NEXT PAPER! WINFIELD MESSENGER.
THEY MADE NOTE THAT JAN. - MAR 1, 1872 WERE MISSING FROM THEIR FILES!
WINFIELD MESSENGER (WINFIELD)
BEGINNING MARCH 15, 1872 - NOVEMBER 8, 1872.
[COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Messenger, Friday, March 15, 1872.
This is the fifth county west of the Missouri State line in the southern border tier of Kansas.
The east line of Cowley county is 105 miles west of the west line of Missouri.
It lies between 37 and 37-1/2 degrees of north latitude, and the meridian of 97 degrees of longitude west from Washington, passes through Winfield township in this county.
It is bounded on the East by Howard county, on the North by Butler county, on the West by Sumner county, and on the South by the Indian Territory.
It is the largest and most attractive county in the famous Osage Diminished Reservation, which was opened for settlement by the act of Congress of July 15th, 1870.
HISTORY.
Up to October, 1870, Cowley county was the home and the hunting ground of the Osages. It was the haunt of herds of Deer, Antelope, Buffaloes, and flocks of wild turkeys, and the Paradise of the red man.
The counties on the east and north of the Diminished Reserve had been in process of settlement for some years.
During the year 1869 a great number of settlers poured into Montgomery, the eastern county of this reservation, trespassing upon the Osages occupying their lands, building cabins, and founding towns. In the fall of 1869 a few settlers following down the Walnut made claims along its valley, in Cowley County, and others followed in the spring of 1870, and when the U. S. Census was taken in June, 1870, the population of Cowley was 750 [? looks like 750 ?], located principally in the Walnut Valley. During this summer the county was organized and Winfield named as the county seat, and at an election for that purpose, soon after, the county seat was located at Winfield by a two thirds vote.
At the time of the passage of the act of July 15, 1870, there were three towns laid out in the county: Arkansas City, Dexter, and Winfield. Arkansas City then had about fifty buildings, Winfield two, Dexter two. Since that time population has poured rapidly into the county, and at the present time probably exceeds 7,500.
TOPOGRAPHY.
The east line of Cowley county passes along the summit of the high range known as the flint hills. From this summit westward the surface slopes gradually to Grouse creek, an average distance of nine miles. From this creek westward fifteen miles to the Walnut river the land is mostly rolling prairie. Along the Walnut Valley are bottom lands of considerable width, and westward the land is rolling. From this valley to the Arkansas river and west line of the county, the distance is about nine miles. Along the Arkansas river is another wide bottom.
The general surface of the county is undulating, with frequent rocky bluffs, ridges, or mounds which relieve the landscape and give a picturesque appearance. Some of these elevations are very beautiful and attractive. They are formed of magnesian limestone, sometimes interspersed with flint, mostly covered with sand. The uplands and slopes are very fertile, producing a heavy growth of fine grass for the mower.
The bottoms produce thick grass three to five feet high, with stalks of "blue joint" more thinly interspersed, which rise to the height of seven to ten feet. There are no marshes, sloughs, or stagnant pools of water in the county, but there are a few small ponds of clear spring water.
At least five-sixths of the county is excellent arable land and the balance is valuable for grazing purposes.
CLIMATE.
The experience of two summers and three winters since the "oldest inhabitant" entered Cowley county shows it to have a most delightful climate. Durring the winter of 1870 and 1871, which may be considered at least as cold as an average winter, the thermometer never indicated below zero; snow fell but twice to the depth of not over two inches, and remained not over two days. The thickest ice formed was about three inches. The weather most of the time is bright and pleasant, with occasional showers of rain, very like April weather in New England. The winter just passed has been noted for its great severity throughout the entire west, and ice has been formed at one time seven or eight inches thick. Snow has fallen three times; once to the depth of four inches, remaining three days, and the mercury in two or three instances descended below zero. In other respects it resembled the former winter, and farmers were engaged in plowing as early as February 12th.
In summer the weather is warm, the mercury sometimes rises to 96 but there is always a light breeze which prevents the heat from becoming oppresive.
Storms or showers of rain occur quite regularly once in about seven to twelve days at all seasons of the year; there has been no interval of drouth and crops have not suffered for want of rain. In the dryest time the dews are heavy and regular every clear night. The skies are usually clear and the nights are always cool. The winds are sometimes very strong, but nothing like a tornado has occurred, and no damage has been done by the winds.
SOIL.
The soil of Cowley county is mostly a mellow clay loam, interspersed with sand, and enriched by the disintegration and washings of the magnesian limestone of the hills and ridges. The sand, however, is not in any considerable percentage except in the subsoil, and in the formation made by the deposits of the Arkansas river.
Along this river the soil is largely sand, which has been transplanted by the stream from the sand bluffs of Colorado. The soil in all other parts of the county is black on the surface, shading into mulatto and red as you go downwards into the earth. Small spots of gray clay sometimes occur, but spots of what is called "hard pan" or "alkali," if they occur at all, are very small and very rare. The soil is usually very leep, from two to fifteen feet. If the soil should ever get old and worn out, there is plenty of gypsum, or plaster of Paris handy (which tthe eastern farmers will readily appreciate) with which to stimulate it.
PRODUCTION.
Cowley is as yet too new to have been thoroughly tried by experience as to its capabilities of producing many kinds of grasses, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. From its superior soil and climate, however, it is safe to assume that everything that flourishes in the same latitudes to the eastward in Kansas or Missouri will do at least as well here. It is in the belt which produces the best crops of wheat, corn, blue grass, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, strawberries, etc., that are obtained in the United States.
Every species of agricultural or horticultural production that has been sufficiently tried, has proved a success. Corn yields on the soil even on the uplands 20 to 40 bushels per acres. In the bottoms on cultivated land the corn crop is equal to that of any section of the Union; stalks sometimes growing to the height of seventeen feet, and ten feet up to the first ear.
BUILDING MATERIAL.
Cowley county is beautifully supplied with a beautiful white magnesian limestone in convenient layers, which is easily quarried and readily shaped and cut with the chisel, band saw, or hatchet. It is whiter and more compact, but in other respects the same as the famous Junction City stone, which is readily sawed up into slabs of any desired dimensions, in a saw mill. Arrangements are in progress to work a saw mill for this purpose at Winfield. The best of building sand is found in inexhaustible quantities. This magnesian limestone makes a lime of unusual coherence and whiteness. Ledges of Gypsum of the finest quality and excellent water lime are found within twenty miles of Winfield.
There is plenty of good brick clay in various parts of the county and some brick have been manufactured of good quality. It is expected that enough brick will be made at Winfield this year to supply all demands.
Plenty of hardwood lumber can be had at the various saw mills in the county at $2.00 to $2.50 per 100 feet. Good Walnut and Cottonwood shingles are sold at $4 to $5 per M. Pine shingles are sold at Winfield at $6 to $10 per M.
Large stocks of pine lumber are kept at Winfield and sold at $3 to $10 per 100 feet. Hardware, glass, sash, doors, oils, paints, etc., are also in full stocks at low prices.
FENCING.
You will require but little fence for some time, as the herd law will be in force. The streams are lined with a supply of oak, walnut, mulberry and other kinds of timber, and rails and posts can be obtained at reasonable prices. Convenient rocky bluffs and quarries will readily supply any amount of enduring material for fences. Osage Orange grows rapidly and will make a good fence in three years at very small expense. Oak, walnut, and even pine boards are not excessively expensive.
FUEL.
The timber along the streams afford a full supply of fuel which can be obtained with slight expense besides the labor of cutting and hauling. Cord word is delivered in Winfield at $3 per cord. Coal is found in some places, but not yet in noticeable quantities except in the eastern part of the county, but there is much geological evidence that it underlies the whole county. Early measures will be taken to test this matter at Winfield.
WATER.
Water is obtained in abundance in almost every part of the county by digging to the depth of 10 to 40 feet. At Winfield, the county seat, many wells have been made to the depth of about twenty feet, and the supply of water seems inexhaustible.
Here is found a black and red soil 15 feet deep, then clay and gravel and sand two feet, then bed rock. The gravel and sand strata contains the supply of water, which is pure and clear. There are numerous springs and spring branches in all parts of the county; in fact, when traveling in any direction, you cross a clear stream in every two to four miles.
THE WALNUT RIVER.
This stream is perhaps the most beautiful in Kansas. Rising in the upland in the southern part of Chase and Marion counties, fed by numerous branches from the flint range on the east, and the Arkansas divide on the west, and running nearly due south their entire length, it constitutes the main artery of Butler and Cowley counties.
Its length is over 100 miles and it enters the Arkansas river near the south line of the State. Its average distance from the west line of Cowley county is nine or ten miles, and in this county it is 150 feet wide and two feet deep at the lowest stage of water. Its tributaries being fed by thousands of springs, it always flows with a good, strong, clear current. It passes over a pebbly, stony bed, and has several rapids and first-class mill sites. It is beautifully lined with timber in large bodies, and the best varieties; in fact, it is the best timbered stream in Southern Kansas. Among the varieties of timber along its banks are found plenty of walnut, oak, mulberry, pecan, elm, hackberry, sycamore, cottonwood, and locust. Adjacent to this stream are some of the richest bottom lands in the Stte. These bottoms like about forty to fifty feet higher than the usual surface of the water in the river; they are not wet; have no pools of standing water, and they never get too dry, and the soil is of such a nature as to give them not only underdrainage, but sub irrigation. This stream, like all other streams in the county, affords plenty of excellent fish.
THE ARKANSAS RIVER.
This stream. though much the largest, is only second to the Walnut in importance in this section of the country. It is a wide stream filled with shifting sands, its channel shifting often and its current turbid; it is a disagreeable stream to cross; yet it is forded for the most part of the year. When at its lowest stage of water, it almost entirely disappears in the sand. Its banks have considerable cottonwood timber, and occasionally are found trees of elm, oak, and other varieties.
The soil of the bottoms along this river is mostly of a sandy loan to a great depth, yet very productive; but the second bottoms and slopes being retired from the stream are considered much more valuable.
GROUSE CREEK.
This stream, the third in importance, is 45 miles long; rises in the southwest corner of Greenwood county, runs in a direction S., S. W., through the eastern part of Cowley county, and enters the Arkansas at the south line. It is lined with timber and bottom lands, and like all the smaller streams of this county, runs in a clear, rapid current, over a stony bed.
Silver creek is its principal tributary from the north, and Crab creek from the east.
TIMBER CREEK.
Timber creek rises in the southeast corner of Butler county, and running southwest, enters the Walnut at Winfield. It is 35 miles long, and is a clear stream, lined with timber and bottom lands. Dutch creek is its principal tributary from the north, and enters Timber creek 8 miles above Winfield, and partakes of its character. Rock creek is a considerable stream, which rises in Butler county, and running southwest, enters the Walnut 11 miles above Winfield. Many other smaller streams and branches of like characters might be noticed.
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TOWNS.
WINFIELD.
This town is the county seat of Cowley, and if we except Independence, it is much the largest and liveliest town on the Diminished Reserve, is the largest town in the Great Walnut Valley, and if we except Wichita, Winfield is the largest town in southwestern Kansas.
Eldorado and Wichita, though the county seats of splendid counties, larger than Cowley, and marvels of growth, and though one to three years older, are scarcely larger and not near so lively as Winfield. Independence, the wonder of southern Kansas, is one year older than Winfield, and the county seat of a splendid county, settled one year earlier than Cowley, was not larger a year ago than Winfield is today.
Winfield is 75 miles west of Independence, 45 miles south of Eldorado, 32 miles south of Augusta, and 45 miles S., S. E. of Wichita.
Winfield has, in the last eighteen months, grown up from an open prairie to a town of 160 business and residence buildings, and a population of about 700.
Winfield has 8 dry goods stores, 8 grocery stores, 3 drug stores, 3 hardware stores, 1 auction store, 3 meat shops, 3 saloons, 3 hotels, 2 tin shops, 1 harness shop, 2 shoe shops, 3 libery stables, 3 blacksmith shops, 3 bakeries, 3 wagon shops, 5 carpenter shops, 3 paint shops, 1 photograph hall, 1 bank, 2 churches, 1 clothing store, 2 cabinet shops, 1 millinery shop, 1 news depot, 1 silversmith shop, 1 wholesale liquor store, 4 land offices, 1 barber shop, a temporary courthouse, 2 lumber yards; and in fact, nearly all the trades and professions are liberally represented. There are 5 church organizations, 1 masonic lodge, 1 odd fellows lodge, besides literary and other societies. There is an excellent and large public school, besides sunday schools and other means of instruction.
The buildings of Winfield are of a good, substantial class, and well painted: most of them white. Some of the buildings are of magnesian limestone, from the adjacent quarries, and several others are about to be erected of the same material. Among the buildings to be erected this season is a schoolhouse to cost $5,000, a courthouse, a flowering mill, [? flowering ?] a large first class hotel, and many fine business and residence
structures.
Winfield has one of the most beautiful sites in the west.
It is located on the east side of Walnut river, near the confluence of Timber creek, on smooth rising ground, gently undulating, in an open space two miles square, bounded on the north, west, and south by fine groves of timber along Walnut river and Timber creek, and the east by a line of beautiful mounds.
There are no less than 5 excellent water power mill sites within one mile of the center of the Winfield town site.
Winfield has an intelligent and wide awake class of business men who keep full stocks of various kinds of merchandise, and do a large business. The streets are usually crowded with teams on almost every day of the week.
Winfield is midway between the north and south lines of the county in the best part of the Walnut valley, and about 9 miles east of the west line of the county. It is supplied with several daily, tri-weekly, and weekly mails.
ARKANSAS CITY.
This is the second town in size in the county, and is situated near the confluence of the Walnut with the Arkansas river, 13 miles S., S. W., of Winfield. It is 4 miles north of the Indian Territory, and six miles east of the west line of the county. It is beautifully situated on a fine sandy eminence, and presents an attractive appearance.
DEXTER.
The third town in importance, is located on Grouse creek, 15 miles E., S. E. of Winfield. It has good stores, and good substantial building, among which is a fine Masonic hall just completed, and a schoolhouse to cost $3,000, is soon to be erected.
SILVERDALE.
Silverdale is a post town at the confluence of Silver creek with the Grouse, 14 miles southeast of Winfield. It has a good store and other buildings.
LAZETTE.
Lazette is a town just laid out on Grouse creek 20 miles E. N. E. of Winfield. A saw mill is at work there, a store and other buildings are commenced, and a representation of nearly all kinds of business are expected.
NINESCAH.
Ninescah [? thought it was Ninnescah ?] is a post town, near the Arkansas river, 12 miles northwest of Winfield. It has several substantial buildings.
TISDALE.
Tisdale is a post town on the rolling prairie 8 miles east of Winfield. It has a store, blacksmith shop, and other
buildings.
FLORAL.
Floral is a post office at the junction of Dutch and Timber creeks, 8 miles northeast of Winfield.
OMNIA.
Omnia is a post office on Timber creek 20 miles northeast of Winfield.
LITTLE DUTCH.
Little Dutch is a post office in the Walnut Valley 11 miles north of Winfield.
THOMASVILLE.
Thomasville is a new town site, located near the Arkansas river 8 miles southwest of Winfield.
These places are, of course, only incipient towns at this early day, but some of them are likely to become places of some importance.
SCHOOLS.
Cowley county is divided into convenient school districts and in all or nearly all of them good schoolhouses are in process of erection. The settlers of this county believe in schools and show a determination that the young Cowleyites shall have the means of good education within their reach.
CHURCHES.
Most Christian sects are represented, and there are church organizations in various parts of the county.
NEWSPAPERS.
Two weekly papers are published in this county, the Winfield MESSENGER and the Arkansas TRAVELER, and are well edited. The MESSENGER is a seven column paper and is in a flourishing
condition.
SALT SPRINGS.
There are excellent salt springs near the Arkanss river 12 miles southwest of Winfield, which will doubtless be developed and become a great convenience and source of revenue.
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HOW TO GET A FARM.
Come to Cowley county, select 160 acres of land from the 300,000 acres yet unclaimed, camp on it, and go to work. Raise plenty of vegetables and corn the first year on the sod without culture or fence, protected by the herd law.
Fence a field with stone, rails, or boards to yard your stock in, and if you have but little stock, large enough to pasture them. If you have much stock, you can afford to join with your neighbors and herd them. Set out plenty of fruit, shade, and forest trees and you will soon have plenty of fruit and timber.
Put out your hedge rows and grow your fence in three years. Within three months of settlement file a declaratory statement at the United States Land Office, and within a year prove up and pay $200, and you are the owner of a valuable farm. In selecting your claim, do not fear being long without neighbors. Doubtless nearly every quarter section in the county will be occupied within a year.
Do not fear that the surrounding country will fall into the hands of speculators, for these lands are only sold to actual settlers, and to no one more than 160 acres, so you are sure of being immediately surrounded by neighbors. If you desire the choice of locations in the county, you can buy choice farms at low prices.
There are always many of the earliest settlers of any new country who have secured the claims having the extra advantages of timber, streams flowing perpetually, rich bottom lands, and nearness to some important town, who have no means to improve their farms, or who are of a roving disposition and desire frequent change, or who dislike to live among neighbors, or who are homesick or in ill health, and have friends in the East, urging their return, who will sell their farms at comparatively low prices. Such famrs may be sometimes bought at $4 to $6 per acre. Other farms with less extra advantages can be bought at $2 to $4. It is true, however, that some persons would ask fancy prices for their farms, and some who would not sell at any figures that any sane man would offer.
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HOW TO GET TO WINFIELD.
If you come by public conveyance from the East or Northeast, take the L. L. & G. and M. K. & T. R. R. to Independence, and thence by daily stage 75 miles West to Winfield. If you come via Topeka, take the A. T. & S. F. R. R. to Florence, and thence by daily stage 75 miles South to Winfield.
It is expected that this railroad will be completed to Wichita early in April; when this is done, you will proceed by rail to Wichita, thence by stage, 45 miles, S. S. E. to Winfield.
There are good wagon roads converging at Winfield from Wichita South-east, from Eldorado and Augusta South, from Eureka Southwest, from Humboldt West, Southwest, and from Independence, Neodosha, Fredonia, and Elk Falls nearly West.
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WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU.
Bring all the GREENBACKS you can.
They will buy for you almost anything you want at less cost than you can buy elsewhere and transport to this county. You can buy in Winfield most kinds of merchandise at about the same prices that you would pay in the older States and towns, and then you have the advantage of knowing precisely what you want before you invest, for many things that are very useful where you have been living, will be found of so little use here, that you would not buy.
Do not bring heavy or bulky articles of furniture if you can sell them at an approximation to their value, nor if of little value, though you have otherwise to give them away. If you come from contiguous States, bring your team and wagon, and as much fine and blooded stock as you can. Bring your wife and children; you will readily find temporary shelter for them, or they will enjoy camping in the warm spring and summer months, until you can get your cabin covered. You will be astonished to find yourself immediately surrounded by plenty of neighbors, good society, good schools and churches.
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RAIL ROADS.
There is no lack of projected railroads, and no doubt that the country will be supplied with them in a reasonable time. From the East, Northeast, and North, through this county are several routes on which railroads can be built at not unusual cost, and the rapidly increasing importance of the business of this county will soon enlist the capital for that purpose. Already a dozen different railroad companies have made propositions to build through the county, and several roads are progressing rapidly in this direction.
Among the routes most likely to be occupied with roads are, the Walnut Valley road, passing through Eldorado, Augusta, Douglass, Winfield, and Arkansas City; the L. L. & G. from Kansas City, via Ottawa, Burlington, Eureka, and Independence [? GARBLED ?], being almost an air line; the New Chicago & Fredonia, via Lazette, Winfield, and Thomasville, almost an air line; the M. & S. K., from Carthage, Mo., via Columbus, Oswego, Independence, Elk Falls, Winfield, and the county seats west, and the road via Baxter, Chetopa, Coffeyville, Cedarvale, Dexter, Tisdale, and Winfield westward.
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PROSPECTS.
This is destined soon to become one of the most populous and opulent counties in the State.
Aside from its great natural advantages, it has elements of greatness found nowhere else but on this Osage Diminished Reservation, and the Osage strip lying immediately north of it.
In other parts of Kansas, and throughout the west, the lands have been largely entered, in any quantity by whoever desired, and therefore large bodies of land are entered by speculators and being held by them at high prices, the lands remain unsettled, or having only a few scattered settlers, away from society or markets, who would gladly sell out and leave.
In other parts also the government has made large land grants to railroads, and these lands are withheld from settlement, or only offered at prices ranging at $5 to $50 per acre. But here no land grants have been made, and no one can enter more than 160 acres, nor without proof of having occupied it six months and having made valuable improvements; the result is that the country fills up at once with a family on nearly every quarter section of land.
Montgomery, on this Reserve, is an example of this state of things. It being the most eastern of these counties, was earliest invaded by the settlers; and though only about half the size of Cowley, it has now a population greater than anyone of the old counties of the State, except those containing large commercial cities, and Indpendence, its county seat, is one of the large towns of Kansas. Cowley county is only a year younger and has every natural advantage possessed by the other--and even
greater--and the day when Cowley shall contain a population of 40,000, and Winfield a population in proportion, cannot be very distant. The advantages of living in a thickly populated country can hardly be overestimated.
In Union there is strength. There you have markets, schools, and all the appliances of civilization. There, whatever you produce, whatever you have to sell, whether labor or skill, the productions of the farm or the garden; whether it be mineral or land, it always finds a ready market at round prices, and yields a large profit. There railroads, mills, factories, and bridges are built; there laborers, mechanics, farmers, men in every calling and profession are prosperous.
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COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL.
The Cowley County Agricultural Society was fully organized by representatives from all parts of the county August 17th, 1871, with the following offices.
President, M. M. Jewett; Vice Presidents, A. T. Stewart and B. C. Swarts, Secretary, D. N. Egbert, Jr.; Assistant Secretary, A. B. Lemmon; Corresponding Secretary, J. B. Fairbanks; Treasurer, J. D. Cochran; General Superintendent, C. M. Wood; Assistant General Superintendent, A. D. Speed; and with a Board of thirteen Directors.
Its first annual fair commenced October 12th, 1871, though late in the season and attended with very inclement weather, was a very creditable affair, and attested the fact that the Society was a success.
The land consisting of twenty acres, the gift of Messrs.
W. W. Andrews and A. D. Speed, situated three-fourths of a mile from Winfield, is admirably adapted for the purposes of the society. The society has been in correspondence with farmers in all parts of the county, and the report has invariably, that all crops were a success the past season, and that the present grain crops promise well.
At this date many farmers are plowing and otherwise preparing for spring. On looking over our prairies in all parts of the county we notice a numberless growth of young trees of all our native kinds.
The introduction of forest, fruit, and fancy trees has been very great, and almost every farmer that has not done so already will, the coming spring, set out an orchard. The laws of the State give every man $2 a year for each acre of forest trees for twenty-five years, and the same amount for every half-mile of the same planted along the public highway, not more than one rod apart, provided the trees shall be culttivated, growing three years before the bounty begins.
The next annual fair will be held in September, at the above named grounds.
The limited space allotted to us cannot be better employed than append a price list of articles that most interest farmers and others intending to emigrate.
Apple trees (1 year) $8 per 100.
Apple trees (2 year) $15 per 100.
Pear and Plum trees, 40 cents each.
Peach trees, 10 cents a piece.
Quince trees, 50 cents.
Grape vines, $2 per dozen.
Raspberries, $1.50 per dozen.
Strawberries, $2.00 per dozen.
Honey, 25 cents per pound.
Osage Orange seed, 30 cents per pound.
Lime, 40 cents per bushel.
Plows, breaking, 18 inch, $36.
Plows, stirring, 14 inch, $19.
Harness, double, $25 to $30.
Horses, $75 to $125; Oxen $80 to $15 [? FIGURE WRONG ?].
Milch cows, $35 to $45; wagons $50 to $11 [?].
Potatoes (best seed), $1.50.
Tomatoes, cooking, 75 cents to $1.00.
Turnips, 25 cents.
Corn, 35 to 55 cents.
Oats, 55 cents.
Cornmeal, $1.50.
Flour, $5.
Beans, per bushel, $2.00 to $2.50.
Butter, best, 35 cents.
Eggs, 20 cents.
Hay, per ton, $2.50.
Solid walnut furniture, from first-class mechanics, are as low in price here as in the East, and better made.
The above prices include the best in the market.
D. N. EGBERT, Jr.
Sec., Cowley Co. Agri. Soc.
Winfield, Kans. Feb. 20, 1872.
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[WINFIELD MESSENGER: FIRST PAPER LISTED BY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER
VOLUME 2. WINFIELD, KANSAS, FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1872. NUMBER 28.
OFFICIAL PAPER OF COWLEY COUNTY.
W. H. KERNS, EDITOR.
[EDITORIAL.]
COWLEY COUNTY HERD LAW.
The Commissioners will meet on the 18th of this month, to consider this subject; and it could be well for all in favor of such a law to have their petitions ready for the Commissioners to consider. That we need such a law is desired, but by a comparative few; yet we doubt not but that they will be prepared to fight against having such a law. When men will stop to consider the great benefits that will naturally follow from having such a law, they will find that it will increase immigration to this county; it will give our farmers a chance to raise large crops the coming season--it will encourage industry among the farmers insofar that they can devote all their time and attention to the improvement of their farms, and they will endeavor each year to fence as much of their land as they can in order that their stock may have a larger range; and that it will raise our county's standard for being one of energy, home protection, and enterprise, will not be denied by those who are the most bitter against such law. All these things will naturally follow. At the present the people wanting this law must convince the Commissioners next Monday of that fact.
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[ANOTHER EDITORIAL.]
THE MESSENGER, FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1872.
WINFIELD AT PRESENT.
The prospects of Winfield at this time are, indeed, flattering. An election will soon be called in the township for voting bonds tp build ttwo bridges over the Walnut; and a bridge will be constructed over Timber creek without bonds. The bonds will be voted, and the bridges will be built.
A large four-story Flouring Mill, containing four run of stone, is to be built the present season. The admirable water power at "Knowle's ford," has been purchased for the site, and the gentlemen controlling it have the capital and experience to make it first class. It is to be built of stone, like our splendid school buildings, and will, with other improvements to be made this season, fill the people of Cowley County with pride of their capital town. The citizens of Winfield are full of enterprise. They spend no time in envious bickerings with neighboring towns. They do not expect to build up a town by pulling down a rival.
And this course of action has already placed their town, Winfield, beyond the pole [? pale ?] of rivalry. Our leading men possess both ability and indefatigable perseverence.
