James N. Young

                                        Chicago, Illinois, and Winfield, Kansas.
                     President, Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company.
[Most confusing! Railroad was usually referred to as “K. C. & S. W.” When written out it was sometimes called “Kansas City and South Western” Railroad Co.]
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 20, 1884.
Messrs. Young and Latham, two friends of O. F. Godfrey, were in our city Sunday last.
[ANOTHER RAILROAD FOR WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1884.
Cowley County will have Competing Lines. A meeting of citizens of Winfield was held at the Brettun House last Monday evening to hear concerning movements which have recently been taken toward the construction of a railroad direct to Winfield from the direction of Kansas City.
W. H. Smith was chosen chairman and Ed. P. Greer, Secretary.
Henry E. Asp, being called upon for a recital of what has been done, stated that since any report has been made to the citizens, James Hill, the manager of the Missouri, Winfield & South Western railroad company, has visited St. Louis, Chicago, and other cities east conferring with capitalists and railroad builders to induce them to take hold of the organization he represented and build us a road. He finally got Messrs. Geo. W. Hoffman, James N. Young, and L. D. Latham, of Chicago, and M. M. Towle and C. N. Towle of Hammond, Indiana, so far interested in the project that they sent Mr. L. D. Latham to look over the route, examine the situation, and report. Mr. Latham came about March 1st, at the time that our narrow gauge excitement was strongest, which was an element of discouragement to him, but such other facts and reasons were placed before him that he was prepared to make a favorable report. Mr. Hill returned with him and secured a meeting of the above named gentlemen at St. Louis, where they could confer with the authorities of the railroads running west from that city. Mr. Hill and Mr. Asp met them in St. Louis about the 11th of this month and the result of the arrangements made there was that Messrs. L. D. Latham, M. M. Towle, and J. N. Young were authorized to visit the route again, get further information, and make such arrangements as in their judgment was best for themselves and their friends.
These gentlemen arrived at Newton last Friday, where they met with Mr. Hill, who took them down to Arkansas City. That evening Mr. Asp went down and consulted with them. They came to Winfield Saturday, but after consulting with but a very few of our citizens, they returned to Arkansas City that evening, saying that they would be back Monday and then be ready to announce their decision. On Monday they returned and stated their decision that they could not use the old M. W. & S. W. charter because it did not cover the ground from Coffey County to Kansas City direct and was insufficient for their purposes in other respects, beside, if they built the road, they must have the full control.

They therefore decided to make a new organization and file a charter to suit themselves at once and proceed to build the road immediately if they can get such aid from the counties and townships along the line as will warrant them in proceeding. They locate by their charter the general office of the company at Winfield and Kansas City, Kansas. They will first try for aid between Winfield and Eureka over the route surveyed by the M. W. & S. W., if permitted by that company, and will pay for any part of the work done that they can make available. If they fail of getting sufficient aid by that line, they will next submit propositions up the Little Walnut to Rosalia. As soon as they are assured of the aid, they will put that portion of the road from their connection with the Ft. Scott & Wichita road to Winfield under contract and will complete it this season. They expect to bring their iron and ties on the Frisco road, which is now under the control of the Gould interest. They will build from that road to Winfield first. If they fail on both of these routes to get the aid, they will try another.
Messrs. Towle are the men who originated the scheme of carrying dressed beef in refrigerator cars, have overcome all obstacles, have their slaughter houses at Hammond, Indiana, twenty miles out of Chicago, where they have built quite a city and are slaughtering about a thousand beeves a day and shipping the dressed beef to New York. They have the idea that a slaughter house on the south line of Sumner County, with direct and cheap rates to Kansas City and New York, would have greater advantages over Chicago as a packing point than Chicago has over New York. They are worth half a million. Mr. Hoffman is the heavy capitalist of the concern and is worth several million. Mr. Latham is a railroad builder in which he has had much experience and success. He can command plenty of money. The same may be said of Mr. Young, who is an experienced broker and dealer in railroad stocks and bonds. There is no doubt of their ability to build the road. They expect to offer propositions for voting aid by our people in a very few days and to push the matter as rapidly as possible.
The meeting passed a resolution to the effect that we want them to build the road and will do anything reasonable in aid thereof.
A committee consisting of D. L. Kretsinger, J. C. Fuller, M. L. Robinson, H. E. Asp, and C. A. Bliss was appointed to confer with them, get their terms, and report at a meeting to be called by themselves, and directed the secretary of the meeting to inform the company of these proceedings.
Adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 16, 1884.
Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad. Messrs. Latham and Young, of Chicago, were in our city yesterday and held a railroad meeting in Highland Hall. The gist of the proposition submitted is that the road is to be built by township aid, and $35,000 in Creswell Township bonds is asked for, in return for a similar amount of capital stock thereof. The road is to be constructed from a point in the Flint Hills, where it will join the Frisco road, yet no bonds are to be delivered till the road is in running order from Arkansas City to said points on the St. Louis and San Francisco road. The construction of this end of the road, which when completed will give a direct communication to Kansas City, is much facilitated by a temporary connection with the St. L. & S. F. R. R. Hence, the above clause in the proposition. The road from Kansas City to Arkansas City would give us a direct trunk line, and fully sixty miles shorter than any line now in existence. Of this proposition we only say it appears fair, and is at least worth the consideration of our people.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.

ANOTHER RAILROAD!
WINFIELD WILL BE THE “FUTURE GREAT” OF SOUTHERN KANSAS.
A Third Competing Line to be Built At Once.
On Monday evening a large meeting was held in the Courthouse for the purpose of receiving and discussing the new railroad proposition. The meeting organized by placing Mayor Emerson in the chair with Geo. H. Buckman as secretary. Henry E. Asp then read the proposition as decided upon in a conference between the representatives of the railroad company and the railroad committee. After the reading of the proposition, Mr. James N. Young, of Chicago, representing the company, was introduced and stated that the company were now ready to build the road, and desired to do so with as little delay as possible. That their intention was to build from a connection with the St. Louis & San Francisco, north or northeast from Winfield, to the south line of Sumner County, during the coming summer, and that the company desired an expression from the citizens as to whether they wanted the road or not, and would aid it, at once, so that the final location of the line might be decided upon.
Senator Hackney was then called out and made a ringing speech in favor of the proposition and urged all to take hold with a will and secure it while they had the opportunity. Ex-Mayor Troup also spoke strongly in favor of securing the road at all hazards, as did Mr. Black, of the Telegram, and Judge T. H. Soward. A vote was then taken on the proposition, and almost every person in the house voted the affirmative. A committee of five, consisting of Geo. H. Rembaugh, Henry E. Asp, George. H. Buckman, Geo. H. Crippen, and Ed. P. Greer, was appointed to secure the necessary amount of names to the petitions. The meeting was one of the largest ever held in the city and enthusiastic and united on the railroad question.
[RAILROAD MEETING CONCERNING KANSAS CITY & SOUTHWESTERN.]
Arkansas City Republican, April 19, 1884.
A large number of the citizens of this township assembled at Highland Hall in this city last Tuesday evening to take action upon the proposition of the directors of the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad to run their road to this city, upon Creswell Township’s voting bonds for $35,000 of the capital stock of said road. Judge T. McIntire was elected chairman, and S. W. Duncan, secretary. Upon being requested James Hill stated the object of the meeting, and, with convincing arguments, he dwelt at length upon the advantages of the road to the township and the city. James N. Young, president of the railroad company, then read the proposition, and a motion was made to adopt it, upon which considerable argument was produced. Pending the discussion, C. R. Sipes offered as a substitute for the motion that Judge A. J. Pyburn, T. H. McLaughlin, Dr. H. D. Kellogg, M. N. Sinnott, G. W. Cunningham, and James Benedict be appointed a committee to confer with the directors of the railroad present, and examine the proposition submitted and report whether it was suitable to the wants of the township, and just, and legally binding. The substitute was adopted and the committee, after making some small changes in the proposition, reported favorably, whereupon the house on motion adopted the report of the committee, and passed the motion to adopt the proposition as amended by the committee.

