JAMES C. TOPLIFF FAMILY.

[Note: At the end of this long narrative about James C. Topliff, I have given the information uncovered by RKW years ago about postmasters in Arkansas City. MAW]

James Clement Topliff was a very important and valued citizen of Arkansas City. To tell his story and the connection of his father, Samuel Topliff, Jr., with the Associated Press, is something he never divulged. His obituary, printed in 1922, does not mention it. I am giving a brief synopsis below.

            Samuel Topliff, Jr., Member of Associated Press.

James Clement Topliff’s father and mother were Samuel Topliff, Jr., and Jane Topliff. Samuel Topliff, Jr., was born in 1789 and died in 1864. He resided in Boston, Massachusetts.

On a black November night in 1811 young Samuel Topliff shoved his rowboat into Boston harbor to learn the cause of distant cannonading. He made this perilous trip while the guns of a British fleet were pounding away (the prelude to the War of 1812). Samuel Topliff’s venture was the first systematic attempt to get the news.

Samuel Topliff was an employee, and later, the owner of the reading room at the Exchange Coffee House, located on the second floor of that building, a seven-story structure in Boston, considered the nation’s tallest building in 1811. In those days news items for local weekly papers often came from Topliff’s “Merchant’s Reading Room.”

Historians of this time period agree that his Marine and General News-Book actually hindered development of a daily newspaper in Boston, by supplying its readers for a fee with information that otherwise would have been printed in a newspaper.

Topliff soon made his agency into one of the most famous sources of commercial news in the world. Here gathered the important Boston merchants of the day to hear the latest gossip of the sea and commodity prices and trends. In a way it was a Lloyds of London on a small scale.

In 1820 Topliff extended the Boston Harbour telegraph from Fort Independence to Long Island Head. Topliff used a mast with an arm and three black balls, while on a topmast was hoisted the private signal flag of the latest arrival in port. Topliff speeded up his news-gathering facilities by sending men down the harbor to interview captains and passengers. In Dana’s Two Years Before the Mast, it was noted that among the first to greet the arrival of the Alert was one of Topliff’s men, eager for news from the northwest coast.

Topliff’s activities and correspondence service “led directly to the press news-gathering associations organized during the 1840s,” which themselves led to the formation of a news-gathering organization, the Associated Press, which came into being in 1849.

Information about Samuel Topliff’s connection with the Associated Press can be found under the following:

http://webandwire.com/storey1.htm

http://www.scotweb.co.uk/ns1398/ponex01.html.

  DECEASED: J. C. TOPLIFF, AT AGE OF 84.

Resident of This City For Half Century; Retired Four Years ago.

Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Thursday, November 23, 1922.

             [Editor, Publisher: Richard C. Howard.]

Arkansas City today mourns the loss of another one of her old time and most highly respected citizens in the death of James C. Topliff, who passed away early this morning at the family residence, Second street and Washington avenue. Mr. Topliff had been ill and unable to attend to business for about four years and death came as a relief to his suffering. He was one of the very early day settlers here and had been in years past, very prominent in city affairs. In the year 1880 he was appointed postmaster and served in that office for several years. For a number of years prior to his death he was in the real estate and insurance business here, and was known for many years as Arkansas City’s tax collector. In this line of business he collected the taxes on real estate here, which enabled the local citizens to pay in this city, instead of having to go to the county seat for this purpose.

Leaves Family Here.

Besides the wife, Mr. Topliff leaves two daughters here. The daughters are Mrs. F. A. Gould and Mrs. Fred Shea. The deceased was 84 years of age. He was for many years an officer in the First Presbyterian church, which church he helped to establish here, in the early days of the city.

Born in Boston.

James C. Topliff was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1838, son of Samuel and Jane Topliff. He was raised in his native state. He enlisted in 1862 in the Navy, attached to the Department of the Gulf squadron. He was commissioned in 1862 as Assistant Paymaster. He served two years, when he was discharged from the service on account of physical disability. He then returned to Boston, where he remained for one year, and then spent three years in Memphis, Tennessee, engaged as Assistant Assessor in the Internal Revenue service. He then went to Illinois, and after one year came to Kansas and located at Emporia. In 1872 [1870] he came to Cowley County and located a claim in Bolton township, where he spent two years in farming. In 1874 he moved to Arkansas City, and engaged in merchandising until 1880, when he was appointed postmaster. Later he was in the real estate and insurance business.

