen Monday noon, he was riding a poor pony, coming from Harmon’s ford, with a bandage about his head. Parties are in pursuit of him.
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1877. Editorial Page.
THE RAILROAD BONDS. On the 22nd of May our county is to vote for or against aiding the railroad from Parsons to this place. It is an important step for Cowley County. The favorable or unfavorable decision rendered at that time will tell largely upon the future welfare or illfare of our people. The eyes of all south and southwest Kansas are upon us.
At least a dozen railroad projects are looking towards this county. Of course, the manipulators of eleven of these enterprises hope that the bond proposition in favor of the twelfth will fail.
Of course, all the towns from which the eleven start and through which they propose to run also hope the present bond proposition will fail.
Of course, Independence, Emporia, Eldorado, and Wichita all hope the bond proposition will fail.
Of course, every locality that lives off from the industry of Cowley hopes the bonds will fail.
In view of these facts, no man living in Cowley can afford to oppose the bond proposition simply because the proposed line of road does not touch his farm or his town. If a man is opposed to voting bonds from principle, or is opposed to voting any bonds, as a matter of business, then is the position tenable; but it is an evil day for him as a citizen or for they as a community, who take the responsibility of opposing aid to a railroad into Cowley County merely because it does not run everywhere to suit townsite speculators.
The farmers of Cowley County want a railroad and those men and that locality will not increase their chances for favors or railroads in the future who now oppose this one before us.

The people of Arkansas City are trying to create the impression throughout the county that Winfield has rejected the north and south road and hence they (citizens of Arkansas City) are justifiable in opposing an east and west road. This effort of theirs is a shystering trick. Winfield offered to stand by a proposition to give $100,000 bonds to a north and south road without any reference whatever to an east and west road. Winfield further offered to stand by a county proposition for $100,000 to each, a north and south and an east and west. But no; the managers of the north and south proposition would have $4,000 per mile and the privilege of building as many miles in the county as they were pleased to, and the bonds must first be delivered before work was commenced. This Winfield would not agree to.
After an east and west road had submitted a proposition to build into the county and nineteen hundred petitioners had asked that an election be ordered on the question of voting $120,000 in bonds thereto, then, and not till then, did the friends and projectors of the north and south road conclude that they could build their road for $120,000 in county bonds; but even then, they wanted the bonds issued as soon as voted. Of course, the friends of an east and west road could not support the proposition at that late date, because:
FIRST: The county cannot vote but 200,000 dollars.
SECOND: The east and west road does not ask to have the bonds issued until the road is built.
THIRD: If the bonds for the north and south road were voted and put in escrow, of course they would take precedence even if the road was not built first.
FOURTH: No east and west road would be built and take the chance of getting $120,000 in bonds after a like amount had already been issued for the benefit of a north and south road.
Note: The first “Sheriff’s Election Proclamation,” dated April 9, 1877, was for the east/west railroad. The following is the second “Sheriff’s Election Proclamation,” dated April 17, 1877, for the north/south railroad. Election on both propositions to take place on the same day: May 29, 1877.
Note: Troup witnessed and signed north/south instrument April 17, 1877.
    Troup witnessed and signed the east/west instrument April 10, 1877.
There was a third “Sheriff’s Election Proclamation, designating that Marshal shall receive a salary of $40.00 per month, which shall be in lieu of all fees, costs, and other claims, chargeable to the city for services, and he shall be entitled to the following fees to be charged as costs:
For arresting each person, bringing him before the police judge and making complaint: $1.00
For each commitment, 25 cents.
For serving subpoena, first person, 50 cents.
For each additional person, 25 cents.
For impounding first animal, 75 cents.
For the impounding each additional animal in the same lot, owned by same person, 25 cents.
And Section eight of ordinance Number 53 is hereby repealed.
SEC. 2. This ordinance to take effect and be in force from and after its publication in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved April 17, 1877. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1877. Editorial Page.
SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, on the 17th day of April, 1877, the board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, in the State of Kansas, made and entered on record the following order, to-wit:

In the matter of the petition of E. G. Willet, et al, for an order calling a special election to be held for the purpose of voting aid to a certain railroad company therein named.
Now comes the said E. G. Willet, et al, and presents to the Board of County Commissioners a petition in writing, signed by one hundred and ten resident taxpayers of the municipal township of Rock Creek, in the county of Cowley and State of Kansas, praying that a special election be called for the purpose of submitting to the electors of said township the question of making a subscription to the capital stock of the Kansas City, Emporia and Southern Railroad Company to the amount of twenty thousand and five hundred dollars ($20,500) and issuing a like amount of the bonds of said township in payment therefore.
And upon full consideration of said petition and the evidence and arguments adduced and offered in support thereof, it is found by the Board that said petition has been duly signed by two fifths of the resident taxpayers of said municipal township of Rock Creek and is in all respects regular and sufficient.
It is therefore, on this 17th day of April, A. D., 1877, conformable to the Statute in such cases made and provided, and pursuant to the conditions and prayers on that behalf in said petition set forth and contained, ordered by the Board that a special election be held in the municipal township of Rock Creek, at the usual place of voting therein, on the 29th day of May, A. D., 1877, for the purpose of then, there and thereby submitting to the qualified electors of said municipal township the following proposition, to-wit:
Shall the municipal township of Rock Creek, in the county of Cowley, by the County Commissioners of said county, subscribe for and in behalf of said township take the capital stock of the Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company in the amount of 20,500 dollars, and in payment therefor issue and deliver to said railroad company the bonds of said township to the amount of 20,500 dollars, payable, principal and interest, at the fiscal agency of the State of Kansas, in the city of New York, in thirty years after the date thereof, with the privilege reserved to said township of paying the whole or any part of said bonds at any time after five years from the date thereof by giving notice thereof for twelve months; and the further privilege reserved to said township of paying cash for and redeeming the whole or any part of said bonds at the time of the delivery thereof as herein provided, at the rate of 85 cents for each dollar of the face value of said bonds so paid and redeemed. Said bonds to be issued in denominations of from one to five hundred dollars each, as said company may desire, and to draw interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of their delivery to said railroad company, payable semi-annually, on the 15th days of January and July in each and every year, and all interest coupons matured or about to mature at the date of the delivery of said bonds to be canceled and returned to the county.
Said bonds to be issued in consideration of the construction, operation, and maintenance of the said railroad into or through said township from the direction of Douglass, in Butler county, over the most practicable route to Arkansas City, with two stations in the said township; and upon the further condition that said road shall be completed and trains running thereon into said township within twenty one months from the time designated for the commencement of the work at Emporia.
Immediately after the proposition is voted by the people of said township, and the result of the election duly ascertained and declared, said subscription to the capital stock of said railroad shall be made.

The said Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company or their assigns shall construct and equip as aforesaid and have in operation a railroad of a gauge of three feet, so constructed as to form one continuous and unbroken line from Kansas City, in the State of Missouri, by way of Emporia, in Lyon County, Kansas, and Eureka, in Greenwood County, Kansas, Augusta and Douglass, in Butler County, Kansas, to Arkansas City, in said Cowley County, within twenty-one months from the beginning of the work thereon as hereinafter set forth from Emporia; and from Kansas City within three years from such beginning. Said road to be constructed in a substantial manner and the equipment thereof to be first class and sufficient for the ordinary traffic of the road, and the work of constructing said road to be commenced within ninety days after the voting of bonds in aid of said railroad by the counties of Lyon, Greenwood, and the municipal townships in Butler County through which said road is to pass, and the said work to continue uninterruptedly from the commencement to the completion thereof and no part of said bonds shall be delivered to said railroad company, nor be of any binding force or validity upon said township, until said railroad is completed and trains running thereon into said township.
When said road is completed and trains rushing thereon into said township, the bonds of said township to the amount of $20,500 shall be delivered to said railroad company or their assignees and the stock of said company in equal amount, dollar for dollar, shall be delivered at the same time to the County Commissioners for said township.
The forms of the ballots to be used at said election to be, “For the railroad Stock and Bonds,” or “Against the Railroad Stock and Bonds.”
And it is further ordered by the Board that the Sheriff give notice of the time and purpose of said election by his proclamation on that behalf, to be published in the Arkansas City Traveler and Winfield COURIER for the period of thirty days preceding the date of election.
                                      STATE OF KANSAS, Cowley County,  ss.
I. M. G. TROUP, County Clerk in and for the county and State aforesaid do hereby certify the above and foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the original order.
Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of April, A. D., 1877.
M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.
NOW, therefore, I, R. L. Walker, Sheriff of Cowley county, Kansas, do hereby proclaim and make known that on Tuesday, the 29th day of May, A. D., 1877, there will be held a special election, at the usual place of voting in the municipal township of Rock Creek, in said county of Cowley, for the proposition contained in the above order, in the manner and form therein provided and set forth. R. L. WALKER, Sheriff of Cowley County, Kansas.
There was another “Sheriff’s Election Proclamation” concerning Bolton Township.
Particulars: Petition of Frank Lorry, et al, of Bolton Township...petition made April 17, 1877, for May 29, 1877, election...Bolton to subscribe $21,500 to Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company [the north/south road]. Terms for the most part just like the one from Rock Creek Township.
Two more “Sheriff’s Election Proclamations” concerned Creswell [Petition of H. D. Kellogg for $26,500 for north/south road] and Beaver [Petition of E. Bookwalter for $19,000 for north/south road. Both petitions were made April 17, 1877. Both made for May 29, 1877, election.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 2, 1877.
Dick Walker, Mayor of Winfield and Sheriff of Cowley County, was in town yesterday with his deputy, Burt Covert, in search of John Barber, who attempted to rape his half sister at Dexter last week, and was shot in the head by her brother, the ball striking about the ear and coming out alongside of the nose. Barber was lying in bed, unable to be up, as all supposed, until last Sunday when he heard that he was to be tried for the murder of four soldiers in Texas. He then got up and left. When last seen Monday noon, he was riding a poor pony, coming from Harmon’s ford, with a bandage about his head. Parties are in pursuit of him.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 2, 1877.
Barber Caught. Before leaving this place last Tuesday week, Sheriff Walker deputized A. W. Patterson, and offered him a bonus of fifteen dollars if he would capture John Barber, who had escaped from the authorities at Dexter two days before. Mr. Patterson secured the assistance of Constable Gray, and the two started in pursuit. Before going far, they learned he had gone up the Walnut, and immediately followed. After hunting the most of the night, they abandoned the pursuit until next morning.
In the morning Patterson and George Walker found the trail of the criminal and followed it until they came to the house of Robert White, where it stopped. Alighting from the buggy both went into the house and found the man lying in bed asleep, with a Colt’s improved revolver and Bowie knife hanging in their sheaths on the bed post near his head. These were taken possession of by the officers, and a gun and pistol aimed at his head while they took hold of his leg to awaken him. As soon as he opened his eyes, Patterson said to him, “You are my prisoner.”  He realized his situation at once, and cooly remarked, “Where are you going to take me?” He was told that he would have to go to Winfield, and he readily assented to it, as his wound needed careful treatment. He told the officers he did not want to go back to Elk County for fear his father and brother would mob him. In conversation afterwards he told the officers if he had not been wounded, they could not have taken him. In reply to a question of killing the soldiers  in Texas, he stated he had heard of it and that it was a man by the same name as his own, but not him. He is now in jail at Winfield, awaiting trial. From all accounts, his father and brother are not as worthy people as they might be, as the father of the culprit, it is said, sent his son to shoot the half brother, saying he had $6,000 to clear him with.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877, reported the following cases on the Criminal Docket, May term of the District Court:  State versus Martin Barber; State versus John W. Barber.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
Martin Barber, of Dexter, Cowley County, shot and severely wounded his half brother, J. W. Barber, on Friday, the 20th inst. The circumstances, as we learn them, are as follows.

