M. L. READ.

M. L. Read was born near Xenia, Ohio, in 1825, and was at the time of his death 66 years old. At the age of 14 years he moved with his parents to Schuyler County, Illinois, where he learned the trade of a tailor. He was admitted to the bar in 1846, and was married the same year. His only child is a daughter, the wife of S. H. Myton, of this city. In 1872 Mr. Read came to Winfield and in company with M. L. Robinson established M. L. Read’s bank, the oldest banking house in Cowley County. In 1873 he erected the first brick building in this county, for the use of the bank.

He was a member of the Adelphia Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of this city, as well as Winfield Chapter R. A. M. and a consistent member of the Methodist church.

M. L. Read was an uncle to the Robinson’s: M. L., A. R., and W. C.

In 1871 the Robinson’s had a clothing and merchant-tailoring establishment in Independence, Kansas. M. L. Read and M. L. Robinson also had the Independence Bank.

Winfield Messenger, Friday, August 30, 1872.

[From the Independence Tribune.]

As will be seen from their notice in this issue, the Independence Bank has sold out to Hull’s Bank. As we understand Messrs. Reed & Robinson by this sale bind themselves not to engage in the Banking business again in our city; we hope they may conclude to remain among us in some other business. These gentlemen have won hosts of friends during their business career here and should they conclude to go elsewhere, they can have no better reference than to the citizens of Independence generally, as to their standing and business integrity.

The above named gentlemen have located at Winfield, and will commence the Banking business here soon. They have purchased the first lot south of the Winfield Bank, and will erect a large stone building with brick and glass front immediately. We are always glad to welcome such men to our town, and most heartily do we welcome Messrs. Reed & Robinson, knowing that with the above recommendation they cannot help but succeed. They have gone for their safe and books and will soon be ready for business.

Winfield Messenger, September 20, 1872.

Mr. M. L. Read Esq., the new banker, put in an appearance the other day with the largest safe ever brought to Southern Kansas. He will open a bank at once, in the building north of the post office. He comes well recommended.

Winfield Messenger, Friday, October 4, 1872.

M. L. Read, Banker.

Mr. Read has just commenced business here, as we announced some time ago. He has a safe weighing 9,500 pounds with three combination locks, in which our businessmen and others who may possess money can deposit with safety.

Winfield Messenger, October 11, 1872.

Mr. Read has a large desk in his bank, the workmanship of J. H. Saunders.

Winfield Messenger, Friday, October 18, 1872.

We see a large quantity of material on the ground for M. L. Read’s new bank building.

Winfield Messenger, Friday, November 8, 1872.

Mr. Robinson, cashier of Read’s bank, has bought Mr. Webb’s residence.

Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.

The foundation is being laid for A. H. Green’s new law office. It will be built on the second lot south of J. C. Fuller’s Bank, will be a frame 16 x 28, with a handsomely finished front, in connection with the Bank building to be erected by M. L. Read, the coming spring. It will add much to the appearance of that part of Main street.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 15, 1873.

The mason work on the new bank building is finished, and we venture to say that it is one of the finest buildings in this part of the state. We hope more of our businessmen will manifest the confidence in our town shown by Messrs. Read & Robinson.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 22, 1873.

Our genial friend, M. L. Read, told us one of the "fishiest" stories the other day we have heard since the days of Jonah. He drew a bucket of water from the well for his horses, and in the water was discovered a member of the finny family quite two inches in length. It was as bright as a new made dollar, and had a striking resemblance of the sun perch. Mrs. Read gave it a cosy little home in a glass jar filled with water, where it was kept for two days and then set at liberty again in the bottom of the well. Mr. Read indulges the belief that he has just discovered a specimen of the "first run of shad" from a subterranean outlet, which if properly attended to during the season, will establish a first-class fishery.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.

The glass for the front of M. L. Read’s Bank have been received and when they are put in, the finishing touches will be about completed. The glass are six feet ten inches high by four feet five inches wide. There are few buildings in this part of the state that presents the general appearance or that have cost more than this.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 3, 1873.

Scull & Michener have removed their law office into one of the rooms in Read’s new Bank Building.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 10, 1873.

Messrs. Requa & Bing, our suburban clothing merchants, have moved into the city, and taken very pleasant quarters in the storeroom formerly occupied by Read’s bank. Bing says he "got tired of country life."

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 10, 1873.

We take pleasure in noting the completion of M. L. Read’s new bank building. The contractors, Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, deserve every credit as experienced mechanics, as this piece of their work will fully testify. The material used in the construction is an extra quality of limestone rock for the foundation, and also used in the walls of the basement. The main building is of brick structure, and exhibits as fine an appearance exteriorly, as any brick block in the eastern States. The front has iron columns to support it, and the window sills are of white limestone rock and are capped with the same. The folding doors at the entrance are magnificently constructed of fine material, and grained and finished in modern style; while the large windows on each side of the door will be one solid glass, French plate, 4-1/2 feet in width and 9-1/2 feet in height.

The appointments of the building consists of basement full size of building, which is now occupied by Messrs. Miller & Meyers in the restaurant business. The second floor is exclusively occupied by the bank, and has attached every convenience desired in a banking house. The third floor is cut into rooms for office purposes, and is occupied by Messrs. Scull & Michener, attorneys; Messrs. Pryor & Kager, attorneys; J. F. Paul, Esq., County Recorder; John Curns, City Clerk; T. A. Wilkinson, County Superintendent; and E. B. Kager, Esq., County Treasurer. The building is completely occupied, and its interior, in point of finish and adaption to the business for which it is used, is not excelled by a like structure in any city.

The business energy and willing disposition so liberally manifested by Mr. Read to invest money in our town since he became a citizen, endows him with the respect and confidence of the whole public.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 31, 1873.

Ordered by the Board that J. F. Paul, Register of deeds, and E. B. Kager, County Treasurer, and Wilkinson, Superintendent of Public Instruction are assigned to the three office rooms over M. L. Read’s bank at rent $27.50 per month.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 31, 1873.

RECAP: J. HEADRICK, ADMINISTRATOR OF ESTATE OF WM. T. KIRBY, DECEASED, SELLING AT PUBLIC AUCTION AUGUST 16, 1873, ONE DOOR SOUTH OF THE STORE OF HITCHCOCK & BOYLE, IN THE CITY OF WINFIELD, TO THE HIGHEST AND BEST BIDDER, THE FOLLOWING—

One gray horse, one bay mare and colt, one two year old colt, one wagon, one set chain harness, three plows, three pigs, one rifle gun, one Spencer rifle, one cook stove, one bedstead, eleven hundred shingles. Also, the undivided half of twenty acres corn growing in the field, two acres of sod corn, forty dozen bundles wheat and garden and potatoes growing with other household goods too tedious to mention. Terms: All sums of five dollars and under, cash; all over five dollars, a credit of ninety days. Note payable at Read’s Bank with good and approved security.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 28, 1873.

The closing scene of the political farce enacted by Allison, Paul & Co., on the 23rd inst. occurred in front of M. L. Read’s Bank Building. The hardy tillers of the soil who were in attendance upon the mass meeting through the day had departed, and with faces turned toward their personal benefit, were far beyond the sight and hearing of the Editor of the Telegram although still meditating upon the strange and remarkable texts furnished by him in his manifesto for their perusal. Mr. Allison exhausted with the prodigious labors of the day, and filled with chagrin on account of the terrible exposure of the frauds which he and his little political clique in Winfield had attempted to perpetrate upon the good farmers of the county walked to and fro on the shady side of Main Street. When lo! his little heart all swollen, he meets his old friend (?) the sheriff of Cowley County engaged in conversation with others upon the probable results of the day. From the drift of the conversation Mr. Allison gathers the fact that in the Sheriff’s opinion, the whole affair was characterized by a thinness which every farmer was likely to see through. Mr. Allison, a firm advocate of a Free Press, but not of Free Speech to others, resists the seeming imputation of failure in his day’s labors, and gives the Sheriff the lie, prefaced by a series of profane epithets. The Sheriff with appalling presumption returns the lie.

"O, death where is thy sting!" Allison searches for his sting. Forgetting its locality, he thrusts his hand into his bosom, but finds nothing but his fluttering heart. Memory returns, and with fiendish expectation he slaps his hand upon, that is, into his pocket; but there, alas! he finds nothing but his empty pocket book—Judge Adams had the contents. O, Parker, Parker! blessed by thy stars! Allison has left his stinger altogether behind. "Shall this miscreant live? No! I will be a lion in the heart of Parker, if not in the hearts of the people!" And so our little lion pounces upon Parker with claws and teeth. But unpropitious fate, in the shape of the arm of a bystander, stays the murderous work, and in saving a human life cheats the world of a modern hero. "I go, but I return." Allison retires from the scene of the conflict, but in a few moments returns, whether with stinger or not, we know not. He finds his adversary in quiet conversation with a minister of the Gospel. Suddenly interrupting the conversation, and with stinging emphasis, he denounces a remark of the Sheriff’s as a d____d lie. The remark referred to was to the effect that Allison claimed to be the Farmer’s Friend. The Editor of the Telegram perceiving his mistake, and that he for once had been guilty of a contradiction, instantly withdrew to consider how he could reconcile the contradiction in the next issue of his paper.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 28, 1873.

Bank Notice.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 16, 1873.

The following cases will stand for trial at the October term of the District Court of Cowley County and have been placed upon the trial docket in the following order.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 23, 1873.

As it is the rule for bankers to make statements to the public in vindication of their management of the business during the recent "currency flurry" for the benefit of those who were so fearfully anxious for fear Read’s Bank would not be forced to close its doors (the customers and depositors of the Bank need no statement as they have manifested no anxiety about the matter) and to correct any erroneous impressions that may have been created in the minds of the readers of a small paid local, that appeared in the last issue of the COURIER and Telegram. Read’s Bank "wants it distinctly understood by those parties in the eastern part of this county, who think all the banks in the county have suspended," and by all parties everywhere, that all the banks in Cowley County have sustained themselves during the recent "money panic," in a manner that should be a matter of pride to every good citizen of our county, that Read’s Bank has been open for business at all business hours during the "panic," that we have conducted our business as usual, except as a matter of prudence and a decent respect for the interests of our customers and depositors, we did not loan freely to parties who had never been customers of the bank and had no claim on us for accommodations, but to our customers, we have made the usual amount of loans and renewals. We have taken eastern drafts at all times, and placed them to the credit of our customers as usual, and in many cases have allowed our customers to draw against their drafts in currency when we could not get a dollar in currency from eastern banks, on them. The bank has paid every demand against it in currency as desired, and in many cases have allowed overdrafts to accommodate our customers, when the same was properly secured.

We would say further that we are abundantly able to take care of ourselves and our customers despite the assiduous carpings of some of our jealous enemies, that our capital which is ample for our business is unimpaired by any losses during the "panic"—and our judgment perhaps improved—and we hope to serve our many citizens, in the future as we have in the past, and afford them every customary facility. We propose to do a safe Banking business and nothing else—offering a safe place for deposits, a place that shall always [REST OF ARTICLE OBSCURED.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.

M. L. Read vs. S. E. and J. Dudley, judgment by default.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 13, 1873.

Tuesday morning E. S. Torrance, our County Attorney, started for his home in Pennsylvania to visit his parents, and two sisters, who have returned on a visit from their residence in South America. He was escorted to Wichita by M. L. Read and the Grand Mogul of the COURIER.

Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.

We are under many obligations to M. L. Read of this city for courtesies during our late trip to Wichita. Those who have business with Mr. Read will find him a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.

JAMES KELLY, EDITOR.

Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.

The Co. Commissioners at their last meeting accepted the Courthouse. And the contractors, Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, take this method to return thanks to their bondsmen, S. C. Smith, Charley Black, R. B. Saffold, Hiram Silver, S. H. Myton, Rice & Ray, J. J. Ellis, J. D. Cochran, M. L. Read, J. C. Blandin, John Lowry, and C. A. Bliss, for the confidence reposed in them when they were entire strangers, and to say that they are honorably discharged from any further obligation on account of the Courthouse.

Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.

GRAND MASONIC FESTIVAL!

To be given for the benefit of Adelphi Lodge, A. F. & A. M. At the Courtroom, Winfield, Kansas, Dec. 25th, 1873.

RECEPTION COMMITTEE. Dr. Graham, M. L. Read, A. Howland, P. Hill, J. P. Short, Mrs. A. A. Jackson, Mrs. P. Hill, Mrs. Robinson, Miss Ella Quarles, J. L. M. Hill.

TABLE COMMITTEE. A. T. Stewart, J. F. Paul, T. A. Rice, W. M. Boyer, J. E. Saint, J. D. Cochran, J. C. Fuller, John Swain, J. A. Simpson, A. T. Shenneman, A. S. Williams, J. P. Short, Mrs. J. P. Short, Miss Read, Miss Mary Stewart, Mrs. Geo. Oakes, Mrs. J. F. Paul, Mrs. E. Maris, Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mrs. W. M. Boyer, Mrs. L. R. Paul, Mrs. L. J. Webb, Mrs. J. C. Weathers, Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Howland, Mrs. Hickock, Mrs. W. G. Graham, Mrs. J. D. Cochran, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Miss Parmelee, Miss Lizzie Graham, Miss Yount.

Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.

RECAP: MARTIN L. READ, PLAINTIFF, VS. S. E. AND JOHN DUDLEY, DEFENDANTS...SHERIFF’S SALE SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1873, FOR CASH IN HAND FOR NOT LESS THAN TWO THIRDS OF THE APPRAISED VALUE THEREOF, OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY: LOT ONE BLOCK TEN; LOT TWO BLOCK TEN; LOT TO THREE BLOCK TEN; LOT FOUR BLOCK TEN; LOT FIVE BLOCK TEN; LOT SIXTEEN BLOCK TEN; LOT SEVENTEEN BLOCK TEN; LOT EIGHTEEN BLOCK TEN; LOT NINETEEN BLOCK TEN; LOT TWENTY BLOCK TEN; ALL LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF LAZETTE, COUNTY OF COWLEY, THE STATE OF KANSAS. JAMES PARKER, SHERIFF.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1874.

A Peep Over the Shoulder.

This number completes Volume 1st of the WINFIELD COURIER. One year ago it was started to supply a want long felt, not only in the Republican party, but among businessmen of all shades of opinion, who desired a good advertising medium. . . .

The buildings erected during the year just closed have been of the most substantial kind, the most prominent of which we call to mind, the splendid brick Bank building of M. L. Read; the neat Drug house of Maris, Carson & Baldwin; the magnificent flowering mills of C. A. Bliss and Blandin & Covert; the jail and Courthouse; the residences of Kirk, McMillen, and Dr. Graham. These are but a few of the many built during the last twelve months, and they are such as to do credit to any town in the state. Bridges of magnificent proportions span all main streams on the roads leading to town. . . .

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Bills taken up: M. L. Read, office rent [claimed $165.00]: $142.08

Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.

Read the card of Mr. Waite, money loaner and Real Estate Agent in this city. Mr. Waite is a clever gentleman, and deals on the square.

AD: R. B. WAITE, LOAN & LAND OFFICE. Particular attention paid to making CONTRACTS, MORTGAGES, DEEDS, AND PROOFS. Also to buying and selling REAL ESTATE. Money Loaned on real estate security. Office over Read’s Bank.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.

CIVIL COURT. TENTH DAY.

84. Martin L. Read vs. S. E. & J. Dudley.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.

Below we give the names of our businessmen who advertised in the "COURIER EXTRA" this week. Our readers may rest assured that men who advertise liberally will deal liberally.

Ellis & Black, W. L. Mullen, Darrah & Doty, O. N. Morris & Bro., T. E. Gilleland, George Miller, Maris, Carson & Baldwin, J. C. Weathers and Co., C. A. Bliss & Co., Hitchcock & Boyle, W. M. Boyer, Lagonda House, Banking Houses of M. L. Read and J. C. Fuller, J. B. Lynn, N. Roberson, M. Miller, Frank Williams, Geo. W. Martin, and the Arkansas City Traveler.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.

Jeffries vs. Read, Referee ordered.

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.

Forty acres of land from the farm of W. W. Andrews and adjoining the town site on the north is being laid off into town lots preparatory to being made a part of the City of Winfield. The addition embraces the residences of M. L. Read, T. A. Wilkinson, E. B. Kager, Dr. Graham, N. C. McCulloch, and J. J. Ellis, and will be one of the prettiest portions of the City.

Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.

Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, while driving out to the cemetery the other day, met with rather a serious accident. a pair of mules ran up behind them, frightened their team, which started to run, and before Mr. Read could check them up, upset the buggy, dislocating Mrs. Read’s collar bone and otherwise injuring her. Mr. Read had his arm considerably hurt; the buggy was badly smashed; the horses ran but a short distance, however, when they stopped. It is hoped that neither will sustain any permanent injury.

Winfield Courier, August 7, 1874.

The Telegram can’t stay a great while in one place. The last move took it clear down—cellar, under Read’s bank.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.

We, the undersigned citizens of Winfield, agree to attend a public meeting to be held in this city, to take into consideration the desirability of organizing a Literary and Scientific Association, having in view the establishment of a Library and Reading-Room, the employment of public lecturers, the encouragement of literature, and otherwise promoting moral and intellectual improvement. Said meeting to be held at the Courthouse, at 7 o’clock p.m., on Tuesday, September 22, 1874.

(Signed) D. A. Millington, W. Q. Mansfield, E. S. Torrance, V. B. Beckett, M. L. Robinson, John E. Allen, James E. Platter, E. C. Manning, T. H. Johnson, A. H. Green, Wm. Bartlow, A. H. Hane, J. B. Fairbank, J. W. Curns, G. S. Manser, and M. L. Read.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.

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

When the creditors of Allison or the Telegram press too hard upon the concern for pay, postmaster Johnston, or M. L. Read, step in with either cash or security and give relief. They can’t afford to have the thing go down. Thus the P. O. "ring," by management, and the Telegram by blowing, have made and are making perpetual war on:

1st. The Republican party of Cowley County.

2nd. On the financial interests of Cowley County.

3rd. On the material development of Cowley County.

4th. On the business prosperity of Winfield.

An investigating committee of three, two of whom, the Chairman and one other member, opposed the Republican party last fall, has thus far failed to find anything wrong with the affairs of the Republican county officers although they have been in session several months.

The Telegram is for anybody or anything that will keep T. K. Johnston in the Post Office at Winfield, and serve the interests of its masters, Read & Robinson, and Alexander & Saffold.

At the time the County Board let the Courthouse contract, Read & Robinson, bankers, were behind the scenes with the money bags. No one would take the contract unless the scrip could be cashed. Read & Robinson, bankers (known as M. L. Read), took the scrip at 65 cents on the dollar. They got it all. In August of last year, the Telegram "Ring" tried to hold a "farmers" political meeting at Winfield. They partially failed of their purpose. Rev. William Martin was one of the speakers of the occasion. The "ring" saw that Martin was the kind of stuff to make an available candidate out of, for the Legislature. He was just about stupid enough to be "above suspicion." So T. K. Johnston went out to the old man’s home shortly after the meeting to interview him. He found the old man "sound," found him possessed of that qualification without which no "reformer" in Cowley County is considered sound, that is, he was opposed to Manning (that he didn’t know why he should be, doesn’t matter), and were he not a Reverend, might be induced to curse him, which would make him the more desirable. Anyway, he would oppose him and that was a good start in the right direction (although Manning was an invalid in the state of New York at that time and had been all summer, but at last accounts he was alive and consequently dangerous); then he would keep T. K. in the Post Office, and favor bonding Read & Robinson’s scrip, and besides was "above suspicion." But the old man didn’t want to be the representative, or said he didn’t, nor would he consent to run. T. K. came back gloomy. The horizon about the Post office was beginning to get somewhat cloudy. By a little strategy, however, by representing to the old man that the people considered him "above suspicion," and demanded that he make the sacrifice, the old man yielded. "Reform" delegates were worked up in Martin’s interest, and he was nominated. By Telegram falsehoods he was elected, and almost the first thing he did was to try to bond the scrip. The Telegram, backed by Read & Robinson, at home, and Allison at his elbow at Topeka, helped him. But the COURIER and the people opposed the measure and he failed.

Last week the Legislature met in extra session to relieve the destitute. Martin went to Topeka. Just before he went to take his seat, he had an interesting interview with members of the "ring." We understand they went in a carriage to his residence in the country and what took place at that interview, of course we can’t tell, except by what the Hon. William did when he reached Topeka. The second bill introduced into the House was "House bill No. 2 by William Martin to bond the debt of Cowley County." It is no measure of relief, no stay of law, no postponement of taxes, no appropriation for the needy, no act of any kind for the relief of the poverty stricken of Cowley County, but an act to convert the scrip of Read & Robinson, Geo. L. Thompson, J. C. Horton, et al, into Cowley County bonds. This, too, in the face of the well known opposition of the taxpayers of Cowley County to bonds of any kind.

The cabal that backs the Telegram in its baseness has its head and front in Alexander & Saffold, Read & Robinson, and T. K. Johnston. This "ring" is what Alexander calls the "respectable faction in the Republican party."

We have written what we have written in calmness, after carefully considering the whole subject. We have no desire to make personal assaults on any man. But we have come to the conclusion that longer submission to the assaults of this "ring" upon us, through their mouth-piece, would be cowardly. And in the interests of the people of Cowley County, who have so long been mislead by the misrepresentations of this "ring," we herewith fire our first shot.

Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.

THE "CARPETBAGGER."

A new paper is soon, if ever, to be started here by Lillie, Smith, Alexander & Co. As we have not been taken into the confidence of the managers, we of course cannot tell just to a "brilliant em," how many feet wide by yards long the new paper is going to be. We suppose, however, that it will be something near a 19 column paper, and will contain about 700 pages nonpareil. It is to be issued regularly when started, once in two years, or as Alexander gets run out of Leavenworth and carpet bags back to Winfield. It will be perfectly independent in politics, having no interests to serve, save that of the P. O. "Ring," and other peculiar interests of its managers. As its name indicates it will be ready at all times to pack up its carpet bag and go back to Leavenworth.

Its motto is to be taken from Alexander’s celebrated 4th of July oration:

"God Bless the Grangers!"

As near as we can find out the editorial staff stands about as follows:

J. C. Lillie, editor in chief.

J. M. Alexander, agricultural editor.

S. C. Smith, financial editor, with occasional contributions from T. K. Johnston, Dr. Dobson, and others.

As a ready writer Mr. Lillie has few superiors, as witness his "My say so," something over a year ago. On the subject of agriculture, Alexander is well posted, having practiced skinning the farmers for thirty odd years, he knows a thing or two on that subject. On finances S. C. is up with the times, having probably loaned as much or more money than anybody in Cowley County.

