THE WINFIELD COURIER.

[Covering Period January 6, 1876 - December 28, 1876.]

CENTENNIAL ISSUE.

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.

VOL. 4, NO. 1.

PRODUCED EVERY THURSDAY BY E. C. MANNING.

FRONT PAGE: HISTORY, RESOURCES AND STATISTICS OF

COWLEY COUNTY FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT TO

JANUARY 1st, A. D. 1876.

HISTORY OF COWLEY COUNTY.

On May 30th, 1854, Congress passed "An act to organize the territory of Kansas," thereby creating the territory of Kansas out of a part of what was known as Missouri Territory. The 37th parallel of north latitude west of the State of Missouri was designated as the south line of the territory of Kansas. But the act creating the territory of Kansas, as does also the act of Congress, approved Jan. 29, 1861, admitting Kansas into the Union, which also designates the 37th parallel of north latitude as the south line thereof say: The boundaries of the territory or State, or constitution thereof shall not "include any terri-tory which by treaty with such Indian tribe, is not, without the consent of such tribe to be included within the territorial limits or jurisdiction of any State or territory, but all such territory shall be excepted out of the boundaries, and constitute no part of the State of Kansas until said tribe shall signify their assent to the President of the United States to be included within said State."

At the time the territory of Kansas was created and also when the State was admitted, the Osage Indians owned and occupied a reservation fifty miles wide and over two hundred miles long. This reservation lay within about thirty miles of the east line and about three miles north of the south line of Kansas. Adjoining this reservation on the east and the south lay the Cherokee Indian lands. By the terms of the treaty whereby the Cherokee and Osages were given the lands described it was provided that said lands should never "be included within the territorial limits or jurisdiction of any State or territory."

When Cowley county was organized no relinquishment of rights or modification of treaty terms had been made by the Osages or Cherokees to the territory embraced within its limits.

Cowley county lays wholly upon Osage and Cherokee lands. The Cherokee lands lay adjoining the south line of the county and are about three miles wide, extending from the east to the west boundary.

On July 12th, 1870, Congress passed a law allowing actual settlers thereon to enter from forty to one hundred and sixty acres at $1.25 per acre of the Osage lands within this county. They were required to live upon the land six months, make certain improvements, and enter the same within one year from date of settlement. Subsequently, Congress by joint resolution gave to settlers whose time had expired without entry, a longer time in which to pay for their land. On March 2nd, 1871, the town site laws of the U. S. were extended to the Osage lands.

On May 11th, 1872, Congress passed a law allowing actual settlers thereon to enter from forty to one hundred and sixty acres of the Cherokee lands above mentioned. The terms were similar to the Osage land terms, except that all lands west of the Arkansas river (about 14,000 acres) were sold at $1.50 per acre, and all land east of said river (about 29,000 acres) were sold at $2.00 per acre. All settlement and purchase was prohibited after a certain date. That date expired and many settlers had not paid for the land. The time was extended for payment until the spring of 1875, at which time all unentered land was to have been sold in tracts of 160 acres or less to persons offering sealed bids for the same. By request of U. S. Senator J. J. Ingalls, that sale was postponed. Finally the land was sold to bidders Oct. 30, 1875. The 16th and 36th section in each township was given to the State of Kansas for school purposes and the State sells it to the highest bidder. The Osage lands in the county still remain open to settlement on the original terms. In no other way, except as above stated, could land be obtained in Cowley county from the government.

The Territorial Legislature of 1855 defined the boundaries of Hunter county, embracing the present territory of Cowley and twenty miles of Butler. In 1864 the Kansas State Legislature annihilated Hunter county by extending the boundaries of Butler to embrace all the territory south of township 21, east of the 6th principal meridian, down to the State line and west of range 10. On March 3rd, 1867, the Kansas Legislature defined the boundaries of several counties, and Cowley was among the number. It was named by Gov. S. J. Crawford in honor of Lieut. Mathew Cowley, a soldier of the 9th Kansas regiment, who died at Little Rock, Arkansas, August 1864.

This act made the county thirty-three miles square, bounded on the north by Butler, on the east by Howard (now Elk and Chautauqua), on the south by the Indian Territory, on the west by Sumner counties. At this time there was not a white settler in the county. It was the home of the red man.

In August, 1868, N. J. Thompson, the first white settler, ventured within its limits. He built a house on the east bank of the Walnut river, about one mile below the line. The fame of its many beautiful streams, groves of heavy timber, rich valleys, and inviting prairies was attracting attention in the State. In the spring of 1869 several young men took claims along the Walnut river and built claim cabins. Judge T. B. Ross and James Renfro came into the county in January of 1869 and commenced work upon claim houses into which they moved with their families in the March following. They reside upon the same claims about two and a half miles above Winfield on the east bank of the Walnut. These with Wm. Quimby and family, and Mr. Sales and family, who settled on the Walnut just below Thompson's place in December, 1868, were the first settlers with families of whom any evidence can be found. At this time there was no house on Grouse creek, nor upon the Arkansas river below Wichita.

Sometime in the month of June, 1869, C. M. Wood brought some flour, bacon, and groceries down to sell to Indians and settlers. He left his goods at the house of James Renfro's and erected on the rise of ground a few rods east of where Bliss & Co.'s grist mill now stands, a small building by setting puncheons in the ground and covering them. He moved his goods into it in July following. The Osage Indians attempted to take some of his goods away from him shortly after and he drove them away, but concluded to return his goods to Renfro's for safety. Soon after the goods were moved, the Indians burned the house down.

In June of 1869 E. C. Manning helped P. Y. Becker erect a claim cabin in a bend of the Walnut river about two miles below Winfield, and on June 11th Mr. Manning, assisted by Becker, laid a claim foundation for himself upon the south end of the present town of Winfield.

In the month of August the Indians ordered the settlers out of the valley and they all moved to the north line of the county, and camped or went into Butler county, except Judge T. B. Ross and family. He affirmed his determination to live and die right where he was. He still lives, though eighty-two years old. He walks as erect as an Indian, and declares that he is going to attend the Centennial this summer.

In the month of November, 1869, several families crept down along the valley and settled on claims in the vicinity of where Winfield now stands. These settlers each paid the Osage chief $5 for the privilege of remaining in peace. These early pioneers were W. G. Graham and family, who came the last of October, and whose wife was the first white woman that settled on Timber (then known as Dutch) creek. During the next week P. Knowles, J. H. Land, J. C. Monforte, and C. M. Wood came with their families.

A. Howland, W. W. Andrews, Joel Mack, H. C. Loomis, A. Menor, and others took claims during the winter in this vicinity, and the families of those who were married soon followed. They all settled on the claims where they now reside. Mr. Howland built the first frame house in the county. It is his present

residence.

In November and December of 1869, E. C. Manning erected a small log building on the claim south of C. M. Wood. It was designed for a claim house and store. During the winter of 1869 and 1870 Baker & Manning kept a small stock of goods therein for trade with settlers and Indians. At that time there was no land surveyed in the county and the settlers marked the boundaries of their claims with stakes driven at the corners, and claim disputes were settled by tribunals, called settlers unions, or by public meetings before whom the respective claimants presented their cases. C. M. Wood had taken the claim immediately north of where Winfield now stands, which he occupied until he left the county last fall.

About January 10th, 1870, the preliminary steps were taken for organizing a town company and starting a town upon the claim of E. C. Manning. A. A. Jackson owned the claim adjoining Manning's on the east, W. W. Andrews, H. C. Loomis, A. Menor, and P. Knowles held claims adjoining and upon which they still reside. The farm owned by John Lowrey to the west was held by one G. Green.

About the last day of December, 1869, Judge W. R. Brown,

H. B. Norton, T. A. Wilkinson, H. D. Kellogg, John Brown, Moore, and G. H. Norton drove into camp near Wood's residence as members and representatives of the Walnut City town company.

A few leading citizens of Emporia, among the number, C. V. Eskridge, P. B. Plumb, J. Stotler, L. B. Kellogg, H. B. Norton, and Judge Brown and H. L. Hunt, of Cottonwood Falls, had organized a town company and sent the party mentioned down into the Walnut Valley to locate a town at the junction of the Walnut river with the Arkansas river. The map of Kansas at that time showed that the junction was about the center of Cowley county. After some conference with the settlers, the newcomers took five claims adjoining Manning's claim, east, southeast, and south, with the intention of making this the location of the proposed town. In a day or two upon an examination of the country below, the party decided to locate their town at the present town site of Arkansas City.

On January 1st, 1870, T. A. Wilkinson, John Brown, G. H. Norton, and John Strain staked out and claimed the four claims upon which Arkansas City now stands, as the location of the new town. H. B. Norton took a claim adjoining the town site on the north, H. D. Kellogg took a claim south of the town site. When this party arrived at the mouth of the Walnut, they found the bottom and timber claims taken by H. Endicott and his son, Pad, and G. Harmon, Ed. Chapin, Pat Summers, Mr. Carr, Mr. Hughes, and one or two others.

The Walnut City town company consisted of fifteen members, and the four claim holders mentioned were of the number, and were to hold the claims and enter them for the company. On their way down the valley the party discovered a Walnut City in Butler county, and concluded to change the name of their company to Delphi. On their return to Emporia the name was again changed to Creswell, and by this name the town was known for some months. On applying for a post office, the Post Office department informed Senator Ross, who made the application, that there was a Creswell in Labette county, Kansas, and that no two offices of the same name would be located in the State, and at Ross' suggestion, it was called Arkansas City. When the commission came to G. H. Norton, who was the postmaster named, the town was named Arkansas City. This was in April 1870.

On the 9th day of January, 1870, a party of fifteen men under the lead of Thomas Coats took claims along the Grouse valley. Their names were John Coats, Wm. Coats, Joseph Reynolds, Gilbert Branson, Henry Branson, Newton Phenis, I. H. Phenis,

H. Hayworth, L. B. Bullington, J. T. Raybell, D. T. Walters,

S. S. Severson, John Nicholls, and C. J. Phenis.

The Winfield enterprise took form in January of 1870, as did that of Arkansas City. From the start the parties interested in the two prospective towns were shaping events to secure the county seat of Cowley county whenever it should be organized. In February of 1870 a bill was introduced in the Senate of Kansas entitled, "An act to organize the county of Cowley," and making Creswell the county seat. As soon as the news arrived at Winfield, James H. Land, A. A. Jackson, and C. M. Wood traversed the county in three days and took the census of over six hundred population, and reported at Douglass, in Butler county (the nearest place where an officer could be found to administer an oath), on the 28d [? 23d HARD TO READ DATE ?] of February. At that time the necessary papers were made out and E. C. Manning took them to Topeka and presented them to the Governor, who, thereupon issued the order organizing Cowley county and designating Winfield as the temporary county seat. The bill organizing the county got through the Senate but failed in the House.

As specimens of "literature" of that day we produce the following circulars which were issued a short time previous to the first election held in the county, to-wit: May 2nd, 1870.

CRESWELL.

The Creswell Town Company ask leave to present to you the claims of Creswell as a location for the county seat.

This town is situated on the Arkansas river, twelve miles above its intersection by the State line; said intersection being two and three-fourth miles below the mouth of the Grouse. The Walnut enters the Arkansas at Creswell, and the valleys of other streams on the south side of the Arkansas converge at this point, making it the natural centre of business and population for Cowley county.

Creswell is named as a point upon four chartered lines of railroad, viz: The Walnut Valley Branch of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road; the Preston, Salina & Denver road; the Emporia & Holden road; and the Arkansas Valley, or Fort Smith & Hays City road. It is also confidently expected that this will be the point of crossing for the Fort Scott & Santa Fe road. The Legislature at its recent session, ordered the immediate survey of a State road, by the most direct route, from Emporia to

Creswell.

The company have determined to spare no expense or effort to make Creswell the metropolis of the Arkansas Valley. The following are among the enterprises already inaugurated:

Sleath & Co., of Eldorado, have contracted to put up their steam saw-mill and a shingle-machine in operation at Creswell by the 15th of May.

[NOTE: SLEATH...NOT SLEETH]

Daniel Beedy, now resident at Emporia, has contracted to build a grist-mill, saw-mill, and planing-mill upon the Creswell water-power; to commence by July 1st, 1870.

G. H. Norton & Co. have opened a general stock of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, which they pledge themselves to sell at Eldorado prices.

Betts & Fraser, of Eldorado, will at once open a stock of groceries, provisions, and campers' supplies.

C. R. Sipes, of Emporia, has purchased an interest in the town, and is preparing to open at Creswell the largest stock of hardware, tinware, and agricultural implements ever offered south or west of Emporia.

A stock of drugs and medicines has been ordered by responsible parties, and a well provided drug-store will be speedily

established.

We are also happy to announce that the best job and newspaper office south of the Neosho will commence the publication of a newspaper at Creswell within the next ninety days.

Max Fawcett, recently of the Neosho Valley (Emporia) Nursery, has transferred his entire interest to Creswell, and is arranging to establish there the largest fruit and nursery concern in Kansas.

L. F. Goodrich, of Emporia, is now at work erecting a feed and livery stable.

A ferry has been chartered, and will be running upon the Arkansas by July 1st.

We, the Town Company of Creswell, furthermore pledge ourselves to erect a first-class stone or frame building not less than thirty feet square and two stories high, suitably arranged for a court-room and county offices; and to deed the same, with one entire block of not less than fourteen lots, centrally located, to the county, to be its property so long as the county-seat remains at Creswell; the building to be completed within six months after Creswell is chosen permanent county seat.

The question of taxation is one of great importance to the people of a young and undeveloped country. It is only at the cost of heavy taxes that the county will be able to erect a court-house and other county buildings. This expense the Creswell town company propose to wholly assume.

The immediate vicinity of the Arkansas river is the natural location for the cities and towns which are to one day adorn this great valley. The natural centers of population and business will be there. Let us choose wisely, and make a choice which will not speedily be reversed.

We commend these facts and offers to the thoughtful consideration of the voters of Cowley county.

H. B. NORTON, Associate Principal State Normal

School, President.

C. V. ESKRIDGE, Lieut. Governor, Vice President.

W. R. BROWN, Judge 9th Judicial District, Secretary.

L. B. KELLOGG, Principal State Normal School, Treasurer.

J. STOTLER, Director.

COL. P. B. PLUMB, Director.

CAPT. G. H. NORTON, Director.

H. L. HUNT, Director.

H. D. KELLOGG, M. D., Director.

J. S. DANFORD, Director.

About one week after the foregoing was in circulation, the following humorously paraphrastical circular appeared.

[YES, THEY USED THE WORD "PARAPHRASTICAL"...???]

AR-KEN-SAW SITTY.

(Supplemental Address.)

The Ar-ken-saw sitty town kumpeny ask leve tu present tu yu the klaims uv Ar-ken-saw sitty as a lokashun fur the kounty seet.

[Explanashun.--Ar-ken-saw sitty wuz fust named Walnut sitty, then it wuz named Delfi, then it ws changed to Kreswell out uv respect tu our patriotic P. M. General, and he hez changed the named tu Ar-ken-saw sitty out uv respect tu the inhabitants uv the town, most uv whom lives in Imporia. In konsekence uv this last happy change voters will be perticular tu put "Ar-ken-saw sitty" on their ballots instead uv Kreswell when tha vote fur kounty seet.]

This town is situated very forunately on Arkensaw river, klose to the State line, and is entirely surrounded by water, interspersed with vast forests uv timber already sawed, and one vast expanse uv unbroken prairie bottom in cultivashun extends on every hand reddy tu be jumped bi actual settlers, making it the natural senter uv bizness and populashun uv Kowley kounty. Among its many uther natural advantages that mite be menshuned is stones, coal, salt, and inluenshal men who reside in Imporia.

Ar-ken-saw sitty is named as a pint on 31 different railroads, amung the number there bein the followin, namely, to-wit, viz: Walnut Valley Branch uv the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, the Preston, Salina & Denver Railroad, the Emporia & Holden Railroad, the Arkensaw Valley or Fort Smith & Hays City Railroad, the Northern Pacific Railroad, the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, the Illinois Central Railroad, the Emporia & Sandwich Islands Railroad, the St. Louis & El Paso Railroad, the Alaska & Panama Railroad, the New Orleans & Portland (Oregon) Railroad. It is also konfidently expected that most uv these roads will run into the ground at this place, and konsekently Congress has been petitioned to declare this a "port of entry."

The kumpany hev determined tu spare no expence to make

Ar-ken-saw sitty the great meat-ropolis ov the Arkensaw Valla.

The following are among the enterprizes in-au-ger-ated, (that is bored for):

Slamem & Co. hev kontracted tu put their steam watermill and hair shingling machine in operashun at Ar-ken-saw sitty at 15 minutes past 4 o'clock the 14th day ov Ma.

D. Boon hez kontracked to run a pare uv stones for all kinds of grinding and planing at the Ar-ken-saw wind power; work tu kummence at sunrise Ma 2d. Wind furnished bi the town kumpany.

G. H. Nash & Co. hev opened a box uv unparalleled sope fur the speshal benefit uv Ar-ken-saw travelers, and pledge themselves to sell at Imporia prices and throw in the sand for skourin.

Busted & Flat, of England, will at once open a box uv sardinra and kampers supplies.

C. R. Sucked-in, uv Imporia, hez bot a soft thing here and will open it with ceremony, amid sounding brass and tinkling symbal, at precisely sunrise, July 4th.

A stock of blue mass and quinine has bin ordered bi responsible parties to hold the ager level that dwells in the marshes uv this region.

We are also happy to an-ounce that the best job newspaper offis south uv nowhere will kummence its weakly issues in a da or two or three.

M. Forest is goin tu tare up the ground with his nursery concern at 11 o'clock P. M.

L. F. Gosin is now at work goin tu erect a feed and livery stable fur man and beest.

A ferry bote hez bin caught and will be runnin on Salt river karryin passengers from Ar-ken-saw sitty to Imporia. It starts at 7 A. M., May 3d.

The above may all be re-gharded as sure, sartin, and re-lie-able, so help us G__o in lemons and get squeezed.

We, the town kumpany, with one hand on the Bible and the uther drawin in suckers, pledge ourselves to erect a twelve story bilding, 500 feet square, with a room elaborately furnished therein for every voter in Kowley Kounty where board and washing shall be free; and tu kontane 21 uther large rooms for court hous and kounty offises, containing all the appertenances and appointments that sience, culture, taste, refinement and wealth kan invent, and tu deed the same, with 1,000 acres of land, tu the kounty so long as Ar-ken-saw sitty is the kounty seat. This bilding will be kompleted in twenty minutes after the vote is taken on the kounty seet question.

The question uv taxashun is one uv grate importance tu the people ov a young and undeveloped kounty, and we propose to decrease it bi a division of the kounty.

It is only at a light expence that we erect the above described building, and is nothing tu what we kan do.

The immediate vicinity uv the Ar-ken-saw river is the natural locashun for kounty seets. Think uf this before you vote. This place bein the head uv navigashun uv the Ark-ken-saw river there is no objecttshun tu its being damd; in truth it has bin damd bi several now who have krossed it; this makes it the gratest wind and water site yet discovered in the explored regious uv the earth.

The voters ov Kowley should not trifle about this matter. Choose now, for tomorrow we may be upended and hev to move back to Imporia.

Q. R. DOESTICKS, A. M., F. R. S., President.

P. Z. GUDLEM, B. M. O. I. C., Vice President.

R. L. BEATEM, O. I. L. Y., Secretary.

G. O. LEMON, A. S. E. E. D., Treasurer.

---

ORGANIZATION.

Cowley county was organized Feb. 28, 1870, by the order of Gov. Harvey on petition, and Winfield was designated as the temporary county seat. W. W. Andrews, of Winfield, G. H. Norton, of Creswell, S. F. Graham, of Dexter, were appointed County Commissioners, Feb. 28, 1870, and E. P. Hickok was appointed County Clerk at the same time by the same authority.

The first meeting of the County Board was held March 23, 1870, at the house of W. W. Andrews, at which time W. W. Andrews was chosen chairman.

The following is the first action taken at that meeting, and is the first official record in Cowley county.

"County Commissioners, pursuant to a previous call, met at Winfield on the 23rd day of March, A. D. 1870, at Mr. Andrews'.

Present--Andrews and Norton. County Clerk proceeded to divide the county into three townships, numbered 1, 2, and 3.

No. 1 to include all that part of Cowley county laying north of a line running through the county east and west, touching the mouth of Little Dutch creek, all north of Little Dutch to be included in said township.

No. 2 to include all south of the mouth of Little Dutch, extending south to include E. P. Hickok's claim, and to within ten miles of the mouth of Grouse creek.

No. 3 to include all south of E. P. Hickok's claim on Walnut and the lower ten miles of the Grouse and the Arkansas to the State line.

Election in township No. 1 to be held at the house of Edward Phillips, at the mouth of Rock creek. No. 2 at Winfield. No. 3 at Creswell."

This Board of Commissioners ordered an election to be held May 2nd, 1870; at which time the permanent location of the county seat was voted upon, and a full set of county officers were also elected. At that election there were two places voted upon for county seat, to-wit: Winfield and Arkansas City. The former received 108 votes and the latter 55 votes, and the following officers were elected.

Commissioners: T. A. Blanchard, Winfield; Morgan Willett, Rock Creek; G. H. Norton, Creswell; H. C. Loomis, Winfield, County Clerk; John Devore, Creswell, Treasurer; E. P. Hickok, Winfield, District Clerk; T. B. Ross, Winfield, Probate Judge;

W. E. Cook, Creswell, Recorder; W. G. Graham, Winfield,

Coroner; F. A. Hunt, Rock creek, Sheriff; F. S. Graham, Grouse creek, Surveyor.

There was but one ticket in the field, and 163 was the total number of votes polled. These officers qualified and took possession of the respective offices May 21st, 1870.

T. H. Johnson was appointed County Attorney Sept. 5th, 1870, by W. R. Brown, at that time Judge of this, the 9th Judicial District, of which Cowley was a part.

July 6th, 1870, W. Q. Mansfield was appointed Deputy County Clerk; John Devore appointed J. P. Short Deputy Treasurer, and at the fall election Geo. B. Green was elected County Treasurer, but failed to give bond and qualify; consequently, John Devore held the office until July 2nd, 1872.

Having fully stated the primary organization of the county, the succeeding officers will be given in the order of their terms of office.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

ELECTED. EXPIRED.

T. A. BLANCHARD Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.

G. H. NORTON Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.

E. SIMPSON Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.

FRANK COX Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11, 1874.

O. C. SMITH Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11, 1874.

J. D. MAURER Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11. 1874.

R. F. BURDEN Nov. 4, 1873. Jan. 10, 1876.

M. S. ROSEBERRY Nov. 4, 1873. Jan. 10, 1876.

JOHN MANLEY Nov. 4, 1873. Jan. 10, 1876.

R. F. BURDEN Nov. 2, 1875.

WM. WHITE Nov. 2, 1875.

W. M. SLEATH Nov. 2, 1875.

COUNTY CLERKS.

A. A. JACKSON Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.

A. A. JACKSON Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11, 1874.

M. G. TROUP Nov. 4, 1872. Jan. 10, 1876.

M. G. TROUP Nov. 2, 1875.

TREASURERS.

G. B. GREEN Nov. 8, 1870. Didn't qualify.

E. B. KAGER Nov. 7, 1871. July 15, 1874.

E. B. KAGER Nov. 4, 1873. July 15, 1876.

COUNTY ATTORNEYS.

E. S. TORRENCE Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1873.

E. S. TORRENCE Nov. 5, 1872. Jan. 11, 1875.

A. J. PYBURN Nov. 3, 1874.

PROBATE JUDGES.

T. B. ROSS Elected Nov. 8, 1870; resigned Oct. 31, 1871.

L. H. COON Appointed October 31, 1871. Ran away.

T. H. JOHNSON Appointed Jan. 3, 1872, expired Jan. 10, 1873.

T. H. JOHNSON Elected Nov. 5, 1872; expired Jan. 10, 1875.

H. D. GANS. Nov. 3, 1874.

SHERIFFS.

ELECTED. EXPIRED.

J. M. PATTISON Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.

JAS. PARKER Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11, 1874.

R. L. WALKER Nov. 4, 1873. Jan. 10, 1876.

R. L. WALKER Nov. 2, 1875.

RECORDERS.

W. B. SMITH Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.

J. ? PAUL Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11, 1874.

N. ?. McCULLOCH Nov. 4, 1873. Jan. 10, 1876.

E. P. KINNE Nov. 2, 1875.

[NOTE: NOT SURE OF MIDDLE INITIAL ON TWO NAMES.

A BIG BLOB OF INK OBSCURED INITIAL.]

DISTRICT CLERKS.

E. P. HICKOK Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 10, 1873.

JAMES KELLY Nov. 5, 1872. Jan. 10, 1875.

E. S. BEDILION Nov. 3, 1874.

SURVEYORS.

H. L. BARKER Nov. 8, 1870; resigned July 1, 1871.

D. A. MILLINGTON July 1, 1871. Jan. 8, 1872.

M. HEMINWAY Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11, 1874.

W. W. WALTON Nov. 4, 1873. Jan. 11, 1876.

W. W. WALTON Nov. 2, 1875.

CORONER.

H. B. KELLOGG Nov. 8, 1870. Didn't qualify.

G. P. WAGNER Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11, 1874.

S. S. MOORE Nov. 7, 1873. Jan. 10, 1876.

J. HEADRICK Nov. 2, 1875.

SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

L. B. WALMSLEY Nov. 7, 1870. July 17, 1871.

A. S. BLANCHARD July 17, 1871. Sept. 4, 1871.

E. P. HICKOK Sept. 4, 1871. Jan. 7, 1872.

E. P. HICKOK Nov. 7, 1871. Jan. 11, 1873.

T. A. WILKINSON Nov. 5, 1872. Jan. 10, 1875.

T. A. WILKINSON Nov. 3, 1874.

The first political gathering held in the county took place at the log raising of the Old Log Store on the 1st day of April, 1870. It was called a Citizen's Meeting to nominate candidates for the county officers to be elected May 2nd, 1870. It was the only full ticket voted for at that election, and of course all the nominees were elected. There were a few scattering votes cast for other individuals.

The next political gathering that assembled in the county met at Winfield, August 25th, 1870, pursuant to the following call, which was signed by one hundred and two names, and was posted in several places in the county.

REPUBLICAN MASS MEETING.

"The Republican voters of Cowley county, Kansas, are

requested to meet in Mass Convention, at Winfield, on the 25th day of August, 1870, at 1 o'clock p.m., for the purpose of electing the organization of a County Central Committee, whose duty it shall be to call a Convention for the election of a delegate to the coming State Convention, and for the transaction of such other business as shall come before it."

At that meeting a County Republican Central Committee was appointed, of which E. C. Manning was chairman and Wm. Orr was secretary. This committee issued a call for a delegate convention to be held in Winfield September 3rd, 1870, for the purpose of electing a delegate from Cowley county to the Republican State Convention at Topeka, September 8th. Pursuant to that call a convention met September 3rd, and Morgan Willett, of Rock, was chosen chairman and P. J. Raybell, of Cedar (now Windsor), was chosen secretary. This convention chose E. C. Manning as delegate, and Lem Cook as alternate, in the State Convention. About the time that the Republican Mass Meeting call was issued a printed poster, which read as follows, was circulated in the county.

NOTICE!

The members of the Republican party of Cowley county are invited to effect an organization at a delegate convention to be held at Dexter on Saturday, September 3rd, 1870, for the purpose of appointing a County Executive Committee, and electing a delegate to the State Republican Convention, which meets at Topeka, September 8th, 1870.

The Republican voters are requested to meet in primary conventions at 2 o'clock, on Saturday, August 27th, at the following places:

Rock Creek, at Phillips'.

Winfield, at the Court House.

Creswell, at Norton's Store, Arkansas City.

Cedar, at ____________.

Dexter, at Cloud's.

Grouse, at Silver Dale Store.

Ratio of representation, four delegates to each township.

By order of the State Executive Committee,

M. M. MURDOCK, Secretary.

Pursuant to that notice a convention was held at Dexter on Sept. 3rd. That body selected H. B. Norton as the delegate from Cowley County to the State Convention, and selected a County Republican Central Committee, of which James McDermott was appointed chairman and W. P. Hackney secretary.

Norton and Manning both attended the State Convention at Topeka, but that body accepted Norton as the regular delegate and gave him the seat therein.

Shortly after the Sept. 3rd convention, the chairman of the Central Committee, appointed at Dexter, issued a call for a Republican convention to be held at Winfield, Oct. 3rd, to nominate a candidate for representative and candidates for county offices. The ticket then nominated can be found in the "Annals."

Oct. 8th a call for a "People's Convention" was issued, signed by W. Q. Mansfield, T. H. Johnson, T. A. Blanchard, James Renfro, James Land, D. A. Millington, Wm. Craig, F. A. Hunt,

A. Menor, J. Mentch, T. B. Ross, and H. Wolf.

Under the call this convention met at Winfield, Oct. 20th, and nominated a full ticket, which will be found in the "Annals." The tickets nominated at the two conventions last mentioned, though called Republican and People's, really were composed of partizans to a strife that had been engendered between Winfield and Arkansas City for political and business supremacy in the county. The canvass preceeding the election, which transpired Nov. 8th, was very spirited, almost bitter; the principal interest centering upon the candidates for representative--H. B. Norton and E. C. Manning. At that election 504 votes were cast, of which H. B. Norton received 256 and E. C. Manning 248. The remaining candidates upon the "People's" ticket received a small majority except the candidate for Register of Deeds and County Attorney.

When the Commissioners met to canvass the votes after the election, they found the returns to be in a crude and some of them in an unintelligible condition. In the language of G. H. Norton, one of the Commissioners, and a brother of H. B. Norton, "The next returns opened were objected to by Mr. Blanchard (another member of the board of canvassers) on the ground that he did not know where it came from. Upon examination I found there was nothing on them to indicate where they came from. I sug-gested to the board that perhaps they knew some of the names on the poll book and could tell from them what precinct the returns came from. The other members both stated they did not know any of the names and as I did not, I voted with them to reject the returns."

The rejection of the unintelligible returns gave the "People's" ticket a large majority except in the offices of County Attorney and Register of Deeds. The election of T. B. Ross was contested before T. H. Johnson, County Attorney, presiding as judge, with J. C. Fuller and E. S. Torrence, the incoming County Attorney, then a resident of Arkansas City, as associate judges. The "Court" decided that Ross was entitled to the certificate. Some steps were taken to contest Mr. Manning's seat in the legislature but the idea was finally abandoned.

Up to the 13th day of June, 1870, there were no mail routes in the county. At that time the first mail coach arrived, Parker & Tisdale, proprietors. Previously all mail matter for the settlers in the county came to Douglass, and was brought from there by private hands and distributed among the settlers.

In January, 1871, a U. S. surveying party, under O. F. Short, began the survey of the county. They were followed very industriously by claim hunters, who hoped the survey would develop unoccupied tracts. On the other hand, the settlers were on the alert and many lines were run just in advance of the compassmen of the surveying party, and when a little deviation would leave a squatter on the claim that he wanted, the deviation was sure to be made. As a consequence, the section lines in this county are very crooked.

COWLEY COUNTY,

Though one of the newest, is one of the richest in soil and resources, most prosperous and most promising counties in Kansas. The variety of soil consists of light, warm, sandy loam and heavy, limestone, black loam. A heavy growth of grass from two feet to ten feet in heighth covers the soil annually and bears evidence of its productive power. All the products of this latitude in the United States do well here. The surface of the country is rolling and in some places along the streams precipitous limestone bluffs appear, from fifty to one hundred feet in heighth. The bottom and valley lands are considered the best for farming, but all land where the plow can run are considered good.

WATER.

The streams of the county are as follows: The Arkansas river enters the west line of the county, thirteen miles below the north line, and winding through the southwest portion of the county it crosses the south line thirteen miles east of the west line and enters the Indian territory. The streams that fall into the Arkansas from the county are Sand creek, Lost creek, Beaver creek, and Evans creek. The Walnut river, which is an elegant mill stream, enters the county from the north seven miles east of the west line and flows south through the county joining the Arkansas river within three miles of the south line. Falling into this stream from the west are the following creeks: Eight-mile, Maple, Stewart, Crooked, Squaw creek, Posey, and Camp creeks. The streams that fall in from the east are Muddy, Rock, Darien, Little Dutch, Foos, Timber, Black Crook, and Badger.

Grouse creek is a mill stream and rises in the northeast corner of the county, running west of south, and joins the Arkansas river at the south line of the county thirteen miles east of the southwest corner. The streams that fall into Grouse from the west are Canyon, Burden, Ballou's, Turkey, Horse, and Silver creeks. Those that flow into it from the east are Armstrong, Fall, Cedar, Plumb, and Crab creeks. Otter, Spring, South Cedar, Coal, and the two Beavers are creeks that rise in the eastern and southeastern portion of the county and flow either to the Caneys in Chautauqua county or into the Territory. These streams are pure spring water, flowing over gravel beds.

The soil is from one to twenty-five feet in depth, and in most places is underlayed with beautiful limestone at a depth of from one inch to ten feet in thickness and which is easily quarried for building purposes.

THE CLIMATE

of Southwest Kansas, more particularly that which lies within a radius of fifty miles of Winfield, is not too dry for crop raising. A residence of sixteen years in Kansas, six of which have been spent at this place, warrants us in saying that no portion of the State in this longitude is blessed with so large an annual rainfall as the region above described. The causes are local. The Arkansas and Walnut rivers, with their tributaries, are of such importance in volume as to cause more frequent rain showers here than in any locality to the north or west of us. No one contradicts this statement who is familiar with the country. The mean temperature for December 1875 was 66 degrees above zero.

HENCE CROPS

of all kinds do well, not excepting vegetables. But the staple crop is winter wheat. The season of 1864 was called the dry year, but Cowley county alone raised over 200,000 bushels of winter wheat, and the average yield exceeded twenty bushels to the acre of very choice grain. In fact, it was the best grain offered in the St. Louis market.

The marketable wheat crop this year was sold at Wichita, the nearest railroad point, forty-three miles distant from Winfield, at an average price of one dollar and ten cents per bushel. A man with team enough to do the work can break up the prairie of a 160 acre farm during the months of June and July, and can sow the same in September with winter wheat and harvest enough grain therefrom the next June to pay for his land at ten dollars per acre, after having paid all his expenses and allowed himself a reasonable compensation for his own labor.

DURING 1876

a railroad will be constructed into this county, which will add to the market facilities of this region. At present land

IS CHEAP

in this county. It will not be long before a railroad will reach from this valley through the Indian Territory to Texas, and then Galveston, 700 miles distant, will be our seaport market. When this time arrives land will be worth fifty dollars per acre. It can now be bought for from one dollar and a quarter to ten dollars per acre, according to location, soil, timber, water, improvements, etc.

FRUIT

of all kinds flourishes.

NATIVE GRASS

grows in abundance and can be put into hay for one dollar per ton. The ruling price at present for hay is three dollars and fifty cents per ton.

NO DANGER

need be apprehended from Indians. The county has been settled for six years and not an Indian outrage has been committed in its borders.

THE GRASSHOPPERS,

chinch bugs, and other pests are no more numerous than in any other locality west of the Missouri river. The first named have never visited this locality but once, and then they came too late to do much harm. The region of their origin lies hundreds of miles to the northwest, and as they move south, whenever they move at all, they either distribute themselves over the region north of us entirely or arrive so late in this locality as to do no harm. They have moved out of their northwest homes three or four times in the past twenty years and only twice did they get into Southern Kansas.

FARM HANDS

command from fifteen to twenty-five dollars per month according to the season. Mechanics wages are not so high as in the cities.

MEN WITH MONEY

can make money very fast here. Persons without money can make money faster than in any locality that we know of in the States east of us. Money brings from twenty to fifty percent per annum interest.

PROFESSIONAL MEN

are not particularly needed. There is at present a full supply. Farmers with means are needed; those without means are welcome.

NO FENCES

are required to raise crops. A herd law requires stock owners to take care of their cattle, horses, hogs, and sheep. You will drive miles and miles along the road with fields on either side and no fences.

STOCK

does well here, but every man must take care of his own.

HOUSEHOLD HELP

is very scarce. Girls invariably place themselves in the matrimonial market upon arriving in this locality and are soon doing business on their own hook. Two or three hundred very homely, hump-backed, flat-chested, cross-eyed girls could find constant and remunerative employment in the kitchens of this county.

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[PLACED IN A BOX ON THE FIRST PAGE]...

HISTORY AND STATISTICS OF TOWNSHIPS IN THE COUNTY.

1. TOWNSHIP.

2. DATE OF ORGANIZATION.

3. NO. OF SQUARE MILES.

4. POPULATION AT PRESENT.

5. ACRES IN CULTIVATION.

6. ACRES IN WHEAT, DECEMBER 1875.

7. REAL VALUATION OF PROPERTY (IN DOLLARS).

8. FIRST TRUSTEES APPOINTED OR ELECTED.

UNABLE TO FIT INTO TABLULAR FORM...GIVING #1, #2, #3, #4, #8.

#1 #2 #3 #4 #8.

BEAVER MAY 16, 1871. 36 410 L. M. KENNEDY

BOLTON APRIL 1, 1872. 50 590 R. I. THEAKER

CEDAR APRIL 9, 1872. 54 220 R. R. TURNER

CRESWELL MAY 23, 1870. 30 799 W. E. COOK

DEXTER APRIL 11, 1871. 72 451 B. F. JONES

HARVEY FEB. 13, 1874. 63 309 G. ATHERTON

LIBERTY JAN. 6, 1875. 48 322 J. A. HILL

MAPLE AUG. 16, 1872. 36 291 D. RUNDELL

NENNESCAH JAN. 1, 1872. 30 292 A. BECKS

OMNIA FEB. 8, 1873. 36 146 W. H. GILLIARD

OTTER OCT. 12, 1872. 81 466 C. H. LEWIS

PLEAS. VAL. JUNE 27, 1871. 36 319 H. H. CONSTANT

RICHLAND JUNE 27, 1871. 70 599 J. R. THOMPSON

ROCK MAY 23, 1870. 56 724 ED. PHILLIPS

SILVER CR. AUG. 16, 1872. 36 267 A. P. BROOKS

SPRING CR. AUG. 16, 1872. 54 239 A. A. WILEY

SILVERDALE NOV. 11, 1871. 54 331 J. H. DAMEWOOD

SHERIDAN JAN. 6, 1873. 36 312 R. R. LONGSHORE

TISDALE AUG. 1, 1871. 41 471 S. S. MOORE

VERNON JULY 3, 1871. 42 563 P. M. WAIT

WINDSOR APRIL 11, 1871. 94 460 I. B. TODD

WINFIELD MAY 23, 1870. 63 1421 W. W. ANDREWS

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NOTE: PAGE ONE WAS CONTINUED ON PAGE FOUR...THEN PAGE TWO.

SO...BACK TO ARTICLE:

WINFIELD.

The county seat, is located in the valley of the Walnut river, about 8 miles east of the west line of the county and midway between the north and south line. Its Main street is 120 feet wide, running north and south, and the remaining streets are 80 feet wide and lay parallel to and at right angles with Main street. The location is picturesque, a little rolling and very healthy. There are over fifty wells on the town site, all of uniform depth (about 22 feet) and yielding never failing and pure, pleasant tasting water.

Winfield.

The following is a short history of the town.

E. C. Manning built his claim house in January, 1870, and moved his family into it March 10th, 1870. It is the house just north of the stage stable in block 108 and is the oldest house in the city. What afterwards became the Winfield town site was then known as his claim.

The Winfield Town Company was organized Jan. 13th, 1872, with E. C. Manning, president; W. W. Andrews, vice president;

C. M. Wood, treasurer; W. G. Graham, secretary; E. C. Manning,

J. H. Land, A. A. Jackson, W. G. Graham, and J. C. Monforte, directors, and the foregoing named persons with T. H. Baker,

S. S. Prouty, Thos. Moonlight, and H. C. Loomis, corporators; and that the object of this corporation was "to lay out a town site on the rolling prairie east of the Walnut river and south of Dutch creek, the same being in Cowley county and embracing the particular forty acres of land on which the residence of E. C. Manning is situated, with the privilege of increasing the area of the town site as soon as practicable."

In the organization the question of name was discussed, and finally the Christian name of Winfield Scott was honored. He was at that time the minister in charge of the Baptist church in

Leavenworth.

In the course of the next four months after the organization, Manning, with the aid of the town company, had surveyed 20 acres of "the particular 40 acres" of his claim into the six blocks along Main street from 5th to 9th streets, and had built the old log store, now occupied by the Post Office and COURIER office, and had moved his stock of goods into it. Dr. Mansfield opened a small drug store in one corner of the Log Store May 1st, and shortly after erected a small drug store where the present store stands.

In June of that year Max Shoeb appeared and erected an open log structure where Read's bank now stands, and plied his hammer and anvil therein.

July 4th, 1870, was a great day for Winfield. The first celebration in the county of our national birth day was holden under a large bower in the rear of the Old Log Store, and Prof. E. P. Hickok was the orator of the occasion. Soon after this

G. W. Green built and moved his family into a little house near where Mr. Gordon now lives, and Max Shoeb moved his family into the nucleus of the house he now lives in. Manning's family had moved into his claim house before this on the 10th of March.

[The word holden was used in second line of paragraph.]

August 20th, A. A. Jackson sold out his claim to J. C. Fuller and D. A. Millington, who, with Manning, made arrangements to lay out more territory as town site and induce persons to settle rapidly on the town site giving them the lots they should improve. During the fall of 1870 many persons settled upon the town site and made improvements. We cannot from this on, name all the persons that settled in Winfield in order, as that would be too voluminous, but will name the first in kind, business or profession.

The first settler in Winfield was E. C. Manning, the first woman Mrs. Delaphine P. Manning.

Max Shoeb was the first blacksmith; Frank A. Hunt, the first hardware dealer; W. Q. Mansfield, the first physician; J. P. Short, the first hotel keeper; A. J. Thompson, the first feed store keeper; Manning the first merchant and P. M.; T. H. Johson was the first lawyer; B. H. Dunlap, the first livery stable keeper; Judge T. B. Ross preached the first sermon; Rev. A. Tousey, the first resident preacher; Miss A. Marks, of Silver creek, taught the first school; J. C. Fuller, the first banker; M. L. Palmer, the first tinner and schoolmaster; the first birth was Fred Manning; W. M. Boyer, the first news dealer and book store. C. A. Bliss & Co. bought out the small stock of Baker & Manning in September of 1870, and were the first regular mercantile firm in town and brought in a large stock of goods.

Though this country was practically open for settlement on the passage of the act of Congress of July 15th, 1870, in relation thereto; yet no one knew where his claim lines would run, because there had been no government survey. This survey did not occur until January, 1871. Immediately after the survey D. A. Millington, who was the first engineer and surveyor, surveyed and laid out into town lots and blocks, all the west half of Fuller's claim and east half of Manning's claim (not already laid out), and platted the whole as the town site of Winfield. Settlers continued to locate in Winfield until on the 10th day of July, 1871, there were 72 lots improved with 80 buildings. On that day the town site was entered by the Probate Judge, T. B. Ross.

The city of Winfield was incorporated Feb. 22nd, 1873. The first city election was held March 7th, 1873, at which

W. H. H. Maris was elected Mayor.

A. A. Jackson, Probate Judge.

O. F. Boyle, J. D. Cochran, H. S. Silver, S. C. Smith, and C. A. Bliss, for Councilmen.

The Council chose S. C. Smith, its President; J. W. Curns, Clerk; M. L. Robinson, Treasurer; C. W. Richmond, Marshal; and

J. M. Alexander, Attorney.

The first annual election was held April 7th, 1873, and the same persons were re-elected to the various offices, excepting that S. Darrah succeeded C. A. Bliss, and the Council

re-appointed the same persons to the other offices, with the exception that W. T. Dougherty succeeded Richmond as Marshal.

The second annual election was held April 8th, 1874.

S. C. Smith was elected Mayor; N. H. Wood, Police Judge; and

S. Darrah, J. D. Cochran, H. S. Silver, R. B. Saffold, and J. P.

McMillen, Councilmen.

The Council appointed J. W. Curns, Clerk; M. L. Robinson, Treasurer; T. H. Suits, Attorney; Z. T. Swigart, Marshal.

Nov. 16th, 1874, T. H. Johnson was appointed to fill the vacancy, N. H. Wood having resigned as Police Judge. W. P. Hackney was appointed Attorney, T. H. Suits having resigned.

The third annual election was held April 5th, 1875. D. A. Millington was elected Mayor; W. M. Boyer, Police Judge; and

M. G. Troup, N. M. Powers, J. Newman, J. M. Dever, and C. C. Black, Councilmen.

The Mayor and Council appointed B. F. Baldwin, Clerk; E. R. Evans, Marsha; J. E. Allen, Attorney; J. C. Fuller, Treasurer, and M. G. Troup, President of Council.

The present population of the city of Winfield is about 800 on an area of 200 acres. It has 221 buildings among which the most prominent are the Court House, built in 1873 at a cost of $12,000, of brick with a showy belfry and cupola, probably the best court house in Kansas, costing no more than it did. The residence of J. E. Platter ranks next in value but first in beauty, built in 1874 of brick, ornamented cut stone, costing $8,000. The banking house of M. L. Read is a fine brick structure costing $6,000, and the hardware store of S. H. Myton is larger and equally imposing of brick, costing $6,000. The school house is a substantial stone structure costing $6,000. The residence of Dr. Mansfield, M. L. Read, C. A. Bliss, D. A. Millington, J. P. McMillen, W. G. Graham, W. W. Andrews, S. H. Myton, and many others are good substantial structures and ornaments to the city.

Winfield is supplied with mail communication as follows: Daily mail by coach from railroad at Wichita to Arkansas City. Daily mail from Florence on railroad by hack. Tri-weekly mail from Wellington to Independence via Lazette. Tri-weekly mail from Winfield to Independence via Tisdale and Dexter.

LAZETTE.

