NOTE: OCTOBER 28, 1871, ISSUE OF CENSOR WAS THE VERY LAST ONE
ON THIS MICROFILM.
BEGINNING NEXT WITH COWLEY COUNTY COURANT...NOV. 17, 1881.
BEGINNING: COURANT.
COWLEY COUNTY COURANT
WINFIELD, KANSAS, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1881.
VOLUME IX, NUMBER 27.
A. B. STEINBERGER, Publisher.
[ROCK ITEMS.]
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The roads are presenting the appearance of Old Illinois, mud hub deep. Rock Creek, Pole Cat, and Eight Mile, as well as Walnut, are on a regular tare.
The farmers are mostly through gathering corn. This cereal is damaged to a great extent, much of it being sprouted and growing with as much vigor as it does in May.
Quite an accident occurred a few nights ago at Olire [?] school house, at a spelling school. The lady teacher after calling the school to order requested the young men, very
politely, if they would not abstain from spitting tobacco juice on the floor. But instead of complying with the wishes of the teacher, they spit all over the floor. Now young men, if you call that treating a lady as she ought to be treated, we do not know what good treatment is. Who could blame her for letting her angry passion rise. No gentlemen would do that trick. Next time we will tell their names.
Star Valley day school, under the instructions of R. Hunter, is prospering all right.
Alexander Limerick has the Star school of the township.
Wm. Palmer and lady and John Hanlen started November 10, for Stafford County, on a visit. Rather rough weather to go visiting in a wagon.
Wheat was never better at this time of year in these parts. CHIP BASKET.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881. Front Page.
Taylor & Taylor's New Notion Store is one door south of Mrs. Stump's old stand.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
RAMS FOR SALE. A fine lot of Merino rams now in town, for sale at low figures. Inquire of S. C. Smith or A. D. Crowell.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
McGuire Bro's have their branch store at Tisdale chuck full of Dry Goods, Groceries, Queensware, Hats, Caps and Gloves, which they will sell at Winfield prices. They will pay cash or trade for country produce, and the highest market price, in cash or trade for all kinds of game.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Celery, Fresh Oysters, Cranberries, Buckwheat Flour, Pigs Feet, New Figs, Dressed Poultry. AL SPOTSWOOD.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
For exchange eighty acres on improved farm one mile from depot. Will trade for house and lot in Winfield GILBERT & FULLER.
[ROBINSON CITY, NEW MEXICO.]
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
A special to the Commonwealth from Socorro, New Mexico, contains the following: "Ex-Governor Tabor, of Colorado, has ordered a large smelter to be put in at Robinson City, near the foot of the Black Range. Two new saw mills have been put up. A new fifty room hotel will soon be completed, and two hundred new families have been added to our town within the past month. The real boom of the Black Range has commenced which insures a railroad to that country."
[ADS.]
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
J. S. MANN, SOUTH MAIN STREET, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
BEE HIVE STORE...M. HAHN & CO. - MANNING'S BLOCK, WINFIELD.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
SMITH BROS. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL BOOTS AND SHOES...WINFIELD.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
G. B. SHAW & CO. - DEALERS IN- LUMBER, SHINGLES, ETC.
Yard and Office near K. C., L. & S. Depot, Winfield, Kans.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
GILBERT & FULLER, LOAN, REAL ESTATE, & INSURANCE AGENTS, NOTARIES PUBLIC [S. L. GILBERT, H. G. FULLER] MANNING'S BLOCK.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
A. T. SPOTSWOOD & CO., GROCERIES. WINFIELD.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
SOUTH-WESTERN STAGE AND OMNIBUS LINE. Daily Line of Stages From Winfield -To- Douglass, El Dorado -And- Augusta.
Leave orders at all Hotels, or the Company's office, 9th Avenue. A. C. BANGS, Agent.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
PROFESSIONAL AND MISCELLANEOUS.
JENNINGS & BUCKMAN, ATTORNEYS AT LAW. [F. S. JENNINGS/G. H. BUCKMAN] Office over Read's bank, Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
M. G. TROUP, ATTORNEY AT LAW. Office, Winfield bank building, upstairs.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
HENRY E. ASP, ATTORNEY AT LAW. Office in post office block.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
J. E. ALLEN, ATTORNEY AT LAW. Office, 9th avenue, Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
L. H. WEBB, ATTORNEY AT LAW. Office over Read's bank, Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
A. H. GREEN, LAWYER & LAND BROKER. Office on Main Street.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
J. F. McMULLEN, ATTORNEY AT LAW, 9th avenue, Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
McDERMOTT & JOHNSON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW. [JAMES McDERMOTT/A. P. JOHNSON] Office in Moorehouse block, corner Main street and 10th avenue.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
D. C. BEACH, LAWYER AND NOTARY PUBLIC. Southeast corner 8th and Main, upstairs.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
HACKNEY & McDONALD, ATTORNEYS AT LAW. North side of 9th avenue, between Main and Millington streets, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
TIPTON & O'HARE, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, office in post office block, upstairs, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
JAMES KELLY, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE and U. S. Pension Attorney, Office over Read's bank, Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
GEORGE EMERSON, PRACTICING PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. Office over McCommon & Harter's drug store, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
DR. J. HEADRICK. Office on 9th avenue, second door east of Harter Bros. Drugstore, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
W. R. DAVIS, M. D. Office, 9th avenue, 1 door east of the stone livery barn. Residence, corner 8th avenue and Manning street, just west of Lynn's new building.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
WRIGHT & WILSON, PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS. Office in the old stand of Wright & Cooper.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
DR. C. C. GREEN. Office on 9th avenue, between Main and Millington streets. Residence on Menor street, between 10th and 11th avenues.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
BRYAN & HARRIS, LAND, LOAN, AND COLLECTING AGENTS. Office in Winfield bank building, first floor. Entrance on 9th avenue.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
S. C. SMITH, LOAN AND INSURANCE AGENCY. Office on Main street.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
S. A. COOK, ARCHITECT, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
C. M. WOOD, LIVE STOCK DEALER AND SHIPPER. Office two doors south of the banks, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
COWLEY COUNTY DUNKARD MILLS, Little Dutch, Kansas. The Dunkard Mill is now in full blast with improved machinery, making custom work a specialty. Grinding wheat for one-eighth and corn for one-sixth. Wishing to live and let live, we solicit the farmer's patronage. Flour and feed on hand at the lowest price. Cash paid for good Wheat.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
G. F. GILBERT, DEALER IN CONFECTIONERY, Fruits of all kinds, Fresh Oysters, Cigars and Tobacco, Fresh Cider, Fancy Candies and Nuts. A lunch room in connection, open at any hour day or night. Two doors north of the Illinois Grocery, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
W. O. LIPSCOMB, HOUSE, SIGN & ORNAMENTAL PAINTER. Leave orders at Hovey's drug store, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
JOHN REED, PAINTER, HOUSE AND SIGN PAINTING, FRAMING, AND PAPER HANGING. Residence on 7th avenue.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
J. L. SMITH, LICENSED AUCTIONEER, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
F. M. FRIEND, DEALER IN MILLINERY, MUSIC, AND MACHINES.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
BECK'S PICTURE GALLERY. Gallery on 10th avenue, south of Spotswood's grocery, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
F. H. BULL, DENTIST. Office upstairs, first building north of Johnston's drug store.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
NINTH AVENUE HOUSE. E. B. WEITZEL, PROPRIETOR. Have just opened the house new, and offer the public better accommodations for the money than any hotel and restaurant in the state. $1.50 per day. Day board, $3.00 per week. House fitted throughout with new furniture. Five doors east of the Post office, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
BRETTUN BILLIARD PARLOR. Is a very pleasant place to while a few hours. Tables all new and of the latest pattern, and rooms neat, airy, and comfortable. The finest brands of imported standard cigars, and splendid line of tobacco always in stock. Give Harry a call, and he will treat you well.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
MAJOR & VANCE, LIVERY, FEED AND STABLE, Ninth Avenue, just west of the Post office, Winfield, Kansas. Keep the finest turnouts in the city in the way of buggies, carriages, and teams, provided especially for commercial men. Special attention given to our business and the care of stock left in our care. Give us a trial.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
J. L. HODGES. STAPLE AND FANCY GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, FEED AND GRAIN. Store on 9th avenue, one block east of Main street.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
IMPSON'S ICE CREAM PARLOR AND RESTAURANT. [Address not given.]
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
BLUE LINE TRANSFER, WINFIELD, KANSAS, A. G. WILSON, PROPRIETOR. All kinds of freight transferred on short notice and at very low rates. Have facilities for handling heavy as well as light freights. If you have any work in this line don't fail to give the reliable Blue Line a trial. No annoying "waits." All orders attended to promptly. Office two doors south of Read's Bank. Moving pianos a specialty. Trunks and baggages of all kinds transferred.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
THE THROUGH ROUTE, KANSAS CITY, LAWRENCE & SOUTHERN KANSAS R. R. is the most pleasant and reliable route to all points east, north, and south, etc. W. C. CARRUTHERS, AGENT, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
MRS. FANN L. SNOW, PROFESSIONAL NURSE, WINFIELD, KANSAS. Over twenty years experience among the sick. Refers to city physicians. Those desiring her services address as above, or call at residence on south Manning street.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
J. P. SHORT is the authorized solicitor of the Daily and Weekly COURANT, and receipts for money paid on subscription to him will be honored at this office.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Spotswood has two of the prettiest show windows we have ever seen in any city.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The trains were all a little late yesterday, on account of soft road-beds, probably.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The Wellington Press of last week contains Judge Torrance's charge to the jury, in the Allen Carter case. Carter was one of the cowboys who shot the young lady at Hunnewell this summer. The charge occupies three columns of the Press.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
From the Probate Court we get the following items:
John H. Sacket made final settlement as guardian of Stephen Wilver, and paid to him a balance of $463.95.
