Kansas 1875 Census Dexter Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.

Name age sex color Place/birth Where from

James McDermott 33 m w New York Kentucky

Mary E. McDermott 28 f w Ohio Kentucky

Winfield 1880: James McDermott, 39. No spouse listed.

Winfield Directory 1880.

McDERMOTT, JAMES, lawyer, 9th avenue n. s. bet Main and Millington,

r. 12th avenue n. s. bet Millington and Loomis.

[Note: McDermott & Johnson move later in 1880 to Main Street and the northwest corner of 10th Avenue.]

LAWYERS.

McDERMOTT & JOHNSON, 9th avenue, n. s. between Main and Millington.

ADDITIONAL NAMES AND CHANGES.

McDERMOTT & JOHNSON, lawyers, moved to Main n. w. corner 10th avenue.

BOOK, KANSAS, A Cyclopedia of State History, etc., PART II, Standard Publishing Company, Chicago, 1912, Page 1297.

James McDermott, of Winfield, Kansas, is the nestor of the Cowley County Bar and is also one of the most successful legal advocates that county has ever had. He was born in New York City June 6, 1841, son of Hugh McDermott and his wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Kennedy. Both the father and mother were natives of Ireland and immigrated to America with their respective parents when very young. Hugh McDermott first located in New York City, where he engaged in the mercantile business, but later he engaged in the contracting business, his operations being principally in Louisiana and other southern parts, especially along the Mississippi river, where he constructed levees and ditches. The youth, James McDermott, was employed as a newsboy in New Orleans during 1852 and 1853, and in the latter year his father took him to Concord, Kentucky, where he was employed in railway construction on the Maysville & Big Sandy railway. In the fall of 1853 he was bound out to a farmer in Lewis County. He received a common school education and taught one year of school prior to enlisting in the army in 1861. He enlisted as a private in Company I, Fourth Kentucky infantry, but was immediately made first sergeant and subsequently was promoted to be second lieutenant, then first lieutenant, and finally acting captain, in which capacity he served during the last year of the war. Just before the close of the war, however, he performed the duties of regimental adjutant. The Fourth Kentucky regiment was one of three which President Lincoln authorized Lieut. William Nelson of the navy, a native of Mason County, Kentucky, to raise in that state in the early summer of 1861. It became a part of the First Brigade, First Division, Army of the Ohio. Its first participation in actual hostilities was at the battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky, and from thence it marched via Coffey's mill, Danville, Lebanon, and Bardstown to Louisville, where it embarked on boats for Nashville, arriving there March 4, 1862. It took part in the advance on Corinth, Mississippi, and after the evacuation of that place pursued the enemy as far as Booneville, Mississippi, and then returned to Corinth, marching via Iuka to Tuscumbia. It next joined Buell's march from Nashville, Tennessee, to Louisville, Kentucky. This regiment took part in the Tullahoma, Tennessee, campaign and was in action at Hoover's Gap, Concord church, and near Tullahoma. It went into action at Chickamauga with nineteen officers and 360 men and lost thirteen officers and 160 enlisted men in killed and wounded; and Company H, owing to the wounding of its captain, was commanded during this engagement by Lieutenant McDermott, losing nineteen men out of twenty-three. Lieutenant McDermott was struck three times in this battle and received one serious wound, which detained him in a hospital two months. He recovered, however, in time to participate in the battle of Missionary Ridge, where he fought under General Thomas. In this battle the Fourth Kentucky ascended the hill at the extreme left of the Army of the Cumberland. Early in January 1864 the regiment reenlisted and on the 29th returned to Kentucky on veteran furlough. Having received orders to be mounted, the regiment on May 16 again marched to the front, the scene of its activity a sharp skirmish at Mason's church, and participated in the McCook raid, forty-five out of sixty men of Company I being captured. On its return to Marietta, Georgia, the regiment was so weakened by the capture of its members that Lieutenant McDermott was the ranking officer and in command for several days. He also served for a time as provost marshal on the staff of Major Root, commanding the brigade. The regiment was ordered back to Tennessee, however, and there participated in the campaign against Forrest. When the Confederate General Hood crossed the Tennessee, the Fourth Kentucky was in a sharp fight at Shoal creek, where it held a position enabling the Union command and artillery to fall back safely. The regiment moved with the cavalry in the battle before Nashville and took part in the pursuit of Hood. Captain McDermott was mustered out December 30, 1864, having seen hard service in some twenty-five different engagements.

After the close of the war, McDermott returned home and in the fall of 1865 taught one term of school. During the following winter he was engaged in hauling cooperage material to market and then, in the spring of 1866, began farming on a rented farm in Lewis County, Kentucky, being thus engaged one year. In August 1866 a full county ticket was to be elected. Friends of Captain McDermott persuaded him to be a candidate for the office of assessor. He was nominated for the office over seven other candidates and was duly elected for a term of four years. While serving in that capacity, he took up the study of law with Judge Thomas, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, and by diligent and earnest study was prepared for his admission to the bar, which took place in Lewis County in December 1867. He began the practice of his profession in the office of his preceptor, Judge Thomas, and there continued until 1870, when he responded to the call of the West and came to Kansas. He located in Cowley County and took a claim of 160 acres on the site of Dexter, of which town he is the founder, and which now includes within the town limits sixty acres of Captain McDermott's original claim, the remainder of which he still owns. He was one of the firm of H. S. Tyler & Company, who operated the first store in Dexter. He remained on his claim until January 1877 when he removed to Winfield and took up the duties of county attorney, having been elected to that office in the fall of 1876.

In 1872 he was elected a member of the state legislature and served one term, being defeated for reelection by the strong farmers' movement in the next campaign. He is an ardent Republican and has always taken a lively interest in the work of his party, having served as the first chairman of the Cowley County Republican central committee. He also served as chairman of the county temperance convention in 1880.

Captain McDermott had as a law partner, A. P. Johnson, with whom he was associated in practice from 1880 until 1901. The firm was the oldest and most firmly established in the county and for over thirty years enjoyed a large and lucrative practice.

Captain McDermott is recognized as a lawyer of exceptional intellectual vigor and skill, with great resourcefulness of mind and a thorough knowledge of legal precedent. His success, however, has been won by untiring and honorable effort, so that today, when more than three score years and ten, he is eminently worthy of the respect and esteem he commands, both as a legal advocate and as a citizen. He is serving his fortieth year as notary public, having held eleven commissions.

Captain McDermott has been married twice. His first wife, whom he wedded in 1874, was a Miss Mary E. Bertram, daughter of Adam Bertram, who was a native of Scotland. She bore him four childrena son and three daughters. James A. McDermott is now court stenographer in Cowley County. Isabella C. is the wife of J. G. Davidson of Manitou, Colorado. Mary B. McDermott is at home with her father. Elizabeth McDermott died in infancy. The mother of these children died in 1883; and in 1884 Captain McDermott married Miss Tirzah A., daughter of Joseph Henderson, of Dexter, Kansas. To this second union was born two sons and one daughter: George T. McDermott, who is a law partner of Robert Stone, of Topeka, and is a graduate of the law department of the Chicago University; William F. McDermott, who is the city editor of the Evening Free Press, of Winfield, and reported the proceedings of the state legislature during the session of 1911; and Margaret McDermott, who died in infancy. Captain McDermott is proud of his children, as he well may be, for each of them is striving to make his or her life count for good and usefulness, and they command the respect of all who know them.

Captain McDermott is a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery of the Masonic order, and has served as worshipful master of the lodges at Dexter and Winfield, and as high priest of the chapter at Winfield. He also served as senior deacon in the Kansas Grand Lodge one year. He associates with old comrades in arms as a member of Siverd Post, No. 85, Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Kansas, at Winfield, and has served as its commander. He is also a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Captain McDermott and his family are members of the Baptist church.

1870. McDermott set up his law office in Dexter, Kansas.

1873. McDermott becomes Representative. Served only one term.

1873. McDermott has a partner in the real estate business in Dexter: Dempsey Elliott.

McDermott elected Cowley County Attorney in November 1876 election.

January 1877. McDermott moves to Winfield. Has office in Courthouse.

February 1877. McDermott purchases stone residence of Col. J. M. Alexander.

By October 1877 McDermott has his law office on the north side of 9th Avenue. On the lot west of him is located the Winfield Courier office. On the lot east of him is located the office of J. F. Graham and John Moffitt lumberyard, located on the corner of 9th Avenue and Millington Streets.

August 1879. McDermott's office in Manning's Building, corner Main & 9th Ave.

March 1880. James McDermott and A. P. Johnson start law partnership.

June 1880. McDermott and Johnson locate in the W. L. Morehouse building, northwest corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue. They occupied front room upstairs.

February 1883. McDermott & Johnson move to Manning building over Post Office.

September 1885. McDermott & Johnson located on 9th Avenue next to Sol Frederick's Livery Barn. [Frederick & Son (Sol Z. and Lincoln Frederick), livery and feed stable, 212 East 9th Avenue.]

[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]

Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.

Last Saturday the Republican Delegate Convention met at this place and, notwithstanding the day was stormy and disagreeable, all the townships were represented except Creswell.

Delegates Dexter Township: Jas. McDermott, J. H. Reynolds, and G. P. Wagner.

The convention was called to order by J. McDermott, Chairman of the Central Committee.

Central Committee for Ensuing Year: Dexter township, James McDermott; Creswell township, G. H. Norton; Beaver township, L. M. Kennedy; Rock township, John Irwin; Winfield township, L. J. Webb.

L. J. Webb was chosen Chairman and John Irwin Secretary.

[DEXTER TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: "MORE ANON."]

Cowley County Censor, October 28, 1871.

GROUSE CREEK, Oct. 22nd, 1871.

Judging a few items from this locality will be of sufficient interest to the readers of the CENSOR for their perusal, I will give them the few items on hand.

In the first place, our country is being settled up by immigrants rather slowly, but surely, as all those who are taking claims now show earnestness by the improvements they are making. There is a great deal of upland to be had yet.

The controversy over the claim on which Dexter is situated, I trust is nearly over, for it has retarded the growth of Dexter and the country surrounding it. If justice be done, Capt. McDermott will surely get the claim, then there would be an effort made to liven up matters a little.

The crops here have done pretty well, as several pieces of corn average 70 and 80 bushels to the acre. At present it is worth 50 cents per bushel. The potato crop is good also, in fact, all kinds of vegetables have done well.

The prairies have been burning, but little damage has been done, except the destroying of the range for cattle.

Quite a number of teams have passed up out of the Territory since the issuance of the Indian Agent's orders.

