Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. Owing to the unfavorable state of the weather during the late fair which prevented a proper exhibition of the articles entered for display, there will be an Exposition of all articles relating to the following classes: farm and domestic products, fruits, flowers, fine arts, textile fabrics, natural history, etc., on Saturday afternoon and evening, October 28th, 1871, in Rodocker’s Hall, Winfield. . . .
SUPERINTENDENTS.
Farm Products: A. T. Stewart.
Domestic Products: Mr. Clingman.
Fruits and Flowers: H. Hawkins.
Fine Arts: Prof. Palmer.
Textile Fabrics: W. W. Andrews.
Natural History: Prof. Hickok.
D. N. EGBERT, Secretary.
Winfield Messenger, March 15, 1872.
COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL.
The Cowley County Agricultural Society was fully organized by representatives from all parts of the county August 17th, 1871, with the following offices.
President, M. M. Jewett; Vice Presidents, A. T. Stewart and B. C. Swarts, Secretary, D. N. Egbert, Jr.; Assistant Secretary, A. B. Lemmon; Corresponding Secretary, J. B. Fairbanks; Treasurer, J. D. Cochran; General Superintendent, C. M. Wood; Assistant General Superin-tendent, A. D. Speed; and with a Board of thirteen Directors.
Its first annual fair commenced October 12th, 1871, though late in the season and attended with very inclement weather, was a very creditable affair, and attested the fact that the Society was a success.
The land consisting of twenty acres, the gift of Messrs. W. W. Andrews and A. D. Speed, situated three-fourths of a mile from Winfield, is admirably adapted for the purposes of the society. The society has been in correspondence with farmers in all parts of the county, and the report has invariably been that all crops were a success the past season, and that the present grain crops promise well.
At this date many farmers are plowing and otherwise preparing for spring. On looking over our prairies in all parts of the county we notice a numberless growth of young trees of all our native kinds.
The introduction of forest, fruit, and fancy trees has been very great, and almost every farmer that has not done so already will, the coming spring, set out an orchard. The laws of the State give every man $2 a year for each acre of forest trees for twenty-five years, and the same amount for every half-mile of the same planted along the public highway, not more than one rod apart, provided the trees shall be cultivated, growing three years before the bounty begins.
The next annual fair will be held in September, at the above named grounds.
The limited space allotted to us cannot be better employed than append a price list of articles that most interest farmers and others intending to emigrate.
Apple trees (1 year) $8 per 100.
Apple trees (2 year) $15 per 100.
Pear and Plum trees, 40 cents each.
Peach trees, 10 cents a piece.
Quince trees, 50 cents.
Grape vines, $2 per dozen.
Raspberries, $1.50 per dozen.
Strawberries, $2.00 per dozen.
Honey, 25 cents per pound.
Osage Orange seed, 30 cents per pound.
Lime, 40 cents per bushel.
Plows, breaking, 18 inch, $36.
Plows, stirring, 14 inch, $19.
Harness, double, $25 to $30.
Horses, $75 to $125; Oxen $10 to $15.
Milch cows, $35 to $45; wagons $50 to $110.
Potatoes (best seed), $1.50.
Tomatoes, cooking, 75 cents to $1.00.
Turnips, 25 cents.
Corn, 35 to 55 cents.
Oats, 55 cents.
Cornmeal, $1.50.
Flour, $5.
Beans, per bushel, $2.00 to $2.50.
Butter, best, 35 cents.
Eggs, 20 cents.
Hay, per ton, $2.50.
Solid walnut furniture, from first-class mechanics, are as low in price here as in the East, and better made.
The above prices include the best in the market.
D. N. EGBERT, Jr., Sec., Cowley Co. Agri. Soc.
Winfield, Kans. Feb. 20, 1872.
Winfield Messenger, June 28, 1872.
The Cowley County Agricultural Society are preparing a pamphlet containing the premium lists and other items connected with the Fair. It will also contain advertisements of the leading business houses of Southern Kansas.
[COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.
Mr. A. T. Stewart and Mr. Wood of Winfield were in town last week on their way to Wichita in the interests of the Cowley County Agricultural Society.
These gentlemen talk very encouragingly of the prospect of their praiseworthy enterprise, and we doubt not but their fall Fair will be a grand success. The managers of the affair are men of experience in such matters and the people of the county seem to be thoroughly awakened to the importance of making the Agricultural Society a permanent success. The Society have secured a donation of twenty acres of beautiful land adjoining the city of Winfield and lying in the valley of Walnut, as permanent location of their Fair grounds. The society starts out with a capital stock of $2,000. If there ever was an Agricultural society established under favorable circumstances that of our neighbor county is certainly the one.
The citizens of Winfield, and, indeed, of the entire county, are characteristic of energy and enterprise and will reserve none of that very necessary element on such a question as this. The soil of Cowley is rich and productive and consequently her citizens are prosperous, and encouraged to go on in their labor for the development of their great resources. The valley of the Walnut is as rich a country as can be found anywhere, and numerous creeks and rivulets are a great advantage to the county. We are glad to see our friends in Cowley making a successful attempt to advance the interests of our farming and stock raising communities and trust their efforts will be duly appreciated and the gratitude of the people be manifested by a general patronage at the Fair this fall. Other counties and other states are invited to bring in any article or animal which they may wish to exhibit. Success to the work.
Belle Plaine Herald.
Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.
Everybody is preparing something to bring to the Fair.
Winfield Messenger, July 19, 1872.
THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. This society has secured by deed 24 acres on the east side of Main Street just south of Winfield for a Fair ground.
This ground is beautifully graded by nature and cannot be excelled as a location for this purpose. The Directors now propose to fit up the grounds as rapidly as possible for the approaching Fair. Let every farmer now come in and subscribe from one to ten shares at five dollars each, as the funds are wanted to improve the grounds. Persons wishing to furnish labor, posts, lumber or other material, will please call on the undersigned committee. C. M. WOOD, J. D. COCHRAN, E. DAVIS.
Winfield Messenger, July 26, 1872.
The improvements on the Fair ground are progressing rapidly.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
NOTICE: To Stock Holders in the Cowley County Agricultural Society. An assessment has been made for the full amount of the shares and is now due. All persons having taken stock to be paid in cash will please call at the office of J. B. Fairbank, Secretary, and pay up as the funds must be had to purchase material for the completion of the fence and buildings of the Grounds. By order of Directors, A. T. STEWART, Pres.
J. B. FAIRBANK, Sec.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
Winfield has a brass band at last, under the leadership of Prof. Stewart. The band has been engaged to play during the Fair. The citizens will be called upon to assist the boys in getting instruments.
Winfield Messenger, August 30, 1872.
NOTICE. Those parties having taken stock in the Cowley Co. Agr. Society to be paid in hauling lumber from Wichita, and those wishing to haul lumber to be paid in stock, will report at once to the secretary of the society and make positive arrangements to do said hauling. There has been 40,000 feet of lumber purchased at Wichita for the Fair grounds, which will be ready for teams in a few days. Let everyone respond promptly. C. M. WOOD, Chairman. Committee on Fair Grounds.
Winfield Messenger, September 6, 1872.
NOTICE. The refreshments brought on the Fair Grounds will be sold at auction on Saturday, Sept. 7th, 1872, at 4 o’clock. A. T. STEWART, President.
J. B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.
Winfield Messenger, September 6, 1872.
Directors Meeting.
There will be a meeting of the Directors of the Cowley County Agricultural Society Saturday, Sept. 7th, at 2 o’clock p.m. to transact some important business.
A. T. STEWART, President.
J. B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.
Winfield Messenger, September 6, 1872.
ATTENTION: Those persons having taken stock in the Cowley County Agricultural Society to be paid in work on the Fair Grounds and those persons wishing to take stock and pay in work will report at once to the Committee.
It is necessary that you should respond promptly as this work must be performed before the 20th, of the month.
C. M. WOOD,
J. D. COCHRAN,
E. DAVIS,
Committee.
Winfield Messenger, September 20, 1872.
The lumber for the fence and buildings of the Fair Ground has arrived and the work will be completed in a short time.
Winfield Messenger, September 20, 1872.
Remember the fair begins next Wednesday. Let everybody in the county bring something to exhibit, and make this year’s exhibition a grand success.
[PREMIUM LIST OF THE NATIONAL HORSE FAIR - WINFIELD, KANSAS.]
Winfield Messenger, Friday, October 4, 1872. Front Page.
Premium List of the National Horse Fair, to be Held on the Grounds of the Cowley County Agricultural Society, at Winfield, Kansas, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, October 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1872.
LOT 1 - BLOODED HORSES.
W. M. Boyer, Superintendent.
Best blooded stallion any age, $20; best blooded mare any age, $20; best blooded colt under three years old, $10.
LOT 2—HORSES FOR GENERAL PURPOSES.
B. H. Dunlop, Superintendent.
Best stallion any age, $20; best mare any age, $10; best span of horses or mares, $25.
LOT 3—HORSES FOR CARRIAGES.
R. L. Walker, Superintendent.
Best span of mares or geldings any age, $20; best single mare or gelding any age, $15. Style and beauty to be considered above speed.
LOT 4—HORSES FOR DRAFT.
W. W. Limbocker, Superintendent.
Best span of mares or geldings, $25. Actual test required on the ground.
LOT 5—BROOD MARES AND COLTS.
Henry Martin, Superintendent.
Best mare any age, with colt by her side, $20; best spring colt, $15.
LOT 6—MULES AND JACKS.
James Stewart, Superintendent.
Best span of mules for general purposes, $20; best span of mules for draft, $25; best jack, $40. Actual test of draft mules must be had on the grounds.
SWEEPSTAKES.
Best stallion, with 5 mares and colts by their side, $50. Three entries required in each grade.
LOT 7—SPEED RINGS.
T. H. Benning, Superintendent.
Race No. 1—TROTTING—Purse $150.
Fastest trotting stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, in harness, mile heats, best three in five. First premium, $100; second premium, $50. Three to enter, two to go. Time required, two fifty.
Race No. 2—RUNNING—Purse $150.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, one half mile heats, best two in three. First premium, $100; second premium, $50. Four to enter and three to go.
Race No. 3—PACING—Purse $200.
Fastest stallion, mare or gelding any age, in harness, mile heats, three best in five. First premium, $110; second premium, $50; third premium, $40. Four to enter and three to go. Time required, two thirty-five.
Race No. 4—TROTTING—Purse $150.
Fastest double team of stallions, mares, or geldings, any age, mile heats, best three in five. First premium, $100; second premium, $50. Three to enter, and two to go. Time required, three ten.
Race No. 5—RUNNING—Purse $150.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, mile heat, best two in three. First premium, $100; second premium, $50. Four to enter and three to go.
Race No. 6—RUNNING—Purse $75.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, 500 yard dash. First premium, $50; second premium; $25. Three to enter and two to go.
Race No. 7—RUNNING—Purse $200.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, two mile heats, best two in three. First premium, $120; second premium, $60; third premium, $20. Four to enter and two to go.
Race No. 8—TROTTING—Purse $200.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, in harness, mile heat, three best in five. First premium, $110; second premium, $50; third premium $40. Four to enter and three to go.
Entry fee in all of the above, 20 percent.
LOT 9—FEMALE EQUESTRIANISM—PURSE $50.
John Irwin, Superintendent.
Lady exhibiting the best horsemanship, on side saddle, silver pitcher, valued at $30; second best, silver pitcher, valued at $20. These premiums will be on exhibition at the Secretary’s office. Entrance fee, 10 percent; five to enter. Ladies taking premiums at the last Cowley County Agricultural Fair are barred from showing in this ring.
In case the receipts of the fair are not sufficient to pay the premiums in full, a prorata payment will be made.
[EDITORIAL PAGE]
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
THE CAMPAIGN OPENED.
There will be a joint discussion of the political questions of the day between the candidates on the Republican and Liberal County tickets, at the following times and places.
Vernon, at Werden’s, Monday, Oct. 14th, 1 o’clock p.m.
Nenescah, Tuesday, Oct. 15th, at 1 o’clock p.m.
Maple, at Bush’s store, Wednesday, Oct. 16th, 1 o’clock p.m.
Rock, at Holmes’ store, Wednesday, Oct. 16th, 7 o’clock p.m.
Little Dutch, Tuesday, Oct. 17th, 1 o’clock p.m.
Richland, at H. L. Barkers’, Friday, Oct. 18, 1 o’clock p.m.
Windsor, at Omnia, Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 o’clock p.m.
Windsor, at Armstrongs, Saturday, Oct 19, at 1 o’clock p.m.
Windsor, Lazette, Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7 o’clock p.m.
Dexter, Monday, Oct. 21st, at 1 o’clock p.m.
Cedar, at Pattan’s, Tuesday, Oct. 22nd, at 1 o’clock p.m.
Spring Creek, at Sutliff’s store, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m.
Silver Dale, Wintin’s schoolhouse, Thurs., Oct. 24, 1 p.m.
Pleasant Valley, at Constant’s, Friday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m.
Beaver, at Thomasville, Friday, Oct, 25, at 7 o’clock p.m.