On motion of James Hill the chair appointed T. H. McLaughlin, G. W. Cunningham, and J. L. Huey a committee to have the petitions printed and circulated for signers. The meeting then adjourned.
Arkansas City Republican, April 19, 1884.
James N. Young and L. D. Latham, directors of the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad, attended the railroad meeting in this city last Tuesday. They left that afternoon for Walnut Township to attend a similar meeting there, that evening.
[RAILROAD ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
THE RAILROAD ELECTION.
Winfield to Lead Off and Take the First Rank.
Next Tuesday is the election in the City of Winfield on the proposition to vote a city subscription and bonds of $40,000 to the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company.
The men who have taken hold of this enterprise are heavy capitalists themselves and are backed by the heaviest capitalists and railroad interests of the country. They have large private interest which the ownership of this railroad would serve. It is a road competing with the Santa Fe road, it has no interest in common with that road, it will parallel the Southern Kansas auxiliary of that road from Kansas City to the Neosho River and come into direct competition with it at Eureka and Winfield. Every guarantee that could be worth anything is offered that it shall always remain a competing road, and if security were possible, it would be given. The bonds are now being submitted all along the line to the Neosho River, at or near Le Roy, and in case they are carried as is expected, the whole work from Le Roy to the state line will be put under contract at once and the first train that reaches Winfield will come from St. Louis by way of Le Roy and Eureka and in an almost direct air line from the Neosho River. In the meantime the division from Kansas City to the Neosho River bill be worked up and within two years the whole line from Kansas City will be built and in operation to the state line in Sumner county.
This will be the most valuable road for Winfield that could be built. It is just what we have always needed and wanted. It will wake up our dormant energies and bring laborers, and capital, and factories, and trade. It will place Winfield in the lead of all the cities of Southern Kansas. It will be worth to every person in this city from ten to a hundred times what it will cost him. Even if it was a Santa Fe road built parallel to itself half of the way and no more competition than the Southern Kansas is with the Santa Fe, it would be worth to the people of this city ten times what it would cost them.
Of course, Winfield will be practically unanimous for the bonds, but it is possible that many, feeling sure that they will be carried, will not take the trouble to vote. It is of great importance that Winfield shall poll a large and full vote for the bonds for much depends on the influence of this vote on the townships. If Winfield by its vote shall show enthusiasm in the matter, it will enthuse all along the line and insure the building of the road by the way of Winfield; but if through want of enthusiasm here, some townships should fail to vote the bonds, it would change the route to the Little Walnut Valley and probably to Wellington instead of Winfield. The road will be built from Kansas City to the South line of Sumner County either one way or the other.

Messrs. Hoffman, Towle, Young, and Latham have got the money to do it and all the backing that there is any use for, and besides they have use for the road. If it is not built through Winfield, it will be built all the same.
If it is built this way, the Neosho River will be the end of the first division and Winfield the end of the second division.
Let the voters of Winfield all turn out and give this project a rousing endorsement.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1884.
Mr. J. N. Young of Chicago, President of the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company, passed through the city last Friday. He is only waiting for the carrying of the propositions before the work is commenced.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1884.
Messrs. Young and Latham of the Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Company, were in the city Saturday. They went from here to Hickory Township in Butler County, where a proposition was voted on this week. They reported everything going along smoothly and that the road will surely be built.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
SHE IS COMING!
Work to Commence Immediately on the Kansas City and Southwestern.
Rails, Ties, and Construction Trains Purchased and Contracts Let.
Winfield to very soon have Another Railroad, Which Means a Boom Unprecedented.
Henry E. Asp is just in receipt of a letter from James N. Young, of Chicago, President of the Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Company, stating that the material has been purchased and the contracts let for the construction of that line and that work will commence at Beaumont, Butler County, as soon as the right of way can be obtained. They commence at Beaumont, which is on the main line of the St. Louis & San Francisco, because the rails from St. Louis and the ties from Arkansas can be laid down cheaper there than at Kansas City. Work will progress both ways from Beaumont, and the prospect is that most of the counties and townships that have voted bonds can be reached in time to fill the stipulations contained therein. Some of the bonds are valid till August, others till June, and those voted in Winfield till May 27. But should it be impossible to reach certain places within the given time, aid will be re-solicited and the work pushed right through. This road is now a sure thing and its early construction means that Winfield and Cowley County will receive an impetus that will make her material advancement during the next year unprecedented. Further developments of a specific character will be made by our next issue.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
D., M. & A. RAILROAD COMPANY. Chas. C. Black, secretary of the D., M. & A. railroad company, got in Monday from an eastern trip in the interest of that road. He was accompanied by Major Joe Hansen, general manager. Prospects for that line seem flattering. If Winfield gets the D., M. & A. and the K. C. & S. W., as is now almost certain in the near future, Winfield and Cowley County will have a solid, substantial boom that will outdistance anything yet on record. J. N. Young, president of the K. C. & S. W., is expected to arrive from Chicago today.
Arkansas City Republican, March 14, 1885.

O. F. Godfrey, while in Chicago visiting J. N. Young, the attorney for the Kansas City & Southwestern railway, learned that the road would be built immediately. Mr. Godfrey claims he had sufficient assurance to believe that the engine of the Kansas City & Southwestern will be here by July. Our Jim Hill was there working like a tiger for the road.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 1, 1885.
Messrs. James Hill and J. N. Young, representing the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad, called on us Saturday last. They gave it as their impression that the county aid could easily be secured for their road if we all pulled together as we should. If, however, we began fighting among ourselves, and only give them a divided support, the road would be compelled to seek other routes. It will need the total vote of the citizens along the proposed line of road, the earnest support and cooperation of every lover of our county’s prosperity. To urge local reasons, it will be worth more to Arkansas City than the cost of the whole road. Our boom, now assuming such proportions, will out boom and boom over booms here. Our prophecy for 1896, will contain but a shadow of the reality. We need the road, not only for the competition it will give us, which will amount to thousands of dollars a year, but for the increased advertisement. All petty differences should be merged into the one grand aim of the general good.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
We present on the first page the proposition of the Kansas City & Southwestern railroad to the people of Cowley County. President J. N. Young and Vice-President L. D. Latham are now here and mean to push things with a vim. Mr. Young will rent a house here and remove his family and make Winfield his headquarters until the road is completed.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
THE RAILROAD MATTER. We publish on the first page of this issue the proposition in full submitted by the Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Company in Cowley County. It is elaborate, explicit, and covers every point that will possibly be raised, as between the County and the railroad. The time in which the road is to reach Winfield is limited to six months, with a bond to pay the costs of election in case it does not build within the time. The townships which have heretofore voted aid to the road are released by the terms of the proposition, and the line is located down Timber creek as heretofore surveyed. The Burden people made a very strong effort to secure the road, but President Young would not consent to any divergence that would lengthen the line. The proposition has been unanimously accepted by the Winfield Enterprise Association and by the people of Arkansas City and all along the line. The petitions will be out for signature this week. The COURIER will discuss the proposition at length during its pendency. While there are some things in it that we would like to see modified, we know that this is the best that can be done. The line is attracting much attention, and promises to be one of the best roads for the people that has ever been proposed in southern Kansas. Cowley must secure it. It is a matter of vital interest to every citizen—not for a week, or a month, but for all time. With this line and the D. M. & A., our future is settled and our permanent prosperity assured. This is no time for vain croaking but a time when every citizen should go energetically to work to get every new enterprise that can in any possible manner be reached.
Arkansas City Republican, April 4, 1885.