The first settler in this part of Grouse valley was John W. Tull, who laid the foundation of the first house. He came in November, 1869. The first regularly ordained preacher who came here in 1870 was Elder Womack, though the first sermon preached was by Elder William Gans.

The M. E. Church was organized at this place in 1873 by Elder Smith.

Doctor T. J. Raybell opened the first store in 1870, and was postmaster at the same time. The mail matter was then brought in from Eureka, 55 miles distant, in the pockets of travelers.

The first person buried in the Lazette graveyard was William Dwyer, early in 1871.

The first blacksmith shop was erected by Edward Sutton in 1870, and also the first saw and grist mill, 6 horsepower, in the same year.

J. W. Tull raised the first crop of corn in 1870.

The first school in the valley was taught by J. W. Tull in 1870.

The first marriage, December 25, 1870, was that of Richard Miller and Flora Dudley, by E. Simpson, the first Justice of the Peace.

The town of Lazette is located in the Grouse valley, on the Independence and Winfield road, and was laid out in 1871. The first house therein was builty by Bartholomew Fritch, who opened the first shoemaker's shop. Town lots are 25 x 120 feet and are held by H. D. Wilkins and S. M. Fall. The town plot covers 160 acres. The schoolhouse was built in 1872 at a cost of $1,500. The first hotel was "The Black Bear," H. D. Gans, proprietor.

The first white family that came into the valley was that of John Thornburgh.

The first printing press put in operation was brought in by J. W. Tull, from whose office the Bugle, the first paper, was published in 1875.

The first wagon shop was opened by Thomas Walch. The valley now contains not less than eight schoolhouses.

R. C. Story, attorney at law; Mc D. Stapleton, merchant, with a large stock of general merchandise; a drug store by J. A. Chapman; a grocery store by M. Heminway, postmaster; a hotel by Robert Harris; a boot and shoe shop by Bartholomew Fritz; and a wagon shop by Thomas Walch, and a grist and saw mill run by steam, owned by B. H. Clover, are the businessmen and enterprises of the place. A first-class public school is in session from six to nine months of the year.

DEXTER

Is situated in the valley of Grouse creek 18 miles from Winfield and contains a population of 66. It contains two general stores by Hardin & Co. and F. Henrion, both carrying large stocks; one dress-making and millinery establishment, by Mrs. Black; two physicians, G. P. Wagner and Dr. Rood; one lawyer, James McDermott; one hotel by J. Williams; one blacksmith by J. Graham, and one steam saw and flouring mill; one resident minister, P. G. Smith. It has also a frame schoolhouse in which a school, free to all, is kept for nine months in the year, and having, at the present time, an attendance of 65. It is the intention to grade this school at the beginning of the year. Two churches, the Methodist and Christian, have organizations at this point and maintain regular preaching. There is a considerable sprinkling of other denominations but no organizations as yet. Dexter Grange, No. 1195, P. of H., and Dexter Lodge, No. 156,

A. F. & A. M., are both located here and both are prospering.

The town plat covers an area of 23 acres and contains about 100 lots. It was surveyed and platted by W. W. Walton, county surveyor, Nov. 13th, 1875, and the plats have not been filed for record yet, but will be in a few days, after which the lots will be offered for sale. Lots will be donated to parties who desire to improve them. The lots on Main street are 25 feet front by 160 deep. The other lots are 50 feet front and of the same depth. The vacant lots are the property of the "Dexter Town Association," and information in regard to them or the town, or county, can be obtained either of P. G. Smith, President, or James McDermott, Secretary of the association.

In the early spring of 1870, when there were scarcely a half dozen families in the fifty miles from the head to the mouth of Grouse creek, but a great many bachelors living in their rude cabins with scarcely a sign of civilization around them, it was thought by some that the beautiful valley just below the confluence of a stream, which they called Plum creek, would be a good place to build a town, which should become, in time, the metropolis of Grouse creek and possibly the county seat. The county was not surveyed at that time and this point was believed to be near the center. All mail for this section was received through the Post Office at Eureka, 65 miles northeast, and the railroad was reached at Emporia, 50 miles further north.

Certain parties at Emporia, hearing of this desirable spot, organized the "Dexter Town Company" in July, 1870. C. B. Bacheller, George W. Frederick, and L. N. Robinson, of Emporia, Alex. Stevens, and Thos. Manning, of Grouse creek, were the incorporators. This company paid the secretary of State five dollars for their charter and then ceased active operations. It hasn't been heard from since.

The settlers erected the body of a log house and covered it sometime in the spring of 1870. In July of that year Tyler & Evans opened a small store in it. The first house, on what is now the town plat, was built by James McDermott, who moved into it January 25th, 1871. In September, 1870, the post office was established with I. B. Todd as Postmaster, and in March, 1871, the first mail carrier arrived from Eureka. There is now a regular mail three times a week from Winfield. In the fall of 1871 a frame schoolhouse 26 by 40 feet was erected at a cost of $2,000. A six months school was sustained each year until 1874 when the term was increased to nine months.

In February, 1874, Dexter Grange, No. 1105, was organized; and on the 28th of May, 1874, Dexter Lodge, U. D. A. F. & A. M., was established, being constituted under a charter with the number 156, on the 18th day of the next November.

During the summer of 1875 a steam mill was erected, the building of stone, with two run of burrs and a circular saw.

October 21st, 1875, the "Dexter Town Association" was

incorporated, and shortly afterwards purchased the land and laid out the town as above set forth. This is a good point for business and businessmen, and mechanics of all kinds will do well to locate at this point.

THE TOWNSHIP.

Dexter township includes nine miles of the Grouse Valley, all of Plum creek, nearly all of Crab creek, and the prairies adjoining, and contains a population of nearly 500. There was harvested in the township last year over 30,000 bushels of wheat and double that amount of corn. Timber is abundant on Grouse creek and firewood can be bought for $2.50 and $3.00 per cord. Coal can be bought for 15 cents per bushel at the bank 12 miles distant. There is some good land to be had at $1.25 per acre by actual settlers, and improved bottom homes can be purchased at from $10 to $15 per acre. Improved upland at from $3 to $6 per acre.

TISDALE.

Tisdale is located on a high rolling praire at the geographical center of the county. It was first laid out as a town in June, 1871, by the Tisdale Town Company, the charter of the company bearing date June 13th, 1871, with A. D. Keith, as president, and C. R. Mitchell, as secretary. The present secretary is Ed. Milliard. The town site proper contains 160 acres of land laid out in blocks 350 by 280 feet, and contains 14 and 28 lots each respectively, the business lots being 25 by 132 and the residence lots 50 by 132 feet each, making a total of 938 lots in all. The town site was purchased from the government in June, 1872. A post office was established in the fall of 1871 with

J. A. McGuire as Postmaster, which position he still retains. Tisdale has a tri-weekly mail with Winfield and Independence, and weekly mail with Eldorado and Arkansas City. Tisdale now contains twenty-seven buildings with a population of 85 inhabitants, four store buildings, one blacksmith and two wagon shops, one hotel, a $2,000 schoolhouse, and boasts of one of the best schools in the county. It has three church organizations and a Good Templar Lodge. Pure water in abundance is to be found at a depth of from twelve to eighteen feet. Coal has been found in small quantities. Silver creek runs near this place, upon which is located a flouring mill now in operation, Moses Miller, proprietor. J. A. McGuire opened the first store in town and Sam Willeston opened the first blacksmith shop. Mart Elinger erected the first house and Wm. Atter preached the first sermon in the place. The first settlers were S. S. Moore, G. W. Foughty, Sid Moses, and M. Elinger. Mrs. Foughty taught the first school in town.

MAPLE CITY,

located about ten miles southwest from Dexter, in the center of Spring township, is a hamlet of half a dozen houses surrounded by a rich agricultural country. It contains a post office, hotel, store, wagon shop, blacksmith shop, and a first-class

schoolhouse.

ARKANSAS CITY

is located upon a beautiful rise of ground commanding an enchanting view of the Arkansas and Walnut valleys. It is about four miles North of the South and six miles East of the West line of the county. The Arkansas passes about one-half mile West, and the Walnut about one-half mile East of the town site and form a junction about two miles and a half to the southeast.

In March, April, and May, 1869, H. C. Endicott, Senior, Geo. Harmon, W. Johnson, Ed Chapin, Pad Endicott, Pat Somers, and

J.(Z) K. Rogers took claims along the Walnut in the vicinity of the present town. H. C. Endicott built the first house in that part of the county. In September following Z. K. Rogers died at Endicott's house: the first death in the county.

On January 1st, 1870, the first stake was driven in the town site by the town company. On March 1st, 1870, G. H. Norton built the first house on the town site, which he occupied as a residence and store. It is now occupied by Mrs. Gray. G. H. Norton, appointed in April, 1870, was the first postmaster. The town site is one mile square. Its streets are laid out north and south and east and west. The main street traverses the summit of the mound upon which the town is located. During the summer of 1870, the town grew very fast and in the fall there were about forty buildings up. It soon became, and remains, the outfiting point for intercourse with the Indian Territory, and a very large and important trade centers there from this county, and from the Agencies and Government Surveying expeditions located and operating in the Territory below. Settled at the outset by an energetic and intelligent people, they soon brought about them the evidences of cultivation. The finest schoolhouse southeast of Emporia adorns the town site; constructed of brick with cut stone trimmings, designed by J. G. Haskell, the first architect in the State, its attractive and inviting form is a noble monument of the present, and promising prestige of the future.

A splendid brick church, the best edifice of the kind in the country, a substantial frame church, a cut stone bank (J. C.

McMullen's), the City Hotel, a three-story structure, kept by Mantor & Son, the Central avenue, a commodious two-story building, Houghton & McLaughlin, immense dry goods store, J. H. Sherburne & Co.'s two-story businesshouse, J. C. McMullen's elegant private residence constructed of brick with cut stone trimmings, costing $6,000, are among the most prominent and expensive of the buildings upon the town site. It contains about 550 population.

In 1870 the following enterprises were established and were the first of the kind in the city: C. R. Sipes' hardware store; Sleeth [THEY HAD SLEATH] & Bro. saw mill; Richard Woolsey hotel; Newman & Houghton clothing house (first in the county); Paul Beck, blacksmith shop; E. D. Bowen grocery store; Keith & Eddy drug store; J. J. Mitchell Harness shop; T. A. Wilkinson, restaurant and boarding house; Wm. Speers, first ferry across Arkansas river.

The first bank and brick residence were built by J. C.

McMullen in 1873. The first temperance meeting was held Feb. 21, 1871. W. P. Hackney was the first lawyer; Dr. John Alexander the first physician; Mrs. S. P. Channel opened the first milliner store. The first Sunday school was organized in Rev. B. C. Swarts' [THEY HAD SWARTZ'S] cabin, T. A. Wilkinson, superintendent; first jeweler, Perry Woodyard.

Creswell Grote, born October 5, 1870, was the first native of the town. On the 20th day of July, 1871, the town site was entered at the Augusta land office. June 10, 1872, it was incorporated as a city of the third class. First city election took place July 1st, 1872. A. D. Keith, mayor; Amos Walton, police judge. The offfice of mayor is successively filled by A. D. Keith (second term), H. O. Meigs, S. P. Channel, Judge Timothy McIntyre [? THEY HAD McIntye ?] has been police judge since April 8, 1873.

NEWSPAPERS.

There are at present four newspapers published in this county, three of which, the COURIER, Plow and Anvil, and the Cowley County Telegram, are published at Winfield; and the fourth, the Arkansas City Traveler, is published at Arkansas City. The first paper published in the county was the Cowley County Censor, the first number of which was issued at Winfield, Aug. 13, 1870, by A. J. Patrick, who was the editor and

proprietor. The Censor was a six column paper. The first two numbers were printed at Augusta, the type having been set up here and sent in galleys to Augusta. Number three was printed here on the historical press of Kansas, the history of which is given by S. S. Prouty as follows.

"Rev. Joseph Meeker brought the first press into Kansas Territory. This was in 1834. Mr. Meeker was a missionary to the Ottawa Indians. The Ottawa Mission was near where the town of Ottawa now stands. Mr. Meeker, a long time prior to the commencement of settlement by the whites, printed a book with that press.

* * * * *

"The State of Kansas should recover that Meeker press and preserve it at the capital. Kansas will have a centennial some day. From Meeker the press passed into the hands of George W. Brown. In 1857 Brown sold it to S. S. Prouty. Prouty owned the press for years, and used it in te publication of the Freemen's Champion and the Neosho Valley Register. Prouty sold it to S. Weaver, who used it at Lecompton. From thence it went to Cottonwood Falls, and from thence to Cowley county. It is now supposed to be in the Indian Territory, on its march of conquest. It was a Seth Adams manufacture, oval at the top. There were twenty stars on it, indicating that at the time of its manufacture there were twenty states in the Union. This was in 1817, as the twenty-first State was admitted in 1818."

Prouty's supposition that the press was in the Indian Territory was not correct. About eighteen months ago it was sold by S. C. Smith to W. H. Kerns, Smith having taken it under a chattel mortgage given by Kerns in January, 1873. Kerns took it to Missouri, where at last accounts he was publishing a paper with it.

Patrick was succeeded by L. J. Webb as editor of the Censor, June 3, 1871, and on the 5th of August following, Webb & Doud bought Patrick out and continued the publication of the paper until the 26th of the month, when E. G. Nichols succeeded Doud, and the firm became Webb & Nichols. In the month of September following the paper was enlarged to seven colunns. January 6th, 1872, Webb and Nichols sold out to W. H. Kerns, when the Censor ceased to exist. January 13th Kerns commenced the publication of the Winfield Messenger, a seven column paper, and on the 4th of July, the same year, was succeeded by Yale Bro.'s, who published until the 5th of December, when they broke up and moved the office and material, except the old press, to McPherson county.

The next paper after the Censor was the Traveler, a six column paper, the first number of which was issued August 24, 1870. We believe it was the first paper printed in the county, coming out a few days before the third number of the Censor.

The Traveler was published by M. G. Mains, with H. B. Norton as editor and C. M. Scott as local. On the 15th of December, 1870, L. B. Kellogg succeeded Mains in the proprietorship and became the editor, with Norton special contributor and Scott local. On the first day of September, 1870, Scott bought Kellogg out, since which time he has carried on the paper alone.

Number 1, volume 1, of the Telegram, was published at Tisdale on the 12th day of September, 1872, by W. M. Allison. Five numbers were issued at Tisdale, and on the 28th of November No. 6 was published at Winfield by Allison. In the month of January, 1873, Allison associated with him A. H. Hane, under the firm name of Allison & Hane, who published the paper until the 20th of March, when Hane was succeeded by A. B. Steinberger (now of the Howard City Courant). Allison & Steinberger dissolved July 3, 1873, since which time Allison has published the

Telegram. The press on which the Telegram is now published is of the same manufacture and age of the Meeker press. Allison has edited the paper since it started.

On the 11th day of January, 1873, R. S. Waddell & Co. started the COURIER at Winfield and continued its publication with R. S. Waddell editor and J. C. Lillie local editor until March 27th following, when James Kelly purchased the office. Kelly at once assumed the publication of the paper, editing it himself, with V. B. Beckett local. Beckett did the locals until March 4, 1875. Kelly conducted the paper alone from that time until July 1st, when Wirt W. Walton became and has ever since been local editor. On the 11th of November last E. C. Manning became editor and publisher.

On the 19th day of November, 1874, the Plow and Anvil made its first appearance, with Col. J. M. Alexander editor and proprietor. Col. Alexander was succeeded by Amos Walton and

C. M. McIntire, the present editors and proprietors, April 22 last.

The Censor was, and the Traveler and COURIER are, republican in politics. The Messenger was, and the Telegram and Plow and Anvil are independent in politics.

CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS.

The Baptist denomination perfected its organization in the county at Winfield, in October 1870. Rev. Winfield Scott, the pastor at Leavenworth, was present and superintended the organization, and preached the first Baptist sermon delivered in the county. The Baptists at that time commenced and subsequently completed a tasty stone church building. The Baptists now have societies organized at Baltimore, Floral, Mount Zion, Maple Grove, Maple City, Pleasant Valley, Rock cree, Silver creek, Timber creek, and Winfield. The enrolled membership numbers 325, and there are at least 175 Baptists outside of the organizations, making a total of 500.

METHODIST.

The society at Winfield was organized in May, 1870, by Rev. B. C. Swarts [AGAIN THEY HAVE SWARTZ] with three members, two full members and one probationer. This was the first organization in the county. In September following the membership having increased to ten, the construction of a house of worship was decided upon. In May, 1871, a church building was completed. In March of 1871, the Kansas M. E. conference appointed Rev.

L. [? hard to read ?] A. Smith to fill the charge. Rev. Wm. Armstrong succeeded him; and in Aug. 1872 Rev. Williams took charge; and following him was Rev. John Lowry in March, 1873. In March 1874, Rev. J. McQuiston was placed in charge, and finally in September, 1875, Winfield became a station with Rev. J. C. Adams as pastor. The Winfield society contains 56 members and owns a church and parsonage valued at $1,500.

The M. E. denomination have organizations in the county, located as follows: One at Winfield, Little Dutch, Limbocker's Schoolhouse, Fee's Schoolhouse, Thomasville, Maple City, Coburns, Bolton, Dexter, Lazette, New Salem, South Bend, Arkansas City, Baltimore, and Rock Schoolhouse. The estimated membership is 400 in number. The society at Arkansas City own a parsonage.

PRESBYTERIAN.

Of Presbyterian church organizations in the county there are five, viz: One Cumberland Presbyterian church, located on Silver creek, and ministered to by Rev. Nance. One is a United Presbyterian church and is located at Arkansas City, and was organized by Rev. Mr. Collins, of Lyon county, in the fall of 1872. The other three belong to the Presbyterian church and are located in Winfield, Arkansas City, and one eight miles north of Winfield, known as the Walnut Valley Church. The aggregate membership of the three churches is something over two hundred. Both the Presbyterian and the United Presbyterian churches at Arkansas City have good church buildings, completely furnished and free from debt. The Presbyterian minister who first labored in this county, as far as we can ascertain, was the Rev. A. R. Naylor, who came in the fall of 1872 and remained six months. His first sermon was preached in the Baptist church in Winfield. The Presbyterian church at Winfield was organized January 19th, 1873, and the one in Arkansas City shortly after, by Rev. A. R. Naylor. The Walnut Valley church was organized March 1st, 1874, by Rev.

J. E. Platter, who is its present minister, and also has charge of the society at Winfield. At the latter place a large brick church is in process of erection.

CHRISTIAN.

The Church of Christ, or Disciples, have eight organizations, as follows: Winfield, Vernon, Dexter, Floral, Lazette, Baltimore, Rose Valley, and Maple, with a membership of 309. There are also in the county an unorganized membership of about 300, who have not determined upon a place of meeting: making a total membership of 609. They have eight preachers, viz:

J. H. Irvin, J. J. Goodwell, Wm. Marquis, Samuel Cutsinger, and John Blevins. The first discourse delivered in the county by a Disciple minister was by Elder Womac, now deceased, in the summer of 1871, in the old Town Company building, Winfield. The congregation in Winfield has now a neat, comfortable frame building, valued at $800. The distinctive plea of the Disciples is the Bible, and the Bible alone, as an all sufficient rule of faith and practice.

CONGREGATIONAL.

The Congregational denomination has one church organization. It is located in Winfield. Its organization was perfected in January, 1871, S. B. Johnson, Pastor. J. B. Fairbank and A. Howland, Deacons. It became a chartered corporation June 13th, 1873: Directors A. Howland, J. B. Fairbank, James A. Kirk, Ed T. Johnson, Ed W. Perkins. Rev. J. B. Parmalee became pastor in 1873. Mr. Parmalee moved to Indiana in the spring of 1875, since which time the church has been without a pastor.

CATHOLIC.

The Catholics have a mission established here, with service once a month by Rev. Schurz, of Wichita.

MASONIC.

On the 29th day of October, 1870, a dispensation was granted to J. S. Hunt, A. H. Green, Enoch Maris, and eight others for a lodge at Winfield. J. S. Hunt was appointed W. M.; A. H. Green,

S. W.; and Enoch Maris, J. W. On the 17th day of October, 1872, the lodge obtained a charter under the name of Adelphi, No. 119, with the following charter members: J. S. Hunt, A. H. Green, Enoch Maris, C. A. Bliss, A. A. Jackson, W. M. Boyer, H. Shaughness, I. L. Comfort, E. Adams, Thomas Hart, W. S. Huff,

S. H. Revis, T. A. Rice, and J. Traxler.

The same officers were installed under the charter and held their offices until Jan. 1st, 1873, when Enoch Maris was elected W. M.; W. M. Boyer, S. W.; and T. A. Rice, J. W.

January 1st, 1874, Enoch Maris was re-elected W. M.; T. A. Bice, S. W.; [FIRST TIME THE SHOWED RICE/SECOND TIME BICE ??]

and W. G. Graham, S. W.

January 1st, 1875, L. J. Webb was elected W. M.; W. G. Graham, S. W.; and J. E. Saint, J. W.

For the present year J. S. Hunt was elected W. M.; J. E. Saint, S. W.; and A. B. Lemmon, J. W. The lodge now has forty-six members and is in a healthy condition morally and

financially.

About one year after the organization of Adelphi, a dispensation was granted to the craft at Arkansas City, and in due time they received a charter under the name of Crescent Lodge, No. 133, with O. S. Smith, W. M.; E. B. Kager, S. W.

Dexter Lodge is spoken of elsewhere.

On the 15th of March, 1875, a dispensation was granted

M. L. Read, H. P.; M. C. Baker, K.; John D. Pryor, Scribe; W. C. Robinson, C. H.; A. Howland, P. S.; W. G. Graham, R. A. C.;

J. W. Johnston, M. 3rd V.; P. Hill, M. 1st V.; A. A. Newman, member. October 19th, a charter was issued to them under the name Winfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 31; and on the 26th of the same month the Chapter was instituted by J. C. Bennett, of Emporia. A list of the officers for this year was published last week. This branch of Masonry here is in good working order and in a health condition financially.

I. O. O. F.

Winfield Lodge, No. 101, was organized by P. S. M., W. A. Shannon, of Augusta, Kansas, Feb. 18th, 1873.

The charter members were J. J. Williams, S. A. Weir, C. W. Richmond, C. C. Stephens, and A. S. Williams. Upon the evening of the organization, John Swain, Max Shoeb, and J. W. Curns were initiated upon petition. The lodge has steadily increased in numbers until it now contains thirty members.

I. O. G. T.

Winfield Lodge was organized in March, 1874, by N. K. Jeffries, D. G. W. T. On the evening of the organization, Rev. J. McQuiston was chosen W. C. T. and Mrs. A. Gordon, V. T. The lodge was organized with twenty charter members. It now contains ninety members in good standing. There are also two other organizations in the county. One located at Little Dutch, the other at Darien, in the Walnut Valley.

BRIDGES.

There are five bridges in the county, all wood structures. Two span the Walnut near Winfield, built in 1872, at a cost of $6,000 each; one crosses Timber creek north of Winfield, costing $2,500, built in 1873; one crosses the Arkansas river south of Arkansas City, at an expense of $15,000, built in 1872; the fifth crosses the Walnut river east of Arkansas City, at a cost of $5,000, erected in 1873.

MILLS.

There are seven grist mills in the county, four water power, three steam power. C. A. Bliss & Co. are proprietors and C. A. Bliss and J. C. Blandin were the builders in 1872 and 1873, of the four-story stone mill on the Walnut adjoining Winfield. It rests upon a solid stone foundation at the south end of a beautiful stone dam. The mill contains three run of burrs, merchant and custom bolt, $1,200 Middlings Purifier (the only one at work in the State at this time). Its daily grinding capacity of 24 hours is over 1,000 bushels of grain. This is the best water mill in southern Kansas. The mill is valued at $24,000.

I. E. Moore is proprietor of the Tunnel Mill, built by Covert and Koehler [? Kochler ?] in 1872 and 1873. It is a three-story, substantial frame building containing two run of burrs driven by the water of the Walnut flowing through a tunnel beneath a narrow neck of land three quarters of a mile south of town. The mill is valued $16,000.

Wm. Speers is the proprietor of a substantial steam grist and saw mill, locted upon the town site of Arkansas City.

All of these mills manufacture a superior brand of flour that has favorite reputation in Kansas City, which it reaches via Wichita over the A. T. & S. F. R. R.

B. H. Clover, at Lazette, has a flourishing saw and grist mill run by steam. Carter Bro.'s, at Dexter, also have a grist and saw mill driven by steam power, built in 1875 by Meigs & Kinnie. Mosses [?] Miller is the proprietor of a small grist mill on Silver creek, southeast of Tisdale.

Steam saw mills are located on Grouse creek as follows:

Sherman's, six miles above Lazette; Ward & Smiley, two miles below Lazette; French & Stalter, three miles further down; Lipman's, ten miles below Dexter, and Samuel Jay, at the mmouth of Grouse. These with a steam saw mill, owned by W. H. Keiser, about four miles above Winfield on the Walnut, constitute the mills of the county at this date.

[QUESTION: LIPMAN OR LIPPMAN OR LIPPMANN???]

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The first schoolhouse built in the county was in school district No. 37, called Bethel schoolhouse, in 1871. At present there are seventy schoolhouses in the county, constructed at an average cost of $1,000 each. They are chiefly tasty frame buildings, painted white. There are one hundred and eight organized school district and 3,555 children of school age in the county. The law requires that at least three months school be taught in each district annually. The average wages paid techers if forty dollars per month. Good teachers find ready employment. The highest salary paid to a teacher in the county is one thousand dollars per annum.

REPRESENTATIVES.

In the order of their terms we give the names of the men who have represented the county in the Kansas House of Representatives: E. C. Manning, 1871; Judge T. B. McIntyre, 1872; Capt. James McDermott, 1873; Rev. Wm. Martin, 1874; Hon. T. R. Bryan, 1875.

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

April 28, 1873, Vernon, the first subordinate Grange, was organized; A. S. Williams, master. In November following Silverdale and Bolton Grange were organized. We have not been able to learn who were the first masters.

The following Granges were organized by J. L. Worden, deputy.

Nov. 24, 1873, Bethel Grange, Joseph Stansberry, master.

Nov. 25, 1873, Maple Grove Grange, James Land, master.

Dec. 8, 1873, Floral Grange, James Van Orsdell, master.

Dec. 9, 1873, New Salem, J. J. Johnson, master.

Dec. 18, 1873, Richland, S. W. Phoenix, master.

Dec. 26, 1873, Beaver, W. A. Freeman, master.

Dec. 29, 1873, Eagle, J. Tipton, master.

Jan. 9, 1874, Bluff, T. C. Bird, master.

Jan. 10, 1874, Winfield, A. T. Stewart, master.

Jan. 15, 1874, Grand Prairie, A. Walk, master.

Jan. 16, 1874, Darien, Wm. H. Grow, master.

Jan. 17, 1874, Omnia, N. J. Thompson, master.

Jan. 20, 1874, Philematheon, H. H. Martin, master.

Jan. 27, 1874, Lazette, J. Clover, master.

Jan. 27, 1874, Center, C. G. Handy, master.

Jan. 30, 1874, Sheridan, Joseph Burt, master.

Jan. 30, 1874, Pleasant Valley, H. H. Constant, master.

Feb. 4, 1874, Walnut Valley, G. S. Story, master.

Feb. 5, 1874, Little Dutch, John Manley, master.

Feb. 9, 1874, Nennescah, L. B. Goodrich, Secretary.

Feb. 11, 1874, Creswell, A. J. Burell, Secretary.

Feb. 12, 1874, South Bend, J. S. Hill, Secretary.

Feb. 13, 1874, Aurora, C. G. Oliver, Secretary.

Feb. 14, 1874, Gore, G. A. Keeps, Secretary.

Feb. 18, 1874, Union, G. W. Ballou, Secretary.

Feb. 21, 1874, Pleasant Grove, S. B. Littell, Secretary.

Feb. 24, 1874, Enterprise, T. M. Summers, Secretary.

Mar. 13, 1874, Crooked Creek, James Burns, Secretary.

Mar. 16, 1874, Dexter, T. A. Bryan, Secretary.

Mar. 17, 1874, Liberty, E. Newlin, Secretary.

Mar. 18, 1874, Silver Creek, S. M. Jarvis, Secretary.

Mar. 19, 1874, Thomas R. Sharron, Secretary.

[LOCATION NOT GIVEN ON ABOVE.]

Mar. 24, 1874, Washington, L. T. Wells, Secretary.

Apr. 1, 1874, Eureka, W. R. Wickersham, Secretary.

Apr. 8, 1874, Maple City, W. E. Ketchum, Secretary.

Apr. 9, 1874, Grouse Creek, J. R. Picket, Secretary.

Feb. 16, 1875, Prospect, John Linton, master.

Feb. 27, 1875, Rose Bud, J. R. Kistler, master.

Mar. 18, 1875, Spring Creek, A. A. Wiley, master.

The order is prosperous and growing. There are about one thousand members in the county.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Cowley County Agricultural Society was organized Aug. 19, 1871, and on Aug. 31 the directors elected the following officers: M. M. Jewett, president, A. T. Stewart, vice president; D. N. Egbert, secretary; A. B. Lemmon, assistant secretary; J. B. Fairbanks, corresponding secretary; J. D. Cochran,

treasurer, C. M. Wood, superintendent.

Some preliminary meetings were held for the organization prior to the first date given. On the 12th day of October, 1872, the first fair was held. The Society had purchased twelve acres of land south of town and constructed a high, tight, pine fence around it, and cleared an elegant race track thereon. This

occurred in 1872, after the Society was incorporated under State law in May 7th and 8th.

At that time A. T. Stewart became President; C. M. Wood, Vice President; J. D. Cochran, Treasurer; D. N. Egbert, Secretary. The second Agricultural Fair, held under the Society, transpired 15th to 18th of September, 1872.

POST OFFICES.

Arkansas City, Baltimore, Cabin Valley, Cedar Creek, Dexter, Grouse Creek, Lazette, Little Dutch, Maple City, Moscow, New Salem, Ninnescah, Otto, Polo, Red Bud, Rock, Silver Dale, Tisdale, Vernon, Winfield: 20.

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THE WINFIELD COURIER - E. C. MANNING, Editor.

Winfield, Kans., Jan. 6, 1876.

THE WINTER WHEAT.

There is no frost in the ground. The weather is warm and just right for wheat growing. The 45,000 acres of winter wheat in this county looks as green as grass in June. Enoch Willett finished sowing a large field Dec. 1st and it is all up, and growing finely.

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OUR CENTENNIAL ISSUE.

Last Friday we undertook the task of issuing a Centennial COURIER this week. From various sources and at different times a history of the county has been suggested. An intention exists somewhere to present the January, 1876, issue of the Kansas journals in a bound volume at the Centennial. It has been suggested that these volumes contain histories of the counties and cities in which they are printed. We waited until the very last hour before moving to issue such a sheet, in the hope that other and abler hands would undertke the enterprise. In common with all others, we are proud of the progress Cowley has made. We were in at its birth, it will be in at our death. We helped to cut its swaddling clothes, it shall furnish our winding sheet. Containing as it does the elements and resources of an empire, if wisdom prevails in the councils of its people, an unequalled future awaits it.

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SPECIAL MENTION.

The most gratifying encouragement has been extended us by all with whom we have come in contact in our efforts to secure data and information for this issue of the COURIER. We do not now remember a single ungenerous or discouraging word. We hope it will be received in as kindly a spirit. Gotten up in such haste of course it could not be perfect. We have done the best we could in the time given us. By consent of patrons we have left out this week three columns of regular standing advertisements. We hope our readers will not forget them. Boyer & Co.'s news depot and book store, the best and most complete institution of the kind in the county, is one that was set aside; a long list of lots and land in Manning & Walton's double column real estate advertisement is another. The last named firm have some very choice tracts of land for sale at excedingly low prices. A list of land furnished applicants and correspondence promptly

answered.

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[LAZETTE NEWS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.

LAZETTE NEWS.

On the 19 inst., as Mr. S. M. Fall and daughter were returning from Dexter, an almost fatal accident befell them. Somebody had very carelessly left a dead calf in the middle of the road near George Gardenhire's, at which Mr. Fall's mules took fright, jumped back so suddenly that they snapped off the tongue of the buggy, and then started forward on a run. By main strength Mr. Fall turned them into the fence, which the buggy struck with such violence as to throw him out on the ground. Fortunately the mules there became disengaged from the buggy, and continued their run unincumbered. Mr. Fall was insensible some little time from the force of the fall, but suffered no other injuries than severe bruises, while his daughter escaped without any damage, though greatly frightened.

At the last meeting of the literary society, at the Gardenhire schoolhouse, the question, Resolved, That the old bachelors should be compelled to support the old maids, was debated, and, of course, decided in the affirmative. The discussion is said to have been heated and able.

Quite a respectable club has been gotten up here for the weekly Commonwealth.

Several interesting shooting matches have lately been held in this neighborhood, and our "crack shots" carried off many a turkey.

On the eve of the 24th a pleasant dance was held at Harvey Ramage's, and another in Cedar Valley at Mr. Buddell's.

The initiary steps to a number of heavy law suits were lately taken by parties in the valley; but unfortunately, the dread of justice to be dispensed by A. J. Pickering's court caused the contending parties to compromise.

Among the distinguished parties who have lately returned to Lazette are the following: Frank Wilkins, Indian Territory;

T. Hemenway, Allen county; Lee Wade, Humboldt; Dennis Cunningham, Illinois; H. M. Rogers, St. Joseph; and Joseph Fritch, from Texas.

On the 26th, Rev. Mr. Swarts held religious services in the schoolhouse, and announced his appointment for January.

Corn still stands at 20 cents in our market. Apples range as high as $2.00, while peanuts are a drug at 75 cents.

Rev. David Dale has sold out his stock of ponies, and is determined to "jockey" no more this side of Arizona.

The Arizona company held a pigeon-shooting match on the open square south of town Saturday last.

On Christmas the Lazette Bugle blew its first notes. It is small but quite lively. J. W. Tull is bugler in chief.

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THE WINFIELD COURIER.

Winfield, Kansas, January 6, 1876.

Wirt W. Walton, Local Editor.

[PERSONALS.]

The Sunday school will meet at the Courthouse at half past two o'clock P. M. in future. The first bell will be rung at two o'clock. They are getting a new library.

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LATEST STYLE SUITS at $10 to $15, at Requa's.

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At their regular meeting last Friday night, No. 282 of the A. G. J. S. Bazique, elected the following officers for the ensuing year: J. D. Pryor, King; James Simpson, Grand Khedive; F. Gallotti, Sir Scribe; J. Ex Saint, G. Master C.; W. W. Walton, G. Commander; B. F. Baldwin, G. Generalissimo. After which work was done in the Marquis degree and brother W. C. Robinson made Kinght of the Red Hand. Refreshments were taken at the St. Nicholas.

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IF YOU WANT a good hat, a cheap hat, a coarse hat, a black hat, a drab hat, a high hat, a low hat, or any other hat, go to McMillen & Shields.

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Special Notice.

Judge McDonald can be found in my office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week after January 15th, 1876.

W. P. HACKNEY.

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IF YOU DO WANT a good glove, a fine glove, a Buck glove, a sheep glove, a dog glove, a casimere glove, a woolen glove, a kid glove, or any kind of a mitten glove at a job lot price, we say go to McMillen & Shields.

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Found.

A lady's fur cape. The owner should pay for this notice and prove ownership to the property and get possession.

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NOW IS THE TIME, and the very time, to buy shoes cheaply while McMillen & Shields are determined to sell at some price to make room for more goods. Look to your interest and fail not.

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Royal Arch Masons.

There will be an installation of officers of Winfield Chapter No. 31, at Masonic Hall, of Royal Arch Masons, on Saturday evening, January 8. All R. A. M's. in good standing are cordially invited to attend.

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[MORE PERSONALS: COURIER, JANUARY 6, 1876.]

For Journal Clerk.

What they say about us in connection with the Journal Clerkship of the House:

"Wirt W. Walton, of Winfield, Kansas, will be a candidate for Journal Clerk of the House. He filled that position with credit during the session of 1873 and 1874. He is a newspaper man of good ability, and will probably be elected."

Mr. Walton is a good and rapid pensman, a correct accountant, and can be relied on. We should like to see him go in.

*** Is one of the ablest and most reliable young men of the southwest. Parsons Sun.

*** Has filled the place with credit to himself and the House. Spirit of Kansas.

*** Local editor of the Winfield COURIER, has filled the position once, rendering satisfaction to everybody. He is a good scholar, wields a facile pen, etc. Sumner Co. Press.

*** We do not believe his superior for that position can be found in the State. Larned Press.

*** Besides being a Southwestern Kansas editor, he has had experience in the discharge of the duties of the position which is invaluable in a clerkship. Wichita Eagle.

*** We vote "Aye!" North Topeka Times.

*** We insist that the members of the South, if not those of the entire State, give him their warmest support. North Topeka Times.

*** We insist that the members of the South, if not those of the entire State, give him their warmest support. Elk County Courant.

Thanks, gentlemen, thanks! Meet us at Popindick's on the evening of the 10th inst.

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IT HAS BECOME a matter of history that McMillen & Shields deal in a good article of goods and do a fair, square business.

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MARRIED.

WALKER - WEBB. Tuesday evening, January 4th, 1876, at the residence of the bride's brother, L. J. Webb, by Rev. N. L. Rigby, Mr. R. L. Walker and Miss Sadie A. Webb.

Everybody in the county knows Dick Walker and no one has more friends than he. They all rejoice at his good sense and good fortune in selecting a companion for life. His new wife, though not one of the "old settlers," has many friends in our midst and quietly captured the Captain that all the girls were going crazy after. "Still waters run deep."

GRAHAM - PATTEN. At Dexter, Kansas, Jnuary 1st, 1876, by Elder J. Jones, Mr. John Graham to Miss Martha E. Patten, all of Dexter.

BROWN - DAGGETT. At the residence of L. J. Spahr's, Timber creek, Dec. 29th, 1875, by R. Thursk, Esq., Mr. Lafayette Brown, formerly of Olathe, Kas., and Miss I. E. Daggett, formerly of Cordona, Illinois.

After partaking of refreshments the happy couple started for their future home near New Salem, Kansas, amid the hearty congratulations of their many friends and relatives.

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TO GET BARGAINS in felt skirts, balmorel skirts, white mereno knit skirts, white tucked skirts, linen handkerchiefs, cotton handkerchiefs, Hamburg edgings, Saxony edgings, rushing, belts, jewelry, and dry goods, groceries, and notions generally, you will have to go to McMillen & Shields.

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Just received, at Mrs. L. H. Howard's a nice assortment of Ready-made Cloaks.

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Go to McMillen & Shields and get 15 yards of good Calico for $1.00.

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SPECIAL NOTICE.

W. L. Mullen would inform the public that he is closing out his entire stock of staple Groceries at the lowest rates for cash, with a view of engaging in a business more congenial to his--well call and see the goods. He is bound to sell them between now and Spring at some price. Remember the place, the same old stand, East side main street, Winfield, Kansas.

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Auction! Auction!!

There will be an Auction Sale of the Furniture and Fixtures of the Lagonda House on Saturday, January 8th, 1876, commencing at 10 o'clock A. M. A rare chance to purchase furniture of all kinds, beds, bedding, crockery and glassware, cooking and heating stoves, pipe, etc.

A. N. DEMING.

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A NEW STOCK of wagon material, direct from Indiana, at prices to suit the times, at George Brown's wagon shop, next door to Schoeb's blacksmith shop.

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OH SAY! Now that the Holidays are coming, hadn't you better call on Mrs. Kennedy's fashionable Millinery Emporium, and purchase one of those beautiful hats? Or perhaps a plume, a sash, a bolt of ribbon, or something else that's nice? Remember the place. Four doors north of C. A. Bliss & Co.'s.

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HURRY UP and gent some of those nice stylish ribbons of Mrs. Kenndy before they are all gone.

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[COURIER PATRONS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, WIRT W. WALTON, LOCAL EDITOR, JAN. 6, 1876.

Our "Courier" Patrons.

In beginning the "Centennial year," with an enterprise like the one we have engaged in this week, it is but right and proper that we make honorable mention of the men who, by giving us their patronage, have greatly helped us in the "financial" part thereof.

Alphabetically arranged, they appear as follows.

ALLEN, JNO. E., ex-Deputy U. S. Collector, and County Attorney of Putnam county, Illinois, came here in March, 1874, and engaged in the practice of his profession--is now City attorney. He commands the respect of many acquaintances.

AUSTIN, DR. W. E., has been here but a year and a few months, yet he has a good practice. He moved from Oxford here, and from Oswego to Oxford.

BAKER, THOS., City Tonsorial Artist, has the best shop in town, and, as he deserves, the best custom.

BALDWIN, B. F., Druggist, City Clerk, etc., successor to Maris & Baldwin, moved from Cherryvale, Kansas, February, 1873, bringing his goods in one wagon. He now has the largest and finest drug store in the city. To those who do not know Frank Baldwin, we will say that he is a reliable, accommodating young gentleman and one of the promising businessmen of our city.

BLACK, C. C., Merchant, City Councilman, and a "jolly good fellow," graduated at Hampton College, Rock Island Co., Illinois, and came to Cowley and herded forty "cattle on a thousand hills" during the fall of 1875, engaged in the mercantile business January, 1873, with J. J. Ellis, whom he has since bought out. He now runs his mammoth store, assisted by the clever Charley Harter as chief salesman, and Fred C. Hunt as assistant, singly and alone. It's useless to wish that trio success.

BLACK, DR. GEO., is a graduate of the Cincinnati, Ohio, Medical College. Is an old and reliable practitioner and has his share of the practice here.

BLISS, C. A. & Co., of which C. A. is "which," is made up chiefly of those western elements, called faith, pluck, and grit--the greatest of which is "grit." The elements he has had to contend with would have sunk an ordinary businessman, but he still swims. At the time he built, his was the largest store in the county, the finest residence in the county, and his mill, of which we are all so proud, is one of the best in the state. He furnishes employment for a dozen hands--is always improving and enhancing the value of his property, thereby adding much to the material wealth of our city. He has done more toward building up the town of his adoption than any one man in it. Success to C. A. Bliss, his salesman, J. Ex Saint, and all the boys connected therewith.

BONANZA BILLIARD HALL, recently opened up with A. O. Baily, proprietor. It is an orderly-kept room, and is a good place to spend an idle hour.

BOYER & Co.'s News Depot and headquarters for stationery, notions, etc., is the neatest room in the city. W. M. Boyer is one of the pioneers of the town, has held the office of J. P. continuously--is now Police Judge, attorney at law (does not practice), and one of the most popular businessmen in the city.

BROWN, GEO., was the first wagon maker in the county--has worked here at his trade ever since. He is honest--well, everybody knows Geo. Brown.

BROTHERTON & SILVER represent the only exclusive grain and feed store in the Valley. Mr. Brotherton has been a merchant in Winfield since it was a city and long before. Mr. Silver, ex-Township Trustee, is a live go-ahead man. The pair go well together. Give them your patronage.

CEDAR GROVE Nursery, with Judge Gans as proprietor, has the lead of anything of the kind in the county. Buy of Gans, he will do well by you.

CEMTRAL AVENUE HOUSE of Arkansas City, is the most popular house, has the most popular landlord, viz.; Will D. Mowry, and is in fact the best hotel in the Walnut valley.

CHANNELL & Co., hardware merchants, Arkansas City, have the reputation of being fair dealing men. They have the best store in the city and hence have the largest trade. S. P. Channell is the present mayor, one of the "antique" fellows, and his partner, R. C. Haywood, is a live business young man.

COMFORT, I. L, still liveth, and the "Old Boy," as we printers call him, handles the saw or the roller as nimble as a 19 year old. He is the best type-roller or wood sawyer in Southern Kansas. "Good day, sir; I must be going."

CURNS & MANSER do a general real estate and abstract business. They are reliable, live businessmen, and as such succeed in anything they undertake.

DEVER, J. M., is one of the aborigines, as it were; is always ready to help in any public enterprise. When you want anything in the Notion line, call on him and he'll call on you.

EASTON, John, the only gunsmith in the county--you have to patronize him; but John is a good workman and will do the fair thing for you.

FRIEND, F. M., watchmaker and jeweler, having just arrived from Carthage, Missouri, stands ready to make his work speak for itself. Having begun right, advertising in the leading paper, we bespeak for him success.

FULLER, J. C., is the proprietor of the Winfield Bank, the first bank in Cowley county; established in the spring of 1871. Of it we need say nothing; words of ours would add little to its prestige. He is also a co-partner of the town and one of its leading citizens. May the town become full of Fullers like

J. C.

GILLELAND, T. E., the first boot and shoe man, exclusive in the county, has a large trade and is doing a thriving business. He has just finished a residence and is now one of us "for life or during the war," in prices.

GRAHAM & HARE, physician and dentist. Dr. Graham was the first M. D. in the county; came here in October, 1869, and has been identified with every public interest since. He was one of the few men who had the grit to stay here and see this country through its chrysalis state. He reaps the reward now. Dr. Hare is a young man of good business habits and is a professional

dentist.

"GRANGER Saloon," is one of the most quiet, orderly saloons in the valley; Joseph Likowski, proprietor. It is the oldest in the county; has paid an immense revenue into the city coffers.

GREEN, A. H., ex-Postmaster, ex-Captain, U. S. A., etc., lawyer, druggist, and insurance agent, arrived here February 8, 1871, and commenced selling drugs the following day.

HILL, JAMES. Everybody knows "Jim" Hill, of the popular St. Nicholas restaurant.

HILL & CHRISTIE are the champion butchers of the city. They are straight forward businessmen and, although "new comers," are doing well.

HUDSON, ROBERT, contractor, has put up more substantial buildings than any man in town, and the best of it is, he furnished the "wherewith" to do it. He owns them. He will soon take charge of the "Valley House" and run it on Canadian principles. He is one of the original originals.