Report on the sale of real estate of Fred A. Hoblit made and sale confirmed.
Inventory filed estate of J. W. Richards, deceased.
Claim of A. H. Green for $91.25 allowed against the estate of S. L. Brettun.
Claim of C. W. Squires for $390 allowed against the same estate.
Report made of the sale of real estate of Ira Allison, a miner, and sale confirmed.
Claim of Lawrence and Chapin for $39.20 allowed against the estate of Wm. Friar deceased.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
In our early day reminiscences we left out A. J. Thompson, who used to ply the saw and hatchet, the only tools required by a carpenter in those days. Our attention was called to the fact by seeing him taking out a load of fruit trees Saturday. He is getting into fruit raising extensively, and will make a specialty of small fruits. When the trees become grown, they will add greatly to the view out toward the mounds east of town.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The following marriage licenses have been issued from the Probate Judge's office since our last report.
David A. Bartgis to Elenora C. Keutz.
George C. Rembaugh to Kate McGauhy.
W. E. Chenoweth to Emma Baker.
Fred W. Farrar to T. K. Hawkins.
Cyrus B. Miller to Margaret Probasco.
August Baker to Alwine Landsmann.
George W. Hineker to Maggie Murray.
Rufus W. Huff to Jessie A. Hornbeak.
C. W. Nichols to Nancy A. Daris.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Messrs. Nommsen and Westphal returned from a two weeks hunt in the Territory, Saturday. They report plenty of game, lots of fun, and a good time generally. Mr. Westphal, who is a brother-in-law of Mr. Nommsen's, returns today to his home in Illinois well pleased with his visit to Southern Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mr. T. H. B. Ross took in Winfield last Friday in the interest of our school district. He says there has been many changes there, but few of the old "boys" are left, and Winfield does not appear now as it did in 1870-74. Caldwell Commercial.
Well, that's a fact; there have been a good many changes in and around Winfield since those days. The old log store has been reduced to ashes, and some of the boys who used to gather there evenings to play "California Jack" and speculate on the future price of corner lots in Winfield, now take their wives and children to the theater in the fine Opera House that has arisen on the site of the old store. Max Shoeb's blacksmith shop has given place to Read's bank; the Walnut Valley House, as a hotel, has passed away. Likewise, the firms of Manning & Baker, U. B. Warren & Co., Alexander & Saffold, Bliss & Middaugh, Hitchcock & Boyle, Maris & Hunt, Myton & Brotherton, and Pickering & Benning. S. H. Myton is about the only one that is left. Tisdale's hack, which came in whenever the river would permit, has given way to our two railroads; Tom Wright's ferry, south of town, has been replaced by a handsome iron bridge, and Bartlow's mill and its crew have disappeared.
Every new building erected on Main street now is not, as then, dedicated with a dance, nor do married women attend them with children in arms, nor do they deposit their kids in the laps of blushing bachelors and join in all hands around. Our Justices of the Peace, when about to unite a loving couple, don't tell them to "stan" up thar an' I'll fix you." Our butch ers, now, don't go down behind Capt. Lowery's house, shoot a Texas steer, cut him up with an axe and sell out the chunks before they are done quivering. The writer does not, on nights like Thursday last, rise up from his bed of prairie hay and water, in a little wall tent, and light out for the log store to get out of the wet. All of that kind of fun has passed away and we have had a new deal all around. Some of the men that in those days were frying bacon and washing socks in their bachelor shanties, are now bankers, postmasters, district judges, and palatial hotel keepers. The vigilantes are not now riding over the country every night making preparations to go to Douglass and hang its principal citizens. The bad blood stirred up by the memorable Manning-Norton contest for the Legislature has long since been settled. Winfield and Arkansas City have buried the hatchet; Tisdale, ditto. Our merchants don't sell Missouri flour for $6 per sack, corn for $1.50 per bushel, and bacon for 33-1/2 cents per pound. Bill Hackney (now the Hon. W. P.) does not come up every week to defend Cobb for selling whiskey in Arkansas City without a license. Patrick, the editor of the Censor, (our first newspaper) and Walt Smith, the proprietor of the "Big Horn ranch" on Posey Creek, have both gone west to grow up with the country. Fairbanks' dug-out has been in ruins for years. Dick Walker is still running conventions, but not here. A. T. Stewart is no longer one of the boys. Speed, with his calico pony and big spurs, is seen no more on the Baxter Springs trail. Jackson has laid down the saw and plane and joined the ranks of the railroad monopolists. Colonel Loomis has shed his soldier overcoat. Zimrie Stubbs has climbed the golden stair, Nichols is married, Oak's cat is dead: in fact, Bent, there is nothing anymore like it used to was in Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Two companies of the 9th Cavalry, Capt. Parker in command, arrived from New Mexico on Saturday. One company goes to Fort Reno and the other to Cantonment. Three more companies of the 9th will be along in a few days, and then the Territory will be garrisoned exclusively by colored troops. Caldwell Commercial.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mr. John D. Pryor and Mr. Thorpe, of Winfield, spent a few hours in the city yesterday, and, of course, visited the Traveler. The latter gentleman is thinking of starting a tannery at the "hub," and came down to look at an engine for sale here. This enterprise is needed in this section, and will pay well. Traveler.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mrs. Smith, of Wayne County, New York, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Henry Brown.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The abundant fall rains and cool weather has made our wheat fields look very promising for next season's crop. The average is about one third less than last year. The rains, while they have damaged the corn and hay in the fields and stacks, have caused the wheat and grass to grow finely and as a result stock will go through the winter on less grain than was anticipated a month ago.
Coal is selling for eight cents at the banks, and twelve and a half cents in the city. This is higher than it has been for a great many years at this season. Fort Scott Monitor.
[Eight cents per bushel is equivalent to $2.00 per ton. It retails here at $7.00 per ton, and our dealers make but a small margin at that. The bulk of the five dollars goes to the coal company, and the railroads, who must be making big money.]...Comments by COURANT EDITOR.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The COURANT band of printers are under many obligations to Mrs. Sid Majors (our George's mother-in-law) for a goodly share of splendid wedding cake, and to George Rembaugh, her newly-made son-in-law, for a lot of fine cigars.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
We regard Dr. Davis, who came from the blue grass region in Kentucky, as a public benefactor. He has been the means of getting hundreds of bushels of blue grass seed sown here, the good effects of which are seen in the parks and all over town. Give us one or two good seasons and it will take the country.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Prairie fires have been doing immense damage down in Reno County this fall, and for that matter in all parts of Southwestern Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mrs. Wiley, a sister of Mrs. Herrold, came in on the Santa Fe Monday, and will spend some time among us.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mr. George C. Rembaugh and wife returned today from their trip through the eastern part of the state. George goes to work as though nothing had happened and thinks there's no use in a man letting family cares break him down just in the prime of life.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Jim Hill and Vinnie Beckett, who used to be on the Courier, are at the new town of Robinson, in the Black Range, and are going to erect buildings at once. They think it the finest town site in the country. A two story hotel 30 x 70 will be erected at once.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The remnant of the band of Modoc Indians, now located in the Indian Territory, are about one hundred in all, and are said to be good farmers.
[COLUMN CALLED "YOU CAN BET YOUR SWEET LIFE"]
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
That Jake Nixon, Ben Cox, Deacon Harris, et al. have gone to the Territory for a few days hunt.
That Winfield is better fixed in the way of millinery shops and pretty proprietresses than any city in Kansas.
That A. H. Doan & Co.'s coal business has assumed such proportions that they are figuring on the erection of a stone store house 25 x 110 [could be 26 x 140...hard to read].
That during the past summer there have been erected in Winfield six two-story stone and brick business houses, costing from four to ten thousand dollars each.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
"About fifty names were drawn before a jury was empaneled in the case of the State of Kansas vs. Thomas J. Armstrong, who is arraigned under the charge of murder of one James Rile [Riely], at Arkansas City, on the 17th of last month."