[JUDICIAL CONVENTION.]

Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.

A Convention of the Attorneys of the 13th Judicial District will be held at Winfield, in Cowley County, on the 25th day of July, A. D. 1872, for the purpose of recommending to the District Convention, or Conventions, to be held for that purpose, a Candidate for nomination for Judge of said District to be voted for at the next general election.

W. S. TUCKER. J. T. SHOWALTER.

M. W. SUTTON. J. M. HOOVER.

D. F. BAYLESS. J. B. FAIRBANK.

THOMAS MASON. W. H. KERNS.

J. M. McCOLLEN. JOHN REED.

J. J. WINGAR. E. B. KAGER.

R. B. SAFFOLD. E. L. AKIN.

D. N. CALDWELL. A. H. GREEN.

T. T. TILLOTSON. D. S. HEISHEY [?HEISNEY].

L. J. WEBB. JOHN G. TUCKER.

E. S. TORRANCE. REUBEN RIGGS.

J. M. ALEXANDER. S. D. PRYOR.

E. C. MANNING. T. H. JOHNSON.

H. D. LAMB. G. P. GARLAND.

D. DODGE. J. McDERMOTT.

and many others, attorneys of said district.

Winfield Messenger, July 26, 1872.

Mr. Herman, E. L. Akin, and G. P. Garland of Augusta; Mr. McDermott of Dexter; L. B. Kellogg and C. R. Mitchell of Arkansas City, were in attendance at court this week.

[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]

Winfield Messenger, August 30, 1872.

The Convention held at Winfield, Wednesday, August 20, for the purpose of nominating county officers, etc., was organized by electing J. B. Parmelee temporary Chairman, and J. P. Short temporary Secretary. A committee of one delegate from each Township was appointed on credentials; during their absence the Convention call was read by the secretary, and speeches were made by the different candidates notable among which was that of Capt. McDermott. Committee on credentials reported the names of sixty-six delegates entitled to vote, and at being present, or represented by proxy. Report received and committee discharged. J. B. Parmelee was then unanimously elected permanent President of the Convention and J. P. Short was elected permanent Secretary. On motion L. J. Webb was elected Assistant Secretary.

On motion the Convention proceeded to an informal ballot for Representative, with the following result.

JAMES McDERMOTT, 32; M. M. JEWETT, 16; S. M. BALL, 10; A. H. BECK, 4; J. B. BROWN, 3; J. B. FAIRBANK, 1. On motion the nomination of Mr. McDermott was made unanimous.

Winfield Messenger, September 20, 1872.

REPUBLICAN COUNTY TICKET.

For Representative: J. M. McDermott.

Capt. James McDermott is a citizen of Dexter, where he located two years ago. He is a lawyer of ability and is a member of the Republican party. His course, since he has been among us, has been spotless. He is an old soldier, and the principles for which he fought will always be maintained. He comes from the portion of the county which is this year entitled to the Representative.

Winfield Messenger, October 18, 1872.

The candidates for the various offices to be filled this fall are now before the public.

County candidates: McDermott and Deming, the Republican and Liberal candidates for the Legislature, are taking the lead in the campaign.

Mr. McDermott is one of the oldest and best Republicans in the county, is well informed in regard to the political questions of the day, and will make a good representative.

[EDITORIAL: SAM WOOD.]

Winfield Messenger, November 1, 1872.

Sam Wood spoke in Winfield last Tuesday night on the side of the "lost cause." He came like a thief in the night unheralded and stealthily. A Liberal fight glimmered and fluttered along the streets of Winfield, notifying the faithful that Sam had come and with the aid of a tinkling sheep bell rung by a boy a crowd was called together to hear him. Sam spoke for two hours and fifteen minutes and convinced the audience that he was an amusing jester of the "now you see it and now you don't see it" style. When Sam talks on politics, nobody, not even Sam Wood, knows how much to believe of what he says. He commenced speaking at 8 o'clock and repeated his rigmarole for the ninety-fourth time in this fall's canvas; talking against history, truth, reason, and time, and running himself into the ground at fifteen minutes past 10 by the clock. No opportunity was offered by his very "liberal" admirers to anyone present to reply to the wag. In truth, Sam did not want or intend that anyone should follow him and correct his misstatements. But anyone who heard his statements to the end readily discovered that his local conclusions contradicted themselves. To illustrate: Sam says the people in the Southern states are prevented from voting as they desire by Grant's bayonets but closes his speech with the assurance that all the Southern states will cast large majorities against Grant. Now anyone would naturally suppose that if Grant was the tyrant he is represented to be, he would not let these southern "liberals" carry all those states against his own re-election.

AT TISDALE, on Wednesday night, Sam repeated a good portion of his Winfield speech, though better "hedged." He was notified that the situation there in the matter of time and irresponsibility would not be his entirely.

It being the regular joint discussion meeting of the county canvas, Sam took Mr. Deming's place and spoke one hour. Capt. McDermott followed him one hour. Next in order came Capt. Payne, the Liberal candidate for Senator, who spoke five minutes of the half hour allotted him, and gave Sam Wood the remainder of his time. Following Payne came Mr. Manning; and following him, Sam. Sam tried very hard to so speak in the opening of the debate so as to avoid any denials or exposure, but Capt. McDermott was more than his equal as a reasoner and better posted in National politics and history and what was of more weight his words and manner had the air of candor and honesty, and every sophistry put forth by Wood was torn to atoms by McDermott. When Wood's speech was riddled of sophistry and falsehoods there was nothing left.

Mr. Manning made some pleasant remarks and exposed Wood's bad reason and conclusions ably, during the thirty minutes given him.

The meeting closed with a little more of Wood's rigmarole and a few remarks from each candidate present.

Not a cheer for Greeley and Brown was ventured or suggested at either meeting for the reason we suppose that it would have been a dangerous experiment, where there were three men to hurray for Grant to one for Greeley.

Thus came and went the great Liberal comet, with more "light" in his "tale" than in his head, and comet like the light was borrowed.

Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 11, 1873.

James McDermott, the chosen Candidate for the honorable position of Representative from this county, passed through town on his way to Topeka. We congratulate the people of Cowley over their wise selection.

Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 25, 1873.

[For the COURIER.]

James McDermott. Our Representative in the state Legislature has found enough to do in Topeka and has gone to work with a will. His work before organization was to help W. W. Walton through as journal clerk, in which he succeeded so completely that there was no opposition when the vote was taken. On the first day after organization, he presented a bill to amend and define the laws in relation to voting bonds, so as to remove all doubt as to what must be done to make an election legal, and a bill to fund the county indebtedness. Both of these measures are of great importance to this county. COWLEY.

Winfield Courier, February 15, 1873.

Legislative. Capt. Jas. McDermott was honored with an appointment on the York- Pomeroy investigating committee. Pomeroy gave $7,000 to York, but says it was to hand to a banker at Independence to pay up his stock in a national bank to be established at that place, and that York used it for the purpose of defeating him and to make himself popular throughout the State.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 20, 1873.

RECAP: LEGISLATIVE NEWS...Investigation Committee is still at work...gave Mr. B. F. Simpson a rigid examination yesterday. Examination of Mr. York again resumed re private interviews held with Pomeroy at Washington, in reference to the removal of the U. S. Land Office from Neodesha to Independence.

Mr. Sexton of Wilson County offered resolution:

"WHEREAS, At the joint convention for the election of U. S. Senator, Col. York, a Senator from the 24th district, made statements to the effect that he knew of certain members of this house who have Pomeroy's money burning in their pockets, and at the proper time he would point them out; and

WHEREAS, He has as yet failed to designate such "members of this house" as the people of this state were led to expect from his statements; therefore be it

Resolved, That it is but justice to this house that he be requested to make satisfactory explanation, or sustain these charges; and be it further

Resolved, That the Sergeant at Arms be directed to furnish Col. York a copy of these resolutions at the earliest practicable moment."

On motion, the resolution was unanimously adopted.

They concluded that Senator York had had his day...and more or less branded him a liar and a villain.

Bill introduced: H. B. No. 263, by Mr. McDermott: An Act to amend an Act entitled, "An Act to provide for the regulation of the running at large of animals," approved Feb. 24, 1872.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.

Public Meeting. There will be a meeting of our citizens at the Court House this evening, to welcome Hon. Jas. McDermott on his return from the Capitol, and hear an account of his

stewardship.

[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 27, 1873.

On Monday of this week court convened at this place, his Honor, Judge W. P. Campbell, presiding. We notice the following members of the bar present from a distance: Hon. W. P. Hackney, from Sumner County; Judge M. S. Adams, of Leavenworth County; and Hon. James McDermott, of Dexter, and C. R. Mitchell, of Arkansas City.

Real Estate Partnership at Dexter: James McDermott and Dempsey Elliott...

[DEXTER TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: "JO KERR."]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873.

The weather has been extremely hot, cold, wet, and dry for the last few weeks. The last few days augur more favorably for springreal springone of the wags over this way thinks "dog-days" will bring warm weather. He may be mistaken, though, for it seems as if all the signs known to the weather-wise will fail.

S. F. Graham has sold his farm near this place, with a view of moving to Texas. Several families are going with him.

The saw mill that was situated above Dexter three miles has been moved up the river by the owners, French & Shriver.

The corn crop will be extensive. Hundreds of acres are being put in by the "little farmer."

McDermott & Elliott is the firm name of the real estate agents at this place. They have had printed a circular on the back page of letter paper a brief description of Cowley County, together with a condensed history of its organization and progress. No better plan could have been devised to advertise the advantages of this county. Dozens of these circulars go in every mail to every part of the country, and I may also say that their lists of lands for sale comprise some of the best farms of Cowley County.

Speaking of our mail, brings to mind the fact that its regularities consists mainly in its irregularity. JO KERR.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 27, 1873.

Capt. McDermott, our worthy representative, paid us a visit this week. Also, Dempsey Elliot, Esq., Mac's partner in law and real estate business.

[FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION: WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 26, 1873.

The citizens of Winfield, in pursuance to a previous call, met at the Methodist church this evening to take into consideration the subject of appropriately celebrating the 4th of July, 1873. Col. J. T. Quarles was chosen chairman, and J. C. Lillie Secretary. The various committees appointed by a former meeting were read and approved. The only principal question before the meeting was the selection of appropriate grounds upon which to hold the celebration.

It was resolved to prepare an arbor with seats and rostrum for speakers, in the nearest and best adapted grove for the purpose. The races, as heretofore advertised, to come off at 3 o'clock p.m. upon the Fair Grounds of the Cowley County Agricultural Society.