HUDSON & BROWN do a prospering business at blacksmithing. They are accommodating and reliable. "Give the boys a chance."

HUNT, G. W., is the best tailor in town.

HOUX, DR. JAMES O., is the oldest dentist in the county; keeps a neat office, does good work, and is "one of the boys." Give him a chance, too.

HOWARD, Mrs., milliner, has a suit of nice rooms on main street filled with goods pleasing to the ladies' eyes; call and see them.

JOHNSTON, J. W., cabinet maker, built the first shop in the city; does good work; is reliable; came here to stay; is glad of it. Bully for Johnston!

KENNEDY, Mrs., has a lady's furnishing store and millinery rooms; keeps up with the styles, buys the best and sells the best. Is the widow of the late L. M. Kennedy, who was one of the pioneers of Cowley and the first settler in Beaver township.

KINGSBURY, C. H., says it in poetry better than we can tell it in prose.

LYNN, J. B. & Co., one of the leading houses in the county; is progressive and liberal. Hurrah for Lynn!

MANSFIELD, DR. W. Q., the oldest druggist and physician in the city, sold drugs to the aborigines; is one of Winfield's best citizens and warmest friends. Nothing that will materially aid in the prosperity of the town or country escapes his notice. Long live the Doctor!

MARIS, W. H., the leading lumberman in the county, is a popular gentleman and commands the confidence and respect of the entire people. His business increases with years. He came here when Winfield was in her swaddling clothes.

MILLINGTON, D. A., co-proprietor of the town; one of its strongest helps in its hours of need and now its mayor, is one of the leading lawyers in the city; invested his capital; brought his family; risked his all in an early day; he now begins to "reap the harvest." We most heartily wish those old pioneers, pater families of this town, of which he is one, unlimited

success.

MITCHELL, C. R., is the leading lawyer in Arkansas City. All business left to brother Mitchell will receive due attention. He is one of the rising young men of the southwest, "furthermore, deponent sayeth not."

MORRIS & ROBINSON, liverymen. O. N. Morris came from Grantville, Kansas, two years ago, entered the above mentioned business immediately, and has continued in it ever since. He is prosperous--consequently happy. Will Robinson, his partner, came here in an early day; his marriage notice will be seen in another column.

NOTE: MARRIAGE NOTICE WAS NOT IN THIS ISSUE!

MULLEN, W. L., is closing out his stock of dry goods; he will engage in the pleasant occupation that Abraham of old followed for a living, viz.; keeping cattle. Success to him in the new enterprise.

McBRIDE & GREEN, brickmakers, having just come among us, we will say that they are enterprising, live boys, and we predict for them financial success.

McMILLEN & SHIELDS left Ohio in November, 1872, and after taking a general look through the entire western country, concluded that Cowley county and Winfield was good enough for them, so they drove their stakes accordingly. They are now taking the annual inventory of their dry goods, groceries, etc., to see how much they have lost; and still they are happy.

McMULLEN, J. C., the first banker in Arkansas City, built the first brick residence in the town. He came from Clarksville, Tennessee (but not a native thereof), September, 1871. The bank is in a flourishing condition, pays more taxes than--but we promised not to draw comparisons.

NATIONAL Saloon of R. Ehret, east side Main street, Winfield, is run in a manner creditable to the proprietor and the town.

PRYOR, JOHN D., is the agent for the several musical instruments, several insurance companies, and a resident land agent at Winfield; is junior member of the Bar firm of Pryor, Kager & Pryor; is a graduate of the Chicago commercial college and consequently "one of the boys," with a full-grown business head on him. (Copyright secured.)

PRYOR, KAGER & PRYOR, attorneys at law, successors to Pryor & Kager, are classed among the best firms that practice at our Bar. They are solid and reliable.

RANDALL, I. W., shoves the jack-plane and does good work. Try him and see.

Winfield Courier, January 1, 1876.

READ'S BANK is conducted on business principles; does business in the first brick building built in our town, and is owned by M. L. Read, Esq., one of our leading citizens. M. L. Robinson is the urbane cashier and Will C. Robinson his gentlemanly assistant. The bank is in a flourishing condition.

ROBERSON, N., harness dealer, everyone in Cowley knows "Nate." He keeps a No. 1 shop, is accommodating and energetic. It's useless to tell you to trade with him--you'll do it anyhow.

RODOCKER, D., photographer; the only one in the city. His work speaks for itself; praise not necessary.

SHERBURNE & STUBBS, of Arkansas City, is one of the leading dry goods and grocery firms of that place. They are clever young men and have done much toward the building up of their town.

SHOEB, MAX, the first "pioneer" blacksmith in the county; built first stone building in county (his present shop), when the wolves howled their requiems to the tune of his busy hammer.

(Patent applied for.)

VARNER, S., dealer in harness, etc. Sol came here early, worried through the grasshopper year, and now stands flat-footed with any of them. "Pluck will win."

WALKER, W. H., proprietor of Arkansas City livery stable, is one of the ancient landmarks of that place. He knows every traveling man from St. Louis, west. Stop with him, he will do the fair thing by you.

WEBB, L. J., the irrepressible, ex-newspaper editor; the jolly, hilarious, "one of 'em" when among the boys; the solid businessman, when "it's business," and the acknowledged leading criminal lawyer in the district, still liveth. His origin, like "Topsy's," we know not. He has always been here and expects to remain here till he is--translated.

WHITEHEAD, Mrs. S., keeps a good stock of millinery goods at the old stand. The ladies all know where it is.

YERGER, J. N., the oldest jeweler in the city. Orders promptly filled.

MANNING & WALTON (that's us) do a general real estate and intelligence office business. Correspondence solicited. Send stamp for reply. All questions promptly answered.

Thanking the above named advertisers, one and all, for their liberal patronage, we wish them a Happy Centennial, a Happy New Year, and many returns of both.

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[LOCAL NOTICES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 6, 1876.

EVERYTHING from a pair of Overalls to a complete Wedding Out-fit to be found at C. A. Bliss & Co.'s.

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To Rent or for Sale.

One-half section bottom land; 80 acres cultivated. Also the Tryon Farm. Both timbered and watered.

Oct. 8, 1875. R. B. WAITE.

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NEW HATS! NEW HATS!! Have you seen those new hats at

C. A. Bliss & Co.'s?

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WANTED. 25 or 30 yards of good rag carpet. Apply at the post office.

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Rates Reduced.

MONEY to loan for one, two, and five years, by Curns & Manser.

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Mr. Ira E. Moore is now prepared to furnish the city with milk. All those who wish it delivered at their residence can leave their orders at the Post Office.

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HARNESS at Varner's for less than they can be purchased at any other store in town.

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"STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT" by buying your whips, bridles, etc., of Varner.

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DOWN SHE GOES!

Fourteen yards of the best Prints for One Dollar, and all other goods in proportion, at J. B. Lynn & Co.'s. All woolen goods down to bed rock prices for the next 60 days at J. B. Lynn & Co.'s. Come one, come all!

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MRS. L. H. HOWARD has removed her fasionable Millinery Store five doors north of her old stand, where she will be pleased to see her old customers and as many new ones as may be pleased to call and examine her new stock of fall goods.

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THE WINFIELD COURIER.

[Beginning with Thursday, January 13, 1876.]

[COMMUNICATION FROM GRAND PRAIRIE GRANGE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 13, 1876 - FRONT PAGE.

FROM GRAND PRAIRIE GRANGE.

At a meeting of Grand Prairie Grange No. 881, held Dec. 23rd, 1875, the following preamble and resolution was adopted.

WHEREAS, the Cowley County District Grange, held Dec. 2nd, 1875, passed a resolution purporting to be the sentiments of the Patrons of Cowley county in regard to the construction of a railroad through our country, and that the agricultural interests of our country demand such legislation of the Kansas Legislature as will enable a majority vote to extend such aid as will secure the completion of such a road at the earliest possible day, and

WHEREAS, Such measures are in direct opposition to the very principles of our order that of bonding the "tiller of the soil," encouraging the monopolists and maintaining the spectulator. Now, be it therefore

Resolved, That we, the members of Grand Prairie Grange, No. 881, do most emphatically denounce such resolution as an imposition, and contrary to the sentiments of the members of this Grange, and the public generally.

Resolved, That the Secretary be instructed to furnish a copy of this preamble and resolution to the Cowley County Telegram, and Winfield COURIER.

D. S. HAYNES, Sec'y.

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[COMMUNICATION FROM T. A. WILKINSON.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 1876 - FRONT PAGE.

"Is This a Swindle, a Theft, or a Fraud?"

Under the above caption, in the Plow and Anvil of last week, Mr. Amos Walton made some statements, which, if true, would prove me to be a scoundrel, if not a thief. I desire Mr. Walton to print this in order that it may reach the same readers that have already been excited, and wrongfully influenced by the animus of his motive, which will appear plain to all. I think all fair minded readers will say that he ought, at least, to have called upon me for an explanation of what to him seemed so grave an offense. No thief ought to be convited without a fair trail. But Mr. Walton rushes my name into print as a man who, not only has stolen from the county treasury, but who has knowingly and wilfully sworn falsely in order to clear away the obstacles that stood between him and the object of his theft. His article reads just as it should read after my official conduct had been thoroughly investigated, my own defense carefully weighed and found wanting, and a verdict of culpable guilt rendered against me. Under such circumstances Mr. Walton's course would be justifiable.

But even his friends will not, I think, agree with him in his ungenerous attack upon me without first learning both sides of the case.

I am charged by Mr. Walton with having drawn $1,200 as Superintendent of Public Instruction, when I should have drawn but $1,000. He claims that if I had excluded Arkansas City and Winfield from the enumeration of perons over five and under twenty-one years of age, I could have drawn legally, only $1,000; but contrary to the law, I enumerated the children in those two cities, and thereby unlawfully drew $275.00 from the county treasury.

He further states that the number of persons over five and under twenty-one years of age, as shown by official documents for the year 1874, was 3,030. Excluding 300 for the incorporated cities of Winfield and Arkansas City, would leave 2,730. It requires 3,000 in order to entitle the Superintendent to $1,200 a year, and with 2,730 he is entitled to but $1,000, and states that I really drew $1,200.

My annual report shows no such figures as Mr. Walton states. He either ignorantly or wilfilly states falsely. My annual report for 1874 shows 3,555 persons over five or under twenty-one years of age. Now, taking out 369 for Winfield and Arkansas City, we have for the year 1874, 3,186 persons over five and under twenty-one years of age.

Mr. Walton quotes the law relating to incorporated cities. Winfield and Arkansas City are cities of the 3rd class. On the 16th day of December, 1873, I wrote to the State Superintendent in regard to this very matter, and for the very purpose of avoiding the crime Mr. Walton so maliciously charges me with.

The following is an answer to my letter.

STATE OF KANSAS,

OFFICE OF SUPT. PUB. INSTRUCTION,

TOPEKA, Dec. 20th, 1873.

THOS. A. WILKINSON, County Supt. of Cowley County, Winfield, Kansas.

DEAR SIR: Yours of the 16th received. The affidavit with a decision of the Attorney General has been sent you some time since. Cities of the "3rd class" are to be included in the enumeration to determine the salary of County Superintendent. They have no right to elect a separate Superintendent to do the work of the County Superintendent.

Your obedient servant.

S. A. FELTER, Asst. Supt.

The above letter, even if the cities of Winfield and Arkansas City were enumerated in 1873, would at least exonerate me, I think, from the charge of theft or a desire to defraud the people of Cowley county.

This letter was submitted to the County Commissioners and County Attorney, which determined their action in regulating the County Superintendent's salary.

I only hope Mr. Walton will always be as careful as I desire to be in matters of duty to my fellow man.

You have scented and barked up the wrong tree, Amos. The coon you are after is somewhere else. Take a glance in the looking glass.

T. A. WILKINSON.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

THE WINFIELD COURIER, E. C. MANNING - EDITOR.

JANUARY 13, 1876.

On the 3rd of December last Gov. Osborn restored James Dall, of Cowley county, to citizenship. He has previously been discharged from the penitentiary.

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COL. MANNING, of the Winfield COURIER, seems to be jealous of Eldorado, Wichita, Emporia, The Eagle, News, and Times, the Murdocks, Stotlers, and everybody else. We can inform him that he cannot build up his paper or town either by fighting other localities. Eldorado Times.

Py shimmeny! ish dat so?

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The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad opened its line to Apishapa, Colorado, 42 miles west of Las Animas, January 8th, and commenced running their passenger trains at once. Apishapa is only 40 miles from Pueblo. The weather is splendid and the road will be completed and running to the Rocky Mountains by the 1st of March next.

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A DISPATCH from Lawrence, Kansas, dated Jan. 8th, says: "It is rumored here that intelligence has been received from Washington that the Supreme Court, by a vote of 7 to 2, had decided the celebrated Osage Ceded land case in favor of the Railroad Companies." If this is true, what will the politicians down that way do for thunder hereafter?

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[OXFORD ITEMS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 13, 1876.

OXFORD ITEMS.

BY DIOGENES.

The mill is receiving the machinery and rapidly approaching completion.

Mr. C. W. Cook has moved with his family to the regions of the Chikaskia, near Caldwell.

The Masonic fraternity have recently organized a Lodge and claims to be in good working order.

Capt. Brown was one of a hunting party who recently invaded the buffalo regions out west a hundred miles or more. They brought back in good order but nary buffalo.

SKIPPED THE REST.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 13, 1876 - WIRT W. WALTON, LOCAL ED.

Prof. Hoffman is among us again.

The Walnut is running at an extra stage of water.

There is no prospect of a corner on ice thus far.

DR. AUSTIN has removed his office to one door south of Bliss & Co.'s store.

MR. JAMES LAND killed three shoats this week weighing 1,010 pounds net.

HILL & CHRISTIE killed a Poland China hog this week that dressed 601 pounds.

D. A. MILLINGTON has been appointed U. S. Commissioner for this section of Kansas vice Kellogg, resigned.

Last Saturday Mr. T. A. Henderson took possession of the Lagonda House and on Sabbath the house was full.

A fellow giving his name as John Tolls is in jail on the charge of stealing a horse from Sam Endicott.

On Lord's day, January 15th, at 11 A. M. and 7 P. M., Elder John Blevins will preach in the Christian chapel, Winfield.

Several large corn cribs are being built and filled, in Winfield. It takes a good many bushels of fifteen cent corn to make a large pile--of money.

The new Board of County Commissoners met last Monday and organized by re-electing R. F. Burden, chairman. The county never had a more competent Board.

LUNATICS. Sheriff Walker has two lunatics on his hands, Frank Bungdefer, from Otter township, and Scott Biggs. The State Insane Asylum is full or they would go there.

Under the charge of Revs. Platter and Adams, a revival meeting is in progress in Winfield that excels in interest and results anything every experienced here. We hope no one will discourage the good work.

T. B. MYERS is the Centennial painter of Winfield. He has just completed the best job in town. See how Kelly's residence shines! Mr. Myers is an old painter, but had to quit the business years ago on account of his health.

MYERS, DAY & THOMPSON, of Cedar township, have taken a contract to stir 400 acres of land on the Kaw reservation in the Indian Territory at $2 per acre. The Kaw reserve joins the county on the south, and east of the Arkansas.

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[MORE PERSONALS: COURIER, JANUARY 13, 1876.]

JUDGE R. B. SAFFOLD has left the place to take up his residence in San Francisco, California. The Judge was a public spirited and kind hearted citizen. He leaves many friends behind him who wish him great success in the future. He rented his farm to Mr. Strickland for three years.

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A FINE social gathering assembled at the Limbocker schoolhouse Wednesday evening, December 5. Mrs. Limbocker was the main spirit of the entertainment, but with all her other duties did not forget the COURIER force. We acknowledge the receipt of a choice lot of the festival cake.

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The New York Weekly Witness of a recent date contains more than a column of description of Cowley county. It was from the COURIER and furnished by J. G. Service, of this place, who is now at Dansville, New York. As a result, hundreds of letters of inquiry about the county are being received by us and others in the county.

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The public installation of officers at Bethel Grange, one week ago last Saturday eve, was the most spirited and happiest gathering of the kind that has transpired for a long time. To say that the house was crowded with people would feebly express it. A. S. Williams officiated as master and J. H. Land as conductor. Bethel is a live institution.

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MAPLE GROVE GRANGE recently passed some resolutions repudiating the action of the district grange in endorsing the Southern Pacific enterprise and asking the Legislature to amend the bond law; also censured Bethel Grange for electing E. C. Manning master; also requesting the State Executive Committee to remove A. T. Stewart as State agent.

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The Wellington Press claims that the Arkansas river is navigable for light draft steam boats as far up as Oxford. Mr. Aldridge, a river pilot of twenty-five years experience, offers to bring a boat of one hundred tons capacity, from Fort Smith to Oxford. Said steamer not to cost over four thousand dollars. He wants a guarantee of two thousand dollars and two hundred dollars in hand.

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[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 13, 1876.

City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., Jan. 3, 1876.

City Council met January 3rd, 1876, at 7 o'clock P. M.

Present: M. G. Troup, chairman of Council; N. M. Powers, C. C. Black, Councilmen, and B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Minutes of previous meetings were read and approved.

The following bills were presented and acted upon:

E. R. Evans, services as City Marshal for month of December, $25,000, was read and, on motion, referred to the Finance

Committee.

George Grey, sixty cents for removing nuisances, was allowed and ordered paid.

Burt Covert, one dollar for boarding prisoner, allowed and ordered paid.

The report of City Treasurer, ending December 31st, 1875, was read and, on motion, was referred to the Finance Committee with instructions to report at next regular meeting of the

Council.

The Council then adjourned.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 13, 1876.

Commissioners' Proceedings.

OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK,

WINFIELD, KAN., Jan. 10, 1876.

New Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. Present: R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleath, and Wm. White.

[NOTE: W. M. SLEATH?? THINK IT SHOULD BE SLEETH.]

On motion of W. M. Sleath, R. F. Burden was elected chairman of the board for the ensuing year.

J. S. Hunt, trustee of Winfield township, appeared and asked the board to repair a bridge built by Winfield township across the Walnut river south of Winfield. The board, after being fully advised in the matter, agreed to lay the matter over for the present.

W. B. Turner appeared and asked the board to remit his personal property tax for the year 1876, and after being fully advised of the facts in the matter, the board agreed to lay the matter over until the next session of the board.

Petition of R. D. Ford and others, of Vernon township, for section line road presented, and the board being satisfied that all the resident claim owners had agreed to the location of said road, and that said road is practicable, the same is hereby ordered opened, recorded, and platted; said road to be 50 feet wide.

E. B. Kager, County Treasurer of Cowley county, appeared and asked the board to revoke an order made at the last session of the board requiring the County Attorney to commence an action against said Kager for a fine as provided for in section 6, chapter 8, special laws 1874. The board after being fully advised in the matter agreed to revoke said order upon the following vote: W. M. Sleath and Wm. White voting aye to the proposition to revoke and R. F. Burden voting nay to said

proposition.

The board hereby agrees to appropriate enough money out of the general county fund to pay for the abstract of entries of lands required by law, to be obtained by the county after the 1st day of March, 1876; and the County Treasurer is hereby ordered to pay the amount of money necessary to obtain said abstract.

On motion of W. M. Sleath, board adjourned till tomorrow at 9 o'clock A. M.

JANUARY 11, 1876.

Board met as per adjournment. All present.

The following named persons, H. O. Meigs and James E. Platter, were appointed a committee to assist the Probate Judge to count the funds in the County Treasury at the next quarterly statement; and the County Clerk is hereby ordered to notify said persons of their said appointment.

In the matter of the county printing the board hereby agree to do nothing toward the letting of said printing until the next regular meeting of the board; and the County Clerk is hereby ordered and empowered to have the necessary county printing done as he may deem best until the contract shall be let by the board.

The County Clerk is hereby ordered to go to Topeka, Kansas, for the purpose of straightening up our school land sales account with the States; and the board hereby agree to pay the necessary traveling expenses of said County Clerk to and from the State capitol.

In the matter of the Winfield township bridge, the board have on this day agreed not to repair said bridge for the reason that the county did not appropriate money in the construction thereof; and hence the county has nothing to do with said bridge.

In the matter of insuring the courthouse, the board, after first ascertaining the rates of different companies represented by the local agents of the city of Winfield, agree to take a $5,000 policy on said courthouse, $2,500 to be taken in the "Home" of New York and $2,500 to be taken in the "Kansas" of Leavenworth, Kansas. It is hereby ordered that an order be drawn, on the County Treasury in favor of T. K. Johnston, agent of the "Kansas," for $75.00 and an order in favor of A. H. Green, agent for the "Home," for $75.00 in payment of said policies.

Board adjourrned to meet on the first Monday after the first Tuesday in April at 1 o'clock P. M.

STATE OF KANSAS,

COWLEY COUNTY, ss.

I, M. G. Troup, County Clerk in and for the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Commissioners' Journal for a session of the board held on the 10th and 11th days of January, 1876.

Witness my hand and seal at Winfield, Kansas, this 12th day of January, A. D. 1876.

M. G. TROUP, County Clerk.

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[MORE PERSONALS: COURIER, JANUARY 13, 1876.]

List of letters remaining unclaimed in the post office at Winfield on the 12th day of January, 1876.

FIRST COLUMN:

Silas White, C. W. Richmond, Mrs. A. B. Wilson, James Baker, John Richards, G. E. Spy, Louis Smith, Mrs. L. A. Stevenson,

J. O'Brien, Mrs. Maggie Roberts.

SECOND COLUMN:

J. Bing, E. Braman, Charley Tisdale, Mrs. And. Truesdale,

L. E. Dysert, Luther Dysert, J. J. England, G. A. Gardener,

John B. Harden, Mrs. Mary Harden, Mrs. Mary F. Harden.

Persons calling for any of the above will please say

"advertised."

JAMES KELLY, P. M.

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[MORE LOCALS...???: WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 13, 1876.]

Winfield Institute.

I. M. Barrick, Esq., will deliver a lecture at the Court House on Friday evening, January 14th, 1876, subject--"Whisky on the Brain." Admission 15 cts., children 10 cts.

---

The little agitation of the herd law question in this county develops the fact that about four-fifths of the solid men in Lyon county are opposed to that law. There is just no use in talking, as between more people and cattle, they take the cattle.

Altogether owing to man's early education and associations we suppose.

---

Acting Masters P. of H.

You are hereby notified to be present at the District Grange meeting, January 15th, "to receive the annual password for 186. Receipts for all dues to the State Grange from the respective subordinate grantes must accompany acting masters.

W. M. WHITE,

A. S. WILLIAMS, Delegates.

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NOTE: MANNING & WALTON HAD A BIG AD RE LOTS/ACRES FOR SALE IN WINFIELD, ARKANSAS CITY, COUNTY IN JAN. 13, 1876, ISSUE...I SKIPPED. BELIEVE I HAD ONE OF THEIR ADS IN PRIOR ISSUE.

[PERSONALS.]

COURIER, JANUARY 20, 1876 - WIRT W. WALTON, LOCAL EDITOR.

Eggs eight cents.

No railroad news.

No ice in the county

Potatoes forty cents.

Butter ten to fifteen.

Corn fifteen cents per bushel.

Dressed hogs seven cents per pound.

Boyer has sold his business out to Frank Gallotti.

Tony Boyle has gone to Kansas City for a few weeks.

Seward has bought Graham out of the Lumber business.

McBride & Green are making progress on their brickyard.

Bisbee is preparing to build on 9th Avenue, east of Main street.

Judge Adams, of Wichita, made us a friendly call.

A. N. Deming and Amos Walton are going to take a look at Pueblo.

Boyer and County Attorney Pyburn are going to take a look at Florida.

Ed. Evans, the late Marshal of the city, has resigned. Ed. was a good one.

Prof. Lemmon, the principal of the Winfield schools, is running the best school we ever had.

Mrs. John Manley starts this week with her family to

Florida, where her husband is now located.

Geo. Brown is building out southwest of town where you see that well curb shining in the morning sun.

Lawyer Webb is having his hands full of practice. If Webb can't win a suit, it cannot be won at all.

The business houses of Winfield were closed at dark this week to allow all hands opportunity to attend the revival.

Ten teams loaded with wheat and hogs passed here Wednesday morning on the way from Grouse creek to Wichita; and still we have no railroad.

L. J. Worden, Esq., of Vernon township, burns Wichita coal and says it is cheaper than firewood from the Walnut; and still we have no railroad.

T. B. Myers has a Mexican quarter-dollar made in 1775. He has promised it to us to take to the Centennial this summer to buy our season ticket to the show.

Mr. Titus, of Winfield, brother of Sheriff Titus, has been spending a few days in town. He is one of the big wheat raisers of Cowley county, having sown 300 acres last fall.

Sedan Journal.

Elder Joseph Lowe will preach in the Christian church house on Saturday night, the 22nd inst., at 7 o'clock, and on Lord's day following at the usual hours. All are cordially invited.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 20, 1876.]

The District Grange of Cowley county met at the Courthouse last Saturday in the afternoon and evening. About fifty new members were added to the Order and received the fifth degree.

The great interest in the revival meetings at the Courthouse is unabated. Several of our most influential and active citizens have experienced a change of heart, and the good work is still spreading.

Live, fat hogs are being hauled in wagons to the railroad at Wichita from this county. Several hundred head have already been delivered in this way. They bring from 6 to 7 cents on foot. A decent wagon load amounts to $150. This is considerable better than receiving from $3.50 to $4.00 for a load of corn.

A SAFE TOWN. Besides the two immense safes belonging to the banks in Winfield, the following firms have first-class safes for the secure keeping of business papers: C. C. Black, S. H. Myton, Curns & Manser, and Manning & Walton. Probably no town of its size in the State has more money invested in safes and musical instruments than Winfield.

The local editor of the COURIER is Journal Clerk of the House of Representatives at Topeka. In his absence from the paper, the local department will run itself. He will, however, keep the COURIER readers posted on every measure of importance to the people of Cowley county that comes before the Legislature. His regular weekly correspondence will be an important feature of the paper during the winter.

GRAND PRAIRIE Grange, Maple townnship, has installed the following officers for the year 1876: Joseph Boden, Master;

W. P. Heath, Overseer; D. S. Haynes, Secretary; A. M. Whipple,

Treasurer; W. B. Newman, Lecturer; J. Beaver, Stewart;

H. Shubert, Assistant Stewart; Jennie Turner, Lady Assistant Stewart; W. E. Seaman, Chaplain; J. L. Johnston, G. K.; Mrs. H. Daniels, C.; Mrs. W. P. Heath, P.; Mrs. A. M. Whipple, F.

FOR THAT BRIDGE! Now that the County Commissioners have resolved that they won't repair the bridge south of town, Winfield township must do it. The township board should at once make an examination of the structure and, if necessary, call some practical bridge builder to their aid and decide at once what is necessary and then go to work. The township had better spend twelve hundred dollars if necessary than lose the bridge.

---

Legislative Items.

Monday last the Legislature had been organized five days and 109 bills had been introduced in the House and 70 in the Senate. About twelve bills were in on the subject of fixing salaries for county officers.

Representative Hackney has introduced a bill "For the relief of G. H. McIntyre and appropriating $100." He has introduced a resolution memoralizing Congress for the right of way through government lands for a railroad from Ellsworth via Wichita, Winfield and Arkansas City to Ft. Smith, and one from Arkansas City to Sherman, Texas. Mr. Hackney is chairman of the committee on claims and is a member of the committee on railroads.

The apportionment committee is divided among the light counties, the populous counties being left almost entirely out.

The House on Monday passed a resolution declaring against a third term for Grant by a vote of 76 to 17. Hackney was one of the 17.

---

BLACK HILL ITEMS. Andy Corcoran, who resides here, returned some weeks since from the vicinity of the Black Hills. He intends returning there in the spring. Last Tuesday he received a letter from an associate at Sydney, the nearest railroad station, informing him that a miner was just in from the Hills with over $1,000 in gold dust of his own digging. The miner returned with several loaded teams for the Hills. Seth Blanchard, a brother of T. A. Blanchard of this place, is in the Hills and has been all winter. He writes home each week or two, as opportunity offers for sending letters to the railroad. He says several hundred men are in the Hills and that paying gold is there and that times will be lively in the spring.

---

GOOD. A few citizens of Winfield have been opposing a railroad and a change in the bond law because certain other citizens of Winfield were in favor of the same. This is a most noble spirit, worthy of all praise. But we are informed that during the last three or four days, they, the opposers, have concluded that a railroad was a necessity and have held private meetings at which they have resolved to put their shoulder to the wheel and work for a railroad. This is good news to us. A railroad is needed and we are ready to secure it. Gentlemen, you can count us in, no matter who starts first in the enterprise.

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[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 20, 1876.

City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., Jan. 17, 1876.

City Council met January 17th, 1876, at 7 o'clock P. M.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, N. M.

Powers, C. C. Black, Councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney, and B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Minutes of previous meetings were read and approved.

The report of J. C. Fuller, City Treasurer, referred to the Finance Committee at last regular meeting of the Council, was reported favorably on by said committee, and on motion of N. M. Powers, was duly received.

On motion of N. M. Powers, the Council ordered the City Treasurer to deliver to the City Clerk a certain journal and ledger now in his possession, and that the Clerk open up an account with the Treasurer of all orders drawn on the Treasurer and all receipts received from the Treasurer by him.

On motion the City Clerk was instructed to make and publish a financial statement, beginning May 1st, 1875, and ending December 31st, 1875, showing the amount of all monies collected by the city, from what source derived, and the disbursement of the same by the city.

Report of E. R. Evans as road overseer was read and, on motion, received.

The following bills were presented and acted upon.

E. R. Evans, services as City Marshal for month of December, $25.00, was reported favorable by the Finance Committee and, on motion, was ordered paid.

Bill of E. R. Evans, services as City Marshal from January 1st to January 13th, $12.50, and 25 cents for removing nuisances, total $12.75, was read, and after report of Finance Committee, was allowed $11.08 by the Council and ordered paid.

On motion of M. G. Troup the resignation of E. R. Evans as City Marshal, and the acceptance of the same by the Mayor, was approved by the Council.

The Council then adjourned to meet January 25th, at 7 o'clock P. M.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[MORE PERSONALS ? - WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 20, 1876.]

Wagons from Winfield, Arkansas City, and Wellington, loaded with eggs, have been in Wichita within the last week or so. Some of the parties have had as high as four or five hundred dozen. This nice fruit finds quick market in Wichita, our dealers buying for home consumption and shipment, paying from ten to fourteen cents per dozen. Wichita Beacon.

And still we have no railroad.

---

BELL. The new bell purchased with the proceeds of the festival is on the road, and will be here this week. It weighs 409 lbs., or 600 lbs. with the mountings. Traveler.

---

A PETITION asking Congress to open the Cherokee Strip lands to settlement is being circulated and generally signed. Cowley county will be much advanced by having the Strip settled, instead of held by speculators. Traveler.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN: E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 27, 1876.

It cost T. R. Bryan, of Dexter, two hundred dollars this fall to take his crops to Wichita; and still we have no railroad.

---

It will cost J. G. Titus, of Winfield township, two thousand dollars next fall to haul his wheat crop to Wichita; and still we have no railroad.

---

It will cost Mr. Holmes, of Rock township, three thousand dollars next fall to deliver his wheat in Wichita; and Cowley county has no railroad.

---

From the first of the month up to last Saturday, Jan. 15, there have been about 12,000 bushels of wheat sold in this market. Wichita Beacon.

Most of this wheat was from Cowley county, and still we have no railroad.

---

RAILROAD shipments from Wichita for 30 days ending Jan. 14th: Three car loads of dry hides, eight of hogs, thirty-one of wheat, one of bran, five of bones, eight of flour, four of corn, one of cattle, six of mules. And yet we have no railroad.

---

Saturday the streets were crowded the whole day with teams from all parts of the country. Cowley, Butler, and Sumner, were represented in the wheat trade. During the day there were between 250 and 300 wagons in the city, most of which were loaded with the productions our (?) fruitful valley. Wichita Beacon.

And still we have no railroad.

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STEEL & LEVY, real estate agents, have sold from January 1st to the 18th, inclusive, 2,240 acres of Osage and railroad lands, the aggregate consideration being $13,000. Land is rapidly enhancing in value, the above sale being consummated at an advance of twenty five percent, over the amount that could have been realized from the same property one year ago. Wichita Eagle.

The sheriff is selling the farms of Cowley county, and still we have no railroad.

---

AT WORK.

Bent Murdock, from Eldorado, the able editor of the Walnut Valley Times, is in Topeka, and has been for some time, and will be there some time longer we hope, at work to secure such legislation as will enable the Walnut Valley to secure a railroad. His special work is for Eldorado, but we hope it will be also to the advantage of the whole valley.

This is what he says in a correspondence to his paper last week.

"An effort will be made to so amend the present law regulating the voting of bonds that counties, townships, and cities can make cash subscriptions in lieu of bonds to public enterprises, payable in one, two, and three years.

"The entire bond business is looked upon with disfavor by many of our best men. It don't pay to vote bonds and then sell them for less than their face. What is wanted is a law that will allow the people to get value received for what they give."

* * * * *

"Railroad building is going to be resumed in Kansas. Iron is cheaper now than it has ever been before, and railroads can be constructed for a less amount of cash at this time than at any period in the history of our State. What we all want is such legislation as will enable us to get railroads for a small amount of cash and when we do get them that they will not prove a burden rather than a benefit to us. We also want a law that will regulate the freights and tariffs."

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THE WATERS MOVING.

In another column will be found an important call that means business. If any one is suffering from the delusion that the people of Cowley county are indifferent on the railroad question they had better "look a leedle oud." There is a wave coming that will wash them off their feet. The friends of Cowley county in the Legislature will be invited to notice the sentiments of the people as we hope to see them expressed in a meeting to be held under the call we have referred to. Gentlemen representatives, please help our member, Mr. Hackney, clear the rubbish out of the way so as to give us a fair swing at a railroad proposition early in the spring.

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[LEGISLATIVE JOTTINGS: WIRT W. WALTON.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 27, 1876.

LEGISLATIVE JOTTINGS.

Items of Interest from Our Special Correspondent.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TOPEKA, January 22nd, 1876.

SKIPPING PORTIONS OF THIS LENGTHY REPORT...

Hackney has introduced a bill, providing for the disorganization of the counties of Harper, Barbour, Kingman, and Comanche, and the attachment of the territory thereof to the county of Sumner for judicial and other purposes. It also provides for the punishment of offenses already committed with those counties. It makes provision for the appropriation of six thousand dollars for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the capture, prosecution, and conviction of those horse thieves, bond thieves, and other gentlemen (?) who have been operating so extensively in these afflicted regions for the past few years.

Lawyers of Winfield and surrounding towns, cheer up, the summer is not ended. There may yet be "balm in Gilead," in store for you. Mr. Hackney has also introduced a bill authorizing school district No. 70, in Maple township, to vote four hundred dollars in bonds to complete their unfinished school house. It will no doubt become a law.

The railroad memorial asking Congress to grant the right of way through the Indian Territory to TWO CERTAIN LINES OF RAILROAD, as offered by Hackney, provoked considerable discussion last Thursday. Mr. Cook's amendment granting the right of way to the Mo. R. Ft. Scott & G., and the L. L. & G. railroads was adopted. Mr. Reynolds then moved to amend by adding that "the same right be granted to any railroad company or corporation, subject to the rules and regulations governing other Territories in the United States." This was done to kill the resolution, at least its friends thought so, and they immediately proceeded to decapitate said amendment. The resolution is now before the railroad committee and will be brought up again next week.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JANUARY 27, 1876.

T. A. WILKINSON is buying wheat for the Wichita market.

LINUS WEBB, brother of L. J., is now a law student in Winfield.

FRANK GALLOTTI will open a clothing store at Boyes's old stand. [Boyes...??? Boyers...? HARD TO TELL.]

GREEN has purchased the news department and stationery of Boyer.

Thanks to S. B. Littell, of Beaver, for a call and some narrow gauge items.

Breaking and stirring plows have been running all winter in this county.

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[MORE PERSONALS: COURIER, JANUARY 27, 1876.]

J. B. EVANS, of Vernon, sold over five hundred dollars worth of wheat at Wichita last week.

MARRIED. C. C. Wood and Mary Robinson, of Grouse creek, were married at the Lagonda House today by Judge Gans.

SHENNEMAN, the rover, is back. This time he came from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, where he has been attending U. S. court.

L. L. NEWTON, of Harvey township, made us a very pleasant call this week. HE HAD JUST BEEN MARRIED AND WAS ON HIS BRIDAL TRIP.

The tobaccos and cigars that Boyer used to keep can be found at Jim Hill's. He purchased the whole stock, and will keep up the assortment.

ELDER J. H. IRVIN will preach at the Christian church-house, in Winfield, on Lord's day, the 30th inst., at 11 o'clock a.m.

PARKER, the Cowley county broom maker, received fifteen hundred broom handles from Sam Myton this week.

MR. BULL, who purchased the Parmalee place, has been experimenting some time on a baking powder of his invention and

produces an article superior to any found in the market. He intends engaging in its manufacture.

C. A. BLISS came down from Wichita on Thursday the 20th inst.; was seven hours on the road, and met 27 teams from Cowley county loaded with wheat. It was not a good day for wheat either. And yet, we have no railroad.

---

GRAND MASTER SHARP, A. F. & A. M., has appointed Leland J. Webb, of Adelphi lodge, No. 110, an Assistant Lecturer. Adelphi now holds its stated communications on the first and third

Tuesdays of each month, and a school of instruction on the

second and fourth Tuesdays, at seven o'clock p.m.

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[STATEMENT: MONIES COLLECTED/DISBURSED BY CITY OF WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, January 27, 1876.

STATEMENT

Showing the amount of monies collected by the City of Winfield from May 6th to December 31st, 1875, and the disbursement of the same by the city.

Received from liquor license $600.00; dog tax $24.00; fines $27.00; billilard license, $10.00; auctioneer license, $40.00; show license, $1.00; E. B. Kager, $348.00. Total receipts: $1,050.00.

Paid out on city warrants as follows:

Clerk of election $2.00; Printing $19.47; Recording deed $1.25; Building sidewalk $90.60; City Marshal $319.15; Removing nuisances from the city $5.20; Clerk District Court (costs) $14.50; Repairing public well $15.88; City clerk $106.65; Police judge (costs) $27.70; Stationery $3.50; Padlock $.60; Guarding fire $4.00; City Attorney fees $74.00; Costs city, V. S. Mansfield & others $5.25; Boarding prisoners $5.55; Witness fees $2.50; Blankets for calaboose $3.00; M. L. Robinson, ex-city treasurer $28.85; Amount in city treasure to balance $320.35.

Total paid out: $1,050.00

I, B. F. Baldwin, clerk in and for the city of Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas, do hereby certify the the foregoing is a true and correct statement of the financial transactions of the city for the time aforesaid, as shown by the report of the city treasurer and his receipts and vouchers now in my office.

Witness my hand and seal in the city of Winfield this 21st day of January, A. D. 1876.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

[RAILROAD MEETING: RESIDENTS OF COWLEY COUNTY.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 1876.

The undersigned, residents of Cowley county, cordially unite in inviting the citizens of said county to meet in mass meeting at Winfield, on Saturday at 2 P. M.,

FEBRUARY 5TH,

to take such action as shall seem advisable upon consultation to secure the construction of a railroad into Cowley county. We desire each paper in said county to publish this call, and we hope that every township will be fully represented at said meeting.

Dated January 25, 1876.

ROCK TOWNSHIP: John M. Harcourt, Robert F. Bailey, Andrew

Dawson, John Foster, J. L. Foster, Jess. J.

Tribby, H. D. Lee, W. B. Wimes.

BEAVER TOWNSHIP: William D. Lester, B. W. Jenkins, John A.

McCulloch, W. A. Freeman.

VERNON TOWNSHIP: Wm. Martin, C. M. Denkin, R. L. Walker.

SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP: R. P. Goodrich, Cyrus Wilson,

F. W. Vance.

TISDALE TOWNSHIP: E. P. Young, D. H. Southworth.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP: Chas. W. Frith, J. L. H. Darnall.

NENNESCAH TOWNSHIP: Elmore Ansen.

PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP: B. W. Sitter, T. J. Harris.

OTTER TOWNSHIP: H. C. Fisher, R. R. Turner.

OMNIA TOWNSHIP: Elisha Harned.

DEXTER TOWNSHIP: T. W. Coats, J. D. Maurer, Mark Kenton Hull,

Levi Quier, J. A. Bryan, Beorge Bryan.

WINFIELD: M. L. Read, S. D. Pryor, N. M. Powers, N. W. Holmes,

N. L. Rigby, Thomas McMillen, L. J. Webb,

Charles C. Black, J. S. Hunt, W. M. Boyer,

John W. Curns, G. S. Manser, B. F. Baldwin,

J. H. Land, A. H. Green, W. Q. Mansfield.

E. C. Manning, S. H. Myton, J. C. Fuller,

A. B. Lemmon, James Kelly, W. H. H. Maris,

T. H. Henderson, A. N. Deming, H. S. Silver,

J. M. Alexander, Amos Walton, D. A. Millington,

J. E. Platter, W. M. Allison,

And one hundred others.

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SKIPPED COUNTY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY STATEMENT UP TO

DECEMBER 20TH, 1875.

JANUARY 27, 1876, WINFIELD COURIER.

ALSO, SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX/COUNTY WARRANTS.

ALSO, BILLS ALLOWED BY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

SKIPPED BY ME, APPEARING ON FRONT PAGE OF FEBRUARY 3, 1876, ISSUE OF WINFIELD COURIER...ANNUAL STATEMENT OF CO. CLERK.

THIS TOOK UP A GREAT DEAL OF PAGE TWO ALSO.

[EDITORIAL COLUMN: E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1876.

THE RAILROAD MEETING SATURDAY.

On Saturday of this week the people of Cowley county will assemble at Winfield to give expression to their wishes upon the question of securing the construction of a railroad into Cowley county. If the day is fair the gathering promises to be large. We hope the citizens of Winfield will endeavor to make the occasion as pleasant and harmonious as possible. The desire for a road into the county is almost universla among its people. Without reference to particular routes or gauge let that desire be expressed in earnest and unequivocal terms.

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The people of Augusta and vicinity hold a railroad meeting February 10th, to take action towards constructing a railroad down the Whitewater from Peabody to Augusta, thence down the Walnut. Better work with Eldorado, boys.

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PEABODY

Is to have a great Railroad Convention on February 23rd. The Peabody Gazette invites every township along the line, from Junction City to Arkansas City, to send delegates. That convention is to send a delegation of representative men from along the proposed route to meet the Kansas Pacific Railway Company at St. Louis in a conference.

The Kansas Pacific threatens to build the road, to-wit: from Junction City, via Peabody, down the Walnut Valley. We should think the Kansas Pacific R. R. Company could come to Junction City about as cheap as the representative men could go to St. Louis.

---

GOOD.

A party of Osages stole some cattle near Camp Supply on the 19th of January last. A detachment of fifteen men from the Fifth Cavalry, under Lieut. Bishop, was sent after them. Upon being overhauled the savages showed fight, and the "soldier boys" killed three, wounded several, and the remaining escaped, except three squaws, one boy, and thirty ponies. The Indians had killed the cattle.

---

The new 13th Judicial District Court term bill will operate bad. Court sets in Cowley the first Monday of April and October, leaving the Sumner court to set the Monday of the next week in each month. The business of the Cowley county court cannot be done in one week.

LATER. Since the above was put in type, we see by the bill that the Sumner county court begins the third Monday of April and October.

---

The Amnesty Bill over which so much ado is made in Congress will only apply to six or seven hundred confederates. The way the laws are now they must apply for pardon and take an oath of allegiance. The bill is intended to pardon them without application and oath.

---

The amount of new railroad built in 1875 was 1,483 miles, against 2,085 miles in 1874, 3,883 in 1873, and 7,310 in 1872.

---

The people over in Wilson county are working up a railroad from Parsons to Winfield.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 3, 1876.

MRS. W. P. HACKNEY has returned home.

The Old Folk's Concert last Wednesday night was a pleasant entertainment.

JIM HILL had teams running all Wednesday afternoon and night, putting up three inch ice.

As a result of the recent revival, over 30 persons have joined the church in this place.

[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 3, 1876.]

TROUP has gone to Topeka to straighten up the records of his predecessors in the school land business.

STATE MASTER, M. E. HUDSON, lectures at Winfield and Arkansas City next week--Saturday afternoon and evening.

The District Grange P. of H. meets Saturday p.m. of this week. New officers are to be elected for the ensuing year.

DR. W. R. DAVIS, from Kentucky, a physician of 27 years' practice, has located with us. He comes highly recommended.

The Master of Bethel Grange has been obliged to decline invitations to speak at different places in the county during the past two weeks.

A. H. GREEN, agent for the Home Insurance Company, of New York, put a $4,500 policy on Sam Myton's brick building and stock this week.

Last week Wednesday the widow of Colonel Montgomery, of early Kansas fame, with two children and a son-in-law, passed through Eureka on their way to Cowley county. Eureka Herald.

Monday night about 9 o'clock when the wind was blowing a gale, the cry of fire rang through the streets of Winfield, and "there was a hurrying to and fro." A blaze from the top of the Lagonda House was the signal of distress. With ladders and water buckets the roof was soon mounted and it proved that the blaze came from a chimney that was hidden by the observatory on top of the building.

Last Saturday was a pleasant occasion for the Royal Arch Masons of this community, and one long to be remembered. A special convocation was called for the purpose of installing the officers for the ensuing year. It was the first installation of the kind ever held in the county, and as it was Winfield Chapter No. 31, it commences to work anew, although less than a year since it commenced under a dispensation, it has assumed good proportions, and with a good financial basis starts out new well calculated to become one of the best Chapters in the state.

