[Reference to School in Winfield.]
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
THE SCHOOL. We congratulate the people of this place on the success of the school in the room below our office. The teacher, Miss Bliss, brings experience and rare ability to her position, and discharges her duties with the utmost fidelity. The County and District School Officers express their entire satisfaction with the progress which the school is making.
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
NOTICE TO TEACHERS: There will be a teacher’s examination on Thursday, the 12th inst. E. P. HICKOK, Co. Supt.
1872
Excerpt from long article...
[COWLEY COUNTY.]
SCHOOLS.
Winfield Messenger, Friday, March 15, 1872.
Cowley County is divided into convenient school districts and in all or nearly all of them good schoolhouses are in process of erection. The settlers of this county believe in schools and show a determination that the young Cowleyites shall have the means of good education within their reach.
School Districts in Cowley County.
Winfield Messenger, June 28, 1872.
There are now seventy-five school districts established in this county, thirty of which have schools in successful operation. Eighteen months ago the county contained nothing of the kind.
E. P. Hickok, County Superintendent of Schools, Also Becomes District Clerk.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
We understand that E. P. Hickok, our efficient District Clerk, will be a candidate for reelection. Mr. Hickok has the ability for the position, as the past two years have proven.
Excerpts from meeting...
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
Commissioners Proceedings.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
The following bills were allowed.
One in favor of E. P. Hickok, District Clerk, $32.30
One in favor of E. P. Hickok, District Clerk, $4.85
Public Schools, Cowley County.
Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.
Mr. Editor: Will you allow me space to say a few words of interest to the friends of public school in our county?
Last year, through two failures, one to have our whole county districted and the other to secure annual reports from the districts that had been formed, our county lost more than two thousand dollars that should have been secured and spent for the benefit of popular education in our midst. In my mind there is no doubt that every inch of territory in our borders should be attached to some district, and that public funds should be drawn for everyone of school age in the county. Last year school laws could not be procured, in many cases clerks did not learn their duties till too late, our county superintendent "could not afford for three dollars a day in county scrip" to ride all over the county and inform clerks of their duties, and collect reports, and as a result of such a combination of circumstances the above loss to the county was the result.
I understand that some parts of the county are not yet districted but as a citizen of the county and one who feels a deep interest in the welfare of her public schools, let me ask that full and complete reports be made this fall. Let us secure all the funds which are our due, and when secured, use them for the advancement of popular education in our county.
In conversation with Mr. Hickok, our county Supt. some time ago, he gave it as his opinion and as he thought that of the State Superintendent that no district would be entitled to a share of public funds unless it had maintained a public school three months previous to the first of September next. By referring to page 4, Sec. 11, of the New School Law, you will see that it is Prof. McCarty’s opinion that districts which maintained their schools previous to January 1st are entitled to a share of the funds. Then let me urge every district in the county, in which there has not yet been a school, to see to it that one is put in operation previous to Oct. 1st, and all will be well.
Let us establish at once and maintain in our county a system of public schools that shall be a source of pride to all of us. It will take time and money to do this but the ends to be attained will more than compensate for the expense incurred. ALLEN B. LEMMON.
Aug. 13th, 1872.
Excerpts from meeting...
Winfield Messenger, August 30, 1872.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
Convention proceeded to ballot for the following officers.
District Clerk: James Kelly 35, E. P. Hickok 19; W. W. Walton 12.
Supt. of Public Instruction: T. A. Wilkinson 38, J. B. Parmelee 25; S. W. Greer 3.
Excerpts from meeting...
Winfield Messenger, September 20, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in adjourned session in County Clerk’s office, September 16th, 1872. Present: Frank Cox and J. D. Maurer. Proceeded to levy the tax for assessment year ago. Ordered that a county tax of one mill on the dollar levied on the Township of Vernon as a Township tax; also of one and one half for Dexter Township; also one and one half for Beaver Township; Richland, two mills, Bolton, two mills; Windsor, one; Cedar, one mill; Creswell, one mill, Posey Creek one and one half; Pleasant Valley, one mill, Nenescah, two mills; Silver Creek, two mills; and Tisdale, two mills.
And, also to meet the interest and principal on school bonds. The following was levied in the following named school districts:
District No. 1, 3-1/2 mills; No. 7, 27 mills; No. 9, 25 mills; No. 10, 26 mills; No. 12, 6 mills; No. 14, 11 mills; No. 15, 19 mills; No. 20, 27 mills; No. 21, 33 mills; No. 25, 18 mills; No. 26, ___ mills; No. 37, 5 mills; No. 49, 9 mills; No. 14, ____ mills; No. 42, 9 mills; No. 45, 9 mills; No. 46, 32 mills; No. 49, ____ mills.
The case of school district No. 30, on appeal from September, was then taken up and confirmed.
Winfield Public School Building.
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
The Winfield public school building is nearly completed, and is as large again as any school building in the county. It will be completed in time for the first term of the winter school. There will be a great many pupils from other districts here to attend during the winter.
Excerpts...
[LIBERAL NOMINATING CONVENTION - WINFIELD.]
Winfield Messenger, Friday, October 11, 1872. Front Page.
Results of informal ballot for District Clerk: J. E. Dunn received 19, Mr. Boutwell 10, Kerns 2. A formal ballot was then taken, which gave 22 for Dunn and 13 for Boutwell. On motion of Mr. Boutwell, J. E. Dunn was nominated by acclamation.
SUPT. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. Dr. D. N. Egbert was nominated by acclamation.
Winfield Messenger, October 11, 1872.
J. M. Smiley has gone to Werden’s district to build a schoolhouse. We wish the district success in their undertaking.
Excerpts...
Winfield Messenger, October 18, 1872.
THE CANDIDATES.
The candidates for the various offices to be filled this fall are now before the public.
James Kelly has received encomiums both at home and abroad in regard to his fitness for the position of Clerk of the District Court. Mr. T. A. Wilkinson, candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, is one of the leading educators of the county.
Teachers’ Institute.
Winfield Messenger, October 18, 1872.
The Teachers’ Institute will be held in this city on the 22nd inst. Let every teacher and friend of education in the county be present.
Winfield Messenger, October 18, 1872.
The schoolhouse is plastered.
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
A Query.
Editor of the Messenger:
I learn that our worthy County Superintendent Hickok was allowed by our county board for seventy days work as Superintendent in the last quarter. There were seventy-nine working days in the quarter ending 30th of September. At least twelve days in July were occupied personally by the Superintendent as District Clerk, for he is the District Clerk and Superintendent. Does anyone believe that he spent one-half the sixty-seven days that the court was not in session in his superintendent capacity? If our board of county commissioners go on in this way, our taxes will soon become grievous. The bill for those seventy days allowed was $210. INDIGENCE.
Winfield Messenger, October 25, 1872.
The citizens of school district No. 50 have as fine a schoolhouse as there is in the county—the workmanship of Randall & Smiley of this city.
Public Examination of School Teachers.
Winfield Messenger, November 1, 1872. Front Page.
Public examination of school teachers will be held at my office in Winfield, on Saturday, the 18th day of November, at 10 o’clock, A. M., and on the first Saturday of each month thereafter until further notice.
E. P. Hickok, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Cowley Co.
1873
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s Office, January 6th, 1873.
Present, Frank Cox and J. D. Maurer.
Petition of S. E. Burger asking that 9 mills of his school tax be abated, was presented and rejected.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873. [Editorial.]
A thoroughly graded school, under the supervision of Rev. Parmelee and assistant, is being taught in the elegant two-story stone school-house. Citizens point with no small degree of pride to their facilities for giving the young a foundation on which to build a useful knowledge.
Sections sixteen and thirty-six of every congressional township are set aside for school purposes and when sold to settlers, creates a fund to aid in the advancement of the school interests of the state.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 25, 1873.
Writing School. The writing school in the new schoolhouse, under the supervision of J. M. Read, is doing well. An average attendance of twenty scholars, who are improving rapidly.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
We clip the following interesting items from the Arkansas City Traveler of the 29th.
"The interest is due on the school bonds, in this county, and there is not enough collected to pay it."
"Had it not been for the interest manifested by E. B. Kager, in the welfare of the people of this county, the ten percent penalty would have been slowly added. While at Topeka he succeeded in obtaining a respite from the State Treasurer until February 1st, after which the penalty must be paid."
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1873.
TO TAXPAYERS.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Jan. 28th, 1873.
I have seen a number of statements in regard to the taxes of our county and in justice to taxpayers I would make the following statements:
Amount of tax levied for all purposes $32,277.19
Amount outstanding Co. warrant to date 20,026.77
Amount state tax 8,343.45
Amount county tax 11,778.99
Amount township tax for the county 1,002.46
Amount school district tax for county 11,557.70
I would say in regard to the amount of county orders that the County Commissioners levied a tax last September to meet all outstanding county orders at that time, since which time a large amount of county warrants have been issued.
A. A. JACKSON, County Clerk.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
School Examination.
There will be a Teacher’s Examination held at Winfield on Saturday, February 8th, at the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
Teacher’s Report.
To the Clerk of Public School Board of Winfield, Kansas, for the month ending Jan. 25th, 1873.
Whole number enrolled, 104.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
Average daily attendance, 31.
Present every day: Mary Cochran, Alice Johnson, Ettie Johnson, Cora Kenworthy, M. Virginia Weathers, Oscar Cochran, Edmond Cochran, L. Frank Freeland, Richie Mansfield, Willie J. McClellan, Willie S. Tarrant.
The first month was largely employed in correcting—in mind and habit—the heterogeneous mass gathered from all quarters, north, east, and south, and adjusting the same to the teacher’s standard of propriety.
At first, many of the pupils were disposed to indolence, and some to positive rebellion. The latter trouble has mainly disappeared, and many of those afflicted with the former disease exhibit symptoms of convalescence. Not being able to make an inspiring report for the first month, we concluded to pass it in silence.
The last month has been encouraging; our hopes are now buoyant; and while ideal excellence has been reached by few, if indeed any, yet we think it proper, as to loyalty, and commendable efforts toward perfect lessons, to report the following Roll of Honor:
Cora Bullene, Mollie Bodwell, Florence Bickel, Emma Howland, Alice Hill, Alice Johnson, Ettie Johnson, Ida J. Johnston, Virginia Weathers, Annie Kochler [Koehler ?], Ruth Kenworthy, Cora Kenworthy, Mary S. Knowles, Emma Knowles, Lutie Newman, Edmond Cochran, Harrison Hellman, Phillip Kochler, [Names hard to read/last few lines missing.]
BEGINS AGAIN ON NEXT COLUMN...Thomas Lowry, Marshal Land, John N. Likowski, Michael McDonnell, Amos Smiley [? Smithy ?].
UPPER ROOM.
Average daily attendance, 31.
Present every day. Ella Freeland, Lydia A. Kenworthy, Mary L. Koehler, Jessie Millington, Annie Newman, R. W. Dever, I. E. Johnson, H. E. Likowski, Walter A. Lewis, Harold H. Mansfield, O. Orlando Menor, W. D. Menor, Richard S. Whitaker, Charles E. Weathers.
Roll of Honor. Cora E. Andrews, Luella Blandin, M. Callie Blandin, Adida V. Boucher, P. Nellie Covert, C. Louis Crapster, F. Ella Freeland, Lydia A. Kenworthy, Mary L. Koehler, Jessie Millington, Anna Newman, Nettie C. Quarles, Ida B. Weir, R. Nellie Wiggan, Fred C. Hunt, Frank E. Howard, Frank A. Howland, I. Ernest Johnson, H. Eddie Likowski, Wm. Dean Menor, Holiday H. Menor, O. Orlando Menor, Harold H. Mansfield, Addison F. Powers, Charles E. Weathers.
Future reports will be shaped by the following schedule:
No half days absent. No times tardy. Attendance. Deportment. Scholarship. Geography, Grammar, Arithmetic, Spelling, Reading, and Punctuation, History, and Penmanship.
Average scholarship. Standing Perfect, 100.
J. B. PARMELEE, Miss E. A. TUCKER, Teachers.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1873.
Schools.
