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Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873. [Editorial.]
A home in the west more attractive than this in its location and offering a wider scope to the ambitious businessman and mechanic with a limited capital to commence a growth in business, remains as yet undiscovered.
Winfield is most favorably located along the eastern skirt of the Walnut Valley (remarkable for its fertility of soil and the abundance of fine timber lining its shores and tributaries) and presents to the weary traveler in search of a place with which to anchor his hopes of a fortune in the west a most inviting prospect.
The church and school advantages are superior to most towns of its size.
The Baptist church is a handsome stone edifice, neatly furnished with all the necessaries calculated to adore the interior of the building to make it in keeping with the exterior.
The house built by the Methodist fraternity is also a model of taste and an ornament though not yet completed. Services are held regularly every Sabbath.
A thoroughly graded school, under the supervision of Rev. Parmelee and assistant, is being taught in the elegant two-story stone school-house. Citizens point with no small degree of pride to their facilities for giving the young a foundation on which to build a useful knowledge.
Sections sixteen and thirty-six of every congressional township are set aside for school purposes and when sold to settlers, creates a fund to aid in the advancement of the school interests of the state.
The manufacturing business is fast being developed in our midst, that will invite to our town the sturdy farmers of some of the western counties that are now unknown to us.
A three and one-half story stone mill is rapidly approaching completion, built by Messrs. Bliss & Blandon, with an expenditure of twenty thousand dollars, and before it will be entirely completed will absorb at least five thousand more. This company are now introducing their superior machinery into the building and will have all in operation before the first of March. When the time arrives that will demand additions, they will be promptly made.
Andrew Koehler, a miller of experience, has a frame structure underway to be used also for milling purposes. The design to secure power by tunneling through a neck of land to gain a fall of water without damaging the stream was an original idea and will prove a flattering success.
These mills will both be run by water power, the economy of which in a country where fuel is an object, as it is here, will be realized when the profits of a year's business will be
computed.
The COURIER is read weekly by two hundred families to whom it is mailed regularly.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
A KANSAS DOMICILE. Eyes were opened in wonder and mouths distended in merriment at the introduction of a portable house, fully equipped with sleeping and culinary departments, moving gracefully up Main Street, drawn by sneezing horses, on Tuesday last. The foundation was laid on the running gear of a wagon, was framed in the most approved style, while the architecture of the building would shame those best versed in ancient and modern styles. We think it was propelled by steam, though the smoke from the pipe protruding from the roof may have emanated from the kitchen. Rents are high, and if one could be had large enough to accommodate our wife and numerous children, together with the print shop, we think she could be induced to invest a dollar.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
Removal. A. A. Jackson succeeded in moving the gallery building from the north end of town on the lot south of the livery stable.
The lower room will soon be occupied by Geo. Tapley as a saloon and billiard hall. The upper room will be used as a public hall.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
Still the work of improvement goes along, and will until some other street is commenced, for at present the vacant lots on Main street in the business portion of town are limited to a half dozen.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 25, 1873.
Careless Shooting. A gentleman, while walking along Ninth avenue, was startled by the singing of a ball in close proximity to his face; the same instant came the report of a pistol from the north part of town, giving the direction of the ball.
If you are shooting cats, have respect enough for your neighbors to chase them to the roof of a house and not shoot while they are running the top of a fence.
Serious accidents might arise from too free a use of fire-arms after night.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
Severe Storm. We hear from all quarters of stock perishing from exposure to the inclement weather. Farmers have generally cared well for their stock, but a snow-storm such as we had last Monday, accompanied by the winds, would interfere seriously with stock having the best of comforts provided them.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
Cold. From observations made by several citizens on Wednesday morning, we find that the thermometer indicated 22 degrees below zero at daylight and 18 below at sunrise.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
Fresh Arrivals. Messrs. Close & Greer received large invoices of furniture this week and are stocking their handsome rooms on Main street with a well assorted supply for furniture for this market. A heavy shipment has been made them via Wichita, and teams will start in a few days for that point to freight them over.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1873.
[STATE NEWS.]
The Wichita Land Office received about a half million dollars last year.
Fort Scott has struck oil.
Cowley County has better water and more tillable land than any county in the state.
Buffalo hunters have suffered severely this winter from the heavy storms, but the plains are dotted all over with teams.
Winfield has a more substantial growth than any town in the southwest.
The streets in Arkansas City have been named.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1873.
Facilities for Telegraphing. Through the energy of Postmaster Johnston, our citizens can now receive and send messages without a trip to Wichita. The Telegraph Company has furnished Mr. Johnston a schedule with authority to receive and transmit dispatches from this office to Wichita. A message placed in his hands in the morning will be forwarded promptly from Wichita the same evening.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 20, 1873.
Building. John Smiley, contractor and builder, informs us he has contracts ahead for six dwelling and business houses and a prospect for others as soon as the weather moderates sufficiently to commence active work.
There will be more building in Winfield the coming summer than in any town in Southern Kansas.
J. M. Boyer, Esq., will build a commodious dwelling next month.
Businessmen expecting to locate in Winfield should secure their location before all the desirable stands are monopolized.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
ADS:
J. M. REED, PAINTER, Winfield, Kansas.
All orders for House or Carriage Painting, Sign-writing, Graining, Glazing And all work in the line, attended to promptly. Shop over Rice and Ray's carpenter shop, north Main street.
B. CONOVER, PAINTER, Winfield, Kansas.
Painting, Sign-writing, Kalsomining, Paper hanging, and all kinds of work in the painting line. Leave orders at the store of L. B. Paul, Main St., one door south of Lagonda House.
T. J. JONES & CO.,
House, Sign and Ornamental Painters,
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Paper-hangers, Kalsominers, and Gilders. Work warranted.
Office and paint rooms two doors south of Winfield Bank, Main Street.
SUITS & WOOD,
Attorneys and Counsellors at Law,
Winfield, Kansas.
Will practice in all the courts of the State, U. S. District and Circuit Courts and U. S. Land Office.
WINFIELD BANK, OF J. C. FULLER.
Bank building located at corner 9th Ave. and Main St.,
Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
Fairbank, Torrance & Green have removed to their new office.
Work on the new bank building is being pushed ahead rapidly.
Charley Baker has opened a very neat billiard hall and saloon on Main street.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
Read and reflect over Hitchcock & Boyle's advertisement, new this week.
AD: HITCHCOCK & BOYLE, Proprietors of the OLD RELIABLE General Store. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL Dealers in EVERYTHING. AN EXAMINATION of our stock and prices will convince the closest buyer that we are selling goods at BOTTOM PRICES for cash.
SPECIALTY: Fair dealing with all.
[No street address given.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
Capt. Folks of the Oxford Press called on the COURIER this week.
Maj. Durrow, of Junction City, and Judge Aiken of Augusta, interviewed us this week on railroad matters.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
Capt. R. S. Walker called on us. He has lately returned from a trip to Texas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
100 bushels large Peach Blow Potatoes for $1.00 per bushel at C. C. Stevens.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
McMillen & Shields, at Old Log Store, are now prepared to supply Dealers with Flour at Wichita prices. They have just received a nice and large lot of Dried Fruits.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
28,000 lbs. Graded Flour at Old Log Store.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
ADS.
LAGONDA HOUSE...S. A. WEIR & CO., Proprietors.
Corner of Main and Eighth.
HUDSON HOUSE, ROBERT HUDSON, Proprietor.
AT NORTH END OF MAIN STREET.
W. H. H. MARIS, DEALER IN MERCHANDISE, DRY GOODS, ETC.
Southwest Corner Main and Eighth.
C. C. STEVENS, DEALER IN GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, BOOTS, ETC.
SECOND DOOR BELOW CORNER NINTH AND MAIN.
MRS. L. H. HOWARD, MILLINERY, ETC.
ONE DOOR NORTH OF LOG STORE.
G. W. MARTIN, BOOT AND SHOE MAKER.
MAIN STREET, NEXT DOOR SOUTH OF C. C. STEVENS' GROCERY.
RESTAURANT, GEO. FISHER, Proprietor.
West Side of Main Street.
McMILLEN & SHIELD, GENERAL DEALERS IN MERCHANDISE, DRY GOODS, ETC. AT OLD LOG STORE, WEST SIDE MAIN STREET.
A. H. GREEN. ATTORNEY AT LAW.
Office on Main Street.
FAIRBANK & TORRANCE [J. B. FAIRBANK/E. S. TORRANCE]
ATTORNEYS AT LAW. OFFICE ON EAST MAIN STREET, OPPOSITE THE COURT HOUSE.
T. G. PEYTON, M. D.
OFFICE ON EAST MAIN STREET, IN POST OFFICE BUILDING.
D. N. EGBERT, Jr., M. D.
Office in Smith's Building, first door north of the Post-office, second story, front room.
CLOSE & GREER, DEALERS IN SCHOOL AND HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE.
EAST MAIN STREET, ONE DOOR SOUTH OF CAPT. DAVIS' LIVERY STABLE.
J. W. JOHNSTON, RETAIL DEALER IN FURNITURE. CABINET MAKER AND UNDERTAKER. ON WEST SIDE MAIN STREET, OPPOSITE HITCHCOCK & BOYLE'S.
S. H. MYTON, DEALER IN HARDWARE, ETC.
WEST SIDE MAIN STREET, TWO DOORS NORTH OF LOG STORE.
H. BROTHERTON, DEALER IN HARDWARE CUTLERY, NAILS, ETC.
STORE ON MAIN STREET SOUTH OF POST OFFICE.
PEYTON & DAVIS [T. G. PEYTON/CAPT. E. DAVIS], Proprietors, LAGONDA HOUSE, CORNER MAIN AND 8TH STREETS, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
ELLIS & BLACK, GENERAL DEALERS IN GROCERIES, DRY GOODS, ETC.
CORNER OF MAIN AND NINTH STREET.
S. DARRAH, LIVERY AND FEED STABLE.
STABLE ON EIGHTH AVENUE, EAST OF THE LAGONDA HOUSE.
W. M. BOYER, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, & NEWS DEALER.
No address given.
BRADISH HOUSE. MRS. C. M. BRADISH, Prop. ROBT. CAMP, CLERK.
10TH AVENUE, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
J. N. YERGER, JEWELER.
IN BANK BUILDING ON EAST SIDE MAIN STREET, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
H. ADAMS, BARBER AND HAIR-DRESSER.
OPPOSITE CAPT. DAVIS' LIVERY STABLE.
SMILEY & RANDALL, CARPENTERS AND JOINERS.
[J. W. SMILEY / I. W. RANDALL] Address not given.
LELAND J. WEBB, LAWYER AND NOTARY PUBLIC.