As to the honesty of the management, we have nothing to say. What if they did try to steal Allison’s subscription books, and start their paper on his ruins. That was but a clever coup de plume which will better stand excuse than investigation.

True, the new paper will be called a bastard by some ignorant people; but suppose it has not been blessed with either father or mother, its foster-mother, Alexander, is an experienced wet nurse, who will no doubt raise the bantling to a respectable standing in society. Of course, we write this "prospectus" without our host, as the Carpetbagger may never make any more of an appearance than it now does behind Read’s bank. But as we always hate to be behind in this matter, we give it the benefit of this advertisement.

Winfield Courier, October 29, 1874.

MONEY TO LOAN on Real Estate at Read’s Bank.

Winfield Courier, November 12, 1874.

The attention of our readers is called to Dr. Austin’s card in the COURIER this week. The doctor comes to us highly recommended as a gentleman and successful practitioner. Those who are so unfortunate as to need a physician will do well to call on Dr. Austin.

AD: WILSON E. AUSTIN. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON.

Office in Read’s Block. Upstairs. Winfield, Kansas.

Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.

Advertisements in this Issue

The Banking house of M. L. Read, is represented in a half column advertisement, and our citizens and the public generally, who have had business transactions with his bank, know of its worth far better than we can advise. This bank is a most valuable acquisition to our town and county.

Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.

DEALS

POSSESSING ample means for the successful conduct of our business, we would be pleased to receive accounts from any, believing we can make it to their advantage to do business with us.

Collections solicited and promptly attended to.

REFERENCES:

First National Bank, Kansas City, Mo.

F. C. Eames, Esq., Kansas City, Mo.

Cass County Bank, Beardstown, Ill.

Allen Stephens & Co., Bankers, New York City.

German Bank, St. Louis, Missouri.

F. W. Tracy, Cashier, First National Bank of Springfield, Ill.

Your Patronage Solicited.

Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.

AD. THE

Job Office

OF THE

PLOW AND ANVIL

IS COMPLETE IN EVERY PARTICULAR.

Bill Heads, Letter Heads, Cards, Blank work, Pamphlet Work, Ball Tickets, Wedding Cards, Posters, etc.

Printed in good style, on the best of paper and at moderate prices.

THE

Plow and Anvil

Is published every Thursday—contains from FIFTEEN to TWENTY COLUMNS of reading matter every issue, and gives its patrons the Local, Editorial, and Telegraph News of the day. SUBSCRIPTION, $2.00 Per Year.

Office in Read’s Bank Building, west side Main Street,

Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.

J. M. Read’s new building is about to receive its finishing touches, and Rogers two splendid new residences are finished. So we go. Improvement is the order of the day in Winfield.

Winfield Courier, November 26, 1874.

Notice to take Deposition.

In Cowley County District Court 13th Judicial District, State of Kansas.

John A. Himebaugh, Plaintiff, vs. Amos E. Mahaney, Martin L. Read, and Lizzie M. Martin, Defendants.

The defendant Amos E. Mahaney, will take notice that on Monday, the 25th day of January, A. D. 1875, the plaintiff above named will take the depositions of sundry witnesses to be used as evidence on the trial of the above cause at the office of Irving Howbert, at Colorado Springs, El Paso county, in the Territory of Colorado, between the hours of eight o’clock a.m. and six o’clock p.m. of said day, and that the taking of the same will be adjourned from day to day between the said hours until said depositions are completed.

Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.

Under the law passed in 1872, authorizing the county board to issue bonds to the amount of $15,000, the board has issued $9,300—$7,000 of which was delivered to J. C. Horton of Lawrence, in payment of the judgment rendered against the county, and in favor of Geo. L. Thompson. The $5,400 in favor of M. L. Read, and $300 in favor of E. C. Haywood, await the signature of the chairman of the board.

Winfield Courier, March 25, 1875.

There will be a meeting of the stockholders of the Winfield Cemetery Association on Wednesday, March 31, 1875, at W. H. H. Maris’ store. All persons owning a lot in the Winfield Cemetery are stockholders, and entitled to vote at the meeting. A full attendance is requested. The following is a list of the said stockholders.

JOHN B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.

M. L. Read was listed as one of the stockholders.

Winfield Courier, May 27, 1875.

Married.

MYTON - READ. At the residence of M. L. Read, Esq., Thursday evening, the 20th inst., Mr. S. H. Myton, Esq., and Miss Mollie C. Read, all of Winfield.

Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.

Attention, Sir Knights!

There will be a meeting of the "Bazique Club" at the Bachelor rooms over Read’s bank on Friday evening next, for the purpose of electing officers for the ensuing year and transacting such other business as may properly come before them. Sir Knights will govern themselves accordingly. By order of the GRAND KHEDIVE.

Winfield Courier, August 12, 1875.

The many friends of M. L. Read, Esq., will be glad to learn that he is recovering from his sickness and will be able to be about soon.

Winfield Courier, September 2, 1875.

Several of our farmers are about to introduce sheep into their business of stock raising, and with every prospect of success. Read & Robinson, Bankers, will soon send into Missouri for a large herd. A late article in the Times on the subject of sheep-raising has had its influence, and would be well if the Press, generally, would inform itself on all such subjects, and, in turn, inform the public. J. M. A. Leavenworth Times.

Winfield Courier, September 9, 1875.

Kager has the runningest garden we have seen this year. Tomato vines eight feet long and getting longer, beets, and radishes as large as a wagon-wheel, and everything of a "garden sass" nature in proportion. There ain’t room on the ground for the vegetables so the gourds climb the fence and get over onto Read’s lot.

Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.

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

Four who signed the above: M. L. Robinson, M. L. Read, W. C. Robinson, S. H. Myton.

Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.

WINFIELD CHAPTER,

HOLDS its regular meetings on the Second and Fourth Mondays of each month, at the hour of 7-1/2 o’clock, P. M. Comp. M. L. READ, H. P.

Comp. FRANK GALLOTTI, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, December 30, 1875.

A Chicago Criminal Circulating in Cowley County.

About two years ago, a smooth spoken, well dressed man, calling himself Amos E. Mahaney, circulated in this locality. He operated in one locality under an alias as the secret agent of President Grant in organizing third term leagues.

The condition of membership was the payment of ten dollars and all enrolled members were to be secretly secret allies in the third term movement, and money in large quantities was to be given to these agents in aid of the plan. Considerable money was disbursed under the arrangement which finally turned out to be counterfeit.

Mahaney once kept school in Labette Co., Kansas, and thereby formed an acquaintance or two of men of good character in this county, who formerly knew him as a respectable man. About this same time he rendezvoused at Douglass in the south part of Butler Co. There he was known as a land buyer and money loaner. His knowledge of human nature enabled him to obtain the confidence of several parties, and he purchased a farm of Mr. Hinebaugh in Butler for which he was to pay $1,000. A deed to the property was made and delivered, Hinebaugh for some reason agreeing to wait a few days for the money, which he never received.

At this time Mahaney had negotiations pending with Fred Moe, in Cowley, near Douglass. Mahaney closed the purchase of Moe’s place without any money by leaving a Mexican government bond of $1,500 as collateral for a few days. The next day Mahaney borrowed at the Eldorado Bank about $450 on his Hinebaugh farm, and with a letter of introduction from the officers of that institution he appeared in a day or two at the bank of M. L. Read, in Winfield. He had recorded his deed to the Moe tract and had forged a deed to 160 acres in Vernon Township, belonging to John Hinebaugh, which appears to have been duly acknowledged before a notary public in Wichita. This was also recorded.

On this property he secured a loan of five hundred dollars from M. L. Read (since which time the mortgage has been foreclosed and the Moe tract purchased by Read’s bank, which leaves them statute quo.).

This happened about the first of May, 1874, and was the last of Mahaney, the visible. Now we come to the invisible Mahaney. In July next, the Paola, Kansas, bank sent a draft for $700 to M. L. Read’s bank for payment, drawn by Amos E. Mahaney. Of course, the Paola bank was informed that Mahaney had no credit here. Before the information reached its destination, Amos had turned up in Sedalia, Missouri, and drawn at sight upon Winfield for $50 and $80. The Paola authorities here got upon his track and he lit out.

About the 1st of January last, Amos E. Mahaney presented to parties in St. Paul, Minnesota, a forged letter of credit from M. L. Read’s bank, Winfield, for the sum of $300.

A few months later he appeared in Bloomfield, Iowa, with a draft upon the same bank for $1,280, drawn by one Rivers. The Bloomfield bank held it for collection and inquiry by telegraph. Mr. Read telegraphed that A. E. M. was a villain, etc.

But A. E. M. suddenly had business at Lawrence, Kansas, where he appears in a few days as Allen Dare, a large land owner in Cowley County, and draws upon Read for $50, which draft was honored by the Lawrence victim. However, on his way through Iowa, he found a Granger who cashed a $300 draft on Read’s bank, which the old man now mourns. The farmer writes to know if the draft is good. Mr. Read informs him to the contrary and sympathizes with him.

Picking up an old copy of the N. Y. Tribune, Mahaney sees the advice to "go west," etc., and in a few days turns up at Salina, and there has a check for $25 on Read cashed.

On Oct. 1st he appeared at Syracuse, near Hutchinson, Kansas, in company with one Geo. M. Burdine, and gives E. P. Barber, secretary of the Syracuse colony, a draft of $300 on M. L. Read, of Winfield, in exchange for a team and buggy. They represented themselves as having been in the livery business in Winfield with a $3,000 credit at Read’s bank, and were on their way to Santa Fe. The outfit consisted of a top buggy, four horses, one gray, one black, one cream, one bay, to which was added the Syracuse purchase. Burdine was heavy built, dark complexion, bald, about 45 years old. Upon its arrival here the draft was returned protested.

Under date of Oct. 18th, E. P. Barber writes:

"It may be some satisfaction to you to know that I have caught the rascal that gave me the bogus draft on your bank Oct. 1st."

It subsequently appears that he had caught them at Pueblo by telegraph.

Before their arrival at Pueblo, however, they met a man coming this way and purchased a horse of him for an $85 check on Read’s bank. A short time since the unfortunate man presented the check in person for payment, only to be informed that it was not good.

Under date of October 23rd, Barber writes from Syracuse:

"SIR: Yours of the 21st inst. at hand. This man Burdine got out of the Pueblo jail by writ of Habeas Corpus before I reached there owing to a delay in the dispatch sent me by sheriff. He paid the lawyers $50 in money and a beautiful horse for getting him released; also, sold everything he had very low, also paid $50 to get his baggage shipped to Denver. He and his partner are suspected of having counterfeit money, and the U. S. Marshal is after them."

But the U. S. Marshal has not got them; at least Mahaney is still traveling, for under date of Dec. 17th, 1875, Day & Blakesley, Insurance Agents of Ottumwa, Iowa, write:

"M. L. Read, Esq., Winfield, Kansas: Has Amos E. Mahaney got a credit of upwards of $300 at your bank, same due in January, 1876? He offered to draft on you for $100, payable on the 10th of January, 1876. Please reply and oblige, yours, etc.

"P. S. Please describe him closely—general appearance, etc."