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mr. J. A. Earnest, one of Winfield's substantial and enterprising grocers, has just moved into the new brick building, north of Sam Myton's hardware establishment, and is getting fixed up nicely.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Dr. Fleming has got everything fixed in shape, and wants to have his friends call and see him at his new stand opposite the Opera House.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Dr. Marsh has bought the Dr. Holland place at Tannehill, and will hereafter hold forth in that burg.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The Arkansas City Democrat learns from C. H. Williams, second engineer on the boat, who was in that city last week after the mail for the crew, that Capt. Joe. Evans with a U. S. snag boat, a steamer of eighty horse power, manned with a crew of twenty-eight men, is now lying on the Arkansas ten miles above the mouth of the Cimarron, about one hundred miles from this city. He says they started from Little Rock, Arkansas, on the 26th of September, in a good head of water, and found no difficulty in reaching the point above named, but says they will have to lay up where they are until there is another rise in the river sufficient to carry them over the sand bars. They have three months provisions on board, and are well provided to hold the fort until the raging Arkansas lets down more water, when they will sail for this point, the head of navigation.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Moses Teeter, who lives in Beaver Township, had his barn burned last Sunday night; 200 bushels of wheat, nearly as much corn, and a lot of farm implements were destroyed. It was fired by some boys playing with matches.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The state coal mines at the penitentiary furnished the state institutions with thirty-six car- loads of coal last month. After supplying the state institution, the cash receipts for coal were $1,404.53.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
E. F. Shinn arrived from Fort Scott last night. He comes to superintendent the delivery of his nursery stock.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Years ago when Menor's addition was laid out a block was set apart on which to build the Court House, and the street on the south side of the block was called Court House street. The Court House was not built on the block, and the name of the street has ever since been a misnomer. The street runs from the east side of Loomis' addition due west across Main, past the depot to River Side park, and we propose the changing of its name to Park street, which is much more appropriate than Court House. Will the Courier help us out in it.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The Santa Fe folks are making some substantial improvements about their depot. A stone gutter has been run under the track and the spaces between the tracks filled up on Court House street (we want to call it Park street in the future). They have also put in a stone crossing to connect with the sidewalk leading to the park.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
At the Wellington fire fifteen business houses were destroyed together with a large amount of merchandise, etc. The total loss foots $57,000, insurance $44,650. The Fred Markwort, in whose bakery the Wellington fire first caught, ran the bakery in Winfield, now occupied by Axtell, six or seven years ago.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Maj. Sleeth is up from the head of nation, shaking hands with his many friends in this city.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
A stranger looking at a town for the first time said to a citizen: "What are your facilities for extinguishing a fire in this place?" The reply was, "Well, it rains occasionally." We were forcibly reminded of the above reply at the Opera House last night. Several hundred people were packed together in a room with comparatively low ceilings, a large number of gas jets were burning, and the sole means of ventilation was, that an inside hall door was opened occasionally. There was not a window up or down, the ventilator in the ceiling was closed, and the audience compelled to sit and breathe and re-breathe the foul air. The builder of the hall, having provided no proper system of ventilation, should provide a manager or janitor to look after he comfort of the audiences, and by raising windows and using what other means were at hand endeavor to keep people from being asphyxiated by foul air.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The old-time friends of Mr. Frank Williams, for many years a resident of this city and proprietor of the Williams house, will be glad to learn that he has become the proprietor of the Metropolitan Hotel in Kansas City, and is running it in first-class style. Frank extends a special invitation, we understand, to the Winfield people to stop with him when in Kansas City, and guarantees good treatment to all. Those of our folks who become dry out here in prohibition Kansas, will find the Metropolitan an excellent place to spend a few days happily, as Mr. Williams has in connection a fine bar room, and handles nothing but the best brands of wines and liquors.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
The County Commissioners have declined to call a grand jury for this term of District Court. A petition signed by 782 taxpayers was presented to the board asking them to not make the call, while there were only 519 asking for the grand jury. This act on the Commissioners will save the county several hundred dollars of useless expense, and an inestimable amount of jangling and quarreling.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
And now Judge Gans says the Courier owes him about $11,500. This may seem like a considerable sum for a country newspaper to pay, but it will prove a lesson, no doubt, to the careless proprietors for saying a judge's salary is $12,000, when in reality it is only $500. These newspaper men who are always advocating the cutting down of everyone's salary, except their own, are very liable to mix things up a little.
[EDITORIAL.]
Cowley County Courant, Thursday, November 24, 1881.
Father Millington puts up a piteous and heart-softening wail in a column editorial in the Courier, because the County Commissioners acted upon the request of the majority sentiment and refused to call a grand jury, instead of obeying the mandates of his carefully worded and "sound" editorials demanding it. The old gentleman is really so much worked up, that he virtually accuses the Commissioners of being improperly influenced by parties who were afraid to have a grand jury empaneled. Fifty or sixty years ago the measures advocated by the Courier might have been in order, but things have changed with the present intelligent generation, if Father Millington does hang on to the fogyism and ancient theories of the dead past.
[PERSONALS.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Joe Barricklaw is putting down a splendid flag stone sidewalk around the McDougal building.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
The many friends of Linus Webb in this city will be pleased to learn that he was elected County Attorney of Rowlins County at the late election.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Beaver Township ahead. John F. Miller of that township has just finished threshing his wheat crop of seventy acres, which yielded 1,715 bushels, or an average of 24-1/2 bushels per acre.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
The attending physician informs us that C. M. Wood's children were poisoned by eating cheese. They were quite sick but are recovering. It is supposed to have been caused by something used in curing the rennet.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
And now comes another suit against old Winfield Township, this time in the U. S. Court. It is brought by the King Bridge Company, who sue for about $2,000. Mayor Troup and the different township officers have been served with the proper papers.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Wilber Dever, late of Winfield, has been appointed cashier of the freight department of the Topeka office of the A., T. & S. F. railroad. Mr. Berkley is still in the freight office, in charge of claims. Commonwealth.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Musical soiree at Prof. Farringer's music hall Friday evening. Examination of music class at seven. The performance of a well selected program to commence at eight.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
S. A. Cook, Winfield's architect, paid our city a visit Tuesday with several draftings for proposed buildings on the burnt block in this city. Wellington Press.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Bob Ingersoll has gone to Mexico. He will be required to act very modestly there, or someone will give him what he says has no existence.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
What has become of the Winfield Cornet Band? Nine years ago or thereabouts, it seems to us, we used to hear them tooting around in every part of town, practicing for some special occasion, but its members are lost to us now, and to those of that day to the town, no doubt. If the members who still survive will re-organize, as the Knight Templar Band of Emporia is doing, there is no reason that Winfield should not stand at the front in this as well as everything else. We would make another suggestion: Organize under a new name, and see if the move won't be for the better.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
A new lodge called the National Union, has been organized in Winfield, with the following officers: F. Barclay, ex-president, A. Howland, president, C. H. Bahntge, vice- president, Mrs. Mina Bliss, speaker, G. N. Searcy, Chaplain, Jacob Nixon, secretary, W. G. Graham, financial secretary, E. S. Bliss, usher, Mrs. E. S. Howland, sergeant-at-arms, A. H. Graham, door-keeper. There were twenty odd charter members. The objects of the society are similar to those of the Knights of Honor, and the members carry a life insurance of from $1,000 to $5,000.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Mrs. V. B. Gilchrist, from Tennessee, Ill., is visiting her mother, Mrs. S. A. Robinson, and brothers, M. L. and W. C., et al.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
"We find among Stenographer Knight's reports of Judge Torrance's charge to the jury in the trial of a gentleman charged with stealing a hog, last week, the following beautiful and expressive question: `Do you not think that far away amid the unknown worlds which drift through space and along whose track the drifting system of planets wheel and circle through countless ages, while man clothed in a little brief authority, cuts such fantastic tricks before high heaven as makes the angels weep, regarding himself as the center of the solar system, planning to frustrate the inimitable laws of nature, violating the prime and co-ordinate common law of universes, going behind the returns, as it were, trying to peer behind the veil, as we might say, prognosticating the prognosticatable, evading the axioms and by-laws which not only regulate worlds and their creation, but link the phantasmagoria of diagonal animalculae and cast broadcast the oleaginous incongruity of prehistoric usufruct?' The defendant was acquitted by the jury."
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
"A smooth faced gentleman whom no one knew, and who seemed to know no one, was in the city most of last week. He stopped at the Brettun, and took particular pains to linger about the courtroom when court was in session. He left immediately after Richard Lennox, alias George Hayworth, alias John Robinson, was convicted of forgery, and it is thought by nearly everyone who noticed the gentleman, and observed his observation of Lennox, that he was a detective, perhaps from New York, where Lennox was wanted to answer to a number of other charges of like character of that for which he was convicted here. These detectives are shrewd chaps, but they don't often get their work in on the Cowley County officials."
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
"The motion for a new trial in both the Armstrong and Lennox cases, which were argued Monday, were overruled, and sentence was pronounced, and was that Thomas Armstrong be kept at hard labor in the penitentiary for fifteen years and to pay the cost of prosecution; Richard Lennox, convicted for forgery, ditto, seven years. J. McDade, grand larceny, one year. Jas. Jackson, horse stealing, five years. Emil Harmon, stealing hogs, four years. Joseph Rest will have an opportunity to `rest' in the same place for eighteen months. A sort of a compromise verdict was rendered in the Sydal-Finch case. Wheeler & Wilson against Thompson was on trial when reporter left."
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Henry Asp, one of Winfield's brightest young attorneys, has been employed on one or the other side of each criminal action tried at this term of court, notwithstanding the fact that he has been giving a good deal of time to a coal bank enterprise the past few months. Henry is a very successful young lawyer, fights his side of the case every inch of the road, and never allows his opponent to ask a question without entering his objection because it is irrelevant, immaterial, unconstitutional, imitational, and incongruous.
[MORE ABOUT THOMAS J. ARMSTRONG/JAMES RIELY MURDER.]
NOTE: SEE ABOVE PAGE RE SENTENCING OF ARMSTRONG.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
"The trial of Thomas J. Armstrong for the murder of James Riely at Arkansas City on the evening of the 17th of October last, was concluded last Wednesday, in the District Court, the jury returning the verdict of murder in the second degree, Thursday morning, after having been out about ten hours.
"It appears from the testimony in the case that there had been a horse race in the Indian Territory on the afternoon preceding the evening of the murder, and that Riely owned one of the horses. During the race some misunderstanding arose regarding the starting of the horses, Riely and his friends claiming that the word at which the horses were to be started had not been given, and Burch, the owner of the other horse, and his friends claiming that it had. Armstrong, who had been betting on Burch's horse, was heard to make threats against the deceased during the controversy.
"After the conclusion of the race, the parties had returned to Arkansas City. In the early part of the evening, Armstrong, in company with a man by the name of Adams, went into Riely's store, and shortly after they got in there, Armstrong invited Riely to have a cigar. Riely replied that he would not smoke with anyone who would bet against his horse. Armstrong said he couldn't smoke with a better man, as he thought he was the best man in town.