Office in Boyer's News Depot, Main St.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
FLORAL, Cowley Co., Mar. 10, 1873.
Last October the undersigned landed in Cowley county, and took a claim in Richland township, twelve miles northeast of Winfield.
Before coming here I had been induced to believe that this part of Kansas had been settled, to a very great extent, with a rough class of western pioneers, such as generally follow in the wake of the retreating Red man and buffalo. But never was a man possessed of a more erroneous idea. I have had unusual facilities this winter of observing the character and habits of the citizens of a good portion of the county, and I am compelled to say that I have never met with a more agreeable, honest, sober, and intelligent class of people in any country, old or new. And considering the length of time that the country has been open for settlement, the progress made in improvements is entirely beyond precedent. Why, in many places, especially in the valleys, it begins to look like an old country; good houses, barns, and farms.
But the most commendable feature in the line of improvements is the splendid school houses being erected, or already completed, all over the country. Old Fogy may dwell among such an enterprising people, but he must of necessity occupy a back seat.
I had the pleasure of being present at two exhibitions
given at the Darien school house on the Walnut Valley, Feb. 28th and March
5thCat
the close of the first term taught in the house.
L. Reed, teacher.
The house although an unusually large one, was crowded early the first evening to overflowing, and quite a number came who were unable to gain admittance. The exhibition was an entire success in every particular. The selections were good and well performed. The essays, and a newspaper gotten up by the students, were such as would do credit to any community. We could not help noticing throughout the performance a tendency among the young lady performers to give the old bachelors a thrust at every available opportunity; that's a commendable spirit. In fact, I think it would be a good thing for the community to put all the old bachelors up at auction and sell them to the highest maiden bidder, such a proceeding might be a benefit to your humble servant.
But to resume my narrative. Perhaps the most noticeable feature in the entertainment was the music which consisted of both vocal and instrumental; the instruments were an organ, and one tenor and one bass viol. The violin was played by a musician from the vicinity of Dutch Creek, the bass by Mr. Palmer of Winfield. The accompaniment was played by Miss Emma Leffingwell, a member of the school. Miss Leffingwell certainly possesses rare musical talents, and is in a fair way of becoming a great organist.
The second exhibition was given in aid of the school, 20 cents admission, and consisted of almost an entirely new programme. The house was well filled but not so badly crowded as at the first, if not more so. Instrumental music same except that Mr. Palmer was not present. Had some excellent songs sung by Mrs. C. L. Reed, Miss E. Leffingwell, Miss Ida Davis, and Miss Mary Akers. But the feature of the last exhibition was the "String-bean-Band"; we think that Barnum would do well to employ that set of minstrels to travel with his new show next summer. Mr. C. L. Reed is certainly entitled to great praise for the able manner in which he conducted the exhibitions.
I cannot help expressing here my sincere thanks for the kind and hospitable manner in which your correspondent, though a total stranger, was entertained during the exhibitions by Mr. Wm. Grow and his amiable mother, who live in the vicinity of the schoolhouse. Mr. Grow possesses a fine farm and residence, and how he can live a bachelor life among all those blooming maidens that about in the Walnut Valley, is entirely beyond our comprehension.
W. H. S.
NOTE: CHANGE IN EDITOR!
ON MARCH 20, 1873, IT WAS WADDELL...NOW IT IS
JAMES KELLY, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. WOW!
[THE WINFIELD COURIER, VOLUME I., NUMBER 12.]
JAMES KELLY, EDITOR.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1873.
Valedictory.
Today we close our interests and associations with the
WINFIELD COURIER, and bid adieu to an extensive circle of true and warm hearted friends.
For our course as editor and publisher of a newspaper devoted to politics, the general interests of Cowley county, etc., we refer to our files; there they are, our record, we are proud of them; they suit us exactly; we shall feel gratified if they have suited our readers; but, whether they have or not, there are no erasures to be made, nothing said that we wish to retract.
While submitting our views for the criticisms of the public, we have been no tool for any person, faction, or clique; have always said and done just what we thought was best, and just as we shall do hereafter in whatever position we may be placed.
For our successor, James Kelly, we bespeak success. He enters here with our kindest wishes in every respect: that he is a reliable man, and a Republican, no one will question. May he be rewarded according to his merit.
To all our friends we say most respectful and heart felt adieu.
R. S. WADDELL.
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[JAMES KELLY: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.]
WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1873.
Having assumed control of the COURIER, a word from me now may pave the way for a quicker and better understanding
hereafter.
Without being advised or solicited to do so, without a word of encouragement, or a promise of help from anybody; without one dollar of aid or the pledge of one dollar from anyone, I have purchased the entire Winfield COURIER outfit, and shall settle down to publishing a newspaper in Winfield in good earnest.
I have no friends to reward or enemies to punish; I have no alliances, and seek none; but with steady faith and honest purpose, I hope to win the respect and confidence of all.
The COURIER will support no unworthy measures or men knowingly. Its highest and first aim will be to establish a reputation for reliability; then the highway to usefulness to the reader and profit to the publishers will be opened.
The COURIER will be the friend of the best interests of Cowley county.
In party matters this paper will be Republican and especially solicits the support of the Republicans of the county.
Its columns will be open to a respectable discussion of all local questions or matters of general interest.
Hoping for a generous welcome to this new sphere, from the people of Cowley, and craving a charitable construction for whatever of censurable character may appear in the paper, I am hopefully and timorously, JAMES KELLY.
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Mr. Kelly will fill all the subscriptions for the COURIER as shown by the books.
R. S. W. & Co.
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[SILVERDALE: ONE MAN KILLED AND ANOTHER WOUNDED.]
WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 27, 1873.
A TERRIBLE AFFRAY.
One Man Killed and Another Wounded.
From Mr. Gilstrap of Silverdale we learn the following.
On Saturday morning last four men traveling horseback were in camp at Hilton's crossing of Grouse creek below Silverdale in this county, and about daylight four men in a spring wagon rode up to the horseback party, and enquired for stolen horses, whereupon one of the horseback party drew a revolver and discharged two shots at Van Orm, a deputy U. S. Marshal, one of the party in search of horses, and at the third shot killed Parker, another of Van Orm's party, the ball passing clear through his body. At the time Parker was shot he was scuffling with one John Stroup for the possession of a shot gun, and which Stroup obtained when Parker fell, and turning it upon Van Orm, fired without effect; whereupon Van Orm shot Stroup in the shoulder. He now lies at the house of Mr. Gilstrap in a critical condition under arrest. Parker's body was taken back to Elgin, in Howard county, by his friends.
It appears that the horse thieves passed through Elgin Thursday or Friday last, coming west, and that the evening mail brought a poster that advertised some stolen horses and thieves that answered the description of the party, whereupon Van Orm, Parker, and two other men, citizens of Elgin, started in pursuit of the thieves with the result as above related.
[REPORT: MR. COLLINS OF ARKANSAS CITY.]
WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 27, 1873.
Mr. Collins of Arkansas City passed through town this week on his way to his home from Washington where he has been spending the winter in the interest of the Cattle Trail, Post Road, etc., across the Indian Territory.
He reports his bill status quo, and says he has the assurance that our present delegation will give all their influence for its passage. Mr. Phillips, whose opposition to any and every measure affecting the Indians is so much feared, says that a trail road not quite so wide as that heretofore proposed would receive his support.
It will be remembered that it was Mr. Collins' effort to induce Congress to neutralize a strip 5 or 10 miles in width southward from the mouth of the Walnut for a post and commercial road connecting our state direct with Texas.
When this is accomplished, and a Rail Road built up the Walnut Valley for carrying the herds of Texas cattle, which would come up this trail, we may hope that money will be more plenty and business lively in our county.
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[REPORT FROM "R. J. S." - ROCK TOWNSHIP - RAILROAD BONDS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 1873 - FRONT PAGE.
Railroad Bonds.
ROCK TOWNSHIP, APRIL 3, 1873.
Talking the other day with an old friend of mine, who lives in Vernon township, about Railroads; he made this objection: "My farm is now worth five dollars per acre; in a few years Railroads will make it worth fifty dollars; it yields just as many bushels now as it will then, but it will be assessed more then than now; therefore, I am opposed to Railroads." My friend has 160 acres, at five dollars. It is worth eight hundred dollars; at fifty dollars it will be worth eight thousand dollars. When it reaches fifty dollars, let him sell; put the eight thousand dollars in bonds at ten percent, or loan it to his neighbor on good security at one, or one and a half percent per month. His income will be eight hundred, nine hundred and sixty, or one thousand four hundred and forty dollars. Does his farm pay him now? An acre garden will furnish him all the vegetables he now raises, and his income will support him. Farming is hard work. Living on an income is easy. Or he can go West, buy cheap lands, build Railroads, and do the same thing over again. Every additional competing Railroad reduces freights. Five years ago I lived in Davis county, and after the building of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway, the grain dealers in Junction City paid for wheat what it was worth in St. Louis, less the cost of shipment. Before the building of the M. K. and T., it cost forty-seven cents a bushel to carry wheat to St. Louis; after being built, twenty-one, making a direct saving to the producer of twenty-six cents.
Assuring the average yield to be twenty-five bushels per acre, every acre brought with the produces six dollars and fifty cents more than it would have done, had the M. K. and T. Railroad not been built. [? SENTENCE DOES NOT MAKE SENSE ?] How many acres will it take to pay the additional tax placed on our land to Cowley county by the building of the Kansas and Nebraska Railway?
There will be enough saved on salt and groceries alone in Cowley county to more than pay the tax; for goods can and will de delivered in the Walnut Valley for less than they are now in Wichita. When land in Cowley county arises to fifty dollars per acre, taxes will not be as burdensome as they are now, for there will be ten times the taxable property to pay it. Many hands make light work. Many dollars make light taxes. It is the duty of every man who has the prosperity and development of our county at heart to vote for the bonds. R. J. S.
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John Stroup, the horse thief who was shot in the shoulder in the affray on Grouse Creek some weeks since, was taken possession of by a party from Howard county, who said they were going to take him back for trial. It is supposed that he never got to
Howard.
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The City Election passed off quietly, the "fusionists" winning by a large majority. We hope our Mayor elect will now go to work to settle the Town Site difficulty, and not blast the expectations of his friends and supporters.
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The Township Trustees, twenty-one in number, in this county, should have made an annual settlement with the County Board at its last meeting. At such time all the business affairs of the township are passed upon and approved or disapproved by the board. No such settlement was made except by two or three.