Officers of the day were chosen as follows: Chaplains, Rev. J. B. Parmelee and Lowry. Reader of the Declaration of Independence, Byron A. Snow. Marshal, Col. J. T. Quarles. Orators, J. B. Fairbank, Hon. Jas. McDermott, J. W. Scull, Esq.

It was ordered by the meeting to prepare grounds for the accommodation of 5,000 people.

COL. J. T. QUARLES, Chairman. J. C. LILLIE, Secretary.

[EDITORIAL PAGE: THE FOURTH AT WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 10, 1873.

RECAP: Grand march at 11 a.m., with at least 2,500 in march to the speakers' stand. Rev. Lowery invoked blessing; Byron A. Snow read Declaration of American Independence; John B. Fairbank, Esq., delivered oration. After lunch: address by D. C. Scull, speech by Hon. James McDermott, benediction by Rev. J. B. Parmelee. March again taken up. Late in the evening a balloon ascension took place. Funny thing: fireworks not mentioned.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 31, 1873.

Hon. William P. Hackney and Hon. James McDermott called on us yesterday evening.

[MURDER TRIAL OF JAMES STEWART.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873. Editorial Page.

The Murder Trial. The most important case tried at this session of the District Court was the case of James Stewart, charged with the murder of Marcus L. Parker, Deputy United States Marshal, last spring on Grouse Creek in this county.

The prosecution was ably and faithfully conducted by the County Attorney, E. S. Torrance, and Captain James McDermott, while the prisoner was defended by Hon. W. P. Hackney, of Wellington, Sumner County; and ______ Putman, of the firm of Case & Putman, Topeka.

Nothing was left undone by these gentlemen to acquit their client. They contested manfully every inch of ground, and Mr. Hackney maintained his reputation of being one of the best criminal lawyers in the state. That Stewart was guilty as an accessory to the killing of Parker, there can be no doubt in the minds of those who heard the testimony on the trial. The jury taking into consideration Stewart's youth and hitherto good character brought in a verdict of manslaughter in the third degree, for which he was sentenced to the Penitentiary, there to remain at hard labor for the period of three years.

We cannot close this article without making allusion to the witnesses for the prosecution: Joseph W. Vannoy, F. M. Watkins, and G. M. Carpenter. These gentlemen were the posse with Marcus L. Parker when he was killed. Joseph W. Vannoy tracked this man Stewart through Missouri, and finally arrested him in Iroquois county, Illinois. Mr. Vannoy has been in the business of hunting criminals for several years, and Marcus L. Parker is the tenth man that has been murdered by his side while attempting to arrest criminals and although, in nearly every case he has been the target for the first shot, strange to say that he has never yet received a scratch. We wish Mr. Vannoy all the success he deserves in bringing the guilty to justice.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 2, 1873. Editorial Page.

REPUBLICAN TICKET.

For Representative: JAMES McDERMOTT.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 16, 1873.

Capt. McDermott and the republican candidates left on the grand rounds of the county last Monday.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.

Among the lawyers in attendance at the District Court from abroad, we notice Col. J. M. Alexander of Leavenworth; Hon. Wm. P. Hackney, of Wellington; Gen. Rogers of Eureka, and Judge M. L. Adams of Wichita. From Arkansas City are C. R. Mitchell and A. J. Pyburn. From Dexter, Hon. James McDermott. Our own bar is, as usual, ably represented by Fairbank, Torrance & Green, Webb & Bigger, Manning & Johnson, Louis T. Michener, Pryor & Kager, and T. H. Suits.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.

Last Monday night as Capt. McDermott and W. W. Walton were returning from Tisdale, where they had been speaking, the buggy overturned and they were emptied carelessly into the road. W. W. landed upon his head and therefore his injuries were very slight, but the Captain, less fortunate, struck on his face with such force as to lose consciousness for a time. His injuries were not serious, however, although his proboscis is somewhat the worse for wear, and looks as though somebody had been putting a head on him. On the same night E. B. Kager came into town balancing on a single spring.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 6, 1873. Editorial Page.

Recap: Due to the vote by farmers dissatisfied with the status quo in Cowley County, William Martin was elected by a small majority as Representative of Cowley County, defeating Captain McDermott.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 6, 1873.

McDermott says he does not so much object to a trip up salt creek as he does to the shabby crew with whom he is compelled to make it.

Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873. Editorial Page.

The Telegram says the election of Hon. Wm. Martin was an anti-Manning and McDermott victory. If this be true, then the election of the remainder of the Republican ticket is a Manning and McDermott victory. If all the labor and all the falsehoods spent in the canvass by the Telegram were for the purpose of obtaining an anti-Manning and McDermott victory, so far as its interest in the election was concerned, then we are content. It ought to know its own impulses. But so far as the vote of the county was concerned, we presume that other motives entered into the question of electing candidates.

Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.

BIG AD. GRAND ANNUAL RE-UNION OF THE SOLDIERS OF COWLEY COUNTY, ON THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 27, 1873.

A CORDIAL INVITATION To participate in the festivities of the day is hereby extended to all the soldiers residing in the county. The following PROGRAMME will be observed.

AT 10, A.M. THE Reception Committee will commence to make up the Roster and distribute tickets for DINNER To all whose names are entered thereon.

AT 11, A.M. SOLDIERS will fall into line, in marching order, on Main Street, the right resting on Ninth Avenue, under the direction of the officer of the day, CAPT. McARTHUR, And march to the COURTHOUSE Where an address of welcome will be delivered by Captain S. C. Smith, The Mayor of Winfield, and the organization of the Soldiers' Union completed.

AT 1, P.M. SOLDIERS will fall in for dinner.

AT 3, P.M. THERE will be a meeting in the Courthouse, and addresses will be delivered by the following soldiers: Chaplain E. P. Hickok, Maj. J. B. Fairbank, Capt. James McDermott, A. D. Keith, S. M. Fall, Maj. T. B. Ross, Rev. N. L. Rigby, J. C. Bigger, Esq., and other soldiers present.

AT 7, P.M. THERE WILL BE A GRAND BALL! And dancing will be in order, to conclude the festivities of the day.

The proceedings of the day will be enlivened with appropriate music by the Winfield and Arkansas City Cornet Bands. A. A. JACKSON, Chairman Committee on Arrangements.

J. P. SHORT, Secretary.

Committee on Music. T. A. Wilkinson, Chairman, Mrs. W. D. Roberts, Miss Emma Leffingwell, L. J. Webb and John Kirby.

Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.

A. Walton is out again in the Telegram crowing over the defeat of James McDermott. Walton has labored for the last two years to destroy the Republican party, and boasts that he has succeeded. What a giant Walton is, to succeed in breaking up a party his friends failed in a four years' war to break up. He has also tried, the same length of time, to make the people of Cowley believe that they did not want to send smart men to the Legislature. Knowing that if the people conclude to drop smart men and take up ignoramus, there would be a good chance for A. Walton.

Winfield Courier, November 27, 1873.

Capt. McDermott called upon us Wednesday. He looks fat and hearty since the race.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Every person in Cowley County who can raise enough money to pay half fare is going to Topeka as a delegate to the third house. Our worthy legislator, Hon. Wm. Martin, and his noon-day shadow, Allison, have already taken their departure and they will be followed in due time by W. W. Walton, R. L. Walker, E. B. Kager, James McDermott, James Kelly, and others too numerous to mention.

[HON. WILLIAM MARTIN REFUSES TO GIVE UP RAILROAD PASSES.]

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

And now we have a word to say about Rev. Wm. Martin, the reformers' representative from Cowley County. He made haste to get to Topeka four or five days before the Legislature met to join in a grand rally of the forces organizing to break up the Republican party under the head of what was called "opposition." He signed a pledge to ignore party and adhere only to reform. Railroads and railroad monopolies were the special object of their hate. In the meantime they had all received and accepted passes from the railroad companies. Anthony, who is a Republican, in order to test the mettle of the reformers, introduced a resolution requiring every member to deliver his railroad pass to the Clerk of the House to be returned to the railroad companies. Rev. Martin and seventy-five others voted against allowing the resolution to be considered, thus keeping his passes and acknowledging his obligations to the hated monopolies.

On Monday last, there was a caucus of the Republican members of the Legislature at which there were present seventy-seven out of one hundred and thirty-nine members of both Houses, including Speaker McEckron. This number declared their fealty to the Republican party and pledged themselves to stand by it. Rev. Martin, of Cowley, went into the caucus but formally withdrew from it saying that he belonged to no party. How does this tally with the editorial of his manager, Mr. Allison, published in the Telegram immediately after the election, in which it was said that Martin's election was not an anti-Republican victory, but an anti-Manning and McDermott victory? Martin seems intent upon "busting" the Republican party by abandoning it, and to "bust" the railroads by riding on them free.

Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.

James McDermott, E. S. Torrance, W. W. Walton, and James Kelly returned home last Monday night.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.

We take pleasure in being able to chronicle the fact that Hon. Wm. Martin has voted for the resolution submitting to a vote of the people whether we will have a Constitutional Convention, but are sorry to miss his name from the list of those who voted on the Apportionment bill. No doubt Mr. Martin had some good excuse for being absent when that very important measure was voted upon, and he can, perhaps, now see the senselessness of the howl made by his backers last fall, over the fact that McDermott failed to vote on the Mortgage Exemption bill.

Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874

D. A. Millington, Esq., was examined by lawyers McDermott, Mitchell, and Adams, and admitted to the bar by Judge Campbell at this term of Court.

Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874

The following are the Attorneys attending at the District Court: Hon. Wm. P. Hackney, Wellington; Hon. Jas. McDermott, Dexter; C. R. Mitchell, A. J. Pyburn, L. B. Kellogg, Arkansas City; Gen. Rogers, Eureka; M. S. Adams, Wichita; Fairbank, Torrance & Green, L. J. Webb, Manning & Johnson, Judge R. B. Saffold, Lewis T. Michener, Esq., Suits & Wood, D. A. Millington, Winfield.

[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.

James McDermott was paid $2.00 for serving as an Election Clerk.

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1874.

Capt. McDermott, of Dexter, was in to see us this week. He in company with L. J. Webb, Capt. Hunt, and T. A. Rice, visited Wellington on Tuesday on business connected with the Masonic Order.

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1874. Editorial Page.

WELL MERITED. The Parsons Sun, speaking of the probable nomination of Hon. Jas. McDermott for Congress, in the 3rd District, pays the Captain the following well merited tribute.

We see it announced that Captain James McDermott of Cowley County will be a candidate for Congress before the Third District Convention of the Republican party. We don't know of a man in the district who would make a more energetic, resolute, and able representative.