Our merchants, though carrying stock, which would honor Fort Scott, are honorable men and pay their debts. The mercantile agents who travel the county for the wholesale firms of eastern cities, report Winfield is the banner town in the county west [?] for trade and pay. And in addition to this, some new firms are coming in with stocks of goods that would do credit to Leavenworth, or Kansas City.
Among our mechanics, of all kinds, we have those who are first class. The same may be said of the profession. Our bar will probably compare favorably with that of any countty in Southern Kansas.
We learn that Alexander & Saffold will purchase one thousand dollars worth of Law books in Philadelphia soon, to add to their already fair library. This will be a great help to the whole bar.
An extensive brick yard has already been started, and several are making their plans to erect brick buildings at once. In fact, we feel enthusiastic over our prospects. And we desire the people of the whole county to rejoice with us.
For to the farmers we say that, here is your market, and the larger your town becomes, the cheaper you will be able to purchase goods, and the better will be the market for your productions. And again, in proportion as your market town grows into importance will it be sought by the railroad interests of the county.
Gentleman Farmers, you cannot subserve your interests better than to give your friendship and aid to help us make up a great commercial town.
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NOTE: FROM A LETTER WRITTEN BY JAS. B. EVANS, VERNON TOWNSHIP, FEB. 31, 1872, WHO WAS FOR THE HERD LAW, I GATHER THAT THIS WAS DEFINITELY THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE MESSENGER NEWSPAPER.
THERE WERE A LOT OF ROAD NOTICES, SCHOOL LAND SALES, NOTICES OF ATTACHMENT, ETC. IN PAPER...I DID NOT COPY.
[ITEMS ABOUT HOME.] (NAME OF COLUMN)
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1872.
Windy as usual.
Last Saturday was a busy day.
We will publish the Herd Law next week.
See the notice of a meeting of the County Commissioners to take action upon the Herd Law on the 18th of March.
AT WORK. The stone masons are at work laying stone on the foundation of our new stone school house. The work is progressing rapidly.
Elder Womack, of the Christian Church, will preach on Sunday, March 25th, at 11 o'clock a.m. Services will be held at the M. E. Church in Winfield.
NEW STONE HOUSE. We notice that another new stone dwelling house in progress of erection by SOMEBODY (?) on Tenth avenue east of Main street.
CITIES OF THE THIRD CLASS. An amendment to the old law will now let cities of the third class organize at any time during the year. Winfield will be on hand at an early day.
A BLOW OVER. Mr. J. Smiley's carpenter shop that he erected but partially, blew over on last Tuesday. It was a small building and was not braced. The wind did not need to exert its strength very hard to blow it over.
The Winfield Dramatic and Literary Association is still in full blast and affords a very pleasant evening's entertainment. They meet every Friday evening at 7-1/2 o'clock. All are invited to attend.
A protracted meeting of the Christian Church will commence on Sunday, the 27th of March, 1872, conducted by J. H. Irvin and T. W. Cottingham, at the residence of Capt. H. L. Barker, seven miles north of Winfield, on Timber Creek.
THE NEW GRIST MILL. Winfield can soon claim one of the finest mills in the State. Mr. Blanden, off this place, and Mr. Myers, of Paola, are the gentlemen who have it in hand and they will soon start to work on the erection of a fine four story stone building.
THE NEW BRIDGES. Two new bridges across the Walnut will be built the coming spring at this place. The people in this Township will all vote for the bonds and they all recognize that we must have these bridges, for they will not only benefit the town but will benefit all who live in the township and trade at Winfield.
FIRE! FIRE! Mr. Barlow's [?? LOOKS LIKE BARLOW ?] saw mill caught on fire last Tuesday while the hands in charge of the mill were at dinner. The alarm was quickly given and the fire speed-ily extinguished. It was rather lucky that the mill was on low ground for the day was one of the most windy that we had had this spring.
The Christians hold prayer meetings every Sunday afternoon at the different members' residences. The meeting was held on last Sabbath at the residence of Mr. W. H. H. Maris. ________ then given out, with a cordial invitation for all who desired to participate in the worship of Christ to meet at the residence of W. H. Kerns, at half past 3 o'clock p.m., on next Sabbath, March 17th, 1872.
THE MOUNDS. East of town a mile and a half there are beautiful rows of gentle uprising mounds. The people owning this land are burning off the grass, and the fire, after night, illuminates the town beautifully. These same mounds will one day be the pride of Winfield. Let the persons owning them plant out hedges and trees, and they will not only ornament the town and surroundings, but they will bring tre-fold [?] more money to their possessors than the labor would be worth.
CITIZENS MEETINGS. These are still in progress, they meet every Saturday evening, and are doing a good work. From these meetings we have the improvements of the town and its surroundings kept in continual progress. Do not let your interests in these projects abate, but all turn out next Saturday evening and forward the good work thus begun.
Persons in setting out shade trees on the street, should set them nine feet from the lot on all streets except Main street, and on Main street they should be set fifteen feet from the lot.
THOSE CIRCULARS. We have published over four thousand of them at the present, and people in the county are clamoring for more. Some of the settlers mailed as high as fifty at one time. It would be well if the committee who had charge of collecting the funds and distributing the circulars would make some arrangment for the printing of the balance of the ten thousand. At the present we are waiting for paper which should have been here before this.
PERSONAL. Our old boy, I. L. Comfort, called on us the other day, good-natured, happy, and contented as ever, and says he did not feel better at twelve than he does now at sixty-one. He thinks the Winfield House is a good place to live. He is in house-joiner business: saws wood for gentlemen. We heartily recommend him as a good mechanic, who can fit a small stove as well as a large one.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH. We are glad to announce to the public that this fine stone building will soon be completed. The carpenters have laid the floor, the windows will all be in this week, and the plasterers will finish their work very soon. There are some of our citizens who have labored hard for the completion of this edifice of worship, and they merit the best wishes of the public, for the church is certainly one that the citizens will feel proud in having to adorn their town.
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[DEATHS.]
MESSENGER, MARCH 15, 1872.
TERRIBLY HARD TO READ! NOT SURE OF MUCH OF THIS!
D. Howard Hawkins [?], of Vernon Township, Cowley Co., Kansas, aged 27 years and 11 months...Jan. 9th, 1872. GAVE UP ON TRYING TO READ THIS ONE!
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[NOTE: WINFIELD MESSENGER...MARCH 22, 1872 - JUNE 21, 1872...
IS MISSING! ACCORDING TO MICROFILM SENT!]
NEXT ISSUE THAT APPEARS:
WINFIELD MESSENGER.
VOL. 2 WINFIELD, KANSAS, FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1872. NO. 43.
W. H. KERNS, EDITOR.
[EDITORIAL.]
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1872.
PLAIN TALK ABOUT BUSINESS MATTERS.
The Traveler in commenting upon the fact that the Winfield merchants sell cheaper than the Arkansas City merchants has the following:
"We understand that the enemies of Arkansas City are industriously circulating the report that goods can be purchased at Winfield and at Oxford cheaper than they can be bought here. We don't believe there is a word of truth in the report. Goods of a good quality are sold in Arkansas City and sold as cheaply as anywhere else in the countty. During the late high water, which prevented many of the people east of the Walnut from coming here to do their trading, some were compelled to go to Winfield, and, we are told, received special favor from the merchants, for the purpose of inducing them to return. They were indecently fawned upon, and in some instances goods were sold at less than cost, to create this false impression. We trust that our friends will not be deceived by these pretenses. Such inducements held out, and for such dishonest purposes, will be looked upon by all right thinking people as they deserve. And, besides, it don't pay to trade with such people. What they lose by this excessive generosity they are always sure to make up on other goods at other times."
It is rather a bitter pill for them, to know that the Winfield merchants are men of more business than they possess in their little hamlet. Our leading merchants have but one price and when the Editor of that juicy sheet informs the people that "they were indecently fawned upon," he tells a malicious falsehood. We will inform the people of that renounced and famous sand hill village, that people come here from your section oftener in low water than in high, and they always pay the same price for the same goods. Our merchants are all respectable gentlemen and they do not try to "fleece" a man out of all the money he may have, besides none of them have been closed up or sold out at sheriffs' sale as yet. That's the difference between the Winfield and Arkansas City merchants.
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[CITIZEN'S MEETING.]
MESSENGER, JUNE 28, 1872.
Agreeable to appointment a number of citizens met at the courthouse in Winfield to take measures for holding a celebration. After considerable discussion it was decided not to celebrate at Winfield, whereupon a committee, consisting of Messrs. Walton, Boyle, and Bryant, was appointed to procure teams for the accommodation of persons wishing to attend celebrations elsewhere.
A sufficient quality of powder was donated for the national salute, to be given at day-break on the morning of the fourth, and a committee was appointed to superintend the firing.
The meeting then took into consideration the subject of
INCORPORATING WINFIELD,
in which much interest was manifested by all present. On motion, J. B. Fairbank, S. H. Myton, and A. T. Stewart were appointed as a committee to draft petitions and circulate them.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
J. D. COCHRAN, Chairman.
ALBERT YALE, Secretary.
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[ITEM OF INTEREST TO SETTLERS.]
MESSENGER, JUNE 28, 1872.
WINFIELD, June 27th, 1872.
EDITOR MESSENGER: I fear many of the settlers, through a misunderstanding of the late act of Congress, will allow the time to pass at which they should prove up and enter their lands.
All parties whose date of settlement is subsequent to July 15th, 1870, and before the filing of the Government township platt in the local Land Office, must make proof within one year from the date of such filing of the platts. The platts of the Osage Diminished Reserve, as far east, and including range four, were filed in the Land Office then at Augusta July 10th, 1871.
This is as I understand the law, and as it is understood at the Land Office at Wichita.
Respectfully,
J. M. ALEXANDER.
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[LETTER FROM WALTON.]
MESSENGER, JUNE 28, 1872.
That Road, and What are We Going to Do About it?
Some forty or fifty legal voters and land owners living in town and in the Walnut valley north of town, some weeks ago petitioned for a county road commencing at the northwest corner of section 16, at a point on the Oxford road, immediately north of Winfield, thence running south to the southwest corner of Judge T. H. Johnson's farm, thence east on his south line to a point north of the present ford on Timber creek, thence south till it intersects the Winfield and Augusta State road, thence on said road to Winfield.
Viewers were duly appointed who viewed the route as petitioned for, and reported that the route was a good and practical one, but of no public utility, not convenient for the use of the genral traveling community, because the present State road running so near and parallel with it would answer every purpose that the proposed County road would.
But when we take in view the fact that the State road runs diagonally thro' section 16, entering at the northwest and leaving at the southeast corner, and that a heavy petition is before the "Board" to move that road to the east or west line of said section 16. Then we must admit that the farmers living in the bend of the Walnut north and west of Mr. Johnson's farm must have a road by which to come to town, and the shortest route by one mile is on the line petitioned for.
Mr. Johnson claimed heavy damage, and we think very justly too, for running the road on his west and south line, as it cuts off an 80 acre lot recently added to his home place, and causes him to build three fourths of a mile of extra fence, and injures a very fine farm by having a public road run through it.
Now the question is, can we of Winfield afford to lose the custom and patronage of twenty or thirty of our best farmers, living so near and yet so far away from us, for the simple reason that they can't have a direct road to town?
Three fourths of the wood we burn in winter is hauled from the valley north of town. Now must we pay for hauling it one or two miles farther, when we haven't a more direct road? Certainly we must or do without it.
Then again, Oxford is bridging the Arkansas river, and a high, dry road connects that place with the starting point mentioned in the petition. Her businessmen are doing all they can to draw custom away from Winfield, and our friends up the Walnut feeling a little sore over the failure of their road project, are going en masse to Oxford to spend the 4th, where they can and will be treated with all the respect due to the farmer, "the lord of the soil."
Now to be brief, we have the interests of one individual on one side and that of several of our best farmers in the county, and the businessmen of the town, and the town interests generally upon the other to look after and take into consideration. Had we better not then allow Judge Johnson liberal damages and have a good and direct road to town and keep peace and harmony between town and country, than to have continual strife between citizens whose interests are one and the same? I think we had. Then I would suggest that at the July meeting of the County Commissioners, they appoint a new board of viewers, to take that matter into consideration, and act as in their judgment they may deem best for all parties interested.
Respectfully,
WALTON.
Winfield, June 25th, 1872.
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[TOWN AND COUNTY.] (NAME OF COLUMN HAS BEEN CHANGED)
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 1872.
WEATHER. Hot, hotter, hottest.
The irrepressible Speed has returned from Emporia.
Another meat market has opened in the south end of town.
Many of our citizens propose spending the fourth at Oxford.
Prospective county officers are already throwing out
"feelers."
Judge Saffold has gone East. He will attend the Baltimore Convention.
A great many farmers are cutting their oats: they are a good crop this season.
Three loads of new furniture for the Winfield House came in last Wednesday.
Mr. A. T. Stewart went to Wichita yesterday on business for the Agricultural Society.
"To Kansas or bust" was painted on several wagons that passed through town last Tuesday.
The County Commissioners will meet next Monday, and will probably sit two or three days.
M. P. Dale starts for Topeka next Monday. His wife will go from there to her old home in Indiana.
McClure, the heavy lumberman of Wichita, was in town last Saturday. He thinks of starting a yard here.
Samples of fall wheat are being brought in. The heads are well filled and the straw is clear and bright.
Mr. Greenlee has been in Independence to receive his family. He installs them in their new home in Cowley.
The rafters were raised on the school house this week, and the carpenters will have it completed within a month.
Capt. Hunt came up from South Haven last Tuesday. He reports everything lovely in that el dorado of Southern Kansas.
Land in different parts of the county that has heretofore been regarded as too rough to be settled is all being taken up.
Twenty teams are continually passing through town loaded with rock for the new mill foundations and the bridge piers.
FATAL ACCIDENT. Mr. C. A. Louis, of Oxford, was killed last Tuesday near that place, by the falling in of a well in which he was at work.
Mr. Bisbee has built himself a neat shoe shop on Main street near Bliss & Co.'s store. It looks very cozy, and we expect he will make the shoe-pegs hop around lively.
Mrs. Mansfield would have the person who wrote her an anonymous letter to distinctly understand that she shall never peruse a communication from anyone in cognito.
Messrs. Blandin & Bliss are going ahead with their mill project and will have it completed early next winter. From five to twenty loads of rock for it passes our office every day.
DIED. A child of A. A. Jackson and lady, died yesterday, June 27th, 1872. Funeral services took place this afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have the sympathy of many friends.
Mr. C. A. Bliss has returned from a trip to the Territory, and has brought with him a fine lot of horses and ponies. Persons needing such should avail themselves of this opportunity.
There are now seventy-five school districts established in this county, thirty of which have schools in successful operation. Eighteen months ago the county containing nothing of the kind.
J. B. Fairbank will address the people of Pleasant Valley on the fourth. Judge Johnson and other legal lights have been called on to orate to the people of surrounding towns on that glorious day.
Several businessmen from Wichita, who were in town last Saturday, expressed their surprise at seeing so many teams and people on our streets. They were all very favorably impressed with Winfield.
NEW MAILS. After the first of July there will be two additional mails a week between Elk Falls and Winfield, making five mails per week from Elk Falls. There will also be a weekly mail from Winfield to Oxford, beginning July first.
Rev. Mr. Parmelee will preach at the M. E. Church next Sunday, at 11 o'clock. All members of the Congregational Church are requested to be present, and remain after services to attend to some matters concerning the organization.
The frame of a building being erected by Mrs. Bulline for a millinery establishment was torn down last Monday night and part of it carried out into the street. The structure was put up again on Tuesday and parties interested hoped that a repetition of the previous night's work would be attempted, but the villains failed to make their appearance.
AN OCTOGENARIAN'S BIRTHDAY. We have had the pleasure of reading a very interesting notice of a birthday party of Mrs. Mansfield's father, Mr. John Crocker, of Syracuse, New York, who is eighty-three years of age, and in good health. He is a veteran of the war of 1812, and several of his old comrades were present on the occasion. What changes and what marvelous progress has he seen during all these years. Not a railroad, canal, steamboat or telegraph was brought to any perfection, and little known in the early part of his life. Mr. Crocker and his men laid the first rail ever laid in the state of New York, in June, 1831. This was the Mohawk & Hudson River Railroad, and for many years the only road in the State. He had charge of important works in constructing the Chenango canal, and remained in business for the State several years following. The daughter with whom he lives is evidently desirous to cheer his declining years, and as a token of her faithfulness, she has sumptuously entertained a large company for his pleasure. The united age of twelve persons who sat at the first table was 921 years.
[MORE PERSONALS...MESSENGER...JUNE 28, 1872.]
The Cowley County Agricultural Society are preparing a pamphlet containing the premium lists and other items connected with the Fair. It will also contain advertisements of the leading business houses of Southern Kansas.
The Frontier Base Ball Club of this place has challenged the Rackensacks of Arkansas City, to play them a matched game at Oxford, on the fourth.
LATER. The Rackensacks concluded it wasn't "the game for them to win at," so they did not accept the invitation. The Frontiers received a challenge from the Augusta base ball club and will play there the 4th. From there they go to Eldorado and Wichita.
Persons wishing to go to Oxford or Pleasant Valley to spend the 4th will find transportation by calling at Bliss's store. There will be a few teams going to the above named places that have reported, and if there are any others going to the places named or to other points, by calling for passengers will do a kindness to those who have no way of going, and greatly oblige the COMMITTEE.
FREELAND HOUSE. Mr. Freeland, the landlord of the Winfield House, is now in other quarters. He is fitted up nicely in his new building just north of the Winfield House, and is prepared to accommodate all of his old customers and as many new ones as come to the country. The new house is fitly named the Freeland House; and the landlord's reputation for keeping a first class hotel will always make this hotel sought after by strangers.
SCHONEAN OATS. A stalk of oats was left at our office this week, raised on the farm of W. adjoining town, which measured half an inch in diameter, with head eighteen inches in length, and full grain. The stalk is about three feet and a half in length. The seed was imported from Hamburg, Germany, and was not received until quite late in the season, but from appearance we think it an excellent variety for this climate and soil, and the stem being short and strong, would not be likely to lodge.
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[DEATH OF DR. C. L. FLINT.]
MESSENGER, JUNE 28, 1872.
Dr. C. L. Flint, formerly of this city, died at Winfield, Cowley county, in this State, on Saturday, the 15th inst., and was buried the following Sabbath. He was aged about thirty-one years.
The Doctor resided for several years in Fort Scott and in company with Dr. Fuller was engaged in the practice of his profession, dentistry. About two years and a half ago he married Miss Clara Millington, daughter of D. A. Millington, then a merchant in this city.
A year ago last he removed to Winfield, where his father-in-law with his family had previously settled, and has since resided there. His health had been poor for a year or more, but he was seriously ill but a short time, his death being caused by an acute pulmionic attack. He leaves one child, a boy, some over one year old.
The Doctor spent the flower of his early manhood in Fort Scott, and his agreeable social qualities and manly and correct moral principles won him many warm and sincere friends, and in his large circle of acquaintances, he was universally esteemed and respected. His family and friends have the heartfelt sympathy of our entire community in their irreparable bereavement.
Fort Scott Monitor.
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NEXT ISSUE OF THE WINFIELD MESSENGER APPEARS TWO WEEKS AFTERWARDS, I DO BELIEVE!
[EDITORIAL.]
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1872.
"WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?"
One pretended objection to the court house and jail bonds is, that the county seat might be removed. This is simply ridiculous. The Walnut Valley will always be the centre of population, east and west, in Cowley county. In the Walnut Valley will be flourishing stations (for a railroad will soon certainly be built down the valley), and towns alongg the Walnut river in this county will be built, of which, of course, Winfield and Arkansas City will be chief. And while the Grouse is an excellent valley and will sustain two good towns, the Arkansas Valley is much broader, and will contain the heaviest population.
What object then, outside of the immediate locality of an aspirant for county seat, and outside of enmities founded upon envy and malice, could the people have in changing the county seat? What would be the consequence in so doing? We will tell you. Winfield, alone, will pay for one fourth of the taxes of the whole county the coming year. The faster she grows, the more she lightens the county of taxation. Would it be wise now to kill the goose that lays the golden egg? Why, try to cripple and stop the growth of the best town in the county, and one of the best (and soon will be the best), in southern Kansas? What is Winfield doing for the county? She is building bridges for the county, which justly belonged to the county to build, and which the county has the benefit of, which will cost her not less than $13,000. Has Winfield no claim upon the good will of the county? Where can the farmer find a better market in which to buy and sell?
Is it wise for the farmer to destroy his own market? Two splendid grist and flouring mills are being erected at Winfield, where every farmer in time will want to bring his grain. And manufactories will soon follow.
Is it wise for the people to spread a wet blanket on all this prosperity, when they are the direct recipients of all the good and evil done to Winfield?
Bah! The people are not such fools. And the envious discontents can organize an expedition to the planets in a balloon with as much ope of success, as to expect the people of this county to prefer the town of Tisdale to Winfield for county seat. And the people will prefer to apply the $1,000 which a county seat election would cost them to the building of county buildings in Winfield.
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[ANOTHER EDITORIAL.]
MESSENGER, JULY 12, 1872.
PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH.
We have men in this county who become as rabid at the mention of the word bond, as a mad dog at sight of water, and yet those very men find it very convenient to obtain credit some times, on their promise to pay. A bond is no more than a promise to pay and we know of no more harm in a collective number uniting to obtain credit, than for a single individual. The law provides three ways, and only three, by which a county can erect permanent public buildings. One is by a direct tax, and taking a vote upon it, in which case the elecxtor votes a ballot for the erection of public buildings, or against the erection of public buildings. Another is by raising the money by a loan, in which case an election must also be had, and the elector votes "for the loan, or against the loan." The third way is by an election to vote "for the bonds, or against the bonds," and if carried, issue bonds for the purpose.
Now we desire the electors of this county to take a sensible and practical view of this question. This is a great county rapidly filling up with population and wealth. Public buildings are a positive necessity, the idea of building them by a direct tax, no one could stand or tolerate for a moment, to make a "loan" in this county of high interest, and with nothing but county warrants to offer in security, would be impossible. The only way we could borrow, would be to issue bonds to pay the loan, which would be more complicated, and more expensive than to issue bonds directly for the purpose. We think our commissioners know our needs, and have, in the exercise of sound judgments, wisely adopted the best method to procure them.
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[JUDICIAL CONVENTION.]
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1872.
A Convention of the Attorneys of the 13th Judicial District will be held at Winfield, in Cowley County, on the 25th day of July, A. D. 1872, for the purpose of recommending to the District Convention, or Conventions, to be held for that purpose, a Candidate for nomination for Judge of said District to be voted for at the next general election.
W. S. TUCKER. J. T. SHOWALTER.
M. W. SUTTON. J. M. HOOVER.
D. F. BAYLESS. J. B. FAIRBANK.
THOMAS MASON. W. H. KERN.
J. M. McCOLLEN. JOHN REED.
J. J. WINGAR. E. B. KAGER.
R. B. SAFFOLD. E. L. AKIN.
D. N. CALDWELL. A. H. GREEN.
T. T. TILLOTSON. D. S. HEISHEY [?] HEISNEY.
L. J. WEBB. JOHN G. TUCKER.
E. S. TORRANCE. REUBEN RIGGS.
J. M. ALEXANDER. S. D. PRYOR.
E. C. MANNING. T. H. JOHNSON.
H. D. LAMB. G. P. GARLAND.
D. DODGE. J. McDERMOT. [?]
and many others, attorneys of said district.
[NOTE: I ALWAYS THOUGHT McDERMOTT WAS CORRECT - TWO TT'S.]
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[A. T. & S. F. R. R.]
MESSENGER, JULY 12, 1872.
This road is within 40 miles of Winfield, and it would be but natural to suppose tht goods could be shipped to this place by that route a great deal cheaper than it has cost heretofore, when the railroad was 75 to 80 miles distant. We have been told by some of tour [? our ?] businessmen here that it costs less to get goods to Winfield by way of Independence, than it does to Wichita, over the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Road. With the present management Independence is carrying off the laurels that Wichita as a shipping point, ought to wear [?]. It would be well for the men who have the interests of Wichita at heart to look into this matter, and bring about a change, that will be beneficial to their welfare as well as ours.
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[COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
MESSENGER, JULY 12, 1872.
Mr. A. T. Stewart and Mr. Wood of Winfield were in town last week on their way to Wichita in the interests of the Cowley County Agricultural Society.
These gentlemen talk very encouragingly of the prospect of their praiseworthy enterprise, and we doubt not but their Fair fall will be a grand success. The managers of the affair are men of experience in such matters and the people of the county seem to be thoroughly awakened to the importance of making the Agricultural Society a permanent success. The Society have secured a donation of twenty acres of beautiful land adjoining the city of Winfield and lying in the valley of Walnut, as permanent location of their Fair grounds. The society starts out with a capital stock of $2,000. If there ever was an Agricultural society established under favorable circumstances that of our neighbor county is certainly the one.
The citizens of Winfield, and, indeed, of the entire county, are characteristic of energy and enterprise and will reserve none of that very necessary element on such a question as this. The soil of Cowley is rich and productive and consequently her citizens are prosperous, and encouraged to go on in their labor for the development of their great resources. The valley of the Walnut is as rich a country as can be found anywhere, and numerous creeks and rivulets are a great advantage to the county. We are glad to see our friends in Cowley making a successful attempt to advance the interests of our farming and stockraising communities and trust their efforts will be duly appreciated and the gratitude of the people be manifested by a general patronage at the Fair this fall. Other counties and other states are invited to bring in any article or animal which they may wish to exhibit. Success to the work. Belle Plaine Herald.
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[INDIAN RAID ON SEWELL RANCH - BELOW CALDWELL.]
MESSENGER, JULY 12, 1872.
An Indian raid was made upon Sewell ranch, twenty-five miles below Caldwell, one day last week. Sewell's ranch is on Pond Creek, where the Osages sometimes come to trade. There were five hundred Osages there on business, when thirty Kiowas rode into the corral and ran off Sewell's stock, killing Tommy Best, the herder. The Osages went out and met them, and tried to persuade them to return the stock, but "no come goodie." Instead, they said they would run off stock from and kill every white man in that section of country. They wanted it distinctly understood that they were on the "war path" just as long as grass was good and they did not need government feed. The next day after the above narrated, they went for a party of Mexicans returning to Texas, had a fight with them, and finally got away with all their stock, but without killing anyone. We leave comment for our readers, tired ot it ourselves. Wichita Eagle.
---
Mr. Huffaker, an old Indian trader, well known throughout our state, had kindly sent us word through Mr. Bryden to warn hunters and stock seekers from going out on the usual tramping grounds, as the Indians are undoubtedly cutting off all parties of this kind. They are running closer than ever to the settlements killing, scalping, and stealing from small parties of men or emigrants wherever found. Wichita Eagle.
