Some Facts About Cowley County.
The Kansas Territory was organized in 1854.
The state of Kansas was admitted to the Union in 1861. The county of Hunter was created.
March 3, 1867, Hunter County was subdivided and Cowley County was created. The boundaries of the county were surveyed then. Cowley County was named for First Lieut. Matthew Cowley, a member of Company I of the Ninth Kansas Cavalry, who was killed in service in August of 1864 at Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Governor of Kansas organized the county of Cowley on February 28, 1870.
Arkansas City Town Companies.
1. Walnut City. Name changed before first town company entered Cowley County.
Original town company learned Butler County already had city by this name.
2. Delphi. Name chosen after a railroad charter for the Preston (Texas) and Salina, Kansas, Kansas railroad.
The original town company (composed mainly of individuals from Emporia) changed the name quickly upon their return from Cowley County to Emporia, Kansas, as they began to realize that "Delphi" applied to only one railroad and they expected that the location they had chosen would be the point of crossing for the Fort Scott & Santa Fe road. This railroad would be the point upon four chartered lines of railroad, viz: The Walnut Valley Branch of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road; the Preston, Salina & Denver road; the Emporia & Holden road; and the Arkansas Valley or Fort Smith & Hays City road.
The railroad had recently reached Emporia, Kansas, and this group was anxious to see the expansion of railroads through Indian Territory to Texas and on to California. They also thought it was possible to expand into Mexico.
3. Cresswell. This name was chosen so quickly to curry favor with the United States Postmaster General (John A. J. Creswell) that they got his name wrong. For a long time the township that Arkansas City resided in was sometimes spelled "Cresswell" and sometimes "Creswell." Eventually they got the township correct: Creswell.
The new name was submitted by U. S. Senator Ross in April 1870, the representative for the Emporia town company. The application for a post office by the name of Cresswell was quickly rejected as there was a town by that name in Labette County, Kansas, and the post office department informed Senator Ross that no two offices of the same name would be located in Kansas.
4. Arkansas City. Name submitted by U. S. Senator Ross in order to quickly obtain a post office. This application was accepted by the U. S. Post Office Department.
Early inhabitants of Arkansas City did not like the name that was chosen, but they were forced to accept it. They really preferred the name of "Delphi."
Arkansas City Town Company.
On July 15, 1871, the Arkansas City Town Company Corporation was formed by Daniel Beedy, L. B. Kellogg, M. R. Leonard, H. O. Meigs, A. A. Newman, G. H. Norton, H. B. Norton, C. R. Sipes, and W. M. Sleeth. It was capitalized for 300 shares at Fifty dollars each or a total of $15,000. The life of the corporation was to be ten years.
In 1872 Arkansas City was declared incorporated as a third class city. The petition for incorporation had been signed by a majority of the town's electors. The town contained more than 250 and less than 2,000 persons.
The city limits enclosed one square mile, starting at what is now the corner of Birch avenue and F street, and extending south to Madison avenue, west to Eight street North to Birch, and east to F street.
The first city ordinance passed was "concerning dogs". It imposed a two dollar license fee on dogs, and provided a ten dollar fine on owners who allowed their dogs to run loose. The Marshall was instructed to kill stray dogs and provision was made to declare a hydrophobia emergency when dogs must be kept muzzled.
Three days later, the council met again to provide for the construction of a "city prison." This was city ordinance number two. Specifications called for a jail 12 by 14 feet in size, and seven feet in height. The walls were to be built of 2 ft. by 6 ft. oak planks and the floor and ceiling of six-inch oak. Three eight-inch windows were to be provided.
The thoughts of the councilmen then turned to revenue. They passed ordinance number three, which assessed a tax levy of 10 mills on "real, mixed and personal property."
Provisions to encourage the drilling of water wells were made at the same meeting. The fourth city ordinance provided that when citizens had raised enough funds by subscription to pay half the cost of drilling a public well, the city would provide the other half.
Those four subjects, dogs-jail-taxes-water, still play a part in today's municipal affairs.
The first school was in the home of H. B. Norton. The citizens of Arkansas City met Saturday evening, August 20, 1870, for the consideration of business connected with the erection of a public school building.
The next year citizens subscribed $400 to buy lumber and build a school at 205 South Summit Street. The lumber was bought from W. Sleeth who cut it at his new saw-mill. The building was erected of this green wood and school was started. As the school year progressed, the green wood started warping and large cracks appeared between the boards. The wind and cold was very disturbing to the parents and students. A movement was started to build the first permanent school. When done in 1874 the students started attending the First Ward School at the 300 block of North B Street. The wooden school building was then rented as a warehouse/store for a few years before it was torn down.
The Rev. B.C. Swarts, pioneer Methodist minister here, founded the first church, in a small log house he had erected in his claim, just north of the present city limits on Summit Street early in 1870.
The first city building, built of Silverdale limestone, was built in 1888. The next city building was built in 1918-1919.
The first telephone company started in Arkansas City in 1883 with 18 subscribers.
1883 to 1890
The first telephone system was installed in Arkansas City in 1883. The switchboard was in the rear of the Snyder and Hutchinson Land, Loan and Insurance Company's office, which was located near the corner of Fifth Avenue on the west side of Summit Street. Phil Snyder was the first manager and Miss Emma Theaker was the first operator. The first exchange had a magneto switchboard equipped with 18 lines. All but 3 lines were taken when the exchange opened for business. The first subscribers are listed below.
[Note: The above report does not agree completely with items from newspaper. MAW]
From our first newspaper, Arkansas City Traveler, I was able to glean information on our telephone system from 1883 through the first few months of 1887. I have yet to get back to the newspapers of Cowley County for further research.
Some of the information in the 1934 report is incorrect as you will notice from the newspaper data.
[One of the members of the Arkansas City Town Company, A. A. Newman, was in the habit of making trips to New York City, Boston, and his home state of Maine. As a result, he knew about the infancy of the telephone and developed his own primitive use of this form of communication.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.
The string from Newman's block to Benedict's upper story is the conductor of the telephone. You can put your ear at one end and your mouth at the other and hear everything that is said.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 28, 1881.
Most of the fair sex in our city are decidedly against the introduction of the telephone. They don't like to have a fellow whispering in their ear with his mouth like Sheridan at Winchester, twenty miles away.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1883.
A telephone between the depot and some central point in the city is being talked and worked up by some of our people. It will be a great convenience.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1883.
Telephone is the talk.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1883.
Mr. Paul W. Bossart, Superintendent of the Merchants Telephone Co., of Kansas, was in our city last week looking up a plan for connecting this city with Winfield by telephone. The company proposes to put up the necessary plant for a subscription of $300 worth of tickets at fifteen cents each, each ticket entitling the holder to a five minutes conversation over the line. The same company have about completed arrangements for connecting Wellington, Hunnewell, and Caldwell; and Winfield and Wellington already being connected.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
Mr. P. W. Bossart, Superintendent of the Kansas and Missouri Telephone Company, was in the city Saturday and made a proposition whereby this place and Arkansas City could be connected by telephone. He proposes to build the line provided five hundred dollars worth of conversation tickets are subscribed. These tickets cost fifteen cents each and are good for five minutes talk over the line. Three hundred dollars have been subscribed at Arkansas City, leaving two hundred to be taken here. A large part of the necessary amount is already taken and the line will be a good thing for both towns. Mr. Bossart also intends connecting us with Wellington, Caldwell, Hunnewell, and Wichita in the near future.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
The subscription for the Arkansas City telephone line was only half secured--but one hundred of the two hundred dollars being subscribed. Somehow or other our people evinced but little interest in it. The full amount asked has been made up at Arkansas City and the managers are only waiting our action before putting in the line. We should like to see the balance subscribed.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 11, 1883.
The poles for our telephone line have been shipped.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
Work on the telephone line from Winfield to Arkansas City and Geuda Springs will begin at once, and a carload of poles is now on the road.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 18, 1883.
Permission has been granted by Ordinance No. 108 to the Merchants Telephone and Telegraph Company of Kansas and Missouri, the right to construct and maintain a telephone line in the city of Arkansas City, Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1883.