D. G. H. P., J. C. Bennett, of Emporia Chapter, conducted the ceremonies of the installation, and their impressions and beauty gladdened the heart of every craftsman assembled. Comp. Bennett very ably performed his part, and thus added materially to the pleasure of the occasion. After the installations were ended the companions assembled in prrocession and repaired to the apartments of Mine Host, "Hill," where a banquet had been prepared, and awaited the presence of all the faithful craftsmen.

The good taste exhibited by Mine Host, "Hill," is worthy of high commendation, and the tastefully arranged table was peculiarly attractive. Comp. Bennett presided with all the ease and dignity imaginable, and with ten companions on either side was one of the happiest councils ever seen. The merry laugh, the numerous jokes, and the wonderful destruction of the viands, betokened good consciences, true humor, and suitable skill. The occasion was glorious, so say we all.

Every companion of this community unite with a hearty God speed to Comp. Bennett, and hope he may often come to aid and assist us in the great and glorious work we have commenced. "ARIM MANDER."

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[MORE PERSONALS: COURIER, FEBRUARY 3, 1876.]

Attention P. of H.

M. E. Hudson, Master of State Grange, will address the Patrons in Winfield, Saturday, February 13th, at 10 o'clock p.m., of the same day. A full attendance is desired.

A. S. WILLIAMS, Master District Grange.

---

MARRIED. THOMAS - HERROD. Near Tisdale, January 30th, 1876, by Rev. N. L. Rigby, Mr. Harvey G. Thomas and Miss Livena D. Herod. Both of Cowley county.

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[LEGISLATIVE JOTTINGS: WIRT W. WALTON.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 3, 1876.

HIGHLIGHTS ONLY OF JANUARY 29, 1876, REPORT...

Senator St. Clair's bilol providing for the holding of the terms of court in the 13th Judicial district, passed through the House under a suspension of the rules in just four minutes. It provides for the first Mondays in April and October, for Cowley county sessions. It will become a law after its publication, once, in the Wichita Eagle.

Hackney's memorial to Congress asking for the right of way through the Indian Territory to two certain lines of railway, passed the House yesterday, with little amendment. The Senate will concur in it on Monday.

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[LEGISLATIVE JOTTINGS - REPORT FROM WIRT W. WALTON.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1876 - FRONT PAGE.

RECAP ONLY OF PERTINENT ITEMS...

[Substitute for H. B. No. 19..."Poor Man's Bill."]

That section 13, chapter 87, of the laws of 1870 be amended so as to read as follows...

"Sec. 2. That in all cases or actions now pending where no sum is mentioned as attorney's fees, for the foreclosure of mortgages or other liens upon real estate, no ATTORNEY'S FEE SHALL BE ALLOWED, or taxed, or charged in judgment exceeding ten dollars. Mr. Hackney's amendment adds, that hereafer it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to contract for an attorney's fee in mortgage, and such stipulation for payment of attorney's fees SHALL BE ABSOLUTELY VOID, and that the jurisdiction of the courts of this State is hereby restricted so that hereafter no judgment shall be made by them in actions where attorney's fees are provided."

This is the kind of a bill our people have been wanting a long time. If it passes and becomes a law, it will send some of our COWLEY COUNTY "SHYSTERS" over on the other side of Jordan.

... Mr. Hackney offered a resolution today granting the use of the Hall for railroad meetings. A meeting to discuss the propriety of building more railroads in this State will probably be held some night this week.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEB. 10, 1876 - E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

The daily papers contain glittering reports about the rich gold discoveries in the Black Hills.

---

The railroad meeting held at this place last Saturday, shows by its numbers, its spirit, its resolutions, and above all, by the men composing it that Cowley county means "business" now. A road is wanted. The route and gauge are secondary considerations. The live and representative men of the province of Cowley have discovered their lonesomeness in the "Kingdom of Wichita."

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[THAT RAILROAD MEETING.]

WINFIELD COURIER, EDITORIAL PAGE.

THAT RAILROAD MEETING!

The Farmers Speak!

And Demand Legislation.

Last Saturday a large concourse of representative men from all parts of Cowley county assembled in Winfield to give expression to their views upon the railroad situation. The meeting was held in the Courthouse. The room was packed full and many were left outside that could not gain admittance for the jam.

Mayor D. A. Millington was chosen Chairman, and I. H. Bonsall, of Arkansas City, selected as secretary.

A committee on resolutions consisting of A. B. Lemmon, S. M. Fall, of Lazette; R. P. Goodrich, of Maple City; W. R. Watkins, of Liberty; S. S. Moore, of Tisdale; J. B. Holmes, of Rock;

H. L. Barker, of Richland; Enos Henthorn, of Omnia; Mr. Harbaugh, of Pleasant Valley; T. M. Morris, of Beaver; L. Bonnewell, of Vernon; Amos Walton, of Bolton; and S. B. Fleming, of Creswell townships was appointed.

The committee retired to prepare the resolutions, and during their absence speeches were made by several persons, the most notable of which were those of Judge Ross and Judge Christian. The resolutions reported by the committee were adopted.

Some opposition was manifested to the resolution asking that the proposed law should allow a majority to vote aid to railroads, but it was voted down by more than two to one. The opposition came principally from non-tax payers around town. There were but a few of the town people out. The Winfield citizens preferred that the farmers should conduct the meeting. The Arkansas City band furnished music for the occasion. Intense interest in the proceedings were manifested and the meeting adjourned with three cheers for a railroad.

On motion three delegates to the Peabody convention, on the 27th inst., were appointed, to-wit: Rev. J. E. Platter, Judge

T. B. Ross, and C. M. Scott.

A feeble effort to have the meeting declare against a narrow gauge railroad was promptly tabled. A vote of thanks was tendered the Arkansas City band.

We give the preamble and resolutions.

WHEREAS, We, the people and producers of Cowley county, unless we have a railroad in our county, will expend within the coming year, in time, labor, and money, half a million of dollars for transporting grain, lumber, and merchandise to and from the nearest railroad stations, and in losses by being compelled to sell in a distant town on a market temporarily unfavorable, thus leaving the producers utterly without any profits on their labor, which sum, if saved to the county, would yield to the producers an enormous profit; and

WHEREAS, Though our county would probably vote such aid by a two thirds majority, as the law now requires, yet a failure by any other county along the line to give such majority would be fatal to the road; therefore, it is by the people of Cowley county, Kansas, in mass convention assembled,

Resolved, That we earnestly appeal to the Legislature of Kansas, now in session, to enact a law enabling counties and other municipalities to vote aid in bonds or cash sufficient to induce the construction of railroads where they are needed.

Resolved, That such law should allow such aid to be given by a majority vote.

Resolved, That our railroad law should be amended so as to allow the voting of a reasonable amount of bonds as aid in the construction of a railroad within our county.

Resolved, That such law should provide that all taxes collected from such railroads, within any county or municipality, shall, to the extent of the amount of principal and interest of the aid given, be paid pro rata to the counties and municipalities giving such aid, and applied to the payment of such interest and principal.

Resolved, That our Representative and Senator at Topeka are hereby earnestly requested and instructed to labor to procure the enactment of such a law as is herein contemplated.

Resolved, That the Topeka Commonwealth, all papers in Cowley county, and other state papers interested, be requested to publish the proceedings of this meeting.

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[ANOTHER EDITORIAL ITEM.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 10, 1876.

It now looks as though Chautauqua and Cowley counties would be put in the same senatorial district. Our people would prefer to have the Senatorial district all in the Walnut Valley. Why not give us the south part of Butler county?

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEB. 10, 1876.

The fruit and forest trees are budding.

Sheriff Walker's deputies are hunting tax-payers with warrants now-a-days.

The Nixon brothers have purchased a steam thresher for the coming season.

James Simpson has contracted for the mason work of the Presbyterian church.

J. C. Fuller and S. P. Channel have gone to Topeka to look after railroad matters.

Eight divorce cases pending in the next term of the District Court in this county.

Judge T. H. Johnson is back on a visit. He has sold his farm near town for about $6,000.

JAMES BROWN, the freighter, lost one of his fine mules by disease at Wichita last Saturday.

TOM WRIGHT has built a house near the fair ground, and is going to dairying this summer.

T. R. BRYAN, the new County Treasurer, has purchased the dwelling house that Judge Gans occupies.

A. J. THOMPSON is expected home this week with his Ohio bride. There is still hope for Col. Loomis.

The opposition to a railroad manifested at the meeting last Saturday came principally from Winfield men.

More than one thousand dollars worth of horses have died in this county this winter from eating wormy corn.

DIED. AMOS SNITH [? SURELY THEY MEANT SMITH ?], of Pleasant Valley, one of the earliest settlers and best citizens of the county, died last week of pneumonia.

JOHN MENTCH, the new road overseer, is determined to repair that awful piece of road in the bottom west of the stone mill.

We were in error last week in stating that Dr. W. R. Davis had been a practicing physician for 27 years. It should be 23 years.

The committee to count the county treasurer's funds, Judge Gans, J. E. Platter, and H. O. Meigs, performed that duty this week.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 10, 1876.]

GRANGERS should not forget that State Master, M. E. Hudson, will be here on Saturday afternoon of this week to address them.

Two men were arrested last week in Wichita for passing counterfeit money. They gave their names as W. M. Donegan and

A. F. Miller. The latter is said to be a resident of Cowley.

By a close reading of law and decisions, our township trustee has concluded that he is not overseer of the poor in cities of the third class, that are located within Winfield township. The Mayor has that duty to perform.

JUDGE McDONALD is felicitous over the result of the Oxford bridge bond suit. The Supreme Court sustained the side of the case represented by Hackney & McDonald, and the township of Oxford is let out of any further indebtedness in the matter.

The Register of Deeds has taken the room in the Courthouse formerly occupied by the county attorney, and Judge Gans has moved into the Register's old office, thus leaving the District Clerk and Register in adjoining rooms with a new door between them.

---

BIRTHS. The spring immigration has set in. John Swain had a boy born to him last Monday. T. By Myers, Hiram Brotherton, Charley McClung, G. S. Manser, and T. E. Gilleland each became the proud fathers of little daughters within a week. Six births in town in one week is well enough.

---

County Clerk Troup returned from Topeka the fist of the week. A comparison of the books in his office showing the school land sales in Cowley county with those of the State Auditor revealed the fact that during Jackson's term of office $824.63 worth of sales had been made that had never been reported to the Auditor, and the money had been laying idle in the county

treasury. It also showed that the county had been overcharged $43.20 on the sales of other tracts.

---

Tally one for "lo." Civilization has made one step forward this centennial year. This morning we saw an Indian in his blanket sawing wood for a dime in the rear of Nate Roberson's harness shop. And, shades of Euclid! we saw another blanketed, breech-clouted son of the plains sawing wood for our darkey barber. Uncle Sam has not spent millions of treasure to civilize the savage in vain. He has risen to the position of wood-sawyer for that important department of our Government, the Freedman's Bureau.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 10, 1876.]

We take from the True Kentuckian, published at Paris, Kentucky, the following flattering notice of a new citizen of Winfield:

"Dr. W. R. Davis and family left us yesterday for Kansas. We regret sincerely to give them up. The Dr. has been a practitioner in our midst for several years, and by his decided ability and success as a physician, his uniform kindness and courtesy, christian and gentlemanly bearing, has won the highest respect, esteem, and love of us all. His wife (daughter of P. G. Seamands) is a most estimable lady and will prove a solid addition to any country they may settle in. We wish them success, and heartily recommend them to the people of their new home."

---

List of letters remaining unclaimed in the Post Office at Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas, on the 10th day of February, 1876.

FIRST COLUMN:

Baily, Alden O.; Burlison, Mrs. E. A., Busendine, John W., Baker, Willis; Brannin, E.; Corman, Ruben; Creage, George; Davis, Frank P.; Druery, Wm.; Deery, Thomas; Herron, J. S.

SECOND COLUMN:

McKinnon, Wm. H. H.; Pottts, Emerson J.; Peak, Orrin; Reed, D. C.; Shrope, Catharine; Shannon, John; Summers, Thomas;

Smedley, Samuel; Triplett, Goldie; Walters, A. B.; Westman,

Mrs. S. A.

JAMES KELLY, P. M.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 10, 1876.]

Attention P. of H.

M. E. Hudson, Master of State Grange, will address the Patrons in Winfield, Saturday, February 12th, at 10 o'clock a.m. Also at Arkansas City at 7 o'clock p.m., of the same day. A full attendance is desired.

A. S. WILLIAMS, Master District Grange.

---

Patron's Commercial Agency.

Notice is herby given that there will be a meeting of the Stockholders of the Wichita Commercial Agency, on Saturday, February 19th, 1878, at Eagle Hall, 10 o'clock a.m. Each Grange in the district is expected to send delegates.

H. W. BECK, President.

E. P. THOMPSON, Secretary.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 10, 1876.]

District Grange.

Last Saturday there was a large attendance at the District Grange to particpate in the annual election of officers.

J. O. Van Orsdel was chosen Master; W. M. White, Overseer; N. Fowler, Lecturer; H. L. Barker, Steward; J. S. Baker, Assistant Steward; Sister N. Fowler, Lady Assistant Steward; Brother Thomas, Chaplain; J. S. Hunt, Treasurer; C. Coon, Secretary; E. Green, Gate-keeper; Sister J. O. Van Orsdel, Cres; Sister T. A. Wilkinson, Pomonia; Sister Handy, Flora; T. A. Wilkinson, County Agent.

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[T. A. WILKINSON: RESPONDS AGAIN TO ATTACK FROM AMOS WALTON.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

To the Patrons of Cowley County.

Amos Walton, in last week's issue of the Plow and Anvil, insinuated that I had collected from the different subordinate granges about $1,000.00, as subscription for stock in the Patrons Commercial Agency, at Wichita, Kansas, and was making an improper use of it.

The following are the facts. About September 20, 1875, at the earnest solicitations of the agent, J. G. Sampson, I gave up teaching the Dexter school, for which I had contracted a term of nine months at $50.00 per month, and began the not very pleasant or easy task of canvassing Cowley County Granges for the purpose of urging them to take stock in the Patrons Commercial Agency, at Wichita, Kansas. I traveled and spoke nearly every night for about one month, raised a subscription of something over $600.00, only one hundred of which was paid down. After receiving the $100 mentioned, I continued my labors, but did not go farther than to induce the different Granges to pledge the payment of the stock, receiving in many cases, orders on the Grange treasury, but leaving the money undrawn, and, for this reason I visited Wichita once or twice, and also heard well-founded reports which convinced me that the agency, as it was being managed, would get into trouble, and although willing to aid in establishing a well-founded business agency there, I did not deem it prudent to be instrumental in sinking the funds of the order I had sacredly pledged my honor to aid in advancing and building up. Of the one hundred dollars I obtained in cash, I paid to J. G. Sampson forty dollars before I had any reason to suspect anything wrong. I had some circulars and receipts printed, and some light expenses. I now have about forty dollars of that one hundred, and when the agency settles up its difficulties, unless especially requested not to do so, I expect to pay over the remainder in my hands, into the treasury of the Patrons Commercial Agency, at Wichita; but not until it is conducted in a more business like manner than has characterized its management in the past.

It is, indeed, encouraging to have one's efforts for the good of the order made to appear like selfishness, if not dishonesty. But I have no fear in the least, that the readers of the Plow and Anvil will not put a proper estimate upon the motives and desires of its editor in taking the course he has in this and other matters. It will be observed that I have made no charge of my time, although leaving a position with a salary of fifty dollars per month, I make no charge simply because the agency, thus far, has not proved a success. If it had been successful, I know my brother patrons would have willingly paid me for my trouble. As it is, I ask nothing, and no man or Grange will ever lose a cent by any willful act of dishonesty on my part.

T. A. WILKINSON.

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[LAZETTE NEWS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.

Lazette News.

Many of the churches along our valley have been making additions to their numbers by recent revivals. Elder Thomas is holding meetings at Armstrong's--Elders Cutsinger and Smith, at Lazette, and Elder Blevins at Dexter. Let the good work go on.

Railroad interests are being talked up over this way, the light of the Courier is spreading through the valley. Many of our best farmers, while being opposed "teeth and toe-nails" to the voting county bonds, believe that a majority of voters--perhaps a majority of tax-payers--would vote for the bonds. As Socrates said of marriage, they "will be sorry if they do and sorry if they don't." Our valley says, give us a road east and west.

J. W. Tull has blown another blast upon his bugle horn--a great improvement on the first. He is preparing for a large issue again this month.

The smut machine, at the mill, caught fire recently, and came nearly setting the mill on fire. Fortunately it was discovered in time to prevent the damage extending further than the smutter.

J. J. Mills is still building stately and substantial mills. It costs so little for him to build a mill that the Leffel Water Wheel Company ought to be voted a medal for importing him into this State.

L. L. Newton and Ed. Smith returned last week, from a tour through the Indian Territory.

Mr. D. Ramage promises an exhibition at the end of his school, next month, and the Lazette school hopes to do likewise.

Mr. David Carver, of Wabash, Indiana, is visiting S. M. Fall's family. He is greatly pleased with southern Kansas, and thinks of locting somewhere in this delightful region.

Mr. James Newton, from the Territory, is visiting friends in this valley.

DIED. Mr. Miller, an old and very worthy gentleman, abandoned and driven from home by his sons and daughters, found a home with B. H. Clover, where kind hands administered to his wants and smoothed the old man's last and roughest journey. Elders Cutsinger and Smith preached the funeral sermon and a large and respectable number of citizens attended the burial.

Our Justices of the Peace are aching for some litigant to appear, who has the "sand in his craw" to fight it out without a compromise. Seventy-seven suits, more or less, have been begun, but not one has yet come to the final test.

G. W. Ballou and J. P. Craft have purchased the steam saw mill of Ward & Smiley.

The Black Hills fever is spreading over this section and has completely "busted up" the Arizona Company.

B. H. Clover has a fine lot of corn and wheat on hand at his mill, and the yard is full of excellent logs. By the way, one of his logs was interviewed, the other day, and displayed rings for 177 years.

Judge T. H. Johnson gave his Lazette friends a brief visit this week.

Eugene Millad [? Millard ?], of New Salem, paid his respects to our village Saturday last.

Mr. Harris, of Winfield, gave us a brief but pleasant call a few days ago.

George Gardenhire has returned from his Texas hunt.

Mr. William Hinshaw, of Arkansas City, and Amos Walton, of the Plow Handle, favored Lazette with their presence Sabbath last.

February 15th.

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[TISDALE ITEMS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.

Tisdale Items.

The notorious G. W. Foughty is again in our midst, he is blowing for the big bend on the Arkansas.

The revival closed a few evenings since with several additions to the church.

Elder Schwartz and P. G. Smith had an arbitration in Tisdale, on Wednesday of this week.

Business is dull in this place at present. Our druggist has locked up and gone out in the country to rusticate.

Fance Small has lately come in possession of an estate, in Indiana, to the amount of $3,200.00.

Mr. Jones, of Iowa, was in our town last week. He is talking of locating and building a mill on Silver creek, east of here. He is an enterprising man of large means.

The wonderful C. P. Spaulding has returned from his labors in the eastern fields. We expect to have a general jubilee at Tisdale tonight over the return of the prodigal son.

John Fenner and Preston Martin have been prospecting for coal. They have sunk a shaft 35 feet, and found some coal, but no regular vein yet. The indications are good.

John McGuire has the largest crib of corn in Cowley county. It is 30 feet square and 10 feet high. It will soon be full.

S. S. Moore is doing some business in the way of real estate transfers.

We have a literary society every Tuesday evening.

W. H. Beard, formerly of this place, sent Sol. Smith some specimens of gold and silver that he picked up in New Mexico.

RATTLEHEAD.

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[CORRESPONDENCE FROM J. B. EVANS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.

Correspondence.

ED. COURIER: Since my remarks and vote in favor of the repeal of the R. R. Bond law, at the Railroad Convention, last Saturday, have been somewhat criticized, I will briefly explain the former and defend the latter.

To the charge of making a luke-warm, milk and cider, non-committal speech, on that occasion, I plead guilty to the extent that the few words I said there could be called a speech. At the time I was first asked to talk to that Convention, I concluded that I would be the wrong man in the wrong place, for the manifest reason, that I could not conscientiously talk to please that meeting--I did not want to provoke a discussion of the R. R. Bond question there--nor did I want to thwart or chill the honest efforts or enthusiasm of those whose meeting it was, more than mine; many of whom had given this subject closer attention, of late, than myself. So far as my remarks done any of these things, they were short of what I intended in the milk and cider element at least.

I preface the defense of my vote, by saying that a life devoid of some inviolable convictions--some deep-laid principles--some conscientious moorings, must be a fruitless one indeed. If we allow the obstruction of these undercurrents of our lives, our manhood will be swept away by their accumulated volume. For instance, I could not consent to the punishment of a friend by a mob. I must not though none but my worst enemy suffers. Hence were I to encourage or even sanction a mob, I should certainly be the main sufferer.

Disclaiming yankee-doodle-ism altogether, it is not extravagant for me to say, that I have, in some way, imbibed the principles of a government based upon the will of a majority.

Therefore, I cannot consent to the success of a thing to which I am strongly opposed by the disfranchisement of myself and others like me. I must not consent to its defeat, through the disfranchisement of its friends, for the reason, if nothing else, that should this rule once obtain, there would be no security or stability in the voice of the people. The legislative body that may discriminate in one way today, may do so the other way tomorrow, with a range for variation in either direction from one to the entire voting force of a community. I will leave the following propositions to argue themselves until they are controverted: First, whatever may of right, be done by any portion of a people, may in like manner be done by an undisputed majority of such a people. Second, a law that requires a 2/3 vote to bind the remaining 1/3 bears evidence of its own viciousness and is no more defensible than it would be were its proportions reversed. Third, such a law works disfranchisement, debases those it burdens, and stifles the grandest note in the electoral voice. The disfranchisement of 1/3 the voters of a county, for no other reason than that they will vote a certain way, on a certain issue, cannot be defended, even though the law were unconstitutional. And here let me say, that the legality or illegality of R. R. aid bonds, matters not to us practically, since State courts generally, and U. S. courts universally, have held that when such bonds have been issued under State authority, and all their conditions complied with, they were binding and have enforced their collection.

That a repeal of the R. R. Bond law of this State, without any substitute, woudl work a good thing, for this and many other counties in the State, in the next few years, I have but little doubt. But since this cannot be expected, I for one would rather risk a thoughtful majority, than an exasperated 2/3's, grown strong under outrage.

I am convinced that the present law is adding strength, every day, to the R. R. Bond party. While a proposition that I could vote for would have to be very safe, guarded, and reasonable, indeed. Yet, I cannot consent to the disfranchisement of a large portion of my fellow citizens who are as honest as I could claim to be and whose personal and financial interests, here, are more than mine can ever be, and whose interest in the welfare and prosperity of the county and people, none can doubt, and whose zeal I would praise aloud if only to them I may whisper caution.

J. B. EVANS.

Feb. 14th, 1876.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.

Lots of law suits this week.

And still we have no railroad.

Farmers ploughing every day.

The lower bridge is not repaired yet.

BUTCHERS' beef is butter fat this winter.

R. C. Story is appointed Postmaster at Lazette.

The post office is re-established at Floral.

The local money loaners have advanced their rates.

N. C. McCULLOCH is back from a visit to Doniphan county.

State Master Hudson had a large audience last Saturday.

Thousands of fruit trees are being purchased by our farmers this spring.

C. L. F. Johnson, the good looking and smiling money loaner, is with us again.

C. P. Spaulding sold about two hundred Tisdale lots to a Cincinnati man lately.

E. C. Seward tells, in a big advertisement, where lumber can be bought cheap.

The Clerk of School District No. 81 advertises for "ceiled" bids for the construction of a schoolhouse in that district.

We have sampled Mr. Bull's baking powders, and can testify that only one-half the amount usually used is sufficient to make good bread.

The merchant, Paul, who once kept a grocery store in the room at present occupied by Green's drug store, is now a flourishing druggist at Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Black, of this place, has an overcoat that is made of material which is over two hundred years old. At least two centuries ago it was a bed-coverlet. It is a peculiarly woven fabric and resembles lamb's fleece.

Sampson Johnson miraculous escaped sudden death last Thursday by being pulled out of a well at Moore's mill, thirty feet deep, in advance of a caving in of the whole concern. The avalanche grazed his boots as he came up and it went down.

Mr. Bradshaw, the gentleman from Kentucky who has been occupying the Walnut Valley House with his large and pleasant family, has purchased a farm near Wichita. He wants to know, when he sinks his money in a farm, that it is near a railroad where he can enjoy a market.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.]

VISIT TO THE HOME OF DR. AND MRS. W. Q. MANSFIELD.

Although not able to be present, on account of other engagements, at Dr. and Mrs. Mansfield's party, which took place at their spacious residence last Monday evening, we learn that it was a very fine affair and one of the most agreeable gatherings that has ever assembled in Winfield. The day was the eighteenth anniversary of their wedding, and was a formal opening of their finely furnished home to their friends.

We had the pleasure of looking through the house a day or two since and were much gratified with the taste and judgment displayed in its arrangement and finish. The plastering and moulding was done by Messrs. Simpson and Stewart, the painting and paper hanging by Capt. J. C. Monforte. The work is the finest we have seen in our town. Everywhere in the selection, arrangement, and mounting of pictures, works of art, embellishments, and decorations of the rooms, could be seen the cultivated taste of Mrs. Mansfield. The furniture is new and of the most modern style, and we believe the finest in Winfield.

We noticed some very handsome and historical pictures suspended on the walls. "The Authors of the United States," and "President Lincoln's First Reading of his Emancipation Proclamation to his Cabinet," are among the most conspicuous of the large steel engravings.

There are also some smaller pictures of historical interest. "The first steam train in America" shows the first train of cars that ran from Albany to Schenectady, on the Mohawk & Hudson railroad, in 1831. The passengers are all in view, and among the number are Thurlow Weed and Mrs. Mansfield's father.

Another historical picture is "Collect Pond and its vicin-

ity," as it was in 1795, when Robert Fulton and John Fitch first tried their experiments in steamboat navigation. Their little yawl is holding two men, and a steam engine that one could carry off under his arm is in full view. Collect Pond was at that time where the center of New York City now stands. Center street and the Tombs now occupy the historical navigable lake.

There is another unique picture that cannot be omitted: a photograph of the first Grand Jury that was ever empanelled on this continent, composed of white and colored men. It was organized to indict traitors, Jeff. Davis among others, at Richmond, Virginia, shortly after the war. Dr. W. Q. Mansfield was one of that jury.

That comfort and simple elegance which the true American craves in a home are combined in the Doctor's residence and make it the typical homestead of the Yankee heart. In common, with all their friends, we congratulate the Dr. and his wife, in again getting where the shadow of the "wolf at the door" is not seen, and the question of bread and butter does not chase them through dream-land. The Dr. and wife are proud of Winfield. No one will arise earlier or remain up later for its interests than they.

When they came here in 1870, they came to stay. In those days the Dr. crossed his feet and arms in sleep under a single blanket, and slept upon the floor of the "Old Log Store," to dream of a better home than a stranger's table and a stranger's roof. And his dream is realized. A few months later saw Mrs. Mansfield, the boys, and the little broken horned cow taking up their abode in little "additions" to the rear of the drug store. Through sunshine and storm, through famine and plenty, "through evil report and good report" the Dr. and wife have stuck to the faith until day is breaking. When the Dr. gets his three-story brick, one hundred feet deep, in the place of his present unpretentious business establishment, then will the acme of ambition in worldly possessions be realized. May they live to see that day, and many, many days thereafter.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.]

The following notice is taken from the San Francisco News Letter and Califonia Advertiser, and refers to a former resident of Winfield.

"QUACKERY OF AN ABOMINABLE TYPE. A person known as Dr. R. Hilton Chase has occupied the quack institute of Aborn, on Kearny street, and has had circulars distributed at residences informing that he has made a "specialty of diseases peculiar to females," and, with other depraved verbiage, hopes to attract the attention of the deluded to this quack institute. A gentleman, the father of a family, has handed us one of this character's peculiar sheets, enclosed in an envelope, with the remark that "it is disgusting that the police have not power to arrest the author of the circulars, or prevent them being left at private residences, where these are likely to fall into the hands of the young."

"We hope to do this person justice, and feel sure that a community will profit by it. The worst of the case is that preachers of respectability disgrace themselves by allowing their names to be used; sundry quacks having handed us a list of reverend gentlemen to whom they refer. These are printed on cards and circulars and distributed broadcast."

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.]

If there was any doubt about MANNING being capable of printing the article about "AR-KEN-SAW SITTY," I think the following verifies that he was the author....MAW.

Attention Washamingas.

Now that our venerable Chieftain, Celeph Von Yonsan, has come back to pay us a short visit, all Washamingas in good standing are hereby commanded to meet him on his native heath (Tony Boyle's old stand) Saturday evening next, at 8 o'clock p.m. sharp. The meeting is for the purpose of welcoming back our chief as well as to take some action in reference to the departure from our midst of our worthy brother and fellow sufferer, Herr Isaac Von Bing.

By order of

DON TONY O'BOYLE,

JALEM VON HILL,

SHAMUS McSHORT, ) Com. of Grand Sachems,

J. MICHAEL O'KELLY,

COUNT HERMAN VON LOOMIS.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.]

[From the Wellington Press.]

Wichita Commercial Agency.

BELLE PLAINE, KAN., Feb. 9, 1876.

ED. PRESS: Having seen several articles--written, evidently by those who are not the best friends to the farmer, or by those who know nothing of the facts in the case--about the Patrons Commercial Agency at Wichita, I desire to state briefly, without entering into a minute detail of the matter, that, after a careful examination of the affairs of the Agency, the directors failed to find any evidence of rascality, or even culpable negligence (as was presumed by some) in the management of its affairs. It was an experiment, and the commission charged (with the losses sustained, which will be more fully explained at the stock-holders' meeting on the 19th) was too low to pay the running expenses; hence a temporary suspension of the business of the Agency was deemed advisable. The farmers now see the pressing necessity of immediately re-opening the Agency. After the Agency closed, and the farmer had no chance to ship his grain, corn immediately dropped to fifteen and sixteen cents, and a complete wheat ring was formed, so that today but one bid is made upon wheat, and that bid has to be taken by the seller, for no buyer breaks the compact.

Not wishing to take up your space to discuss a question which belongs alone to the grange room, I remain

Yours truly,

J. W. FORNEY.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.]

Patron's Commercial Agency.

Notice is hereby given that there will be a meeting of the Stockholders of the Wichita Commercial Agency, on Saturday, February 19th, 1876, at Eagle Hall, 10 o'clock a.m. Each Grange in the district is expected to send delegates.

H. W. BECK, President.

E. P. THOMPSON, Sec'y.

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[SOME LOCAL NOTICES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 17, 1876.

A BARGAIN. We have for sale, for a few days, a first class farm at a very low price. Call and get the information of

MANNING & WALTON.

---

MILK! MILK!!

To whom it may concern. The party who has been in the habit of milking my cows at night, being desirous of meeting with the contents of a Colt's revolver, will continue their night milking for a short time longer and oblige their most anxious servant.

C. H. KINGSBURY.

---

---

To Whom It May Concern.

All persons knowing themselves indebted to the undersigned are requested to call and make immediate payment, as I am going out of business. I want all to come up and settle at once.

W. L. MULLEN.

---

Mr. Ira E. Moore is now prepared to furnish the city with milk. All those who wish it delivered at their residence can leave their orders at the Post Office.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMNS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 24, 1876 - E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

Notice to Central Committee.

To C. M. Scott, James McDermott, R. C. Storey, H. L. Barker,

A. B. Odell, and T. W. Morris, members of the Republican

County Central Commitee, of Cowley county:

GENTLEMEN: You are requested to attend a meeting of the above mentioned Committee to be held at the COURIER office, in Winfield, Saturday, March 4th, at 11 o'clock, A. M.

Business of importance will be transacted.

A. B. LEMMON,

Chairman Rep. Co. Committee.

---

The House has passed a bill which cuts Wichita out of the Texas cattle trade.

---

Col. Manning writes from Topeka that the Eskridge railroad bill will probably become a law.

---

The Senate has passed an act increasing the salary of the State Treasurer to $2,500 per annum.

---

It is expected that there will be a serious Indian outbreak this Spring, and the War Department is getting ready for the

red-skins.

---

The report of the Joint Committee to visit the Insane Asylum, at Osawatomie, speaks in the highest terms of the general management of that institution, but reflects severely on the architeect in charge of the building recently erected.

---

During the discussion of House Bill No. 28, which provides for punishing persons for paying for vinous, spiritous, or femented liquors to be used for what is commonly known as electioneering purposes, our Representative, Mr. Hackney, said he was glad to be alongside of the preachers for once. He was in favor of the bill. If it should become a law, it would save him a good many thousand dollars within the next five years. The whiskey tipplers always bled him when he ran for office.

---

KANSAS CITY, Feb. 21. A dispatch from the Kansas City Times special correspondent to the Black Hills, from Cheyenne, Wyoming, says: "A general concentration of troops is now being made at Ft. Fetterman, for an expedition, which will be commanded by General Crook, and will consist of eleven companies of cavalry; no wagons. All the available pack mules in the country are being gathered in and shod. The expedition is destined, either for the Big Horn region or for the removal of the Sioux, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes from the Black Hills. All the cavalry at Ft. Laramie are under marching orders."

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 24, 1876.

Now is the time to make and plant your hot-bed.

A dance at the Courthouse last Tuesday evening.

Mayor Millington has planted early potatoes.

Many of the country schools will close this week.

One hundred and sixty students in our public school.

Three Auctioneers give us "chin music" every Saturday.

Grangers, are your hedge rows in order for spring planting?

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 24, 1876.]

The Musical Society is preparing for a concert to be given soon.

The By-Laws for the Masonic lodge are being printed at the COURIER office.

Dr. Black is putting in a cellar preparatory to building a neat residence this spring.

See that fine stone walk in front of Manning and Fuller's new building--that is to be.

Ed. Bedilion is having a row of shade trees planted in the street in front of his residence.

The ladies of the Presbyterian church gave a supper at Mr. F. Williams' last evening. Receipts $16.

More then thirty persons entered into covenant relations with the Prebyterian church at their communion last Sunday.

If the County Commissioners will fence the Courthouse yard, the people of Winfield will plant a grove there. What say you?

Capt. Lowry's ice-house was burned last Saturday. Carelessness of some boys who were out hunting was the cause of the

conflagration.

Col. Manning has gone to Topeka to look after the Legislature. He left the COURIER office to run itself, which accounts for the unusual "thinness" of the paper this week.

The running gear of the Oxford water flouring mills, including two run of stone left Wichita yesterday. This mill will be ready to grind corn in about ten days. Wichita Beacon.

As Capt. Hunt and family were returning from church last Sunday, their team became unmanageable, ran away, upset the carriage, and created havoc generally. We understand none of the family were seriously injured.

Sixteen candidates were baptized into the Mount Zion Baptist church last Sabbath, making an increase to the body of upwards of thirty-five within the last three weeks. The pastor is Elder Hopkins, of Salt City. The church is six miles directly west of Winfield.

Next Sunday, Rev. Adams will preach his last sermon, at the

M. E. church, before going to Conference. This eloquent young divine has made a host of friends during his short sojourn in our city, and the entire community hope he will be returned. Dame Rumor informs us that he will soon occupy the Parsonage if he

returns.

The Rev. S. D. Storrs, of Quindaro, Kansas, will preach in the Courthouse, on Sunday morning, February 29th, at the usual hour. Mr. Storrs is the agent of the American Home Missionary Society, and visits this place to look after the interests of the Congregational church. He is an able speaker and will preach a sermon worth listening to.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 24, 1876.]

The Superintendent of the Union Sunday School spent a few hours last Saturday canvassing for funds for a library for the school. He secured over one hundred dollars, which, added to the amount now in their treasury, makes them about one hundred and fifty dollars to be expended in books. This with books donated heretofore will give them a very fine library. The school meets at the Courthouse at half past two o'clock every Sunday

afternoon.

---

The catalogue of thorough-bred stock owned by Gen. L. F. Ross, of Avon, Fulton county, Illinois, is before us. His cattle are the North Devons. He considers them the best breed of cattle on the continent for all purposes. His catalogue contains considerable evidence to support the claim. Some of his stock are in this county, near Arkansas City. He keeps part of them on his Illinois farm and another drove in Douglas County, Colorado. He also breeds the pure Poland China hogs. The General is a man whose representations concerning his stock can be depended upon.

---

I. H. PHENIS has sold his farm in Cowley county and will return to Greenwood. He has left Cowley because he does not like herd law. Greenwood has always got most of the good cattle from down there and will soon have all the best citizens.

"Ish dot so?" Greenwood county has been settled about three times as long as Cowley and has but few more than half the population. Twenty-eight percent of the taxable land in Cowley county is in cultivation, while but ten percent of the land in Greenwood is cultivated. In Cowley the increase of cultivated acres was 32,180, in Greenwood 14,140 during the past year. If a man wants to pasture a herd of cattle where they may range for miles over flint hills without molesting a farmer, Greenwood is the county, but if he wishes to make a home where the soil is productive, society first class, and plenty of it, and where the future wealth will be, Cowely county is the place for him.

---

Important Enterprise.

--PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH--

We learn with pleasure that the Presbyterian Society of this place have determined to push to completion the church building, the foundation of which is already completed. The lots and foundation cost the society $700, and are paid for. The esti-

mated cost of the building is $4,000. It is to be forty-two feet wide and sixty-two feet long, which will be two feet wider and twelve feet longer than the Courthouse. Such a building is much needed here. The late revival demonstrated the fact that there was no room in the city large enough to accommodate our people when they desire to get together. The plan of the building can be seen at the office of Curns & Manser, and is well worth inspecting.

It is proposed to raise $2,500 of the funds by subscription, and we hope our citizens will liberally assist in the matter. The benefits of such a building to the place are so great that it is like building for oneself to help in this.

It is well known that the pastor of this church has for three years donated his entire salary with a view of building a church. Another member of his family, we are told, proposes to give ten percent of the amount to be raised by subscription, which will be $250. Should the desired amount be subscribed, it will leave about $1,500 to finish the work, and the Board of Church Erection propose to furnish at least $800 of that amount. In view of the liberality of those initiating this movement, and the Board, the great benefits to be derived from this work, we hope and believe that the same liberal spirit will be shown by our people and that the building will soon be completed.

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[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 24, 1876.

City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., Feb. 21, 1876.

Present--M. G. Troup, President of Council; N. M. Powers and C. C. Black, Councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.

City Clerk reported all warrants in his office canceled on the warrant record, as ordered by the Council at its previous meeting. Report received and referred to the Finance Committee with instructions to report at its next regular meeting.

Bill of J. E. Allen for services as City Attorney from May 1st, 1875, to November 1st, 1875, $25.00, was read and approved, and the Clerk ordered to draw a warrant on the Treasurer for the same.

Bill of James Kelly for city printing was read and referred to Finance Committee.

On motion of N. M. Powers, the City Clerk was instructed to

advertise for one week for sealed bids for the sinking and walling of two public wells, to be located on Main street between 8th street and 9th street, according to plans and specifications in the Clerk's office. Council reserving the right to accept or reject any of said bids.

The Council then adjourned to meet Monday, February 28th, 1876, at 7 o'clock p.m.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[NOTICE: L. LIPPMAN'S MILL HAS MOVED.]

WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 24, 1876.

L. LIPPMAN'S MILL

HAS

MOVED

TO A LARGE BODY OF TIMBER,

NEAR SILVERDALE, ON GROUSE CREEK,

and is now prepared to FILL ORDERS

for Lumber of any dimensions. Soft Lumber $20, Hard Lumber $25 per thousand. Reduction made on large bills for Cash.

WAGON AND HARROW LUMBER left on hand.

CORN BURRS connected with the Mill.

P. O. address Silverdale, Kansas.

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[SOME OTHER NOTICES: WINFIELD COURIER, FEBRUARY 24, 1876.]

NOTICE.

Poland China Hogs for sale or rent. Inquire of

A. B. GRAHAM.

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NOTICE.

A few day boarders will be taken on reasonable terms by

MRS. S. A. GRISWOLD.

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SKIPPED BY ME IN FEBRUARY 24, 1876, ISSUE OF WINFIELD COURIER: FAREWELL ADDRESS DELIVERED BY JAMES O. VANORSDAL,

RETIRING MASTER OF FLORAL GRANGE, NO. 756.

[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 2, 1876.

Men who have no other interests in this county than the loaning of money at thirty six percent, are opposed to the building of a railroad at any price. If we had a railroad constructed through this county, so capitalists from the East could come here, and see what a great country we have, some of the money that goes begging, in the East, at five to six percent, would soon be loaned at such figures as any shrewd businessman could afford to pay.

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.

FEBRUARY 26, 1876. The apportionment bill having passed the House, was taken up in the Senate and variously amended and passed. As it leaves the Senate, it gives Cowley one Senator and two Representatives. This is a little more than our share, but then we have been betting along a long time with far less than our proportion of representation. The amendments made in the Senate will be vigorously opposed in the House. How it will result is doubtful. Sumner or Chautauqua counties may be attached to us yet. Senator St. Clair did nobly by us and labored for our interests as well in this as in other matters.

A bill revising the tax laws of the State passed the House Thursday of this week, and if the Senate can reach it, it will probably become a law. It is the best law that can be devised, when considered in all its bearings. Under its provisions the expenses of laying collecting, and disbursing the taxes are very much reduced. No law affecting usury or interest has passed or is likely to pass thi session.

The bill concerning attorney's fees in mortgages is not likely to become a law.

A very long bill, entirely revising the school laws of the State, is before the Senate today, and may pass both houses, but it is doubttful. If it does become a law, scholars in one district may attend a school in an adjoining district, in case the schoolhouse is nearer to the scholars desiring schooling.

The bill allowing counties to vote aid to railroads is a law, or will be, as soon as it is published in the Commonwealth.

It requires a two-thirds vote to carry the proposition in a county, township, or city. It came very near being defeated in the Senate, only fourteen votes being the number that were favorable to the bill, as it came from the House, and even this vote was obtained by a combination of the friends of Stilling's narrow gauge and Eskredge's standard gauge bills. By amending and coaxing, and urgent solicitations, the friends of the measure finally obtained eighteen votes and carried it. Senator St. Clair worked earnestly for the measure.

The Legislature in a body is going to Pueblo in an excursion train over the A. T. & S. F. road next Friday, immediately after adjournment.

Hackney has worked very hard this winter, and is one of the leaders in the House. He has never neglected the interests of his constituents.

---

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1876. The apportionment bill that passed the Senate last Friday giving Cowley county one Senator and two Representatives, still hangs fire. It went to the House Saturday morning and was a firebrand. All day Saturday was spent in its consideration. The House first disagreed to the Senate amendments. The bill went back to the Senate. That body then voted to postpone the consideration of the bill until Monday at 2 P.M. This frightened the House. It feared there would be no apportionment bill passed at all. The House then passed a resolution calling the bill back from the Senate. This soon brought the bill back into the House. It was then moved to concur in the Senate amendments and following this the previous question was ordered. This cut off all fillibustering and the roll was called. Fifty votes were obtained for final passage or concurrence, which was all that was necessary. t he Chief Clerk did not announce the result, but gave the roll to his assistant to figure up while he went among the members and succeeded in having two or three votes changed from aye to no, and thus defeated the bill.

Then the bill was returned to the Senate with the information that the House would not concur in the Senate amendments. Sam Wood and H. G. Webb fought the bill in the house vigorously. What will be the final result I cannot tell. But it is of so much importance to Cowley county that I feel that I ought to remain here and help to save Cowley as a Senatorial District if possible.

The Committee on State affairs which has been hunting up the bogus school bond business have got trace of some fraudulent school district bonds from Cowley county. They interviewed me upon the subject and I ventured the statement that no county Clerk or Superintendent of Public Instruction in Cowley county ever lent his name or seal to any such swindle.

While I have not had the highest opinion of some of the aforesaid officers in our county, I cannot believe that they were bad enough to be parties to a bond swindle. I pronounced the bonds, if any such have been issued, to be forgeries in toto and do not believe the parties thereto ever lived in Cowley county.

The names are suppressed at present in the hope that the rascals can be caught. The reputation of Cowley county is

excellent here. It is looked upon as a first-class agricultural county and as being filled with honest men, and the representative men from that county command respect everywhere. Of course, we all hope that no citizen of our county will be found guilty of paying bonds of any kind, or of attempting a swindle of any character.

I have no railroad news to write.

NOTE: GATHER COL. MANNING WROTE THE TWO

COMMUNICATIONS FROM TOPEKA...BUT

DID NOT BOTHER TO SHOW HIS NAME!

Comments by Manning: "I am a looker on in the Legislative Halls. The session will close next week. It has been a boisterous one in the House. Very few laws have been passed. Some very much needed Legislation has been neglected. Buncomb speeches and resolutions have been mainly indulged in."

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[STATE NEWS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 2, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

STATE NEWS.

Information has been received that the drive of Texas cattle to Kansas the coming season will be larger than for the past two years. Twenty-one firms have signified their intention of driving herds ranging in number from 60,000 to 2,000. A careful estimate places the drive at 300,000. The drive last year was about 150,000. Ex.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 2, 1876.

Rev. C. J. Adams has gone to White Cloud to preach for the Congregationalists.

C. C. Black's new upright piano has arrived. It is one of the finest instruments in the city.

There will be a teachers' examination at Winfield, Friday and Saturday, April 7th and 8th.

A large crowd went down near the Christian church last Saturday to witness the trial of a new sod plow.

Mr. Holtby, of Pleasant Valley, killed a pig last week that netted six hundred and eleven pounds. Who next?

At the Democratic Convention George Walker was elected a member of the County Central Committee.

Mr. M. A. Kinne, brother of E. P., our Register of Deeds, and a resident of Fulton county, Illinois, has been prospecting in this county for the past few days.

The Rev. John Blevins will preach at the Christian church house, on Saturday, the 4th inst., at 7 o'clock p.m., also on Lord's day following, at the usual hour. All are invited.