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[COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS.]
THE MESSENGER, JULY 12, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in Co. Clerk's office in Winfield July 1st, 1872. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Manser.
Proceeded to act on the following Road Petitions.
One of J. H. Rudloff, granted with Geo. Lidley, John Ameand, D. Lewis as viewers. Survey July 8th, 1872.
One of G. M. Gardner, granted with A. T. Gay, A. Bates, and Dunning as viewers. Survey July 10th, 1872.
Two of G. W. Foughty, for Section Line Roads, granted and ordered opened.
One of S. C. Smith, granted with J. H. Land, D. A. Millington, and P. M. Wait, as viewers. Survey July 15th, 1872.
One of Richard Page, for change of State Road, granted and ordered on Section line.
One of Tapliff, granted with Strong Pepper, John Linton, and Isaac Shedder, as viewers. Survey July 18th, 1872.
One of R. H. Moore, granted and ordered opened, 40 feet wide.
One of John Tipton, granted with O. H. Ward, Frank Speer, and R. A. Thompson, as viewers. Survey July 12th, 1872.
Viewers on the old Petition of Norman was appointed as follows: Gustavus Lacker, Samuel Robb, and Martindale. Survey July 27th, 1872.
W. H. Wengate's Petition for Road was laid over for want of bond and publication.
Petition of J. L. James was rejected on account of form.
Petition of T. H. Baylis laid over.
Reports of the following Roads were acted upon by the Board.
N. T. Wright's was received and adopted and ordered opened, by the 1st of Nov., 1872, and allowed H. Martin $75 damages.
Board adjourned for one hour for dinner.
Board met as adjourned at 1 p.m.
Report on County Road of Godfrey's was received and adopted, and ordered opened, and damages was allowed to U. S. Hunt, to the amount of $18, and also to E. P. Hoyt for the same amount.
Report of County Road of S. C. Winters was adopted and ordered opened.
Report of County Road of Joel Mash's was received and adopted, and ordered opened.
Report of County Road of John Eskin, received, adopted, and ordered opened.
Report of County Road of Green was laid over until tomorrow.
Report of A. S. Williams Road was laid over until tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Winfield Messenger, July 12, 1872.
A
Bids for County Printing was then canvassed and awarded to Kerns of Winfield and Kellogg and Scott of Arkansas City.@The proceedings of the County Board to be Printed in both papers free of charge, and legal rates for other work and Blanks at Topeka prices per agreement on file in this office.
@
Petition of Citizens of Windsor asking for a dram shop License for C. W. Jones, was granted. License fixed at one hundred and fifty dollars per year, payable in advance; bond filed and approved in the sum of $2,000.
Board adjourned until 7 a.m. of the 2nd.
Board met as adjourned at 7 a.m., July 2nd, 1872.
Bond of E. B. Kager as County Treasurer, was approved and he took the oath of office.
Ferry license was granted to John Murey to establish a ferry across the Arkansas River at Salt Springs. License free, rates of Ferryage, 75 cents for one four horse team, 25 cents for one horse, and 10 cents per head for loose cattle and horses.
Report of Green Road was then taken up, and E. C. Manning appeared for the road, and Pryor appeared for Mr. Bullen,
and J. B. Fairbanks appeared for Mr. Knowels, and both parties discussed the matter before the Board for and against the Road. The viewers appeared and asked to amend their report. It was granted and laid over for that purpose.
Report on A. S. Williams Road was then taken up, and their report was laid on the table, and new viewers appointed as follows: Lewis Stevens, Richard Page, and J. M. Jackson, survey 30th day of July.
Adjourned one hour for dinner.
Met as adjourned at 1 p.m.
Salary of County Attorney fixed at $1,000 per year. County Clerks additional fees was fixed at $300 per year.
The following bills were acted upon.
One in favor of W. M. Boyer, as J. P. cost, in Criminal action, rejected.
One of J. T. Paul for other [?] rent $30, additional; one for Lyon County for keeping prisoners $107, allowed; one of MJ. Brower's, and others as Road viewers $15, allowed; one of L. Halcomb as judge of election $2, allowed; one of J. P. Short, for office rent, $27, allowed; one of S. Belval, judge of election $2; one of J. S. Baker, laid over for want of form; one of C. G. Handy, as assessor of Tisdale Tp. $81.; one of J. D. Carkran rent of Dist. Clerk's Office, $7.50; one of T. H. Johnson for espressage on books, $2.50.
One of P. M. Walt returning Poll books, $1.60; one of W. Dunn and others road viewers $15; one of Insane Asylum for crazy woman, $10.; one of J. P. Shorrt as assessor of Winfield Tp. $99.; one of Crane and Byron for County Books $50.; one of Patten Himrod as Assessor of Rutland Tp. $23,; one of Crane and Byron Co. books $176.50; one of J. B. Todd as Assessor of Windsor Tp. $65.; one of J. C. Cochran as judge of election, $2.00; one of
S. L. Robinson as Assessor of Silverdale Tp., $36.; one of
R. I. Threaker as Assessor of Bolton Tp., $51.50; one of F. A. Keys as Assessor of Dexter Tp., $80.; one of W. H. Kerns for Co. Printing $65.20.; one of R. H. Mitchell as Assessor of Creswell Tp., $109.55.; one of Charles Leish, judge of election, $2.00.; one of E. S. Torrence as Co. Attorney, $500.; one of G. P. Mayner, Coroner, allowed; one of E. S. Torrence, office rent $30.; one of Kellogg and Scott Co. Printing laid over; one of
H. B. Beck as Assessor of Ninneskah Tp., $54.; one of Norman Shetten as messenger for Co. Attorney, $3.; one of Myton and Brotherton for goods for pauper of Winfield Tp., $41.74; one of C. F. Allen Constable costs laid over; W. Q. Mansfield for M. D. for pauper for Winfield Tp., $48.; one of J. F. Paul for Blanks $12.25.
Petition of citizens numbering 80 electors calling upon the Co. Commissioners, to order an election on the proposition of issuing bonds to build a Court House and Jail. Petition granted and the following order was made.
Whereas a petition duly signed by over fifty voters of Cowley county, Kansas, has been presented to the Board of County Commissioners of said county, on the 2nd day of July, A. D. 1872, requesting that an election be called to vote on the question of issuing fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) of the bonds of said county to be expended in the erection of a Court House and Jail at Winfield in said county.
Now therefore, be it ordered that an election be held on the 10th day of August, 1872, at the various voting precincts in the county of Cowley, in the state of Kansas, for the purpose of voting for or against issuing fifteen thousand dollars in bonds, of one thousand dollars each, said bonds to be redeemable one thousand dollars annually, and to be all redeemed in fifteen years, each bearing ten percent interest per annum payable annually, the funds arising from the negotiation of said bonds to be expended in the erection of a Court House and Jail at Winfield, the County Seat of said county.
The following Township officers were app[ointed to fill vacancies.
Cedar Tp., C. R. Myers, Constable, A. J. Edwards, Clerk, Daniel Kauntz, Treasurer.
Pleasant Valley Tp., Mackerell, Constable.
Tisdale Tp., Perry Chance, Constable.
Richland Tp., Franklin Yike, Constable.
Resignation of F. A. Hunt as clerk, and J. S. Hunt as Treasurer of Winfield Tp. was accepted, and J. D. Cochran was appointed Treasurer, and D. A. Millington as Clerk of said Tp.
E. B. Kager was assigned to office over the Walnut Valley Billiard Hall, and rent at $5. per month.
The following bids were allowed. One in favor of A. A. Jackson for expressage on Co. books $25.75, and County Clerk $1.50, one for J. D. Maurer, Co. Commissioners, $17.30; one for O. C. Smith $16.50; one for Frank Cox, $16.70.
Adjourned until July 15th, 1872.
FRANK COX, Chairman,
A. A. JACKSON, Clerk.
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[TOWN AND COUNTY] (PERSONALS)
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 12, 1872.
Weather. Hot and dry.
Don't forget to vote the Court House and Jail bonds.
Visiting and business cards neatly printed at this office.
Monk & Perry have closed out their grocery business.
Our merchants have had a very brisk trade for some time.
The Winfield Drug Store presents a very pleasant appearance; having been repainted.
Last Saturday our streets were crowded with teams, and the sidewalks with people.
The Congregationalists will hold Communion services at the M. E. church next Sunday.
Mr. A. Bickel wants a good brick moulder immediately, to whom he will pay good wages.
The delegates to the county convention from Dexter are Thos. R. Bryan, P. G. Smith, and F. A. Creager.
Mr. Scott, local editor of the Traveler called on us last Monday, as he was passing through here on his way East.
Johnston & Lockwood have been receiving new goods by the wagon load lately. They keep a full stock of drugs, and the Dr. knows how to "dish 'em up."
Johnston & Lockwood have just received a very large stock of jewelry, toilet, and fancy articles, etc., which they are selling very cheap. Call and see them at the Post Office Drug Store.
Every farmer, and in fact every citizen of Cowley County should vote for the bonds, and have the money that is used in defraying the expenses of the county, invested in county buildings.
A township convention was held at the courthouse last Saturday, and delegates were elected to the county convention. The delegates chosen were L. J. Webb, J. P. Short, and W. M. Boyer.
The hour for holding Sunday School has been changed to immediately after services. Church services will commence at half past ten. This ruling goes into effect a week from next Sunday.
Mr. Blandin is removing his lumber yard to Ninth avenue west of Main street; where he has a large number of mowers and reapers for sale. The enclosure and office are quite an improvement to the town.
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The ladies of the Congregational church in Winfield will hold an Ice Cream Social at Rodocker's Hall Tuesday evening, Jul 16th. A cordial invitation is extended to all.
MRS. JOHNSTON, President.
MISS TUCKER, Secretary.
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During the storm a week ago last Saturday, one of the front doors of the Freeland House blew open, which Mr. Freeland was trying to hold shut. As it opened his hand slipped and went through one pane of glass and his head through another, the glass severing one of the arteries of his left hand.
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During the past week not a day has passed we have been asked confidentially for a correct answer in regard to our condition: whether or not we had not been enjoying another state of existence since the fourth. In order to settle the matter peaceably, we will say that we are single yet.
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We announce to the citizens of Winfield and Cowley county that through the efforts of our Post Master his office has become a Money Order Office, and that citizens can now make remitences, without the usual delay attending "Registered letters," or the danger of losing their funds. Mr. Johnston drew his first order this A.M.
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LIVERY STABLE. Mr. Darrah has moved his livery stock from Dunlap's old stand to Eighth Avenue just east of the Lagonda House. Mr. Darrah has the best stable in town, is centrally located, and his stock, buggies, and carriages are equal to any establishment of the kind in Southern Kansas. A good yard has been enclosed; and the accommodations for freighters and travelers are unsurpassed.
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Pleasant Valley celebrated the 4th very pleasantly. Speeches and music in the forenoon, and music and dancing in the afternoon and evening. We like to see dancing, and believe it to be a pleasant and healthful exercise, but our experience has taught us that one of our feet is of the Quaker or Methodist persuasion, and so we are not very expert at tripping the "light fantastic toe," yet we do claim that we are a success at "cutting a pigeon wing" and when supper time comes, we can "waltz away" without about as much of it, and in about as graceful a manner as anyone on the list (of dead heads).
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The "shooting" committee were very prompt in executing their work on the 4th. They commenced at or before midnight, and kept it up till daylight. We supposed that the committee had experience enough at the business to prevent any accidents, but daylight revealed the horrible fact that some of them had been "shot" so bad that they "could hardly walk." Too bad.
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The Lagonda House, formerly the Winfield House, formally opened last Monday [JULY 8, 1872] with a public dinner. We were not present, but learn from persons who were there that it exceeded anything of the kind ever offered in Winfield. A great many partook of the delicious viands, and the gentlemanly proprietors, Messrs. S. A. Weir & Co., will be gratefully remembered for their generous effort to become acquainted with our people here. We wish the new hotel success.
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Hon. C. V. Eskridge was in town last Friday evening. He is talking up a railroad from Kansas City via Emporia, Eldorado, and Winfield to Arkansas City. The route is a good one for a local road, but we think bonds at the rate of $7,000 per mile too much for the people of Cowley county to pay for such a road. The people of Cowley stand ready to vote bond sufficient to grade the road, but will not with our advice vote a sufficient amount to pay for the grading and equipping.
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THANKS. Since our last issue we were invited to test the truthfulness of the assertion "that the Freeland House sets the best table of any house in southern Kansas." We claim to be a good witness on occasions of this kind, and so far as we have been able to learn from our own experience, the assertion is correct, as anyone will testify who has been there. As it is the first time we have been thus kindly remembered since our sojourne here as publisher, we take this opportunity of offering to Mr. and Mrs. Freeland our sincere thanks.
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We paid Oxford a visit on the fourth, and had a very pleasant time, considering the inclemency of the weather. We found the people both courteous and generous, and all seemed anxious to make the occasion enjoyable. We spent a few hours at the Fieldon [? Fledon ?] House, waiting for our "transport" to return from the gove, and from our experience while there, we can assure our readers that the landlord "knows how to charge" about as well as any man we ever met with. Our advice is for you to take plenty of stamps with you and don't stay long, or you may have to "dig out" after dark, "dead broke and in debt."
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[BIG EDITORIAL: MESSAGE FROM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER
ALBERT YALE & CO., Publishers. [? EDITOR NOT MENTIONED ?]
FRIDAY, JULY 19, 1872
AM SKIPPING EDITORIAL...THEY ARE JUST TELLING THE VOTERS OF COWLEY COUNTY TO VOTE FOR BONDS FOR COURT HOUSE AND JAIL.
SIGNED BY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
FRANK COX, RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
O. C. SMITH, BOLTON TOWNSHIP.
J. D. MAURER, DEXTER TOWNSHIP.
AFTER THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' STATEMENT, THERE ARE MORE EDITORIALS FOR VOTING FOR BONDS FOR COURTHOUSE AND JAIL.
THEN THERE IS AN ITEM ABOUT "LAND OFFICE AT WICHITA"...CHANGES MADE IN OFFICERS SEEMED TO BE WELCOMED BY PAPER.
[COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS.]
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER, JULY 19, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in the County Clerk's office, July 15, 1872.
Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
Petition of Hodges and others for section line road, was presented, and granted, and road ordered opened 50 feet wide.
New viewers were appointed on the old petitin of Z. Stubbs and others. Viewers: John Fredrick, Real Martin, and August Kinney. Time of survey: August 20th, 1871.
Voting precinct was established at New Salem Post Office, in Tisdale township.
Commissioners signed a call for a Grand Jury, for the July term of court.
The Bill of James Parker, for catching a prisoner, was rejected.
The following bills were allowed.
One of Z. Stubbs, as Township assessor of Rock township, $60.; one of W. A. Freeman, as assessor of Beaver township, $34.50; one of W. White, as assessor of Rock township for 1872, $45; one of T. Henderson, as assessor of Pleasant Valley township; one of T. J. Johnson and others as Road Viewers, $9.50; one of B. H. Kelley, as erroneous assessment, $2.00; one of J. H. Ramsey for stationary and County books, $180.55; one of Jackson & Myers for coffin for Pauper, $25.
The following equalization was made in Windsor township:
G. M. Bronson reduced from $1,280 to $1,100.
Dexter township: Bronson, was reduced from $1,200 to $1,000.
Creswell township: S. P. Channell was raised from $390 to $780, on the S. W. quarter of 7-34-4, and S. W. quarter 24-34-3, from 45,00 to 56,25 and S. E. corner of N. W. quarter of section 32-34-4 from $59.00 to $70.00 ..... GOES ON AND ON AND ON! GATHER THAT 45,00 TO 56,25 SHOULD READ $45.00 TO $56.25. MORE TYPOS THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A STICK AT ON THIS MATERIAL!
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[CENTRAL COMMITTEE.]
MESSENGER, JULY 19, 1872.
Committees of the different townships, met pursuant to call. On motion L. J. Webb was chosen chairman, and John Irwin, secretary. On motion, Messrs. Kelley and Lenney chosen committee on candidates. The committee on credentials, reported the following persons as members of the County Central Committee.
James R. Bryan, Dexter.
L. J. Webb, Winfield.
C. R. Mitchell, Creswell.
J. B. Nipp, Pleasant Valley.
L. B. Wamsley, Nenescah.
James Kelley, Richland.
John Irwin, Rock.
E. P. Kennie, Bolton.
The remaining townships were not represented. On motion,
L. J. Webb was elected chairman of the County Central Committee. L. J. Webb resigned, and James Kelley, on motion, was duly elected chairman.
C. R. Mitchell was elected secretary of County Central Committee.
On motion, Messrs. Irwin and Kennie were elected, a committee to ascertain the number of persons on the tax roll in each township.
The committee to ascertain the number upon the tax rolls of the several townships reported as follows:
Vernon, 125.
Silver Dale, 66.
Creswell, 177.
Richland, 97.
Ninnescah, 87.
Pleasant Valley, 92.
Winfield, 560.
Cedar, 88.
Beaver, 83.
Bolton, 146.
Tisdale, 185.
Windsor, 170.
Rock, 230.
Report received, and committee discharged.
On motion, a Republican Convention was called, to meet on the 29th day of August, 1872, at Winfield, at 1 o'clock P.M., to elect delegates and alternates to the Republican State Convention at Topeka and Lawrence, on Wednesday, September 4th A. D. 1872.
CONTINUES! SKIPPED REST.
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[TOWN AND COUNTY]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 19, 1872.
New hay is coming into market.
J. C. Fuller has returned from Topeka.
Twenty men are employed on the bridges.
Chicken thieves are around gobbling up the feathered
youngsters.
Everybody is preparing something to bring to the Fair.
It rained the first four days of this week.
Businessmen report currency more plenty than usual.
A great deal of Eastern Exchange has come in the past week.
Our streets have been very muddy for some time.
The school house is being roofed.
Our Attorneys are hard at work getting up their cases for the district court.
Mr. Hannibal Wolf started for Utah Territory yesterday.
The premium lists of the State Fair to be held at Topeka have been received.
Mr. C. A. Bliss is building a fine residence southeast of the M. E. church.
A new voting precinct has been established in the north part of Tisdale Township.
No mail since Wednesday. We had ought to have a mail route direct from Wichita.
The Commissioners have called a grand jury for the next term of court which commences next Monday.
We see Dr. Houx' shingle hanging out in front of the first door South of Green's drug store.
We learn from Mr. Walton, who has been to Wichita this week, that a man was shot there a few nights ago.
The County Commissioners, who all reside outside of the township, say that a jail and court house building is a public necessity.
The Township Board estimated the amount of work done on the bridge piers up to July 5th, at $725.
F. E. Collins didn't get the cattle trail opened from Arkansas City to Texas last winter. Thinks it will pass next session.
The abundant rains lately have placed the corn crop of this county beyond the possibility of a failure. The crop will rate from 50 to 100 bushels per acre.
Three horse races, a matched game of Base Ball, and a dance in the evening, helped to enliven the monotony of last Saturday.
The "Boys" of the Frontier B. B. club say that the proprietor of the Lagonda House is the whitest man that ever "hung out in these parts."
Communion services were held by the Congregational church last Sunday, and four persons admitted into the church by letter.
The main pier for the bridge at Knowle's ford is completed and the abutments are going up. The bridge will be 30 feet above low water mark.
The Augusta B. B. Club were to play the Frontiers of this place a match game today, owing to the high water, the Augusta Club will probably not come to time [? town ?].
The attention of mill owners is called to the ad of Mr.
J. P. Short in the special notice column. He is agent for one of the best Turbine wheels manufacturered.
W. W. Walton, our deputy surveyor, has been appointed to the same office in Sumner County. This appointment will not interfere with his office here.
Deputy Treasurer Short starts for Topeka next week to make his final settlement with the State Treasurer. He will take several thousand dollars out of the county.
EXCURSION. We took it last Sunday, with one of Mr. Darrah's fine rigs. Our joy in consequence of Mr. Darrah's courtesy is unspeakable and we can only say to our readers, go and do likewise, and "you'll know how it is yourself."
Real estate is changing hands lively. Mr. Howland sold ten acres of his farm east of town for $50 per acre. Mr. Wolf has sold his improved farm one mile east of town for $1,600, J. P. Short being the purchaser.
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The Traveler says that Collins says that the "cattle trail" will be passed early in the Spring of the next Congress!
That's right, brother Kellogg. The Bible says that, "who so findeth himself in a grave yard at the twilight, shall whistle to keep his knees braced."
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ENTERPRISING. Augusta voted against bridge bonds on the 6th inst. Well, thank the Lord, Winfield voted for bridge bonds, and is building them too. Our bridges will enable us during high water, to cross and go up on the divide. No thanks to Augusta.
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HOTEL CHANGE. The Bradish House has changed hands and is now conducted by G. M. Morgan, Mrs. Bradish retiring from the business.
We know nothing of Mr. Morgan as a hotelist, but hope he will keep up the reputation for the house that it has already won.
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BASE BALL. A match game of base ball was played last Saturday afternoon, between the Rackensacks, of Arkansas City, and the Frontiers, of this place. The score stood, Frontier, 45; Rackensacks, 55. The Frontiers gave a dance in the evening, and the affair ended with the best of feelings.
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The Agricultural Society has been successful in obtaining grounds from H. C. Loomis and A. Meanor. Mr. Meanor has truly shown the proper spirit toward the Society by giving
3 and 6/10ths acres for a nominal price, believing that his valuable land will be made more valuable by the liberal terms given the Society.
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DIED. At the residence of his son, in Rock Township, July 11th, 1872, Elias Grow. The deceased was born in Galen, Wayne County, New York, May 5th, 1812. He emigrated to Illinois in 1844, and has been a resident of the West since. He was a firm believer in Christian doctrines, although of late he did not profess his faith. For some time before his death, he took much pleasure in reading the bible.
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NOTE: THIS HAD DATES REVERSED, I BELIEVE. THEY HAD THE MAN
BORN IN 1872...DYING IN 1812.
Fair warning to all persons frequenting that sporting house on Main Street if such persons have no respect for their neighbors' rest at night; they will be published.
The above was handed us for publication, and we give it to the public for what it is worth: and it may be worth considerable to some of our elites. We will publish names of the frequenters of the establishment, if order cannot be obtained without resorting to such means.
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It is said that the inhabitants of the little village lately discovered by some Livingston, in the sand bluffs near the mouth of the Walnut, are distinguished for an inborn hostility towards all parts of creation save their own. The reason is said to be, having so much sand in their craws. Their love of liberty is so great that they continually watch the Walnut, with their fists full of sand, to batter down an imaginary jail they expect to be floating down to them.
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The Davis Family Concert Troup will give an exhibition in Pickering's hall tonight. On account of high water they could not get here yesterday as advertised. Their entertainments are strictly moral and first class and should be liberally patronized by our lovers of pleasure.
They go from here to Arkansas City, where they give entertainments Saturday and Monday evenings, and will return to Winfield on Tuesday and will give another concert here with an entire change of programme.
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THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. This society has secured by deed 24 acres on the east side of Main Street just south of Winfield for a Fair ground.
This ground is beautifully graded by nature and cannot be excelled as a location for this purpose. The Directors now propose to fit up the grounds as rapidly as possible for the approaching Fair. Let every farmer now come in and subscribe from one to ten shares at five dollars each, as the funds are wanted to improve the grounds. Persons wishing to furnish labor, posts, lumber or other material, will please call on the undersigned committee.
C. M. WOOD,
J. D. COCHRAN,
E. DAVIS.
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On their return trip from Augusta, the morning of the fifth, the "Frontier party" met with quite an accident, about three miles this side of that place. One of the teams became unmanageable and frightened the second. Both dashed down a rocky hill to a creek near the bottom when they collided and upset the entire eight of the party being thrown out. One pair of horses with the running gear only of the buggy ran on until they were very suddenly stopped by precipitating themselves into the back of a third carriage only a quarter of a mile ahead, but not doing much damage--only slightly frightening its inmates. The horses were caught and tied and the carriages driven back to find the scene of the smash up. They then found seven out of the eight hurt, one young lady lying senseless, and one young gentleman with his leg considerably bruised, the remainder of the party only
slightly bruised, shocked, and greatly frightened. The young lady was picked up and immediately drove back to town; when all the assistance necessary for her recovery was rendered; the rest of the party were then sent for who soon arrived at the hotel looking in their torn and soiled clothes considerably worse for wear; the carriages seemingly to hve suffered the most of the party. Through the kind treatment of their Hotel friends and the mutual care of each other, they were all ready to start for home again the next morning and are now well and able to talk and laugh over the incident of their trip. The general remark is: "It's a wonder that 'twas not worse."
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THANKS. The "Frontiers" of this place choose this manner of expressing their gratitude toward Messrs. Stewart, liveryman, Phillip Kochier [? HARD TO READ ?] and family of the National Hotel, and Col. Davis of the Republican, of Augusta, for their marked attention and kindness, and their expressions of sympathy in behalf of those who were unfortunately connected with that little accident on the road the morning of the fifth.
Especially would be recommend the hospitality of the "National" and kindness and liberal "bills" of Messrs. Stewart and Koelfer [? STILL THE SAME PROBLEM ?] to the traveling community generally.
By order of the club.
W. W. WALTON, Secretary.
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M. T. Hays, our champion billiardist, has just returned from Wichita where he "scooped" all the "bullys" of that place, including the notorious Dan Russell. Speaking of Dan reminds us of an account of about $8.00 that he owes us for work done last Spring. He received notice through our columns that he would be published if he didn't pay, and he gave as a reason for not paying that he had been sick, and had been very unfortunate in his lecturing, etc., but would pay as soon as possible. Dan is certainly one of the most successful dead beats that ever visited this part of the country.
We will not publish him yet, but will say of him with as much charity, patience, hope, love, and forbearance as our conscience will admit of that it is our sincere and humble opinion that if there is any person so mean and contemptible as to jump a hotel bill, it's Dan Russell--that if there is any living man outside of the penitentiary so low principled as to steal his way over a stage line under false pretences, that man is Dan Russell--that if there is any man in creation so destitute of common sense, as to try to cheat a printer, Dan Russell is the man--so reader, if you ever meet a man whose countenance shows him to be a villain, a hotel bill jumper, a stage fare thief, a printing office robber--in fact, if you see a thing having the resemblance of a man, the appearance of an idiotic lunatic, the general characteristics of total depravity, step up to him--if you don't feel as though it would disgrace you too much--and call him Dan Russell, and ask him for $8.00 for the MESSENGER office.