"Riely remarked that he would bet him twenty or twenty-five dollars, whereupon both parties put up the money. Several parties who were standing by induced them to put away their money.
"Riely or his clerk at this time informed the crowd that they wanted to close the store and proceeded to blow out the lights. The crowd started out of the building and Adams had got nearly to the door, when he was pushed out by Riely, but turned and attempted to re-enter the building, and was again pushed out by Riely and fell upon the sidewalk.
"Riely went up to where he had fallen, kicked, or attempted to kick him. Armstrong, who was standing a few feet from Riely, started towards him and told him to not kick Adams, that he was drunk. Just as he started he was caught by Marshal Fairclo, who told him to hold, that there was no use of there being any difficulty between him and Riely. Armstrong attempted to get away and was pushed by Fairclo into the street. Immediately on arising to his feet Armstrong told Riely not to do that again and Riely kicked at him. Armstrong advanced toward him and Riely threw off his coat and stepped a few feet north of where he had been standing to a post which supported the awning. Armstrong at about the same time stepped in the same direction and when within a few feet of Riely used some opprobrious language and fired, the ball taking effect in Riely's left breast, killing him almost instantly."
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Walnut, Vernon, and the other townships outside of the city in old Winfield Township, have employed H. C. Sims, of Wichita, to look after their interests in the suit brought in the U. S. Court by the King Bridge company. The company has about $2,500 in scrip which was issued to pay for building the approaches to the south bridge. If necessary, City Attorney Seward will act for the city in the case. In our judgment the above suit should be added to the series of blunders committed in blotting out the old township, and the whole matter should be settled and paid with as little cost as possible.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Capt. James Christian, the oldest living member of the Kansas bar, will speak at Manning's opera house Friday night on Ireland and the Irish.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
B. B. Van Devender, who owns the farm just north of the city, but who now resides in Illinois, is paying Winfield his semi-occasional visit.
[COURANT EDITOR PAYS A VISIT TO DISTRICT COURT, WINFIELD.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
We paid a visit to the District Court Thursday, with a view of taking in the situation so far as possible, and to see if District Court is the same in Cowley County now as it was in 1872, when our city was in embryo, and the brilliant attorneys and learned judges of today occupied about the same positions on the stage of life. On entering the room, many familiar faces, and more strange ones, turned toward us as if to say: "Wonder if he expects justice here!"
George Haywood was being tried for forgery. Judge Torrance sat in his cushioned chair, with a contented look on his beaming face, which would assure anyone that he was the boss, and proposed to run that shop. Sheriff Shenneman was looking extremely wise, and wore a satisfied smile on account of having two years more to rustle for criminals. Knight was taking down the questions and answers, so as to be able to furnish a transcript for the Supreme Court, and get $75 or $100 from the defendant, who would receive in return about ten years in the penitentiary.
Frank Jennings, who would rather succeed in convicting a man then to go home to his family before ten o'clock at night, was asking all manner of questions of an Arkansas City banker, who was so unfortunate as to pay out $500 last May on a forged draft, and Henry Asp set to his side yelling, "We object" to every question, and would then turn and look Joe Houston uneasily in the face until the court would remark, "Objection overruled."
In fact, everything seemed different from the good old days of yore, and we imagined there would have been more merriment in the proceedings had R. B. Saffold and L. J. Webb been there, throwing law books across the room at each other, Judge Campbell leaning back utterly indifferent, gnawing a musty hunk of dried buffalo meat, and Sheriff Parker dodging around under the tables like a cat shot in the eye with a paper wad. In the good old days of these kind of court proceedings, there were no strings around the lawyers nor rocks suspended to the court's coat-tail, and everyone seemed to enjoy himself, no matter how many cases he had in court.
Then Torrance, a smooth faced lad, gave but little thought of anything save the day when he would get sufficient funds to send back east for his first love.
Fairbank's only pride was to prepare a neat little talk for his Sunday school, held at 9 o'clock every Sabbath morning in the little white church on Ninth Avenue, which now supports a boarding house sign.
Wirt Walton cared only to get on his soldier jacket and talk about the swimming times he would have among the country lasses when elected County surveyor.
Allison kept an eye peeled on his Tisdale girl like a youth who had trusted humanity once too often, and been everlastingly and unanimously left.
Billy Anderson would work hard all day in the lumber yard, and then at dusk, tuck the robes around his sweetness in a four dollar a day buggy, and skip out for Thomasville to a dance.
Judge Campbell would tell a lawyer to sit down, in the middle of a carefully studied and written speech, because the verdict of the court had been rendered before the argument began.
A jury would retire to the rear end of Triplett's saloon, order a bucket of beer, and return a verdict of "not guilty" by ten o'clock next morning.
Jim Kelly, then editor of the Courier and Clerk of the court, would work in the courtroom all day and then sit up till midnight pouring over his exchanges, trying to get a few pointers from which to write a handsome notice of the birth of a cross-eyed infant.
Father Millington was holding justice court in the front end of Fuller's little frame bank, and would tax up the cost with as much coolness as he now writes column after column of editorial matter on the grand jury system, five days after it is too late for the article to be of any good.
T. H. Johnson was about the only man in town who was really paying strict attention to business, and the way he would stick to the claim jumper until he got his last nickel as a retainer, would shock the modesty of a more cheeky demagogue than Gov. St. John.
But he is gone as well as many other shining lights of that day, and while only about half of the free and happy boys of then have raised to wealth and prominence, with chubby babies growing up to call them blessed, Winfield has become a live little city indeed, and hundreds of energetic citizens, who can never know the trial and pleasures of the early settlers, have made their homes here, and all join hands in the good work of pushing ahead, until death shall call us to that celestial shore from which no tramp printer returns.
[ARTICLE ABOUT CAPT. SIVERD/FRANK JENNINGS.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
It is kind of queer how a man will make a fool of himself. The other night it was intensely dark, the sky being overcast with dense clouds. About 9 P. M. Capt. Siverd was going by Frank Jennings' and something possessed him to take the barn door off its hinges and set it up against Frank's bedroom window, so as to keep it dark in the morning, and make him sleep late. He did so and left. During the night Frank got a notion that he heard a noise outside and got up, and without lighting the light, went to the window and raised it to look out. As he thrust his hand forward, it came in violent contact with the barn door, which knocked him backward upon the floor. He arose, amazed, excited, and bruised. His conclusion was that somebody outside had laid for him and hit him, so he yelled defiance to him and began to put on his clothes. Having dressed he tore outside and gazed round trying to find somebody, but failed, and in the darkness didn't discover the barn door. Soon he heard another noise outside. Again he sprang up and rushed to look out, and again he was violently hit upon the head. That time he was wild.
He got his shotgun and without waiting to dress, ran out. He thought he saw the figure of a man a little distance away and fired at it. It didn't fall and he fired another barrel. Then he tore into the house and got his ammunition. He tried once more to look out of the window, and a fearful whack convinced him that the villain still pursued him. Out he went. His firing had aroused one or two of his neighbors. As they drew near he blazed away at `em, but fortunately, he missed, and they fled. He kept firing at anything he could imagine was a man until the ammunition was gone. Then the aroused neighbors pounced on him. They thought he was insane. He was nearly so. Finally lanterns were brought and the matter explained, and it was found that the "man" first fired at was the County Attorney's seersucker suit on the clothesline. And he had aimed to hit. Matters being cleared up, Frank was persuaded to retire. But if he finds out who put that door there, gunning will be resumed.
[STORY ABOUT FIREJ. W. CURNS, OTHERS INVOLVED.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Last Saturday morning about three o'clock, J. W. Curns was aroused by a peculiar roaring which at first he took to be a train coming in on the Santa Fe, but soon his house was lit up and arising he discovered the dwelling opposite, in the block north of M. L. Robinson's house, a mass of flames. O. H. Herrington and others were soon on hand, but it was too late to do anything but to take measures for the protection of the surrounding buildings, which fortunately were some distance off. The building burned was a story and a half dwelling, not yet completed, and belonged to John A. Case, a young unmarried man who was building it to rent. Mr. Case had been lathing the day before and securely fastened the doors on quitting work, and there was no fire nor smoking in the building yesterday. He attributes the fire to the work of an incendiary. There was a carpenter's insurance risk of $800, which will about pay the loss.
[COLUMN: YOU CAN MARK IT IN YOUR LITTLE BOOK.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
That L. Knight has a typewriter.
That taxes in this city are lower than last year.
That Hiram Brotherton has gone to Harper County.
That Winfield is soon to lose one of her prominent M. D.'s.
That this time we smoke at Jim Caskey's expense, cause its a girl and weighs seven pounds.
That Ray Sledger, who has been a resident of Winfield for some time, left Friday morning for Kansas City.
That it will pay anyone to walk out and take a look at the plants and flowers by Frank Manny's hot houses.
That Henry Asp and Joe Houston got in some fine work on the Haywood forgery case, and came very near pushing the County Attorney to the wall.
That C. H. Payson has been pardoned out of the penitentiary, and is now a free man, as in the humble opinion of a large number, he should have been all the time.
[ADS.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
SOUTH-WEST MACHINE WORKS. SAMUEL CLARKE, PROPRIETOR -AND- MECHANICAL ENGINEER. Having again assumed control of the machine department of the above Works, I will give it my personal supervision, and will run it as a general Machine Works. Will build and repair ENGINES, BOILERS, ETC., And guarantee satisfaction. Will buy and sell Second-hand Machinery on commission.
