ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER
[Beginning with December 20, 1876.]
[MINERAL AND SALT SPRINGS AT SALT CITY.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876 - FRONT PAGE.
The mineral and salt springs at Salt City produce water thoroughly medicated and as good health restorers as the hot springs of Arkansas. Some enterprising man could make money for himself and a reputation for Sumner County by building a large hotel and advertising the true medicinal qualities of the water. The locality is a healthy one and the scenery picturesque. The village is situated about a half mile from the west bank of the Arkansas river. On the south, north, and west is high, rolling prairie, and nearby is Salt creek, which empties its waters into the river, ladened with almost every mineral property imaginable. Sumner County Democrat.
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[EDITORIAL: THE BRIDGE PROPOSITION--BRIDGE OVER WALNUT.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
THE BRIDGE PROPOSITION. Next Saturday the people of Creswell Township will be called on to determine whether the Township shall issue $2,000 in bonds to rebuild the bridge across the Walnut river, at or near Newman's Mill. The petition presented to the Township officers shows one hundred and fifty-four voters in favor of the project, and anxious for the bridge.
There is no doubt but that the bridge is almost an actual necessity, and would not only benefit the farmers both east and west of us, but would add materially to the interests of the town, and the only question to be decided is whether the people of the Township are willing to pay for it. We have experience; the drawbacks of a toll bridge, and those who denounced the ferry. The majority seem to oppose both, more especially since responsible parties have agreed to replace it, in a substantial manner, for $2,000.
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[EDITORIAL: THE SIOUX INDIANS AND WICHITA.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
Senator Ingalls submitted a resolution requesting the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Senate immediately what effort the Government had made to remove the Sioux Indians from their present reservation to the Indian Territory.
A few weeks since one hundred of these Sioux passed through Wichita, stopping here for a few days. They went to look at the country, and we believe they report that it is in all respects satisfactory to them; at least Colonel Boone, who had them in charge, intimates as much. He has gone to Washington.
There is considerable opposition in this State, also upon the part of Kansas City, to the removal of these Indians into the Territory; not that any trouble is anticipated, but from the fact that such a policy tends to the postponement of the opening of the Territory to settlement.
As far as Wichita and her interests are concerned, we are not averse to the proposed change for many reasons not necessary to mention at this time. So long as we continue to be the head of wagon transportation for supplies to agencies and forts, we can afford to be patient over the impatience of others adversely affected. Let 'em come. Eagle.
And so long as the people of Cowley county have to haul their wheat fifty miles to market, when it could be made into flour and sold to the Indians here, and every fat beef or hog that is raised finds a ready market for cash, we say "Let 'em come."
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[CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL: AT NEWMAN'S NEW BUILDING.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
Festival to be held at Newman's new building, on Christmas night, Monday, December 25, 1876. Everybody and his wife are expected, and cordially invited to come. Besides the Christmas tree, there will be a charade acted by the ladies and gentlemen of Arkansas City; a Yankee kitchen in "ye olden style" with pumpkin pies and baked beans one hundred years old, fresh and nice, and a supper of modern times, with all the luxuries of the season. Fresh fish from the fish pond, caught on the spot, to order, and oysters from the Walnut. Now, young ladies, remember leap year is drawing to a close, and only a few days are left, and you should not lose the last chance you may have for four years to come. Who knows what fate may have in store for you, or what the fish pond may produce? And everybody should remember that but few of us will be on hand to attend the next Centennial festival, and make the most of this opportunity.
Come, everybody, and have a good time. The Christmas tree will be decorated in the afternoon, and persons wishing to have gifts put on the tree will please hand them to someone of the committee before 4 p.m., as there will be too much to attend to in decorating the hall to receive packages after that hour.
The committee appointed to decorate the tree is as follows: Ladies--Mrs. Sipes, Mrs. Breene, Mrs. T. Mantor, Mrs. T. H.
McLaughlin, Mrs. T. R. Houghton, Mrs. Dr. Hughes, Mrs. Dr. Shepard, Mrs. R. A. Houghton, Miss Mattie Thompson, Miss Kennedy, Miss F. Skinner.
Gentlemen--S. P. Channell, W. H. Gray, James Benedict, I. H. Bonsall, L. McLaughlin, Al. Mowry, L. C. Norton.
Anything left at Bonsall's photograph gallery before the 25th will be taken care of and put on the tree by the committee.
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[COMMUNICATION FROM "N." - WINFIELD.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
WINFIELD, December 18, 1876.
Dear Traveler:
In my search for brain tonic, I sometimes find enigmas which my brain is too weak to solve, among which are the following.
Why was it that there was no Vice President voted for until the fifth Presidential election?
Why was it that John Adams served as Vice President during Washington's first term, on a vote of 34 electors, when 35 were required to make a majority, the whole vote being 69? (Washington and Adams were both re-elected at the second election.)
At the third election, there being 139 votes in the electoral college, with 70 necessary for choice, John Adams, the then Vice President, received 71 votes, and was declared elected. Why was Thos. Jefferson, his principal competitor, who received 68 votes, declared elected Vice President upon less than half the electoral vote, and without being a candidate for the place?
The fourth contest was a tie between Jefferson and Burr, and went to the House of Representatives to be decided. After 35 ballots without a choice, on the conclusion of the 36th the Speaker of the House declared Thomas Jefferson elected President and Aaron Burr Vice President, when he was not a candidate for Vice President at any time, neither did he ever receive a single vote for that office.
At the fifth Presidential election, George Clinton, of New York, was elected Vice President, he being the first man ever voted for as a candidate for Vice President of the United States.
I want someone who is so glib in foreseeing to look back and answer or demur.
Prof. Lemmon is absent in Topeka, leaving his family for the present with the "wife's folks."
Mrs. McCulloch, Mother of N. C., our ex-Recorder, started for Cloverdale, California, on last Tuesday.
Work progresses on the two new churches.
Now that Judge Gans has something to live for (a new lease of office), he is building himself an elegant residence on Elm Row.
Frank Galotti is building him a commodious house for so lonesome a looking man as he is.
As our holidays draw near, they promise plenty of fun for all, in the shape of church entertainments, Christmas tree, etc.
The grand real estate and personal property lottery sale of Williams and Clark, will not have their drawing take plce on January 1, 1877, but will temporarily postpone it.
Yours, N.
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[NEW YEARS FESTIVAL: M. E. CHURCH.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
New Years Festival of the M. E. Church.
Programme of Committees.
HALL COMMITTEE.
Mr. Wolf, W. York, C. Swarts, Wm. Gibby, S. Hunt.
SOLICITING COMMITTEE.
Mr. and Mrs. Grimes, Mrs. J. Nichols, Mrs. N. Shaw, Mrs. Horn, Samuel Endicott, H. Carder, Ida Grimes, Katy Myers, Mrs. Demott, Mrs. Pepper, R. Carder.
RECEIVING COMMITTEE.
Wm. Gray, Katy Myers, Harvey Grimes, Ida Grimes, Rachael Carder, H. Carder, Nelly Wood, Frank Wood.
GRAB BAG.
Hattie Wilson, Nelly Porter.
TABLE COMMITTEE.
Mr. & Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Fitch, Charles Swarts, Harvey Grimes, Mrs. McMullen, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Hoffmaster, Mrs. Endicott, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Lizzie Mitchell, Wm. Gray, Mr. & Mrs. Ward, Mr. & Mrs. Godehard, Mr. & Mrs. Purdy, Mr. & Mrs. T. Mantor, Mrs. Morgan.
OYSTER COMMITTEE.
J. Gibby, Mrs. McMullen.
CARVING COMMITTEE.
Henry Endicott, Mr. Grimes, Mr. Bowers, C. Endicott.
RECEPTION COMMITTEE.
Mr. Felton, Bitha Bowers, Josie Howe, Charles Swarts, Miss Kennedy, F. York.
MUSIC COMMITTEE.
Rev. J. J. Winger, Lizzie Mitchell, Georgie Christian, Ret Burkey.
TREASURER: J. C. McMullen.
TICKET AGENT: W. J. Gray.
ART GALLERY.
Mr. & Mrs. Bonsall, W. S. Hunt, Miss T. Bowers.
The post office will be conducted by H. Carder, C. Endicott, Mowrie Bowers, Miss Kennedy.
If any additions or slight changes may be necessary, parties will receive personal notice.
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[ITEMS FROM THE INDIAN HERALD.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
The Osages are at peace with all tribes.
Scalp locks still hang over Indian graves.
The Kaw annuity payment was made last week.
The Indians are in a good humor and full of fun.
Osage women are painted and in their finest.
Mad dogs have fits and bite stock on Bird Creek.
The Osage council is dealing with cattle thieves.
Eagle feathers flutter from ponies manes and tails.
Street dancing by the Osages is of daily occurrence.
A buffalo was killed near Pawnee Agency last week.
There are two Quapaw colonies on the Osage Reservation.
Farmers make rails of wild grape vines on Elk River, Kansas.
There are four half breed Osage girls at the Osage Mission, Kansas.
While Indians' thoughts remain unchanged, they are Indians still.
There are nine ordained ministers among the Sioux.
There is a similarity in the languages of the Sioux, Osages, Kaws, and Quapaws.
Spotted Tail and his people are on their way back to the country of the Black Hills.
The World Carrier, a paper published among the Sioux, receives material aid from the full blood Sioux.
The interpreters for the Sioux delegation say they will come to this country, and bring the Sioux tribe with them.
Spotted Tail doesn't want to live in this Territory. He can't find timber, and there is not enough rock with which to build out west.
The Indians of Neah Bay Agency, Washington Territory, make more money by seal killing than any other Indians on that coast, and depend upon the success of their labor for a living.
Osages sprinkle ashes around their lodges to keep witches away.
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[WAR DEPARTMENT TO HOLD A GENERAL COURT MARTIAL AT CHEYENNE.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
A military order has been issued from the War Department, calling a general court martial to be held at Cheyenne on the 15th inst. Maj. Gen. Pope will preside. Several interesting trials are looked for, during which some officers of considerable rank from other departments will be investigated.
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[PERS0NALS.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
ONLY a half sheet next week.
ONLY five days until Christmas.
MORE dwelling houses are needed.
HONEY IN THE COMB at Hermann's City Bakery.
This is the last full sized paper of this year.
AL. HORN is having pine siding put on his shop.
BENEDICT's are putting up a number of neat parlor stoves.
HERMANN sold his oysters for 50 cents a can and they were soon gone.
The half breed Kaw Indians supply most of our citizens with cord wood.
TURKEY SHOOTING MATCHES are on the docket for Christmas and New Years.
Come out to the Festival Christmas evening and bring a pound of something. The "pounds" are to be sold at auction during the evening.
ROBERT C. MILLS, of Salt City, opened his new store last week, regardless of who was elected.
A new house is being built on the townsite near Dr. Leonard's. It belongs to Mr. Simpson.
W. H. WALKER's house, near Salt City, was destroyed by the prairie fire in that locality, last week.
The fire in Bolton Township, last week, burned John Evans' house and fifty bushels of corn in it.
The officer in charge of the Sioux Indians reported the cutting of timber in the Territory to the Commissioners of the Interior.
BORN, to Mr. and Mrs. S. P. Channell, Sunday, Dec. 17th, a daughter. Weight nine pounds. Dr. Hughes was the attending physician.
ED. FINNEY returned from the Osage Agency last Monday, where he had been for several weeks assisting in the payment of the Osages.
HENRY PRUDEN had only 4,200 pounds or seventy bushels of wheat on his wagon. The types made us say 1,200 bushels in the first few numbers of the paper last week.
ARRIVED. David Pruden, of Dayton, Ohio, arrived at this place last Thursday, and will spend a few weeks on the border before returning. It is generally believed that David is making a business trip.
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MASONIC OFFICERS. The following persons were elected and appointed officers of Crescent Lodge, No. 138, at their last regular meeting, held at the Lodge room in Benedict's Hall, Saturday evening, December 16, 1876.
Worshipful Master: Clinton Robert Mitchell.
Senior Warden: Kendall Frank Smith.
Junior Warden: James Benedict.
Treasurer: Charles Raymond Sipes.
Secretary: Harry Pearce Farrar.
Tyler: Rudolph Theodore Hoffmaster.
Senior Deacon: Cyrus McNeely Scott.
Junior Deacon: James Irvin Mitchell.
Senior Stewart: Sewell Peasley Channell.
Junior Stewart: Henry Bear Pruden.
Public installation will be conferred on the parties
elected, at the First Presbyterian Church, on St. John's Day,
(Wednesday, December 27th), at 7 o'clock p.m. Members of the order are especially invited to be present. After installation, refreshments will be served. Tickets to supper, 75 cents each.
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INDIAN PHOTOGRAPHS. We have a few specimens of Mr. T. M. Concannon's Indian photographs, that compare with the best. Mr. Concannon has a variety of scenes from Indian life, that make a very interesting picture.
Among the number purchased by ourselves is a "War-dance," "Issuing Rations," and the chiefs "Governor Joe," "Chetopa," "Strike-Ax," "Hard Rope," "Jump-Over" "Sassy-Chief," "Black Dog," and several others.
Joe is chief ruler of the Big and Little Osages, Hard Rope, the war chief, and Black Dog is one of the most unruly Indians of the tribe. Among them, we recognize many familiar faces. The advertisement of the artist will appear next week.
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A Neck-tie festival will be held at the Theaker school house on Friday evening, Dec. 29th, 1876, for the benefit of the minister, Father Herbert. All are cordially invited to be present, and participate in a good time. Admission at the door 25 cents, neckties 10 cents, which entitled holders to a bountiful supper, and all the pleasure you are capable of enjoying.
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CALLED. Wm. M. Allison, editor of the Cowey County Telegram and Cedarvale Blade, made us a short call on Thursday last. Mr. Allison is on of Winfield's representative men, and although he has assumed the difficult task of conducting two newspapers at one time, proves himself thoroughly competent to successfully operate both.
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There will be no service in the First Church next Sabbath morning, as Rev. Fleming will be absent holding Communion Service in Oxford.
Instead of preaching, there will be a Sabbath School Dinging Concert at half past eleven o'clock.
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There will be a Union religion service held in the First Church on next Sabbath night. Rev. Mr. Somers, of the United Presbyterian Church will deliver a discourse.
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HALF SHEET. According to the established custom of newspapers, we shall issue but a half sheet of the TRAVELER, next week, in order to give the printers a chance to enjoy the holidays. The issue will contain only advertisements.
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HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN have again secured the services of JAMES C. TOPLIFF, to assist them in the store, as salesman and bookkeeper. Many friends of Mr. Topliff will be glad to have him back, to trade with.
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HERNAMAN, the man who stole the wheat and did the shooting, was bound over in the sum of $2,000, to appear at the next term of the Sedgwick county court. Failing to secure bail, he was sent to jail.
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The stage driver informs us that during last week he saw 300 wagons loaded with hogs, on their way to Wichita. Most of the hogs are hauled up alive. Another item demanding railway facilities.
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[EDDY'S HAS IT!]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876......SERIES OF ADS FOR EDDY'S.
TOYS, TOYS, TOYS. Go to Eddy's.
Books for the Holidays, at Eddy's.
Writing Desk, Card Cases, and Steroscopic views at Eddy's.
Work Stands, Work Baskets, and Rustic Hanging Baskets. Eddy has them.
Candy, Candy, Candy, fancy and plain candy at Eddy's.
For a nice Holiday present, go to Eddy and you will find what you want.
Albums, Photo and Autograph, at Eddy's.
Dolls, Dolls, Dolls, of all kinds. Eddy is selling them cheap.
Toy Carts and Wagons. Eddy has a few left yet.
Sleds for Boys, at Eddy's. We will have snow sure, come and get one before they are all gone.
A New Set of Accordions, Violins, and Music Boxes at Eddy's.
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[ADS.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
LAST CALL!
All accounts and notes over due and unsettled on the 23rd of Dec. 1876, will be placed in the hands of the Justice for collection. Take due notice thereof and govern yourselves accordingly.
HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN.
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Lost. Between the 7th and 10th insts. in town or on the road east from town by way of Harmon's ford, a parcel containing a copy of "Ouida's" Strathmore. Anyone finding the above will confer a favor by returning it to this office.
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Taken Up. A white and brown spotted steer. The owner can have ti by calling on N. P. Rowland.
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Hermann Godehard
Has Buckwheat Flour and Maple Syrup.
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H. G. has Pickled Pigs Feet for sale.
H. G. has Fresh Oysters for the Holidays.
H. G. has the largest stock of Fresh Candies in the Southwest.
H. G. has Nuts!
H. G. manufactures his own Candy.
H. G. has all kinds of Nuts, Raisins, Dates, Figs, Apple Butter.
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For a Holiday Gift that will be appreciated, select from Friend's fine assortment of Silverware, New Style Clocks, Ladies' Sets, Gents' Sets, Gold Rings, Gold Pens, Pencils, Tooth Picks, etc. F. M. FRIEND, Winfield, Kas.
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Chromos, Mottoes, Frames, Oleographs, etc., in great variety. We have just received a choice collection of the above, which we are offering at less than city prices. CALL IN AND SEE THEM Before purchasing your Holiday Goods.
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS,
For Old and Young.
Games and Mechanical Toys.
Albums, a Full Assortment, From 25 cents to $4.50.
Perforated Mottoes, etc.
KELLOGG & HOYT.
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[ITEMS FROM THE SUMNER COUNTY PRESS.]
TRAVELER, DECEMBER 20, 1876.
Good butter is worth twenty-five cents per pound.
The Salt Springs' murder still remains a mystery.
Two thousand bushels of corn was sold last Saturday, to be delivered on the street, at twenty cents per bushel.
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NOTE: MICROFILM SKIPPED THE HALF-PAGE, REFERRED TO BY EDITOR
SCOTT, AND WENT DIRECTLY TO THE JANUARY 3, 1877, ISSUE.
[SOUTHERN KANSAS. ARKANSAS CITY. THE ARKANSAS VALLEY.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
SOUTHERN KANSAS.
ARKANSAS CITY.
Arkansas Valley.
[From the Chicago Comm'l Advertiser.]
From Wichita down the beautiful valley of the Arkansas, in the fairest of September days, is a drive to be long remembered; but the genuine pleasure of this valley ride came at
ARKANSAS CITY,
where I expected to find a rude hamlet of temporary dwellings and a motley group of border men. Miles away, I caught a glance at the stately and elegant school house, through a vista in the forest, and my visions of faro banks and keno dens; of dance houses, navies, and insolent, swaggering ruffians vanished in an instant.
Arkansas City is on the border. The "Nation," as it is commonly called, is only three miles away. These border towns are supposed to be the rendezvous for the cut-throats, thieves, and bandits who seek refuge in the Territory. At Wellington and Oxford I found quiet and order, and an absence of every type of ruffianism or even roughness. Here in Arkansas City is
A MODEL SOCIAL ORDER.
The town has a population of 700, mostly from Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and the Eastern States. They have built tasteful, comfortable homes, fine churches, a splendid high school house, and the streets and lawns are as nicely laid and kept as in a New England village. The public schools are fostered by an educated sentiment and will compare well with the village schools of Ohio and Michigan. Social life is cordial, intelligent, and elevated in tone. Good men and noble women have laid, here, the basis for a rational and enjoyable life. The town is
FINELY SITUATED.