T. R. Carson, of Richland township, is erecting a wind-mill on his farm, with sufficient power to run a corn sheller, fanning mill, and stock water pump, and on such a windy day was was last Saturday it would run a small gang plow.

The Winfield City Mills has, during the month of February, shipped to Wichita, Los Animas, and other points, 82,000 pounds of flour, besides grinding 3,500 bushels of grist work--and kept up the local trade--in all about 6,000 bushels of graind.

This week Mr. A. N. Deming and his estimable family move to Wichita to engage in the hotel business in connection with the Douglas Avenue House, and Mr. Sid Majors comes from Wichita to this place to take charge of the Valley House.

The ladies and friends of the Baptist church will give a Centennial supper, at the Courthouse, on Thursday evening, March 9th, 1876. Ladies and gentlemen will appear in the costume of one hundred years ago.

---

The Plow and Anvil is no more, and in its place we find the Cowley County Democrat. Our county has long needed a simon-pure Democratic paper, and the "new departure" taken and advocated by Amos, during the past few weeks, proves him the man for the enterprise. We hope his new party friends will give him such support as he deserves.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 2, 1876.]

We had the pleasure of attending a school exhibition at the Maple Grove schoolhouse on Tuesday evening last. The entertainment consisted of essays, recitations, dialogues, tableaux, etc., all of which were well selected and performed. The paper, headed the Maple Grove Bugle, which was ably edited and well read by Miss Ioa Roberts and Mr. Joe Monforte, contained all sorts of fun, such as poetry, conundrums, etc. The exercises were conducted by the teacher of that district, Mr. C. L. Swarts. We congratulate the people of Maple Grove for having secured the services of so competent a young man as Mr. Swarts as teacher in their district during the term of their winter school.

NOTE: COURIER HAD SWARTZ, WHICH I KNOW IS WRONG!

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NOTICE.

There will be a teachers examination held at Winfield, Friday and Saturday, April 7th and 8th. All teachers desiring certificates to teach in the county of Cowley will be present.

T. A. WILKINSON, County Superintendent.

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[LAZETTE NEWS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 2, 1876.

Lazette News.

LAZETTE, KAN., Feb. 28, 1876.

The two dances and suppers given here on St. Valentine's eve were very successful affairs. Mrs. Robert Harris had one of the choicest tables set for her guests, and the fine cake and the rich and varied nick-nacks thereon displayed were all that the most fastidious could desire. At Harry Ramage's, the dancers "kept the ball moving" until the "wea sma' hours," which showed that they fully enjoyed the entertainment of their host, whose oysters were equaled only by his music.

---

A number of the hunters have been "chasing the antelop over the plains" around upper Grouse. Though this game is very abundant there but few of the hunters have had any success in their efforts to scare it.

---

On the 20th and 21st inst., Col. Marvin and Col. Hunt, of Kansas City, were here examining the route for a railroad from Independence, via Elk Falls and Lazette, to Winfield and points west in Cowley county. They reported the line a very practicable one, and said they found a natural roadbed through the flint ridges. Give us the railroad from the east.

---

Though the festival given by the ladies of the M. E. church, and others of our valley, was gotten up on short notice last week, a fine crowd was in attendance, and the various means of making dimes and of entertaining guests were zealously engaged in by all.

One cake sold for $12.70, the fair lady to whom it was to be donated being the leading incentive to the sale. The entire receipts were $35.10. Among those who were chiefly instrumental in making the festival a success were Mrs. Susie Johnson, Mrs. M. C. Hemenway, Mrs. B. H. Clover, and Mrs. Harry Ramage. The receipts were turned over to the Rev. Mr. Swarts.

---

The railroad meeting which was held here last Saturday was well attended by parties from all quarters in this side of the county. John Clover, Esq., was called to the chair, and J. W. Tull was made secretary. R. C. Story, L. N. McCracken, and Ab. Peebler were appointed as a committee to draft resolutions. The report of this committee was discussed by parties on all sides, and a number of resolutions were amended and modified. The assembly was a unit in desiring a railroad east and west through the county, though very much divided as to the best means of getting the same. The resolutions were considered and adopted one at a time, and some of them were carried only by a small majority. Part of the speakers wanted an unconditional endorsement of railroad enterprise, others were in favor of voting bonds for a road from the east, while others were opposed totally to increasing our taxes for any railroad whatever. Some said "wait two or three years and the road will come without the bonds." The meeting was largely attended by the farmers and businessmen from Cedar and Grouse valleys, and the country west, and it demonstrated the fact that the people on the eastern side of the county are not sleeping over this question.

---

The resolution to do away with the herd law was very vigorously contested, and was carried, upon a second vote, by a majority of only three.

---

In regard to the gauge, most of those present said, "Give us more light in regard to cost and convenience of the narrow gauge." A number of our leading men express the opinion that a good big bonus could be voted, even without a change in the law, for a railroad connecting Winfield and Arkansas City directly with the east.

---

A number of our farmers are plowing, and a big crop will be put in early, if the weather continues favorable.

---

Mr. S. M. Fall and A. J. Pickering went to Wichita last week with a hundred bushels of Hungarian seed. They found the market down.

---

The Black Hills fever is still raging, and many are making preparations to start for the gold mines in a short time.

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[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 2, 1876.

City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., Feb. 28, 1876.

City Council met in regular session, February 28th, 1876.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; C. C. Black, N. M. Powers, and M. G. Troup, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.

On motion the Countil proceeded to open the sealed bids, in the City Clerk's office, for the sinking and walling of two public wells, as advertised.

On motion of C. C. Black, the further consideration of the bids was postponed until next regular meeting.

The Council then adjourned.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[SOME BUSINESS NOTICES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 2, 1876.

FOR SALE, to the highest bidder, 15 Store Accounts, on Saturday, March 25th, 1876. All businessmen are requested to attend sale. J. B. LYNN & CO.

---

ALL THOSE WANTING CATTLE HERDED can leave orders at Mrs. Griswold's, as the town herd will be taken out as soon as there is grass sufficient for feed.

---

FOREST TREES FREE. In the timber of J. G. Titus there are about 5,000 young walnut and Pecan trees, which persons desirous of obtaining such trees can have free. J. G. TITUS.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876 - E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

The bill admitting Colorado as a State of this Union is now a law.

---

The guards at the Leavenworth penitentiary are armed with the latest improved breech loading shot guns.

---

The attorney fee act that created such a flurry was finally amended in the Senate and became a law. Under its present provisions it only applies to contracts hereafter made. It keeps attorney's fees out of mortgages.

---

Among the laws passed by the late Legislature, we find there is one creating assessors in cities of the 3rd class; one allowing counties to provide for insane in case they cannot be admitted to the asylum; a new and complete tax law, which, among other things does away with selling land for taxes; an arbitration law, and a new school system law.

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[GUILTY OF CORRUPTION: GEN. BELKNAP, SECRETARY OF WAR.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

ANOTHER VICTIM.

The country is startled by the news from Washington, announcing that a Congressional Investigating Committee has discovered that Gen. Belknap, Secretary of war, is guilty of corruption. His administration had been considered free from the "trades" and "considerations" that characterized the official action of many branches of the public service. Hence the

universal astonishment of the developments. Belknap entered the army from Keokuk, Iowa, and was a brave and faithful officer. He rose to the rank of Major General, and became one of Grant's

favorites. In Nov. 1869, he was appointed Secretary of War and continued to hold the office until he resigned the first of this month on account of the discoveries below mentioned.

A few years ago he was married to a Kentucky lady of high social position, great beauty, and fine accomplishments. His terrible falls seems, from the developments made, to have originated with her. She first accepted, without his knowledge, the present of a large sum of money to procure an appointment for one Marsh as Post Trader at Fort Sill in the Indian territory. Afterwards this corrupt transaction came to his knowledge, and he received other payments of money from this trader. The total sum was about $6,000 per annum, and the payments have been made for two years. The amounts received, first by his wife, and subsequently by himself, exceed $20,000.

The President at once accepted his resignation, and the House of Representatives have presented before the Senate articles of impeachment and judgment will be rendered against him.

Considering all the circumstances of the case, the crime of the Secretary is of unusual turpitude. He was in the enjoyment of a large salary; he was intrusted with high and responsible duties; he had attained great distinction in the army and in civil life; and his future was brilliant with promise. But in an evil moment he risked and lost everything for the sake of a few dollars.

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[INTERESTING LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN BROWN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

The following private letter from our Congressman contains so many items of interest that we are constrained to give it to our readers. The idea of graduating the Osage lands and finally throwing them open to private purchasers is an excellent one. It would enable parties to purchase large tracts of grazing lands to the west of us that are of no value for agricultural purposes. We hope that our readers will feel at liberty to send us their opinions upon the topics mentioned or will confer with Judge Brown direct.

---

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 28, 1876.

DEAR COL.: I have been thinking whether it was not possible for some legislation in reference to the Osage reservation, in order in the first place to have actual settlers on the land prove up and get their titles within a reasonable time, and to reduce the price of all the refuse land east and west of the Arkansas River say to $1.00 per acre from and after Jan. 1st, 1877; 75 cents per acre from and after Jan. 1st, 1878, and to 50 cents from and after Jan. 1st, 1879, and all remaining on Jan. 1st, 1880, to be opened for sale at the latter price to all parties wishing to purchase. A provision, perhaps, that those on the lands have till 1877 to prove up, which in case we have a good crop would be as much as they would need. The idea is not very well developed even in my own mind, but I have a desire to see the Western end of the reserve settled as the eastern end already is, and to have the portions on the Eastern end that are rugged and broken and have so far remained unsold, disposed of at a lower rate, and so made taxable, and compelled to brave its proportion of the public burdens. Have you any suggestions to make in reference to the matter? How much land is today unclaimed in Cowley Co.? How much in the counties East? Any information we receive will be of importance. The bill for the sale of the Cherokee strip to actual settlers is before the Committee on Public lands. We hope to get it through. The only question in the case is whether the agents of the Cherokees now here are inclined favorably to the measure; if they are, there is no danger; if not, it will be hard to pass. We are consulting with them, they have copies of the bill and promise to give their opinion shortly. They seem favorable at present.

In reference to right of way through the Territory, I have introduced no bill because I have not found any corporation asking it. And you well know a general shot in such a case is pure buncomb, and instead of considering roads from the mouth of the Walnut to Western Texas and down the Arkansas valley as merely quixotic schemes, I am in dead earnest, and am consulting with all men I meet from Texas and Arkansas and interesting them as far as possible in the matter. * * *

* * * Parties at Fort Smith are looking our way, and one gentleman informed me that the Little Rock & Fort Smith road is nearly completed to Ft. Smith and that the Co. will soon obtain in some way the right of way to Gibson, and will, if any inducements are offered, push further up the valley into Kansas.

Am favoring all measures in reference to civil courts in the Territory, and all that look to the eventual opening up of the Territory to settlement, and am ready to put in the entering wedge.

My idea is that while in the first few months the opening of the Territory would seemingly be injurious to the State by drawing thither a large population already in Kansas who are looking that way, yet that eventually it will be a benefit. While yet being settled it will furnish a market for the surplus of the Southern portion of our State, and when once settled the demand for an outlet will cause railroads to be built there connecting with our system in Kansas, and thus we shall obtain our desired lines both to the Mississippi and the Gulf. Our Kansas matters are moving well in Congress, and those of local importance will pass where money is not involved and even there we have strong assistance. Think on the whole the drift is very favorable to the Republicans and that unless we blunder badly we shall elect the next President, and it now looks as if his name would be Blaine.

Truly Yours,

W. R. BROWN.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.

A new meat market.

Court convenes April 3rd.

J. B. Lynn has gone east after goods.

New spring hats at Boyer & Gallotti's.

Fresh fish by the wagon load Wednesday.

The Legislature adjourned last Saturday.

T. A. Blanchard is going to the Black Hills.

Adelphi Lodge has recently purchased a set of fine jewels.

A. C. Holland closed his school at Bethel schoolhouse last Friday.

L. J. Webb has moved his law offices upstairs over Mrs. Howard's milliner store.

James H. Land returned fat and hearty last Friday from a visit to Indiana. He reports mud waist deep in that forlorn state.

Sam Kline has insured the lives of about a dozen of our citizens in the Missouri Valley Life Insurance Company. Now look out for obituaries.

Read Robinson, that prince of "sheap cloding" fellows, has been in town again. We expect Boyer & Gallotti to tell us about him next week.

The Remington Sewing Machines are something new, and are taking everywhere. R. Courtwright and G. W. Childers, of this county, are the local agents.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.]

A Railroad company has been organized for a line from Chanute, ten miles south of Humboldt, to this place. Two of the directors are here, two in Elk county, two in Wilson county, and two in Kansas City. Another company has been organized which proposes to build a road from Oswego, via Independence, to this place. But in building railroads, man proposes and the Kansas Legislature disposes.

---

Some of our friends in Maple township held a meeting February 22nd, and resolved against voting bonds to a railroad. The proceedings were sent to the COURIER for publication during our absence, and were not published. Had we been at home they would have appeared. We believe in giving both sides a hearing on all questions. As the resolutions have been published in the Democrat, and as the question of voting bonds by a majority vote cannot come up this year, we refrain at this late date from giving the proceedings.

---

HURRAH for Cowley county! Under the new apportionment bill Cowley obtains one State Senator and two Representatives hereafter. The struggle over the bill, as it finally passed, was vigorous. Cowley with a population of 9,000 received a Senator, while Elk and Chautauqua with 14,000, and Butler and Harvey with over 15,000, Sedgwick, Sumner, and all west, with a population of 15,000, and eleven counties northwest of Sedgwick, embracing a population of over 18,000, were respectively created into senatorial districts. This apportionment results in giving Butler and Cowley two Senators and four Representatives. To Hon. W. P. Hackney and Hon. H. C. St. Clair are the people of Cowley largely indebted for this remarkable and advantageous result.

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No Railroad.

Fix yourselves for it. No railroad this year. Another year is upon us for hoping, and waiting. In due time and in a reasonable way, we shall give our reader's comprehensive statements of the situation.

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Letter from Rev. C. J. Adams.

We are permitted to publish the following interesting letter from the late M. E. pastor of this place.

TO THE METHODISTS OF WINFIELD.

BRETHREN: Somewhere about the middle of October, 1875, on the southward-bound stage-coach, in the evening, "blue," I rode into Winfield. On the last day of February, 1876, on the

northward-bound stage-coach, in the morning, "blue," I rode out of Winfield. The October evening was clear, warm, and beautiful, while the February morning was over-cast, cold, and ugly. So you see the weather, too often blamed for that of which it is not guilty, was not instrumental in the birth or maturing of either of these cloudy conditions of mind. What was, then?

Before starting to Winfield, I was informed by word of mouth, and by letter, that in the Methodist church there, the devil of discord was loose and rampant, and that I was expected to capture and chain him. The question, consequently, which was trouble me on the October evening was, "Had I better approach him from the front or the rear--had I better lay hold of him by the ears or by the tail?" In other words, "Who had unbound him--the former pastor, or the people themselves?" If the pastor, I knew that I would only have to walk up in his face and take hold of him unhesitatingly, boldly. If the people, I felt that I would have to come up behind and pounce on him when he least expected me. Under the circumstances, is it any wonder that I was "blue?" But the question was not hard to answer when once I had come face to face with the great fact in the case. I say to you, unhesitatingly, as I do also to him, that I am convinced that had Mr. McQuiston not forced himself back upon you, in the face of your asking that he might not be returned, the late lamentable troubles in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Winfield would never have been. I am convinced of this, because, when I came to you a perfect stranger, you received me more than kindly, and assured me, before you knew anything about me personally, and through your officiary, that, as you had asked for me, or rather, had not protested against my coming, you would "stand right by me," let come what might. This you did. In looking over the history of the last five months this afternoon, I cannot remember an instance in which you, individually and collectively, did not measure clear up to the high mark of faithfulness, which you drew for yourselves. I have broken and had broken some tender ties. I have left the home of my boyhood. Our college class parted knowing that the tides and mud would put thousands of leagues between us, and that forever--for even though we meet again it will not be as boys, but as men. But, believe me, I never suffered so at a parting in my life as I did when I left Winfield. When strong men weep at parting with each other, you may know that they love each other. Nothing would have induced me to leave you but the profound conviction that it was my duty to do so. This will be made plainer to some of you some day than it is today. Is it right for me to leave the Methodist for the Congregational church? This is the question which I could not answer until, like an inspiration, the thought came: "It is not the denomination which God loves and in which he wants us to work, but the church of his Son!" I would like, had I the time, to develop this thought into a sermon. What we should do as christians is to learn to love the denomination, the sect, of which we are members less, and Christ's bride more, remembering that his great, infinite heart is yearning to take her to his breast--yearning as only the Infinite can yearn!

As I think of my imperfections I wonder how God could use me in your midst as he did use me--little as I accomplished. I earnestly pray that he will send you a vastly better man, in the pulpit and out of it, than he has taken away from you.

Yours in the hope of Christ's kingdom.

C. J. ADAMS.

Wichita, March 1st, 1876.

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[T. A.BLANCHARD'S BROTHER, (A. S.) WRITES FROM BLACK HILLS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.

From the Black Hills.

We are permitted to publish the following letter, received by Mr. T. A. Blanchard, from his brother, Seth, who is in the new Eldorado. As so many are seeking information that is trustworthy, we give considerable space to the subject. The writer is well and favorably known here.

DEAD WOOD GULCH, BLACK HILLS, January 16th, 1876.

BRO. TOM: Your interesting letter, of December 5th, found its way to me, after many delays, a few days ago. Since I wrote last I have abandoned Castle creek, and moved about fifty miles further north. We are now about eighty miles north of Custer City. I think this creek, and others in this vicinity, contain far richer diggings than have before been discovered in the Hills. Prospecting has not been very extensive here as yet, but enough has been done to convince miners that money can be made here, probably $10 or $15 per day, and some say as high as $50, with sluices, from two cents to fifty and seventy-five cents to the pan. Two parties are fixed for sluicing on a small scale on this creek, but owing to the cold weather can do but little. I am now engaged in putting up another cabin. Think I shall go into quarters here for the winter. Don't expect to take out much gold this winter, but will saw out lumber, dig ditches, etc., and be in readiness to go to work when spring opens. I think I might now venture to advise you to try the Hills in the spring, that is, if you are so situated that you can do so without any very great sacrifice, financially or otherwise. I am strongly of the opinion that you will stand a good chance to make two or three thousand here during the summer, and return in the fall if you wish. I wish you were here now, as men are pouring in by hundreds, but I guess if you leave home by the 1st of April, you will be in time. We are not posted as to what is being done at Washington in regard to the Hills, but are strong in the faith that we will not again be molested by the Government, but anticipate some troubles with the Indians in the spring. If you should decide to come, you had better come by railroad to Sidney, and from there you can easily get transportation to Custer City, or any point in the Hills. Supplies are already beginning to come in, and the probabilities are that by the 1st of May anything we need can be procured here at reasonable rates. Flour is worth $10 and $12 per hundred now, and other things in proportion.

I have had the pleasure of meeting J. J. Williams and

W. W. Andrews, of Winfield. They are located in this Gulch.

The winter so far has been very mild, at least compared with Kansas winters. We are entirely exempt from those cold, chilling winds, as the country is a succession of hills, densely covered with pine timber, with the exception of an occasional patch of beautiful rolling prairie, from two to four miles across, which we call parks. Horses and cattle are doing well on the range. Pack ponies are indispensable here in the hills. While packing from Castle creek to this place a few days ago, and while descending a very steep mountain, one of my ponies made a misstep and rolled something near a hundred yards down the mountain. Jim looked on in dismay to see his mate getting such a fearful fall. But, contrary to our expectations, on landing at the foot of the hill, she got up and quietly walked off. No serious injuries.

Tell Mary she can calm her fears, as far as my starving is concerned, for I not only have plenty of flour, fruit, coffee, tea, bacon, sugar, etc., to do me till the 1st of June, but also a good gun, and the country abounds in game--deer, elk, etc., so that instead of starving, our life in the Hills is one continual feast--almost equal to a Harvest Feast at Bethel.

A. S. BLANCHARD.

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[FROM OXFORD.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.

From Oxford.

OXFORD, KAN., Feb. 29, 1876.

The Oxford Mills ground the first bushel of corn that was ground west of the Arkansas and south of the Nennescah, on Sunday, February 27th, 1876. It was ready Saturday evening. The Oxfordites went up to see it Sunday and prevailed on "Dave" to try it. "Dave" (D. Hardman) and "Judge" (Mr. Hewett) are quite proud of the best mill west of the river. The machinery for wheat grinding will be in working order by March 25th, it is thought. Then I will give you a description of the mill. The water is a success. Your "Wirt" was right about plenty of fall when he took the level for the Oxford Town Co.

Mrs. Charles Willsie is quite sick.

Oxford improving.

Every house full.

Nearly the "first fiere" this morning. Mr. Hinson's chimney burned out. It made a fine blaze and excited several. Sam S. Shore got to it and put it out while others looked on.

OXFORD.

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[OBITUARY RESOLUTIONS: BRO. D. C. HUSTON.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.

Obituary Resolutions.

WHEREAS, In the midst of life, we are in death, and another brother has gone from our lodge, and although we feel the hand of God to be terrible, yet we know our loss to be his gain.

Resolved, That by the death of Bro. D. C. Huston, we all lose a friend and brother, and further

Resolved, That we will ever cherish the memory of that friendship, and endeavor so to live that we will meet him and all our brothers in the great Beyond.

Resolved, That the relatives of the deceased have our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of one so near and dear to them.

Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions be furnished the family of the deceased.

Resolved, That the above resolutions be furnished the Winfield COURIER for publication.

March 4th, 1876.

N. K. JEFFRIES,

G. N. FOWLER, ) Com.

WILLIAM WHITE.

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[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.

City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., March 6, 1876.

City Council met in regular session, March 6th, 1876.

Present: M. G. Troup, President of Council; C. C. Black,

N. M. Powers, J. M. Dever, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.

The finance committee asked for, and was allowed, more time to report on the cancellation of city warrants.

On motion of C. C. Black, the further consideration of the bids for the public wells was postponed until next meeting of the Council.

The Council then adjourned.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.]

Winfield Musical Association.

The Third Grand Concert of the Association consisting of vocal and instrumental selections from the best operas, songs, duets, choruses, quartets, etc., will take place at the Courthouse on Friday evening, March 17th, 1876. Tickets 25 cents. Reserved seats 35 cents.

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LIST OF LETTERS remaining unclaimed in the Post Office at Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas, on the 9th day of March, 1876.

FIRST COLUMN:

Accord, Joe; Anderson, Mrs. M. C.; Baird, Miss Allie; Dupey, Henry; Dean, Andrew; Hill, Susan A.; Kimel, C. D.; Keiffer, Mrs. Lizzie; Lacy, Henry; Mann, George; May, Charley.

SECOND COLUMN:

Newland, M. C.; Province, Edward; Perkins, Clarisa; Somers, Thomas; Sappenfield, Robert; Snyder, John; Weil, Mrs. A.; Wright, Mrs. Mira; Wiggins, Horace; Wellman, Randolph.

JAMES KELLY, P. M.

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[AD: McBRIDE & GREEN - BRICKS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.

BRICK! BRICK!

McBRIDE & GREEN

are now ready to take orders to furnish brick in any quantity from 100 to 100,000. They have purchased land at the edge of the Winfield townsite and have commenced the necessary improvements thereon. A Kiln of 150,000 will be burned as soon as the weather will permit. They are experienced in the business and Will Guarantee all orders filled. Those contemplating building in the spring should Send in Their Orders at once. Prices as Low as the Lowest.

Address McBRIDE & GREEN, Winfield, Kansas.

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[AD: HENRY T. FORD, DEALER IN EVERYTHING!]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.

HENRY T. FORD,

DEALER IN EVERYTHING!

Keeps on hand a full supply of

GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, DRY GOODS, BOOTS, SHOES, HATS AND CAPS

A full assortment of

Yankee Notions and Millinery Goods.

Also manufacture Harness, Saddles, Collars, Bridles, Whips, etc. Only the best workmen employed. All work in this line warranted. If you can't find what you want elsewhere, call at

Henry T. Ford's Store,

East Side Main Street, Winfield, Kansas.

N. B. A Job-wagon, carrying Yankee Notions from this House,

circulates in this and adjoining counties.

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[AD: JOHN EASTON & CO., GUNSMITHS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 9, 1876.

JOHN EASTON & CO., GUNSMITHS AND GENERAL MECANICS.

SHOT-GUNS, REVOLVERS, AND RIFLES,

Kept constantly on hand.

Repairing done neatly and to order. Special attention given to SEWING MACHINES. Don't send them away, but bring them to us for repairs. Everything from a Threshing Machine to a Knitting Needle mended with promptness, neatness, and dispatch.

Remember the place: One Door South of Miller & Power's Hardware Store, East Side Main Street, Winfield, Kansas.

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[D. A. MILLINGTON (?) - RE RAILROADS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876 - FRONT PAGE.

The Railroad Law.

ED. COURIER: The Telegram is uproariously jubilant over the failure of our Legislature to enact a law allowing counties and other municipalities to vote aid to railroads by a majority vote.

I readily admit that the two thirds clause inserted in both laws lately passed practically defeats the friends of a railroad in this county, and while the Telegram is jubilant over a victory, I for one feel depressed and discouraged under our defeat.

Though I do not doubt that a proposition to aid some railroad might be placed upon the voters of this county so well guarded and of such a nature so generally satisfactory, that two-thirds of the voters would support it, yet, this would not be sufficient to give us a road.

Before reaching us the road must pass through other counties, Butler, Greenwood, Elk, Chautauqua, Sedgwick, or Sumner, in our immediate vicinity, and other counties more remote.

. . . "But," says some imbecile, "some company will build a road to us anyway, whether we aid them or not."

We have been waiting five years for "some company" to guild us a road. We have held in our hands $150,000 in Cowley county bonds and offered them for a road. Cowley, Butler, Marion, Dickinson, and Davis have offered three-quarters of a million of dollars in subsidies for a road from Junction City down this valley 140 miles. Only one company has in five years had the grace to offer to build a road to us at any price, and when its offer was accepted, all along the line it failed to come to time because the subsidies were insufficient to induce them to build the road. . . .

The A. T. & S. F. road alone has continued to build up to the present time, but though its franchises are enormous in lands and bonds, yet it is evident that the day is not far distant when it will be in the hands of a receiver. [GIVES YOU A CLUE AS TO HOW WRONG MILLINGTON WAS IN HIS THINKING.] . . .

The writer and others have freely expended their energies, time, and money in the attempt to make it possible to get a R. R. to this county this year. It is not strange that we should feel sore over our defeat.

Yet we will not despair. Let every thinking man who wants a railroad put his best thoughts to work and be seen ready to cooperate on the plan which the majority of such men should determine is the best. Let us do what we can this year and if we fail, try the next Legislature for a change in the laws.

D. A. M.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876 - E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

The Legislature, in finally passing the general appropriation bill, gave the Normal schools a small appropriation. The Emporia school received $4,847.60.

---

By the new apportionment bill, which gives Cowley county two representatives, the townships of Maple, Nennescah, Vernon, Winfield, Rock, Richland, Tisdale, Sheridan, Silver Creek, Omnia, and Harvy constitute one representative district; and Beaver, Bolton, Creswell, Pleasant Valley, Liberty, Silverdale, Spring Creek, Cedar, Otter, Dexter, and Windsor townships constitute the other district.

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[THE BLACK HILLS FEVER.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

THE BLACK HILLS FEVER.

Just how many citizens of Cowley are seriously intending to spend the summer in the Black Hills? The COURIER would induce every man to remain at home if it could. But the desire to go is spreading. It is unfortunate. A large majority of those who yield to the desire will recognize the misfortune when too late to avail anything. The regret will begin to creep over some when on the road and they will turn back. Others will not realize their mistake until they reach the Hills and find them swarming with 30,000 adventurers. Others more persevering will spend the summer in the delusive [? THINK MANNING CHOSE WRONG WORD ?] chase. Of the one hundred men or more who will go from this county, eighty percent will return in the fall. A few will engage in permanent occupations along the route or at the Hills, and a few will never return. The Black Hills will furnish the sable robes of their everlasting sleep. In money expended, in time lost, in opportunities waste, three hundred dollars to the man is a low estimate of the loss that the hundred men from Cowley will experience. This amounts to thirty thousand dollars.

ARTICLE GOES ON IN THIS VEIN...HE TRIES HIS VERY BEST TO DISCOURAGE PEOPLE LEAVING FOR THE BLACK HILLS...SKIPPED THE REST.

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SKIPPED ARTICLE ABOUT GRANGE MEETINGS...BEFORE, IF ANY VOTER OBJECTED, THE GRANGE COULD NOT MEET IN AREA SCHOOLHOUSE.

Effective Feb. 27, 1876, an act amended section 43 of article 4, chapter 32, of the general statutes of 1868:

"The district board shall have the care and keeping of the school house and other property belonging to the district. They are hereby authorized to open the school house for the use of religious, political, literary, scientific, mechanical, or agricultural societies belonging to their district, for the purpose of holding the business or public meetings of said societies under such regulations as the school board may adopt."

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[ANOTHER EDITORIAL: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876.]

OF IMPORTANCE TO COWLEY COUNTY.

Kansas will be represented in products and works of art, at the centennial. How is it with Cowley county? So far as we can find out, not one half dozen specimens of any kind from the county are in the hands of the Centennial Board, to be taken to Philadelphia. Now that the new Board has been appointed and the State districted among them, Cowley falls into the district of Dr. R. W. Wright, of Oswego. On this subject the Emporia News semi-officially says:

"The State has been districted, and will at once be thoroughly canvassed for materials for the exhibition. . . ."

If the readers of the COURIER have anything that will be of interest and value to the county, by being exhibited, and will leave it with us, we will see that it is properly marked and forwarded to Topeka, before April 1st. . . .

For the present small packages of choice wheat, corn, oats, rye, millet, or other grains; potatoes, and perhaps other vegetables; linen thread from Timber creek, polished stone, from our quarries; coal from southeast of Dexter; water lime, from

Arkansas City; highly finished grained walnut from our timber; flour, from our mills; sugar from our beets; cotton, tobacco, and many other things that we do not now think of, could be produced.

Now friends of Cowley, attend to this matter. You can do yourselves credit and the county much good. You will have about ten days after this issue of the COURIER in which to accomplish

something.

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[REPORT FROM WIRT W. WALTON RE LEGISLATIVE EXCURSION TRAIN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

SUMMIT HOTEL, PUEBLO, Col., Midnight, March 8th, 1876.

The Legislative excursion train arrived here this morning at 8 o'clock. The Kansas citizen's train, consisting of 14 passenger cars, preceeded us only a few minutes. This latter train carried over five hundred persons more or less known to Kansas fame, who took advantage of the low rates offered by the road

[A. T. & S. F.]. This train was entirely independent of, and had nothing in common with the excursion train proper, consisting of the Legislature, members of the press, and members (?) of their families. We found it engaged with a snow storm near Larned, 350 miles east of this point. Two snow plow engines were with it clearing the track. They had succeeded and were pushing on when they ran onto the only cow in Edwards county, which happened to be on the track. Both engines were badly ditched and a delay of twenty-four hours was the result.

Smith, of Cherokee, "moved a call of the house," but we couldn't pass the wreck. The engines lay like two great monsters barring the road to the "Eldorado of the west." It might be well enough right here to say that there was not enough of that cow left to tell the color of her hair. She was a total wreck. During our temporary imprisonment, we occupied the time in a game of old fashioned snow balling. A few, however, preferred to walk a half mile to a ranch and fight over a fifty cent cup of coffee, which very forcibly reminded one of dirty water at boiling point. At last through the indomitable pluck of Maj. Tom Anderson a side track was built round the crippled giants and we all steamed on, arriving here this morning. . . ."

SKIPPED THE REST OF ARTICLE DEALING WITH EVENTS ONCE THEY REACHED PUEBLO, COLORADO.

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[SOME SOUTHERN KANSAS M. E. CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS.

The Southern Kansas M. E. Conference, recently held at Emporia, made the following appointments for the Wichita

District.

A. BUCKNER, P. E.

Am listing only a few...

Wellington and Oxford: H. J. Walker.

Arkansas City: J. J. Winger.

Arkansas City cir.: To be supplied.

Winfield: J. W. Canaval

Winfield cir: To be supplied.

Dexter and Lazette: To be supplied.

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[ANOTHER LETTER FROM A. S. (SETH) BLANCHARD...BLACK HILLS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876 - PRINTED ON PERSONALS PAGE.

CUSTER CITY, BLACK HILLS, February 24th, 1876.

FRIENDS AT HOME: Being blessed with another chance to send out a letter, I will improve it. I left Dead Wood Gulch about a week ago, and arrived in the beautiful little city of Custer yesterday; and a lively little city it is, though only a few months ago it was a military camp, carefully dodged by the few miners then in the Hills. I have wandered around the town and surrounding country today, and for fine scenery and picturesque beauty, it certainly surpasses anything I ever saw, not excepting our dear old Winfield. The surrounding country is a succession of small parks, and groves of pines, with here and there a romantic looking cliff of granite, and altogether, closely resembling (in my imagination) the original Garden of Eden. While standing on an eminence overlooking the town, I counted 180 houses completed, and I should judge there is as many more under process of erection. A steam saw mill is at work near town, and those majestic pines are being rapidly converted into substantial houses. Lumber is selling at $60 per thousand.

On the route here we passed through Hill city, situated on Spring creek, 18 miles north of this place. It has about one hundred houses, and is building up very fast, and it also has a saw mill.

A town is now being laid out on the northeast side of the Hills, near where Rapid creek empties into the Cheyenne river, with the view of getting supplies from Bismarck or some other point up on the Missouri river, the route to strike the Hills at said town, on the Rapid.

There are, at the lowest calculation, two thousand men in the Hills, and the cry is, "still they come." In short, the country is being rapidly developed. Gold bearing quarts, and silver ore has been discovered in several localities, which assays well. A stage line will be in operation soon, from Cheyenne to Custer City, via Red Cloud Agency.

We are not posted as to what Congress is doing toward the opening of the country, but we consider the Hills open to all intents and purposes.

I wrote to Tom some time ago, advising him to try the Hills. I gave the advice then reluctantly, and do now; but, at the same time, confidently believing he can make it successful. I am satisfied paying mines are here, and if you can spend the summer in the Hills without too great a sacrifice at home, why come ahead and come early.

As to the best way of coming, I can hardly say; but cer-tainly it is not necessary to bring supplies, for even now they can be bought here at what I consider very reasonable rates, and by the time you get here will be much cheaper. I think it would be as well to come by rail to Sidney or Cheyenne, and there you can easily get transportation to Custer, and probably to any point in the Hills.

Would like if you could be here by the 1st of April or the middle at latest, as I have some claims which I have some doubts about being able to hold longer than that time. Unless a man stakes his own claim and applies in person for record, it is not respected. A mining claim is 300 feet of gulch.

It gives me infinite pleasure to hear that the Grange is still marching on toward success and victory. I have great faith in the organization and its principles, and though I have temporarily laid aside the plow, spade, and hoe, and taken up the pan, pick, and shovel, I look forward with pleasure to the time when I shall again be permitted to unite with you in the great work of reform in which we are engaged and in which I feel confident we will eventually meet with grand glorious success.

I have received several letters lately which are as yet unanswered--among others, one from Speed and one from Burns. Give them my regards, and tell them I will answer as soon as possible, and that I shall be most happy to see them on Dead Wood. Would send you a specimen of Dead Wood gold, only I consider our means of sending out mail a little unsafe, so I will reserve it for my next.

Would like to write more, but my friends are ready to take their departure for Dead Wood, so I must close. Ben, if you and Tom come out, you had better not wait to hear from me again.

Yours, etc.

A. S. B.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876.

W. W. W. will be home tonight.

KEEP away from the Black Hills.

The Rodocker vs. Rice law suit is settled.

The recent freezes have damaged the peaches.

Fuller is harrowing and rolling his forty-acre wheat patch.

For rent, a farm near town. Enquire at the COURIER office.

Troup has called the township trustees together March 27th.

Miller has sold his hardware store to a gentleman from

Leavenworth.

Representative Hackney is expected home from Galveston this week.

Dr. Leonard, of Arkansas City, has sold his place for $3,500, and is going to Florida.

The bottom has fallen out of those "two public wells in the center of Main street." Good.

The teachers and pupils of the public schools of Winfield are enjoying a week's vacation.

From the mound north of town three thousand acres of wheat are visible to the naked eye.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876.]

Cliff Wood is coming back. The Democratic Congress has busted those government contracts.

---

The livery outfit that wintered in the stable back of the COURIER office has gone to the Black Hills.

---

BIRTH. Last Monday Will Voris proudly asked us what we would take. He says it is an eleven pound girl.

---

G. F. Corwin, who owns a farm near town, but now resides at Brookville, Missouri, dropped in on us this week.

---

Those fifteen old store accounts that Lynn advertised for sale at auction are about all sold at private sale.

---

Capt. J. S. Hunt has rented the Tryon farms, on the Arkansas, from R. B. Wait, for a period of three years.

---

And still another new departure. Jim Hill is again setting up a square meal for 25 cents, at the St. Nicholas Restaurant.

---

If the weather and roads are fair, a good delegation will attend the Centennial Concert, at Arkansas City, Saturday night.

---

Mr. Palmer, from Medicine Lodge, was in town Tuesday selling cedar trees and wild currant bushes to our citizens.

---

J. Harden & Co., of Dexter, have sold their mercantile business to H. C. McDorman, who will keep right on in the

enterprise.

---

Sam Jarvis, of Silver Creek township, has returned from Illinois, after an absence of over a year. He thinks Cowley is the right place.

---

Geo. Brown turned out, last week, the finest two-horse wagon ever built in the Walnut valley. Shoeb did the iron work, Jones the painting.

---

Dr. Mansfield, accompanied by his son, Harold, intends to start for England on a visit in May. He will call at the Centennial grounds on his return.

---

The Concert that is to be given next Friday evening at the Courthouse will be the best thing of the season. Tickets for reserved seats at Baldwin's drug store.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876.]

Dr. Austin and family have removed to Reading, Michigan. We are sorry to lose them. The Dr. had a large, and successful, practice here and many friends.

---

T. A. WILKINSON and JOHN SWAIN have each purchased a quarter of a block from the Winfield Town Association, and are erecting real fences thereon, in the west part of town.

---

JIM HILL wants us to tell the people of Cowley County, and more especially those who contemplate attending court, that he can give them a good meal and a good bed for a dollar a day.

---

A. D. SPEED starts for Colorado next Monday. He wants a stock ranche. Speed has been with us a good while, and we, with his many friends, regret his departure. He will be back again in the fall--we guess.

---

In a few days Boyer & Gallotti will have on hand the largest stock of Spring Clothing that has ever been brought south of Emporia. This is no humbug, but we invite everybody to call and examine their stock before buying elsewhere.

---

A. V. POLK, of Rock, called upon us this week. He is a skillful dentist and has considerable to do in his profession in the region where he resides. He ought to understand his business, having been in practice since 1850. He formerly practed in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and has recommendations from leading citizens for whom he did work years ago.

---

JOSEPH REQUA is doing a good business in his clothing store. He is one of the solid, reliable, every-day-the-same men of Winfield. We are glad to see his announcement that he is just receiving an immense new stock of clothing and furnishing goods.

---

The following is a list of jurors drawn for the April term of court: George W. Sharp, H. Holtby, W. W. Higgins, B. F. Wright, Isaac Towsley, James Kerr, A. H. Buckwalter, S. D. Groom, John Jones, J. A. McNown, Charles M. Peters, O. M. Ratts.

---

WM. SENSENEY, of Nennescah township, has a chicken that was hatched April 20th, 1875, which laid the eggs and hatched a brood of chickens therefrom on the 14th day of the following September. She was a proud mother at the tender age of four months and fifteen days. On the 26th of February she settled down upon a new lot of eggs. Her offspring began to lay at five months of age. This is something to "crow" over.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876.]

A daughter, aged five or six years, of S. W. Greer, who lives three miles south of town, on Monday ate some concentrated lye. As soon as possible Dr. Headrick was called, who administered remedies that relieved the little sufferer. The child is likely to recover. A good remedy in such cases is vinegar or oil. Vinegar will convert the lye into acetate of potash, and any of the oils will unite with it and form soap; and neither the acetate of potash nor soap will materially injure the stomach. The parents of children who are in the habit of eating lye, should keep oil and vinegar handy.

---

"The Centennial Supper" entertainment last Thursday evening, by the Baptist Church Society, was a very agreeable affair. The supper was all that one could wish, and principally prepared from articles of diet in use one hundred years ago, to-wit: beans, wheat flour, boiled ham and chicken, dough nuts, sweet cake, coffee, sugar, tea (we believe they had a row about the tea--a hundred years ago), milk, rye and Indian bread, fried pies, pumpkin pies, butter, and dishes. And other things there were that were "an hundred years ago." The babies, their mothers and fathers, and uncles and aunts, were all "an hundred years ago." "The grave, they gay, the lively, and severe," the flirting lass, the beau "upon his ear;" . . . .

---

Tisdale News.

TISDALE, KANSAS, March 5, 1876.

D. E. Creek has moved his stock of goods in the building built for a restaurant, by Welp.

J. A. McGuire is selling goods for cash, and consequently is selling at bottom prices.

The match game of baseball to be played between the Tisdale and Sheridan clubs will come off soon.

Jim Moses is going to start to the Black Hills next week.

The Tisdale literary society has adjourned till next winter.

Tom Bevens was struck by lightning while coming from Winfield last Sunday, but was not seriously hurt.

Quite a number of prairie breaking teams have been rigged out in this locality, and we expect ere long to see the ground torn up in such a way that it would surprise the natives.

D. Terril received a letter from Arkansas, a few days ago, that was written last October. It has been on the road over five months. It stated that several families would be here in the spring to locate near our place.

Our school closed the last of February with quite an entertaining exhibition.

Some railroad excitement about an East and West road, but none in favor of voting bonds for a road Norrth and South.

RATTLEHEAD.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876.]

Concert, at Arkansas City.

A Centennial Concert, in full costume, will be given by the Choir of the First Presbyterian Church, in Arkansas City, on Saturday evening, March 18th. An interesting programme may be expected, and all are cordially invited. Admission: single tickets 25 cents, children 15 cents.

---

Important Notice to Patrons.

On Saturday, April 1st, at 10 a.m., the County Grange holds its regular meeting. Subordinate Granges are requested to present at that time lists certified by Master and Secretary of, 1st, all Fifth Degree members, dated from County Grange organization; 2nd, all Masters, Past Masters, and their wives, and all delegates, and wives, at present time. Applications for membership should be handed in at the meeting. All persons whose names appear upon the rolls and whose fees are paid, are entitled to the degree. The same is true of those whose credentials and applications are handed in with proper fee and are favorably acted upon. Fees for brothers $2, sisters $1. A report is required showing the standing in the Subordinate Grange of each delegate. The Fifth Degree will be conferred Saturday, May 6th.

JAMES O. VANORSDOL, Master.

C. Coon, Secretary.

---

Black Hills Items.

Custer City is situated in a small, picturesque park, hemmed in by mountains, Harney's Peak rising on one side, and near by. The townsite covers 640 acres, and this area embraces the whole of the park. The entire size has been laid off into lots,

50 x 150 feet, the prices ranging from $25 to $500 each. The principle street is named after Gen. Crook and is 200 feet wide. The other streets have a width of 150 feet, and the alleys are 30 feet wide. Four hundred buildings have been erected in Custer.

One wedding has taken place in the Black Hills.

A colony of 400 Philadelphians will soon start for the Black Hills.

There are now 4,000 people in the Hills, and the number is increasing at a very rapid rate.

A Chinese laundry has been established in the Black Hills, by three of the much despised celestials.

J. S. McCall, a miner from Montana, was killed and scalped by members of Sitting Bull's band, while riding along through the Hills, two weeks ago.

Blake's party of Californians have struck very rich diggings on French Creek, 9 miles east of Jenney's stockade, and are washing out $3 to the pan.

A number of men are collecting at Louisville, Kentucky, to go to the Black Hills, and the indications are that a large crowd will soon be ready to leave.

Chicago and Philadelphia have each caught the Black Hills fever. A part of 300 in Chicago and a party of 400 in Philadelphia are outfitting now and will start early next month.

---

TEACHERS' EXAMINATION. There will be an examination of teachers, desiring certificates, held at the County Superintendent's office, in Winfield, Friday, March 17th.

T. A. WILKINSON, Supt.

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[SOME LOCAL NOTICES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 16, 1876.

STRAYED

From the subscriber. One dark brown, or black colt, marked with three white feet. A liberal reward will be paid for the return of the colt to the undersigned, one mile north of Winfield. S. E. BURGER.

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CORN WANTED.

The highest cash price will be paid for Corn at the Winfield Tunnel Mills. Corrn, wheat, and rye wanted immediately.

IRA E. MOORE.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1876 - E. C. MANNING, ED.

Where is Bent Murdock's railroad down the valley?

---

What has become of that railroad proposition that would "make the Walnut howl," Bent?

---

Our friends at Arkansas City, who were so determined to work with Emporia for a railroad will please "rise and explain."

---

The north representative district of Cowley county is the 88th; the south, the 89th. The county is the 27th senatorial district.

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[STATE ITEMS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 23, 1876.

STATE ITEMS.

There are one hundred and ninety students enrolled at the Agricultural College.

---

One of the most important bills passed by the Legislature, says the Lawrence Journal, was that prohibiting County Commissioners from allowing accounts or making appropriations except at regular meetings of the Board in January, April, July, and

October.

---

McComas and McKeighan, of Fort Scott, are about to locate in St. Louis, where they will continue the practice of the law. Why are so many of our leading lawyers leaving the State? Western

Maybe the striking out of "Attorney's fees," from all bills, mortgages, etc., by the last legislature, has something to do with it.

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[AD: HERMAN JOCHEMS HARDWARE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 23, 1876.