Shops near K. C., L. & S. F. R., Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
FARM HARNESS & SADDLE FACTORY...R. E. SYDAL. Stand opposite the Opera House. Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
ENGLISH KITCHEN RESTAURANT -AND- BAKERY! T. F. AXTELL. [Address not given.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
WHITING BROS., MARKET. [Address not given.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
WINFIELD LIVERY FEED AND SALE STABLE...SPEED & SCOFIELD, PROPS.
Main Street, Winfield.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
THE FLAG DRUG STORE. THE LEADING DRUG HOUSE IN COWLEY COUNTY.
Opposite Manning's Opera House, Winfield. Where you will find Dr. J. Fleming's Fever & Ague Tonic, an antidote for all malarial trouble. Dr. Fleming is sole proprietor and manufacturer.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
LYNN & LOOSE - GENERAL DEALERS IN FINE DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, BOOTS AND SHOES!
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
BRADT & GIBSON - DEALERS IN ALL GRADES OF NEW- FURNITURE!
SOUTH MAIN STREET, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
W. C. ROOT & CO., BOOT & SHOE HOUSE. [NO ADDRESS GIVEN.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
WALLIS & WALLIS, GROCERIES. WINFIELD. [Address not given.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
THE WINFIELD JEWELRY HOUSE, GEORGE A. SCHROETER, AGENT.
SOUTH OF 76 HORNING 76, ROBINSON & CO., WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Since moving into my new quarters, have increased my stock, etc.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
REMOVAL...THE MAMMOTH CLOTHING HOUSE -OF- ELI YOUNGHEIM.
I have removed NEXT DOOR TO THE POST OFFICE!
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
M. L. READ'S BANK (ESTABLISHED 1872) [M. L. ROBINSON, CASHIER.
W. C. ROBINSON, ASSISTANT CASHIER.] [Address not given.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
PRYOR & KINNE, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, REAL ESTATE, LOAN & INSURANCE AGENTS. [S. D. PRYOR. J. D. PRYOR. E. P. KINNE.] OFFICE IN WINFIELD BANK BUILDING, UP STAIRS.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
H. BROWN & SON -GENERAL DEALERS IN- PURE DRUGS AND MEDICINES.
BOOKS, NOTIONS, TOILET ARTICLES & STATIONERY. WALL PAPER in all the latest designs and styles. School Books of every variety used in the county. All popular Patent Medicines in complete assortment. We also keep in stock the most complete assortment of Window Glass to be found anywhere. Paints, Oils and Varnishes. Splendid Line of Choice Cigars.
Having moved into our elegant new store room, we are now able to show the trade of Winfield and Cowley County the most complete line of goods ever opened in Southern Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
CURNS & MANSER, LAND, LOAN, AND INSURANCE AGENTS.
[J. W. CURNS, NOTARY PUBLIC. G. S. MANSER, NOTARY PUBLIC.]
[Address not given.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
HAMBRIC & BROTHER, Just opened and in full blast a second-hand and bankrupt store, where we will buy, sell, or trade goods of every description, size, or color. Place of business, Ninth Avenue, first door east of McGuire Brothers' grocery.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
BATHS, HOT OR COLD, BRETTUN HOUSE BARBER SHOP, NOMMSEN AND STUEVEN, PROPRIETORS.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
J. R. BOURDETTE'S LUNCH ROOMS ON NINTH AVENUE, JUST EAST OF MAIN.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
SCOTT McGLASSON, CITY FLOUR AND FEED STORE. North east Main Street, Winfield, Kansas.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
MAJOR & VANCE, LIVERY, FEED AND STABLE, NINTH AVENUE, JUST WEST OF THE POST OFFICE, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
J. L. HODGES, STAPLE AND FANCY GROCERIES. Store on 9th Avenue, one block east of Main Street.
[IMPORTANT DECISIONS: JUDGE TORRANCE.]
Cowley County Courant, Thursday, December 1, 1881.
The decision of Judge Torrance in the case of the Wheeler & Wilson manufacturing company against Peter Thompson and wife, is of great interest to the public generally, and we therefore give a synopsis of it: The defendant, Thompson, bought a Wheeler & Wilson sewing machine, No. 8, of their local agent, N. Wimber, who was then selling sewing machines for D. F. Best, of this city.
The price was $75; of this amount Thompson paid $30 down and gave two notes signed by himself and wife, one for $25 payable in six months, and the other for $20 payable in one year. Thompson claimed that Wimber warranted the machine to do good work, and at the trial offered to prove the warranty, and also to prove that the machine never did do good work and was worthless to him as a sewing machine.
This Judge Torrance refused to let him do, and decided that the notes made by Thompson and wife were the contract between them and the sewing machine company, and that nothing else could be proven as part of the contract except what was in those notes. That is, that though the agent might have warranted the machine when he sold it, still the company would not be liable for such warranty unless it was included in the written contract made at the time with the two notes in this instance. Purchasers of sewing machines, or anything else for that matter, with warranty, should see that the warranty is contained in the written contract if one is made, or else it may be void.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
In the case of the Winfield Bank against F. M. Linscott and others, Judge Torrance made a decision which establishes a new rule, at least in this county. The Winfield Bank had judgment against Linscott and a decree of foreclosure of mortgage. At the sale the bank bid enough for the land to satisfy its claim, but George Heffron bid five cents more and it was sold to him. Now, Mr. Heffron asks the court to order that unpaid taxes, amounting to $40 or more, be paid out of the purchase money, and the court so ordered, which leaves the bank so much out. In both these cases the opposition attorneys threaten to go to the supreme court and reverse the decisions, but until they do, they will doubtless be regarded as the law in such cases.
[PERSONALS.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Dr. H. N. Jones, a very pleasant young gentleman, has opened a dental office, corner Main street and Tenth avenue, and invites those wishing work in his line to call and see him.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
J. B. Hoover, the agent for Edwards' historical atlas, has located in Winfield, and will be here several months completing his work of a beautifully illustrated atlas of Cowley County.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
The report that Dr. C. B. Gunn intended leaving Winfield is entirely untrue and without foundation. He is under contract to stay here five years with a privilege of longer if he wishes.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
M. D. Mowry, one of Arkansas City's finest young men, a druggist by profession, has been making his Winfield friends a visit, and while here hung up at the popular Brettun.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
FROM Traveler: Mr. and Mrs. James E. Miller left on the 3 o'clock train yesterday for Osage, Massachusetts, whither they are called by the sudden death of Mrs. Miller's father.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
CHARTERS FILED. The following charter was filed yesterday in the office of the secretary of State: "Winfield Building and Loan Association," capital stock $200,000. Board of Directors for the first year: J. E. Platter, R. E. Wallis, H. G. Fuller, J. F. McMullen, E. P. Greer, A. D. Hendricks, J. W. Connor, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, J. A. McGuire, and I. W. Randall. Commonwealth.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Dr. W. T. Wright lost his pocket-book Saturday evening. It contained a considerable sum of money. The property is likely to be recovered as the numbers of the bills are known and it will be almost impossible to use the money without detection. The use of money obtained in this way is the same as theft and punishable by law.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
James B. Moore, the Hartford, Connecticut, money man, who has been making the Brettun headquarters during a month's business visit through Southern Kansas, leaves for home Tuesday morning. He will be back again in three or four weeks, to spend the winter here. Winfield has charms to soothe even the Hartford man.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Some hunters from Sedan went down into the Territory a short time ago and shot a lot of turkeys belonging to the Indians, which they afterward had to pay for. Our Winfield sports who go down among the yellow skins to hunt should be careful to shoot only at wild game, unless it might perhaps be a tame squaw.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Whiting Brothers, Winfield's popular butchers, have just made a fine addition to their shop, by erecting in the rear thereof a large cook room and smoke house.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
W. H. Colgate and wife, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, are here visiting friends, and will probably remain all winter. Mrs. Colgate is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McMullen.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
J. F. Gilbert, confectioner, second door north of Whiting Brothers, takes the cake, by sending us a California pear which weighs two pounds and four ounces.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
In the case of the State vs. Green, unsworn statements were made upon which the court adjudged a fine of $100 and costs against the defendant.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Business was lively around the K. C., L. & S. depot today. Allen Johnson is putting up a large crib for corn, a half dozen cars are loading with corn, several cars of coal and wood were being unloaded, three cars of hogs were shipped, and the regular freight pulled out with two locomotives and thirty-three cars.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Some weeks ago we mentioned the fact that Mr. E. E. Thorpe, from New York, was figuring on starting a tannery in our city. We are now glad to say that the project is an assured fact. Mr. Thorpe has purchased a lot on South Main street, a well has been dug, and the excavation for the cellar is being made. Messrs. Benton & Connor have the contract for the stone work, and J. W. Randall the carpenter work for the building, which, if the weather proves favorable, will be completed about the first of January. This adds another industry to Winfield, of which we shall have more to say as the work progresses.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
"Honest Ben Cox," Deacon Harris, and Jake Nixon, et al., returned from the Territory Friday. They had to charter a train to bring in the game. They made no note of the smaller game, but brought in forty deer and five hundred turkeys. Hunters like fishers are so reckless with figures that it's possible that there may be a cipher or two too many on the above, still we don't think Ben would tell a lie. The whole party report a good time and lots of fun, and from the amount of game brought in should say that the last party of hunters who went down would find it pretty dry picking.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Isn't the senior editor of the Courier a little off on the politics of James D. Snoddy, when he calls him a Democrat? It has always been our understanding that Snoddy was a radical who made the night hideous in the county schoolhouses, and then the idea of convicting W. R. Wagstaff for the violation of the liquor law! It looks to us as though Father Millington is surely getting into deep water since he has taken up the St. John dodge. But then these fanatic people are unfortunate in many ways.