He was a brave and gallant soldier and never flinched to go where duty called. In one of the most critical moments of our military life just at the dawn of day, during General McCook's raid around Atlanta, Georgia, Mac stood fearless and gallantly by our side as he had often done before and often did afterwards. He served his country faithfully, honorably, and well, and his blood mingled in the crimson tide that attained the field at the great battle of Chickamauga.

He represented his county with great credit to himself in the legislature of 1873, and his constituents would honor themselves by sending him to congress.

Winfield Courier, July 31, 1874.

Capt. James McDermott, of Dexter, and Henry Smith, of Cloverdale, called on us last Wednesday.

Excerpt from a lengthy article...

[THE POST OFFICE RING.]

Winfield Courier, September 25, 1874. [Editorial by James Kelly.]

The P. O. ring and the Telegram, have done for two years, and are still doing their best, to destroy the Republican party, and to defeat its noble mission. Two years ago this fall the

P. O. ring opposed the Republican nominees and worked up the liberal ticket and supported it. Capt. McDermott, the Republican nominee, was elected to the House in spite of them. As a member of the legislature from Cowley County he sent forty copies of the Commonwealth every week during the session, to the Winfield post office for distribution among the people here that they might know what the action of their representative was. Postmaster Johnston did not distribute those papers, but destroyed them, and Capt. McDermott knew nothing of it until his return. Not one word of reproach can be raised against Capt. McDermott while a member of the legislature.

Nor can one word of reproach be truthfully said against any of the county officers elected by the Republican party two years ago, save it be some acts of the county board.

[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.

Court convened last Monday, the following lawyers in attendance: Webb & Millington, Pryor & Kager, Fairbank, Torrance & Green, Alexander & Saffold, Suits & Wood, E. C. Manning, W. P. Hackney, T. H. Johnson, and John E. Allen, of Winfield. J. Wade McDonald, of Wellington. M. S. Adams and Chas. Hatton, of Wichita. James McDermott, of Dexter; and C. R. Mitchell and L. B. Kellogg, of Arkansas City.

Winfield Courier, December 10, 1874.

MARRIED. After four years of sojourn in Kansas, James McDermott, a former well known resident of this city, returned to our city on Sunday last. The following morning he was married to our lady friend, Miss Mary E. Bertram, and on the afternoon of the same day, in company with his accomplished bride, he started for his established home in the west. They have the solicitude of numerous friends and acquaintances for their future happiness.

Vanceburg Kentuckian.

The above tells the story. The happy pair returned to their home in Dexter a few days ago to begin life in earnest. We extend to them our congratulations and wish them a long life of unalloyed happiness and prosperity.

Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.

Capt. McDermott and his newly made wife were in the city last week. He came prepared, however, and dealt out the champagne liberally to the band who gave him a serenade on Saturday eve.

Winfield Courier, January 14, 1875.

Captain James McDermott and Dr. J. P. Wagner were in town last Monday.

Winfield Courier, January 21, 1875.

Esquire Ballou and other farmers living in the vicinity of Dexter, through the management of Capt. McDermott, are about to secure a large loan of money from a capitalist of Hamilton, New York, at the low rate of 12 percent per annum. This they propose to loan in smaller quantities to other farmers at a small advance and secure the same by first mortgages on their farms. If this arrangement be perfected, and it is probable that it will, none of our 36 or 50 percent men will have to emigrate.

Winfield Courier, February 4, 1875.

THE COUNTY BOND QUESTION. Quite a respectable show is being made by those who favor issuing county bonds to take up the outstanding scrip of Cowley County. The county commissioners have asked for the passage of a special law on the subject, notwithstanding there is a general law whereby they can issue bonds by first submitting the question to a vote of the people. The county council P. of H., is said to have passed a resolution to the same effect. Some of the county newspapers are in favor of it, although the publishers thereof made political capital against Capt. McDermott a little over one year ago because he procured the passage of a law allowing the bonding of said debt. As for us, without discussing the economical features of the proposition, we still hold that a majority of the people of the county are opposed to bonding the county for any purpose. And as long as that is the sentiment of the majority, we shall not favor any bond proposition unless it be first submitted to a vote of the taxpayers. We cannot advise any short cut to defeat an expression of the sense of the people. When the question is submitted in proper form, we shall have something to say on its merits. Perhaps the constitutionality of a law issuing bonds by a special act when there is a general law that is applicable, is worth a little consideration.

Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.

We are sorry to learn that Mrs. James McDermott of Dexter is dangerously ill.

[COWLEY COUNTY INDEBTEDNESS.]

Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.

A bill has passed both branches of the Legislature to allow Cowley County to fund its indebtedness. We thought Cowley County funded its indebtedness only two years ago. Wilson County Citizen.

Two years ago a bill passed the legislature allowing Cowley to fund its indebtedness. No action was taken at that time under the bill. Capt. McDermott, who was the member at the time the bill was passed, was a candidate the next fall for the House. His action in passing said bill was used against him by the opposition and contributed largely to his defeat. Now, in the present month, the County Commissioners are funding the county's indebtedness under said bill, and propose to fund the remainder under the new bill. Altogether, our indebtedness amounts to about $30,000. This action of the Commissioners would seem a vindication of Capt. McDermott's course on the funding measure. Tardy justice.

Winfield Courier, March 25, 1875.

Captain James McDermott sent a few days ago a request to Senator Ingalls to have sixty or thereabouts packages of seeds sent to him for distribution at Dexter. In response the Senator sent one hundred packages of vegetable seeds to the Captain.

Winfield Courier, March 25, 1875.

The District Court is in full blast, Hon. W. P. Campbell presiding. The following attorneys are in attendance: Webb & Millington, Hackney & McDonald, E. C. Manning, J. B. Fairbank, Pryor & Kager, T. H. Suits, John E. Allen, A. H. Green, Alexander & Saffold, T. H. Johnson, M. S. Adams of Wichita, C. R. Mitchell and L. B. Kellogg of Arkansas City, James McDermott of Dexter, and A. J. Pyburn, County Attorney.

[TOWNSHIP ASSESSORS.]

Winfield Courier, April 22, 1875.

The township assessors met pursuant to previous notice, to agree upon a basis of valuation of property. The house being called to order, W. A. Freeman was chosen Chairman and W. M. Berkey, Secretary.

The following reported their names.

H. C. McDermott, Dexter Township.

Winfield Courier, July 1, 1875.

Hon. James McDermott is to make the oration at Lazette next Saturday.

Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.

We noticed Hon. James McDermott and Messrs. Harden and Hines, of Dexter, C. R. Mitchell of the City, McD. Stapleton of Lazette, and J. R. Musgrove of South Haven, in town yesterday.

[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, October 7, 1875. Editorial Page.

THE TICKET. The ticket nominated last Saturday by the Republican County Convention is, all things, considered, one of the strongest and best ever nominated in the county.

NOMINATED AT CONVENTION FOR REPRESENTATIVE: E. C. MANNING, WM. P. HACKNEY, NATHAN HUGHES, AND WILLIAM WHITE. The first was an informal ballot, which resulted as follows: Manning 32, Hackney 11, White 5, Hughes, 12. After considerable sparing, Col. Manning, for the sake of harmony, declined the nomination. The names of L. J. Webb and James McDermott were placed before the Convention. The friends of Manning insisted on still voting for him and so declared their intention, whereupon the names of Webb and McDermott were withdrawn. The first ballot resulted as follows: Manning, 29 votes, Hackney, 22, Hughes, 9. No choice, Hughes withdrew his name in favor of W. P. Hackney. Second ballot resulted as follows: Manning, 32 votes; Hackney, 28. Manning declared nominated.

Winfield Courier, October 21, 1875.

The "Reform Central Committee," i. e., Mr. Amos Walton, declined to enlighten the good people of Dexter on his subject of "Credit Mobelier," when called upon by Capt. McDermott the other night. Why didn't you tell them, Amos, that owing to the recent troubles in the South, the credit of Mobile was not good. That would answer just as well, as they don't know anything about such a question (?). "Don't fly your kite so high" next time. The people of this county read the papers and keep posted.

Excerpts from Centennial Issue...

THE WINFIELD COURIER. CENTENNIAL ISSUE.

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.

PRODUCED EVERY THURSDAY BY E. C. MANNING.

A convention was held at Dexter on Sept. 3rd. That body selected H. B. Norton as the delegate from Cowley County to the State Convention, and selected a County Republican Central Committee, of which James McDermott was appointed chairman and W. P. Hackney secretary. Shortly after the Sept. 3rd convention, the chairman of the Central Committee, appointed at Dexter, issued a call for a Republican convention to be held at Winfield, Oct. 3rd, to nominate a candidate for representative and candidates for county offices. The ticket then nominated can be found in the "Annals."

DEXTER is situated in the valley of Grouse Creek 18 miles from Winfield and contains a population of 66. It contains two general stores by Hardin & Co. and F. Henrion, both carrying large stocks; one dress-making and millinery establishment, by Mrs. Black; two physicians, G. P. Wagner and Dr. Rood; one lawyer, James McDermott; one hotel by J. Williams; one blacksmith by J. Graham, and one steam saw and flouring mill; one resident minister, P. G. Smith. It has also a frame schoolhouse in which a school, free to all, is kept for nine months in the year, and having, at the present time, an attendance of 65. It is the intention to grade this school at the beginning of the year. Two churches, the Methodist and Christian, have organizations at this point and maintain regular preaching. There is a considerable sprinkling of other denominations but no organizations as yet. Dexter Grange, No. 1195, P. of H., and Dexter Lodge, No. 156, A. F. & A. M., are both located here and both are prospering. The town plat covers an area of 23 acres and contains about 100 lots. It was surveyed and platted by W. W. Walton, county surveyor, Nov. 13th, 1875, and the plats have not been filed for record yet, but will be in a few days, after which the lots will be offered for sale. Lots will be donated to parties who desire to improve them. The lots on Main street are 25 feet front by 160 deep. The other lots are 50 feet front and of the same depth. The vacant lots are the property of the "Dexter Town Association," and information in regard to them or the town, or county, can be obtained either of P. G. Smith, President, or James McDermott, Secretary of the association.

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

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

The settlers erected the body of a log house and covered it sometime in the spring of 1870. In July of that year Tyler & Evans opened a small store in it. The first house, on what is now the town plat, was built by James McDermott, who moved into it January 25th, 1871.

