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Robert Weakley
ALSO: FRANK, JOHN, ISRAEL, JACOB, AND HENRY WEAKLEY.
Winfield and Walnut Township.
[For some time Robert Weakley and sons handled sheep. They also handled hogs.]
Winfield 1874: Robert Weakley, 57; spouse, Elizabeth, 57.
Kansas 1875 Census, Winfield Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name age sex color Place/birth Where from
Robert Weakley 58 m w Maryland? Illinois
Elizabeth Weakley 58 f w Pennsylvania Illinois
Frank Weakley 28 m w Illinois Illinois
John Weakley 26 m w Illinois Illinois
Israel Weakley 24 m w Illinois Illinois
Henry Weakley 18 m w Illinois Illinois
Winfield 1878: Frank Weakley, 29; Israel Weakley, 25; John Weakley, 27.
Winfield 1878: Robert Weakley, 61; spouse, E., 61.
Walnut Township 1881: Robert Weakley, 64; spouse, Elizabeth, 63.
Walnut Township 1881: Frank Weakley, 34; spouse, Margaret, 27.
Walnut Township 1881: John Weakley, 32. No spouse listed.
Walnut Township 1881: Israel Weakley, 30. No spouse listed.
Walnut Township 1881: Henry Weakley, 23. No spouse listed.
[Note: Weakley was often spelled incorrectly by the early newspapers. MAW]
RKW started this file as a result of the following item:
The following is taken from the 1974 Cowley County Atlas, published by the Tri-Tabula company. Mrs. Inez (Weakley) Hittle was born on a farm near Akron in 1899. Her father’s family came to Winfield in 1870 and homesteaded on a farm north of town. She graduated from Winfield High School, and in 1939 graduated from southwestern College, cum laude. She taught in rural schools for 22 years. She married Kerry Hittle in 1940 and had one son, Larry. She also raised a niece and nephew.
Inez Weakley Hittle was the daughter of Henry Weakley, who ended up living near Akron.
Early records show the family was first in Winfield township and then in Walnut township when it was created.
Frank Weakley: married before 1881 census. His wife’s first name was Elizabeth.
John Weakley: married Maggie Hamilton March 1880.
Henry Weakley married Laura Hanna March 1886.
Israel Weakley was still single in 1886.
FRANK WEAKLEY.
1901 BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
[Note: Biographical Record showed that his name was “Weakly.” Newspapers stated that the name was “Weekly” and “Weakley” for the most part. MAW]
[AUGUST 1870.] PAGE 320.
FRANK WEAKLEY, residing in section 5, Walnut Township, Cowley County, Kansas, was a member of one of the oldest and most respected families of the county. He, his father, and three brothers, settled in Cowley County on August, 1870, and took up claims in sections 5, 6, 7, and 8, in Walnut Township. Frank Weakley’s claim was the northeast quarter of section 7, township 32, range 4 east.
Frank Weakley was born in Shelby County, Illinois, in 1846, a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Small) Weakley.
His father, Robert Weakley, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was a native of either Maryland or Virginia. He died January 3, 1900. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania, and her death occurred February 28, 1895. They were the parents of six children.
1. Rebecca Weakley died in Kansas.
2. John Weakley lived just north of Frank’s home. He was married twice. First wife, Mary Vinton, died, leaving one child, William. Second wife, Mrs. Maggie Hamilton, who bore John two children: she had one child by a former marriage.
3. Nancy Jane Weakley died in Illinois, when a young child.
4. Henry Weakley lived near Akron, Cowley County, and had a wife and three children: Charles, Ethel, and Inez.
5. Frank Weakley.
6. Israel Weakley was in partnership with his brother, Frank.
Mr. Robert Weakley first attended the Presbyterian Church, but later, with his wife, became a member of the German Reformed Church. He was a Republican, and was elected to various offices in his community.
During the early 1870s while the family was journeying through to Kansas, the men worked for a time on a railroad. After locating on different claims, they erected a cabin, in which they lived until 1878 or 1879. In the latter year, they erected the present large residence, which is 32 by 36 feet in dimension. Two years later, the barn, which was 70 by 50 feet, in size, was built, and since then numerous other buildings were completed.
In working together, the Weakley family made wonderful progress, and their farm was considered one of the best in Cowley County.
Frank and Israel Weakley lived constantly on the place, having bought out their brothers and father, and carried on farming on a large scale. Most of their land was put into grain every year, although a small amount was used for pasture, as they kept the requisite amount of livestock on hand to run the farm.