On the West and South is the broad valley of the Arkansas with the shimmer of its waters through intervals in the beautiful walnut groves. Eastward and northward is the matchless Walnut Valley and river, an embodiment of rural beauty. On every side, the table upon which the town stands, drifts downward into the bottoms, the groves and swift waters in graceful slopes. Beyond the waters, are such rolling, grand, and fertile prairies as one may not see again in hundreds of miles of travel. Three miles to the southward you stand upon
THE INDIAN BORDER,
and look out upon the fairest land of the Continent. Plains, valleys, far-reaching rolling prairies, and bright waters flowing over the rocky beds, and groves of tropical fullness under the soft sunshine of almost endless summer. Hundreds of fattening herds are grazing, and there are none to molest. It is a score of miles away to the nearest Indian camp, where sentimental men and women are trying to domesticate and civilize a dirty, dissolute, lazy, lounging, stoical race, who are far less human than a hundred years ago. They are content to remain upon the reservations and eat Government rations, receive their annuities, gamble, drink bad whiskey, and practice the lower vices. A civilized Indian, with a chrristian sentiment is a rara avis. But the country set apart to the swarthy brutes is fairer than the Eden of Genesis. So, too, is all the country along the Indian border. Over in Sumner county, and down here in this county of Cowley, is a land for the princes of the herds and grainfields. Peace, order, intelligence, and progress are visible everywhere. Every condition to human happiness (save a railroad) is here in full measure. The soil is generous as a garden. Corn is a wonderful growth, wheat takes a bountiful yield. Fruits flourish under these genial skies. I have driven for says in sight of peach orchards that were as rich in foliage as the orange and olive groves of the tropics. Wild grapes of delicious flavor festoon the groves and forests everywhere and may be gathered by the ton. Pasture takes almost an infinite range. It is at least infinite to the vision. Herds of sheep and cattle are growing into wealth for the herdsmen, with hardly an effort at care. Lands range from $4 to $8 wild and $6 to $20 improved.
The Government lands of any value are,
ALL GONE.
The emigrant looks longingly over into the sweet valleys of the Indian "Nation."
"SO NEAR AND YET SO FAR,"
but they are set apart for a favored race, and to him are forbidden ground. Still there are miles and miles of this beautiful
WILD GARDEN
unbroken by the plow and awaiting purchase and subjugation to noble human uses. The lands that may be purchased today at $5 per acre will, in one of the coming days, bring $40 and $50 on a ready market. It is the old process which I have watched with solicitude in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Iowa where the poor pioneer of yesterday has become the opulent farmer of today. There are
OTHER THINGS
to consider, too. Timber is abundant along the valleys. Cottonwood, elm, walnut, pecan, and the oak and ash families are in good supply. Water flows from rocky springs in the ledges and ravines and downward to the river in clear brooks. White and gray magnesian limestone, soft enough for the plane or saw, is found in all the hills and river beds, and finds its way into stores, school houses, churches, dwellings; and valuable beds of gypsum are found in the neighborhood. Such a country, with no season worthy the name of winter, presents almost unrivaled inducements to the settler. Cowley county throughout is almost unexceptionable. Here and there are bold rocky bluffs, but they are crowded with the finest grasses and are just the lands for sheep and cattle ranges. There are settlers in all parts of the country. The farms extend square down to the Territory. Indeed, they take a higher value on the border on account of the unobstructed grazing.
THE CHIEF WANT
is a railroad. Two lines are in early prospect. One from Ft. Smith, up the Arkansas river, and the other a branch of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, down the Walnut Valley. The latter is already provided for, a portion of the way. With either of these lines Arkansas City and Cowley county will be about as desirable for human abode as any part of the green earth.
THE TOWN
is full of sterling businessmen and has as much personal and public enterprise as any place of its age and size in all the country. It is rather an example in these respects. Most of the businessmen have a social turn, and are cordial and hospitable to strangers.
There are some strong firms here and a heavy trade is carried on in supplies for the Indian agencies in the Territory. I give herewith a commercial review of the city and think it will be seen that her merchants are far above the average both in the character of the men and the volume of their trade. During all my stay in town, I remember but a single case of whining or grumbling about hard times.
The high school is flourishing under the supervision of Prof. Bacon, a recent graduate of old Amherst. It is a happy commentary upon the enterprise, pride, and intelligence of a beautiful town.
Efforts are being made to clear the Arkansas river for steamboat navigation to this point. It is expected this object will be realized. Its consummation will bring a happy day to Arkansas City. This town was settled so late as 1870 and its social and commercial progress is one of the marvels of the Arkansas Valley. The settlement of the country is rapid. The average of cultivated land has been nearly doubled the past summer. Valuable improvements have been made in all directions. The country is fast taking the appearance of a great garden. Orchards are coming into bloom and fruition. Miles and miles of Osage orange hedge outline the farms and highways, young forests are dotting the grand prairie, the summers compass two-thirds of the year, and winters are but a reproduction of the Northern Indian summer. The winter wheat fields are as verdant as the forest in mid summer, and the benediction of heaven is upon "everything and all."
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[THE SCHOOLS OF ARKANSAS CITY.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
The Schools of Arkansas City.
We take pleasure in presenting to our readers, on this, our first issue for the year 1877, a stereotyped cut of the Arkansas City Public School Building. An edifice that not only Arkansas City, but Cowley county may justly feel proud of.
[WHAT DO YOU SUPPOSED HAPPEND TO THE CUT REFFERED TO???]
We have often felt a desire to present to the eye a view of our school house, knowing that no description by pen or pencil could give so adequate an idea. With the sight of the eye, all the details are taken in at a single glance, the length, breadth, and heighth, all appear at one view.
The building is fifty feet square, two stories high, with an observatory on top. In front is a projection, or tower base, of ten by sixteen feet, in which is the main stairway leading from the second story; so that in case of fire, the pupils in the upper story could have a safe and free egress from the building. In case of an alarm or panic, there would be no danger of a jam or closing of the entrance, as the stairway is wide and commodious, and the doors all open to the outside.
The building is of the best of brick, with our beautiful magnesia limestone corners, caps, and sills. The foundation and basement is of stone, well laid in mortar, with cut stone foundation above the ground.
The building is intended to be heated by furnaces, but at present is heated by stoves. It is finished in the best of manner and furnished with all the modern improvements of seats, desks, maps, charts, etc. The school at this time is composed of but two departments: principal and primary. The former is under the superintendence of Prof. H. M. Bacon, a graduate of Amherst College, Massachusetts. The primary department is in charge of Miss Georgia Christian, a thorough instructor of "little ones," who has over sixty pupils on her rolls, with an average attendance of forty-five days.
Prof. Bacon's department is generally well attended, his daily average being about 47, with over 60 enrolled scholars. The building, which undoubtedly is the finest in Southwestern Kansas, was erected in the summer of 1874, at an entire cost of over $10,000. The contractors were Dusing & Ashton, of Lawrence, superintended by Judge McIntire, of this city, a practical workman, to whom in part we are indebted for so good a job at so little cost.
The first principal at the opening of the school was Prof. E. W. Hulse, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, assisted by Miss Lillian Norton of this place.
The building is comparatively new, being opened in October, 1874, and is capable of accommodating 250 scholars: 150 in the lower room and 100 in the upper room.
We copy from the first annual circular, published in 1874, a general statement, which is as true today as at that date.
"Arkansas City is now provided with the best educational facilities to be found in Southern Kansas. The new school building is one of the best in the State, and provided with all needful furniture and some illustrative apparatus excellent in quality. The corps of teachers is sufficiently strong for the present needs of the school, and will be enlarged as the necessities of the case may require. Boarding accommodations are such in variety and quality as to suit the public."
Arkansas City has a beautiful and healthful site, and the society of the town is exceptionally refined and cultivated--as in evidence of this, we have not a single saloon, dram shop, or tippling house within ten miles of the city. As further evidence, we have three church edifices--two finished, and the third (the Methodist) now in course of construction, and it will be completed in a short time. It is of brick, 30 x 56 feet, with a tower 12 x 16.
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[MINERS IN THE BLACK HILLS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
Miners in the Black Hills.
General Crook's annual report says: The miners in the Black Hills did not violate the Sioux treaty till long after the Indians had ceased to regard it, and they have not suffered as much from the Sioux since they went to the Hills as they did while living on the border.
He also calls attention to the fact that his command, of less than one thousand, fought and beat Sitting Bull's band in the battle of the Rose Bud several weeks previous to Custer's disaster. He seems to think the Government has treated the Sioux nation with unparalleled liberality, which they have repaid by raids along the border of their reservations, limited only by the endurance of their ponies.
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[RED CLOUD'S FRIENDLY INDIANS ON THE WAR PATH.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
Red Cloud's Friendly Indians on the War Path.
Cheyenne, Wyo., Dec. 30. A courier in Ft. Laramie, from Red Cloud agency, reports that two couriers, a mail carrier and a wood chopper, left Sage Creek early Christmas morning. Two hours before sundown they were struck by a party of thirty friendly Indians within sixteen miles of Red Cloud, who killed the two couriers, named Dillon and Reddy; and also mortally wounded the mail carrier, who had two sacks of matter; and likewise severely wounded the wood chopper.
The wounded only arrived at Red Cloud day before yesterday. Being exposed during the interval to intense cold, they were severely frozen. They report hearing more firing in their rear an hour after being attacked. It is supposed that other parties not yet reported were attacked.
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[ST. LOUIS ARSENAL, FORMERLY JEFFERSON BARRACKS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
St. Louis, Dec. 27. In accordance with orders from Washington, all the ordnance stores at the St. Louis arsenal, formerly Jefferson Barracks, are to be removed, the cannon, over 800 in number, to Rock Island, and the guns and pistols to the St. Louis arsenal. The removal will commence at once. The arsenal here is to be converted into a cavalry recruiting station.
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[MORE ABOUT WIRT W. WALTON AS COUNTY SURVEYOR.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
Charles A. Seward denies that he ever said "Wirt Walton moved a Government corner stone for $5," and gives a letter to the Courier to that effect.
Now that he has so completely vindicated Mr. Walton, we have to say we can prove he did say so, and we give his letters as written to us Nov. 20th and Dec. 3rd. The Courier is noted for the faculty of "bringing men around," and the cause of Seward's change we can't account for.
First Letter from Seward.
WINFIELD, November 20, 1876.
Mr. C. M. Scott:
SIR. Today, for the first time, I find in the Cowley County Telegram a report said to have been published in your excellent paper, to the effect that I said W. W. Walton had moved a corner stone for money. Said statement is false, as concerning my having said so--though there has been such report.
For the facts, I would refer to G. W. Melville, now at Wichita, having a farm on Posey creek, where said surveying is said to have been done. Now I have no particular regards for Walton, or the tribe he is now connected with, in proof of which, though I am a Republican, I helped to elect your townsman, Hon. A. J. Pyburn, instead of one of my own party in whom I had no faith. I say this to prove my interest in the welfare of the people of this county. Yet I cannot permit my name to be abused and scandalized as it has been in the Courier, a paper which I ceased to take on account of the low origin of its contents.
Please rectify said mistake of the reporter.
Yours, with regard,
CHARLES A. SEWARD.
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Second Letter from Seward.
WINFIELD, December 3, 1876.
Mr. Scott:
Dear Sir. I do not want you to make a correction of the statement published in your paper in regard to Walton moving a Government corner stone for money. I have heard such a report. That is all. Your reporter made a mistake when he said I had made such report to him, knowing the same to be true. I did not, neither do I think Walton a proper person for County Surveyor, for in my opinion he is not an honest man. Trusting you will correct the mistake (?) made by your reporter, I subscribe myself,
Yours, with respect,
CHARLES A. SEWARD.
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[CORRESPONDENCE FROM "L." - SALT CITY.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
SALT CITY, December 26, 1876.
Salt City has not improved much of late, but is waiting for spring to open, when boring for coal will be resumed.
We have one of the best schools here Salt City has ever had, under the charge of Miss Bella Nichols. We also have a spelling school on Thursday evening, which is very interesting. The house is crowded to overflowing, and is presided over by the teachers. A debating society has been organized, which is attracting considerable attention.
A grand Christmas hop came off last night in Thompson's Hall, and a large number of the bon ton of Sumner and Cowley counties were present. Fine music was had, and a sumptuous feast was partaken of with good relish by the lovers of the dance. Messrs. W. H. Walker and Charles Sullivan were the managers of the festivities.
The wheat crop looks fine in this part of the country, and the farmers predict a bountiful harvest. They are busy hauling their wheat to market, and getting in their winter's supply of wood.
The mystery still continues about the man found in Salt creek, supposed to have been murdered, but the case is being worked up, and from what I can learn, it will soon be unraveled.
During my sojourn at the Centennial, I observed that Kansas and Colorado surpassed all other States in their display of the production of the soil. Such a display of fruits, vegetables, grains, and minerals far exceeded the expectations of all, and it was the best way of advertising. I was interviewed by hundreds, anxious to know all about Kansas, and in the Eastern States I found colonies forming, numbering from 20 to 60 people each, and getting ready to come to Kansas in the spring. The main question was, "Did you see the Kansas building?"
A grand Christmas gift and birthday present was presented to Mr. F. L. Davis by Mrs. F. L. Davis, this afternoon, in the way of a 10 lb. boy. All doing well. L.
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[CORRESPONDENCE FROM "C" - WINFIELD.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
From Winfield.
WINFIELD, KAN., Dec. 23, 1876.
Our Christmas tree on Saturday evening, the 23rd, was a success; the most remarkable feature was the very large number of books distributed from it.
At the last regular communication of Adelphi Lodge No. 110, A. F. and A. M., the following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: W. M., Wm. G. Graham; Sen. W., J. E. Saint; Jun. W., M. G. Troup; Sec., James Kelly; Treas., R. F. Baldwin; Sen. D., C. C. Black; Jun. D., J. C. Roberts; Sen. S., Jas. A. Simpson; Jun. S., N. C. McCulloch; Tyler, W. W. Walton.
They were installed at the Courthouse on the eve of the 27th, St. John's Day, by Past High Priest, M. L. Read; at the close of the installation ceremonies, the retiring Master Hunt was directed to face the "East" when Bro. McDonald requested "permission to address Bro. J. S. Hunt," which being granted, he advanced, while he held in his hand a beautiful casket, proceed to deliver a presentation address and invest Bo. Hunt with one of the most elegant and modest P. M. jewels that it has ever been our fortune to behold, and the speech and response was in such beautiful harmony with the present and the occasion, it was a surprise token of regard from the Lodge. After this all were called from "labor to refreshments," and we turned to the tables where we found that the power and beauty of the culinary art had been exhausted to please the appetite and refresh the inner man.
On the morning of the 28th, Mrs. A. B. Lemmon and her sister, Miss Kate Millington, left our quiet city for Topeka, accompanied by W. W. Walton, our Chief Clerk and assistant State Superintendent, in embryo.
On the evening of the 29th we had a Rail Road meeting at the M. E. Church, which was largely attended by the businessmen of this city, which proceeded as follows. Dr. Davis was chosen chairman and B. F. Baldwin, Secretary. On motion a committee of three was appointed on resolutions, namely M. S. Robinson, E. C. Manning, and Judge McDonald, who reported a set of resolutions in favor of making an earnest effort to secure R. R. communication and recommending the appointment of a committee of five, whose duty it should be to devise some feasible R. R. project and report on or before Feb. 1st, 1877. D. A. Millington, J. E. Platter, M. S. Robinson, Judge McDonald, and J. B. Lynn on said committee, when meeting adjourned to the call of the committee.
Don't fret the "Wah Hoss's" but give them peas and let us have a rest. Yours, C.
LATER. Jan. 1st, 1877. Our R. R. committee met this morning and organized by electing J. E. Platter, President, and D. A. Millington, Secretary, and adjourned till this evening. C.
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[MORE ABOUT WILL BILL, KILLED BY JACK McCALL.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
More About Wild Bill.
[From the Black Hills Pioneer.]
A Deputy United States Marshal, with a posse of five men, has started in pursuit of John Varnes, now on the "new stampede," who is charged with having procured the death of Wild Bill by paying a sum of money to Jack McCall, alias Sutherland, for committing the deed.
It appears that some time ago, Wild Bill and Varnes had a difficulty in Denver, and the animosity between the two was augmented by a dispute over a game of poker at the Senate saloon, in this city, a short time previous to the death of Wild Bill, at which time Bill interfered in a dispute between Varnes and another man. Bill covered him with his pistol, and arrogated to himself the position of umpire, after which friends interfered and ended the difficulty.
It is not necessary to speak of the arrest and trial of the murderer McCall. Suffice it to say he was arrested by the United States authorities at Cheyenne and taken to Yankton for trial. It appears that he now desires to turn state's evidence, and charges Varnes with having paid him money to murder Wild Bill.
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[TRIAL OF A. F. HORNEMAN FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF W. E. DWYER.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
NOTE: EARLIER STORIES CALLED THIS MAN "HERNAMAN"...
NOT SURE WHICH IS CORRECT: HORNEMAN OR HERNAMAN.
The trial of A. F. Horneman, for the attempted murder of
W. E. Dwyer, on the morning of the 8th inst., began on last Wednesday and closed last Saturday morning, at 2 o'clock, a.m., when the jury returned a verdict of guilty of an assault with a deadly weapon, with intent to kill. There were four forms of verdict given to the jury: the last one being a simple assault and battery. The jury retired at 9 o'clock Friday evening, and the first ballot on the general question of guilty or not guilty, they stood eleven in the affirmative and one in the negative. The second ballot was the same. A vote was then taken on the different findings, in which there was considerable division. The fourth ballot was eight for the first form, and four for the second. Fifth ballot, ten for number one, and two for number two, and the last ballot was eleven for the first form, with one not voting. The twelfth man, finally, without further ballotings, made the vote unanimous for guilty of intended murder. The penalty is confinement, at hard labor, in the penitentiary for from one to ten years. Wichita Beacon.
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COMMENTS BY CLARK & WILLIAMS ABOUT REAL ESTATE DISTRIBUTION.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
Messrs. Clark & Williams desire us to say that the "20 percent" mentioned in their advertisement will not be kept by them, in case the shares are not all sold, but that not only the 20 percent, but the entire amount, will be returned to each and every shareholder, should they not be able to sell the shares and do as they advertise in their Real Estate Distribution.
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[BLACK HILLS TERRITORY.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
The Black Hills Territory is to be constituted by act of Congress, and miners are to be invited to take possession. They need very little invitation, however. Most of them will invite themselves if the Indians will only hold off.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1877.
The late snow almost insures the wheat crop.
BORN. To Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Davis, on Tuesday, December 26th, ann eight-pound boy.
BUCKSKIN JOE and the boys with their ladies had a dance after the M. E. Festival on Monday evening.
VAN KELSO keeps a No. 1 fine cigar at the Central Avenue. His El Pluto and Flora de Cuba are excellent.
The Courier writes its own communications from Sheridan and Beaver townships denouncing W. P. Hackney.
DIED. On Tuesday; December 26, 1876, Sarah Louisa Gillis; born July 17, 1853; aged 25 years, 5 months, and 7 days.
SOME HUNTERS tracked and killed a wild cat while hunting for deer during the first snow, about two miles north of town.
GAME. In front of the City Bakery last week, we saw a pile of deer and wild turkeys, brought in from the Territory.
ANOTHER GROCERY is to be opened in Pearson's building soon after R. A. Houghton & Co. move to their new quarters.
"TOM" FINNEY is back at Osage Agency again as though it was his fate to be there. We regret to lose him from our social circle.
J. L. STUBBS and Miss Thompson were up from the Kaw Agency this week. J. L.'s headquarters are at Pawhuska, but he goes over to see the Kaws once in awhile.