Thus we give to the public so much of the career of one of the most adroit villains at large. The extent of his swindles are probably ten fold what we have related. He may have purchased largely, forged successfully, and checked extensively in other localities and upon different banks. More of his paper is daily expected here. Mahaney is a peculiar appearing man of about the following description: Fair complexion, about five feet ten inches in height, an impediment in the movement of one of his legs, light blue or grey eyes, and has a very peculiar and hasty manner of addressing one when he speaks. Weight, about 160 pounds."

Winfield Courier, December 30, 1875.

The following are the recently elected officers of the Winfield Chapter of R. A. M.’s.

M. L. Read, H. P.

J. D. Pryor, K.

B. F. Baldwin, S.

W. C. Robinson, Capt. H.

A. Howland, P. S.

W. G. Graham, R. A. Capt.

J. W. Johnston, G. M. 3 y.

P. Hill, G. M. 2 y.

S. H. Myton, G. M. 1 y.

J. A. Simpson, Sec.

F. Gallotti, Treas.

N. C. McCulloch, M. Cro.

This is one of the thirty Royal Arch Chapters of Masons in this State, and as a citizen of Winfield we are proud that she, only a five year old, supports it.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.

In June 1870 Max Shoeb appeared and erected an open log structure where Read’s bank now stands, and plied his hammer and anvil therein.

The present population of the city of Winfield is about 800 on an area of 200 acres. It has 221 buildings among which the most prominent are the Courthouse, built in 1873 at a cost of $12,000, of brick with a showy belfry and cupola, probably the best courthouse in Kansas, costing no more than it did. The residence of J. E. Platter ranks next in value but first in beauty, built in 1874 of brick, ornamented cut stone, costing $8,000. The banking house of M. L. Read is a fine brick structure costing $6,000, and the hardware store of S. H. Myton is larger and equally imposing of brick, costing $6,000. The schoolhouse is a substantial stone structure costing $6,000. The residence of Dr. Mansfield, M. L. Read, C. A. Bliss, D. A. Millington, J. P. McMillen, W. G. Graham, W. W. Andrews, S. H. Myton, and many others are good substantial structures and ornaments to the city.

MASONIC.

On the 15th of March, 1875, a dispensation was granted M. L. Read, H. P.; M. C. Baker, K.; John D. Pryor, Scribe; W. C. Robinson, C. H.; A. Howland, P. S.; W. G. Graham, R. A. C.; J. W. Johnston, M. 3rd V.; P. Hill, M. 1st V.; A. A. Newman, member. October 19th, a charter was issued to them under the name Winfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 31; and on the 26th of the same month the Chapter was instituted by J. C. Bennett, of Emporia. A list of the officers for this year was published last week. This branch of Masonry here is in good working order and in a healthy condition financially.

READ’S BANK is conducted on business principles; does business in the first brick building built in our town, and is owned by M. L. Read, Esq., one of our leading citizens. M. L. Robinson is the urbane cashier and Will C. Robinson his gentlemanly assistant. The bank is in a flourishing condition.

Winfield Courier, January 27, 1876.

The undersigned, residents of Cowley County, cordially unite in inviting the citizens of said county to meet in mass meeting at Winfield, on Saturday at 2 P. M., February 5, 1876.

WINFIELD: M. L. Read, S. D. Pryor, N. M. Powers, N. W. Holmes, N. L. Rigby, Thomas McMillen, L. J. Webb, Charles C. Black, J. S. Hunt, W. M. Boyer, John W. Curns, G. S. Manser, B. F. Baldwin, J. H. Land, A. H. Green, W. Q. Mansfield, E. C. Manning, S. H. Myton, J. C. Fuller, A. B. Lemmon, James Kelly, W. H. H. Maris, T. H. Henderson, A. N. Deming, H. S. Silver, J. M. Alexander, Amos Walton, D. A. Millington, J. E. Platter, W. M. Allison, And one hundred others.

Winfield Courier, March 30, 1876.

The heavy wind storm last Monday night blew a flue off the Courthouse, and also blew down the building from over Read’s vault, leaving the deposits interred there at the mercy of burglars and the pelting rain.

Winfield Courier, May 18, 1876.

Banker Read is spending lots of money and displaying good taste in the improvements upon his residence property.

Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.

GONE TO P. Quite a delegation from Winfield started this week for the Centennial. On Wednesday M. L. Read and wife, M. L. Robinson and wife, Frank Williams, Mrs. Maris and granddaughter, Mrs. Powers, Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Mullen, and J. C. Franklin lit out.

Winfield Courier, June 8, 1876.

Will C. Robinson is conducting Read’s bank during the absence of the Cashier, M. L. Robinson.

Winfield Courier, June 15, 1876.

The contract for the erection of the First Presbyterian Church has been let, and in order that we may proceed with the work, all persons who are subscribers toward the building of the same, are hereby notified that the first installment is now due, and are requested to pay the same to the treasurer at Read’s Bank, so that we may be able to meet the requirements of our contract with the builders.

H. S. SILVER,

Chairman of Building Committee.

Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.

Jennings & Buckman have opened a law office under Read’s bank.

Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.

WILL ROBINSON, cashier at Read’s bank, showed us a curiosity the other day. It was a twenty dollar Compound Treasury Note of date Aug. 15, 1864. It set forth that after three years from issuance, it would be paid, with compound interest, at the treasury if presented. If not presented in Aug., 1867, interest to cease. It is worth just $23.88 now.

Winfield Courier, July 20, 1876.

MESSRS. JENNINGS & BUCKMAN have their law office nicely fitted up, or down, rather, under Read’s bank. It is cool and pleasant there at all times. Call and see them.

Winfield Courier, July 27, 1876.

For Sale.

One dozen Horses and Ponies, by R. B. Waite. Apply at room over Read’s Bank.

For Rent.

Several Farms, containing from 50 to 100 acres, for wheat. Apply to R. B. Waite over Read’s Bank.

Winfield Courier, August 3, 1876.

READ’s bank is paying out silver as exchange. The new coin, which requires three to make a dollar, is attracting much attention.

Winfield Courier, August 17, 1876. Last Page.

Banks. Arkansas City Bank, Arkansas City; Cowley County Bank, Arkansas City; banking house of M. L. Read, and Winfield Bank of J. C. Fuller, Winfield. The total amount of capital of these banks is $51,300.

Winfield Courier, August 31, 1876.

The familiar face of our friend, M. L. Read, Esq., is again seen around the town. He has just returned from the Centennial visit. He has been gone several months.

Winfield Courier, September 14, 1876.

EDITOR COURIER, Dear Sir: I wonder if the people of this county fully understand the animus of the opposition in this place, to Col. Manning? Nobody doubts but that he would make an able, energetic, faithful worker for the interests of his constituents. But there is a certain bank and broker faction here, which never will consent that any man whom they believe will do anything to ameliorate the condition of the poor shall be placed in a position where he can be of any service to them. Who are they, who are so fearful lest Col. Manning be elected to the State Senate this fall?

Read & Robinson, bankers; R. B. Waite, S. D. Pryor, James Jordon, Curns & Manser, money lenders; with such fellows as A. H. Green and W. P. Hackney, attorneys. It is the same faction that are so violently opposed to the election of Judge Campbell.

Why do they oppose Judge Campbell? Because in every case of the foreclosure of their cut-throat mortgages, Judge Campbell, so far as he can do so legally, throws the strong arm of the law around the poor man. These men want the usury laws abolished; and consequently will not consent that any man go to the legislature who they cannot use for that purpose.

They are afraid that Manning will be able, in some way, to do something to cut down their three percent per month. They will not consent that Manning shall go to the legislature, lest in some way he may obtain such legislation as will make it possible for Cowley County to secure a railroad. This three percent ring do not want railroads. They do not want anything that might by any possibility cut down interest on money below the present ruinous rates.

For these reasons these money changers and extortioners will spare neither time nor money, will stop at no slander or abuse to defeat both Col. Manning and W. P. Campbell. Hundreds of people in Cowley County are already beginning to feel the grip of this soulless money power at their throats. Will they stand still and allow themselves to be choked to death without an effort? CITIZEN.

Winfield Courier, September 14, 1876.

The City Hotel has a new register and blotter. The blotter contains the advertising cards of Messrs. Webb & Torrance, Wm. and Geo. Hudson, M. L. Read, J. D. Pryor, John Nichols, W. G. Graham, J. M. Reed, A. G. Wilson, B. F. Baldwin, Joe Likowski, Henry Jochems, J. B. Lynn, W. B. Gibbs, McGuire & Midkiff, and Hill & Christie. It the neatest register in the valley. Mr. Hudson is starting off on the right foot this time.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.

CIVIL DOCKET.

N. K. Jeffries vs. M. L. Read.

M. L. Read vs. E. G. Willett et al.

Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.

The undersigned Bankers of Winfield give notice that on and after Dec. 1st, 1876, their respective banks will open for business at 9 o’clock a.m., and close at promptly 4 o’clock p.m. No business transacted out of banking hours. M. L. READ, J. C. FULLER.

Winfield, Kansas, November 27, 1876.

Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.

Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals for laying the stone of the new M. E. Church will be received by the building committee until Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 1876, at which time the contract will be let to the lowest responsible bidder. The committee reserve the right to reject any and all bids. Plans and specifications can be seen at Read’s Bank, or address S. H. Myton, Winfield, Kansas. By order of the COMMITTEE.

Cowley County Democrat, May 18, 1876.

M. L. Read has the most showy sign in town on his bank.

Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13, 1876.

[VOL. 2, NO. 34.]

Read at the Centennial Celebration, July 4th, 1876, at Winfield, Kansas.

BY WIRT W. WALTON

The question of a name for the new town puzzled its fathers for several days. A minority wanted it called "Lagonda," but the majority decided to honor Winfield Scott’s christened name. He was at that time the minister in charge of the Baptist church, in Leavenworth. Within the next four months, following the organization, forty acres of Manning’s claim was converted into lots, blocks, streets, and alleys. The old log store was built by Manning, which was occupied, in part, by Dr. Mansfield as a drug store, and by Baker and Manning with their goods. Soon Max Shoeb arrived, built a log cabin where Read’s bank now stands, and opened a blacksmith shop. On August 20th J. C. Fuller and D. A. Millington bought A. A. Jackson’s claim and proceeded, with Manning, to lay out that part of the town lying east of Main street. July 4, 1870, was a glorious day for Winfield. The first celebration in the county was held on that day, under an arbor in the rear of the old log store.

On the 15th of March, 1875, a dispensation was granted M. L. Read, H. P.; M. C. Baker, K.; John D. Pryor, Scribe; W. C. Robinson, C. H.; A. Howland, P. S.; W. G. Graham, R. A. C.; J. W. Johnston, M. 3rd V.; P. Hill, M. 1st V.; A. A. Newman, member. On October 19th a charter was issued to them under the name Winfield Chapter, R. A. M., No. 31; and on the 29th of the same month, the Chapter was instituted by J. C. Bennett, of Emporia. This branch of Masonry here is in good working order and in a healthy condition, financially.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 3, 1877.

From Winfield.

WINFIELD, KAN., Dec. 23, 1876.

Our Christmas tree on Saturday evening, the 23rd, was a success; the most remarkable feature was the very large number of books distributed from it.