From the late report of the department of public instruction, we find that in the year 1861 there were 12 counties reporting and in 1872 sixty counties contributed a report. The whole number of children of school age in 1861, 4,901; in 1872 the increase in population had been so great as to swell the number to 165,982.
The school property of Cowley County, including buildings and grounds, furniture, and apparatus, is estimated to be worth $22,500.00, fifteen of the sixteen schoolhouses in the county having been built during the past year, on a bonded indebtedness of $30,000.00, now outstanding. Yet with all this the number of children attending school is very small compared with the number in the county of suitable age. With 2,478 persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years, our school books exhibit an enrollment of 621 with an average daily attendance of 120 for the year 1872.
This does not add any luster to the fame we have claimed for Southern Kansas in educational matters nor does it reflect any praise upon the parents of the many children in the county who have labored unceasingly for the advancement of learning, but who have undoubtedly failed to take advantage of the privileges obtained by themselves at a heavy expense in taxes, etc.
The average daily attendance should be 80 percent of the entire enrollment. . . .
Excerpt from article...
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1873.
Correspondence from "Resident" - Silver Creek.
SILVER CREEK, COWLEY CO., KANS., February 13th, 1873.
EDITOR COURIER: I take the liberty to drop you a few lines from this part of our county (Silver Creek), as your paper is the medium of news for Cowley County.
I read in your last issue a letter from the west part of our county, School District No. 61, telling us of the completion of a good schoolhouse in their district, which news I was glad to hear, and for the encouragement of others, I will state that, we too, in School District No. 40, have erected a commodious schoolhouse and furnished it with the Gothic School Desks, sold by Messrs. Close & Greer, of your place. We think that our house is the best in the county.
While on the subject, I say that I for one believe that the more bonds voted to erect schoolhouses, the better for our county and country.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 20, 1873.
THE CALL for a county Institute will be the ushering in of a new era in our public schools. They have been pronounced by the facilities where they are regularly held as the most instructive and beneficial meetings in school interests. The interchange of ideas respecting government and the best way of instructing the "young idea how to shoot," will be freely discussed, while the teachers in becoming acquainted, will then act in concert and be strengthened by each other’s experience.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 20, 1873.
Public Notice. The County Superintendent, after consulting with the Board of Examiners, wishes to announce that it has been decided to hold a Teachers’ Institute and Examination at Winfield, sometime during the month of April. All teachers who at that time shall be engaged in teaching, or who expect to during the year, are requested to be present and take an active part in such Institute. The definite time of holding such Institute, a programme of exercises, and the preliminary arrangements, will be published in due time.
There will be no more special examinations until the time of holding such Institute.
T. A. WILKINSON, Co. Supt. Public Instruction.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 20, 1873.
Church Directory.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. Rev. J. B. Parmelee, Pastor. Services in the M. E. church each alternate Sabbath with their minister.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 6, 1873.
Exhibition.
The entertainment announced for Vernon School House is indefinitely postponed on account of sickness and absence of participants. The completest arrangements had been made for an enjoyable literary feast, and the delay will be a disappointment to all who expected to attend.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
FLORAL, Cowley Co., Mar. 10, 1873.
Last October the undersigned landed in Cowley County, and took a claim in Richland township, twelve miles northeast of Winfield.
Before coming here I had been induced to believe that this part of Kansas had been settled, to a very great extent, with a rough class of western pioneers, such as generally follow in the wake of the retreating Red man and buffalo. But never was a man possessed of a more erroneous idea. I have had unusual facilities this winter of observing the character and habits of the citizens of a good portion of the county, and I am compelled to say that I have never met with a more agreeable, honest, sober, and intelligent class of people in any country, old or new. And considering the length of time that the country has been open for settlement, the progress made in improvements is entirely beyond precedent. Why, in many places, especially in the valleys, it begins to look like an old country—good houses, barns, and farms.
But the most commendable feature in the line of improvements is the splendid schoolhouses being erected, or already completed, all over the country. Old Fogy may dwell among such an enterprising people, but he must of necessity occupy a back seat.
I had the pleasure of being present at two exhibitions given at the Darien schoolhouse on the Walnut Valley, Feb. 28th and March 5th—at the close of the first term taught in the house—C. L. Rood, teacher. The house although an unusually large one, was crowded early the first evening to overflowing, and quite a number came who were unable to gain admittance. The exhibition was an entire success in every particular. The selections were good and well performed. The essays, and a newspaper gotten up by the students, were such as would do credit to any community. We could not help noticing throughout the performance a tendency among the young lady performers to give the old bachelors a thrust at every available opportunity; that’s a commendable spirit. In fact, I think it would be a good thing for the community to put all the old bachelors up at auction and sell them to the highest maiden bidder, such a proceeding might be a benefit to your humble servant.
But to resume my narrative. Perhaps the most noticeable feature in the entertainment was the music which consisted of both vocal and instrumental—the instruments were an organ, and one tenor and one bass viol. The violin was played by a musician from the vicinity of Dutch Creek, the bass by Mr. Palmer of Winfield. The accompaniment was played by Miss Emma Leffingwell, a member of the school. Miss Leffingwell certainly possesses rare musical talents, and is in a fair way of becoming a great organist.
The second exhibition was given in aid of the school, 20 cents admission, and consisted of almost an entirely new programme. The house was well filled but not so badly crowded as at the first, if not more so. Instrumental music same except that Mr. Palmer was not present. Had some excellent songs sung by Mrs. C. L. Rood, Miss E. Leffingwell, Miss Ida Davis, and Miss Mary Akers. But the feature of the last exhibition was the "String-bean-Band"—we think that Barnum would do well to employ that set of minstrels to travel with his new show next summer. Mr. C. L. Rood is certainly entitled to great praise for the able manner in which he conducted the exhibitions.
I cannot help expressing here my sincere thanks for the kind and hospitable manner in which your correspondent, though a total stranger, was entertained during the exhibitions by Mr. Wm. Grow and his amiable mother, who live in the vicinity of the schoolhouse. Mr. Grow possesses a fine farm and residence, and how he can live a bachelor life among all those blooming maidens that abound in the Walnut Valley, is entirely beyond our comprehension. W. H. S.
Excerpt from article...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.
ROCK, Kans., March 7th, 1873.
School District No. 25, known as the Darien District, had a finished schoolhouse early enough to have a winter term of school, taught by Mr. C. L. Rood, an experienced teacher, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The school closed the 28th of February. . . . W. H. G.
[PROGRAMME OF TEACHERS INSTITUTE AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 20, 1873.
RECAP OF PARTICIPANTS ONLY.
Charles Williston, J. B. Parmelee, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. J. C. Graham, J. B. Fairbank, Prof. Wilson, Prof. E. P. Hickok, Mrs. N. J. Ferguson, Prof. L. B. Kellogg, Mrs. Mina Hawkins, Prof. H. B. Norton, H. H. Martin, C. L. Rood, J. W. Cowgill, Alexander Limerick, Mrs. Bostwick, Miss Helen Parmelee, Miss Lizzie Swarts.
Efforts are being made to secure the presence of our State Superintendent, H. D. McCarty. T. A. WILKINSON, Co. Superintendent.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 20, 1873.
J. C. Fuller, of the Winfield Bank, pays highest market price for School Bonds.
[REPORT FROM "D. C." - DEXTER CORRESPONDENT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 10, 1873.
DEXTER, KANSAS, March 27th, 1873.
Today our winter term of school closed. It is the first school taught in our new schoolhouse, and a six months term. The teacher, Mr. S. F. Overman, has been very successful in his efforts to teach the "young ideas how to shoot," and has fairly won the good opinion of all the parents and guardians, whose children have been committed to his care. Quite a number of the friends of the school dropped in to witness the closing exercises. No extensive preparation had been made, and no particular programme marked out.
Mentioned as participating in exercises: Miss Mellie Hightower, Miss Lebia Laplin, Miss Ella Rice. Prizes were given to three of the pupils: Miss Mellie Hightower, Miss Laura Elliott, and Miss Maggie Graham.
The school was dismissed by T. R. Bryan, School Director for the District. D. C.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 10, 1873.
Through Superintendent Wilkinson’s efforts, Winfield was honored with the location of the Teachers Institute.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 10, 1873.
Mr. D. A. Millington will lecture before the teachers of the Institute on Wednesday evening next on the subject of "Astronomy."
[TEACHER’S INSTITUTE.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 17, 1873.
The Teacher’s Institute of the 13th Judicial District, convened at the Academy in Winfield, on the evening of the 15th. Superintendent Wilkinson was chosen chairman, and Mr. Walton, secretary.
The room was quite full; most of whom were citizens of Winfield. The attendance of teachers was not very full on account of the inclemency of the weather. The chairman stated that Mr. Parmelee, who was expected to lecture to the meeting, was unable to do so.
Participants: Prof. Felter, author of Felter’s arithmetic, sent by State Superintendent McCarty; Major Durrow; Mr. Fairbank.
The following is a list of the names of Teachers present from abroad, who are in attendance at the Institute.
David Coon, of Douglass, Butler County; J. C. Fetterman, of El Dorado, Butler County; S. A. Felter, Assistant State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Ida Myres, of Augusta, Butler County; H. C. Snyder of Augusta, Butler County; John Tucker, County Superintendent of Public Instruction of Sedgwick County; Mrs. S. E. Dunhan, of Sumner County; Maj. D. W. Durrow, of Junction City.
The following is a representation of our own county.
Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Miss Tucker, Ira D. Kellogg, S. W. Greer, Effa Randle, Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Miss Graham, Miss Mollie Bryant, and Maj. J. B. Fairbank, of Winfield; T. A. Wilkinson, County Superintendent of Public Instruction of Cowley County; Misses Hawkins and Worden, of Vernon Township; Miss Ida Daggett, of Floral Township; Mrs. W. E. Bostwick, of Winfield Township.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 17, 1873.
At the Meeting of the School Board today, it was decided that the Winfield schoolhouse should not be used for any other than educational purposes.
The above decision does not affect the promise given to the Congregational Church for their next sociable. D. N. EGBERT, Jr., Dist. Clerk. Winfield, April 10, 1873.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 17, 1873.
School will begin again next Monday. Rev. Parmelee and Miss Tucker, teachers.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 1, 1873.
Last Thursday Evening we had the pleasure of attending a social party at the Queen Village schoolhouse, on Timber Creek. The music was furnished by Sumner & Craine, and of course was first class. Proceeds went to help furnish the schoolhouse, which, by the way, is a model country schoolhouse, to erect which, the district voted, we believe, some $500 in bonds, and it would be safe to say that no house like it has been built in the county for the same amount of money. The work was done by Thomas Hart and Henry Mount.
[Note: May 1 and May 8 editions devoted first page to a lecture on astronomy by D. A. Millington before the Teachers’ Institute held at Winfield April 22, 1873.]
Excerpt from article...
[ARTICLE DESCRIBING WINFIELD/COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873. [From the Atchison Champion.]
Some idea of the interest they take in educational matters may be obtained from the number of schoolhouses they have built within three or four years. Thirty-five are finished, and three are in course of construction; of these thirty-eight, thirty-seven have been and will be—as soon as completed—furnished with the patent gothic desks, and seats to correspond. There are also to be from thirty to forty additional houses built in the county the present season.
Winfield School Building.
A rock school building, forty feet square and two stories, with basement, has been erected by the good people of Winfield. The furniture is of the best manufacture and latest improvements. The building will be heated by a furnace. The structure was finished in October last, at a cost of $5,000. The Teachers’ Association of the Thirteenth Judicial District—embracing six counties—was held in this building last week, closing on Friday the 18th inst. Assistant State Superintendent Felter was in attendance and greatly pleased the people, and all who attended were delighted with the exercises.
[OUR SCHOOLS: WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 15, 1873.
EDITOR COURIER: Upon last Wednesday, we accepted the invitation of a friend to visit your schools. We first called at Miss Tucker’s room, and found that very amiable lady busy with the usual routine of business connected with the school room. Miss Tucker has charge of the primary department, and is certainly well adapted to the position assigned her. Her room is well filled with scholars; in fact, she has more than any one teacher should have in charge. The average daily attendance for the present term is nearly fifty pupils. I scarcely ever saw a brighter assemblage of little folks than is here gathered together in the school room.