ANDERSON STINER, son of James and Alice Stiner, died on the 22nd of December, 1876, near Spring Hill, Johnson county, Kansas. Funeral services by Rev. Minus.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.]
SHEEP. We have had a number of persons inquire at our office asking where sheep could be bought. If any person has sheep to sell, they will do well to advertise them.
REV. S. B. FLEMING will preach a sermon next Sabbath morning reviewing the work of the church, of which he is pastor, from the time of his settlement until the present.
ONLY one boy was hurt during Christmas, and he was shot in the eye with a pop gun. We noticed one man, however, who was badly shot in the neck, but he soon recovered.
The thermometer indicated four degrees below zero, last Friday morning, and ice was reported ten inches thick where the water was still. It has been an unusually cold winter.
The ladies of this place presented Dr. Hughes a fine large album, in token of their appreciation and respect, on Christmas evening, and the Doctor is making a collection of photographs to place therein.
HON. C. R. MITCHELL will take his departure for the State Capitol this week, in company with Hon. A. J. Pyburn. Hon. L. J. Webb, who has been rusticating in Pennsylvania for some months, will join them in Topeka, fresh from the old hills, and full of vigor. The Cowley county team will be a hard one to get away with.
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The Masonic supper and entertainment, held in Newman's new building on St. John's Day, was generally acknowledged to be one of the best social gatherings that has been held within the past two years. The installation of officers took place at the church, and the ladies were conveyed to the hall while the members of the order marched thereto. After a few minutes, a bountiful supper was placed upon a table seated by more than 70 persons, and for an hour the feast continued until no one cried for more. Then followed the dance, and different games, participated in by all. For those who did not wish to dance, tables with cards, checkers, and dominoes were provided, so that all could be entertained.
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There were many noticeable features at the Presbyterian Festival, held on the evening of Dec. 25th. The management and execution of the charades was exceedingly well done, and all performed their parts well. Many persons were the recipients of handsome and valued presents. Among them Will. D. Mowry received a beautiful chromo in a fine frame, from the scholars of the Sunday School of which he is Superintendent, and our editor a tasty book of Whittier's poems, from the ladies of the Presbyterian Society. Rev. Fleming was honored with a number and variety of tokens, and received them with great appreciation.
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The Methodist Festival held on last Monday evening at Newman's hall was largely attended by the citizens of town, and residents of the country. Many feared on account of the entertainment that had preceded it, that it would not be patronized as it should be, but their fears were soon at rest when they saw the numbers gathered at the hall. Everything passed off pleasantly and satisfactory, and a general good time was participated in. The oyster supper was attended by enterprising waiters, and the bivalvular mollusks served in good condition. The supper table, consisting of turkey, cakes, and numerous good things was well displayed with delicate eatables, and was generally well seated. In one corner was the Art Gallery, conducted by ladies, and in another, the Post Office, where letters could be had by paying ten cents each. The net receipts of the entertainment is estimated at $90, and besides being a paying institution, it was also socially a success.
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The amounts of the receipts of the M. E. Festival, as handed in by one of the committee, was as follows.
Amount received for supper ............................ $54.45
Amount received for apples ............................ .90
Amount received from Post Office ...................... 2.53
Amount received from cake sold at auction ............. 1.10
Amount received from cake voted to oldest resident .... 13.20
Amount received from butter duck sold to highest bidder 4.00
Amount received from grab bag ......................... 4.61
Amount received from art gallery ...................... 9.20
TOTAL RECEIPTS: $89.99
A picture was sold for $2.40, and other minor articles, making in all the whole amount of receipts, $92.99. The $13.20 cake was voted to Mrs. Lucy Endicott (oldest resident), and Marshall Felton received the $1.10 cake, as it was sold to the highest bidder. Mr. Dupey bid off the duck.
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SOLD OUT. A. A. NEWMAN sold his entire stock of dry goods to the old reliable firm of Houghton & McLaughlin, last week, and the goods are being moved to the latter's store until Newman's building is completed, when Houghton & McLaughlin will occupy the new room and continue as before (in spite of Indian raids, grasshoppers, or Nick himself), to be the "Old Reliable" green front store, known all over Southern Kansas as the cheapest place to buy any and all kinds of dress goods, dry goods, clothing, groceries, queensware, notions, furs, carpets, etc. They have been here from the first, and will remain to the last. Mr. Newman will now devote his whole time to his mill and Indian contracts.
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GREAT CREDIT IS DUE MRS. A. A. NEWMAN and other members of the managing committee of the festival on Christmas night for the faithfulness with which the discharged their duties, and for their dilligence in striving to make it pleasant and entertaining for the great crowd present. The proceeds of the Presbyterian Festival, after all expenses were paid, amounted to a fraction over $100.
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MARRIED. On Thursday, Dec. 29th, at the residence of the bride's parents, by Rev. S. B. Fleming, MR. DAVID PRUDEN, of Dayton, Ohio, and MISS AMELIA MOWRY, of this place.
The marriage was one that has been for some expected, and was not a matter of surprise. The intimate friends and relatives of both parties were invited in, and after a few very appropriate remarks by the clergyman, they were pronounced one. The happy couple will take up their abode at the residence of the fortunate bridegroom, and Dayton's society will have an additional valued member and esteemed lady, while her friends here regret her
departure.
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CORN is steadily advancing at Wichita. Parties holding cattle in the western counties go there for their feed, and the new settlers of Sumner county depend largely on Wichita for their supply of corn. At Caldwell it is worth fifty cents per bushel, and along the trail, it varies from sixty cents to one dollar per bushel. A number of herdmen have been in the southern part of this county making purchases, with a view of driving their stock in to feed during the rest of the winter. Cattle and ponies in the Territory that have been fed on grass alone are very poor. The last snow prevented their feeding.
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WOLF. While coming from Winfield Friday evening, in company with our honorable Representative, we noticed in the road, about four miles north of town, what seemed to be a large dog, and our first thought was that it was lost. Driving more rapidly we came within a few paces of it, and saw it was a wolf of no meagre size. The animal did not seem to be alarmed, and kept ahead of the horses for a mile or more, when it ran down a ravine and was soon out of sight.
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O. P. JOHNSON, AN INDIAN SCOUT OF CONSIDERABLE RENOWN, dropped down from the Centennial last week. He expects to join McKenzie's command, and go north after Sitting Bull. O. P. has seen considerable service as a scout, and is recognized as one of the best in this section. At one time he was with Custer during the trouble in the Territory, and later acted with Gen. Miles.
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SOME BAD BOYS were on the street at about 12 o'clock on New Year's Eve. After ringing the church bell, they ran a wheelbarrow up and down the sidewalk, and banged oyster cans and boxes on the stairways. The Marshal gave them a chase, but as the moon was shining brightly, he could not get hear them.
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The annual meeting of the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church will be held on Thursday night of this week, January 4, at 7 o'clock, in the church. Besides the election of officers for the coming year, other business of great importance to church work will come up for consideration. Full attendance urged.
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C. M. WILKINSON, (Mac), a former resident of this place during the corn bread and molasses seige, came down from Albert Lea, Minnesota, to see the green grass and verdant blooming roses, but found he was a month or two ahead of time this year.
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We have heard that the festival held at the Valley school house last Christmas afternoon, in behalf of Rev. Wingar, was one of more than usual interest. Sixteen varieties of cake were placed on the table, besides chicken, turkey, etc. The net receipts were $18.00.
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A drunken overcoat got on a man on Christmas day, and before he could get the thing off, it downed him in the snow, rolled him over, and used him up fearfully. He got it off as soon as he could, and hung it up to get sober. The man was all right.
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MR. SPRAY, OF KAW AGENCY, has been suffering from pneumonia for several days past, and at one time was not expected to live. Dr. Hughes was finally sent for, and has since made two visits to the Agency, and reports Mr. Spray is now improving.
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BRIDGE. We learn that Mr. Newman gave a bond agreeing to complete the Walnut River Bridge for $2,000. He expects it to cost him $2,500, but is willing to pay the additional $500 rather than not have a bridge.
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R. A. HOUGHTON will remove his grocery store to the room formerly occupied by A. A. Newman, and open up another fresh lot of the best brands of sugar, coffee, tea, tobacco, flour, and all kinds of eatables.
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AFTER the entertainment at Newman's building, on last Wednesday evening, several persons lost some knives and forks. If they are found by any to whom they do not belong; please return them to the post office.
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FARMERS will notice that Morgatt & Rentschler have a meat market for their accommodation, where they can buy meat at Granger prices, and receive cash for hides, tallow, furs, etc. Try them.
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AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT. I have the honor of acknowledging, with gratitude, the receipt of a beautiful album, presented by the rising generation of Arkansas City. Hoping that the future will record noble deeds in the life of each one, and that my early acquaintance will redound to the good of mankind, I am,
respectfully,
DR. NATHAN HUGHES.
January 1, 1877.
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[RAILROAD TO COWLEY COUNTY: ARRANGEMENTS BEING MADE.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
Railroad to Cowley County--Definite
Arrangements Being Made.
Prof. L. B. Kellogg, of Emporia, writes to his brother, Dr. H. D. Kellogg, of this place, that definite and positive arrangements are being made with Eastern capitalists for a railroad from Emporia to Arkansas City, and that they are at work making out the proper papers to close a contract for building and operating the road before the winter of 1878, or in time to carry next year's wheat crop. The proposition will first be submitted to Lyon county, then Butler or Greenwood, and then to Cowley. It is generally understood that it is to be a narrow gauge, and that its course will be down the Walnut Valley. The Eastern capitalists are at Emporia, and Mr. Kellogg says it looks as though the road would be built. They can't get here too soon to please us.
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[ITEMS FROM THE INDIAN HERALD.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
Quapaws are good wood choppers.
Ah hu shin-kah died last Monday.
Red Eagle says that black wolves kill hogs on Bird Creek.
The Cherokees have over eighty common schools.
The Miami Indians have just received a payment of $200 each.
The Chickasaws have four public and about ten district schools.
Spotted Tail wants pay for the gold in the Black Hills.
The Choctaws have two public schools and over fifty district schools.
The Indians have sold over 20,000 pounds of pecans to Hiatt & Co.
One of the greatest wants of the people of this territory is civil law well administered.
The Cherokee National Council tried to impeach the second Chief of the Cherokees and failed.
W. P. Mathes has quit selling goods because he makes money faster selling religious manuscript.
The Cherokee Council legislated one of their school commissioners out of existence and created two more.
The Cherokee Council has ordered the M. R. & Ft. S. R. R. Co. to pull up and get off Cherokee soil.
The payment of annuity money and the issuing of blankets is over and the Osages are quiet.
This is freezing winter weather, but Osages strip to the breech cloth before running foot races.
Indians should not be compelled to attend court in the State any more than whites should be compelled to come here to attend court.
J. W. Burns, of Coffeyville, Kansas, has the contract for building 100 rods of fence and roofing a portion of the school building at this place.
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At the Sac & Fox Agency, a few days ago, a high life wedding occurred. The ceremony was performed by a Baptist minister of the Creek Nation, who could not speak either Sac or English. The talking was done through an interpreter and was in this wise.
Addressing the man, the minister said: "Well, you like him, you take him to be your woman?"
The Indian replied, "Yes."
The minister said, "All right."
Then, addressing the woman, he said: "Well, may be you like him, hey? You take him to be your man?
She answered: "Yes."
The preacher then concluded: "Well, you man and woman now sometime." Journal.
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[ADS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.]
MORGAN & RENTSCHLER,
Farmers' Meat Market.
Fresh Beef, Port, Mutton, Poultry, etc. We will pay the highest market price in cash for hides, tallow, furs, wool, pelts, etc.
JAMES MORGAN,
J. J. RENTSCHLER.
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PAWNEE AGENCY, INDIAN TERRITORY, Dec. 21st, 1876.
For the benefit of the citizens of Arkansas City and vicinity, I hereby give the information that the laws regulating Indian trade prohibit any person or persons whosoever, without a license granted by the Indian Department, from trading with Indians in the Indian country, and any person violating the law at this Agency will be speedily punished.
S. MATLACK, Trader.
I have read the above notice, and believe the trader is justified to protecting his guaranteed right under the law.
W. BURGESS,
Dec. 21st, 1876. U. S. Indian Agent.
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INDIAN PICTURES,
T. M. CONCANNON,
The pioneer artist of Kansas, after spending the most of one year and a great deal of many in the Indian Territory, has taken the greatest variety of negatives, and has the largest annd best assortment of Indian photographs, ever offered to the public--a few of which will be mentioned.
Negative of the elegant Osage Government buildings in the Territory--the magnificent Osage University, the Commissary, the U. S. Agent's, Government physician's, and blacksmith's resi-dences; a view of the dusky counselors as they sit on the brow of Council Hill; the Chief and head counselors photographed in groups or singly; a group of Indians in their war dance; photos of Indian familes, men, women, and children; the elegant Osage Government stone mill; the traders' stores; the large hewed log farm house with citizens and family of Saucy Chief on his farm; the slaughtering yard on butchering day by the Osages; the University as the Indian children are at play. Also a splendid photographic view of the large Osage Agency farm, taken from the top of Council Hill, with Indian cabin and wigwams, and an Indian squaw standing by a tree with pappoose strapped on her back, in the foreground, and large hills in the distance in the background. Any of the above can be obtained by mail, in any desired quantity, on receipt of price mentioned.
Pictures on 8 x 10 card sent postpaid, single copy, $1; 1/2 dozen, $5; 1 doz., $9. Pictures on card 7 x 9, single copy 75 cents; 1/2 doz, $4; 1 doz., $7. Pictures cabinent size, single copy, 50 cents; 1/2 doz., $2.50; 1 doz., $4. Photo cards, album size, single copy, 25 cents; 1 doz., $2.50.
Pictures sent by mail on receipt of price to any part of the United States, Canada, England, or Ireland. Address
T. M. CONCANNON,
Osage Agency, Indian Territory.
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[ITEMS FROM THE INDIAN HERALD.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
Sitting Bull is resting.
Osage Indian dogs are part wolf.
Osages want to go to Washington.
The Osage Legislature is in session.
Osages are drawing new blankets.
The Osage annuity payment is over.
Osages are no longer in pursuit of buffalo.
Osages call the spirits of the dead witches.
Kaw Indians use pole cat skins for tobacco bags.
Locher Harjo is principle Chief of the Creek Nation.
Soldiers are leaving Fort Sill en route for New York.
Spotted Tail says that his country is covered with gold.
Gray wolves howl and kill young cattle on Bird Creek.
Two teachers and 85 pupils constitute the Pawnee (Indian) school.
A Quapaw hunter has found one old panther and four young ones.
Spotted Tail and his people were warmly welcomed by the Creeks.
Indian dogs and wolves do not fight, but play together on the plains.
The Creeks are sensible in wanting northern Indians to occupy lands in this Territory.
Santanta, the Kiowa chief, hung himself recently, but was discovered and cut down.
Ing gro heh tow ah is the Osage name, for "Dead folks" town" or "Happy Hunting Ground."
John Twogiver is a full blood Mexican, and the Comanches sold him to the Osages when a little child.
The Creeks will send eighteen young men of their tribe to the States to be educated among the whites.
The law making powers of the Creek Nations consists of two Houses, one of Kings and one of Warriors.
Spotted Tail wants to see President Grant before deciding upon matter of his removal to this Territory.
Members of the Cherokee Delegation are paid $5 per diem and necessary expenses while at Washington.
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[GEN. CUSTER'S CAMP PET.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 3, 1877.
Gen. Custer's camp pet during the last Yellowstone campaign was a famous dog, which had been given to him by a Bismarck Judge. Ten days after the massacre on the Little Big Horn, the dog returned to Fort Lincoln, a distance of 500 miles, in search of his master.
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[CORRESPONDENCE FROM "ROBINSON CRUSOE" - TERRITORY.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
From the Territory.
RED FORK RANCH, INDIAN TERRITORY, December 31, 1876.
The snow storm in this vicinity was terrible, lasting four days. The thermometer, Thursday and Friday nights, was below zero. Freighters have suffered much from the cold, many of them having their feet frosted. John Lane, a cattle boy coming down the trail, was badly frozen in the feet and ankles. Two companies of Infantry passed down today for Reno, having been out in all the storm.
Last week the old ranch was honored with a pleasant visit from a company of ladies and gentlemen from Caldwell. Such music, dancing, and sport as were enjoyed while their visit lasted does not often fall to our lot. I was sorry I could not follow them to the State, to partake of the feast I presume they will have over the 200 turkeys which the hunters bagged while here.
The old man who was murdered near this place was named Warnemaker. Dick Simpson, the murderer, was captured at Jacksonborough, Texas. Respectfully,
ROBINSON CRUSOE.
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[INTERESTING STORY FROM EAGLE ABOUT YOUNGER BOYS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
The Younger Boys in Wichita.
"There is many a slip between the cup and the lip," and a fair tally of the number would probably show as many lucky slips as disastrous ones. What the true character of the slip that saved Wichita from, or defrauded her of, the notoriety of Northfield, Minnesota, we must leave our readers to settle.
That Wichita was chosen by the Younger and James Brothers as the theatre for the bold robbery committed and terrible tragedy afterward enacted at Northfield, we have the most satisfactory evidence.
To the failure of the First National Bank are we indebted, alone, for an escape from robbery if not bloodshed.
We believe it is not known to our City Marshal or police, to this day, that Cole Younger and a portion of the Younger and James gangs, consisting of three afterwards hung, and the two now in the penitentiary, were in Wichita at the time of the failure of the First National Bank, for the sole purpose of going through that institution. The fact of the large amount of money necessary to move the Texas cattle and the vast amount of grain that found a market here, no doubt convinced them that Wichita was the most favorable point for the nefarious job.
They were in our place between two and three weeks. One of the party was very genteely dressed, and acted and talked like an intelligent businessman, and he posted himself as to the ins and outs of all our banks. Another of the party was genteel shabby--a man at least forty-five years old, whom one would have judged to have seen better days. The latter wanted land, but was not averse to taking a drink with the boys. The others we know nothing about, and don't know that we ever saw them. They were at no time together. Their arrangements, so far as known, were to have gone through the National Bank in daylight, upon the programme carried out at Nortfield, where it will be remembered, a portion of the gang rode up and down the street, yelling like demons and shooting off their pistols, playing drunk, while others, during the street excitement, entered the bank and robbed its vault and killed the cashier.
We venture the assertion that it was a good thing for them that the bank busted, while it might have been a good thing for the bank's stockholders and officers had they succeeded. Upon the one hand, our officers and people would not have been panic stricken or stood, for a moment, any such nonsense as shooting revolvers on the open street, while on the other hand, the bank, just before closing, was very short of money, and had the robbers went through it, nobody but themselves and officers would have known how much they got.
We are not permitted this time to give the source of our information, but we assure our readers that it is perfectly reliable. In truth, the whole matter was known to a few immediately after the failure of the First National Bank. Eagle.
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[ARTICLE ABOUT CHOCTAW INDIANS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
THE CHOCTAWS.
Their Custom of Courtship and Marriage--Their Mode of Burial.
The Indians talk little under any circumstances. Thus it is naturally supposable that when a young fellow dons his best suit (which is generally set off with a calico blouse, having large, flaming sleeves, and his hat stuck full of feathers, with two or three yards of scarlet ribbon hanging down his back), he would be about speechless by the time he arrives at the "old man's" mansion. After dismounting from his pony, he takes his position on the fence and sits there until he sees his fair one at the door, when he grins audibly, and if she doeth likewise, he takes it for granted that he is welcome and goes into the house, which generally consists of one room and contains the whole family, and therein he has to make his speech, which at the furthest amounts to three grunts.