A NEW HARDWARE ESTABLISHMENT.

The undersigned, having purchased the hardware stock of

M. Miller, Winfield, will continue the business at the same stand and will replenish the stock to supply the wants of the county. I shall endeavor to keep the largest and best selected stock ever brought to southwestern Kansas, embracing Shelf Hardware, Hoes, Rakes, Spades, Shovels, and all kinds of Steel Goods, Pocket and Table cutlery, Tin Ware, Wagon Wood Work, Wood and Iron pumps, Iron and Steel; also the celebrated Charter Oak cooking stoves and other varieties of stoves which will be sold as cheap as the cheapest.

March 23. HERMAN JOCHEMS.

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[ELECTION PROCLAMATION: D. A. MILLINGTON, MAYOR.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 23, 1876.

Election Proclamation.

I. D. A. Millington, Mayor of the City of Winfield, in Cowley county and State of Kansas, do hereby proclaim that an election will be held at the office of W. H. H. Maris on lot 2 in block 108 in said City on

Monday, the 3rd day of April,

1876, for the purpose of electing

A Mayor,

A Police Judge, and

Five Councilmen

to serve said city for the ensuing year.

The polls of said election will be open at 8 o'clock a.m., and will close at 6 o'clock p.m., of that day.

M. G. Troup, N. M. Powers, and C. C. Black are appointed judges, and B. F. Baldwin and J. M. Reed, clerks of said election.

Witness my hand and the seal of the said City this 21st day of March, 1876.

D. A. MILLINGTON, Mayor. [SEAL.]

Attest, B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 23, 1876.

Knapp, one of the old traveling men of the road, is in town, taking orders.

Dr. W. R. Davis resides in the dwelling opposite his office on 9th Avenue.

Sheriff Walker has been suffering from the effects of an attack of pneumonia.

A few choice school district bonds wanted at the office of MANNING & WALTON.

Don't spend all your money until you see those new goods of Harter's at Black's old stand. They will be here next week.

It was Johnny Reed that painted that elaborately finished wagon spoken of in our last week's issue instead of Prof. Jones.

The Musical Concert announced for last Friday evening "on account of the weather" was postponed until Friday night the 31st.

JOE GREENLEE's bob-sled, with cow-bell and dog attachment, was the most Granger-like of any of the turn-outs during the sleighing.

C. C. HASKINS started for Southern Colorado this week to find a market for some of the surplus flour now on hand at the City Mills.

U. B. Prescott, formerly of Cowley county, Kansas, has recently settled on the Farnham place just north of town. He is apparently a clever and intelligent gentleman. Such citizens are wanted in this county--the more the better. Western Spirit.

---

HERMAN JOCHEMS, our new hardware man, arrived last Friday. He comes recommended by leading citizens of Atchison, his former place of business. The name of the Cashier of the First National Bank heads the list. We bespeak for Mr. Jochems financial

success.

---

At the examination last Saturday four out of the seven applicants for certificates carried away autographs of Profs.' Wilkinson and Lemmon. Miss Hilton received a first, Miss Robertson a second, and Mrs. Smith and Geo. Lea a third grade

proclamation. Miss Hilton passed a very creditable examination and will make a valuable teacher. So says the board.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 23, 1876.]

FROM BETHEL GRANGE.

At a regular meeting of Bethel Grange, held at their hall on the 18th day of March A. D. 1876 the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.

WHEREAS, Brother T. A. Blanchard, Secretary, and Bro. R. E. Murphey, Chaplain, have resigned their respective offices for thhe purpose of journeying in a distant land, therefore be it

Resolved, That a vote of thanks be tendered them for the faithful discharge of the duties of their respective offices.

Resolved, That it is with feelings of profound regret that we part with Bros. Blanchard and Murphey and may prosperity and Heaven's choicest blessings attend them wherever they may roam.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to Bros. Blanchard and Murphey and that they be spread upon the minutes and be preserved in the archives of the Grange.

E. C. MANNING, Master.

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[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS: MARCH 21, 1876.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 23, 1876.

Note: Council met March 20th; adjourned until March 21st.

City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., March 21, 1876.

City Council met in adjourned session, March 21st, A. D. 1876.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; N. M. Powers. C. C. Black, and M. G. Troup, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Ordinance No. 58 was read and passed by sections. Vote on final passage was as follows: Yeas--C. C. Black, M. G. Troup,

N. M. Powers. Nays--none.

The Mayor, with the consent of the Council, appointed

M. G. Troup, N. M. Powers, and C. C. Black as Judges of the City Election, to be held April third (3d), A. D. 1876.

On motion the Council designat ed J. M. Reed and B. F. Baldwin as clerks of said city election.

Bill of Burt Covert, twenty dollars, for services as City Marshal from January 15th, 1876, to March 18th, 1876, ten Saturdays, at two dollars per day, was read, approved, and ordered paid.

Bill of J. C. Fuller, forty-four dollars, for rent for City Council room, from April 10th, 1875, to March 10th, 1876, at four dollars a month, was read, and on motion, was approved for forty-two dollars and sixty-five cents, and Clerk ordered to draw a warrant on the Treasurer for the same.

The finance committee reported on the bill of James Kelly, for city printing, thirty-six dollars and ninety cents, and moved it be allowed by the Council, provided it balanced all claims due him from the city for printing up to this date. Motion carried, and the Clerk was ordered to draw a warrant on the treasurer for the same.

On motion of M. G. Troup, the Council recommended the County Commissioners to pay the two bills of W. L. Mullen, against Cowley county for rent of house occupied by Mrs. Bishop, a pauper of Winfield City, from November 1st, 1875, to March 1st, 1876, inclusive, at five dollars a month, total twenty dollars. Also recommended the payment of bill of Rilla McClung, for rent of house occupied by Mrs. Walters, a pauper of Winfield City. Also recommended the payment of bill of J. W. Johnston, for one coffin for pauper.

The Council then adjourned.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[DISTRICT COURT DOCKET.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 23, 1876.

District Court Docket.

The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the April term A. D. 1876, of the District Court of Cowley, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.

FIRST DAY--CRIMINAL DOCKET.

STATE VERSUS

A. H. Horneman [listed three times].

Enos Copple.

Wm. Thurman.

W. J. Keffer and Emma J. Hawkins.

J. L. Melvin.

John Doe.

SECOND DAY--CIVIL DOCKET.

E. S. Babcock, Jr., vs. S. Phelan et al.

Edwin C. Manning vs. Will M. Allison.

Eph Simpson vs. Geo. W. Gardenhire.

Geo. Warner vs. James Jordon.

Benj. G. Jones et al vs. A. T. Shenneman.

Jno. C. Hays vs. E. P. Kinne.

S. B. Sherman vs. B. H. Clover, Adm'r.

Esther E. Fowler vs. John Brown et al.

David Thompson vs. E. B. Kager et al.

E. B. Weitzel vs. Joseph Smalley.

Robert Hudson vs. W. S. Voris.

A. V. Polk vs. A. J. McCollum.

Oliver Sparkman vs. Wm. and A. S. Thurman.

Harvey Olmstead vs. John Schwarten.

City of Winfield vs. S. Tarrant.

Jno. C. McMullen vs. Wm. M. Gray.

Elizabeth Sutton vs. B. H. Clover, Adm'r.

A. J. Kimmell vs. David Thompson, et al.

Francis Black vs. Ed Patton et al.

THIRD DAY.

W. S. Pane vs. M. A. and W. W. Andrews.

Martha A. Richmond vs. Chas. W. Richmond.

Robert Jordon vs. T. M. McFadden et al.

C. C. Black vs. A. A. Jackson et al.

Francis Black vs. A. A. Jackson, Adm'r.

Frank Akers vs. W. B. Norman.

Frank Akers vs. Frank Manney.

Arthur Graham vs. T. J. Ragland.

Robert T. Jordan vs. John H. Brown et al.

M. Brettun vs. A. F. Tryon et al.

R. C. Seehorn vs. H. Brotherton.

T. H. Pryor vs. John N. Dunn et al.

Herman Godehard vs. Thos. Callahan et al.

Todd & Royal vs. Chas. Keesler.

Michael Harkins vs. Geo. Sweet et al.

J. D. Bosworth vs. Willis Hunt.

A. V. Polk vs. A. H. Horneman.

Philander Wilson vs. Board County Commissioners.

W. S. Cottingham vs. School District 19.

FOURTH DAY.

Henry T. Ford vs. N. Roberson.

T. M. Graham vs. Thos Bell et al.

Abel D. Bent vs. G. M. Rose et al.

R. B. Waite vs. John Morrris et al.

Nancy Constant vs. K. J. Wright et al.

Susannah Holmes vs. T. H. Johnson.

J. M. Harcourt vs. T. H. Johnson.

J. G. Ackerson vs. H. J. Page.

W. J. Keffer vs. Emma A. Keffer.

Emma J. Hawkins vs. E. C. Hawkins.

W. R. Constant vs. H. H. Constant et al.

Stillwell & Bierce Mfg. Co. vs. J. C. Blandin et al.

Mary Estes vs. Noah B. Estes.

L. G. Cutting vs. Celia Davis et al.

John Worthington vs. W. R. Lewis.

F. M. Crosby vs. A. N. Deming.

T. J. A. Flaws vs. Geo. Bauer.

A. A. Newman vs. E. L. Chesney et al.

Ella Elton vs. J. C. Elton.

John Mentch, Adm'r. vs. T. H. Johnson.

FIFTH DAY.

Sarah Requa vs. Joseph Requa.

Joseph Requa vs. Joseph Nickles.

J. C. McMullen vs. Julia A. & A. N. Deming.

Brettun Crapster vs. S. D. Williams.

E. C. Seward vs. S. Tucker et al.

J. C. Blandin vs. S. A. Smith et al.

Joseph Requa vs. Jacob Bihlwater et al.

Joseph Requa vs. J. W. Thomas et al.

Sarah Brown vs. Peter Pixler et al.

T. F. Kirkley vs. Wm. Hallit et al.

J. J. Smith vs. Sarah E. Smith.

Arthur Graham vs. John Swain et al.

Mary J. Triplett vs. W. B. Doty et al.

Bolton & Creswell Townships vs. M. C. Baker et al.

Adaline Jackson vs. L. C. Shales et al.

N. F. Bartine vs. C. Akers et al.

John Rief vs. Gertrude Rief.

R. B. Waite vs. C. M. Sloan et al.

W. H. H. Maris vs. D. M. Purdy et al.

SIXTH DAY.

L. C. Norton vs. Geo. O. Sweet et al.

A. J. Ady vs. S. A. Ady.

Barclay Hockett vs. R. R. Turner.

Elizabeth Kemry vs. V. B. Tillson.

J. B. Splawn vs. R. L. Walker, Sheriff.

W. B. Turner vs. R. L. Walker, Sheriff.

J. W. Martin vs. Wm. & H. H. Martin.

J. W. Martin vs. Wm. Martin et al.

Samuel Hoyt vs. S. L. Fetterman.

S. L. Brettun vs. A. P. Forbes et al.

A. B. Johnson vs. C. T. Stewart.

David Thomas vs. Martin Stewart.

James Jenkins vs. A. N. Deming.

S. L. Brettun vs. Geo. D. Oaks et al.

W. S. Voris et al vs. C. T. Stewart.

E. S. BEDILION, Clerk.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1876 - E. C. MANNING, ED.

The Kansas Pacific R. R. Co. have sent transportation tickets to the delegates appointed at the Peabody railroad meeting to visit St. Louis to consult the directors of that company on the question of building a road over the line of the old Kansas and Nebraska railroad, to which Cowley county voted bonds years ago.

---

The people of Arkansas City are in earnest about navigating the Arkansas river. They have raised considerable money to be invested in a steamboat and one is expected to arrive at that place from Little Rock before long. The venture shows them to be an enterprising people. They believe in doing something for themselves and the country. Should the project prove favorable, the whole county will rejoice and be benefited by the pluck of our neighbor. It would also give additional importance to the town. It already has the best public buildings in the county and the largest business house will soon be there. Should it become a shipping point, it will add a new impetus to its prosperity.

HARD TO BELIEVE MANNING WROTE THE ABOVE ABOUT A. C.

---

I SKIPPED A LONG ARTICLE BY MANNING RE NEED FOR RAILROADS IN COWLEY COUNTY IN WHICH HE PLAYED UP THE KEOKUK, GALESBURG AND CHICAGO RAILWAY IN ILLINOIS...NARROW GAUGE...MORE AND MORE HIS ARTICLES ADVOCATE A NARROW GAUGE...THIS APPEARED IN MARCH 30, 1876, ISSUE, ON EDITORIAL PAGE.

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[LAZETTE NEWS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 30, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

LAZETTE NEWS.

The Black Hills fever has already taken off one part of four from here and another party will leave in a few days.

At the meeting held on the 14th inst., S. M. Fall, R. F. Burden, and B. H. Clover were selected to attend the R. R. meeting at Elk Falls on the 20th. Cowley county could not well send better delegates than these gentlemen.

The new smutter in operation now at the Lazette mills does the very best of work, and turns out the wheat looking as if it had been sand-papered and varnished. The flour, of course, is Batrum's [? word hard to read...could be Betrum's ?] best.

Maj. Mac D. Stapleton is looking daily for the arrival of a "smashing big" lot of new goods.

DIED (?). Word comes that Jesse Junkins, long the Post Master and merchant of Baltimore, Omnia township, died of consumption on the 17th. Deceased was widely known and had a large circle of friends.

DIED. Dillon Hayworth, of Dexter, died on the 17th. Deceased was buried with Masonic honors on the 18th.

Mr. D. W. Range closed on the 18th his term of school in District No. 14.

The late freeze up and snow storm stopped many plows in this portion of the county. Considerable new land was broken and much plowing for spring planting was done during the late winter months.

Ward & Smiley are repairing their engine and hope to do a large amount of sawing this spring.

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[ITEMS FROM THE TRAVELER.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 30, 1876.

Items From The Traveler.

Rev. Swartz [AGAIN, THE COURIER CONTINUES TO SPELL HIS NAME INCORRECTLY...SHOULD BE SWARTS.] started to Hutchinson last week, to fulfill his first appointment.

We have received a letter from Mr. P. B. Arnold, of Lansing, Michigan, stating that thirteen Michigan families are about to locate in this vicinity.

Parties are talking of sending another flat boat loaded with corn and potatoes down to Little Rock, Arkansas. The river is full to the banks now, and will continue to be for four months, if it does not vary from preceeding years.

Enough stock has been subscribed by the citizens of this place to purchase a half interest in a steamboat for the Arkansas river. Parties will be sent to make the purchase, soon. A number of propositions have been received, and if the first boat makes a successful trip, others will follow. Arkansas City is the head of navigation on the Arkansas.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 30, 1876.

The Arkansas river is up bank-full.

Fuller's Bank has a new and handsome sign.

Whose business is it to clean out the public wells?

The Concert has been postponed until the 15th prox.

The District Grange meets at the Courthouse Saturday.

PITT & HUTTON have ordered a new Buffalo Thresher for this season.

Wood $5.00 per cord, and corn 11 cents per bushel. Why not burn corn?

W. H. Walker, of the other town, got a square meal at the City Hotel Tuesday.

Many farmers are having their "lines" surveyed preparatory to hedge planting this spring.

"All signs fail in contrary weather." That is why the City Hotel sign blew down the other day.

A. J. REX left on foot with a huge carpet sack upon his back last Monday morning, bound for the Black Hills.

MR. J. MASON, formerly of Scotland County, Missouri, has purchased the farm of W. B. Hodges, in Pleasant Valley township.

DICK didn't catch him Sunday. It is the first time he has missed fire since he chased the thief that stole McQuiston's horse and our saddle two years ago.

W. C. LETT, one of the steady-going farmers of Maple township, can't do without the COURIER, so he sends down his autograph accompanied by the "needful," and so, here she goes!

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 30, 1876.]

JUDGE W. P. CAMPBELL and wife are in the city. They were on their way home from Elk county when the storm overtook them. The Judge will remain over until after court.

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A. D. SPEED has sold his farm, adjoining town, to a Mr. Vandeventer, at the rate of $17 per acre. Speed goes to Colorado to engage in business there. Here's our old shoe for luck, Amasa.

---

Winfield's Township Trustee has provided himself with a map of the township, the city, and all its additions, to use in his "grand rounds." His motto is: "Let no guilty man escape."

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The heavy wind storm last Monday night blew a flue off the Courthouse, and also blew down the building from over Read's vault, leaving the deposits interred there at the mercy of burglars and the pelting rain.

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REV. CANAVAL, the new Methodist minister, preached his initiatory sermon last Sunday evening at the Courthouse.

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ARKANSAS CITY capitalists will not invest their surplus this year in the attempt to navigate a stream the Lord declared not navigable. Because, Chamberlain's instructions are to tax all "steamboat and gas company shares." That lets them out.

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DAN MAHER's familiar face was seen on the street last Saturday. He has been spending a few months among friends in St. Charles county, Mo. Dan likes the Missouri river bottoms, but wouldn't exchange his farm at Floral for any of it seen while away.

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LIEUT. GARDENER of the regular army stationed at Ft. Sill, in company with a deserter who had beaten and robbed a citizen, stole a horse, and made his way up as far as Tisdale, passed through here last Friday on his return to the Fort. They will make short work of this deserter down at Sill.

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This "pauper business" is getting to be a terrible bore on the taxpayers of the county. Can't some provision be made wherein able bodied men and women can be put to work and earn their living? At their next meeting the Commissioners will be called upon to audit sundry bills for the keeping of this class of persons.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 30, 1876.]

MR. JOSEPH REQUA left here Saturday after dark for parts unknown. It is supposed that A. T. Shenneman took him in a buggy towards the eastern part of the State or into the Territory. He had about $10,000 in money with him according to the estimates of posted ones. He is supposed to be flying from a divorce suit. The escapade caused quite a sensation in town.

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T. A. BLANCHARD, BEN. MURPHY, and JOE STANSBERY started for the Black Hills last Monday morning. Seth. Blanchard's last letter to his folks here contained such fabulous reports that we refrained from publishing it. Tom says, however, that Henry Ireton and Seth are "fixed." Tom promises to write a letter to the COURIER immediately after his arrival, and weekly thereafter.

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Thanks to the ingenuity and industtry of Capt. Hunt, the bridge across the Walnut below town is in using order. The repairs were made two weeks ago, but so quietly and unostentatiously did the Capt. do the work that we failed to learn of it until recently. He put the bridge in shape for less than forty dollars, whereas his predecessor and others had estimated that it would cost several hundred dollars to save the bridge.

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JAMES McGUIRE, of Wyocene, Wisconsin, arrived last Saturday. He was attracted to this county through the flattering letters of his nephew, Prof. T. A. Wilkinson. His occupation is stone cutting and general masonry work. He is accompanied by his family and mother, Mrs. Nancy McGuire, an aged lady who has seen the frosts of ninety-eight winters. She is almost a centennarian. Her brother, two years older, will attend the Centennial as a relic of 1776. Mrs. McGuire is as "smart as a cricket." She can ascend a flight of stairs as sprightly as though she'd been born in the 19th century, and bids fair to live to a green old age yet.

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JOHN FUNK, of Rock township, starts for the Black Hills this week. The majestic form of John Funk is familiar to every man in the Walnut Valley. Everybody knows "Funk," and nearly everybody likes him. His worst and only enemy he generally carries in his pocket. We have seen that enemy get the worst of John in many a fracas--have seen it send him home hatless and horseless at the dead hour of night; and as he plodded along through the mud, Shakesperian quotations and algebraic solutions flowed from him as naturally as electricity descends the zenith-pointed lightning rod. John is a natural-born orator and a rattlng good fellow, but he will never be President. We hope he will leave that "enemy" behind him, make a fortune in the Hills, and return with a year or two to the bosom of his family and friends. Vale, John.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 30, 1876.]

Look out for him! Capt. Hunt, our township assessor, buckles on his war harness thia morning and starts out to find out "what you are worth."

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Something About Jewels.

Jewels have been worn in all ages by all classes of human beings "without regard to race, color, or previous condition of servitude." From the world's infancy down to the present time, ornaments of precious stones, or other valuable material, have adorned the figures, enriched the costumes, and designated the honored among men. The ice-bound Laplander and the Hottentot, under a meridian sun, alike give to their chiefs the most precious materials for their badges of office. Glittering diamonds always have and always will encircle the brows of eastern monarchs. Europe, the cradle of liberty and civilization, will ever guard with zealous care the crown jewels of her Empires. Pendant from the ears of the Sandwich Island belle will ever rattle the ivory of the scuttle fish. The love-sick rural swain commemorates the birthday of his help-mate in passe by the present of, to her, a jewel, though it be but a circular band of polished brass. The same love, admiration, or whatever it may be, that prompts him to show this preference, finds an abiding place, controlled maybe by different circumstances, in the hearts of all men all over the world.

And this leads us to say that, at the regular meeting of Adelphia Lodge, No. 110, of A. F. & A. M., held at their hall on the 21st inst., our fellow townsman, and Past Master of Adelphia, Leland J. Webb, was made the happy recipient of the most beautiful "jewel" we have ever had the pleasure of seeing. It is an elaborately finished Past Master's jewel, emblematical of that distinctive office in the ancient order above referred to. It was purchased by his brother members and presented him in open lodge as a token of their high appreciation of him whilst Master of their "work," and further, as a milestone, as it were, to mark the era in his life when he publicly announced his intention to hope for brighter "jewels" in the world beyond. The ornament itself is a beautiful silver medal, six inches in circumference, filagreed with the traditional "square and compass." On the engraved side is finely marked the "All-seeing-eye," the "twenty-four inch gauge," the "gavel," "plummet," "Ionian pillars," and a host of we-don't-know-whats. On the reverse side is engraved the words, "Leland J. Webb, P. M. of Adelphia Lodge, No. 110," and, "Presented by the Members." The jewel is suspended from a silver pin by a broad blue ribbon, which, in turn, is clasped by two silver cross-bars, and all encased in a handsomely silk-lined casket. The presentation speech, made by A. B. Lemmon, J. W., is said to have been a splendid effort, and only eclipsed in brilliancy, by the light reflecting from the jewel in his hand.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 30, 1876.]

Married.

ADAMS - HOLLOWAY. On Tuesday morning, March 31st, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. J. E. Platter, Rev.

J. C. Adams of Highland, Kansas, to Miss Jennie Holloway of this place.

Though pleased to note this happy union, we are sorry in the same breath to have to chronicle the fact that they immediately departed for Mr. Adams' pastorate in another part of the State. Their many friends here wish them a life of usefulness and pleasure in the future.

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Township Trustees' Meeting.

WINFIELD, KAN., March 27, 1876.

Township trustees met pursuant to notice of County Clerk. On motion of Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Hunt was elected chairman and R. H. True, secretary.

On motion meeting adjourned to 1 o'clock.

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1 O'clock, P. M.

Township trustees met pursuant to adjournment.

The following basis for assessment of real estate was adopted: 1st, $10; 2nd, $8; 3rd, $6; 4th, $5; 5th, $4; 6th, $3; 7th, $2; 8th, $1.25. Provided that lands containing valuable improvements on small tracts shall be assessed as the judgment of the assessor may decide.

Stallions, kept for breeding purposes,

shall be valued at ---------------- $100 to $200

Race horses ---------------------------- $100 to $500

Horses, six months old and over -------- 10 to 150

Work-cattle (per yoke) ----------------- 50 to 100

Blooded cattle ------------------------- 10 to 100

Domestic milch cows -------------------- 15 to 30

Texas milch cows ----------------------- 5 to 20

Fat cattle ----------------------------- 15 to 40

3 year old steer ----------------------- 20

2 year old steer ----------------------- 12

6 months and under 2 years ------------- 5 to 8

25 percent off for Texas cattle.

Mules, $125, $100, $75, $50.

Mules, 6 months old and over ----------- 25 to 50

Asses ---------------------------------- 50 to 200

Sheep ------------ $1.00 to $ 2.50

Hogs ------------- $5.00 to $25.00

Goats ------------ $3.00 to $ 5.00

Farming implements, assessed at discretion of Assessor.

Carriages, assessed at discretion of Assessor.

Watches, jewelry, etc., assessed at discretion of Assessor.

Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be furnished the county papers.

J. S. HUNT, Chairman.

R. H. TRUE, Secretary.

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[AD: C. H. KINGSBURY - WELLS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MARCH 30, 1876.

WELLS! WELLS!

OF

Water! Water!

If you want a well put in

Shell us out a little tin;

Wheat, corn, oats or rye,

I'll make a well that'll not go dry.

Or, if you have stock to trade,

And want a new well made,

Kingsbury is the man to see,

For in a well he likes to be.

I'll take hogs, chickens, potatoes, too,

For putting in a well for you.

All kinds of produce you can sell

If you want me to make a well.

As a well digger I can't be beat--

I live in Winfield, the county seat;

So come along and make a trade

If you want a new well made.

If I am the man you want to see,

Enquire for C. H. Kingsbury.

C. H. KINGSBURY.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER - E. C. MANNING, EDITOR, APRIL 6, 1876.

There have been 8,000 arrivals at the Richey House, Wichita, in the past year. And still we have no railroad.

---

Capt. Eads demands the first payment on his jetty work, having secured a depth of 20 feet of water on the bar. The full 30 feet, he thinks, will be found by the latter part of next summer.

NOTE: NOT SURE WHAT MANNING IS TALKING ABOUT!

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At the Congressional convention, held at Emporia on the 29th of August, 1874, "Mr. Manning offered a resolution that in future Republican conventions the basis shall be the Republican vote in the several districts, which was carried by a large vote." It will be seen that the committee has no discretion. It is the just way and should be adopted in all conventions.

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MOB LAW IN BUTLER.

In another place we republish from the Walnut Valley Times, a report from the victim of more Butler county violence. The villains who carry so high hand should be sent to the peniten-tiary for life. Butler has been famous in the past for her lawless citizens. There was a day and occasion when Judge Lynch was needed. But that day is long past. The press of that county should have the manhood to speak out boldly and riddle the midnight Ku Klux in its midst. Until a different public sentiment is established in that region, such barbarities will periodically disgrace our neighbor. The political feuds within our neighbor's borders have tended to make the two newspapers therein careful of their censure upon communities. But they cannot afford to wink at the midnight assassins that Capt. Armstrong reports.

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STATEMENT OF CAPT. A. J. ARMSTRONG.

ELDORADO, BUTLER CO., KAN., March 29th, 1876.

EDITOR TIMES: I desire to publish in your paper the transactions of a mob at my house on Hickory Creek on the night of March 24th, inst.

I think that by giving the public the true facts of the affair, no harm can result therefrom.

On Friday night, 24th inst., a few minutes after twelve, Mrs. Armstrong heard someone at the window and saw the curtain drop; she then awoke me and I got up. Someone then called, Armstrong;" I answered them. They then demanded that I should deliver Shirk to them if he was there. I asked them if they had a warrant for him--they said they had--I then said, "Wait till morning and I would take Shirk to Esq. Lemoine's, or they could take him there in the morning."

They then replied, "That won't do, we do our business in the night." I then informed them I would not let them in, and for them to go off and not disturb my house. I then got my gun--the party outside fired one shot through the window. The shots took effect on me, shooting off one finger, injuring another, and inflicting two more flesh wounds. I then fell to the floor. The party again demanded Shirk. Mrs. Armstrong told them if they had a warant to hand it in at the window and she would read it, and then they could come in the house. She told them they had shot me and begged them to go away and not murder her husband and

children.

They then asked where I was hit. I replied, in the arm and side, and requested some of them to come in and bind up my wounds, as I feared I would bleed to death.

Some one of the party then thrust a pistol through the window and fired in the direction of myself, the fire of the pistol buring the face and hair of one of my little girls who was in bed by the window.

They then said if I did not give up Shirk, they would burn the house.

I then requested them to take my wife and children to the schoolhouse and make a fire, so they would not freeze. Mrs. Armstrong then said she was shot in the foot and could not go. The party then said, "Send Shirk out or down comes your house." Then Mrs. Armstrong said if Shirk was in the house, he was in the back room and to go and get him and not harm me.

They then said, "Yes, he is there, and three or four others." Mrs. Armstrong said, "No, there were no others there." Then Mrs. Armstrong requested them to come and bind up my wounds--they said they would if the firearms were handed out to them. She told them if they would not shoot the little girl, she would hand them out. The little girl then took my gun and an old pistol and threw them out of the window. They then wanted Shirk's pistols. Mrs. Armstrong told them he had them with him and she could not get them.

They then told me the matter might drop if I would give my work Shirk should leave the country and not be seen after the next day. I said I was not Shirk's boss, but that I would advise him to leave, and every other decent man to leave also.

They then demanded I should not tell of their actions that night. I told them, "Go to h__l! I am not going to tell the neighbors that my wife shot me."

Another person, not the captain of the squad, then said I must leave also. I told them I should not leave then--that I had offered my place for sale and when sold, I was going to New Mexico.

The Captain then said, "We don't care how long you stay, if you promise not to uphold claim jumping." I then agreed to do so. They then promised to send me a doctor and a woman to assist Mrs. Armstrong--they then went off, saying they had left a guard, and if I stuck my head out before daylight, I would be shot.

They were at my place about one hour and a half, and fired about twenty times into my house, broke every window light but two. They crushed in the west window with a rail; built a fire against one corner of the house with hay; the house was damp and would not take fire. The fire made a bright light--they soon put it out; I think because some of them were afraid I would recognize them.

There were, to the best of my belief, not less than twelve and might have been as many as twenty persons in the mob. I only saw six but heard, as I thought at the time, as many more.

They did not send a doctor nor any persons to assist Mrs. Armstrong. Since then they have kept away.

I have given as near as possible a true detail of the affair--I have no comments to make--I leave that for the public.

I am, sir, respectfully, yours,

A. J. ARMSTRONG.

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[MODEL FARMER: R. F. BURDEN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

A MODEL FARMER.

LAZETTE, COWLEY CO., KAN., March 25, 1876.

Four years ago R. F. Burden and family came from Iowa to Cowley county, settling on the prairie west of Lazette. With two sons and three daughters, a good team, and some little means, he set to work with an energy and zeal which show rich results. In spite of the severe crippling which the year 1874 gave him in common with all Southern Kansas, Mr. Burden manfully and hope-fully worked on. At an expense of $11 for seed, he now has six miles of hedge fence, and as thrifty and flourishing as can be found in the State. He and his children put out and cultivated this fence, and did all this work when they would have had nothing else to do. He says that he would not take his farm for his fences--that they cost but little, are indispensible to a genuine farmer, and as a convenience are worth far more than their cost in cash and labor. He has a positive abhorrence for all anti-fence arguers. He says, "If I, with my children, can put out and cultivate six miles of hedge fence and at a total expense of only $11, where is the farmer in Kansas who cannot afford to have a good fence? All over this country hedge will grow easily and well, and stone is in great abundance."

Mr. Burden did not stop with his hedge fence. He put up a board fence around a forty acre lot for psture. He has broken out nearly two hundred acres of ground, and raised, last year, twenty-five hundred bushels of corn and a fine lot of wheat and millet. He set out four hundred peach trees and expects to set out 2,000 more. He has planted 3,500 walnut trees and 3,000 cottonwoods, and expects to put out 10,000 of the latter this year. He has 500 maples, a large lot of apple trees, and a fine vineyard growing on his place. Last fall he sowed 55 acres in rye for winter pasture and calculates sowing timothy, clover, and blue-grass as soon as his land gets ready for them. He has faith in his fences, faith in his lands, faith in his business, faith in Southern Kansas, and an abiding hope that in a few years his farm will be all that he is striving to make it, a model farm.

R. C. S. Commonwealth.

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[LAZETTE NEWS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

Lazette News.

LAZETTE, KAN., Mar. 31, 1876.

Though the late fall of "beautiful snow" brought us no music of "silvery bell," it did afford a chance for rabbit hunting. Upon a strictly reliable estimate, figures furnished by the hunters themselves, not less than one thousand rabbits were slain in Grouse valley last week.

MARRIED. On Friday, March 24, D. W. Ramage and Ettie Gardner were married. Mrs. Henry Ramage furnished a very inviting supper, and Squire A. J. Pickering tied the knot.

Elder Buckner preached here Friday night, March 24, introducing our new minister, Rev. J. W. Stewart, who held services in the schoolhouse Sabbath morning and made an appointment for the 9th of April.

On the 26th ult. a Sabbath school organization was effected at the Armstrong schoolhouse.

DIED. Enos Haines, for the last few months one of our village blacksmiths, died on Sunday and was buried on Monday, the 27, ult.

The severe snow storms and cold weather of late have been retarding our second Black Hills company, but they hope to leave the first of April.

Messrs. Fall and Burden report the railroad fever in Elk county as very strong. Old farmers who were in attendance at the meeting in Elk Falls, on the 20, ult., expressed themselves as ready not only to vote bonds to the full extent of the law but to even make very heavy private donations to aid a road from the east. One delegate expressed a readiness to contribute $500, and he believed that ninety others could be found in his township who would each contribute an equal amount.

Some days ago Messrs. Hall and Clover made a survey of the country east of Lazette and between Grouse and Cana. They found that the two valleys could be joined by a road bed with but little labor. Instead of running over, a railroad could easily run through the Flint Hills. Nature thus seems to have made provision for our commercial needs.

O. P. Reed and Ben. Sutton have recently returned from the Pawnee Agency, Indian Territory.

School district No. 74 is taking steps for the erection of a schoolhouse.

H. L. Brock recently lost a valuable horse by blind staggers.

Maj. Stapleton insures for twenty dollars.

Wheat looks very thrifty, but the fruit crop has been "nipped in the bud."

No mails on the 20, 21, 27, and 28, ult.

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[THE RAILROAD MEETING AT ELK FALLS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

THE RAILROAD MEETING AT ELK FALLS.

On the 20th of this month an important railroad meeting was held at Elk Falls, in Elk county, lying directly east of us. Delegates, or representative men were present from various parts of Cowley and Sumner. The published report of the proceedings occupies quite a space in the Elk Falls Ledger. By that report we learn that earnest and significant interest was manifested at the meeting on the railroad question. Messrs. R. F. Burden and S. M. Fall represented Cowley county in the meeting. No safer men, or men who could more fairly reflect the sentiments of Cowley county could have been sent over to that meeting. From Sumner county we notice the names of T. F. Clark, T. W. Stevenson, and L. K. Myers.

A committee was appointed whose duty is to work up the project of this east and west line. The members of that committee in this county are R. F. Burden, S. M. Fall, C. A. Bliss, and

E. C. Manning.

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[PUBLIC SALE: A. G. WILSON.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876.

PUBLIC SALE!

The undersigned, surviving partner of the firm of Darray & Wilson, will, on

Saturday, April 15th, 1878,

at the city of Winfield, sell at public sale, or at any time previous, at private sale, the following described personal property, to-wit:

Ten head of horses,

Two double top buggies,

One double buggy,

One two seated spring wagon with top,

One open road wagon.

Together with harnesses, saddles, and bridles, etc.

Said property being the complete Livery stock belonging to said firm.

A. G. WILSON.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876.

Silver's below par again.

Bent Murdock, of the Walnut Valley Times, is working up a "bob-tail" down the valley. We would like to see it.

We acknowledge calls from Mr. Henry Wilkins, of Lazette, and Squire W. B. Norman, of Maple township this week.

Mrs. Kennedy has received a new supply of spring millinery goods.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876.]

Several loaded teams stalled in the mud hole, on the other side of the river, near town last week.

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Capt. Barker, of Floral, has sold his farm at a good price. It all comes of advertising in the COURIER, with Manning & Walton as agents. He will purchase a wheat farm nearer town.

---

Mr. G. L. GALE, a large property owner in Rock township, called in upon the COURIER force this week. He leaves in a few days for his home in Lockwood, Michigan. Of course, he ordered the leading paper of the valley sent to his northern home.

---

Our old friend and used-to-be fellow citizen, Capt. Davis, is over from Carthage, Mo., on a short visit.

---

BIRTH. Capt. McDermott had a little daughter born about three weeks ago waiting for him over at Dexter after his week's courting in Winfield.

---

Col. J. M. Alexander is making preparations to break two hundred acres of prairie this spring on his farm one mile east of town. He has planted out three hundred Lombardy poplars around the beautiful mound overlooking the valley and is making other improvements noticeable from the road.

---

Mr. F. M. Linscott, one of our thinking farmers of Winfield township, has invented a very ingenious railroad bed. It is to consist entirely of iron--wooden ties will be dispensed, and car wheels, by being largely flanged, will be kept on the track. He will probably apply for a patent. His model should be seen to be appreciated.

---

MAHLON STUBBS, of Emporia, very well known about Arkansas City, has received a summons to appear before the Committee of Indian Affairs, at the House of Representatives, at Washington. The summons should have included Col. McMullen and C. M. Scott, of the city, so that "the other side" of the Indian question could have a chance to speak.

---

The following is the result of the vote cast at the city election held in Winfield last Monday.

REPUBLICAN TICKET.

For Mayor, D. A. Millington: 81 votes.

For Police Judge, Linus S. Webb: 75 votes.

For Councilman, A. B. Lemmon: 86 votes.

For Councilman, C. A. Bliss: 81 votes.

For Councilman, T. B. Myers: 84 votes.

For Councilman, H. Brotherton: 88 votes.

For Councilman, M. G. Troup: 91 votes.

DEMOCRAT TICKET.

For Mayor, H. S. Silver: 86 votes.

For Police Judge, J. W. Curns: 81 votes.

For Councilman, N. Roberson: 71 votes.

For Councilman, A. G. Wilson: 76 votes.

For Councilman, N. M. Powers: 70 votes.

For Councilman, W. L. Mullen: 57 votes.

For Councilman, Frank Williams: 76 votes.

SCATTERING: J. P. McMillen received 20 votes, C. C. Black 1; and J. P. Short 3, for Councilmen; and J. D. Pryor 5 votes for Police Judge.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876.]

MARRIED.

SIMPSON - FOWLER. At the Presbyterian churcy, by Rev. J. E. Platter, on Saturday evening, the 2nd inst., Mr. James E. Simpson to Miss Hester Fowler.

The interesting ceremony of making two hearts to beat as one was listened to by a large audience. As the gallant groom walked out with his fair young bride, the wish that their lives might ever be as happy as then, was on the lips of their many friends. Here's luck to ye, Jamie!

---

GEORGE - MOSES. April 2nd, 1876, by Rev. N. L. Rigby, Mr.

M. V. B. George, of Winfield, and Miss Augusta A. Moses, of Tisdale, Cowley county.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876.]

The Rev. Dr. Chas. Reynolds, of the U. S. Army, will deliver a lecture in aid of the building fund of the Presbyterian church in Winfield on Wednesday evening, April 19th, 1876, at the Courthouse. The Doctor, it will be remembered visited us about a year ago and delivered a very interesting discourse to an appreciative audience.

---

The conferring of the fifth degree in the Pomonia Grange is postponed until the first Saturday in June, at which time all who are entitled to it can have an opportunity to receive it. . . .

JAMES O. VANORSDOL, Master.

C. COON, Secretary.

---

From Oxford.

OXFORD, KAN., April 1, 1876.

Rain! Rain!! Rain!!!

Arkansas river up high.

Creeks up, carrying away bridges, fences, and otherwise putting on city river airs.

Wheat growing wonderfully.

Oxford Mills in spite of mud and rain are running night and day. The first flour made in Oxford township was turned out

yesterday.

Monday's wind storm lifted the roof of the stone block, and did other unpleasant things.

While Geo. W. Mann was attempting to remove the load from a gun, the piece was discharged and forty-eight shot passed up through his hat rim and two through his eyelids. His fore-finger was shot off and his thumb badly injured. Dr. Maggard, the attendant physician, says he will have recovered from the effects of the wounds by the time his index finger is found. It was a narrow escape from a horrible death.

OXFORD.

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[SOME LOCAL NOTICES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 6, 1876.

THE MAN WHO BORROWED MY SQUARE, some time ago, of Thomas Baker, had better return it and save further trouble, as I know the man.

J. O. WILKINSON.

---

Don't you ever go home hungry when you can go to Jim Hill's and get a square meal for 25 cents, at the St. Nicholas

Restaurant.

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THE WINFIELD COURIER

[Beginning Thursday, April 13, 1876.]

E. C. MANNING, EDITOR.

WIRT W. WALTON, LOCAL EDITOR.

[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 13, 1876.

Chas. H. Miller, for a number of years Deputy U. S. Marshal, has been appointed to the Marshalship in place of W. S. Tough.

---

The entire State of Kansas has been surveyed by the General Government, and the Surveyor-General's office was discontinued April 1st.

---

THE CEDED LANDS

Are in a blaze of rejoicing. They embrace the counties of Labette and Neosho, and a narrow strip along the east side of Montgomery and Wilson and a narrow strip on the west side of Cherokee and Crawford. The L. L. & G. and M. K. & T. railroads claimed most of the land. It has been occupied by settlers for years. The Supreme Court of the United States has just decided that the settlers shall hold the land.

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[VINDICATION: E. C. MANNING.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 13, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

A VINDICATION AT LAST.

For more than four years past the public and private ear of Cowley county has been filled with slanders against E. C. Manning. Many good men in the county who were not personally acquainted with him believed the scandals. The Cowley County Telegram had, for about two years previous to October 2, 1874, freely and wantonly circulated these slanders. Mr. Manning did not chase down the rumors nor prosecute the authors. On the 2nd day of October, 1874, the Telegram published an article containing a series of serious charges against Mr. Manning that could not well be passed unnoticed. Mr. Manning decided to appeal to the law and a jury of his county for a vindication. He brought two suits at once against Mr. Allison, the publisher. At the instance of Mr. Allison, they were delayed for one year, until October 1875. At that time the criminal suit was tried, and a jury said Mr. Allison need not go to prison, although nothing was proven against Mr. Manning. The civil suit was then postponed by the Court until this spring. On Thursday of last week a jury of twelve men, mostly from distant parts of this county, and nine of whom were strangers to and none of whom were personal friends of Mr. Manning was impanelled to hear the civil suit. Mr. Allison had been one year and a half collecting evidence to prove the charges against Mr. Manning. Depositions and publications from Washington city to the Rocky Mountains were brought in. Able counsel was employed by the defendant.

Three days were occupied in the trial of the case. Wit-nesses wre brought from all parts of the county. Several hundred dollars in costs had accumulated. Five attorneys were employed by the defendant, Allison. And with all this effort, time, and opportunity, not one single dishonest or corrupt act was proven against E. C. Manning. The jury of twelve good men finds for the plaintiff in a county where the popular ear had been poisoned by calumnies against him.

And this is the judgment: 1st, that the charges made against Mr. Manning are not true; 2nd, that the defendant must pay the costs of this suit, amounting to about two hundred dollars; 3rd, that the defendant shall not prosecute Mr. Manning for damages for having attached and closed the Telegram office in order to secure the judgment, and 4th, that in Cowley county LAW REIGNS, and men need not resort to violence to obtain justice.

This tardy recognition of the law's majesty and power is of untold value to the good name and fair fame of Cowley county. Mr. Manning only sought a vindication of his character; that vindication is complete and manifold.

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[RAILROAD SITUATION: ELDORADO TIMES.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 13, 1876.

THE RAILROAD SITUATION.

A large delegation of our citizens had an interview with Col. Thomas Nickerson, President of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, in accordance with previous arrangement. We stop the press this morning for the purpose of putting in this notice, and will explain the matter more fully next week.

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Company will build a branch of their road down this valley this year provided we will take stock to the amount of three thousand dollars cash per mile in said road.

They will start at Cedar Point and build right on down the valley as fast as the money is raised to do it.

They will send their chief engineer into the valley as soon as they can get him here, in order to enable them to make up their estimates.

Our people can have a first class railroad built into this valley, this year, for a reasonable amount of money, if they want it.

This matter will be submitted to you within a very short time and it will be for you to say yes or no. Eldorado Times, April 7th, 1876.

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[ODD ITEM ON EDITORIAL PAGE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 13, 1876.

We get the impression somehow or other that E. C. Manning, with whom we used to have some neighborly tilts when he ran the Manhattan Radical, had reformed after settling in Cowley county. But it seems not. He wrote an obituary, J. C. Sawed Stone--about as bright a thing as ever appeared in a Kansas newspaper--and now he evidently wants to write another. He republishes the following in his paper, the Winfield Courier:

"The Concordia Expositor puts the question:

"Are you ready for the question? All those in favor of removing the State capital to Junction City, will please manifest it by saying 'I."

"And like the darned galoot in legislative matters whom you are not prepared for, he moves to amend:

"Not much; better move Junction City to the State capital.

"Manning must come to Junction City to get a railroad for his county, and we will see that he never gest a pass. Junction City Union."

And we will see that it never gets a "pass"enger.

NOTE: MANNING WAS EDITOR OF MANHATTAN PAPER!

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 13, 1876.

Have you paid your dog tax?

The farmers have commenced corn planting.

And now they say the peaches are not all dead.

Mrs. Limbocker has returned from her Iowa visit.

McBRIDE & GREEN are going right along with their brick kiln.

Mr. T. H. Aley, of Otter, made us a pleasant call this week.

Mr. J. H. Henderson has moved to his farm and quit hotel keeping.

Mr. L. J. Webb had forty-two cases upon the trial docket of this term of Court.

Mrs. T. A. Wilkinson will teach a school for the next three months in Bolton township.

The rivalry for passengers this week has resulted in a stage ride to Wichita for a dollar.

Thanks to Mrs. P. G. Smith, of Dexter, for a bunch of very fine onions, over one half inch in diameter.

W. W. W. has gone to serve Uncle Sam for three weeks. His brother, Tell, will "handle the lines" of Cowley in his absence.

Fort Scott claims the finest ballroom in the State. It is 100 feet long and 30 feet wide and 19 feet to the ceiling.

H. L. BARKER has purchased the farm adjoining the Foos farm on the northeast and is now a resident of Winfield township.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 13, 1876.]