Miss Bertha Shinn was the housekeeper for this family since 1893. They had an adopted child, Callie. The Weakley family were Republicans. Frank Weakley served in various township offices.
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1875.
The newly elected officers of Bethel Grange.
Master: E. C. Manning; Overseer: Israel Weakley; Lecturer: Jno. Mentch; Steward: Frank Weakley; Asst. Steward: J. Paugh; Chaplain: B. E. Murphy; Treasurer: Fred Arnold; Secretary: T. A. Blanchard; Gate-Keeper: Otho Arnold; Ceres: Sister Paugh; Flora: Kate Yount; Pomona: Sister Murphy; Lady Asst. Steward: Mary Stansberry.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.
Messrs. Kirby, Ireton, Weakley, and Weakley have returned from the Black Hills. They only got as far as Cheyenne. There transportation got to be a big thing. A walk from there to Custer City, two hundred and ninety miles, was not very inviting, especially when every canyon was liable to bristle with “bloody Injuns.” While they were at Cheyenne, the remains of the Superintendent of the stage company line, between there and Custer City, was brought in. He was killed by the Indians. All the stock was ordered off the line. Hay is ten and corn fifteen cents per pound. Those who are in the Hills will likely stay there this summer. Their supplies will probably go in on other than the Cheyenne route. The boys report that the U. S. troops do not protect the routes—that they have no orders to that effect, and if they had, there is not enough of them in that locality to do it. They are disgusted with the Hills and have returned, per advice of the COURIER, to dig wealth out of the coming golden wheat harvest. The actual experience and information they got on the trip is all they have to show for the $130, per capita, expended.
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1876.
The “lone elm farm,” of Robert Weakley and sons, of this township, presented a lively scene as we drove by Saturday morning. Three one-horse double-shovel plows and a two-horse sulky cultivator were running in one corn field near the road, while two breaking plows pulled by seven yoke of cattle were turning up the raw prairie in another field close by. The barn yard looked like an agricultural implement factory: harvesters, reapers, mowers, rakes, plows, and other tools used only by farmers were piled around there ready for duty. We didn’t see “Uncle Bob,” so suppose he was off hunting more harvest hands. You bet, Bethel Grangers raise their own bread. From appearance, we should think “lone elm” would turn out several thousand breads.
Winfield Courier, June 22, 1876.
New Wheat. Robert Weakley, of Bethel Grange, today brought the first load of new wheat to Bliss’ mill to be ground. Hoo-ray!
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1876.
Bridge Meeting. Pursuant to call several of our citizens living in the north end of Winfield Township met to take action in reference to the relocation of the bridge across Timber Creek, which was washed away last spring.
N. E. Newell was elected chairman and Geo. Mentch, Secretary. On motion a committee of three was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of rebuilding said bridge.
Robert Weakley, Peter Paugh, and Geo. Mentch were then selected as such committee.
On motion the meeting adjourned to Saturday night, next.
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT, WINFIELD TOWNSHIP: “S. E. B.”]
Winfield Courier, January 4, 1877.
EDITOR OF COURIER: The citizens of Dist. No. 37 met at the schoolhouse to hear a report from the committee appointed to take subscriptions for building a bridge across Timber Creek. The report was highly satisfactory. A committee was then appointed to advertise for bids and let the contract, which committee consisted of Robert Weakley, H. L. Barker, G. W. Mentch, Peter Paugh, and the writer hereof. This enterprise illustrates the proverb, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Winfield Courier, December 6, 1877. Frank Weakley has been appointed treasurer of school district No. 87.
[MURPHY TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1878.
Minutes of meeting held at Bethel schoolhouse, district 37th, Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas.
1. On motion B. McCann was appointed president of society.
2. On motion Peter Paugh was appointed vice president.
3. On motion John Mentch was appointed secretary.
4. On motion M. J. Ross was appointed treasurer.
5. Resolved, That this society be called the Murphy Temperance Society.
6. Resolved, That the meetings of this society be held on Tuesday evenings of each week.
7. Resolved, That we appoint a committee of five on program.
8. Committee on program: Henry Weakley, Quin Paugh, M. J. Ross, Julia Anderson, and Frank Weakley.
9. Vote of thanks to J. L. Rushbridge.
10. On motion the secretary be requested to furnish the county papers with the proceedings of this meeting, and the names of those who have signed the pledge.
Minutes read and approved. J. L. Rushbridge, Secretary pro tem.
NAMES.