[ARTICLE IN SO-CALLED "PERSONALS" RE CAPT. JAMES CHRISTIAN.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Capt. James Christian, who lectures here Friday night, has a history which many Kansans would be glad to have coupled with his biography. He is the oldest member of the Kansas bar, and was for some time during the early days of Kansas, the law partner of Jim Lane, and was identified with many of the early hardships of our now proud, prosperous state. He was one of the first to take up arms in defense of the Union, and like his distinguished countryman, Gen. James Shields, left no stain upon the flag of his adopted country, save that of his own blood. He served for a long time as assistant commissary of subsistence, and left the service a poor man, which was surely an unusual occurrence. He defended Josiah Miller, editor of a Lawrence Free State paper, arrested and tried on the 15th of May, 1856, for treason, and cleared him. Succeeded F. Chapman as a member of the Council, January 28th, 1857.
Was a member of the Democratic Territorial convention at Leavenworth, November 28th, 1858. Was the Democratic nominee for Judge of the Fourth Judicial District in 1859, and defeated by Solon O. Thatcher, of Lawrence, receiving 1,782 votes to Mr. Thatcher's 2,568. Was a member of the Atchison Democratic Convention, March 27, 1860.
Commenced the publication of the Lawrence State Journal in partnership with Milt Reynolds, in June, 1865. Was vice-president of the National Union State convention at Topeka, September 20, 1866. Was again defeated for Judge of the Fourth District, November 3, 1868, this time by O. A. Bassett, of Lawrence, who received 4,584 votes to the Captain's 1,960, and met with the usual Democratic success in Kansas (defeat) until December 6, 1870, when he was elected as a Trustee of the State Horticultural Society at Manhattan.
While in the Union army, the Captain contracted a disease from which he has since suffered, and which three years ago resulted in the loss of his eye sight, one of the greatest calamities that can befall any man. Many of our people know Capt. Christian, and few Kansans but have heard and read of him. All who can should attend his lecture Friday night.
[PERSONALS.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Every week sees the advent of desirable additions to our city, and the best of it is, the men who are now coming have capital. The latest addition is that of Mr. James L. Andrews, lately of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Andrews intends making Winfield his headquarters and will engage in the cattle business. To show the estimation by which he is held at his old home, we copy the following from the Columbus Dispatch. "Ohio man going west: Mr. James L. Andrews and family today left for Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas. Winfield is in the southern part of the State, near the Indian Territory line. Mr. Andrews has been a resident of Franklin County twenty-five years, and of the city of Columbus twelve years. In the meantime, in addition to mercantile pursuits, he served as a member of the Board of Education of Columbus four years, as Stewart of the Ohio Penitentiary during the administration of Governor Bishop two years, and made a grand canvass for sheriff of Franklin County. There were eight candidates in the field, and out of one hundred votes in the convention, after thirty or forty ballots, he received fifty-one and a half votes, but was ruled out of the nomination by the chairman. The convention then adjourned for one week. At its next meeting another candidate out of the eight was nominated. Mr. Andrews leaves a host of warm friends in Columbus, who wish he may grow up with the country and have the usual good luck of the Ohio man.
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
A good deal of low test coal oil is still being sold in our city, and while such practice is in violation of the law, certain dealers will continue to sell an inferior quality of oil as long as it can be purchased for a few cents less on the gallon. About the only way for purchasers to do is when they find that the retail dealer has sold them a poor quality of oil, is to seek some other merchant. A number of accidents from this course have already occurred here, and we are liable at any time to have an extensive conflagration from this cause. Last evening there was an explosion of a small hand lamp at the residence of Mrs. Conklin, and it was only the presence of mind and nerve of her mother that saved the destruction of her house. While the oil was blazing, she threw the broken lamp out of the window and put out the fire.
[DEATH OF S. C. WINTON OF SILVER CREEK.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
The Democrat notices the death of S. C. Winton, who died recently at Pueblo, Colorado. Mr. Winton was one of the pioneers of lower Silver Creek, in Silverdale Township, where he kept a store in early days. His two-story log house was a landmark in that section in those days. Elections were held there, and it was the general stopping place for travelers. The writer has a vivid recollection (and Wirt Walton must have too) of the delicious corn pone that Mrs. Winton used to serve up to the hungry travelers who would make a long drive to get there, always being assured of a square meal. Mr. Winton met with reverses, principally three percent, per month, and moved to Arkansas City, and from there to Colorado, where he died. He is entitled to more than a two-line death notice from the Arkansas City papers.
[MERCHANTS AT DEXTER ENJOY GOOD TRADE.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
A correspondent at Dexter furnishes us with the information that the merchants are enjoying a good trade. R. Hite and C. A. Walker are our drygoods men. They are gentlemen and understand their business. That C. M. Brown sells groceries, and lots of them. That A. J. Truesdale is doing a good business in the hardware line. That George Drury has sold an interest in his blacksmith shop to John Moore, a first-class workman. That O. P. Dorst runs the Central Hotel in first-class order. That in connection with the hotel, Bent Moore runs a livery and feed stable in good style. That Dr. Hamilton has a good practice. That the water mill is running on full time. That the Walsmith boys are doing good work in their steam mill.
[DIVORCE DAY IN DISTRICT COURT.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Friday last was divorce day in District Court and of course the lawyers were all present. Judge Torrance takes particular pains in conducting cases of this nature, and is often distress ingly careful to bring out all the facts surrounding, bearing upon, pertaining to, connected with, or being a part of the marriage ceremonies, the happiness of the honeymoon season, and family relations existing between the wishing to be separated parties. Or, in other words, he is simply immense in digging into matters pertaining to the merits and claims, ever trying to peep behind the returning veil. You see he has seen so much divorce business that he does not intend that anyone, no matter how much the desire may be to get unhitched, or get a bill of "split-blanket" through his court unless the cause is a purely laudable one, and the evidence is made plain as fact.
There were four cases tried in the forenoon, each couple having been married in Missouri, where matters of this degree are easily arranged, as no licenses are provided for by the code. They were all of a similar import, abuse and abandonment, until the fourth case was called.
In this the causes for asking a separation were of a much more serious nature, if the faces of the audience (his honor not excepted) were any indication of the feelings of those who were frightened into silence by the stern look of Sheriff Shenneman. This was the case of Malissa J. Kirby vs. Richard Kirby, O. M. Seward, appearing blushingly for the plaintiff. The reason set up for divorce was impotency, and the history of the married relations as shown by the evidence and papers in the case were about thus-wise; Malissa and Mr. Kirby, a gentleman who tipped the scale of time at about fifty years, were preliminarily married on the 8th day of August, 1872 (pretty warm weather), in the regular happy way, and they commenced living together from that time. The plaintiff now complains that notwithstanding she was in perfect good health, apt, fit, willing, able, and desirous of receiving the embraces of the defendant, returning them with interest and affection, and continued in such a state for days, weeks, months, and years, defendant showed no disposition or willingness to complete the marriage. The plaintiff further alleged that she remains and is still a virgin unknown to the defendant. After the evidence was received, and the court had asked the plaintiff a few modest questions and the answers returned satisfactorily, an anxious smile passed over many faces in the courtroom, and we could not keep back the thought that had the voluptuous attorney in the case here pending been the defendant from time of marriage, there would never have been any cause of an action of this kind.
The court [Judge Torrance] took up a book, opened it, read or looked through it a few minutes, and then granted the divorce, evidently wishing he could be permitted to give her two.
[COMMUNICATION FROM "LOOK OUT"MOSCOW.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
As I have been looking through your paper and cannot see anything from this part of God's moral heritage, and as we have one of the best districts for literary points, will endeavor to give you a few lines.
The farmers are all in good spirits and have organized themselves into an alliance and literary society. The alliance meets every Tuesday night, and after commencing in the usual manner, then adjourn and organize themselves into the "Kansas Legislature." Business then commences. Every man takes his district and uses fictitious names as follows:
A. F. Sitten, Little Brindle District;
W. C. May, Shadtail;
Sam Toil, Hooppole;
Lige Wells, Flipup;
Wm. Bottinly, Hardup;
E. F. Gray, Shoestring;
G. W. Hogue, Tadpole;
J. R. Tate, Cutstraw;
John Leoppy, Hardscrable;
Ed. Crane, Hole.
If there is anyone in Cowley who has never been in the Legislative Hall, it would pay them to attend one of these meetings. We have smart men at the head of this body. The literary is doing well and everybody enjoys themselves.
J. R. Tate is president of the Literary Society, and Thomas Beasley president of the Farmers' Alliance. LOOK OUT.
[NEWS ABOUT WELLINGTON.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
Through the kindness of Mr. Scribner, the K. C., L. & S. operator, we learn something of the doings of a mob at Wellington Tuesday night. Our readers will remember our mention of the failure and closing up of the banks at Caldwell and Hunnewell a short time ago. The proprietor, J. S. Danford, and Smith, the cashier, of the Caldwell institution, were in Wellington last night and sometime during the night, about one hundred mounted men fully armed with shotguns, rifles, and revolvers, appeared and demanded the surrender of Danford and Smith from the Sheriff, who seemed to have them in charge. Securing their prisoners, the mob started for Caldwell, but the bankers, fearing they would be hung on the road, proposed to the leaders to pay for a special train to take them to Caldwell, which was done. On their arrival there they were locked up in the bank. Further information we have been unable to get up to the hour of going to press.