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START WITH THE MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1872, WHEN HOPEFULLY, WE GET NEW DISKS.
[CONTINUATION OF WINFIELD MESSENGER NEWSPAPER]
[Starting with Friday, July 26, 1872.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER.
Winfield, Kansas, Friday, July 26, 1872.
Notes of Wagon Travel.
WINFIELD, KANS., June 28, 1872.
TO THE KANSAS TRIBUNE.
Leaving Wichita five days ago, crossing the Arkansas and off on the prairie, we were struck with the stillness of the country compared with "lively" Wichita.
The driving of nails, the shaping of stones, the grating of saws, and smoothing of planes; the noise and clanging of every kind of tool for building, mingled with the click of billiards and jingle of Texas spurs, is ringing in our ears, even with a more confused medley as we drive through the quiet country.
We leave behind us the liveliest town in the southwest, filled with an enterprising community and represented by two able newspapers. The buildings are generally temporary, but a new era is dawning on the future city of the Arkansas. Several good stone buildings are going up and the First National Bank proposes doing something in the way of building that will surprise
strangers.
We pass through the villages of Sumner county--Belle Plain, Oxford, and Wellington, the latter the county seat, prettily situated on a small stream--and on towards Arkansas City.
When we were within eight miles of the last named place, on approaching a low tract of ground, we felt convinced that a snow, or more probably, a hail storm, had visited this spot, but on a close examination it proved to be nothing but salt lying nearly a quarter of an inch thick all over the ground.
Arkansas City is perched high and dry on a hill dividing the Walnut and Arkansas, about two miles above the junction of the rivers. We stopped overnight among the hospitable people of this fine town, and from Mr. Walton learn that they have an organized city, and the election of officers comes off in a few days.
A fine bridge is just completed across the Arkansas here, and the trade and travel south and west will always make this a prominent place and a good trading point.
We finally take leave of it, watching until the promintory and last house top has disappeared, and proceeded to Winfield, from where I have written this, and wish to say something about.
Winfield, the county seat of Cowley county, a place of four or five hundred inhabitants, has nestled close to the bluffs above ague mark; in the celebrated Walnut Valley. Although the rain is pouring down, and wind is abundant, I cannot fail to have a good impression of the town. The country is making corresponding improvements. Neat white cottages take the places of the "dug-outs," fruit trees and hedge fences are becoming common.
We bid good night and good by to the people and country, hoping to see both in the future, when time has changed and matured it.
Yours truly, I. H. H.
-0-
[WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1872, CONTINUED.]
TO THE VOTERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
FELLOW CITIZENS:
The undersigned, your board of County Commissioners, having called an election upon the proposition of voting bonds to be expended in constructing a Court House and Jail, feel constrained to state in this way the reasons for our action.
During the last twelve months, ending July 1st, the expense of caring for prisoners and providing suitable rooms for county offices in this county has created an indebtedness of about $1,000 dollars [? THREE WORDS OBSCURED...LOOKS LIKE "about $1,000 dollars" BUT I COULD BE MISTAKEN.]
To this expense must be added the consideration that there is no security in the care of criminals nor safety to the county books and records. These books, records, plats, office furniture, etc., have cost the county over 4,000 dollars, and in case of loss by theft or fire, it would cost the citizens individually and tax payers collectively many thousand dollars for new books and new records--many of which could never be replaced at any cost or trouble.
With fifteen thousand dollars [? in the hands ?] of this county we will erect a three story stone building at least 45 feet square, the lower or basement story of which shall be used for a jail. The second story shall be partitioned into rooms for the county officers and shall be furnished with fire proof vaults for the safe keeping of the records. The third story shall be completed for a courtroom. This building will be located on a block of land isolated from other buildings and owned by the county, which land will be donated to the county.
The tax to be levied for interest on account of the issue of 15,000 dollars in bonds amounts to but a trifle more for the first year than the extra expense of caring for prisoners and paying rent during the year past; and in the future the expense of caring for prisoners under the present system will be more expensive than in the past.
The taxable property of the county this year is about 1,250,000 dollars; and as Winfield township will be said to be more directly interested in the construction of this building than other townships, we will say that the tax roll for 1872 shows that Winfield township contains one fourth of the taxable property of the whole county while it contains only about one eighteenth of the territory in the county.
No tax will be collected to redeem a bond or pay interest upon the amount issued until January, 1874, at which time $2,500 dollars will be due, when we may reasonably expect that the taxable prroperty of this county will amount to $2,250,000 or double its present value; in which case the Courthouse and jail tax will be one tenth of one percent, or one dollar on every 1,000 dollars worth of property in the county. Each year after 1874, the levy of tax for tthis purpose will be less than the previous year, and the amount of property will be greater; hence after the first year the tax will be less han one tenth of one percent.
THEY HAD A TABLE SHOWING TAXABLE PROPERTY IN EACH TOWNSHIP IN THE COUNTY...HARD TO READ...SKIPPED.
FRANK COX, Richland Township.
O. C. SMITH, Bolton Township.
J. D. MAURER, Dexter Township.
COMMISSIONERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
---
PROSPECTS OF THE BONDS.
[EDITORIAL.]
ALBERT YALE & CO., PUBLISHERS.
The better our acquaintance becomes with the people of Cowley county, the better satisfied are we that our lot is cast with them, and the prouder we are of their intelligence and morality. Our county is certainly people thus far by an
unusually good class of citizens whose enterprise is of the right kind.
We are led to these observations by the very general expressions we have heard from nearly all parts of the county during this our court term, in reference to the election to vote for or against bonds for county buildings. These expressions in substance are reasonings like these.
This county is fast becoming a wealthy county.
We need good county buildings.
If in the present unsafe condition of our county records, they should get burnt up, it would cost the county a very large sum to get them replenished and restored, besides, we must individually pay an attorney $15, or $25 each, to get our land titles properly restored.
The county is now paying rent for every county office in the county.
The county is paying rent for a courtroom.
The county is paying the sheriff $3 per day for keeping prisoners, under a guard, when with a jail, the officer could claim but 60 cents per day. And to keep the prisoners safe, they have to be sent to Emporia, at a still greater expense.
We are satisfied from the official figues taken from the county records by the Commissioners, that we are now paying more than we would be, by building the county buildings and paying the bonds.
Some say build a jail now, and nothing more, we can afford that. But that still leaves the expense of rents to be paid besides the inconvenience to the county officers and the unsafe condition of the records.
And then what difference is it, as long as we will have to pay no more taxes by paying these bonds than we will have to pay without the buildings.
Would it be good sense, to go on year after year, paying out money and getting nothing back, when by paying the same, or a less amount, we can become the owners of a good safe building?
From such good sense talked up by people in different parts of the county, we are convinced that the bonds will be voted by a large majority.
-0-
[STORY ABOUT A BODY THAT WAS FOUND.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1872.
A NEW HORROR.
A decided sensation was produced among the citizens of our usually quiet village on last Sunday by accidental discovery of a man supposed to have been murdered, and concealed in a ravine near the edge of the grove, on the townsite a few rods from the river. The body was found by two young men who were passing up the ravine in search of grapes. They at once notified D. E. Bent, Esq., who summond a jury with whom he repaired to the spot and proceeded to hold an inquest. Upon examination the body was found lying upon the face with the head down the hill. It was partly covered with mold and earth and the place where it was lying effectually concealed by a tangled growth of vines and undergrowth from the view of anyone looking down from top of the bank, or from the muddy frequent path that led from the village down into the grove, only a few paces from where the body was lying.
The body was ascertained to be in such an advanced stage of decomposition as to preclude the possibility of a very close inspection. As soon as the remains were disturbed, the stench arising from the putrid mass was almost insupportable. The upper part of the head was detached from the body and upon attempting to remove the clothing, which ws found to be in a tolerable state of promiscuously [??]. All efforts to identify the remains or to determine the means by which the man had come to his death were fruitless, and the Coroner's jury returned a verdict accordingly.
It appeared very evident, however, that the remains had been placed there for concealment--probably covered with earth, which had been partially removed by the late heavy rains.
The adjacent grove has been long used as a camping ground by immigrants, prospectors, and hunters, scarcely a day passing during the last year that it has not been occupied by such parties. And although the examination of the remains disclosed no marks of violence, yet a decided impression prevails in the minds of everyone who visited the secluded spot and saw the remains that a murder had been perpetrated with the last few months, almost in their very midst, and no persons except, perhaps the perpetrator of the dark deed, possessing a knowledge as to who the unfortunate victim is.
The impression is confirmed by the fact that the clothing found with the remains are just such articles as a person camping out would probably lie down to sleep in, i.e., pants and shirt. No shoes, coat, vest, or hat was found.
The following is a description of the clothing as found with the remains: dark brown pants of woolen material, and evidently of home manufacture, cotton drawers, checked flannel under shirt, stiped woolen or linsey over shirt, also of home made material. The body was supposed to be that of a comparatively young man, about five feet eight inches in height, stoutly built, with dark or black hair, and dark whiskers, a good set of sound teeth, only one of which, an upper one on the right side, was found missing.
The remains were taken from the ravine, placed in a box and decently interred in the village cemetery. And thus the grave has closed over a dark mystery, which in all probability will remain such until that great day when all shall be called upon to give an account for their deeds, good or evil, which they have done upon earth. Oxford Times.
[GATHER THE BODY WAS FOUND AT OXFORD!]
---
LEGAL CONVENTION.
Convention met pursuant to call at 4 o'clock p.m., July 25th, 1872.
Col. Manning, of Cowley, called the convention to order and stated the object to be for the purpose of recommending a candidate for the Judgeship of the 13th Judicial District to a nominating convention.
Col. W. H. Knapp, of Sumner county, was chosen chairman, and L. J. Webb of Cowley county, secretary.
Committee on credentials were appointed, consisting of one member from each county represented.
Convention then adjourned until 7 o'clock p.m.
Convention met at 7 o'clock p.m., pursuant to adjournment. Committee on credentials reported, and the report was accepted, and the Committee discharged.
The following resolution was then unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That as two counties in this 13th Judicial District are unrepresented in this Convention, we deem it impolite to recommend a candidate for the consideration of a nominating Convention.
Commission then adjourned, sine die.
L. J. WEBB, Secy.
---
Baptist Association.
The Southwestern Baptist Association, embracing the counties of Chase, Greenwood, Howard, Cowley, Butler, Marion, Harvey, and all west of these counties will hold its second annual meeting at Eldorado, commencing Friday, August 9th, at 2 o'clock p.m. Rev. E. P. Hickok of Winfield will preach the annual sermon.
C. N. JAMES, Clerk.
-0-
[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1872.
Dogs are--numerous.
S. C. Smith has corn for sale.
The Walnut has been on a bender this week.
The roof on the schoolhouse is completed.
Mrs. Doud has our thanks for a boquet of beautiful flowers.
The improvements on the Fair ground are progressing rapidly.
Dr. Graham's offfice was shoved off of its foundation last Friday night.
Ellsworth and Wichita are contending with each other for the Texas cattle trail.
Mr. J. E. Willis has returned from Illinois, and will make Cowley his permanent home.
The Augusta B. B. C., were the guests of the Frontiers, of this place, last Friday and Saturday.
The seats for the Baptist church have arrived, and the house will soon be ready for public services.
Johnston & Lockwood have the largest stock, and greatest variety of stationery ever brought to Winfield.
See G. W. Hunt's advertisement in this issue. Mr. Hunt is a good workman, and should be liberally patronized.
[Looked for ad...could not find it...paper hard to read!]
Rev. Mr. Parmelee will preach in the M. E. church next Sunday at half past 10 o'clock, a.m., and 8 o'clock, p.m.
Capt. E. Davis has returned from St. Jo, where he has been spending a few weeks feasting on the fruits of that country.
There will be preaching at Rodocker's hall on the Lord's day, the 28th inst., by Elder Womack of the Christian church.
[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1872.]
G. W. Martin makes us neat fitting boots and shoes as we have seen anywhere, and we cheerfully recommend him to our readers.
---
Mr. Herman, E. L. Akin, and G. P. Garland of Augusta; Mr. McDermott of Dexter; S. [?] B. Kellogg and C. R. Mitchell of Arkanss City, were in attendance at court this week.
---
Mr. Anderson, of the firm of McClure & Co., called on us this week. Mr. Anderson will have charge of their lumber yard at this place, and is making preparations for a heavy trade this fall.
---
Festival. The ladies of Winfield and vicinity will give an ice-cream and melon festival Thursday evening, August 8th, 1872, for the benefit of the M. E. Church.
---
The Police News could have been supplied with an item from our court proceedings this week that would have capped the climax. The story will gain notoriety enough without any assistance from us, so we pass.
---
NEW LUMBER YARD. McClur & Co., one of the most extensive lumber firms in the State, have started a lumber yard at this place. The yard is located at the northwest corner of Main street and Tenth avenue. Their stock, purchased at Chicago, comprises everything appertaining to the lumber business, and we bespeak for them a liberal patronage.
---
The Traveler of last week accuses someone of smuggling the Winfield package of Travelers. We are requested to say in behalf of the good people of Dexter that if Mr. Kellogg will write "Winfield" on the package instead of "Dexter" that the subscribers at Winfield will get their papers several days sooner than they can if the papers have to be remailed at the latter place.
---
NEW TOWN. A new town has been platted on Timber creek, about twenty miles from Winfield, called Baltimore. Dr. Williams, our informant, thinks the embryo city has as fair prospects as any town in the county except Winfield. The surrounding country is as good as any in the State, and with proper business management the enterprise will surely be successful. We wish for the town that it may develop with the country, and yield to its founders a liberal reward.
-0-
[NORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD MESSENGER, JULY 23, 1872.]
PERSONAL. Among the many members of the legal fraternity of our district, in attendance at our court this week, we notice Judge G. Lilly, of Eureka, Greenwood county.
The name of Judge Lilly figures all through the early history of Kansas. He was one of the framers of the Constitution of this State as shown by the statute books today; he has been several times a member of our State Legislature; has occupied the position of District Attorney and County Attorney repeatedly and has always been known at home and abroad as an honest and upright citizen, a staunch Republican, an able and efficient officer and not only a good lawyer, but a good judge of law.
---
M. F. Smith wants to sell us a cookstove. It is something we would like to have if it would be any accommodation to him for us to buy it; but, the question naturally arises, what could we do with it? ARTICLE GOES ON AND ON. BORING!
---
Pleasant Valley Township.
BRAGS ABOUT POSEY CREEK AND PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP BEING THE BEST!
In regard to voting bonds for the erection of a courthouse and jail in the town of Winfield, the writer of this has not as yet had but little conversation with the people on that subject, but thinks there will be quite a number that will go for the bonds.
Our valley here is fast settling up and good houses are being built. Now is the time for persons who wish to secure lands at low figures in this valley.
A POSEY CREEKER.
-0-
[CONTINUATION OF WINFIELD MESSENGER NEWSPAPER]
[Starting with Friday, July 26, 1872.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER.
Winfield, Kansas, Friday, July 26, 1872.
Notes of Wagon Travel.
WINFIELD, KANS., June 28, 1872.
TO THE KANSAS TRIBUNE.
Leaving Wichita five days ago, crossing the Arkansas and off on the prairie, we were struck with the stillness of the country compared with "lively" Wichita.
The driving of nails, the shaping of stones, the grating of saws, and smoothing of planes; the noise and clanging of every kind of tool for building, mingled with the click of billiards and jingle of Texas spurs, is ringing in our ears, even with a more confused medley as we drive through the quiet country.
We leave behind us the liveliest town in the southwest, filled with an enterprising community and represented by two able newspapers. The buildings are generally temporary, but a new era is dawning on the future city of the Arkansas. Several good stone buildings are going up and the First National Bank proposes doing something in the way of building that will surprise
strangers.
We pass through the villages of Sumner county--Belle Plain, Oxford, and Wellington, the latter the county seat, prettily situated on a small stream--and on towards Arkansas City.
When we were within eight miles of the last named place, on approaching a low tract of ground, we felt convinced that a snow, or more probably, a hail storm, had visited this spot, but on a close examination it proved to be nothing but salt lying nearly a quarter of an inch thick all over the ground.
Arkansas City is perched high and dry on a hill dividing the Walnut and Arkansas, about two miles above the junction of the rivers. We stopped overnight among the hospitable people of this fine town, and from Mr. Walton learn that they have an organized city, and the election of officers comes off in a few days.
A fine bridge is just completed across the Arkansas here, and the trade and travel south and west will always make this a prominent place and a good trading point.
We finally take leave of it, watching until the promintory and last house top has disappeared, and proceeded to Winfield, from where I have written this, and wish to say something about.
Winfield, the county seat of Cowley county, a place of four or five hundred inhabitants, has nestled close to the bluffs above ague mark; in the celebrated Walnut Valley. Although the rain is pouring down, and wind is abundant, I cannot fail to have a good impression of the town. The country is making corresponding improvements. Neat white cottages take the places of the "dug-outs," fruit trees and hedge fences are becoming common.
We bid good night and good by to the people and country, hoping to see both in the future, when time has changed and matured it.
Yours truly, I. H. H.
-0-
[WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 26, 1872, CONTINUED.]
TO THE VOTERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
FELLOW CITIZENS:
The undersigned, your board of County Commissioners, having called an election upon the proposition of voting bonds to be expended in constructing a Court House and Jail, feel constrained to state in this way the reasons for our action.
During the last twelve months, ending July 1st, the expense of caring for prisoners and providing suitable rooms for county offices in this county has created an indebtedness of about $1,000 dollars [? THREE WORDS OBSCURED...LOOKS LIKE "about $1,000 dollars" BUT I COULD BE MISTAKEN.]
To this expense must be added the consideration that there is no security in the care of criminals nor safety to the county books and records. These books, records, plats, office furniture, etc., have cost the county over 4,000 dollars, and in case of loss by theft or fire, it would cost the citizens individually and tax payers collectively many thousand dollars for new books and new records--many of which could never be replaced at any cost or trouble.
With fifteen thousand dollars [? in the hands ?] of this county we will erect a three story stone building at least 45 feet square, the lower or basement story of which shall be used for a jail. The second story shall be partitioned into rooms for the county officers and shall be furnished with fire proof vaults for the safe keeping of the records. The third story shall be completed for a courtroom. This building will be located on a block of land isolated from other buildings and owned by the county, which land will be donated to the county.
The tax to be levied for interest on account of the issue of 15,000 dollars in bonds amounts to but a trifle more for the first year than the extra expense of caring for prisoners and paying rent during the year past; and in the future the expense of caring for prisoners under the present system will be more expensive than in the past.
The taxable property of the county this year is about 1,250,000 dollars; and as Winfield township will be said to be more directly interested in the construction of this building than other townships, we will say that the tax roll for 1872 shows that Winfield township contains one fourth of the taxable property of the whole county while it contains only about one eighteenth of the territory in the county.
No tax will be collected to redeem a bond or pay interest upon the amount issued until January, 1874, at which time $2,500 dollars will be due, when we may reasonably expect that the taxable prroperty of this county will amount to $2,250,000 or double its present value; in which case the Courthouse and jail tax will be one tenth of one percent, or one dollar on every 1,000 dollars worth of property in the county. Each year after 1874, the levy of tax for tthis purpose will be less than the previous year, and the amount of property will be greater; hence after the first year the tax will be less han one tenth of one percent.
THEY HAD A TABLE SHOWING TAXABLE PROPERTY IN EACH TOWNSHIP IN THE COUNTY...HARD TO READ...SKIPPED.
FRANK COX, Richland Township.
O. C. SMITH, Bolton Township.
J. D. MAURER, Dexter Township.
COMMISSIONERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
---
PROSPECTS OF THE BONDS.
[EDITORIAL.]
ALBERT YALE & CO., PUBLISHERS.
The better our acquaintance becomes with the people of Cowley county, the better satisfied are we that our lot is cast with them, and the prouder we are of their intelligence and morality. Our county is certainly people thus far by an
unusually good class of citizens whose enterprise is of the right kind.
We are led to these observations by the very general expressions we have heard from nearly all parts of the county during this our court term, in reference to the election to vote for or against bonds for county buildings. These expressions in substance are reasonings like these.
This county is fast becoming a wealthy county.
We need good county buildings.
If in the present unsafe condition of our county records, they should get burnt up, it would cost the county a very large sum to get them replenished and restored, besides, we must individually pay an attorney $15, or $25 each, to get our land titles properly restored.
The county is now paying rent for every county office in the county.
The county is paying rent for a courtroom.
The county is paying the sheriff $3 per day for keeping prisoners, under a guard, when with a jail, the officer could claim but 60 cents per day. And to keep the prisoners safe, they have to be sent to Emporia, at a still greater expense.
We are satisfied from the official figues taken from the county records by the Commissioners, that we are now paying more than we would be, by building the county buildings and paying the bonds.
Some say build a jail now, and nothing more, we can afford that. But that still leaves the expense of rents to be paid besides the inconvenience to the county officers and the unsafe condition of the records.
And then what difference is it, as long as we will have to pay no more taxes by paying these bonds than we will have to pay without the buildings.
Would it be good sense, to go on year after year, paying out money and getting nothing back, when by paying the same, or a less amount, we can become the owners of a good safe building?
From such good sense talked up by people in different parts of the county, we are convinced that the bonds will be voted by a large majority.
-0-
[STORY ABOUT A BODY THAT WAS FOUND.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1872.
A NEW HORROR.
A decided sensation was produced among the citizens of our usually quiet village on last Sunday by accidental discovery of a man supposed to have been murdered, and concealed in a ravine near the edge of the grove, on the townsite a few rods from the river. The body was found by two young men who were passing up the ravine in search of grapes. They at once notified D. E. Bent, Esq., who summond a jury with whom he repaired to the spot and proceeded to hold an inquest. Upon examination the body was found lying upon the face with the head down the hill. It was partly covered with mold and earth and the place where it was lying effectually concealed by a tangled growth of vines and undergrowth from the view of anyone looking down from top of the bank, or from the muddy frequent path that led from the village down into the grove, only a few paces from where the body was lying.
The body was ascertained to be in such an advanced stage of decomposition as to preclude the possibility of a very close inspection. As soon as the remains were disturbed, the stench arising from the putrid mass was almost insupportable. The upper part of the head was detached from the body and upon attempting to remove the clothing, which ws found to be in a tolerable state of promiscuously [??]. All efforts to identify the remains or to determine the means by which the man had come to his death were fruitless, and the Coroner's jury returned a verdict accordingly.
It appeared very evident, however, that the remains had been placed there for concealment--probably covered with earth, which had been partially removed by the late heavy rains.
The adjacent grove has been long used as a camping ground by immigrants, prospectors, and hunters, scarcely a day passing during the last year that it has not been occupied by such parties. And although the examination of the remains disclosed no marks of violence, yet a decided impression prevails in the minds of everyone who visited the secluded spot and saw the remains that a murder had been perpetrated with the last few months, almost in their very midst, and no persons except, perhaps the perpetrator of the dark deed, possessing a knowledge as to who the unfortunate victim is.
The impression is confirmed by the fact that the clothing found with the remains are just such articles as a person camping out would probably lie down to sleep in, i.e., pants and shirt. No shoes, coat, vest, or hat was found.
The following is a description of the clothing as found with the remains: dark brown pants of woolen material, and evidently of home manufacture, cotton drawers, checked flannel under shirt, stiped woolen or linsey over shirt, also of home made material. The body was supposed to be that of a comparatively young man, about five feet eight inches in height, stoutly built, with dark or black hair, and dark whiskers, a good set of sound teeth, only one of which, an upper one on the right side, was found missing.
The remains were taken from the ravine, placed in a box and decently interred in the village cemetery. And thus the grave has closed over a dark mystery, which in all probability will remain such until that great day when all shall be called upon to give an account for their deeds, good or evil, which they have done upon earth. Oxford Times.
[GATHER THE BODY WAS FOUND AT OXFORD!]
---
LEGAL CONVENTION.
Convention met pursuant to call at 4 o'clock p.m., July 25th, 1872.
Col. Manning, of Cowley, called the convention to order and stated the object to be for the purpose of recommending a candidate for the Judgeship of the 13th Judicial District to a nominating convention.
Col. W. H. Knapp, of Sumner county, was chosen chairman, and L. J. Webb of Cowley county, secretary.
Committee on credentials were appointed, consisting of one member from each county represented.
Convention then adjourned until 7 o'clock p.m.
Convention met at 7 o'clock p.m., pursuant to adjournment. Committee on credentials reported, and the report was accepted, and the Committee discharged.
The following resolution was then unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That as two counties in this 13th Judicial District are unrepresented in this Convention, we deem it impolite to recommend a candidate for the consideration of a nominating Convention.
Commission then adjourned, sine die.
L. J. WEBB, Secy.
---
Baptist Association.
The Southwestern Baptist Association, embracing the counties of Chase, Greenwood, Howard, Cowley, Butler, Marion, Harvey, and all west of these counties will hold its second annual meeting at Eldorado, commencing Friday, August 9th, at 2 o'clock p.m. Rev. E. P. Hickok of Winfield will preach the annual sermon.
C. N. JAMES, Clerk.
-0-
[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1872.
Dogs are--numerous.
S. C. Smith has corn for sale.
The Walnut has been on a bender this week.
The roof on the schoolhouse is completed.
Mrs. Doud has our thanks for a boquet of beautiful flowers.
The improvements on the Fair ground are progressing rapidly.
Dr. Graham's offfice was shoved off of its foundation last Friday night.
Ellsworth and Wichita are contending with each other for the Texas cattle trail.
Mr. J. E. Willis has returned from Illinois, and will make Cowley his permanent home.
The Augusta B. B. C., were the guests of the Frontiers, of this place, last Friday and Saturday.
The seats for the Baptist church have arrived, and the house will soon be ready for public services.
Johnston & Lockwood have the largest stock, and greatest variety of stationery ever brought to Winfield.
See G. W. Hunt's advertisement in this issue. Mr. Hunt is a good workman, and should be liberally patronized.
[Looked for ad...could not find it...paper hard to read!]
Rev. Mr. Parmelee will preach in the M. E. church next Sunday at half past 10 o'clock, a.m., and 8 o'clock, p.m.
Capt. E. Davis has returned from St. Jo, where he has been spending a few weeks feasting on the fruits of that country.
There will be preaching at Rodocker's hall on the Lord's day, the 28th inst., by Elder Womack of the Christian church.
[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1872.]
G. W. Martin makes us neat fitting boots and shoes as we have seen anywhere, and we cheerfully recommend him to our readers.
---
Mr. Herman, E. L. Akin, and G. P. Garland of Augusta; Mr. McDermott of Dexter; S. [?] B. Kellogg and C. R. Mitchell of Arkanss City, were in attendance at court this week.