Bolton, at Sumner Oaks’, Saturday, Oct 26th, 1 o’clock p.m.
Bolton, at Wilkinson’s, Saturday, Oct. 26th, 7 o’clock p.m.
Arkansas City, Tuesday, Oct 29th, at 7 o’clock p.m.
Tisdale, Wednesday, Oct. 30th, at 7 o’clock p.m.
Winfield, Friday, November 1st, at 7 o’clock p.m.
By order of the County Central Committee.
JAMES KELLY, Chairman, Republican Committee.
A. A. JACKSON, Chairman of Lib. Committee.
[THE FAIR—LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED.]
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
THE FAIR—LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED.
Class A—Farms—One Entry.
Premium not awarded.
Class B—Farm Crops—One Entry.
Premium not awarded.
Class C—Lot 1—Blooded Stock—Three Entries.
Premiums to W. J. Snodgrass, H. C. Fisher, A. T. Stewart.
Lot Two—Stallions for General Purposes—Seven Entries.
Premiums to A. S. Williams, C. Lamb, W. J. Snodgrass, James Stewart.
Lot Three-Draft Stallions, Mares, and Geldings—Eight Entries.
Premiums to B. W. Setter, W. J. Snodgrass, A. B. Gardner, R. H. True.
Lot Four—Mares and Fillies—Eleven Entries.
Premiums to W. J. Snodgrass, James Stewart, James Renfro, Daniel Miles, J. A. Kinney, George Nott, E. P. Hickok, W. McClellan.
Lot Five—Matches—Spans for Carriages.
Premium to E. Davis.
Lot Six—Spans for General Purposes.
Premium to Henry Martin.
Lot Seven—Single Horses for Carriage and Harness—Ten Entries.
Premiums to J. Hooker and E. Davis.
Lot Eight—Single Horses for General Purposes—Five Entries.
Premiums to Henry Martin and B. H. Dunlap.
Lot Nine—Short-horned Cattle—Nine Entries.
Premiums to Joseph Foos, J. H. Werdan, W. Stewart, A. McClellan, W. E. Cook, E. P. Hickok.
Lot Ten—Grades and All Other Breeds—Twelve Entries.
Premiums to James Foos, John H. Davis, B. H. Lacy, T. C. Dunn, J. D. Cochran. In this class Mr. J. A. Churchill had a beautiful cow—grade Ayrshire—entered, one worthy of a premium, but when the class was called Mr. Churchill was on duty as a judge of swine, and his cow was not exhibited to the committee. Through no fault of his own, his cow was not brought into competition. It is only justice to Mr. Churchill to make this statement.
Lot Eleven—Working Oxen—Six Entries.
Premiums to Mrs. S. B. Johnson and J. H. Davis.
Best Dairy Cows.
John H. Davis—Belle Blascoe.
Class E—Sheep.
Two second premiums were awarded to G. M. Miller & Co. and W. K. Davis.
Class F—Lot 16—Swine—15 Entries—Poland-China,
Chester White, and Other Large Breeds.
Premiums to W. K. Davis, B. C. Swarts, A. S. Monger, W. J. Lewis, W. H. H. Maris.
In the department of swine we have never seen a finer exhibition. No one supposed that there were so many and so fine hogs in this part of the State. We have never seen such a display at a county fair before, and, in quality, we have never seen it surpassed at a State fair. The growing and feeding of swine will be one of the most profitable branches of industry of the county, and we are glad to know that so good a start has been made in their breeding. Great credit is due to Messrs. Voris, Swarts, Maris, Lewis, Allen, Stewart, Johnson, Cottingham, Boutwell, Snodgrass, and others for the interest they have taken in this department. Hereafter, in this department, we shall look for the finest display of any fairs of the State.
W. K. DAVIS, Supt.
Lot 17—Berkshire, Essex, and Other Small Breeds—15 Entries.
Premiums to W. S. Voris, W. J. Snodgrass, D. W. Boutwell, D. W. Allen, L. Cottingham.
Lot 18—Sweepstakes—Sixteen Entries.
Premiums to W. J. Snodgrass, W. J. Lewis, D. W. Allen.
Lot 19—Best Exhibition Thoroughbred Swine.
Premium to W. J. Snodgrass.
Class G—Lot 20—Jacks and Mules—Four Entries.
Premium to B. W. Setter.
Class H—Lot 21—Poultry—Ten Entries.
Premiums to Mrs. W. Q. Mansfield, Mrs. Mary M. Voris, J. A. Churchill, A. Menor.
Class I—Farming Implements and Machinery—Eighteen Entries.
Class L—Grains and Seeds—Eleven Entries.
Premiums to John Lowrey, A. Menor, J. H. Curfman, A. S. Williams, C. M. Wood.
Class M—Domestic and Other Products.
Premiums to Mrs. J. Magness, Mrs. W. H. Magness, J. G. Young.
Class N—Vegetables—Thirty-Four Entries.
Premiums to J. Nixon, J. A. Churchill, J. D. Cochran, John Lowrey, A. Menor, Samuel Waugh, N. R. Churchill.
Class O—Domestic Manufactures—Thirty-seven Entries.
Premiums awarded to Mrs. W. T. Tucker, Miss E. Tusker, Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Miss E. A. Graham, Mrs. J. H. Curfman, Mrs. W. H. H. Maris, Mrs. C. M. Wood, Mrs. W. J. Walton, Mrs. A. Bullen, Mrs. L. Lowrey, Mrs. W. W. Andrews, Mrs. H. Y. Churchill.
Class P—Horticulture, etc.
Premiums to T. B. Ross, J. Brown, Henry Marshal, D. W. Boutwell, Mrs. J. C. Blandin, Miss Mollie Bryant.
Class R—Millinery, etc.—Sixty-five Entries.
Premiums to Mrs. W. Q. Mansfield, Miss Mary Deming, Mrs. A. McClellan, Mrs. M. Fitch, Mrs. C. M. Wood, Mrs. Hiram Fisk, Miss Maggie Harper, Miss M. Stewart, Mrs. L. Lowrey, Mrs. E. C. Manning, Mrs. A. A. Jackson, Mrs. Luella Blandin, Mrs. E. Maris, Miss E. Davis.
Class V—Painting, etc.—Eighteen Entries.
Premiums to J. C. Monfort, Graining; J. M. Reed, three styles penmanship; J. H. Bonsall, lot of photographs; Miss Virginia Stewart, oil paintings and pencil sketches; Miss Kate Millington, photographs; Mrs. N. T. Tucker, crystal painting.
Lot 42—Jellies, Marmalades, etc.—Fourteen Entries.
Premiums to Mrs. W. Q. Mansfield, Mrs. C. M. Wood, Mrs. J. H. Curfman, Mrs. W. H. H. Maris.
Lot 43—Instrumental Music.
Premium to Miss Luella Blandin for performance on piano.
Lot 49—Special Premiums.
Display of cut flowers, Mrs. J. C. Blandin. Display of house plants, Miss Mollie Bryant. Display of parlor ornaments, Miss Mary Deming and Mrs. W. Q. Mansfield.
We call special attention to the ladies’ department. The exhibition in the hall was worthy of the highest praise, and the thanks of the community are due to the ladies, both for the interest they manifested and the great contributions they made to the success of the fair. Where all did so well we cannot specify anyone in particular, but commend all alike.
Lot 40.
There were some very interesting specimens of Cowley County salt and coal, also gypsum, and some stalactites from a cave in Tisdale Township, exhibited by Mrs. Magness.
There were placed on exhibition, but no premiums awarded, a cane, a beautiful specimen of wood carving by Mr. Webb; two telescope rifles by Mr. Wigton, sewing machines by Mr. Boyer and Mr. Best, school desks by Mr. Boyer, Mr. Greer, Mr. Best, and Mr. Brower.
LADY EQUESTRIANISM.
Six Entries.
First premium, saddle, valued at $20, Mrs. Laura Wells; second premium, saddle, valued at $15, Miss A. B. Collins.
500 YARD DASH.
Six Entries—$50 Purse.
First Premium, A. T. Stewart; second premium, W. J. Snodgrass.
RUNNING—MILE HEATS—BEST TWO IN THREE.
Four Entries—$100.
First premium, J. C. Baker, for two-year-old colt; Robert Lee, second premium, H. L. Fisher.
TROTTING.
Four entries—$150 Purse.
First premium, C. Lamb, $100; second premium, J. T. Hooker, $50.
SWINE.
Forty-Six Entries—Class F—Lot 16.
Finest display in the State. Poland-China, Chester White, and other large breeds. Boars over one year old, B. C. Swarts; First premium under one year old, W. K. Davis; second premium, A. L. Menser; sows over one year old, First premium, W. J. Lewis; sows under one year old, First premium; best litter of pigs, shown with sire and dam, First premium, W. K. Davis.
Lot 17.
Berkshire, Essex, and other small breeds. Best boar over one year old, First premium, D. W. Boutwell; First premium, D. W. Allen; best sow over one year old, First premium, J. W. Snodgrass; best sow under one year old, First premium, W. J. Snodgrass; second premium, W. S. Voris; best litter of pigs, First premium, W. J. Snodgrass.
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
The Cornet Band will give a grand ball each night of the horse fair, which takes place on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of this month.
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
One of the articles on exhibition at the fair was an oil bean stalk, about fifteen feet high.
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
Mrs. Mansfield made twenty-six entries at the fair. She exhibited some wax work which was the finest we have examined in this part of the State, and carried off the first premium.
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
Maggie Harper received a fine assortment of millinery goods just before the fair at which place she exhibited them and carried off the blue ribbon. She has them on exhibition at her shop opposite the MESSENGER office, so remember where to get the best.
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
We have engaged the services of Mr. Pope, an expert job printer, and can turn out work in the highest style of the art. Bring in your orders before the fair and have some nice bills or cards printed for that occasion. The sooner you hand in your orders the better work you will get done.
Winfield Messenger, October 11, 1872.
Mrs. W. H. H. Maris has our thanks for a glass of peach jelly, which was exhibited at the fair, and to which was attached a blue ribbon, which, in our judgment, it merited.
[THE NATIONAL HORSE FAIR.]
Winfield Messenger, October 18, 1872.
The National Horse Fair.
FIRST DAY.
TROTTING RACE—TWO ENTRIES.
"Champion Searcher," owned by Mr. Lamb of Douglas; and "Fashion," of Arkansas City; the former receiving the first premium, and the latter the second premium. The time of Champion Searcher was first heat, 3:17; second, 3:15; third, 3.08.
RUNNING RACE—FIVE ENTRIES.
"Fannie Stewart," owned by A. T. Stewart; "Frog Leg," owned by J. Anderson; "Bloody Nathan," owned by Charles Meech; "Aspire," owned by Jas. Reynolds; "Dollie Lynch," owned by Wm. H. McCullom. Race—half mile heats, best two in three.
SECOND DAY.
FIRST-PACING RACE—BEST THREE IN FIVE—TWO ENTRIES.
"Prince" and "Baker," the former owned by Mr. Lamb, and the latter by Dr. Carlisle. Time: 2:57; 2:50; 2:15; the former receiving the first premium.
SECOND—RUNNING RACE—BEST TWO IN THREE—FOUR ENTRIES.
"Aspire," "Boston," "Bob Lee," and "Hog Driver." First heat, Aspire first, Boston second, Bob Lee third, Hog Driver fourth. Time: 2.02. Second heat: Aspire first, Boston second, and Bob Lee third. Time: 2.00.
The attendance in the afternoon was very good, being considerable better than the day before.
The Fair has been quite interesting, and we believe, somewhat of a success. We feel justified in saying that there has never been a better exhibition of fine horses than the present one at Winfield. The officers of the Society and people of Winfield deserve great credit for the energy manifested in getting up this fair. Next year will show greater things than these. We will give the rest of the proceedings next week.
[EDITORIAL PAGE: FINE STOCK SEEN AT FAIR GROUND.]
Winfield Messenger, Friday, October 25, 1872.
Fine Stock.
On Saturday morning last we accepted an invitation through Mr. Stewart, from Mr. Reynolds and others to visit the fair ground and make a close examination of their stock exhibited during the fair. Mr. Reynolds brought out two beautiful thoroughbred mares, Aspire and Soothing Syrup. Aspire is five years old, from Escape and Lexington. Soothing Syrup is six years old, from imported Australian and Lexington. These mares for purity of blood, beauty, speed, and style cannot be excelled in the State. Mr. Reynolds has a large farm—over 800 acres, all under fence—one mile from Longton in Howard County well stocked with thoroughbred stock from Alexander’s farm in Kentucky, embracing the following breeds: Hambletonian, Bellfounder, Patchen, and Bashaw. He has a fine lot of thoroughbred short horned cattle from Myers’ farm, Racine, Wisconsin; Sheldon’s farm in New York; and some from J. P. Roe, importer of thoroughbred stock. Also a large number of thoroughbred swine. Mr. Reynolds’ stock farm cannot be beaten in the State and will do much for the improvement of stock and the increase of fine blood. Such stock and such enterprise is worthy of the highest encouragement.