Prof. Parmelee’s room is on the second floor. His room is not so well filled, but is composed of the more advanced pupils. Mr. Parmelee is perfectly at home in the school room, and rules with ease and dignity. His illustrations are full and concise. I must say that I was not a little surprised to see so few advanced pupils attending school, yet there is large daily attendance, and under its worthy management our educational interests must certainly prosper. Yours Respectfully, DE KN.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 15, 1873.
C. C. Harris, Esq., one of the farmer boys of school district No. 21, and a member of the recently organized "Grange" of that district, came in Tuesday morning and subscribed for the COURIER.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 15, 1873.
We were shown a set of seats and desks for Schoolhouse No. 48, that were the neatest and most complete we have seen yet. They are stronger and much more convenient than the other patents we have seen, and the officers of Schools should look at them before they purchase any other as they are much cheaper. Messrs. Rice & Ray are the builders, and are worthy of the patronage of the public as they are good workmen and will give satisfaction.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.
There will be a special examination of teachers held at Winfield on Saturday, June 14, 1873. T. A. WILKINSON, County Supt.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 12, 1873.
C. L. Rood, of Darien, gave us a friendly call. Mr. Rood stands second to none in the role of school teachers in our county.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 26, 1873.
A picnic was held at Stansbury’s Grove on the Walnut River last Friday by the patrons and School of the Blanchard district. This is the school taught by Mrs. Mina Hawkins, who as a teacher, has few superiors in the county.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 17, 1873.
The County Clerk canceled some $1,700 worth of School district Bonds, last week. Cowley County School District bonds command the very highest price in the eastern markets. This speaks well for the school management of our County.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 24, 1873.
Seven families with all their stock and household goods have just arrived, and are temporarily located on the farm of Mr. Tyrell, 2-1/2 miles east of Tisdale, in Sheridan Township. They have rented a house in which they are having a school taught for the benefit of their own children, by one of their number. They expect to take claims in that neighborhood, and seem well satisfied with the uplands of Cowley.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 21, 1873.
Prof. Henry B. Norton will deliver a course of Scientific Lectures on the evening of the 28th, 29th, and 30th inst., in the Arkansas City Schoolhouse, commencing at 7-1/2 o’clock p.m. Subjects: Suns and Planets; the Nebula Hypothesis and the six days of creation; The earth and man. Tickets for the entire course 50 cents. The Lectures will treat of the most recent discoveries concerning the structure of the Universe; the plurality of worlds; the spectroscope, and its recent wonderful revelations; the antiquity of man; air and ocean currents; and the complete harmony of science and revelation. The entire proceeds will go to aid in the erection of a parsonage for the use of the pastors of the M. E. church of Arkansas City. We earnestly solicit the patronage of the community. C. KING, P.C.
N. B. The Basket meeting will begin next Sabbath morning the 24th inst., in Endicott’s grove and continue through the entire week. We invite all. The presence of the various Evangelical ministers is earnestly desired. C. KING, P. C.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
WINFIELD, SEPTEMBER 2, 1873.
The Board of school officers of the Winfield School Districts have decided to admit no children to the School except those living in this district. This action is rendered necessary on account of want of room, teaching, etc. D. N. EGBERT, Clerk.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
FARMERS’ MEETING.
By invitation of the Pleasant Valley Farmers’ Club, the Beaver Farmers’ Club and delegates from the Tisdale Farmers’ Club met at the schoolhouse in Pleasant Valley at 7:30 o’clock P.M. Sept. 3d, 1873. Meeting called to order by Mr. Shaw, Esq., of Pleasant Valley. By motion Mr. K. J. Wright of Beaver was chosen Chairman. Moved that Mr. Henderson of Pleasant Valley act as Rec. Secretary; and N. C. McCulloch, of Beaver, act as Cor. Secretary pro tem. The object of the meeting stated by Mr. West Holland, to consider the propriety of, and to take steps to put a Farmers’ ticket in the field to fill the county offices this fall. Remarks by Mac W. Roseberry of Beaver, and Mr. Gay, of Tisdale. The resolutions of the 23rd called for, and read by the Corresponding Secretary. Discussed by Mr. Holland, McCulloch, and Walton. Mr. McCulloch being called for to make a speech, said that he was not an orator, but a farmer, and that in lieu of a speech he would read "A Warning" from the Telegram, and by request explained his position. Remarks by Mr. M. S. Roseberry of Beaver, Mr. Foughty of Tisdale, and Mr. Shaw of Pleasant Valley. Mr. Shaw moved that the Pleasant Valley Club cut loose from the 23rd movement. Debated. Standing vote taken, and motion carried unanimously. By motion of Mr. Foughty, of Tisdale, it was resolved to hold a County Convention at Tisdale September 29th. By motion the Corresponding Secretary was instructed to furnish the proceedings of this meeting to the County papers for publication. On motion, adjourned. N. C. McCULLOCH, Cor. Sec’y, pro tem.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 18, 1873.
[From the Arkansas City Traveler.]
There are twenty-two pupils enrolled on the school records now.
City Scrip is selling for 80 cents, County Scrip 80 cents, and School Bonds at 90 cents.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 2, 1873.
[From the Arkansas City Traveler.]
The schoolhouse in Bowen’s district, south of the Arkansas River, was struck by lightning last Saturday night and damaged considerable.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 2, 1873.
The United Brethren will hold a Quarterly meeting at the Braine Schoolhouse in District No. 14, Pleasant Valley Township, on Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th. The Rev. D. Wenrick will preside.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 16, 1873.
The teacher’s institute at Arkansas City commenced last Monday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 16, 1873.
Owing to the illness of Mrs. E. P. Hickok there will be no school until Monday next.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 23, 1873.
The Teacher’s Institute at Arkansas City was a great success, lasting from Monday night until the Thursday evening ensuing, ending with a select dance on Friday evening.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
There will be a public examination of teachers held at Tisdale, Monday, November 10, for all those who were unable by reason of sickness or absence from the county to attend the Teachers Institute held at Arkansas City, Oct. 13, 1873.
T. A. WILKINSON, Co. Superintendent.
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.
There will be a public examination of teachers held at Winfield on Saturday, November 30th. All teachers desiring certificates for the winter term, will be present as this will be the last public examination until the one following the county institute in the spring.
T. A. WILKINSON, Supt.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
J. M. Rood will give his first writing lesson at the schoolhouse next Monday eve.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
WRITING SCHOOL.
Mr. J. M. Rood wishes to inform the citizens of Winfield and the surrounding country that he will commence a writing school at the schoolhouse next Monday evening. Mr. Rood is well known to our citizens, both as a writer and a gentleman, and needs no recommendation from us.
[TEACHERS’ CERTIFICATES.]
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The following is a list of teachers who were granted certificates at the examination held at Arkansas City, October 17th, 1873.
(Those marked with a star are entitled to first grades after having taught in the county one term.) FIRST GRADE.
Miss Ida Daggett, Arkansas City.
Mrs. Mina Hawkins, Winfield.
Ella Wickersham, Tisdale.
Lizzie Landis*, Arkansas City.
CAN’T READ.
CAN’T READ.
_____ Roseberry*, Arkansas City.
Stacy Roberts* [?], Arkansas City.
G. W. _________* [?], Winfield.
P. W. Smith*, Nenescah.
Miss E. J. Greenlee*, Winfield.
SECOND GRADE.
A. C. Reinhart, Arkansas City.
W. E. Ketchum, Maple City.
Monroe L. Wells, Dexter.
J. A. McNown, Maple City.
R. B. Overman, Dexter.
Annie Smith, Silverdale.
J. W. Turner, Arkansas City.
THIRD GRADE.
W. E. McNown, Oxford.
J. J. Estus, Maple City.
M. H. Smith, Baltimore.
D. Ferguson, Winfield.
R. J. Maxwell, Arkansas City.
J. F. Tucker, Baltimore.
Three applicants failed entirely, and received no certificates.
Excerpt from long article...
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873. Last Page.
A HISTORY OF COWLEY COUNTY.
As evidence of the interest which the people manifest in education may be instanced the fact that Cowley County, only three years old, has 97 organized school districts, in 55 of which are good schoolhouses built and furnished at an aggregate cost of $55,000, and in nearly all the districts, good schools are in successful operation.
Excerpts from meeting...
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
Board of County Commissioners met in Clerk’s office, December 9, 1873. All present. After a thorough inspection of the work, the Courthouse was accepted from the contractors, and the bondsmen discharged.
L. J. Webb appeared for school district No. 45, asking to have one percent of the school tax remitted, it appearing that the same was taxed illegally. County Clerk was instructed to make the necessary change at the district’s expense. In the matter of dividing tracts of land on tax roll, clerk was also instructed to make the change when applied to by the Treasurer.
Superintendent of Public Instruction was authorized to procure a black board and stationery for his office.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 26, 1873.
That school land sale that operated so seriously on the spleen of Mr. Nixon as to cause him to give Mr. Wilkinson a punch when he thought Hopkins had him down, is so throughly explained by the State Superintendent and Attorney General, that we hope Nixon will take the dose quietly, go to bed and sweat it off.
RECAP: Wilkinson obtained affidavit from David M. Hopkins, stating: "David M. Hopkins, being first duly sworn, deposes and says, that he is a resident of Vernon Township, in said county of Cowley and state of Kansas. That he is acquainted with the northeast quarter of section sixteen in township thirty-two south of range three east....to the best of his knowledge and belief said quarter section belonged to the state of Kansas as school land prior to May 13, 1873, and that on the said day, one Charles Tilton made an application before the Probate Judge of said county to enter the same and did enter the said land upon complying with the Statute made and provided for the entry of school land, and that said entry, he believes, was fraudulent and void." H. D. McCARTY, STATE SUPERINTENDENT, responded to Wilkinson, who sent him Hopkins’ affidavit: "I have submitted the affidavit to the Attorney General. He says the affidavit amounts to nothing—no decision can be given—the question is open to the courts."
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 26, 1873.
The Christmas tree at the schoolhouse Christmas eve was a very fine affair, and the distribution of presents afforded the adults as well as the children considerable merriment. John Swain, as Santa Claus, assisted by Messrs. Fairbank and Michener and numerous ladies, handled gifts inspiringly. Several songs were sung and pieces spoken by the little people, among them one by Master Harold H. Mansfield entitled "Annie and Willie’s Prayer." This beautiful poem was well rendered by Harold. Several persons, especially "men about town," received snapping turtles, jumping jack, and other highly useful toys. The editor of this paper was presented with a fine plug hat, he fondly thinks, for his good looks, also a splendid cake with the compliments of the donors.
1874
Proceeds to go to Cowley County school fund...
Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.
Wolf Hunt.
The citizens of Vernon Township and vicinity assembled January 5, 1874, for the purpose of organizing for a wolf hunt. D. Hopkins was chosen chairman of the meeting. A committee was appointed to draft a programme for the hunt consisting of Dr. A. S. Capper, E. D. Skinner, and T. Thompson. The place of closing the circle is the northeast quarter of the 16th section of Vernon Township, the boundary lines as follows.
The Walnut River on the east, the Arkansas on the west, the south line of Vernon Township on the south, two miles north of the north line of Vernon Township on the north.
The day designated for the hunt: January 15, 1874. Time of starting at the boundary lines 10 o’clock A.M. The men are allowed to carry fire-arms, but no shooting is allowed inside of the ring. Dogs are not allowed to run loose when the ring is closed. The Chief Marshal gives the signal when the dogs are to be loosed. The proceeds of the hunt to be donated to the Cowley County school fund. T. A. Blanchard is Chief Marshal. There shall be a marshal for each line and he shall call as many aides as needed; everyone having a horn or bell is requested to bring it. The chief marshal shall wear a blue scarf; the marshal on the lines and their aides shall wear a red scarf or ribbon.
A general invitation is extended to all, and a special one to the editors of the Oxford and Winfield papers. By order of Committee.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ESCAPE TAXATION!
Something for the Taxpayers to Think of—Unequal Taxation—Official Neglect—Who is to Blame—From Five to Ten Thousand Dollars of Unpaid Taxes.