J. W. Barber is rather a dangerous and dissipated man and has been in Texas and on the frontier for eight years previous to last December, when he came to his father’s place near the head of Grouse Creek in Cowley County, where he has remained until a short time ago. Two or three weeks ago, he attempted to perpetrate an outrage upon his half sister, and has conducted himself generally in an outrageous and scandalous manner, threatening to shoot the whole family.
On Sunday, the 14th inst., he came to Howard City, where his father was staying, and got in a quarrel with him, threatening to shoot him, etc., but finally agreed that for $125 he would leave the country forever. To this, the old gentleman, Leander Barber, consented and paid him the money, and the young man went back to the home of the family on Grouse Creek, where he remained for several days, when he went to Dexter.
About this time, Martin Barber, who is a man of exemplary character, about 23 years of age, returned from Emporia, and was told what had occurred; also, that his brother, J. W., had gone to Lazette and left word for Martin to come and see him. Martin started immediately, and not finding him at Lazette, went on to Dexter and found him. After having a few words together, Martin drew a revolver and fired at J. W., the ball taking effect just below his right ear and coming out under his right eye; inflicting a dangerous but not necessarily fatal wound.
Martin Barber then gave himself up to the authorities of Cowley County, and was taken to Winfield, where he waived a preliminary examination and gave bonds in the sum of $2,000 for his appearance at the next term of the District Court.
J. W. Barber, on Sunday night, after having been wounded on Friday, left Dexter, avowedly for the Indian Nation. He is said to have remarked on leaving that he would yet come back to Howard City and “wake them up,” meaning his father and sister.
There seems to be some old grudge existing between J. W. Barber and his father, Leander Barber; what it is, we have not heard.
Leander Barber moved to this country some two or three years ago from Bath County, Kentucky.
Martin Barber, the man who did the shooting, has always borne a good character where he was known, and we are convinced that the deed was committed, as he conscientiously believed, in the defense of the lives of his father and sister. Elk County Ledger.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.
Martin Barber was acquitted for shooting his brother.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.
District Court in Cowley County adjourned last Thursday evening. J. W. Barber was sentenced to six months in the county jail for attempting to commit rape on his half sister.
[SHERIFF’S SALE DUE TO SUIT BY LYMAN C. NORTON .]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.
RECAP: Sheriff R. L. Walker, G. W. McIntire, Deputy, selling at public auction 159.60 acres of land to satisfy suit made by Lyman C. Norton against George O. Sweet and Ann F. Sweet.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1877.
[Published June 7, 1877.]
Ordinance No. 64.
An ordinance to prohibit the construction of buildings of combustible material within certain limits in the city of Winfield.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield.

SECTION 1. No building shall be constructed or placed upon, except the same be of brick or stone or brick and stone or of other incombustible material with fire-proof roof, upon the east half of block number one hundred and seven (107), one hundred and eight (108), one hundred and nine (109) and one hundred and ten (110), nor the west half of block number one hundred and twenty-seven (127), one hundred and twenty-eight (128), one hundred and twenty-nine (129) and one hundred and thirty (130), within the corporate limits of the city of Winfield, County of Cowley, and State of Kansas; and any person violating this section of this ordinance shall, upon conviction, be fined in any sum not exceeding one hundred dollars.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved June 4th, 1877. R. L. WALKER, Mayor. Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1877.
[Published June 7, 1877.]
Ordinance No. 65.
An ordinance to amend section 8 of ordinance No. 52, of the City of Winfield, entitled “an ordinance to regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors,” approved April 26th, 1875.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the city of Winfield:
SECTION 1. That section 8 of ordinance No. 52, of said city, entitled “an ordinance to regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors,” approved April 26th, 1875, be amended to read as follows: Section 8. Every person found within the corporate limits of the city of Winfield in a state of intoxication shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in any sum not less than one dollar or more than five dollars.
SECTION 2. Original section No. 8, of ordinance No. 52, entitled “ordinance to regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors,” is hereby repealed. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved June 4th, 1877. R. L. WALKER, Mayor. Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1877.
[Published June 7, 1877.]
ORDINANCE NO. 66.
An ordinance to provide for the appointment of an Assistant Marshal.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the city of Winfield:
SECTION 1. The Mayor of said city, with the consent of the Council, may appoint an Assistant Marshal, whose term of office shall expire on the 1st day of May following his appointment, and said Assistant Marshal shall have power to arrest all offenders against the laws of the State or of the city, by day or by night, in the same manner as the Marshal, and keep them in the city prison, or other proper place, to prevent their escape, until a trial can be had before the proper officer. Said Assistant Marshal shall take the oath of office prescribed for the Marshal, but he shall receive no pay from the city for his services, and shall receive the same pay for making arrests that the Marshal receives for like services.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved June 4th, 1877. R. L. WALKER, Mayor. Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.

Winfield Courier, June 28, 1877.
Sheriff Walker keeps his office with J. M. Alexander now.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
R. L. Walker, Sheriff of Cowley County, paid the Traveler a visit on Tuesday of this week. Dick must have good living and plenty of beer, as he is getting a regular lager beer Dutchman’s “frontispiece” on him.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877.
OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, Winfield, Kansas, July 5th, 1877.
Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. Present: R. F. Burden, Chairman, W. M. Sleeth and William White, members of the board, with James McDermott, County Attorney, R. L. Walker, Sheriff, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk. Among other proceedings claims against the county were presented to the board and passed upon as follows, viz.
R. L. Walker, Sheriff, $81.50; R. L. Walker, sheriff’s costs, $71.25; $.75; $13.75; $36.95; $32.10; $54.80; $25.10; $6.25; R. L. Walker, sheriff’s fees, $2.50; $2.00; R. L. Walker, Sheriff, drawing jury, $2.00; R. L. Walker, prisoner bill, $128.00.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1877.
SHERIFF WALKER and Hon. W. P. Hackney, made us a call last week. They are out for George Walker for Sheriff first, last, all the time, and forever more.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1877.
The announcement of George Walker, of Vernon Township, for the office of Sheriff, appears in another column. Mr. Walker has acted in the capacity of deputy sheriff for several years, and has a thorough knowledge of the duties of the office. Throughout the county and at his home, he is a very popular man, and will be one of the strongest candidates before the Convention. His brother, “Dick,” is the best Sheriff Cowley County ever had, and one of the best in the State.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.
The District Court commenced its session on Monday with a light docket, and it is to be hoped that it will be cleared up this week. The following members of the bar present: Hon. W. P. Campbell, Judge; E. S. Bedilion, Clerk; R. L. Walker, Sheriff; M. S. Adams, of Wichita, C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, and A. Walton, of Arkansas City; J. McDermott, County Attorney, J. E. Allen, A. J. Pyburn, O. M. Seward, W. M. Boyer, L. J. Webb, W. P. Hackney, J. W. McDonald, E. S. Torrance, H. E. Asp, D. A. Millington, S. D. Pryor, J. D. Pryor, F. S. Jennings, G. H. Buckman, and A. H. Green, of Winfield, attorneys.
[SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION: EMPORIA RAILROAD.]
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.
SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, on the 18th day of August, A. D. 1877 the board of county commissioners of Cowley County, in the State of Kansas, made and entered on record this following order, to-wit:

NOW on this 8th day of August, A. D. 1877, comes W. M. Boyer, a resident taxpayer of the county of Cowley and State of Kansas, and with him comes 1,299 other resident tax-payers of said county of Cowley and State of Kansas and present their petition in writing to the board of county commissioners of said county of Cowley praying that a special election be called for the purpose of submitting to the qualified voters of said county a proposition for said county to subscribe to the capital stock of the Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company to the amount of one hundred and twenty thousand ($120,000) dollars in payment for said stock, upon the terms and upon the conditions, in said petition mentioned and described. And said board of county commissioners having duly heard, examined, and considered said petition doth find: That said petition is in writing; and that said petition is signed by more than two-fifths of the resident tax-payers of said county of Cowley in the State of Kansas, and is in all respects according to law. It is therefore ordered and declared by said board that the prayer of said petitioners be granted;
And that a special election be held in said county of Cowley, at the usual place of holding elections therein, on Tuesday the 18th day of September A. D. 1877. And that thirty (30) days notice of said election be given by the Sheriff of said county by publication in the Winfield Courier, a weekly newspaper published and printed in said county of Cowley, and of general circulation therein; and it is further ordered by said board of county commissioners that said subscription to the capital stock of said Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company be made, and bonds of said county of Cowley in payment for said stock be issued, upon the following conditions, to-wit:
That the county of Cowley, State of Kansas, by the county commissioners, subscribe for, and in behalf of said county, take the capital stock of the Kansas City, Emporia and Southern Railroad Company in the amount of $120,000.00; and in payment therefor, execute and deliver to said railroad company the bonds of said county to the amount of $120,000.00, payable both principal and interest at the Fiscal Agency of the State of Kansas, in the City of New York, in thirty years after the date thereof, with the privilege reserved said county of paying the whole or any part of said bonds at any time after five years from the date thereof, by giving notice thereof for twelve months, and the further privilege reserved to said county, of paying for and redeeming the whole, or any part of said bonds at the time of the delivery thereof, as herein provided: at the rate of eighty-five cents for each dollar of the face value of said bonds so paid and redeemed.
Said bonds to be issued in denominations of $500.00 each, and to draw interest at the rate of eight percent per annum from the date of their delivery to said railroad company; payable semi-annually on the 15th day of January and July in each and every year, and all interest coupons matured or to mature within three months of said delivery of said bonds to be canceled and returned to the county commissioners. Said bonds to be issued in consideration of the construction, operation, and maintenance of the said railroad into and through said county, from the north line thereof in the direction of Douglass, in Butler County, to the south line of the State of Kansas, at or near Arkansas City, over the most practicable route between said points, and the erection and maintenance of suitable freight and passenger depot, and the necessary side tracks at the following points in said county, to-wit:

At a point not exceeding one and ½ miles north of the point where said railroad shall cross Rock creek, at a point not exceeding one mile from the point where said railroad shall cross Little Dutch creek; at a point not exceeding one-half a mile from a point in the city of Winfield where Ninth street intersects Main street; at a point in Pleasant Valley township nearly equidistant from Winfield and Arkansas City; at a point not exceeding one eighth of a mile from the corporate limits of the city of Arkansas City; and at a point at or near the south line of the State in the township of Bolton.
And upon the further condition that the said road shall be completed and trains running thereon from the City of Emporia to the south line of Lyon County, on or before February first, 1878, and to the City of Eureka on or before August first, 1878; and to the south line of Butler County on or before the first day of February, 1879; and to its depot at Winfield on or before the first day of April, 1879, and to its depot at Arkansas City on or before the first day of May, 1879, and to the south line of the State, in Bolton township, on or before the first day of August, 1879.
And should said Railroad Company fail to construct said road to any of the points above mentioned, on or before the dates herein mentioned, said Railroad Company shall forfeit the bonds of said Cowley County.
Immediately after the proposition is voted by the people of said county, and the result of the election duly ascertained to be in favor of said proposition, said subscription to the capital stock of said Railroad Company shall be made.
The said Kansas City, Emporia & Southern Railroad Company or their assigns shall construct and equip as aforesaid, and have in operation a railroad of a gauge of three feet, so constructed as to form one continuous line from the east line of the State of Kansas, at or near Kansas City, Mo., by way of Emporia, in Lyon County, Kansas, and Eureka, Greenwood County, Kansas, to the points herein mentioned in said Cowley County, within two years from the first day of August, 1877.
Said road to be constructed in a substantial manner, and the equipment thereof to be first class, and sufficient for the ordinary traffic of the road. And no part of said bonds shall be delivered to said Railroad Company, nor be of any binding force or validity upon said county until said railroad is completed to the points in said county, and at the times hereinafter specified.
If, however, the said Railroad Company shall be restrained from prosecuting the work, of constructing said road by legal proceedings instituted by citizens of Cowley County, the length of time such restraint shall exist shall be added to the time herein specified for the construction of said road to the various points in said Cowley County,

Provided, That when said road is completed and trains running thereon a distance of ten miles in said county, the bonds of said county to the amount of thirty thousand dollars shall be delivered to said Railroad or their assigns and the stock of said company in equal amount, dollar for dollar, shall be delivered at the same time to the commissioners of said county; and when said road shall be completed and trains running thereon a distance of twenty miles in said county, there shall be an additional amount of thirty thousand dollars of the bonds of said county delivered to said railroad company, and an equal amount of the stock of said company shall be delivered at the same time to the commissioners of said county, and when said road shall be completed and trains running thereon a distance of thirty (30) miles in said county, there shall be an additional instalment of the bonds of said county delivered to said railroad to the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and an equal amount of the stock of said company shall be delivered at the same time to the commissioners of said county; and when said road shall be completed and trains running thereon to the south line of the State, in the township of Bolton, there shall be delivered to said railroad company the bonds of said county to the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), and an equal amount of the stock of said company shall be delivered at the same time to the commissioners of said county.
And provided further, that if this proposition is adopted by a majority of the legal voters of Cowley County, and the subscription to the capital stock of the said railroad company shall be made, and the bonds of the county executed and delivered as herein provided, then the said railroad company hereby releases all claim to the subscription of stock, and delivery of bonds to said railroad company heretofore voted by the townships of Creswell and Bolton in said Cowley County.
And that the form of ballots to be used at said election in voting upon said proposition be “For subscribing to the capital stock of the Kansas City, Emporia and Southern Rail Road Company and issuing bonds in payment therefore,” and “Against subscribing to the capital stock of the Kansas City, Emporia and Southern Railroad Road Company and issuing bonds in payment therefor,” as prescribed in said petition.
STATE OF KANSAS, COWLEY COUNTY.  ss.
I, M. G. Troup, Co. Clerk and clerk of the board of county commissioners, in and for the county and State aforesaid certify the foregoing to be a true and correct copy of the order of said board, concerning the matter therein set forth and contained.
Witness my hand and seal this 9th day of August, A. D. 1877.
M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.
                                                                      —
NOW, therefore, I, R. L. Walker, Sheriff of Cowley County, Kansas, do hereby proclaim and make known that on Tuesday, the 18th day of September, A. D. 1877, there will be held a special election at the usual places of voting in said county of Cowley for the proposition contained in the above order in the manner and form therein provided and set forth.
R. L. WALKER, Sheriff of Cowley County, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 5, 1877.
The Sheriff of Montgomery County came over to the county seat after the horse thief prisoner lately captured by Sheriff Walker.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 19, 1877.
An attempt is now being made to pardon John W. Barber, who was sentenced to jail last May for assault with intent to rape. The punishment of criminals in many instances often proves a mere farce.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
ORDINANCE NO. 67.
An ordinance to repeal an ordinance, entitled “An ordinance to prohibit the construction of buildings of combustible material within certain limits in the city of Winfield,” numbered sixty-four and approved June 4th, 1877.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield:

SECTION 1. That said ordinance numbered sixty-four be, and the same is hereby repealed.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved November 12th, 1877. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest, HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
NOTE: ABOUT THIS TIME THERE WERE OODLES OF SHERIFF’S SALES, ROAD NOTICES, LAND OFFICE TRANSACTIONS, ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICES RE DECEASED, ETC. HAVE SKIPPED ALL OF THESE.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1877.
HORSE THIEF CAUGHT. A colored man, of short, thick stature, who has been stopping with Mr. Banks on the south side of the Arkansas, was arrested at the ferry last Wednesday by Sheriff Walker, on the charge of stealing a horse from Henry Coryell on Monday night. The horse was stolen while Mr. Coryell was attend­ing church at Parker’s schoolhouse, and taken to Dexter and traded to a son of Uncle Billy Moore, of Crab Creek, for another horse. Moore’s horse was then sold to Jim Allen, the butcher in Winfield, for a watch and $20. The thief gives his name as Charley Williams; says he is from Elk County to this place, but was born and raised in Missouri, having lived awhile in St. Joseph. He has been bound over to appear at the next term of court, and will be confined in jail until that time.
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1877.
Ordinance No. 68. An ordinance provided for the construction of sidewalks.
Be it ordained by the Mayor, and councilmen of the City of Winfield.
SECTION 1. That sidewalks be constructed on the east and west sides of Main street, in said city, abutting and in front of all the lots in blocks numbering 108, 109, and 110, and 128, 129, and 130, and that said sidewalks be constructed of stone or wood and of the width of twelve (12) feet, if of stone to be of flag stone of uniform width, if of wood to be built of hard wood plank not less than one and one half (1½) inches thick and not more than six inches in width,
Provided, That where such sidewalks now exist upon said street none need be built.
SECTION 2. That unless the sidewalks mentioned in Section one of this ordinance be built by the owner or owners of the lots or pieces of ground abutting on said sidewalks within sixty days from the publication of this ordinance, then and in that case the same shall be built by the city and an assessment for such building shall be made on all lots or pieces of ground in said blocks abutting on the said sidewalks according to the front foot so abutting.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved November 19, 1877. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest, Henry E. Asp, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.

Charley Williams, the colored man, who plead guilty of horse stealing at the late term of court, was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment in the state penitentiary. Sheriff Walker started on Tuesday morning for Leavenworth with the said Williams. Dick will return in a few days.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
Court convened on the 3rd inst., with an unusually small docket. Forty-three cases composed the term’s work. The criminal business was exceedingly light, there being but two or three cases for trail.
The Negro horse thief, Chas. Williams, charged with grand larceny, plead guilty, and was given the mildest punishment prescribed by law, one year’s hard labor in the penitentiary. The jury was only used in two cases.
The case of Newlin vs. R. L. Walker, sheriff, involved the question of the validity of an assignment made by A. A. Estlin to Newlin, as assignee, for the benefit of his creditors. Walker held part of the goods assigned under an attachment. The court held the assignment good and gave judgment in favor of Newlin. It will doubtless go to the supreme court.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1877.
Horse Thief Has Taken Henry Coryell’s Horse. Some thief stole a horse from Henry Coryell, while he was attending the religious meeting at Parker’s schoolhouse on Monday evening.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1877.
Coryell’s Horse Recovered. Horse Thief Caught. A colored man, of short, thick stature, who has been stopping with Mr. Banks on the south side of the Arkansas, was arrested at the ferry last Wednesday by Sheriff Walker, on the charge of stealing a horse from Henry Coryell on Monday night. The horse was stolen while Mr. Coryell was attending church at Parker’s schoolhouse, and taken to Dexter and traded to a son of Uncle Billy Moore, of Crab Creek, for another horse. Moore’s horse was then sold to Jim Allen, the butcher in Winfield, for a watch and $20. The thief gives his name as Charley Williams; says he is from Elk County to this place, but was born and reared in Missouri, having lived awhile in St. Joseph. He has been bound over to appear at the next term of court, and will be confined in jail until that time.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 5, 1877.
Williams, the negro who stole Coryell’s horse, has been arraigned, and plead guilty; has not been sentenced yet.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 12, 1877.
The colored man who was arrested at this place a few weeks since for horse stealing was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment in the Kansas penitentiary at Leavenworth at hard labor. He seemed to care but little for the sentence and left the courtroom with a terrible grin all over his countenance.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Claims allowed Jan. 10.
Sheriff: R. L. Walker, $74.50, $6.05; $14.75; $46.75; $13; $24; $10.50; $8.00.
Witness: R. L. Walker, $2.00.
Drawing Jurors: R. L. Walker, $2; G. H. Buckman $2; W. M. Boyer, $2.
Jailer bill: R. L. Walker, $73.

Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
[Published in the Winfield Courier January 24th, 1878.]
Ordinance No. 69.
An ordinance to provide for taking the census of the city.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the city of Winfield.
SECTION 1. That the census of the city of Winfield be taken within twenty (20) days after the publication of this ordinance; and that said census be taken by the Mayor or someone appointed by him; and that the person so taking said census shall receive for his compensation not to exceed the sum of two dollars per day.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Cowley County Telegram and Winfield Courier.
Approved January 21, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
[Published in the Winfield Courier, January 24th, 1878.]
Ordinance No. 70.
An ordinance to increase the limits of the city of Winfield.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the city of Winfield.
SECTION 1. That the limits of the city of Winfield be increased by the addition thereto, and the incorporation therein, of the territory adjacent thereto, platted and recorded by E. C. Manning, in the office of the Register of Deeds, of Cowley County, Kansas, and by the addition thereto, and the incorporation therein, of the territory adjacent thereto, platted and recorded by M. L. Read, in said office, and by the addition thereto and the incorporation therein, of the territory adjacent thereto, platted and recorded by J. C. Fuller in said office.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved January 12, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
Ex-Sheriff Walker is erecting a residence in Manning’s addition.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
Real Estate Transfers.
R. L. Walker, sheriff, to W. J. Driver, 160 acres, n. e. 17, 33, 5.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878. Editorial Page.
[Published in the Winfield Courier Feb. 21, 1878.]
ORDINANCE NO. 71.
An Ordinance Regulating the Keeping of Hogs in the City of Winfield.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield:
SECTION 1. That any person, or persons, who shall keep any pig, or pigs, hog, or hogs, within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, shall keep the same in a pen or enclosure upon a floor made of plank or boards; and any person, or persons, who shall keep any pig, or pigs, hog, or hogs, within said city, without keeping the same upon a floor as aforesaid, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in any sum not exceeding fifty dollars.

SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the 15th day of March, 1878, provided that it shall be first published once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved February 18, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878. Editorial Page.
[Published in the Winfield Courier Feb. 21, 1878.]
ORDINANCE NO. 72.
An Ordinance Taxing and Regulating Bowling Alleys, or Ten-Pin Alleys.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield:
SECTION 1. Every person, or firm, who shall keep, run, or have charge of any bowling alley, or ten-pin alley, within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, shall be taxed in the sum of twenty-five dollars per annum; and, upon the payment of said tax, such person, or firm, shall receive a license, signed by the mayor of said city, and attested by the clerk thereof, which license shall expire on the first day of May following.
SECTION 2. And such person, or firm, so licensed, shall give a hand in the sum of two hundred dollars to the city of Winfield, with one or more sureties, to be approved by the city council, conditioned that they will keep an orderly house; that they will not keep the same open on the Sabbath day, commonly called Sunday; that they will not keep the same open between the hours of 11 o’clock p.m. and 4 o’clock a.m. of next day.
SECTION 3. Any person convicted of violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be fined in any sum not to exceed one hundred dollars.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved February 18, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878. Editorial Page.
[Published in the Winfield Courier Feb. 21, 1878.]
ORDINANCE NO. 73.
An Ordinance to Prohibit the Construction of Buildings of Combustible Material Within Certain Limits in the City of Winfield.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield.
SECTION 1. No building shall be constructed or placed upon the east one-half of block number one hundred and eight (108), or upon the east half of block number one hundred and nine (109), or upon the west one-half of block number one hundred and twenty-eight (128), nor upon the west half of block number one hundred and twenty-nine (129), within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, in the County of Cowley, and State of Kansas, except the same be of brick or stone, or brick and stone, or some other incombustible material, with fire-proof roof; and any person violating this section of this ordinance shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in any sum not exceeding one hundred dollars.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in either the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved February 18, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.

Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878. Editorial Page.
[Published in the Winfield Courier Feb. 21, 1878.]
ORDINANCE NO. 74.
An Ordinance to Provide for the Construction of Sidewalks.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield:
SECTION 1. That a sidewalk of the width of four feet be built, commencing at the southwest corner of block one hundred and twenty-seven (127), thence running east along the south side of said block to the east side of the same; then commencing at the southwest corner of block number one hundred and forty-seven (147), and extending east along the south side of said block to the east side of the same; then commencing at the southwest corner of block number one hundred and sixty-seven (167), and extending along the south side of the same to the southeast corner of said block; then commencing at the southwest corner of block number one hundred and eighty-seven (187), and extending along the south side of the same to the southeast corner thereof; and that said sidewalk be built of stone of dimensions not less than two feet square, and that unless the same be built within 60 days from the taking effect of this ordinance by the owners of the lots abutting on said sidewalk, that the same will be built by the city, and the lots or pieces of ground abutting on said sidewalk will be assessed for the payment thereof according to the front foot abutting on said sidewalk.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved February 18, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.
Real Estate Transfers.
R. L. Walker to David J. Bright, sw 6, 34, 3, 160 acres, $585.
Winfield Courier, March 7, 1878. Editorial Page.
[Published in the Winfield Courier March 7, 1878.]
ORDINANCE NO. 75.
An ordinance to provide for the construction of certain sidewalks and foot walks.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the city of Winfield.
SECTION 1. That sidewalks of stone of a uniform width of four feet, be constructed in said City, located as follows, to-wit: The first line of sidewalk herein provided for shall begin at the northeast corner of lot number five, in block number eighty-five, and run thence south on the west side of Manning street, in front of block number eighty-five, eighty-six, and eight-seven, in the northeast corner of block number eighty-eight, and thence east on the south side of Eighth avenue to the west side of Main street.
The second line of sidewalk herein provided for, shall begin at the northeast corner of block number eighty-eight and run thence west on the south side of eight avenue to the west side of Menor street, at its intersection with eighth avenue; and thence north on the west side of Menor street to the northeast corner of lot number five, in block number sixty-six.

The third line of sidewalk herein provided for shall begin at the southeast corner of Main street and Ninth avenue and run thence west on the south side of Ninth avenue to the north-west corner of block number forty-nine in Manning’s addition to said city.
And the fourth and last line of sidewalk herein provided for shall begin at the northeast corner of block number one hundred and eleven and run thence south on the west side of Main street to the southeast corner of block number one hundred and thirteen.
SECTION 2. Each and all of said sidewalks shall be constructed of rock of the kind commonly called “flag-stone;” and no rock used therein shall be less in size than two feet square nor less than three, nor more than six inches in thickness; and shall be so graded and as to present a smooth and uniform surface.
SECTION 3. The mayor is hereby authorized and directed upon the taking effect of this ordinance, to immediately appoint a committee consisting of three members of the council, to be called the committee on the construction of sidewalks for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this ordinance, and said committee when so appointed shall under the supervision and control of the mayor and councilmen, have full power, discretion, and authority, to make and enter into all contracts that may be necessary and proper to secure the speedy construction of each and all of said sidewalks and of every part thereof, as well as of all foot walks necessary to be constructed across streets or alleys for the purpose of connecting such sidewalks, the one with another or different portions of the same; and it is hereby made the duty of said committee to let, if practicable, the contract for the construction of each and all of said sidewalks and foot walks, within the period of thirty days from the taking effect of this ordinance, and when contracts have been concluded for the construction of each and all of said sidewalks, the council shall immediately apportion impartially the cost of such sidewalks upon the several lots in front of and abutting upon which such sidewalks have been or are to be made, and in accordance with such apportionment make an assessment upon such lots according to the front feet thereof, sufficient to defray all expenses of the construction of such sidewalks, provided, however, that if any person in front of whose lot or lots the sidewalks herein provided for, or either of them are located, shall within the period of thirty days next succeeding the publication of this ordinance, construct such sidewalks in front of his said abutting lot or lots, to the acceptance of said committee, he shall thereupon be entitled to a certificate to that effect from said committee, and upon the presentation of such certificate to the city clerk, said clerk shall make out and deliver to him under his hand and seal an acquittance in full, against any assessment against his said lot or lots, for the purpose of defraying the cost of constructing the sidewalks herein provided for.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Cowley County Telegram and Winfield Courier.
Approved March 5th, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest, HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Winfield Courier, March 7, 1878. Editorial Page.
[Published in the Winfield Courier March 7, 1878.]
ORDINANCE NO. 76.
An Ordinance to Provide for the Holding of City Election.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield:

SECTION 1. That the city election of said city to be held on the first Monday of April, A. D., 1878, for the purpose of electing a Mayor, Five Councilmen, and a Police Judge for said city, be held at the office of J. E. Allen, on lot No. 12, in block No. 128, in said city.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved March 5th, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 20, 1878.
The darkey horse thief who escaped with Bilson by locking the jailor in the jail last week was caught on Skull Creek, by John Barber, who was shot by his brother a few months ago for an attempt at rape. The darkey carried a wooden poker with him with his name cut on it that he had in his cell to the place where he stole a horse. The next morning the horse was gone, and the stick was found close by, which led to his capture. The sheriff and deputies were surprisingly active in the capture of the man and did some hard riding to effect it.
Winfield Courier, March 28, 1878.
[Published in the Winfield Courier March 28, 1878.]
ORDINANCE NO. 77.
An Ordinance Providing for the Construction of Sidewalks.
Be it ordained by the Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Winfield:
SECTION 1. That sidewalks of stone of a uniform width of four feet be constructed in said city, located as follows, to-wit: Commencing at the sidewalk on the northwest corner of block 128; thence east along said block to Millington street; thence south along the west side of said street along blocks 128, 129, and 130 to Twelfth avenue; also commencing at the southeast corner of block 127; thence north along the west side of said Millington street along the east side of lot 18, in block 127, in said city of Winfield.
SECTION 2. That a sidewalk of stone of a uniform width of eight feet be constructed in said city and located on the south side of Ninth Avenue fronting and abutting upon the north side of block number one hundred and twenty-nine (129).
SECTION 3. That said sidewalks shall be constructed of stone commonly called flagstone; and no stone used therein shall be of a less size than 2 feet square nor less than 2 nor more than 6 inches in thickness and shall be so graded and laid as to present a smooth and uniform surface.
SECTION 4. And that unless the said sidewalks be built within 30 days after the taking effect of this ordinance, by the owner or owners of the lots abutting upon said sidewalks, that the same be built by and under the direction and supervision of the city, and that the lots or pieces of ground abutting upon said sidewalks be assessed for the payment thereof according to the front foot abutting upon said sidewalks.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its publication once in the Winfield Courier and Cowley County Telegram.
Approved March 25th, 1878. R. L. WALKER, Mayor.
Attest, HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.