The telephone between this city and Winfield will be completed in a very short time.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 30, 1883.
The posts for the telephone wires are now in position and it will not be many days ere we can hold oral communication with our sister towns.
Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.
DIED. A young man by the name of Thomas Watson fell from a telephone pole on the corner of Main and Blandon streets Monday morning, breaking a leg and arm, and sustaining injuries from which he died. Monday morning he was stringing wire for the telephone line from here to Arkansas City, and where the wire made a turn, climbed the pole from the inside to adjust it over the insulator. While he was at work the bar which held the insulator broke and the wire sprang off, catching him on the breast and throwing him off backward. He was a young man, came from Indiana, and had been in the employ of the company about three months.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1883.
The telephone company employees have been decidedly unlucky; one of them having lost his life by falling from the top of a post, and another boy was badly injured by the upsetting of a load of wire in the past week.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1883.
The telephone men are busy in our town.
Last Saturday saw our city and Winfield in a position to talk a la telephone.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1883.
The telephone line to Arkansas City is completed and running and Tuesday morning we had a chat over the wire with a gentleman at that end. The talking was if anything more distinct than here in town.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1883.
A span of the Arkansas City Bridge was broken down by a herd of cattle Thursday. An attachment was got out and the owner of the cattle made to pay for the breakage. The law business was done from the county attorney's office at this place by telephone.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.
Tuesday the authorities at Arkansas City telephoned Sheriff Gary that two horses had been stolen there the night before, with their description. Ed. Nicholson happened to be in town and saw the description and on the way home came upon the thieves on Badger Creek. He borrowed an old rusty shot gun, and in company with Tom Wright and several of the neighbors, surrounded the thieves in a thicket, where Ed. brought them up at the muzzle of his ancient gun. They were brought to town and gave their names as Cooper and Carter, residents of Arkansas City. One of them claims to be a brother of F. M. Cooper, formerly of this place. He is about thirty years old. They tell several stories in explanation of how they came into possession of the horses, but deny having stolen them.
A later story also referred to this event...
Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.
When Corder and Cooper stole Harris and Freel's horses, they telephoned up from Arkansas City to Gary that fact, and that the thieves were going northeast. Gary went to Ed Nicholson and said: "Ed, some parties have stolen two horses at Arkansas City and are going northeast; if you see them as you go home, I wish you would catch them." He then went up the street and the last seen of him he was trying to explain his Iowa record. Ed got on his horse and started home on Grouse Creek, and on the way caught the horse thieves, and they were taken by our gallant sheriff last week to the penitentiary.
The following is the first list of telephones in Arkansas City...
Arkansas City Traveler, June 20, 1883.
1. Speers' Mill. 10. Cunningham & Ayres.
2. Cowley County Bank. 11. Leland Hotel.
3. A. T. & S. F. Depot. 12. Capt. Nipp's Livery Stable.
4. V. M. Ayres' Mill. 13. I. H. Bonsall's Office.
5. 14. H. P. Standley's Residence.
6. Searing & Mead's Mill. 15.
8. Winfield. 17. Public Telephone Office.
9. Stewart Hotel. 18. James Miller's Residence.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 27, 1883.
We learn by telephone that two boys, sons of S. Gilbert and T. B. Myers, of Winfield, were drowned in the Walnut River while bathing yesterday below the railroad bridge. We could not learn further particulars before going to press.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, July 4, 1883.
1. Speers' mill. 13. I. H. Bonsall's office.
3. A. T. & S. F. Depot. 15. Creswell Bank.
4. V. M. Ayres--Canal Mills. 16.
5. Geuda. 17.
6. Searing & Mead's Mill. 18. James Miller, residence.
7. A. A. Newman's Store. 19. Cowley County Bank.
8. Winfield. 20.
9. 21. Kellogg & Mowry.
10. Cunningham & Ayres. 22. J. L. Huey, residence.
11. Leland Hotel. 23.
12. Capt. Nipp, livery stable. 24.
25. Public telephone office.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 18, 1883.
3. A T & S F depot. 15. Creswell Bank.
4. V. M. Ayres--Canal Mills. 16. Democrat Office.
5. Geuda. 17. A. A. Newman, residence.
6. Searing & Mead's Mill. 18. James Miller, residence.
7. A. A. Newman's store. 19. Cowley County Bank.
8. Winfield. 20. Matlack, store.
9. Leland Hotel. 21. Kellogg & Mowry.
10. Cunningham & Ayres. 22. J. L. Huey, residence.
11. 23. H. P. Farrar, residence.
12. Capt. Nipp, livery stable. 24. Traveler office.
25. Public telephone office.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 1, 1883.
The telephone between this city, Hunnewell, Caldwell, and Wellington was to be in good working order by today, August 1st.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 1, 1883.
Peter Pearson has added a telephone to his furniture establishment. His patrons at Geuda and Salt City will make a note thereof.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1883.
The telephone wire between the poles on the road to Searing & Mead's mill were burnt so badly by the lightning on last Wednesday that they broke in two.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1883.
The storm of last Wednesday night was unusually severe in our city as far as the items of thunder and lightning were concerned. The subtle fluid played havoc with the telephones and we are informed that the residence of Rev. I. N. Moorhead was somewhat shaken though not actually struck by a bolt of lightning appearing like a ball of fire, falling vertically to the ground, which as soon as it came in contact with terra firma, exploded with a horrible crash.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 15, 1883.
That young man in the east part of the city who enjoys his leisure moments with the telephone would do well to take warning from last Wednesday evening's experience and be certain he is talking to the central office at Arkansas City and not at Winfield before he expresses his opinions so forcibly. It probably does not interest Mrs. Bishop.
[CORRESPONDENTS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1883.
By telephone we receive the following items from the ragged edge of Creswell and Pleasant Valley Townships.
"Monkey Hill" is no more. We are told that its funeral was tolled at Mr. Tolles' place a few days ago, where a meeting of school district 59 was held, and located the site for the schoolhouse in "Possum Hollow." This district has been "Wrighted" up considerably lately.
Superintendent Limerick came down, and caused the district to "come down to Limerick." Its territory has been enlarged: receiving a Blessing, a Toombs (who is in disguise), and several others. Yesterday bonds were voted to build a new schoolhouse. The old building will be sold to relic hunters to make into cases, etc.
Matrimony has become epidemic. Among several cases lately (all fatal), there were two in one family. Those exposed or disposed are using disinfectants and a rigid quarantine is maintained.
Candidates are omnipresent. Where two or three are gathered together, there is the candidate also. The descent of the grasshopper in 1874 was scarcely more numerous and certainly not more buzzy. Some of them will be nipped in the bud. BOOZE.
August 23, 1883.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1883.
"Peek-a-Boo" by telephone is a treat enjoyed only by a select few.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1883.
Music, vocal and instrumental, through the medium of the telephone, has been quite the thing of late.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1883.
BY TELEPHONE. Order your groceries by telephone of the Diamond Front.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 23, 1884.
Messrs. Landes & Beall, of the Arkansas City Roller Mills, now have their office, with telephone communication with their mill, in the front part of the Arkansas City Bank, where their patrons are invited to call.
Arkansas City Republican, April 26, 1884.
The Roller Mills are connected by telephone with the Arkansas City Bank.
Same incident with different versions by the two newspapers...
Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1884.
Rube Houghton's team started off the business of the week last Monday morning by running away. Coming to the large telephone pole at the corner of Summit Street and Fifth Avenue, they tried to pull it down, but only succeeded in turning themselves over and tearing their harness off. Luckily no wagon was attached to them, or the damage might have been serious.
Arkansas City Republican, May 17, 1884.
A team belonging to R. A. Houghton ran away in the main streets of the city Monday morning, causing considerable excitement for a time. The horses had been hitched to a wagon near the Star Livery Stable, and the whiffle trees detached themselves from the wagon, when they started carrying the whiffle trees with them. They ran with great rapidity against the telephone post at A. A. Newman's corner, breaking down the corner post of the shed on the front of his store, and breaking the harness that held them together, and throwing one horse flat to the ground. No other damage resulted. Several other teams were on the streets at the time, some of which became frightened, but their drivers succeeded in holding them.