Rushbridge, J. L. Mentch, John
Bartlett, Lena McCann, Emma
Arnold, George G. Anderson, Eva
Arnold, Rebecca Bryant, Emma
Heffner, Lizzie Seabridge, Maggie
Anderson, Matilda Heffner, Willie
Dressell, Ida Mentch, J. H.
Arnold, Frederick Paugh, John
Weakley, Frank Yount, G. W.
Weakley, Bettie Weakley, Henry
Rodgers, Isaac Yount, J. W.
Anderson, A. Paugh, Quin
Paugh, Peter Cowen, W. T.
Anderson, Alice Ross, M. J.
McCann, Annie Willis, Amanda
Anderson, Julia Dressell, Lewis
Yount, Sarah Bryant, J. L.
Thompson, J. M. Mason, John W.
Bryant, E. J. Paugh, W. D.
Yount, K. E. Arnold, Otho
Date, Davis
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT: “N.”]
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.
Murphy has reached us, and all the girls, with most of the boys, wear the blue ribbon. Frank Weakley is “not one who would join because of a girl,” but his name follows that of a young lady. T. A. Blanchard has called an anti-tobacco meeting.
[OUR NEIGHBORS.]
Winfield Courier, March 7, 1878. Editorial Page.
V. R. Bartlett, Esq., the grain buyer here, received a letter from Robert Weakley, at Winfield, in which he is offered 10,000 bushels of No. 2 wheat—5,000 owned by Mr. Weakley and 5,000 by the Youle Brothers. The sample shows No. 2 grade, for which Mr. Bartlett offers $1.05, cash, delivered at Eldorado. The sample is better than any we have seen this year. Walnut Valley Times.
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT: “ORLANDO.”]
Winfield Courier, May 30, 1878.
G. G. Arnold will have 1,000 bushels of peaches and 50 bushels of apples. Mrs. Brown will have 800 bushels of peaches. Clark Bryant will have 600 bushels; Frank Weakley 400. Won’t somebody organize a company to can fruit in Winfield so as to furnish a market for the surplus fruit?
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT: NAME NOT GIVEN.]
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
BETHEL, COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, July 6, 1878. Israel Weakley will, we understand, choose a partner to help can his peaches. He will form a life-time partnership with one of Bethel’s fair daughters.
[CORRESPONDENT FROM BETHEL: “ORLANDO.”]
Winfield Courier, August 1, 1878.
BETHEL, KANSAS, July 29th, 1878. While Israel Weakley and Rudolph Howard were out hunting prairie chickens the other day, Mr. Weakley’s gun was accidentally discharged, inflicting a slight wound upon Mr. Howard, that made it rather unpleasant for him to sit down for a few days.
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT: “A KEEN OBSERVER.”]
Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.
BETHEL, AUGUST 18, 1878. Mr. Otho Arnold has rented Frank Weakley’s farm and expects to take unto himself a wife and go to work in earnest.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
Along the Walnut, north of town, lies the big farm of Frank Weakley. A long and wide sweep of the Walnut valley gives here a beautiful picture. The farm is under excellent cultivation, and yields crops of great magnitude.
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
The fight in this township was very lively, over 170 votes being polled. Both the Republicans and Democrats had tickets in the field. The following was the vote.
For Constable, Frank Weakley and H. L. Thomas were elected.
Winfield Courier, March 11, 1880.
Mr. John Weakley and Miss Maggie Hamilton were married last week by ’Squire Burger. Mr. Weakley is an old subscriber, and of course remembered us with his compliments and cigars. We wish them much joy.
Winfield Courier, November 18, 1880.
Frank Weakley has been appointed administrator of the estate of Patrick Kirby, deceased.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
Frank Weakley, administrator of the estate of Patrick Kirby, will sell the personal effects of the deceased on December 3rd. Persons who desire to purchase cattle, hogs, horses, farming implements, or household goods on easy terms should attend this sale.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
On Tuesday Messrs. Weakley, Burger, and Brown, of Walnut township, obtained a large number of signatures of our citizens asking that the fifteen hundred dollars now in the county treasury be used to build a new bridge across Timber creek. Many of our citizens signed under a misapprehension. We call the attention of our readers to an interesting communication on this subject from a prominent citizen.
Winfield Courier, March 24, 1881.
I have for sale 160 acres of first-class land, 4 miles north of Winfield, the same being known as the Pat Kirby farm. For sale cheap. Payments part cash and part credit. For further information inquire of the undersigned at his residence, or M. G. Troup, at his office in Winfield, Kansas. FRANK WEAKLEY, Administrator of Pat Kirby.