Jas. N. Young, a representative of the Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Company, was in the city the first of the week in the interest of that company.
[NOTE: I DID NOT COPY THE LENGTHY PROPOSITION OF THE RAILROAD.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
James N. Young and M. M. Towle, Chicago capitalists, at the head of the K. C. & S. Railway Company, are stopping at the Brettun.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
Messrs. M. M. Towle and J. N. Young, of the Kansas City & Southwestern railroad, came in Friday. Mr. Towle will remain a few days, while Mr. Young comes to stay until the completion of the work. This important enterprise is now fully established, and only awaits the proper action on the part of our people to insure us the road immediately.
James N. Young and family move to Winfield and become residents...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.
James N. Young, president of the K. C. & S. W., arrived Thursday from Chicago with his family, who will reside here until the road is completed.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
James N. Young, President of the K. C. & S. W., has fitted up an office over the Winfield Bank, where all the business of the company will be transacted.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
Beaumont Railway Item. James N. Young, superintendent of the Beaumont & Winfield road, has taken up his residence in the last named place. Mr. Young was the proprietor of the old Emporia & Eureka narrow gauge line some years ago. Township elections have been called in Omnia and Richland townships, in Cowley County, to vote on the K. C. & S. W. R. R. proposition. Richland will vote $5,000 and Omnia $7,000. These townships voted $12,000 and $15,000 in bonds to this road last year, but the company has released them, and submitted propositions for the lesser amounts. These townships are now enthusiastic for the road, the petitions being largely signed. The construction engine for this road is at Neodesha and will be at Beaumont the coming week. El Dorado Republican.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
James N. Young, James Hill, and Henry E. Asp left today, the former to transact business in St. Louis relating to the K. C. & S. W., and the latter to look after the right of way, grading, and track-laying from Beaumont here. Now that the bonds are carried, the company will hump every joint in pushing the road through. Several hundred men are now at work and more are added as fast as they can be procured. Forty flat-cars, twenty box-cars, and two combination cars arrived at Beaumont yesterday for work on this line, and the entire rolling stock has been contracted for and will be ready for the track in a short time. Whoa!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.

James N. Young, President of the Kansas City & Southwestern railroad, arrived this morning at 10 o’clock from St. Louis, having driven over the route of the road from Beaumont. About five hundred men are now at work grading and track laying and the road is completed to within five miles of the Cowley County line. If the bonds are carried next Monday, the line will be pushed as fast as all the men the company can get can push it. The engine will be puffing into Winfield within sixty days. With the advent of the K. C. & S., followed closely by the D. M. & A., with the building of our Imbecile Asylum, our street railway, and other prospective enterprises, Winfield and Cowley County will take on a substantial boom to continue until she stands the peer in population, wealth, and everything else, of any city in the great State of Kansas! What we want to do now is to fasten our eternal grip on everyone of these enterprises. To grasp them is great prosperity; to reject them is to die.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
Mr. Jas. N. Young, of the Kansas City & Southwestern, left for the East Friday on business connected with the construction of the road.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
Hon. J. N. Young, president of the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad company, and Ed. P. Greer will go on a trip over the line of the road from Beaumont to Kansas City to set on foot matters for raising aid and inaugurating the construction of the road in that direction. Now that the road is about completed through Butler County and assured through Cowley within six months, they consider it a favorable time to put the matter before the people further to the northeast. This is a road originated and worked up by citizens of Cowley County who have spent a great deal of time and money in the effort and it is fit that the first work should be put in on this part of the road to give us an early competing outlet by way of the St. Louis and San Francisco.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
The Atlanta Town Company was organized here yesterday. The company purchased two hundred and forty acres of land near the center of Omnia township on the line of the Kansas City & Southwestern railroad, and will survey and plat it at once. Already several capitalists are waiting for the survey, to begin the erection of business buildings. A large lumber firm will put in yards, a newspaper is on the way, and the boom has commenced. It is the center of a fine productive country and will make a flourishing burg. The company is composed of W. H. Gilliard, Wm. A. Day, J. W. Kerr, Jas. N. Young, of Chicago, Henry E. Asp and Ed P. Greer. The railroad will be completed to the town by the tenth or fifteenth of July.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
J. N. Young, President of the K. C. & S. W., and Ed P. Greer left for Topeka and other places Friday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
O. M. Nulty and Doc. Blakslee, Cherryvale, were over today on business with J. N. Young, of the K. C. & S. W.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
James N. Young and Ed P. Greer have gone to St. Louis on business connected with the K. C. & S. W.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.

Henry E. Asp writes us from the road that the K. C. & S. W. road will be completed to the Cowley County line July 4th and to the new town of Atlanta July 11th. They are making things hum up there notwithstanding the rains. Henry got the Hickory township bonds on the 20th ult. and Ed. Greer took them to Topeka to register on the 30th, whence he went to St. Louis with them, where he meets President Young to transact further business for the road. Henry and Ed. are developing into railroad builders, but cannot be said to beat Jay Gould in that line yet.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
The following charters were filed in the Secretary of State’s office yesterday.
The Forest Chapel M. E. church, place of business, Richland township, Cowley County; trustees, A. H. Smith, T. T. Stevenson, John Clintwood, J. E. White, and R. Tweedle, of Cowley County, and Lewis Thomas and David Kinsey, of Butler County.
The Wilmot Town Company, place of business, Winfield; trustees, Samuel Phoenix, Adam Stuber, Thos. R. Carson, Edwin P. Greer, and Henry E. Asp. Capital stock, $25,000.
The Floral Improvement Company, place of business, Winfield; directors, Lewis Stevens, Joel R. Cole, and Wm. H. Hornady, of Floral, and James N. Young and Henry E. Asp, of Winfield. Capital stock, $30,000.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
The K. C. & S. W. Completed to Winfield and Opened for Through Traffic.