Arkansas City Republican, May 17, 1884.
The Perry House is connected by telephone to the general office.
Arkansas City Republican, May 17, 1884.
The Ohio Livery is now connected by telephone to the general office. If you wish a good team, step into some station, and give your order to Mr. Lutes. He has fast or slow teams, just as you order. Give him a call.
Arkansas City Republican, May 31, 1884.
Hello! Is that the Diamond Front?
Well! Send me down 100 lbs. Anti-Monopoly Flour, 100 lbs. Anti-Monopoly bran, some of those nice Strawberries and Raspberries in Syrup, and a supply of those Evaporated California Peaches, which nobody keeps but you. A big drop in stuff, wasn't it? Flour from $3.05 to $2.75; Bran from 70 to 40 cents. Good evening.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 11, 1884.
"HELLO, DIAMOND FRONT?" (Afraid of twisting the wire by saying Kroenert). "I understand you are giving away elegant silverware with baking powder. Send me down a can; some of that nice Durham cheese, and a supply of vegetables. You always have the best assortment. Also a jar of those excellent preserves right away. That's all."
Arkansas City Traveler, August 13, 1884.
Miss Eva Berkey, of Winfield, will preside over our telephone system for a few weeks, during the absence of Miss Etta Barnett, who takes a vacation.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 6, 1884.
Mr. Pappan, an Indian from Pawnee Agency, called THE REPUBLICAN up from the Diamond Front Wednesday. It was Mr. Pappan's first experience with the telephone, and he was very much astonished as well as pleased. He talked in his native language over the wire, and it sounded very much to us as if he was saying "go home" through his nose. Mr. Pappan came down to see us afterwards and we found him to be a gentleman. He was dressed the same as a white man and spoke very good English.
Arkansas City Republican, September 6, 1884.
Miss Mamie Steinman is saying "Hello" for us at the telephone exchange. She is prompt in the discharge of her duty.
Arkansas City Republican, September 6, 1884.
Miss Eva Berkey, who has been in the telephone office here for several weeks, has returned home to Winfield. She was tired of the bustling, busy whirl of city life, and was glad to again seek the rural districts.
Arkansas City Republican, September 20, 1884.
DR. J. T. GRIMES, PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. Office on corner of Fifth and Central Avenue streets, Arkansas City, Kansas. Parties wishing the services of Dr. Grimes can order by telephone, his office being connected, or by leaving address at Eddy's Drug Store.
Arkansas City Republican, September 20, 1884.
Miss Etta Barnett resumed duty again in the telephone exchange Monday morning.
[Note: Could not read numbers given under "Telephone Exchange." First number given (Ayres' Mill) appeared to be 142. I am listing names only. MAW]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 24, 1884.
V. M. Ayres' Mill, V. M. Ayres' Store, Arkansas City Bank, A T & S F Depot, A. V. Alexander & Co., Frank Beall's residence, Braden's stable, G. W. Cunningham's office, G. W. Cunningham's residence, Cowley County Bank, Democrat office, E. D. Eddy's drug store, E. D. Eddy's residence, Geuda Springs, Dr. Grimes' office and residence, J. W. Hutchison & Sons', J. L. Huey's residence, Kroenert & Austin, Kellogg, Matlack & Howard, Leland Hotel, Landes, Beall & Co.'s Mill, Landes, Beall & Co.'s Office, John Landes' residence, Mowry & Sollitt, W. D. Mowry's residence, S. Matlack, W. G. Miller & Co. (Blacksmith), A. A. Newman & Co., A. A. Newman's residence, A. J. Pyburn's office, Republican office, Speers' Mill, Searing & Mead's Mill, Searing & Mead's Office, H. P. Standley's residence, N. T. Snyder's residence, Traveler Office, Winfield, Windsor Hotel.
Messages can be sent at night and on Sundays as follows:
To Winfield from N. T. Snyder's residence.
To Geuda Springs from Leland Hotel.
Subscribers will please cut this out and paste up in a conspicuous place.
Telephone charges are for five minutes' conversation as follows:
To Winfield: 25 cents
To Geuda Springs: 25 cents
Messenger Service: 15 cents
City limits: 10 cents
Arkansas City Republican, October 11, 1884.
BIRTH. While Manley Capron was at Geuda Springs Monday night, his wife gave birth to an 11 pound boy. Dr. Chapel telephoned Mr. Capron and the otherwise undemonstrative Manley jumped almost out of his tight buttoned shoes.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
Our election news from Ohio Tuesday night was furnished by the telephone exchange, which was very satisfactory. It was sent down from Winfield by the exchange there.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 19, 1884.
We omitted to mention last week that the Telephone exchange furnished complete election returns from Winfield, in a manner highly satisfactory to their friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 19, 1884.
H. G. Chipchase, manager of the United Telephone Co., at Wellington and Caldwell, and A. G. Kirkpatrick are here this week repairing the exchange. "Chip" says Arkansas City must have more vim than Wellington, as she has as many instruments as Wellington, and more than Caldwell. "So say we all of us."
Arkansas City Traveler, November 19, 1884.
BIG AD. Kroenert & Austin WHOLESALE AND RETAIL GROCERS.
-WE BUY- Butter, Eggs, Hides, Furs, Game, and Produce.
-WE SELL- Everything in the Staple or Fancy Grocery Line.
Carrying the largest and an exclusive stock of Groceries, we are enabled to supply the wants of a general Public. A free delivery inside City limits. TELEPHONE CONNECTION.
Arkansas City Republican, November 22, 1884.
Cowley County polled at the late election on the presidency 6,524 votes. Sumner polled 6,578. Winfield polled 947 and including the suburbs at least 1,100. Wellington polled 967 votes. This disposes of the Wellington claim of being ahead of Winfield. Winfield and Walnut Township together polled 1,376 votes. Arkansas City and Creswell Township, together polled 1,088 votes. Arkansas City has not got in the lead yet, but has done well.
Winfield Courier.
Look here, Mr. Courier, what is the use of you telling so much of the untruth. We telephoned up to Winfield for the official returns of Winfield and Walnut Township and received the following figures: Winfield City, 847 votes; Walnut Township, 329 votes. Just where you get your 1,376 votes, we can't figure out unless you climb over into some of the other townships surrounding. [DIFFERENCE OF 200.]
Arkansas City Traveler, November 26, 1884.
Our telephone exchange is growing rapidly. N. T. Snyder, the manager, has ordered a switch board double the capacity of the present one, which is now full.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 10, 1884.
Our telephone exchange is still growing. New instruments will be placed in Dr. Kellogg's residence, W. M. Blakeney's store, Arkansas City Coal Company's office, and H. P. Farrar's residence, as soon as the line man comes.
Arkansas City Republican, December 13, 1884.
Ivan Robinson is putting in a telephone. You can get coal by the "Hello" in a day or so.
Arkansas City Republican, December 13, 1884.
A. V. Alexander & Co., has telephonic connection. You can telephone orders to A. V., if you so desire.
Arkansas City Republican, December 13, 1884.
This do beat all! We understand a disciple of Democracy has applied to President elect Cleveland for the telephone exchange here, claiming that all office holding Republicans must go under Democratic rule. Nate Snyder wants to look out.
Arkansas City Republican, December 13, 1884.
Over one hundred subpoenas have been served on parties here notifying them to appear at Winfield during the January term of court. Geo. McIntire telephoned down to Capt. Rarick to bring up the entire city and he would subpoena them as they alighted from the train.
Arkansas City Republican, December 13, 1884.
H. G. Chipchase, telephone repairer, came over from Wellington today.
Arkansas City Republican, December 13, 1884.
Miss Etta Barnett will soon retire from the telephone exchange. She will be succeeded by Miss Emma Theaker.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 17, 1884.
Ed. Grady put in a telephone at his lumber and coal yards yesterday.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 17, 1884.
Etta Barnett retired from the telephone office Saturday. Miss Emma Theaker has taken her place.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 17, 1884.