[THE TIMBER CREEK BRIDGE.]
Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.
Last Thursday the Walnut Township Board completed the contract for the erection of the Timber Creek bridge. They worked for five days before getting a satisfactory proposition. The abutments are to be thoroughly repaired and straightened, and the superstructure is to be of the best wrought iron. When completed this will be one of the best bridges we have, and will be “put there to stay.” The Board will superintend the work closely, and see that no inferior material is used. The people are largely indebted to Mr. Robert Weakley, Samuel E. Burger, George Brown, and others for the work which made it possible to secure the bridge. The Board also put in some faithful work and showed much business ability in bringing the propositions within the limit of money on hand.
[THE NEW IRON BRIDGE.]
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
J. C. Roberts, Trustee of Walnut Township, called on us last Thursday, and invited us to go along and see the new bridge, while they examined the structure for final acceptance. We soon found ourself at the bridge, where were the treasurer and clerk of the township, Messrs. Blanchard and Joel Mack; Col. Bullene, of Leavenworth, the contractor, and his brother, J. G. Bullene; S. E. Burger, and a few others. We did not go as an expert, so our opinion was not given and did not count, but we were much pleased with the bridge. It appeared to us to be thoroughly well constructed, and a complete bridge in every particular. It is a beautiful bridge, of a hundred feet span, on abutments far above high-water mark.
We came back, and all took some lemonade, at Col. Bullene’s expense. Then the parties sat down in the COURIER office and settled up, and the board paid for the bridge. A great deal of work has been done by Robert Weakley, S. E. Burger, George Brown, and others, to get up an interest, get the necessary legislation, and the necessary subscriptions. The Township Board have spent their time, and used the greatest care to make the bridge perfect in every respect, and have attended to their work faithfully. The people most interested give them full credit and grateful thanks.
This bridge is of much importance to Winfield in many respects, and the efforts of those whose exertions have secured the bridge will be appreciated.
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
Mr. Sam Burger threshed ten acres of his wheat last week. It yielded 267 bushels, or 26-7/10 bushels per acre, and Sam says it is the finest wheat he has ever raised. Jake Weakley has also threshed, with a yield of 28 bushels per acre.
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
Frank Manny was again arrested last Friday: this time for maintaining a nuisance, under the prohibitory law, which makes the keeping a place where intoxicating liquors are sold, a public nuisance, to be suppressed by due process, and the keeper thereof fined not less than one hundred dollars. Saturday a jury was impaneled, consisting of W. C. Garvey, W. C. Robinson, D. F. Long, Frank Weakley, W. W. Limbocker, Jacob Seiley, J. J. Plank, Smith, A. H. Doane, Ed. Burnett, John Moffitt, and T. J. Harris. This jury is a strong one, which could be depended upon for an intelligent and just verdict. The case was set for hearing on Monday morning. On that morning Mr. Manny was arrested five times, successively, on different complaints for selling intoxicating drinks in violation of law. This began to look more like a tornado than like a little squall, and the defendant was inclined to compromise. It was finally agreed that he should confess judgment on the nuisance complaint, and judgment be entered up against him, with a fine of $100, which he should pay, and also pay all the costs of the seven cases against him, close his place of sale, and abide the law, when the six other cases would be dismissed.
Winfield Courier, September 22, 1881.
MARRIED. At the residence of Robert Weakley, Sept. 17th, 1881, by S. E. Burger, J. P., Mr. Jacob W. Weakley and Miss Elizabeth Dressell, all of Walnut township.
[BAR DOCKET DISTRICT COURT - COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, November 3, 1881.
CRIMINAL DOCKET. FIRST DAY. STATE VERSUS Jacob W. Weakley.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY. Elizabeth Dressell versus Jacob W. Weakley.
Winfield Courier, March 2, 1882.
The Peter Paugh farm, two miles north of Winfield, was sold last week by Mr. Myers for $3,500 cash to a gentleman from Weakley’s old neighborhood, but we did not get his name. Mrs. Myers has turned around and bought the Phil Stump farm for $1,200.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MUNROE” - BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Weakley, of Bethel, a fine girl.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MUNROE” - BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, March 30, 1882.
Is. Weakly is a wealthy bachelor of Bethel, but he isn’t going to be very long, judging from the frequent visits he makes toward Seeley. I will keep an eye on you, Is.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MUNROE” - BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, April 13, 1882.