In September, 1870, the post office was established with I. B. Todd as Postmaster, and in March, 1871, the first mail carrier arrived from Eureka. There is now a regular mail three times a week from Winfield. In the fall of 1871 a frame schoolhouse 26 by 40 feet was erected at a cost of $2,000. A six months school was sustained each year until 1874 when the term was increased to nine months.

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

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

October 21st, 1875, the "Dexter Town Association" was incorporated, and shortly afterwards purchased the land and laid out the town as above set forth. This is a good point for business and businessmen, and mechanics of all kinds will do well to locate at this point.

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

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

Winfield Courier, February 24, 1876.

Notice to Central Committee. To C. M. Scott, James McDermott, R. C. Storey, H. L. Barker, A. B. Odell, and T. W. Morris, members of the Republican County Central Committee, of Cowley County: GENTLEMEN: You are requested to attend a meeting of the above mentioned Committee to be held at the COURIER office, in Winfield, Saturday, March 4th, at 11 o'clock, A. M. Business of importance will be transacted.

A. B. LEMMON, Chairman Rep. Co. Committee.

Winfield Courier, April 6, 1876.

BIRTH. Capt. McDermott had a little daughter born about three weeks ago waiting for him over at Dexter after his week's courting in Winfield.

Cowley County Democrat, Thursday, April 6, 1876.

The district court opened on Monday; Judge Campbell on the bench. Attorneys present: J. W. McDonald of Wellington; C. R. Mitchell and James Christian of Arkansas City; James McDermott of Dexter; Mr. Ruggles of Wichita; Byron Sherry of Leavenworth; J. M. Alexander, A. H. Green, L. J. Webb, D. A. Millington, A. J. Pyburn, T. H. Suits, W. P. Hackney, E. C. Manning, John Allen, S. D. Pryor, W. M. Boyer, and Amos Walton of Winfield.

[DEXTER TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: NAME NOT GIVEN.]

Winfield Courier, April 13, 1876.

Newcomers are arriving almost daily. No reference is intended to Captain McDermott's little daughter, which arrived recently.

[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, April 19, 1876. Front Page.

Be it remembered that on this 11th day of April, 1876, the Board have appointed James McDermott, of Dexter Township, and H. P. Farrar, of Creswell Township, a committee to assist the Probate Judge to count the funds in the hands of the County Treasurer at the end of the first quarter of 1876.

Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.

JOSEPH P. HENDERSON, of Poplar Flat, Kentucky, called upon us this week. He arrived in Cowley a day or two since, and informs us that he received a copy of the Centennial issue of the COURIER last January, and at once decided to take a look at this country in May. He finds a better country than the COURIER represented it to be. Hereafter he will be one of us for weal or woe. He is an old acquaintance of Capt. McDermott's, and will visit around Dexter for a few days.

Winfield Courier, May 18, 1876.

Capt. McDermott has four breaking teams running upon his farm, and will raise his bread another year.

On motion the convention adjourned sine die.

From the 89th District. The Republican convention for the 89th district was held at Dexter, on the 13th. On the assembling of the delegates, J. B. Callison, from Spring Creek, was chosen temporary chairman, and T. H. Aley, from Otter, was chosen secretary. The permanent organization resulted in the choice of T. R. Bryan as chairman, and T. H. Aley as secretary.

The delegates chosen to represent the district in the State convention May 24th were S. M. Fall, of Windsor, and S. P. Channell, of Arkansas City. Alternates: A. A. Wiley, of Spring Creek and Fred Brown, of Beaver. The following persons were chosen Republican Central Committee for the district: Hon. James McDermott, chairman, C. R. Mitchell, C. W. Jones, T. H. Aley and C. J. Brane.

[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION AT DEXTER.]

Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.

The Republican Convention of the 89th Representative District assembled at Dexter, May 24th, 1876, and organized by electing J. B. Callison, of Spring Creek Township, temporary chairman, and T. H. Aley, of Otter Township, temporary secretary.

On motion, the following committees were appointed: On credentials, L. Lippman, T. H. Aley, and James McDermott. On permanent organization, Jas. McDermott, James England, and A. A. Wiley.

The committee on permanent organization reported the name of Hon. Thos. R. Bryan for permanent chairman and T. H. Aley for permanent secretary.

The Convention then proceeded to the election of two delegates and two alternates to represent the 89th Representative District in the State Convention to be held at Topeka May 24th, with the following result. Delegates, S. M. Fall, of Windsor; and S. P. Channell, of Creswell. Alternates, A. A. Wiley, of Spring Creek, and F. Brown, of Beaver.

Central committee for the district: Jas. McDermott, of Dexter; C. R. Mitchell, of Creswell; C. W. Jones, of Windsor; T. H. Aley, of Otter, and C. J. Brane, of Pleasant Valley.

THOS. R. BRYAN, Chairman. T. H. ALEY, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, June 15, 1876.

CAPT. McDERMOTT is spoken of as the candidate for Representative from the south district in Cowley.

[DEXTER TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: "ROMEO."]

Winfield Courier, June 22, 1876.

Little Lizzie McDermott is conceded, by those who haven't any pretty babies of their own, of course, to be the smartest, brightest, and prettiest baby in this part of the country. All the lawyers in our village will bear us out in this statement.

Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876. Editorial by E. C. Manning.

Capt. James McDermott, of Dexter, is talked of by his friends as a candidate for District Judge. Mc. is qualified for the position, and if nominated, there would be no doubt of his election.

Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.

Capt. McDermott, of Dexter, was the orator of the day at Cedar Vale on Tuesday last.

Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.

Many citizens of the southeast part of this county attended the Fourth of July exercises at Cedar Vale. They report having a good time. The oration by Capt. McDermott was very fine, and several other speeches were up to the standard. The people enthused much after the manner of our own celebration.

Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.

THROUGH the solicitation of friends we publish on our first page this week our Centennial History of the county. For the facts concerning Cowley's early history, we are indebted to the "old settlers," among whom we might mention Col. Manning, C. M. Wood, Jas. Renfro, Judge Ross, Dr. Graham, and others, of this neighborhood; Judge McIntire, H. C. Endicott, and T. A. Wilkinson, of Arkansas City; Capt. Jas. McDermott, of Dexter; S. S. Moore, of Tisdale; and J. W. Tull, through R. C. Story, Esq., of Lazette. For the courtesy of county, township, and city officers in placing at our disposal, books, records, etc., we are particularly grateful.

Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876.

Eighty-Eighth District Convention. Pursuant to call the delegates of the 88th Representative District met in Republican convention at the courthouse, in Winfield, at 10 o'clock a.m., Saturday, August 12, 1876.

R. C. Story, of Harvey Township, was elected temporary chairman, and C. H. Eagin, of Rock Township, temporary secretary.

On motion a committee on credentials was appointed, consisting of one delegate from each township present, to be named by the delegates themselves. The following named gentlemen composed the committee: E. S. Torrance, of Winfield; Alex. Kelly, Richland; J. W. Tull, Windsor; J. S. Wooley, Vernon; A. B. Odell, Ninnescah; and A. V. Polk, of Rock. Pending the report of the committee, Capt. James McDermott being called, came forward and made a brief speech, which was enthusiastically received, after which, a few remarks, in response to a call, were made by the temporary chairman.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.

CANDIDATES. L. J. Webb will probably be the nominee, on the Republican ticket, for Representative from the northern district of Cowley County; J. E. Allen for County Attorney; R. C. Story for Superintendent of Public Instructionthat is, if "straws show the way the wind blows." The friends of Capt. McDermott insist on him coming out in place of Allen, but the Captain is slow to aspire for any honor. On the Democratic ticket, Amos Walton is fishing for Representative again, from this district, and the friends of Judge Christian want him to come forward as County Attorney, and Judge Gans for Probate Judge.

Winfield Courier, September 7, 1876. Editorial Page.

The Tisdale Hurrah! EDITOR COURIER: Last week the Tilden and Hendricks club, of Tisdale, challenged the Hayes and Wheeler club of that place to a joint discussion of the political questions of the day. The Democrats selected for their champion J. Wade McDonald, and the Republicans the Hon. James McDermott. Last night the discussion took place in the schoolhouse at Tisdale. The house was crowded and there were enough people outside to fill another house of the same size.

The Hayes and Wheeler club of this place attended the meeting in uniform. McDermott opened the ball, and from the time he commenced until the time he ended, every sentence was a "red-hot" shot into the camp of the enemy. The history of the Democratic party, its frauds and corruptions, were completely shown up. McDonald, who, as everybody knows, is the orator of Cowley County's Democracy, followed, but there was no "discussion." He did not answer a single statement made by McDermott, but simply said, "I deny, where's your proof?" The old worn-out story of "Grant's frauds," "Caesarism," "Military interference and bayonet rule," and a heart-rending appeal for the rights of the "Sovereign States" of the South, closing with a denunciation of the removal of T. K. Johnston from the Winfield post office and the appointment of Kelly in his stead constituted his speech.

McDermott, in replying, reminded him that he had forgotten about the removal of the maimed Union soldiers by the rebel House and putting in their places rebel soldiers, and gave proof of all his assertions to be matters of record in the archives of the National Capitol, and known by the American people to be true. In fact, McDermott, instead of being "skinned," as was anticipated by the Democrats, was the party who performed the operation, and his opponent was the victim.

The Democrats of Tisdale are not likely to want any more discussions.

SCALPER NO. 2.

[CORRESPONDENCE FROM "W."GROUSE VALLEY.]

Winfield Courier, September 7, 1876.

Dexter will have a Hayes and Wheeler flag pole raising tomorrow. Capt. McDermott and others will address the people. Dexter is always ahead. This will be the first pole of the kind raised in the county. The Republicans of this valley are awake and "when the November ides roll around," (that's hackneyed, but stump-orators all use it) they will send up their accustomed four-fifths majority in Dexter Township.

Winfield Courier, September 14, 1876.

Hon. James McDermott spoke to a large and enthusiastic audience at Lazette last night.

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876. Editorial Page.

THE COUNTY TICKET. The nominees of last Saturday's convention are too well known in this county to need more than casual mention here. Our candidate for COUNTY ATTORNEY, Capt. James McDermott, is one of the ablest lawyers in this district. His legal ability was recognized by the House of Representatives of 1873, when it appointed him a member of the Judiciary, its most important committee. He is an enthusiastic Republican, an able speaker, and one of the most fearless and outspoken men in defense of his principles that has ever taken the stump in the Southwest. Capt. McDermott can take care of himself before the bar or before the people. He will be elected, without doubt, and criminals may as well take warning.

James McDermott becomes Cowley County Attorney...

[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876. Editorial Page.