H. G. Chipchase, of Wellington, telephone lineman, came over last Friday to put in some new phones and do general repairing.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 17, 1884.
The Arkansas City Coal Company called us up the other day by telephone. You may count on Ivan Robinson being up with the times for the accommodation of his customers.
Arkansas City Republican, December 20, 1884.
H. G. Chipchase put in four new telephones. At the residence of H. P. Farrar and Dr. H. D. Kellogg. One at Ed. Grady's lumber yard, and the other at Ivan Robinson's coal office.
Arkansas City Republican, December 20, 1884.
are the proprietors of the lumber yard on South Summit Street. This is the firm of which we are all proud. Coming here but a few short months, Mr. A. V. Alexander has worked up a patronage in the lumber trade second to no other yard in the city. He handles the best lumber the market affords, selling it at but a slight advance. He treats everyone so politely that the first thing you realize after entering his sanctum at the lumber yard is that you have purchased a bill of lumber for your house. Since making his home in Arkansas City, Mr. Alexander has been prominently connected with all the public enterprises which would be of benefit to our town. Of the Arkansas City Building Association, Mr. Alexander is the secretary. This association has been one of the prime factors in the up-building of the south part of the town. The five handsome cottages which this association erected some time ago was the nucleus for the erection of other buildings. Property has advanced in that neighborhood and it has been principally through the instrumentality of Mr. Alexander, but we are afraid we are digressing from their lumber yard business, and yet we cannot help mentioning these facts when a man is so deserving. But to return. What Arkansas City has needed for a long time is a lumber yard that would supply our citizens with a good quality of lumber at a reasonable figure. Since the opening of this yard, over 200 houses have been erected. Alexander & Co., have assisted in their building. They have aided the poor man with a small sum of money in getting cheaper lumber, thus allowing them to build a home for their family and little ones. Our limited space will not allow us to do this firm the justice which we desire. Among the first in all of the public enterprises, Mr. Alexander is a valuable citizen and as such we recommend him to the public.
P.S. You can make orders by telephone at this yard.
[BUSINESS DIRECTORY.]
Arkansas City Republican, December 27, 1884.
DR. J. T. GRIMES, PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON.
Office on corner of Fifth and Central Avenue Streets, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Parties wishing the services of Dr. Grimes can order by telephone, his office being connected; or by leaving address at Eddy's Drug Store.
Arkansas City Republican, December 27, 1884.
Try the McAllister Indian Territory coal. Order by telephone of Ed. Grady.
Arkansas City Republican, December 27, 1884.
Ed. Grady has the exclusive agency of the McAllister Indian Territory coal. Telephone your orders to him.
Arkansas City Republican, December 27, 1884.
Ed. Grady has received the agency here for the celebrated McAllister Coal of the Indian Territory. Mr. Grady thinks this coal is superior to all coal except the Canon City, and is fully equal to that. Mr. Grady receives three carloads of this special kind per week at present. It is cheaper than Canon City coal. You can order by telephone.
Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.
Ed. Grady is a man who tries always to accommodate the patronizing public. He has secured the sole agency of the Petersburg, Illinois, coal and the celebrated McAllister Indian Territory coal. Ed. says he is selling oceans of it, that he can hardly supply the great demand. Use the telephone for ordering.
Arkansas City Republican, January 10, 1885.
Ivan Robinson is now handling the McAllister Indian Territory coal, Weir City coal, Canon City cola, and other "brands." Telephone if you are too tired to walk.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 14, 1885.
E. Garrard, general repairer and inspector, and H. G. Chipchase, manager, Wellington exchange, United Telephone Company, came in Friday to make some needed repairs on this exchange. Chip reports some hard experience during the late cold snap. No wonder.
Arkansas City Republican, January 17, 1885.
In a carload of the Petersburg, Illinois, coal only a teacup full of slack can be found. Telephone your order to Grady.
Arkansas City Republican, January 17, 1885.
E. Garrard, general repairer and inspector of this state for the telephone company, was in the city this week looking after the instruments of the company.
Arkansas City Republican, January 17, 1885.
H. G. Chipchase, manager of the Wellington and Caldwell telephone exchange, and repairer of Winfield and Arkansas City Exchanges was in the city this week attending to the interests of the company and its patrons. Mr. Chipchase deserves credit for since he has had charge of this division our exchange has grown rapidly.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 21, 1885.
Dr. S. P. Parsons now has a telephone in his office. He is there night and day, and a call at any time will be promptly attended to.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 21, 1885.
When spring comes we should like to see Arkansas City connected by telephone with Ponca, Otoe, Pawnee, Osage, and Kaw Agencies.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 31, 1885.
Geo. Cunningham, just as we were going to press, telephoned to the REPUBLICAN that he was going to put in a large stock of hardware in his business room in addition to his stock of implements. He will commence operations next week. George says it is going to be a complete hardware outfit.
Arkansas City Republican, January 31, 1885.
Mrs. D. Berkey, who has been stopping with her daughter, Mrs. D. W. Stevens, for several weeks past, returned home to Winfield Thursday. She could no longer be away from her little daughters. The pleadings of little Allie through the telephone for mother to come home (which we happened to hear) were indeed pitiful.
Arkansas City Republican, January 31, 1885.
The Arkansas City Coal Co. is now handling the McAllister, Indian Territory coal, Weir City coal, Canon City coal, Trinidad coal, and other "brands." Telephone if you are too tired to walk.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 11, 1885.
[AGAIN...AM SKIPPING NUMBERS, WHICH WERE ALL THREE DIGITS.]
Ayres' Mill; A. T. & S. F. Depot; Arkansas City Bank; Alexander's Lumber Yard; Ayres' Office; Arkansas City Coal Co.; Braden's Stable; Beall's Residence; Cunningham's Office; Cunningham's Residence; Cowley County Bank; Eddy's Drug Store; Eddy's Residence; Farrar's Residence; Geuda Springs; Grady's Lumber Yard; Hutchison's Grocery; Huey's Residence; Kellogg's Residence; Kellogg & Coombs' Drug Store; Kroenert & Austin's Grocery; Leland Hotel; Landes' Residence; Landes, Beall & Co.'s Mill; Landes, Beall & Co.'s Office; Mowry & Sollitt; Mowry's Residence; Matlack's Store; Miller & Co.'s Store; Newman's Store; Newman's Residence; Ohio Livery Stable; Pyburn's Office; Post Office; Parson & Och's; Republican Office; Searing & Mead's Mill; Searing & Mead's Office; Sollitt's Residence; Snyder's Residence; Standley's Residence; Traveler Office; and Windsor Hotel, Winfield.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 8, 1885.
E. Garrard, of the United Telephone Company, was tinkering phones in the city last week.
Arkansas City Republican, April 18, 1885.
Geo. E. Hasie & Co.'s not to be behind in these modern times. They have placed a telephone in their retail grocery for the convenience of their customers.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 22, 1885.
H. G. Chipchase, manager of the telephone at Wellington, was on a visit to our city last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 22, 1885.
E. L. Smith, of Kansas City, assistant general superintendent of the United States Telephone Co., was in the city on Thursday.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 27, 1885.