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An event transpired in Judge T. H. Johnson's family last Monday night that deserves mention. The Judge has a very fine Magee hog of the female persuasion that has been the charm of the neighborhood and pet of the household from infancy. Its winsome ways and docile nature drew many friends to its side, and was particularly drawing on the Judge. Under his tender care and yearning solicitude she has waxed from tender pighood to matronly hoghood. As time sped apace she manifested signs of more than maidenly proportions; whereupon the Judge's anxiety grew with the budding promise of his idol.
In the cold and snow of Monday night a path was beaten between the couch of the Judge and that of the pet in his watch for events that had "cast their shadows before." The morning dawned upon a mother and eight spotted children and joy reigned in all the household. During the day the newly elected Mayor and City Council waited upon the Judge and showered their congratulations upon him. The mother is doing as well as could be expected and is to have a lot deeded her when they get flying round loose.
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[THE LATE INDIAN MASSACRE: ARTICLE BY A. R. NAYLOR.]
WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 10, 1873.
[For the Winfield COURIER.]
The Late Indian Massacre.
On the 19th of March, a band of Cheyenne Indians attacked, and killed a party of surveyors, consisting of four men, of which party Mr. Edgar N. Demming, son of Mr. A. N. Demming of Arkansas City, was the compassman. Mr. Demming, being the leader of the surveying party, is supposed to be the reason why he was the only one of the party who was scalped by the Indians. Mr. Demming was a promising young man, 19 years and 4 months of age. Immediately upon the report of this sad occurrence reaching Arkansas City, a company of 32 men, well armed, went out to recover, if possible, the bodies of those who were killed, and bring them home for interment. The company found all the bodies near together, where they had fallen. The brought the remains of E. N. Demming home today, and he was buried here at one o'clock p.m., April 7th. There others were so mutilated to render removal impossible, and they gave them a Christian burial where they had fallen. This was on the Cimaron river, about 150 miles southwest from Arkansas City. Captain Turner's surveying party, who were near the same place, and the mule supply teams have all come in safely without any loss. I was present at the burial off E. N. Demming. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a very large number was in attendance.
A. R. NAYLOR.
NOTE: HE EVIDENTLY WROTE "DEMMING"...ALSO CIMARON RIVER.
COULD THESE BE WRONG?
FIRST ITEM CONCERNING THIS FROM TRAVELER HAD "DEMING."
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[EDITORIAL PAGE: JAMES KELLY, EDITOR.]
WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1873.
GLORY ENOUGH!!
The Bonds Carried by 300 Majority!!
THE CARS COMING!!
The latest returns from the various precincts assure us that the bonds in favor of the Kansas and Nebraska Railroad have been voted by about three hundred majority. The company proposes to go to work at once, and expect to have the grading all done to Winfield before the ground freezes next winter. The company is perfectly able to push things, since they are backed by all the capital necessary to complete so vast an enterprise. Maj. Durrow, the energetic and whole-souled chief engineer of the road, will return to Junction City and put men at work upon the line as soon as the votes are canvassed, and ere long the iron horse will wake the echoes of the Walnut Valley.
DID NOT BOTHER TO GIVE FOR/AGAINST BONDS BREAKDOWN!
TOTAL AGAINST: 798. TOTAL FOR: 1,138.
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Town Site Suit Settled.
The following glorious news for the people of Winfield was received by the Clerk of the District court of Cowley county last Saturday.
SUPREME COURT,
THE STATE OF KANSAS. ss.
To the District Court within and for the 13th Judicial District, Cowley county, Kansas, Greeting:
WHEREAS, In a certain civil action lately pending before you, wherein Enoch Maris et al were Plaintiffs and the Winfield Town Co. were Defendants, a Judgment was rendered by you in favor of the said E. Maris et als on a transcript of which Judgment and record said Winfield Town Company prosecuted a petition in error in the Supreme Court within and for the state of Kansas.
AND WHEREAS, At the January term of said Supreme Court,
A. D 1873, on consideration of the said petition in error, it was ordered and adjudged by the said Supreme Court, that the said Judgment of the court below be reversed with cost, and the cause remanded for further proceedings, you are therefore commanded, that without delay, you cause execution to be had of the said Judgment of the Supreme Court, according to Law the said petition in error to the contrary notwithstanding.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Supreme Court, affixed at my office in the City of Topeka on the 9th day of April A. D. 1873.
A. HAMMATT, Clerk.
Thus the vexed suit to set aside the deeds made by the Probate Judge to the Winfield Town Company is now settled and everybody can take hold in earnest to make Winfield what it ought to be--the queen of the Walnut Valley. We have never taken sides in this controversy because it was in the Courts and different persons had different views. Now that Mr. Maris is out of court with his suit, there is nothing in the way of making a prosperous town of Winfield. The town company is also now in a position where it can afford to be generous and pursue a policy that shall contribute largely to the fullest development of the town.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 17, 1873.
Courier Office Removed.
THE COURIER OFFICE will be removed next week into the room heretofore used by the county as Court room and county offices. Remember the place--second floor of Old Log Store building. Our friends are requested to call and see us in our new quarters.
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All of the city ordinances enacted by the old council took effect on the 15th inst.
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School will begin again next Monday. Rev. Parmelee and Miss Tucker, teachers.
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Dr. Egbert his removed his office to his new building on Ninth Avenue, opposite Alexander & Saffold's law office.
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The Social at C. A. Bliss is postponed due to inclement weather.
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J. C. Fuller has removed the old town company building on the lot south of Maris & Baldwin. He proposes to finish it up in neat style, suitable for a store room.
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The County Officers will take up their beds and walk--from the Old Log Store building to the second story of the old town company building.
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One McCullough, a horse thief who was caught in the act of selling a stolen horse in Wichita, was taken out into the brush along the Arkansas and lost. He ne'er will steal a horse again.
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The King Wrought Iron Bridge Manufactory and iron works, located at Topeka with a capital of $1,000,000, the largest and completest bridge manufactory on the continent, are preparing to furnish and erect all kinds of bridges. The King Wrought Iron Bridge and Railroad Bridges are specialties. They also manufacture store fronts, window sills and caps, and columns.
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Last Monday, Mr. Bellmire, the beer manufacturer, sent us a full eight gallon keg of beer. To say the least of it, is to pronounce it good, and we have been happy ever since--salubriously happy. Mr. Bellmire is now manufacturing a very good article of beer, and he keeps on hand a sufficient quantity to accommodate his patrons at any time. We also learn that he has rented the large stone building situated half a mile south of the brewery, and that he will hereafter give a social hop on every Thursday evening.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 24, 1873.
Col. J. M. Alexander started for Leavenworth last Sunday.
The bricklayers are putting the finishing touch to the walls of the new bank building.
Friend Kirk is doing a brisk business at blacksmithing since moving his shop nearer the center of business.
Judge Jackson has moved the county clerk's office into the upper story of his building next door south of Davis' livery stable.
W. W. Walton has moved his office upstairs in the District Clerk's office over the old log store.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 24, 1873.]
Burt Covert after a two weeks' illness, is again perambulating the streets. We are glad to see you around again, Burrt.
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Several noted dogs have left town, not having the necessary one dollar to pay their tax under the late ruling of our City administration.
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The many new houses just erected on Meanor addition add much to the appearance to the south side of our young City.
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Mr. W. W. Andrews tells us he intends burning 500,000 brick this season. We hope he will have good luck for there will be a demand for all of them.
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Fire! Fire! was the horrible cry that smote our ear last Tuesday morning and all hands from the Editor to the "Devil" went pell, mell, down the street to assist, if need be, in extinguishing the flames, but fortunately the fire was put out before it could do any damage. The house is occupied by Mr. Suit, Esq., and is a one story stone building. Our citizens cannot be too careful in guarding against fires in this windy country.
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The Baptist Sociable was held at the residence of C. A. Bliss last Friday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss, Mrs. Jennie Tousey, and Spencer Bliss constituted a reception committee. The church will gain by $17.75.
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Quite a little breeze occurred at the Thomasville dance on Monday night last, in which there were several heads cracked and some wild shooting done. It seems that a young man from up about Nennescah came down there with the intention of running the dance, to which some of the boys objected, causing quite a disturbance. The proprietors of the Winfield brewery had hauled over a few kegs of lager to sell to the thirsty and having taken sides with the belligerents during the melee, the victors demolished their entire outfit and sent them home in sorrow. Several of our young folks from town were in attendance but none were seriously injured, only a little frightened.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 1, 1873.]
KILLED. Frank Triplett, a brother of Goldie Triplett, once a resident of this place, was killed in a duel near Salina in this State. An exchange says:
"Both were young gentlemen of good family, and with every prospect of long and happy lives before them. At the second fire Triplett fell dead, shot through the heart, and lived but a moment. Bates was shot through the shoulder the first fire, and through the lungs the second, and cannot possibly recover. Triplett was a young man of unusual promise, being something of a poet, an artist, and we believe was a graduate of law and medicine. Thus are two young lives cut off to satisfy a point of honor.
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Parlor Saloon and Billiard Hall. At an expense of upward $3,000, Mance Pickering has furnished and fitted out complete the finest saloon and Billiard Hall in this part of the state. He has leased the property known as the Town Company building for one year, and the interior as well as the exterior improvements made on the building surpasses any like improvements in the city. The second floor will be exclusively a billiard hall while the saloon and one billiard table will be kept on the first floor. Mance proposes to open out tonight, in best style, and tomorrow evening he will give "Free Lunch," with music, etc. The thirsty are specially invited to call and partake of anything in the line of drink, and consequently feel happy.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 8, 1873.
Quite a number of strangers in town this week, among others we had the pleasure of a call from Judge M. S. Adams of Leavenworth.
The opening of Manse's last week was a very fine affair; the music was by Kirby, Parmer, and Steinbarger.
G. W. Martin's house is now ready for occupancy. We may expect soon to see a bird in that martin box.
SEE NEXT PAGE...WENT TO MAY 15, 1873, ISSUE FOR HIS AD!
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PHOTOGRAPHS! PHOTOGRAPHS!
T. M. CONCANNON
Wishes to inform the Citizens of Winfield and surrounding country
that he has fitted up a
Fine Photography Callery
IN WINFIELD.
Where they can get any kind of a picture that is taken in the East or West, and on the shortest notice. Pictures of absent or deceased friends copied to any size, and colored up if desired. Pictures taken equally as well in cloudy as clear
weather. After an experience of over sixteen years and the largest side and sky-light in Southern Kansas, he feels no hesitancy in saying he can please all. Pictures taken in from two three three seconds. Bring on your babies and have them taken while they are in health.
Rooms East side of Main street in Jackson's building.
Instructions given in the Art on reasonable terms.