At the last regular communication of Adelphi Lodge No. 110, A. F. and A. M., the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: W. M., Wm. G. Graham; Sen. W., J. E. Saint; Jun. W., M. G. Troup; Sec., James Kelly; Treas., R. F. Baldwin; Sen. D., C. C. Black; Jun. D., J. C. Roberts; Sen. S., Jas. A. Simpson; Jun. S., N. C. McCulloch; Tyler, W. W. Walton.

They were installed at the Courthouse on the eve of the 27th, St. John’s Day, by Past High Priest, M. L. Read; at the close of the installation ceremonies, the retiring Master Hunt was directed to face the "East" when Bro. McDonald requested "permission to address Bro. J. S. Hunt," which being granted, he advanced, while he held in his hand a beautiful casket, and proceeded to deliver a presentation address and invest Bro. Hunt with one of the most elegant and modest P. M. jewels that it has ever been our fortune to behold, and the speech and response was in such beautiful harmony with the present and the occasion, it was a surprise token of regard from the Lodge. After this all were called from "labor to refreshments," and we turned to the tables where we found that the power and beauty of the culinary art had been exhausted to please the appetite and refresh the inner man.

Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.

A Cornerstone.

The cornerstone of the new M. E. Church building was favorably lowered to its resting place yesterday, at 2 o’clock p.m. A derrick had been erected over the northwest corner of the sub-structure of the edifice and a beautiful white magnesia limestone two feet in length, eighteen inches wide, and one foot in thickness, with a cavity chiseled upon its lower side, prepared for the occasion. Between the hours of one and two p.m., a procession was formed in front of Masonic Hall, composed principally of members of the Masonic fraternity, including several from the Arkansas City and Douglass lodges. The order of procession was as follows: First, Tyler, with drawn sword, stewards, master masons, members of the order, band of music, city officers, Royal Arch Masons, past master, oldest member of the order, carrying bible, square, and compass, chaplain and orator, wardens of Winfield Lodge deputy G. M., deacons on either side. The procession marched to music to the building grounds. A large concourse of people were already at the appointed place.

The ceremony of settling the consecrated stone in the place where it shall rest for ages, commenced by an invocative prayer, full of eloquence, passion, and pathos, from Rev. Platter. At this point of the proceeding the ancient order of Masons conducted the ceremony. High Priest Read was master of the occasion. The stone was squared, leveled, and plumbed, corned, oiled, and wined, surrounded with jewels, badges, weapons, and ceremonial words that were imposing and impressive, but not fully comprehended by the uninitiated.

The High Priest produced a small tin box containing a copy of the Telegram, Traveler, and COURIER. Also, a history of the county of Cowley, city of Winfield, M. E. Church Society, a list of its officers, name of pastor, names of contributors to the building fund, a specimen of all American coins, a centennial 25 cent piece, and other mementos of interest to "ages yet to be" and in presence of the audience it was sealed and placed in the under side of the stone.

Contractor Welch then, by direction of the High Priest, settled the "cornerstone," amid benedictions, music by the choir and band. Rev. Rusbridge delivered an oration that came from the heart and went to the hearts of his hearers. The benedictions being pronounced and doxology sung, the assembly dispersed. Taken all together the occasion was the most noted that ever transpired in our little frontier city, and will long be remembered by the participants.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.

The following were the officers of Winfield Chapter, No. 31, Royal Arch Masons, installed by P. H. P. Bennett, of Emporia, assisted by P. H. Hargis, of Wichita.

John D. Pryor, High Priest; M. L. Read, King; James A. Simpson, Scribe; W. C. Robinson, Captain of the Hosts; A. Howland, Principle Sojourner; W. G. Graham, Royal Arch Captain; J. W. Johnson, Commander of the 3rd Vail; Perry Hill, Commander of the 2nd Vail; S. H. Myton, Commander of the 1st Vail; Frank Gallotti, Treasurer; N. C. McCulloch, Sentinel.

After the installation P. H. P. Read was presented with a fine lambskin apron and collar and a jewel of office, after which the members, with their wives and ladies, repaired to the Central Hotel, and partook of supper and refreshments prepared especially for the occasion. The supper was gotten up in that good and tasteful style as only the cooks of a first-class house can get up. It was undoubtedly the grandest supper ever given in Winfield. The cakes were trimmed and mementoes with the different designs and emblems of the Masonic order. Quite a number of members of the order from Wichita, Arkansas City, and Lazette were present.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 21, 1877.

WINFIELD, KAS. Jan. 23, 1877.

This is a list of officers of Winfield Chapter No. 51, Royal Arch Masons, installed at their hall on Monday evening, January 22nd, 1877, for the ensuing year.

John D. Pryor, High Priest.

M. L. Read, King.

Jas. A. Simpson, Scribe.

W. C. Robinson, Captain of the Hosts.

A. Howland, Principal Sojourner.

W. G. Graham, Royal Arch Captain.

J. W. Johnson, Commander of the Second Vail.

S. H. Myton, Commander of the First Vail.

Frank Gallotti, Treasurer.

C. C. Black, Secretary.

N. C. McCulloch, Sentinel.

Past High Priest Hargis, of Wichita, Acting Chief Marshal.

Rev. Rusbridge, though not a member, was Acting Chaplain, he being an invited guest.

The rites were witnessed by the wives and sweethearts of the members, also Prof. G. W. Robinson, Principal of the Winfield schools. The ladies saw those that are near and dear to them clothed in the beautiful robes of the Order, and assigned to stations that are alike responsible and honorable. The Chapter then called "off" to the Central Hotel, where we were all made happy by the commodious and comfortable rooms, and the bounteous repast which we found weary in waiting for those that hunger and thirst, and to which we did ample justice, and went away feeling that it was good for us to be there. JUST A LOCAL.

Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.

THE PARTIES RESPONSIBLE.

For nearly two years we have labored for the construction of a railroad into our county. Others have labored with us. Considerable time and money have been spent by four or five men in Winfield to that end. If a policy that was marked out in November, 1875, by those who really wanted a railroad had been followed, the cars would now be running to Winfield. We desired the railroad bond law so amended last winter as to secure the building of a road. But it was not amended, and we have no road. We have labored to secure that amendment this winter, but it has not nor will it be amended. Consequently, Cowley County will be without a road for at least two years.

Every step taken towards securing a road has been headed off by a ring in Winfield. The leaders in that ring of wreckers we give below. There are a few less important members in the ring, but they are only small potatoes and do the bidding of the leaders, who own them. These are the men who have damaged the people of Cowley County one half million dollars by their course in the past, and which course is likely to damage them in the future a half million more. Let them be held responsible.

M. L. ROBINSON.

M. L. READ.

T. K. JOHNSTON.

W. P. HACKNEY.

CUT THIS LIST OUT

and paste it on the cover of your pocket-books, where you can see it each time you open them to pay from 50 to 75 percent per annum interest on every dollar you borrow at the banks; paste it where it will come in sight every time you sign a cut-throat mortgage; paste it on your wagon boxes to be cursed on the road to Wichita with your wheat and other products for the next two years. And when the sheriff sells your home, and you close the door for the last time to leave what was once your own, nail this list upon that door and tell your wife and children that those are the men who are responsible for the calamity that has made you homeless.

Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.

LATEST DISPATCH.

TOPEKA, KAN., FEB. 27, 1877.

4 o’clock p.m.

TO JAMES KELLY, Winfield, Kansas.

Bill has passed the House O. K. Signed: MANNING.

Dear reader: The above isn’t much; but it means a great deal more than we can tell in this short article. It means that the bill to repeal the infamous "two thirds" clause of the railroad law which was passed in the interest of the railroads then operated in Kansas, has passed both branches of the legislature, and that now the interest paying and mortgage bedeviled yeoman of Cowley County can get a railroad by a majority vote.

It means that brain and muscle has at last triumphed over money, wind, and brag. We cannot refrain from congratulating the good people of this county upon their happy deliverance from the thraldom of the money ring of Winfield. Now we can get a railroad in spite of the opposition of Read and Robinson and their paid strikers, the Hackneys and Rusbridges.

The friends of a railroad have reason to thank Col. Manning, Leland J. Webb, and R. L. Walker for their untiring efforts in their behalf. Over the active opposition of Pyburn in the Senate, Mitchell in the House, the Traveler and Telegram, the brick bank, with a Methodist preacher and a lawyer as a tail to the kite thrown in. Leland J. Webb, solitary and alone, aided by Col. Manning’s fertile brain and Dick Walker’s splendid tact, wins the fight and the people are again triumphant. Glory enough for one day.

Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.

We understand that a very pleasant party was given at Mr. M. L. Read’s residence last evening.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 7, 1877.

LAYING THE CORNERSTONE.

The ceremony of laying the cornerstone of the M. E. Church building at this place was conducted in due and ancient form by the members of Crescent Lodge No. 132, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, on last Friday afternoon. Deputy Right Worshipful Master, M. L. Read, of Winfield, had charge of ceremonies, assisted by Rev. Rusbridge and Wingar.

The members of Crescent Lodge were well represented, as well as members of the fraternity from adjacent Lodges, and the residents of this vicinity. The procession was headed by the Arkansas City Brass Band, followed by the Stewarts, Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, Master Masons, Senior and Junior Deacons, Senior and Junior Wardens, and Past Masters. At the proper time a sealed tin box, containing a sketch of the Lodge, history of the M. E. Church and Arkansas City from their beginning, two copies of the TRAVELER, with statistics of Cowley County, inducements to emigrants, and a number of coins, were placed in the rock, and the stone lowered to its place, after which the assembly dispersed.

Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.

E. S. Torrance and family are keeping house at home in the cottage north of M. L. Read’s stone mansion—or soon will be.

Winfield Courier, April 26, 1877.

Forgery.

Zebulon Foster, charged with the crime of forgery, is in custody awaiting trial at the next term of court. Zeb. sold a note for fifty-five dollars on Monday to M. L. Robinson. The names of John and Sol Smith, and Barney Shriver had been put to the note and he expected to get the money for it from one of the banks. He offered to sell it to Mr. Fuller, of the Winfield Bank, but did not effect a sale for the paper as it did not look just right. He then took it to Mr. Read’s bank and Mr. M. L. Robinson received the paper and was to have paid him for it as soon as the young man could produce a reference. Having obtained possession of the note, Mr. Robinson was looking for the sheriff while the young man was hunting a reference. As a result of all the good management on one side and bad management on the other, Zeb. and Dick. were soon walking the streets arm in arm. Zeb. is now waiting to learn what Judge Campbell and a jury of twelve men will have to say about the matter of writing other people’s names to promises to pay.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877. Front Page.

The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the May term of the District Court, of Cowley County, to be begun and held on the first Monday, 7th day of May, A. D. 1877, and have been placed on the Trial docket in the following order.

SECOND DAY—CIVIL DOCKET.

Nathan K. Jeffries vs. Martin L. Read.

M. L. Read vs. Enoch G. Willett.

FOURTH DAY—CIVIL DOCKET.

M. L. Read vs. S. A. Smith et al.

M. L. Read vs. Armstrong Menor et al.

M. L. Read vs. Armstrong Menor et al.

Winfield Courier, June 28, 1877.

Geo. W. Robinson is bookkeeping in Read’s bank.

Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877. Editorial Page.

The Bridge Question.