This year has been a hard one for taxpayers. Owing to the constant drain upon the county for money wherewith to pay the government for the land that is being entered, and to the fact that products are very cheap and plenty, and to the unusual (for a new country) amount of school bonds that have been issued, money is scarce, and taxes high. But the man who lives upon the bare necessities of life is called upon to bear his portion of the public burden, while four-percent-a-month gentlemen who have mortgages upon every alternate quarter of land in the county pay no taxes upon the thousands of dollars thus invested.
It will be remembered that the last Legislature enacted what was called a mortgage exemption law. At once the Attorney General pronounced the law unconstitutional. It is not only unconstitutional but manifestly unjust. The township trustees or assessors of Cowley County met at the County Clerk’s office last spring after election and were directed by the County Clerk to tax all promissory notes held on March 1st, 1872. This means mortgage notes also. Very few, if any, assessors obeyed the instructions. At a later date the County Commissioners directed the County Clerk to examine the Register of Deed’s books and take therefrom all evidence of individual credits and charge them to the proper persons on the tax rolls. It has just come to light, now that the personal property taxpaying season is substantially over, that said order was not obeyed. This is an outrage, and somebody is to blame for it. We are careful not to accuse any man wrongfully. Perhaps the County Clerk can explain this away, but it looks pretty bad.
The records of Cowley County show a mortgage indebtedness of about two hundred thousand dollars. It is estimated that at least one-half that amount is taxable for 1873. Had this amount been assessed, it would have put into the county treasury twenty-five hundred dollars of county money and as much more of other funds. If this amount had been assessed, every other man’s taxes would have been lighter. The very men who can best afford to pay taxes have thus escaped. It was a blood stirring sight, the other day, to see a man who had several thousand dollars worth of mortgages in his pocket walk into the County Treasurer’s office and pay forty cents of tax.
Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.
RICHNESS IN THE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE:
MORE INTERESTING REVELATIONS!
The new County Clerk has struck a rich lead. The books and records are in such a condition that no one can make any sense out of them. Errors are apparent everywhere. In one instance, that of the school district at Arkansas City, the bond levy by the Commissioners was nine mills, but the County Clerk put it on the tax roll ten mills all the way through. In the Winfield Township tax roll, many errors have come to light. The State Board of Equalization raised the valuation of land twenty-two and a half percent; the County Clerk raised it only twenty percent. There is a large difference between the amount charged to the Treasurer, and the tax roll that was put into his hands to collect by.
The new County Clerk is so nonplused by the situation that he has suggested to the chairman of the county board that it would be well to have a meeting of the Commissioners to examine the affairs of the office so as to relieve him of an irregularity, and to give the new incumbent a fair start in the business.
As we said in regard to the mortgage business last week, we are careful not to charge anyone with irregularity or improper conduct wrongfully, but give all an opportunity to explain or defend; but as there has been no explanation to that matter offered to the public, so there may be none to this.
We await future developments with interest.
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.
Resolution of Approval.
The Pleasant Valley grange met at Holland’s Schoolhouse February 14th, 1874, and after transaction of other business pertaining to the order, the following resolution was read, and unanimously adopted, viz:
Resolved, That this grange heartily indorses the action of the County Commissioners in appointing a committee to correct the errors in the County Clerk’s and Treasurer’s office, and that the Secretary present a copy of this resolution to the county papers with a request of publication. H. H. CONSTANT, Master.
Art C. HOLLAND, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
B. F. Baldwin has been appointed clerk of the School Board of this district, in place of Dr. Egbert, deceased.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
Remember that Col. E. C. Manning lectures before the Teacher’s Institute this evening at the courthouse.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
The following are the cases which stand for trial at the March term A. D. 1874, of the Cowley County District Court, and have been placed on the docket in the following order.
CIVIL DOCKET. SIXTH DAY.
49. William Bartlow vs. School District No. 6.
CIVIL DOCKET. NINTH DAY.
72. James A. Bullene vs. School Board of School District No. 60.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1874
The school in District No. 45 closed on Thursday, Feb. 26, 1874. The three last days were passed in an examination on the different branches. In this the scholars took great interest, evincing the same determination to stand at the head of their classes that they have shown throughout the term. Several of them passed creditably, and would have done honor to any graded school.
The following is the average standing of the advanced classes.
Hattie Monforte, 9.4; Emily Roberts, 9.2; John Wiggins, 9; Iowa Roberts, 8.5.
Of the second classes Lizzie Bush, Rolland Johnson, Emma Ferguson, Minerva Ferguson, Florence Prater, and George Wiggins gave flattering proof of good lessons and a thorough study of principle.
Of the primary classes, Charlie Roberts, Robert Bush, Bell Bush, Ella Roberts, and Maggie Ferguson proved to the visitors that "old fogyism" is at discount.
The classes all gave proof of very rapid development.
The crowning of these exercises was at noon of the last day, when the kind parents and friends came to the schoolhouse with large baskets of goodies for the scholars. These under the supervision of Messrs. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Bush, and Newhouse were soon formed in a tempting array. The scholars then took their places at the table and for sometime were as happy as the kind donors could wish them to be.
On Friday evening they gave an exhibition, which, notwithstanding the storm, was well attended. The exercises consisted of charades, proverbs, dialogues, tableaux, Declamations, and essays. The parts were well acted and gave general satisfaction. G.
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1874.
TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION.
Minutes of the Teachers’ Association, Held at Winfield, Friday, Feb. 27th, 1874.
The Teachers’ Association of Cowley County, Kansas, met in the council room of the Courthouse, according to published arrangement, Supt. Wilkinson presiding.
The following teachers were present: Miss Jennie Greenlee, Miss Mary Graham, Miss Allie Klingman, Miss E. Fowler, Miss Ellen Wickersham, Miss Jennie Hawkins, G. W. Melville.
The association proceeded to business by electing G. W. Melville Secretary pro tem. The constitution and by-laws being read, the election of officers for the coming year was then taken up, and resulting as follows.
H. H. Martin, President.
Miss Jennie Greenlee and Miss Jennie Hawkins, Vice Presidents.
Miss Mary Graham, Treasurer.
G. W. Melville, Secretary.
Mrs. Mina Hawkins, Cor. Secretary.
EXERCISES OF THE DAY.
Organization of classes and method of conducting recitation—Miss J. Greenlee.
A general discussion of the following topics:
Uniformity of text books in our schools, bad wood, etc. Participated in by Miss Wickersham, Miss Greenlee, and others. Some very good ideas were brought out.
Parents and friends visiting schools was well discussed, and it would have been well if parents generally could have listened to what the teachers said upon that subject. It was said, and on good grounds, that if parents would visit the schools more frequently that there would be less fault found with teachers.
The question was then asked if it were right for teachers to offer an inducement in the way of a literary exercise once a week to induce parents to visit the school? Miss Millspaugh taking the side that it was wrong, that parents who took so little interest in the schools that they had to be coaxed there by a treat of something outside of the every day exercises, that there ought not to be any trouble taken by the teacher to induce them to come.
Supt.. Wilkinson made the suggestion, or rather requested the teachers of Cowley County, to teach the map of the county by townships and ranges, and gave the method of doing it.
The following subjects were merely touched upon:
Neatness in children, indicative of intelligence in parents. Teaching as a profession, or as a stepping stone to something higher.
Committee on programme for the morrow to report after the lecture in the evening.
Committee: Mrs. Mina Hawkins, Miss Jennie Greenlee, Miss E. Fowler, Miss Ellen Wickersham, Miss Mary Graham. G. W. MELVILLE, Secretary, pro tem.
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1874.
Notice to Teachers.
By request of many of the patrons of School District No. 1, in the city of Winfield, the School Board have determined to have a spring term of school and wishing to secure the services of two first class teachers do hereby solicit applications for the same claiming a right to reject any or all applications. By order of School Board. B. F. BALDWIN, Clerk.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
A recent amendment to the school law changes the time of holding the annual meeting of each school district, from the last Thursday of March to the second Thursday in August of each year, at 2 o’clock p.m. The district board as now constituted will continue to hold office until the annual meeting in August, and until their successors are elected and qualified. Under the new law, at the next election, a director, clerk, and treasurer shall be elected and hold their respective offices as follows: Director, for three years; clerk, for two years; treasurer, one year; and thereafter at each annual meeting, there shall be elected one member of said board in place of the out-going member, who shall hold his office for three years, or until his successor is elected and qualified.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
Owing to the bad weather the meeting of the Teacher’s Association in this city last Friday and Saturday was poorly attended. The usual business was transacted however. The full proceedings will be found elsewhere in this issue.
Excerpts from article...
[REPORT FROM "GRANGER" AT DEXTER.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
But while we are attending to our farms, we do not neglect the moral and intellectual improvement of ourselves. During the winter we had a literary society, which met weekly. It has been a complete success. The paper, the Grouse Quill, was hard to beat. Last Tuesday night the society closed, for the season, with an exhibition. The exercises consisted of declamations, dialogues, tableaux, and music. The schoolhouse was crowded to its utmost capacity, and everybody was in a jolly good humor. Of course, it was a success.
Last Monday night, twenty of our farmers, with ten of their wives and daughters, were organized into a Grange, by Deputy Worden, Esq. T. R. Bryan is Master, and J. A. Bryan, Secretary. J. B. Callison is Overseer, and the other officers are all in the right place. We predict a successful career for our Grange.
Mr. H. H. Martin closed his school at this place last Friday, after having taught five months. The school has been very large—numbering as high as 74 pupils, and averaging nearly 50. GRANGER.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
NOTICE.
AFTER consulting with the Board of Education and the State Superintendent, I hereby announce that it has been decided to call a convention of all the school district officers who shall be elected on the last Thursday in March, next, in this county, with a view to promoting the educational welfare of the county. A full detail of the objects and aims of said convention together with the time of meeting will be announced in connection with the programme of the Teacher’s Institute, to be held at Winfield some time in April, 1874.
T. A. WILKINSON, Co. Supt.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
To School Districts.
STATE OF KANSAS,
Office of Supt. of Public Instruction,
Topeka, March 14th, 1874.
All parties wishing to sell school district bonds to the Commissioners for the investment of State permanent school fund, must observe and comply with the requirements of the following rules and regulations of the Board.
1st. All bonds offered for sale to the commissioners of the school fund shall be presented to the Superintendent or to the Commissioners whenever together.
2nd. No bonds shall be bought (unless offered direct by the district issuing them) unless accompanied by a written and responsible guarantee that the interest and principal of such bonds shall be promptly paid when due.
3rd. No bonds shall be purchased until the Attorney-General has examined them, and satisfied himself that they are legal in form and substance.
4th. The desirability of any investment shall be determined by a majority of the Commissioners.
5th. The Superintendent shall issue a circular, to be sent to every newspaper in the state, every County Clerk and County Superintendent of Public Instruction, and to every school district stating the price paid for bonds, a copy of these rules, and a request that bonds be sent direct to the Commissioners so as to avoid paying commissions to "middle-men."
6th. No bonds shall be bought unless the certificate accompanying is full, explicit, and filled out in every particular, and in all cases the number of electors in the district, the number signing the petition for an election, and the number voting for and against the issuing of such bonds must be shown.
7th. Until further notice, 90 cents on the dollar will be paid for school district bonds.
8th. These rules shall be recorded, and shall also be published in the Commonwealth, with a request that all papers in the state friendly to the interests of education copy them.
By order of the Board. H. D. McCARTY, Supt. of Public Instruction.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
The public schools in this city close today.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
The public schools of this city will commence Monday, April 6th. Miss Helen Parmelee teaches the higher department and Mrs. T. A. Wilkinson the lower.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
BEAVER TOWNSHIP, COWLEY CO., FEB. 26, 1874.
The thirtieth grange in this county was organized by deputy Worden at Pleasant Grove schoolhouse on the night of Feb. 21st. The Charter members number 28.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1874.
On Friday evening, March 27th, I had the pleasure of attending a school exhibition at the schoolhouse in district No. 9. The school was conducted by Miss Jennie Greenlee, to whom great credit is due. The exercises were opened with singing, in which the greater portion of the scholars took a lively part. Declamations, essays, and select reading were next in order, and were good; the subjects were well chosen, and they were delivered in a manner to elicit praise.