T. M. CONCANNON.
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[BIG AD PUT IN BY MANSE PICKERING: PARLOR BAR SALOON.]
WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 8, 1873.
PARLOR BAR
SALOON.
To Whom It May Concern.
Know ye, that by the payment of three hundred dollars, I am permitted to retail intoxicating liquors at my saloon.
To the wife who has a drunken husband, or a friend who is unfortunately dissipated, I say emphatically, give me notice in person of such case or cases in which you are interested, and all such shall be excluded from my bar. Let mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers do likewise and their request will be regarded; this is simply the sum and substance of the whole matter. I am licensed to sell whiskey and liquors, and I want it distinctly understood that I have no desire to sell to drunkards and minors, or the poor and destitute. I much prefer that they save their money, and apply it where it legitimately belongs, to their families. There are gentlemen, men of honor and money, who sport, and who can afford it, and with such and such only do I desire to exchange.
To this class my bar is open--none others need apply. For gentleman of such style, I have fitted up a splendid saloon, and keep constantly on hand a full stock of all kinds of the best Wines and Liquors; including Milwaukee Ales and beers, California Catawba extra fine, and unanimously acknowledged as healthy and good for the promotion of health. To those who wish to trade with me and can afford it, come and I will treat you gentlemanly and courteously. Pay your cash, choose your drinks, go about your business, and it is nobody's business but your own.
MANSE PICKERING.
Winfield, May 8, 1873.
NOTE: AD SHOWS THAT HIS FIRST NAME IS "MANSE"...NOT MANCE.
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WINFIELD COURIER - ARTICLE DESCRIBING WINFIELD/COWLEY COUNTY.
WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, MAY 8, 1873.
From the Atchison Champion.
Cowley County-Splendid Location-Excellent Water-Populous-Educational Interests-Mills, Bridges, Fair Grounds-New School Buildings and Churches-$10,000 Court House, and $2,500 School House on foot, etc.
WINFIELD, KAS., April 24, 1873.
Cowley county, Kansas, is the fifth from the east line of the State, in the southern tier of counties. It is situated mainly on the northern side of the Arkansas river, that stream flowing through the southwest portion for a distance of twenty-five or thirty miles. Walnut creek flows through the central part of the western half, from north to south, emptying into the Arkansas about two miles below Arkansas City. Grouse creek flows in the same direction through the east half, and empties into the Arkansas within the "Cherokee strip." The country is otherwise watered by Big Dutch creek, Little Dutch creek, and numerous other streams, fed by springs of excellent water; so that it is abundantly supplied with water, and is quite populous. It contains about twenty-five hundred voters. We were not a little surprised to find so many and such an excellent class of people in this border county, blooming and beautiful as these bottoms are. There is also a thick growth of timber along the streams. The soil is excellent and all kinds of crops that are raised in this climate are raised here. The county contains 4,320 quarter sections of land, all of which is suitable either for culture or
grazing.
The city of Winfield--for it was recently incorporated as such--and the surrounding country is settled up by an enlightened and intelligent as well as enterprising people. It is much here as it is in the older settled States.
Some idea of the interest they take in educational matters may be obtained from the number of school houses they have built within three or four years. Thirty-five are finished, and three are in course of construction; of these thirty-eight, thirty-seven have been and will be--as soon as completed--furnished with the patent gothic desks, and seats to correspond. There are also to be from thirty to forty additional houses built in the county the present season.
A rock school building, forty feet square and two stories, with basement, has been erected by the good people of Winfield. The furniture is of the best manufacture and latest improvements. The building will be heated by a furnace. The structure was finished in October last, at a cost of $5,000. The Teachers' Association of the Thirteenth Judicial District--embracing six counties--was held in this building last week, closing on Friday the 18th inst. Assistant State Superintendent Felter was in attendance and greatly pleased the people, and all who attended were delighted with the exercises.
An unusual degree of enterprise on the part of these people for so new a county, has been manifested in their arrangements for County Fairs. Near town, on the south, they have enclosed about twenty acres of beautiful ground with a good board fence, and furnished it with suitable buildings. The half mile track is one of the finest we have seen anywhere. It is beautifully level and smooth. Last year they furnished two fairs, an agricultural and a horse fair. At the latter there was some of the finest trotting stock in the country in attendance, including the famous Goldsmith Maid.
Two very fine bridges of Baker's patent have been built by Hobson, of Wichita, across the Walnut, one a quarter of a mile west of town, and the other three-quarters south.
We had the pleasure of a little drive around in company with Hon. L. J. Webb, to see the Fair Grounds and the two new mills, one just below the bridge on the west of town, and the other on a narrow peninsula a half mile south. The former is built of rock, three stories high. Two run of burrs have been put in, and it is the intention to add two more. It is run by water power. There is a splendid rock dam attached. Messrs. Bliss & Blandin, proprietors.
The building of the latter has been attended by a marked degree of enterprise, in the construction of a tunnel one hundred and thirty feet in length, from the Walnut above to the same stream around a bench, at a cost thus far of $5,000 or $7,000, and it will cost to complete it about as much more. The building is a three story frame, 24 x 36, and will have a basement in addition. One burr has already been put in, and it is the intention to add three more. Messrs. Koehler & Covert are the proprietors. So that this community will have no want of good mills, as well as school facilities.
Churches also are not wanting. The Baptists and Methodists have each a neat church in Winfield. The former is stone and the latter frame. There are also organizations of the Presbyterian, Congregationalist, and Christian societies.
Besides, the County Commissioners have advertised for bids for the purpose of erecting a $10,000 courthouse. The proposition was first made on condition the city would build a $2,500 jail, which the City Council has accepted. We saw the plans and specifications of the courthouse, which is to be a two story brick, 40 x 50, with stone finish. The first floor will contain eight offices and a hall eight feet wide. The courtroom will occupy the entire upper story, except space for the stairways. The bonds have been negotiated; and the City Council have appointed a committee to perfect plans and specifications for the erection of a jail at once.
The Kansas Nebraska Railroad, which is to intercept the C. B. U. P. Road, is to pass through Winfield. Subsidies to the amount of $150,000 have been voted by this county takes that amount of the railroad stock.
At present daily stages of the Southwestern Stage and Omnibus Company run north and south from Arkansas City to Wichita. A tri-weekly line is also run to Independence (east) and the same to Oxford and Wellington, west.
Winfield polls about 170 votes, which would give it a population of 700 to 800.
Two newspapers are very well sustained, viz, the Winfield COURIER and the Cowley County Telegram. The former has just removed into more convenient quarters--over the "Old Log Store"--and has a very fine office. This office does the county printing for L. J. Webb, to whom it was awarded. Jas. Kelley is the editor and proprietor. Allison & Steinbarger are editors and proprietors of the Telegram, which is a well printed, seven-column weekly, and has a good circulation.
Society here is excellent. It is like society in the old States. Last evening, through the kindness of Maj. Davis, we enjoyed the pleasure of attending an exceedingly pleasant social party at Major and Mrs. Davis' furnished suit of rooms in the Lagonda House. Mrs. Peyton, the landlady, from the old Buckeye State, was present; and Mrs. Davis, formerly of St. Joseph, and Miss Eudailey, from Kentucky. Messrs. Black and Byler entertained the company with very agreeable and beautiful, comical and sentimental songs and music, the latter upon the guitar, violin, and banjo. The music was highly appreciated by all, as well as the excellent lemonade and cake. To Mrs. Sprague, a genuine Massachusetts Yankee, the party is indebted for many a good hearty laugh.
R. A. H.
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["WILD BILL" HICKOK: ARTICLE FROM ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.]
WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, MAY 15, 1873 - FRONT PAGE.
It is disgusting to see the Eastern papers crowding in everything they can get hold of about "Wild Bill." If they only knew the real character of the man they are so want to worship, we doubt if their names would ever appear again. "Wild Bill," or Bill Hickok, is nothing more "than a drunken, reckless, murderous coward, who is treated with contempt by true border men, and who should have been hung years ago for murder of innocent men. The shooting of the "old teamster" in the back, for a small provocation, while crossing the plains in 1859, is one fact that Harper's correspondent failed to mention, and being booted out of a Leavenworth saloon by a boy bartender is another; and we might name many other similar examples of his bravery. In one or two instances he did the U. S. Government good service, but his shameful and cowardly conduct more than overbalances the good.
"Buffalo Bill" is a facsimile of the former. We have men on the border today whose names never have been glorified in print, who would not disgrace themselves with this hero of Harper,--"Wild Bill."
Arkansas City Traveler.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 15, 1873.
J. P. Short is away visiting his friends at Topeka.
Dr. Black, hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, publishes his professional card in this issue.
AD: DR. BLACK (late of Des Moines, Iowa), PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON.
Office in Jackson's Building.
Special attention given to all female diseases.
A team belonging to Mr. Culbertson ran away last Sunday--ran into Mr. Martin's wagon while he was on his way to church with his family. The wagon was upset and a horse was thrown down. Nobody was hurt.
We are under obligation to our enterprising townsman, H. P. Lacey, for a chunk of ice for the COURIER office. The boys say that Mr. Lacey is a brick, whatever that may mean.
When we said that Marshal Sheneman had all the boys in town helping him corral the dogs, we had no reference to the "handsomest Editor in Winfield." If we had meant to include him, we would have said "Curr," instead of dogs.
The story started about Frank Triplett and another man fighting a duel and both being killed is, we are informed by Goldie Triplett, without foundation. No duel was fought and nobody was killed.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1873.
The mason work on the new bank building is finished, and we venture to say that it is one of the finest buildings in this part of the state. We hope more of our businessmen will manifest the confidence in our town shown by Messrs. Read & Robinson.
Mr. Concannon showed us a patent stove pipe the other day of which he owns the right of sale. The joints screw together securely, and the general construction of the pipe proves a decided advantage over the old style in use. He offers to sell the right of sale to anyone wanting the agency.
We saw last week one of the largest hen eggs we ever saw, larger even than our boyish Easter-Sunday appetite would crave. We saw the egg at the drug store of A. H. Green. It is the property of Dr. Headrick. The egg weighed just one pound.
Mr. McMillan, of the firm of McMillan & Shields, who has been east about six week, returned home last Sunday evening. While in St. Louis and Chicago, he made large purchases of dry goods and general merchandise for his house in this place.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 15, 1873.]
A serious accident might have occurred on Main street last Friday night. A horse running at full speed carrying Master Ben Bartlow came down 9th street from the east and turned up Main and run bolt against a hitching post and rail, breaking it square off, and throwing the horse to the ground. The boy was unhurt.
C. C. Harris, Esq., one of thhe farmer boys of school district No. 21, and a member of the recently organized"Grange" of that district, came in Tuesday morning and subscribed for the COURIER.