At the present setting of Court, Mrs. Joseph Requa obtained a decree of divorce and a judgment for $5,000 and one half interest for life in the real estate of the flying Joseph Requa.

---

It is a litttle late now to speak of it, but on the last day of March, ult., Mr. F. M. Linscott brought to our office a handful of new potatoes of this year's growth. The largest were the size of hickory nuts.

---

JAMES J. SMITH, of Otter township, was on last Friday divorced from a wife, dead or alive, that he had not seen in eight years and immediately applied to Judge Gans for permission to try again, which was granted.

---

We predict for Judge McDonald, of the firm of Hackney & McDonald, the reputation within three years of being the best advocate at the bar of Kansas.

---

A young man named White, living a few miles up the Walnut, inspired by an overdose of benzine and anger, assaulted Fortner last Saturday evening, but as White reached for Fortner, the latter struck him with something and felled him to the ground, causing an ugly gash in the face.

---

Twenty-nine teachers were present at the examination last Friday and Saturday. Of those present the following received second grade certificates: Misses Dora Winslow, Maggie Stansberry, Mary Stansberry, Gertie Davis, Louisa Franklin, Laura E. Turner, Mr. C. C. Holland, and Mrs. I. E. Brown. Those who received third grade certificates are as follows: Misses Sarah Bovee, C. E. Fitzgerald, Ella Davis, Albertine Maxwell, Effie Randal, Sarah E. Davis, Ella Clover, Ioa Roberts, Emma Burden, Arvilla Elliot, L. A. Bedell, M. J. Huff, and Mr. M. L. Smith.

---

Last Saturday was "Arbor Day." But as the weather clerk paid no respect to the Mayor's proclamation, it was decided by our citizens, rather than have a "damper" put upon their proceedings, to pay no attention to it themselves. We might say it rained last Saturday, but we have no desire to draw upon your creduility. It didn't rain; it just "poured down!" The day wasn't largely observed. The clouds and rain were too opaque for an extended observation. Several of our citizens set out trees. Mr. Lemmon planted twenty--in one hole, Mr. Troup likewise buried about the same number, and Mr. Platter "healed in" a nice lot of maples and poplars. The county officers held a meeting and decided not to adorn the Courthouse grounds until they had some assurance from the county fathers that the public square would be fenced and the trees protected.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 13, 1876.]

List of letters remaining unclaimed in the Post Office at Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas, on the 13th day of April, 1876.

FIRST COLUMN:

Ball, N. L.; Beck, Geo. W.; Budde, Fred.; Browne, W. W.; Brown, Nemuel.; Conor, George; Drewry, Wm.; Dupey, H. G.; Hurst, Milton; Hodges, Hannah; King, Scyinda; Kidney, T. B.; King, G. D.

SECOND COLUMN:

Lewis, W. N.; Lockwood, J. S.; McCulloch, Nettie; Miller, Wm.; Magginnis, T.; Norton, Jake; Newlin, Francis; Randolph,

R. H.; Smith, Lewis; Seal, Sally; Tarborough, Mary; Thatcher,

R. K.; Wellman, R.

JAMES KELLY, P. M.

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MARRIED.

MERRYDITH - CALLISON. March 30th, 1876, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. J. W. Nance, Mr. Wm. E. Merrydith and Miss Matty M. Callison, all of Cowley county, Kansas.

---

DIED.

Died. At Winfield, Kansas, April 10th, 1876, Maudy May, only child of D. F. and Francis Long, aged one year.

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Correspondence.

CARBON, WYOMING, March 31st, 1876.

EDITOR COURIER: As I once was a resident of Cowley county, and being anxious to hear from my old home once a week, I herein enclose $2.00 for the COURIER for one year. From your papers I see some very flattering inducements for men to try the Black Hills. Also that a great many are talking of trying them. My advice is (if I am allowed to give it) to let the Black Hills alone and remain at home. Here the Hills are considered to be a grand humbug gotten up for a speculation, and I think we have a good chance to know, as men are coming out every few days and I notice never return although those who have claims there for sale try to encourage others to go, but stay away themselves. A word to the wise is sufficient. For my part, I would rather start for Cowley county than the Black Hills, and they are only about 175 miles from here.

Very Respectfully,

W. F. DAVIS.

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Grouse Valley Items.

J. P. Croft is finishing his hotel building at Benderville. A blacksmith shop has been opened at the same berg.

Charley Jones is receiving new goods.

Burt French is turning out "heaps" of lumber.

R. C. Maurer closed his school on the 25th ultimo.

Will Merideth closed one term of school, and then made an engagement for life--that is, he got married.

Mr. Henrion has left for an European visit.

Several new buildings have been put up in Dexter this winter. The big blow took one of Dick Bryan's down slightly.

A new blacksmith bids for the trade of the Dexter circuit.

The boiler at the mill is taking a rest for repairs.

Treasurer Bryan still swings the birch at Dexter.

Rumor says a new dry goods establishment is to be opened at this point.

Doctor Wagner reports his flock of sheep as in a prime

condition.

Dick Bryan's smiling countenance now beams upon customers at McDormans.

Fruit is all killed in the valley.

Wheat from one end of Grouse to the other is in a promising

condition.

Every farm in the valley is beautifully adorned with corn-cribs "chuck full" of grain. But no railroad! No market!

John D. Maurer has sown a fine lot of blue grass seed in his timber. It does well in this valley.

Will Underwood has moved his dwelling house a few feet nearer heaven, and his family enjoy better health thereby.

THOMAS COATS has sold out and gone to Sumner county.

Newcomers are arriving almost daily. No reference is intended to Captain McDermott's little daughter, which arrived recently.

Several large lots of fruit trees are expected for the farmers of the valley.

H. H. Hovey, of Joplin, Mo., is visiting Grouse valley friends.

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City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., April 5, 1876.

City Council met in adjourned session, March 21st, A. D. 1876.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; N. M. Powers, C. C. Black, and M. G. Troup, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.

The following bills were presented, read, and allowed, and on motion of M. G. Troup, the Clerk was ordered to draw a warrant on the Treasurer for the same.

J. M. Reed, clerk of city election, on April 3rd, A. D. 1876, $2.00; J. F. Miller, Judge of city election, $2.00; C. C. Black, Judge of city election, $2.00; M. Miller, pad-lock and nails for city, 85 cents; Simpson & Stewart, repairs on jail, $3.00.

Fee bill of W. M. Boyer, Police Judge, was read, and, on motion of C. C. Black, was laid over.

The Finance Committee made the following report on the cancellation of city warrants:

To the Honorable Mayor and Council of the city of Winfield, county of Cowley, and State of Kansas, we your Finance Committee beg leave to report that we have examined the enclosed package and find it to contain two hundred and forty-three vouchers of the value of $2,467.17, and that said vouchers have been duly cancelled on the Winfield city warrant record, and recommend that they be destroyed.

M. G. Troup, ) Finance Committee.

Chas. C. Black. )

On motion of N. M. Powers the report was received and the vouchers destroyed.

On motion of N. M. Powers, the City Clerk was instructed to make out and present to the County Commissioners a bill of $8.00, amount paid to Simpson & Stewart for repairs on the jail.

The City Council proceeded to canvass the vote of Winfield city election, held on April 3rd, A. D., 1876, which resulted as follows:

Whole number of votes cast: 182.

For Mayor: D. A. Millington, 81; H. S. Silver, 80, E. S.

Bedilion, 1.

For Police Judge: Linus S. Webb, 75; J. W. Curns, 81;

J. D. Pryor, 5.

For Councilmen: A. B. Lemmon, 86; M. G. Troup, 91; C. A.

Bliss, 81; T. B. Myers, 84; H. Brotherton, 88;

N. Roberson, 71; Frank Williams, 76; N. M.

Powers, 70; A. G. Wilson, 76; W. L. Mullin, 57;

J. P. McMillen, 20; C. C. Black, 3; J. P.

Short, 1.

D. A. Millington, having received the highest number of votes for Mayor, was declared elected. J. W. Curns, receiving the highest number of votes for Police Judge, was declared elected. A. B. Lemmon, M. G. Troup, T. B. Myers, C. A. Bliss, and H. Brotherton, receiving the highest number of votes for Councilmen, were declared elected.

On motion the Clerk was ordered to furnish each of the above named as elected with certificates of election.

On motion Council adjourned.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 20, 1876.

Congress has done nothing towards opening the Indian Territory, nor is it likely to this session.

---

A man borrowed $800 the other day in Topeka to buy breaking teams to come to Cowley and break up a section of land for wheat this fall.

---

The L. L. & G. railroad loses over one million dollars worth of land by the recent decision of the U. S. Supreme Court, whereby the settlers obtained their homes.

---

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad have closed a contract with the Pullman Car Company to run their coaches between the Missouri river and Rocky mountains.

---

A STEP FORWARD.

Something like business in railroad matters is transpiring to the east of us. A delegation of four citizens from Elk county traversed our county last week in the interest of an east and west road. They had visited parties representing the bondholders of the L. L. & G. railroad, who gave such assurances of aid to the enterprise that the result is we find them at work putting thins in shape along the lie. On Tuesday of this week a meeting was held at Canola, in Elk county, at which the organization of a local company was perfected. The purpose of this organization is to survey the line, secure the right of way, and procure the voting of local aid to the extent of the law. When the fran-

chises are secured, dirt will fly within 60 days. The road is to start from Independence and run westerly, up the Elk valley, leaving Elk county in the Greenfield and Canola gap, thence to Winfield, and down the Walnut to Arkansas City.

At the meeting held in Winfield last Saturday to select directors for a local company from this place, Rev. J. E. Platter and M. L. Robinson were chosen to represent this locality in the Canola meeting, and to be put upon the board of directors. Six directors will be located in Cowley, six in Elk, and one in Montgomery county.

---

THE TERMS.

By an elaborate and circumspect account of the railroad situation to the north of us, occupying nearly two columns in the Eldorado Times, we learn that the A. T. & S. F. railroad company has agreed through its President, Mr. Nickerson, to commence the construction of a railroad down the Walnut valley this year if the people along the line will take stock in the road to the extent of three thousand dollars per mile and pay the cash therefor. The Times speaks very hopefully and confidently of the enterprise. It says that the road will be built just as fast ast the three thousand dollars per mile is raised by the people in the valley. The engineer of the company is to be over the line from Florence south in a few days to make a preliminary survey and the estimates. This looks like business.

"And still we have no railroad."

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[CONTINUANCE OF EDITORIALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 20, 1876.]

Why is there not some earnest movement made by our Congressional delegation towards securing the right of way for a railroad down the Arkansas valley through the Indian Territory? Somebody will wake up some fine morning to learn that during their slumbers some strong thinking has been going on down this way. Those fellows who are going to be candidates for reelection ought to know that the matter of building a railroad down the valley to the southeast is a live and vital issue here. Gentlemen, you will be asked some knotty questions the coming summer concerning this enterprise. What will you say?

Winfield Courier, April 20, 1876.

From the Railroad Meeting.

CANOLA, KANSAS, April 18th, 1876.

EDITOR COURIER: The delegates selected in Cowley County met at this point today with the Elk County men, and a railroad company was organized. L. B. Fleming of Arkansas City was selected as Chairman, and R. C. Story, of Lazette, was made Secretary of the meeting. S. M. Fall, E. P. Young, J. E. Platter, M. L. Robinson, S. B. Fleming, and W. M. Sleeth were the delegates from Cowley County. The title "Parsons, Walnut Valley and Southwestern," was given the road, and a committee of three was appointed to draft a charter for the same. By vote of the meeting the capital stock was placed $1,500,000 dollars, and shares at fifty dollars each. The road is to be in at Parsons, run west to Independence, thence to Longton, Elk Falls, Greenfield, Lazette, Tisdale, Winfield, and terminate at Arkansas City.

The Elk County delegates speak positively of the willingness of their people to vote bonds for this enterprise.

N. B. Cartmell, J. E. Platter, and L. J. Johnson drafted the charter, which was considered, discussed, and adopted in the evening.

The Board stands as follows: M. L. Robinson and J. E. Platter, Winfield; W. M. Sleeth and S. B. Fleming, Arkansas City; E. P. Young, Tisdale; S. M. Fall, Lazette; A. A. Toby, Canola; H. E. Hitchings, R. R. Roberts, and L. J. Johnson, Elk Falls; J. C. Pinney and N. B. Cartmell, Longton; and Wm. Wright, Elk City, Montgomery County.

The Board adjourned to meet at Tisdale on the 2nd day of May.

If the people of Cowley County want a railroad, now is their opportunity to get one. Quick, vigorous, and unanimous action will place them in such relations with wealthy railroad companies that a road over this line will come speedily. Elk County is alive to its interests in this matter, and success will crown our movement if Cowley County joins hand and heart in it. People of Cowley County, what do you say?

X.

[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 20, 1876.

It is not too late to set out trees.

A. H. Green keeps good cigars.

RICE has gone to the Black Hills.

JOHN SWAYNE is building himself a good residence.

BISBEE, the shoemaker, has started for the Black Hills.

Two yoke of oxen and wagon for sale. Enquire at this office.

J. R. RICHARDS has a fine stallion of Cowley county raising.

Of the one thousand people in Winfield, not one is named Smith.

The new City Council has organized with M. G. Troup as

president.

The M. E. quarterly conference is in session this week at Arkansas City.

THOUSANDS of dollars worth of fruit trees and shrubbery is being sold in Winfield this spring.

C. M. WOOD and family have returned to Winfield. They like Cowley better than Ohio.

Business is so pressing in the COURIER office that two extra hands were employed this week.

The new city administration is going to take some steps toward protecting the city from fires.

Maj. Sleeth and Rev. Fleming were sent to the Canola railroad meeting from Arkansas City.

According to a law passed at the last legislature, fifty pounds of sweet potatoes make a bushel.

The Lagonda house is being plastered and overhauled preparatory to its occupancy by a Wichita landlord.

UNCLE BILLY RODGERS and LEVI DOTY have gone to take a squint at the yellow dirt in the Black Hills country.

H. C. McDORMAN has been appointed Postmaster at Dexter and C. B. HALE at Baltimore in Cowley county.

COUNCILMAN MYERS has moved a workshop for his own use upon the lot between the Winfield bank and Schoeb's shop.

Eight married couples were made sixteen single persons at the last sitting of the district court.

Recorder Kinne informs us that more mortgages are being released now in his office than there are being put on record. A good sign.

ED F. GREEN and brother on the Walnut, ten miles below town, have the largest pasture in the county enclosed with good post and board fence.

At the railroad meeting last Saturday, Judge Ross presided and C. M. Scott of the Traveler occupied the Secretary's desk. Eloquent speeches were made in favor of the railroad by the Judge, Amos Walton, and others.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 20, 1876.]

S. B. LITTELL of Beaver township has one of the best farms in the county and it is ornamented with a nicely painted two story frame farm house, which with trees, shrubbery, and other surroundings gives his place a homelike appearance.

---

JOHN ROE, the young man who stole Sam. Endicott's mare, was convicted and sentenced to one year's imprisonment in the penitentiary. Sheriff Walker went up with him last Monday.

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Grouse Valley Items.

LAZETTE, KANSAS, April 17th, 1876.

On Saturday evening a large railroad meeting was held in this place. Mr. L. J. Johnson, of Elk Falls, was present and made a lengthy speech explanatory of railroad laws, and matters so far as our interests were concerned.

Speeches were then made by Messrs. Burden, Clover, Fall, Stapleton, Brooks, Story, Jones, Huff, Peebler, McGraw, and others, in almost unanimous support of the movement for an East and West road through Cowely county.

The following resolution was then adopted: Resolved, That we, the citizens of Grouse Valley, stand ready to support a railroad from the East with bonds to the full extent of the law. But few opposing voices were heard during the discussion.

Mr. S. M. Fall was selected as a director to assist in organizing a company this week in Elk county. Messrs. B. H. Clover, R. F. Burden, Mac D. Stapleton, A. J. Pickering, and John Brooks were then placed upon a committee to look after all matters pertaining to railroad interests in connection with our valley.

The meeting was attended by the leading men from most of the eastern sections of the county. The feeling is growing deeper and wider among our people that our large agricultural interests can be properly nurtured and cultivated by and through direct railroad communications with eastern markets.

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SKIPPED THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' PROCEDDINGS OF APRIL 10TH, 1876. BOARD CONSISTED OF R. F. BURDEN AND W. M. SLEETH,

COMMISSIONERS; A. J. PYBURN, COUNTY ATTORNEY; AND M. G. TROUP, COUNTY CLERK. THIS TIME THEY SPELLED SLEETH CORRECTLY!

[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 20, 1876.

City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KANSAS, April 17th, 1876.

City Council met at the City Clerk's office April 17th,

A. D. 1876.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, C. A. Bliss, H. Brotherton, and A. B. Lemmon, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

The Mayor read his annual inaugural address to the Council stating the financial condition of the city for the past year, its present condition, and making many suggestions as to its future.

On motion of A. B. Lemmon, M. G. Troup was elected President of the Council for the coming year.

On motion the Mayor appointed three standing committees of three members each, as follows:

Finance committee: M. G. Troup, H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers.

Committee on streets, alleys, and sidewalks: C. A. Bliss, H. Brotherton, and A. B. Lemmon.

Committee on fire: A. B. Lemmon, T. B. Myers, C. A. Bliss.

The official bond of John W. Curns, Police Judge, was read, and on motion of A. B. Lemmon was approved by the Council.

Bill of Wirt W. Walton, two dollars, for Clerk of City Election April 3rd, 1876, was read, approved, and ordered paid.

Bill of Burt Covert, services as City Marshal from March 25th, 1876, to April 17th, 1876, five Saturdays at two dollars a day, was read, approved, and ordered paid.

Bill of W. M. Boyer, six dollars and ten cents, Police Judge's fees in case of city of Winfield vs. Wm. Hudson, was read, and on motion of M. G. Troup was approved for five dollars and sixty cents, being the amount of the bill except the witness fee of M. G. Troup, fifty cents.

Bill of E. C. Manning for city printing was read, and on motion was referred to finance committee.

On motion Council adjourned.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[RICHLAND ITEMS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 27, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

Richland Items.

Our enterprising citizen, T. R. Carson, has a windmill in operation for pumping water. It is a fine improvement.

Our township is setting up very fast with a good substantial class of citizens. There is now a settler on almost every quarter section. There are yet a few pieces of good upland to enter by good families.

Three years ago in this immediate neighborhood you could hardly see a man once a week; now our roads are well worn and teams passing every day.

Yesterday we organized a Sabbath School at Richland

schoolhouse.

Our schoolhouse is near the center of Richland township, on section 29, township 30, range 5 east.

We have preaching twice a month by the Revs. Nance and Ferguson.

Mr. Stevens has built a new place, and just moved into it.

Dutch creek is high. T. D. G.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 27, 1876.

The M. E. Sunday School has a library.

Fresh oranges and lemons at Jim. Hills.

Harvest will commence in May this year.

Judge McDonald is going to locate in Winfield.

What will we do for harvest hands is the next question.

Charley Black and suite were out with their guns one day this week and killed sixty-five curlews.

L. J. Webb was elected to the office of Worthy Chief Templar, of Winfield Lodge, I. O. G. T., last Monday night.

Jim Hill has a good supply of ice, and the only ice in the country. This shows what an enterprising man can do if he will.

The Walnut Valley Times says that the civil engineer of the A. T. & S. F. road is running a line down the Walnut valley.

District 51, down in father Cesney's neighborhood, in Silverdale township, has just issued five hundred dollars of bonds for a schoolhouse.

Next Tuesday the directors of the Parsons, Walnut Valley and Southwestern railroad meet at Tisdale to perfect the organization of the company.

C. C. Stevens, who is occupying the Foos farm, was seriously injured by a runaway team last week. The principal injury sustained was a leg broken near the ankle. [NOTE: FOOS FARM.]

Prof. A. B. Lemmon was admitted to the practice of law at the last term of court. If the Prof. makes as good a lawyer as a teacher, he will have plenty to do when once well in the

business.

Mrs. Howard will open a large assortment of ladies' goods and millinery at her store next Saturday. The finest display in that line ever seen in Winfield may be seen at that time.

Winfield Courier, April 27, 1876.

On April 21 articles of incorporation were filed in the office of the Secretary of State for the Ft. Scott, Winfield and Western railroad. J. B. Lynn and M. L. Robinson, of Winfield, are on the board of directors.

Mr. J. H. Willard, late of Elkhart, Indiana, arrived this week to settle with us. He has a fine farm on Rock Creek that he purchased three years ago.

Mr. Cal. Ferguson, one of Winfield's old citizens, spent several days recently among his friends here. Cal. is talking of going to Colorado.

E. S. Torrence, ex-County Attorney, ex-member of the Winfield club of jolly good-fellows, ex-actly the man we all like to meet, enjoyed such a hand shaking, on his return to Winfield last Saturday, as no one but a President of the United States ever received. [THOUGHT HIS NAME WAS TORRANCE!]

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 27, 1876.]

On Monday evening last at the regular meeting of Winfield Lodge, No. 79, I. O. G. T., officers were elected as follows:

L. J. Webb, W. C. T.; Miss Ella Walton, W. V. T.; T. C. Copeland, W. R. Sec.; Fred C. Hunt, W. F. Sec.; Miss Nellie Powers, W. Treas.; Henry E. Asp, W. Chap.; F. W. Finch, W. M.; Miss Ella Freeland, W. I. G.; George Gray, W. O. G.

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HOFFMANN, from Neodesha, a professor of "moosic," has departed from our midst, this time not to return, we understand. The Professor has many warm friends and might have done well in this place, but he is unfortunately addicted to a very "crooked" practice that "steals away his brain" and leads him to the perpetration of many disreputable transactions. There is no man better adapted to deceive a community than this same musical professor, and we learn from pretty good authority that he is known in other communities besides this. He is simply a whiskey-bloat and a big fraud.

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Last Friday night the severest hailstorm that has visited this country since its settlement swept down upon the region of Pleasant Valley township, coming from towards Arkansas City and passing over Liberty township. It occurred about 8 o'clock and did much damage. The hail stones were from the size of marbles to that of a prairie hen's egg. Hundreds of lights of glass upon the south side of dwellings were broken out, shingles split from roofs, pigs and fowls without shelter killed, fruit trees mangled and barked, wheat cut down, and everybody terribly frightened in the track of the storm.

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W. R. CONSTANT, of Pleasant Valley township, met with a severe loss last week in the destruction of his dwelling and everything it contained by fire. Mrs. Constant, with an infant four days old, was barely able to drag herself and the children out of danger and be a helpless witness to the distressing scene. The fire came from a defective flue and caught in the roof. No men folks were about the place at the time. The neighbors raised a contribution for his benefit, and his new neighbor, Mr. Joseph Mason, collected quite a sum in town towards erecting a dwelling house for the fictim of the fire fiend.

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Hook & Creekmore are a new business firm at Silverdale. Dr. I. Hook, of the firm, made us a call this week. He is a live man and a well read physician, and will be an important acquisition to that part of the county.

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A festival will be held at the Brane schoolhouse in Pleasant Valley township on Friday (tomorrow) night. It is to be of the necktie order and for the benefit of the Sabbath school at that place. Winfield friends are invited.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 27, 1876.]

MARRIED. STINSON - STOVER. On the 23rd day of April, Mr. Isaac Stinson and Miss Mary E. Stover were united in the bonds of matrimony, by Rev. A. E. Lewis. All of Cowley county.

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DIED. At Tisdale, April 20th, Mrs. N. J. Keller, aged 37 years, eldest daughter of Berry Creek, Esq., of Lafayette township, Clinton county, Missouri.

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SKIPPED COUNTY TREASURER'S QUARTERLY STATEMENT, UP TO MARCH 20, 1876; AND SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX STATEMENTS, GIVEN IN APRIL 27TH ISSUE OF WINFIELD COURIER.

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Registered Warrants.

Notice is hereby given that the Cowley Warrants here described will be paid on presentation at the Treasurer's office, and that the interest will cease on each of them after

publication.

LISTING TO WHOM PAYABLE AND AMOUNT ONLY:

Braden & Burford: $65.00

S. Dodsworth: $24.00; $17.00; $27.50.

Leonard Stout: $4.30

Theodore Parks: $3.90

T. A. Wilkinson: $5.00

T. B. Ross: $5.10

Lucius Walton: $4.00

J. B. Wagoner: $2.00

W. Langheinekin: $2.00

H. Hartsbaugh: $2.00

R. B. Carson: $8.00; $3.00.

Frank Lorry: $2.00

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[LOCAL NOTICE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, APRIL 27, 1876.

NOTICE.

Notice is hereby given that George Hudson and James Brown, under the firm name of Hudson & Brown, have dissolved partnership--George Hudson continuing the business. Also that all parties indebted to the said firm will find their accounts at

W. M. Boyer's.

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[ORDINANCE NO. 59]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 4, 1876.

Published May 4th, 1876.

Ordinance No. 59.

An Ordinance to amend section 6 of Ordinance No. 55, entitled "An Ordinance to provide for the appointment of a Clerk, Treasurer, Marshal, and City Attorney for the city of Winfield, and defining the duties and pay of the same, and providing for bonds of city officers.

SECTION 1. That section 6 of Ordinance No. 53 is hereby amended to read as follows: Section 6. The pay of the Clerk shall be $60.00 per year, payable monthly, which shall be in lieu of all fees chargeable to the city. When required to furnish copies of any of the city records for other than the city or its officers, he may collect and receive a fee of 25 cents for first folio and fraction thereof, and 15 cents for each additional folio or fraction thereof.

SECTION 2. Original section 6, of Ordinance No. 53, is hereby repealed, and this Ordinance shall be in force and take effect from and after its publication once in the Winfield COURIER.

Approved May 1st, 1876.

D. A. MILLINGTON, Mayor.

Attest: B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 4, 1876.

The Arkansas river is down to working gait.

Dr. Mansfield starts for England next week.

Mullin has gone to Kansas City with his cattle.

Bliss & Co. are repairing the dam at the stone mill.

Tuesday's coacch contained ten passengers for Winfield.

Two or three harness makers wanted at Ford's immediately.

For has purchased the Kenworthy property next to Shoeb's residence.

Rev. Platter's family started for the Centennial last Tuesday morning.

McMillen & Shields have moved to the building next north of Sam Myton's.

A. J. Pickering is to be appointed postmaster at Lazette, vice R. C. Story, resigned.

Margaret Winner says that someone is purloining rock from her farm on Badger.

A large number of headers are being purchased by our farmers for the coming harvest.

Our enterprising plasterer, J. Simpson, has purchased the Palmer property and settled down for life.

Mr. Bartlett bought several hundred bushels of wheat lately around Winfield for the Wichita market.

A. J. Thompson has first class sweet potato plants for sale at his farm one half mile east of Winfield.

MARRIED AT WICHITA. James Hughes and Sarah A. Ireton, of this county, were married at Wichita, April 25, by Father Schurtz.

Dr. Davis recently had a fine buggy shipped from Kentucky, enclosed in two large boxes full of blue grass seed.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 4, 1876.]

Wilson keeps the very best of Livery Stock. He is the sole proprietor now of the well-known Winfield Livery Stable.

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Country Sabbath Schools that are in need of Testaments will find a nice assortment at B. F. Baldwin's drug and book store.

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A crowded house gathered at the Sunday school festival in the Brane schoolhouse last Friday. The receipts amounted to $21.40.

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KINGSBERRY has sold his residence property to Bedilion, and bought again. King is bound to make it, if "digging" in will do it.

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A late rain storm and water rrise in Otter creek valley in Otter township washed all the newly plowed soil from the valley farms.

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BANGS, our express agent, has made an improvement in the city express line. He delivers the express matter about town on his back.

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SAM JARVIS' school, at the Jarvis schoolhouse, in Silver creek township, has a vacation this week while the children are at home wrestling with the measles.

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Corn sells for 30 cents per bushel at Carbondale, on the

A. T. & S. F. railroad. In Winfield it goes begging for 15 cents. And still we have no railroad!

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McMILLEN has taken a centennial stand. He has a pretty store in a pretty location and a thundering big stock of goods.

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A long train of emigrants from Washington county, Arkansas, passed through town this morning. They were going to Cowley county, Kansas. Independence Courier.

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MRS. KENNEDY has moved to the old stand south of Mullen's store. She says that she will open the biggest stock of millinery in a few days that ever appeared in Winfield.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 4, 1876.]

R. H. TRUE, of Beaver township, is the first assessor to make the assessment returns to the county clerk. His report shows a population of 415, an increase of 42 above last year. Also 2,333 acres of wheat, 3,026 bearing peach trees, 310 head of cattle. Fred Brown has the largest wheat field, being 100 acres. The increase of winter wheat acreage is 900 above last year.

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UNCLE JOHN WILSON, of Silver creek, says that one half the surface of that township will be upset with the breaking plow this season. He has a round one hundred acre wheat field to harvest, and is ancious for a railroad, as also are his

neighbors.

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DR. E. N. WOODWORTH and WM. ROBB, of Peoria, Mahaska county, Iowa, called upon us Tuesday last. They had been riding through Kansas, to the east of this, and came into Cowley from the hills of Chautauqua. Upon arriving at the farm of R. F. Burden, who is an old Iowa acquaintance of theirs, they expressed a disgust for Southern Kansas. Mr. Burden concluded to show them the Eden of America, and having persuaded them not to return via Independence, he brought them himself to Winfield, and it is the same old story. They are happy, and will be happier when they sell their property in Iowa.

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The Ladies' Furnishing Store

has been reestablished by Mrs. Kennedy and will be maintained in a style worthy of Winfield. Everything to be found in such a store west of the Missouri line can be obtained there. An experienced dress maker is constantly employed and satisfaction guaranteed. Mrs. Kennedy is thankful for the patronage she has received in the past and hopes to merit it in the future.

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THE RAILROAD MEETING AT TISDALE.

Last Tuesday the directors of the Parsons' Walnut Valley & Southwestern railroad company met at Tisdale and elected the following officers: President, J. E. Platter, of Winfield; Vice President, S. B. Fleming, of Arkansas City; Secretary, Mr. Wright, of Elk City, Montgomery county; Treasurer, S. M. Fall, of Lazette. The oath of office was administered to each by Judge Gans except to J. E. Platter, who was not present.

The president, secretary, and Judge Cartmel, of Longton, were appointed as a delegation to proceed to Kansas City to confer with the parties who are expected to furnish the means to prosecute the work and to learn from them the exact amount of franchises that the local company will be called upon to secure before work on the road can commence. The meeting was largely attended by citizens from Winfield and other portions of the county.

There was but one sentiment manifested by all present and that was in favor of the road, and a willingness to render all the aid possible under the law. The enterprise is in good hands and it is manifest now that it will be no fault of the people of Elk and Cowley counties if the road is not built. It is expected that the above named committee will report the result of their conference to a meeting to be held at Lazette on May 18th. Let the good work go on.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 4, 1876.]

MARRIED. ECKELS - SMALLEY. At the residence of Esquire Forbes, in Pleasant Valley township, on Sunday, April 16th, by Esquire Forbes, Mr. Will Eckles and Miss Mettie Smalley.

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City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., May 1st, 1876.

City Council met in regular session at the Clerk's office, May 1st, 1876.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, C. A. Bliss, H. Brotherton, A. B. Lemmon, and T. B. Myers, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk; J. E. Allen, City Attorney.

Minutes of previous meeting was read and approved.

Finance Committee reported on bill of E. C. Manning, for city printing, and recommended it be allowed, for eleven dollars. On motion the bill was approved, for eleven dollas, as recom-

mended, and ordered paid.

Bill of George Gray, seventy-five cents, for removing nuisances from the city, was read and on motion was approved and ordered paid.

Joseph Likowski and Rheinhart Ehret made application, by petition, through their attorney, A. H. Green, for dram shop license. The petitions being read and the Council believing them to contain a majority of all persons residing within the corporate limits of the city of Winfield, over the age of twenty-one years, on motion of M. G. Troup voted that dram shop license be granted to the said petitioners.

Ordinance No. 59 was read and passed by sections. Vote on final passage was as follows: Yes: A. B. Lemmon, H. Brotherton, M. G. Troup, T. B. Myers, and C. A. Bliss. Nays: None. Ordinance No. 59, as passed, was duly approved by the Mayor.

The Mayor, with the consent and unanimous vote of the Council, made the following appointments for the year ensuing: For City Clerk, B. F. Baldwin, for City Treasurer, J. C. Fuller, for City Attorney, J. E. Allen.

On motion of M. G. Troup the Council adjourned to meet May 2nd, 1875, at 5 o'clock p.m.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 11, 1876.

The Indians have bought a great many farming implements from Coffeyville dealers this spring.

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The Indians are killing emigrants by the score and destroying trains and stealing horses and cattle in the Black Hills region.

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The storm of last Friday night extended to Lawrence, Leavenworth, and Kansas City, where it became a tornado destroying a vast amount of property.

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AN ERROR.

The following item appears in some of the Kansas papers:

"In Cowley and Butler counties there is a sort of Ku Klux organization to prevent claim jumping. Many of the settlers will not prove up and enter their claims, which are being jumped. Those who have entered are in favor of the jumpers as they wish the lands occupied by those who must pay taxes."

So far as Cowley county is concerned, the above is not true, at least the lawless acts and Ku Klux organizations are disclaimed. Cowley has never been disgraced by mob law or midnight assassins. The law rules here, thanks to an enlightened public sentiment. In Butler and Sumner mob law or no law reigns; in Sedgwick difficulties are settled with the revolver too often; but in Cowley the law is oftener enforced, and more highly respected than in any county of like age and population in the State.

But there is a growing sentiment against settlers who do not enter their land. Complaints come to us daily on this subject. We have been urged to open fire on the squatters. But the COURIER recognizes two sides to the question. It is hard to be compelled to borrow money at thirty and forty percent to enter the land. But it is manifest that those who enjoy schools and bridges and the protection of the courts and the privileges of civilization should also help maintain them. The squatters, therefore, should, for the well being of society and the good will and forbearance of those who have paid for their lands, make haste and pay up.

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[UNPRECEDENTED FLOOD IN THE WALNUT VALLEY: $100,000 DAMAGE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 10, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

UNPRECEDENTED FLOOD IN THE WALNUT VALLEY.

WATER SIX FEET HIGHER THAN EVER BEFORE KNOWN.

WINFIELD SURROUNDED BY WATER.

Families Driven From Houses.

BRIDGES GONE.

STOCK DROWNED.

$100,000 Damage.

Last Friday night the rain descended in floods in this region of country. Nearly all night and for some hours during Saturday morning the clouds poured a deluge of water upon the face of the earth. During the night light showers of hail accompanied the rain. The ravines and creeks were soon full. Then the larger streams began rising with unparalleled rapidity.

At noon of Saturday the stream north of town, known as Timber Creek, was over its banks and surging against the bridge. About noon the bridge left its moorings.

By this time the water was spreading over the farms in the bottoms. Houses, families, crops, and stock were in peril. The real danger now broke upon the minds of the people. The water had passed all its former limits and was still rising. There was "hurrying to and fro." The bridges and mills adjoining town on the Walnut were the objects of solicitude next. Bliss & Co. carried all the wheat and flour into the upper story of their mill. Ropes and axes were used to keep flood wood away from the upper bridge. Communication with the lower bridge was cut off before the bridge was in great peril itself.

Up, up, came the water. All the north part of town was overflowed. Families were rescued by boat and team. The brick yard was three feet under water. A heavy current flowed from Timber creek on the north through town on Loomis street and across Col. Loomis' farm to the Walnut on the south. The east and west part of town each "stood upon a shining shore, while Jordan rolled between."

Along the creeks birds took to the air, rabbits to stumps, and serpents to the trees. On the bosom of the mad Walnut, during the afternoon of Saturday, several head of cattle and swine were swept past the bridge. In their struggles for life they cast imploring looks upon the throng above that could but sympathize with them.

By 6 p.m., of Saturday, the water reached the highest point: at least six feet higher than ever before within the knowledge of the oldest settler. About five o'clock the bridge across the Walnut south of town yielded to the torrent. The water was flowing over the floor of the bridge about one feet deep at the time. It lacked one foot of reaching the upper bridge at any time. One vast expanse of water covered all the bottom lands along the river and Timber creek in this vicinity. The wheat and other growing crops were out of sight and considered lost.

By 7 p.m. it became apparent that the mad element had spent its force. The water began slowly, about one inch in an hour, to recede. It had risen about twenty feet in twelve hours.

At the time of the flood grave apprehensions were entertained as to the extent of the damage likely to ensue. But as reports came in

THE RESULTS

of the unpopular uprising are not so serious as expected. C. A. Bliss & Co. were damaged to the amount of $500; Fin Graham lost sixteen head of cattle, some wheat and corn in bin and grain in field, about $500. McBride & Green, in brick yard, about $200. These are the heaviest individual losses.

The two bridges swept off are a loss to Winfield township of about $4,000. The bridge across the Walnut at Arkansas City was swept off, damage $5,000.

A great many small losses were experienced in this vicinity and throughout the county. A large amount of planted corn, with the soil and hedges, were washed away.

Along the valleys of Timber, Silver, and Grouse, the bottoms were overflowed.

The total damage throughout the county must approximate $100,000. The most of the water came from Timber creek. The Walnut above this point rose to the highest water mark, but did not get out of its banks.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 11, 1876.

Bliss' mill is again running.

Dr. Graham and family have gone to the Centennial.

Let us have an iron bridge across the Walnut south of town.

Dan. Miles, of Timber creek, has opened a hotel in Howard City.

Lit Cottingham, on Timber creek, lost twenty-five hogs by the flood.

Arthur Orr lost some stock and a large lot of threshed wheat by the high water.

McBride & Green have not lost their grit. Work is resumed on the brick yard.

Amos Walton retires from the Democrat. He labored faith-fully, but in a waning cause.

Deputy Surveyor Tell Walton is busily engaged surveying roads over about Dexter.

Dr. Mansfield's drug store will be kept running during the season by Mrs. Mansfield.

Sam Watt has bought again in Pleasant Valley. He don'w know of a better country than Cowley.

Miss Kate Millington spent several days last week visiting Mrs. Judge Campbell and other friends at Wichita.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 11, 1876.]

The Elk Falls Ledger says: Messrs. Alter & Livingston are going to open a picture gallery in Dexter, Cowley County.

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The sheriff yesterday levied upon an old fiddle on the property of James Jordon to satisfy a personal tax warrant for $150.

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Mrs. Bertha Black, of Dexter, is prepared with a full assortment of millinery and dress-making goods to supply that region of country.

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Messrs. Harcourt, Lee, and Warner, of Rock Township, were down yesterday. They report but little damage done to crops by the late rains in that section.

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The livery firm of Morris & Robinson has dissolved partnership, Mr. Robinson retiring. Mr. Morris has already purchased new teams and buggies preparatory to "going it alone."

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Mr. Kelly has extended the wings of the post office box-delivery to a right angle which makes it more convenient for the public. He has also filled one side of the room with stationery.

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C. C. Harris, O. N. Morris, Rev. J. E. Platter, and several other Winfieldans were in Wichita last Saturday. The six-pavillioned-ten-allied-exhibition, commonly known as a cirrcus, was there the same day.

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Some of the Winfield Institute Fathers send their regards by Dr. Mansfield to Tyndal, Huxley, and the other boys over on the little Island that claims to be the original shell of the Great American Eagle.

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V. B. Beckett, the old "local" of this paper, writing from Burlington, Iowa, says the Mississippi river there is higher than it has been known for years and is doing much damage. It would seem from this that "our flood" was not confined to Kansas alone.

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Sanford Day from Cedar township called this week. He has temporarily removed to Dexter for the schooling of his children. He runs a blacksmith shop to pay expenses. From him we learn that the great rainfall of the late storm came down Saturday morning. The water was a foot deep over the surface of the earth. Grouse was soon out of its banks. Messrs. McDorman and Day at once constructed a rude boat and went to the rescue of threatened families, several of which were driven from their homes. No serious damage reported.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 11, 1876.]

ABE LAND is happy now. His family has arrived, and he will stay. Abe was one of the first settlers and is the father of the first white child born in the county. After four years of wandering, he concludes that Cowley is the best sun the country ever shown upon, and therefore tents his pitch again.

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At a meeting of the citizens of Winfield last Tuesday evening, Hon. W. P. Hackney was appointed to meet with the Board of Directors of the A. T. & S. F. railroad at Topeka on the 12th inst., and confer with them in reference to extending a branch of their road, this summer, down the valley to Winfield.

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DIED. A little child of Mrs. Pratt, down on the addition, died by suffocation last Sunday morning. Its mother left it lying in the bed when she arose to prepare breakfast and on returning to it a half hour afterwards, found it lying on its face dead. It was about six weeks old and was troubled at times with severe spells of coughing.

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The great rain of last Friday night was accompanied with hail in some localities. In Beaver township the hail did great damage. K. J. Wright lost 25 acres of wheat, W. D. Lester 35 acres, W. A. Freeman a good many acres, and several other farmers lost heavily. The flood on the creek drove Dr. Holland and others on the bottom out of their houses.

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CHAS. H. MILLER, the new U. S. Marshal for Kansas, has appointed Sheriff Walker as his deputy for this part of the district. We congratulate Mr. Miller on his selection. He could not have made one more acceptable to the people on the "border tier" had he submitted it to their popular vote. Capt. Walker will make a deputy worthy of the chief, and that is saying a great deal.

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JOSEPH P. HENDERSON, of Poplar Flat, Kentucky, called upon us this week. He arrived in Cowley a day or two since, and informs us that he received a copy of the Centennial issue of the COURIER last January, and at once decided to take a look at this country in May. He finds a better country than the COURIER represented it to be. Hereafter he will be one of us for weal or woe. He is an old acquaintance of Capt. McDermott's, and will visit around Dexter for a few days.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 11, 1876.]

Our Oxford correspondent, writing on the 8th, says: "Friday night and Saturday morning the big rain fell. It was between six and eight inches on the level. Usually quiet little ravines arose to a depth of fifteen feet in a few hours and swept away bridges, culverts, and roads. Lightning killed two horses for Mr. Houser, two miles south of town. Two mules standing in the stable at the same time escaped unhurt. The stable, with fifteen bushels of wheat, also plows, harrows, and other farming implements, were consumed by the fire. Mr. Kelly, living two miles northwest of town, had a mule killed by lightning. The wheat is not injured to any extent. Corn will be late in consequence of the heavy rain."

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DIED. We are pained to chronicle the death of a little child of our estimable fellow citizen, John Easton. The child was playing near a wagon from which the driver was unloading wood at the residence of Mr. Kinne. The driver, unconscious that the child was near, started the team and a wheel passed over its little body. It got up, walked home, a distance of a square, and told its mother that it was sick and wanted to go to bed. She asked it where it was hurt. Putting its hand on its chest, it said: "The wagon hurt me here." These were the last words it uttered. It died in its mother's arms the same instant. Dr. Black was called in, but the child was then beyond human surgery. He thinks the main artery leading to the heart was broken. May friends express sorrow at the accident and sympathize with the griefstricken parents.

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Besides the usual amount of cases on the docket at the recent term of court in Sumner county, there were several hard cases dancing attendance. One of these was Willis Jackson, the murderer of McDowell. He was tried, convicted of "murder in the first degree," and was sentenced by Judge Campbell last Friday. That night he escaped from his guards, and up to the present writing his not been caught. He ate breakfast, with his handcuffs on, within two miles of Wellington, at the house of a farmer named DeArmen, and was not arrested by him. The authorities are still on his track and may bring him in yet. R. M. Neil, who it will be remembered, shot and killed Turner on election day last fall, was acquitted. John Coffelt was convited of embezzlement, but through the efforts of able counsel, secured a new trial, and will probably get free. These are a few of the kind of cases they have over in Sumner.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 11, 1876.]

The COURIER office shipped to A. T. Stewart, at Kansas City, this week, a box containing specimens of growing wheat and rye enveloped in fruit and forest leaves, and a splendid collection of garden flowers. The latter were clipped from the beautiful front yard of Max Shoeb, and the wheat and rye from the field of Col. Manning. The wheat measured fifty-four and the rye sixty inches in length. The specimens will be exhibited at the Board of Trade rooms in Kansas City and then forwarded to Philadelphia.

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Messrs. Kirby, Ireton, Weekly, and Weekly have returned from the Black Hills. They only got as far as Cheyenne. There transportation got to be a big thing. A walk from there to Custer City, two hundred and ninety miles, was not very inviting, especially when every canon was liable to bristle with "bloody Injuns." While they were at Cheyenne, the remains of the Superintendent of the stage company line, between there and Custer City, was brought in. He was killed by the Indians. All the stock was ordered off the line. Hay is ten and corn fifteen cents per pound. Those who are in the Hills will likely stay there this summer. Their supplies will probably go in on other than the Cheyenne route. The boys report that the U. S. troops do not protect the routes--that they have no orders to that effect, and if they had, there is not enough of them in that locality to do it. They are disgusted with the Hills and have returned, per advice of the COURIER, to dig wealth out of the coming golden wheat harvest. The actual experience and information they got on the trip is all they have to show for the $130, per capita, expended.

---

The stage from Wichita last Saturday got sandwiched between Spring and Dog creeks and the passengers, of which we were one, had to take to the water to find dry land. Hack, horses, and everything went down in the mud. Through the efforts of our worthy local agent, Mr. Bangs, and "Tommy," the driver, the mail and the females were transferred to a wagon and driven back to El Paso for the night. In getting out of our difficulty, we happened to drive over a field of wheat which was under water that belonged to an idiot on Dog creek. He swam the creek and chased us on foot for about two miles. That was all the good it did him, however, as we hadn't time to converse with him. We saw him the next morning. He brandished a weapon in front of the stage and demanded "damages or blood." Bangs modestly but firmly suggested that "This is the U. S. mail line. One man and one shot gun has no legal right to delay these documents of importance; these letters of business; and these epistles of love that are trying to reach their destination. Stand aside, my friend. Lay your troubles before special mail agent Jno. M. Crowell. He will refer you to Senator Ingalls, he to the Department at Washington, and it will give you redress." We drove on. The fellow sat down and cried. Bangs was too much for him.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 11, 1876.]