A number of pleasing charades and tableaux were acted next, among which was one entitled "Scenes now being Witnessed in our Eastern Cities," in which a number of men were represented playing cards and drinking, around whom were a group of women in the attitude of prayer; the scene was very interesting and impressive. The exercises were quite lengthy, lasting until nearly half past 10 o’clock. At the close everybody shook hands with everybody else, each having a good word for his neighbor, plainly indicating that they were all actuated by the spirit of concord, and as I took leave of my friends, I whispered to myself, "It is good for me to be here," and then I departed. A SPECTATOR.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1874.
We notice that the school ground is being beautified by the planting of elm shade trees. This will be a vast improvement upon the appearance of that lop-eared stair-case, which will appear better when the trees hide it entirely from view. The trees should now have a light coat of tar or something of that sort, and mischievous boys will let them alone.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1874.
The ladies of school district No. 9, two miles south of Winfield, will hold a necktie festival on the evening of April 7th, at the residence of Mr. R. Anderson. The public are cordially invited. Plenty of the best of refreshments will be served during the evening; the proceeds of the festival will be used to furnish the Sabbath school with books and papers.
MISS JENNIE GREENLEE, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
District Court Proceedings.
Bartlow vs. School Dist. No. 60, Dismissed at plaintiff’s cost.
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
Through the energy and efficiency of Prof. Wilkinson, Superintendent of Schools, this county has received $469 more money from the state fund, than was received last year. The Prof. has also ferreted out 238 more school children than were reported last year.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.
At the recent teacher’s examination in this place and Arkansas City, 18 applicants were examined: 13 in Winfield and 5 in Arkansas City.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.
Rev. I. A. Koons will preach at Pleasant View Schoolhouse Sunday the 26th inst. at 3 o’clock p.m. Pleasant View is only three miles east of Winfield on the Tisdale road. Just a pleasant ride, and all who come will be welcome.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1874.
FUN IN THE POST OFFICE.
The Postmaster, at Dexter, sometime ago received a postal card addressed to the "Dexter Base Ball Club," and containing a challenge to play. After vainly endeavoring to deliver it, he returned it to the writer with the following excuse.
POST OFFICE, DEXTER, KANSAS, April 27, 1874.
FARMERS’ BASE BALL CLUB: Cedarvale, Kansas.
Gentlemen: I return to you the enclosed card, which was received here several days ago; and when you shall have received it, I may reasonably hope to be happy again. I have been reluctantly forced to the conclusion that there must be a marked difference between the farmers who compose your club and the specimens of that genus who flourish in this immediate vicinity.
Here, they are men of kind hearts and charitable dispositions, and could never be guilty of that refinement of cruelty which you have exhibited toward the humble individual who represents the majesty and power of the great Republic, at this place, and who, four times a week regularly distributes to the hungry farmers, their rations of intelligence, both through the medium of the public press, and especially correspondence, to each his proper proportion in due season, and all for the paltry sum of $140 per annum.
I have been in this position a sufficient length of time to enable me to distribute nearly every kind of matter with a reasonable degree of certainty; but this card has brought me up standing. Sleeping or waking, at all times and under all circumstances, whether engaged in the multitudinous duties of my office, or attempting to recuperate this frail body of mine by partaking of a small portion of generous food, this card rises like a specter before my mind, demanding that it be delivered according to the letter and spirit of the laws and regulations which have emanated from that autocrat of the Post-office Department, he of the many initials, J. A. J. Creswell, and whose bold signature adorns my commission.
Visions of postal cards and base ball clubs have hopelessly mixed and confused in my dreams until I have literally Bawled in my agony, and have come to think that I have reached the lowest depths of Base ness. What shall I do with it? is the all absorbing question. This I have prayerfully and tearfully considered, seeking only for light to enable me to do equal and exact justice in this matter, as I know my duty to be under the 15th Amendment to our great Magna charter. I have suffered agonies over it, until I have convinced my friends that I would soon compel them to send me to Osawatomie, where the power of the great State of Kansas, with its broad prairies, its crystal springs, and babbling brooks, might be able to exorcize this fell spirit, whose presence has destroyed my peace of mind and nearly unsettled my reason. I have made herculean efforts to deliver this card according to the intent of its superscription, but have lamentably failed. I delivered it to the village blacksmith, but he would have none of it; I sent it to the proprietor of our rival store, but he viewed it as an insult, and I rejoice that my head has not been broken; I gave it to the school ma’am, but she declared that the bawls she had to submit to daily, now, were sufficient without being affected with the farmers of Cedarvale, whose lungs she had reason to believe, was none of the weakest, but if they should intrude their presence upon her, she would score them one; I gave it to our limb of the law, but he said, that, while he had been in practice for a number of years, and believed he was making considerable progress, on the downward road, he never would admit that he was base enough to bawl in unison with the common tillers of the soil, the horny, handed sons of toil, therefore he declined it, but suggested that it might be intended for some of the grangers.
Catching at this last idea, I gave it to the Master of our Grange, who is also a Justice of the Peace, but he said they had evidently mistaken their man; he was familiar with nothing connected with the business except the home run; he would therefore bid me good day; I gave it to our shoemaker, but he, being deaf and dumb, said nothing. I gave it to our doctor, who, after examining the address long and attentively, readily remarked: "I have never objected to being called a billiard cue, but a base ball club—it’s too bad—" and he burst into tears.
I gave it to our Minister of the Gospel, who told me to search diligently for the "Dexter Base Ball Club," and when I found it, to let him know, and if it could be used for the purpose of beating a little sense and charity into the heads of the farmers of Cedarvale, he would be happy to receive it in part payment of his next quarterly dues, and he, being a man equal to 240 pounds avoirdupois, is well calculated to use it. I think I will accept his offer. The law forbids me to advertise the card in the usual way, but on my own account, I have made great efforts to find the person or thing for which or whom that card was intended. Diligent search has been made in and about this place, but without success so far. Mounted carriers have been sent in every direction, southeast, some west, some north, and some south, even to the uttermost limits of our delivery, with strict instructions to find that Club, and not to return without tidings, under pain of having the card forced upon them. Their success was not encouraging. One party brought a stone from the Flint Hills, somewhat resembling a club; one brought a stick of strong wood, from the home of the Kaw, evidently a ball club, but not base enough to fill the bill; one brought a saw log from the mill on upper Grouse, while those from the west brought only the last lingering rays of the setting sun.
I would have advertised it in the county papers, but I feared my mind would not bear the strain long enough for them to get their paper out. You will see from these few lines that I have done my duty according to the light I have, honestly and fearlessly, albeit tremblingly, and in the earnest hope that no other poor devil of a bloated office holder may be afflicted as I have been. I subscribe myself POSTMASTER.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1874.
It having been left with the various school Superintendents in each county to select representatives to the July session of the Musical Academy which meets in Leavenworth, Messrs. C. C. Black and C. A. Hays have been appointed by Prof. Wilkinson. No better selection could have been made.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1874.
Ye Editor went to Arkansas City last Monday. Here is what he says. "In company with W. M. Boyer, Esq., we borrowed one of Darrah & Doty’s splendid rigs and went on a flying trip to Arkansas City. Of course, we called on C. M. Scott of the Traveler, and found that gentleman in one of the finest furnished offices we have seen anywhere; we concluded that C. M. was making money, and that his patrons were that kind of men that make a city.
The Traveler is a good paper and well sustained. The businessmen of that town know the worth of a good newspaper and use its columns to some purpose. We met several old friends, but our time was too limited to look around much. Arkansas City can boast of one of the finest school buildings in the state, and it would be well for us to imitate her example in this respect. Prof. E. W. Hulse from the state university of Wisconsin has just arrived to take charge of it, and we learn from Prof. T. A. Wilkinson, who brought him here, that Mr. Hulse is in every way well qualified for the position.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1874.
The following is a list of the teachers who obtained certificates at the late examination held in Winfield and Tisdale. Mr. E. A. Millard and Miss Carrie Morris deserve special notice as having the best evidence of good scholarship of any of the applicants.
2nd Grade: T. M. James, J. T. Tucker, Porter Wilson, T. W. Gillard.
3rd Grade: Miss E. Burden, Miss J. Hawkins, Miss Belle Dudley, Miss Libbie West, Mrs. M. A. Tucker, Miss Ettie Fowler, Miss M. Hawkins, Miss G. L. Davis, Miss M. A. Tucker.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.
The following letter will explain itself.
STATE OF KANSAS, AUDITOR’S OFFICE.
LUCIUS WALTON, Chairman—Winfield, Kansas.
Dear Sir: Enclosed, find copy of Reports of Sale of School Lands of Cowley County, as requested in yours of the 10th inst. I find upon examination of the reports the following errors in addition, etc., which are now charged to your county, to-wit:
To error in adding report Dec. 31, 1871: $ 400.00
To error in adding report Dec. 31, 1872: $2,259.20
To error in adding report June 30, 1873: $0,000.00
Extending amount, June 30, 1872: $.80
Extending amount, June 30, 1873: $.20
Total Corrections: $2,660.20
There are some other minor errors, but they do not change the total foot, and no account is made of them on the books in office. I regret the delay in furnishing reports, but could not furnish them sooner and take the precaution to have them carefully compared with the original reports on file in this office.
Please acknowledge receipt of same. Very respectfully, D. W. WILDER, State Auditor.
The foregoing letter was received by the committee that is examining the records of Cowley County, in response to an inquiry made to the Auditor of State for information. The Auditor of State receives reports from the County Clerk of each county, of the amount of School Land Sales, and charges said amount to the County Treasurer. If there are no mistakes in the County Clerk’s reports, from this county, then there is considerable School Land money in the hands of the County Treasurer.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.
Attention Road Overseers.
Road overseers would do well to pay a little attention to the following section of the general statutes of 1868, chap. 80, page 902.
Sec. 14. Each road overseer, within his district, shall erect and keep up, at the expense of the township, posts and guide boards at the forks of every state and county road, containing an inscription, in legible letters, directing the way, and naming the distance to such town or towns or public place or places as are situated on said road; and any overseer of roads, failing to do so in a reasonable time, shall, upon conviction thereof before any justice of the peace of the proper county, be fined in any sum not exceeding five dollars, with costs of suit; and when collected, it shall be paid into the county treasury for school purposes.
From the above it will be seen that any traveler who may miss his way, by reason of not finding guide boards at road crossings, can bring an action against the road overseer. In fact, action can be brought by any person against a road overseer who fails to perform his duty.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1874.
There will be an examination of teachers held at Lazette on Monday and Tuesday, May 18th and 19th, 1874. T. A. WILKINSON.
Excerpt...
[ITEMS FROM THE TRAVELER.]
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1874.
The tuition for the common branches of English for non-residents of this school district is $3 and $5 for the higher branches for the whole term.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1874.
In a short time the Superintendent of Public Instruction will send to the clerk of each school district a correct map from which he can make out his report of all those persons liable to personal tax, and thus avoid the mistakes so frequently made of reporting parties not living in the district.
Excerpt...
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Items from the Traveler.
The dedication of the new schoolhouse last Saturday evening was a grand success. Parties from adjoining school districts were well represented and well pleased. The exercises caused considerable interest, and enlisted many in the cause of education. At the close a vote of thanks was extended to the speakers, the band, the manager, and the contractor of the school building.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Report of Winfield Graded School for the month commencing April 27th, and ending May 22nd, 1874.
Note: Perfect, 100; good, 80; failure, 40.
HIGHER DEPARTMENT.
No. of pupils enrolled during the month: 38. Average daily attendance: 19.20. No cases of tardiness: 65. Average time lost by tardiness daily: 34 minutes. Average deportment: 80.
HELEN PARMELEE, Teacher.
INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT.
No. of pupils enrolled during the month: 48. Average daily attendance: 30. No. cases of tardiness: 30. Average time lost by tardiness: 5 minutes.