Mr. Fisher introduced his fine horse, Steve Boston, and kindly furnished us his pedigree, which is as follows:
Steve was 11 years old last May, 16 hands high, a dark chestnut sorrel, and of excellent proportions both in bone and limbs. Boston was sired by Venmeter’s Boston and he by old Boston; Venmeter’s Boston’s dam was by Monarch, Steve Boston’s dam by Hyflyer and he by Torant’s Rattler, and he by Archey and he by imported Diomede. Hyflyer’s dam was sired by Cook’s Whip grand dam imported Hyflyer; Steve Boston’s grand dam Grey Medley; great grand dam Florasel, and was foaled on the farm of John Hays. He was raised by John Hays living in Fayette County, Ohio.
Mr. Fisher is opening a stock farm on the west side of the county line between Howard and Cowley near Silverdale.
After partaking of some fine wine furnished by Mr. Reynolds, and witnessing a couple of pony races, we returned to town feeling that what we had seen had well repaid us for our trip.
EDITORIAL PAGE: THE SOUTHWEST.]
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
We clip the following from the Leavenworth Commercial. We would like to publish the whole article, but our space forbids; so we publish the portion relating to our young city. That "Wanderer’s" opinion of Winfield is correct, no one will deny, and we hope to see him here again—and in fact, many more such "wanderers" if their visits will only end with like results.
WINFIELD, Oct. 13, 1872.
WINFIELD
is delightfully situated in a bend on the east side of the Walnut, which, at this point, is a considerable stream and affords ample water power during the entire year. The country surrounding Winfield is settled, the soil rich and well cultivated considering the short time that has transpired since the first white man made it his permanent home. The citizens of Winfield are enterprising, energetic, and far sighted, with a spirit that might well be emulated by older communities. This year they fenced in a large fair ground, erected buildings thereon, made a fine race track, and held a fair about two weeks ago, which is said to have been largely attended by citizens from the immediate vicinity and the adjoining counties. The display of agricultural products and stock was large. Indeed, I doubt if many of the other counties could have made a better display of blooded cattle and hogs.
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
Owing to the absence of the Secretary of the Agricultural Society, we were unable to get a report of the proceedings of the last day of the fair.
[PROCEEDINGS OF THE COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873.
The annual meeting of the stock holders of the Cowley County Agricultural society was held on Saturday last, at the office of the Secretary.
228 shares were represented, and voted upon.
The reports of the former Board of Directors were heard, and accepted.
The following persons were chosen directors for the ensuing year.
J. D. Cochran, W. W. Limbocker, W. K. Davis, H. Silver, E. Davis, J. B. Fairbank, Amos Walton, S. C. Winton, F. M. Schwantes, C. M. Wood, A. S. Williams, and J. R. Smith.
A. T. Stewart was chosen President, C. M. Wood, Vice President, J. B. Fairbank, Secretary, and J. D. Cochran, Treasurer.
Two committees were appointed to prepare and submit premium lists to the board of directors.
One, of the ladies; consisting of Mrs. Dr. Mansfield, Mrs. C. M. Wood, Mrs. J. S. Towsey, Mrs. A. A. Jackson, and Mrs. John Lowery, to submit a list for the ladies department.
The other committee, consisting of J. B. Fairbank, C. M. Wood, A. Walton, H. Silver, and W. K. Davis.
It was voted that the members meet May 5th, and plant trees on the fair grounds.
J. B. Fairbank, H. Silver, and S. C. Smith were chosen a committee to superintend the planting.
It was voted that the society meet Saturday, May 17th, at the fair grounds to repair the fence.
The assets of the society are in round numbers, $5,000.
The liabilities are about $2,400.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873.
The Agricultural Society voted to plant trees on their grounds, and chose H. Silver, S. C. Smith, and J. B. Fairbank to superintend the same. Any person interested in the proposition, who may wish to take part in planting trees will, at any time, find someone of the committee ready to assist.
Stockholders, and others, are requested to meet at the grounds Saturday, the 17th inst., to repair the fence. J. B. FAIRBANK, Sec’y.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873. [From the Atchison Champion.]
Cowley County-Splendid Location-Excellent Water-Populous-Educational Interests-Mills, Bridges, Fair Grounds-New School Buildings and Churches-$10,000 Court House, and $2,500 School House on foot, etc.
WINFIELD, KAS., April 24, 1873.
An unusual degree of enterprise on the part of these people for so new a county, has been manifested in their arrangements for County Fairs. Near town, on the south, they have enclosed about twenty acres of beautiful ground with a good board fence, and furnished it with suitable buildings. The half mile track is one of the finest we have seen anywhere. It is beautifully level and smooth. Last year they furnished two fairs, an agricultural and a horse fair. At the latter there was some of the finest trotting stock in the country in attendance, including the famous Goldsmith Maid.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 19, 1873.
The County Agricultural Society have their premium list completed. The time for holding the exhibition has been fixed for Sept. 16, 17, and 18. No effort will be spared to make the fair a complete success. The premiums are liberal and cover every department of industry. The president of the society, M. A. T. Stewart, would like to make some arrangement with some person or persons to repair the fence around the grounds.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 19, 1873.
A regular "old time" Celebration of the Fourth of July will be the order of the day in Winfield. Speakers for the occasion have accepted invitations to be present, and Sumner, Howard, and Butler counties are invited to be present and participate with us in the grandest celebration ever witnessed in the county. We expect to see five thousand people on the grounds. The fair ground will be properly arranged by building a rostrum for the speakers, and an arbor with seats for the audience. Not the least attraction of the day will be the grand races of the afternoon. Messrs. Davis & Fargo have several blooded horses that will fly around the track to the amusement of everybody, while there are several other persons preparing horses for the occasion. A basket dinner will be spread at noon, and eating, drinking, and merriment will sway the hour.
[REPORT FROM CORRESPONDENT AT BOLTON TOWNSHIP.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 26, 1873.
We propose to show at the next County Fair that Capt. Chenoweth of this township has as fine a lot of stock hogs as any man in this county, Judge Johnson’s celebrated swine family to the contrary notwithstanding.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 26, 1873.
The citizens of Winfield, in pursuance to a previous call, met at the Methodist church this evening to take into consideration the subject of appropriately celebrating the 4th of July, 1873. Col. J. T. Quarles was chosen chairman, and J. C. Lillie Secretary. The various committees appointed by a former meeting were read and approved. The only principal question before the meeting was the selection of appropriate grounds upon which to hold the celebration.
It was resolved to prepare an arbor with seats and rostrum for speakers, in the nearest and best adapted grove for the purpose. The races, as heretofore advertised, to come off at 3 o’clock p.m. upon the Fair Grounds of the Cowley County Agricultural Society.
Officers of the day were chosen as follows: Chaplains, Rev. J. B. Parmelee and Lowry. Reader of the Declaration of Independence, Byron A. Snow. Marshal, Col. J. T. Quarles. Orators, J. B. Fairbank, Hon. Jas. McDermott, J. W. Scull, Esq.
It was ordered by the meeting to prepare grounds for the accommodation of 5,000 people.
COL. J. T. QUARLES, Chairman.
J. C. LILLIE, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 3, 1873.
The high winds of last Monday night blew down and completely demolished the houses on the Fair Grounds of the Cowley County Agricultural Society. The storm raged here for about three hours, and considerable damage was sustained in different parts of the county by the blowing to pieces of out-houses and breaking and throwing down of corn and wheat.
[EDITORIAL PAGE: THE FOURTH AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 10, 1873.
RECAP: Grand march at 11 a.m., with at least 2,500 in march to the speakers’ stand. Rev. Lowery invoked blessing; Byron A. Snow read Declaration of American Independence; John B. Fairbank, Esq., delivered oration. After lunch: address by D. C. Scull, speech by Hon. James McDermott, benediction by Rev. J. B. Parmalee. March again taken up. Late in the evening a balloon ascension took place. Funny thing: fireworks not mentioned.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 24, 1873.
Mr. E. B. Johnson, of Beaver Township, is preparing to exhibit at the Fair this fall some of the finest stock that has been seen in the county. He has an imported thoroughbred Black Hawk Morgan horse, four years old, that would make the fingers of the Winfield horsemen clutch nervously to even see. He expects to carry off the blue ribbon on his fine Durham bull this fall.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 21, 1873.
Grand farmers meeting Sept 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1873, on the grounds of the Cowley Co. Agricultural Society.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 21, 1873.
The Fair grounds of the Agricultural society have been put in complete and thorough repair for the coming exhibition Sept. 16th, 17th, and 18th. The directors are manifesting the same enterprise and energy that resulted so successfully last year and we expect that their efforts will be crowned with even greater success.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 28, 1873.
Come to the Fair on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of next month.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 28, 1873.
The result of having work executed away from home is plainly visible in the Premium list for the coming fair. The mechanical part of the work looks very well, but the typographical errors, and misspelled names are amusing. We don’t wonder that the office that turned out the books was ashamed to acknowledge the work and printed Cowley County Telegram on the title page to convey the impression that they were printed at that "shop."
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
Directors, Stockholders, and every able bodied man are invited to meet with the officers of the Cowley County Agricultural Society on the fair grounds of the Society on Saturday, September 13th, to prepare the grounds, stalls, etc., for the reception of stock, etc., which will be the last week before our fair begins.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
The directors of the Agricultural Society will meet at the Fair Grounds, Saturday, Sept. 6th, 1873, at 2 o’clock P. M. They earnestly desire that the Superintendents of all the departments meet with them to acquaint themselves with their duties. The following are the names of the various Superintendents.
Capt. E. Davis; A. Walton; J. H. Churchill; J. P. Short; John R. Smith; E. B. Johnson; W. K. Davis; A. S. Williams; Will S. Voris; S. H. Myton; Samuel Darrah; James Stewart; Jas. H. Land; T. B. Myers; Geo. W. Martin; W. M. Boyer; Max Shoeb; John Swain; S. C. Smith, Mrs. L. H. Howard; Mrs. J. D. Cochran; Mrs. E. Davis; Mrs. J. C. Fuller; Mrs. C. A. Bliss; Mrs. Fitch; Max Fawcett; J. O. Matthewson; H. B. Norton; D. A. Millington; E. B. Kager, C. M. Wood; T. A. Wilkinson.
The Superintendents are desired to study carefully the rules and regulations of the society so they may be able to render assistance to exhibitors.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 11, 1873.
It is said we are to have three bands of music at our Fair.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 11, 1873.
Have you seen the beautiful Silver Pitcher from Jaggard’s, St. Louis, that the Agricultural Society offers as a first premium for lady equestrians? If not, just peep into Mr. Fairbank’s office and feast your eyes. We wonder who will be the lucky rider.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 11, 1873.
The ladies of the Presbyterian Aid Society will hold a festival on Wednesday evening Sept. 17 (the second day of the fair) in Mr. Hudson’s building, one door south of the Lagonda House. A supper and other refreshments will be furnished.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 11, 1873.
Will S. Voris, Superintendent of Poultry at our fair next week, offers one of his fine Magee pigs, which he raises and sells at ten dollars apiece, to the person making the largest and best exhibition in his department.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 25, 1873.
S. H. Myton drew the valuable wax fruit made and exhibited at the fair by Mrs. H. P. Mansfield.
[FAIR NOTES.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 25, 1873.
We give this week a cursory report of the 3rd annual fair of the Cowley County Agricultural Society, held last week. Notwithstanding the dust which at times was almost stifling, the fair was quite successful and the managers are entitled to much credit for the energy and good judgment they used. We are informed by the secretary that there were over 400 entries, and more than 1,000 different articles on exhibition. We report some of the premiums as furnished us. The race horse and fast trotter had to take a back place this year, while the horse for service came to the front. The "pure agricultural horse trot" gave way to the tests of strength, and excellence was not measured by the short time required to run 300 yards. We were glad to notice some very good young stock in this department. The premiums were awarded as follows.
HORSES.
Thoroughbred stallion, H. C. Fisher.
Stallions for general purposes, over 4 years old, H. C. Fisher; over 3 years old, R. Richards, under 3 years old, James Renfro.
Brood mares with colts by their side—1st pr. J. Stewart; 2d pr. J. Renfro.
Mares and fillies 2 years old: 1st pr. D. Miles; 2d A. P. Forbes.
Spring colts: 1st pr. J. Stewart, 2d, John Renfro.
Draft horses, spans: 1st pr. J. H. Davis; 2d, J. E. Willis. Single horse J. Mooso.
Saddle horses: 1st pr. R. B. Saffold; 2d Jas. Stewart.
Spans for general purposes: 1st pr. C. C. Price; 2d, J. Mooso.
JACKS.
Best Jack: 1st pr. T. H. Wright.
Span mules: 1st pr. H. Shaver; 2d W. K. Davis.
CATTLE.
In this department there was a fair exhibition of grades in all lots, but it might have been largely increased if people would have brought out their stock.
The premiums were:
Bulls, three years and over: 1st pr. John R. Smith; 2d E. B. Johnson.
Bulls 2 years old and under 3: 1st pr. W. K. Davis. Yearling: 1st pr. A. P. Forbes; 2d J. A. Churchill.
Best cow: 1st pr. W. H. McArthur; 2d T. H. Johnson.