The nomination of county attorney being next in order, the names of John E. Allen and James McDermott were offered as candidates. The ballot resulted in favor of McDermott by a vote of 32 to 30. On motion the nomination was made unanimous.

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

Beaver: C. W. Roseberry; Bolton: J. C. Topliff; Creswell: C. M. Scott; Cedar: W. A. Metcalf; Dexter: Jas. McDermott; Harvey, L. L. Newton; Liberty: Justus Fisher; Maple: W. B. Norman; Ninnescah: Wm. Hayden; Omnia: Wm. Gilliard; Otter: R. R. Turner; Pleasant Valley: Albert Dean; Rock Creek: Chas. H. Eagin; Richland: J. O. Van Orsdal; Silver Creek: S. M. Jarvis; Silverdale: L. Lippman; Spring Creek: R. P. Goodrich; Sheridan: Henry Clay; Tisdale: J. F. Thomas; Vernon: J. S. Wooley; Windsor: B. H. Clover; Winfield: T. K. Johnston. J. S. HUNT, Chairman.

CHAS. H. EAGIN, Secretary. J. D. PRYOR, Assistant Secretary.

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.

JOHN E. ALLEN came within a few votes of being victorious last Saturday. The vote stood McDermott 32 and Allen 30.

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1876.

They tried to make capital by saying that H. C. Fisher and his colleague were not Republicans. They came up from Otter Township as delegates all the same, and McDermott is happy.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.

CAPT. McDERMOTT made one of the best speeches ever delivered in this county at Tisdale last week.

Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.

The following attorneys are in attendance at the present term of court: M. S. Adams, of Wichita; L. B. Kellogg, of Emporia; C. R. Mitchell, A. Walton, and James Christian, of Arkansas City; James McDermott, Dexter; Webb & Torrance, Hackney & McDonald, Pyburn & Seward, D. A. Millington, J. M. Alexander, Jennings & Buckman, A. H. Green,

Pryor, Kager & Pryor, A. B. Lemmon, and John E. Allen, of Winfield.

Winfield Courier, October 12, 1876.

THAT TIN-WEDDING. Winfield is celebrated for her impromptu weddings, social gatherings, brave women, and fair men. No town in the state possesses a class of citizens who can be at "swords point," so to speak, one day, and the next, meet together and enjoy themselves socially as does our little hamlet: Whatsoever may be their views concerning the administration of the Servian war or the "latest arrival," all is forgotten when a wedding is announced and they meet together on neutral ground and vie with each other in making it the most pleasant affair of the season.

But we digressthe tin-wedding is what we started out on, and to start right, we first mention the prime movers. Dr. Howland, assisted by Frank Baldwin, Jno. Pryor, Will Robinson, Anna Newman, Kate Millington, and Jennie Stewart, seem to have been the original conspirators. A leading M. C., of this city and his estimable wife, it was whispered about, were to be the subjects of this secret conclave. All unknown to them, of course, were these arrangements made. Every man, woman, and child in the city, almost, was on the tip- toe of expectation for three days, awaiting the event that these ominous little square cut pieces of tin, bearing the words, "Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Graham, at home 8 p.m., Oct. 5th, 1866 and 1876," had so mysteriously foretold. The Doctor, all unconscious of the "eyes" that followed him in his daily rounds, but conscious of ten years of upright and devoted life as a true Benedict, walked the streets, attended his business, and pursued the even tenor of his day, little dreaming that his sacred home would so soon be invaded, and he be jerked up to answer to charges preferred by the citizens of his adopted town.

Like the gentle dew those little pieces of tin had silently done their work, and on Monday evening at 8 o'clock, Dr. Graham's beautiful residence was stormed in front and besieged in the rear by the largest party of tin-peddlers ever assembled under an October moon, all loudly clamorous for an immediate entrance.

The Doctor made unconditional surrender, before a gun was fired. What else could he do? The ladies of the party took charge of the kitchen, parlor, and dining-rooms, while the men hung round on the edges and in less than ten minutes the whole house was converted into a modern first-class tin shop. After this animated entree, quiet for a moment was restored, followed by the presents being brought out and subjected to a severe catechizing by Elder Platter and a running cross-fire by the remainder of the enemy, and who, finding that the charges against them were false, and only existing in the imaginations of certain hungry-looking young men that decorated the wall, concluded to release them on the condition that in the future as in the past, the Doctor should build the fires and cut the stove wood, provided always that Mrs. Graham could not be prevailed upon to do it; that he, should promise to keep posted as regards the latest styled bonnet, the latest social "small- talk," provided that Mrs. Graham did not want to perform that duty herself. These and similar promises were extracted by the inexorable judges, whereupon the minister dexterously encircled them with two glittering rings, pronounced them man and wife for ten years more, amidst a regular round of applause.

Mr. Baldwin then read a poem prepared for the occasion, after which came the presentation of the tin-ware. Capt. McDermott and Dr. Mansfield did the honors in the most amusing manner imaginable. The Doctor's speech accompanying the presentation of a full set of tin dental tools was highly appreciated. In fact, the speeches of Messrs. Platter, McDermott, and Mansfield were funny, from beginning to end, and could only be appreciated rightly by being heard. We almost wish for space to publish the Elder's entire marriage ritual used on the occasion. It was the best we ever heard. From this time on we can't particularize. All we can remember is that about this time supper was announced and following that, in our memory, cold chicken, dust pans, sweet cakes, waiters, graters, egg- beaters, coffee, etc., are so terribly confused and mixed up that we have lived in constant dread, fearing that some hungry individual would mistake us for a lunch counter. Right here we'd like to give the name of every present with the name of the donor. We can't do it; we are not equal to the task. It's too big a contract. There were just one hundred and thirteen pieces of tin-ware presented (and more than that many suppers eaten), and that's all we know about it. We enjoyed ourselves, and if it be found that there was a single person present who did not enjoy him or herself, we insist on having a committee raised to have that person, if it is a him, "shot without benefit of clergy."

Winfield Courier, October 26, 1876.

Capt. McDermott is gaining ground every day in his canvass for the office of county attorney. Vote for him, and you are sure to support an honest and capable man. "Jidge" Christian's chances are growing beautifully less.

Winfield Courier, October 26, 1876.

Capt. James McDermott, on account of his "peculiar fitness," was selected as Judge pro tem to try several important cases at the recent term of court. This is additional proof of his ability to fill the office of county attorney.

Winfield Courier, October 26, 1876.

Dr. Phelps, one of the "true blues" from Richland, dropped into our sanctum yesterday. The Doctor took the wind out of "Jidge" Jimmie Christian's sails the other night when he was abusing the Republican candidates up at Floral. The old sinner said that the Republican candidate for Senator was "nominated by a set of "black-legs." Phelps "spoke right out in the meeting" and said that it was false. "Jim Lane's old partner," of course, had to skin it back, which he immediately proceeded to do, much to the amusement of the audience. This foreign rooster who couldn't get an office in Douglas County, where they knew him, needs must come down here and abuse such men as Capt. McDermott and other old reliable citizens, in the hope of securing an office. It's too thin. You'd better live here a little while first, "Jidge," and get acquainted.

Winfield Courier, October 26, 1876.

Here is a part of Jim King's Cedar Vale letter, as published in the Commonwealth of the 21st instant. It any of those Dexter girls should ever get hold of him, there wouldn't be enough of him left to write an obituary over.

"Leaving Winfield on Sunday afternoon, we soon came upon the little town of Tisdale, pausing only long enough to observe that `Tis daleightful weather,' and then driving on amid a shower of oaths from an outraged community. We passed through several other small villagesinto towns, they might be called, because they rarely contain more than one house. We reached Dexter just in the gloaming. (Gloaming, my dear, is gilt-edged for dusk.) Here we concluded to stay all night. Now you would naturally suppose Dexter to be a fast sort of a town. But it is not. It is situated in the Grouse Valley, and has numerous attractions in the shape of majestic bluffs, fine farms, and beautiful landscape views. Capt. James McDermott resides here, and owns a splendid piece of land adjoining the town site. The young ladies hereabouts attain to remarkable size. They are massive in form, loose and flowing in costume, somewhat blubbering about the mouth, and, with a considerable portion of the lower part of them, turned up for feet. There is a species of slough-grass throughout the Southwest which is called `blue jint,' and I am inclined to think that the women of the country partake of the same exuberance of growth. They loom up in corn-fed proportions on every quarter section, and are endowed with every facility to wash dishes and hug."

Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1876.

CAPT. McDERMOTT made us a call last Monday. He spoke at Bland's schoolhouse in the evening to a good audience. Capt. McDermott is regarded as one of the leading lawyers of the county, and is acknowledged as one of the best speakers. When you see his name on the Republican ticket as a candidate for County Attorney, remember him.

Winfield Courier, November 9, 1876.

CAPT. McDERMOTT wants to move up into Harvey Township among his friends. Harvey polled sixty-one votes. The Capt. received sixty-one majority over his opponent, "Jidge" Christian.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 15, 1876.

WINFIELD WILD WITH JOY!

A Grand Ovation to the Successful Senatorial Candidate.

Bonfires, Music and Speeches!

One of the grandest ovations ever tendered any man in Southwestern Kansas was upon Wednesday night of this week, given the Hon. A. J. Pyburn. Hundreds of citizens proceeded en masse to the office of Mr. Pyburn on the corner of Main Street and Ninth Avenue, and headed by the silver cornet band, serenaded Mr. Pyburn. Bonfires were kindled and the city was wild with enthusiasm over the result of the Senatorial contest.

When Mr. Pyburn appeared upon the balcony in acknowledgment of the serenading party, he was greeted with prolonged cheers, and it was many minutes before the crowd could be quieted so as to hear him. He made a few remarks acknowledging the "honor conferred upon him," and thanking the citizens for their support in the contest, and "promising a faithful representation of the interests of the County." After him Judge McDonald was called for and made a neat little speech which was received with wild enthusiasm, especially when mention was made of the favorite candidate for Senator.

Seeing the enthusiasm which prevailed and being so completely filled with bitterness that he could not hold himself, Manning sneaked across the street; and having had it arranged before hand with "backers" to call him, he passed half way up the stairs and there stopped, exclaiming that "he thought it was about time the Republican flag was run up at half-mast" and gave vent to his feelings in a bitter denunciation of his political opponents, denouncing those Republicans who voted against him as "Renegades," and declaring that if it had not been for that "sink hole of Infamy, Arkansas City" that he would have received a majority of the votes cast," which was utterly false, for with every Republican vote cast in Creswell Township, there would still have been a clear majority against him.