His success depends very much on an invitation to smoke by the father of the courted lass. If the "old man" has any respect for him, he lights his pipe, and after taking a whiff, hands it to the young man, who in turn, takes a whiff; and so they proceed, whiff about. The length of time they smoke depends altogether on the esteem the father has for the beau.
After a certain number of such visits, he finally musters up courage enough to say, "Che te ha li-de la li um mi?," which means in English, "Will you have me." If she says, "Ugh," he is accepted; but if she says, "Ky yo," which means "No," he takes himself off. If she gives a grunt, the preparations are made.
On the day appointed for the wedding, the groom arrives on a pony, and leading another, that has a side saddle for the bride. On arriving at the house, without dismounting, he fastens her pony to the fence, and then rides off a short distance in the direction they are to go. Shortly the bride steps out dressed in the height of fashion--a new calico dress, a white pocket handkerchief around her neck, and a large red one tied over her head and ears, and a pair of new shoes across her arm, which she puts on just before reaching the parson's. As soon as she mounts her pony, the man starts on, and she follows from 50 to 200 yards behind. On arriving at the parsonage, he gets off, ties his horse, and goes into the house and makes known his business. By this time the lady arrives, dismounts, secures her horse and goes into the house, leans herself on the side of it near the door, and patiently waits till someone discovers her and bids her enter.
All things being in readiness, the minister, who is usually a white missionary, motions the couple to stand up, and performs the ceremony in English, which is about as intelligible to them as Greek; but when the minister stops talking, they depart, leaving the poor clergyman without fee or thanks. They usually go to the husband's parents and stay about a year before attempting the arduous duties of housekeeping.
After getting married a Choctaw does as they do in Indiana--that is, if he doesn't like the squaw, he gets a divorce, which is granted on the most frivolous pretext.
In case a husband or wife dies, the Choctaws have two funerals. At the death all the relatives and friends are sent for, and on their arrival, they commence a series of wailings and lamentations both loud and long. The nearest of kin keep up their howling and mourning during all the first night and until noon of the next day. The grave is dug in the house, generally in one corner of the room, and after the body is deposited and it is filled up, the surviving wife or husband must have a bed made directly over it and sit and sleep there for the next six days.
Anyone not a parent is buried outside of the house, somewhere in the yard. During the six weeks of mourning, the women let their hair hang down over their shoulders and the men do theirs up in a great knot at the back of the head. At the expiration of this time, preparations are made on a grand scale for a grand ado. Two or three beeves are killed and barbecued and a like number of hogs are dressed and boiled up with corn. All the knicknacks which they know how to cook are profusely supplied, and on the appointed day a long table of rough boards is erected and on it the eatables are placed. Just before eating the big dinner, all the relations collect around the grave and for half an hour, they make the woods ring with their howls.
At a given signal, however, this all terminates suddenly, and rejoicing takes the place of weeping and moaning. The women do up their hair and the men untie their pigtails, and a rush is made for dinner. After the general good feeling prevails; the survivor is congratulated on the get up of the whole affair, and the best wishes are expressed that he or she may soon find another partner, which is usually done in a very few weeks.
Ignorance and superstition still holds sway over these poor people. The half-breeds are much more intelligent. Since the war, or practically since the railroads were run through their county, they are really worse off than before, as stock men have come in and bought up most of their cattle, and, although they paid them a fair price, the Indians spent the money foolishly, and now have neither cattle nor money.
[SOURCE OF THE ABOVE ARTICLE WAS NOT GIVEN.]
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[THE LORD'S PRAYER: OSAGE LANGUAGE.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
The Lord's Prayer.
We have been asked many times for a translation of the Lord's prayer into the Osage language, and for a long time we tried in vain to obtain it. There are but few people now living, who are conversant with both the Osage and English languages, and a translation of this kind, properly made, is regarded as one of the most difficult tasks undertaken by the translator. However, we induced Wm. Connor, one of the best translators in the tribe, to try his hand, and after much study, with the following result, which is probably the best interpretation of it that has ever been made, and as good as is likely to be made at any future period.
In tah tsa un-co-tah pe mo-heh mo she-tah ing sheh.
Shah sha e-tah-tsa o ho-pa-sa-low:
O wah tun kah lee-tah-tse tsa-low;
Mo heh mo she-tah hah-co-tse-tsa-tah a-co-tse tsa-low:
Hum-pah-la-cah wah-chu-tsa on-co-tah-pe hum-pah
ca-sah-ne wah-q-pe-o:
Osh-cah pe-she on-le-she-lah-pe-keh wah-lo-stah-pe
com-bli-o, Osh-cah pe-she wak-she-lah-pe-ka ong-co-lah-pe-o:
Osh-cah pe-she o-wah-gle-ho-wah-pe-lin-cah, Osh-cah
pe-she geh-tse-tah heh-wah-gle ste-stah-pe-o.
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[M. E. CHURCH AT WINFIELD - LAYING THE CORNER STONE.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, January 3, 1877.
The ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new M. E. Church at Winfield will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 10th, 1877, at 1 o'clock p.m. All Masons in good standing are cordially invited to be present and participate in the ceremonies.
Programme: The members of the Order will meet at the Masonic Hall at 1 o'clock p.m.; forming in procession, will march to the place where the building is to be erected; music, raising corner stone, prayer by Rev. J. E. Platter, depositing coins, etc.; music, ceremonies of laying corner stone, anthem, address by Grand Master, oration by Rev. J. L. Rusbridge, doxology,
benediction.
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[POSTPONED: CLARK & WILLIAMS' ENTERPRISE.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877.
Postponed.
To the 22nd of February, 1877, Clark & Williams' enterprise. On the above date it will positively take place.
CLARK & WILLIAMS.
December 27th, 1879.
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[EDITORIAL FROM BEACON RE COLD WEATHER.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877.
The thermometer on Friday morning last, marked nine degrees below zero. This is the coldest weather since the winter of 1872-1873, when it was colder by five degrees; the thermometer indicating fourteen degrees below for two successive mornings. Several persons were frozen to death and a large number more or less injured by the cold. When the window glasses are broken by the frost and the wagon wheels ring out like sleigh bells, it is a good sing of the low temperature. We notice quite a number of the large panes riven by the cold. Beacon.
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AM SKIPPING ARTICLES ABOUT NARROW GAUGE FROM EMPORIA...WHY BOTHER WITH SOMETHING THAT DID NOT HAPPEN! I DID MENTION IT IN AN EARLIER PAPER DUE TO "KELLOGG" RELATIONSHIP.
ALSO, AM SKIPPING ITEMS CONCERNING DEATH OF COMMODORE VANDERBILT.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1877.
WHOA! January.
RABBITS are plenty.
The ice-packers were busy last week.
ALBERT WELLS writes from Missouri that he had his foot cut off in a saw mill.
The gentle zephyr of Sunday morning last came near blowing out the front of Newton's shop.
MR. NAIL had his foot damaged by the falling of a cake of ice while packing it in Mitchell's ice house.
JAMES MITCHELL has 100 tons of ice in his house on the Walnut. It is nine inches thick and clear as crystal.
MR. PRUDEN and wife took their departure for Dayton, Ohio, last Saturday morning, accompanied by Henry Pruden.
The hunters returned from the Territory last Monday evening; after an absence of thirteen days. They killed four deer and several turkeys.
R. A. HOUGHTON made cash sales last Monday to the amount of over $100. He is now occupying the room one door north of the post office.
MARRIED. At Silverdale, on Thursday, January 4, by G. W. Herbert, Esq., Mr. White to Mrs. Battles, aged 65 years each; all of Silverdale township. "Never too late to mend."
CHEAP FOR CASH. M. S. FARIS & CO., are anxious to close out their winter clothing and gents' underwear, and will offer bargains worth looking after. Their stock is full and complete. Store opposite the Post Office in Channell & Co.'s former place of business.
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At the last meeting of the County Commissioners, the contract for county printing was let to the Courier at one-fourth the legal rates prescribed by law. Dr. Graham was awarded the contract to attend the paupers in case medical assistance was needed for $5 for six months, and the contract for keeping paupers was let at $3.50 per week, cash, washing and mending of clothes included.
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RECAP: REV. FLEMING'S SUNDAY SERMON.
Membership in Presbyterian Church had increased from 27, twenty-one months ago, to nearly 90 at present. The Ladies' Society of the Presbyterian Church, organized some fourteen months ago, realized about $427 during that period.
"Rev. Fleming has preached more than 150 sermons since his location with us, but we doubt if he ever delivered a more powerful one than that of last Sabbath."
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THE LARGE STOCK OF GOODS OF A. A. NEWMAN & CO., SOME $10,000 WORTH, RECENTLY PURCHASED BY HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN, IS NOW BEING REMOVED TO THE GREEN FRONT, UNTIL THE NEW BRICK STORE IS READY FOR THEM ON THE OPPOSITE CORNER.
This, with their own stock of goods, has so crowded their store as to make it almost impossible to get around, and in order to dispose of them before spring, they offer better bargains than any other house this side of Emporia, notice of which will be seen in their new advertisement. This firm was well named "Old Reliable," having commenced here at the first settlement of the town six years ago, occupying a small room in the building now owned by L. C. Wood, and doing mostly their own hauling.
Business began to increase on their hands so rapidly that they were obliged to have an addition to the building, in all 50 feet long. This store was occupied three years, when, their business still further increasing, they were obliged to build the present large business house, known as the "Green Front," with several store-houses to hold their immense stock of goods, and now for the fourth time they are compelled to look for larger quarters.
We believe this firm has built up its present very large trade by straightforward dealing, treating all alike, and giving everyone the worth of his or her money. In spite of hard times, grasshopper, and Indian raids, and while nearly every house has changed hands one or more times during the past six years, the "Old Reliable" still holds together, and will continue to hold on to the last--giving all the most goods for the least money of any house in Cowley county.
NOTE: MOVING FOR THE FOURTH TIME!
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NINETY-NINE YEARS OLD. FOR SEVERAL MONTHS PAST, NANCY McGUIRE, GRANDMOTHER OF MRS. BAKER, has been living at this place, and caused no particular notice. She is a native of Ireland and came to this country about one year ago. From her childhood she has enjoyed good health, and is now as strong and spry as most women are at fifty years of age.
She was born in August, 1777, and is now over 99 years of age. At the age of fifty, she frequently walked eight miles to market and back in one day, carrying a pail of butter. She now does her own washing and housework, and bids fair to live to be a centenarian. Her habits are very regular and if she can have bread, buttermilk, and potatoes, she has all she desires.
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MARRIED. GOOCH-TAYLOR.
At the residence of the bride's father, Col. Taylor, near Bonham, Texas, on Thursday, the 28th ult., by the Rev. Carrolton, Mr. HAROLD GOOCH and MISS MOLLIE TAYLOR. Denison Daily Cresset.
The happy couple have our hearty congratulations, and we trust that many years of wedded life are in store for them. Harold Gooch was one of the first in this section, and is remembered by many of our citizens.
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The supremacy and power of mind over matter were strikingly illustrated during last Sunday's services by the undivided attention which A. A. Newman's dog, "Bob," paid to Mr. Fleming's remarks. He has evidently been the object of much careful training at home, and know how to listen respectfully, though his exploring propensities will sooner or later lead him into difficulty.
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There will be a Lady Washington tea party given in honor of Washington, on his birthday, Feb. 22, by the ladies of the M. E. Society, for the benefit of the M. E. Church. Managing Committee: Rev. J. J. Wingar, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Fitch.
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[THE KAW LANDS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877.
The Kaw Lands.
The following dispatch from Senator Ingalls to Judge Huffaker, is agreeable news of our Kaw Land settlers. It is assurance to them that their Representatives have not left them alone, or been as indifferent to their interests as they were led to suppose, from the turn affairs had taken.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 12, 1876, 2:45 p.m.
T. S. HUFFAKER: The Commissioner has ordered the question to be again submitted to the Kaw Indians, at my request.
JOHN J. INGALLS.
This re-opening of the case bids fair to secure what our people have so long and ardently hoped for--a final settlement of the question.
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[METHODIST CHURCH AT WINFIELD.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877.
The spire of the Methodist Church at Winfield is to be 100 feet high. The corner stone is to be laid on the 10th inst. by the Masons.
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[MURDERED? BOLIVAR B. PAYNE AND FAMILY.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877.
Kansas Chief: We learn that the belief prevails among the old neighbors of Bolivar B. Payne, formerly of Wolf River township, that he and his entire family were murdered, last summer, by Indians. They left Doniphan county last spring, for the Black Hills, and remained for awhile at Cheyenne. He wrote regularly every two weeks until he left Cheyenne for the Black Hills, in May, since when not a word has been received from him. There were accounts of the murder of a party of men, women, and children, containing just about the number of persons that Payne's party did, and about the time it would require his party to reach the point of the murder, after leaving Cheyenne.
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[ITEMS FROM THE LAZETTE BUGLE.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 10, 1877.
Plenty of snow.
Our school house caught fire the 15th inst.
Lazette school in good condition, with an attendance of 75 scholars.
The Methodists are making a move toward building a church in this place.
You will save yourself much trouble by renting a post office box. The postmaster is a little deaf.
SILVER MINE IN COWLEY. What is reported to be a silver mine has been found near the east line of Cowley county on a tributary of the Cana. The precious metal crops out in three places in the banks of the stream, varying in thickness from four to eight inches. If such be the case, the eastern part of Cowley is not so far from no place after all.
On the 12th instant a prairie fire swept over the country on our north, devouring everything on its way. John Cooper is one among the many who suffered from its devouring elements, losing hay, grain, stable, harness, combined reaper and mower, and other farm implements. This should serve as a warning to all concerned. The guards should be made early in the fall for protection. Mr. Cooper has resided in this county four years, and has been partially burnt out three times.
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[EDITORIAL COLUMNS.]
TRAVELER, WEDNESDAY, JANUARYT 17, 1877.
SENATOR PYBURN is a member of the Judiciary Committee (one of the most important of the Senate), also, the Committee on Enrolled Bills, Accounts, Internal Improvements, and Texas Cattle--five in all.
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PETITIONS are being circulated asking our Senator and Representatives in the Legislature to work for the repeal of the present Railway bond law, requiring a two-thirds vote to lend aid to a railroad. As the law stands at present, it is doubtful if bonds can be carried even in Cowley county, to say nothing of the counties north of us.
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Eleven miners came into Camp Brown on the 6th after supplies, from the head of Wood river, Wyoming Territory, and brought coarse gold with them. The report about thirty men now in the diggings, working with rockers, making ten dollars per day and upwards. One man found a nugget weighing thirty dollars. The party report no snow on the mountains, and very little in camp. They will return immediately.
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SURE ENOUGH! WIRT W. WALTON IS LISTED AS CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE ORGANIZATION, STATE OF KANSAS.
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Legislative Summary. In the Senate the principal business was the announcement of the standing committees. H. C. R. No. 1, in relation to the Osage ceded lands, adopted by the House, was concurred in by the Senate, and President Salter [Lieutenant Governor M. J. Salter] thanked the Senators for their prompt action in behalf of the settlers.
In the House two long resolutions were introduced by Mr. Hubbard, one in regard to the Indian policy in the Indian Territory, and the other in regard to the construction of railroads in the Territory.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1877.
COAL six dollars per ton in Wichita.
WOOD five dollars per cord in Wellington.
HUNTING QUAIL is illegal after January 1st.
HOG killing continues with usual activity.
A SON was born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirtly last week.
MR. V. HAWKINS has his new house almost completed.
CORN brings thirty cents per bushel on the streets of Wellington.
SLIGHT rain Sunday evening, accompanied by thunder and lightning.
ANOTHER fearful storm on Monday. The winter has been a rare exception.
JAMES HUEY will move to and reside on his farm east of the Walnut next month.
JUDGE CHRISTIAN and Mr. Mantor have been confined to their houses for several weeks.
FIFTY teams will start for Fort Sill this week, loaded with flour. They will all go together.
The band boys' entertainment will be given as soon as Newman's building is plastered.
The wind last Monday night took the roof off of Mrs. Wright's addition to their stone house.
DIED. Clara, youngest child of Nathaniel Arnett, died last Saturday morning, aged four months.
HOUSES are so scarce in this place that stables have been fitted up and rented for five dollars per month.
REXFORD and ADAMS had their ears slightly frozen while coming from Newman's mill last Monday.
There is strong talk of a flouring mill at South Haven. It is just what the people in that vicinity need.
AN INDIAN makes his will by giving his ponies to his friends before he dies, and if he recovers, he claims his property again.
DIED. On Friday last, January 12th, Miss Logan, daughter of Drury Logan, of diptheria. She was buried on Saturday following.
In the vicinity of Wichita hogs are dying in great numbers. The disease seems to affect the hind parts, making them unable to walk.
THE STORE HOUSE OF HOUGHTON & McLAUGHLIN, SOUTH OF THE "GREEN FRONT," HAS BEEN TURNED INTO A MEAT SHOP. HENRY ENDICOTT, PROPRIETOR.
AGENT SPRAY has finally convinced a number of the Kaw Indians that it does no good to choke their best ponies to death over the graves of deceased Indians.
A. A. NEWMAN has the entire contract for furnishing flour to the Pawnees, Cheyennes, etc., having purchased Houghton & McLaughlin's, and R. C. Haywood's interests.
BUSINESS was quite lively in town last Saturday, notwithstanding the day was very unpleasant. Houghton & McLaughlin's store was crowded all day, making it almost impossible to get in or out.
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THE THERMOMETER stood at twelve degrees above zero Monday afternoon, when it was so cold, proving the true saying of Kansas: "Out of the wind, out of the weather." Without the wind, it would not have been so cold.
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CHETOPA, a noted chief of the Osages, is very low with consumption, and is not expected to live. He is one of the most intelligent and probably the best Indian of the Osage tribe. The members of his band are daily mourning for him, and paint their faces. If he dies, there will probably be the largest mourning party organized that has ever left the Agency. The Agent has been assured by leading men of the tribe that they will not commit any depredation when the mourning party goes out, but that they will merely go through the form of sending an enemy's scalp with him to the happy hunting grounds. On such an occasion, it can hardly be expected that they will lay aside all religious rites and the established customs of their forefathers, and we would not like to be caught in the Territory alone while the party is out.
"Che-to-pa" means four lodges, and the name is derived from the old chief attacking and capturing four lodges of his enemies many years ago. He will be remembered by many of our citizens, who always had considerable esteem for him.
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ALLOWANCE should be made for the miscellaneous bitter and personal attacks of the Courier on public and private citizens. Ever since the election the defeated editor has not really been himself. Wrapped in his shawl, he stands about the corners snapping and snarling at everyone. Occasionally he endeavors to smile, but the attempt is so feeble that it causes sorrow to the bystanders. There was a time, his friends say, when he was affable and agreeable, but a gloom came over his aspirations, and he stands, as it were, alone, crestfallen, and bereft.
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LIST OF OFFICERS elected by the Cowley County District Grange, Saturday, January 6th, 1877.
Wm. White, Master.
Ed. Green, Overseer.
G. N. Fowler, Lecturer.
C. C. Krow, Steward.
H. L. Barker, Assistant Steward.
S. H. Sparks, Chaplain.
Jas. O. Vanorsdal, Treasurer.
Calvin Coon, Secretary.