Calves: 1st pr. J. A. Churchill; 2d, W. H. McArthur.
Working oxen: 1st pr. A. J. Thompson; 2d Wm. Bartlow.
SWINE.
The exhibition here was worthy the attention of every farmer. We never saw a larger or better collection at any fair, and we are glad to attest the fact that the county is so largely stocked with fine blooded stock.
There were 77 swine on exhibition. The premiums were awarded as follows.
Poland China, Magee, and other large breeds.
Boar, 1 year old and over: 1st pr. C. C. Pierce; 2d W. K. Davis.
Sows 1 year old and over: 1st W. K. Davis; 2d C. C. Pierce.
Boars under 2 years old: 1st pr. F. W. Schwantes; 2d C. Duen.
Sows under 1 year old: 1st p. F. W. Schwantes, 2d H. B. Lacy.
Pigs best lot under 6 months old shown with dam: 1st pr. C. C. Price; 2d the same.
Sows 1 year and over: 1st pr. L. Cottingham; 2d the same.
Boar under 1 year: 1st pr M. B. Keagy; 2d H. J. Page.
Sows under 1 year old: 1st pr. M. B. Keagy, 2d A. Meaner.
Pigs best lot thrown with dam: 1st pr. L. Cottingham, 2d the same.
Best Boar pig any age or breed: C. C. Pierce.
Best sow pig any age or breed: M. B. Keagy.
Best litter of pigs and age or breed: W. S. Voris.
POULTRY.
The exhibition in this department was a remarkably large one. All the most approved breeds were on exhibition in great numbers and pure blood. Premiums were awarded to E. B. Johnson, Mrs. J. Magness, Thos. F. Wright, and J. A. Churchill. Mr. Voris’ special premium to J. A. Churchill.
GARDEN SEEDS.
We took great interest in this department for the future wealth of the county is assured if the soil and climate are well adapted to corn and other small grains. The exhibition in this department was quite full, and the quality of the samples excellent.
The premiums were awarded on corn to J. G. Titus, R. L. Cowles, F. W. Schwantes. On wheat, white, A. Meaner; red, J. H. Curfman, spring wheat, J. Lowery.
VEGETABLES.
The collection was good. We remember the time when vegetables were as rare and as great a luxury in this county as the rarest tropical fruits. Now most every kind is abundant and the quality excellent. There were some forty entries in this department.
The premiums were awarded to J. H. Land, J. Lowery, H. H. Johnson, C. M. Wood, J. H. Curfman, J. A. Churchill, Jno. Irwin, and Mrs. J. H. Curfman.
The exhibition in the Floral Hall was not as extensive as last year, yet there were some very fine articles shown.
We were pleased to find excellent fruit trees from nurseries in this county.
Premiums were awarded to J. O. Matthewson of Winfield and H. D. Gans of Lazette, for house plants, and cut flowers to Mrs. McLaughlin and Mrs. W. K. Davis.
In the department of fine arts were some splendid articles. The oil paintings of Miss Foos and Miss Stewart, the crayons of Mrs. Howard, and the collections of photographs of Mr. Bonsall were deserved of the premiums they received.
We call attention to a rose made by Mr. Max Fawcett, the beautiful wax work of Mrs. Mansfield, which excited a great deal of admiration.
In the department of needle and fancy work, there were many beautiful articles. We have not time to specify but give a list of those to whom premiums were awarded.
Mrs. Bonsall, Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. McLaughlin, Misses Deming, Mary Stewart, Foos, Porter, Jane Stewart, Lakosky, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Bostwick, and Mrs. Shepherd.
In the department of millinery, premiums were awarded to Mrs. Howard, for the finest collections.
In the class of textile fabrics, domestic products, etc., premiums were awarded to Mrs. Curfman, Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Voris, Mrs. Shepherd, and J. Irwin.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.
There will be a meeting of the directors of the Cowley County Agricultural Society on Saturday, May 16th, 1874, at 2 o’clock p.m. at the courthouse. J. B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1874.
It is said that Mr. Holmes Smith of the Fair grounds has been offered $10,000 for his farm.
[BIG AD! 1874 JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
1874!
GRAND CELEBRATION!
The 98th anniversary of American Independence will be celebrated at WINFIELD! On the votive day, JULY 4th!
Arrangements have been made to make this one of the Grandest Celebrations ever held in Southwestern Kansas. No labor or expense have been spared to make it an ENTIRE SUCCESS.
An invitation has been extended to the SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION to be present, and they have accepted and will without fail participate in the exercises adding to the interest of the occasion by giving a DRILLING EXERCISE.
The Patrons of Husbandry (Grangers) are expected to be present in FULL REGALIA!
Hon. John Guthrie!
and Geo. R. Peck, have been invited and are expected to be present.
The festivities of the day will be closed in the evening with a grand display of FIREWORKS. (In the purchase of which over $200 have been expended) after which a
Grand Ball
Will be given in the fine Hall at the Courthouse.
PROGRAMME.
A national salute of thirty-seven guns will be fired at sunrise.
The procession will form on the north end of Main street, at 10 o’clock, in the following order:
Winfield City Silver Cornet Band.
Floral Car with goddess of liberty and thirty-seven young ladies, representing the several states in the Union.
Reception Committee and Speakers.
SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION!!
Patrons of Husbandry in Regalia.
CITIZENS!
And march through the principal streets of the city to the grove on Walnut River.
Exercises of the day will commence by Music by the Band.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Vocal music, Red, White and Blue solo, by Mr. John Swain, and chorus.
Orations by Hon. John Guthrie, and other eminent speakers.
Music by the Band.
Vocal music, solo by Mr. Hall.
Music by the Band.
Basket Dinner and Toasts.
Music by the Band.
Vocal music, Star Spangled Banner solo by Mrs. A. H. Green, and chorus of 37 young ladies in costume.
Music by the Band.
Grand Tournament by the Fantastic company of Winfield, after which there will be several heat and dash races at the Fair Grounds, for which some celebrated horses are now in training.
The exercises of the day will close with a grand display of fire-works at 8 o’clock p.m., and a Grand Ball at the Courthouse.
By order of committee. G. S. MANSER, Chairman.
[DISSOLUTION NOTICE: JONES & REYNOLDS.]
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Dissolution Notice.
Notice is hereby given that the firm of Jones & Reynolds is this day dissolved by mutual consent. T. J. Jones will assume all liabilities and collect moneys due the old firm.
T. J. JONES, A. S. REYNOLDS.
Winfield, Kan., June 22nd, 1874.
[NOTICE RE 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES: DAVIS & FERGUSON.]
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
NOTICE.
We will run a double seated carriage with careful driver from all parts of the city to the picnic and fair grounds the 4th. Also to the ball at the courthouse at night. Parties wishing to engage can leave their orders at our office in stables on Manning street.
DAVIS & FERGUSON.
[PERSONALS.]
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
We notice that A. T. Shenneman has returned from Texas.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
H. M. Swasey of Independence has been in town for the last few days.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
B. B. The Winfield club were "scooped" at El Dorado last Saturday two to one.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Reynolds and Jones have dissolved partnership; see dissolution notice elsewhere.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Winfield is well stocked with fast horses and sporting men, all waiting for tomorrow.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Miller & Jones are erecting a new Meat Market between Miller’s restaurant and Nichols barber shop.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
F. M. Concannon has opened a tobacco store in the building formerly occupied by Bakers barber shop.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
A matched game of base ball will be played at the fair ground, on the 4th of July, at 2 o’clock P.M. All persons are invited to be present.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Elder Wm. Martin will deliver a discourse at the meeting house of the disciples of Christ on Lord’s day, July 12th, at 4 o’clock P.M. Subject, "Duties of Elders and Deacons," after which an ordination will take place.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
We are pleased to see the smiling countenance of Col. J. M. Alexander back in Winfield. The Col. has been for some months past in Leavenworth, looking after his large property there. He came through, as Sid. Clarke went to Topeka last winter, in his own conveyance.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
The Galveston market reports show the following prices: Wholesale, flour from $7.50 to $10.50 per barrel; butter 20 to 35 cts.; corn $1.10 per bushel; oats 75 cts.; coffee 23 to 27 cts.; sugar 6 to 11 cts.; potatoes $1.50 to $1.75; cornmeal $1.60 per cwt.; hay $2.00 per cwt.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
The medical fraternity of Winfield has received an addition in the person of Mr. Anderson, who was formerly located for a short time between this town and Arkansas City, but who has now made up his mind to locate in this city. We hope he will be successful in securing a large practice.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
The advertisement of J. C. Weathers & Co., which will be found elsewhere in this issue, will inform our readers where they can purchase their groceries, queensware, etc., cheap and at the same time be sure of getting a good article. Both members of the firm are well known to most of our citizens and need no recommendation from us.
AD: J. C. WEATHERS, J. M. DEVER,
J. C. WEATHERS & CO.
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in
GROCERIES, QUEENSWARE, GLASSWARE, STONEWARE,
LAMP-CHIMNEYS, LAMPS, COAL-OIL, FISH, SALT, etc.,
AT THE BLUE FRONT
ON SOUTH MAIN STREET
Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Isaac L. Comfort (our old boy) having been superseded by a younger "devil" has left this office, but has not gone to Texas nor upon the warpath, neither is he expecting to go east after his wife, but proposes to continue in the business of manufacturing stove wood. Orders left at the Lagonda House will receive prompt attention.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
R. C. Story, Esq., is now here looking up a location in which to practice his profession—the law. He expresses himself as being well pleased with Cowley County, and especially Winfield. He thinks, as does everyone that has ever visited us, that Winfield is destined to become the metropolis of the southwest. We hope that he will conclude to remain with us for although there are quite a large number of local gentlemen located here, reinforcements are always in order.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, while driving out to the cemetery the other day, met with rather a serious accident. a pair of mules ran up behind them, frightened their team, which started to run, and before Mr. Read could check them up, upset the buggy, dislocating Mrs. Read’s collar bone and otherwise injuring her. Mr. Read had his arm considerably hurt; the buggy was badly smashed; the horses ran but a short distance, however, when they stopped. It is hoped that neither will sustain any permanent injury.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Reports from Arkansas City state that the new cattle trail to that place is being extensively used. The route is said to be a good one and the prospects are that the first railroad to strike through that section of the country will reap a rich harvest in the transportation of cattle. Garnett Plaindealer.
Now really that’s too bad. Why didn’t you tell us of your good fortune, Bro. Scott? so that we might have rejoiced with you. Coming as it does, by the round about way of Garnett, we will not believe that our neighbor’s cattle trail "is being" extensively used. We don’t believe they have got a cattle trail. And more, we don’t believe they will get that, or anything else, until we have a member of congress from this district, who will pay some little attention to our wants.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Attention Everybody.
Go and see the fun at the Fair Grounds on the 4th. Admission only 25 cents, the proceeds to be applied in repairing grounds, etc.
[IN THE COURTS: MRS. W. D. ROBERTS.]
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
In the Courts.
Last Monday night Mrs. W. D. Roberts was brought into her own house—having previously been arrested by officer Bliss of the police force, upon the charge of disturbing the peace. Upon being brought before his honor, Judge Hickok, Hon. S. D. Pryor arose and gave the Court to "understand and be informed, that Mrs. W. D. Roberts, at the county of Cowley, and on the 10th day of May, 1873, and on every Sunday save one, since said 10th day of May, 1873, at the Baptist church in Winfield, she, the said Mrs. W. D. Roberts, in a bold fearless manner, wilfully and knowingly disturbed the peace and quiet of many citizens of Winfield by using her tongue wilfully and fearlessly, in a loud voice, singing songs of praise to God, against the peace and quiet of many saloon-keepers, and contrary to the laws of king alcohol."
The prisoner was ably defended by Rev. N. L. Rigby. Before the counsel for the defense had concluded, however, the prisoner was discharged.
To show that they didn’t believe her guilty of any crime and as a slight token of their esteem, Mr. Rigby, on behalf of the company, presented her with a beautiful silver cake basket, which was indeed a surprise to Mrs. Roberts, but nevertheless appreciated by her. After the presentation the guests were right royally regaled with Ice Cream and cake. All went home glad that they had been there, and glad that so much affection exists in the human family, and hoping that many such occasions may be experienced "ere the roses droop and die."
[FRONTIER BASE BALL CLUB.]
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Our Trip to El Dorado.
Last week, in company with the Frontier Base Ball Club, we took a trip to El Dorado, for the purpose of witnessing a match game of ball between the El Dorado club and the above mentioned Frontier. The game was played Saturday afternoon, and resulted in favor of the El Dorado’s by a score of eleven to five. The day was a bad one, as the wind blew very hard, and we think that everything considered, the game was a remarkably good one upon both sides, and especially that of the El Dorado’s. The El Dorado people have good cause to be proud of their Base Ball Club, as it is the universal opinion of those who have seen them play, that there are few clubs in the state that can compete with them. The Winfield boys consider it no disgrace to be beaten by so good a club as the El Dorado.