[MORE PERSONALS.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
The Caldwell Post says the Indians that have been causing the cattle men so much trouble near the Cimarron lately, have been corralled at last, and taken to Fort Reno. It remarked that a killing bee would have done a power of good about the time they were setting fire to the ranges on the Cherokee strip. The cattle men pay their tax for the privilege of this range, and should be protected from other bands roaming around and burning off the ranges.
[NORTH FAIRVIEW INTELLIGENCE.]
Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.
John H. Frederick expects to start to Iowa soon.
Joseph Grove, Esq., is remodeling his dwelling house.
Prof. Hittle is teaching a singing class at the W. V. P. Church.
Mr. Dewalt Kinzey, of Tipton, Iowa, is visiting at Robert Hanlen's.
Mr. J. H. Page has commenced the erection of a fine dwelling house.
W. O. and C. F. Baxter have returned from the Indian Territory with their cattle.
Miss Fannie McKinley, of Seely, is instructing the urchins of Darien school, district 25.
The Valley Center school is progressing finely under the management of Prof. R. B. Corson.
W. F. M. Lacy, Esq., has taken the contract to furnish wood for the church. As Frank is a "boss fellow," it will be done as per contract.
About fifteen of the young folks of this locality met at the residence of J. J. Tribby last Wednesday, to participate in a "taffy pullin'," and numerous plays, which was a grand success.
"Chip Basket" in his last letter to the COURANT, said John Hanlen had gone to Stafford County with Wm. Palmer and wife on the 10th inst. We think the old man had his dates mixed, as Wm. Palmer and wife did not start until the 17th inst., and Hanlen didn't go at all, so his wife testified. LASSES TAFFY.
[EDITORIAL.]
Cowley County Courant, December 8, 1881.
Mr. Fred C. Hunt, of this city, accepts a position this week as associate editor of THE COURANT, and will hereafter lend his assistance in the endeavor to make for Cowley County one of the best newspapers in Kansas. . . .
[COWLEY COUNTY TAXES.]
Cowley County Courant, December 8, 1881.
The county clerk has finished his distribution of the tax roll for 1881, and from him we obtain some figures relative to our taxes. The roll shows a total aggregate levy of $119,031. This is, in round numbers, eight thousand dollars less than was on the roll of last year. . . .
[THE CALDWELL BANK MUDDLE.]
Cowley County Courant, December 8, 1881.
To begin at the beginning and tell the whole story would occupy this entire page. A synopsis is all we can give.
Rumors of the instability of the bank had been floating around for some two or three weeks, but the depositors, as a body, did not give them much credence, thinking all would be right, and having faith in the president, J. S. Danford, no runs were started. On Monday several drafts on New York came back protested. The owners of them went to the cashier, W. D. C. Smith, and inquired of him the reason of their return. Smith held out that there was only a temporary shortage on that bank, and that the same draft would be honored if sent to the bank on which it was drawn. Smith continued to hold out that every train running the entire week would bring from $5,000 to $20,000 in currency, and all depositors could then get their money if they would only wait.
It was evident that the M. & D. bank was very short of currency, the cashier prevailing upon many to take only $25 or $100 when they would present checks for sums well up in the hundreds. Many took the stand-off simply out of friendship for the bank, while many, wishing to lend confidence and aid to the bank, would go down into their pockets and deposit their last cent, which would be thankfully received by the slick cashier of the concern, with the assurance of a speedy return of all money. The object was to gain time. Deposits were received up to within twenty minutes of three o'clock Saturday afternoon, while the cashier, packing up the securities of the bank, prepared to jump the train at 3 o'clock. Fred Dewman, a friend of Danford, from Osage City, came down Saturday on the noon train, accompanied Smith in his flight, and took the securities on with him to a place that the creditors know not of. Smith got off at Wellington and met Danford. Danford deeded the bank building to Major Hood, Smith refusing to sign the deed until two thousand dollars was given him. His signature does not appear on the deed, so it is safe to suppose that he did not get the stamps.
Smith and Danford left Wellington in a private conveyance Sunday morning, and drove to Wichita, where a telegram was sent by Sheriff Thrall to have them arrested on a warrant sworn out by I. B. Gilmore, who happened to be in Wellington and learned of the flight.
The sheriff of Sedgwick County started to Winfield Sunday evening with the prisoners to have their preliminary tried before Judge Torrance, but telegraphed Thrall to meet him at Mulvane. The party from here got to Mulvane before the Thrall party arrived, but a telegraphic warrant had been served upon them before the Caldwell officers arrived.
The party came to Wellington, where they were met by a delegation of creditors from this point. Talks were had but nothing could be got out of Danford. They were arraigned before Squire King, and $50,000 bonds required of them for their appearance on the Gilmore warrant, which they claimed they would give on Tuesday. On the afternoon train a delegation of nearly one hundred arrived, repudiated the action of the first party, and demanded that the prisoners be taken back to Caldwell or the full amount of the deposits paid at once. The depositors were not satisfied, and Mr. Rhodes and posse proceeded to gather in the sheriff and prisoners. A special train was secured from Wichita, which arrived about 12 o'clock Monday night, on which the prisoners were brought to this city.
A meeting of the creditors was held in the Hall Tuesday morning. Sim Donaldson was chosen Chairman and Charles Hassard Secretary.
A Committee on Resolutions was appointed, report of same submitted, and adopted, and committee discharged.
The following preambles and resolutions were unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, The Merchants and Drovers' Bank of Caldwell, Kansas, has suspended without any visible assets whatever wherewith to pay the claims of its creditors; and,
WHEREAS, The said creditors, having met to consider the ways and means to secure their claims against said bank and its officers.
Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that all the securities and moneys of said bank have been fraudulently appropriated and made way with by its president, J. S. Danford, and by his direction and connivance.
Resolved, That the said creditors demand a full and complete showing of the status of said bank, and full and complete settlement and liquidation of all their several claims; and that if immediate payment cannot be made, that the said creditors be secured by ample securities, and that immediately.
Resolved, That we hold each and all the officers of said bank strictly accountable for their acts and deeds in the management of said bank, and that they be prosecuted to the full extent of the law for any violation of their said duties.
Resolved, That we declare it our firm determination to make use of all lawful means to make said J. S. Danford settle and liquidate his liabilities caused by his fraudulent practices in the management of said Merchants and Drovers' Bank.
Resolved, That, if deemed necessary, the following attorneys be retained by the creditors of said bank for the prosecution of all claims and demands of these creditors against the Merchants and Drovers' Bank and its several officers, namely: Mr. Thomas George and Mr. Quigley, of Wellington, and Mr. L. M. Lange, of Caldwell, and that a committee be appointed to raise funds for the carrying into execution the resolution, and that a pro rata assessment be made on all creditors for that purpose. And, finally,
Resolved, That we demand that the prisoners, J. S. Danford and W. D. C. Smith, President and Secretary of said Merchants and Drovers' Bank, be immediately turned over and delivered to Constable Rhodes, who first legally arrested the said J. S. Danford and W. D. C. Smith, by virtue of a warrant issued by J. D. Kelly, Esq., of Caldwell, Kansas, and that said Rhodes keep the said prisoners in his custody until they are disposed of in due form.
A committee was appointed to wait upon Mr. Danford and have him make a statement to the creditors.
Danford came into the meeting and said, in substance, that he did not know what the assets of the bank were, but could produce the securities carried off by Smith and Denman; also, that the securities were carried off for the purpose of giving the depositors an equal show at the general divide, and avoid attaching creditors.
A committee was then appointed by the chair to wait upon Danford in the interests of the creditors, and report at 7 o'clock to the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned till 2 o'clock p.m.
Judge Story came in on the noon train Tuesday in the interest of Major Hood. The committee appointed to settle with Danford submitted a report to the meeting at 7 o'clock, which, after a considerable debate, was at once adopted.
The committee's report was Danford's proposition, the substance of which is as follows: Danford gave his individual note for $56,000, secured by $32,500 [?] in notes, etc., of the M. D. Bank; the bank building at $10,000; half a section adjoining the city, valued at $2,000; all his individual and the M. & D. Bank's real estate, etc., in Sumner County the value of which is known at the present; when the collateral is exhausted, the balance to be paid by him. This proposition was accepted by the creditors.
A committee was appointed to take charge of the affair. John G. Woods was elected trustee by the depositors.
The committee went to Wichita yesterday morning to examine the notes and bank securities, and had not returned yesterday evening.
Dr. Tanner was arrested in Wellington Tuesday night and brought to this city. He made affidavit to the fact that the drug store in the corner room of the bank building had been sold to him without a consideration and was to be returned to Danford when the trouble was over. A bill of sale of the property was given to him.
Dr. Sinex states that he is simply employed by Mr. Danford to run the store on a salary of $75 per month; that he has no money invested in it.
Fred Denman stated that he was acting as a friend of Danford, and carried off the money and securities of the bank to a place of safety.
Samuel Berry was placed under arrest yesterday. Caldwell Post.
[ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO READ...BLISS & WOOD MILL ITEM.]
Cowley County Courant, December 8, 1881.