Monday morning the citizens of the west part of town were startled with the cry of "Help! Help! Murder!!" Three men were seen scuffling on the street near Kirk's blacksmith shop. Sheriff Walker rushed to the scene, and found old man Horneman in the hands of two men, who were trying to put him in a wagon. He was shouting vociferously and calling on the bystanders for help. Dick enquired of the parties by what authority they were acting, and they showed him a warrant for Horneman properly signed by the authorities of Rice county. Having the proper credentials, they chucked the old man in the wagon, and hurried off towards

Wichita. Dick hurried up to the office of Pryor, who made immediate application to, and obtained of Judge Gans, a writ of habeas corpus. Armed with this and other necessaries, Dick started out after the kidnappers. A novel race ensued. The old man was pinioned to the lower deck of the wagon box by a two hundred pound deputy sheriff sitting on his broad chest, while the other sat upon the seat and drove furiously. As Walker came in sight, they redoubled their speed, thinking to reach the county line before him. They didn't know the man or the mettle of the little bay team that was slashing up behind them. He came up, halted them, and demanded the prisoner. They gave him up without any "back talk." As Horneman, almost breathless, climbed into the buggy with Dick, he shook his fist at the big Rice deputy man and said: "By shimminy, you don't sit on mine pelly so much now as before Valker came you did, eh!" The cause alleged for the arrest was that Horneman stole a horse up in Rice and brought it down here. The truth of the matter is this: Horneman hired a horse of Mr. Fitzsimmons, of Red Bud, loaned it to Tom Deering, who drove it up to Rice county and sold it. Horneman, having a chattel mortgage on the horse, went up and got it. Then he was followed and arrested for stealing the horse, as above stated. His trial will come off next Monday. The old man's description of his ride, with the deputy sheriff sitting on him, was too funny for any use.

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Republican Work.

The following townships have reported the proceedings of last Thursday's conventions.

Winfield township caucus met at the Courthouse at 2 o'clock p.m.; M. G. Troup was selected as chairman and E. C. Manning, secretary. Thirteen delegates to the 88th District Convention were elected as follows: D. A. Millington, J. C. Monforte,

M. G. Troup, A. H. Green, T. J. Jones, T. B. Myers, Geo. Robertson, Sam. Burger, C. A. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, J. L. King, J. P.

McMillen, and E. C. Manning.

Silver Creek township caucus elected Wm. May and A. P. Brooks as delegates, and selected a township central committee consisting of Sam Jarvis, chairman, T. P. Carter, and A. P.

Brooks.

Harvey township: R. C. Story, delegate. Township committee chosen: R. C. Story, chairman, W. F. Hall, secretary, and R. Strother.

Pleasant valley township: Committee chosen: C. J. Brane, chairman, Samuel Watt, secretary, and S. H. Sparks.

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[THE RAILROAD BUSINESS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 18, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

THE RAILROAD BUSINESS.

Every day we are asked by the farmers: "What are the news from the railroad?" Being in position to obtain the latest news we take pleasure in keeping them posted. Of the east and west road the situation seems to be thus: A meeting is to be held at Lazette today to hear the report of the committees appointed by the local company. That committee was to have gone to Kansas City and confer with parties who proposed to back a local com-

pany. What that report will be we know not, but we hope for the best, though a report has reached us that no one has been found to furnish the necessary money.

On the other hand, Mr. Hackney reports that at the meeting of the directors, to which he was sent by the people of Winfield, he was informed that the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad company would build a road into this county in time to remove this year's crop, or at farthest by January 1st, 1877, if the people along the line would give them the right of way and about $3,400 per mile in cash. A party of gentlemen started from Winfield last evening to meet the directors of that company at Wichita today to receive the definite proposition in writing. This proposition will then be considered by the people of the county, and if they think favorable of it, action will be taken to put it into effect.

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[STORY ABOUT GEN. GEORGE A. CUSTER.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 18, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

Let No Guilty Man Escape.

Gen. Rice branded Gen. Custer as a liar, and the latter has taken no steps to disprove it or to avenge his wounded honor. A correspondent writes of Custer as follows:

Gen. George A. Custer, "hero of the lash," as he is quite fittingly described by Ingersoll in his history of Iowa and the rebellion, on account of his brutal whipping of Iowa soldiers on the Rio Grande long after the close of the war, is quite likely to get more of this investigating business than he contracted for.

It turns out that the post-trader at Fort Lincoln had been for some time cashing Custer's drafts on the New York Herald, and the evidence is becoming conclusive that he was himself the correspondent of the Upper Missouri river, who has been so soundly abusing Grant, Belknap, and his other superior officers in direct violation of the articles of war. It appears to be conclusive that he bankrupted one of his quartermasters at the gaming table, which compelled that officer to dessert and flee the country, and that he is in the habit of fleecing the other financial and bonded officers of his command, which is a penitentiary offense under the law.

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[NAVIGATING THE ARKANSAS RIVER.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 18, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

In regard to the scheme for navigating the Arkansas river, the Chautauqua News of the 29th, ult., says: Mr. Graverock passed through here last week on his way to St. Louis for the purpose of securing boats to run on the Arkansas river from its mouth as far up as Wichita or Arkansas City at least. If this can be accomplished, it will be a grand thing for all the country bordering upon that river. The immense amount of wheat grown in that country would then have a cheap outlet to the best markets in the world, and build up a trade rarely equalled anywhere. This would make Arkansas City an important, and soon, a very large city. Elkf Falls Ledger.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 18, 1876.

Newcomers every day.

WALTER DENNING is city marshal.

Dr. Black is building a commodious residence.

The new tax law requires bankers to pay tax on deposits.

Hackney returned from Topeka last Monday evening.

Fuller's blackberry bushes are full of blossoms.

Ice cream at Jim Hill's every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evenings.

Large quantites and several varieties of fish are dipped from the Walnut now-days.

The manure piles and garbage should be cleaned from the streets and alleys of Winfield.

Fred Hunt is keeping up the abstract of title department of Curns & Manser's land office.

The new sign on the brick bank is the biggest sign in the Walnut Valley. John Reed did the painting.

Banker Read is spending lots of money and displaying good taste in the improvements upon his residence property.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 18, 1876.]

We have heard several farmers scolding about the new tax law which taxes corn in the crib and pork in the barrel for use.

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The great rise in the Walnut lacked two feet of running over the banks of the stream at Moore's mill, nor did the water get into the mill.

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The Baptist church is being renovated and painted. A large flagstone has taken the place of the rickety, plank platform at the entrance.

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We are told that Geo. Ballou, of Windsor township, lost 7,000 bushels of corn by the flood. It was in cribs with the husk on and was submerged.

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Capt. McDermott has four breaking teams running upon his farm, and will raise his bread another year.

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MR. L. MERICLE, from Knox county, Illinois, has purchased five quarter sections of land in Bolton township, and will sow 800 acres of wheat thereon this season.

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The Richland township boys now attribute the recent flood on Dutch creek to the bursting of an escape valve on Tom Carson's double-back-action-wind-power stock pump.

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Prof. J. W. Shively, principal of the Douglas schools, called upon us this week. He reports the people in that vicinity in favor of a railroad, no matter where it comes from.

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The Republicans of Silver Dale township selected for central committee the following gentlemen: L. Lipman, chairman; John Tipton, secretary; and William Herber--all good, active men.

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An incident of the high water in the Grouse valley, near Dexter, was the refuge taken by fifteen persons, two mules, and three horses upon a straw stack to which they were drive, the water rising four feet 'round the base.

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If there had been a fire in town lately, what fun there would have been hunting up the city ladders and buckets. The painters have left them scattered over town. The buckets are used for slop. We hope none of the city council will have any buildings ignited.

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The farmers of Grouse valley suffered a great deal of damage by the flood of two weeks ago. The principal harm arises from the loss of plowed soil and planted corn. In many cases the current of high water swept across farms and carried away whole fields of soil down to the unplowed dirt.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 18, 1876.]

Sheridan township comes to the front with 2,500 acres of wheat, 2,575 acres of corn. These "figures won't lie," as they were taken from the returns of Hank Clay, the "worthy and well qualified" township assessor. This is pretty good for Sheridan, considering the fact that it is one of the smallest townships in the county.

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FRED KROPP has completed his excursion boat, launched her above the bridge, and is now ready to accommodate all webb-footed pleasure seekers. For 25 cents he will carry you up the river to Island No. 10 and swim you back for nothing. The boat will carry eight persons. It is propelled by an Archimides lever. Oars are dispensed with.

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BIG GAINS. The assessment rolls are not all in, but we have seen a few of them. A very marked increase in the development of the county is shown over last year however. In the matter of winter wheat breadth the largest gain is shown. In Rock, 4,435 against 2,051 in 1875; in Richland, 1,728 against 764 in 1875; in Otter, 1,519 against 904 in 1875; in Beaver, 2,332 against 1,434 in 1875.

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CAPT. S. C. SMITH, es-Mayor of Winfield, returned to his "old love" last Saturday. He is now located at Los Angelos, California, and only comes back for a short visit. He still owns valuable property in our city and county, that the frowning, frozen peaks of the "Rockies" can't keep him from visiting annually. The Pacific air evidently agrees with him, as he is looking hale and hearty.

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Last Thursday evening Mrs. Amos Smith, of Pleasant Valley township, lost one thousand bushels of corn, a cheap stable, and a lot of rails by fire. The fire originated by a lighted match that a young child put in the hay nearby. It is a serious loss and comes at a trying time with her. The next day we met Capt. Nipp on his way to her place with a wagon load of corn as a present.

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What might have proved a serious accident, but fortunately did not, happened last night to J. B. Lynn, of this city, and Dick Wilson and Mr. Huffman, two well-known "drummers," as they

were crossing the Walnut on their return from Arkansas City. It seems that the west side of the ford is in a bad condition, having been washed out by the late flood, and in the effort to avoid the bad place, they drove into a worse, upsetting the buggy right on top of the pony, in some three feet of water. There was no help near, and but for the fact that the current was strong and swift, our friends must surely have drowned; but the force of the water turned the buggy off of them and they scrambled out, little the worse for their narrow escape.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 18, 1876.]

[Frederick Brown Seeks Relatives.]

FORTY-FOUR YEARS LOST. The Osage City Free Press contains the following.

"I, Frederick Brown, was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, in the year 1827. My mother died when I was very young. My father's name was William. I had two brothers: one by the name of Eli, and one by the name of Washington. As near as my recollection serves me, I also had two sisters: the name of one, I think, was Elizabeth, though I was so young I may be mistaken in the names given. My father gave me away to Robert Osborn and his wife, Mary, four years after the death of my mother, and moved East with the other four children. Robert Osborn moved to Bates county, Missouri, in 1838, where he now sleeps. There I lived thirty-four years, and finally moved to Cowley county, Kansas, where I now live. If any person has any record or knowledge of the above named people, they would confer a favor by giving me notice. My address is Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas. All papers in this State and others are requested to copy this notice once, and oblige FREDERICK BROWN.

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Republican District Conventions.

Pursuant to call the Republican delegates from the townships of the 88th Representative District met in convention at the Courthouse in Winfield last Saturday.

On motion, W. B. Norman, of Maple, was chosen chairman, and Wm. White, secretary of the meeting.

After the usual formalities were disposed of, the delegates present proceeded to vote for two delegates and two alternates to represent this district in the State Convention, May 24, 1876. The choice fell upon D. A. Millington and E. P. Kinnie, with respective alternates, as follows: Charles Eagen, of Rock, and

J. M. Alexander, of Winfield.

All motions to adopt resolutions declaring for Presidential candidates were tabled, though the meeting was strongly Blaine in sentiment.

On motion the following District Republican central committee was chosen: L. J. Webb, B. Shriver, and W. B. Norman.

On motion the convention adjourned sine die.

From the 89th District.

The Republican convention for the 89th district was held at Dexter, on the 13th. On the assembling of the delegates, J. B. Callison, from Spring creek, was chosen temporary chairman, and

T. H. Aley, from Otter, was chosen secretary. The permanent organization resulted in the choice of T. R. Bryan as chairman, and T. H. Aley as secretary.

The delegates chosen to represent the district in the State convention May 24th were S. M. Fall, of Windsor, and S. P. Channell, of Arkansas City.

Alternates: A. A. Wiley, of Spring creek and Fred Brown, of Beaver. The following persons were chosen Republican Central Committee for the district: Hon. James McDermott, chairman,

C. R. Mitchell, C. W. Jones, T. H. Aley and C. J. Brane.

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List of letters remaining unclaimed in the Post Office at Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas, on the 16th day of May, 1876.

FIRST COLUMN:

Adams, Harriet; Burrow, Alice; Brown, Fannie; Brayman, A. L.; Becker, J. K.; Bousman, W. D.; Belote, Geo. C.; Cowley, T.; Cook, Richard; Cook, Thos. E.; Crab, J. P.; Dean, Henry Albert; Elkins, Wm. O.; Foreman, Mollie; Froman, C. E.; Howard, J. W.; Hitchcock, Mary; Houston, David; Holman, Joseph; Helm, Mrs. Alice; Hoover, Wm. P.; Holloway, Mrs. Sarah; Hamon, John; Icett, E. B.; James, Charley; King, Jennie; Landis, Rettie; Meece, Christiana.

SECOND COLUMN:

Mullens, S. F.; Morris, T. W.; Magginnis, T.; McCoy, Charles; McGinnis, Leatia; Mullen, Harvey; Melville, Mary J.; Mouser, M. A.; Mears, James; Miller, Elizabeth; Nichols, J. B.; Paul, Sim.; Pomeroy, E. H.; Province, Edward; Richardson, W. H.; Spencer, Albert; Smith, Sarah E.; Svendson, A.; Smith, Wm. Cass; Thompson, Flora; Thompson, Mr.; Thompson, Margaret; Van Ormer, Angelina; Whitaker, P. F.; Wickersham, Mr.; Wooden, C. H.; Woolley, John B.

JAMES KELLY, P. M.

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[MARRIAGE AMONG THE CHOCTAWS: CHEYENNE LEADER.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1876 - FRONT PAGE.

Marriage Among the Choctaws.

The Indians talk little under any circumstances. Thus it is naturally supposable that when a young fellow dons his best (which is generally set off with a calico blouse, having large, flaming sleeves, and his hat stuck full of feathers, with two or three yards of scarlet ribbon hanging down his back), he would be about speechless by the time he arrived at the "old man's" mansion.

After dismounting from his pony, he takes his position on the fence, and sits there till he sees his fair one at the door, when he grins audibly, and if she doeth likewise, he takes it for granted that he is welcome and goes into the house, which generally consists of one room and contains all the family, and therein he has to make his speech, which at the furthest amounts to three grunts.

His success depends very much upon an invitation to smoke by the father of the courted lass. If the "old man" has any respect for him he lights his pipe, and after taking a whiff, hands it to the young man, who in turn takes a whiff, and so they proceed, whiff about. The length of time they smoke depends altogether on the esteem the father has for the beau. After a certain number of such visits he finally musters up courage enough to say,

"Che-te-ha-li-de-la-li-um-mi?" Which means, in English, "Will you have me." If she says, "Ky-yo," which means, "No," he takes himself off. If she gives a grunt, the preparations are made.

On the day appointed for the wedding, the groom arrives on a pony, and leading another that has a side-saddle for the bride. On arriving at the house, without dismounting, he fastens her pony to the fence, and then rides off a short distance in the direction they are to go. Shortly the bride steps out, dressed in the height of fashion--a new calico dress, a white pocket handkerchief round the neck, and a large red one tied over the head and ears, and a pair of new shoes across her arms, which she puts on just before reaching the parson's. As soon as she mounts her pony, the man starts on, and she follows from 50 to 200 yards behind. On arriving at the parsonage he gets off, ties his horse, and goes into the house and makes his business known. By this time the lady arrives, dismounts, secures her horse, and goes to the house, leans herself on the side of it near the door, and patiently waits till someone discovers her and bids her enter. All things being in readiness, the minister, who is usually a white missionary, motions the couple to stand up, and performs the ceremony in English, which is about as intelligible to them as Greek; but when the minister stops talking, they depart, leaving the poor clergyman without fee or thanks.

They usually go to the husband's parents and stay about a year before attempting the arduous duties of "housekeeping." After getting married, a Choctaw does as they do in Indiana--that is, if he doesn't like the squaw, he gets a divorce, which is granted on the most frivolous pretext. Cheyenne Leader.

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[SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876.

Silver Creek Township.

The most of the farmers have finished planting corn, and some are plowing their corn.

There has been a great deal of hedge put out this spring, and the season has been very favorable for it so far.

Silver Creek sets up the claim to the best hedged farm in Cowley county. James Jackson has a hedge around his entire quarter, with a lane through the center, with two cross fences enclosing a pasture, all of which now turn stock, and already dispenses with herding.

We have several settlers from Illinois among us this spring; among them, Mr. Clark, from southern Illinois, who informs us that several of his neighbors there think of settling in Cowley the present season.

John Leach is getting up a very comfortable residence on his farm near the center of the township.

Eugene Milliard is teaching the school in the Brooks

district.

Mr. Hall is doing a great deal of prairie breaking; he turns over the sod with two good breaking teams.

Rev. D. Thomas preached to a very large congregation last Sabbath at the Jarvis schoolhouse. The Elder is the traveling missionary for the Southwestern Association.

Harvey Smith is building a good stone smoke-house, preparatory to smoking a large amount of bacon which he has on hand.

SILAS JEEMS.

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[BUSTED: ARTICLE RE SANTA FE RAILROAD DEALINGS - WALNUT VALLEY.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

BUSTED.

The President and Directors of the A. T. & S. F. railroad led the people of the Walnut Valley to believe that they would, last Friday, at Wichita, state definitely the time and terms within and upon which they would build a railroad down the valley. They did not do it, however. M. G. Troup, D. A. Millington, W. P. Hackney, C. A. Bliss, and E. C. Manning went to Wichita to learn definitely what the purpose of the railroad company was. A delegation of citizens from each of the following places was there ahead of the directors to interview them: Emporia, Cottonwood Falls, Florence, Butler county, Sumner county, and Cowley county. The special train bearing the railroad authorities arrived about 6 p.m. About 8 p.m. the delegations from Butler and Cowley counties were granted an interview.

The President, Mr. Nickerson, then informed the Walnut Valley party that their company was not prepared to say what they would do about building a road down the Valley, but that in thirty or sixty days they would be able to say whether they would or would not build the road, and upon what terms. Upon receiving this highly satisfactory (?) information, the W. V. delegation humbly took their hats and withdrew.

Each of our readers may guess what had possessed these fellows to say at Topeka the week before that they would state a definite proposition at Wichita, which might be accepted or rejected by the Walnut Valley people, and then when the appointed time came, to say they were not ready. We have a guess of our own, but as it is only a guess, we will not give it.

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[AND STILL WE HAVE NO RAILROAD: COMMENTS ABOUT SANTA FE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

AND STILL WE HAVE NO RAILROAD.

The readers of the COURIER know that it earnestly desires a railroad. It has encouraged every step taken to promote the construction of a railroad into Cowley county. No matter who suggested the movement; no matter what direction the proposed road was to come from; no matter what gauge; no matter what price, the COURIER has been for a railroad. The people need it; the county needs it; every interest languishes for it, except the interest on money. The interest on money has no interest in a railroad.

Now that all projects to get a railroad into Cowley county have failed, let us look at the situation. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe company will not aid in the construction of a road into this valley for the very good reason that they already do the carrying business of this region. No road from the north can come into this county for the following reason: Emporia, Cottonwood Falls, Florence, and Peabody want to be each the starting point, and three of them will fight any enterprise that starts from the fourth. At Eldorado the A., T. & S. F. company has secret servants employed to defeat any project hostile to their interests. The people of Butler county cannot unite on any one enterprise. No road can be built without local aid. Owing to jealousies, traitors, local strifes, the Emporia disorganizers and the two-thirds vote, we must turn our backs upon everything to the north of us. What next?

Let us turn our eyes eastward. Humboldt is within one hundred miles of this place. The M., K. & T. railroad is to be built across to Ft. Scott from Humboldt. The L., L. & G. railroad already runs direct from Humboldt to Kansas City and Leavenworth. The people along the line can build a road from here to Humboldt if they but say they will. Will they say it? Yes, as soon as they realize that they must themselves take hold of the enterprise. And this is the truth. No one will build it for them. They can and they must build it themselves.

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[CORRESPONDENCE FROM "RATTLEHEAD" - TISDALE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

Correspondence.

TISDALE, May 22, 1876.

Tisdale is dead this summer, not much improvement going on.

Jas. Napier has bought the entire stock of goods of D. B. Creek and taken the position behind the counter.

J. A. McGuire has just received a new stock of ladies' hats, and the young ladies are coming out in flying colors.

The wheat in this locality looks well, aothough the red rust has struck it.

J. Smith, Barney Shriver, and Levi Bullington have started to St. Louis with their cattle.

Tisdale is redeeming herself; we have a preacher, and have preaching every two weeks. Rev. Stewart is a young man, but a good preacher, and is making firends wherever he goes.

What has become of our railroad? Did they butt it off the track at Lazette last Thursday? What railroad will we introduce next?

Quite a number of strange faces in town last week hunting a location, and S. S. Moore is always ready to show them where they can get cheap homes, rich soil, and good water.

Thos. McGuire has been limping around for sometime with a sprained ankle, but is able to be behind the counter again.

Paul Pry, of Sheridan, has got up quite a breeze over in Sheridan.

The COURIER was in big demand last week at and around Mount Contention.

The revival in Sheridan has been going on for sometime; quite a number have joined the church, and several rose for prayers on last Sunday night.

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[CORRESPONDENCE FROM "PAUL PRY" - SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

From Sheridan Township.

We are living in peace and dwelling in harmony and brotherly love in the valley at this time. Everything is peaceable. Even the dogs have ceased to fight, and the bedbugs no longer make their meal on our poor carcasses.

Sheridan will have a large yield of wheat this season.

Barney Shriver has a very nice 140 acre wheat field.

Sol. Smith says he wants no more flood in his, but says he will never go back on Kansas.

William Whitehead has sold a part of his farm to his nephew, G. W. Whitehead.

Mr. Saunders has moved off his valley farm to a claim taken by his son on the ridge west of Silver.

Parties east of Silver contemplate the organization of a stock company to bore for coal. Hope they may not "bore" in rain.

PAUL PRY.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876.

Green peas. New potatoes. Strawberries. Linnen coats are in order. It rained last Friday night too.

The mills are all running again.

THE AVENUE is the best hotel in the city.

Indians are on the streets again. "Pony swap," in order.

The Frazee Bro.'s are improving a nice little farm down on Posey creek.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876.]

JAMES STEWART, of this place, has opened a livery stable at Howard City.

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FIN GRAHAM started to Wichita yesterday with several loads of prime wheat.

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The Winfield schools close for the summer tomorrow.

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JOHNNY BRYAN hauled six loads of wheat to Wichita last week. He wants a railroad too.

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Mrs. W. M. Boyer will start East on a visit to friends in New York State next Tuesday.

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T. J. COATS, of Windsor township, filled a morocco covered chair in our sanctum one day last week.

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THOS. BAKER has moved his barber shop to Arkansas City, and will compete with that carpenter down there.

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Four bushels of strawberries have been engaged for the strawberry and ice cream festival next Tuesday evening.

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T. A. WILKINSON has sold over eight thousand dollars worth of farm machinery for Myton during the past thirty days.

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County Attorney Pyburn has returned from the Democratic State Convention. He reports it enthusiastic but not

harmonious.

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The "brick block" at Arkansas City is still progressing. Messrs. Channell & Haywood will only build their half one story high for the present.

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MR. J. B. LYNN informs us that his six thousand bushels of corn standing in the crib has received great damage by the recent heavy rains.

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We will publish a complete statistical report of the county by townships next week as taken from the trustees' returns. Send a copy to your wife's people.

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The editor's table was made glad with a large dish of ripe strawberries from Capt. Lowry's garden, gathered by the enterprising ladies of that musical household.

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DAVE DALE and Mc. D. Stapleton, two of the Lazette Grangers, and the best shots on the wing (fried chicken wing), in the Grouse valley, were in ttown Sunday.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876.]

COL. ALEXANDER started for Topeka Monday morning, to attend the Republican Convention as alternate for Mr. E. P. Kinne. He will go from there to the Exposition.

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We understand that Messrs Hackney and McDonald have purchased of Col. Alexander the beautiful and sightly mound at the head of Ninth Avenue, just east of town.

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OWNE F. BOYLE ("Tony") came in on the stage, from the north, this week. Many clubs stood ready to welcome him, particularly the Bazique club. Tony looks well. He 'aint married yet.

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Now we are anxious to go to the Exposition since learning that a Winfield man is there selling persimmon beer. Tarrant, the Brittish baker, is there. Who wouldn't be an Englishman?

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The Oxford Independent, a new paper by Rev. John Blevins, will appear at the little town over at the end of the bridge sometime this month. We are anxious to see it. Hurry it up, Leonard.

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A Strawberry and ice cream festival will be given at the Courthouse on next Tuesday evening, May 30th, by the Ladies' Aid Society of the Presbyterian church. All are invited to attend.

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JOHN NICHOLS has whitewashed his shop and made sundry other improvements, which puts it in the lead of other tonsorial rooms of this city. There being two other shops, he has plenty of time to whet his razors. Go see him.

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Over thirty wagons passed through here last week enroute for Arizona. They were from Arkansas. They contained a class of people who will never get back. We are glad they didn't stop here. If Arkansas don't want them, Kansas certainly does not.

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JASPER COCHRAN came out the first best in a fight with a huge copperhead, near the mill one day last week. Snakes are numerous about the timber this time of the year.

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COUNTY CLERK TROUP has been busily "footing up" the returns of the several township trustees this week. The "population" column is what interests him. 9,999 persons entitles him to s salary of $1,200, while 10,000 would give him $1,500. You see it is a $300 "foot up" with him.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876.]

We are pleased to note that Dr. W. R. Davis has purchased the Swain land near town. It is a valuable tract for suburgan residences, containing 154 acres. This looks as though the Dr. had become a permanent citizen, a hope we have often heard expressed since our people formed his acquaintance.

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It is said that our young friend, Ed. Holloway, besides being an active clerk in the great Dry Goods store of J. B. Lynn & Co., is engaged in Horti-cultural pursuits. If he is as successful in this enterprise as his employers are in theirs, it won't be long until we'll expect an invitation to visit his several Homes.

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A day spent with Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Pruden, at their River View farm, near Salt City, last week, convinces us that native Ohioans are the most genial, sociable, hospitable, and energetic people on the top of this "oblate sphereoid." The Pruden Brothers own nearly a thousand acres of land, half of which is in cultivation; two farm-houses, one of which, a two story brick, cost $3,800; blooded stock, and improved farm machinery enough to run a small Earldom. They will sow over five hundred acres of wheat next fall, and probably erect a mill at a large spring on their farm, with which to convert it into the staple of life. This is what we call broad gauged farming.

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BIRTH OF TWINS. Their many friends here will be glad to learn that Mr. and Mrs. E. SPENCER BLISS have been blessed with not only a son and heir, but in addition a daughter and heiress. The Centennial pair arrived on the 5th instnt., and their combined avoirdupois tips the beam at seven and one-half pounds. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are doubtless the happiest couple in the Empire State.

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Tuesday morning Mr. James Baldwin, accompanied by his friends, Joseph Henderson and A. H. Thompson, left for Vermillion county, Illinois. They have been all over southwestern Kansas, and they pronounce Cowley the best county they have seen. They will return this fall with a large flock of sheep, purchase land in the Grouse valley, and go into sheep raising extensively. We wish them a safe journey home and a speedy return to Cowley.

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The Winfield Tunnel Mills sold thirty-six thousand pounds of flour to a Wichita firm last Saturday, and could have sold as much more if it had been on hand. It will be delivered this week. Wichita mourns the loss of the dam of the Little Arkansas water mill. The boiler of her steam mill is in dry dock for repairs. If it were not for the "outlying province of Cowley," a flour famine would be upon the kingdom of Wichita. And still we have no railroad.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876.]

One day this week Mr. A. B. Odell, of Ninnescah township, suffered quite a heavy loss by fire. His hay, corn, stable, and pigpen, with several hogs, were burned. The fire was set in the hay by his littel four-year old boy, who was "roasting an egg," as he said. As soon as the hay got fairly to burning, realizing, in a degree what he had done, the boy rushed in and asked his mother for a drink of water. She gave it to him, and instead of drinking it, he ran out and threw it on the burning hay stack. This was the first his mother knew of the fire. The damage to Mr. Odell is not less than a hundred dollars.

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E. H. BELCHER, writing from Cheyenne, on the 13th inst., to Mr. Bangs, of this city, says: "This place is nearly dead. I shall leave for Colorado in a few days. Men are leaving the Black Hills by the hundreds. A party of one hundred arrived here yesterday. The Indians are killing men and stealing stock daily. I would not be surprised if they should clean out Custer City before long. I think there will be good mines found when the Indians are quieted down, but we will have a h__l of a fight before we get them quiet. If you, or anyone else who has an idea of coming out here, are making a living where you are, you had better stay there. Wait until next year anyway."

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Fourth of July Meeting.

The citizens of Winfield will meet at the Courthouse at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, to discuss the question of celebrating the Fourth at Winfield. Let there be a good turn out. This notice is issued at the request of several citizens.

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WHAT Cowley county is to the State, Bolton township is to Cowley county, the banner wheat raising district. Unless a farmer has over sixty acres of wheat, his field is called a "patch." A. A. Newman & Co. will harvest 200 acres; Reuben Bowers, 187; Henry Pruden, 165; Frank Lorry, 150; E. B. Kager, 150; Oscar Palmer, 150; the Beard Bros., 100, and we don't know how many farmers 50 and 75 acre fields of the best wheat in the State. The majority of the farmers will use "Headers," thus saving the expense of binding and shocking the grain. Of course, Bolton wants a railroad. We were told by one of her leading citizens that the township would not cast three dissenting votes to any railroad bond proposition that the Commissioners might submit, whether east, west, north, or south, it matters not to them, they all want a railroad.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, MAY 25, 1876.]

Vernon Township.

Corn is most all up in this vicinity and looks fine.

Wheat is in blossom and some in the milk; I think it will yield thirty bushels to the acre.

Rye looks very well; a neighbor of mine sowed some on the prairie last fall that I think will make fifteen bushels to the acre, but it was sowed very late.

Everybody is breaking more ground to put in wheat.

One man north of here is sowing ten acres of flax.

People are all talking railroad up this way.

Wm. Barton killed a striped ground squirrel the other day, and made a post mortem of it, and found sixteen more almost ready to hatch. Beat that if you can.

May 23, 1876. O.

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City Council Proceedings.

WINFIELD, KAN., May 15th, 1876.

City Council met in regular session at the Clerk's office, May 15th, 1876.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; M. G. Troup, A. B. Lemmon, and T. B. Myers, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Minutes of previous meeting was read and approved.

The bond of R. Ehret as a dram shop keeper in the city of Winfield was read and approved as to its security.

The bond of Joseph Likowski as a dram shop keeper in the city of Winfield was read and approved by the council.

The bond of Walter Dening, as Marshal in and for the city of Winfield, was read and approved by the council.

A bill of E. R. Evans, of five dollars, for services as deputy city marshal, from 5 o'clock p.m., May 12th, to 4 o'clock a.m., May 14th, 1876, was read and on motion was laid on the table.

Bill of B. F. Baldwin, forty-two and forty one hundredth dollars, for services as city clerk and stationery for the city, was read and approved and ordered paid.

On motion of M. G. Troup the Council adjourned.

B. F. BALDWIN, City Clerk.

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For Sale.

A quarter section of fine land, two miles east of Winfield, for sale cheap. Will take a good team in part payment. Inquire of A. B. LEMMON.

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[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1876.

Sam Wood has gone bag and bagge to the San Juan mines.

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You may count the wheat crop of Cowley as assured. The splendid weather of the past week has done the business.

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[CONTINUATION OF EDITORIAL ITEMS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876 - E. C. MANNING - EDITOR.

GOOD ENOUGH.

In another column will be found a statement showing the population and resources of Cowley county.

Ten thousand and twenty people!

One hundred and three thousand acres of improved land!

Thirty-eight thousand and seven hundred acres of winter wheat!

Over thirty thousand acres of corn!

Eighty three hundred acres of oats!

One thousand acres of potatoes!

Four hundred thousand fruit trees growing outside of

nurseries!

In a county only six years old the 28th day of last

February!

Never did wheat look so promising. If a crop ever averaged twenty-six bushels to the acre, this year's crop will. This will give the 1,000,000 bushels we have prophesied.

The corn will turn out 1,250,000!

The oats 350,000 bushels!

The potatoes 150,000 bushels!

These crops alone would load a trin of two horse wagons two hundred and forty one miles long.

They would load nearly four thousand railroad cars!

And still we have no railroad!!!

NOTE: SKIPPED STATISTICS...ON SAME PAGE!

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Item skipped entitled "Statistics of Population and Growing Crops of 1876 and Productions of Cowley County for the Year ending March 1st, 1876. AFTER TABULATIONS:

In addition to the foregoing there are in the county of other products, 49 acres of spring wheat; 32 acres of barley; 21 acres of buckwheat; 28 acres of sweet potatoes, but which are added into the potato total above; 4 acres of castor beans; 9 acres of cotton; 362 acres of flax; 1 acre of hemp; 13 acres of tobacco; 47 acres of broom corn; 25 acres of timothy; 42 acres of clover; 99 acres of blue grass; 113 acres of fruit nurseries; 35 acres of vineyard; 1,512 bearing apple trees; 763 bearing pear trees; 60,864 bearing peach trees; 272 bearing plum trees; 1,108 bearing cherry trees; and 340,704 fruit trees of all descriptions set out and not bearing.

Garden produce marketed last year, $2,837.00; poultry and eggs marketed, $2,284.00; cheese manufactured, 648 pounds; butter, 185,327; value of animals slaughtered or sold for slaughter, $81,092.

The number of horses in the county March 1st, 1876, 4,074; mules, 707; milch cows, 3,658; other cattle, 7,168; sheep, 3,919; swine, 7,139.

Total valuation, $1,887,678.50.

Winfield township valuation is over one-fifth of the same, being $380,967.

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[EDITORIAL: RE ORVID HITCHCOK, ETC., TO JOHN M. CASE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876.

DEEDS OF THE WICKED.

There are several ways to make money besides working for it. The following transaction may be considered as one of the ways.

In Feb. 14, 1876, one Orvid Hitchcok, who used to live in this county, near the north line, in Richland township, but now of parts unknown, made a deed to Chester J. Gage of a tract of land in this county, described as follows: N. W. 1/4 of sec. 5, town 30, range 5 east, for the consideration of five hundred dollars.

Chester J. Page, on the same day, deeded the land to Silas H. Hamilton, of McDonough county, Illinois, for five hundred dollars in money and other property.

On March 30th Hamilton, representing himself as being of St. Louis county, Missouri, sold to Geo. W. Newman for thirty-five hundred dollars, and on April 24th Newman sold to John M. Case for four thousand dollars.

The land is represented in the deed as having two dwelling houses, a barn, two hundred and fifty fruit trees and other substantial improvements upon it. It would seem by this that Cowley county land was in good demand away from home.

It so happens, however, that the land is an inferior tract of land adjoining the Butler county line, has no improvements upon it, and belongs to the Government, it having never been entered.

It would be full as well for men having money to invest in Cowley county land to visit the premises themselves and then obtain title abstracts.

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[PREPARATIONS MADE FOR FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT WINFIELD.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876.

Last Saturday, pursuant to call, the citizens of Winfield met at the Courthouse and organized a meeting by calling D. A. Millington to the chair and electing C. M. McIntire secretary.

After deliberation as to what steps should be taken to appropriately celebrate the 4th of July of the Centennial year, the following committee was appointed to draft a plan of procedure and report to a meeting of citizens last night: James Kelly, J. P. Short, C. M. McIntire, W. B. Gibbs, and W. C.

Robinson.

At the appointed hour, Wednesday evening, the meeting assembled at the Courthouse and organized by selecting C. A. Bliss, chairman, and J. E. Allen as secretary. The committee made a report which, after some amendments made by the meeting, was finally adopted. [SKIPPED RESOLUTION.]

Gen'l Supt.: Prof. A. B. Lemmon.

County Historian: W. W. Walton.

Committee of Arrangements: C. M. Wood, M. L. Bangs,

W. B. Vandeventer, John Lowry, J. D. Cochran.

Committee on Programme: H. D. Gans, E. P. Kinne,

James Kelley, B. F. Baldwin, W. M. Allison.

Committee on Speakers: E. C. Manning, L. J. Webb,

Chas. McIntire.

Committee on Finance: W. C. Robinson, W. P. Hackney,

O. F. Boyle, M. G. Troup, J. C. Fuller.

Committee on Music: J. D. Pryor, Mrs. W. D. Roberts,

Miss Mollie Bryant.

Committee on Toasts: A. J. Pyburn, J. E. Allen,

J. P. Short, Dr. J. Hedrick.

Committee on Stand: W. E. Tansey, T. B. Myers,

W. B. Gibbs.

Committee on Decoration: Frank Gallotti, John Swain,

I. Randall, Mary Stewart, Jennie Greenlee,

Ada Millington, Mrs. Rigby, Mrs. Mansfield.

Committee on Invitation: D. A. Millington, L. C. Harter,

J. B. Lynn, C. A. Bliss, J. P. McMillen, H. S. Silver,

A. H. Green, S. S. Majors, C. M. Scott, T. B. McIntire,

R. C. Haywood, J. L. Abbott, John Blevins, T. R. Bryan,

H. C. McDorman, Mc. D. Stapleton, S. M. Fall,

J. Stalter, Wm. White, S. S. Moore, Jno. McGuire,

H. P. Heath, J. O. Van Orsdol, G. B. Green,

W. B. Skinner, J. W. Millspaw.

Committee on Fireworks: G. S. Manser, T. K. Johnson,

C. C. Haskins.

Meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the General

Superintendent.

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[TOWNSHIP MEETINGS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

TOWNSHIP MEETINGS.

The Republicans of Richland township met at Floral schoolhouse May 23, for the purpose of organizing a township central committee. A. J. Jarvis was chosen chairman and Robt. Thirsk secretary of the meeting. The meeting then proceded to elect the following committee: James O. Vanorsdal, Daniel Maher, and

H. H. Hocker.

The newly organized committee of Beaver township consists of F. Brown, chairman, C. W. Roseberry, secretary, and T. W. Morris.

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[COMMUNICATION FROM "SKIPPER" - TISDALE.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

From Tisdale.

Tisdale is beginning to look up. We had a fight here this morning, the only one we have had here for a long time. A Dexterite came over to our blacksmith shop and was only here a few minutes when he gave the lie to one of our Tisdale captains. Cap. went for him heavy, but Dexter outran him, and finally found protection under the roof of Squire Handy. Cap. was captured and led prisoner to the town hall, where he had to play to the tune of two twenty-five.

Rattlehead tried his combative powers on a cow a few days ago, came out second best, and has been going on crutches ever since.

Our drug store has changed hands--being now owned and run by James Napier & Co. Drugs and groceries sold cheap.

The excitement over an East and West railroad through our county is high in this place. Our principal businessmen will attend the railroad meeting at Arkansas City on Monday next.

Yours, etc.,

May 26th, 1876. SKIPPER.

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[AREA ITEMS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1876 - EDITORIAL PAGE.

We want a standard gauge railroad, will aid a narrow gauge, but are bound to have something. Traveler.

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Last Monday was the day for the Arkansas City boat to leave Zanesville, Ohio. It will probably take four weeks to make the trip, going via of the Ohio to Cairo, then down the Mississippi to the Arkansas, then up the Arkansas--a total distance of probably 3,000 miles. Traveler, May 31, 1876.

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The offer the L., L. & G. company has to make to Elk and Cowley counties is, in a nutshell: "You grade, bridge, tie, and iron the road, and we will put on the rolling stock and operate it." That day has gone by, gentlemen. We don't propose to build a mill race to give you the use of the water. Traveler.

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[PERSONALS.]

WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876.

Goods, low down, at Bliss'.

Old potatoes sell for 75 cents per bushel.

Cowley county contains 60,864 bearing peach trees.

Winfield was visited by a party of Gypsies this week.

The incoming County Treasurer, Bryan, called Tuesday.

The returns show 362 acres of flax growing in Cowley county.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876.]

Flour, 2 X, $1.80; 3 X, $2.40, at Bliss'.

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Mr. A. DEAN is making brick south of town for the Presbyterian church.

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IRV. RANDALL is building himself a nice residence in the southwest corner of town.

Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.

SHENNEMAN has returned from Ft. Smith, Ark. He brings some good horses this time.

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Deeds can now be found at Manning & Walton's office for lots in the Valley View Cemetery.

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Messrs. Platter, Fuller, and Thompson have purchased a header for their extensive wheat fields.

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It is time something was being done about replacing the bridges across the Walnut river and Timber creek.

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Now is your time to buy flour cheap for cash at Bliss'.

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Rev. A. H. Croco, a theological student from New York, will occupy Rev. Platter's pulpit during his trip east.

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The strawberry festival on Tuesday evening at the Courthouse was well attended and the receipts amounted to $56.55.

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Hon. Wm. Martin graced our sanctum with a friendly call Monday and gave good report of crops and times in Vernon.

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Cowley county has over 400,000 fruit trees set out into orchards. Somebody has been busy during the past five years.

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Capt. Hunt broke fourteen acres of prairie last week with one pair of mules. He handled the reins himself. He's a Granger.

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The first number of the Oxford Independent, by John Blevins, is before us. It is a very fair looking paper, and we wish it success.

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SAM JARVIS, one of the "old timers" from Silver creek, came in Saturday and presented the names of four of his neighbors who wanted to read the COURIER for the next twelve months.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876.]

It is thought by some that Mr. Menor, who left here for the Black Hills last fall, was one of the forty killed by the Indians lately. Nothing definite is known of him since the last of March.

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Charley Black and wife start for the Centennial today. He takes along 500 business cards with a description of the re-sources of Cowley county printed upon the back of them for

distribution.

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SQUIRE WALK walked in upon us Tuesday and notified us that the 1598 acres of winter wheat in Maple township was free from rust, and would soon take the rust off the sickles of that neighborhood.

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MASTER AD. POWERS left this week for the home of an uncle in Wisconsin. He thinks a cooler clime would be more congenial to his comfort during the summer months. The boys will miss him.

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JOHN FUNK has returned from the Black Hills a fatter, sadder, and wiser man. He pronounces the hills a failure. He will settle down to the slow but sure process of digging wealth out of Cowley county soil.

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The many friends of Tom Blanchard, Joe Stansbury, and Ben Murphy will be gratified to know that they have arrived safely at Deadwood Gulch, 80 miles north of Custer City, and are taking out plenty of gold.

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RICHARD COURTRIGHT, from Otter, called Tuesday, He reports the construction of a new schoolhouse in District 66. The house is a neat frame building, 20 by 26 feet in size, and well finished, and cost only $450 in bonds.

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DEMPSY ELLIOTT, Esq., the owner of one of the finest farms in the Grouse Valley, dropped in last week to see how the COURIER boys run the old machine. We presume he was satisfied, as he didn't suggest any radical changes.

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Counter stools for the ladies to sit on while they talk to the obliging attendants at McMillen & Shields', is the latest city air in Winfield.

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SAM WATT, one of the "old settlers" of Pleasant Valley township, went home the other night with a new suit of clothes on and a COURIER in his pocket, and he had to identify himself before his family would recognize him. He was greatly changed.

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Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.

GONE TOP. Quite a delegation from Winfield started this week for the Centennial. On Wednesday M. L. Read and wife, M. L. Robinson and wife, Frank Williams, Mrs. Maris and granddaughter, Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Mullin, and J. C. Franklin lit out.

T. R. CARSON, of Richland, called last Tuesday to let us know that Richland had not seceded from the union of Cowley. His windmill is still in successful motion. He will put in two hundred acres of wheat this fall. No rust on the wheat in that locality.

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COUNTY ATTORNEY PYBURN carries his right hand in a sling on account of a severe cut in the palm, whereby two arteries were severed. The wound was received in an attempt to twist the glass cork out of a perfume bottle, the neck of the bottle breaking and cutting the hand that held it.

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S. M. FALL and P. M. PICKERING walked into our office to chat over what "might have been" in railroads, and to say that Windsor was red hot for anything to break the present

unpleasantness.

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A. A. WILLEY, Esq., of Spring creek, one of the most enterprising and wealthiest stockmen in the county, visited with us last week. He had just returned from Kansas City, where he had been with a drove of cattle. He reports the wheat east of the flint hills damaged much by flood and wet weather.

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SQUIRE NORMAN, of Maple, visited us. He reports that the growing of red clover, blue grass, and timothy are a great success with him. His clover is knee high and ripening; his blue grass fifteen inches high and seeding; timothy two feet and a half high, with heads four to six inches long. The timothy is not full grown. The soil is upland.

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Attention is called to the card of the new law firm of Messrs. L. J. Webb and E. S. Torrence in this issue. These gentlemen are so well known in our county that it would be useless to say that they will command a good practice.

NOTE: NOTICE SHOWS "TORRENCE"...STILL THINK HIS NAME IS TORRANCE! NOTICE SHOWED: Office upstairs, over Mrs. Howard's Millinery Store, Winfield, Kansas.

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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD COURIER, JUNE 1, 1876.]

W. E. DOUD, an old typo of this office, now editor and proprietor of the Censorial, published at Eureka, Kansas, has been visiting old friends in this vicinity for the past several days. He attended the strawberry festival at the courthouse Tuesday night, and is now ready to weather out another summer on the flint hills of Greenwood. Of course, he waxed that moustache in the pastepot of the COURIER office i