Was On City Council.

Mr. Topliff was a member of the city council in the 1880s. He also was one of the first members of the local Masonic order and belonged to the Fraternal Aid association. At the time of his death, he was an elder in the First Presbyterian church and was a former clerk of the session of that church.

Was a Great Walker.

Previous to his late illness he was known as a great walker and his life probably was prolonged for the reason that he always took plenty of outdoor exercise. Many of the present day citizens here will remember seeing Mr. Topliff walking to the Santa Fe station in the morning to mail letters, to the county seat, and other places, as he always preferred to place the letters on the train. It is said of him that before there was a railroad into this city, he used to walk to Winfield quite often, and on many occasions would refuse a ride to or from the county seat, when overtaken by someone who happened to be driving in the direction he was going.

J. C. Topliff was the last of his family; all his brothers and sisters having preceded him to the grave. He leaves two nephews, one in Boston, and the other one in Chicago, to mourn his loss, and Miss Virginia Clevenger, who was reared in this city by Mr. and Mrs. Topliff, who now resides in Kansas City. She has been notified of his death and is expected to come here for the funeral services.

Farmed For Two Years.

The farm on which Mr. Topliff settled and which he proved up on as a claim was located southeast of the city in East Bolton, near the present Denton farm. It is now known as the Curry farm. After residing on the farm for two years, he moved to the city and was in the retail business here for some time. In the city he was identified with the late A. A. Newman and other of the early days residents here in various lines of business. In fact, he had made this city his home for fifty years and was one of the most influential citizens of his day.

Married in 1885.

James Clement Topliff and Miss Virginia Walton were married on April 15, 1885, in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. She had been here on a visit, and later he went there where the marriage occurred at her home. To this union two daughters were born. The family has resided at the present home of the widow, 220 West Washington avenue, for many years.

In the death of J. C. Topliff, Arkansas City loses one of her best citizens and one whose memory will live long in the minds of the good people here.

Arrangements for the funeral services and burial had not been completed late today, for the reason that the family were awaiting to hear from relatives in Boston. It is known, however, that the services will be held in the First Presbyterian church and that Dr. W. M. Gardner, pastor of that church, will preach the sermon. Definite announcement in regard to the services will be made tomorrow.

           Funeral Notices.

Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Monday, November 27, 1922.

Funeral services for J. C. Topliff were held at the First Presbyterian church Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. Dr. W. M. Gardner was in charge of the services and the body was interred in Riverview cemetery. There was a large crowd of friends of the family in attendance at the services. Music was furnished by a quartet composed of Mrs. Walter Hutchison, Mrs. Guy Curfman, Mr. Curfman, and J. H. Dweelaard, and R. Otis Fowler sang the solo, “A Perfect Day,” with E. M. Druley at the organ.

       SOURCE: BETWEEN THE RIVERS, VOLUME I. 1969.

A Letter from Helen Topliff Gould.

My father, James C. Topliff, was born in Boston in 1838. In 1858 he came West, then settled in Arkansas City in the early seventies. He roomed at the Theron [Theoron] Houghton home, as did also J. C. Loveland. Father was a mail carrier for many years.

In 1872 he bought a farm. The deed was recorded December 14, 1872, and patent two years later. Between Father’s farm and Bert Moore’s there ran a creek known as Topliff Creek. It is still so designated in the description of land today.

Virginia Walton came from Pennsylvania to teach school, and she lived with her sister, Mrs. Stacy Matlack. Mr. Matlack built the two-story brick building that carries his name on the southwest corner of Summit Street and Fifth Avenue. And so my father and my mother met and were married. Sister Sarah and I were the only children. Father and Mother started housekeeping in a small three-room cottage. For many years father was engaged in real estate and insurance. They were lifelong members of the Presbyterian Church.

RKW did some work on Gould/Topliff...

Helen Sharp Topliff Marriage to Frederick Allen Gould.