---
Mr. Anderson, of the firm of McClure & Co., called on us this week. Mr. Anderson will have charge of their lumber yard at this place, and is making preparations for a heavy trade this fall.
---
Festival. The ladies of Winfield and vicinity will give an ice-cream and melon festival Thursday evening, August 8th, 1872, for the benefit of the M. E. Church.
---
The Police News could have been supplied with an item from our court proceedings this week that would have capped the climax. The story will gain notoriety enough without any assistance from us, so we pass.
---
NEW LUMBER YARD. McClur & Co., one of the most extensive lumber ffirms in the State, have started a lumber yard at this place. The yard is located at the northwest corner of Main street and Tenth avenue. Their stock, purchased at Chicago, comprises everything appertaining to the lumber business, and we bespeak for them a liberal patronage.
---
The Traveler of last week accuses someone of smuggling the Winfield package of Travelers. We are requested to say in behalf of the good people of Dexter that if Mr. Kellogg will write "Winfield" on the package instead of "Dexter" that the subscribers at Winfield will get their papers several days sooner than they can if the papers have to be remailed at the latter place.
---
NEW TOWN. A new town has been platted on Timber creek, about twenty miles from Winfield, called Baltimore. Dr. Williams, our informant, thinks the embryo city has as fair prospects as any town in the county except Winfield. The surrounding country is as good as any in the State, and with proper business management the enterprise will surely be successful. We wish for the town that it may develop with the country, and yield to its founders a liberal reward.
-0-
[NORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD MESSENGER, JULY 23, 1872.]
PERSONAL. Among the many members of the legal fraternity of our district, in attendance at our court this week, we notice Judge G. Lilly, of Eureka, Greenwood county.
The name of Judge Lilly figures all through the early history of Kansas. He was one of the framers of the Constitution of this State as shown by the statute books today; he has been several times a member of our State Legislature; has occupied the position of District Attorney and County Attorney repeatedly and has always been known at home and abroad as an honest and upright citizen, a staunch Republican, an able and efficient officer and not only a good lawyer, but a good judge of law.
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M. F. Smith wants to sell us a cookstove. It is something we would like to have if it would be any accommodation to him for us to buy it; but, the question naturally arises, what could we do with it? ARTICLE GOES ON AND ON. BORING!
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Pleasant Valley Township.
BRAGS ABOUT POSEY CREEK AND PLEASANT VALLEY TOWNSHIP BEING THE BEST!
In regard to voting bonds for the erection of a courthouse and jail in the town of Winfield, the writer of this has not as yet had but little conversation with the people on that subject, but thinks there will be quite a number that will go for the bonds.
Our valley here is fast settling up and good houses are being built. Now is the time for persons who wish to secure lands at low figures in this valley.
A POSEY CREEKER.
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WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872 - FRONT PAGE.
The Cherokee Strip.
The following is a copy of a letter from Col. Phillips, the attorney of the Cherokee Nation of Indians.
SALINA, KANSAS, July 27, 1872.
J. B. TORBERT, ESQ. DEAR SIR: Your letter of the 19th I have just received.
The Bill for the sale of the Cherokee Strip in Kansas, became a law. The Cherokees filed a paper of acceptance the same day. The Department refused to take the steps until the bill was returned in its order from the State Department about June 25th. On the 27th the Secretary promised me to send instructions. The plats are at the Land offices, and have been approved.
Owing to a technicality the Secretary sent to the Nation for the fresh signatures of the Delegation. It has, in all probability, been received back in Washington ere this. I urged the Secretary to advertise the bill and instructions thereon. There was thought to be no fund out of which this could legally be done, but I urged that it be done, and if necessary, we would pay for it. You will soon hear from it at the Land offices.
My own impression is that the Kansas Delegation did everything in their power for the settlers.
So far as I could in any way aid the settlers, consistent with a careful preservation of the interests intrusted to my care, it was my pleasure to do so.
You will hear from it at the Office immediately.
I am respectfully, your obedient servant.
W. A. PHILLIPS.
The delay that has occurred in this matter is exceedingly unfortunate and may, we fear, be embarrassing to the settlers, unless counteracted by the Department.
The law requires that the settlers shall file their claims within 90 days after the receipt of the plats. Those plats have been on file at the Land Office at Independence, since May 9th, so that there now remains but a week in which filing may be done; and yet the Department has not even sent on instructions for filing. Ross's Paper.
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[STATE NEWS: MESSENGER, AUGUST 16, 1872.]
The survey of the Wichita and Arkansas City railroad is completed. The distance is about forty-five miles, and the grade is excellent. An effort will at once be made to put this line under contract.
[WONDER WHAT HAPPENED?]
The appraisers of the Kaw trust lands entered upon their duties on Monday. They commenced at the northeast corner of the lands, and will carefully examine each separate tract.
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[ARTICLE ON FRONT PAGE RE COUNTY DIVISION.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872.
COUNTY DIVISION.
EDITOR MESSENGER. As this is a subject that is being agitated in certain localities, I think it would be well to give it a little space in your columns. I cannot see wherein we will be benefitted in the least by making three counties out of the present territory of Cowley and Butler counties; but upon the other hand, I can see that it will be an incalculable damage to all our farmers, as we will then have a third more county paupers to sustain (county offices).
And we will have to build public buildings in three counties where we now have but two; hence, our taxes for everything will be double, if not treble what they are now.
Let us go over into Butler Co. where this scheme originated and see what are the condition of things there; and what have they been doing up there for years. Why they are still fighting over that old bore, the county seats. Which has been for some years at Eldorado and which was at a vote taken there in June voted away from that place to Augusta by a majority of two hundred and six, but the people of Eldorado knew if the County seat left them once she was a dead dog, so the people of that place issued an injunction on the canvassing of the vote and thereby the moving of the county seat. The case was tried in the district court and the injunction wqas not made perpetual, hence they took an appeal to the supreme court, and while they are waiting for the final decision the Eldorado vagabonds are pulling the wires. And as their motto has ever been "rule or ruin" they are now commencing their work of distinction as they found at the late election they were in the minority. They have been fighting among themselves til they have become so poor they can't continue without getting someone else mixed into the ring; hence she is trying to make the fight more general by trying to get our peaceful county to mis in to the mess.
Eldorado now proposes to give twelve miles off of the south border and take six off of the north border of Cowley and make Douglass the county seat of the new county which is at least nine miles west of the center, which will not be fair but as she holds the balance of power, she will settle that matter and go right on and vote bonds and settle the whole thing while she can, hence it is useless for the people near the center of this proposed county to fall in with this measure with the hope of ever securing the county seat.
If the Co. seat of Butler is brought where it lawfully belongs, it is as near the pople near the center of the proposed county as they will be to Douglas. Hence I cannot see their object without it be to pay heavy taxes. The farmers in Cowley and Butler hold the power at the ballot box now and the towns in the valley are contriving to get this power out of the farmers' hands into their own, and they know if they can get this division perfected and three county seats located in the Walnut Valley, they can get up as many petitions for calling elections and voting bonds as they wish and as they will then have the balance of power they will vote all the bonds they wish to for any and all purposes and we, the laboring classes, will have to pay the expenses, and ruin is our final destiny.
We have but to look in order to see the ruinous effects of towns having the power to run the county; for example, look at Lyon and Bourbon counties, and I think it fair to suppose that if we don't rise in force and nip this evil in the bud this will eventually be our deplorable condition.
It is not the farmers that are howling for division, but it is those men who have a few dollars invested in town lots and wish to get rich off of the poor laboring farmer; this is the class that are in for this measure and not the farmer who has to go this great distance of which they speak. Yours,
D. B. COON.
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[EDITORIAL: MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872.]
THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE STIFLED.
The County Commissioners met this morning to count the votes cast at the recent Courthouse Bond election at which the voices of the county expressed their wish in favor of the bonds, by a clear majority of over one hundred votes, but the enemies of the proposition appeared in force and by their attorney and a quibble of the law defeated the will of the people. The commissioners called the election properly and the people sustained the proposition, but Thisdalites commenced legal proceedings to defeat that expression and the friends of the bonds believe that a lawsuit over the election would cost the county more than the question at issue would justify. Besides, the bonds would be depreciated in value if they should have been issued and then followed with a lawsuit about their legality. These quibblers about technical points, these men who persist in throwing into the courts the popular will for the purpose of defeating it will be remembered.
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[ARTICLE RE COL. J. M. ALEXANDER.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872.
We acknowledge a call from Col. J. M. Alexander, of Winfield, Cowley county. This colonel formerly made Leavenworth his home, and is known by all our old settlers. He was an honorable citizen, and we are glad to chronicle his success. He is named for state senator for his district. No better or truer man could be selected [REST OF ONE/MAYBE TWO LINES CHOPPED OFF.]
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A Worthy Man.
We learn that James Kelly, of Winfield, Kan., is a candidate before one of the Republican Conventions of his state for the office of Clerk of the District Court.
Mr. Kelly was once a resident of this county, and we can assure our Kansas Republican friends that they cannot choose a more worthy, capable, or suitable man for any position to which he may aspire. Kansas republicans are no half way republicans, and in "Jim" they would find no half way cnadidate.
Mr. Kelly is a man of the true western type, fought his own battle of life, wrung an education between "working spells" amid poverty, grew up to manhood loving free institutions and hating slavery; ws an earnest politician in 1860, before he was a voter, and proved his fealty to principle by shouldering his gun when our nation called to arms, and fighting through three years of terrible war. In this county he has held offices of trust, always with honor; and should the convention nominate him, it will have a candidate worthy a Kansas republican constituency.
Macomb Journal, Illinois.
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872.
Judge Saffold has returned. He sports a full grown Greely hat.
The piers and abutments of the bridge at Knowls' ford are finished, and the upper structure is being rapidly put on.
I. Bing starts East tomorrow morning to lay in a stock of all and winter goods. Look out for cheap goods when he returns.
Bob Robinson is one of the cleverest boys in town, and is a first rate "neighbor." If you wan any wagons made or repaired, call on Bob.
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DEDICATION. The dedication of the Baptist church at Winfield will take place next Sabbath August 18th, 1872, at half past 10 o'clock a.m. Sermon by Rev. Robert Atkinson Ottawa University. All are cordially invited to attend.
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Mr. Allison, editor of the embryo Cowley County Telegram, soon to be started at Tisdale, called on us last Monday. He informed us that Tisdale proposes to contest the bond election, and see if Missourri apple peddlers have a right to vote in Cowley County. Next.
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Dr. Lockwood, of the firm of Johnston & Lockwood, started east yesterday morning for his health. He still retains his interest in the drug store, and will return at an early day.
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In a few months Cowley county will be clear of the expenses of transporting prisoners to Emporia, at the prosepct of which the "wise" and judicious financiers of Tisdale and Arkansas City are very "sore." They don't like to pay so much taxes as will be necessary to keep prisoners at home in our own jail.
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872.]
The Traveler says that Tisdale will give $15,000 in Township bonds to build a Courthouse and Jail. As her assessed valuation will not allow her to legally vote $5,000 we would respectfully inquire where the other $10,000 is to come from. It's only a small amount, but yet is something possibly Foughty or some of her other numerous (?) millionaries will donate it. [???]
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Dr. A. B. Modesitt, having located on a claim six miles north of Winfield, 1 1/2 miles west of J. W. Cottingham's, and two miles north of W. W. Limbocker's, offers his professional services to the community. As the Doctor has had a successful practice in the east, he comes to us well recommended and will no doubt have a liberal share of the medical practice in this
community.
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Election day was one of the liveliest that Winfield ever saw. The streets were full of people all day. Everybody turned out and lent a hand to the good work. Every business firm but one spared one or more members, and twenty teams were employed in bringing in voters. Where everyone done so nobly, it is difficult to particularize. Yet we cannot forbear to mention the committee for this precinct. Mr. A. T. Stewart and J. P. Short, who were in the saddle from "early morning till dewey eve" here, there, and everywhere; helping to roll up one of the heaviest votes ever polled in this township.
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We were pleased to notice the phiz of that genial good fellow, M. M. Jewett, who has been the guest of Mr. Short the past week. We grad him as one of the live men of Kansas and welcome him as such, and look forward to the, we trust not far distant, day when he shall make Cowley his permanent home.
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LUMBER! LUMBER! McClure & Co. are at Winfield and will soon have a complete stock of dry pine lumber, lath, shingles, sash, and doors. Our prices will be the same as at Wichita, freights added. W. C. Anderson, a member of our firm, will have charge of our business at Winfield. Offfice and yard on the northwest corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue. First door south of C. A. Bliss & Co.'s store. "Terms cash."
McClure & Co.
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Callen, Moore & Co., the wholesale House at Wichita, are doing an extensive business. The merchants in southeastern and southwestern Kansas can now purchase their entire stock at this House, at Leavenworth and Kansas City prices, freight added, without the annoyance of delays attending freight. For merchants doing business at a distance from the Rail Road, they have the largest stock of flour, meal, bacon, groceries, and clothing in Southern Kansas.
They have the exclusive sale of the Weston mills flour, better known as the Metropolitan flour. This flour need only be tried to warrant purchasers in dealing in it. Every pound is guaranteed. The members of this house are perfect gentlemen, courteous and obliging. They are men of our own state and of known reputation as businessmen. [TWO OR THREE LINES MORE IT APPEARS BUT ONE OR TWO ARE CUT OUT.]
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[MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872, CONTINUED.]
NOTICE: To Stock Holders in the Cowley county Agricuotural Society. An assessment has been made for the full amount of the shares and is now due. All persons having taken stock to be paid in cash will please call at the office of J. B. Fairbank, Secretary, and pay up as the funds must be had to purchase material for the completion of the fence and buildings of the Grounds.
By order of Directors,
J. B. FAIRBANK, Sec. A. T. STEWART, Pres.
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Go to Mullen & Stevens for watermelons.
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Mr. Lacy of Lawrence has just arrived with a fine herd of blooded cattle, and will take up his abode with us.
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See the announcement of W. W. Walton for District Clerk.
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Winfield has a brass band at last, under the leadership of Prof. Stewart. The band has been engaged to play during the Fair. The citizens will be called upon to assist the boys in getting instruments.
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ANNOUNCEMENT.
We, the undersigned, believing W. W. Walton to be in every way well qualified to fill the Office of Clerk of the District Court, would present his name from the County at large, before the Republican County Convention to be held in Winfield on the 29th inst., subject to their decision.
C. H. Mitchell, Creswell Tp., John M. McClay, O. C. Smith, Alfred Pruden, Bolton Tp., B. H. Johnson, Beaver Tp., P. M. Wait, Wm. Bonnewell, Vernon Tp.; C. Dewith Spaulding, Moses Herod, Tisdale Tp.; Needham Rogers, Adam Walck, Rock Tp.; Manley Hemenway, Winsor Tp.; Robert Turney, Cedar Tp.; Geo. Mellville, Pleasant Valley Tp.; B. Darnall, Silverdale Township.
August 20th, 1872.
NOTE: BELIEVE SOME OF THE NAMES WERE MISSPELLED BY TYPESETTER.
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[MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872, CONTINUED.]
GRANT AND WILSON CLUB.
The Republicans of Winfield and vicinity met at the courthouse in this place on last Saturday evening for the purpose of organizing a Grant and Wilson Club. The organization of the club was perfected by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, and the election of the following named persons permanent officers: L. J. Webb, president; E. B. Kager, Vice President; E. S. Torrance, secretary; H. Brotherton, Treasurer.
J. A. Myton, E. Davis, and E. P. Hickok were elected as members of the executive committee.
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We understand that E. P. Hickok, our efficient District Clerk, will be a candidate for re-election. Mr. Hickok has the ability for the position, as the past two years have proven.
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Mr. Editor: Will you allow me space to say a few words of interest to the friends of public school in our county?
Last year, through two failure, one to have our whole county districted and the other to secure annual reports from the districts that had been formed, our county lost more than two thousand dollars that should have been secured and spent for the benefit of popular education in our midst. In my mind there is no doubt that every inch of territory in our borders should be attached to some district, and that public funds should be drawn for everyone of school age in the county. Last year school laws could not be procured, in many cases clerks did not learn their duties till too late, our county superintendent "could not afford for three dollars a day in county scrip" to ride all over the county and inform clerks of their duties, and collect reports, and as a result of such a combination of circumstances the above loss to the county ws the result.
I understand that some parts of the county are not yet districted but as a citizen of the county and one who feels a deep interest in the welfare of her public schools, let me ask that full and complete reports be made this fall. Let us secure all the funds which are our due, and when secured, use them for the advancement of popular education in our county.
In conversation with Mr. Hickok, our county Supt. some time ago, he gave it as his opinion and as he thought that of the State Superintendent that no district would be entitled to a share of public funds unless it had maintained a public school three months previous to the first of September next. By referring to pge 4, Sec. 11, of the New School Law, you will see that it is Prof. McCarty's opinion that districts which maintained their schools previous to January 1st are entitled to a share of the funds. Then let me urge every district in the county, in which thee has not yet been a school, to see to it that one is put in operation previous to Oct. 1st, and all will be well.
Let us establish at once and maintain in our county a system of public schools that shall be a source of pride to all of us. It will take time and money to do this but the ends to be attained will more than compensate for the expense incurred.
ALLEN B. LEMMON.
Aug. 13th, 1872.
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[MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1872, CONTINUED.]
Commissioners Proceedings.
Winfield, Kansas, August 16th, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk's office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer. Petition of Charles Parker for County Road was presented and granted with the following viewers: Daniel Hunt, W. Thompson, and John Nichols. Time of survey August 26th, 1872. New viewers were appointed on the old petition of Topliff, consisting of John Linton, Isaac Shedder, and H. O. Ward; Time of survey August 27th, 1872, and also on the old petition of Tipton, of O. Howard, Frank Speer, and R. A. Thompson; time of survey Aug. 28th, 1872.
Petition of W. A. Wood for road was laid over for want of affidavit of publication.
New viewers were appointed on the old petition of A. S. Williams, consisting of G. W. Foughty, W. W. Limbocker, and Samuel Clingman; time of Survey Aug. 31st, 1872.
It was ordered by the Board that all petitions for section line roads be laid over for one meeting of the Board and that the representation be published in the proceedings of the Board and the Board further ordered that the uniform width of section line roads be made fifty feet.
Petitions of W. A. Freeman, J. D. Main, A. Sanford, W. A. Vanorman, for section line roads were laid over for the action of the Board at their next meeting.
Petition of Hayworth for road was laid over for want of affidavit of publication.
Adjourned until 1 P.M.
Met as adjourned. Proceeded to take up the canvass of the votes on the Jail and Courthouse bonds and upon discussion the Board declared the vote not in accordance with the amendment law of 1872, and therefore decided not to canvass the vote.
Road petition of John Mentch was granted with the following viewers: A. S. Williams, W. W. Andrews, and T. B. Gos; survey Sept. 2, 1872.
Road petition of T. W. Aleny was laid over for want of affidavit of publication and want of form.
Report of viewers on the Road of S. C. Smith was accepted and adopted and road ordered opened as reports by a majority of the viewers.
John Haimons and C. R. Hiet, for Ferry License, was granted to be free and the following rates of Ferryage fixed: 75 cents for four horse wagon, 50 cents 2 horse wagon, 25 cents 1 horse wagon, 15 cents for horsemen, 10 cents for footman, 10 cents each for loose stock.
Petition of J. V. Wagoner and others, for a new Township, was granted, with the following bounds, commencing at the N. E. corner of Tp. 34, Range 6 E., then west to the Range line between Range 5 and 6, then South to the State line, then E. to range line between Range 6 and 7, then N. to place of beginnning. Name of Township, Spring Creek. Voting Precinct established at the house of Wm. Howes, on section 28 of said Township. Election ordered the 5th day of Nov. 1872, at the general Election.
Petition of W. B. Norman and others for new Township was granted. Township to include all of Township thirty, of Range three. Name of Township, "Maple." Precinct established at the store of S. H. Rush. Election ordered Nov. 5th, 1872.
It was ordered by the Board that Sections 33-32-31-30-29 and 28 of Township 33 of Range 6 E. be detached from Tisdale Township and attached to Dexter Township.
The following bills were allowed.
One of S. C. Smith, J. P. cost.
One of James Parker, Sheriff, $96.00
One of James Parker, Sheriff, $465.15
One of James Parker, Sheriff, $4.00
One of James Parker, Sheriff, $20.00
On in favor of E. P. Hickok, District Clerk, $32.30
One in favor of Jackson and Myers for Co. Desk, $40.50
One in favor of Printing, $27.00
One in favor of J. H. Saunders, Coffin for Pauper, $20.00
One in favor of Byron, Co. Books, $30.00
One in favor of E. Parker, Guarding prisoners, $12.00
One in favor of E. P. Hickok, District Clerk, $4.85
One in favor of W. E. Tansy, as Deputy Sheriff, $23.00
One in favor of Fisher & Co. for Boarding jurors, $18.00
One in favor of S. M. Morgan, Boarding prisoners, $82.00
One in favor of C. M. Bradish, Boqrding prisoners, $32.00
One in fovor of Myers and Johnson, Co. Desk, $35.00
The following bills were allowed in State cases.
State vs. Forsyth, $50.25
State vs. Tolls, $4.40
State vs. McNett, $6.20
State vs. Nance, $9.75
State vs. Newcom, $169.75
State vs. Brown, $42.90
State vs. Hernoman, $29.90
State vs. Doss, $5.90
State vs. Marion, $18.25
State vs. Doss, J. P. Court, W. M. Boyer, J. P., $8.35
State vs. McNett, J. P. Court, $7.95
State vs. McNett, J. P. Court, $22.20
The following bills were allowed for jurors.
One in favor of John Temple, $15.00
One in favor of C. M. Griswold, $7.20
One in favor of G. W. Robinson, $4.00
One in favor of J. D. Cochran, $4.00
T. W. Mills $8.00; Wm. Voris $7.00; G. C. Swasey $9.10, W. B. Moss, $8.00; Geo. Brown $6.80; David Freeman $6.40; Thomas Brookershen $7.80; L. B. Goodrich $4.60; John Barrah $5.60; John Irwin $2.00; G. Locker $5.80; A. J. Revis $5.20; C. W. James $4.00; N. P. Rider $6.40; S. Sayer $6.00; J. M. C. Wilson $17.40; J. Foster $7.40; W. R. Davis $2.00; H. N. Rodgers $4.00; R. Woolsey $2.00; Churchell $14.40; John Hammond $3.60; Samuel Jay $2.00; D. A. Callfield $4.50; T. Sourbeer $5.00; W. Frier $5.00; H. P. Arks $2.00; C. M. Wood $4.00; A. B. Cronch $2.00; W. S. Gillman $2.00; W. K. Wadkins $17.80; E. L. Palmer $6.00; G. H. Sarver $11.30; Marion Fitgiminous $15.60; John Chitewell $5.60;
F. D. Davis $7.40; D. C. Onstatt $4.00; W. Weeks $13.90; J. R. Richards $2.00; W. A. Alaway $4.00; J. H. Rudolph $12.00; J. S. Baker $10.00; J. S. Hubbard $4.00; L. D. Kearns $12.00; J. R. Peterson $4.00; Thomas Hanhahan $9.00; J. M. Easterly $9.00;
G. W. Webb $14.00; J. H. Land $2.30; J. B. Hutchinson $2.00;
H. S. Gardner $8.80; W. W. Smith $9.00; E. P. Banner $2.00; R. Fayett $4.00; H. L. Barker $5.60; Sol. Barker $5.20; G. C. Compton $9.00; Salem Furgeson $3.00; J. H. Lamb $5.80; A. H. Berch $9.00; S. C. Cunningham $3.60; John Worthington $7.20; Sumner Butler $5.60. W. B. Norman $5.60; J. Perkins $2.00; M. A. Kinsley $5.25; N. Terry $4.00; W. A. Wood $4.00; Jacob Bogner $4.40; U. Lamb $3.60; Thomas Blanchard $3.00; J. T. Molder $5.20; D. A. Byers $14.40; R. Rutherford $2.00; T. J. Raglin $4.40;
W. Rogers $4.00; J. T. Mefford $4.00; Robert Kenworthy $4.00;
B. H. Bodwell $6.40; Charles A. Seward $2.00; V. M. Ralts $5.20; D. Winn $5.60; James Bethel $4.00; C. M. Whipple $7.60; S. C. Beyer $4.00.
The bill of all the judges and clerks of the Election held on the 10th of this month was allowed. It was ordered by the Board that they will receive at their next meeting several proposals for the boarding of prisoners for the county.
Bill were allowed in favor of O. C. Smith as County Commissioner $6.00, J. D. Maurer $6.40, and Frank Cox $6.00.
Board adjourned until September 2nd, 1872.
FRANK COX, Chairman.
Attest,
A. A. JACKSON, Clerk.
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[WINFIELD MESSENGER, WINFIELD, KANSAS, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1872.]
EDITORIAL NOTES.
Pawnee Rock near Larned on the A. T. & S. F. road has a name cut on it bearing the date of 1835.
The A. T. & S. F. road was completed thirty-three miles west of Larned last Sunday night, and will be finished to Ft. Dodge by the first of September. The road is now over 300 miles long.
Grading on the Kansas & Nebraska Railroad, has commenced near Peabody, in Marion county. Wichita, Eldorado, or Augusta will be the next point on this road. If either of the two latter places gets the road, Winfield will share in the benefits therof by its completion to this place.
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[MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1872, CONTINUED.]
Our Trip to Kansas.
We clipped the following from the Marion County, W. Va. Liberalist. Mr. Grove, publisher, visited our town as he states, and upon his return home, gives his opinion of Kansas. While he has exaggerated in very few instances, the main features of his article are correct. We expect to see Mr. Grove here soon with his office to start a Democratic paper as a result of his visit to Winfield.
On the 15th ult. we left our home at Fairmont, West Virginia, westward bound, in view of seeking a place of abode which might offer better advantages to the poor man than Fairmont.
We stopped one day at Muncie, Ind., but not finding that locality to suit us, we again took the train; arrived at Wichita, Kansas, the terminus of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe R. R., the 20th ult., staid there one day, and took the stage for Winfield, Kansas, at which place we arrived before night the same day--distance from Wichita, 55 miles.
We had read and heard much said about the natural advantages of Kansas, and although not doubting it to be a fine country, we were of the opinion that it was overrated, but in this we were mistaken.
Winfield, Cowley county, which is located on the Walnut river, in the Southwestern part of the State, was, less than two years ago the home and hunting ground of the Osages. This county can now boast of a population of nine thousand, and Winfield, the county seat, of a population of about eight hundred.
The soil is of the moist fertile nature, consisting of a dark loam, with, in some places, a slight mixture of sand, and is from two to eight feet in depth.