F. Schwantes, Gate Keeper.
Mrs. Vanorsdal, Ceres.
Mrs. Barker, Pomona.
Mrs. White, Flora.
Miss Birdzell, Lady Assistant Steward.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 17, 1877.]
SEVERAL CASES OF DIPTHERIA are reported in this vicinity. It is also prevailing at Wellington, Sumner county.
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WHEAT was sold as high as $1.28 per bushel in Wichita last week. There has been comparatively little taken in during the late cold spell. The chances are that it will advance still more, as it is quoted at $1.40 in St. Louis, and the tendency is upward. The farmers are having a happy time once more, and when they prosper, we all prosper.
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In this issue the advertisement of the Old Reliable Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad appears. It is the most practical route from Kansas to the East, and affords a safe and pleasant journey. No change is made from Wichita or Kansas City, and only one change is necessary to carry you into Chicago.
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The Lazette Bugle comes again. Since its last issue it has grown to double its original proportions. Among the ads we notice, "We, Us & Co., Attorneys at Jaw," "Get & Keep, Bankers," and other ingenious ads. Keep up courage, John, and the Bugle sound will be heard throughout the land.
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ICE. MORGAN & RENTSCHLER have an ice house near the Central Avenue Hotel, and 150 tons of very clear Walnut river ice packed in it. The experiment of keeping ice over two winters will be tried by some parties. Last summer were was no ice in the market, owing to the mild winter before.
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The Wichita market is full of wild game such as turkeys, prairie chickens, etc. There has been but very few on the market in Topeka this year.
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Last Saturday night the snow was 10 inches deep on the level in Northern Texas. No such a snow storm has been experienced there in twenty years. In this part of Kansas, there has not been over six inches of snow on the ground at one time.
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[STORY ABOUT "JONES, THE SHEEP MAN."]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 17, 1877.
How One A. Jones Beat His Boarding Mistress.
"Boarders Wanted."
The above sign hung out at an uptown fashionable looking house some few months ago, and was quietly commented on by the passerby whether or no one on moderate means could board at such an austere looking place. But never mind the house, it is the occupants and he that did occupy the widow's best room that attention is called to just now.
He was a very elegant gentleman, a New Yorker, could converse upon all the favorite topics of the day, wore a No. 5 boot and an equally sized glove. His name out of respect to the widow, is called Adolphus Jones. Six months had he eaten and drank and slept in this house, knowing well that the widow's only income was from her boarders. At first he paid promptly, and was one of the shining lights in Kansas City's society, occasionally entertaining men of high standing, was looked upon in a business way. As a retired capitalist, he would saunter from the door step every pleasant morning, drawing on his dainty kids, smoking his Havana with an airy grace, and so irreproachably respectable, that the widow trusted him, as widows always have and always will.
Time flew on, and he was sorely embarrassed with his little financial affair, grew more delinquent, until he excused himself to the lenient widow, on the plea that he was going to New York, and sweetly promised her a draft from Gotham, and meanwhile, my dearest Madame, I will leave my trunk as security, and the perfumed conglomeration of Vanity Fair took his little grip sack and departed. Poor widow waited one month and no news from Adolphus; two months and Christmas come followed by New Year's, and no word from A. J. Her wrath could stand it no longer. She sent for a Main street locksmith and opened the trunk. She found 12 volumes of patent office reports, one pair of old boots, a pack of well worn cards, and two shirts whose bosoms were as faultless as the human breast they had once covered. The locksmith took the boots for his pay; Brown, the junk man, got the books, and the shirts go to the poor. The widow has taken in the sign and gone to Clay county to visit.
The curtain falls over this sad picture. Adolphus is in all probability not far away, comfortable enhoused under the immediate care of some unsuspected widow with an easy conscience, keeping up an appearance, with the adage of, "Present a fair outside to the world." Kansas City Times.
The above described "gentleman" will be remembered by the people of this place, as "Jones, the sheep man," who vacated his boarding place without leaving the usual recompense.
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SKIPPED BY ME: STORY ABOUT WM. CREEKS, WHO MURDERED THOMAS WILLIAMSON...COVERED BY WICHITA BEACON...PICKED UP BY EDITOR SCOTT OF THE TRAVELER...CREEKS LIVED CLOSE TO WICHITA...DID SOME FREIGHTING...HAD QUARREL WITH WILLIAMSON--THEY EXCHANGED SHOTS. RESULT: WILLIAMSON BLED TO DEATH. CREEKS THEN WENT TO ARKANSAS CITY FOR TWO WEEKS; THEN DEPARTED TO FREIGHT TO CHEYENNE; AND THEN WAS CAUGHT. REALLY MORE TO DO WITH WICHITA AND EL PASO THAN ARKANSAS CITY. LAST STORY APPEARED JANUARY 17, 1877.
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[FROZEN TO DEATH: SON OF E. CONKLYN, FARMER, NEAR WICHITA.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
[NOTE: SCOTT COVERED THIS EARLIER IN "PERSONAL" COLUMN...HE
EVIDENTLY THOUGHT IT WORTHY OF MENTION...SO, HERE TIS!]
Frozen to Death.
Wichita, Kans., Jan. 12. A well-to-do farmer, Mr. E. Conklyn, living two and one-half miles southwest of Wichita, on returning home, found some stock missing. One of his sons left to look after it, and not returning at a late hour, the family looked for him during the night, but did not find him until too late. The bitter wind had chilled the young man and they found him frozen to death within seventy-five yards of Mr. Attwood's house, and one or two miles from home. The thermometer during the night was but two degrees below zero.
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[BACKGROUND ON ANDREW J. PYBURN, STATE SENATOR OF KANSAS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
The Commonwealth in its mention of the different State Senators, says:
Andrew J. Pyburn was born September 12, 1837, in Andrew county, Missouri; received an academical education; read law at Bedford, Iowa; was admitted to the bar in 1870, and practiced at Bedford for two years; removed to Cowley Co., Kansas, in 1872, and has since practiced his profession at Arkansas City and Winfield; has served as County Attorney for one term; and was elected to the Senate as a Democrat in 1876.
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[HOTEL TO BE BUILT BY WILLIAMS AND REV. PLATTER IN WINFIELD.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
Messrs. Williams and Rev. Platter will commence the erection of a hotel building on the corner of Main Street and 10th Avenue, as soon as the weather will permit. The building is to be 25 feet wide, 70 feet in length, and two stories in height, to be constructed of brick and stone with cut stone corners. This will be quite an attractive building and a great improvement to South Main street. Telegram.
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[COUNTY ROADS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
County Road.
A petition signed by S. C. Smith, and others, of Winfield township, asking for a view and a survey for the purpose of locating a certain county road, commencing at or near the north end of a bridge, across the Walnut river, west of the city of Winfield, thence running southwesternly along the high bank of said river to the middle line of the northwest quarter of section 29, township 32, south of range 4 east, thence west on said line to the western boundary of said quarter section, thence northwesternly about 50 rods across a ravine, thence north to the south line of the southeast quarter of section 19, township 32, range 4 east, thence west on said line to the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section 19, township 32, range 4 east, and for the discontinuance of that part of the road known as the S. C. Smith road, from last mentioned point to the intersection with the Winfield and Nennescah State road, was presented and granted, and that Samuel W. Phenix, H. Harbough, and Calvin Coon, viewers, and the county surveyor, will meet on the 10th day of March, A. D. 1877, at 10 o'clock a.m., of said day, and proceed to view and survey said road.
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County Road.
A petition signed by G. P. Wagner, and others, asking for a view and a survey for the purpose of locating a certain county road, commencing on the county road at or near the school house in school district No. 5, running thence some thirty three degrees west to the north line of the town site of Dexter, at Maple street, and that the present county road between the place of beginning above and the range line between ranges six and seven be discontinued, was presented and granted, and A. J. Bryan, John Maurer, and W. W. Underwood, appointed viewers, and the county survey will meet on the 6th day of March, A. D. 1877, at 10 o'clock, and proceed to view and survey said road.
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[DEADWOOD, IN THE BLACK HILLS, DESCRIBED.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
The Black Hills Pioneer says: "Five months ago where there was a tangled mass of pine and other brush, there stands the city of Deadwood, a city of three thousand inhabitants. The city is a mile long, has over two hundred business houses, a mayor, and a municipal government.
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[MISCELLANEOUS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
Some person or persons drove off Mr. Huff's team from the school house at Salt City Sunday evening, Jan. 14th, and at noon, Monday, he had no trace of them.
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Jack McCall, the murderer of Wild Bill, is to be hanged on the first of next March. He says his name is not Jack McCall, but refuses to give his true name.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
JOHN BOYD is a Granger.
WALKER has three bay teams.
WILL BURKEY has returned from Iowa
CHARLEY SIPES makes the best stove pipes.
S. D. PRYOR has married the cousin of his first wife. Success.
F. M. FRIEND will make your old watches new for a small sum.
Before going to Wichita, price Haywood's Kansas wagons.
The prospects of the war in Europe is raising the price of grain.
CORN. A number of teams are in from Sumner county after corn.
REV. RIGBY, of Winfield, has invented a patent safely lamp burner. [LOOKS LIKE SAFELY...???]
The wild geese have made their homes on the Arkansas all winter.
The small bridge north of L. C. Norton's is being repaired. It needs it.
SOLD. Charles Parker sold his house and lot to Hermann Godehard.
Some thief helped himself to 45 bushels of Wm. Kay's wheat last week.
Two doors south of Sid Major's hotel is the best livery in Winfield.
The brother of Mr. Baldwin died at the Central Hotel in Winfield on the 12th.
FRANK GALLOTTI sold his interest in the clothing store at Winfield to Mr. Wallace.
BENEDICT & Co. have a good, cheap, wooden pump, just the thing for farmers.
MR. MITCHELL's daughter, who was so badly burned last week, is slowly recovering.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.]
The Pawnee and Kaw Indians adorned our streets all day last Sunday and Monday.
T. C. BIRD traded 80 acres of land north of town for A. O. Porter's blacksmith shop.
The ground is frozen twelve inches in depth, where it is bare, and unprotected by grass.
PROF. TICE predicts the coldest weather of this year will be during the latter part of January.
MARRIED, on Grouse creek, last Sunday evening, Dr. Anderson and Miss Laura Musselman.
CURNS & MANSER do the real estate business for Winfield and the greater part of Cowley county.
TO FT. SILL. JOSEPH SHERBURNE left for Fort Sill this morning. He expects to be absent two weeks.
75,000 pounds of flour left this place for Fort Sill last week, to supply the hungry Cheyennes and Arrapahoes.
VISITING. Major Sleeth left yesterday morning to visit his friends in Illinois and Ohio. He will be absent about a month.
THE ARKANSAS CITY BANK has a number of tracts of land taken on mortgages that can be bought far below the actual value.
The Cowley County Telegram is to be enlarged to a seven column, eight page paper, making it the largest weekly in the State.
NEWTON and MITCHELL say they can discount any man in the Southwest on good and cheap harness and saddles. Try them.
MR. BENJAMIN WRIGHT of Beaver Township lost his house by fire on the 11th inst., caused by a spark falling on the bed clothes.
A. CHAMBERLAIN writes us from Mauston, Wisconsin, saying it is too cold for him up there, and he expects to be back as soon as cold weather is over.
ED. FINNEY is a fast man, keeps fast horses, a fast dog, and a rattling good livery, with fast young fellows to look after the wants of transient's teams.
SID MAJOR paid this place a visit last week, on his way to his farm in Bolton Township. "Sid" is known all over Kansas as the toney hotel man of the Southwest.
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INSTALLATION. A Committee of the Presbytery of Emporia will meet in the First Presbyterian Church of this place on next Sabbath morning, at half past ten o'clock, to participate in the installation of Rev. S. B. Fleming as Pastor of the Church.
The sermon will be delivered by Rev. Timothy Hill D. D., of Kansas City, Mo. The "Charge to the Pastor" will be delivered by Rev. James E. Platter of Winfield, and the "Charge to the People" by Rev. John P. Harsen, of Wichita.
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DIED OF NIGHTMARE. Two brothers from New Boston, Chautauqua Co., Kansas, arrived at Wichita, one night last week, and slept in their wagons. Some time in the night the livery man, near whose stable they stopped, heard a groaning sound, but as it soon ceased, he paid no attention to it. In the morning when the brother went to the wagon to see why the deceased did not get up, he found him dead and stiff with cold. The apples were sold for $1 per bushel and the brother started home with him to their home.
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[SUICIDE: HELEN GREY.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
The suicide of Helen Grey, of South Haven, has caused considerable excitement and comment in Sumner county. It was a cool, deliberate case of life taking, brought on by the only imprudent act of her life through the conniving influence of a base deceiver. The young lady made every preparation to leave the world, and dressed herself for the grave. She then made her last request and dying statement.
FULL ACCOUNT OF HER SUICIDE:
On Saturday, the 13th inst., Helen Grey, living sixteen miles west of this place, took strichnia and caused her own death, while her parents were absent from home. The victim was loved and respected by all who knew her, and was far above shame or reproach. The family were formerly from Iowa, and moved to their present location (3-1/2 miles southeast of South Haven) early in 1876, accompanied by a young friend and neighbor named August George, who settled on a tract of land nearby and boarded with the family. Young George and Miss Helen became very intimate, and as time wore on, the young lady became very much attached to him, and an engagement of marriage followed. All went well until four months ago, when George disappeared. Nothing unusual was thought of his absence, however, as he had talked of going to Waterville, in this State. But as the time of their marriage drew near, Helen grew uneasy, but not sad, until two weeks ago, when she received a card from her betrothed, saying "they would never meet again;" that he intended going to California, and would never marry her. The members of the family were all absent, except an innocent little girl six years of age, and the unfortunate young girl took advantage of the opportunity to destroy her life by her own hands.
Before committing the sorrowful act, she calmly seated herself at the table and write the following letter to her sister, in which she warns her to beware of deceivers, and asks forgiveness for herself and the destroyer of her happiness.
Dear Sister: Try to forgive me. The letter I received from August you will find enclosed. Rather than disgrace you all, I will go to my grave. Let me be buried just as I am dressed, near little brother. Let me be forgotten. I am prepared to die, and do not want to live. Father, mother, sister, try to forgive August! But how can I? Sister, do not ever be decieved as I have been. Farewell! I go down in prayer, and beg God to help you all.
Your Dear Sister, HELEN.
HER LETTER TO AUGUST.
Dear August: For I can only call you so--why have you forsaken me? Can you so soon forget your vows? Will you let me go down in disgrace? You know you have robbed me of all that is dear to woman. You will never see my face again. Rather than bring the shame on my dear friends, I have resolved to take my own life. I will try to forgive. I ask one promise from you: Will you come to my grave every June and leave a rose, and think of your "sweet Helen," as you used to call me?--and think that you have driven me to the grave in disgrace? Perhaps you may never get this letter, but you may read it. Farewell forever!
Your Neglected
HELEN GREY.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.]
FIRE. On Tuesday evening of last week, the cry of fire was raised and a number rushed to the scene of action, among them Al. Mowry with an extinguisher, and the flames were soon subdued. The scene of the excitement was Mrs. McCoy's kitchen, which caught fire from the stove pipe. The extinguisher did not have a chance to play on the flames; but the fact of its being on hand, proves it was well placed in a convenient location.
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PROF. WILKINSON is Agent for Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, and is disposing of a great many. The "Centennial" edition contains 3,000 cuts of animals, birds, reptiles, machinery, architecture, etc., besides the colored pages of the flags of all nations. The book is a very valuable one and almost indispensable to a library or household. A copy can be seen at the Post Office. Price, $12.00 cash; or $15.00 on one year's time.
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In company with the gentlemanly manager of the "City Livery, Feed and Sale Stable," and two other gentlemen, we took a short ride to the spot on the divide where Arkansas City was to be, in case Max Fawcett's grape line survey of years ago made us in the Territory. The place has changed somewhat, and is now almost forgotten by the oldest residents. "Ed." drove the sorrels, and the ride was quick and pleasant.
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BAND BOYS EXHIBITION. Next week the Band boys will give their exhibition in Newman's building. The exercises will consist of vocal and instrumental music, farces, Ethiopian delineations, and everything that has any fun in it. If you want a good laugh and to hear fine music, make it convenient to be on hand.
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[ABOUT MANNING.] An effort was made to send a man to Topeka to "change the bond law," in Winfield, lately. The citizens were to pay his board and expenses. As the gentleman had played that game a number of times before, merely to look after political matters, they declined; and the gentleman remained at home.
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FLOUR MILL. Mr. Johnson & Lewis, of Elk Falls, are building a good grist and saw mill, on Mr. Mann's farm on Grouse creek. Work on the dam has begun. It is estimated the cost of the mill and dam will reach $16,000. By cutting across a bend in the creek and building a twelve foot dam, he gets a fall of nineteen feet and eight inches.
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Frightful Accident. A lamp exploded last week in the hands of Mattie Mitchell, daughter of James I. Mitchell, burning her face and arms frightfully. Mrs. Mitchell ran to her assistance and smothered the flames with her dress.
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A. O. PORTER sold his blacksmith shop to T. C. BIRD, and CHARLES PARKER leased his to WILSON and WOODARD. RUDOLPH HOFFMASTER wants to sell his. The building, trading, and selling of blacksmith shops has been exceedingly lively during the last year.
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It was reported that one of Pinkerton's detectives was in town last Thursday. The Salt City mystery and several other matters need looking after, besides the many depredations daily committed in the Territory.
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AL. MOWRY is agent for a good and celebrated washing machine, and claims it is the best ever invented, warranted to wash paint, oil, or grease from any garment and the stains from a man's conscience.
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HON. C. R. MITCHELL is a member of the Committee on Appropriations, Educational Institutes, and Revisions of Laws. Hon. L. J. WEBB is a member of the Committee on Printing and State Library.
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WHEAT was sold as high as $1.35 per bushel in Wichita, last week, and the demand was very good. Our informant says, "I did not have to hunt around for a buyer, either."
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MR. D. A. MILLINGTON, one of Winfield's most prominent and successful attorneys, thinks Cowley county must and will have a railroad within the next eighteen months.
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The officers of the Winfield Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, were installed last Monday evening. Several members from this place attended.
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[NOTICE TO BRIDGE BUILDERS: BRIDGE, NEWMAN'S MILL.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
Notice to Bridge Builders.
Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Township Officers at the office of T. McIntire, until Thursday, March 1st, 1877, at 12 o'clock m., for the purpose of building the superstructure of a bridge, of either iron or wood, across the Walnut river, at or near Newman's mill: the bridge consisting of two spans, one ninety-four feet and six inches; and the other forty-five feet and six inches in length. Plans and specifications, with bonds for the completion of the bridge, must accompany each and every bid. The Board reserving the privilege of rejecting any and all bids. T. McINTIRE, Tusteee,
W. D. MOWRY, Clerk,
WYARD E. GOOCH, Treas.
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[JACOB COBAUGH DESERTED BY WIFE, HANNAH COBAUGH.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
A Deserted Husband Sends Notice of His Wife
in Arkansas City.
WEIR CITY, CHEROKEE CO., KAS., January 5th, 1877.
Mr. C. M. Scott:
SIR: Please insert the following notice of my faithless wife, who I am informed is in your part of the State. I would have written sooner had I known she was there. I send this by a friend, who is on his way to Cedar Vale, in order that it may be more direct and safe.