We were shown a set of seats and desks for Schoolhouse No. 48, that were the neatest and most complete we have seen yet. They are stronger and much more convenient than the other patents we have seen, and the officers of Schools should look at them before they purchase any other as they are much cheaper. Messrs. Rice & Ray are the builders, and are worthy of the patronage of the public as they are good workmen and will give satisfaction.
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Oxford Items. Mr. Tell W. Walton of this place started for Stevenson, Barbour County, last Saturday. He has been appointed Surveyor of that county.
Arrangements are being made to have a ground Sunday school picnic at this place. The sabbath schools of Winfield, Wellington, Belle Plain, Arkansas City, and Salt Springs will have invitations to attend.
The Press occupies the only stone building in this state West of the Arkansas River.
The farmers of this vicinity are still planting large fields of cotton; they purchase the seed of Caldwell & Smith, who ship from Memphis.
Mr. Knapp, late Rev. of this place, lectured to a full house last Sunday evening. Although the late M. E. Conference, held at Arkansas City, decapitaged his sacredotal cognomen, which prevents him from preaching, but does not prevent him from drawing a full house whenever he delivers one of his interesting lectures.
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The Ladies of the Congregational church will hold an Ice Cream Sociable at the residence of Capt. John Lowrey, Wednesday evening, May 21st, 1873. A cordial invitation is extended to all.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 15, 1873.]
MARRIED. All hands were made happy last Tuesday morning when we found two splendid large cakes on our table, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Meanor, who departed this life a few days ago and launched their bark on the boisterous and tempestuous sea of matrimony. We heartily wish our friend Meanor much joy in his "new addition to Winfield."
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We had the pleasure of attending the Baptist Sociable last Tuesday evening at the residence of E. P. Hickok, Esq. [Held out in the country...several wagon loads from Winfield went.] The afternoon was spent in games of croquet and long walks through the shady groves "by the riverside."
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We clip the following local items from the Arkansas City Traveler.
Last week we saw some of the best salt we have seen in this State, manufactured by Goff & Marshall, of Salt Springs, this county. These gentlemen have their vats in working order, from which they manufacture thirty barrels of salt per week, by evaporation only. As many more vats are being made, and they will soon be able to turn out twice as much salt as at present.
Mr. Goff brought into this market yesterday 1,000 pounds of beautiful crystallized salt. All the salt needed in this locality will be furnished from the Salt Springs.
Adley Davis shot a pelican on the Arkansas river last week, that measured 8 feet 8 inches from tip to tip of wing. It was left with Mrs. L. McLaughlin to be stuffed.
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ICE CREAM, SODA WATER, GINGER BEER, AND CIDER,
At the City Bakery and Dining room. Tarrant's is the place to get a good square meal. Fresh bread, pies, and cakes always on hand. He has also fitted up a Parlor. Call and see him and bring your friends.
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JUST ARRIVED!
All aboard to see those nice new goods at the Old Log Store.
McMillan & Shields at the Old Log Store defy competition in nice goods and cheap goods. Be sure and see them--no trouble to show goods.
Double Rubber Bustles with which you can blow yourself up to the Double Grecian Bend size, or let yourself down to the common Russian Crook, at Old Log Store.
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[ARTICLE FROM TRAVELER: SHOOTING SCRAPE.]
WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 22, 1873.
Shooting Scrape and Fighting Whiskey.
For some time past, one Henry House, residing on the strip, about five miles south of this place, who was formerly a resident of Kentucky, in company with some others, engaged in the manufacture of sod corn whiskey. To evade the law, these gentlemen placed the distillery just over the Kansas line, in the Indian Territory. For several weeks, corn-meal was transported to the still and made into liquor of various kinds, rot-gut, 40 rod, fighting whiskey, etc., and all went on very pleasantly and satisfactory until on or about the 7th of April, when Wm. Magee, one of the parties, came after some of the fluid and found House drunk and abusing his wife. Magee requested House to go to bed and behave himself, to which he declined. Magee then insisted upon the latter retiring, when House, without any further argument or ceremony, brought the bottle he held in his hand in contact with Magee's jaw, thereby breaking it, whereupon Magee proceeded to chastise House in a very severe, yet scientific manner.
On the following morning young House proceeded to the cabin of Magee, for purposes known only to himself, and finding no one but Magee's brother at home, began to make hostile demonstrations on the property. Magee's brother, not exactly sanctioning his actions, let him know how disagreeable he was by letting off four or five shots from his pistol, in the direction of House's person. One ball struck House in the breast, making but a slight wound.
As soon as House was convinced that he was not welcome, he started straightaway for home, apparently as though he had pressing business. He was not scared, as his friends told us he said he was not. He probably was not accustomed to the climate.
Almost one month the matter was kept a secret, until last Monday. Magee had House arrested for assault and battery. House plead guilty and was fined $5 and costs. Arkansas City Traveler.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 22, 1873.
Capt. E. Davis started to St. Joseph on a business trip last Tuesday.
W. M. Allison has gone to Atchison to attend the editorial convention.
S. D. Pryor, Esq., has gone to Illinois on account of his health, where he hopes to regain it in a short time, provided "she's" willing.
O. N. Morris, successor to S. Darrah in the livery business, has gone to Topeka after a complete stock of livery.
E. B. Kager of Arkansas City is here assisting Mr. Sheather in the County Treasurer's office. He makes a No. 1 clerk.
Capt. Davis, the prince of liverymen, has sold an interest in his stable and stock to Mr. S. H. Fargo. Mr. Fargo seems to take hold like he had "been there" before.
The M. E. Church will meet on next Sabbath at half past 9 o'clock, for the purpose of completing the organization of a Sabbath School.
Mr. McMillan of Old Log Store notoriety, is now receiving his household furniture preparatory to making this his permanent place of residence.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 22, 1873.
W. C. Robinson, brother of M. L. Robinson, Esq., was in the city the past week visiting his friends. Mr. Robinson is one of the busy merchants of Independence, Kansas.
If you want nice fresh cocoa-nuts go to Ellis & Black's for them. "We know how it is ourself," for through the kindness of Mr. Ellis we tried them to our own satisfaction.
We had a call last Tuesday from Mr. J. S. Wooley, of Vernon township, an old acquaintance of ours and one of nature's noblemen--a good farmer.
The Real Estate Record published monthly by Walton & Meigs, of Arkansas City, is a very neat record indeed. We hope it may continue to visit us regularly.
We notice neighbor T. B. Myers on the street distributing "tracts," prior to the assessment of annual taxes. Beware, T. B., don't come this way, for we have a double barrel shot gun loaded with Vinegar Bitters for you, the moment you put your foot across our door sill.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 22, 1873.]
Found. A satchel was found by me about the 15th of May, 1873, on the Wichita road, between Lazette and Timber creek. The owner can have the same by calling at my residence on Timber creek, near the Omnia post office. F. W. BALDWIN.
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The coolest thing we know of is Allison & Steinberger attempting to get the City Council to allow their bill of $5.00 for printing tickets for the last city election. But thanks to the good sense of our city fathers, for not allowing the "little bill."
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Our worthy and enterprising townsman, J. C. Blandin, has just returned from Cincinnati, Ohio, where he has been to purchase the machinery necessary for the completion of his mill. Oh, for at least one dozen more Blandin's in Winfield.
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To Claim Jumpers. Our efficient Surveyor. W. W. Walton, started yesterday to Floral to lay out a cemetery for the good people of that locality. Those who want claims of that kind can jump one without risk of contest.
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We were favored with a call yesterday from Messrs. Scull & Michner, attorneys-at-law from Brookville, Indiana. These gentlemen are looking for a location and were favorably impressed with Winfield.
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Mr. Everleth, the popular salesman of the Old Log Store, expressed from this place on last Monday to Portland, Maine, a live rattlesnake, measuring twenty-four inches in length and having five rattles and a button. Mr. Everleth was solicited by a friend in Portland to send him a specimen of the rattlesnake from this State, and we presume he has expressed the first production of the season.
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Our genial friend, M. L. Read, told us one of the "fishiest" stories the other day we have heard since the days of Jonah. He drew a bucket of water from the well for his horses, and in the water was discovered a member of the finny family quite two inches in length. It was as bright as a new made dollar, and had a striking resemblance of the sun perch. Mrs. Read gave it a cozy little home in a glass jar filled with water, where it was kept for two days and then set at liberty again in the bottom of the well. Mr. Read. indulges the belief that he has just discovered a specimen of the "first run of shad" from a subterranean outlet, which if properly attended to during the season, will establish a first-class fishery.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 22, 1873.]
Farewell Dear Bob. It is with overflowing sorrow of heart that we make this faint attempt to bid a last adieu to our staid friend and old boon companion, C. R. Mitchell, who fearless of all future conflicts and uncertainties, has rashly dashed his "little canoe" upon the surging waters of matrimony, and took unto himself for the remainder of his earthly days an amiable spouse.
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A Bloody "Mill" was fought one day last week between two of our most prominent attorneys, while conducting a "case" before his Honor, D. A. Millington. First, the lie was given--then the d__n lie, and so on ad infinitum. That style of fight was dropped, and books were gently handed from one to the other. Tiring of books, as many do, they took not to their heels, but to their fists. The "big un" let fly his left "manly," when it was handsomely stopped, and the "little un" handed him one on the left peeper. This seemed to demoralize the "giant" some, but he came up smilingly for round No. 2. This round was something like the first, except that it put a "head" on the fight. Unfortunately we were not present, and of course have to draw a little on our imagination, however, it is in the main correct.
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A splendid set of light buggy harness and one saddle for sale by J. C. Fuller, cheap for cash.
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SUDDEN DEATH. We learn of one of those very sudden and mysterious deaths of which once in a great while we see mention made through the press of the country. Mr. Beaver, a very aged gentleman, living with Robt. Rogers of Beaver township, retired to his bed on last Friday night apparently in the enjoyment of perfect health, and was in a short while afterward discovered by some member of the family to be dead. He made no complaint whatever before retiring, and certainly must have died from some mysterious, though fatal attack, without a struggle.
And however strange it may appear, this incident is also coupled with the sad story of the above: The deceased had owned with pride for many long years a faithful old horse, and was keeping him in his latter days from pure kindness of heart for the good service he had done in the past. The good old horse ate his corn and hay in the evening as usual, and lay himself down to rise no more. Upon opening the stable door next morning, he too, was found cold and stiff, having died apparently without a struggle.
A more singular or mysterious death than is recorded in this short notice, it has never befell us to chronicle.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 27, 1873.