The experience of twenty-five years--for some farms have been cultivated during that period in the State by the Indians and missionaries--has proved the fact that this country cannot be excelled in the world for agriculture, including grain growing, stock raising, and fruit culture.
The climate is good. The atmosphere is clear and dry and of remarkable purity. Winters are said to be dry and very short, and cattle can graze out nearly the whole year. The heat of the summer is moderated by the pleasant zephyrs which continually sweep across the broad prairies.
Would that we had space and were able to write that country up as it deserves, that we might induce some of our friends of West Virginia, who toil years after year with no prospect of securing them a home, to visit it and see for themselves.
We visited our esteemed friends, Capt. T. B. Myers and his estimable family, formerly of Fairmont. We were glad to find them enjoying good health and doing well in their new home. Mr. Myers has a cabinet shop at Winfield and is doing a good business. He also has a farm of splendor and beautifully located, four miles from town.
We also met two young gents, John and Charles Irwin, who left Fairmont a year or two since. They both have nice farms about eight miles from town; and are enjoying good health. They are well pleased with the country.
SKIPPED THE REST...DID NOT PERTAIN TO WINFIELD.
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[EDITORIAL PAGE, WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1872.]
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.
The Convention held at Winfield, Wednesday, August 20, for the purpose of nominating county officers, etc., was organized by electing J. B. Parmlee temporary Chairman, and J. P. Short temporary Secretary. A committee of one delegate from each Township was appointed on credentials, during their absence the Convention call was read by the secrtary, and speeches were made by the different candidates notable among which was that of Capt. McDermott. Committee on credentials reported the names of sixty-six delegates entitled to vote, and at being present, or represented by proxy. Report received and committee discharged. J. B. Parmlee was then unanimously elected permanent President of the Convention and J. P. Short was elected permanent Secretary. On motion L. J. Webb was elected Assistant Secretary.
A committee of three on resolutions was appointed consisting of the following named delegates.
P. G. SMITH, Dexter, Chairman.
C. A. EATON, Windwor, Chairman.
S. W. GREER, Winfield, Chairman.
On motion it was ordered that the nomination be made as in the published call.
SKIPPED ALL OF THE RESOLUTIONS!
On motion the Convention proceeded to an informal ballot for Representative, with the following result.
JAMES McDERMOTT, 32; M. M. JEWETT, 16; S. M. BALL, 10; A. H. BECK, 4; J. B. BROWN, 3; J. B. FAIRBANK, 1. On motion the nomination of Mr. McDermott was made unanimous.
Convention proceeded to ballot for the following officers.
County Attorney:
E. S. Torrance 37; J. I. Mitchell 29.
District Clerk:
James Kelly 35, E. P. Hickok 19; W. W. Walton 12.
Probate Judge:
T. H. Johnson 52; _____ Millspaugh 13; J. B. Parmlee 1.
Superintendent of Public Instruction:
T. A. Wilkinson 38, J. B. Parmlee 25; S. W. Greer 3.
The ballot for delegates to the Congressional Convention at Lawrence to nominate three members of Congress and Sate Presidential electors, resulted as follows--four delegates: J. P. Short; F. E. Colins; and E. C. Manning and W. M. Pickering as
alternates.
The ballot for delegates to the State Convention at Topeka to nominate State officers, etc., resulted in the election of
J. A. Myton and Ho. O. Meigs as delegates, and Messrs. Webb and Bonnewell as alternates.
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[PERSONALS.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1872.
A dwelling house and two lots for sale. For particulars inquire of L. J. Webb.
C. A. Bliss has the finest residence in the county.
The lower story of the school house is ready for the seats.
If you want a nice piece of ground for a suburban residence, call on Mr. Howland.
IMPROVEMENTS. Mr. Rodocker is erecting a building near Maris & Co.'s store, where he will remove his photograph gallery.
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The stone work of Blandions mill has reached the first story, the flume is all in, and the structure will soon be ready for the machinery. [? Blandions ?]
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New corn is in market at thirty cents per bushel. In less than a month the price will be down to 20 cents, the yield is so great in this county.
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NEW GOODS. Stevens & Mullen have just received a fine lot of new goods, and are selling more of them for one dollar than any other store in town.
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[PERSONALS: MESSENGER, AUGUST 30, 1872, CONTINUED.]
The committee appointed by the band to solicit contributions to aid in gettin instruments succeeded in getting about $250.00.
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The time is drawing near for the completion of the bridge. By the next time the river rises, the people living on the other side can come to town without waiting for low water.
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We call attention to the card of Foster & Webb. Mr. Foster was one of the oldest attorneys of Missouri, and comes among us well recommended. We wish the new firm success.
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The fare at the Lagonda House will compare favorably with any hotel in any railroad town in southern Kansas. At least our typoes, who have been there, say so.
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Mr. Kochler's mill enterprise is progressing very fast. The hardest part of the work on the dam is over, and the rest of the work is going ahead at a very rapid rate.
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The firm of Jackson & Myers has dissolved by mutual consent. The business will be conducted by Myers & Johnson, at the old stand where they keep at all times a large assortment of furniture, and will manufacture to order anything in their line.
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Messrs. Smiley & Randall are each building fine residences on Manor's addition. We don't know what Mr. Randall is building for but suppose he means business. Two or three other buildings are being erected on Manor's addition, but we are unable to give the names of the proprietors. [NOTE: THEY SAID MANOR'S
ADDITION.]
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NOTICE. Those parties having taken stock in the Cowley Co. Agr. Society to be paid in hauling lumber from Wichita, and those wishing to haul lumber to be paid in stock, will report at once to the secretary of the society and make positive arrangements to do said hauling. There have been 40,000 feet of lumber purchased at Wichita for the Fair grounds, which will be ready for teams in a few days. Let everyone respond promptly.
C. M. WOOD, Chairman. Committee on Fair Grounds.
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[PERSONALS: MESSENGER, FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1872, CONTINUED.]
Winfield Messenger, Friday, August 30, 1872.
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.
Independence Tribune.
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.
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[WINFIELD MESSENGER, WINFIELD, KANSAS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1872]
DISPOSAL OF THE CHEROKEE STRIP, ACT OF MAY 11, 1872.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
GENERAL LAND OFFICE,
August 7, 1872.
Registers and Receivers at Independence, Kansas, and Wichita:
Gentlemen: The following is an act of Congress approved May 11, 1872, to carry out certain provisions of the Cherokee Treaty of 1866, and for the relief of settlers on the Cherokee Lands in the state of Kansas....SKIPPED ALL THE REST! IF NEEDED, YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND IT.
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[EDITORIAL: RAILROAD MEETING.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1872.
RAILROAD MEETING.
According to a previous announcement, quite a number of citizens from different parts of the county assembled together in Winfield on the evening of the 31st of August, for the purpose of discussing the railroad interest of Cowley county.
On motion Mr. C. M. Wood was called to the chair, and R. B. Saffold appointed Secretary of the meeting. Col. E. C. Manning being requested by the chair explained the object of the meeting. Gen. McBratney, being introduced, spoke ably and fluently of the advantages of the citizens of this section would derive from the Nebraska & Kansas Railroad. This road commencing at Omaha, Nebraska, would cross the Kansas Pacific at Junction City from there south, crossing the A. T. & S. F. Railroad at Peabody.
Work being already commenced, with a large force in Marion county, and the road between Junction City and Peabody to be completed and cars running over the same within a very short time.
The purpose of the company then being to extend the road from Peabody down the Whitewater and thence down the Walnut river to Winfield, and through the county to Arkanss City, eventually penetration in the Indian country. The bonds have already been voted for the road to the north line of Butler county.
The meeting was also addressed by Eugene Akin of Butler county, who accompanied Gen. McBratney, Col. Manning, Mr. Lacy, and others. A Committee was then appointed, consisting of Col. E. C. Manning, R. B. Saffold, A. T. Stewart, J. B. Fairbank,
H. B. Lacy, M. M. Jewett, C. A. Bliss, C. M. Wood, and D. A.
Millington for the purpose of working up the enterprise of Cowley county, and for ascertaining as to whether our citizens were ready to extend the necessary aid in building said road.
C. M. WOOD, Chairman.
R. B. SAFFOLD, Secretary.
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Shannon for Chief Justice on the Liberal Democratic ticket! That's lovely, is it not? The "old settlers" will have something to say about that. Buford and his band would support him if they were here. If ballot box stuffing could be resorted to, like the good old Border-ruffian days when Shannon was governor and all his old South Carolina and Georgia friends were here, he would no doubt be elected. What do the old Free State men of Lawrence say to that? Shannon for Chief Justice! Satan for Counsellor!
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[MASS CONVENTION OF THE SUPPORTERS OF GREELY AND BROWN.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1872.
Meeting organized by the selection of R. B. Saffold for chairman, and A. Walton as secretary. Mr. Saffold made an interesting speech in favor of the Cincinnati Platform and the nominees; Mr. Jackson made a motion that a committee of five be appointed on organization, second and carried; also moved that a committee of five be appointed on resolutions, carried.
Recommended by T. A. Blanchard, Chairman, that a Central Committee be elected, consisting of two members from each township, and that they be requested to meet at Winfield, Saturday, the 9th day of September, 1872, for the purpose of organization of said Committee and apportioning to each township its number of delegates for a County Convention Sept. 18, named as the day for a Greeley Mass meeting at Winfield. A. A. Jackson, Secretary.
CENTRAL COMMITTEE APPOINTED: DIFFERENT TOWNSHIPS.
MAPLE: ADAM WANK, MARION FITSIMONS.
NENESCAH: J. WILLIAMS, R. J. COPPLE.
VERNON: J. R. WERDEN, WM. MARTIN.
BEAVER: ROBT. KERR, W. A. FREEMAN.
CRESWELL: H. N. DEMING, H. ENDICOTT.
PLEASANT VALLEY: H. H. CONSTANT, J. P. ECKELS.
SILVER DALE: S. C. WINTON, GEORGE B. GREEN.
TISDALE: JAS. D. YOUNG, J. V. ERRY.
WINFIELD: A. A. JACKSON, S. E. BERGER.
RICHLAND: THOMAS HART, I. J. GOODWELL.
ROCK: WM. R. RAGLAN, DAVID BURRIS.
WINDSOR: H. D. GANDS [?], JOHN LEACH.
DEXTER: G. P. WAGNER, LEVI BULLINGTON.
BOLTON: SUMNER OAKS.
CEDAR AND SPRING CREEK TO BE FILLED BY THE CHAIR.
Nominations were then made for delegates to the two Conventions to be held in Topeka Sepgember 11th, 1872. A. A. Jackson and R. B. Saffold, with S. D. Oaks and T. B. Ross as alternates were nominated to one Convention, and A. Walton, T. McIntire with H. N. Deming and T. A. Blanchard, alternates to the other, for the purpose of nominating State officers, Electors, and Congressmen.
Committee on resolutions report the following:
RESOLVED, That we the citizens of Cowley county, in Mass Convention this day assembled, endorse the platform adopted by the Cincinnati and Baltimore Conventions, and having an abiding confidence in the wisdom, competency and honesty of its nominees, the Hon. Horace Greeley of New York, and Gov. B. Grtz [?] Brown of Missouri, hereby pledge them our most earnest support for President and Vice President of the United States, etc.
SKIPPED THE REST.
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[PERSONALS.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, SEPTMEBER 6, 1872.
Side saddles at Varners.
Dave Kenworth is dealing in corn.
The Winfield Cornet band has improved wonderful in the last ten days. They are able to play a number of splendid pieces, and are improving daily.
Mr. A. T. Stewart, our genial friend, refreshes us by leaving a piece of ice as he passes by.
T. K. Johnston, at the post office, has on exhibition the largest water melon of the season. It was donated to Mr. Johnston by L. Small, of Posy creek, and weighs 42 pounds.
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[PERSONALS: MESSENGER, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1872, CONTINUED.]
DIED. Mr. James Hamilton of Belle Plaine, but formerly of Arkansas City, died on the 3rd inst., with Intermittent Fever, after a long lingering illness. Mr. Hamilton leaves a wife and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.
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W. P. McClure returned yesterday from Hannibal, and reports that river freights have advanced from $2 to $2.50 per thousand feet. Topeka Commonwealth.
This will no doubt cause a slight advance in lumber now, and more so as winter draws near. We would advise all who contemplate building soon to purchase their lumber before prices advance.
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If our readers notice any errors in the MESSENGER this week, we hope they will look over them, for it can be easily accounted for. Mr. Yale, our editor, has been absent from the office on account of severe illness, leaving the office in charge of us boys, who are not experienced in editing or publishing a journal. Mr. Yale is recovering fast.
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Mr. Doud helped us during the editor's illness. He has been away improving his claim, which is about 35 miles from here on Shoo Fly.
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NOTICE. The refreshments brought on the Fair Grounds will be sold at auction on Saturday, Sept. 7th, 1872, at 4 o'clock.
A. T. STEWART, President.
J. B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.
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Directors Meeting.
There will be a meeting of the Directors of the Cowley County Agricultural Society Saturday, Sept. 7th, at 2 o'clock p.m. to transact some important business.
A. T. STEWART, President.
J. B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.
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ATTENTION: Those persons having taken stock in the Cowley County Agricultural Society to be paid in work on the Fair Grounds and those persons wishing to take stock and pay in work will report at once to the Committee.
It is necessary that you should respond promptly as this work must be performed before the 20th, of the month.
C. M. WOOD,
J. D. COCHRAN,
E. DAVIS,
Committee.
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[WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1872.]
AN IMPORTANT RULING.
[FRONT PAGE.]
RECAP: PERTAINS TO APPLICANTS FOR ENTRIES ON THE OSAGE TRUST AND DIMINISHED RESERVE LANDS IN KANSAS UNDER THE ACT OF JULY 15TH, 1870...EXTENDS THE TIME FOR SETTLERS TO PROVE UP AND PAY FOR THEIR LANDS ... ANY TIME PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 1873, BY PAYING INTEREST AS REQUIRED IN THE FIRST PROVISO OF THE SECOND SECTION OF THE ACT OF MAY 9TH, 1872.
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[REPUBLICAN COUNTY TICKET.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1872.
For Representative: J. M. McDermott.
For Probate Judge: T. H. Johnson.
For County Attorney: E. S. Torrence [? Thought it was Torrance]
For Dist. Clerk: James Kelly.
For Supt. Pub. Inst.: T. A. Wilkinson.
Capt. James McDermott is a citizen of Dexter, where he located two years ago. He is a lawyer of ability and is a member of the Republican party. His course, since he has been among us, has been spotless. He is an old soldier, and the principles for which he fought will always be maintained. He comes from the portion of the county, which is this year entitled to the
Representative.
E. S. Torrence [STILL SPELLED WITH AN "E"] is re-nominated for County Attorney. Those who know the man are satisfied, and all who feel any interest in our county officers need only to look at his work during the two years past just to be convinced of his worth and ability. He is the "right man in the right place" and the people will keep him there.
James Kelley [THIS TIME SPELLED WITH THE "E" ADDED], of Richland, the Candidate for Clerk of the District Court, is also an old soldier, and a true and tried Republican. He is well fitted for the position, and will be a credit to the county.
T. H. Johnson, Probate Judge, by appointment by the Governor, is nominated for Probate Judge. He was nominated by a larger majority than any other candidate. Suffice it to say, that a majority of the people will think of the Judge as did a majority of the convention, and he will be elected.
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[PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, SEPTEMBER 20, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners met in adjourned session in County Clerk's office, September 16th, 1872. Present: Frank Cox and J. D. Maurer. Proceeded to levy the tax for assessment year ago. Ordered that a county tax of one mill on the dollar levied on the Township of Vernon as a Township tax; also of one and one half for Dexter Township; also one and one half for Beaver Township; Richland, two mills, Bolton, two mills; Windsor, one; Cedar, one mill; Creswell, one mill, Posy Creek one and one half; Pleasant Valley, one mill, Nenescah, two mills; Silver Creek, two mills; and Tisdale, two mills.
And, also to meet the interest and principal on school bonds. The following was levied in tthe following names school districts:
District No. 1, 3-1/2 mills; No. 7, 27 mills; No. 9, 25 mills; No. 10, 26 mills; No. 12, 6 mills; No. 14, 11 milles; No. 15, 19 mills; No. 20, 27 mills; No. 21, 33 mills; No. 25, 18 mills; No. 26, ___ mills; No. 37, 5 mills; No. 49, 9 mills; No. 14, ____ mills; No. 42, 9 mills; No. 45, 9 mills; No. 46, 32 mills; No. 49, ____ mills.
Adjourned until 1 P.M.
Board met as adjourned, at 1 o'clock p.m.
The case of school district No. 30, on appeal from September, was then taken up and confirmed.
Report of viewers on the county road of A. S. Williams, was adopted and ordered opened, fifty feet wide, and damages allowed T. H. Johnson to the amount of $350.
Report of viewers on the county road of Topliff was adopted and ordered opened across the range line (3) east.
Viewers report on the county road of C. R. Mitchell was adopted, and also one petitioned for by W. B. Nichols was
adopted as surveyed May 6th.
Report of viewers on the county road of Charles Parker was adopted and ordered opened.
Petition of citizens of Winfield Township asking for dramshop house for McCormick & Hayes was granted with license fixed at $200 per annum, payable quarterly in advance. Bond approved in the sum of $2,000.
Petitiont of citizens of Winfield Township, asking for dramshop license for G. Triplett was granted with license fixed at $200 per annum, payable quarterly in advance. Bond approved in the sum of $2,000.
Petition of citizens asking for dramshop license for S. A. Wier & Co. was granted with license fixed at $200 per annum, payable quarterly in advance. Bond approved in the sum of $2,000.
The following bills were acted upon:
James Parker, sheriff, allowed $21.05.
James Parker, sheriff, laid over $89.
James Parker, sheriff, rejected.
S. M. Morgan was allowed 50 cents per day additional, for boarding persons on old bill, amounting to $11.00.
Kellogg & Scott, County Printing, allowed $7.00.
Bill of Thompson and others for County roads, allowed $16.50.
W. W. Walton, County surveyor, allowed $26.00.
T. B. Ross and others, for County road, allowed $8.00.
Cost in the case of Crane before W. M. Barger, allowed $13.00.
State of Kansas vs. Crane, District Court, allowed $227.00.
A. A. Jackson, County Clerk and abstract from U. S. Land Office, $354.70.
Frank Cox, County Commissioner, $18.30.
J. L. Maurer, County Commissioner, $6.40.
Board adjourned to meet in regular session October 7th, 1872.
FRANK COX, Chairman.
Attest,
A. A. JACKSON, Clerk.
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[PERSONALS]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1872.
Jack Frost has made his appearance.
Dr. Mansfield has just received a large stock of Drugs for the fall trade.
Four feet of the dam for Blandins mill is in, which gives the place a business appearance.
Roads pretty dusty and rain needed very much.
Prairie chickens plenty and the sportsmen are having a fine time.
Capt. Davis is building an addition on the north side of his Livery Stable, for his carriages.
Mr. A. T. Stewart has our thanks for some ice very kindly given us during our days of fever.
Prof. Johnson's show last Saturday night was quite a success, considering the lack of music, which the Prof. could not help.
Oh! Would thou wert mine," one of those beautiful Jappanise dress patterns at T. H. Benning's.
The lumber for the fence and buildings of the Fair Ground has arrived and the work will be completed in a short time.
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, SEPTEMBER 20, 1872.]
L. J. Webb, of this place, is the member of the republican State Central Committee from this district.
County Clerk Jackson returned from Topeka last Saturday, where he was attending the democratic state convention.
James Foster has gone to Arkansas after a portion of his household furniture, which he was unable to bring with him. He will return in a week or so.
On Wednesday eve, September 25th, a grand ball will be given in Winfield under the auspices of the Winfield Silver Cornet Band. Excellent music will be provided for the occasion.
Remember the fair begins next Wednesday. Let everybody in the county bring something to exhibit, and make this year's exhibition a grand success.
We are authorized to announce the name of William Baldwin, of Wichita, as a candidate for the office of State Senator, subject to the decision of the Republican convention to be held October 11th.
Hale McCormick has gone to Independence. When he returns, look out for the good things at the Walnut Valley, for Hale will surely bring them.
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.
Every man, woman, and child in Winfield and vicinity is respectfully invited to call and see T. H. Benning's mammoth stock of drygoods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries, and provisions.
E. E. Hillis, well known as "Van," has purchased a large stock of Groceries, and will open a grocery store in the building formerly occupied by Monk & Perrin, north of the post office. Van is a good fellow and we predict for him a good share of the patronage.
We understand that our old friend, Triplett, will open his fine Billiard Hall at the old stand on Monday evening, September 23rd. A "free lunch" for all. Trip. is a good fellow, and we wish him success. Call and try his new table, and also his fine Wines and Liquors.
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[MORE PERSONALS: WINFIELD MESSENGER, SEPTEMBER 20, 1872.]
Dissolution Notice.
Notice is hereby given that the partnership heretofore existing between Enoch Maris and W. H. H. Maris, constituting the firm of Maris & Co., is this day dissolved by mutual consent; Enock Maris retiring. The business will be continued by W. H. H. Maris at the old stand, who assumes the responsibilities of the old firm and collects all outstanding notes and accounts, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the patronage of the public.
W. H. H. MARIS.
ENOS MARIS.
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Dissolution Notice.
The partnership heretofore existing between S. Triplett and H. Kenton in the saloon business in the town of Winfield is this day dissolved by mutual consent. S. Triplett having purchased the entire business of H. Kenton in said business August ____, 1872.
S. TRIPLETT,
H. KENTON [? MIGHT BE KANTON ?]
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[PREMIUM LIST OF THE NATIONAL HORSE FAIR - WINFIELD, KANSAS.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1872 - FRONT PAGE
Premium List of the National Horse Fair, to be Held on the Grounds of the Cowley County Agricultural Society, at Winfield, Kansas, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, October 16th, 17th, and 18th, 1872.
LOT 1 - BLOODED HORSES.
W. M. Boyer, Superintendent.
Best blooded stallion any age, $20; best blooded mare any age, $20; best blooded colt under three years old, $10.
LOT 2--HORSES FOR GENERAL PURPOSES.
B. H. Dunlop, Superintendent.
Best stallion any age, $20; best mare any age, $10; best span of horses or mares, $25.
LOT 3--HORSES FOR CARRIAGES.
R. L. Walker, Superintendent.
Best span of mares or geldings any age, $20; best single mare or gelding any age, $15. Style and beauty to be considered above speed.
LOT 4--HORSES FOR DRAFT.
W. W. Limbocker, Superintendent.
Best span of mares or geldings, $25. Actual test required on the ground.
LOT 5--BROOD MARES AND COLTS.
Henry Martin, Superintendent.
Best mare any age, with colt by her side, $20; best spring colt, $15.
LOT 6--MULES AND JACKS.
James Stewart, Superintendent.
Best span of mules for general purposes, $20; best span of mules for draft, $25; best jack, $40. Actual test of draft mules must be had on the grounds.
SWEEPSTAKES.
Best stallion, with 5 mares and colts by their side, $50. Three entries required in each grade.
LOT 7--SPEED RINGS.
T. H. Benning, Superintendent.
Race No. 1--TROTTING--Purse $150.
Fastest trotting stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, in harness, mile heats, best three in five. First premium, $100; second premium, $50. Three to enter, two to go. Time required, two fifty.
Race No. 2--RUNNING--Purse $150.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, one half mile heats, best two in three. First premium, $100; second premium, $50. Four to enter and three to go.
Race No. 3--PACING--Purse $200.
Fastest stallion, mare or gelding any age, in harness, mile heats, three best in five. First premium, $110; second premium, $50; third premium, $40. Four to enter and three to go. Time required, two thirty-five.
Race No. 4--TROTTING--Purse $150.
Fastest double team of stallions, mares, or geldings, any age, mile heats, best three in five. First premium, $100; second premium, $50. Three to enter, and two to go. Time required, three ten.
Race No. 5--RUNNING--Purse $150.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, mile heat, best two in three. First premium, $100; second premium, $50. Four to enter and three to go.
Race No. 6--RUNNING--Purse $75.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, 500 yard dash. First premium, $50; second premium; $25. Three to enter and two to go.
Race No. 7--RUNNING--Purse $200.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, two mile heats, best two in three. First premium, $120; second premium, $60; third premium, $20. Four to enter and two to go.
Race No. 8--TROTTING--Purse $200.
Fastest stallion, mare, or gelding, any age, in harness, mile heat, three best in five. First premium, $110; second premium, $50; third premium $40. Four to enter and three to go.
Entry fee in all of the above, 20 percent.
LOT 9--FEMALE EQUESTRIANISM--PURSE $50.
John Irwin, Superintendent.
Lady exhibiting the best horsemanship, on side saddle, silver pitcher, valued at $30; second best, silver pitcher, valued at $20. Thse premiums will be on exhibition at the Secretary's office. Entrance fee, 10 percent; five to enter. Ladies taking premiums at the last Cowley County Agricultural Fair are barred from showing in this ring.
In case the receipts of the fair are not sufficient to pay the premiums in full, a prorata payment will be made.
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[EDITORIAL PAGE]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1872.
THE CAMPAIGN OPENED.
There will be a joint discussion of the political questions of the day between the candidates on the Republican and Liberal County tickets, at the following times and places.
Vernon, at Werden's, Monday, Oct. 14th, 1 o'clock p.m.
Nenescah, Tuesday, Oct. 15th, at 1 o'clock p.m.
Maple, at Bush's store, Wednesday, Oct. 16th, 1 o'clock p.m.
Rock, at Holmes' store, Wednesday, Oct. 16th, 7 o'clock p.m.
Little Dutch, Tesday, Oct. 17th, 1 o'clock p.m.
Richland, at H. L. Barkers', Friday, Oct. 18, 1 o'clock p.m.
Windsor, at Omnia, Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 o'clock p.m.
Windsor, at Armstrongs, Saturday, Oct 19, at 1 o'clock p.m.
Windsor, Lazette, Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7 o'clock p.m.
Dexter, Monday, Oct. 21st, at 1 o'clock p.m.
Cedar, at Pattan's, Tuesday, Oct. 22nd, at 1 o'clock p.m.
Spring Creek, at Sutliff's store, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m.
Silver Dale, Wintin's school house, Thurs., Oct. 24, 1 p.m.
Pleasant Valley, at Constant's, Friday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m.
Beaver, at Thomasville, Friday, Oct, 25, at 7 o'clock p.m.
Bolton, at Sumner Oaks', Saturday, Oct 26th, 1 o'clock p.m.