Again does THE COURIER chronicle another big stride in the progress of Winfield. From month to month and from year to year has it heralded steps in our city’s advancement that have gradually placed her in the ranks of the best cities of the west—with present worth and future promise—the admiration of all. Improvements which in the infantile days of the city, would have resurrected every booming cannon and screaming eagle and old wood cut in the office, now pass with a few lines of notice. These material advances, backed by a people whose motto, like that of the state, is “Ad astra per aspera,” have come to be taken as matters of common note. The first railroad, which set our people wild with hilarious demonstrations, has been gradually followed with a second road, our splendid water and gas works, our magnificent Fair Ground and Park, the Imbecile Asylum, the M. E. College, and now a third railroad, with the fourth in the grasp of the very near future. And the city’s private improvements stand absolutely unexcelled by any city of Winfield’s age. At six o’clock Tuesday evening the construction train of the Kansas City & South Western railroad rolled into the depot, on North Main. Today the road was opened for through freight traffic, the first freight going out being three carloads of flour for the Winfield Roller Mills. The first passenger train left this morning at 8:30. Tomorrow morning a through St. Louis coach leaves Winfield at the same hour, connecting directly with the Frisco at Beaumont—no change of cars. The regular passenger train will leave Winfield at 8:30 a.m. and return at 7:00 p.m. An accommodation coach will be attached to the regular freight the last of this week or the first of next. The Kansas City freight for points on the K. C. & S. W., now comes by Winfield. This road’s equipments are splinter new throughout and first-class in every respect. The road is as good as any in the west. It gives Winfield direct and through freight and passenger connection with St. Louis, something badly needed, giving a much shorter and quicker route, with reduced freight rates. Five hundred men and teams are now at work surfacing, grading, and track laying. The depot here is neat and convenient, and will soon have its network of side track. The track will reach Arkansas City by November first, when work on the Geuda and Caldwell branch and eastward from Beaumont will be commenced and pushed right through. The Kansas City & Southwestern railroad will be one of the main arteries reaching out from Kansas City through the Southwest. It is backed by men of large influence and capital. Every foot of road so far has been built with the company’s money, without the sale of a bond. Not a bond has been placed on the market. Hon. M. M. Towle, at the head of the company, is now here from Chicago looking over the line and is highly pleased with its outlook. Hon. Alonzo Stevens, of Chicago, Mr. Towle’s associate, also inspected the road and its prospects a few weeks ago, with equally satisfactory results. James N. Young, L. D. Latham, and James Hill are personally supervising the construction of the road, and are determined to make it one of the best lines in Kansas. The origin of this road was with Winfield men, several of whom are members of the company, and the headquarters of the road are at Winfield. Winfield money and enterprise inaugurated the line, and its feasibility and splendid opening for investment soon enlisted eastern capitalists who have made it a solid reality—one of vast benefit to Winfield and every town it strikes.
A CELEBRATION BANQUET. The completion of the K. C. & S. W. to Winfield was celebrated last evening in the Brettun by a grand banquet given to the railroad track layers and graders by L. D. Latham & Co., the contractors. Owing to camp headquarters being yet at Floral, a number of the employees couldn’t be present, but one hundred and eight of them engaged in the feast, and expressed the warmest appreciation. After the supper to the gang men, Messrs. Harter & Hill, ye landlords of the Brettun, complimented the officers, contractors, managing employees, and engineer corps of the road with a magnificent banquet, which was thoroughly enjoyed and most appreciably received.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 24, 1885.
The Railroad Muddle. For the past ten days the all-absorbing railroad topic has held the attention of our citizens. You could see them gathered in crowds on the street corners discussing the prospect of having a branch extended west three miles north of us. We all realized that such a branch would be detrimental to Arkansas City, and have been very much excited over the project. We naturally would as it effects our home. Anyone possessing the slightest patriotism at all would enter a hearty protest against the junction being made north of us only three miles.
The excitement was cooled down considerably by promises made by our townsman and a prominent member of the K. C. & S. W., Jas. Hill, that no such a branch would be constructed. He informed our citizens at the council chamber last Monday evening that should the K. C. & S. W. Railway extend its line west at all, the junction would be formed at or south of Arkansas City just across the Arkansas. The reason he assigned for this was that if the branch was made to Geuda north of Arkansas City that about ten miles of road would have to be constructed without any aid from the people, and that a bridge across the Arkansas at Geuda, costing about $35,000, would have to be erected and maintained. As the construction of railroads cost about $20,000 per mile, it will be readily seen that if that branch was ever built, it would cause a large outlay of money, which would be useless if the company came to Arkansas City and then went west. He also stated that the reason propositions had been submitted in Sumner County on this branch was to head off the Ft. Smith & Wellington road. The K. C. & S. W. was desirous of going west and they submitted their proposition for the purpose of holding that territory in order that they might receive aid when they were ready to build their projected western line.
He further stated that Mr. Asp had submitted the propositions without any orders from President Towle, Jas. Young, or himself.

Jas. Young, one of the most influential spirits of the K. C. & S. W. company, came down from Winfield Tuesday to meet our citizens and have a talk with them about the matter. The meeting was held in Judge Pyburn’s office, the Judge presiding over the assembly by an unanimous vote. Mr. Young stated to us that he and the company had no intentions of building the branch west; that they were not ready to do so, and that he had informed delegates from Caldwell and Geuda Springs on Monday that all propositions along the projected line had better be withdrawn; that in his judgment the junction should be formed at Arkansas City or just south across the river if the line was ever extended west; that while Mr. Asp was acting in good faith, he was doing so without instructions from the company. Mr. Young further stated that by withdrawing the K. C. & S. W. proposition in Sumner County, it would be a detriment to the company as the matter had gone so far. That he was going to St. Louis immediately to consult with Pres. Towle on the matter of calling in the propositions and that he would telegraph the citizens of Arkansas City immediately the action taken.
Mr. Young also said that Arkansas City and Omnia Township had stood by the K. C. & S. W. company and that their interests should not be forgotten.
This is the action up to our going to press. We have concealed nothing and told nothing but the bare facts, which have been laid before us in the last few days.
Our readers can draw their own conclusions. Winfield citizens forced the K. C. & S. W. track on the west side of their town, in order that the road might be forced to run as far west in Beaver Township as possible. They had in view the building of the branch to Geuda three miles north of Arkansas City and have “boomed” it. They are now probably laughing in their sleeves at our discomfiture. But the true old saying of “He who laughs last, laughs loudest and longest,” should be remembered. They laugh now, but perhaps Arkansas City will turn the tables soon. We won’t forget Winfield’s contemptible action in this matter nor the men who originated and propelled the scheme to injure our town. The time may come again when they will want to join hands with Arkansas City in order to secure an enterprise, but our eyes are open now, and no more will we affiliate with them.
[KANSAS CITY & SOUTHWESTERN TEMPORARY DEPOT: ARKANSAS CITY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 18, 1885.
Kansas City & Southwestern Depot. The mayor said when he was in Winfield last week he had been asked leave by Messrs. Hill and Young on behalf of the railroad company to put up a temporary depot in the city until a permanent structure could be erected. Thirty days were allowed.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 21, 1885.
The following charter was filed with the secretary of State last Tuesday. “The Geuda Springs, Caldwell, Harper & Northwestern Railroad Company.” Place of business, Winfield, Cowley County. Route: from Geuda Springs, Sumner County, in a northwest course to Denver, Colorado. Estimated length of road 700 miles. Capital stock, $5,000,000. Directors for the first year: A. Stevens and J. N. Young, of Chicago, Illinois; H. E. Asp and J. D. Dantham [?], of Winfield, and J. Munger and W. S. Torrey, of Harper, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 25, 1885.

THE SORROWS OF WINFIELD. There is a heavy washing of dirty linen being done in Winfield. The jealousy of the people there is aroused at the advantages likely to accrue to this city from the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad being built through our boundaries and then carried to the state line.
The Courier, in an article over a column long, charges hostility to the enterprise on a number of the city council, who were solicitous for the safety of their backyards, and this solicitude also cropped out from the doings and sayings of several private citizens whose property was likely to be invaded. The Courier thus states the treatment visited on the railway managers.
“The council had got it into their heads that the proper place for the road was out by Bliss & Wood’s mill and up a canyon, despite the protest of the chief engineer that such a route was impracticable. Then the road tried to get the council’s consent to buy their way through the east part. This was refused. Then they asked permission to climb the hill and cross Ninth Avenue 4 miles east of Main Street. The councilmen were taken in carriages to view the route and agreed verbally to let the road go there. A special meeting was called that evening only to result in their going back on what they had agreed to in the morning. Then the road asked that they might follow the Santa Fe around the town, and get out in decent order. But another councilman’s backyard was endangered and even this was refused. The company was dismayed. Instead of finding Winfield friendly to the road, they found her council ready to throttle it, to disembowel it, to scatter its fragments over the whole surrounding territory, rather than that the ‘beauty of the east part of town’ should be forever marred by the presence of a railroad track.”
It has been frequently talked on our streets that Winfield gave the K. C. & S. W. company $20,000 to go there, and charged it $25,000 to get out. But the Courier makes a still worse showing. After dwelling on the impracticable character of the route pursued, and bewailing the ruin wrought to the fair ground, the injury to the park, and the divergence of the track from the only road over which the people of Vernon, Beaver, and part of Pleasant Valley can get into Winfield, the writer sums up the adventitious cost of the road at “$46,000 more than it receives from Winfield in aid.” With this further disadvantage, that it leaves the company “one of the most dangerous and expensive pieces of road to maintain (and operate forever) that there is in Kansas, outside of the flint hills.”
With such unfair and inhospitable treatment, we can understand that the railroad company has not the kindest feeling toward that city, and must feel that such help as was bestowed on them costs more than it comes to.
But all this talk is apart from the real question. When the city and county bonds to aid in the construction of the K. C. & S. W. road were voted in this city, it was with the distinct understanding that its track was to be laid directly here and carried hence to the state line. Our people were informed that the road was to be built through into Texas, and the halt would be made on the border of the territory only until the right of way through the Indian country should be granted. The bonds were voted with that understanding and the faithful performance of the undertaking looked to. Our cotem, in strong antithesis, contrasts the conduct of this city toward the railway company with that of Winfield.
Here is how he puts it.