Wheat is heading rapidly in this vicinity.
All of the varieties of vegetables are now coming into market.
We learn there is a movement on foot to organize a farmers' "Grange" in Beaver Township.
Major Durrow gave us a friendly call Monday last. He reports our railroad prospects away above par.
Capt. McDermott, our worthy representative, paid us a visit this week. Also, Dempsey Elliot, Esq., Mac's partner in law and real estate business.
Lew. Jewett was in the city this week, representing the wholesale grocery house of Long Bros. in Kansas City.
Our genial friend, A. H. Green, has received at his drug store a very fine Soda fountain, and is now dealing out the cooling beverage to the thirsty.
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The dam of Messrs. Bliss & Blandin's fine flouring mills at this place was washed out last Sunday. This was one of the finest pieces of masonry in the country, and built at an enormous cost. The cause of its giving way is no doubt owing to the fact that the west end of the dam was not completed in its circle as it was intended to be finished.
The high waters of the Walnut for the past ten days have done considerable damage to crops on the bottom lands, and if it continues to rise another week as it has the past, it will be decidedly disastrous to farming prospects.
P.S. Since writing the above the Walnut has risen several feet and it is believed by the oldest settlers to be higher than ever seen before. Messrs. Bliss & Blandin will, as soon as the waters fall, begin the work of rebuilding their dam.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 5, 1873.
Captain Davis will have the finest residence in the city when completed.
The high waters are still on the rampage--more rain every other day.
There will be services at the Baptist Church Sunday morning at 10 o'clock. Preaching by the Rev. Mr. Platter, Presbyterian Minister.
L. J. Webb has just received a new lot of the choicest Havana cigars.
The ladies of the Congregational Church will give an Ice Cream Sociable next Wednesday evening at the Lagonda House.
The many friends of Mrs. L. J. Webb will be pleased to learn of her return to Winfield. Her eastern visit must have been of a very pleasant nature, as she is now the picture of perfect health.
We had the pleasure of a call from Dr. Walmsley of Ninescah, accompanied by John Guyman [? Gayman ?] and John B. Noffinger. These gentlemen are old citizens of Cowley, genuine Republicans, and good fellows.
O. N. Morris, the Liveryman, has returned from Topeka. He brings with him some fine livery stock for his stables in this place. He also brought his family back with him and will make this his future place of residence.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.
The glass for the front of M. L. Reed's Bank have been received and when they are put in, the finishing touches will be about completed. The glass are six feet ten inches high by four feet five inches wide. There are few buildings in this part of the state that presents the general appearance or that have cost more than this.
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A chase after a buffalo will come off at Belle Plaine on the Fourth of July. A buffalo cow recently captured at that place will be offered as the prize to the first man who can catch her with horse and lariat. This will be a splendid opportunity for the "fast" riders of Winfield to try their hand.
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We were shown a copy of the Coffeyville Courier, published by White & Chatham, Coffeyville, Montgomery Co., Kansas. The latter gentleman is a nephew of our esteemed fellow citizen, Judge T. B. Ross. [NOTE: BOTH TIMES THEY HAD "COFFEEVILLE".]
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 5, 1873.]
J. H. Miller, Esq., of Richland township, brought to our office last Saturday either the petrified neck and head of an antelope or the most perfect formation of rock representing an antelope, we have ever seen. Fifty cents will admit anyone to our "what is it" show.
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We had the pleasure of a drive with our friend, John Farris, the gentlemanly and accomplished clerk of the Bradish House, last Monday evening across the "divide" to the Arkansas river. John drove a pair of superb sorrels belonging to the extensive stables of Davis & Fargo.
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Returning. Parties who went from this portion of country to Texas have mostly returned. Their object in going was to obtain employment and make money more rapidly than here. They failed in both, and are content to stay at home in future "and see the thing through." Those who still remain are complaining of miserable water and hot weather. We know that some of them consider Kansas a more pleasant place to live in than Texas.
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We received a correspondence from Upper Dutch giving in detail the results of the recent storm up there, but in some way it has become misplaced and we are deprived of its use.
We learn, however, that Edward Deland was the principal sufferer in that vicinity, his house being blown to pieces and his wife seriously injured by a falling timber. The other members of the family escaped with but slight bruises. A great many out-houses were blown down, and some stock injured, but aside from this, we have heard of nothing more serious.
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The County Commissioners last Saturday acted upon the county building matter, and designated the square in the east part of the city, which was tendered the county by the Town Company, as the block upon which shall be erected the county buildings. Messrs. Bailey and Sloan were awarded the contract for the building of the courthouse, and steps will be taken by them immediately to begin the work.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 5, 1873.]
The other day a saloon keeper of this place pounced upon and severely mangled and bruised an inoffensive man while quietly transacting business in a law office, then rushed before a magistrate, was complained of by a friend for assault and battery. The plea is guilty. The Justice of the peace without any knowledge of the aggravation of the offense, and possibly desirous of knowing nothing, imposes a fine of $2.50. Here is an offense, perhaps meriting a year of imprisonment, that is atoned by a fine of $2.50. We don't know which to condemn most; the assault of the man on Bihlmair, or the outrage of the magistrate upon law and order.
How long shall these things be.
[EDITORIAL PAGE.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 12, 1873.
Deputy U. S. Marshal S. S. Peterson, of Parker, Montgomery County, Kansas, has just made official return of the State Warrant issued against James Stewart, one of the horse thieves who killed U. S. Marshal Parker on Grouse Creek last winter.
It will be remembered that the last heard of Stewart was when he broke jail in Missouri, and from there no trace of him could be found until Mr. Peterson, with his four years active experience on Kansas borders, took the matter in hand and traced him through, found and captured him in Iroquois County, Illinois, on the 21st day of May, ultimo. Steward is now lodged in jail at Emporia awaiting his trial at the July term of our court.
John Stroup, the horse thief that was wounded at the same time Parker was killed, was taken from the officers by a posse of armed men and hung in Howard County, a few days after the fight occurred.
Thos. Davis and John Tussey have not yet been caught, but with Marshal Peterson like a blood hound on their trail, they may yet expect a speedy capture and the just retribution that so surely awaits them.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 12, 1873.
C. L. Rood, of Darien, gave us a friendly call. Mr. Rood stands second to none in the role of school teachers in our county.
Rev. Mr. Platter, our new Presbyterian minister, preached a very able sermon at the stone church last Sabbath.
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Work on Bliss & Blandin's mill dam is going ahead rapidly, and but a short while is required to complete the job. They have not lost half a days' grinding by the high waters.
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Our genial friend, McMillan, of the old log store, was made happy one day last week by the arrival of his family from Ohio. Mac makes this his future place of residence.
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The Masons of Arkansas City will hold a basket picnic at Endicott's grove the 24th. All Masons in good standing are invited, with their friends.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 12, 1873.]
Mr. Yule, living one mile north of town, while getting corn out of his crip to feed his horses on last Friday night, was bitten on the left wrist by a rattlesnake. Mr. Yule immediately jumped upon a horse and came into town, and had his hand treated by a physician. He is now doing well, although his arm is considerably swollen yet.
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Wheat. W. W. Walton brought into the office on last Tuesday some of the finest wheat we have seen in the county. He plucked the heads from a forty acre field belonging to Mr. C. S. Smith, who lives seven miles west of town in the Arkansas river bottom. Mr. Smith has 22 acres of May wheat and 18 of Mediterranean, besides quite a large field of spring wheat. The winter wheat was sown on corn stubble and plowed in with a turning plow last September, and the yield from present indications will not be less than thirty bushels per acre.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 19, 1873.
Prairie chickens are reported to be more abundant this season than for many years.
"Richard himself again." The Parlor Bar, which, owing to a "little unpleasantness," was for a short time closed, has opened up once more, and Manse is again prepared to wait upon his numerous customers with anything in the drinking line.
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Mr. J. W. Johnson, the popular furniture manufacturer, has built him a new shop, and moved into it, on the east side of Main St., three doors south of the Post Office, where he will be pleased to greet old and new customers, and fill all orders in his line of business.
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Our efficient County Recorder, Mr. J. F. Paul, and his lady, returned to Winfield this week. Mr. Paul has been in St. Louis about two months under the treatment of skilled physicians for the recovery of his eye-sight, and we are pleased to note the improvement effected.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 19, 1873.]
S. D. Pryor, Esq., has returned from his eastern visit and certainly bears evidence of kind treatment while away.
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New Law Firm. It will be seen by reference to the law card of L. J. Webb, Esq., that he has associated with him in the practice of the profession Mr. J. C. Bigger of St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Bigger brings with him the highest testimonials of his proficiency as a well read and enterprising young lawyer, and the new firm under its two wise heads, will no doubt share a large portion of the public patronage.
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The Winfield Cemetery Association have purchased grounds about one mile northeast of Winfield and have laid the same out for a cemetery. The lots are now ready for sale. Mr. J. H. Lund and Mr. J. D. Cochran constitute a committee for selling them. The matter of a proper place where the "dust shall return to the earth as it was," is one of great interest to every community. It is hoped that the people of this town and vicinity will, without delay, take steps for beautifying and ornamenting these grounds.
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The County Agricultural Society have their premium list completed. The time for holding the exhibition has been fixed for Sept. 16, 17, and 18. No effort will be spared to make the fair a complete success. The premiums are liberal and cover every department of industry. The president of the society,
M. A. T. Stewart, would like to make some arrangement with some person or persons to repair the fence around the grounds.
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A regular "old time" Celebration of the Fourth of July will be the order of the day in Winfield. Speakers for the occasion have accepted invitations to be present, and Sumner, Howard, and Butler counties are invited to be present and participate with us in the grandest celebration ever witnessed in the county. We expect to see five thousand people on the grounds. The fair ground will be properly arranged by building a rostrum for the speakers, and an arbor with seats for the audience. Not the least attraction of the day will be the grand races of the afternoon. Messrs. Davis & Fargo have several blooded horses that will fly around the track to the amusement of everybody, while there are several other persons preparing horses for the occasion. A basket dinner will be spread at noon, and eating, drinking, and merriment will sway the hour.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 19, 1873.]
That "Old White Hat" is here again. It is not the one worn by the illustrious philosopher, but the same old hat that M. B. Mathews wears, who is the founder of the popular Independence Commercial Nursery. This nursery has long felt the need of a good agent in Winfield, and Mr. Mathews has succeeded in securing the right man in the right place to take charge, as agent, at this place. Alonzo Howland, the well known and popular clerk at the store of C. A. Bliss, where he will take orders for all kinds of nursery stock, and warrant their delivery in health and good order. Call on Mr. Howland and leave your orders.