Samuel J. Gould was born April 15, 1808, at Maryville, Tennessee. He married Jane Maxwell in 1831. They had one child, Archibald Cowen (Cain) Gould, born June 15, 1835, at Maryville, Tennessee. He married Elizabeth Parker on April 4, 1861, at Palestine, Illinois; she died circa 1920 in Arkansas City. They had one child, Frederick Allen Gould, who married Helen Sharp Topliff at Arkansas City. They had two children: James Frederick “Bud” Gould and Elizabeth Houghton Gould.

James Frederick Gould, born April 15, 1917, at Arkansas City, Kansas, married Myrtle Imogene Gifford. They had two children and were living in Arizona in 1995.

Elizabeth Houghton Gould was born in 1915 at Arkansas City. She married Horatio Maunsell Richardson in January 1966. They had three children: Donald Alexander Richardson, Joel Michael Richardson, and Peter Gould Richardson.

           EARLY CENSUS REPORTS. BURIED AT RIVERVIEW CEMETERY.

The Creswell township census of 1873 lists J. C. Topliff, age 22, and unmarried.

The Bolton township census of 1876 lists J. C. Topliff, age 36 and unmarried.

The Arkansas City census of 1893 lists J. C. Topliff, age 54, and his wife Virginia, age 33.

James C. Topliff was born January 14, 1838, in Boston, Massachusetts. He died November 23, 1922, at 220 West Washington Avenue in Arkansas City, and is buried in Riverview cemetery, Arkansas City, Kansas.

His wife, Virginia Walton Topliff, was born Nov. 5, 1857 in Fallston, Maryland. She died September 1, 1951, at the Grant Nursing Home in Udall, Kansas. She is buried in Riverview cemetery, Arkansas City, Kansas.

            FROM EARLY NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS.

Emporia News, July 30, 1869.

J. C. Topliff, of Aurora, Illinois, has been spending several days in town, looking for a business location.

Emporia News, September 17, 1869.

               NEW BUSINESS HOUSE.

We clip the following notice of a new business firm in this place from the Aurora (Illinois) Beacon.

“James C. Topliff, of the firm of Topliff & French of this city, returned last Monday from a trip to Southern Kansas, where he will soon return, and with his former partner, open a store at Emporia. He reports farming and business prospects looking extremely favorable now in that country. At Emporia they waited several weeks before getting a store, so great was the rush for places in which to open business. We wish the gentlemen every success in their new location.”

“Mr. Topliff returned a few days ago and informs us his stock of goods will be here in a week or two.”

Emporia News, October 8, 1869.

Messrs. French & Topliff are about to open the best stock of boots and shoes, hats and caps ever brought to Emporia. These gentlemen are enterprising businessmen, and notwithstanding the destruction of Gov. Eskridge’s building, which was being fitted up for their occupancy, and the delay in receiving goods, will be able to accommodate customers in a few days. They will occupy the room opposite the post office. It is their expectation to wholesale largely. Their goods have been bought of the manufacturers at the lowest, and they are able to say positively that they cannot be undersold, and that their goods cannot be equaled in quality or variety. It is a matter of congratulation and encouragement that we are to have such men amongst us, and we bespeak for them a generous patronage.

Emporia News, October 15, 1869.

TOPLIFF & FRENCH. The goods of the new firm have arrived and are opened for the present at the building lately occupied by Mr. Hughes, opposite the post office, on Commercial street. Their stock of boots, shoes, hats and caps is large, and embraces all the varieties kept in such an establishment. No one will fail to notice their new advertisement.

FAIRLY BIG AD. NEW GOODS! NEW GOODS! Low Prices! Low Prices!

TOPLIFF & FRENCH

HAVE JUST OPENED THE LARGEST STOCK OF BOOTS, SHOES, HATS, CAPS, AND GENTS’ FURNISHING GOODS Ever brought to this market, which we have bought of Eastern manufacturers, and will sell at LOW PRICES, at WHOLESALE & RETAIL, FOR CASH. OPPOSITE THE POST OFFICE, Commercial Street, EMPORIA, KANSAS.

Emporia News, November 26, 1869.