“She (Arkansas City) wanted the road. She was willing that Winfield might have two roads to her one, and voted solidly for the D. M. & A., redeeming her pledges faithfully. She also wanted the Caldwell branch. She asked the company to simply notify her of what it thought necessary to be done and they would do it. The company suggested that they give the road a street, free of cost, from limit to limit of their city. The suggestion was embodied in an ordinance and passed unanimously, leaving the company its option to select which street it wanted, and even holding the company harmless for any damages that might arise from its occupancy.”
This is in striking contrast with the conduct of Winfield toward the railroad company (as detailed by our sprightly cotemporary), but it moved no feeling of gratitude. Ever since the ordinance was passed by our city council, granting the road its choice of the right of way, there have been schemes proposed and combinations entered into, to deprive this city of the benefit of the road, and put us off on a stub. But these sharp tricks were defeated by the prompt, and energetic, action of our businessmen. On two occasions, when they learned that the road was to be diverted from its proposed course and good faith violated, they summoned Messrs. Young, Latham, Asp, and other managers of the road, and informed those gentlemen that if the engagement with this city was not honestly fulfilled, no bonds would issue.
This was argumentum ad hominem. It has been forcibly said: “The man who carries the bag has many forces at his back; an empty sack will not stand upright.” This threat to cut off supplies brought the road managers to terms, and the track was graded to our city without further flouncing.
What threat may be contained in the significant passage with which the Courier editor winds up his arraignment, we do not clearly comprehend. He says: “We may yet secure some of the advantages which seem to have drifted away from us, but the fight has to be made over again. The Winfield members of the company will work for Winfield to the extent of their ability and means, but the measure of their success will depend on the attitude of Winfield and her council and men of influence.” If this means that when the bonds of this city are issued and hypothecated, an effort will be made by “the Winfield members” to have the track removed from this city, it is clear that an act of perfidy is contemplated which will bring confusion on the heads of its promoters. But we borrow no trouble over this intangible avowal. The road will be completed to this city in a few days, and the necessary depot buildings started upon, and possession is nine points of the law. Good faith has been observed by the railway company in spite of the machinations of “the Winfield members;” and as they have lost their opportunity to divert the road, they will now find it a fruitless task to attempt to undo a work that has already been accomplished.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 25, 1885.
THE RAILROAD AT HAND.
Excursions Over the New Line from Arkansas City to Beaumont.
Steel Rails and Oak Ties, and a Finely Equipped Road.

On Monday Mr. Henry E. Asp, on behalf of the managers of the Kansas City and Southwestern Kansas railroad, then within a few miles of Arkansas City, tendered Mayor Schiffbauer and the city council an excursion over the line to Beaumont and return. The mayor said he should like the invitation extended so as to include our principal businessmen. Mr. Asp said a general excursion to our citizens would be given as soon as the road was completed to the city, and arrangements could be made for the entertainment of a large number of guests, but at the present time not more than a score of excursionists could be provided for. This being the case, Mayor Schiffbauer invited the city council, authorizing each member to take a friend along, and also included in the invitation the railroad committee of the board of trade. This filled out the allotted number.
The following gentlemen composed the excursion party.
Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Thompson, Bailey, Dunn, Dean, Davis, and Hight. (Councilman A. D. Prescott was unable to take part, through business engagements, and Councilman Hill was found superintending the construction of the road.)
The friends they invited and who were present for duty, were mine host Perry, J. Frank Smith, J. H. Hilliard, Frank Thompson, and City Clerk Benedict.
The railroad committee consisted of A. A. Newman, N. T. Snyder, Major Sleeth, G. W. Cunningham, W. D. Mowry, and T. H. McLaughlin. These with the present writer (nineteen in all) formed the invited party, Henry E. Asp accompanying them as host and guide.
At 7:30 on Tuesday morning, omnibuses were in waiting at the Leland Hotel to carry the excursionists to the end of the track, and the party being seated, a brisk drive of three miles carried them to an animated scene. The day’s labors had begun, upwards of 100 workmen being employed. A construction train of ten or a dozen cars was on hand, loaded with implements and material: ties, rails, fish-plates, bolts, spikes, shovels, and so on. The ties were of well seasoned oak brought from Arkansas, which were being unloaded by lusty arms, and thrown onto tracks, which was distributed along the grade. The train was standing on the foremost rails that were spiked, and in advance of this was a rail truck drawn by two mules, which recovered the iron from the flat car, and carried it forward over the loose rails, a force of men standing by the truck and laying the rail as fast as the ties were in place.
Track laying, in these days of railroad building, is reduced to an exact science. The ties are laid along the road bed under the direction of a foreman; another crew extends the nails, which is followed up by the spike-drivers. A sufficient force can lay two miles of track a day without extraordinary effort, and the onlooker has to maintain a steady sauntering pace to keep up with the workmen.
Some delay was caused on Tuesday morning by a disagreement between two foremen, which resulted in a fisticuff encounter. The aggressor in the unpleasantness was discharged, and his crew, numbering about thirty men, refused to work under another boss. They were all sent to Winfield to receive their pay, and a fresh force brought from there to take their place. This delayed the work about an hour and a half.
At 8:30 a.m. the whistle of the excursion train sounded about one-fourth of a mile along the track, and our party of pleasure seekers made good time walking in the direction of the cars. T. H. McLaughlin stumped along, with his one live leg, as agile as the best of them; but Councilman Davis, another mutilated war veteran, jumped into a vehicle to save a fatiguing walk. The track to Winfield is not yet ballasted, and the running time to that city was slow. The bridge over the Walnut is a substantial piece of work, being raised on trestles 45 feet above the stream, and the approaches being supported on solid masonry. The two miles of road south of Winfield cost $65,000.