NOTICE: This is to certify that my wife, Hannah Cobaugh, did shamefully, and without just cause or provocation, desert my bed and board, and openly elope with another man, and thereby destroy the comforts of home and family ties so dear to all. Hoping I shall never see the perfidious creature again, I hereby caution all honest and virtuous women against trusting her around their homes, or she may be the cause of destroying their future happiness, as she has done with others who have been deceived by her smooth and Christian-like ways.
JACOB COBAUGH.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.]
SET HIS TRAPS AND WON THE BET. A young man by the name of Devore, living at Caldwell, made a wager that he could set four large beaver traps in four minutes and proceeded to do it. To set a trap without a lever is a difficult feat, and is usually done by placing a foot on each of the springs, and grasping the bottom of the trap with the hands in order to get a purchase to lay the springs. The young man set all the traps; but as he was using every exertion on the last one, he burst a blood vessel, and died in a few hours. The deceased was formerly a resident of this place, and will be remembered by many.
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SINCE the lamp explosion of last week, our merchants are selling more candles, and lamps are being stuffed with cotton batting to prevent the spreading of the oil in case the lamp is broken.
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A little compulsory education would be beneficial to some children in this vicinity. It is an injustice to keep them away from school.
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ELDER WILLIAMS was arrested for assault and battery for whipping one of his pupils in school, last week.
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One of our blacksmiths put on forty-one horse shoes one day last week.
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[ITEMS FROM THE INDIAN HERALD.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
Osages killed one buffalo.
The Indian pecan trade is over.
Sleigh bells jingle in Pawhuska.
Some Osage words resemble German.
Mourning Indians are wailing in the snow.
White Hair says the ice is 14 inches thick.
Most of the Osages have gone to their lodges.
59 Indian children are in school at this place.
Tommy Adams has shown us a five-footed pig.
Ferry boats have stopped and teams are driving over ice.
Locher Hargro, Governor of the Creek Nation, has been impeached.
Sermons by Supt. Nicholson are highly appreciated by Pawhuskans.
It is said that 12,000 Sioux Indians will come into the Territory next May.
Many houses built by the late Agent Gibson for the Osages have been abandoned.
John Robinson's absquatulated giraffe was recaptured in the streets of Catawba, North Carolina, last week. [???] [HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS MEANS...YES! WORD IS "absquatulated" giraffe...]
S. A. GALPIN, of the office of commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C., made Pawhuska his first visit last week.
CHE-TO-PAH, CHIEF COUNSELOR OF THE OSAGE NATION, who gave Agent Beede and Governor Joe a horse each as the last act of his life, is dead.
The Dodge City Times says a hunting party has returned from the Cimaron River where they killed 125 turkeys, 300 quails, 4 deer, and 4 buffalo.
Oliver S. Hiatt, of Fairmount, Kansas, is now Superintendent of the Pawhuska school, and will remain until the return of Supt. Huddleston, from the Kansas Legislature.
Hon. Aaron Huddleston, Superintendent of the Osage School at this place, has gone to Topeka, where he will represent the people of the 16th Representative District in the Kansas Legislature.
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[MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS...INCLUDING SENTENCING OF HORNEMAN.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 24, 1877.
Mr. Goodyear furnishes us with the following figures of the transactions, for the month of December, at the cattle yards: Number of stock shipped--hogs, 1,053; cattle, 119; sheep, 230; horses and mules, 10. Number received for same month, by railroad, sheep, 248; horses and mules, 45. Beacon.
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The long looked for death of Commodore Vanderbilt occurrred in New York City on the 4th inst. His last sickness was of several months' duration. He leaves property valued at 100 million of dollars. He was born on Staten Island, in May, 1791, and was consequently upwards of 83 years old.
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Judge Campbell sentenced A. F. Horneman, convicted of an assault with an intent to kill, to five years in the penitentiary. J. I. Fink, convicted of horse theft, to the same period. Johnson, who confessed himself guilty of forgery, to one year in the State prison. The present term of the court has been more than usually fruitful of trials, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Wichita Beacon.
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The Santa Fe road makes the following showing for the month of December, 1876, of shipments by car load, from Wichita: Wheat, 214 cars; corn, 25; hogs, 19; rye, 4; flax seed, 4; cattle, 6. The corn was shipped to Kansas City, Toledo, Ohio, and Pueblo, Colorado. A large amount of the wheat was shipped through to Toledo. Wichita Beacon.
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The El Paso bridge is being thoroughly repaired or straightened up, quite a force of men being now employed in the work. The trouble seems to have been the foundation of shelving soap stone or slate upon which an upper side pier rested, and which washing out, caused a sag, swinging the entire structure out of plumb. The bridge will be made as good as new. But we are down on toll bridges when they can possibly be avoided, and we believe the county ought to own that bridge too. Eagle.
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[DEATH OF CHETOPAH.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 31, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
Che-to-pah and His Death.
It is well known by those of our readers who are acquainted with Indian history that rank or position in the tribe--of Osages especially--is accorded by hereditary right, either with or without qualification; but Che-to-pah was an exception to this rule. Royal blood did not give him position, above others. He was a self-made man among savages, who had forced his way, step by step, from one position to another, and ending his earthly career just one stop below that of his highest ambition.
He was a politician among savages, and at an early day he saw--as few of his race did--that the advancing hordes of civilization were encroaching upon the rights of Indians. At a time when it was unpopular among his people to advocate the cause of civilization, he saw before him two roads: the way of his ancestors with the enchantments of the chase; and the road to civilization and self-support by tilling the soil. In the absence of buffalo and the scarcity of other wild game, he saw necessity for the abandonment of the former and the acceptance of the latter; and though clad in a blanket, he put his children in school and advocated the civilization and education of his people.
Che to pah was a Chief Counsel--or for the tribe, and the subject upon whom presents and favors were not unfrequently bestowed by the Agent, thus continuing his fidelity and alienating him from a portion of the tribe.
A little more than a year ago, the rupture assumed such formidable proportions that bloodshed among the Osages was loudly threatened, and in evidence of which we here quote from Agent Gibson to Supt. Hoag under date of Oct. 21, 1875.
"Last night I sent a request to the nearest military station (Cheyenne and Arapahoe Agency) for 100 cavalry for the purpose of preserving life and Government property at this Agency." . . .
The cavalry came and the bitterness of feeling that had been fostered in both factions culminated, but was lessened in no degree. The military remained two months and possibly prevented an outbreak and the shedding of blood, but still the party strife, in all the force of savage nature, was yet obvious and continued up to and on the advent of Cyrus Beede, the present U. S. Agent.
Che-to-pah was at the head of one party; and Joe Pah-ne-no-pah-she was at the head of the other. Each desired to be Governor of the tribe. The friends of no two Presidential candidates ever resorted to means more questionable to secure election or installation. Both parties claimed the electoral vote, and in this condition Agent Beede found the Osages less than one year ago. Two days were spent in tumultuous council before an opportunity was given him even to suggest a remedy for the trouble, which they felt their inability to settle in peace.
At the close of the second day's council, when both parties were in despair, they were ready for the advice of their new Agent, which was an acknowledgment of Joe Pah-ne-no-pah-she as Governor, and Che-to-pah as Chief Counselor.
The fact of their being the leaders of contending factions gave them power to harmonize a distracted people, and also to led them on to a higher and better life. This advice being so unlike that given by their former Agent was a surprise; but at last accepted, and Joe and Che-to-pah were made Governor and Chief Counselor. The heated term now rapidly passed, and at the instance of Agent Beede, the Osages elected a Business Committee which, in conjunction with the Governor and Chief Counselor, transacts the necessary business of the tribe, and of whom mention was made in a former number of this paper.
Che-to-pah and Joe now became warm friends, and in proof of which, with the esteem in which Agent Beede was held by Che-to-pah, even to the last, there is no better evidence needed than which was witnessed in Che-to-pah's camp by Acting Commissioner Galpin, Superintendent Nicholson, and ourself on the 31st day of last month.
Che-to-pah had for some months suffered from disease, and being conscious of his near approach to death, runners were sent to invite Agent Beede, the Business Committee, and the gentleman above named, to his wigwam. After giving general instructions as to the disposition of his affairs, he referred to his life as a public servant and said he had hoped that he might live to do still more for his people; but that now death was near. He had two favorite ponies at the door of his lodge, one of which he requested Agent Beede to accept as a token of his friendship for him, and his confidence in his fidelity to the interests of the Osages; and the remaining one was his last present to Governor Joe, for whom he cherished no feeling of bitterness, but one of friendship.
Under the best treatment and nursing that could be given him in the absence of sufficient medical supplies and proper hospital accommodations, he rallied; and for eight days gave hope of ultimate recovery, but relapsed and died on the 9th inst.
Indian Herald.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1877.
SLIGHT rain Sunday night.
The roads are becoming heavy.
Concert a week from Friday next.
R. HOFFMASTER's little girl is very low with lung fever.
KELSO desired to drive stage, but failed to secure the situation.
ED. FINNEY took a flying trip to Wichita last Wednesday afternoon.
The late P. P. Bliss, the song writer, was a cousin of C. A. Bliss, of Winfield. Press.
MESSRS. Loyd & Illingsworth have started a plaster factory near Guelph P. O., Sumner county [DID HE MEAN KILLINGSWORTH??]
JAMES McDERMOTT, COUNTY ATTORNEY elect, has removed to Winfield, where he will remain permanently. Courier.
RETURNED. W. B. Skinner returned from Hancock County, Ill., Monday last, and reports everything O. K. in that section.
R. C. HAYWOOD has purchased the blacksmith shop formerly owned by A. O. Porter, and later by T. C. Bird. We believe Haywood will endeavor to give satisfaction.
THE PUBLISHER OF THIS PAPER started for Fort Sill, last Wednesday morning, in company with J. H. Sherburne. They purpose returning in about two weeks, no preventing providence.
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[VAN KELSO.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 31, 1877.
Van Kelso.
Pretty name, isn't it?--and a very pretty boy he was, too. It was in the month of October, when the luxuriant summer foliage had turned to autumnal gold, that he first introduced himself into our community as agent for the "world-renowned history of the Centennial Exposition at Philadelpha; the only authentic work published concerning the great show, and containing a fund of information not to be found elsewhere." He had been over the grounds times without number, and could safely recommend the work as truthful in every particular; "had made $35 per day selling the book"--and from that he would launch out into as pretty a speech as one could wish to hear. The $35 per day business didn't pan out in this section, and transferring this lucrative agency to another person, he engaged in the more congenial occupation of "hash-slinging" at the Central Avenue Hotel, devoting his spare moments to taking notes of the rapid advancement in civilization in this part of the country, and informing house builders and others that he was reporter for the Atchison Champion. As "time slipped by on leaden wings," he gradually became confidential, and informed the boarders of a wife he had in Chicago, whose father was immensely wealthy, and who wrote such touching letters to him, praying that he would come back to her arms--that her "dear papa" would speedily start him in business with a portion of his hoarded millions. Occasionally one of these loving epistles would be found by some member of the household, and upon it being returned to him, festive Van would explain as above, taking such opportunity to show a photograph of this wife of his bosom--a creature of surpassing loveliness.
Recent developments have caused some to suspicion that V. K. penned the letters himself--and he was an artistic chirographer!--and purposely placed them so that they might catch the eye of some passer-by. He was a frequent visitor to some locality in Sumner county--rather too frequent, considering that he was "just from the East"--and during his last visit, he conceived an idea which for purposeless deviltry, is hard to equal. We refer to the article on the death of a Miss Helen Grey, published in last week's issue, the particulars of which he furnished to the editor of this paper.
We are now informed that the entire account as given by him was false; that there was a lady of the above name who died there, but of a true and proper disease, and not by suicide. How true this is, we cannot say. We are loath to believe that even such a consummate imbecile as Kelso would thus deliberately strike at the reputation of a girl, and she in her grave at the time.
He had further informed the folks that his "darling wife" was to be here on last Wednesday's stage, and set about preparing a room for the two; but when the vehicle arrived (the stage, we mean), he evinced no desire to rush out and welcome her (the wife, this time), saying that he had concluded to meet her in Missouri.
Acting upon this determination, he collected the few accounts owing him (he was also a vendor of "Havana" cigars), and Thursday morning saw him safely off. But for the fact that he hadn't brains enough, he might have attempted to "fleece" some of our citizens. As it is, there are two boxes of cigars in the Express office, held for charges, and bearing his name, but that amount is probably a permanent investment for somebody.
Gone to meet Jones, "one of the representative men of Ohio."
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[MR. J. C. FRAKER, LATE PRESIDENT, FIRST NATIONAL BANK, WICHITA]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 31, 1877.
MR. J. C. FRAKER, late President of the defunct First National Bank of Wichita, has "gone where the woodbine twineth and the moon ceaseth to shine;" gone in search of
"______ a lodge in some vast wilderness;
Some boundless contiguity of shade,
Where rumors of oppression and deceit"
will not be annoying his over-sensitive nature, which has received a severe shock in the past few months. From the Emporia News, we learn that Mr. Fraker commenced his western career as a Methodist minister in Emporia, in 1850, but afterward became a carpenter and "j'iner;" then county treasurer, dealing at the same time in such outside business as old clothes and Texas steers. He soon turned the finances of Lyon county "topsy-turvy." He then went to Eldorado, and finally to Wichita, where he opened a bank on a borrowed capital of $1,200, and ran the concern until it broke, carrying down to ruin many of the ex-Reverend's ministerial friends. That dog has had his day, and the sooner he is placed where he will do the most good, the better it will be for the community at large.
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[DENIAL BY MRS. COBAUGH OF HUSBAND'S ASSERTIONS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 31, 1877.
MRS. COBAUGH desires us to say that the article published in the TRAVELER of last week, purporting to have come from her husband, is utterly untrue, and purely malicious on the part of the writer.
Mrs. Cobaugh has resided in this part of the county since last summer, and during that time has lived a life above reproach, working by the week in private families for the support of her two boys. Mr. Cobaugh sent her here, paying her way himself, and she expected him to follow; but for reasons of his own he chose to act differently, and leave her to provide for herself and children. There is some doubt as to whether Mr. Cobaugh penned the advertisement referred to, and should Mrs. Cobaugh become satisfied at his, she may have more to say.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, JANUARY 31, 1877.]
The concert to be given by the A. C. S. C. Band, conducted by Prof. E. J. Hoyt, has been definitely fixed for Friday evening, February 9th, at which time Newman's new store-room, in which it is to be held, will be thoroughly completed and fit for occupancy. The entertainment will be interesting and unique, embracing music both vocal and instrumental, comic speeches, burlesques, Ethiopian komicallities, and other side-splitting specialties. The concert will be a first-class affair, and such as the most refined need not fear to attend. The band will be ready to furnish good music for a dance after the concert, if it is so desired. Further particulars will be given in our next issue--"and don't you forget it."
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Rev. S. B. Fleming was formally installed as permanent pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of this place last Sunday morning.
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From the Telegram of last week, we learn of a case of accidental shooting of a man by the name of Austin, on last Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Austin had started out for a chicken hunt and not returning the evening, search was made by his anxious friends, who found him in a corn field, shot through the head. He had evidently stumbled forward and fallen, the gun discharging itself and the ball passing through the cheek and lodging in the back of his head. The jury brought in a verdict of accidental shooting. The deceased leaves wife and children.
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ACCIDENT. An accident of a very serious nature befell Mr. John Linton, of Bolton township, on Wednesday last, through the breaking down of a scaffold upon which he was standing. He was at work upon J. Brown's new stone house, when the scaffold gave way, precipitating him to the ground, a distance of twelve or sixteen feet, and fracturing his thigh. Drs. Shepard and Kellogg were in attendance as soon as possible and reduced the fracture, and the unfortunate man is now progressing as favorably as can be expected.
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On Sunday, January 21, Deputy U. S. Marshal Jones arrested Messrs. W. A. Thomas, E. G. Wright, and J. W. Eldridge, formerly of the First National Bank of Wichita, on suspicion of being in conspiracy with J. C. Fraker. Mr. Thomas was a director; Mr. Knight, bookkeeper; and Mr. Eldridge, cashier; and they have always been regarded (and are yet by those who know them) as men above suspicion. The "sculduggery" of Fraker is making it seriously inconvenient for all who were in any way connected with him.
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DIED. On Thursday, January 25th, 1877, of dropsy, Mrs. Dwyer, aged 52 years, wife of Harvey Dwyer, of Beaver township. The deceased lady was a much respected and earnest Christian. The funeral took place on Friday, the 26th.
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MARRIED. On Sunday, January 21, at the residence of the bride's stepfather, J. P. Musselman, by Samuel Jay, Esq., Mr. Irvin M. Altum, of Illinois, to Miss Laura Nelson, of this county. The happy couple started for Arkansas a few days since. May their united lives be full of bliss.
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HOGS. JOHN BOYD and RUSSELL BAIRD have gone into the hog business. They intend to feed a large number in the spring. They have 40 head on hand now, and are buying as fast as they can get hold of the right sort. The boys are O. K., for there's money in that kind of a corn crib.
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There will be social of the M. E. Society at Pearson's Hall this (Wednesday) evening; also a meeting of the ladies at the residence of J. C. McMullen on Thursday afternoon. A cordial invitation is extended to all who would be pleased to meet with us. By order of Society.
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C. M. SCOTT, while idly experimenting with a loaded shot gun, on last Wednesday morning, blew a hole through the partition between the post office and R. A. Houghton's grocery, resulting in no further damage, however, than a general scare for a minute or two.
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SOLD OUT. Mr. B. F. Nesmith, an old and well known resident of Beaver, has sold his farm to a Mr. Tannyhill, of Indiana, for $4,400. Mr. Nesmith intends to start for California, to see how that country will compare with Cowley, the banner county of Kansas.
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OUR CITY MARSHAL "roped in" a stolen horse and the supposed thief on last Friday, a few miles this side of Caldwell. The animal had been taken from Joplin, Missouri, and was the property of one Dan Collins.
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The stages have been arriving at this end of the line "on time" every night during the past week, thus making glad the hearts of our businessmen who wish to spend the evening with their families.
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[DEATH OF HARVEY DEVORE, HARPER COUNTY.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 31, 1877.
CALDWELL, January 18, 1877.
Harvey Devore, a young man of more than ordinary promise, and brother of Mrs. Thomas amd Mrs. Wells of this place, died at his father's residence in Harper county, on Monday last. And on Tuesday, the day following, his nephew and his namesake, Harvey Wells, infant son of O. G. and Louisa Wells, died of membranous croup.
Yesterday the procession, which early in the morning had gathered at Mr. Wells' residence, moved slowly away to the residence of Mr. Devore in Harper county, some ten miles, where a very affecting scene was witnessed by all present. An old man, whose head is white with the frost of more than eighty winters; a young man on a sick bed, to all appearances at the point of death, and another in his coffin--all in the same room, where the cries and sobs of numerous friends, and the copious rushing of tears, made the scene one long to be remembered. The two Harveys, uncle and nephew, were buried side by side.
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[CORRESPONDENCE FROM "C. M." - GILCHRISTS RANCHE]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 31, 1877.
GILCHRISTS RANCHE,
Skeleton Creek, Indian Territory.
Thursday, Jan. 25, 1877.
Arrived here this evening, 50 miles from Caldwell. Good weather, good time, plenty of fun. Two wolves wounded, one polecat slayed. Will reach Dan Jones' tomorrow night, and probably write from Wichita Agency. Joe thinks we will be absent two weeks. C. M.
NOTE: C. M. SCOTT WROTE THIS....NOTE "GILCHRISTS RANCHE"...???
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[MISCELLANEOUS.]