After considerable more blubbering of the same sort in which he showed his deep chagrin at his defeat, he attacked Hon. W. P. Hackney, and then he subsided; and the crowd called on Mr. Hackney, who in a few minutes speech completely upset everything that Manning had said, and again filled the crowd with enthusiasm for Pyburn and reform.

Manning and his friends, still wishing to turn the meeting into his favor, called for several of his backersWalker, Kelly, Webb, and McDermottwho in turn pronounced a requiem over the corpse of Manning, which brought tears to the eyes of their hearerstears of joy that the County had been saved the disgrace of electing such a man as Manning to the State Senate.

Taking all in all there was on that evening a greater display of wild enthusiasm than we have ever before witnessed in the State, and a greater display of petty spite, malice, and chagrin by the friends of Manning, than we have ever dared think they could be guilty of. A display of good feeling on one side and a display of despair and hopelessness on the other, which prompted them to make complete asses of themselves, thereby losing the respect of the honorable minded citizens who were present at the demonstration.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

COUNTY ATTORNEY McDERMOTT and Superintendent Story were both over from the valley of the crystal Grouse this week and were duly inaugurated for the next two years.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

JAMES McDERMOTT, County Attorney elect, has removed to Winfield, where he will remain permanently.

Winfield Courier, February 8, 1877.

The Grouse Valley is pretty well represented at the Courthouse: Burden, Troup, McDermott, Bryan, Story, and Gans.

Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.

Capt. James McDermott has purchased the stone residence in the southeast part of town from Col. Alexander.

Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.

Card. JAMES McDERMOTT, ATTORNEY AT LAW, WINFIELD, KANSAS.

Office at the Court House.

[PHILOMATIC SOCIETY OF WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.

The next regular meeting of the Philomatic society of Winfield will be held at the Courthouse, on Friday evening, March 2nd, 1877.

PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING.

1. Music by Miss Newman.

2. Select Reading; by Mrs. J. D. Pryor.

3. Weekly Paper, by Rev. J. L. Rushbridge.

4. Music, by Miss Gowen.

5. Answers to scientific questions.

6. Essay by F. S. Jennings.

7. Discussion. Resolved, "That the practice of the law elevates the profession." AffirmativeJas. McDermott, W. M. Allison. NegativeC. M. Wood, J. E. Allen.

8. Scientific questions by the audience.

9. Adjournment.

Exercises to begin at 7½ o'clock, p.m. All are invited to attend.

F. S. JENNINGS, President. O. M. SEWARD, Secretary.

[DEXTER TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: "NASBY."]

Winfield Courier, March 8, 1877. Editorial Page.

From Dexter.

DEAR COURIER: Again I give you the news from this part of the county. The health of the people has improved since my last writing. Dexter is moving along in its usual way. Business is about as usual. Trade is quite brisk.

Mr. McDorman, our present postmaster, has taken Mr. Wiley in the dry goods business as a partner, which will add credit and prestige to the place, as Mr. Wiley is one of the most solid men in the county and a man possessing large business qualifications.

The harness shop mentioned in my last letter is now ready for use and will be occupied by a Mr. Hoyt.

Dexter claims to have one of the finest schools in the county this winter; it being taught by a Mr. Ealy from Cedarvale.

Mr. Editor, I will give you an account of the effect of the news concerning the political situation. Early this morning I noticed quite a large crowd of Democrats assembled at Democratic headquarters. And as you know that a meeting called in the interest of democracy is always attended by a large number of persons and plenty of alcohol. I hastened to answer to my name as the roll was called. "Mr. Nasby," said the chairman, "have you anything to say to this meeting?"

I replied by saying: "Mr. President and gentlemen of this large and respected assemblage: we are called together to consider the situation concerning the news from Washington, as it affects us here more than all the other news put together. It is now certain that Hayes will be declared elected by that infamous set of radical scoundrels assembled in Washington, and as for my part as a leader among you, I won't stand it. I will join Mr. Hackney's command, and go there and resist his inauguration, for you know that set of radicals that set around McDorman's will continue to keep the post office and I will continue to be left out.

"You also know that that thief Manning at Winfield will keep Kelly in office up there and great God what will we do? The post offices are all gone for four years, and that radical little scoundrel McDermott has taken the printing out of the Telegram office and given it to Manning, and undoing everything that our good brother Pyburn has done for our party. And now you know he can't do anything at Topeka because you know that man Manning went up there and told the radicals that Pyburn was a Democrat and not to do anything for him; if they did, it would be helping the Democrats that much. So you see he can't fool anybody up there. Great God, what will our good chairman do for an office. We expected Mr. Tilden to give him the Agency of the Kaw tribe; but alas, all is gone.

"Brothers, we can only do one thing, and that is for us all to stick close together, and not trade with any radical, or patronize any blacksmith that adheres to the radical side. We can go and get a democratic doctor when we get sick, and let Wagner wait on his radical friends, as you know he was the man that lit the lamps for Manning's meeting and in consequence of that act he is unfit to practice among good Democrats."

With these remarks Mr. Nasby closed by saying, "May God bless the people of Crab Creek as they furnish more of that article called spirit than all the rest of the Democrats of the township put together."

The chairman called on others to speak, but they all declined to say anything more than endorsing Mr. Nasby's remarks. One member moved an adjournment, which was carried by loud cheers for Mr. Nasby and the corners. NASBY. Feb. 28, 1877.

[PHILOMATIC SOCIETY OF WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, March 22, 1877.

Programme of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, March 23rd, 1877.

1. Music, String Band.

2. Reading Minutes.

3. Music, Vocal.

4. Miscellaneous business.

5. Song by Geo. H. Buckman.

6. Select reading by Miss Jessie Millington.

7. Music, Vocal.

8. Answers to scientific and historic questions.

9. Weekly paper. Mrs. Dr. Mansfield and J. M. Bair.

10. Proposals of questions to be answered at the next meeting.

11. Music, String Band.

12. Discussion: Resolved, that "Incipient incertitude is the climactical culmination of moral excellence." Affirmative: Messrs. R. C. Story and Jno. Allen. Negative: Rev. J. L. Rushbridge and Jas. McDermott.

13. Report of Committee on Programme.

14. Adjournment.

Music by Prof. Easton's String Band.

All are invited. C. M. WOOD, President. EMMA SAINT, Secretary.

[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, April 19, 1877.

[County Commissioner Proceedings...am only putting down amount allowed. Skipping amount claimed].

OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, Winfield, Kansas, April 11th, 1877.

Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. All the Board present with James McDermott, County Attorney, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk. Among other proceedings had, sundry claims were presented and passed upon as follows:

S. S. Moore, assessor: $42.00

M. G. Troup, Co. clerk salary: $343.05

J. McDermott, Co. Attorney salary: $175.00

R. C. Story, Co. Supt. salary: $150.00

T. R. Bryan, Co. Treas. salary: $452.75

Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.

The following are the attorneys in attendance at the Cowley County district court now in session: L. J. Webb, W. M. Boyer, J. E. Allen, D. A. Millington, Jennings & Buckman, E. S. Torrance, Hackney & McDonald, James McDermott, A. H. Green, Pyburn & Seward, J. M. Alexander, Pryor & Pryor, Henry E. Asp, Linus S. Webb, of Winfield; C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, Amos Walton, James Christian, and Col. McMullen, of Arkansas City; A. L. Redden, of Eldorado; Judge M. S. Adams, of Wichita; J. D. McBryan, of Sedan, Chautauqua County; J. M. White, of Howard City, Elk County.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.

The following attorneys were in attendance upon the present term of the District Court: Hon. Alfred L. Redden, of Eldorado; Mr. White, Howard City, Elk County; Judge M. S. Adams, Wichita; Mr. McBryan, Sedan, Chautauqua County; Hon. C. R. Mitchell, Amos Walton, Judge Christian, E. B. Kager and Col. McMullen, of Arkansas City; and Messrs. Hackney & McDonald, Pryor & Pryor, Jennings & Buckman, Pyburn & Seward, Jas. McDermott, Henry E. Asp, E. S. Torrance, J. E. Allen, L. J. & Linus Webb, D. A. Millington, A. H. Green, W. M. Boyer, J. M. Alexander, of Winfield.

[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, May 31, 1877.

OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, Winfield, Kansas, May 25th, 1877.

Board of County Commissioners met in special session. All the board present, with James McDermott, County Attorney, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk.

[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877.

OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, Winfield, Kansas, July 5th, 1877.

Board of County Commissioners met in regular session. Present: R. F. Burden, Chairman, W. M. Sleeth and William White, members of the board, with James McDermott, County Attorney, R. L. Walker, Sheriff, and M. G. Troup, County Clerk.

James McDermott, Co. Attorney Salary, $175.00.

Winfield Courier, August 16, 1877.

A CORRECTION. Endeavoring always to state the truth in the COURIER and willing at all times to correct misstatements, we now say: that having in last week's paper, said, under the head of "An Outrage"

"In every case in which we have heard that any choice for chairman was expressed by the committeeman himself on giving his proxy, that expression was adverse to Mr. Johnston. But these proxies, disregarding their instructions, voted for the very man they were instructed to vote against."

Our information being second hand at that time was only partially true. These are the facts: Mr. Wooley instructed the party to whom he gave his proxy to cast the vote for Chas. Eagin for chairman. Mr. Van Orsdal says that he instructed his proxy against Mr. Johnston; Mr. Norman was known by the person to whom he gave his proxy to be opposed to the putting of Johnston into that important position. His instructions were: "McDermott first, Eagin next."

Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.

The District Court commenced its session on Monday with a light docket, and it is to be hoped that it will be cleared up this week. The following members of the bar present: Hon. W. P. Campbell, Judge; E. S. Bedilion, Clerk; R. L. Walker, Sheriff; M. S. Adams, of Wichita, C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, and A. Walton, of Arkansas City; J. McDermott, County Attorney, J. E. Allen, A. J. Pyburn, O. M. Seward, W. M. Boyer, L. J. Webb, W. P. Hackney, J. W. McDonald, E. S. Torrance, H. E. Asp, D. A. Millington, S. D. Pryor, J. D. Pryor, F. S. Jennings, G. H. Buckman, and A. H. Green, of Winfield, attorneys.

Winfield Courier, September 20, 1877.

The boys tell one on Shenneman. Our friend, James McDermott, has a young man stopping with him. He just came into the country lately, and is looking around with a view to locating. He is rather new to our county politics, but Shenneman heard he was working for the Lippman delegation, and he posted off in hot haste to electioneer him. The young man weighs ten pounds and Mac calls him his baby. How is it A. T.?