Dr. Hughes and R. L. Walker Going to Territory. Dr. Hughes returned from Washington last week, and in company with R. L. Walker will go to the Territory this week for the purpose of selecting a suitable place for their headquarters. The office to which these gentlemen have been appointed by the Secretary of the Interior is known as Special Agents for the unoccupied Indian reserves and Government lands. Their duties will be to put a stop to all timber depredations, collect tax on cattle in the Territory, arrest all parties trafficking in liquor within their jurisdiction, and have general supervision of all matters not assigned to the different Agencies. After their return a statement will be made by them. It is the policy of the Government to first tax and then protect the stock men in the Territory, and to protect the timber at all hazards. After these gentlemen become thoroughly established, there will be less lawlessness in the region south of us, and instead of being a harbor will be a trap for thieves.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 17, 1878.
MESSRS. Hackney, Walker, and Hon. A. J. Pyburn, of Winfield, called on us last week. Dick took a smoke on the patent cigar case from Osage Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 17, 1878.
Dr. Hughes and R. L. Walker, special agents for the protection of property in the Territory, are out west looking out a location for headquarters. After their return we shall know all about their movements.
Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.
Special Master’s Sale. In the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Kansas.
No. 1720, In Chancery.
H. F. Bartine, complainant, vs. Cornelius Akers, Susan Akers, and Nichols, Shepard & Co., defendants.
PUBLIC notice is hereby given that under and by virtue of a decree of the Circuit Court of the United States, for the district of Kansas, rendered in the above entitled suit, I will, on Saturday the 18th day of May, A. D. 1878, at 1 o’clock p.m. of said day offer at public sale, at auction, and sell without appraisement to the highest and best bidder for cash in hand, at the front door of the Court House in Winfield, County of Cowley, State and District of Kansas, the following described lands and tenements, viz.: The south west quarter (¼) of section No. twenty-eight (28) in township, No. thirty (30), south of range No. four (4) east, containing one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Cowley County, State of Kansas.
RICHARD L. WALKER, Special Master in Chancery.
A. L. Williams and S. D. Pryor, solicitors for complainant.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
Judge W. C. Webb, of Topeka, is here on a visit to his son, L. J., and daughter, Mrs. R. L. Walker.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.
R. L. Walker was in town last Monday. Dick has a host of friends all over the county.
Note...[This is the last mention of R. L. Walker relative to working for the Secretary of the Interior as a special agent. Dr. Hughes continued in working for them for some time. See story re Nathan Hughes, M. D.]
[WALNUT VALLEY FAIR ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, June 24, 1878.

Board met pursuant to adjournment at the office of Col. J. M. Alexander. Present: J. W. Millspaugh, President; Col. Alexander, Treasurer; E. E. Bacon, Secretary; and Messrs. E. P. Kinne and E. C. Manning, Directors.
On motion, R. L. Walker was appointed Chief of Police.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
Mrs. Jay Page attempted to kill L. J. Webb on last Saturday evening. Webb had just been released from jail on bail, and in company with Sheriff Harter, H. E. Asp, and R. L. Walker, was walking from the jail west toward Main Street along the sidewalk, and when passing the house of B. M. Terrill, Mrs. Page ran out of the back door with a large revolver in her hand and passing along the west side of the house toward Webb, attempted to get a range on Webb to shoot him, at the same time using violent and threatening language. Sheriff Harter and R. L. Walker were between Mrs. Page and Webb, and under their cover Webb ran and escaped. R. L. Walker made some remark and Mrs. Page turned on and threatened him.
H. E. ASP’S STATEMENT.
I was present and heard Mrs. Page say to R. L. Walker: “I know you, Dick Walker. You are as bad as any of them. I’ll give it to you next. I’ll fix you for your coffin.”
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
Real Estate Transfers.
R. L. Walker, special commissioner, to Nichols, Shepard & Co., sw. 28, 30, 4; 160 acres, $825.
R. L. Walker, sheriff, to J. D. Pryor, ne. 20, 31, 4; 160 acres.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 7, 1878.
WINFIELD township elected the following delegates to the county convention next Saturday: C. C. Pierce, R. L. Walker, W. P. Hackney, F. S. Jennings, L. W. Spach, E. S. Torrance, O. M. Seward, James Kelley, E. C. Manning, D. A. Millington.
[REPUBLICAN PRIMARY CONVENTION: WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
WINFIELD, August 3, 1878.
Convention met at the courthouse in pursuance to call of County Central Committee.
The meeting was called to order by W. Q. Mansfield, and D. A. Millington was elected as chairman and G. H. Buckman secretary.
On motion the chair appointed a committee of three to report names of delegates and alternates. S. M. Jarvis, E. P. Kinne, and W. M. Boyer appointed on such committee.
The committee reported the following named persons as delegates and alternates.
Delegates: R. L. Walker, W. P. Hackney, E. S. Torrance, F. S. Jennings, L. W. Spack, O. M. Seward, James Kelley, E. C. Manning, D. A. Millington.
Alternates: E. P. Kinne, W. M. Boyer, W. Q. Mansfield, G. H. Buckman, S. M. Jarvis, John Mentch, Sampson Johnson, Henry E. Asp, T. B. Myers.
On motion the report of the committee was adopted by the convention. Thereupon the convention adjourned. D. A. MILLINGTON, President. G. H. BUCKMAN, Secretary.
[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATES: R. L. WALKER, NATHAN HUGHES, W. P. HACKNEY, E. A. HENTHORN, H. H. SIVERD, R. R. TURNER, S. P. STRONG.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.
Agent Whiteman, Gen. McNeil, U. S. Inspector, ex-Sheriff Walker, and Col. E. C. Manning were all here this week.
Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.
Elected from Cowley County as a member of the Republican Executive Committee of the Third Congressional District of Kansas at the Wichita Convention: R. L. Walker.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
The State Republican Convention met at Topeka yesterday. Delegate J. B. Nipp started last Friday, and delegates C. H. Eagin, B. F. Baldwin, E. C. Manning, and I. H. Bonsall started Monday. J. D. Maurer probably went by way of Eureka. James Kelly, R. L. Walker, and Ed. Clisbee go along for company. We have an inveterate habit of guessing, so will guess that John A. Martin, L. U. Humphrey, T. H. Cavanaugh, P. I. Bonebrake, John Francis, A. B. Lemmon, Willard Davis, and A. H. Horton will be the nominees. If we hit right on five out of the eight, it will be a good guess. We still think Martin will be the nominee for governor on the first formal ballot.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
S. S. Majors, R. L. Walker, Bert Crapster, O. M. Seward, Suss and Speed, and Frank Baldwin and lady were all here last Wednesday.
Winfield Courier, October 31, 1878.
NOTICE. There will be a meeting of the Republicans of Winfield Township at the courthouse on Friday, Nov. 1st, at the hour of 2 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of nominating Township officers. R. L. WALKER, Chairman, Township Central Committee.
Winfield Courier, November 14, 1878.
Dick Walker, Cornie Wallis, and George Walker started for the Territory for a hunt Monday.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
MANNING’S OPERA HOUSE. Opening Benefit.
The citizens of Winfield and vicinity purpose giving an entertainment benefit on Tuesday evening, December 17, 1878, at  Manning’s Opera House, to show their appreciation of the enterprise of a citizen who has erected a magnificent hall in our city.
COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS: E. P. KINNE, JOHN HOENSCHEIDT, R. L. WALKER, J. W. McDONALD, W. M. ALLISON.
Winfield Courier, December 26, 1878.
The members of Winfield Lodge, No. 110, I. O. O. F., have chosen the following named brethren as officers of this lodge for the term commencing January 1, 1879.
M. B. Shields, N. G.; David C. Beach, V. G.; John Hoenscheidt, R. S.; E. S. Bedilion, P. S.; Max Shoeb, Treasurer; John E. Allen, W.; D. W. Southard, C.; J. G. Kraft, R. S. to N. G.; R. L. Walker, L. S. to N. G.; B. M. Terrill, R. S. S.; Wm. Hudson, L. S. S.; J. W. Smiley, I. G.; C. C. Stevens, O. G.; A. W. Davis, R. S. to V. C.; T. C. Robinson, L. S. to V. G.; J. W. Curns, Chaplain; J. S. Blue, Host.

A cordial invitation is extended to all members of the order in good standing to be present at the installation ceremonies on the first Thursday night in January. The lodge is in a prosperous condition, and is increasing its membership from among our best citizens very rapidly.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1879.
ASSIGNEE’S SALE: STOCK OF E. B. JOHNSON BY R. L. WALKER.
I am now selling as assignee, the stock of E. B. Johnson, in the Bahntge building. The goods consist of a well selected stock of staple and fancy dry goods, hats, caps, boots, shoes, and notions. It is all new (having been in the store only about sixty days at time of failure), and I am now selling at private sale without reservation. The old selling price is marked on all the goods at cost, not including transportation. This is no old run down stock, or one made up of remnants, but the goods are all new and bought on purpose for this market. Those who want goods of this description can now secure better bargains than ever before offered in Cowley County. R. L. WALKER, Assignee.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 26, 1879.
R. L. Walker is closing out the Johnson dry good stock at Winfield at assignee sale and the store is crowded with purchasers.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 5, 1879.
R. L. Walker of Winfield and Mr. Campbell, of St. Joe, gave us a call on Friday last.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.
SENATE CONFIRMATION. Indian Agent—J. W. Haworth, Pawnee Agency, Indian Territory. Register of Land Office—R. L. Walker, Wichita, Kansas.
[AN EAST AND WEST ROAD]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.
To the Voters of Cowley County. On the 29th of this month you will be called upon to cast your ballots for or against the proposition to exchange the bonds of your county for $68,000 of the stock of the Southern Kansas and Western Railroad Company. It is your duty to prepare your­selves to vote intelligently, and in order to assist you in doing so, your committee, appointed to look after the railroad inter­ests of your county, desire to advance a few reasons (which appear to them to be well founded), why this proposition should receive the favorable consideration of every vote in the county.
In the first place, the proposed road is greatly needed to advance the material interests and welfare of the people. It is to extend through the county from east to west, affording this county a connection with all the eastern roads running through Missouri to the Mississippi river; with the projected road through southern Missouri to Memphis and with the M. K. & T. road running through the Indian Territory to Texas, with a Ft. Smith connection soon to be made which will open up to us the long coveted market of Little Rock and other coveted southern points.
The advantages to be derived from these connections, in bringing to our doors the cheap lumber from the pineries of Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas, the superior coal of the eastern counties, reduced freights from St. Louis and the east, and in the transportation of our own exports to a favorable market, certainly cannot be overestimated.