John Weakley is planting ornamental trees, and beautifying his residence. Likewise T. E. Gilliland.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “ERASTUS.”]
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
Mr. Weakley has made arrangements to keep his sheep above Floral in Richland Township. He is getting up a regular camping outfit and will keep a ranch this summer.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MUNROE” - BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, May 4, 1882.
A number of sheep have died during the late rain and chilly weather.
Frank Weakley returned from the flint hills Sunday, where their sheep are being grazed. He says these sheep are doing fine, and the rain will give them plenty of good water, and freshen the grass. Frank is in good spirits, he thinks there is a fortune in sheep, if they are properly handled.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MUNROE” - CHIMES FROM BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.
Is. Weakley came down from their sheep ranche last Saturday. He looks as though running with sheep agreed with him.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
An additional venire of eighteen jurymen was ordered by Judge Torrance Tuesday morning. The following gentlemen were drawn: H. M. Branson, Windsor; Alfred Hightower, Dexter; W. W. McDonough, Otter; Wm. Rouzee, Beaver; G. M. Moore, Walnut; J. R. Scott, Tisdale; Wm. Shreves, Spring Creek; A. H. Miller, Liberty; Thos R. Carson, Richland; Geo. Homer, Otter; Thos. Baird, Bolton; Frank Weakley, Walnut; C. W. Frith, Liberty; J. H. Titus, Bolton; J. S. Mohler, Windsor; J. R. Tobin, Spring Creek; Pearson Coe, Richland; Thos. Cooley, Maple.
Winfield Courier, June 22, 1882.
Uncle Robt. Weakley was in the city Tuesday.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MUNROE” - BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, June 8, 1882.
Robt. Weakley has enclosed his front yard with a picket fence, which helps the looks of his place wonderfully.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MONROE” - BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, June 29, 1882.
Uncle John Small, of Grouse Creek, is visiting his sister, Mrs. R. Weakley, of Bethel. He is en route to Shelby Co., Illinois, to see some old friends.
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1882.
Uncle Robert Weakley brought in fifteen hundred bushels of his wheat Tuesday and sold it for 83½ cents per bushel. He has threshed but a part of his crop and realized 25 bushels per acre. He was compelled to sell a part in order to relieve the overflowing condition of his granaries.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.
Horticultural Matters. MR. EDITOR: Being appointed to report the display of fruits made at the Courthouse, from which to make selections for the State Fair, it would be desirable to give the names of all the contributors; but being appointed at a late hour, and many who contributed brought their fruit and told some member who forgot to properly label (trusting to memory), and thus the name of the donor was lost, I am unable to do so. We desire to give credit to all; yet if, under the circumstances, we should fail, we hope there will be no hard feelings; for, Mr. Editor, if you had seen the deluge of fine fruit and the crowd of visitors, you would certainly commend us for the work we accomplished as a society. I must be content to present the names of those who brought their offerings to the Courthouse, as far as I was able to obtain them, with the name of each variety of fruit (and it will be needless for me to say there were no inferior specimens) and present the reports of special committees as far as they have been handed in.
While I have specially commended some, yet all the orchards named above are in high cultivation, and much taste and care has been bestowed, or such results could not obtained.
I would not close this report without returning my thanks to Messrs. Weakley, Ferguson, and others who had not time or inclination to pilot me through the jungle that they call an orchard; but as I was not looking for water-sprouts or big weeds, I should have undoubtedly been lost, and so I appreciate muchly their kind consideration, and further deponent saith not.
R. J. HOGUE.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “SPECTATOR.”]
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
Mr. Robert Weakley has discarded sulky plows and is using walking plows. He claims the sulkies are too heavy for the work they do.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
Committee on credentials reported the following named delegates and alternates for their respective townships.
WALNUT: H. Bowman, S. Cure, F. H. Conkright, R. I. Hogue, Frank Weakley.
Alternates: David Tonkinson, J. H. Long, M. N. Chafey, John Mentch, Fred Arnold.
(?) Weakley...
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1883.
Lost. A small black beaded cashmere cape, Friday, between Mr. Weakley’s and the Foos farm on the Douglass road. The finder will please leave it at this office, and be suitably rewarded.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1883.