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.

Hon. J. McDermott, Hon. T. R. Bryan, Prof. George W. Robinson, and others, whose names we did not get, have gone to Topeka. Wonder if the horse fair was the attraction.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.

Hall of Winfield Chapter No. 31, R. A. Masons.

WINFIELD, KAN., Oct. 8, 1877.

WHEREAS, Death, for the first time, has invaded our circle, and taken from among us our companion, N. C. McCulloch, and;

WHEREAS, In the dispensation of Divine Providence we recognize the ruling of the Supreme Grand High Priest of the universe and bow submissively to his will.

Resolved, That we most sincerely deplore his loss, and in the true spirit of charity which animates our Brotherhood, we pledge to his bereaved family our sympathy and benefactions.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the Chapter, a copy of the same attested by the Secretary and with the seal of the Chapter attached, furnished the family of our deceased companion and the city papers requested to make publication hereof.

Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877. Editorial Page.

In the COURIER for Sept. 18th is found side by side the announcements of M. G. Troup and J. S. Hunt as candidates for the office of County Clerk before the Republican convention. Both were well known to be candidates all over the county, both canvassed to a considerable extent, and the primaries were held more with reference to the claims of those two candidates than of any others save those for Sheriff, and were more fully attended than ever before; no set of delegates ever before so nearly expressed the will of their constituents, and when the convention assembled, Mr. Troup was there busy canvassing the delegates.

It was there ascertained that a great majority of them were for Capt. Hunt, a fact that Mr. Troup fully realized by his withdrawal, and Capt. Hunt was nominated without dissent. Never was a fairer nomination nor one which gave more general satisfaction to the party.

The people do not know that there is anything wrong about the Clerk's office. They hope that the incumbent has done his duty well, but they well know that there is opportunity for many frauds in that office, and many neglects of duty which would not be detected until a change of officers. They know that nearly all the astounding frauds that have been unearthed, have been perpetrated by persons who were considered above suspicion; who not having been scrutinized on account of the confidence reposed in them, have been tempted into small peculations which have grown with years into enormous embezzlements and other frauds. They know that in the office of County Clerk there are fees to collect and credit to the county; that there are large amounts of stationery and expensive books to be bought for the county, on which a high price is sometimes paid the seller, who in turn pays back the officer a high commission; that there are large amounts of county scrip to control and handle, that considerable sums of scrip are made and signed, ready for delivery, which are never called for, and should be canceled and destroyed after three years; that there are the accounts of other officers to be kept straight; that the errors and frauds of county officers are usually only detected when there is a change of County Clerks; that County Attorney McDermott discovered last winter a $2,500 error in the late Treasurer's account which the County Clerk had for three years failed to detect; and that four consecutive years is as long as any person should ever hold that responsible position.

The late convention did well to decide upon a change. It expressed the wishes of nearly all the voters of the county if we may judge from the expression we hear. It did well in nominating Capt. J. S. Hunt, a man who is in every respect the peer of the present incumbent; a man whose whole record shows that he will thoroughly overhaul the past operations, and discover if anything is wrong; and Republicans will, we doubt not, vote for him almost unanimously, while the Democrats who prefer the good of the county rather than the damaging of the Republican party will also support him.

Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877. Editorial Page.

"CROOKEDNESS."

Mr. Troup asserts that during his term he has saved this county ten thousand dollars. How, Mr. Troup? When were we in danger of sustaining such a heavy loss? Have you done any more than your sworn duty as an officer? On the contrary, we have just come into possession of evidence that satisfies us that this county did sustain a loss of at least $2,561.20, that is directly charged to either your inefficiency or neglect.

October 23rd, 1876, the retiring county treasurer filed in your office a statement of his business during his term. The board of county commissioners intrusted you to examine that statement in detail, and ordered the county treasurer to refund to Mr. Kager any sum of money you should find due him. You have, or should have, in your office such checks and balances as would enable you to detect at once any error in the county treasurer's accounts. On the 7th of last December, after examining the statement with Mr. Kager's attorney, you reported to Mr. Bryan that Mr. Kinne had overpaid the county $522.17, and that that sum should be repaid to him as ordered by the county board. Sometime after this county attorney McDermott called your attention to the fact that District No. 5 had sustained a loss of about $300, and said that it must be an error in your settlement with the county treasurer. You denied this emphatically, and said you knew the statement was correct. Mr. McDermott showed you after your efficient (?) service of three years as county clerk, how to detect such errors, looked up with you the affairs of District No. 5, convinced you that a mistake of over $300 had been made in that instance, and left you to examine the accounts of other districts and see if other blunders had been made.

You then proceeded to make the examination and discovered that in your statement to Mr. Bryan you had made a mistake of $2,561.30, and you reported that blunder to the county board April 11th, 1877. Would the mistake ever have been discovered had it not been for the efficiency of the county attorney? Does not the county attorney deserve the credit for the detection of your blunder and the recovery to this county of the lost $2,561.30? We think so.

Did you save the balance of the ten thousand dollars in the same way?

You are invited to make your defense through the columns of the COURIER.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.

TROUP AGAIN.

The following editorial appeared in the COURIER of last week.

[REPRINTS ARTICLE ENTITLED "CROOKEDNESS."]

To this Mr. Troup replies as follows:

TROUP'S DEFENSE. This is to certify that we, the undersigned Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas, have read an article in the editorial columns of the Winfield COURIER, entitled "Crookedness," and find the same to be a gross misrepresentation of Mr. Troup's official acts concerning the final statement and settlement of Mr. Kager's account vs. county treasurer of said county. Believing in the motto of "honor to whom honor is due," we would further say that no official act of Mr. Troup's in connection with Mr. Kager's final settlement would, in the least degree, indicate to the mind of any fair-minded person that he (Troup) was dishonest, inefficient, or unfaithful in the trust confided to his care, but on the contrary, his every act in that matter but serves to confirm us in the belief that he has been, and is, a faithful, efficient, and honorable public servant.

(Signed) R. F. BURDEN, WM. WHITE, W. M. SLEETH. October 27th, 1877.

Now, Mr. Editor, I deem the foregoing to be a sufficient answer to the villainous article you published last week, and do not care to trespass further on your space with that matter. However, I desire to say that you must be supporting a most odious ticket indeed, if it requires such dirty work to carry it, as you had made use of, in your last issue. Does it not strike you as being a little ridiculous, Mr. Editors, for you to resort to such infamous measures to carry a ticket, that is as worthy of support as you say yours is, in a county where you have a straight majority of 700 votes? Do you not think you could lend more dignity to the exalted position which you hold, at the head of the public education of this great commonwealth, if you were to devote more time to the educational interests of the state, and less to the publication of such articles, as emanated from your fertile brain last week? Is it not, in fine, just a little degrading to the Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction, for you to come down here, 200 miles, to do the dirty work for a few political shysters, in a local canvass for county officers? I leave you to answer these interrogations at your leisure.

Now, Mr. Editor, having performed my duties honestly and faithfully, I feel confident that all future discoveries of "crookedness" will have the same foundation of fact, as the one mentioned last week. Having nothing to fear from a strict and impartial inquiry into my official career, I invite you to try again, in your search for "crookedness."

Yours respectfully, M. G. TROUP.

There is no principle of newspaper courtesy that would require us to publish the above strictures on Mr. Lemmon. On the contrary, under the rules of the press we would be justified in refusing to publish the communication, because Mr. Troup has so forgotten that he should be a gentleman, as to call us hard names. However, we waive the discourtesy and publish the article entire.

We do not think the people care to be diverted from the issues in this canvass by a discussion of Mr. Troup's strictures on Mr. Lemmon. Mr. Lemmon is a citizen of this county; votes only here, has invested all his means here, returns to this county as his home when his official duties will permit, will permanently remain here when those duties are ended, feels as deep an interest in, and works as hard for the welfare of this county as any other citizen, and has an equal right to be heard in its politics and policies. But whether he is behaving badly or well is not an issue at this time, for he is not "running for office." Mr. Troup is a candidate for a third term as county clerk, and his official acts are legitimate subjects for discussion. Hence our editorial in last week's COURIER as above. Please examine it carefully and see where the "villainy," the "dirty work," and the "infamous measures," come in. We think we treated the subject with great fairnesseven with tenderness. We stated certain facts which are not controverted in his reply, neither can they be successfully, for the records of his office and that of the county treasurer, together with the testimony of other county officers and other men of unquestioned veracity, amply prove them to be true.

The issue is made only on our conclusion, that the loss of about $2,500 to the county was due either to Mr. Troup's neglect or his inefficiency. It is a cheap way to controvert such conclusions, to write or dictate a denial in general terms like the above, and induce three of his particular friends to subscribe it as a favor. It is a fact often commented upon that most men at the instance of a friend will sign any paper except a promise to pay money. Our commissioners being human are not exempt from such weakness. But if they really meant to stand by what that paper contains, they are in the same boat with him. There was assuredly some neglect, or inefficiency, or something worse somewhere, or school districts in this county would not thus have lost more than $2,500 of the fundsa loss that would evidently never have been detected had it not been for the efficiency of county attorney McDermott. The use of this large sum for fifteen months was lost beyond recovery.

Mr. Troup makes the commissioners deny that his official action in this case indicates any dishonesty on his part. Please examine our editorial again and see where we intimate that he has been dishonest. We fail to find it. The idea of dishonesty has been suggested by Mr. Troup alone, and while we will not say that "a guilty conscience needs no accuser," we think it well, now that he has called our attention to this phase of the subject, not to brush the thought too hastily away, but to proceed to state a few more facts.

The law of 1875a law that has been on our statute books for two and a half years, requires the county clerk to make under oath quarterly, and file with the register of deeds a detailed statement of the amount of fees received by him during the quarter. No such report has ever been filed with the register of deeds of this county. We leave it for others to say whether this is neglect, or inefficiency, or the other thing. The same law declares that county clerks shall be allowed "as full compensation for their services" in counties of 5,000 and less than 10,000 inhabitants, $1,200, and in counties of 10,000, and not more than 15,000 inhabitants, $1,500 per annum, which salaries shall be in full for all the services by law required to be performed in their respective offices." At the commissioners' meeting on the first Monday of October last, Mr. Troup presented his statement of account against the county, in which he claimed, after deducting certain fees, a balance due him for his services during the preceding quarter of $663.15, and that sum was allowed and paid him. In that statement was included $300 for a duplicate tax roll. We have consulted the leading attorneys of this city and have failed to find one who will say that the account was a just one, or that it should have been allowed and paid. There is no law authorizing it, and even if there were, the work could have