Topliff & French, owing to their unexpected large trade, have been compelled to have more room; consequently they are, today, moving their stock of boots, shoes, etc., to the room lately occupied by Bay & Hall, which has been fitted up for them. This firm is agreeably disappointed in the amount of business done in Emporia, and their sales have been double what they expected. They will hereafter be found at the old stand of Bay & Hall.

Emporia News, December 3, 1869.

TOPLIFF & FRENCH. These gentlemen are now prepared to wait on customers in their new place of business, in the room formerly occupied by the firm of Bay & Hall. . . .

Emporia News, January 7, 1870.

       EMPORIA AND HER BUSINESS HOUSES.

A Glimpse of the Business of 1869.

BOOTS AND SHOES.

P. J. Lehnhard, Topliff and French, and William Clapp are the firms in this trade. Messrs. Lehnhard and Clapp have manufactories in connection with their trade, and manufacture extensively. Many of the dry goods establishments keep these articles. No estimate given for sales during 1869.

Emporia News, January 7, 1870.

Topliff & French have closed out all their fur goods except a few ladies’ fur band hoods, collars, beaver top gloves and mitts, and gents’ fur caps, all of which they propose to sell at cost. Mr. Topliff will wait on all who wish to examine them.

Emporia News, June 24, 1870.

Topliff & French offer some special inducements to persons in need of anything in their line of boots and shoes. . . .

Emporia News, July 29, 1870.

Our young friend, J. C. Topliff, of the firm of Topliff & French, has been down at Wichita. He reports that property is looking up in that city, and that everybody are happy because they are prosperous. James, we fear you’ll be emigrating to that section one of these days. Don’t do it. We cannot spare you.

Emporia News, August 12, 1870.

CHANGE: The boot and shoe firm of Topliff & French has been dissolved. Mr. Topliff retires from the business, and Mr. J. M. Green, formerly of Massachusetts, unites with Mr. French under the firm name of French & Green. The new firm will occupy the fine room in the new building of Ruggles & Plumb, as soon as it is finished.

Emporia News, September 16, 1870.

J. C. Topliff, late of Topliff & French, in the shoe business, and J. L. Hamilton and E. Torrence, sprigs of the law, had their scalp-locks cut short, and with their pants in their boots, shaded by broad brimmed hats, in a two-mule wagon, with a mowing machine, departed day before yesterday for the great Southwest, to “make hay while the sun shines.” How they will roll up the hay cocks! We’ll call at your ranch, boys, the first opportunity.

Emporia News, October 7, 1870.

             FROM ARKANSAS CITY.

EDITORS NEWS: Possibly an item or two from our young city may not be entirely devoid of interest.

And first of all, I wish to correct one ridiculous rumor which has come down from Emporia—that the government survey has located Parker and Arkansas City in the Indian Territory. The fact is that no government survey has yet been made at all. Max Fawcett’s survey shows our town to be six or eight miles north of the line. There is not the slightest reason to believe the contrary. The report is pure nonsense,—a lie, manufactured out of whole cloth, probably through the jealousy of rival towns above.

Arkansas City is growing as no infant border town has grown before it. The forty-fourth in our list of residences and business houses went up yesterday, and many others are in progress. Business is brisk, and all sorts of improvements are in rapid progress.

Among our latest acquisitions is Mr. Topliff, of the well-known firm of Topliff & French. He comes here to commence an extensive livestock business.

The health of our town is something remarkable. The aguish month of September is drawing to a close, but we have had not a single case of ague yet, or any form of malarious fever, in a population of 250 people. This may partly be attributed to our elevated and breezy town site, and partly to the abundance of pure, soft water. The people living down upon the bottoms, and drinking river water have suffered as usual.

The recent heavy rains have somewhat dampened the operations of immigrants, but business and the work of improvement were never more brisk. Large enterprises are being hatched here, of which the world will hear in due season. H. B. N. [Norton]

Emporia News, November 11, 1870.

        ALMOST DROWNED.

J. C. Topliff and a Mr. Penfield arrived here Thursday night from Arkansas City. In crossing the little creek near the Crocker farm, on the El Dorado road, their wagon was washed down, upset, and torn to pieces. The mules were only saved by cutting the harness to let them out. The gentlemen themselves came near being drowned. They lost their camp equipage, some clothing, revolvers, etc. They were in the water from two to three hours in saving their team, recovering their wagon, etc. There were several teamsters on the bank of the stream who refused assistance. The gentlemen thought the stream safe, as they had taken the precaution to ride a horse in before entering it with a wagon. It proved too swift for them to ford.