TRAVELER, JANUARY 31, 1877.
Wichita Beacon: The following is the aggregate of shipments at Wichita since last July. Wheat 1,420 cars, or 568,000 bushels; corn 201 cars, or 80,400 bushels; cattle 619 cars, or 12,380 head; hogs 37 cars, or 2,140 head; flour 26 cars; rye 9 cars; horses 6 cars; barley 1; sheep 2; flax seed 1.
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[CORRESPONDENCE FROM C. M. SCOTT.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 7, 1877.
RED FORK RANCHE, JAN. 25TH.
Here this evening with Dan Jones. Wolves, Prairie Dogs, and wild turkeys on all sides. Good weather and excellent traveling. Will make Cheyenne Agency tomorrow. All quiet. Haven's seet any of the Arkansas City teams yet. Pawnees left here yesterday for the buffalo range 150 miles west. Yours,
C. M. SCOTT.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 7, 1877.
FAIR weather continues.
The price of freighting remains the same.
REUBEN BOWERS had a set of double harness stolen from his stable on Monday night of last week.
We expect the editor of this paper home tomorrrow or Friday, since learning that the Indians failed to capture his scalp.
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[THE BAND CONCERT.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 7, 1877.
During the past month it has been generally known that the members of the Arkansas City Silver Cornet Band purposed giving an entertainment, consisting of vocal and instrumental music, character sketches, etc., as soon as Newman's new building was ready to accommodate them. Their uniform success heretofore has had the one drawback: insufficient stage room and seating capacity. This being remedied, the boys will undoubtedly do themselves greater justice, while the audience can be comfortably seated. They have been fully six weeks preparing themselves. Our brass band is confessedly the best one in the State, outside of Topeka and Leavenworth. Should this concert prove a financial success, the boys contemplate a trip to Wellington, where the preformance will be repeated. The price of admission has been fixed at 25 cents, reserved seats 50 cents, and children under ten, 15 cents. No charge for children in arms. Tickets for sale at both the drug stores.
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[INDIAN SCARE.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 7, 1877.
On last Wednesday evening a man rode through this place on his way to Winfield, and gave the startling information that six freighters from this place had been killed by a mourning party of Osages while returning from Fort Sill. But few people gave the matter much thought that night, but the next morning, as the rumor spread and became more widely known, some of our citizens began to think there might be something in it, as it was known that the Chetopa mourning party had left the Agency.
Hank Endicott started for Caldwell in the morning, to learn more about it if possible, but meeting a man from that place who told him they had heard nothing of the rumor there, he returned, satisfied that the whole affair was a canard.
Friday evening A. A. Davis, one of the freighters, came in from the Territory, and relieved everybody by saying that all the boys were together, safe, and sound, and had seen no signs of redskins.
It is now plainly evident that the story was started by someone for a purpose of his own, and it may not be a very difficult matter to guess either the person or the purpose. The time has passed when the people along the border are to be easily frightened by plausible tales of Indian massacres, but the practice of inventing such rumors is one that cannot be too severely condemned. Rest assured the object will never be accomplished in that way.
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[DIED: HENRY FOOTE, GROUSE CREEK.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 7, 1877.
DIED. Mr. Henry Foote died on Grouse creek, this county, January 31st. Mr. Foote came to this county about a year ago, from Decatur, Illinois. It is thought his native state was New York, and his home at or near Buffalo. From New York he went to Michigan, from there to Decatur, and then came to Cowley, where he has lived a quiet, secluded life, making but few acquain-
tances. He was seized with fits, or spasms, which continued with slight intermission for seventeen hours, when he died, unable to explain his affairs to those around him, who buried him the day following. He was supposed to have considerable real estate near Buffalo, New York. New York and Michigan papers are requested to copy the above, as it may lead to a discovery of the whereabouts of his friends or relatives. His address was Arkansas City, Kansas.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 7, 1877.]
We clip the following complimentary notice of Mr. Pruden and wife, nee Miss Amelia Mowry, from a Dayton, Ohio paper.
HOME AGAIN.
Our esteemed young fellow-citizen, Mr. David Pruden, of Sachs & Pruden, after a month's absence in the "Far West," has returned home. Reference to the marriage notice column will explain the cause of his extended absence. Himself and handsome young wife will receive a warm welcome from friends in this city. Dave has been very sly about this matter, but he is a good fellow, and all will unite in congratulating him upon his departure from single blessedness.
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MR. M. E. WELSH came down from Winfield last Friday evening, feeling as well as he ever did, but at about 9 o'clock he was taken with congestion of the liver, and suffered terribly all night. The next day, Saturday, he was no better, and Drs. Hughes and Kellogg were up with him all the following night. Sunday evening his friends began to think he would not live through another night, but he improved towards morning, and we are now glad to say he is in a fair way to recover. Mr. Welsh has experienced such attack before, but they have never been so severe as this one.
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MARRIED. MR. THOMAS BAIRD, of Arkansas City, married Adelia, only daughter of MR. W. H. DEMOTT, of Bolton township, February 6, 1877, at 11 o'clock. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Fleming.
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DR. J. O. HOUX, practicing dentist, of Winfield, will be in our city February 14, and will be prepared to attend to the wants of any parties that may be so unfortunate as to want a dental operation performed. Dr. Houx was an old time resident of this place, and we gladly recommend him to those in need of his services.
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We print on our fourth page this week a list of the town lots in Arkansas City which were sold for taxes, and which will be deeded to the purchaser if not redeemed prior to the 7th of May; also the tracts of land which were sold in 1874 for the taxes of 1873. [NOTE: AM SKIPPING THIS LIST.]
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A. O. HOYT showed us some handsome specimens of fossilized shells, last Saturday afternoon. They are of large size, and were taken from the solid rock by himself and Mr. Bacon a few miles north of town.
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[BUSINESS NOTICES.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 7, 1877.
FOR SALE. A No. 1 heavy yoke of work cattle for sale cheap for cash. Also a good wagon for trade. A. J. REEVES.
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If you have any of my tools, bring them back to
C. R. SIPES.
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A FACT. Sure and certain--that the Distribution of Clark & Williams' Enterprise will positively take place the 22nd of February, 1877. CLARK & WILLIAMS.
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FOUND. On Sunday last, near the Arkansas river bridge, a lady's fur cape. Owner can have the same by identifying and paying charge of advertising.
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FOR SALE. 12 tons of millet hay. C. M. HENSHAW.
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FOR SALE OR TRADE. I will sell or trade for a good team or stock my farm of 92 acres on the Arkansas river 5 miles southeast of Arkansas City. Inquire of H. T. SHOEMAKER.
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FULL-BLOOD Berkshire pigs for sale cheap, for cash.
R. A. THOMPSON.
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ROBE. Whoever has my buffalo robe will confer a favor by returning it. My name is dimly printed on the inside.
E. B. KAGER.
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ONION SEED. Mrs. Lorrey has for sale several pounds of the seed of the New Giant Rocca Onion. Will sell in quanities from 1 oz. upwards. Inquire at this office.
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[ITEMS FROM THE INDIAN HERALD.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 7, 1877.
Erysipelas is in school.
Chetopah had two wives.
Wolves are yet killing hogs.
The Pawnees have gone after buffalo.
The Little Osages are without a leader.
Osages still want to go to Washington.
Chetopah's grave is in Pawhuska Cemetery.
Chetopah's wives walk the streets and mourn
A cruel Pawhuska lad killed 27 birds at one shot.
Osages think assafoetida makes their ponies run fast.
A $40 American flag waves over Chetopah's grave.
"Oc la no-wa" is a traveler in the Choctaw language.
Strong hog meat and no bread is hard living for Osages.
At the commencement of the war in the States, the Choctaws owned 3,000 slaves.
Osages don't want Cherokees or Delawares to steal timber from their reservation. Whites do enough of it.
Osages are looking for fresh beef. They say the contractor delivered hides and bones some time ago, and the meat will come next.
Some of the Kaw Indians say they know of a vegetable, the root of which is 5 or 6 feet long, and a facsimile of a human being.
Peter P. Pitchlynn first attended school in Tennessee, 200 miles from his tribe, where he thrashed the bully of the school for poking fun at him.
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[PYBURY - MANNING: EDITORIAL COLUMN.]
TRAVELER, FEBURARY 14, 1877.
Mr. Pyburn--A Democrat in a Republican Senate, is Chairman of an important Committee and a member of five others. Manning, a Repubican, in a Republican House, in 1871, and who voted for the successful candidate for Speaker, was made member of no Committees, whatever, and yet Manning says that "Pyburn will not set the world on fire."
Oh Jealousy, thou Green eyed monster! Thy name is certainly E. C. Manning. Telegram.
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[GEN. BELKNAP CASE DISMISSED.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 14, 1877.
The case of the United States against Gen. Belknap was today dismissed on the motion of the district attorney general, for the reason that the evidence would not sustain the prosecution. The action of the attorney general is taken by direction of President Grant, who endorses the statement made by the district attorney general, as follows: In view of the within statement of the district attorney to the effect that he believes a conviction impossible, and in view of the long suffering of the accused and the great expense to which he has already been subject, I think the district attorney should be directed to dismiss the suit.
U. S. GRANT.
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[PERSONALS.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 14, 1877.
FRUIT is scarce in this neighborhood.
ONIONS $3.00 per bushels, and mighty scarce at that.
EGGS were selling at eight cents per dozen last Saturday.
Our town has been literally full of Indians during the past week.
Nearly all of the freighters have returned from Fort Sill, and not a scalp missing.
TOM BAIRD and wife returned last Friday night from a short wedding trip north.
J. C. BENNETT, the weighty grocery man of the West, was in town last Friday.
BLACKBOARD and lights (the want of) is what's bothering the Bolton singing school.
There will be a dance at the Bland school house on Thursday, February 22nd. All are invited.
MONDAY's spell of weather was death on the hoppers that had already hatched, and we devoutly hope on those that hadn't.
REV. F. W. NANCE, of Maple City, gave us a call yesterday. He reports everything in that locality in a prosperous condition.
The editor of this paper returned home last night, after an absence of three weeks among the dusky tribes in the territory.
We understand that George Harmon has moved to Chautauqua county, near Elgin.
The corner stone of the M. E. Church will be laid at an early day, due notice of which will be given. Work on the brick wall is progressing lively.
CHESTER LOVELAND, late of Boulder, Colorado, and formerly of this place, has been here on a visit for the past two weeks. He left for Wichita yesterday.
RENTED. MR. JOSEPH WINSLOW, of Vernon Township, has rented S. S. Major's farm in Bolton township, and will move thereon in the course of a few days.
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W. M. BURKEY advertises his farm and residence for sale in this issue, as he desires to make a change in his business. It is an excellent bargain for the purchaser.
AD: FOR SALE. The cheapest property in Cowley county for sale. Farm 1-1/2 miles northwest of Arkansas City; 30 acres good timber, 50 acres under cultivation; hewed-log house, orchard, splendid running water through farm; in all, One Hundred Acres--for Thirteen Hundred Dollars. One-third cash, balance in one year with 12 percent interest.
Also, brick residence in Arkansas City, with four lots, cellar, and outbuildings; best well in Kansas--for Eight Hundred and Fifty Dollars; terms as above. Change of business desired. This is undoubtedly the best bargain in Cowley county. This officer is only open for the next thirty days.
W. M. BERKEY.
February 14, 1877.
We have a Mrs. Partington in Arkansas City, who, when told that one of our musicians had a catarrh in the head, sententiously remarked, "That must be where he gets all his music." Fact.
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MARRIED. On Thursday, Feb. 8th, by Rev. F. W. Nance, at the residence of the bride's father, Joseph N. Moyer to Miss Mary M. Guinn, both of Sheridan township. Prosperity attend them.
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The concert last Friday night was attended by one of the largest audiences ever assembleed in Arkansas City, the hall being literally crowded. The performances passed off smoothly, with frequent applause. Ed. Finney's stump speech "brought down the house," while the music by the full brass band, and the songs, "Speak, Only Speak," "Cora Lee," and "Little Barefoot," were enthusiastically encored. It was a financial success, as the boys cleared about $50. The dance held n the hall after the concert was well attended, and juding from the demeanor of the participants, was fully up to expectatons. Given lovely belles, manly beaux, good music, and a well lighted and convenient hall, nothing short of success could result.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 14, 1877.
CROOKED. Messrs. Kellogg & Hoyt tell us they are informed that freighters from this town are in the habit of purchasing whiskey, in quantities of five and ten gallons, of the wholesale dealers of Wichita, stating that they (K. & H.) have sent for the same. As they have the money to pay for it, suspicion is not aroused, and they get it at wholesale prices, which goes a good way towards paying for the trouble of hauling. Messrs. K. & H. desire to say that they do not buy their liquors at Wichita, nor have they ever done so.
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COAL. The power with which the Salt City coal prospectors have been driling has been purchased by L. C. Wood of this city, and was removed to this place last week. Considerable territory has been leased in this vicinity for the purpose of prospecting for coal, but whether this is an indication of renewed efforts in that direction, we cannot say. We are informed that the works at Salt City are still to be pushed forward, and a steam power for that purpose has been purchased.
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[MORE PERSONALS: TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 14, 1877.]
For the benefit of those who may yet be inclined to credit Kelso's plausible (?) wife story (if there are any such), we will state that we lately read a letter from this wealthy man, in which he says he has no son-in-law, knows nothing of such a person as Van Kelso, but that he is undoubtedly a "fraud of the first water." Now, Van, you had better take a little advice, and keep your mouth shut hereafter on that wife business.
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QUITE a large number of horses are suffering from the epizootic in this county. While they are not so badly affected as they were some two years since, when this epidemic raged over the entire State, yet in most cases they are incapacitated from work; but with ordinary care, a cure can generally be effected.
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O. C. SKINNER intends putting up a stone house, 18 x 26, two stories high, upon his farm in Egypt. E. T. Lewis has the contract, and is now getting out the rock for the same. Wonder what he's going to do with a house? Guess he's after some small game or other.
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MR. W. H. WALKER starts for Cincinnati, Ohio, this week. We wish him a pleasant trip and speedy return, though the reason of this sudden journey to the Queen City is somewhat of a mystery. But then Walker has lived single for a long while.
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[ITEM FROM THE INDIAN HERALD.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 14, 1877.
The Superintendent of the school for Indian children at this place reports one hundred and fourteen Osage children now in attendance. Of this number forty are young men and women, aged from thirteen to twenty years. They are pleasant, obedient, and attentive, readily adapting themselves to the customs of, and learning the language of, whites. Most of them read and write while many of them are making fair progress in arithmetic, grammar, geography, and drawing.
They are great lovers of music, and are never so happy as when collected in the school room or chapel, mingling their voices with their teachers when singing the beautiful songs found in the books so kindly furnished. The school is happily supplied with musical talent. The teachers, Gertie Finney, Mamie Beede, Lizzie Hiatt, and Luella Carey, assistant matron, are all fine singers, as well as accomplished perfomers on the organ.
It is believed that much good will be accomplished by the development of this natural talent to the school. These children readily learn the words of a song and their meaning, and while we would not encourage the culture of music to the neglect of any other branch, we do believe it to be essential to the success of the Indian work, and we unhesitatingly commend the Superintendent for the wisdom he has manifested in his selections of the above named parties as instructors and guardians of the children under his care. The school was never so large, and never in so prosperous a condition as at present.
Indian Herald.
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[KILLER OF GEN. McCOOK DIES.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 14, 1877.
Peter Wintermute, who shot and killed Gen. McCook, at Yankton, Dakota Territory, two years ago, died of consumption, at his father's home, in Horse Heads, Chemung county, New York, on Saturday last.
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[A JOURNEY TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY: BY C. M. SCOTT.]
TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 21, 1877 - FRONT PAGE. And TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 28, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.
A JOURNEY TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY.
Fort Sill, Wichita, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Agencies.
Wednesday, Jan. 24th, in company with Joseph H. Sherburne, we left Arkansas City at about noon and started for Fort Sill, in a light spring wagon; behind the team that so nearly caused the death of Mr. Hawkins, intending to reach Caldwell before sundown. The day was warm and pleasant, and roads in the very best condition. On our way we sped by Guelph, but stopped a few minutes at South Haven to converse with Col. Hunter and other friends. The road from South Haven to Caldwell is changed in many places since we first traveled over it, but is practically the same. On the west bank of Sho Fly creek, J. W. Hamilton has erected a fine stone residence, two stories high, with windows and doors capped with cut stone, and generally improved his farm.
[SCOTT SAID "SHO FLY CREEK"]
Arriving at Caldwell at about 8 p.m., we found the drive longer than we had anticipated, but yet we had scarcely noticed it, as the moon was shining brightly and the setting of the sun made but a slight difference. We were not long in hunting a hotel and our acquaintances, and soon found John Blair and J. H. Sain, with whom we spent most of the evening.
Thursday morning we left Caldwell, crossing Fall Creek one half mile south of the town, then Bluff Creek three-fourths of a mile farther on, then the head of Polecat, which was dry, where old Mr. Chisholm, the first man who ever drove cattle over the present trail, killed a number of skunks, thereby giving its name; then Cottonwood four miles from Polecat, then Bullwhacker, where Laflin's men had "stuck," then Pond Creek, where John Murphy is located at the stage stable.
POND CREEK
derives its name from the pond of good water nearby. The stream is well timbered, and affords good shelter for stock. A short distance from Pond Creek, we crossed the Salt Fork, a muddy, brackish stream flowing through the Salt Plains, where a party of freighters encountered difficulty in crossing, and indulged in language more emphatic than polite. One and a half miles from the Salt Fork, we crossed a slough, then the Big Wild Horse, where a number of wild horses were seen by Chisholm when making the trail, and two miles further on the Little Wild Horse, then Sand Creek, Spring Branch, and Skeleton, where we stopped for the night at
GILCHRIST'S RANCHE,
a double picket house made of logs buried three feet in the ground, and extending six feet from the surface and plastered up with mud. This ranche is 47 miles from Caldwell and 21 miles from Pond Creek. While stopping here we were well entertained by Burt Giffin, who had charge of the place, while Mr. Gilchrist was absent hunting ponies. It was on this creek that two Mexicans were killed by men from Kansas, for murdering a herder in the State. Three miles from Skeleton Creek is Boggy Springs, and seven miles further, Hackberry Creek, where a man answering the description of Mrs. Beecher's "Uncle Tom," makes his home. On this creek the bones of an Osage Indian lies unburied, the body since having been food for the coyotes. It is on the head of Hackberry Creek, where the road from Arkansas City intercepts the Ft. Sill trail, 90 miles from Arkansas City. Sixteen miles from Skeleton Creek is Buffalo Springs, where there is always water. Then comes Bull Foot's Springs, 22 miles from Skeleton, and six miles further Little Turkey, then Dan Jones' ranche on Red Fork or Cimaron river.
At Buffalo Springs, or what was formerly known as Mosier's ranche,
A SAD REMEMBRANCE
was brought to our recollection. On the left hand side and only a few feet from the road is a single mound with a rude board for a tombstone, with the following inscription cut on it.
T. Calliwell,
G. Fawn,
E. Cook. Killed by Indians. July 3, 1874.
Underneath the loose earth are the remains of three cherished sons, whose parents are yet in doubt as to their existence, although it is believed they have learned of their terrible and cruel massacre, by the Cheyennes, which occurred on the road not very distant from where they lie, while freighting from Wichita to the Agencies. A mile or more from them, in the center of the road is the grave of Pat Hennessy, whose bones were buried where he fell, after his body had been tied to a wagon wheel and burned. The details of this horrible proceeding is too fresh in the minds of all our readers to recite at this writing, save that they were surprised and all shot except poor Pat Hennessy, who was doomed to meet a greater suffering.