We, the undersigned, agree to pay the amounts set opposite our names for the purpose of completing an iron bridge across the Walnut, Cowley County, Kansas, and votes aid therefor in the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) at an election to be held July 17th, 1877. Said sums of money to be due and payable in consideration of the erection of said bridge, to the order of the party to whom the officers of the said township let the contract for the erection of the said bridge.

WINFIELD, KAN., June 25th, 1877.

M. L. Read’s Bank $200.00.

Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.

UTAH DIVORCES.

Our friend, Robert Hudson, has got his divorce. It will be recollected that he had a suit for divorce pending before the District Court of this county for some time which culminated in the refusal of his honor, Judge Campbell, to grant the divorce, but charging him ten dollars per month to be paid to his wife for her support.

Feeling deeply grieved by this decision of the court, he followed in the footsteps of the illustrious Brick Pomeroy, and like him obtain his decree in a probate court of the land of Brigham.

Like Brick, he too accepted the services of a sharp Chicago lawyer, who, for the sum of one hundred dollars, to be deposited in Read’s bank to await the result, agreed to obtain for his client a decree of divorce without alimony that would be valid in this or any other state, and be so pronounced by our courts, and when it should have been so procured and tested, Read was to pay over the fees.

Now neighbor Hudson really does wish to become a resident of Utah, and it is really true that he and his wife "cannot live in peace and union together," therefore it was very easy to satisfy and convince a probate judge in Utah of these facts. So having first made the required publication in some Utah newspaper that has a circulation of 150 copies, our Chicago limb of the law presents his evidence and the decree of divorce is granted without alimony. An attested copy of the decree is on deposit at Read’s bank awaiting a judicial test in our courts.

Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.

AD: THOMAS J. JONES, PRACTICAL PAINTER.

House, Sign, and Carriage Painting, Graining and Papering.

Office under Read’s Bank, Winfield, Kansas.

Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.

J. C. Fuller makes an addition to his ad this week. He has one of the best burglar proof safes in the State, which is guarded by the Yale time lock. No city in Kansas has two sounder, safer banking institutions than those of J. C. Fuller and of M. L. Read, of Winfield.

Winfield Courier, October 4, 1877.

Our readers will not fail to notice the new advertisement of M. L. Read, which has appeared in the two last issues. It contains an excellent cut of Mr. Read’s substantial bank

building. Mr. Read is a substantial banker, does business in a substantial way, has a substantial safe that neither fire nor burglars can penetrate, and a time lock that will keep the cashier and his assistant from delivering up the contents of the safe during the night, though strongly persuaded by an exhibition of shooting irons.

AD: CENTERED IS A CUT OF THE FRONT OF BANK.

Our Safe is Guarded By The Yale Time Lock.

Collections Solicited and Promptly Attended to.

M. L. Read’s Bank,

WINFIELD, KANSAS,

Does a

GENERAL BANKING BUSINESS.

M. L. ROBINSON, Cashier. W. C. ROBINSON, Asst. Cashier.

Possessing ample means for the successful conduct of our business we would be pleased to receive accounts from any believing we can make it to their advantage to do business with us.

REFERENCES:

First National Bank, Kansas City, Mo.

Cass County Bank, Beardstown, Ills.

Rev. O. M. Stewart, Trinity M. E. Church, St. Louis, Mo.

Wichita Savings Bank, Wichita, Kansas.

F. W. Fraey, Cashier 1st. N’l. Bank, Springfield, Ill.

Donnell, Lawson & Co., Bankers, New York City.

Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.

HALL OF ADELPHI LODGE, No. 110, A. F. & A. M.,

WINFIELD, October 7, 1877.

WHEREAS, The grim tyrant death has invaded our fraternal circle and taken from our midst our worthy brother, James D. Cochran, thereby depriving our brotherhood of one of our brightest and most exemplary members, the family of our beloved brother of a loving husband and father, and the community of a useful and energetic citizen; Therefore be it

Resolved, That while we bow in humble submission to the will of our Supreme Grand Master, we do most sincerely deplore the great calamity thus visited upon the fraternity, the family of our departed brother, and the community at large.

Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved family our sincere and heart-felt sympathy, and more especially do we mingle our tears with her, who is thus left a widow—to her and to the children thus bereaved, we pledge our brotherly guardianship in this their life’s greatest affliction.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Lodge, that a copy be furnished to the family of our deceased brother, and also to the city papers for publication, and that the members of the Lodge wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.

M. L. READ, M. G. TROUP, A. J. PYBURN, Committee.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.

Read and Robinson have laid out a new addition to Winfield on the southwest.

[EDITORIAL COLUMN.]

Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.

[From the K. C. Journal of Commerce.]

SOUTHERN KANSAS.

WINFIELD.

This is one of the few towns in Kansas that manage to keep its streets cumbered with building material the year round. Since I was here in the summer, two dozen houses have been built, and fifty are now under way. The principle ones of the former are Lynn & Gillelen’s two story cut stone, 25 x 100 feet, and a brick hotel at the south end of town. Among the latter, as conspicuous and handsome as any will be, the elegant seven thousand dollar residence of Mr. J. C. Fuller, President of the Winfield Bank. Mr. Fuller has been here since 1870, established the first bank in the county, and has large and valuable tracts of real estate adjoining the town. He has recently laid off a part of his land in an addition, and is selling some very desirable residence plats. The other bank is that of M. L. Read, of which M. L. Robinson is cashier and W. C. Robinson assistant. This bank has been established five years, and occupies the first brick building in Cowley County.

Both banks are doing a good business and have the entire confidence of the community. They are supplied with the celebrated "Yale Time" locks.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 17, 1878.

District Court.

Mr. E. S. Bedilion, District Clerk, furnishes us with the following list of cases which will probably be for trial at the next term of the District Court, commencing on Monday, May 6, 1878. CIVIL DOCKET: M. L. Read v. Robt. Hudson, et al.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 15, 1878.

M. L. Read vs. Robert Hudson, et al, judgment.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.

The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the August A. D. 1878 term of the District Court of Cowley County, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order. SECOND DAY—CIVIL DOCKET. M. L. Read vs. S. C. Wintin, et al.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 11, 1878.

The following cases were tried before Judge Campbell during the term of court, up to September 5, 1878.

M. L. Read vs. S. C. Winton et al. Judgment for plaintiff $637.57 and foreclosure.

Winfield Courier, January 17, 1878.

Royal Arch Masons.

At the regular convocation of Winfield Chapter No. 31, Royal Arch Masons, held at Masonic Hall, Monday evening, January 14th, the following officers were installed for the ensuing year.

W. G. Graham, H. P.

John D. Pryor, K.

S. C. Smith, S.

M. L. Read, Treasurer.

C. C. Black, Secretary.

W. C. Robinson, C. A. H.

James McDermott, P. S.

S. H. Myton, R. A. C.

J. W. Johnston, M. 3rd V.

Perry Hill, M. 2nd V.

H. Brotherton, M. 1st V.

F. Gallotti, T.

After the installation, an address was delivered by P. H. P. John D. Pryor (which will appear on our outside next week), and the companions repaired to the Central Hotel and sat down to the best spread of the season. The supper was good and the occasion enjoyed by all present.

Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.

John Lamb and wife to M. L. Read, n. w. 17, 33, 6, 160 acres, $500 [?].

M. L. Read et al to James Runton, lot in 28, 32, 4, $150.

Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.

[Published in the Winfield Courier, January 24th, 1878.]

Ordinance No. 70.

An ordinance to increase the limits of the city of Winfield.

SECTION 1. That the limits of the city of Winfield be increased by the addition thereto, and the incorporation therein, of the territory adjacent thereto, platted and recorded by E. C. Manning, in the office of the Register of Deeds, of Cowley County, Kansas, and by the addition thereto, and the incorporation therein, of the territory adjacent thereto, platted and recorded by M. L. Read, in said office, and by the addition thereto and the incorporation therein, of the territory adjacent thereto, platted and recorded by J. C. Fuller in said office.

SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication once in the Winfield COURIER and Cowley County Telegram.

Approved January 12, 1878.

R. L. WALKER, Mayor.

Attest: HENRY E. ASP, City Clerk.

Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.

The city council recently extended the city limits to include Fuller’s, Manning’s, and Read’s additions.

Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the twentieth anniversary of the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Mansfield given at their residence last Thursday evening, was largely attended. Everything that met the eye gave evidence of a desire on the part of the host and hostess to render the affair as cheerful and pleasant as possible to their guests. As the guests were ushered from the dressing room to the parlor, they were at the east end of the room first introduced to a bride and groom manufactured for the occasion, and well done, with masks, wax eyes, and teeth, the wedding veil, hands joined and natural appearance, which caused much merriment. Directly over their heads was suspended a wreath of evergreens with 1858 in the center and above it the legend in large letters, "Looking toward Kansas." Turning toward the west, the eyes of the guests rested upon a device arched over the opening of the folding doors, in letters of bright green moss and autumn leaves, "Looking toward sunset," beneath which was another wreath encircling "1878." On the west wall beyond sparkled a large star of gilt and diamond dust. All comprehended the design which was admirably arranged, at a glance. Prof. Farringer had charge of the music, presiding alternately at organ, piano, and violin, showing his talent and ability at each. He rendered Mendelsohns wedding march while the Dr. and lady were led to the altar by Mr. and Mrs. Read, who acted as groomsman and bridesmaid.

Winfield Courier, March 28, 1878.

Read & Robinson and wives to Edward Banks, lots 11 and 12, block 32, Winfield, $125.

Winfield Courier, April 4, 1878.

Read & Robinson to W. C. Bradfield, lots 1 and 2, block 94, Winfield, $65.

Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.

Mr. E. S. Bedilion, District Clerk, furnishes us with the following list of cases which will probably be for trial at the next term of the District Court commencing on Monday, May 6th, 1878. CIVIL DOCKET. M. L. Read v. Robt. Hudson et al.

Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.

M. L. Read and wife to Anna A. Harris, lots 11 and 12 in block 87, Winfield, $500.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 25, 1878.

MILLINGTON & LEMMON, PUBLISHERS.

[Special Correspondence Kansas City Times.]

BANKS.

There are three banks here, viz: M. L. Read’s, Citizens’ Bank, and J. C. Fuller.

Read’s Bank is located in a fine two story brick. The gentlemen connected with it, including Mr. Read and the Robinsons, are genial gentlemen and successful businessmen.

J. C. Fuller is the oldest banker in the county. He is prudent, safe, and responsible.

The Citizen’s Bank was formerly located in Arkansas City, J. C. McMullen is President and A. Berkey cashier. It has about twenty-five farms for sale on long time and low rates.

Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.

Gold is coming into circulation. Read’s bank reports to be receiving it in small quantities. That settles it. If Read’s bank will take the stuff, we won’t refuse it any more.

Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878. Editorial Page.

Mr. E. S. Bedilion, District Clerk, furnishes us with the following list of cases which will probably be for trial at the next term of the District Court commencing on Monday, May 6th, 1878.

CIVIL DOCKET. Second Day.

M. L. Read v. Robt. Hudson et al.

M. L. Read v. S. C. Winton et al.

Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.

Read & Robinson and wives to E. C. Manning, strip on south side of Manning’s addition to Winfield, $100.

Read & Robinson and wives to public Roadway in north part of their addition.

Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.

District Court Proceedings.

Judgment for plaintiff by default was ordered: M. L. Read vs. R. Hudson et al.

The Daily Winfield Courier, Saturday Morning, May 11, 1878.

CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY. M. L. Read v. S. C. Winton et al.