Just before the game was called the scene was enlivened by the running away of a team attached to a buggy containing two young ladies and a gentlemen named Cooper. When the horses started, one of them got the reins over his head, and Mr. Cooper, seeing there was no possibility of stopping them with the reins, leaped to the ground while the team was dashing across the prairie, and grasping one of the horses by the bit, finally succeeded in stopping them, but not until the buggy was overturned, and its occupants spread around on the prairie. The vehicle was totally wrecked, but the young ladies received only slight injuries.
While in the city we found time to call upon Mr. Murdock, the editor of the Times, whom we found snugly ensconced in as pretty, if not the prettiest little office we have seen in the state of Kansas (and we have seen a good many). After taking a survey of the office and its editor, we are not surprised that the Walnut Valley Times is one of the neatest and best papers in the state. Mr. Murdock has a nice residence nearly completed.
In behalf of the Frontier ball club, we would thank the El Dorado club and the citizens generally (excepting the National Hotel and Phillips & Bro.’ livery stable) for the kind and gentlemanly treatment we received at their hands, and we hope to return the favors upon their visit to Winfield. For the benefit of the traveling public, we would say that the above mentioned hotel and livery stable are first-class swindles, and only await the opportunity to gull their customers. As they have but little patronage, they expect to make a fortune by charging those who are unfortunate enough not to know them, two or three prices for their third class accommodations. We were taken in once, but we shall give them a wide berth next time. We are glad for the sake of El Dorado that she has few like them.
[RACES: 4TH OF JULY.]
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Races.
The following is the programme of set races at the Fair Grounds on the 4th of July, commencing at 3 o’clock p.m., after the exercises at the Grove—besides a number of other races.
First Race: purse twenty dollars. Half mile dash. 1st premium fifteen dollars. 2nd premium five dollars. Entrance fee: two dollars and fifty cents, three entries required.
Second Race: purse fifty dollars. Half mile heats. 1st premium twenty-five dollars. 2nd premium ten dollars. 3rd premium five dollars. Entrance fee: five dollars, three entries required.
Third Race: purse fifteen dollars. Quarter mile dash. 1st premium ten dollars. 2nd premium five dollars. Entrance fee: two dollars and fifty cents.
Fourth Race: citizens purse. One mile heats. Best two in three.
The following are among the horses now here in training, and expected to take part in the races:
Minnie Warren, Commodore Nutt, Tom Thumb, Bill Funke, Black Bess, and Grey Eagle, of Cowley County. Sleepy Pete, Yellow Hammer, Gray Cow, and Robert E. Lee, of Sumner County. Sorrel Frank and Arthur Miller, of Independence. Hickory Creek, of Douglass. Big Liz, of Wichita.
Tickets may be had at W. M. Boyers, A. H. Green’s, Maris & Baldwin’s, and the Post Office. Only 25 cents.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1874.
THE 4TH AT WINFIELD!
The Biggest Gathering Ever Seen on the Walnut River.
PROCESSION THREE MILES LONG.
Five Thousand People Join in the Celebration.
The 98th anniversary of the declaration of American independence was ushered in at Winfield with a round of 37 guns. a more beautiful morning never dawned on the day made immortal by the heroes, who, to achieve the independence of the thirteen colonies, pledged their "fortunes, their lives, and their sacred honor." Before 10 o’clock the city was a perfect jam of people. But Chief Marshal Walker, with his corps of able assistants, soon had the mass in motion headed for the grove. The Winfield Silver Cornet Band, closely followed by the car of freedom, containing 37 beautiful young ladies, and drawn by four horses driven by Mr. N. Roberson, headed the procession. Arrived at the grove everything was found to be in first-class order.
CALLED TO ORDER.
The meeting was called to order by G. S. Manser, president of the day. The Declaration of Independence was read by L. T. Michener, Esq. Speeches were then made by Col. John M. Alexander and Judge Ross. The "Star Spangled Banner" was sung by Mrs. A. H. Green, assisted by J. T. Hall, and a full chorus of young ladies, when a short recess was had for
DINNER.
Everybody seemed to have plenty and to spare as we can testify, for we sampled more than one dinner basket.
After dinner several toasts were proposed, and responded to, by Judge Ross, L. J. Webb, Col. Manning, Capt. S. C. Smith, and L. T. Michener.
3 o’clock, the hour announced for the races having arrived, the assembly adjourned to the Fair Grounds. (As the races formed no part of the celebration proper, we will treat of them in another place.)
The day was finished with a beautiful pyrotechnic display and a ball at the Courthouse where all went merry as a 4th of July belle, and everybody went home fully satisfied with themselves and all mankind.
INCIDENTS OF THE DAY.
There were none. Any ordinary Saturday would have furnished a greater variety of incidents or accidents. Never has a more orderly day been passed in Winfield. Not a solitary case of drunkenness; no fights, no cursing or swearing, nothing of the sort.
THE AGRICULTURAL FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1874.
The Fair.
Now that the fourth of July is over and the National bird has retired again to her eyrie, attention is turned to the Agricultural fair, which is to come off on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of September.
The parties interested with the arrangements are hard at work in such a manner as will insure success.
There will be no pro rata and no delay in the payment of the premiums this year.
Whenever a committee makes an award, the prizes will be paid at once and in full on the grounds.
We think that is an important reform in the right direction, and will add greatly to the interest and enthusiasm of the exhibitors.
This will doubtless be far superior to the former fairs in every respect.
Arrangements are being made to secure the attendance of the best blooded trotting and running stock in the State, at the approaching Agricultural fair at Winfield.
The display of horses will be exceptionally good.
One or more races will come off on each day of the fair. If there is any difference, the best will occur on the first day.
The citizens of Winfield are raising a large fund for prizes in this department which will attract the best stock of this and all the surrounding counties.
This feature alone will make each day of the fair a gala day.
[THIRD EXHIBITION: COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1874. Front Page.
Note: Skipped details re exhibition September 1, 2, 3, 1874.
Officers of Cowley County Agricultural Society: A. T. Stewart, President; C. M. Wood, Vice President; J. D. Cochran, Treasurer; J. B. Fairbank, Secretary.
Directors: A. T. Stewart, W. Q. Mansfield, H. S. Silver, J. P. Short, F. W. Schwantes,
W. H. Grow, D. A. Millington, Amos Walton, W. K. Davis, C. M. Wood. J. D. Cochran, J. R. Smith, J. B. Fairbank.
Chief Marshal: H. S. Silver.
Chief of Police: R. L. Walker.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1874.
Postponement.
The Fair of the Cowley County Agricultural Society has been postponed until September 29, 30, and October 1st, 1874.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874.
The Cowley county fair has been postponed indefinitely. Cause, nothing to show.
[EDITORIAL PAGE: A BAD LAW.]
Winfield Courier, January 21, 1875.
A Bad Law.
We hope that a law will be passed repealing the law enacted last winter, prohibiting trials of speed at Fairs. If this is not done, it might as well be understood that fairs in this state will not be held. They cannot be made successful without good, square, "agricultural horse trots." The state fair last fall was a wretched, miserable failure because of this absurd prohibition. The reforming asses of the last legislature who undertook to abolish trials of speed might just as well have entitled their bill, "An act to Abolish Fairs." For that is its practical effect. Wipe it from the statute books and let us have our annual state, district, and county fairs. Champion.
Them’s our sentiments.
Winfield Courier, March 25, 1875.
It has been decided to have no state fair next fall.
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1875.
The most dilapidated thing "barrin’" in the reform party in Cowley County today, is the fair ground fence and buildings below town. Not less than fifteen thousand feet of lumber have been maliciously, feloniously, or otherwise, been carried away from there the present year. It’s a burning shame, and our lumber men should rise up in their might and scoop the agricultural society in. They need never expect to sell their lumber when the choicest pine can be got for the taking.
Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.
C. M. Scott is one of the directors of the Southwestern Kansas District Fair, to be held at Emporia, from 21st to 24th prox., inclusive.
Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.
Mrs. P. G. Smith, of Dexter, sends us in three monster beets, weighing 39 pounds. They weighed 14, 12-3/4 and 12-1/2 pounds respectively. We want to exhibit them at the Southwestern Kansas Fair, at Emporia, on the 20th prox.
THE WINFIELD COURIER.
[Covering Period January 6, 1876 - December 28, 1876.]
CENTENNIAL ISSUE.
WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The Cowley County Agricultural Society was organized Aug. 19, 1871, and on Aug. 31 the directors elected the following officers: M. M. Jewett, president, A. T. Stewart, vice president; D. N. Egbert, secretary; A. B. Lemmon, assistant secretary; J. B. Fairbank, corresponding secretary; J. D. Cochran, treasurer, C. M. Wood, superintendent.
Some preliminary meetings were held for the organization prior to the first date given. On the 12th day of October, 1872, the first fair was held. The Society had purchased twelve acres of land south of town and constructed a high, tight, pine fence around it, and cleared an elegant race track thereon. This occurred in 1872, after the Society was incorporated under State law in May 7th and 8th.
At that time A. T. Stewart became President; C. M. Wood, Vice President; J. D. Cochran, Treasurer; D. N. Egbert, Secretary. The second Agricultural Fair, held under the Society, transpired 15th to 18th of September, 1872.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1876.
TOM WRIGHT has built a house near the fair ground, and is going to dairying this summer.
Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13, 1876.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The Cowley County Agricultural Society was organized August 19, 1871. Its first officers were M. M. Jewett, president; A. T. Stewart, vice president; D. N. Egbert, secretary; A. B. Lemmon, assistant secretary; J. B. Fairbank, corresponding secretary; J. D. Cochran, treasurer; and C. M. Wood, superintendent. On the 12th day of October, 1872, its first fair was held.
In 1872 the society was incorporated under the state law. It purchased twelve acres of land lying adjoining Winfield on the south, and erected thereon commodious buildings. The race course was laid out and a high pine board fence was built around the grounds during the fall of that year. The second fair transpired from the 15th to the 18th of September, 1872.
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1876.
Will Cowley County ever have another agricultural fair?
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.
"A Horse, a Horse!"
The Topeka Driving Association will hold a fair at Topeka, from Oct. 16th to 19th inclusive. The finest and fastest trotting horses in the west will be there. 2:20 to be beaten by three different horses for $1,000. Everybody is going. The cheapest rates ever offered to the people of the southwest. The A., T. & S. F. railroad will sell round trip tickets, good from 16th to 20th, from El Dorado or Wichita to Topeka for $5. Round trip stage tickets will be sold for $4. Good board at the best hotel in the State, the Tefft House, only $1.50 per day. You who want to have a good time for a week, see the State Capitol, the fastest horses on the turf and otherwise, take the train for the north.
Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.
Hon. J. McDermott, Hon. T. R. Bryan, Prof. Will G. Robinson, and others, whose names we did not get, have gone to Topeka. Wonder if the horse fair was the attraction.
Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.
J. Ex. Saint and lady, James Kelly and lady, and L. J. Webb have gone to Topeka to attend the Masonic Grand Lodge, or the horse fair, or to visit their friends, we forget which. Hope A. B. will keep them out of mischief.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.
On account of wet weather, the horse fair at Topeka last week was a failure.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
BEAVER JOTTINGS.
To the Editor of the Courier:
What is the reason that Cowley County cannot have an agricultural society? Are the people too poor to support one? Or, are they too lazy to organize it? Other counties have agricultural societies, and Cowley being the leading county ought to have one. Let us organize at once and have a fair next fall. Who will be the first to move in this matter?
Winfield Courier, March 21, 1878. Back Page.
Hon. Thomas Ryan, member of congress from the third Kansas district, in his speech delivered at the Sedgwick County Fair, at Wichita, Sept. 27, 1877, paid a just tribute to Cowley County in the following words.
"Over three hundred years ago, a Spanish expedition passed not many miles from where we now stand. One Coronado, at the head of 1200 men, then traversed the counties of Barbour, Kingman, Reno, Harvey, and McPherson. Could he have done the same thing again but a few short years ago taking in the counties of Cowley, Sumner, and Sedgwick, he would have explored the garden of the universe, still occupied by beast and savage, precisely as he found it three centuries before. But were he to return today and chronicle the preternatural change, and could we go five hundred years into futurity and read his marvelous narration, we should doubtless conclude that Coronado was the champion liar of the age in which he wrote. But seeing is believing; with our own eyes we behold Cowley County with her 15,000 population; her schoolhouses, her magnificent churches, her mills, her newspapers, her four hundred thousand acres paying tribute to government, and one hundred and fifty thousand producing acres; and yet she was organized but seven years ago."
Winfield Courier, March 28, 1878.
COMMUNICATED.
WINFIELD, MARCH 26, 1878.
EDITOR COURIER. The great and growing agricultural interests of Cowley County demand at this time the attention of the farmers to the importance and necessity of organizing an agricultural society, which will enable them to compete with other counties in the state, and, in fact, place our favored county in the foreground to which her super-excellence entitles her.
In order to give the farmers an opportunity to discuss this measure and compare notes, I would suggest that a meeting be called to be held at the Courthouse on Saturday of court week (May 11th) for that purpose.
I would also suggest that farmers officer the meeting and the society, if they form one, and run it in their own way; and I am certain that success, instead of the failure that characterized the former undertaking, will be the result. J. M. ALEXANDER.