But will the road be built if the bonds are voted? This query, owing to the singularly modest demand of the company in asking but $68,000 for building nearly forty miles of first-class road, using steel rails, and overcoming the Grouse hills, may well be repeated and answered doubtingly by the reflective mind. Nevertheless, we can confidently assure you, fellow-citizens, that if the bonds are voted in Elk and Cowley Coun­ties, the road will not only be built, but will be completed considerably ahead of time. A letter just received by the chairman of this commit­tee from Major O. B. Gunn, chief engineer (and who, we may justly add, stands at the pinnacle of his profession), whose honor and truthfulness are unimpeachable, says: “I told your people that while our proposition was for the first of March, we should expect to reach Winfield by the 1st of January; but I am able to say that if the bonds are voted all along the line, so we can spread out, we shall try to do even better than I stated.”
How do we know that the company mean business, and that the road will be constructed if the bonds are voted? We know it on business principles. The company is backed by representatives of some of the best railways in the country, and possessed of immense capital. The building of this road is necessary to the welfare and prosperity of other roads owned by these backers. The company have deposited with the Winfield Bank the amount of money fixed by the county clerk to pay the expenses of the election, provided the bonds are voted and they fail to comply with their agreement.
The company has placed in the hands of T. R. Bryan, county treasurer, a certificate of deposit of the banking house of Armour Bros., Kansas City, payable to the order of the county treasurer, for $10,000, dated April 12, 1879, to be forfeited to the county, provided the bonds are voted in Elk and Cowley counties, and the company fail to build the road as stipulated.
The contract for the construction of the road from Indepen­dence west to the Elk County line has already been let, to be commenced immediately, and the ties and steel rails for the same are purchased and waiting to be used.
But some men say that the voting of this subsidy, though small, will, added to that already voted to the Cowley, Sumner & Ft. Smith company, increase and make our taxation burdensome. Let us see if it will. We propose to make a plain statement of figures that cannot lie, nor be controverted.
The interest on $68,000, for one year, at 7 percent, amounts to $4,760. The road will be assessed at not less than $6,000 per mile. Taking 38 miles as the least length (a low estimate) of the road, the assessment will amount to $228,000. We will average the tax at $3 on the $100 valuation, as some townships pay more, and some less. The tax on the road then will amount to $6,840, or $2,080 in excess of the interest! It is easy to see that this excess, each year for 30 years, without any accumula­tion of interest, would nearly extinguish the whole debt. But used as a sinking fund, which under the present law, it must be, and availing ourselves of the wise provision in the proposition, giving the county the privilege, after ten years, of paying off the indebtedness, as we become able, no one need feel the least apprehension that the county is assuming more than she is able to bear; but that, on the contrary, she could not do a wiser thing for her future welfare and prosperity, than to buy the construc­tion of this road with her bonds, getting the stock of the company to boot, which may not be considered, by any means, worthless. The time may come when the stock of a first class road like this one, and backed by unlimited capital like this, will be worth nearly par.

But the road itself is by no means all the taxable property that it brings in. Consider the increased valuation of all kinds of property resulting from it! The settlement of unsettled lands—the growth of towns and stations—the increase of crops and stock, and the inflow of capital for all purposes, certainly must convince a reasonable mind—a mind of fair capabilities—that it would not be the part of wisdom to reject such a proposition as the one before us.
In conclusion, fellow-citizens, we would have been pleased to have paid a deserved eulogy to our county, the best and fairest, and to become the richest of the best and fairest state in the Union; a county, in which to be a resident, may justly add to one’s pride and self-respect—but our circular is full lengthy now; and we must be contented with the few plain facts herein stated.
Committee. J. M. ALEXANDER; M. L. ROBINSON; E. P. KINNE; T. K. JOHNSON; R. L. WALKER.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.
CIVIL DOCKET. SIXTH DAY.
R. L. Walker vs. C. L. Harter.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.
Capt. R. L. Walker, of Winfield, arrived in Wichita, last Saturday. He took possession of his office, Register of public lands, last Monday. Capt. Walker is one of Cowley’s most popular citizens and we have no doubt that he will prove acceptable to the people having business in his office.—Beacon.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.
Capt. R. L. Walker, our Dick, returned from Wichita last Sunday. He left his office, that of Register of the U. S. Land Office, in good hands during his short absence. He reports business in the land office as very active. We notice that the Wichita press and people receive him kindly, and we predict that ere long he will attain the same wide popularity there which he enjoys here.
[REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.]
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.
R. L. Walker and wife to J. C. McMullen, n ½ of lot 1, blk 7, and lots 10, 11, and 12, blk. 48, Winfield. $1,000.
[NOTICES FOR PUBLICATION BY WICHITA LAND OFFICE.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1879.
Notice for Publication.
LAND OFFICE AT WICHITA, KANSAS, June 9th, 1879.
NOTICE is hereby given that the following-named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and secure final entry thereof at the expiration of thirty days from the date of this notice, viz:
Samuel Park, D. S. No. 9936, for the E. ½ of N. W. 1/4 and W. ½ of N. E. 1/4, of Section 8, Township 34 South, Range 5 E., and names the following as his witnesses, viz: Walter S. Gilman of Winfield, Kansas, and John H. Fortner, of Winfield, Kansas.
R. L. WALKER, Register.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1879.

LAND OFFICE AT WICHITA, KANSAS, June 20th, 1879.
NOTICE is hereby given that the following-named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of claim, and secure final entry thereof at the expiration of thirty days from the date of this notice, viz:
William Barber, for the Lots 3 and 4 and south ½ north west 1/4 2 34 4 east and names the following as his witnesses, viz: B. B. Wells of Arkansas City, Kansas, and Johnathan McFadden of Winfield, Kansas. R. L. WALKER, Register.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
Capt. Dick Walker laid aside the duties of the land office long enough to run down and attend our fair last Saturday. When you see the toe of a number fourteen boot coming around the corner, you may make up your mind that Dick will be along short­ly.
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.
A good joke is told on Charley Harter about the Arkansas City bank robbery. After the news had arrived, Charley met Burt Covert on the crossing of Main street and Ninth Avenue, his face pale and hair disheveled, and grabbing him by the arm, said: “B___; B __Burt; Read’s Bank has been robbed; five hun__hundred dollars reward, get Dick Walker and go after them quick.” Burt and Dick went after them while Charley, after his “excitement” had subsided, learned that it was Arkansas City, instead of Winfield, that had been raided, and immediately took steps to capture them if they came within two blocks of Main street.
The next item, I believe, has an error in it. It has the following sentences: “Mr. W. M. Berkey will also build a brick building, 25 x 75, on North Main street. It looks as if things are inclined to go northward.” Mr. W. M. Berkey resided in Salt City and was about to construct a stone building in that city.” Article might have really pertained to
Col. J. C. McMullen building a brick building. A. W. Berkey worked for McMullen at the Citizens Bank in Winfield. MAW
Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880.
R. L. Walker rushed in upon us last Saturday evening, and as quickly disappeared. He is so full of business that he cannot stay long in a place. The Walker boys have sold their farm over toward Oxford, for $1,800.
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.
Editorial Correspondence by Millington.
“At Wichita we called on Judge Campbell. The judge had gone to Newton with the Wichita troupe to play the ‘Union Spy’ in the evening. We visited the burnt district. It was not large, but made a black spot just north of the post office. There was a syndicate of insurance officers on hand adjusting the losses. The insurance was light, which makes the loss quite serious on a few. [WICHITA HAD A BAD FIRE!]  Did not see Dick Walker. He had been confined to his house by illness for several days.”
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.
Capt. Dick Walker and family are reported to be quite sick.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.

Hon. R. L. Walker was down to Winfield to enjoy the Winfield boom. Though he is doing a good and faithful work for a large land district, yet his warm heart glories in everything that is of advantage to his old county where he was always popular and never more so than now. He is one of the best managers in the State, and Cowley County owes much of her fame, popularity, and influence in the State to him.
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
Hon. R. L. Walker was in town last Thursday and gave us a call.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 18, 1880.
R. L. Walker, Register of the Wichita Land office, was at the terminus last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 22, 1880.
Dick Walker passed through town into the Indian Territory last Monday.
Winfield Courier, December 16, 1880.
Col. R. L. Walker was in town last week.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
We are sorry to learn of a serious disagreement that has arisen between two of our attorneys, Judge Brush, of Grenola, and Mr. Allen, of this city. The casus belli was a speech that the latter gentleman made, wherein he characterized the Judge in a manner to excite his hot southern blood. It is feared by mutual friends that serious results will come of it at the close of court, and in consequence R. L. Walker and Judge Campbell are doing what they can to reconcile the belligerent parties.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1881.
Mrs. R. L. Walker, of Wichita, is in the city visiting her father and brother. Mrs. Walker (formerly Miss Sadie Webb), resided in Topeka several years, and has many friends here.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.
Col. R. L. Walker called on us last week, and in conversa­tion in relation to the Wichita land office, informed us that last fall during 24 days 1232 entries were made and $180,000 paid in for land in this district. On one day the receipts were $40,000.
Winfield Courier, March 31, 1881.
The Telegram tries to make it appear that R. L. Walker was here last week for the purpose of trying to run the city poli­tics, and especially to secure the nomination of Lovell H. Webb for city attorney.
Now we happen to know that he came down on business entirely disconnected with politics. The editor of the COURIER, who made the nomination of Lovell in the convention, had openly advocated him for the place many weeks, without reference to Dick Walker, or the fact that his name is Webb, but because we know that he is well qualified for the place.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.
Delegates to State Convention at Topeka June 28th: C. R. Mitchell, M. G. Troup, C. M. Scott, M. L. Robinson, John Wallace, R. L. Walker, J. E. Conklin, H. D. Gans. Alternates: Henry E. Asp, J. B. Tucker, John M. Harcourt, J. B. Evans, R. F. Burden, N. W. Dressie, W. P. Heath, T. H. Soward, H. C. McDorman.
Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.
Hon. Richard L. Walker, of Vernon township, Cowley County, Kansas, returned last evening from a trip to New Mexico and Arizona. He will remain with us a few days.
Cowley County papers please copy. Wichita Times.
Winfield Courier, June 28, 1883.

George Walker came in from his stock ranch in Arizona Monday and will be here several days. He looks as healthy as Dick.
Winfield Courier, July 5, 1883.
Recap of Notice before S. L. Gilbert, a Notary Public, at Winfield, on July 24, 1883, re Henry Colyer, D. S. No. 24903, for the W half of SW quarter & SW quarter NW quarter of sec 34 & NE quarter SE quarter of sec 33, twp 33 S, R 5 East, naming as witnesses of his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of said land: Sam’l. Alexander,  J. C. Colburn, A. V. Colburn, and R. A. McCamey, all of Winfield. R. L. WALKER, Register.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1883.
Lovell H. Webb made a flying trip to Wichita Saturday evening and spent Sunday as the guest of Hon. Dick Walker.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1884.
MARRIED. Mr. Geo. L. Walker and Miss Mary W. Webb were married at Wichita last Sunday. Geo. and his bride are well known here and have the kindest wishes of many friends. Lovell Webb was in attendance at the wedding; also Judge W. C. and L. S. Webb of Topeka.
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
For a long time now, I have not printed up publication notices from the Land Office at Wichita, where R. L. Walker still acts as Register....
Notice for Publication.
LAND OFFICE AT WICHITA, KANSAS, February 6, 1884.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim and that said proof will be made before E. S. Bedilion, District Clerk at Winfield, Kansas, on Friday, March 14, 1884, viz: GEORGE S. JENNINGS, of Cowley Co., Kansas, for the Lot 2, Sec 2, Tp 34; & W hf of S E qr & se qr of sw qr of Sec 35, Tp 33 S, R 5 E. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of said land, viz: I. N. Darnall, L. D. Rorick, J. H. Swindler, William Berry, all of Winfield, Kansas.
R. L. WALKER, Register.
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
Notice of Publication.
LAND OFFICE AT WICHITA, KANSAS, January 29, 1884.
NOTICE is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before S. L. Gilbert, Notary Public at Winfield, Kansas, on March 12, 1884, viz: Mattie DeTurk for the w ½ of s w qr and sw qr of n w qr sec 34 and ne qr s e qr sec 33, tp 33, range 5 e. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of, said land, viz: R. A. McKenna, J. C. Corbin, A. H. Miller, and S. G. Martin, all of Winfield, Cowley County, Kas. R. L. WALKER, Register.
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
Notice for Publication.
LAND OFFICE AT WICHITA, KANSAS, February 5, 1884.