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Mr. J. G. Titus, having bought the meat shop of Myers & Miller, has fitted it up in the best of style and he is now prepared to supply Winfield with the best beef the county affords. He has a large farm south of town on which he keeps his stock, and thus he is enabled to sell cheaper than the cheapest. Give him a call.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 26, 1873.
Cliff. Wood has harvested his wheat.
The races on the Fourth are all the talk just now.
J. C. Fuller is now on a visit to his friends in New York.
Joseph C. Blandin has purchased a half interest in the mill of Koeler & Covert.
We are under many obligations to Mr. C. A. Bliss for bringing our ink from Wichita last week. Mr. Bliss will please accept our thanks.
The work on the County buildings have begun in earnest. The excavating preparatory to laying the foundation is just about completed, and the work will go rapidly on.
The "Parlor Bar" is sailing under new colors with Triplet "at the wheel." Lovers of billiards should visit his pleasant rooms where they can have a quiet game and get any style of fluid comfort in the business.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 26, 1873.]
MARRIED. W. L. Mullen has at last went and got married. Finding in Winfield no congenial spirit, he remembered the object of his youthful affection away off in Illinois. Thither he hasted on the wings of love, and now they are in Winfield smiling lovingly hand-in-hand across the boisterous matrimonial sea.
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Our wide awake friend, L. P. Paul, has moved his stock of groceries, Queensware, etc., into the new store room on the corner of Main and 9th Avenue. Paul is not only scriptural by name but by precept, and his many friends and customers will now find him at his new store very pleasantly situated, and prepared to sell, as usual--very cheap for cash.
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The following is an invitation sent to one of our best young men, from Shoo Fly, this week.
SOUTH HAVEN, June 23, 1873.
Mr. Ned Perkins: The company off yourself and lady are respectfully invited to attend a hugging "bee" to be given at the Poodle House tomorrow evening.
There is surely a mistake somewhere, for Ned ain't that kind of a boy!
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Palpable Negligence. More palpable negligence of duty of office we have never seen than that of Marshal Shinnman [WAY THEY SPELLED IT], allowing a regular round of assault and battery to be witnessed upon our streets without the least interference upon his part. The enraged mother absolutely jerked the little vixon clear of mother soil and spanked its "gibs sheet" in the gentle breeze, and there sat our moody Marshal chuckling at the scene. Oh! for a change.
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A picnic was held at Stanberry's Grove on the Walnut river last Friday by the patrons and School of the Blanchard district. This is the school taught by Mrs. Mina Hawkins, who as a teacher, has few superiors in the county.
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The citizens of Winfield, in pursuance to a previous call, met at the Methodist church this evening to take into consideration the subject of appropriately celebrating the 4th of July, 1873. Col. J. T. Quarles was chosen chairman, and J. C. Lillie Secretary. The various committees appointed by a former meeting were read and approved. The only principal question before the meeting was the selection of appropriate grounds upon which to hold the celebration.
It was resolved to prepare an arbor with seats and rostrum for speakers, in the nearest and best adapted grove for the purpose. The races, as heretofore advertised, to come off at 3 o'clock p.m. upon the Fair Grounds of the Cowley County Agricultural Society.
Officers of the day were chosen as follows: Chaplains, Rev. J. B. Parmelee and Lowry. Reader of the Declaration of Independence, Byron A. Snow. Marshal, Col. J. T. Quarles. Orators,
J. B. Fairbanks, Hon. Jas. McDermott, J. W. Scull, Esq.
It was ordered by the meeting to prepare grounds for the accommodation of 5,000 people.
COL. J. T. QUARLES, Chairman.
J. C. LILLIE, Secretary.
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Go to Con.'s Gallery for pictures of the Kaws. He succeeded in taking several of them as the noble red men passed through here. For sale cheap. Send them to your friends east.
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Diaries for 1873, for sale at Webb's for less than cost.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 3, 1873.
We need a number of good crossings on Main Street.
Marshall Sinnaman had plenty of business on hand last Saturday.
Our County Superintendent has the finest barrouche in the county.
E. B. Kager has gone to Topeka to make his annual settlement with the State Treasurer.
Scull & Michener have removed their law office into one of the rooms in Read's new Bank Building.
We return thanks to Mrs. John Curns for some of the finest red beets we have seen this season, raised in her garden.
The Silver Cornet Band of Winfield have recently greatly improved in several pieces of new music they are preparing to play on the 4th.
T. N. Concannon, Esq., was made extremely happy the other day by the arrival of his wife and little boy, who have been East during the spring. Con. has been wearing a "grin" on his face ever since, broader than a Georgia flap-jack, and can walk faster and straighter than any other man in town.
Manse Pickering is surely indomitable. He has purchased another entire new outfit of bar fixtures, billiard tables, liquors, cigars, etc., and opened out in regal style in his old stand on East Main Street. He has had an extra choice lot of wines and liquors, and extends a cordial invitation to his old friends and patrons to call and "take a smile" with him.
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The high winds of last Monday night blew down and completely demolished the houses on the Fair Grounds of the Cowley County Agricultural Society. The storm raged here for about three hours, and considerable damage was sustained in different parts of the county by the blowing to pieces of out houses and breaking and throwing down of corn and wheat.
[EDITORIAL PAGE: THE FOURTH AT WINFIELD.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 10, 1873.
RECAP: Grand march at 11 a.m., with at least 2,500 in march to the speakers' stand. Rev. Lowery invoked blessing; Byron A. Snow read Declaration of American Independence; John B. Fairbank, Esq., delivered oration. After lunch: address by D. C. Scull, speech by Hon. James McDermott, benediction by Rev. J. B. Parmalee. [? Parmelee ?]. March again taken up. Late in the evening a balloon ascension took place.
Funny thing: fireworks not mentioned.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 10, 1873.]
Our city was visited on Monday by C. I. Scofield, Esq.,
U. S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, and W. H. Rossington, Editor of the Commonwealth. Mr. Scofield is on a tour of inspection of the southern part of the state, the object being to give greater efficiency to the administration of justice in sections where hitherto infractions of the United States laws have been of alarmingly frequent occurrence, while arrests and convictions have been the exception not the rule. Mr. Scofield deserves the thanks of the people along the border for his energetic effort to establish security for person and property. Mr. Rossington is traveling for recreation.
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The ball given at the Lagonda House on the night of the Fourth by Messrs. Webb & Jackson was a very brilliant affair. There were fifty or sixty couples present. The supper was furnished by Mr. Peyton, proprietor of the Lagonda.
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The Silver Cornet Band of Arkansas City, composed of as genial a set of boys as ever lived, came dashing into Winfield on the 4th, fully equipped with their instruments, and with willing hearts and hands to assist "our boys" of the Winfield band in carrying out the programme of the day.
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RECAP. Thanks are given to the efficient officers and various committees appointed to carry out the programme on the Fourth. Col. J. T. Quarles was Marshal of the day, assisted by James Kelly, Esq., and W. M. Allison.
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We take pleasure in noting the completion of M. L. Read's new bank building. The contractors, Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, deserve every credit as experienced mechanics, as this piece of their work will fully testify. The material used in the construction is an extra quality of limestone rock for the foundation, and also used in the walls of the basement. The main building is of brick structure, and exhibits as fine an appearance exteriorly, as any brick block in the eastern States. The front has iron columns to support it, and the window sills are of white limestone rock and are capped with the same. The folding doors at the entrance are magnificently constructed of fine material, and grained and finished in modern style; while the large windows on each side of the door will be one solid glass, French plate, 4-1/2 feet in width and 9-1/2 feet in height.
The appointments of the building consists of basement full size of building, which is now occupied by Messrs. Miller & Meyers in the restaurant business. The second floor is exclusively occupied by the bank, and has attached every convenience desired in a banking house. The third floor is cut into rooms for office purposes, and is occupied by Messrs. Scull & Michener, attorneys; Messrs. Pryor & Kager, attorneys; J. F. Paul, Esq., County Recorder; John Curns, City Clerk; T. A. Wilkinson, County Superintendent; and E. B. Kager, Esq., County Treasurer. The building is completely occupied, and its interior, in point of finish and adaption to the business for which it is used, is not excelled by a like structure in any city.
The business energy and willing disposition so liberally manifested by Mr. Read to invest money in our town since he became a citizen, endows him with the respect and confidence of the whole public.
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Miss Mary Stewart desires to give instruction on the Piano. Whe will give lessons at her place of residence or at the residence of the pupil, if desired.
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The St. Nicholas Restaurant is just now the greatest attraction in the hotel line in the city. It is no doubt one of the best appointed Restaurants in the State, and fills a want long felt in our city. Messrs. Miller & Myers, the gentlemanly proprietors, do everything up in splendid order, and their style of keeping a well supplied table will draw them all the patronage they want.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 10, 1873.]
Removed. Messrs. Requa & Bing, Winfield's popular clothing merchants, have removed their extensive stock of clothing from their old stand on lower Main street into the store room one door north of the Post Office. They look very comfortable in their new quarters, and their stock of goods show off to much better advantage than they could be made to appear in the old store room. Their old friends and patrons are rueqested to call at the new store room, and take a peep at things as they now exist.
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Those fine specimens of fruit that we saw the other day were from H. M. Swasey's Home Nursery, where he propagates and has for sale all varieties of Orchards, Small Fruits, Forest and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, Hedge Plants, etc., which he will sell as low as the lowest. He has appointed G. C. Swasey, of Vernon Township, as his special agent for Cowley and Sumner Co.'s. With the unlimited experience G. C. has had in the Fruit Department, we are satisfied he will give entire satisfaction.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 17, 1873.
Bert Covert has returned from Emporia.
We are sorry to learn that Judge R. B. Saffold is quite sick at the Bradish House.
A land office receipt belonging to Emma F. Hall was found on the street. The owner can have the same by calling at this office.
Old Wilson Shannon is speechifying for the settlers on the Osage and Cherokee lands. If the settlers had a poor case heretofore, they have a hard case now.
Republicans of Omnia township: Wm. H. Gillard was elected Chairman, and J. M. Jenkins, Secretary.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 17, 1873.]
The St. Nicholas, under the new bank building, is now in full blast, and if you happen to be hungry that is the place to fill up, as Miller and Myers fully understand the art of catering to the wants of the hungry.
We are made happy this week with the presence of our jolly friend, E. S. Bedilion, in this office. He is filling the place of the Deputy District Clerk, W. W. Walton, who is in the east part of the county this week on a surveying expedition.
The Catalogue at the old log store under the control of Mr. Everleth has added one more cat to the list. McMillen Jr. has started a dog-main opposition. They both deserve the support of their friends.