Notice. On my farm known in this locality as the Nelse Newell farm, north of Robt. Weakley, 4 miles north of Winfield, I want to have built a stone house 1½ story, over a 7 ft. cellar, about 24 ft. square. I would contract with builders for this work, also for the digging or boring of a well. Bids may be given for the mason work and for the carpenter work of rooms and roof; and for putting in the well, to T. R. Bryan in Winfield, or to Reuben S. White on the farm. I shall be at Winfield to make contracts about the 15th of October. I have for sale the above farm, and two in section 11-31-4, one of which, 80 acres, has a stone house for immediate occupancy, and a fine quarter section southeast of 3-31-4. For information see Bard & Harris. LEONARD FARR.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.
The Weakley brothers in Walnut Township are adding some new buildings to their farm this fall. Cowley farmers can afford some style this year.
[DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
Israel Weakley, Talisman.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1884.
From Walnut Township. EDITOR COURIER: As the time is approaching for the election of township officers, I, as a resident and a taxpayer of the above named township, would respectfully ask permission, through the columns of your valuable paper, to make known certain facts, for the benefit of the voters of Walnut Township, and all others whom it may concern. It is not the intention of the writer to lie or misrepresent anything or any person. What will be said, the proof is at hand. The people of this township, the past year, have been represented by Mr. T. A. Blanchard as trustee, and a few fortunate ones were more than pleased with the state of affairs, but a majority of our citizens are not so well satisfied. What appears to be a great injustice has been perpetrated upon our citizens by Mr. Blanchard while trustee of this township; and to show the inconsistency of his action, I have examined the assessment roll, and will give the names of a few of the wealthiest citizens, and their personal assessed value.
Mr. Blanchard occupied thirty-seven days, at an outlay of one hundred and eleven dollars, in assessing the personal property of this township, amounting to thirty-one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-six dollars. The following method was adopted to mete out justice and injustice, to his fellow man and neighbors.
R. Weakley’s 16 head of horses assessed at $440 and it might be well enough to state that Mr. Weakley has no plug horses upon his farm. His 17 head of cattle, mostly milch cows, were assessed at $170.
The whole assessment roll showed where Mr. Blanchard has a personal friend. His own property was put down to the very lowest figure. The question now is, will we have Mr. Blanchard for trustee another year? I, for one, say no. Any person who may question the truthfulness of this statement can learn all he desires by an examination of the assessment book of 1883, and I, as a citizen of Walnut Township, ask every voter to go and examine them before attending the caucus of February 2nd, 1884. N. R. WILSON.
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT: “CANARY.”]
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
Mr. John Danner, accompanied by Robert Weakley, will take a trip to Grouse next week to look up a location.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
RECAP. W. P. Hackney, attorney for plaintiff, sent summons by publication...Elizabeth Weakley, Plaintiff vs. Jacob W. Weakley, defendant, to be answered by July 8, 1884, re divorce and giving her back her maiden name of Elizabeth Dressell, and custody of her infant child, Caroline Weakley.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1884.
Notice to Hunters. Hunters are hereby notified not to hunt on our premises, Those who do will be promptly arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Robert Weakley, Frank Weakley, Israel Weakley, Wm. Schwantes, J. A. Rucker, B. D. Hanna, N. R. Wilson.
Mrs. Robert Weakley...
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
Mrs. Robt. Weakly of Walnut Township, was thrown from a wagon Friday, just after leaving the Fair Grounds for home, sustaining a broken hip and a severely bruised shoulder. In the crowd and jam along the avenue from the gate to the Santa Fe Depot, the wagon wheel fell into a rut, the seat came down, and the old lady was thrown headlong to the ground. Being past sixty, small hopes are entertained of her overcoming the injuries.
Divorce petition: Jacob W. Weakley...
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
RECAP. District Court. Elizabeth Weakley, Plaintiff, vs. Jacob W. Weakley, Defendant. Divorce Petition to be heard December 25, 1884. Plaintiff to get back her maiden name of Elizabeth Dressell, and custody of infant child, Caroline Weakley. W. P. HACKNEY, Attorney for plaintiff.
[DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
Elizabeth Weakley vs. Jacob Weakley. Divorce given on grounds of abandonment. Plaintiff restored to her maiden name, awarded the custody of child, and adjudged to pay costs.
Mrs. Robert Weakley, Mrs. Maggie Weakley, Will Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
Mrs. Robert Weakley spent the day at Mrs. Hanna’s Tuesday, and also Mrs. Delia Hassell at Mrs. Buckner’s Wednesday.
The names of the visitors that were present the last day of school were as follows: Alec Shelton, Mrs. Maggie Weakley, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Buckner, Mrs. Mantz, Mrs. Fred Arnold, Mrs. L. B. Hotchkin, Anna Mantz, and Eva Anderson. There would have been a larger attendance of the patrons, but the men could not stop their plowing, even for an hour or two. What industrious creatures.