At Winfield a brief stay was made to take on passengers, and here Mr. Latham joined the party, who was heartily greeted by his Arkansas City guests, and who spent the day in their company. From Winfield a good rate of speed was put on, the road being well ballasted and running as smoothly as a bowling green. The first station reached was Floral, nine miles from Winfield. This is a thrifty place, which has sprung into existence since the road was built, is well situated, and surrounded by a good country. Wilmot is 8½ miles distant, and Atlanta, 7 miles along. Latham is in Butler County, also a railroad town, built on a broad creek, and already containing 400 or 500 inhabitants. Commodious stone stores are in process of erection, an extensive lumber yard is well stocked, and other business lines are well represented. At Wingate (between the two places last named) there is a flag station. Beaumont was reached about 11:30, the distance from Latham being 13 miles. Here the K. C. & S. W. Road forms a junction with the St. Louis & San Francisco road, and here the journey terminated. Several miles of the Flint hills were traversed in reaching here, a surface formation of brecciated and abraded rock, which proves that at some time in the geological periods this whole region was overflown. Dinner was ready for the excursionists when they stepped off at the station, their dining hall being a commodious room on the upper floor of that building, under charge of Noah Herring and his very excellent and capable wife. Two tables furnished room for the score of hungry guests, and a good dinner, promptly served, was in waiting to allay their hunger.
Here four hours was afforded to take in the town, and enjoy the fine scenery that surrounded it. A party of the most robust pedestrians, under conduct of Henry Asp, took a breezy walk over the hills into Greenwood County; where a fine panorama of scenic beauty lay spread before their gaze, with Eureka, in the distance, nestling in the valley, like a sylvan deity. Those less enterprising visited the post office, made acquaintance with store keepers, talked with the oldest inhabitant, and then played the games of billiards, pigeon-hole, and quoits. Major Schiffbauer, at the first named game, made some extraordinary shots in missing the balls he aimed at. At quoits G. W. Cunningham did great execution, bombarding with his rings an extensive region of country around the pin he professed to aim at.
Our narrative of this very enjoyable trip must be brought to a close, as space fails. At 4:30 the train started on return. Mr. Young, of Young, Latham & Co., the builders of the road, who came in on the Frisco train, joined the party. Winfield was reached at 7:30, where our friends belonging to that city, left us, and Ed Gray came on board, escorting W. H. Nelson (of Meigs & Nelson), who had been spending a day in the county clerk’s office, making a transcript from the tax list. Towards the close of the journey a vote of thanks to the officers of the road was proposed by Mayor Schiffbauer for their hospitality to the excursionists, and polite attention to them as guests of the day. This was heartily responded to by the party. The day’s labors of the track layers brought them 1¼ miles nearer the city. Omnibuses were in waiting to convey the tired travelers to the city, and by 9 o’clock they were deposited at the Leland Hotel, all clamorous for supper, but unanimous in declaring they had spent a delightful day.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
Tell W. Walton, of the Caldwell Journal, Goes Over the K. C. & S. W.
The editor of the Caldwell Journal, Tell W. Walton, writes thusly of our new railroad.

“Last week while the local railroad committee was in Winfield, by special invitation of Superintendent Latham, Attorney Asp, and Vice President Young, they took a run over the above named road from Winfield to Beaumont, the junction with the Frisco. Messrs. William Corzine, A. M. Colson, and the writer availed themselves of the invitation and accompanied by Messrs. Latham and Asp, boarded the passenger train at 7 a.m. and pulled out for the north. On the route we passed the booming little cities of Atlanta and Latham besides several smaller villages in embryo. The writer had not been in that part of Cowley County since 1878, and many were the changes he noticed. Most of them, however, had been made since the building of the road through there last summer. Any description of the new road that we could give by the single trip over it would not do it justice, but such observations as we made will be given.
“The road up the Timber Creek valley is well built and no grade on it to the summit of flint hills at Beaumont is over 60 feet to the mile and no curve more than six degrees. The Southern Kansas road to get over the flint hills has many grades of over 90 ft. to the mile and curve as high as ten degrees. The ties are all either oak or cedar, the rails steel, and the bridges combination wood and iron set upon solid stone piers and abutments. The culverts are all stone and built in a substantial manner. The grading is well done and is sufficiently smooth now so that riding over the road at a thirty mile gait is attended with no more jostling than is on the Santa Fe and Southern Kansas. The coaches run on the passenger train are one combination coach and baggage, and a regular day coach, such as are run on all first-class roads. The day coach runs from Winfield direct to St. Louis, while the combination coach is used for local travel. A regular freight on the Frisco, from Wichita to St. Louis and from St. Louis to Wichita. The passenger train connects with the regular through passenger train on the Frisco from and to St. Louis. In conversation with men along the line of the road, we found none but the best words spoken of the management of the road and their honorable treatment of all with whom they have had dealings. The Kansas City and South Western is a good railroad and one that will revolutionize the freight rates of this part of the valley when completed to Caldwell, as it has already done at Winfield and will do at Arkansas City on December first, at which date it will be completed there. Our people are at work now circulating petitions to aid in the construction of the main line of this road, but under a different name from Arkansas City to this point.”
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 28, 1885.
BOOMING BEAUMONT VISITED BY SOME OF OUR CITIZENS TUESDAY.
An Excursion Over the K. C. & S. W., that Long Fought For Railroad.
Beaumont Found to be a Booming Metropolis (?),
Fast Growing in Opulence upon the Flint Hills of Butler County.

Early on last Tuesday morning, two omnibuses drew up to the Leland Hotel and took on board the following gentlemen, who had been invited by the managers of the K. C. & S. W., to take a pleasure trip over that road to the famous and booming Beaumont: Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Hight, Davis, Thompson, Bailey, Dean, and Dunn, and their friends whom they invited, H. H. Perry, J. Frank Smith, J. H. Hilliard, Frank Thompson, and City Clerk Benedict; also, the railroad committee, consisting of A. A. Newman, N. T. Snyder, Major Sleeth, G. W. Cunningham, W. D. Mowry, and T. H. McLaughlin. Bro. Lockley, too, was among the honored ones, and was to chronicle the thrilling incidents of the trip, furnish intellectual food for the party, and report the impressive appearance, the “sights” and widely spread influence, of flourishing Beaumont. After a drive of about three miles, the gleeful party reached the end of the track, where over 200 railroad hands were busy at work, rapidly advancing the “iron bands” towards Arkansas City.
It was after 8 o’clock before they heard the distant whistling of the excursion train, towards which they at once started, and which they reached after a brisk walk of nearly a mile. Had it not been for Councilman Davis, who has only one natural leg to work with, they probably would have continued their journey on foot, and thus economized time. As it was, Mr. Davis was conveyed to the cars in a carriage to avoid the fatigue of walking. All having gotten on board, the train moved slowly up the track. They had a jolly, rollicking time.
Having arrived at Winfield, the passengers allowed the engine to rest a little, although it caused them much weariness to be delayed in a village of such few attractions when vivid pictures of enterprising Beaumont occupied their excited minds. Mr. Latham joined the party at Winfield, and when the train pulled out, the officers of the road suspended from the rear end of the last car a banner, bearing the inscription, “The town we left behind us.” From that railroad station onto the end of the journey, the train swept over the track at a rapid rate, passing through Floral, Wilmot, Atlanta, and Latham. Beaumont (a French word meaning “the fashionable world”) was reached at 11:30 a.m., and the party evacuated the cars and proceeded at once to the central part of the city. On either side, as they walked up main street, tall and magnificent buildings met their view, and the hearts of the rustic excursionists almost ceased to beat on account of the grandeur they beheld. Councilman Dunn had purchased a bran new hat that morning, and in trying to pass in under one of the lofty awnings, it was completely crushed. [N.B. This incident occurred before the drugstore was visited.] They found that the city consists of fourteen houses, which have been standing for 14 years, and the inhabitants number about 75. This is conclusive evidence that the town is still booming. When one of the natives was asked why he did not move to a better locality, he proudly pointed to the barren flint hills, and, with Kansas enthusiasm, maintained that Beaumont was the garden-spot of the world. After dinner, which was served in the spacious dining hall of Noah Herring, some of the party, for amusement, played at billiards and pigeon-hole. Bro. Lockley and Geo. Cunningham leveled down the flint hills and bombarded the town pitching horseshoes. Some of them went into one of the two drugstores in the place and consulted the “holy record” in order to procure some remedy for their ailments. The druggist showed them a full “soda pop” barrel, the greater portion of whose contents they consumed.
While in the drug store they made the following invoice of the stock it contained.
1 small stove: $2.00; 1 old keg: $0.00; 1 old box: $0.00; 1 counter: $10.00; 10 boxes of candy: $10.00; 1 pail of tobacco: $4.00; 2 boxes of nuts: $.50; 1 barrel of whiskey: $8.00.
TOTAL: $34.50.
The excursionists returned to Arkansas City at about 9 o’clock p.m., full of joy and “soda water.” There will be another excursion over this road soon and everybody here will then have a chance to see Beaumont.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 2, 1885.