Hereafter telephone talks between this city and Winfield, not exceeding five minutes in duration, can be indulged in at the cost of twenty cents.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
That wonderful invention, the telephone, works many a laughable and sometimes dangerous trick. Last Thursday evening the irresistible ladies' man, R. U. Hess, desired to ask a young lady to accompany him to the social held at G. W. Cunningham's residence that evening. Going to the telephone, he sounded the alarm, but by some hook or crook, he was connected with the wrong residence. Dick called "Hello," and was answered by a sweet feminine "Hello" that thrilled him to his toes. After going through the usual preliminary conversation, Dick came to the point and asked the lady for her company to the social. Her reply of "My husband will go with me" has caused Dick to go homicidal in a round-about way after that night ever since. He is opposed to telephone communication now, and says it is wrong on general principles.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
Thursday morning Judge Kreamer telephoned Sheriff McIntire to come down and take charge of some glandered horses. They are owned by T. D. Richardson, and he informed Judge Kreamer of the situation and wanted to know how to act. Mr. Richardson's action to keep this dreaded disease from spreading is commendable. He purchased the team of Will L. Aldridge some time ago, but only used it once or twice until he discovered they were diseased.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
Elmer E. Peck, traveling solicitor for the United Telephone Company, who has been working up a telephone circuit embracing nearly all the Arkansas and Walnut Valley towns, informs us that arrangements for the circuit are now complete and the lines will be put in in a month. The necessary amount in tickets have been subscribed and the deposits were made today. Winfield took $350 in tickets, half what was asked. The circuit takes in Wichita, Mulvane, Belle Plaine, Wellington, Caldwell, Hunnewell, South Haven, Oxford, Winfield, Arkansas City, and Geuda Springs. Burden can also get in, too, by a little exertion and money. Then the line will soon be extended to Douglass and El Dorado, and the whole valley will be bound by the electrical, hello! This circuit will be a big convenience and we hail its final with joy. Winfield Courier.
[TELEPHONE DIRECTORY.]
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
101. A. T. & S. F. Depot.
141. Ayres, V. M. & Co. Mill.
112. Arkansas City Bank.
138. Arkansas City Roller Mills.
117. Arkansas City Roller Mills Office.
139. Blakeney & Upp.
123. Cunningham, G. W. Office.
114. Cunningham, G. W. Residence.
127. Eddy, E. D. Store.
128. Eddy, E. D. Residence.
108. Farrar, H. P. Residence.
122. First National Bank.
121. Geuda Springs.
105. Hess, Frank J. Office.
106. Hess, Frank J. Residence.
131. Hasie, Geo. E. & Co. Store.
148. Hutchison, J. W. & Sons, Store.
143. Huey, James Residence.
146. Kellogg & Coombs Store.
147. Kellogg, H. D. Residence.
102. Kroenert & Austin.
136. Leland Hotel.
113. Landes, John Residence.
134. Mowry & Sollitt, Store.
132. Mowry, W. D., Residence.
110. Newman, A. A. & Co. Store.
122. Newman, A. A. Residence.
103. Occidental Hotel.
140. Pyburn, A. J. Office.
149. Post Office.
116. REPUBLICAN Office.
125. Rogers' Mill.
111. Searing & Mead, Mill.
105. Searing & Mead, Residence.
118. Sollitt, C. C. Residence.
135. Snyder, N. T. Residence.
106. Swarts, C. L. Office.
124. Traveler Office.
150. Winfield.
Arkansas City Republican, September 5, 1885.
From the Wichita Beacon we glean news of the Arkansas Valley telephone line: The following towns are embraced in the circuit of the new telephone line, about to be built: Derby, Mulvane, Belle Plaine, Wellington, South Haven, Caldwell, Hunnewell, Geuda Springs, Oxford, Winfield, and Arkansas City. Wichita will be the headquarters, and the manager here will have general charge of the circuit. The charge for a five minutes conversation between parties in different towns will be twenty-five cents. Messrs. Smith and Daniels, superintendents of the line, left the city Wednesday for the southern towns on their circuit.
Arkansas City Republican, September 12, 1885.
On page 8 Kroenert & Austin, the enterprising wholesale and retail grocerymen, illuminate a large space with a new and attractive advertisement. This firm is offering big inducements to customers, we understand, and it will pay all to read and heed what they have to say through the columns of the REPUBLICAN.
BIG AD. JNO. KROENERT, formerly with A. HESS, Wholesale & Retail GROCER, Wichita, Kansas. F. D. AUSTIN, formerly with Bittman, Taylor & Co., Wholesale GROCERS, Leavenworth, Kansas.
WE BUY Butter, Eggs, Hides, Game, and Produce.
WE SELL Everything in the Staple and Fancy grocery line.
Goods delivered to any part of city.
Telephone connections.
We have recently consolidated our immense stock and now have the largest exclusive Grocery House in this County. To consumers, would state that we have every facility for supplying pure goods, at living prices. To dealers, would say that we will give you the benefit of our long experience in buying by our figures before buying east. Thanking our friends for their very liberal patronage in the past, we shall try to merit it in the future.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
On Monday afternoon City Marshal Gray was telephoned from Winfield, by Sheriff McIntire, to be on the look out for a horse thief who was traveling in the direction of this city. The man's name is Bill Johnson, and he has been employed as a cowboy in the territory. Growing tired of this pastoral occupation, he struck out for Kansas, and some distance south of Caldwell, he laid violent hands on a horse, belonging to a farmer named Brown. The latter discovering his loss went in pursuit of the thief, tracking him to Winfield where he sought the assistance of the sheriff. Caution was sent to various towns surrounding, and to our city marshal, as has above been stated. This officer kept himself on the alert, and towards evening noticed a stranger ride into town from the north, whose description answered that briefly sent him by the sheriff. Marshal Gray informed the horse operator he had business for him, and in spite of the man's protestations of innocence, took him in. He immediately telephoned Sheriff McIntire that he had caught the man, and early yesterday morning, that officer accompanied by the owner of the stolen animal arrived in town. The horse had been swapped on the way, however, and whether the owner can recover the property is doubtful. The prisoner was taken to Winfield on the afternoon train, and his chances for becoming a guest of the state are very promising.
Arkansas City Republican, October 24, 1885.
Monday afternoon City Marshal Gray was telephoned from Winfield by Sheriff McIntire to be on the look out for a horse thief by the name of Bill Johnson. Johnson is a cowboy and a few weeks ago he left the territory and stole the horse for which he is now under arrest. The owner resides south of Caldwell and he traced Johnson to Winfield. Our marshal discovered Johnson in one of our restaurants about dusk buying something to eat, and arrested him. He telephoned to Winfield for the owner of the horse, and sheriff, who came down on the 9 o'clock train and took charge of the prisoner, taking him to Winfield Tuesday morning. The gentleman from whom the horse was stolen promised not to prosecute Johnson if the latter would divulge the whereabouts of the animal, he having traded it off on his way here. This was agreed to and the prisoner is now in the hands of the officers. He will most likely get to serve a term in the penitentiary as he deserves.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 14, 1885.
H. G. Chipchase, telephone repairer of this district, was over from Wellington this week. He informed a REPUBLICAN representative that that much talked of telephone connection with Wichita, Wellington, and other towns, was under headway. The line is already completed to Belle Plaine from Wichita. Soon we can call "hello" to the denizens of Wichita.
Arkansas City Republican, December 12, 1885.
The telephone line connecting Arkansas City with Wichita, Mulvane, Belle Plaine, Wellington, Caldwell, Hunnewell, and Oxford is finished to Winfield, and as we were already connected to the county seat by "hello," we now have communication with all the above named cities. The Courier says the sound is as distinct as with any connection in the city; with the voice at a low ebb, you can hear anything distinctly. This telephone line will be a vast convenience, especially to the newspapers, who will act as each other's special agents and have, speedily, all important events in this circuit. This is another big step in the Queen City; advancement. H. G. Chipchase, superintendent, says the line is first-class in every respect. It is the hard-drawn copper wire--the best in the world.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 19, 1885.
N. T. Snyder, manager of the telephone exchange, is taking steps to establish night service at the exchange. We are now connected by telephone with Wichita, Wellington, Winfield, Caldwell, Hunnewell, Mulvane, Geuda Springs, and Belle Plaine. A night operator would be of great service to our citizens. Service of our Doctors are now connected with the exchange and by this arrangement, parties having telephones in their residence can get connected with any of the Doctors' offices anytime during the night.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 2, 1886.
The junior editor of the REPUBLICAN has grown tired of people taking him for Phil. Snyder. While we admit the people are conferring a great honor upon Phil by the mistake, we must refuse to be taken for him. Only the other day a man wanted us to attend to his telephone, another desired that we should repair his pump, and yesterday a large Irish lady stepped up to us and demanded that "Mister Snyder, pay the 50 cents ye owe me." That same Snyder has time and again imposed upon the subscribers of the REPUBLICAN because he looks like us. We have grown tired of it and we desire to say that there is a distinction. Snyder wears his head in his shoes, and we on our shoulders.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 6, 1886.