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Our ice wagon has changed hands. Our former driver has given out. Mr. Stewart now holds the reins, and is prepared to deliver ice to any part of the city every morning, as will be seen by his advertisement in another column.
AD: ICE! Keep cool. From and after this date MR. STEWART will deliver ice every morning in any part of the city.
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The County Clerk canceled some $1,700 worth of School district Bonds, last week. Cowley County School District bonds command the very highest price in the eastern markets. This speaks well for the school management of our County.
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Several enterprising boys had the public well cleaned out the other day, but not a day before it needed it. They took out old hats, boots, cats, rabbits, rats, hoopskirts, bottles, buffalo robes, ague, billious fever, cholera, dysentery, and a variety of other diseases too numerous to mention.
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Lewis Jones, who was confined at this place for the past 5 or 6 months for the killing of M. Donnelly, at a picnic near the double-beech, in July last, was released last Monday on giving bonds in the sum of $5,000, for his appearance at the September term of the Criminal Court. His sister, Mrs. Susan Turner, is surety. Kentucky paper.
It will be remembered that this is the same Lewis Jones who shot and killed Frank Bilaland at the Lagonda House last winter and who by some defect in the law could not be punished here.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 24, 1873.
Charley Black has come home again.
Mrs. Concannon has been very ill for several days, but is now convalescent.
Charley Hays has bought the lumber yard formerly owned by E. W. Perkins.
We notice the return of E. B. Kager, who for the past few weeks has been visiting old friends in Illinois.
BIRTH. Bedilion was made happy the other day, by a little "incident" that happened in his family. It is a girl.
A water mill is now being erected on the Grouse near the mouth of Plum Creek 2 miles north of Dexter.
The people of Sumner and Cowley are agitating the erection of a free bridge across the Arkansas three miles below Oxford.
We were pleased to meet John Farris on the street the other day. He is now in Wellington, Sumner County, assisting in the Southwestern HOtel.
Rev. J. B. Parmelee is lying quite low with Cerebro Spinal Meningitis at Arkansas City. At last accounts he was considered out of danger.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 24, 1873.]
A Petition, signed by 91 citizens, voters of Winfield, has been presented to the Township Board, petitioning them to call an election for the purpose of voting $2,500 for erecting a bridge over Timber creek just north of town.
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A great many of the farmers living near the State line on the Southeast part of the county, have gone down into the Territory to break prairie for the Kaw Indians on their reservation. They think Uncle Sam is a good paymaster.
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Mr. J. C. Blandin has returned from Cincinnati, where he has been to order complete machinery for his new Tunnel Mills. As he had verything fitted up at the foundry, it will require but a few days after the machinery gets here to grind wheat.
[TUNNEL MILLS: DOES THIS DEFINITELY INDICATE THAT HE NO LONGER IS CONNECTED WITH BLISS????]
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E. P. Young, late of Pennsylvania, is building one of the finest stone residences in the county a quarter of a mile west of Tisdale. He is using the fine white magnesia limestone from the quarry of G. W. Foughty, near that place. His barn of the same material is nearly completed and presents a fine appearance when viewed from the Winfield and Tisdale road.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 24, 1873.]
Mr. E. B. Johnson, of Beaver township, is preparing to exhibit at the Fair this fall some of the finest stock that has been seen in the county. He has an imported thoroughbred Black Hawk Morgan horse, four years old, that would make the fingers of the Winfield horsemen clutch nervously to even see. He expects to carry off the blue ribbon on his fine Durham bull this fall.
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Seven families with all their stock and household goods have just arrived, and are temporarily located on the farm of Mr. Tyrell, 2-1/2 miles east of Tisdale, in Sheridan township. They have rented a house in which they are having a school taught for the benefit of their own children, by one of their number. They expect to take claims in that neighborhood, and seem well satisfied with the uplands of Cowley.
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T. B. Myers has resigned his office as Trustee of this township. J. P. Short was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to fill the vacancy.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 24, 1873.]
We have heretofore called the attention of our City Fathers to the fact that our city needed a thorough cleaning in view of the near approach of the Cholera. That dreadful scourge is in Kansas and it is the duty of everybody to prepare for it in time, and especially is it the duty of our City Council to see to it that the lives of our citizens are not imperiled through their neglect. Our streets and alleys should be thoroughly raked and scraped, and the rubbish burned. This matter should be attended to at once.
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Mrs. N. T. Tucker would respectfully solicit the patronage of all who desire sewing done, of any kind. She has a first class machine and will do stitching (when ready prepared) for one cent per yard. Tailoring will be made a specialty. Dry Goods and Groceries taken for work.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 31, 1873.
W. W. Walton and E. S. Bedilion are helping do the clerical work at this term of Court.
Billy Anderson is soon to start a livery stable at the old Dunlap stand on Main street.
Hon. William P. Hackney and Hon. James McDermott called on us yesterday evening.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 31, 1873.]
The inimitable Con. has just returned from Independence with something new of course. He brought back a large photograph of the "Scene of the Bender murder."
Read this week's correspondence from "Our Home," also one from the pen of a new correspondent, Thos. A. Walton, uncle of our Surveyor Walton), of Lawrence County, Ohio.
The ladies of the Congregational church and society will give an Ice Cream Social at the residence of Mrs. J. G. Bullene Wednesday evening Aug. 6th, 1873.
The July number of Meigs and Walton's Real Estate Record, published monthly at Arkansas City, in the Traveler office, is upon our table. It is neat in appearance, ably and spicily edited, and does credit to the office from which it emanates.
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The New Stone Culvert at the head of Main Street and the one on Tenth Avenue, are a decided improvement over those old "mud-holes" that have been standing there since we came to the country. This speaks well for our Road Overseer.
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At a meeting of the Building Committee of the Presbyterian Church, it was resolved to take steps immediately toward building a brick church which will seat over 300 people. Very encouraging subscriptions toward this object have been already received.
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Deputy Sheriff L. M. Carter of Emporia, Lyon County, who conveyed the prisoners James Steward and Frank Miller to this place for trial, expressed considerable surprise on entering the town of the Walnut Valley. He says that Winfield will vie with Emporia for business and location.
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The long talked of injunction suit to restrain the Board of County Commissioners from issuing the orders of the county to pay for the Courthouse has been commenced by Baily & Sloan. We are sorry that lack of space forbids comment this week but will pay our respects to it in our next issue.
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Last Sunday Messrs. Anderson, Hays, Houx, and Walton accepted an invitation to dine with the "Surveyor boys," at Arkansas City, where they have just arrived after completing their long and tedious contract in the Indian Territory. They say that they were well entertained and had a pleasant time, and will, we understand, soon give the boys' a complimentary supper and dance at this place.
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[ADS: WINFIELD COURIER, JULY 31, 1873.]
Wanted. Boarders, at W. W. Howard's. Two doors est of the Meat Market.
The Old Log Store is termed by some to be a bee hive, from the fact that they are most always busy.
Triplett has just received some fine California Wines, Imported Gin and Brandy, and bottled "Belfast Ginger Ale." All nice for family use.
Choice of coffee and the best of teas always on hand at the old log store.
Archie Stewart, Stone Cuttter, Mason, Bricklayer, and Plasterer is prepared to fill all orders in his line. Mr. Stewart is a good workman and guarantees to give entire satisfaction. Give him a call.
All kinds of legal blanks at Webb's.
Deeds, Bonds for deeds, Real estate Mortgages, Chattel Mortgages, etc., for sale at Webb's.
Don't fail to call at the Diamond corner as Paul wants to see you.
Diamond Corner is selling the best New Orleans flour at prices to suit the times.
Do not fail to go to the Old Log Store and see those shoes made by hand. Whole stock doubled soled and sewed, $2.00 a pair.
Great variety of cheap hosiery and notions at McMillen & Shields' old log store.
The Old Log Store (kept by McMillen & Shields) is establishing a very large trade, owing to their bringing on good goods and selling them at very reasonable rates.
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NOTES OF A TRIP TO KANSAS: W. GALLAND.]
WINFIELD COURIER, AUGUST 7, 1873 - FRONT PAGE.
[From the Bolivar Free Press.]
Notes of a Trip to Kansas.
On a lovely morning in May, A. D., 1873, might have been seen a social and hilarious trio of "Border Ruffians," wending their way to "Bleeding Kansas." To recount all the striking incidents of this, to us, eventful journey; our hair-breadth 'scapes by land and flood; our peril and happy deliverance from the demonical Bender family; how frequently we lost our equilibrium, our dog, and our way; how many rattlesnaeks we killed; how many buffalo (bones) and Indians we did not see, would not only occupy much space in your valuable paper, to the exclusion of more interesting matter and useful advertisments, but
"Would be a task as vain
As to count the drops of an April rain."
Passing through Greenfield, Carthage, Minersville, we were soon traveling the broad prairies of Kansas. Thence, westwardly, we passed through Columbus, Oswego, Independence, and Elk Falls, besides several other towns of lesser importance, and arrived at Winfield, Cowley County, May 10, 1873, after a pleasant drive of six days, having accomplished forty-five to fifty miles a day, on and over those delightful level roads in Kansas.
Our young friend and traveling companion, A. C. Goff, having left our company at Oswego, the Doctor and I were heartily welcomed and hospitably entertained at Winfield, by C. A. Bliss, Esq., and family.
Winfield, the county town of Cowley county, only three years old and counting a population of fifteen hundred souls, is beautifully and healthfully located on a gradually slping plateau, or plain, near to Walnut Creek, a stream about as large as our Sac river. The water of this stream is clear, pure, and cool, being supplied by springs, and affords an abundance of water for milling purposes throughout the year.
The flouring mill of C. A. Bliss & Co., at Winfield, is a large stone structure three or four stories high, running two pair of burrs, with power and room for six to seven more. There are one or two other water mills near to Winfield. The crops of Kansas were looking finely, and the wheat crop promised to be large, and will be especially of great benefit to the people of the state as it is their first wheat crop, and will make money for the mills.
The town of Winfield, in point of business, character, and style of its buildings, will compare favorably with most of our towns in Missouri of the same population and many more year's growth. Many of the private residences are stylish, and expensive; among the best of these is that of the home of our friend and entertainer, C. A. Bliss.
While enjoying the comforts of this pleasant house, we could hardly realize that only four years ago this county was a wild, uncultivated region, inhabited only by the roving Indian, and the buffalo roamed and grazed at will over these streets, and where blocks of costly edifices now stand, a monument to the energy, perseverance, and pioneering disposition of the people who have wrought in so short a time such a wonderful change, and who by the magic art of united efforts in will and do, have made the waste places of earth to blossom, and bring forth her richest treasures.