Young, Latham & Co., the contractors of the K. C. & S. W. Railroad, entertained about 170 of their men with a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving day. Ninety were fed at the Leland Hotel, Grubbs provided for about fifty more, and the remainder ate at the Central Avenue Hotel. The excellent behavior of these railroad builders is spoken of in high terms by all their entertainers.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
Hon. Alonzo Stevens, wife and little daughter, are here from Chicago, the guests of James N. Young. Mr. Stevens is president of the K. C. & S. W., and is here to look over the road and its prospects, which he finds very flattering.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
PEARL PARTY. One of the pleasantest parties of the season assembled at the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hunt last Saturday evening to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of their wedding. The spacious rooms were well filled and the host and hostess were everywhere present with their careful attentions which, seconded by Miss Anna, made the enjoyment complete. During the evening the Rev. Mr. Reider was brought forward and in a neat and appropriate speech presented to the host and hostess a beautiful set of silverware as a testimonial of the high appreciation of the contributors for the recipients, accompanied by a card with the compliments of the following: Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Keck, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mrs. Whitney, Mrs. McClellan, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Dr. and Mrs. T. H. Elder, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Young, Rev. and Mrs. Reider, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Silliman, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. Col. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Albro, Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Rinker, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Crane, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Silver, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Hendricks, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. McDermott, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Arment, Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Manser, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. C. Collins, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Pickens, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McGraw, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Friend, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Crippen, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson, Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Austin. This silver tea set embraced cake basket, berry dish, six teaspoons, and sugar spoon. Dr. and Mrs. Geo Emerson, pearl card case. Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt, silver fruit dish.
Capt. Hunt responded as happily as the emotions of this surprise would permit.

A magnificent collation was placed before the guests, which was highly enjoyed, and after music and other entertainments, the party dispersed with many thanks to their entertainers for the pleasures of the evening. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Silver, Mr. and Mrs. John Keck, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Silliman, Mr. and Mrs. Col. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Handy, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Carson, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Austin, Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Arment, Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Wright, Mrs. McClellan, Mrs. Whitney, Sr., and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Shearer, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Reider, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Manser, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Troup, Mr. and Mrs. James McDermott, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Crane, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Hendricks, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Dr. and Mrs. T. H. Elder, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McRaw, Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Bliss, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. C. Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Bliss, Mrs. J. A. Cooper, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hunt.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 6, 1886.
The railroad committee of the board of trade had a brief interview on Monday afternoon with Mr. Young, of Young, Latham & Co., contractors for the Frisco road, to learn what the company would do towards bridging the canal where it intersects Fourth, Fifth, and Central Avenues. Mr. Young could suggest no other way than to assess the cost on the lot owners along these avenues. As an individual he might be willing to contribute something towards the sum necessary, but he was not authorized to pledge his company to anything. The meeting broke up with evident signs of dissatisfaction.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 6, 1886.
Mr. Hill Explains. Mr. Young, of Latham & Co., rather offended the railroad committee of the board of trade of this city, on Monday, by his abrupt way of refusing to expend money in grading an avenue leading to the depot. Mr. James Hill, in the city council that evening, explained the cause of Mr. Young’s obduracy. The K. C. & S. W. Company, he said, hadn’t a dollar to operate their road; they couldn’t pay their fare from this city to Winfield. They have themselves prevailed on the Frisco company to run their trains, until they shall be in condition to help themselves. Latham & Co., the contractors, who built the road, are no better off. They have done the work, and are left as poor as Job’s turkeys. He (the speaker) was in the same fix. Five or six thousand dollars was owing to him by the company, and he was now looking round with great vigilance to see what property there was to secure him. Mr. Young offered $50 from his own pocket to grade a road to the depot, which was an act of liberality as that gentlemen had no interest in building up this city. With this explanation Mr. Young’s apparent indifference for our needs is relieved of its sombre hue.
Note: This issue of paper was almost impossible to read. The following item relative to the K. C. & S. W. Railroad had missing words at the beginning of data concerning the railroad...
Arkansas City Traveler, January 6, 1886.
COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.
Our City Fathers Perplexed With An Empty Treasury.
Council met at 7 o’clock on Monday evening, Mayor Schiffbauer in the chair; Councilmen Bailey and Hight absent.
Messrs. Dean and Dunn objected to the [?WORD?] being made with earth, they preferred gravel for the purpose. Mr. Hill said if the applicant would dump his surplus dirt in the slew, at the price named, it would be wise in the city to buy it of him. To fill in and make a road to the canal would cost $500. Mr. Young had offered to contribute from his own pocket to the expense, he (Mr. Hill) would also give his mite. The cost would be $500, and he and Mr. Young would give $100 of the sum. The remainder could be raised by subscription. To bring the matter fairly before the council, he offered the following resolution.

Resolved, That the city council appropriate a sufficient sum from the city treasury, to grade a roadway along Fifth Avenue west from Summit Street to the canal, and build a bridge there.
The mayor said the question of bridging the canal was now under consideration by the street committee of the council.
Mr. Dunn, in behalf of the committee, recommended that the canal company be ordered to build a bridge on Central Avenue, and that the railroad company be required to make crossings.
Mr. Hill inquired where the people who crossed the bridge would go to. There was a grade of eight feet at that point, and trestles were to be put up raising the track eight feet higher.
Mr. Will Mowry asked leave to make a statement in regard to a conversation he had held with Mr. Hill, which brought out an explanation by the latter.
A long and informal debate ensued, in which the respective merits of Fifth Avenue and Central Avenue as an approach to the depot were discussed.
Several amendments to Mr. Hill’s resolution being offered, but not seconded, that gentleman asked leave to withdraw it and substitute the following.
Resolved, That the city furnish the necessary means to grade a road to the new depot and build a bridge across the canal; provided that the canal company pay the appraised value of one of their ordinary bridges, the mayor to appoint a board of appraisement.
Mr. Dunn said there was no money in the treasury to perform this work. The cost of grading and bridging had been estimated at $900. His plan was for the city to appropriate $200, and collect from the lot owners on Fifth Avenue, what money they are willing to give. Turn this over to the railroad company, and let them do the work.
Mr. Hill said the Kansas City and Southwestern people, being too poor to operate their road, it had been turned over to the St. Louis and San Francisco company. We were now dealing with a management whose headquarters was in St. Louis. If the council could convince those people that it was a wise thing for them to expend their money in grading a road down to the railroad track, this proposition would do well enough. But the chance of success he thought slim. He did not favor offending them with any such demand, but would reserve his powder for bigger game. A handsome depot had been built, the best on the line, and a turntable laid down; we now want a roundhouse built capable of holding all the engines on the road. The speaker told of a syndicate in Winfield, who had clubbed together to buy a section or two of land a few miles south of the city, with a view to make a town there, and play off against this city. If Arkansas City could give the railroad company a good tank and other appliances, they would be apt to treat us with the same liberality. There were many necessary things to ask them without a demand for $500 to build a road with. The city ought to build this road, if we have to let our washing bills go unpaid.
Mr. Dunn said it would be well for the city to give $200 to the people of any avenue who will make a grade to the depot.