The wind storm on Monday blew down the telephone wire between this city and Winfield, in several places, thus interrupting communication.
Arkansas City Republican, March 6, 1886.
The telephone is quite often the instrument used to perpetrate a "goak." Wednesday evening E. L. Kingsbury along with several other invited guests were partaking of the hospitality of a friend. Suddenly the alarm was sounded at the phone. Mr. Kingsbury answered and was informed that Maj. Miles had returned home from Washington, D. C., and wanted a Globe-Democrat. The eager newsdealer, always ready to accommodate, slipped away unobserved to his book-store, got the desired paper, and was informed that the Major was over at the hotel awaiting him. At the hotel he was told that the Major had gone to No. 33 drug store, and there he was told that he had just gone to the exchange. About this time Ed began to have grave suspicions and he sneaked back through the rain to the protection of his wife.
Arkansas City Republican, March 13, 1886.
The Frisco road has put in a telephone.
Arkansas City Republican, March 13, 1886.
M. C. Copple has telephone connections with his residence.
Arkansas City Republican, March 13, 1886.
Patronize home institutions. Ride in M. C. Copple's carriage. Call by telephone.
Arkansas City Republican, May 8, 1886.
Last Monday night at about 9 o'clock, the first successful jail delivery was effected in Cowley County at Winfield. The prisoners, not usually locked in their cells till 9 or 9:30 o'clock, were at large in the jail corridor. Sheriff McIntire and Deputy Joe Church had just gone uptown, when the prisoners rapped on the iron door of the jail and called for water. Jailor Tom H. Harrod and Deputy Henry A. Champlain remained at the jail to attend the prisoners. They went to answer the summons, Champlain guarding with his revolver for any emergency, when Harrod opened the door. It was opened only about one foot when five of the prisoners made the break for liberty. Chas. Swift, the leader of the gang, convicted of forgery last week, grabbed Harrod and pulled him in while Bill Matney, a U. S. prisoner for horse stealing in the Territory, gave him a blow on the top of the head with a bed slat that stunned him and he fell back against the door sill. Before he fell, Champlain couldn't shoot for fear of hitting Harrod, but as soon as he was knocked down, the guard opened fire with his revolver. Wm. P. Bennett, whose conviction for counterfeiting was scarcely four hours old, grabbed the door low down and was in the act of slamming it wide open when a ball from Champlain's 45 took him in the groin, ranged upward, severed the main artery, and without uttering a word, he whirled around, sank down by a cell door, and in three minutes had bled to death. The shot was paralyzing. The smoke from the first shot blinded the guard, but he blazed away again; whether the shot took effect or not is unknown. Swift sprang forward, belted Champlain a blow on the head with a bed slat, momentarily stunning him. The final dash was made and before Champlain could gather himself, four of the prisoners were out. Three of them went between the jail and Finch's house, and the deputy followed them with the remaining bullets in his revolver. Another went around the west side of the jail and jumped the fence southwest of the courthouse. Sheriff McIntire was on the scene in a few minutes, organized a posse, and made hot pursuit though the cloudy darkness gave the criminals every advantage. Marshal Gray and Capt. Rarick were telephoned and they also got out a squad of searchers. None of the fugitives were found until Wednesday when Chas. Swift and David Wiggins were captured in the vicinity of Dexter. Wednesday night Bill Matney was captured. He was caught at the Chilocco Indian Schools in the Territory by Sam Endicott. Marshal Gray took the prisoners to Winfield Thursday morning. Those who escaped were: Chas. Swift, convicted last week of forging the name of J. T. Stinson to a $15 check and passing it on J. B. Lynn. Bill Matney has been in jail for two months awaiting a trial before the U. S. Court, for horse stealing in the Territory. John David Wiggins was convicted last Friday of manufacturing and circulating counterfeit silver dollars. He was arrested at Atlanta two months ago, with his "kit" of tools with him in a "grip." W. P. Bennett, who was killed, was an assistant of Wiggins in the counterfeiting business. James Whitehead was a horse thief. There were several other prisoners in the corridor, but they made no attempt to get out. The latter has not been captured.
Arkansas City Republican, May 8, 1886.
Wednesday morning a telephone message was received in this city that the residence of a widow, Mrs. Jones, at Geuda Springs, was burglarized. Mrs. Jones resides alone in a small cottage. Her bed stood just beneath the window and it is supposed that the window was raised and she was chloroformed. The burglars entered, bound her wrists and ankles very tightly with cord, and tied a large handkerchief over her mouth to prevent her calling for aid. The burglars secured $92 in money and left. Next morning neighbors upon going to the home of Mrs. Jones found her bound and gagged and her household effects scattered upon the floor promiscuously. She was released, but could give no account of the affair. She knew nothing of it until she came to. She was injured quite badly and has been compelled to remain in bed since her fearful experience with the burglars. No clue has been discovered that will lead to the capture of the burglars, but it is supposed by some to have been done by one or two of the prisoners who broke jail Monday night at Winfield.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 10, 1886. From Friday's Daily.
Saturday Sheriff McIntire arrested a youth by the name of McGrew on the 4th of July grounds at Winfield, for attempting to pass counterfeit dollars. A short time after his arrest, the boy confessed that his father and two brothers and one Geo. Field were engaged in making the spurious coin at this city. McIntire telephoned Marshal Gray the particulars late Saturday evening, and Sunday morning just at the dawn of day he, accompanied by Capt. Rarick and Johnnie Breene, made a raid upon the den of counterfeiters. They were in a tent over in Oak Grove addition. The old man, his sons, and Field were captured, the tent was searched, and $27 counterfeit dollars were found buried about six inches beneath the surface of the ground. The paraphernalia for the manufacture of the money was also found. The prisoners were taken to Winfield on the 8 o'clock Frisco train, where the whole family now languish. The boy when arrested at Winfield had $7 of counterfeit coin upon his person. The old man and his two sons arrested here were over to Geuda Springs Saturday, and it is supposed that they made away with a considerable amount of the bad money. From the ring of the coin, we should judge it was made of Babbitt metal.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 31, 1886. From Thursday's Daily.
L. McLaughlin & Co., dealers in Staple and Fancy GROCERIES, Cigars, Tobaccos, Candies, Etc. 507 Summit Street, Arkansas City, Kansas. Telephone Connections.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 4, 1886. From Saturday's Daily.
W. W. Smith, of Kansas City, general manager of the telephone company, was in the city yesterday. Mr. Smith will have all the present poles of the line removed and 25 foot poles put in place. This will raise the wire several feet.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 30, 1886. From Tuesday's Daily.
The Telephone Exchanges both in Newton and Caldwell have been removed for the want of patronage. We are informed by N. T. Snyder, the manager here, that this exchange has grown from 30 to 60 subscribers during the past year, and that he has already one board of fifty members filled, and ordered the second from Kansas City. The company have also ordered a carload of 35-foot poles sent here, and as soon as they arrive, the old poles will be replaced with new. N. T. Snyder informs us that the work of the office is now more than Miss Emma can handle, and he has been obliged to put on an assistant operator and message boy.
[AD: STEINBERG.]
Arkansas City Republican, October 30, 1886.
Hello! Hello! [ILLUSTRATION OF MAN IN USE OF TELEPHONE.]
Hello Central! Tell the Public that Jack Frost is knocking at Nature's Door and that they must prepare themselves to receive this honored guest.
It's Terrible! It's Dreadful!! It's Awful!!! But nevertheless it's true that we are selling
Our stock is a complete ideal and every garment a seasonable bargain. Let the Public enter our store and pile upon pile of elegant garments will greet their eyes.
Everything New, Modern, and Stylish. Make no mistake. We are the wide-awake, Hard-working, Never-to-be-forgotten, Low Priced, Square Dealing Clothiers.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 30, 1886. From Friday's Daily.