Emporia News, November 25, 1870.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.

James C. Topliff to W. D. Peyton, s w 1/4 sec 27, t 17, r 11, $750.

[COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]

Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.

Board of County Commissioners met in Co. Clerk’s office in Winfield July 1st, 1872. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.

Proceeded to act on the following Road Petitions.

One of Topliff, granted with Strong Pepper, John Linton, and Isaac Shedder, as viewers.

Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.

Commissioners Proceedings.

           Winfield, Kansas, August 16th, 1872.

Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer. Petition of Charles Parker for County Road was presented and granted with the following viewers: Daniel Hunt, W. Thompson, and John Nichols. Time of survey August 26th, 1872. New viewers were appointed on the old petition of Topliff, consisting of John Linton, Isaac Shedder, and H. O. Ward; Time of survey August 27th, 1872, and also on the old petition of Tipton, of O. Howard, Frank Speers, and R. A. Thompson; time of survey Aug. 28th, 1872.

[PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Messenger, September 20, 1872.

Report of viewers on the county road of Topliff was adopted and ordered opened across the range line (3) east.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.

MINUTES OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY

OF COWLEY, STATE OF KANSAS, HELD AT WINFIELD,

MARCH 9TH, 1873.

Board met in county clerk’s office. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.

The following section line roads were ordered opened as per former petitions: One of T. H. Hart 50 ft. wide. J. C. Topliff, 50 ft. wide.

Petition of Frank Gallotti granted, with R. A. Thompson, J. C. Topliff, and O. C. Smith as viewers, to meet for survey March 31st, 1873.

[CENTENNIAL CONCERT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, March 22, 1876.

The Centennial Concert, rendered at the First Church last Saturday evening, by the church choir, was attended by more than one hundred persons. The introduction was made by Rev. Fleming in a manner that did credit to himself and gave spirit to the audience. The musical efforts were of high standing, and attend­ed with success. The characters were interesting and somewhat comical. It struck us as a little funny to see Ethan Allen with his hair parted in the middle, and wearing white pants. George Washington, of the little hatchet fame, was introduced as the father of his country, and afterwards exhibited his skill on the organ in a manner that was “not so slow” for so aged a gentleman.

Mrs. Washington, the wife of George, and mother of her country, was attired in complete white.

William Penn, like other members of the company, looked aged enough in his hair. How they came to get William in reach of the Centennial year was more than we could solve, although he was brought forward as the grandfather of his country.

Widow Bedott was also represented, and recalled by the audience after singing the song given to her name.

Gen. Wayne bore the sword so dreaded by Russell Cowles.

Gov. Winthrop made himself useful during the early part of the evening as usher, as did Paul Revere; both finally retired to a more convenient place for inspection, and added to the group on the stage.

Mrs. Sipes, Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. C. R. Mitchell, and Mrs. Meigs occupied front seats, dressed in old style, and caused some merriment.

All in all, it was a good concert, and added one more evening of enjoyment to the eager public.

The characters represented were as follows.

Ethan Allen - Prof. Hulse.

George Washington - Will. Mowry.

Mrs. George Washington - Miss Sherburne.

William Penn - Luscious Norton.

Mrs. John Jay - Mrs. R. C. Haywood.

Mrs. Alexander Hamilton - Miss L. Norton.

Mrs. John Hancock - Mrs. Newman.

Widow Bedott - Mrs. L. C. Norton.

General Wayne - Frank Hutchinson.

Governor Winthrop - J. C. Topliff.

Paul Revere - Kendall Smith.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.

We have a specimen of wheat from J. C. Topliff’s farm four feet and nine inches high.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 16, 1876.

WANTED. Teams to plow 30 or 40 acres of ground. Inquire at farm 2½ miles southeast of town. J. C. TOPLIFF.

[COMMUNICATION FROM “BULL DOG”—BOLTON TOWNSHIP.]

Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.