Names of scholars neither absent nor tardy: Oliver Newland, Jordan McDonald, Mary Davis, Sylvia Darrah, Katy Davis, Lela Doty, Jennie Hulshopple, Alice Hill, Jennie Weathers. MRS. T. A. WILKINSON, Teacher.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
No. of pupils enrolled during the month: 57. Average daily attendance: 40.95. Average number of cases of tardiness daily: 6. Average amount of time lost by tardiness daily: 1 hr. 23.45 min. Average deportment: 95.
Names of scholars neither absent nor tardy: Frank Cochran, Bruce Hill, Anna Bartlow, Sarah West. MRS. M. A. BRYANT, Teacher.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.
Col. E. C. Manning is to deliver a lecture before the Teacher’s Association at Arkansas City Saturday evening, June 27th.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.
The teachers of the Winfield graded schools together with Superintendent Wilkinson’s singing class, will close the spring term of school with a musical and literary entertainment. It is proposed by combining outside talent with that of the school children, to make this entertainment worthy of the patronage of the parents and friends of education. Prof. Hulse, Principal of the Arkansas City schools, will aid Mr. Wilkinson; also, Prof. E. J. Hoyt, with the musical part of the entertainment. A paper will be read by Miss Helen Parmelee and Superintendent Wilkinson, and essays by Mrs. T. A. Wilkinson and Miss Bryant. The proceeds of the exhibition will be expended in purchasing an organ, for the use of the public schools of Winfield. Therefore, all are directly interested in the success of the enterprise.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.
Correction. The note in the teacher’s report of last week had reference to the deportment only. By mistake the average deportment of the scholars in the intermediate department (which was 90) was omitted.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874. Editorial Page.
THE REPORT.
We publish in another place the report of the committee of investigation. It will be seen that the report brings Mr. Short and Mr. Kager several thousand dollars behind. Mr. Short claims that he holds receipts to, nearly or quite, cover the amount charged against him, and we have Mr. Kager’s word for it, that he has in his hands, even more money than the committee found against him. However this may be, we have no comments or criticisms to make until these gentlemen have had an opportunity to settle with the county board. We cannot however close this article without saying a word for the committee. They, we believe, have discharged their duty faithfully and conscientiously, and their report shows with what ability that work was done. We will have more to say of this when we have looked the field all over. Let this suffice for the present.
REPORT OF THE COWLEY COUNTY
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE.
WE, your Committee appointed to examine the books and accounts of the County Clerk and County Treasurer, beg leave to submit the following report as the result of our investigation. In instituting the examination, we first took the books and accounts from the organization of the County up to the 16th day of July, 1872, at which time J. P. Short, Deputy County Treasurer, turned the office over to E. B. Kager, the present incumbent of the office. On examination of the books and accounts of A. A. Jackson as County Clerk, and John Devore as Treasurer, under the management and control of J. P. Short, Deputy, we found the books and accounts in a very confused and tangled condition, the Treasurer not having made a settlement of his accounts during his term of office, and turned the office over to his successor without paying over moneys in his possession.
After due deliberation as to the best method of instituting the examination, we concluded to take the Tax-roll as it was furnished the Treasurer, by the County Clerk for collection, as a basis for our settlement and hold the Treasurer for all moneys coming into his possession by virtue of his office.
In making up the roll we found many mistakes for and against, but these, we consider merely the result of incompetency and inexperience on the part of the County Clerk.
In our report, $3,075.47 stands charged to Mr. Short, on account of the County which in reality is covered by county warrants which have been canceled on account of Short, but have not been destroyed or ordered applied on his account by the County Commissioners.
The tax-roll of 1872 is the greatest complication of figures and erasures that we ever saw, and we regard it as a matter of impossibility to arrive at just conclusions in every particular in making up the accounts, but we have made our figures from the most reasonable conclusions in the premises always giving Mr. Kager the benefit of the doubts. Mr. Kager has not made a settlement of his accounts since he came in possession of the office of County Treasurer, and reference to our report reveals the fact that he had a large sum of money in his possession on the first day of July, 1873, at which time the law requires him to make his annual settlement, and at which time most of the funds in his possession should have been paid out.
The accounts in both the County Clerk’s and County Treasurer’s ledgers, in most instances show clearly to our minds that the original charges have been erased and figures changed. In making up the account of School Land Sales, we took the County Clerk’s and Treasurer’s accounts in connection, from which to base a settlement; even then there may be, and doubtless is, discrepancies. We are informed that persons have made payments on school lands and have taken the Treasurer’s receipt therefor but failed to have it countersigned by the County Clerk and charged to the Treasurer as the law requires, and in other instances parties have made payments on School Lands for which neither Treasurer nor Clerk have given the proper credit.
We would recommend that notice be given through the papers of the County to parties who have purchased School Lands to examine the records and see if any such irregularities exist.
On comparing our School Land sales account with an abstract of school land sales received from the Auditor of State, we found Mr. A. A. Jackson had made an error in addition of the school land sales reported on account of Mr. Short in favor of the County Treasurer to the amount of $400.00, and $1,252.26 remained unreported. The same error occurs in his report to the Auditor of State of school land sales on account of E. B. Kager to amount of $2,260.20, and $97.80 remained unreported.
Mr. Kager says he has money in his possession that he does not know where to apply, but when he finds the proper place for it he is ready to pay the same over. This admission of the County Treasurer seriously involves his competency, in our opinion, for the faithful and efficient discharge of the duties of the office.
In justice to ourselves we must say that we have prosecuted the investigation under very unfavorable circumstances. There has been a continual disposition on the part of those directly interested in the settlement, and our County Clerk, M. G. Troup, to cover up and withhold information that would lead to a solution of the complications connected with the work, hence it has been very tedious and discouraging to the Committee.
We found many irregularities in the accounts, particularly in the manner of making them up, and entering the same on their books. We have brought the best order out of the confused mess that we could and feel safe in saying that we have arrived at a good state of perfection in making up our accounts, and now submit the following figures as the result of our investigation, showing the amount collected on each fund, the amount paid out on the same, and the amount remaining in the hands of the Treasurer, up to the date of each settlement as the exhibit will show. LUCIUS WALTON, W. H. GROW, S. M. FALL. COMMITTEE.
Winfield, Kansas, May 30th, 1874.
Report of the Committee of the financial condition of the County; Showing the gross amount collected on each fund and the amount paid out on the same; also the amount due the different funds at the expiration of the official term of J. P. Short as deputy County Treasurer, up to the time (July 16, 1872) E. B. Kager took possession of the office.
RECAP OF TOTALS:
Amount collected: $14,658.81
Amount Paid out: $ 8,903.80
Remains Unpaid: $ 5,759.08
Overpaid: $ 4.07
Report of the Committee on the financial condition of the County from the 15th day of July, 1872, at which time J. P. Short, Deputy County Treasurer, turned the office over to E. B. Kager, County Treasurer, to July 1st, 1873; showing the net gross amount due each fund, the amount paid out on the same, and the amount remaining in the treasury on the first day of July 1873.
RECAP OF TOTALS:
Due Fund: $44,572.70
Paid out: $34,066.12
Remaining in Treasury: $10,604.11
Overpaid: $ 97.53
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.
Items From the Traveler.
A dancing master was in town Monday evening, trying to get a school.
[EDITORIAL: COMMUNICATION FROM M. G. TROUP, COUNTY CLERK.]
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1874.
Communicated.
OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, Winfield, June 6th, 1874.
Much as I dislike the task of replying to every "fist" who sees fit to assail me, yet the report which lies before me, namely, the report of the late Investigating Committee, coming from the source that it does, is perhaps worthy of notice on my part. I dare say the people fancy this "good state of perfection" report, from a committee appointed to investigate the affairs of this county, ought at least to be accurate, reliable, and truthful. But I am sorry that truth compels me to say it is neither of the three.
I wish to say a word as to the history of this investigation. When I first came into office, I ascertained that the accounts of a former treasurer, who had been out of office nearly two years, were still open, and apparently unsettled. I wrote to the chairman of the board and apprized him of the fact, and saying I would like to have himself, and the balance of the board, at an early day, examine the records of my office. The board came to my office, examined the records, and concluded to appoint a committee to assist the Clerk, Treasurer, and County Attorney to straighten, and close up, the accounts of the county.
Now mark you, this committee was to assist the proper officers to do this business, or, as was suggested at the time, to see that the records were properly investigated, in all fairness to all parties concerned. I, of course, cheerfully acquiesced in the action of the board, and met the committee in all candor and frankness. The same civilities were observed on my part throughout the entire investigation. But not so with the committee. They soon began to feel the importance of their position, and began to run the investigation with an eye to their own welfare. I now come to the place where I suppose this "good state of perfection" committee took umbrage at my course in this matter. I say I suppose the difficulty arose from what I shall now mention, for in all candor and seriousness, I cannot for the life of me tell why this committee should throw dirt on my unoffending head.
After the committee had prosecuted their labors to a certain point, I meekly suggested to them and to the chairman of the board that it was a useless expenditure of the county’s funds to carry the investigation any farther.
About that time the committee began to look wise, whisper mysteriously, and to shun me. Now mark you, I did not like said committee to go about the streets of this city, look wise, and insinuate sly malicious slanders against any of the parties interested, but I went to the chairman of the board direct, and told him that it was certainly bad policy to prosecute the investigation any farther as it was certainly spending money that would result in no pecuniary benefit to the county.
The sequel shows I was right and hence the "ire" of this committee. But the board saw fit to listen to the malicious insinuations of this office seeking committee rather than take the advice of your humble servant, and what is the result. The county has squandered several hundred dollars for a report by which, if the county would settle, it would lose several hundred more. This committee, after arriving at a "good state of perfection," declare Mr. Kager had on hand, on the 1st day of July, 1873, a certain sum of money. I suppose it never occurred to these wiseacres to ask Kager whether he had that amount at the time specified or not. If they had done so, it would certainly have prevented them from making such asses of themselves as they have done. No, that would not do, they must needs rush into print, and say he ought to have had that much money, and leave the impression on the minds of the public that he did not have the money. Bah! Gentlemen, is that what you call a fair, honest, and impartial way of doing things?
Perhaps men who will resort to the same tricks that two-thirds of this committee practiced last fall to secure the offices they were investigating might call that an honest way to treat a fellow creature, but I hardly think the public will think so. Suppose Mr. Kager admits the amount they claim as correct, the county will have squandered several hundred dollars, and have its labor for its pains. But suppose Kager says he has more money on his hands than they claim, what a grand farce the whole thing is, and what asses this trio of chronic office seekers have made of themselves. And let me say right here that the latter supposition is the true one.
The treasurer had more money on the 1st day of July, 1873, than this "good state of perfection" claimed he had. But I beg pardon for intruding myself on the public in this matter. In fact, it is not my corpse. But since the committee, with the same degree of maliciousness that characterizes their entire report, have seen fit to say I threw especial obstacles in the way of their investigation, I should like to have them state publicly and positively what those obstacles were. If they had not willfully and falsely, and without any cause, threw the first dirt, I should not have said a word. But when I am so unjustly assailed as I have been in this case, I deem it a duty to defend myself.
If this investigation had been properly conducted with a view to perfecting the records of the county, it would have been a good thing. But since it was prosecuted wholly for the purpose of blasting the reputation of a few persons, and not for the purpose of closing the accounts of the county, as was intended, it can result in no good. A word about the records of the county, and I am done for this time. The records are in exactly the same condition they were, ere this committee was appointed. This office knows just as much as it did before. The accounts are still all open, and some future officer may want them closed, which will necessitate more investigating. Yours, M. G. TROUP.
[A CARD: E. B. KAGER, COUNTY TREASURER.]
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1874.
A Card.
MR. EDITOR: I settled as the board of County Commissioners ordered, and have their certificate that I did make a settlement August 16th, 1873, and the proceedings of the County Commissioners will show the same. I did not make the settlement in July because I was making my settlement with the State Treasurer as the law directs, and I could not make myself "numerous." Most of the funds in my hands July 1st, 1873, were township and school district funds, and could not be paid out until the treasurers demanded them, and as they had not demanded the money, it remained in my hands and some of the same money is in my hands now. Figures in our books were often changed because the board would change so many taxes. Still I am free to confess it would be much better to have done otherwise.