C. D. Crandall, general superintendent, and C. W. McDaniel, assistant superintendent, of the telephone company, are in the city. They inform us they intend to reconstruct the entire telephone system in this city, and give it an entire overhauling.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 13, 1886. From Wednesday's Daily.
Chas. Master, and his corps of assistants arrived in the city yesterday from Kansas City. Mr. Master is the foreman of the Union Telephone Company, and is here to rebuild the system of the city. The exchange will be removed to the Johnson Loan and Trust Company's block; new wires and new poles are to replace the ones we have now; and a new switchboard is to be put in also. This is as it should be.
My favorite entries concerning the telephone...MAW
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 20, 1886. From Tuesday's Daily.
The new telephone poles being erected in our city give her quite a metropolitan look.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 7, 1886. From Friday's Daily.
We are told that the telephone line could have been run down the alley and supplied the city equally as well as it will by its erection on main street.
[RUMPUS OVER TELEPHONE POLE.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 7, 1886. From Friday's Daily.
An exciting rumpus occurred in front of the First National bank this morning between the telephone gang, who are setting poles in the city, and F. W. Farrar and Calvin Dean. This morning they began a hole on the edge of the sidewalk in front of the bank. It was a narrow place in the walk and as this corner is one of the most prominent in the city, the pole would be a serious obstruction to pedestrians passing up and down the street. The telephone gang insisted on putting the pole in at that place. They refused to put it up in the gutter and sank the hole and were in the act of raising the pole when Messrs. Farrar and Dean appeared on the scene. They demanded that the pole be not put in the hole and Mr. Farrar jumped in to prevent it. Members of the gang attempted to pull him out and roll the end of the pole in. Both sides were getting madder than "wet hornets," and at the moment the telephone boys laid their hands on Mr. Farrar, he pulled a revolver and commanded them to remove them. After Fred had remained in the hole as long as he desired, he crawled out. Then the war commenced again. Mr. Dean attempted to remove the end of the pole from the sidewalk and about as fast as he would push it off, the telephone boys pushed it back. This was stopped by Policeman Johnnie Breene and Maj. Sleeth. The former proceeded to arrest the disputed hole; and the latter gained possession of the revolver and endeavored to cool the excited men by reasoning with them. No sooner had Messrs. Farrar and Dean stopped than the workmen again attempted to put the end of the pole in the hole, but Policeman Breene stopped them. For some time an excited crowd remained on the sidewalk discussing the matter. From what we ascertain the ordinance granting the franchise to the telephone company says the poles shall be erected on the outside of the sidewalk, and it further says that their erection shall create no obstruction to the passers-by. This was pointed out to the foreman of the gang and he was asked to observe it, but it appears he would not do so. Mr. Farrar acted unwisely in drawing a revolver and handling it in the manner he did. He was liable to have shot some uninterested and innocent person. But he evidently thought a seven-shot revolver and the possession of the hole were more effective than the slow resort to law. Then, again, if the employees of the company had wished to do right, they would have put other poles up until the question was settled. It is right our citizens should be protected from the unjust infringements by foreign companies and their employees. These workmen were entirely too aggressive for their own interests as well as the company's. The question as to where the pole will stand will most likely be settled in the courts.
[Note: In Friday's daily the following was printed: "We are told that the telephone line could have been run down the alley and supplied the city equally as well as it will by its erection on main street."]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 4, 1886. From Monday's Daily.
The Winfield Visitor made an outrageous mistake when it stated that Major Sleeth was the "hero" of the telephone pole tragedy in this city. The Major endeavored to make peace.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 4, 1886. From Tuesday's Daily.
The telephone war is over. The National Bank and the company compromised. The pole will be put in on the corner. This is as it should be. It is to Arkansas City's interest to have a good telephone service, and it is to the company's interest not to antagonize our citizens. The company have put new poles all over the city, run wires, rented new office rooms for an exchange. One excellent feature about the new exchange room is that parties desiring to transact private business matters over the telephone can do so and not be overheard.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 4, 1886. From Thursday's Daily.
J. H. Trask, who removed to Winfield recently, telephoned down to Snyder & Hutchison on yesterday to sell his property for $1,500. Before the middle of the afternoon the property was disposed of. If there are any more men in Winfield who have property to sell, just let us know.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 11, 1886. From Friday's Daily.
The telephone exchange has been moved into its new office quarters in the Johnson Loan and Trust Company's block.
[DIED: JOHN ELEY.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 18, 1886. From Thursday's Daily.
This morning the report was circulated on our streets that a man had been found dead in his bed at his boarding house. A REPUBLICAN representative soon traced the report up and learned it was true. A boarding house is kept on South Summit street in the upstairs rooms of Summit block by W. T. Murphy and wife and with them boarded the deceased, John Eley. From Mr. Murphy we gleaned the following particulars.
Some three weeks since John Eley came to his house to board; he was a carpenter by trade and has been working for Robt. Baird on the H. O. Meigs' residence. He came here from Winfield to get work and left his family, wife, and two children, to reside there while he labored here to support them. The first of the week he took a serious cold and yesterday he claimed to be feeling badly. During the afternoon he drank some alcohol, weakened with water, but did not get intoxicated. About 8 o'clock in the evening he came into the sitting room of the boarding house and asking for a light, said he "guessed he would go to bed." Mr. Murphy obtained the light and took him into his room, which is also occupied by three other boarders, Frank Smith, Wm. Parker, and Geo. McCarty, there being but two beds in the room. When the deceased had undressed and retired, he stated to Mr. Murphy that he was feeling sick at the stomach. Mr. Murphy placed a bucket beside the bed so that if he grew worse he might vomit in it, and went out. Eley lay there awake and when his bed-mate, McCarty, came in he conversed with him quite awhile. Between 10 and 11 o'clock they went to sleep, neither dreaming of what the morning would bring forth. Before daylight Mr. Murphy called to the men to get up and make ready for breakfast. They then arose and began dressing. They noticed Eley did not get up, and one of them called to him. No response was received, and then they called to Murphy to bring lights, that something was wrong with Eley. The light was brought, and a glance revealed the fact that he was dead. McCarty had slept with the corpse the greater portion of the night, as the body was cold. The authorities were immediately notified. Coroner Wells was telephoned for and Mrs. Eley was also notified, but as yet neither have come down.
A REPUBLICAN reporter was shown the corpse. He lay upon his back, head turned toward the wall, his hands pressed tightly over his heart, and his legs drawn up. He had the appearance of one sleeping, with the exception of the deadly pallor on the face. It is supposed he died of heart disease. M. McCarty took the remains to Winfield on the 5 o'clock train this afternoon for burial.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 29, 1886.
Dr. Mitchell has telephone connections with his house, and as there is night services over the wires now, night calls will be promptly attended to.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 1, 1887. From Monday's Daily.
Notice is given in another column of night service at the telephone exchange. This will be a great convenience for parties having telephones in their residences. In case of sickness they can call a physician. Several of our physicians have already put telephones in their residences and others have ordered them. It will also be a help in case of fire. The water works have a telephone. When a fire alarm is sounded, it can be at once located. A fire alarm should also be placed in the room occupied by the fire companies.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 12, 1887. From Friday's Daily.
Mable Noe and Anna Van Hook were arrested over at Geuda yesterday by the city marshal. They were wanted here for a "big time" they had night before last in rooms in the Ex-Occidental hotel building. Mable and Anna and a youth by the name of Fred Hall went on a drunken spree and during the debauch the first named fought with another prostitute by the name of Jennie Miller. The gang thought they would play it sharp on Marshal Gray and the following morning skipped for Geuda. But they were headed off by the telephone. Marshal Gray ordered their arrest and they had scarcely touched the town until they were taken in. Before Judge Bryant the gay Mable was fined $10 and costs; Anna $5 and costs. Fred Hall had his trial this morning and was fined $5 and costs. Marshal Gray ordered Noe to leave the city on the first train or he would put her in jail.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 19, 1887.