The other day we went down to the City Mill to find out the meaning of that large new building which has been erected just south of the mill. We found Messrs. Bliss & Wood up to their eyes in business superintending the dozen or more men who were at work in the mill, and on the new elevator now nearing completion. So quietly has the work gone on at the mill that this will be the first intimation to many of our citizens that Winfield has a new elevator with a capacity of handling and storing 25,000 bushels of grain. The elevator stands on the track of the Santa Fe, which runs out to the mill, and a few rods south of the mill, with which it will be connected by a tumbling rod, and can be run by either water or steam. A drive extends along the south side from which the wagons are unloaded, and the grain, after being weighed or cleaned can be spouted directly into the cars or the mill. A corn sheller and cleaner will be put in, which will be of great convenience to the shippers. The elevator with the engine, boilers, and other improvements recently added to the mill, represent an expenditure of twelve or fifteen thousand dollars, and the outfit will give employment to ten or twelve men including the proprietors.
These men and their families increase our population by at least fifty persons, and it is needless to say how much such industries aid in building up a town. Winfield needs a woolen and other factories, and if the money that has gone (In many cases, hopelessly gone) into holes in the ground in mining and other wildest speculations, it would in most cases have paid the investors better in the long run, besides building up the town in which most of it was made.
Growlers have accused C. A. Bliss of making a good deal of money here, but we have observed that he always turns around and puts it back into some substantial improvement that not only helps to build up the town, but increases its taxable property, all of which is worthy of imitation.
[COMPLAINTS ABOUT COAL OIL.]
Cowley County Courant, December 8, 1881.
There is wide-spread complaint among the people concerning the coal oil which is sold in this market. Much of it is said to be so poor that it cannot be used at all. Lamps in which it is used will burn nicely for a little time, then the flame grows dim and finally dies out altogether. The best way to rid the market of this worthless and dangerous stuff is for those who purchase at retail to refuse to buy any except that of sufficient test to make it non- explosive. Everyone who has coal oil should make a note of this.
[PERSONALS.]
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
Dr. Green has moved his office upstairs in the new McDougal building.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
J. L. Horning has been quite sick, but we are glad to see he is now able to be out.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
Joseph Tyree, of Vernon Township, was thrown from his horse Saturday; the horse stepped upon him and broke his collar bone.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
Messrs. Beaton and Connor commenced work on the stone wall, to be built across the west side of the courthouse block, this morning.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
G. W. Foster has purchased the Bates stock and will open out with a stock of flour, feed, and groceries, two doors below McGuire Brothers.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
T. W. Tuttle, a young man from Wisconsin, and a cousin of Mrs. C. A. Bliss, is stopping in the city and has secured a position in the County Clerk's office.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
L. Knight, who has been stenographer for this judicial district, says there is so little crime in this section that a respectable stenographer can't make a decent living reporting the criminal cases, and he is going to Kansas City, where he expects to make his fortune.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
There has been a slight change in the Ninth Avenue House, Ed. having taken in a partner, Mr. Wm. Maginnis, late of Chase County. The new firm is making improvements and additions, and offer good accommodations at reasonable rates.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
Mr. W. A. Freeman, an old time resident of Winfield, who has been trying his luck in New Mexico the past few months, has returned to his first love and says he will remain here, having had a sufficiency of the murky skinned country.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
Married on Tuesday evening by Rev. J. E. Platter, at his residence, Mr. George A. Osterhout to Miss Laura E. Byers. George and his bride took the Santa Fe accommodation this morning for Kansas City, where they will spend a few days.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
O. F. Boyle came in from Durango, Colorado, Thursday, and will remain with us for a few days. He is looking hearty, and reports the Winfield folks all well and doing well, except Judge Boyer, who is not acting well, and is thinking of coming east to spend the winter. H. C. Owens, who used to be with Jarvis, Conklin, & Co., has arrived there and is keeping books for a grocery house. There is plenty of snow in the mountains, but none in Durango.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
Five cases have been commenced in the District court since the last term of court, namely, I. D. Skinner vs. O. C. Skinner, attachment; L. Scott vs. Margaret Weir, foreclosure of mortgage; G. W. Chaplin vs. John & Sinnie Garrabee, foreclosure of mortgage; A. Furst & Co. vs. F. I. Sanford, attachment; A. J. Pyburn vs. N. W. Fitzgerald, attachment of home and lot.
Cowley County Courant, December 15, 1881.
Matt Smith, a United States prisoner, is now in confinement in the county jail. He was arrested yesterday at Arkansas City by George McIntire, for stealing a span of mules from William Butler, who lives west of Caldwell; and his trial will take place the 15th of this month.
SKIPPED THE REST! TOO HARD TO READ.
[THE CALDWELL WAR.]
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
About two o'clock Saturday afternoon a number of Cowboys attacked Caldwell with the declaration that they intended to take the town, and a bloody fight ensued, the use of fire- arms being brought into wicked use. All seemed to take an active part, and the fight was a bloody one, resulting in the death of one citizen and two cowboys. Excitement was at such a heat as to make it impossible for the operator at Caldwell to get anything like a full report of the bloody affair up to the time the representative of the COURANT was compelled to leave the telegraph office. Finally it got too hot for the cowboys, and they jumped upon their horses and started out of town. The citizens fired on them from all sides, killing one cowboy and one pony, the rider jumping on behind another companion and rode out of town, both firing as they went.
A posse of citizens followed the cowboys out south of town about four miles and caught some of them, and at last reports were returning to the city with the prisoners, where the Santa Fe train is waiting to take them to Wellington.
A later dispatch says that the cowboys returning under guard have bucked, not wishing to see it that way, but that the citizens have rounded the cowboys up, and sent to town for more help. The citizen killed was Mike Meagher, an ex-mayor of Wellington, who has ever been considered a brave and daring fellow, and a dangerous man. One of the cowboys who shot when the row first commenced, the second as they were retreating out of town, and the third out about four miles.
As we go to press, we learn the cowboys escaped from citizens on foot and meeting freighters on Pond Creek, took their horses and rode away, twenty citizens in pursuit, Meagher and Geo. Speer killed, and W. C. Campbell wounded.
[COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.]
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Council met in regular session. The president of the council, Mr. Read, presiding, in the absence of the mayor. Present: Councilmen Read, Hodges, Platter, and Gary, city attorney and clerk.
Ordinance No. 153, changing the name of Court House street to Riverside avenue, was read and on motion of Mr. Hodges was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1 and 2 were adopted. On a motion to adopt as a whole on the final passage the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Hodges, Gary, and Mater; nay, none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.
Petition of Frank Barclay and 55 others, asking that the stacking of hay be prohibited by ordinance within the city limits, was presented.
Remonstrance of W. T. Roland and 62 others, against the passage of such an ordinance, was also presented.
On motion of Mr. Hodges, the petition and remonstrance were referred to the committee on fire department.
On motion of Mr. Gary, the matter referred to fireman committee, at last meeting, were continued in their hands until the next meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Gary that when council adjourn, it adjourn to meet on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Carried.
The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.
James Lobdell, street work, $17.50.
Wm. Moore, stone and crossings, $30.00.
Wm. Moore, stone and crossings, $10.20.
W. M. Bousman, examining flues, $7.60.
G. W. Crane & Co., Dassler's Stat., $7.50.
Mater & Kibbe, repairs on plow, $1.00.
H. L. Thomas, street crossing, etc. $70.45.
Bill of L. C. Fleming & Co., repairs, etc., $2.65, was referred to the finance committee.
It was moved that Brotherton & Silver be appointed city weighmasters for the six months next ensuing, on compliance with the ordinances and laws of the city. Carried.
A. G. Wilson applied to the council for the privilege of putting in scales on Main street.
On motion the privilege was granted. Scales to be put in under the direction of the committee on streets and alleys.
It was moved that the fine of Jack Brady be remitted. Carried.
Council then adjourned. M. L. READ, Pres. Council, Acting Mayor.
Attest: DAVID C. BEACH, CITY CLERK.
[PERSONALS.]
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Ed. Lemon, formerly a Winfield boy, is lying seriously ill at Independence.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Mrs. A. H. Green has gone to Austin, Texas, on a summons to see her sick mother.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
C. A. Roberts has just received a carload of lumber for his new barn, direct from Chicago.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Lou Zenor has been running the District Clerk end of the Courthouse during Mr. Bedilion's absence.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Mr. J. L. Andrews' household goods have arrived, and he is now fixing up to live at home in the Sam Jarvis' residence.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
A. W. Davis is acting as telegraph operator at Cherryvale, Kansas. We suppose A. W. couldn't resist the temptation.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Saint and Miss Kate Millington will be home from New Mexico to spend Christmas with the "old folks."
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
P. H. Albright, one of Sedan's brightest and most enterprising young men (if he is a Democrat), came over on Saturday evening's train.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
The new townsite of Salem has just been surveyed eight miles east of this city on the K. C., L. & S. road, and work has commenced on a depot there.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
We notice the arrival of Harold Mansfield, from Texas. Harold says Texas isn't just exactly a cheerful state to live in, and that a young man who cares anything about the preservation of his anatomy shouldn't float around in that state to any great extent.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Fred Whiting, of Winfield, seems to like Arkansas City pretty well. Before returning he purchased a number of fat cattle. Traveler.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
It isn't anything new for Fred to purchase a lot of fat cattle, as it requires quite a lot every week to keep their fine market stocked up.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
Thomas Hart, a resident of Richland Township, died of pneumonia, in his home last Saturday night. He was one of the first settlers, a good citizen, and a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was buried by the organization from this city.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
We noticed that A. H. Doane & Co. are filling the vacant block on Ninth Avenue with cord and stove wood, and have 25 carloads of coal in stock and under cover, preparatory for a cold snap or a snow blockade.
Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.
We received a pleasant call from Mr. A. Millspaugh, of Vernon Township. Mr. Millspaugh is one of the solid young men of the county, and in days gone by used to bat fly balls in a way that made fielders feel bad.
Cowley Cou