NOTICE is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before E. S. Bedilion, District Clerk at Winfield, Kansas, on Friday, March 14, 1884, viz: JOHN H. SWINDLER, of Cowley County, Kansas, for the w hf s w qr Sec 33 and e hf of s e qr Sec 34, Tp 33 S, R 5 E. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon, and cultivation of, said land, viz: I. N. Darnall, L. D. Rorick, James Ball, George S. Jennings, all of Winfield, Kansas. R. L. WALKER, Register.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
[SKIPPED OODLES OF NOTICES MADE ON FRONT PAGE OF PAPER BY R. L. WALKER, REGISTER OF LAND OFFICE AT WICHITA.]
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.
Hon. R. L. Walker came down from Wichita Monday and spent several hours in town. Dick is preparing to go west to Mead [Meade] County and grow up with the country as soon as his Democratic successor appears with the proper credentials.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
MISTAKEN IDEA. From a squib published in the Arkansas City Republican some weeks ago, we clip the following: “The COURIER has always ignored Arkansas City and made fun of her. Arkansas City can get along without Winfield, but can the COURIER get along without Arkansas City?”
If the person who wrote the squib knew anything of the history of Cowley County, and especially of the COURIER, he would not have penned it. The COURIER has never since the old matters of County Seat and other purely local feuds were settled, said ought adverse to the growth and prosperity of any portion of our splendid county. On the other hand, it has taken great pride and assisted not a little in promoting the growth and advancement of Arkansas City, Burden, Udall, and every other portion of the county. The COURIER recognizes the fact that no community can build permanent prosperity by tearing others down. Such policy is pursued only by narrow-minded bigots, and not by persons of sound mind and liberal views. Arkansas City has enjoyed its full share of our general advancement. This has been brought about by the indomitable energy of such men as Sleeth, Newman, Matlack, Hill, Huey, Cunningham, Hess, Scott, and a score of others whose faith in the future of the city has been shown in works, the successful prosecution of which left no time, if the inclination existed, to snarl and growl at their neighbors. This is indulged in only by the lesser lights who come in to enjoy the benefits of other’s industry and find a fruitful field in promoting discord where harmony should prevail. We are glad to know that no respectable portion of the people of our sister city indulge in the small and contemptible feelings which seem to inspire the Republican man.”—COURIER.

We cut out the foregoing, not to give publicity to the little mistake of our sister city’s editors little spat, but to give the sensible words of the COURIER. We believe that Judge Millington, in these few lines, gives the true secret of success in any new town or county. Perhaps no two towns in Kansas are better examples of the truth of his statement than Winfield and Arkansas City. We well know of another town not far off which took the Killkenny cat code. Its citizens’ best abilities were taxed to the utmost on all improper occasions to prove that about all the other citizens of the place were just the wrong men for the places they occupied. Strangers were too polite to disbelieve them, and located elsewhere. Although located on the best townsite in Southern Kansas and surrounded by the best four townships of arable land in the state, it grew less, until it had driven away or buried in contempt the last one of the Kilkennys, when it commenced again to grow, and will yet be one of the prettiest little cities in the state. Its motto should be “Quarrels killed me once; Quit quarreling or die again.”
Winfield and Arkansas City were quite different. Two of her citizens might be like Mark Twain’s twin bull pups, want to chaw on the same bone and fight terribly over it, but if an outsider interfered, they were a double barreled unit until they used him up. We know Arkansas City when it was principally sand dunes and a section of very poor prairie, but it was not the proper thing to tell Capt. Scott, Amos Walton, or Maj. Sleeth. We were a little too smart to tell them so when it was eight or ten miles to the next place where we could get rations for ourself and team. I suppose they had their private bone, and had private fights, but they did not call on any outsider to settle it, nor did they advertise their little difficulties. If any of their men wanted an office, you might depend on a solid delegation, and if nominated by his party, he was elected if the city and one or two townships near it could cast votes enough to do it.
We have known Winfield ever since it was a prairie of tall grass, a lob cabin store, Max Shoeb’s cabin blacksmith shop, and a few cottonwood shanties that kept the coyote out till the owner could go out and show some new men a very fine claim. But the town company were “one man” when Winfield’s interests were at stake, whether you struck Millington, Fuller, Alexander, Mansfield, or Jackson. Winfield was the exact center of the Union in general and South Kansas in particular.
The fertility of soil was proven by great stalks and ears of corn that were raised just north of the townsite (perhaps much nearer Emporia). The health proven by Drs. Mansfield and Graham; the morality by Ross; the loyalty of the people by Col. Manning. In short, if it was necessary to prove anything to catch a newcomer, they knew just where to get the evidence and got it.

It became necessary to have a paper so their stories would not conflict, so the COURIER was started and Jim Kelly put in charge; one of the jolliest, social editors in the state. The power behind the throne was Millington, to write heavy editorials for the eastern people to read, Mansfield to write articles comparing favorably the climate and health of Winfield to the Italian skies, the robust health of the English and Scotch, proving the almost impossibility of a foreign consumptive to die here; Manning and Alexander to write up the loyalty and far-abiding qualities to the people, with Wirt Walton to write up the immense area of arable lands going to waste in the flint hills, Dick Walker to do the same for the Arkansas Valley. And they had a score or more to work up the special good qualities of the city, of the county, or of the Walnut, Arkansas and Grouse valleys. In short, every man in the town was a committee of about ten to prove Winfield the great future and Max Shoeb was there to translate it into Dutch if necessary. If a storm came, and the Walnut ran four feet deep across the townsite, it was found upon the next issue of the COURIER, that a reliable Indian chief said the like had not happened once before in a century or more. If a drought as in 1874 came, Arkansas City and Winfield could forthwith have an Indian scare and have the young men ordered out at good wages and rations for themselves and horses, till the next corn crop was safe. Winfield and Arkansas City today are monuments not only to the pluck, energy, and faith of their friends but to that unity of action and the sacrifices of that little narrow selfishness so common in little towns. We have much of the same spirit in Burden, and it will be our endeavor to encourage this unity that should exist. Burden Exchange.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
Land Office at Wichita, Kansas. September 6, 1884.
NOTICE is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before E. S. Bedilion, a Notary Public at Winfield, Kansas, on March 2nd, 1885, viz: Abraham Spoon, of Winfield P. O. for the lot 8 sec 6 twp 33 range 3 east. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of said land, viz: John Patterson, Frank Akers, Notes Mox, and Jerry Patterson, all of Winfield P. O. Kans.
R. L. WALKER, Register.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
Land Office at Wichita, Kansas, January 28, 1885.
NOTICE is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before Jno. D. Pryor, a Notary Public, at Winfield, Kansas, on March 13th, 1885, viz.: Joseph J. Cunningham for the s ½ of ne ¼ section 35 township 30 south, range 4 East of 6 P.M. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of said land, viz.: James Hanlen, Charles H. Holmes, and Ben White, of Rock P. O., Cowley County, Kans., and A. L. Weber, of Floral, Cowley County, Kansas.
R. L. WALKER, Register.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
R. L. Walker, Register, Land Office at Wichita, notice by settler, Joseph J. Cunningham, re land. Witnesses: James Hanlen, Charles H. Holmes, and Ben White, of Rock.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
Recap: R. L. Walker, Register, Land Office at Wichita, printed notice of claim by William P. Franklin, of Tisdale, Kansas, for land. Notary Public: E. S. Bedilion. Witnesses: J. C. Powers, H. Harrod, Phillip Cook, and R. B. Mulford, all of Tisdale, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
OUR TOPEKA CORRESPONDENCE.

DEAR COURIER: For four days the House was deluged with a volume of discussion on the railroad question. It was discussed from every point by able men and by men who didn’t know any more about controlling railroads than biblical soldiers do about Paul’s wife. There were two bills before the body. The one by Mr. Gillett, of Kingman, known as the “Gillett bill,” was on the commissioner system with but few changes and certainly no improvements over the present law. The other was the “Simpson bill,” introduced by Mr. Simpson of McPherson County, establishing a maximum rate for the heavy products in carload lots and making it the duty of the Board of Railroad Commissioners to fix the rates on all other freights. The question was, which of the two bills would the House take up for consideration, and upon this the seventeen volumes of talk began to pour forth. After the first day the question was entirely lost sight of, and after three days when the possibility of a vote being reached seemed eminent, the records had to be searched to find out what the motion under discussion was before the Speaker could put it. The whole range of railroad building, operation, and management, the relation of transportation charges to the producer and consumer, were gone over again and again until the array of facts and “figures” were as bewildering as one of my friend McDermott’s arguments to a jury in a sewing machine case. During the discussion Gov. Anthony advanced the startling proposition that “the transportation tax attaches to the consumer and not to the product,” and came very near proving it. Had he enlarged his proposition by saying “when the consumption exceeds the production,” his conclusions would have been correct. However, it will be very hard for even so logical and eloquent a debater as the distinguished ex-Governor to convince an intelligent Kansas farmer that high or low railroad rates do not affect the value of the products. Theory has no place where facts exist, and they confront the gentleman’s proposition in this case on every side. The vote was finally reached and the friends of the maximum rate bill won by a majority of four. Then a fine piece of parliamentary work was executed by the defeated side. Mr. Clogston, of Greenwood, moved that a committee of five be appointed by the chair to prepare a substitute for the two bills, said substituted to “clothe” the Railroad Commissioners with power to fix rates on freights. This proposition was a kind of side-wheeler to the friends of the Simpson bill because many who voted with them did not believe in maximum rates but preferred the Simpson bill as containing more and better features than the Gillett measure. These persons were likely to favor the committee and a new law compromising the two extremes. An effort was made to amend the motion so as to instruct the committee to make it “the duty” of the Board of Railroad Commissioners to fix rates and placing the appointing power in the hands of the governor in place of the executive council. The motion to this effect was made by your member, but the railroad men wouldn’t support it, and the maximum rates men were mad and like the fellow from Arkansaw, wanted a “whole hog or none,” so the amendment was lost and the committee go out simply to “clothe the commissioners with power,” and from the composition of the committee, your correspondent fears that the garment wherewith they will propose to clothe the Board will be too thin in the places where it should be very thick. It will take a careful eye to detect these threadbare spots but an earnest effort will be made to do it. A majority of the members believe in a fair and equitable but stringent legislation and if they work together, can accomplish it. Whether they will or not remains to be seen.
The contest over the re-establishment of Clark and Meade counties was one of the most exciting that has been seen hereabouts for many years. The fight was a sort of three cornered one, first between opposing factions in the counties named, next on the part of the cattle kings who desired to defeat all organizations and retain possession of the country as a pasture for their herds. In this they were assisted by delegations from Dodge City, who saw the speedy downfall of that longhorn rendezvous in thus shutting up the great trail from the south to their city. Finally a compromise was effected between the different factions in the two counties. The cattle men were defeated and the bill passed the House.