Winfield Courier, March 28, 1878.
Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.
VERNON JOTTINGS.
We think that J. M. Alexander’s call for the organization of an agricultural society is timely, believing with him that our county is able to support, and should have, such a society to develop its industries by friendly rivalry; but we doubt the wisdom of the suggestion of offering the society by farmers exclusively. In an organization of this kind, every industrial pursuit should be represented to make its annual fairs a success; the undue preponderance of any one interest to others is detrimental. Agriculture is the occupation of fully three-fourths of our population, and while this interest is paramount, it should not be to the exclusion of others as well. It was a most signal failure in our old society to make agriculture the tail of the kite, instead of the kite itself; and we hope that this extreme in the opposite direction will not be taken, but that all interests will be represented as their merits deserve.
April 5, 1878. REX.
Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.
Cowley County Fair.
A public meeting will be held at the courthouse in Winfield on the 11th day of May, 1878, at 2 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society, and to take into consideration the propriety of holding a Fair during the coming fall. All are invited to attend, and it is hoped that all interests appropriately connected with the enterprise will be represented.
J. E. Platter, B. B. Vandeventer, J. B. Lynn, T. B. Bryan, C. A. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, H. D. Gans, E. E. Bacon, Winfield; J. B. Holmes, W. White, W. J. Funk, Rock; S. M. Fall, R. F. Burden, Windsor; N. J. Larkin, A. Kelly, Richland; Charles A. McClung, J. S. Wooley, Vernon; Dr. Holland, G. Teeter, Beaver; W. B. Norman, Adam Walck, Maple; Dr. A. S. Capper, Ninnescah; Ira How, Liberty; Wm. J. Hodges, C. G. Handy, Tisdale; J. B. Callison, Spring Creek; D. W. Wiley, Cedar; E. Shriver, Sheridan; Jonas Messenger, Omnia; J. A. Bryan, Dexter; R. Stratton, Harvey; S. B. Adams, Creswell; J. M. Sample, D. P. Marshall, Bolton; G. W. Herbert, Silverdale; D. B. McCollum, S. Watt, Pleasant Valley.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 1, 1878.
Cowley County Fair.
A public meeting will be held at the courthouse in Winfield on the 11th day of May, 1878, at 2 p.m., for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society, and to take into consideration the propriety of holding a fair during the coming fall. All are invited to attend, and it is hoped that all interests appropriately connected with the enterprise will be represented.
J. E. Platter, B. B. Vandeventer, J. B. Lynn, T. R. Bryan, C. A. Bliss, E. P. Kinne, H. D. Gans, E. E. Bacon, Winfield; J. B. Holmes, W. White, W. J. Funk, Rock; S. M. Fall, R. F. Burden, Windsor; N. J. Larkin, A. Kelly, Richland; Chas. A. McClung, J. S. Wooley, Vernon; W. B. Norman, Adam Walck, Maple; Dr. A. S. Capper, Ninnescah; Ira How, Liberty; William J. Hodges, C. G. Handy, Tisdale; J. B. Callison, Spring Creek; D. W. Wiley, Cedar; E. Shriver, Sheridan; Jonas Messenger, Omnia; J. A. Bryan, Dexter; R. Stratton, Harvey; S. B. Adams, Creswell; S. M. Sample, D. P. Marshall, Bolton; G. W. Herbert, Silverdale; D. B. McCollum, S. Watt, Pleasant Valley. Courier.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 8, 1878.
An effort will be made to hold a fair in Cowley County this fall. Press.
A fair will be held in Cowley County this fall.
Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.
To The Farmers of Southern Kansas.
Arrangements are nearly completed for a district fair to be held near this city this coming autumn, and you can do a great favor to all concerned, and aid in its attractiveness, by gathering your best specimens of grains and grasses, and such other vegetable matter that will be of a necessity harvested. All grain should be preserved with the roots. Liberal premiums will be offered for the best specimens.
EUGENE E. BACON, Acting Secretary.
Winfield, Kansas, May 6th, 1878.
Winfield Courier, June 20, 1878.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF W. V. F. ASSOCIATION.
WINFIELD, June 18, 1878.
A meeting of the Directors of the Walnut Valley Fair Association will be held at the Courthouse in Winfield on Saturday, June 22, 1878, at 1 o’clock p.m. Important business.
By order of the Board, EUGENE E. BACON, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, June 20, 1878.
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
Walnut Valley Fair Association.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, June 24, 1878.
Board met pursuant to adjournment at the office of Col. J. M. Alexander. Present: J. W. Millspaugh, President; Col. Alexander, Treasurer; E. E. Bacon, Secretary; and Messrs. E. P. Kinne and E. C. Manning, Directors.
Reading of the proceedings of last meeting was dispensed with.
The committee to prepare premium list submitted for consideration a printed list and recommended its adoption. It was then read, corrected, and adopted, whereupon the following named ladies and gentlemen were appointed superintendents of the various classes, to wit:
Class A - Horses - R. B. Pratt.
Class B - Cattle - L. Finley.
Class C - Sheep - John Stalter.
Class D - Swine - W. L. Mullen.
Class E - Poultry - ____ Bull.
Class F - Agricultural Implements - S. H. Myton.
Class G - Mechanical Arts - J. Hoenscheidt.
Class H - Farm Products - R. F. Burden.
Class I - Horticulture - S. S. Holloway.
Class J - Pomology - I. H. Bonsall.
Class K - Floral - Mrs. W. Q. Mansfield.
Class L - Fine Arts - Mrs. M. E. Davis.
Class M - Textile Fabrics - T. H. McLaughlin.
Class N - Plowing Matches - J. H. Worden.
Class O - Honey - E. P. Hickok.
Class P - Boys and Girls - J. E. Platter.
Class Q - Riding and Driving - W. H. Walker.
Class R - Speed - B. M. Terrill.
Class S - Fruits, etc. - Mrs. S. M. Fall.
On motion, A. J. Pyburn was appointed Chief Marshal.
On motion, R. L. Walker was appointed Chief of Police.
By motion the committee on grounds were instructed to close contract for the same that the committee on track might commence work.
The board then adjourned until called by the president. E. E. BACON, Secretary.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 24, 1878.
We would call attention to the notice of the Walnut Valley District Fair, to be held in Winfield some time in September. This fair promises to be the big thing of Cowley County for this year, and no expense will be spared to make it one long to be remembered. The premiums will be as liberal as the directors can afford, and we guarantee the farmers that this year Cowley can make as good a show as many older counties in the State.
[WALNUT VALLEY DISTRICT FAIR.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 31, 1878.
Walnut Valley District Fair.
The attention of farmers in the District, and all others interested in the same, are now called upon to send in their names and take one or more shares and thus help in one of these institutions which will add much to the wealth and prosperity of Southern Kansas. The shares being five dollars each and but 20 percent, paid down (and not more than 40 percent, can be called upon in any one year), places it in the reach of all to contribute. Besides this, anyone taking one share and paying the same in full will receive a certificate of stock paid up and a season ticket for himself and family during the fair, free.
The management is in the hands of a good and sufficient board, who will deal fairly with all and allow no personalities before merit; avoiding as far as possible any unpleasantness to arise. They ask this as an especial favor, for the reason that they wish to incur the least possible expense in getting up and maintaining a good fair, and to go to each and lay these matters before them, would take more time than any committee of persons can spare; but by the above course both time and money can be saved and the same end reached. Starting out anew they find it necessary to get along with the least possible expense and fulfill every promise made and only ask that each one so interested will take at least one share. Do not delay this matter, but call on one of the committee, viz: J. B. Lynn, Frank Williams, E. P. Kinne, committee; or Eugene E. Bacon, Secretary, who will issue to you certificate for amount subscribed. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Winfield Courier, August 1, 1878.
Walnut Valley Fair Association.
There was a meeting of the board in Winfield last Saturday, which was largely attended. Many farmers were in attendance and took great interest in the proceedings. They are coming forward and subscribing stock liberally. They mean that the fair shall be a success. There are a great many more that should be heard from. Let every farmer take hold and help this movement through.
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
VERNON, KANSAS, July 14, 1878.
Would not "Cowley County Fair Association" have been a more definite name than the misnomer The Walnut Valley District Fair? . . . . REX.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 21, 1878.
The Walnut Valley Fair begins on the second Wednesday in September and continues four days.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.
We have been complimented with an invitation to attend the Walnut Valley District Fair, to be held at Winfield on September 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. The board of directors have made great efforts to make it a success, and it evidently will be, from the number we have heard express themselves that expect to attend.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
The band, after a rest of several weeks, met again Friday night at the Courthouse. The boys say they’ll make that Leavenworth military band feel sick if it comes down to our fair.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 4, 1878.
County Fair next week.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 4, 1878.
The Cowley County Fair is to be held at Winfield next week, commencing on Wednesday and continuing until Saturday night, and we advise the farmers to go and see the sights—not forgetting to take all the vegetable monstrosities you can raise. The committee have selected a beautiful grove, and have endeavored to make the fair a success, so that it now remains for the people to turn out in large numbers and show their appreciation of the work done. There is a fine track on the grounds, and we may expect to see some good running or trotting.
Winfield Courier, September 5, 1878. Editorial Column.
WALNUT VALLEY FAIR.
At Winfield, Sept. 11, 12, 13, & 14.
All is Ready, the Ground is in Trim,
And Everything Convenient.
The Funds All Subscribed and Paid In.
On the Opening of the Fair the Association
Will Not Owe a Dollar.
Success Assured.
Through the exertions of the officers of the Walnut Valley Fair Association all the necessary funds have been subscribed and paid in, the grounds have been procured and elaborately prepared, the sheds, booths, and other conveniences built, and everything is in readiness for the opening of the fair. The association start into the fair exposition free of debt and success is assured. There will be the finest exhibition ever held in this valley. From the flood of applications and correspondence that have been received, we gather that almost every kind of produce, manufactures, and stock that is seen at western fairs will be exhibited. It promises to be an occasion of the greatest interest and advantage to the people of Cowley County.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.
Fair opens today.
EDITORIAL COLUMN.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.
The District Fair.
On the whole the Walnut Valley District Fair was a success. Owing to short notice and busy times, the farmers did not compete as well as they might, yet there was a good showing of stock, textile fabrics, and general articles.
The horses on the ground were very good animals, and made a record equal, if not greater, than most trotting stock at any of the neighboring fairs.
There were a number of large Norman and Morgan draught horses, and a good representation of running, trotting, and pacing stock.
On Friday, the grand day of the exhibition, Gray Pet, an inferior looking gray mare owned by Jones, made a mile, or twice around the track, in three minutes and twenty-nine seconds. Cheyenne Kate, owned by Jack Hastie, of Wellington, came in second best on the first round, and Iron Sides, owned by H. M. Balch, of El Dorado, third, and Fanny, owned by Ensign, fourth. In the second heat a mile was made in 2.40, and in the third heat, 2.30.
The race between Brown Dick, a Texas pony, owned by Beech, of Wichita, and the Missouri mare Kate, owned by Wilson, was won by the mare coming out ten feet ahead. The distance run was a quarter of a mile, and both horses exhibited wonderful power and speed.
Mr. Shurtz, of Bolton Township, took first premium on his cattle, and Mr. Norman, of East Creswell, first premium on the largest two year old stallion.
There were a number of varieties of fruit, vegetables, and grain.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.
There was a large attendance at the fair Saturday.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.
The stage coach carrying passengers to and from the fair grounds, last Friday, was loaded with 25 passengers: 10 inside and 15 on top.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 18, 1878.
Missouri Kate, a fine, well muscled sorrel mare, beat Brown Dick, of Wichita, ten feet in a quarter mile rate at the fair grounds Saturday.
Winfield Courier, September 19, 1878.
The many attendants at the fair last week were delighted with the music furnished so freely by T. A. Wilkinson and the Roberts Brothers.
Winfield Courier, September 19, 1878.
The Fair.
We shall not be able to give the awards of the committees this week nor a complete report of the Fair in other respects, but we can say here that it was a success.
We had a display of fine blooded hogs, cattle, and sheep. In fact, this county is noted as having a greater proportion of fine stock in these lines than any other county in the southwest. It is also a fact that our horses are mostly small—too much of the pony order. We were glad to note, however, some very large, heavy Norman horses, weighing near 2,000 pounds each. These horses, we think, will be the kind for farm horses and for hauling loads to and from market. Altogether the show of stock was excellent.
But little farm machinery was displayed on the ground. We noticed the hedge-crusher invented in Butler County; now in the hands of W. W. Limbocker, of which we shall speak at another time. The display of fruit was very fine but not large. A pear exhibited by Mr. Manwell, of Greenfield, was the largest we ever saw. J. H. Curfman and others exhibited fine peaches, and the apples shown were large and fine. Mr. Manwell had a fine assortment of cheeses; C. A. Bliss of flour, F. Gallotti of shoes and boots; Dr. Van Doren of dental work; and various ladies exhibited specimens of various handiwork, preserved fruits, bread, etc. The usual display of organs and sewing machines was on hand. But we do not propose at this time to attempt to do justice to the exhibit. When we shall get the awards from the secretary, we will try to do better. There was considerable attention paid to the trials of speed each day. On Saturday, the last day, there was a large concourse of people on the grounds. All seemed to enjoy the occasion.