A few days ago we reported a large sale of city property to Chicago parties, which was made by telegraph. Today we report a sale by telephone to F. C. Jocelynn, also of Chicago. Mr. Jocelynn, who was in the city the first of the week, left last evening for Wichita, after looking at considerable property. This morning Lowe, Hoffman & Barron received a telephone message from him, telling them he would take the two I. Eskridge business lots on north Summit street, opposite the Gladstone Hotel, at $12,000 cash. Mr. Jocelynn is a Chicago capitalist, has large lumber interests in Wichita, and is an extensive real estate owner in Arkansas City. We are informed he contemplates the building of a large three story business block on these lots. And still we boom.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 19, 1887. From Wednesday's Daily.
By telephone we learn that Caldwell is having a boom. The Journal intends starting a daily, the first issue to come out Monday. Yesterday Caldwell voted bonds for a D. M. & A. connection and she will most likely get the Rock Island.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 5, 1887. From Wednesday's Daily
Hilliard & Keeler have put a telephone in the livery barn.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 5, 1887. From Thursday's Daily
C. G. Furry telephones over from Geuda that his town is booming. Surveyors are running lines all over the city and additions. The contract for the new hotel and bath house will be let next week.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 12, 1887. From Wednesday's Daily.
S. B. Pickel has put telephone service in his grocery store.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 26, 1887. From Saturday's Daily.
The government began its suit to annul two patents held by A. G. Bell, of the "Bell Telephone," in the United States Circuit Court in Boston, on the 14th inst.
[TELEPHONE EXCHANGE: ARKANSAS CITY.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 26, 1887. From Wednesday's Daily.
N. T. Snyder, who has for the past four years been manager of the Telephone Exchange in this city, has resigned, his resignation to take effect April 1st. Nate found that with his booming land business, he could not give the attention to the exchange that it ought to have, therefore he concluded to quit, as will be seen by the following communication. Miss Emma Theaker will succeed Mr. Snyder.
N. T. Snyder, Mgr., Arkansas City, Kansas.
DEAR SIR: I am sorry that you find it necessary to give up our business, but I suppose your booming land business must occupy all of your time. I will arrange to relieve you by the first as you request, and will try and be there by that time. I agree with you and think that Miss Theaker would make us as good a manager as any one; and I will talk with her about it when I come. Yours truly, Chas. W. McDowel, Supt.
[TELEPHONE CALL SUMMONS POLICE TO CRACKER FACTORY.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 26, 1887. From Wednesday's Daily.
Night watchman McCoy at the Cracker Factory telephoned up last evening for Marshal Gray to come down immediately, that someone was trying to rob the cracker factory. The marshal and policeman Thompson started down. When they arrived they found McCoy standing in the door with revolver in hand. He didn't want to let them in: he thought they were burglars too. He told them that someone was throwing rocks at the factory; that he couldn't tell whether they were on the inside or out. He was badly scared. The trio then began searching the institution over for burglars. On arriving at the third story of the building, McCoy was the first to discover a man upon his back upon a candy table with a long butcher knife in his chest. This was too much for McCoy, and he broke and ran. Upon investigation the supposed dead man proved to be a suit of old clothes stuffed with straw. Someone had successfully "put up" a scare on McCoy.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 14, 1883.
Last week the TRAVELER spoke of a number of new telephones to be put in this week, and of the effort to have a line run to Ponca Agency. In this issue we wish to present the claims of the latter line to the citizens of Arkansas City. It is simply a question of business to the merchants of this city. Mr. P. W. Bossart, superintendent of the Kansas division, and who is expected here daily, says that Hunnewell is alive to the importance of connecting the agencies and cattle ranches south of us with some trading point in the state, and is doing her best to raise the necessary funds. Now the town that gives the most assistance to this project is the town that will reap the greatest benefit. The immense advantages thereby resulting to the agency and stockmen are self-evident, and that the Territory people will throw all the trade possible into the city thus reaching out for a closer connection is the only natural conclusion. There is no doubt that Arkansas City can raise more money and receive more support at the hands of Territory residents than any other border town. Mr. J. H. Sherburne, the trader at Ponca, has offered to give $500 to such an enterprise, and we may safely count on a liberal subscription from the various cattlemen around that section whose business interests are connected with those of Arkansas City. This should be met with a corresponding liberality on the part of our businessmen, which will insure telephonic connection with various points in the Indian Territory. A line to Ponca Agency means connection with Willow Springs, Ponca, Otoe, Nez Perce (and in a very short time, Pawnee), the cattle ranches of such men as Sherburne, J. N. Florer, R. A. Houghton, the Dean boys, and others whose interests are identical with ours, besides the various new instruments which will be ordered for parties in town wishing connection with those points. But we must work for this thing, or Hunnewell will step in ahead of us, and we will see the importance of it too late.
Get this enterprise on a business basis, and the telephone company will doubtless make a proposition to the Territory people by which they may lease the line, have their own central office at Ponca, and manage the business for themselves. This can be done, and it will be done. It is only a question of a very short time. Besides forever holding the trade we already have in this direction, it will bring to our doors a large increase in revenue. Let Arkansas City merchants display their wisdom and business sagacity by taking hold of this enterprise and carrying it to a successful issue.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1883.
We were favored with a call last Thursday from P. W. Bossart, superintendent Kansas division, and E. L. Smith, general superintendent of the Missouri and Kansas Telephone Company. These gentlemen report a lively interest in the new enterprise of running a line from this city to the agencies and cattle ranches south of us, and will use their influence toward securing this much needed convenience.
In this time era the future "Chilocco Indian School" was located on a stream that later was called "Chilocco."
Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1883.
Next week a telephone will be put in the Indian industrial school on the Shilocco, six miles south of this city; one in Landes & Beall's mill, and one in their office; one in the schoolhouse, and one in A. J. Pyburn's office. Quite an effort is being made to run a line to Ponca Agency, Indian Territory, which would result in the placing of three or four more instruments here and probably one at Willow Springs, the half-way station between this city and Ponca. Our businessmen thoroughly appreciate this convenience, and there is no town in the state, of the same size, which patronizes the telephone so liberally as does Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 14, 1883.
Give us telephone connection with Ponca Agency.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 7, 1884.
Geo. L. Phillips, president, and Paul W. Bossart, superintendent of the United Telephone company, will be in our city in a few days, to look up the matter of a telephone line to the agencies in the Indian Territory. Wellington and Caldwell want the line to run south from there by the way of Hunnewell. Our merchants should at once take steps to secure this telephone line from here. If it should start from any of the towns west of us, it would cut off a large portion of our Territory trade, and we cannot afford to lose it. The stock men and all the traders and agencies are anxious for a telephone connection with the state.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 10, 1884.
Darlington, Indian Territory, now has telephone connection with Fort Reno. The wire is free to all, the expenses being paid by the businessmen of Darlington.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 28, 1885.
A special dispatch from Vinita, Indian Territory, in regard to the proceedings of the Cherokee National Council, to the Kansas City Times, of Tuesday, says:
"The railroad interests are not unrepresented. Governor Brockmeyer, agent of Jay Gould's interests in the Indian Territory, has been present; Judge Allen, of Little Rock, is still on the field. The latter is interested in an act granting the right of way to the Kansas and Arkansas Valley railroad. The bill provides for a railway, telegraph, and telephone line, beginning near Arkansas City, down the Valley of the Arkansas River on the north to a point opposite Ft. Smith, with a branch at or near the Verdigris River, to the Kansas line near Coffeyville. The bill guarantees safety to the nation in the present tenure of its lands, and in its present form of government, as far as the company or their successors are concerned. The closing section provides that the railroad company shall accept the right of way and grant, upon the express condition that it will neither aid, advise, or assist in any effort looking or tending toward the changing or extinguishment of the present tenure of this nation in its land, and will occupy the right of way solely for railway purposes."
The REPUBLICAN would suggest that our railroad committee place itself in correspondence with Judge Allen and see if any assistance could be rendered him from the citizens in this community in regard to the matter. It is best to strike while the iron is hot. If Arkansas City gets that road, her future as the metropolis of the Arkansas Valley is fixed. The city getting the first railroad through the Territory will be the Kansas City of Kansas. In Kansas this road is known as the Ft. Smith & Wellington.