Winfield Courier, May 16, 1878.

The Sheriff’s Sales of real estate in the following cases were confirmed by the court and deeds ordered to be made by the sheriff to the purchasers.

M. L. Read vs. A. Menor, et al.

M. L. Read vs. O. Menor et al.

M. L. Read vs. W. H. Hitchcock et al.

M. L. Read vs. A. Menor and R. Menor.

Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.

M. L. Read vs. S. C. Winton et al.

Winfield Courier, May 30, 1878.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.

For the week ending May 27, 1878.

Robt. Allison and wife to M. L. Read et al., nw. 15-33-7; 160 acres, $1,000.

Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.

Read & Robinson and wives to T. C. Robinson, lots 3, 4, 5, 6, block 94, Winfield, $125.

Read & Robinson and wives to J. A. Foultz, lot 5, block 96, Winfield, $50.

Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.

Alva Requa and wife to M. L. Read, et al., lot 9, block 145, Winfield, $75.

Read, Robinson, and wives to Ernest L. Hazard, lot 4, block 93, Winfield, $60.

Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.

C. A. Bliss, G. S. Manser, A. B. Lemmon, E. P. Kinne, J. C. Fuller, M. L. Read, T. R. Bryan, W. M. Allison, J. W. Curns, C. C. Black, D. A. Millington, E. S. Bliss, E. S. Torrance, A. E. Baird, J. B. Lynn, M. G. Troup, M. L. Robinson, J. C. McMullen, E. C. Manning, and probably many others, all with their wives, will make a raid upon Arkansas City, the steam boats, and Newman’s dam on the Fourth. They will seize all the provisions they can find in the city, capture both the "Aunt Sally" and the—the—well, Amos’ steamship, will rip out Newman’s dam, and steam up the Walnut to Winfield, driving a large herd of catfish. Bliss and Harter & Harris will load the steamers with flour at their mills. The party will start at about 9 o’clock a.m.

Winfield Courier, August 1, 1878.

Alva Requa and wife to M. L. Read and M. L. Robinson, se. 29-31-3; 160 acres, $1,500.

Read & Robinson and wives to Judson B. Winie, lots 4, 5, and 6, Winfield; $175.

Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.

The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the August A. D. 1878 term of the District Court of Cowley County, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.

M. L. Read vs. S. C. Winton et al. [Hackney & McDonald; Pryor & Pryor and A. J. Pyburn.]

Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.

Read & Robinson and wives to Cynthia J. Cody; lots 8 and 9, block 135, Winfield; $75.

Winfield Courier, September 5, 1878.

M. L. Read vs. S. C. Winton et al. Judgment for plaintiff $337.37 [? HARD TO READ] and foreclosure.

Winfield Courier, September 5, 1878.

C. L. Harter, sheriff, to M. L. Read, s ½ ne 2, 32, 4; 80 acres, $150.

C. L. Harter, sheriff, to M. L. Read, w ½ ne of sw 23, 32, 5; 20 acres, $100.

C. L. Harter, sheriff, to Read & Robinson, se 21, 32, 5; 160 acres, $801.

C. L. Harter, sheriff, to Read & Robinson, part sw 28, 32, 4; 10 acres, $450.

M. L. Read to M. L. Robinson, s ½ ne 2, 33, 4, and w ½ ne of sw 23, 32, 5; 160 acres, $500.

Winfield Courier, September 12, 1878.

C. L. Harter, sheriff, to Read & Robinson, lot 4, block 98 [? 93 ?]; lot 1, block 118; lots 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, block 134; lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, block 135; lots 4, 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, block 136; all of block 96; lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, block 114; lots 2, 4, 6, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, block 115; lots 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, block 116.

M. L. Read et al. to C. S. Shue, lot 9, block 73, Winfield; $50.

Winfield Courier, October 31, 1878.

WINFIELD, October 30, 1878.

After this date Mexican dollars will be received by us at 90 cents.

M. L. ROBINSON, Cashier Read’s Bank.

J. C. FULLER, Winfield Bank.

B. F. BALDWIN, Cashier Citizens’ Bank.

WINFIELD, October 18, 1878.

Winfield Courier, November 14, 1878.

JENNINGS & BUCKMAN [F. S. JENNINGS/G. H. BUCKMAN], ATTORNEYS AT LAW. BUSINESS IN STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS SOLICITED. COLLECTIONS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. LEGAL INSTRUMENTS CAREFULLY MADE OUT. OFFICE OVER READ’S BANK, WINFIELD, KANSAS.

Winfield Courier, November 14, 1878.

THOMAS J. JONES, PRACTICAL PAINTER.

House, Sign and Carriage Painting, Graining and Papering.

Office under Read’s Bank, Winfield, Kansas.

Winfield Courier, November 21, 1878.

Col. C. H. Robinson has moved his office from Manning’s block into A. H. Green’s office, one door south of Read’s Bank. When you want money, give him a call.

Winfield Courier, December 26, 1878.

At the annual election, on the 17th inst., Adelphi Lodge, No. 110, A. F. A. M., selected the following officers for the ensuing year.

C. C. Black, W. M.

W. C. Robinson, S. W.

H. Brotherton, J. W.

B. F. Baldwin, Treas.

R. C. Story, Sec.

J. E. Saint, S. D.

P. Hill, J. D.

M. L. Read, C.

John C. Roberts, S. S.

W. D. Byers, J. S.

S. E. Burger, T.

The installation will take place Friday evening of this week. All members of the Order are invited to be present.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.

[This issue listed Courier advertisers.]

READ’S BANK. This is one of the institutions of Winfield. The bank occupies a large and fine brick building, keeps its funds in an enormous fire-proof safe, with burglar proof chest combination, and a time lock, and all modern safeguards. M. L. Read, the president, is a gentleman of character and abundant means. He owns a large amount of valuable real estate in this city and county, and is reputed one of the wealthiest men in the state. M. L. Robinson, the cashier, is one of the ablest financiers in the county, and under his skillful direction, success is sure. W. C. Robinson, his assistant, is an assistant indeed. Wilber Dever writes up the books. Each member of the force is a gentleman by instinct and habit.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1879.

WINFIELD, KANS., Feb. 16, 1879.

Mr. Wood offered a resolution incorporating within the city limits the platted additions of Read and McMullen. Adopted.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 9, 1879

Municipal election in the City of Winfield resulted in the election of the Citizen’s Ticket:

Mayor elected: J. B. Lynn.

Police Judge: W. M. Boyer.

City Attorney: O. M. Seward.

City Treasurer: J. C. McMullen.

Treas. Board Education: J. D. Pryor.

Council: H. Jochems, C. C. Black, M. L. Read, and S. H. Myton.

Board of Education: Rev. Rigby, F. S. Jennings, Mr. Randall, and M. G. Troup.

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EDITIONS, THUS FAR...SHOWS PICTURES OR SKETCHES OF SOME OF THE BUILDINGS: READ’S BANK, WINFIELD; THE "AUNT SALLY;" ARKANSAS CITY SCHOOL BUILDING; COURT HOUSE AT WINFIELD; AND LATEST REVISED MAP OF COWLEY COUNTY ON FRONT PAGE.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 27, 1879.

FACTS FOR HOME-SEEKERS

MAP AND EXTRACTS FROM THE OFFICIAL REPORT OF HON. ALF. GRAY, SECRETARY OF THE STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

COUNTY SUMMARY.

M. L. Read’s.

Winfield Citizens’.

Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.

The election last Tuesday was very warm and excited, but everything went off pleasantly. The result was:

1st w. 2nd w.

Read won by a majority of 28.

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1879.

Some of our exchanges are disposed to criticize us for not exposing what they call "the fraud" in relation to the gold excitement in this county. Now we are ready to expose the fraud when we find it out and have satisfactory evidence of it and not until then. We have stated and reiterated our belief that no native gold has been found in this county and we should think that people at a distance, knowing that the publishers of papers in the immediate vicinity of the object of excitement do not believe any gold has been found, would be very slow to drink in the wild reports that are circulated. Evidently some persons believe there is gold here and as we do not know who circulates the reports nor whether these are honest or dishonest in their expressed opinions, we have no one to charge with fraud.

We suppose that some persons who are as incredulous as ourself have helped to circulate these reports or at least have failed to express the incredulity from a desire to induce people from a distance to visit this county. We highly disapprove of such conduct and motives. We do not wish to induce people by any kind of misrepresentations to come here. If any man thinks of coming to this county to dig for gold, we hope he will not come, for he will only be disappointed and go away cursing the whole county as a fraud.

If any man wants to find productive land at low prices, land that will produce abundant crops of wheat, corn, and fruit, we want him to come here for he will find that all the encomiums of Cowley lands are true and he will give a goodly report of the county.

Let us tell the truth, the whole truth if we can, and if that will not induce a sufficient immigration we can well afford to wait.

Now we will give some reasons for our belief that no native gold has been found.

We have seen a great many specimens of rock from the Goldore diggins, said to be gold bearing quartz, but by all the appliances which our chemistry here can command, not one particle of gold has been discovered in them, and what is more, not one particle of quartz has been found connected with any of them. The rock called quartz is limestone more or less crystalized. There have been two or three specimens of gold-bearing quartz shown, but it was certain that they had been imported, for they were entirely unlike any rock found in this county.

Three thousand dollars or more has been brought from the East to this place, by persons connected with this matter, and deposited in Read’s Bank and has been checked out from time to time, but the real estate sales at prices from $1,600 to $16,000 per quarter section appear to have been sales only in name. We cannot find that more than $400 or $500 altogether has been actually paid for land. The $16,000 offers were made in such a way that no prudent man would for a moment think that he could actually get that amount for his land and if any attempted it, they did not succeed.

It is easy to get up an excitement. The same man, whoever he is, wrote under different assumed names to the El Dorado, Topeka, Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago papers, giving exciting accounts of marvelous gold mines, and people from a distance rushed in here and by their curiosity and enthusiasm convinced some of the weaker vessels of our county that there might be gold there.

We do not understand how anyone except the saloonist at Goldore and the hackmen can make anything out of the fraud, if it is a fraud at the bottom, but we do not believe there is a particle of native gold or quartz within ten miles of Goldore.

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1879.

MONEY TO LOAN. I am prepared to loan money on improved farm property, in Cowley and Sumner Counties, in sums of not less than Three Hundred Dollars, on as good or better terms than ever offered heretofore. Persons wanting to borrow money will do well to call on C. H. ROBINSON at office of A. H. Green, next door south of Read’s Bank, Winfield, Kansas.

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1879.

Read’s Bank has been receiving a new coat of paint at the hands of Monroe & Higgins’s, which improves the appearance considerably.

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

Under the artistic hand of "Andy," Read’s Bank is assuming an elegant appearance.

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the May, A. D. 1879, term of the District Court of Cowley County, beginning on the first Monday in May, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.

CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY. M. L. Read vs. Phillip Sipe, et al.

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1879.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS [CITY ONLY].

Read & Robinson and wives to E. F. Widner, lots 3 and 6, blk. 96, Winfield. $175.

Winfield Courier, June 19, 1879.

M. L. Read & wife, and M. L. Robinson and wife, to L. M. Mullen, frac. lots 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, blk. 134. $172.50.

Winfield Courier, July 24, 1879.

INSURE -IN THE- ETNA OF HARTFORD! Phenix of Brooklyn. Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Companies! The Largest, Safest and Best in the World!