Winfield Courier, September 19, 1878.
E. P. Kinne.
The measure of success that attended the fair last week has been purchased by the expenditure of a large amount of labor and energy. It was no small job to work up the scheme, solicit the subscriptions to the stock, arrange the schedules, prepare the grounds, attend to the details in a hundred different phases, and, most important of all, to excite an interest in the people. To E. P. Kinne more than to any other man is due the credit of this work. His time and energies for months have been devoted to this scheme. He has talked, worked, planned, and dreamed scarcely anything else, and his efforts have been powerful, constant, and untiring until, now it is over, he finds himself worn down and exhausted. We desire to place him in a high niche among those who have expended their energies, time, and money, without remuneration, for the good of our county.
Winfield Courier, September 19, 1878.
E. E. Bacon.
This gentleman is the secretary of the Walnut Valley Fair Association, and his knowledge and experience have proved indispensable in the conduct of the late fair. To his efficient labor much of the success of the undertaking are due, and the people will not be slow to recognize his services.
Winfield Courier, September 26, 1878.
Skipped the lengthy listing of premiums awarded at the Walnut Valley District Fair, held at Winfield September 11-14, 1878, given in this issue. Very long.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 9, 1878.
Al. Requa has purchased the sorrel mare that got away with Brown Dick here during the fair. Al. has a rattling horse, and he may be sure the boys will back her every time. Telegram.
Winfield Courier, October 24, 1878.
Office of the Secretary of the Walnut Valley Fair Association.
WINFIELD, KANS., Oct. 18, 1878.
To the officers, stockholders, and patrons of the above named association: I have the honor to submit herewith a detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements of the association from its organization to the present time, as per order of the Executive Board dated Oct. 17th, 1878.
RECEIPTS:
Received from sale of stock: $57.40
Received from sales of tickets: $567.25
Received from entry fees: $42.00
TOTAL RECEIPTS: $666.65
DISBURSEMENTS: $659.15
[NOTE: DID NOT GIVE BREAKDOWN ON DISBURSEMENTS!]
Eugene E. Bacon, Secretary.
[Interesting with regard to people named under disbursements.]
A. Brown, work on grounds; F. M. Freeland, work on grounds; J. Mentch, work on grounds; H. Whistler, work on grounds; W. C. Hayden, work on grounds; P. Gardner, work on grounds; M. W. Brown, work; Mrs. Andrews, rent of ground; Sam’l. Trowbridge, race track; Jas. Benson, race track; Jas. M. Riser, police; Isaac Davis, police; J. W. Beal, police; C. C. Cruck, police; W. R. Sears, police work; J. E. Bates, police; A. W. Jones, police; Geo. Klaus; J. C. McCollum, police; Cyrus Walker, police; E. S. Eades, police; Perry Martin, police; J. W. Beal, work on track; J. F. Force, gate keeper; John Snyder, police; H. Grommes, police; Bert Crapster, chief police; D. A. Millington, printing; J. H. Raney, clerk; W. O. Lipscomb, clerk; Baird Bros., merchandise; S. M. Jarvis, asst. marshal; H. Jochems, nails, etc.; J. VanDoren, police; Brown & Glass, stationery; S. H. Myton, hardware; F. M. Freeland, hay; D. F. Jones, premium; Jas. Benson, premium; A. Brown, premium; S. G. Miles [? Mills ?], premium; Wm. Allison, premium; W. Ensign, entrance money forfeited; W. C. Hayden, police; McCommon & Harter, books; W. C. Hayden, work on grounds; Ed. Nicholson, police; Wallis & Wallis, goods; L. C. Hyde, carpenter work; John Reynolds, hauling; W. C. Hayden, work on grounds; Lynn & Gillelen, goods; John Moffitt, lumber; Geo. H. Crippen, use of band; John Moffitt, fencing; Will Allison, diploma.
WALNUT VALLEY FAIR ASSOCIATION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, January 8, 1879.
JUST MERIT.
After a careful examination by the judges of agricultural implements at the Walnut Valley Fair Association, W. A. Lee, of Winfield, Kansas, received the first premium on the Crossley Sulky Plow over seven others competing.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.
Notice
Is hereby given that the annual meeting of the Walnut Valley Fair Association, will be held at the courthouse in Winfield on the second Monday in April, A. D. 1879, at 1 o’clock p.m., agreeable to sec. 2, chap. 9, session laws of 1873. All shareholders, and others inter-ested, are expected to be present. An election of officers for the ensuing year will take place at that time. EUGENE E. BACON, Sec’y.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.
Since the commissioners allowed the claim of the Walnut Valley Association, this agricultural society now have the funds on hand to pay up the premiums awarded at their fair last fall.
[WALNUT VALLEY FAIR ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.
At a meeting of the stockholders held in this city on the 14th inst. the following were elected officers of the Walnut Valley Fair Association.
R. F. Burden, President.
E. P. Kinne, Vice President.
J. M. Alexander, Treasurer.
E. E. Bacon, Secretary.
Directors:
W. J. Hodges.
A. A. Wiley.
S. R. Marsh
John Stalter.
H. B. Pratt.
Chief Marshal: P. M. Wait.
Chief Police: Jno. C. Roberts.
E. E. BACON, Sec.
[FAIR MEETING: WALNUT VALLEY FAIR ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.
There will be a meeting of the Officers and Directors of the Walnut Valley Fair Association, on the 17th inst., at the office of Col. Alexander, in this city, at 12 o’clock m.
EUGENE E. BACON, Secy.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1879.
The Fair Association has secured grounds of Dr. Graham, which they intend to begin to improve at once, and will have the grounds in first-class condition for the next fair. They are paying off all outstanding premiums as soon as presented.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.
There will be a grand union Sunday School picnic Thursday in the old fair grounds north of town.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1879.
At a meeting of the directors of the Walnut Valley Fair Association, at the office of Col. Alexander, last Thursday, it was decided to hold the fair October 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The following appointments were made:
General Supt.: J. L. Horning.
Chief of Police: J. C. Roberts.
Chief Marshal: P. M. Waite.
CLASS SUPERINTENDENTS
A. R. B. Pratt.
B. P. B. Lee.
C. C. S. Smith.
D. Wm. Hodges.
E. J. F. Miller.
F. Jas. Berry.
G. J. Hoenscheidt.
H. J. Nixon.
I. S. S. Holloway.
J. A. J. Burrell.
K. Mrs. J. E. Platter.
L. Mrs. M. E. Davis.
M. T. H. McLaughlin.
N. J. H. Worden.
O. E. P. Hickok.
P. J. E. Platter.
Q. G. W. Prater.
R. W. P. Hackney.
S. S. M. Fall.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
Max Shoeb came very near losing his ponies in Dutch creek on the Fourth. He attempted to cross the ford at the fair ground, which had become miry from the large number of teams crossing and the rising water, and driving in without knowing the danger, his team mired down. By considerable exertion and cutting his harness up badly, he succeeded in saving the team.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1879.
The balance of the old fair ground, comprising about four acres in the south part of town, was sold at Sheriff’s sale, last Monday, and was bid off by Mr. Tom Wright for $335.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1879.
Our band favored the citizens with some excellent music on the street Saturday evening. The boys propose to make it red hot for any band that attempts to compete with them at the coming fair.
[THE PRESIDENT AND GOVERNOR.]
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.
STATE OF KANSAS, EX. DEPT.,
TOPEKA, KS., Aug. 25, 1879.
EUGENE E. BACON, Secretary, Fair Association Winfield, Kansas.
My Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 23rd inst., inviting me to deliver an address at the Fair Grounds one day during the annual exhibition of the Walnut Valley Fair Association, commencing Oct. 1st, and holding to the 4th, inclusive, and asking me, also, to solicit the President to accompany me.
Thanking you for the invitation, I accept the same, and will come there on one of the days indicated, if you will only notify me, within the next ten days, of the day you desire me to be there. I will also try to prevail upon President Hayes to accompany me.
Thanking you again for your kind invitation,
I am, very truly, JOHN P. ST. JOHN.
[Mr. Lemmon has secured the promise of Manager Strong of a car for the excursion to this city from Topeka at that time, and if the President and suite shall consent to come, it will be a grand occasion. Result next week.—Ed.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1879.
E. E. Bacon, Secretary of the Walnut Valley Fair Association, visited Arkansas City last Sunday. Mr. Bacon reports everything promising for a successful fair next month, and if his predictions are verified (and we are sure they will be), it will, in a great measure, be owing to his untiring efforts.
[WALNUT VALLEY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.
Walnut Valley Fair
Opens at Winfield Fair Grounds on Sept. 30, ‘79,
WITH A
Grand Railroad Excursion.
The Cowley, Sumner and Fort Smith railroad will bring in large excursion trains loaded with visitors to celebrate the opening of their road to Winfield.
A GRAND BARBECUE
will be given on the fair grounds on that day, free to the immense crowd that is expected. Toasts and speeches will be in order. Complete arrangements have been made to insure complete success and general enjoyment. Each day of the five days of the fair will have special attractions in trials of speed and in various other ways. On Thursday, the fourth day of the fair, GOVERNOR J. P. ST. JOHN
will deliver the occasional address. One of the attractions of the occasion will be the
BALLOON ASCENSION.
It will be the largest balloon in the world, sixty-five feet in diameter and ninety feet in height. It is secured at a very large expense, and the proprietor will come with it from Chicago and superintend the ascension. The day is not yet definitely fixed, but probably Tuesday or Wednesday. It will certainly come off one day of the fair. The officers and managers have worked faithfully, and have left nothing undone to make this fair the grandest affair that ever come off in the GREAT SOUTHWEST.
Let everybody turn out and have a grand old time. Arrangements will be made if possible for a free excursion from the fair grounds to Wichita and return on the same day during the fair, possibly Tuesday or Wednesday.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 24, 1879.
The members of the Stock Protective Union, of Bolton Township, will take notice that the next meeting of the Union will be held the following Monday after our county fair at the usual hour and place. The change is made as many wish to attend the fair.
R. HOFFMASTER, Capt.
[WINFIELD: RAILROAD CELEBRATION.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 24, 1879.
Railroad Celebration.
WINFIELD, KAN., Sept. 22, 1879.
Editor Traveler: We are going to celebrate the completion of the railroad to this point on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Excursion trains are coming from Wichita. The Fair will open that day and give a big barbecue on the grounds. An excursion train, with four coaches, and 20 platform cars, with seats, will go up the road from here, at noon, and return at 5 p.m., giving all an opportunity to see and ride over the road, free of charge.
Your city government has been invited, through our Mayor, and a general invitation is extended to you and your readers to come and help us celebrate.
The track is laid to the river. The last abutment will be finished tomorrow, and the bridge will be on by the last of the week, and cars running to the depot, on time.
J. P. SHORT.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1879.
Terrill & Ferguson will run a four-horse omnibus during the fair.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1879.
There will be an extra excursion train from Newton on the 30th, bringing the leading men of that burg to attend our grand jubilee.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1879.
The excursion from Wichita and Wellington to the opening of our fair promises to be an immense affair. The railroad people are bound to bring all who wish to come, if it takes three locomotives to haul them.
[NOTICE OF WALNUT VALLEY FAIR]
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1879.
WALNUT VALLEY FAIR
Opens at Winfield Fair Grounds on Sept. 30, ‘79, With a Grand Railroad Excursion.
Winfield to have the Biggest Time Ever Known in the Annals of Cowley Co.
City Authorities of Wichita, Wellington, Arkansas City, & other points, will be present.
GRAND MILITARY DRILL BY THE 15TH CO., K. S. M.,
OF WICHITA, AT 11 A.M.
Excursion for the Cowley County People Leaves at 12:30 P.M.,
Goes to Mulvane and Returns at 4 o’clock P.M.
The committee appointed to make arrangements for the reception of the excursionists next Tuesday, met at the council chamber, Monday. The following is the programme decided upon.
RAILROAD TRAINS.
Excursion Trains start at 8 a.m. from Wichita and Wellington, arriving at Winfield at 10 a.m.
Excursion Train for Winfield and Cowley County starts at 12:30 p.m., going to Mulvane and back, arriving at Winfield at 4:30 p.m.
Return Trains to Wichita and Wellington leave Winfield at 5 p.m.
Carriages will be furnished at the depot to carry excursionists to any part of the City or Fair Grounds as desired.
A committee upon the down train will sell Fair tickets and distribute carriage tickets to excursionists.
A FREE BARBECUE DINNER.
At the Fair ground at 12 m.
GRAND MILITARY DRILL.
By 15th Co., K. S. M., of Wichita, in full uniform—commanded by Captain L. N. Woodcock, at 11 a.m.
PROCESSION
Will form at Depot and march through the principal streets of the city, and thence to Fair ground.
ORDER OF MARCH:
1. Military Band.
2. Military Company.
3. Wichita Fire Department.
4. Saxe Horn Band.
5. Mayors and Councilmen of Wichita, Wellington,
Arkansas City, and Winfield in carriages.