I had more money in my hands on the 1st day of July, 1873, than the committee charged me with having, and if the board of County Commissioners will settle by that statement and give me bonds that I will not have the balance in my hands to pay, I will make Cowley County a present of several hundred dollars. The committee must think me incompetent because I did not keep still and put the money in my pocket or divide with them.
The only attempt I ever made to withhold anything from the committee, was, I refused to let them have a receipt book, as I thought they were too careless with our books. But I offered to let them have the book if they would use it in my office. I showed them mistakes to the amount of $200 or $300 made by them against me. The others interested can answer for themselves. Yours, etc. E. B. KAGER, Co. Treas.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
The new school organ has arrived and is established in the school building.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
The farmers in the vicinity of the Blanchard schoolhouse are going to have a neighborhood celebration on the 4th. T. A. Blanchard, orator of the day.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
The members of this office are indebted to Miss J. E. Daggart, for an invitation to attend a picnic at the Floral and Pleasant Hill schools. The picnic will be held at the junction of the Dutch and Timber creeks, on Wednesday next, the 24th inst.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1874.
The teachers association meets at Arkansas City tomorrow.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1874.
Ida E. Daggett, teacher at the Floral school, sent the COURIER force two splendid cakes in the name of the Floral school.
Excerpt from article...
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1874.
LAZETTE, KANSAS, August 3, 1874.
Just now Lazette is quiet, though business keeps navigating. The school closed on Friday, July 31st. Miss Kate Fitzgerald has been quite successful as a teacher and has given good satisfaction to her patrons. Miss Emma Burden’s school closed on the 31st ultimo, after a pleasant and profitable term of twelve weeks. These young ladies are among the rising teachers of this county. HOOSIER.
[COUNTY TREASURER’S STATEMENT FOR JULY, 1874.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1874.
County Treasurer’s Statement for July 1874.
Paid State treasurer: $ 9,338.09
Paid Township treasurer: $45.60
Paid School treasurer: $65.92
Paid School bonds: $,467.00
Tax sales refunded: $26.82
Total: $11,583.63
Rec’d School Land sales: $730.11
Rec’d Personal property warrants: $311.50
Total: $1,041.61
State school fund has been received for July.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1874.
At the election for school board, the following were elected: D. A. Millington for director, G. S. Manser for clerk, and M. L. Robinson for treasurer. Very good.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1874.
The singing books belonging to this District in the hands of school children will please be left with the clerk. B. P. Baldwin, at Maris & Baldwin’s Drug Store.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1874.
The school board have decided to begin school in this city on Monday, the 28th of September. Miss Anna Melville has been engaged to teach the primary department, and Miss Sarah Aldrich for the intermediate department. The principal has not as yet been engaged.
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.
The school board of this city has employed W. C. Robinson, Independence, Kansas, to take charge of our school the coming term. He is a brother to the Treasurer of the school board.
[STATEMENT OF THE TREASURER OF COWLEY COUNTY - AUGUST, 1874.]
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.
Statement of the Treasurer of Cowley County,
for August 1874.
MONEY RECEIVED.
State school Supt.: $1,913.94
Fines, J. P. $2.00
Interest on school land sale: $186.07
Prin. on school land sale: $216.00
Redemption certificates: $60.74
Total: $2,378.75
MONEY PAID OUT.
School bond: $957.43
School district: $1,548.97
School Supt. Orders: $5.75
Redemption certificates: $72.50
Townships: $55.24
Total: $2,639.89
[DISPOSITION OF PRISONER: J. W. WYATT.]
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.
J. W. Wyatt, the ex-treasurer of School District No. 94 in this county, was arrested recently by the constable of Windsor Township, and yesterday he was brought to this city, by said constable, for safekeeping. He was arrested for embezzling $22.40 of the school money during his term of office, which expired a few days ago.
Shortly after the arrival in this city of the constable and his prisoner, the former came around to County Attorney Torrance and told him that the latter had given him the slip, and wishing to know what he should do about it.
Mr. Torrance told him that the best thing he could do would be to hunt him up.
"Where shall I look for him?" inquired the constable.
"Look in the direction that you think he went," said Torrance.
"But he ain’t guilty."
"How do you know?"
"Well, I know he ain’t and I know that we can prove that he ain’t, so don’t you think that we had better let him go, and prove that he ain’t guilty afterward?"
"No," said Torrance. "I don’t. After he has been proved to be innocent, there is plenty of time to let him go, so you had better hurry and hunt him up."
The constable started for the door, but before he got to it, he turned round and remarked, "I don’t see any need for you to come clear over to our place just to prosecute this innocent man. Hadn’t you better depute Mr. Story to set in your place and then write him a note saying that you don’t think the prisoner is guilty, and for Story not to appear against him!"
Upon this Torrance began to feel angry and told the constable that the sooner he started after that prisoner, the sooner he would be apt to catch him and he needn’t trouble himself about the prosecution for he would be there himself to attend to the case.
In a short time the constable was seen to disappear behind the blacksmith shop opposite the Methodist church; and in about half an hour, he emerged on the back of his horse with the prisoner walking by his side and took his way back to Lazette.
Wyatt receives his trial before Justice Gans today.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1874.
The constable of Windsor Township who last week had charge of Wyatt, the defaulting treasurer of School District number 94, after trying in vain to let his prisoner get away from him while he was in this city, got on a drunk at Lazette and of course Wyatt didn’t feel it to be his duty to take care of the drunken constable, so he went off some place, and when County Attorney Torrance went to Lazette last Friday, to prosecute the case, no prisoner was there to proceed against.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1874.
Sealed Proposals.
SEALED proposals will be received by the District Clerk of School District No. 1, at Curns & Manser’s office, until Monday, Sept. 21, 1874, for furnishing said School District with 15 cords of first class seasoned firewood, to be delivered at the school building as the board may direct. The right is reserved to reject any and all bids. By order of the Board of school district number one. C. S. MANSER, Dist. Clerk.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1874.
The Winfield Literary and Dramatic Club will give an entertainment under the management of T. A. Wilkinson, on Thursday, Sept. 30. A full programme will appear in next week’s issue. The proceeds are to be applied in paying for the Public School Organ. Great pains will be taken to make this the best affair of the kind ever held in Winfield. Mrs. Russell of Wichita, one of the finest singers in the state, and Professors Hulse and E. J. Hoyt are expected to aid in the entertainment.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874.
School commences next Monday with the following teachers: W. C. Robinson, principal, Miss Sarah E. Aldrich, intermediate, and Miss Anna Melville, primary. Only one of these, Miss Melville, we believe is, or has ever been, a resident of this county, and so far as we are concerned, we most sincerely protest against the action of the School Board in importing teachers. We have in Cowley County young men and women just as well qualified, who helped to make our schools what they are, who have helped to build up our county, and who, now that the hard times have set in, need the salary. Some of them should have been selected. We haven’t one word to say against the teachers employed. They are, no doubt, well qualified for their respective positions. But we do think that the board committed a great error—one for which they will not soon get the forgiveness of the patrons of the school.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
The teachers’ Institute commences next Monday.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
The public schools in this city commenced last Monday with the following teachers: Prof. W. C. Robinson, Principal; Misses Aldrich, Intermediate, and Miss Melville, primary, at a salary of $100, $50, and $40 respectively. Pretty good wages we should think for Grasshopper times.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
Programme of the Literary and Musical Entertainment to be given at the Courthouse in Winfield, in connection with the Teacher’s Institute, for the benefit of the Public School Organ fund, on Wednesday evening, October 7th, 1874.
Listing participants only.
Prof. E. J. Hoyt, leader, orchestra; Glee club; poem by W. W. Walton, essay by Miss Melville of the Emporia State Normal School, son by Mrs. Russell of Wichita and Prof. E. W. Hulse, essay by Miss Jennie Greenlee, duet and chorus by Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. A. C. Wilkinson, instrumental music by Miss Ora Lowry and T. A. Wilkinson.
A farce in one act, "Specter Bridegroom, or a Ghost in Spite of Himself," was put on by T. A. Wilkinson, James Kelly, W. W. Walton, V. B. Beckett, A. H. Hane, Fred C. Hunt, Mrs. James Kelly, Mrs. Flint.
Single tickets 50 cents; 75 cents for gent and lady. Children half price.
Excerpt from article...concerns robbing "school fund."
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
A CAMPAIGN MEETING IN WINFIELD!
Nelson Abbott came to Winfield the day that September left. Wednesday night the courtroom filled with voters to hear Nelson speak. Besides some things that Nelson isn’t, he is a candidate on the "reform" ticket for Secretary of State. Nelson is some things, but he isn’t a good many things. He is the publisher of a democratic paper in Atchison, he is an awkward public speaker, is doing the republican ticket much good, and is a fair specimen of the "reform" genius. He isn’t an honest man, he isn’t doing his cause any good, he isn’t paying off those lottery tickets, isn’t telling the truth one-third of the time when he talks, isn’t fooling anybody with his lies, isn’t going to be elected secretary of state.
He opened his remarks by saying that last fall the reform party had only county organizations throughout the state, and that said reformers were successful in electing their candidates in a majority of the counties. This being true the reformers had a majority in the Legislature. He then charged this same legislature with authorizing Barbour and Harper counties to issue large amounts of bonds, fraudulently. That was the work of the reform legislature, Nelson, and not chargeable to the republican party. He then charged the republican party with robbing the school fund of 500,000 acres of land and giving it to railroads, but forgot to tell us that Sam Crawford, who is now a noisy reformer, was governor at the time and signed the bill, and that F. W. Potter and dozens of other blatant reformers were then members of the legislature and voted for the bill and held the law to be constitutional.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.
The Teachers’ Institute commenced Monday and closed last evening. There were some 28 teachers in attendance. The examination of teachers commenced today.
Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.
The Teachers’ Institute held here this week unanimously resolved that T. A. Wilkinson ought to be re-elected; and call upon the friends of education throughout the county to re-elect him to the office of county superintendent.
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Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.
Lazette News.
The teachers of this part of Cowley County have been holding meetings preparatory to the coming Institute and examination. At their last meeting on Friday, steps were taken for the perfecting of an organization to be known as the Grouse Creek Teacher’s Association. The first meeting will be held Oct. 24th, at the schoolhouse in Lazette. All Parties interested in this matter are invited to be present at that time.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1874.
TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Oct. 5th, 1874.
Institute met per appointment at schoolhouse. 1 o’clock p.m., Prof. Wilkinson in the chair. After singing and appointment of Committees, the rhetorical exercises of the day were entered upon.
1st. Class drill in grammar by Miss N. M. Aldrich.
2nd. Object lesson by Miss Anna Melville.
3rd. Class drill in mental arithmetic by Prof. Robinson.
4th. A short lecture on theory and practice by Prof. Wilkinson, which was both interesting and instructive. He urged upon the teachers the necessity of a complete system of uniformity of government, in which he gave several useful hints about calling and dismissing classes. The treatment of different temperaments met in our common schools—
making his remarks more effective by illustrations from former schools of his own.
Prof. Robinson’s exercise in mental arithmetic was one that could be practiced in all our district and graded schools with great success, and as he told us, it will always prove diverting and instructive, strengthening the mind as no other one method can. And we have no doubt the teachers will introduce it into their schools. . . .
Oct. 6th, 1874.
After the devotional services the following exercises took place.
Class drill in spelling by E. A. Millard.
Class drill in drawing by Miss Lillian Norton.
Class drill in arithmetic by Prof. Robinson.
Class drill on the organization of country schools by Prof. Kellogg.
Class drill in penmanship by Geo. W. Melville. . . .
Prof. Kellogg’s class drill was excellent. He awoke life and interest among the teachers. He drew methods and idea from the teachers—deciding upon those that he thought best for adoption, and presenting them in clear concise language. His remarks were spicy and entertaining.
Lesson in penmanship by Mr. Melville, good. He urged upon the teachers the necessity of some one system of penmanship, and the adoption of that by the whole school, devoting a portion of each day to a thorough drill causing pupils to improve slowly but surely. He recommended the Spenserian system. His lesson was given from that.
Miss Norton’s method on drawing was a happy combination of instruction and pleasure, as it calls out ideas from each and every pupil, teaching at the same time the beauty of invention and the training of the eye and hand.