Senator Hackney was up last week and is responsible for the biggest sell of the session. In the early stages of the effort to create the Nineteenth Judicial district, which takes Sumner County from Judge Torrance’s jurisdiction, Mr. Hackney opposed it and wrote several letters to friends here on the subject. This came to the care of the Wellington fellows and they immediately sat down on their tails and commenced to howl! After further consideration of the matter and in conformity to the wishes of many friends, Mr. Hackney withdrew his objections, and the bill passed the House and went to the Senate. Thursday evening a giant scheme was concocted and the following dispatch was sent.
TOPEKA, KAS., Feb. 18, 1885.
WM. A. McDONALD, Wellington, Ks.
Hackney with a Winfield mob is here with their coats off fighting Judicial bill. Senators Jennings, Buchan, and Blue are with them. I am powerless. Come and bring every man who will on first train. Don’t delay. Important sure. Don’t pay any attention to any dispatch sent from here in my name. Look out for a trick. Treachery everywhere. Signed, LINK.
Senator Lingenfelter is the member of that body from Sumner and the signature was very easily construed to mean him. In addition to this a dozen other dispatches were sent to the mayor, clerk, and other leading citizens, referring them to the above dispatch. As every man, woman, and child in Sumner has been staking their hopes of future happiness on the new judicial district bill, one can imagine what consternation these dispatches created. Immediately the hosts were collected, a picked crowd of the bravest and most valiant warriors selected, a collection taken up, and with blood in every eye they proceeded to march on the capital. On Friday morning just at break of day they filed by twos into the corridor of the Copeland, commander-in-chief McDonald and A. Q. M. General Reed leading the van and proceeded to stack arms and provide ammunition. Senator Lingenfelter was aroused from slumber sweet to counsel with the warriors on the terrible situation. When the “true inwardness” of the matter began to unfold itself, there was roaring and gnashing of teeth followed by scenes that would make a peaceable prohibitionist shudder to repeat, but suffice it to say that from that day until it falls into the hands of some county-seat census taker, the Copeland register will contain the names of a long list of Wellington’s distinguished citizens as “guests of Bill Hackney and Dick Walker.” If it will help the matter any, I might intimate that Senator Ed. Hewins wasn’t an entire stranger to the scheme. The bill finally passed the Senate with but two opposing votes on the day they were here. The occurrence was the talk of the town for several days.
The session is drawing to a close and the calendar is still encumbered with two or three hundred bills, with as many more in the Senate. Most of them cannot, by any possibility, be got through before the fifty days for which the members can receive pay expires. It requires a great deal of patriotism to “work for nothing and board yourself,” so the possibility of a “raid on the treasury” for postage stamps with which to pay board bills is imminent. I sound this warning note so that my legal friend who hurls Blackstone at the court with one hand and writes of the deep and damnable corruption of the servants of the people with the other, may throw himself into an undivided state into the breach and save the one millionth part of a mill which a thieving legislature might rob him of. Up, Brutus, and at him!!
Legislative Notes.

Hon. Carroll, Democratic member of the House of Representatives from Leavenworth, is one of the most prominent candidates for the position of United States Marshal for Kansas. During the many years of the trials and struggles of Democracy in Kansas, Mr. Carroll has been a recognized leader. A man of sterling integrity and possessing ability of the highest order, his appointment would reflect great credit on Mr. Cleveland’s administration.
The special committee to whom was referred the construction of a new railroad bill with instructions to report today (Tuesday) have so far failed to agree and the time has been extended to tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at half past ten.
Hon. W. P. Hackney and wife came in Monday night and have quarters at the Copeland.
Mr. J. S. Baker, of Tisdale, is in the city looking after legislation affecting his locality.
E. P. GREER.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Recap: Notice by Land Office at Wichita, R. L. Walker, Register, re notice by settler.
Proof to be made before Ed Pate, District Clerk at Winfield, Kansas, on April 4, 1885. Settler: William J. Davis, of Winfield P. O., Kansas. Witnesses: John Mark, David Mark, Mary Page, and Charles Norton, all of Winfield P. O., Kansas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Land Office Publication, R. L. Walker, Register, re settler, William P. Franklin, of Tisdale, Kansas, for final proof in support of his claim before E. S. Bedilion, Notary Public at Winfield, Kansas, on March 28, 1885. Witnesses: J. C. Powers, M. Harrod, Phillip Cook, and R. B. Mulford, all of Tisdale, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
YES THEY NEED GUARDIANS! Wanted. A political guardian for the Republican party of Sumner County. Dick Walker nor Bill Hackney need not apply. Caldwell Journal.
It is very evident that some few of the politicians in our sister county need guardians. Chickens always come home to roost, which fact they will hereafter remember when speaking ill of those who have always been their friends when their backs are turned.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Recap. R. L. Walker, Register, Land Office at Wichita. Notice of final proof in support of claim: May 16, 1885, Freedom Jones, of Winfield, Kansas. He named as witnesses W. J. Humbert, J. W. Campbell, Harvey Miller, and J. C. Corbin, all of Winfield. Ed. Pate, District Clerk.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Recap. R. L. Walker, Register, Land Office at Wichita. Notice of final proof in support of claim: April 4, 1885, William J. Davis, of Winfield, Kansas. He named as witnesses: John Mark, David Mark, Mary Page, and Charles Norton, all of Winfield. Ed. Pate, District Clerk.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
Recap. R. L. Walker, Register, Land Office at Wichita. Notice of final proof in support of claim: Richard Brinn. Witnesses: Casper Ralf, of Winfield, R. Q. Paugh and Peter Paugh, of Silverdale P. O., and W. H. H. Maris, of Winfield P. O. Ed. Pate, District Clerk.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
Mrs. Dick Walker came in from Wichita Saturday for a visit with her brother, Mr. Lovell H. Webb.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.

Recap. R. L. Walker, Register, Land Office, Wichita, Kansas, had notice printed that Henry S. Gardner of Winfield Kansas, was filing notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim in district court at Winfield. Witnesses: Wylie Redd, G. W. Dexter, L. Cutting, and Wm. Warren, of Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.
Recap Wichita Land Office, R. L. Walker, Register. Proof of claim by settler, William S. Bousman, of Cowley County. Witnesses: P. M. Funkhouser, W. R. Watkins, M. C. Boyd, and W. A. Watkins, all of Winfield. Notary Public: E. S. Bedilion. Deadline: July 11, 1885.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
Recap. R. L. Walker, Register, Land Office at Wichita, Kansas. Notice of settler filing notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim before Grant Stafford, a Notary Public at Winfield, Kansas, on July 29, 1885. Settler: William A. Watkins. Witnesses: S. P. Bishop, S. F. Beck, Henry Denning, and George Heineker, all of Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
Dick Walker, the same fat, jolly Dick of old, is here from Wichita, on business.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
Recap. R. L. Walker, Register and James L. Dyer, Receiver, Land Office at Wichita, Kansas. United States vs. Heirs of Dionis Capretz. Real estate involved. Settler must appear for hearing in the U. S. Land Office at Wichita to submit evidence relative land claim.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
Recap. R. L. Walker, Register, James L. Dyer, Receiver, Land Office at Wichita, Kansas, May 22, 1885. United States vs. Heirs of Dionis Capretz. Involved tract. Deadline: August 12, 1885, for evidence that tract belonged to heirs.
Frank Dale replaces Dick Walker in Land Office...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
Frank Dale has been appointed to succeed Dick Walker in the Wichita U. S. Land Office.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
Mrs. R. L. Walker and Mrs. L. J. Webb came down from Wichita Friday for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Lovell H. Webb.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
Dick Walker and A. W. Jones, of Wichita, have been granted a franchise to put in a gas plant at Wellington.
Above was the last entry found on R. L. (“Dick”) Walker.
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Added information concerning R. L. Walker...
The following is copied from the book entitled History of Sedgwick County, Kansas, by O. H. Bentley, published in 1910 and reprinted in 1994.
“The land office was first located at Augusta, Kansas. In 1872 the office was moved to Wichita and was renamed the Wichita Land District.
“The officers of a local land office consist of a registrar and receiver, appointed by the President, holding their offices for four years but subject to removal at the wish of the President.

“The offices of registrar and receiver in those days grew high up on the political tree, and the one having the longest and strongest pole got the persimmon. Although appointed for four years, yet if the officers happened to be for the wrong man for Congress or for the United States Senate, his resignation was soon demanded and a favorite was selected to succeed him, in accordance with the old Jacksonian policy, ‘To the victor belongs the spoils.’”
“H. L. Taylor was forced to give way before the expiration of his term of office to the Hon. Richard L. Walker in 1878.
“Richard L. Walker held the office of registrar one full term, and was re-appointed for a second term. Then he had to fall by the wayside on account of Cleveland’s election. Walker was captain of Company A, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, and had a splendid record as a soldier. He removed from here and afterwards was United States Marshal for the District of Kansas.
“Walker was a jolly good fellow and counted a great politician, but has been gathered to his fathers many years ago in the prime of his vigorous life and manhood.”
Kay’s notes showed the following:
The history of Chautauqua County mentions Marshall Dick Walker.
“After awhile, the Anti-horse thief Association took matters into its own hands. After a few hangings in the vicinity of Hart’s Mill and the taking of a bunch of thieves from U. S. Marshall Dick Walker east of Arkansas City and hanging four of them at the Grouse Creek ford, horse thieving was not so interesting.”
—taken from page 5 of an article written by Betty M. Watson.
Note: I find the above maddening! Do not know the year or date referred to.
From book about E. J. (“Buckskin Joe”) Hoyt...
March 10, 1890, Hoyt was appointed a deputy federal marshal by R. L. (Dick) Walker.
In 1909 Hoyt sold his interests in Kansas and Oklahoma, and retired to Los Angeles, California. He died in April 1918, and his wife died there in August of 1920.
I believe the very last item needs to be checked out to ascertain if Hoyt really did work for Federal Marshal Dick Walker.
We need to find out years that Dick Walker served as U. S. Marshal for the District of Kansas. MAW