I notice that J. C. Topliff and John Brown have at some expense introduced fall barley, which has proved to be a grand success. That on the farm of the former was very nice, yielding nearly forty bushels to the acre, and without doubt, it would have gone sixty bushels if it had been sown early.

[ANNOUNCEMENT: FRANK GALLOTTI FOR COUNTY TREASURER.]

Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.

TO THE VOTERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.

This is to certify that we, whose names are hereto sub­scribed, do most heartily recommend for our next County Treasurer, FRANK GALLOTTI, who has for the last year and a half faithfully and satisfactorily performed the duties of said office while acting in the capacity of Deputy; and we do hereby further certify that his character during that time has been such as to fully entitle him to the recommendation. The records of said office kept by him, bears ample testimony of his capability and efficiency. We consider him well qualified to fulfill the duties of said office, and therefore cheerfully recommend him to the voters of Cowley County as well worth of their cordial support, and who, if elected, will most faithfully and systematically perform the duties of said office.

One of those who signed this petition: J. C. Topliff.

[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876. Editorial Page.

The following named gentlemen were selected members of county central committee.

One of those selected—Bolton: J. C. Topliff.

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.

Capt. Chenoweth, Frank Lorry, and J. C. Topliff represented the banner wheat raising township in the convention.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.

We learn that in almost every deposit of grasshopper eggs, a small worm is found destroying them. Mr. Wyard Gooch and J. C. Topliff report several examinations, resulting almost invariably in finding the presence of the worm. With the chances they will have to undergo in the spring of being killed by the cold rains, we think grasshoppers will be few next spring.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 4, 1876.

Choice Fall Barley may be had at Houghton & McLaughlin’s, Channell & Haywood’s, or of the undersigned, at $1.00 per bushel. Now is the time to sow. J. C. TOPLIFF.

[ATTACK AGAINST SCOTT: EDITORIAL PAGE.]

Winfield Courier, October 26, 1876.

WELLINGTON, KANSAS, Oct. 11, 1876.

HON. E. C. MANNING.

DEAR SIR: I see by the Traveler that its editor, C. M. Scott, is opposing your race for the Senate. This Scott is a thief, and you may charge him with being one, and give myself and Mr. Topliff, of Arkansas City, as witnesses. In 1870 the theft was committed in the city of Emporia. Mr. Scott stole goods from the clothing store of Topliff & French, and I was a witness to the settlement of the affair. Mr. Scott acknowledged the steal­ing of the goods to Messrs. Topliff & French and paid for them to save an arrest. If this statement is worth anything to you, you may use it. WILL NIXON.

Mr. Scott compels the COURIER to answer the attacks that the Traveler makes upon Mr. Manning, and then the COURIER must go to the Traveler’s readers through Mr. Scott’s hands at Arkansas City. We don’t know whether those COURIERS reach their intended destination or not. A man that will steal is not too good to destroy mail matter.

Excerpts...

[EDITORIAL COLUMN: MANNING.]

Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1876.

The attack we refer to is in the issue of the Courier of October 26, accusing us of “stealing goods from the clothing store of Topliff & French,” of Emporia, in 1870, for proof of which they publish a letter from one Will Nixon, of Wellington. The writer does not state what the goods were, but the figurehead of the Courier explains it as being a suit of clothes and an overcoat.

To begin with, this William Nixon is a low, drunken gambler, who would scarcely be believed under oath, and who, by his own statements, is guilty of and accountable for the death of his own brother. In the second place, Topliff & French never had a clothing store in Emporia, and the following statement, from the very authority to whom they refer, proves the charge wholly false, and an unmitigated and scandalous lie.

   ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, October 28, 1876.

Friend Scott: On my arrival in town this morning, my attention was called to a letter, signed by one Will Nixon, of Wellington, Kansas, accusing you of stealing goods from the store of Topliff & French in Emporia, in 1870, and that I had you settle to avoid arrest. Also, several insinuations in different parts of the Winfield Courier, “about your stealing clothes and an overcoat.”

Was it not by the urgent request of friends, I would take no notice of the affair, coming from the source it does. I have known you for about seven years. Part of the time in Emporia, and the balance from the first settlement of this place, and I can truly say that I have never seen the time when I doubted your honesty in the least, and have always held you in the highest esteem, and think more of you today than ever, especially when those that call themselves men, stoop to such mean, low, dirty tricks, to make party capital by assailing you.