6. Railroad Officials in carriages.
7. Foreign excursionists in carriages.
8. Citizens of Cowley county in conveyances.
CONGRATULATORY SPEECH
By Hon. J. Wade McDonald, at 10:45 a.m.
MARSHAL OF THE DAY, Gen. A. H. Green.
By order of the Executive Com.,
M. G. TROUP, Chairman. E. C. MANNING, Secretary.
[NEW OMNIBUS: TERRILL & FERGUSON.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1879.
Terrill & Ferguson have purchased an omnibus, which will hereafter run to trains, carry passengers to and from the fair grounds, and do anything in the carriage line. Persons desiring to leave on the train will be called for by leaving their orders at Terrill & Ferguson’s livery stable.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR CRITICIZED.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 8, 1879. Editorial Page.
The Cowley County Fair.
To criticize properly the recent display at our county fair, we must take into consideration all the surrounding circumstances, which would help or mar a good display. To give the managers and officers credit or discredit in the conduct and details, we must bear in mind that we are a new county, that heretofore our fairs have not been financially a success, that to present charges of bad faith this year, the managers were determined to pay as far as they agreed to, which necessarily made premiums low, and consequently held out less inducements to parties to display either stock or articles.
Taking these things into consideration with the fact that they were unable to offer enough inducements for speed, to make the speed ring a success, we are bound to say that under the circumstances, the managers have done well, and that we believe that with the success financially of this year, the society can offer inducements sufficient by another year to make the Cowley County Fair equal to the best.
The ladies department as usual was well represented and made a display worth taking time to look at. The agricultural display, although not large, was sufficient to show the capacity of Cowley County soil to produce grain and vegetables equal to the best raised anywhere.
Right here we offer an idea with regard to the exhibit of grains and vegetables, which is that each exhibitor should furnish so that the public can read its information in regard to kind, manner of culture, land raised on, bottom or upland, amount per acre, and every other item which may teach the people the way to secure a better crop and more of it.
The display of sheep, although small, was good. The representations of the Merino and Coarse Wool sheep, both showing that some of our farmers are taking an interest in introducing the best of stock. From careful inquiry we find that this branch of stock raising has scarcely a drawback, if the first stock are entirely free from disease.
The cattle display we do not think was a large or as fine as the county can do even now, but at the same time the gentlemen making the display deserve thanks for the effort they made considering the small chance they had to get pay for their trouble and exhibited some very fine animals all the way through from Durham to Jersey’s.
The showing of horse stock should be larger next year. We have them in the county, and they should be induced to come out, believing as we do that any county can raise the standard of its horses to a high grade as well as it can raise scrubs. We believe that a general showing of horses and their colts will tend to vast improvement in this respect. Give the large premiums to the horses that show the best stock.
Of the speed ring we will say that no more competent gentleman or harder worker could have been selected, and that we don’t believe many besides Bill Hackney could have worked up the entertainment he did under the adverse circumstances and lack of inducement to horse men he had to contend with. As it was, the races were fair and gave good satisfaction.
To close, let us say to the farmers you must not expect to go to a fair simply to look on if you want that fair to be a success. There may be a good many just like you, and then how will the county show anything. We say commence in time and resolve that you will show something and that it shall be the best of the kind, and if a good many of you do this you will go home saying we have had a rousing old fair, whether you take a premium or not.
[YELLOW BULL GIVES SPEECH AT COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 8, 1879.
Yellow Bull’s Speech at the Cowley County Fair.
At the request of the fair managers, Yellow Bull, 2nd chief, Red Elk, chief of a band, and Yellow Bear, a young chief, all of the tribe of the Nez Perce Indians, were escorted to the grounds of the Cowley County Fair by Mr. C. M. Scott, on Friday last. They were invited to the platform with the Governor, and after the Governor’s speech, Yellow Bull responded through his interpreter, Capt. Chapman, saying that he was glad to meet the people there. Last summer he fought the whites, but wanted them to know now that he knew how to make friends. The Great Spirit made this world for them all to stand on, and he wanted to live like one people, under one roof, with one law to govern them all. He said that he knew that the people were friendly towards him because they did not turn away from him as though they were mad.
The Chiefs took a great interest in the display of fine stock, especially horses and cattle, and showed their appreciation of the same. In the fine art hall the things that called out the most praise from Yellow Bull were a tanned dog skin, and a variegated rug, which he remarked would make a good saddle blanket.
We hope that each fair may be visited by a delegation of Indians, and that every delegation will be treated with the same respect that was shown to these, and have no doubt but that it will reach our neighboring tribes with a civilizing influence.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
Terrill & Ferguson’s bus did a rushing business during the fair. They also have a large majority of the train business.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
Chief of Police Roberts had the hardest job of any at the fair, that of keeping order and clearing the track. He did his duty in a manner that won high words of praise from most of the peaceable citizens who visited the fair.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
The races during the fair were very lively, many good horses being on the track. Those during the last day were by far the best. The big trotting race was won by "Wichita Charley." These were the fairest races ever run on the track, and every semblance of fraud was condemned by the judges. Although exceptions were taken to some of their decisions by the jockeys present, the majority of the people sustained them in their rulings.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
A large party of invited guests assembled at the residence of Mr. C. A. Bliss, last Friday evening, to pay their respects to Governor St. John. The party, numbering thirty-seven, were entertained right royally by the obliging hostess, and everything passed off "as merry as a marriage bell." After partaking of a splendid supper, the party spent a couple of hours in conversation and music, when they dispersed. Gov. St. John has made many warm friends in our community during his several flying visits here, all of whom delight to do him honor.
[THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT.]
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
A very large crowd gathered on the fair ground last Friday to hear Gov. St. John speak. The officers of the association had announced that he would be here on Thursday, but he was taken ill on the road and telegraphed that he could not get here until Friday. He spoke from the judge’s stand, and was listened to with eager attention by the sea of faces around him. His speech was full of good points, and contained some advice in regard to small farming and machinery. In the evening he was tendered a social reception at the residence of C. A. Bliss.
[THE FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.
Last Saturday ended the most successful fair ever held in Cowley county. The display, especially of blooded stock, was large, and shows that our people are awake to the advantage of well-bred over common scrub stock. We hope this may result in rooting out the old scrubby breeds that are so numerous at present.
The department allotted to
THOROUGHBRED CATTLE
was well filled. The thoroughbred Devonshire bull, "Red Bird," owned by Mr. James W. Hunt, attracted much attention, and was truly a fine animal. He carried several premiums, for best thoroughbred bull and sweepstakes. Mr. Ezra Meech’s herd of thoroughbred Jerseys were admired by all. They were the only ones of that breed on the ground, and were not entered.
The herd of Durhams owned by Mr. Heath received much notice from stock men, and were certainly a fine lot of cattle. They carried two premiums.
The three Short Horn cows and calves, owned by N. J. Thompson, showed many fine points, and carried the blue ribbon.
The premium three-year-old bull, graded Durham, owned by Mr. Limbocker, was with-out doubt the finest three-year-old on the ground.
Marsh & Lee’s herd of thoroughbreds received much notice and were decorated with both red and blue ribbons. These gentlemen are old stock men and are bound to raise good stock or none at all.
Mr. Millard, of Silverdale township, exhibited two of his thoroughbred Devonshires, one of which carried the blue ribbon. Mr. Millard has long ago learned the superiority of well-bred over common stock, and is now raising some of the best calves that can be found anywhere.
Perhaps the largest and best herd of thoroughbreds in the county, owned by Mr. C. C. Pierce, of Pleasant Valley township, was exhibited here. His thoroughbred bull, "Julian," 27 months old and weighing 1250 pounds, was the envy of all the lovers of fine stock on the grounds. His grand-sire, the third Duke of Oneida, was sold at the Utica mills sale for $12,000. He is, perhaps, the most thoroughbred of any bull in the southwest.
The display of SHEEP
was not as good as was expected, as many of the largest sheep raisers in the county did not exhibit.
The exhibit of J. A. Hood, of Graded Cotswolds, was very good. He took 1st and 2nd premium on best buck lamb, under one year, 1st premium on best ewes one year and over, and 1st premium on best lambs under one year. He says his flock, in fleece and increase, have netted him $4.50 per head for the last year. He is strongly in favor of coarse wooled sheep.
Mr. J. W. Thomas, of Tisdale, exhibited several of his flock of Merinos, of the celebrated Hammond stock. He sheared last spring 50 bucks that averaged 20-1/2 pounds per head, and sold the wool for 19 cents per pound.
Mr. M. N. Chaffee, who owns a flock of 900 of the common breed, exhibited several specimens. He was not present at the time we visited this department.
Several fine Merinos were exhibited by Mr. Raymond, of Knox county, Ohio, who has recently located in our county, and intends to deal exclusively in sheep and wool. He has a flock of 500 thoroughbred Merinos, and is decidedly in favor of fine wooled sheep.
Mr. Meech exhibited several of his Merinos, and carried off two premiums. He recently sold from his flock over twenty thoroughbred bucks, which will be scattered throughout the county.
HOGS.
The competition for premiums in this department was very lively. The display was so large and the different crosses so near alike, that it was difficult for the judges to decide which was better than the other.
The exhibit of Mr. S. S. Holloway, of Berkshire and Poland China, crossed, was very fine, and received much notice. He has taken great pains in the selection and crosses of the different breeds, and has a good lot of hogs.
The thoroughbred Poland China boar, owned by Mr. Wood, carried a whole tail full of blue ribbons, and was a magnificent hog.
Mr. N. F. Wright exhibited several of his thoroughbred Berkshire hogs, which were considered the finest lot there. One boar, 11 months old, and weighing 300 pounds, with not enough hair on his skin to make a tooth brush, attracted as much attention as any hog on the grounds, hardly excepting the 1010 pound hog belonging to Mr. W. J. Hodges.
Mr. C. C. Pierce also exhibited several of his fine Poland China hogs, of which breed he has the best in the county.
HORSES.
The display of horses was first-class. At the time we visited this department, a great many of the exhibitors were absent attending the races, and we did not get a full report of all the stock.
The yearling colt, exhibited by Mr. Jas. M. Marshall, was undoubtedly the finest animal of his age on the grounds. He was one year old the 15th of June, weighs 1040 pounds, and is Norman and Messenger. He carried off two premiums.
Mr. C. G. Handy, of Tisdale, exhibited a colt five months old, weighing 578 pounds, Norman and Messenger, which was a perfect beauty.
Mr. Treadway also exhibited a five months old, graded Norman, weighing 510 pounds. It took a red ribbon.
The graded Norman colt, owned by Mr. Furman, attracted much notice, and is a promising animal.
Mr. Joel Mack exhibited a two-year-old colt, which had many fine points.
Mr. Stout, of Richland, also exhibited a two-year-old mare, and carried off two premiums.
Several colts exhibited by Mr. Chas. Eastman, were universally admired, and were as promising colts as we saw on the grounds.
J. L. Johnson, of Maple City, had one of the best mule colts that we ever saw. It was one year old, and weighed 780 pounds. It carried a blue ribbon.
Mr. Hurst exhibited a splendid stallion, which was the center of attraction for horsemen. It took the first premium in the sweepstakes ring.
There were a large number of horses exhibited, whose owners we did not see. Altogether the display in this department was very fine.
FOWLS.
This department was well filled. The coops which the association had prepared for the accommodation of the exhibitors, were filled to overflowing, and boxes of every description were brought into use.
One coop of Buff Cochins deserve special mention, and were admired by all who saw them. There were also several choice specimens of Dark Brahmas, Golden Pheasants, and Pekin ducks. We think the display in this department was as fine as any we have seen.
FLORAL HALL
was resplendent with needle work, etc. Quilts worked in all the colors of the rainbow, matts, "log cabins," (at least, that’s what they called them) and everything that feminine ingenuity could devise, or deft fingers execute. The delicious bread and butter, jellies, cakes, and preserve looked very tempting, and it was with the greatest reluctance that we passed on to look at the giant pumpkins, and elephantine sweet potatoes in the next room. The display of vegetables, field and garden seeds, etc., was rather limited from some cause or other. Mrs. T. A. Wilkinson’s preserved fruits and vegetables attracted much notice.
The display of MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS,
made by Mr. T. A. Wilkinson, was the biggest thing in the grove. He is agent for the renowned Estey organ, three of which instruments he had on the ground, and also a splendid Mathushek piano, the whole presided over by Miss De Grass, lately from Milwaukee, and who is one of the most accomplished musicians it has ever been our fortune to hear. Large crowds were entertained by the music from these instruments.
Taken all in all, the fair has been a grand success, and our people may well feel proud of the display. Messrs. Bacon, Kinne, Burden, and other officers of the association have worked unremittingly to place it upon a solid foundation, and deserve much credit for their labors.
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1879.
Charlie Clayton tells the following story illustrative of the crowded state of the Winfield hotels during the fair, and as the story is reasonable, "we take it in" without a murmur. A couple of regular lodgers at the Olds House were out rather late one evening, and when they came in, found a couple of transients occupying their bed sleeping as soundly as a log while every nook and corner in the hotel large enou