The Bethel school closed Friday. The names of the pupils who obtained the prizes were as follows: Jimmie Buckner, two; Orie Buckner, three. Ethel Shelton, Lena Buckner, Daisy Hassell, Henry Wilson, and Will Weakley all obtained a prize for not being tardy or absent. The patrons prepared a dinner for the teacher and scholars. All were well pleased with the teacher. A paper was read by Lena Buckner.
Robert Weakley’s, John Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
Miss Eva Anderson and Miss Laura Hanna were at Bob Weakley’s Sunday and dined.
John Weakley came very near having a serious smash up last Sunday. Himself and several others were driving through Mr. Workman’s timber hunting mulberries, when he struck a stump, throwing himself and two or three others out, but hurting no one but Mrs. Slade, who received a slight cut on the head and a bruised shoulder. The horses took fright and ran with the rest of the folks, but were soon stopped by running into a wire fence.
Israel Weakley, Mrs. Robert Weakley and daughter-in-law, Robert Weakley’s...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.
Fred Arnold and Iz Weakley are harvesting R. D. Hanna’s wheat.
Mrs. Bob Weakley and daughter-in-law visited Mrs. Adam Sipe last week.
Miss Maggie Torrance has returned to Winfield after several months at Robert Weakley’s.
Robert Weakley’s...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
Rev. Knight did not fill his appointment Sunday evening, but sent a “hand” who seemed to answer the purpose. But why not change the preaching place to Uncle Robert Weakley’s? Think the congregation would be much larger and on hand every Sunday. They are clever folks at Uncle Rob.’s, and I think they would endorse the change.
John Weakley’s...
BETHEL. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
Mrs. Annie Slade, who has been staying at John Weakley’s some time, will from now on make her home at Winfield at Mrs. Silver’s. All who know Mrs. Slade seem to love her, and her friends here are loath to give her to Winfield.
Robert Weakley, Frank and Israel Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
Mr. Robert Weakley and daughter-in-law, and Mrs. Lon Bryant took tea with Mrs. J. A. Rucker, July 7.
Uncle Bob Weakley’s boys are busy now plowing for wheat. The rest of the farmers must wait until their stacking is done.
Uncle Joe Harrell has put up several stacks of wheat and is not done yet. He is a boss stacker, and that is what every man is not. Frank and “Ize” Weakley think they are hard to beat.
Henry Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
Mr. Henry Weakley and Miss Capitola Linn, Mr. Joe Wilson, Miss Eva Anderson, and Laura Hanna went to the Holiness camp meeting Sunday. All seemed to enjoy themselves.
Robert Weakley’s, Mrs. Ida Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
Joe Mooso and wife, of Winfield, took dinner at Robt. Weakley’s Sunday.
Mrs. Emma Cochran, of Winfield, made a short visit at her sister’s, Mrs. Ida Weakley, last week. She seemed to be the picture of health, but not so with Mrs. Weakley.
John Weakley, wife, father, and two brothers; Robert Weakley’s...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
John Weakley, wife, father, and two brothers were at Winfield Saturday. Guess they thought it best to rest awhile from haying.
Uncle Joseph Hassell’s folks most forget to prepare meals in regular order, since the purchase of their new Davis machine. But quite the reverse with Uncle Bob Weakley’s, for they want to cook all the time; their new gasoline stove is so delightful. There are three in this neighborhood and all speak very highly of them. They are daisies sure!
Henry Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
Henry Weakley has fully recovered from his throat trouble.
Mrs. John Weakley, Frank Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
A sister of Mrs. John Weakley is visiting her at present.
Frank Weakley was at Winfield Saturday and purchased a buggy—so look out girls. Also a new wagon.
Robert Weakley, Henry Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “B. B.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 10, 1885.
Uncle Bob Weakley is the first in this vicinity to begin wheat sowing.
I believe Henry Weakley will do well to accept the horse his brother offers him if he will marry a certain school “marm” in Winfield.
Uncle Bob Weakley has been treating his neighbors to some good cider. He has also made some grape wine which he will pass around as soon as it has aged enough.
Frank Weakley...
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
Walnut Township.
Delegates: Frank Conkright, J. L. King, Frank Weakley, John Mentch, J. C. Roberts, T. A. Blanchard, Sid Cure.
Alternates: B. F. Walker, Mel Graham, John Anderson, Geo. Brown, S. C. Sumpter, Noah Wilson, J. H. Sorey.