Bolton, at Wilkinson's, Saturday, Oct. 26th, 7 o'clock p.m.
Arkansas City, Tuesday, Oct 29th, at 7 o'clock p.m.
Tisdale, Wednesday, Oct. 30th, at 7 o'clock p.m.
Winfield, Friday, November 1st, at 7 o'clock p.m.
By order of the County Central Committee.
JAMES KELLEY, Chairman, Republican Committee.
A. A. JACKSON, Chairman of Lib. Committee.
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[THE FAIR--LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED.]
MESSENGER, OCTOBER 4, 1872.
THE FAIR--LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED.
Class A--Farms--One Entry.
Premium not awarded.
Class B--Farm Crops--One Entry.
Premium not awarded.
Class C--Lot 1--Blooded Stock--Three Entries.
Premiums to W. J. Snodgrass, H. C. Fisher, A. T. Stewart.
Lot Two--Stallions for General Purposes--Seven Entries.
Premiums to A. S. Williams, C. Lamb, W. J. Snodgrass, James Stewart.
Lot Three-Draft Stallions, Mares, and Geldings--Eight Entries.
Premiums to B. W. Setter, W. J. Snodgrass, A. B. Gardner,
R. H. True.
Lot Four--Mares and Fillies--Eleven Entries.
Premiums to W. J. Snodgrass, James Stewart, James Renfro, Daniel Miles, J. A. Kinney, George Nott, E. P. Hickok, W. McClellan.
Lot Five--Matches--Spans for Carriages.
Premium to E. Davis.
Lot Six--Spans for General Purposes.
Premium to Henry Martin.
Lot Seven--Single Horses for Carriage and Harness--
Ten Entries.
Premiums to J. Hooker and E. Davis.
Lot Eight--Single Horses for General Purposes--
Five Entries.
Premiums to Henry Martin and B. H. Dunlap.
Lot Nine--Short-horned Cattle--Nine Entries.
Premiums to Joseph Foos, J. H. Werdan, W. Stewart,
A. McClellan, W. E. Cook, E. P. Hickok.
Lot Ten--Grades and All Other Breeds--Twelve Entries.
Premiums to James Foos, John H. Davis, B. H. Lacy, T. C. Dunn, J. D. Cochran. In this class Mr. J. A. Churchill had a beautiful cow--grade Ayreshire--entered, one worthy of a premium, but when the class was called Mr. Churchill was on duty as a judge of swine, and his cow was not exhibited to the committee. Through no fault of his own, his cow was not brought into competition. It is only justice to Mr. Churchill to make this
statement.
Lot Eleven--Working Oxen--Six Entries.
Premiums to Mrs. S. B. Johnson and J. H. Davis.
Best Dairy Cows.
John H. Davis--Belle Blascoe.
Class E--Sheep.
Two second premiums were awarded to G. M. Miller & Co. and
W. K. Davis.
Class F--Lot 16--Swine--15 Entries--Poland-China,
Chester White, and Other Large Breeds.
Premiums to W. K. Davis, B. C. Swarts, A. S. Monger, W. J. Lewis, W. H. H. Maris.
In the department of swine we have never seen a finer exhibition. No one supposed that there were so many and so fine hogs in this part of the State. We have never seen such a display at a county fair before, and, in quality, we have never seen it surpassed at a State fair. The growing and feeding of swine will be one of the most profitable branches of industry of the county, and we are glad to know that so good a start has been made in their breeding. Great credit is due to Messrs. Voris, Swarts, Maris, Lewis, Allen, Stewart, Johnson, Cottingham, Boutwell, Snodgrass, and others for the interest they have taken in this department. Hereafter, in this department, we shall look for the finest display of any fairs of the State.
W. K. DAVIS, Supt.
Lot 17--Berkshire, Essex, and Other Small Breeds--15 Entries.
Premiums to W. S. Voris, W. J. Snodgrass, D. W. Boutwell,
D. W. Allen, L. Cottingham.
Lot 18--Sweepstakes--Sixteen Entries.
Premiums to W. J. Snodgrass, W. J. Lewis, D. W. Allen.
Lot 19--Best Exhibition Thoroughbred Swine.
Premium to W. J. Snodgrass.
Class G--Lot 20--Jacks and Mules--Four Entries.
Premium to B. W. Setter.
Class H--Lot 21--Poultry--Ten Entries.
Premiums to Mrrs. W. Q. Mansfield, Mrs. Mary M. Voris, J. A. Churchill, A. Menor.
Class I--Farming Implements and Machinery--Eighteen Entries.
Class L--Grains and Seeds--Eleven Entries.
Premiums to John Lowrey, A. Menor, J. H. Curfman, A. S. Williams, C. M. Wood.
Class M--Domestic and Other Products.
Premiums to Mrs. J. Magness, Mrs. W. H. Magness, J. G. Young.
Class N--Vegetables--Thirty-Four Entries.
Premiums to J. Nixon, J. A. Churchill, J. D. Cochran, John Lowrey, A. Menor, Samuel Waugh, N. R. Churchill.
Class O--Domestic Manufactures--Thirty-seven Entries.
Premiums awarded to Mrs. W. T. Tucker, Miss E. Tusker, Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Miss E. A. Graham, Mrs. J. H. Curfman, Mrs.
W. H. H. Maris, Mrs. C. M. Wood, Mrs. W. J. Walton, Mrs. A. Bullen, Mrs. L. Lowrey, Mrs. W. W. Andrews, Mrs. H. Y.
Churchill.
Class P--Horticulture, etc.
Premiums to T. B. Ross, J. Brown, Henry Marshal, D. W. Boutwell, Mrs. J. C. Blandin, Miss Mollie Bryant.
Class R--Millinery, etc.--Sixty-five Entries.
Premiums to Mrs. W. Q. Mansfield, Miss Mary Demming, Mrs. A. McClellan, Mrs. M. Fitch, Mrs. C. M. Wood, Mrs. Hiram Fisk, Miss Maggie Harper, Miss M. Stewart, Mrs. L. Lowrey, Mrs. E. C. Manning, Mrs. A. A. Jackson, Mrs. Luella Blandin, Mrs. E. Maris, Miss E. Davis.
Class V--Painting, etc.--Eighteen Entries.
Premiums to J. C. Monfort, Graining; J. M. Reed, three styles penmanship; J. H. Bonsall, lot of photographs; Miss Virginia Stewart, oil paintings and pencil sketches; Miss Kate Millington, photographs; Mrs. N. T. Tucker, crystal painting.
Lot 42--Jellies, Marmalades, etc.--Fourteen Entries.
Premiums to Mrs. W. Q. Mansfield, Mrs. C. M. Wood, Mrs.
J. H. Curfman, Mrs. W. H. H. Maris.
Lot 43--Instrumental Music.
Premium to Miss Luella Blandin for performance on piano.
Lot 49--Special Premiums.
Display of cut flowers, Mrs. J. C. Blandin. Display of house plants, Miss Mollie Bryant. Display of parlor ornaments, Miss Mary Demming and Mrs. W. Q. Mansfield.
We call special attention to the ladies' department. The exhibition in the hall was worthy of the highest praise, and the thanks of the community are due to the ladies, both for the interest they manifested and the great contributions they made to the success of the fair. Where all did so well we cannot specify anyone in particular, but commend all alike.
Lot 40.
There were some very interesting specimens of Cowley County salt and coal, also gypsum, and some stalactites from a cave in Tisdale township, exhibited by Mrs. Magness.
There were placed on exhibition, but no premiums awarded, a cane, a beautiful specimen of wood carving by Mr. Webb; two telescope rifles by Mr. Wigton, sewing machines by Mr. Boyer and Mr. Best, school desks by Mr. Boyer, Mr. Greer, Mr. Best, and Mr. Brower.
LADY EQUESTRIANISM.
Six Entries.
First premium, saddle, valued at $20, Mrs. Laura Wells; second premium, saddle, valued at $15, Miss A. B. Collins.
500 YARD DASH.
Six Entries--$50 Purse.
First Premium, A. T. Stewart; second premium, W. J. Snodgrass.
RUNNING--MILE HEATS--BEST TWO IN THREE.
Four Entries--$100.
First premium, J. C. Baker, for two-year-old colt; Robert Lee, second premium, H. L. Fisher.
TROTTING.
Four entries--$150 Purse.
First premium, C. Lamb, $100; second premium, J. T. Hooker, $50.
SWINE.
Forty-Six Entries--Clas F--Lot 16.
Finest display in the State. Poland-China, Chester White, and other large breeds. Boars over one year old, B. C. Swarts; First premium under one year old, W. K. Davis; second premium,
A. L. Menser; sows over one year old, First premium, W. J. Lewis; sows under one year old, First premium; best litter of pigs, shown with sire and dam, First premium, W. K. Davis.
Lot 17.
Berkshire, Essex, and other small breeds. Best boar over one year old, First premium, D. W. Boutwell; First premium, D. W. Allen; best sow over one year old, First premium, J. W. Snodgrass; best sow under one year old, First premium, W. J. Snodgrass; second premium, W. S. Voris; best litter of pigs, First premium, W. J. Snodgrass.
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[REPORT FROM J. M. ALEXANDER ON AT&SF RAILROAD.]
MESSENGER, OCTOBER 4, 1872.
Having passed over many railroads during my late absence, I wish particularly to add a tribute of praise to the A. T. & S. F. Railroad. The road bed is splendid; and it is the wonder of the traveler how so new a track can be so smooth and firm. This road, now completed to Ft. Larned and Wichita, has a direct and sure connection at Atchison with the Rock Island & Pacific Southern Division, and is the shortest and most pleasant route to Chicago. I was pleased to learn that the road is considered the best in the State. I believe it to be for the best interest of Cowley county to secure a branch from that road, if possible, to run through the Walnut valley. Let us make an effort to that end.
J. M. ALEXANDER.
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[PERSONALS.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1872.
Sickness is abating.
Fresh bread every day at the City Bakery.
Genuine Alexander kid gloves at T. H. Benning's.
Mr. Blandin has disposed of his lumber yard to a gentleman from Burlington, Iowa.
One of the articles on exhibition at the fair was an oil bean stalk, about fifteen feet high.
If you want a good square meal, call on Tarrant at the City Bakery--he knows how to set em up.
VAN HILLIS IS PAYING THE HIGHEST MARKET PRICE IN CASH FOR HIDES AND FURS. WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Good stoga boots for $3.50, at T. H. BENNING'S.
If you want good green apples, pies, cakes, bread, or cider, go to the City Bakery east side of Main Street.
The Cornet Band will give a grand ball each night of the horse fair, which takes place on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of this month.
Husbands, to keep your wives from scolding, buy the Mission
XXX Flour of Van Hillis first door north of the post office.
The largest corn we have seen this season was raised in Cowley county. Corn will be worth about fifteen cents a bushel this fall.
All lovers of good tobacco will find some that is good at Van Hillis' new Grocery store, one door north of the post office.
Mrs. Mansfield made twenty-six entries at the fair. She exhibited some wax work which was the finest we hve examined in this part of the State, and carried off the first premium.
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Just received from Boston a fine stock of millinery goods. Please call and examine.
N. B. Special attention paid to dressmaking.
MRS. J. G. BULLEN.
Main Street, opposite the post office.
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The Winfield public school building is nearly completed, and is as large again as any school building in the county. It will be completed in time for the first term of the winter school. There will be a great many pupils from other districts here to attend during the winter.
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Maggie Harper received a fine assortment of millinery goods just before the fair at which place she exhibited them and carried off the blue ribbon. She has them on exhibition at her shop opposite the MESSENGER office, so remember where to get the best.
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1872.]
The Lagonda House is now one of the largest hotels in southern Kansas. Winfield will grow in spite of opposition that is arraigned against her. When immigrants see Winfield, they are not afraid to locate here. Winfield offers good inducements to businessmen desirous of locating in a good business place.
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COMPLETED. The bridge at Knowls' ford is completed and the Walnut river is being crossed on the best bridge in southern Kansas. This is the first and only bridge built over the Walnut river and speaks well for the people of Winfield, and vicinity. The bridge south of town is progressing very fast.
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A little more assistance is wanted from the citizens to finish paying for the instruments for the band. The band discourses good music for the practice they have had and will soon be one of the best bands in the State. The band consists of twelve instruments, which is larger than any band in Southern Kansas, if not in the State.
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Bliss & Co. has the largest stock of flour of any firm in town.
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The Cornet Band has engaged Mr. Palmer as teacher during the winter.
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Fisher & Bryant have dissolved partnership. Fisher will continue the business, and wants everybody who wants a good meal to come and see him.
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FIRE. Last Friday night the Walnut Valley Billiard Hall building caught fire in the upper story; but fortunately, was put out before any damage was done. If the fire had got to the roof, with the wind blowing as it was, no device of man could have saved the east side of Main stret from Ninth Avenue north. The County Treasurer's office is kept in the story where the fire started, thus the financial records of the county came very near being destroyed on account of our not having a Courthouse, where such things can be made safe from destruction by fire.
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The National School Furniture is 25 percent more substantial than any other, better finished, and superior in every particular.
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Bert Covert has opened a meat market first door north of Green's Drug store, where he is trying to raise a "steake."
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[MORE PERSONALS: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1872.]
OUR NEW ADVERTISERS. We present to our readers this week the following new advertisements.
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.
W. C. Woodman & Son, bankers and merchants at Wichita, are well known all over the country as men of sound business in-tegrity with whom no person need fear to deal.
G. Fecheimer has a general supply store, where freighters can lay in their supplies. He makes a specialty, however, of Wines and Liquors for medical and general purposes.
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We have engaged the services of Mr. Pope, an expert job printer, and can turn out work in the highest style of the art. Bring in your orders before the fair and have some nice bills or cards printed for that occasion. The sooner you hand in your orders the better work you will get done.
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The National School Furniture can e seen at Best office one door North of the Bank, Winfield, Kansas.
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SCHOOL FURNITURE.
Gothic desk and western Publishing and School Furnishing Co.'s school furniture for sale at Boyer's News Room. Address W. M. Boyer, Winfield, Kansas. Agents for Cowley and Sumner
Counties.
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[LIBERAL NOMINATING CONVENTION - WINFIELD.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1872 - FRONT PAGE.
RECAP ONLY:
Convention called to order by A. N. Deming, Chairman of Central Committee. Committee on organization was appointed and reported Judge McIntire as chairman and W. M. Allison as secretary. Committee on resolutions was appointed: Judge R. B. Saffold; C. P. Spaulding, H. H. Constant. Short speeches made by A. N. Deming, A. Walton, Mr. Chase, and others.
Results of informal ballot for representatives.
A. N. Deming, 26; C. P. Spaulding, 6; J. G. Young, 2. Mr. Spaulding withdrew; on his motion, A. V. Deming was nominated by acclamation.
Results of informal ballot for District Clerk: J. E. Dunn received 19, Mr. Boutwell 10, Kerns 2. A formal ballot was then taken, which gave 22 for Dunn and 13 for Boutwell. On motion of Mr. Boutwell, J. E. Dunn was nominated by acclamation.
PROBATE JUDGE: Formal ballot, J. J. Johnson received 24,
A. A. Jackson 5, Boutwell 2. Johnson was declared the nominee.
COUNTY ATTORNEY: Judge R. B. Saffold was nominated by
acclamation.
SUPT. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. Dr. D. N. Egbert was nominated by acclamation.
The following Delegates and alternates were appointed to attend the Senatorial and Judicial conventions to be held at Wichita the 12th inst.: Judge R. C. Saffold, Judge McIntire,
J. F. Paul, and C. P. Spaulding. Alternates: T. H. Benning, Dr. Wilkins, A. Walton, and W. M. Allison.
After the election of R. B. Saffold, J. F. Paul, and A. Jackson, as County Executive Committee, the convention adjourned.
W. M. ALLISON, Secretary.
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[PERSONALS.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1872.
A party of buffalo hunters started for the hunting grounds yesterday.
Saunders has just received a large stock of furniture.
Bacon only fifteen cents at Van Hillis' grocery store.
Mr. Paul is building a neat residence on Eighth avenue.
Rev. Parmelee preached at the M. E. church last Sunday.
Work has commenced on the new bank building.
Mr. Koehler says he can grind corn at his new mill in about two months.
A small but interesting dance came off at Pickering's Hall last Tuesday evening.
We notice a new building being erected near Mr. Webb's
residence.
Mr. Read has a large desk in his bank, the workmanship of
J. H. Saunders.
A new silversmith's shop has been located in Green's drug store.
Our town has been crowded this week with candidates for District Judge.
J. M. Smiley has gone to Worden's district to build a school house. We wish the district success in their undertaking.
George Robinson has invented a machine that can be used for a churn or a washing machine. Just the thing for bachelors.
The stone work on Bliss & Blandin's mill is progressing very fast. The manufacture of flour will soon be a leading business at Winfield.
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1872.]
Bob Robinson has furnished the MESSENGER office with a new table, which makes things in our sanctum a little more
convenient.
Three times a day we hear the large bell of the Freeland House, and the "rattling" gong of the Lagonda House calling their many boarders to "hash."
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Mr. R. A. Gilmer, of Beaver township, paid us a friendly visit this week, and we had a pleasant talk of the times we spent in Cowley three years ago. Mr. Gilmer was the first justice of the peace of Cresswell township, and is one of the best citizens of Beaver.
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Mrs. W. H. Maris has our thanks for a glass of peach jelly, which was exhibited at the fair, and to which was attached a blue ribbon, which, in our judgment, it merited.
Winfield Messenger, Friday, October 11, 1872.
A
The Traveler has met with a change. Mr. L. B. Kellogg has retired from the office in order to devote his time to the study and practice of law. The paper will be conducted in future by Mr. C. M. Scott, its former local editor. We wish Mr. Scott success.@
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J. P. Short returned last Saturday evening looking as neat as a new pin. An oyster supper was enjoyed at his expense, at which time everything passed off lovely, and all went away well pleased that they were ready when the "bridegroom called." We wish the happy pair a pleasant journey through life.
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The Bradish House has changed hands. Mr. Peyton, the present proprietor, says that his list of boarders has increased from one to twenty-seven. We wish him success.
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The peanut is entirely at home in our sandy soil. It is as staple as wheat. Let us try peanuts. Arkansas City Traveler.
That's it. Advertise your town by canning them, and labeling. Would it not be more appropriate, Mr. Traveler, to change the name of your town to Peanutville? It might start business.
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[PROCEEDINGS OF THE DISTRICT CONVENTION.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1872 - FRONT PAGE.
RECAP: LISTING COWLEY COUNTY MEN, I KNOW ABOUT.
Convention temporary chairman: J. W. Custer.
Convention temporary secretary: L. J. Webb.
Credential committee member: John Irwin, Cowley County.
Named as delegates from Cowley County: John Irwin, C. R. Mitchell, E. C. Manning, R. L. Walker, and L. J. Webb.
L. J. Webb was chosen permanent secretary.
On motion of T. B. Murdock, of Butler county, the convention proceeded to an informal ballot for Judge with the following result: S. P. Moore, of Howard Co., 5; J. M. Balderston, of Sedgwick, 5; W. P. Campbell, of Butler, 10; C. Rizer, of Greenwood, 5. Total votes cast: 30. On motion of Col. Manning of Cowley county, the convention decided that it required a majority of all the votes cast to nominte. On motion of Col. Manning, the convention proceeded to a formal ballot, with the following result: Moore, 5; Fairbank, 5; Campbell, 10; Rizer, 5; Balderston, 5. Convention continued to vote until 6 o'clock, when it adjourned for supper without making a nomination. After supper, the ballotting continued till ten o'clock when W. P. Campbell, of Butler county, was nominated on the 63rd ballot. The following is the result of the ballot: Campbell 16; Rizer 12. Judge Campbell was then declared nominated, and in a few brief remarks, thanked the convention for the nomination.
Member of Judicial committee for District:
C. R. Mitchell, Cowley County.
W. P. Hackney, Sumner County.
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[THE CANDIDATES.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1872.
THE CANDIDATES.
The candidates for the various offices to be filled this fall are now before the public.
W. P. Campbell, of Eldorado, the nominee for Judge of the 13th Judicial District. M. M. Murdock, nominated for State Senator in this district.
County candidates: McDermott and Deming, the Republican and Liberal candidates for the Legislature, are taking the lead in the campaign.
Mr. McDermott is one of the oldest and best Republicans in the county, is well informed in regard to the political questions of the day, and will make a good representative.
The Messrs. Johnson, aspirants for the Probate Judgeship, are telling what they know about farming and matrimony. T. H. Johnson, the present incumbent, by appointment, has filled the office with ability, and with genral satisfaction. He is one of Winfield's promising young attorneys.
E. S. Torrance [spelled Torrence] and R. B. Saffold are both popular candidates for County Attorney.
James Kelly has received encomiums both at home and abroad in regard to his fitness for the position of Clerk of the District Court. Mr. T. A. Wilkinson, candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, is one of the leading educators of the county.
NOTE: MUCH MORE ON REPUBLICANS & LIBERALS RUNNING THAT I SKIPPED.
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[PERSONALS.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1872.
The school-house is plastered.
Butter is worth thirty cents per pound.
Corn is selling at fifteen cents per bushel.
The prairie grass is dead, so look out for prairie fires.
Johnny Ferris is recovering. He has had a very severe time of it.
Mr. Gorden has weatherboarded his residence on north Main street.
New houses are being built in every direction.
Mr. Webb's house is receiving a coat of paint.
The wall of the first story of Bliss & Blandin's mill is up, and the work is progressing very fast.
Hunters say that prairie chickens are very wild, and consequently hunting is on the abate.
Buffalo hunting parties pass through town every day enroute for the "desolate plains."
L. J. Webb and family contemplate going to Pennsylvania to spend the winter. We wish them a pleasant visit with old friends.
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WANTED. To trade brick for a few cords of good dry wood.
ANDREWS & WEATHERS.
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L. B. Yale of the MESSENGER firm returned from Wichita last Tuesday; he reports everything lovely in that county.
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We see a large quantity of material on the ground for M. L. Read's new bank building.
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Mr. Fuller informs us that the banking business is very good. We hear but very little complaint in this direction from any source.
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We tried one of Mr. Darrah's fine teams last Sunday and enjoyed a very pleasant trip up the river.
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, OCTOBER 18, 1872.]
The Teachers' Institute will be held in this city on the 22nd inst. Let every teacher and friend of education in the county be present.
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Frank Williams, living two miles north of town, killed twelve ducks at one shot, one day last week. How will that do for shooting? Town sports please answer.
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There are but few empty buildings in town with a good demand for good residences.
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J. P. Short wishes us to say that he did not give an oyster supper as we stated last week. The supper was given to him and his lady by a few of his bachelor friends.
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A bridge should be built across Timber Creek, at the crossing north of town, immediately. The dam backs the water a considerable distance above the crossing now, and when the dam is full the water at the crossing will be five or six feet deep. Action should be taken in this matter at once.
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DIED. Lela, infant daughter of W. H. H. and Ada Maris, was taken home to the arms of the Saviour, Monday morning, October 14th, aged four months.
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The Disciples of Christ meeting at Winfield will hold a series of meetings commencing at 7 o'clock on the Saturday evening previous to the fourth Lord's day in October. They have engaged the services of Elder Lathrop, of Illinois, and Elder Cottingham, of Leroy, Kansas, who will be assisted by the preaching brethern of the vicinity. The Baptist brethern have kindly allowed them the use of their house.
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[THE NATIONAL HORSE FAIR.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1872.
The National Horse Fair.
FIRST DAY.
TROTTING RACE--TWO ENTRIES.
"Champion Searcher," owned by Mr. Lamb of Douglas; and "Fashion," of Arkansas City; the former receiving the first premium, and the latter the second premium. The time of Champion Searcher was first heat, 3:17; second, 3:15; third, 3.08.
RUNNING RACE--FIVE ENTRIES.
"Fannie Stewart," owned by A. T. Stewart; "Frog Leg," owned by J. Anderson; "Bloody Nathan," owned by Charles Meech; "Aspire," owned by Jas. Reynolds; "Dollie Lynch," owned by Wm. H. McCullom. Race--half mile heats, best two in three.
SECOND DAY.
FIRST-PACING RACE--BEST THREE IN FIVE--TWO ENTRIES.
"Prince" and "Baker," the former owned by Mr. Lamb, and the latter by Dr. Carlisle. Time: 2:57; 2:50; 2:15; the former receiving the first premium.
SECOND--RUNNING RACE--BEST TWO IN THREE--FOUR ENTRIES.
"Aspire," "Boston," "Bob Lee," and "Hog driver." First heat, Aspire first, Boston second, Bob Lee third, Hog Driver fourth. Time: 2.02. Second heat: Aspire first, Boston second, and Bob Lee third. Time: 2.00.
The attendance in the afternoon was very good, being considerable better than the day before.
The Fair has been quite interesting, and we believe, somewhat of a success. We feel justified in saying that there has never been a better exhibition of fine horses than the present one at Winfield. The officers of the Society and people of Winfield deserve great credit for the energy manifested in getting up this fair. Next year will show greater things than these. We will give the rest of the proceedings next week.
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[EDITORIAL PAGE: FINE STOCK SEEN AT FAIR GROUND.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1872.
Fine Stock.
On Saturday morning last we accepted an invitation through Mr. Stewart, from Mr. Reynolds and others to visit the fair ground and make a close examination of their stock exhibited during the fair. Mr. Reynolds brought out two beautiful thoroughbred mares, Aspire and Soothing Syrup. Aspire is five years old, from Escape and Lexington. Soothing Syrup is six years old, from imported Australian and Lexington. These mares for purity of blood, beauty, speed, and style cannot be excelled in the State. Mr. Reynolds has a large farm--over 800 acres, all under fence--one mile from Longton in Howard county well stocked with thoroughbred stock from Alexander's farm in Kentucky, embracing the following breeds: Humbletonian, Bellfounder, Patchen, and Bashaw. He has a fine lot of thoroughbred short horned cattle from Myers' farm, Racine, Wisconsin; Sheldon's farm in New York; and some from J. P. Roe, importer of thoroughbred stock. Also a large number of thoroughbred swine. Mr. Reynolds' stock farm cannot be beaten in the State and will do much for the improvement of stock and the increase of fine blood. Such stock and such enterprise is worthy of the highest encouragement.
Mr. Fisher introduced his fine horse, Steve Boston, and kindly furnished us his pedigree, which is as follows:
Steve was 11 years old last May, 16 hands high, a dark chestnut sorrel, and of excellent proportions both in bone and limbs. Boston was sired by Venmeter's Boston and he by old Boston; Venmeter's Boston's dam was by Monarch, Steve Boston's dam by Hyflyer and he by Torant's Rattler, and he by Archey and he by imported Diomede. Hyflyer's dam was sired by Cook's Whip grand dam imported Hyflyer; Steve Boston's grand dam Grey Medley; great grand dam Florasel, and was foaled on the farm of John Hays. He was raised by John Hays living in Fayette County, Ohio.