Class drilling in spelling by Mr. Millard, was well conducted, and the teacher seemed to understand his work. The method presented for teaching spelling was really a superior one, and cannot fail to awaken interest in the dullest of classes. The teachers could not help noting the difference between the method presented by Mr. Millard and the old method of oral spelling from text book. The lesson consisted of the spelling of an object, its parts, and description of parts, the teacher pronouncing and the pupils writing the words upon their slates, which were to be corrected by the teacher after school closed. He believes the Analytical speller to be the standard.
Class drill in arithmetic by Prof. Robinson. The Prof. dwelt at length upon the necessity of a thorough drill in numeration and notation, holding them as the only key by which arithmetic can be taught successfully. After which followed an explanation about inverting the terms of the divisor in division of fractions, which he did full justice to as it is one of the most difficult parts of arithmetic to teach, and the teachers were glad to hear his method, which can be found in "Robinson’s Practical Arithmetic."
Miss Greenlee’s class drill in primary arithmetic was short, but excellent and to the point. It was something that we needed—how to teach primary arithmetic. Her plan was new and simple. She commenced her work energetically, and by being greatly interested herself produced a like interest among her pupils.
Reading by Miss Daggett was good. The method she presented was a combination of the letter and word method combined—having the pupil learn the name of the object by first placing the object before them and then the names used in the description of the object, and after that they are required to learn the letters of the different words, thus doing away entirely with the method of "learning the letters first."
Oct. 7th, 1874.
Institute called to order by Miss Greenlee.
Singing and devotional exercises.
Appointment of Miss Melville as critic.
After appointment of critic, the following exercises were conducted.
Class drill in language by Miss Lillian Norton, was both interesting and instructive. The blackboard exercise was full of practical hints and illustrations, and one we would recommend to all teachers.
The next exercise was a general debate on the subject of orthoepy. Many opinions were offered, a few of which might bear adoption. The general conclusion being that authors differ very materially.
Mr. W. W. Walton, our county surveyor, then presented to the teachers the subject of map drawing, introducing for their benefit, what he termed the circular system, which was entirely new to many and combining simplicity and beauty, and on the whole a very easy and practical method. We would say to Mr. Walton, when we have another Institute, do so again.
Miss Melville then gave the teachers a short drill in calisthenics. Something very much needed in our schools after a period of hard study.
Mr. Hall then took up the subject of spelling. His method is to have the lessons written on the pupils’ slates, assigning only as much as can be learned thoroughly. He would do away with the old method of oral spelling in the class.
Mr. Melville’s method of the study of history was calculated to amuse as well as instruct, and to keep the mind of the pupil actively engaged in searching after interesting historical facts and events.
Mr. Lee in his class drill in arithmetic said he would dispense with the text book almost entirely and substitute work from general knowledge already acquired only referring occasionally to text books, and confine the pupils to work he would give from his own mind.
[Similar matters were covered on October 8th, the last day of Institute.]
The following teachers were present at this Institute: Lizzie Landis, Anna Mark, Justus Fisher, J. C. Armstrong, T. B. Hall, E. G. Water, Nellie M. Aldrich, Estella Thompson, Lillian Norton, Ida Daggett, Nettie Porter, E. J. Pepper, Wm. Lee, C. H. Eagin, Wm. E. Ketchum, N. S. Mounts, Ettie Fowler, S. Bucher, R. B. Corson, Mary Graham, Lizzie Graham, J. W. Tullis, Jennie Hawkins, E. W. Hulse, J. S. Stratford, E. A. Small, Gertie Davis, Thomas Maginnis, W. C. Robinson, T. J. Conner, S. E. Aldrich, Addie Hollister, Lizzie Ireton, Annie Melville, M. E. Dudley, E. A. Millard, W. H. H. McKinnon, H. J. Sandfort, E. J. Greenlee, E. A. Goodrich, Katie Fitzgerald, Carrie Morris, R. C. Maurer, Carrie Dixon, Libbie West, Lizzie Stine, E. C. Seward, Mary Huston, G. W. Melville, A. K. Stevenson.
Excerpt from article...
Winfield Courier, October 15, 1874.
LAZETTE NEWS.
The schoolhouse is undergoing repairs and improvements preparatory to the opening of school, which will take place next Monday.
Excerpts from article...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1874.
REPUBLICAN COUNTY TICKET.
For Superintendent of Public Instruction: Thomas A. Wilkinson, of Bolton Township.
And last, though by no means the least, we have for County Superintendent of Public Instruction, THOMAS A. WILKINSON, of Bolton Township. Prof. Wilkinson has served the people of this county in the same capacity for the past two years. Finding, on coming into office two years ago everything in chaos and confusion, it required all the energy and ability of which he is master to get things in working order, until now, under his administration Cowley County can boast of better schools than any of her sister counties. A man of untiring energy, of excellent ability, a thorough scholar, we know of no man so well qualified to discharge the duties of the office of Superintendent as Prof. Wilkinson.
Excerpts from article...
Winfield Courier, October 29, 1874.
On the evening of October 22nd, the citizens of this vicinity [Lazette] were entertained with speeches by part of the Independent candidates, and by some who were not candidates. Mr. Hemenway was called to the chair and introduced the speakers in a few well chosen and appropriate remarks.
Mr. Melville then made a few remarks regarding the office of School Superintendent, pledging himself to work for three dollars per day, and to charge only for the days actually employed in official labors. He thought that the saving to the county by his election would be several hundred dollars.
Mr. Julius Woollen was called for, and his judgment was, that as Mr. Wilkinson had done good service for the county in the cause of common schools, it would be a matter of justice to re-elect him to the office of Superintendent.
Excerpts from article...
Winfield Courier, October 29, 1874.
Lazette News.
Judge Moore, L. J. Webb, and T. A. Wilkinson paid our village a short visit last week. The notices of the coming of these gentlemen were not received and the crowd was small which met with them here. But they thus got better acquainted with the citizens whom they did meet.
The public schools along the valley are reported to be in a flourishing condition.
On the 24th, the Grouse Creek Teachers’ Association was permanently organized. The officers elected are as follows: President, R. C. Story; Vice President, Miss Ida Daggett; Secretary, Julius Woollen; Assistant Secretary, Miss Belle Dudley; Critic, Miss Kate Fitzgerald. In the afternoon Mr. Story delivered an address on the subject of English words, and their etymology. Miss Daggett read an essay on the aims and ends of our association. Mr. Woollen gave an address on the true basis of teaching. The meeting was pleasant and profitable. The next session will be held November 14th.
Winfield Courier, November 12, 1874.
Our Public Schools.
Below we give the course of study pursued by the Public Schools of the city of Winfield, as adopted by the Board of Education, Oct. 1st, 1874.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
Chart exercises or first steps in reading.
First reader, commenced and finished.
Second reader, commenced and finished.
First lesson in drawing, combination of straight lines and angles.
Writing commenced, embracing the first four principles in the formation of letters.
Multiplication table through the 6's.
Easy examples including the principles of addition and subtraction.
Spelling in words of one and two syllables.
Language lessons or first steps in composition.
Object lessons throughout the department.
Calisthenics throughout the department.
INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT.
Third reader commenced and finished.
Fourth reader commenced and finished.
Multiplication table complete.
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and compound numbers.
Intellectual arithmetic.
Grammar, analysis and false syntax.
Geography, oral lessons—the continents at large.
Spelling to page fifty. Analytical speller.
Writing, numbers two and three, Spenserian system.
Object lessons throughout the department.
Singing throughout the department.
Calisthenics throughout the department.
GRAMMAR DEPARTMENT.
Fifth reader.
Geography—Europe, Asia, North and South America, and a few lessons in Africa.
Arithmetic, third book, finished.
Arithmetic, higher, commenced.
Algebra, Elementary commenced and finished.
Algebra, Higher, commenced and finished.
Geometry, commenced and finished.
History, U. S., from 1765 through the Great Rebellion.
Physiology.
Bookkeeping.
Philosophy.
Map drawing.
Penmanship, Spenserian system.
Intellectual arithmetic.
Oral lessons.
Calisthenics.
Spelling.
The above will be carefully followed by the schools of the city, and by thus making our work systematic, we hope to accomplish all that should be expected of schools of the grade of ours. We trust the patrons will cooperate with the School Board, and the teachers, in their efforts to work our schools to a standard second to none of their grade. Teachers will insist on regular and punctual attendance of the pupils on all sessions of the schools and we hope all interested will aid in this.
A limited number of tuition students can be accommodated as follows.
Primary department, $1.25 per month.
Intermediate department, $1.75 per month.
Grammar department, $2.00 per month.
The schools are always open to those interested, and the teachers will be glad to have them freely visited and the standing progress noted and criticized.
W. C. ROBINSON, Principal.
MISS S. E. ALDRICH, Intermediate.
MISS ANNA MELVILLE, Primary.
Excerpt...
[REPORT FROM "BEATUS" - TISDALE NEWS.]
Winfield Courier, November 12, 1874.
School commenced here last Monday, under the able management of Eugene Millard, who holds first class honors as a teacher.
Excerpts...
Winfield Courier, November 19, 1874.
Lazette News.
On Friday evening a spelling school was held at the schoolhouse. Quite a number were in attendance and acquitted themselves with credit. Mr. Manley Hemenway and Mr. B. H. Clover took a tilt at a list of ninety-nine hard words, and came off with honor.
The following scholars deserve honorable mention for attendance, promptness, deportment, and good standing in classes during the month ending on the 13th.
Emma Burden, Ella Clover, Charles Cunningham, Lizzie Hoff, George Lee, Nannie McDaniels, Miles Smith, Chas. Walsh, and Britto Wingar.
On Saturday the Grouse Valley Teachers’ Association met. The matter of map drawing was presented by R. C. Story. Julius Woolen gave his views on the proper study of history. Mr. Wingar gave some instructions in the method of teaching music. The meeting was pleasant, and a successful one.
Winfield Courier, November 19, 1874.
To School Teachers.
District 45 wants a school teacher, and will employ the right kind immediately at a good salary. Apply at this office or to N. Wiggins, Winfield.
Winfield Courier, November 19, 1874.
A Pleasant Time.
Upon the invitation of the Maple Grove Grange of this county, a party consisting of Prof. Wilkinson, Mrs. Wilkinson, E. S. Torrance, Esq., Miss Helen Parmelee, ourself, and Mrs. Kelly attended the open session of that grange last Monday evening. This grange is held at what is called Ferguson’s schoolhouse in district 45. The schoolhouse is, perhaps, one of the best in the county outside of Winfield and Arkansas City. It cost the district nearly $1,000 in bonds. On our arrival we found the house full to overflowing with big and little grangers, the sons and daughters of honest toil.
The Grange was called to order by the Worthy Master, Mr. James H. Land, who briefly announced the object of the open session. An opening song being sung by the members, and prayer by the Chaplain, the grange was declared ready for business.
First a lecture was given by Mr. Frazier, in which he depicted the oppression and tyranny of today as equaled only by the oppression of the colonists in the days of King George the III. That it was the laboring men and farmers of that day who threw off the galling yoke just as the farmers and laborers of today would break the chains with which they are bound.
Next came a song by Mr. McCune. Then instrumental music by Professor Wilkinson and Mrs. Kelly. An essay was read by Mrs. Amanda Roberts on the old, old theme of "Woman’s Work." This to our mind, was the best production of the evening. Her essay was well prepared, and aside from a pardonable embarrassment, well read. The whistling "Plow Boy," was then sung, after which a speech by Mr. T. J. Johnson. Then a paper entitled "Boys on the Farm," was read by Mr. C. A. Roberts, which was quite humorous.
Prof. Wilkinson made a short speech in which he advised the farmers to begin the work of reformation at home, and not mix the "tailings" with good wheat, nor sell half hatched, for fresh eggs. When the regular order had been gone through with E. S. Torrance, Esq., ourself and several others were called out but declined to make speeches. The thanks of the Grange was voted to the party from Winfield for the music furnished, when the meeting was closed in Grange order. The Winfield party are under obligations to Mr. David Ferguson for transportatio