Rest assured, that you have not lost any friends by any of these charges, have gained many, and the accusers will find that they have barked up the wrong tree. In the first place, I never kept clothing of any kind, while in Emporia, so you could not have had the chance to steal any, were you so disposed. Then again, I never had any grounds or intention of making an arrest.

The old saying is, “those that live in glass houses must not throw stones.” This will apply to Mr. Nixon. He must cast the beam out of his own eye first. Those that know both him and yourself can judge whose character will stand best before the public.

I knew him and some of those he was associated with in Emporia, and believe he would do most anything to damage your character. I would take no further notice of his accusations.

Your friend, JAMES C. TOPLIFF,

Late of Topliff & French, Emporia, Kansas.

Yet the letter of Mr. Nixon is sufficient to answer the purposes of Mr. Manning, who is always in accord with just such rascals, and has many of them for his tools and backers.

Winfield Courier, November 2, 1876.

ONLY A “CAP.”

The Traveler comes out this week and denies that its editor stole a suit of clothes and an over-coat from the firm of Topliff & French, of Emporia, in 1870.

Mr. Nixon, in his letter as published in last week’s COURIER, did not charge that Scott stole a suit of clothes and an over-coat, but he did say that “Scott stole goods from the clothing store of Topliff & French.” It matters not to us whether it was a full suit, a half-suit, or simply a cap, as explained by the Telegram. The principle is just the same. A man who would steal a cap would steal an entire suit, if he had the chance. Mr. Topliff, in his letter, says that their firm did not keep clothing. Very well, they kept boots, shoes, hats, and caps, though; and Mr. Topliff will remember that, about two years ago, he told a citizen of this place, who was then a resident of Arkansas City, and a particular friend of his, that he (Scott) did steal a cap from their store, as set forth in Nixon’s letter. If Mr. Topliff or Mr. Scott want the authority for this state­ment, they can have it. If he had stolen all the goods in Emporia, it wouldn’t have altered the character of the offense. The principle of the thing is what the “vagabonds” are looking at, and they do not want Mr. Scott to crawl out of it by hiding himself behind his charges against Mr. Manning. The “vagabonds” have a right to know the character of the prosecuting witness in this continued assault upon them and their friends. His attempt to prove that Nixon is unreliable, simply because he gambles—won’t work. That’s a knife that cuts both ways. We know of several prominent politicians of the Traveler stripe that gamble and race horses, and are still held in high esteem by the “pure and better element of the party.” It’s too thin, Scott, it won’t wash. Bring in another horse.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.

FOR SALE. One mule about 14 hands high, with harness; is a good worker, and in fine order; inquire of Houghton & McLaughlin or of myself, 2½ miles southeast of town.

  JAMES C. TOPLIFF.

Winfield Courier, November 9, 1876.

“MANSFIELD,” in the Courier, palms off “Bob Ingersoll’s” speech as his own original production. Traveler.

The doctor replies that if Scott had never “stolen” anything worse than an extract from Bob Ingersoll’s speech, he would not have gotten himself into trouble at Emporia. The Dr. lived in Emporia and knows all about Topliff & French’s store. He says that they did keep clothing, for they had an assortment of hats, caps, boots, shoes, and gent’s underwear, and that he has bought goods of them more than once. Scott has waked up the wrong passenger again.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 15, 1876.

On the outside of this issue will be found the letters of Messrs. Topliff and J. W. Hamilton, in refutation of the charges made against Mr. Scott by the Courier. It is a complete vindica­tion, and bears so decidedly the impress of truth that the ignominy and disgrace thus sought to be brought upon Mr. Scott reverts to the parties who for the purpose of attracting the voters atten­tion to themselves would bring into disgrace an honest man.

Cowley County Telegram.

Excerpt...

[COMMITTEE FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND FESTIVAL.]

Arkansas City Traveler, December 13, 1876.

               NEW ENGLAND KITCHEN.