Mr. Fisher is opening a stock farm on the west side of the county line between Howard and Cowley near Silverdale.
After partaking of some fine wine furnished by Mr. Reynolds, and witnessing a couple of pony races, we returned to town feeling that what we had seen had well repaid us for our trip.
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[EDITORIAL PAGE: A QUERY.]
MESSENGER, OCTOBER 25, 1872.
A Query.
Editor of the Messenger:
I learn that our worthy County Superintendent Hickok was allowed by our county board for seventy days work as Superintendent in the last quarter. There were seventy-nine working days in the quarter ending 30th of September. At least twelve days in July were occupied personally by the Superintendent as District Clerk, for he is the District Clerk and Superintendent. Does anyone believe that he spent one-half the sixty-seven days that the court was not in session in his superintendent capacity? If our board of county commissioners go on in this way, our taxes will soon become grievous. The bill for those seventy days allowed was $210.
INDIGENCE.
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[EDITORIAL PAGE: THE SOUTHWEST.]
MESSENGER, OCTOBER 25, 1872.
We clip the following from the Leavenworth Commercial. We would like to publish the whole article, but our space forbids; so we publish the portion relating to our young city. That "Wanderer's" opinion of Winfield is correct, no one will deny, and we hope to see him here again--and in fact, many more such "wanderers" if their visits will only end with like results.
WINFIELD, Oct. 13, 1872.
For the past week I have been wandering over the fertile counties of Sedgwick, Sumner, and Cowley, down the luxuriant valley of the Arkansas and up the beautiful, well-settled and cultivated valley of the Walnut river, finally bringing up in this place, the county seat of Cowley county.
WINFIELD
is delightfully situated in a bend on the east side of the Walnut, which, at this point, is a considerable stream and affords ample water power during the entire year. The country surrounding Winfield is settled, the soil rich and well cultivated considering the short time that has transpired since the first white man made it his permanent home. The citizens of Winfield are enterprising, energetic, and far sighted, with a spirit that might well be emulated by older communities. This year they fenced in a large fair ground, erected buildings thereon, made a fine race track, and held a fair about two weeks ago, which is said to have been largely attended by citizens from the immediate vicinity and the adjoining counties. The display of agricultural products and stock was large. Indeed, I doubt if many of the other counties could have made a better display of blooded cattle and hogs.
THE TOWN
I should judge, has a population of about 500. It has two churches, and has erected, at a cost of about $5,000, one wing of a new school house. The entire building, when completed upon the plan proposed, will be second to none other of the kind in the State. The building is of magnesian limestone, as is also one of the churches. This stone is of an excellent quality, almost pure white, pure from blemishes, easily worked, is found in sufficient abundance to build a city the size of New York. Two flouring mills are in process of construction, one by your former fellow townsman, Phil. Koehler. One of the mills will be ready for work in about a month or six weeks; the other, being larger, will not be completed much before the middle of winter. A fine bridge spans the Walnut at this point, and another is in process of erection about a mile south of town.
THE PEOPLE
of Winfield and Cowley county are thoroughly alive to the importance of railroads. A railroad is talked of and will doubtless be built down the Walnut valley from some point on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, while efforts are being made to secure the completion of a road from the east to this point. That the efforts of this people in that direction will be crowned with success before eighteen months roll around, I have not the least doubt, for a people of such nerve and enterprise as is possessed by those of Winfield, know no such word as fail.
Winfield also has a newspaper--the MESSENGER--published and edited by Albert W. Yale, who formerly published the Wichita Tribune, now deceased. Like all country publishers, he finds it up-hill business at present but with the growth of the town and the prosperity of her citizens, will receive that reward to which the pioneer printer is entitled.
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[MESSENGER, OCTOBER 25, 1872.]
SAD AFFAIR--BURNED TO DEATH: WILLIAM HUNT.
Last Monday night a most terrific prairie fire swept over the country between Silver and Grouse creeks. The wind was blowing very hard, and to put the fire out, or even get out of its way was impossible. Mr. William Hunt was bringing a load of goods from Independence for E. E. Hillis, of this place, and the night being cool, he made his bed by a hay stack and went to sleep. In the night the fire came onto him while asleep, and burned him to death. His team ws close by and shared the same fate, and the goods and wagon were entirely consumed by flames. Persons living in the neighborhood knew his situation, and started to rescue him, but no horse was fleet enough to keep up with the fire, so to save him was impossible.
There is too much carelessness in putting out fire at this season, when but few are prepared with fire breaks to defend their property. We hve not learned the extent of the damage done by the fire, but with such a wind to drive it ahead, but little property in its track could be saved at all.
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[NEW MILL OF BLISS & BLANDIN.]
MESSENGER, OCTOBER 25, 1872.
We received an invitation a few days ago from Mr. Bliss to take a ride down to the new mill of Bliss & Blandin. The workmen are at work on the second story of the building, and are pushing the work ahead very fast. The building is about 40 x 45, and is to be three and a half stories above the flume. The machinery will be here in a few weeks. The proprietors intend putting in four run of burs, and will no doubt, as soon as practicable put in a woolen mill. The power is sufficient for a very extensive business, and the men who control it have the capital to improve it to its utmost capacity. Winfield possesses the best water power in the State, and where fuel is so scarce, steam will not be brought into use at all for manufacturing purposes; therefore, the advantage Winfield has over any and in fact all other towns in southern Kansas is plain to be seen. Every businessman will see at once that the future of Winfield is far brighter than many other towns that are far more pretentious, and her growth from this time will be very rapid.
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[PERSONALS.]
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1872.
Tisdale has a fine school house.
Building is on the increast at Lazette.
Ten new buildings are under course of erection at present.
Farmers are busily engaged gathering their crops.
Only $4.50 for first-class board at D. F. Best's.
Ice was formed on water in the open air last Tuesday night.
The first brick house in the county is being built in Winfield.
Our streets are now filled with teams from morning until night.
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See the dissolution notice of Smith & Kerns. Mr. Kerns is in the law business at Abingdon, Illinois.
Dissolution Notice.
The partnership existing heretofore under the firm name of Smith & Kerns is this day, October 21st, 1872, mutually
dissolved.
S. C. SMITH
W. H. KERNS
The real estate business of the above firm having been transferred to the undersigned will be continued at the same place as heretofore under the name and style of
S. C. SMITH & CO.
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We notice Dr. P. G. Peyton's shingle in front of the post office drug store. Go and see him if you want any pills.
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Just at the present time a load of wood on subscription would be very acceptable at this office.
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Fresh arrival of fancy goods at C. A. Bliss & Co.'s. Call and see them.
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WANTED. To trade brick for a few cords of good dry wood.
ANDREWS & WEATHERS.
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The citizens of school district No. 50 have as fine a school house as there is in the county--the workmanship of Randall & Smiley of this city.
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If you want good goods, of the best quality, at the lowest prices, and in any quantity, call on T. H. Benning.
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We took a turn through Mr. Bliss' new house a few days ago, and to our surprise, found the inside the best arranged of any we hve been into in Winfield. We would give a description of it, but for that we will wait until it is completed.
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, OCTOBER 25, 1872.]
Tom Benning keeps all the best brands of flour at the lowest cash prices, at wholesale and retail. Canned fruits of all kinds, pickles, table sauce, tea, coffee, sugar, and in fct everything you want in the grocery line can be had at T. H. Benning's, corner of Main street and Ninth avenue.
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We looked into Bliss & Co.'s store room this week and saw thirty barrels of sugar, sirup in barrels, and five gallon kegs by the wholesale. Country merchants south and west of here will do well to patronize this firm.
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PRIVATE BOARDING. Persons desiring first-class board at $4.50 per week will please call at once on D. F. Best, Church street.
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Van Hillis has been to Independence to see his friends. He returns with a partner, and will enlage their business by putting in boots, shoes, and dry goods.
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The new Wheeler & Wilson is the best family sewing machine. Try it. Terms $5 per month. D. F. Best, agent, Winfield, Kansas.
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Buy the rotating hook (new Wheeler & Wilson) machine. It is the best. Makes the least noise. Does the greatest variety of work. Runs the lightest, and is the easiest to operate. Will outlast three shuttle machines. Terms nineteen months' time without interest. D. F. Best, agent.
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Mrs. Fuller claims to have the brightest and most beautiful baby in town. Mrs. Fuller may not have reason to boast very long. The neighborhood we live in is composed of newly-married people, and there may be some competition in that line of beauty.
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Owing to the absence of the Secretary of the Agricultural Society, we were unable to get a report of the proceedings of the last day of the fair.
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We understand that the contract for furnishing our new school building has been awarded Captain S. W. Green, agent for the sale of the patent Gothic desk, manufacturered by the Western Publishing and School Furnishing Company, St. Louis. The school furniture coming into this county is mostly of their manufacture
and is, we believe, giving general satisfaction.
[NOT SURE: HIS NAME LOOKS LIKE GREEN...COULD BE GREER.]
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, OCTOBER 25, 1872.]
UNION SABBATH SCHOOL. At the Sabbath school on last Sunday a week ago the following organization was effected: J. B. Fairbank, Superintendent; J. M. Dever, Assistant; Miss Ellis, Secretary; Mrs. Tousey, Librarian; S. Bliss, Treasurer, Music Committee, Mrs. Manning and Miss Blandin. Visiting committee, Miss Tucker and Dr. Egbert. Committee on class organization, Miss Tucker, Mrs. Hickok, and Dr. Egbert. A full attendance is hoped for on next Sunday. The school opens at precisely three o'clock in the afternoon at the Methodist church.
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[EDITORIAL PAGE: DISTRICT JUDGE.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1872.
DISTRICT JUDGE.
Last week we put up the name of J. M. Atwood for judge of this district in preference to W. P. Campbell, the present incumbent and nominee of the Republican party, and should have explained our course but for want of time. This week, however, we will endeavor to explain the matter to the satisfaction of our readers.
As soon as Mr. Campbell was nominated, grave charges were made against him, so we concluded to wait awhile and find out if we could if they were true. We waited until last week for Mr. Campbell or his friends to at least deny the charges if not refute them as untrue; but no denial, much less a refutation, was made, either privately or publicly, that we could hear of. We therefore concluded that there must be some foundation for the charge of packing conventions to secure his nomination, and of stuffing the ballot box or of having it stuffed to secure his election. As no person attempted to explain the matter, we could not give Mr. Campbell's name a place on our ticket. We deem it true that a man who will use unfair means to obtain an office will abuse that office to the same extent or more. In other words, a man who will buy his nomination for judge will sell his decision, should he be elected.
ARTICLE CONTINUES...I SKIPPED THE REST.
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[EDITORIAL: WHY IS THIS THUSLY.]
MESSENGER, NOVEMBER 1, 1872.
WHY IS THIS THUSLY.
We would like to ask some lawyers of this district why it is that they now support Judge Campbell for re-election. Three months ago these same men utterly detested Mr. Campbell, and declared that they would not support him under any circumstances, even though he should be nominated by the Republican party.
We cannot account for Mr. Campbell's nomination with almost the entire bar of the district opposed to him, yet he got it. These men--some of them--are now supporting him. Who then has changed? We can notice no change in the Judge, and are therefore fordced to believe that those men (?) have modified their principles to correspond with Mr. Campbell's politics, which, in our opinion, is not of the purest quality.
If Mr. Campbell was wholly unfit to fill the office of District Judge three months ago, he is unfit for the position yet. The nomination of a man for any office does not always signify his ability to fill that office, and if he does not possess the ability previously the nomination does not give it to him.
There are some men in this district who are supporting (?) Judge Campbell, who will not vote for him. They support him, first, because he is the Republican nominee, and second, because they have not got the stamina to come out and assert their principles publicly, for fear it would make them unpopular with the people.
ARTICLE CONTINUES...I SKIPPED.
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[EDITORIAL PAGE: A CARD FROM W. P. CAMPBELL.]
MESSENGER, NOVEMBER 1, 1872.
A Card.
WINFIELD, NOV. 1st, 1872.
To the Voters of Cowley County:
As friends of my opponent for the office of District Judge are trying to create the impression that I used money to obtain my nomination by the Republican convention, it is due that I should deny the charge. No specific charge of bribery has been made as yet, and we are on the eve of the election. I was in hopes that my enemies would be fair enough to make the charges and bring forward the proof in time to give me an opportunity to disprove them. No man ought to be condemned until he has a hearing.
On the evening of the Winfield convention, during the adjournment for supper, it was currently reported that affidavits would be presented to the convention that a friend of mine had offered Mr. Stout, a delegate from Howard, $100 to vote for me. But no such affidavits were produced. In fact, Mr. Stout stated publicly in the hotel that there was no truth in the report. He, together with the whole Howard delegation, opposed me in the convention, but will now vote for me.
I have only this to say. I have spent no money in the canvass, except traveling expenses and for printing tickets, and hve authorized no one to do so for me. I had no money to use for any other purpose. I have made no fight on any of my distinguished opponents, but have treated them as gentlemen, and my friends have done the same. I have gone steadily on and held my courts, believing that the people will recognize my efforts to do my duty. I have slandered no one, but have relied for success on an upright and honest course. For these reasons I shall confidently expect the indorsement of the people.
Very respectfully,
W. P. CAMPBELL.
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[EDITORIAL: SAM WOOD.]
MESSENGER, NOVEMBER 1, 1872.
Sam Wood spoke in Winfield last Tuesday night on the side of the "lost cause." He came like a thief in the night unheralded and stealthily. A Liberal fight glimmered and fluttered along the streets of Winfield, notifying the faithful that Sam had come and with the aid of a tinkling sheep bell rung by a boy a crowd was called together to hear him. Sam spoke for two hours and fifteen minutes and convinced the audience that he was an amusing jester of the "now you see it and now you don't see it" style. When Sam talks on politics, nobody, not even Sam Wood, knows how much to believe of what he says. He commenced speaking at 8 o'clock and repeated his rigmarole for the ninety-fourth time in this fall's canvas; talking against history, truth, reason, and time, and running himself into the ground at fifteen mintues past 10 by the clock. No opportunity was offered by his very "liberal" admirers to anyone present to reply to the wag. In truth, Sam did not want or intend that anyone should follow him and correct his misstatements. But anyone who heard his statements to the end readily discovered that his local conclusions contradicted themselves. To illustrate: Sam says the people in the Southern states are prevented from voting as they desire by Grant's bayonets but closes his speech with the assurance that all the Southern states will cast large majorities against Grant. Now anyone would naturally suppose that if Grant was the tyrant he is represented to be, he would not let these southern "liberals" carry all those states against his own re-election.
AT TISDALE,
On Wednesday night, Sam repeated a good portion of his Winfield speech, though better "hedged." He was notified that the situation there in the matter of time and irresponsibility would not be his entirely.
It being the regular joint discussion meeting of the county canvas, Sam took Mr. Deming's place and spoke one hour. Capt. McDermott followed him one hour. Next in order came Capt. Payne, the Liberal candidate for Senator, who spoke five minutes of the half hour allotted him, and gave Sam Wood the remainder of his time. Following Payne came Mr. Manning; and following him, Sam. Sam tried very hard to so speak in the opening of the debate so as to avoid any denials or exposure, but Capt. McDermott was more than his equal as a reasoner and better posted in National politics and history and what was of more weight his words and manner had the air of candor and honesty, and every sophistry put forth by Wood was torn to atoms by McDermott. When Wood's speech was riddled of sophistry and falsehoods there was nothing left.
Mr. Manning made some pleasant remarks and exposed Wood's bad reason and conclusions ably, during the thirty minutes given him.
The meeting closed with a little more of Wood's rigmarole and a few remarks from each candidate present.
Not a cheer for Greeley and Brown was ventured or suggested at either meeting for the reason we suppose that it would have been a dangerous experiment, whee there were three men to hurray for Grant to one for Greeley.
Thus came and went the great Liberal comet, with more "light" in his "tale" than in his head, and comet like the light was borrowed.
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[PERSONALS.]
THE WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1872.
W. E. Doud has been appointed deputy sheriff.
Mr. Maris is fattening a large number of hogs this fall.
John Weis & Co. have made their "first batch" of beer.
Van Hillis pays the highest cash price for hides and furs.
The stages come in loaded with passengers nearly every night.
The roads are being worked this week, the bad places being filled up.
Seven and one-half pounds best brown sugar for $1.00 at
T. H. Benning's.
The carpenters and plasterers are putting the finishing touches on the new school building.
The bridge south of town is nearly completed. This makes two bridges across the Walnut at this point.
FIRE. Repair your flues, rebuild your chimneys, place zinc under your stoves, and take every necessary way to prevent losses by fire this winter.
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[MORE PERSONALS/ADS ON FRONT PAGE.]
MESSENGER, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1872.
We call attention this week to the card of T. G. Peyton, M.D., of this place, on our first page. Also the card of C. W. Hill, of Wichita, on first page.
AT THIS POINT: LISTING ADS ON FRONT PAGE.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW.
FOSTER & WEBB. [JAMES FOSTER/L. J. WEBB]
ATTORNEYS AT LAW AND NOTARIES PUBLIC. And will Practice in all the State and Federal Courts. Business at the U. S. Land Office made a specialty. Office on South Main Street, Winfield, Kansas.
MANNING & JOHNSON [E. C. MANNING/T. H. JOHNSON]
ATTORNEYS AT LAW, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
ALEXANDER & SAFFOLD [J. M. ALEXANDER/R. R. [? HARD TO READ? SAFFOLD]. ATTORNEYS AT LAW. Will practice law in all the courts in the state of Kansas and at the U. S. Land Office at Wichita. Office in stone building on 9th Avenue, east of Main street, Winfield, Kansas.
PRYOR & KAGER [S. D. PRYOR/E. B. KAGER]. ATTORNEYS AT LAW AND NOTARIES PUBLIC, Winfield, Kansas. Will give attention to business at the U. S. Land Office at Wichita, file and prove up on land, and procure titles to school lands. Will practice in Cowley and adjoining counties.
NOTARIES PUBLIC.
S. C. SMITH. REAL ESTATE AGENT, LAND SURVEYOR, AND NOTARY PUBLIC. Deeds, Bonds, & Mortgages are carefully executed. Office, first door North of Post Office, Winfield, Kansas.
ALBERT YALE. NOTARY PUBLIC AND INSURANCE AGENT. Will draw up legal documents, take acknowledgements, furnish abstracts of titles, and pay taxes for non-residents, file on claims, make collections, etc. Office in MESSENGER Office, Winfield, Kansas.
PHYSICIANS.
T. G. PEYTON, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, Winfield, Kansas. Office at Johnston & Lockwood's Drug Store.
W. G. GRAHAM, M. D. PHYSICIAN & SURGEON. Opposite Winfield House. Special attention given to Surgery and chronic diseases. Office hours 8 to 9 A.M., 3 to 4 & 7 to 8 P.M.
D. N. EGBERT, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. Will promptly answer all calls, night or day. Office in Smith's building, next door to the post-office.
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MISCELLANEOUS.
DRUGS AND MEDICINES.
Parties visiting Wichita, and needing Pure Drugs and Medicines, Perfumery, Toilet Articles, etc., will do well to call at Chas. W. Hill's, first door north of New National Bank Building. Pure Imported and Domestic Wines and Liquors for Medicinal Purposes always on hand.
T. J. JONES, HOUSE, SIGN AND CARRIAGE PAINTER, Winfield, Kansas. All work nearly and promptly executed. Shop on Main Street.
L. G. CUTTING, STONE MASON, Winfield Kansas. All work intrusted to his care will be done with neatness and dispatch. Satisfaction guaranteed.
PUBLIC EXAMINATION.
Public examination of school teachers will be held at my office in Winfield, on Saturday, the 18th day of November, at 10 o'clock, A. M., and on the first Saturday of each month thereafter until further notice. E. P. HICKOK,
Superintendent of Public Instruction, Cowley Co.
RICE & RAY. [THAD. A. RICE/ALPHONSO RAY.]
CARPENTERS AND BUILDINGS. All orders entrusted to their care will be finished with neatness and dispatch. Plans and specifications furnished when required. Shop on Main street, opposite Lagonda House, Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas.
WINFIELD BANK, OF J. C. FULLER. Exchange bought and sold. Bills discounted, School and Township Bonds negotiated. Collections made and remitted at current rates of exchange. Interest allowed on time deposits.
ISAAC L. COMFORT. WOOD CUTTER, Winfield, Kansas. All orders left at the Printing Office or the Winfield House will receive prompt attention.
JOHN W. SMILEY, CARPENTER AND JOINER, Winfield, Kansas.
ALBERT BISBEE, BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURER, Winfield, Kansas.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
W. M. BOYER, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, Winfield, Kansas. Collections made and promptly remitted. Deeds and Mortgages made out with accuracy and dispatch. Office, two doors north of the Walnut Valley Billiard Hall, in the News room.
A. A. JACKSON, COUNTY CLERK AND JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. Will attend to collections, and file on claims at the U. S. Land Office at Wichita. Claims bought and sold, and deeds made out with neatness and dispatch. Office upstairs in Walnut Valley House, Winfield, Kansas.
LIVERY, SALE AND EXCHANGE STABLES. J. W. STEWART, Proprietor. Nearly opposite the Augusta House, Augusta, Kansas.
TAILORING. The undersigned having permanently located in Winfield, one door south of Maris & Co.'s, is prepared to do all kinds of work in his line, in a manner and at prices that cannot fail to Give Satisfaction. G. W. HUNT.
SKIPPED: LISTING OF MAILS...T. K. JOHNSTON, P. M.
CHURCHES.
COUNTY DIRECTORY.
COURTS.--REGULAR TERMS.
TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY.
AM LISTING ONE CATEGORY THOUGH:
SOCIETIES.
ADELPHI LODGE, U. D. A. F. and A. M., Winfield, Kansas, holds its regular communications on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
A. A. JACKSON, Secretary.
J. S. HUNT, W. M.
UNION SOCIAL, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Secretary.
M. E. SOCIAL, Mrs. Dr. Andrews, Secretary.
Meet alternately every Wednesday evening.
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, NOVEMBER 1, 1872.]
The new Wheeler & Wilson is the best family sewing machine. Try it. Terms $5 per month. D. F. Best, agent, Winfield, Kansas.
Mr. Wilkins, of Lazette, was in town this week, and paid us a friendly visit. He says Lazette is growing very fast, and that business generally is very good.
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[MORE PERSONALS: MESSENGER, NOVEMBER 1, 1872.]
The Walnut Valley Billiard Hall has changed hands. Hale had to have a little recreation and rest while on the marriage list. Why don't you come around and see us, Hale?
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Rev. Mr. Parmelee is expected to preach in town next
Sabbath.
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Hon. D. L. Payne, of Harvey county, called on us this week. Captain Payne has more honorable discharges for full terms in the volunteer service than any man in the State. He is the Liberal nominee for State Senator, and, were it not for his politics, we would wish him success.
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Mr. J. M. Atwood, our candidate for District Judge, paid us a friendly visit yester. We have known Mr. Atwood for nearly two years, and say say that, as a candidate for judge, he is a man in whome we are well pleased. We hope he will be elected, and the prospects are very much in his favor.
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A Card.
Whereas, certain reports concerning certain business matters between myself and W. H. Knapp have appeared in papers and otherwise derogatory to his reputation. I therefore wish to say that, so far as I know, such reports are without foundation, and if I have in any way given such reports prejudicial to his integrity, publicly I desire this to remove such impressions.
T. E. CLARK.
Oxford, Sumner Co., Oct. 26, 1872.
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AD: GRINDING. The Arkansas City Water Mill, on the Walnut, is now in successful operation. Custom grinding at all hours. Shelling and bolting without extra charge.
BEEDY & NEWMAN, Proprietors.
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AD: BLACKSMITHING. KIRK & GORDON. HORSE SHOEING AND PLOW REPAIRING. Shop at south end of Main Street, Winfield, Kansas.
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AD: PURE DRUGS AND MEDICINES AT JOHNSTON & LOCKWOOD'S.
POST OFFICE BUILDING.
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NOTE: MANY MORE ADS...HARD TO READ...SKIPPING, AT LEAST FOR NOW!
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[PERSONALS.]
WINFIELD MESSENGER, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1872.
Tarrant has fresh oysters.
Mr. Robinson, cashier of Read's bank, has bought Mr. Webb's residence.
C. C. Stevens has received a large invoice of groceries.
The Walnut Valley Billiard Hall is being fitted up in fine style.
The "Old Log Store" is again inhabited. Its quaint old walls echo the footsteps of Van Hillis.
I. Bing's is paying the highest price in cash for hides and furs.
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Mr. Hinchman, lately of Greenfield, Indiana, called on us this week. He has purchased Mr. Alloway's farm ten miles northwest of town, and will devote his time to the farming interests of the county.
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BIRTH (?). We guessed it the first time. We don't know how much it weighs but it's a whopper, and is nearly a week old. Ask Paul Varner if it ain't.
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Mr. Paul's residence on Eighth avenue is enclosed, and will soon be completed.
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HUDSON HOUSE. The house has just been opened and is ready to accommodate the traveling public. Its furniture throughout is brand new and first class, see card on first page. [NOTE: THERE WAS NO CARD TO BE FOUND ON THE FIRST PAGE ... ???] Several persons arrived here this week from other states who speak encouragingly of our young city and have concluded to stop here.
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Will the Traveler please tell us who its "special contributor" is--whether he is the "H. B. Norton" that lives "in Arkansas City" or the "H. B. Norton" that lives "adjacent" thereto. We would like to know for our own information which it is.
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The slough that crosses Ninth avenue east of the M. E. church has had a small culvert put into it and the street well graded. This is an improvement that has long been needed.
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S. A. Wier & Co. are enlarging their hotel again. This time the capacity of the kitchen has to be increased.
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NOTE: DID NOT BOTHER WITH MOST ADS, NOTICES, ETC.
WILL PROBABLY FIND IN WINFIELD COURIER NEWSPAPER.
IF NOT: WE CAN ALWAYS GO BACK TO THIS MICROFILM, WHICH
WE HAVE IN OUR POSSESSION.
WINFIELD MESSENGER
NOVEMBER 16, 1872 - DECEMBER 28, 1872
MISSING FROM KANSAS HISTORICAL FILES.
SO! THIS CONCLUDES INFORMATION FROM MESSENGER.
[WINFIELD MESSENGER COVERED MATERIAL FROM
MARCH 15, 1872, THROUGH NOVEMBER 8, 1872.]