Mr. Prescott favored raising the appropriation to $300. The account would then stand in this shape: $300 given by the city, $100 by Messrs. Young and Hill, $150 by the canal company, leaving $350 to be raised by property owners. This money he thought could be collected, and Mr. Hilliard has offered to carry round the subscription paper.
This being put as an amendment to Mr. Hill’s resolution, was adopted and the resolution (thus amended) was also adopted.
The question of laying some sidewalks along Fifth Avenue next came up. Mr. Hill asked what was the regular routine in such a proceeding.
The mayor said the sense of the lot owners must be obtained, and if those representing the larger share of abutting property approved, the city would then advertise for bids.
Mr. Thompson wanted the sidewalk extended across the city, from depot to depot, on both sides of the street, and the flagging to be six feet wide.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
The Marriage of Mr. B. W. Matlack and Miss Gertrude McMullen.
THE TOKENS AND DONORS.
Silver card receiver, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Young.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 27, 1886.
Take Notice. L. D. Latham & Co., will not be responsible for any orders, discharge, or time checks issued by their employees until countersigned by Wm. D. Carey, paymaster.
L. D. LATHAM & Co., Contractors K. C. & S. W. R. R.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
James N. Young and L. D. Latham, of the K. C. & S. W., went to St. Louis Thursday over the Frisco on railroad business.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
James Hill, E. B. Wingate, and J. N. Young went to Wichita and from there west on the Sunflower, Tuesday, on K. C. & S. W. business.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
James Hill, E. B. Wingate, and J. N. Young, of the K. C. & S. W., have been out at Anthony this week, looking to the extension of the western branch of their line to that place. They were enthusiastically received and agreed on bond propositions to be submitted at once.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
James N. Young and L. D. Latham are off for New York on business connected with the K. C. & S. W. extension, which will be begun with the opening of spring.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
J. N. Young and L. D. Latham, of the K. C. & S. W., got home Friday from New York.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.

The most fashionable novelty is five o’clock luncheon, a full-dress reception of ladies only, for tea and an hour or two of social chat, such as only ladies, when untrammeled by the awkward presence of men—who were never made to talk—can enjoy. Last evening Winfield had the first full-fledged introduction of this pleasurable novel. It was a reception by Mrs. A. H. Doane and Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, two of the city’s most delightful entertainers, at the home of Mrs. Doane. A little after four the invited guests began to arrive and by 5 o’clock the parlors were a scene of the liveliest mirth and social freedom, the following prominent ladies being present: Mesdames C. H. Taylor, C. L. Harter, Ray Oliver, George Raymond, George Rembaugh, J. F. Balliet, G. H. Buckman, O. Branham, W. H. Albro, Ela Albright, E. M. Albright, J. J. Carson, L. M. Williams, J. A. Eaton, J. C. Miller, Col. McMullen, J. F. McMullen, B. W. Matlack, C. C. Collins, Henry Brown, Lewis Brown, J. H. Tomlin, E. P. Young, J. N. Young, Dr. Van Doren, M. J. Darling, W. H. Shearer, R. E. Wallis, D. A. Millington, Wm. Mullen, H. L. Holmes, W. P. Hackney, Dr. Brown, M. L. Robinson, Geo. Robinson, S. D. Pryor, Dr. Emerson, M. L. Whitney, J. L. Horning, J. D. Pryor, Geo. W. Miller, Edwin Beeny, Frank Doane, and Miss Lena Oliver. At the appointed hour a luncheon of choice delicacies, with a sprinkling of appropriate substantials, was bounteously and gracefully served. It was one of the happiest gatherings imaginable. The ladies were all handsomely and fashionably attired. By half past six all had departed, realizing the pleasantest reception for many a day. The main object of the “five o’clock luncheon” is to dissipate the inconveniences of the “fashionable call,” where all is prim form, with little opportunity for forming genuine friendships. It is certainly a most admirable mode of widening friendships among the ladies of the city, as all will attest who experienced the very agreeable hospitality of Mrs. Doane and Mrs. Kretsinger, on this occasion.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.
James N. Young, E. B. Wingate, Ed P. Greer, et al, went to Caldwell Thursday on K. C. & S. W. business. Work on the extension from Arkansas City begins next week, most of the right of way having been secured.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.
J. E. Carson, brother of our J. J. Carson, is in the city. He is of the Willow Grove Jersey Farm, of Carson Bros., Lincoln County, Kentucky, and comes on to close out the Jersey herd brought here last winter. There are fifteen left, and can be seen at the livery barn on Riverside avenue. No finer stock was ever brought into this county. Those left are beautiful young heifers, from one to two years old. Six of them are bred to “Signal Lad,” at the head of the Willow Grove herd, and “Alphea Robbin,” at the head of the herd here, and will be fresh in sixty days. Yesterday one of these fine heifers was bought for $100 by E. Mosley, of Lawrence, and shipped to that place. This fine stock should be kept here. Among those who have bought from this herd, and now have fresh Jersey cows, are Col. McMullen, Henry Brown, Judge McDonald, J. N. Young, Frank W. Finch, and others, all proclaiming them the best milkers they ever saw. The prices are very reasonable, and when people examine the stock, Mr. Carson should find no need of removing them to find ready sale.
[RAILROAD ELECTION.]
Arkansas City Republican, August 14, 1886.
The Election.
     The election yesterday was all one sided in favor of the bonds. For the K. C. & P. H. Bonds, it was almost unanimous; for the G. S. C. & W., there was only a slight opposition. The following are the majorities for the two propositions.
FIRST WARD.
K. C. & P. H.: 79               G. S. C. & W.: 63
SECOND WARD.
K. C. & P. H.: 87               G. S. C. & W.: 78
THIRD WARD.
K. C. & P. H.: 70               G. S. C. & W.: 61
FOURTH WARD.

K. C. & P. H.: 117             G. S. C. & W.: 60
TOTAL FOR THE K. C. & P. H.: 353.
TOTAL FOR THE G. S. C. & W.: 262.
The above shows the unity of our people upon subjects relating to the advancement of our city. The G. S. & W. Proposition had a slight opposition. This is accounted for by the fact that the situation was not understood by those who voted against it. The REPUBLICAN never understood it until it received light from Judge Kreamer. The status of the case, as we understand it, is about as follows.
About the time the K. C. & S. W. folks were building into Arkansas City, Winfield offered the company some $50,000 if they would build to Geuda Springs, three miles north of us, and thereby give us a stub road or bob-tail. Our citizens saw that if this was done, it would be a great detriment to the city and met Jas. Young, one of the head men of the company, in this city, to see what could be done to head off this threatened catastrophe. Mr. Young told several of our businessmen that if they would put up the extra cost of building the road direct from Arkansas City to Geuda, which was $7,500, his company would construct the road and not give us the threatened “bob-tail.” Mr. Young had to have his answer that day, so he could tell the Winfield parties what he and his company intended to do. No decision was reached in the small gathering of businessmen and upon its adjournment, A. A. Newman accompanied Mr. Young to the Frisco depot. On the way down Mr. Newman gave his word to stand good for the amount. This settled the matter and when Mr. Newman came back uptown, he reported what he had done. Immediately some 30 names of businessmen were placed to an agreement to stand a proportionate share of the $7,500, if the city refused to vote that amount of bonds. Yesterday the bonds were voted and this morning there are 30 businessmen breathing more freely. The load has been lifted from their shoulders and assumed by the city. We doubt if there is another city in the universe, in which one man can speak for 1,200 voters and have that man’s word so unanimously sanctioned. As long as there is this grand unity of action, the prosperity of Arkansas City is not to be questioned. We believe there is scarcely a voter in Arkansas City who does not love the dear old “sandhill” upon which he lives, better than his life. They all may have their petty, personal, and political differences; yet when it comes to a question of benefit to the city, there is one grand unity of action.