Mrs. Mary Baker, Mrs. L. C. Norton, Mrs. I. H. Bonsall, Miss M. Houghton, Mr. T. H. McLaughlin, O. P. Houghton, Miss Bowers, Kate Hawkins, Miss Lizzie Ela, J. H. Sherburne, T. R. Houghton, Mr. Ela, J. C. Topliff.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1876.

HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN have again secured the services of JAMES C. TOPLIFF, to assist them in the store, as salesman and bookkeeper. Many friends of Mr. Topliff will be glad to have him back, to trade with.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.

In the race for Mayor last Monday, H. D. Kellogg received 72 votes, Major Sleeth 40, and Rev. Thompson 1.

For Police Judge, James Christian received 112 votes, and Rev. David Thompson 1.

For Councilmen, Jas. Benedict received 72, E. P. Farrar 72, Jas. I. Mitchell 72, H. Godehard 71, I. H. Bonsall 71, A. A. Newman 40, O. P. Houghton 40, E. D. Eddy 40, J. A. Loomis 40, Dr. J. T. Shepard 40, Rev. Wingar 1, Rev. Swarts 1, Rev. Will York 1, L. C. Norton 1, J. C. Topliff 3, Sherb Hunt 1.

[LADIES’ SEWING SOCIETY: THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL.]

Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1877.

The following committees have been chosen by the Ladies’ Sewing Society for their Thanksgiving Festival.

WAITERS ON TABLE.

W. D. Mowry, J. C. Topliff, J. Sherburne, W. Stewart, Dr. Williams, Miss Pickett, Kate Hawkins, Angie Mantor, Dora Dixon, Mowry Bowers.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1877.

Mr. Topliff offers a valuable mule for sale at a bargain this week. See special notice column.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1877.

FOR SALE. One span of 4-year-old work mules, 14 hands high; one double-barreled shot gun, one feather bed. Will trade for cows. W. H. H. RATHBURN, On Topliff’s farm.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 6, 1878.

JAMES C. TOPLIFF is on his farm now, and will make large preparations for his summer’s work.

[REPORT FROM BOLTON TOWNSHIP: J. C. TOPLIFF, SECRETARY.]

Arkansas City Traveler, February 13, 1878.

BOLTON, Feb. 9, 1878.

A meeting was called by J. M. Sample, Trustee, to meet at the Bland schoolhouse at one o’clock today, to take some action in regard to purchasing a site for a cemetery, to be owned by the township. Notwithstanding the weather was very stormy, quite a large number from middle Bolton and west Bolton turned out.

J. M. Sample was elected Chairman, and James C. Topliff, Secretary of the meeting. It was the opinion of all present that the township needed a cemetery of not less than five acres, and that the same be purchased if possible. If a location be decided on and the parties owning the land would not sell at a fair price, to condemn the land according to law, and go ahead and improve the place. Quite a number of locations were suggested and voted on, but all were defeated, and it was finally left to the Township Board to select a site as soon as possible, of not less than five acres, and as near the center of the township as possible. Survey of the ground into lots, which are to be numbered, and given to the different residents of this township in rotation, as called for. Also to have the same all broken out the coming spring. It is understood that the committee members are to look up a site this coming week.

After the cemetery matter was disposed of, the bridge ques­tion was brought up before the meeting, and nearly everyone had something to say in its favor. It was the opinion of all present that if we did not have a bridge soon, many would leave the township. Mr. Pepper asked that a vote be taken in regard to voting aid to build a new bridge and repairing the old one south of Arkansas City, which was done, and the same was carried unanimously. They all agreed to turn out on election day and see that all their neighbors went to the polls to vote.

The Board then met together, and in response to petitions from 114 of the residents and tax payers, ordered that an elec­tion be held at the usual voting precincts on Saturday, the 9th day of March next. J. C. TOPLIFF, Secretary.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 13, 1878.

J. C. TOPLIFF and STRONG PEPPER presented to the Township Board of Bolton Township last Saturday petitions signed by more than 114 voters in favor of calling an election to vote $2,000 in bonds towards the bridge across the Arkansas River. We understand that everyone was in favor of the proposition, as well as several others who did not get a chance to sign the petitions. Let every man turn out on election day and vote for the bonds, and see that his neighbors do the same, so that a contract can be drawn up and work be commenced immediately.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 20, 1878.