Mrs. Robert Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Mrs. Robt. Weakley spent the day with Mrs. Foos lately.
Frank Weakley’s 40th birthday, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Weakley visit Harper...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELLE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
Mr. Fred Arnold and wife were at the social at Weakley’s lately.
Robert Weakley and wife are visiting his brother in Harper at this writing.
On the anniversary of Frank Weakley’s 40th birthday, quite a number of young folks collected together and went over at night and made him quite a surprise.
Robert Weakley, herd of sheep, returned from Harper...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.
Bob Weakley has brought home his herd of sheep, and has hired Jack Paul for the winter.
Bob Weakley and wife have returned from Harper and speak well of that city. They brought some sweet potatoes home with them, one of which weighs four pounds.
Mrs. Robert Weakley in poor health; Weakley boys sell hogs...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
Grandma Weakley is in poor health at this writing, yet she keeps moving about.
The Weakley boys sold a nice lot of hogs Saturday, getting $3.00 per hundred.
Robert Weakley’s...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
Dr. Rothrock and wife spent Sunday day at Bob Weakley’s.
John Weakley...
BETHEL CHAT. “B. B.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
John Weakley has gone out west. Guess he has got the western fever, but think he will have to sell out here before he emigrates.
Henry Weakley...
BETHEL CHAT. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
Someone said Henry Weakley had gone west. Perhaps a short distance east, is all.
Robert Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
Adam Sipe lost fifteen hogs during the cold snap. Rob Weakly also lost several.
Frank Weakley, Robert Weakley’s...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Frank Weakley made a trip to St. Louis last week with two car loads of fat sheep.
Mrs. Sipe and her niece, Mrs. Summer, who has lately returned from Colorado, were at Bob Weakley’s visiting recently.
Henry Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
Where does Henry Weakley spend his Sunday evenings? Of course, Capital Hill is the guess.
Robert Weakley’s...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
A sister-in-law of Bob Weakley’s made them a flying visit while the train was snow bound.
John Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Mr. John Weakley goes to Winfield every Saturday for medical treatment.
Henry Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “RODEN.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Mr. Henry Weakley called on Mr. J. A. Rucker, and Mr. J. A. Rucker called on Mr. Henry Weakley.
Mrs. John Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
It is Mrs. John Weakley that received medical treatment at Winfield, not John.
Attie Weakley, Mrs. Robert Weakley, Frank and John Wekley, Robert Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
Attie Weakley will assist Grandma Weakley with her general house work for a time.
Frank and John Weakley went to Winfield last Saturday and purchased a lot of barb wire.
Charley Bryant has set in for general farm work at Uncle Bob Weakley’s. He gets $20 per month.
Mrs. John Weakley, Attie Weakley, Mrs. Robert Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
Effie Cochran is doing the work for Mrs. John Weakley at the present.
Attie Weakley has made a good showing for her first week at Grandma Weakley’s, if I am correctly informed. She not only did the general house work but knit a pair of socks.
Most of Uncle Bob Weakley’s boys ran out of employment last week while the weather was so inclement. Did manage however to put in some work on their orchards, but are most sick to commence plowing. Be patient, I think we will have fair weather now.
Frank Weakley...
BETHEL ITEMS. “FANNIE.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
Frank Weakley has enclosed about 35 acres of land on the west side of his farm for a pasture. He used four wires, which makes a number one fence.
John Weakley’s, Weakley boys marked hogs...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
Chas. White and bride were expected at John Weakley’s Sunday.
The Weakley boys marked some hogs Saturday, also Wm. Schwantes.
Mrs. Annie Slade has been visiting at John Weakley’s for several days.
John Weakley, Henry Weakley marries Laura Hanna...
BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.
John Weakley lost a valuable horse last week.
The ceremony cementing two more hearts have been pronounced and Henry Weakley and Laura Hanna are no longer known singly. The happy event was celebrated last Wednesday at the home of the bride’s parents.
Robert Weakley’s sheep...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.
Some dogs got after Robert Weakley’s sheep Thursday, up the Walnut, and killed twenty or more, and wounded as many more, driving the balance into the river. A part of them were found on an island in the river this morning, and some had not been found at noon. Mr. Weakley’s loss will not be less than fifty sheep. These occurrences are getting to be much too common, and it has become a question of which shall be exterminated: the dogs or the sheep. We say the dogs by all means. Let no man keep a dog unless chained up or muzzled when out of his sight.