JOHN D. PRYOR, AGT., WINFIELD, KANSAS.

Office over Read’s Bank.

Winfield Courier August 14, 1879.

We give M. L. Read, M. L. Robinson, and W. P. Hackney the credit of securing the depot where they desired. There had been a desire on the part of some to locate it east of town, but no proposition was made in that direction. The only proposition made to Mr. Strong other than that of Mr. Read was for the location west of town between 9th and 10th streets, but this proposition was not put in form and therefore probably not considered. Mr. Lemmon took no part in these matters. If he holds his office by accident, lightning has struck twice in the same place.

Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.

THIRD DAY. CIVIL DOCKET.

M. L. Read [attorneys Hackney & McDonald] versus Phillip Sipe [attorney L. J. Webb].

SEVENTH DAY. CIVIL DOCKET.

M. L. Read [Hackney & McDonald] versus W. W. Brown [attorney E. S. Torrance].

Winfield Courier, September 4, 1879.

Read vs. Brown, judgment for plaintiff.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.

SNOW HILL, SALT CITY, KS., Sept. 12th, 1879.

We are waiting and watching for Sunday and that Winfield party: Read’s, Robinson’s, and Spotswood’s, besides Mrs. Best and Mrs. Roberts, with their tent and goodies, which we may be able to borrow, as they are freshly cooked.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.

Max Shoeb has got a new piano. Eight years ago, when Max occupied the little log blacksmith shop on the spot where Read’s bank now stands and when the coyotes howled their requiems to the echo of his anvil, and the Kansas zephyrs fanned his cheeks through the chinks in the cabin wall, little did we dream of the prosperity that was to attend our "pioneer blacksmith," or that in the short space of eight years the infant town, then newly born, would grow to a strong and vigorous manhood. Max has been with us in our adversity and prospered with us in our prosperity, and now as our city is assuming metropolitan airs, he feels in duty bound to do likewise.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.

Two of our well-known citizens indulged in a little pugilistic performance in front of Read’s Bank, Tuesday. Nobody hurt. Fined $5.00 and costs.

Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.

A good joke is told on Charley Harter about the Arkansas City bank robbery. After the news had arrived, Charley met Burt Covert on the crossing of Main street and Ninth Avenue, his face pale and hair disheveled, and grabbing him by the arm, said: "B___; B __Burt; Read’s Bank has been robbed; five hun__hundred dollars reward, get Dick Walker and go after them quick." Burt and Dick went after them while Charley, after his "excitement" had subsided, learned that it was Arkansas City, instead of Winfield, that had been raided, and immediately took steps to capture them if they came within two blocks of Main street.

Winfield Courier, October 30, 1879.

M. L. Read’s bank is having a very large vault built in the rear of the bank. It is 8 x 14, the floor and walls of solid masonry and will be entirely fire proof.

Winfield Courier, November 27, 1879.

Mr. George Stivers has obtained a position in Read’s Bank as assistant bookkeeper.

Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.

Will Allison is bound to have more room. The Telegram is in a crowded condition, and he proposes to move his office into the rooms now occupied by Pryor & Pryor, over Read’s Bank; take out the partitions and vault foundation in the basement, and convert the whole room into a printing shop. This will be an improvement. TELEGRAM

Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880.

Read’s Bank is fencing in its bookkeepers with an additional railing.

Winfield Courier, January 8, 1880.

Mr. Chas. Bahntge and lady returned last Saturday evening, and will take up their residence among us. Mr. Bahntge has been engaged as assistant bookkeeper in Read’s bank.

Winfield Courier, January 15, 1880.

Read Robinson, who likes traveling too well to confine his usefulness to any one city, is in Winfield inspecting the banking business of the Read’s and Robinson’s.

Winfield Courier, March 4, 1880.

Messrs. Curns & Manser sold the M. L. Read farm to Mr. Lewis Myers, of Ohio, for $3,000 one day last week.

Winfield Courier, April 8, 1880.

Tuesday morning news was brought to town of the suicide of Robert P. Wooley, in Beaver township. Mr. Wooley arrived from Indiana about ten days ago, with his wife, whom he had married three weeks previous, and leaving her at the Olds House in this city, commenced improving his farm, which is located about seven miles southwest of town. During this time he boarded at Lucius Walton’s. Last Friday he came to town, visited his wife, and left with her $250 in cash. On Monday he again came to town and saw her for a few moments, telling her that he would come up for her the next day. He then returned to Lucius Walton’s, ate supper, and went to bed as usual. About two o’clock in the night he got up and went out, but returned in a few minutes and asked a young son of Mr. Walton’s, with whom he was sleeping, for a rope, giving as a reason that he wished to tie his mules away from the horses. This was the last time that he was seen alive.

About 7 o’clock Tuesday morning he was found in the barn of Wm. Shaw, one and one-half miles from Walton’s, hanging by the neck from one of the braces in the roof. It seems that after securing the rope, he walked over to Mr. Shaw’s barn, climbed up to the rafters, and after fastening one end of the rope (which was about eight feet long) to the brace in the roof, tied the other end around his neck and jumped off between the rafters. He had pulled off his hat, coat, vest, and shoes, and first attempted to tie his hands together with his shoe strings; but failing in this, took his pocket-handkerchief, made a running noose in each end, slipped one hand in, and after adjusting the rope around his neck, put his hands behind him, slipped the other noose over his wrist, and drew them up tight.

In his pockets were found two letters, one to his wife and one to his father, who lives in Ripley County, Indiana; $65 in cash and a check on Read’s bank for $250, in favor of Wm. Dobson. The letters were dated March 3rd, but were evidently written on Sunday afternoon.

All his property, amounting to about $3,000, is left to his wife. The only motive to which this rash act can be attributed is a morbid fear of losing his property and being reduced to pauperism. He had recently made a bad investment, about which he was constantly harping, and over which he seemed to brood deeply. He was a man of good moral character, and 31 years old the 18th of March.

Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.

Read’s Bank is being papered and fixed up in fine style.

Winfield Courier, May 13, 1880.

GOING TO MOVE! NOW IS YOUR TIME TO BUY! GILES BROS. HAVE RENTED THE BUILDING FORMERLY OCCUPIED AS A RESTAURANT SOUTH OF READ’S BANK, AND WILL MOVE THEIR STOCK OF DRUGS INTO THE SAME NEXT WEEK. SO IF YOU WANT GOODS IN THEIR LINE CHEAP, YOU CAN GET THEM NOW, AS THEY DO NOT CARE TO MOVE SO MANY GOODS.

Winfield Courier, June 24, 1880.

Samuel M. Martin and wife, from Jacksonville, Illinois, have been visiting Mrs. M. L. Robinson, in this city. They come from a very fine city and now in making a comparison, he says that Jacksonville has not much to boast of over Winfield. He has property interests in this county, which he has been looking after. Yesterday he joined a party composed of his wife, M. L. Robinson and wife, M. L. Read and wife, S. H. Myton and family, Dr. Black and Dr. Wright for an extended trip through Mexico and Colorado. It will be a splendid trip full of recreation and fun. Wish we could go with them.

Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.

The last we heard of M. L. Robinson, he was at Colorado Springs, and M. L. Read was at Georgetown.

Winfield Courier, August 19, 1880.

Read’s Bank is now guarded by a large black iron fence, the work of the foundry.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, September 1, 1880. Front Page.

CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY.

M. L. Read vs. W. S. Page et al.

M. L. Read vs. Francis M. Small et al.

M. L. Read vs. John J. Breene et al.

CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY.

M. L. Read vs. J. H. Maggard.

Winfield Courier, September 9, 1880.

M. L. Read returned from Colorado last week.

Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.

Frank Barclay has put up a handsome sign, the work of Schrudl & Blomburg. Mr. Barclay has fitted up the basement of Read’s bank building, in which his shop will hereafter be.

Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.

Trial docket for December term, commencing on the first Monday (6th day) of December, A. D. 1880:

THIRD DAY, CIVIL DOCKET.

M. L. Read vs. William S. Page et al.

M. L. Read vs. Francis M. Small et al.

M. L. Read vs. John J. Breene et al.

FOURTH DAY, CIVIL DOCKET.

M. L. Read vs. James H. Maggard.

SEVENTH DAY, CIVIL DOCKET.

M. L. Read vs. H. Tisdale et al.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 1, 1880.

CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY.

M. L. Read vs. Wm. S. Page et al.

M. L. Read vs. Francis Small et al.

M. L. Read vs. J. J. Breene et al.

CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY.

M. L. Read vs. J. H. Maggard.

CIVIL DOCKET. SEVENTH DAY.

M. L. Read vs. H. Tisdale et al.

Winfield Courier, December 9, 1880.

Lovell H. Webb has moved his office from the Bahntge block to the rooms over Read’s Bank, lately occupied by Jennings & Buckman. Lovell is a bright, intelligent young lawyer of excellent habits.

Winfield Courier, December 30, 1880.

Wilber Dever has given up his position in Read’s bank and will go to Colorado the first of January.

Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881. [Monitor Items.]

On Thursday last, Oxford voted to sell her stock in the Kansas, Southern and Western railroad, amounting to eighteen thousand dollars, for twelve thousand seven hundred dollars, which amount was used to cancel an equal amount of the indebtedness of Oxford township. This leaves only five thousand three hundred dollars of a balance of township indebtedness, and the interest on this sum will be paid by taxes on railroad property. This leaves Oxford in a better condition financially than it has been during the past ten years. Stock and bonds are now in M. L. Read’s bank.

Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.

On Wednesday night there was a meeting held at council rooms, embracing a number of our prominent citizens, to secure, if possible, one of the two roads that Gould proposes building. All the gentlemen present were in favor of doing what was possible to secure this end. W. H. Smith, Col. Alexander, J. L. Horning, T. K. Johnson, Mayor Lynn, and M. L. Robinson were appointed as a committee to confer with the managers, and obtain from them, if possible, a proposition. Messrs. Myres, Read, and Seward were appointed a committee to defray expenses.

Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.

The Ladies’ Library Association met at the library rooms on Tuesday, January 25th, and elected the following members as directors. Mesdames D. A. Millington, T. R. Bryan, T. G. Ticer, W. R. Davis, W. O. Scovill, J. C. Fuller, J. Swain, Eastman, J. P. Butler, Raymond, W. P. Hackney, Wallis, A. E. Baird, M. L. Read, E. S. Bedilion, Doane, G. Emerson, J. A. Hyden, A. T. Spotswood, C. S. Van Doren, J. W. McDonald, J. S. Mann, J. S. Loose, J. A. Earnest. The six last hold over under the constitution. The three first are re-elected.

Winfield Courier, February 10, 1881.

On Monday morning the county commissioners again called an advisory meeting of the citizens to consider the matter of selling the S. K. & W. stock.

Met at the office of Jennings & Buckman at 11 a.m., about forty citizens being present. Col. J. M. Alexander was chosen chairman and C. C. Black secretary.

It appeared that only two offers were before the commissioners, that of W. N. Coler & Co., of New York, of 65 cents for the stock, in the county 7 percent, bonds at par, and that of Edwards & Bo., of St. Louis, of 68 cents in cash for the stock.

A long discussion ensued, in which was discussed the relative merits of the two offers, the probability of getting better, and of loss by delay, in which many citizens took part. Finally the meeting passed the following resolution almost unanimously and adjourned.