All along the route we saw thousands of prairie dogs and were scarcely out of sight of their towns, of which were several miles in length and covering more than 1,000 acres in extent.
Towards the close of the afternoon, a large gray wolf met us in the road and did not seem disposed to stand aside until we gave him the contents of one barrel of our shot gun at a distance of about 20 yards, knocking him completely over. Soon after another came near and Joe tried a Sharp's rifle on him. He evidently struck him on the belly as the animal jumped fully five feet in the air and ran like a race horse for some distance. A skunk was the next animal to court our acquaintance, and we demolished his perfume factory with a load from our pistol, followed by a dose of shot. With nothing else to call our attention, we drove till we came to the well known and hospitable ranche of our fellow townsman,
DAN JONES,
situated 1-1/4 miles from the Red Fork river in a beautiful bottom with pleasant surroundings. As we drove up, we could not help noticing the neatness of the premises. Little prairie dogs made their houses a few feet from his door, while near the timber, a half mile distant, a flock of wild turkeys were quietly feeding, and in the jack oaks nearby is the favorite resort of deer and other game. The place is one we have frequently heard described, or dreamed of in our imagination, but never before realized.
At the door we were met by Dan, whose countenance showed an agreeable surprise, when we inquired if the landlord was in. After a short look about the ranche, which is the neatest on the entire route, we started in pursuit of the turkeys we had seen, and within fifteen minutes saw our companion lower his gun, and in another second one of the noble birds was fluttering on its back. For fear we would not be lucky enough to secure our game, Dan started out in an opposite direction; and before our return, had two killed and one almost ready for the oven. We were so well entertained at the ranche that we stayed half of the next day before going further, and regretted then that we were compelled to go on.
While here we learned the story of the killing of the men by Charley Lyons was not correct, as Mr. Lyons had been at Caldwell all the time the killing was said to have been done. We also learned that the Osages had caught and stripped a twelve-year-old boy, by the name of Miller, during the first snow, and after taking his pony, turned him out in the storm to die. The boy then stole a pony from them, rode to a cattle camp, and thus saved his life.
While the Sac and Fox Indians were hunting on the Red Fork, they killed a monstrous black bear a few miles north of the ranche. The Pawnees had visited the place and left the day before we arrived, having killed a number of deer and wild turkeys. They were on their way west to the buffalo ground, 150 miles distant. A short time before the Indians came, a party had been down from Caldwell, and in five days had killed over 200 turkeys.
The stage station of T. P. Williamson, of Independence, Missouri, who with Vance & Co., have the mail contract from Caldwell to Fort Sill, is located at Jones' ranche. It is a tri-weekly mail, running four horses as far as Cheyenne, and a buckboard from thence to Sill and the Kiowa and Commanche Agency. Jones' ranche is eighty miles from Caldwell, thirty miles from Cheyenne Agency, or Fort Reno. From the Cheyenne Agency to the Wichita Agency is forty-five miles, and from the Wichita to Fort Sill, or the Kiowa and Commanche Agency, thirty miles.
The first creek crossed after leaving the Red Fork or Cimaron, 8-1/2 miles, is Kingfisher, then Caddo Springs, and four miles beyond, the North Fork of Canadian, on which the Cheyenne Agency is located on the north bank, and Fort Reno, or Darlington, a mile beyond, on the south side.
We arrived at
CHEYENNE AGENCY
after dark, and did not have an opportunity of visiting the school and public buildings. At the office we met Agent Miles and spent a few minutes in pleasant conversation, after which we expressed a desire to visit the camp of the Cheyennes where the Indians were dancing.
We were furnished a guide and soon found our way to the inside of a lodge where we were introduced to
BULL BEAR,
a prominent chief, and Big Horse, a "soldier chief." A delegation of Northern Cheyennes and Sioux lately visited the camp of Bull Bear to induce him to go North and fight the whites, but the old chief wisely concluded he had enough war after the troubles of 1874, and told them to go back and not to come to him again on such an errand.
After smoking the pipe of peace with them, we were conducted to the lodge where they were dancing. A circle of men and women had formed around the little fire in the center of the lodge, and when the drum began its doleful sound, the squaws sang and all moved around, jumping stiff legged. After a few minutes the din ceased and all were seated. Then at the sound of the drum, which was made of raw hide stretched over a hoop, all jumped up again. This time it was a squaw dance, and as near as we could judge "ladies' choice," as two young girls would look around until they found one of their favored ones, when they would take him by the hand, pull him up, and with one hold of each arm jump up and down, then reverse, and continue jumping.
While we were quietly enjoying the scene, our surprise can better be imagined than described when our companion was taken by the hand and pulled up, being the favored choice of Minnehaha ("Laughing Water,"), as beautiful an Indian squaw as it has been our good fortune to have seen. She is the daughter of a chief, and won some notoriety by carrying away the first premium for horseback riding at the Muscogee Fair last fall. Our companion at first declined, but finally consented, remarking that we had come for fun and he was not to be bluffed. The sight was one we shall not soon forget. In the midst of a group of red faces, the beaming countenance of our weather-beaten friend could be seen, as he hopped up and down like a puppet, enjoying the exercise full as well as any of the nomads. At the conclusion of his freaks, the Indians all laughed loud and applauded, seeming well pleased.
Another set was formed and as the music arose, our guide informed us: "They are going for you this time." We promptly declined, but he informed us they would make us, when we considered discretion the better part of valor and worked our way out of the lodge as quick as possible.
Among the Cheyennes we saw many noted chiefs and warriors. Noticing a number of scars on the left arm of Bull Bear, we inquired how he came by them, and learned that he had cut them himself to tally the number of beings he had killed. There were twenty-eight in all. Some, he informed us through our interpreter, he killed with his bow and arrows; others he ran through with his spear, and some he shot.
On the opposite side of the lodge was a very old woman who had been very sick, but was recovering as she had offered a sacrifice by cutting the end of her little finger off at the first joint.
All through the camp, dogs of almost every description were to be seen from a lap dog to the largest Newfoundland. Many of them were crossed with the wolf, as is generally the case with Indian dogs.
Early in the morning of Sunday, the 28th, we were on our way to
WICHITA AGENCY,
48 miles distant, over the roughest and most sandy road along the entire route. After crossing the North Fork, we came to the main Canadian twelve miles below, then Spring Creek, eight miles further, then Stinking Creek, twenty-three miles from Cheyenne, then another Spring Creek, then Sugar Creek, five miles from Wichita Agency.
The Canadian is a wide, sandy, muddy, and treacherous stream, but was easily crossed as the water was low. In crossing any of the large streams of the west, it is not safe to stop a minute or the vehicle will settle so completely in the quick sand as to make it impossible to withdraw it. Knowing this we kept our team steadily moving, having taken the precaution to water our horses before entering it. Some of the freighters in crossing this stream had to hitch on to the hind end of their wagon and withdraw it, as they stopped for a minute and stuck in the sand. Sugar Creek, near the Wichita Agency, derives its name from the sugar maples that grow near its head.
We arrived at Wichita Agency at four o'clock, p.m., and were met at the Agent's office by J. A. Stafford and Mr. Spray, who showed us into the house, where we met Mrs. Williams and her daughters, Mrs. Stafford, and others, who cordially received us as old acquaintances. We had not long to wait when Mr. Williams came in, whom we were exceedingly glad to meet. Our descent upon them was somewhat surprising and all the more enjoyable.
We were so well treated and entertained at Mr. Williams' that we did not leave until Tuesday following, and even then, with regrets. While there we visited the school under charge of Henry Dolls and brother, and were astonished at the rapid progress made among the Indian children. They repeated the multiplication table from two times one are two, to twelve times twelve are 144, with rapidity, and read, spelled, and sang readily. Mr. Dolls is an Englishman by birth and has the reputation of being one of the best Indian educators in the Territory.
In his school thirteen different tribes are represented, as follows: Wichita, Caddoes, Utes, Comanchees, Creeks, Kechis,
To-wak-o-nies, Delawares, Wacos, Cherokees, Seminoles, Shawnees, and Chickasaws. All learn fast, considering their circumstances and prejudices.
As we entered the school, the teacher was endeavoring to convince the younger ones that the earth was round, which seemed to be received as a preposterous idea, when they could look out the window and see it was flat. There were eighty-three pupils in the room, and the roll showed a list of more than one hundred, but as they are permitted to go to their camps on Sunday, many had not yet come in.
When supper was called, we went to the dining room to see them eat, and observed all had remarkable appetities. Before eating, however, they were told to ask God's blessing, which they did in a brief manner. After supper they repeated the Lord's prayer at the tope of their voices, leading us to think they would all make good Methodists some day. From the matron we learned that for breakfast they were allowed--bread, meat, gravy, rice, beans, and water to drink. For supper--mush and milk, coffee, sugar, and water.
They drink their coffee without milk, and on Sunday are given pie and cake. As a consequence of this, it is a rare case to have any sickness on Sunday, as it is generally postponed until the next day.
Boys are detailed to cut the wood, carry water, and sweep the school house, while the girls wash the dishes, scrub the floor, and make the beds. Af first the boys are inclined to the idea that the girls should do all the work as they have to in camp, but the idea is soon removed.
The children adorn themselves with every variety of jewelry that can be obtained, and frequently make their own earrings, bracelets, and breastplates. On one we could not help noticing were large key checks, as we at first thought, but examination proved it to be some city dog check, as the inscription read "No. 74, Dog Tax Paid." Taking a thorough look at the owner of the metal, we concluded she was properly labeled.
Among the number before us was one of bright countenance and lighter complexion than the rest, which caused us to call the attention of Agent Williams to her, when he informed us she claimed a former Agent as her father. Others whom we supposed were white children, were pointed out as the results of renegade whites among the Indians. The Arrapahoes, Wichitas, Caddoes, and some other tribes are very licentious, and it is seldom a virtuous woman is found among them. But among the Cheyennes, a majority are chaste.
It is a familiar sight on the border to see the letters
"U. S. I. D." prominently displayed, but here we see it everywhere: on the backs of Indians, on wagons, on boxes, bags, letters, and envelopes. The Agent claims it signifies United States Indian Department, but it is generally recognized as "Uncle Sam's Idle Dollar."
Noticing a number of wagons coming from the south on the evening of our arrival, we went to where they were camped and found them to be Arkansas City freighters on their return from Fort Sill, namely: E. D. Bowen, A. A. Davis, R. B. Scott, Gardner Mott, Johnny Mott, Brown, Provose, Thompson, Dilworth, Belknap, and Campbell. The latter three were on their way down. After leaving the last TRAVELER and telling all we could think of, we left them for the night.
Wichita Agency is in township 7, range 10, six miles north of the 35th parallel, and 16 miles west of the 98th meridian, on the Washita river; 69 miles west of Arkansas City and 132 miles south. A. C. Williams, formerly Agent of the Kickapoos and a resident of this place, is the Agent, and has under his charge seven distinct tribes, as follows: Caddos, Wichita, Comanches, Towanakios, Kechia, Wacos, and Delawares.
THE CADDOS,
numbering 500, were formerly residents of Louisiana, and years since treated with the United States to leave this country, never to return. They settled in Mexico, and when Texas was annexed to the United States, they came into the Union with it. They are a very industrious class, and are rapidly embracing the white man's ways. Many of them are farming, and 21 were building houses. Agent Williams, through an unaccountable influence, has induced a mania for house building among them, and during our stay they were constantly clamoring to have them built--offering to trade ponies, robes, or almost anything in their possession.
Wah-loo-pe is chief of the Caddos, and is named after a river in Mexico.
THE WICHITAS
are the next largest band, numbering 200. They are the original owners of the land in which they now live, and have consequently lived here a long time. The Wichita mountains of this vicinity are named after them, as is Wichita, Kansas, where they were camped during the war. They are not as far advanced in civilization as the Caddos, but are gradually improving. Some three years ago the Osages killed their chief, I-sad-a-wa, and whle they do not make war against them, they cannot forget it. A settlement was made by the Osages paying them $1,500, which gained their forgiveness until a good opportunity offers for them to revenge it. Is-o-da-co is their present chief.
The Towanakies, Wacos, and Wichitas speak the same language, while the Cheyennes, Arrapahoes, Kiowas, Comanches, and all the Plains Indians understand one another by signs similar to those used by deaf and dumb persons.
The Wichitas, Towanakies, and Kechis live in houses made from poles covered with dried grass, resembling a large bee hiave or hay stack.
The Comanches live in tents made of buffalo robes.
Most Plains Indians wear robes, while the more civilized wear blankets.
THE COMANCHES,
under charge of Agent Williams, number 168. They were formerly from Texas, and the mountains of Mexico. Tush-ha-wa, head chief of the tribe, is a very old man, and has figured in a number of treaties with the United States. His name means "bright handle." At request of the Agent, he built a house of his own, and is living in it as an example for his tribe to follow. The Comanche Indians have been regarded as among the worse, most desperate, and murderous tribes in America, only seconded by the Cheyennes, Apaches, and Kiowas.
In the camp of the tribe under Agent Williams is a Mexican woman, who was taken prisoner in Mexico fifteen years ago, and who is now at the Agent's house awaiting the Government to return her.
The Towanakies number 100 in all. They used to inhabit the Red River country. Ne-as-to is their chief.
The Kechis have but 92 individuals in their tribe, which used to be counted by the thousands. They have always been residents of this section, and have the Kechie hills named from them. To-wah-hum-ta is their chief.
The Wacos, formerly of Texas, number but 70. "Buffalo Good" is their chief. He told us he had been a wild, bad Indian, but was now on the white man's road, and had corn in his crib and stock on the prairies.
There are 83 of the Delaware tribe, and the history of the "big water" is a familiar story with them, as their forefathers at one time inhabited what is now the State of Delaware.
Captain Black Beaver is chief of the Delawares. During the war he figured in a number of important matters. From "A Quaker Among Indians," by Thomas Battey, we quote the following history of this remarkable man. To the author of the above work, we are also indebted for many ideas during our stay at the Kiowa and Comanche Agency.
"Captain Black Beaver was guide to Captain Marcy in his explorations in the West, also to Audubon, the naturalist. He has a large farm under cultivation, and lives in a very comfortable manner, having good, substantial, frame buildings. He commenced life as a wild Indian trapper until, becoming familiar with almost all the unexplored regions of the west, and being a remarkably truthful and reliable man, he was much sought after as a guide, and accompanied several expeditions in that capacity. His life has been one of bold adventure, fraught with many interesting incidents, which, if properly written out, would form an interesting and entertaining volume."
At Wichita Agency thirty head of cattle per week, and 2,205 pounds of flour are issued weekly, being only half rations. Captain Leach and Major Lannigan have the beef contract, and
A. A. Newman is the contractor for flour.
The Wichitas and Caddos smoke cigarettes made of the strongest chewing tobacco, furnished them by the Government, and very seldom use a pipe, as most Indians do. The women wear balmoral skirts for dresses, and never lace, often complaining that the waists of the skirts are made too small.
The Wichita Agency is beautifully located on a high knoll overlooking the beautiful Washita bottom, where Gen. Davidson had the conflict with the Comanches and Kiowas in 1874.
The Agency has been well favored with permanent improvements. Among them the Agent's house and office, school building, saw mill, etc.
Another peculiar feature at this Agency was the number of negroes that could not speak English.
In the afternoon of Monday, Mr. Stafford tendered us a ride behind his sparkling bays to a camp a few miles north. We accepted and were well paid for the visit. Almost every lodge had a squaw in front of it tanning robes. As we walked through the camp the little children ran and screamed at the sight of strange white men, and the dogs showed by their barking that they were not accustomed to white intruders.
Tuesday morning we left Wichita Agency for Fort Sill. After we had traveled about five miles, we met George Shearer, Jerome Hilton, Charles Peters, and E. Worther, and at noon we came to where a number more were camped for dinner, on Killpecker Creek, to wit: Frank Hutchinson, A. W. Patterson, Walt Dolby, H. S.
Adams, Hank Nelson, Ross Merrick, Cass Endecott, Sam Endecott, John Tolles, Buck Wintin, Frank Wintin, Jack Martin, Frank Johnson, Wagstaff, Jim Burrell, and Benj. Harberson. Hank Nelson had met with an accident and had his arm in a sling, having been thrown from his wagon while trying to get ahead of someone. We were the invited guests of Ross Merrick, and partook readily of his "sow belly," biscuit, and what the boys called "bovine" gravy. The rain fell in chunks while we were at dinner, and the meal was stowed away as soon as possible.
After dinner we moved along and before long met M. E. Garner, Poke Stevens, Daniel Hunt, Geo. Christy, Mr. Stevens, Dan Fegans, Ab. Christy, O. J. Palmer, Andrew Meisner, J. Clark,
D. Pendergrass, and Joe Garner, on their way back from Sill.
Not a great distance from the Fort, we met our friend, Capt. Leach, and renewed acquaintances.
We reached
FORT SILL
about four o'clock, but did not stop until we drove to the Agency, a mile and an eighth below, where we met Agent James M. Haworth, Thomas Battey, Frank Moltby, and others, and were welcome.
We were agreeably disappointed in the Agent, as we expected to find him a down-easter, harsh in manner, and as unsocial as a saw log. Instead, we found him to be a thorough Kansan: affable, agreeable, and very cordial. He hails from Olathe, Kansas, but was formerly from Hamilton county, Ohio. Under his charge are the three wildest tribes in the Indian Territory and the west, and it is gratifying to see what influence and control he has over them.
Within his jurisdiction are 1,000 Kiowas, 1,500 Comanches, and 300 Apatches.
[THROUGHOUT SCOTT SAYS "APATCHES"...NOT APACHES.]
SCOTT GIVES THE INDIAN/WHITE NAME FOR THE FOLLOWING...IF I READ HIM CORRECTLY...THEN ONLY THE WHITE NAME FOR THE OTHERS.
Ash-tie-la: meaning "Feather Head."
Gas-ta-a-ka: meaning "Running Bear."
Que-a-pate: meaning "Trotting Wolf."
Odo-pate: meaning "Red Otter."
Hide seek: meaning "Crow Lance."
While at the Agency we met most of the prominent chiefs, amoung them "Poor Buffalo," "Feather Head, "Running Bear," "Trotting Wolf," "Red Otter," "Crow Lance," and Stumbling Bear, Zebeil, White Man, and Little Robe. The Indian names of the last four we did not get.
UNLESS HE GIVES IT SOMEWHERE ELSE, I DON'T BELIEVE HE GAVE THE INDIAN NAME FOR "POOR BUFFALO" EITHER.
SCOTT THEN DESCRIBES STILL ANOTHER INDIAN.
"Standing Bear" is a very large and powerful man, weighing over 300 pounds, and standing nearly six feet. He came to the Agency on Thursday (issuing day) in a spring wagon. Agent Haworth informed us that there were still larger men in the tribe, and thought there was one that would weigh over 400 pounds.
Most of the Indians came in on issuing day to receive their rations, and afforded us a good opportunity to see them. Five barrels of sugar, with coffee, flour, and crackers in proportion are issued weekly. Then besides their rations they receive annuity goods to the amount of $25,000 during the year.
The amount of rations allowed to each individual per day is as follows; but as they draw it weekly, they receive seven times the quantity mentioned at one time.
Three pounds of beef gross weight.
1/2 pound of flour.
3/4 of an ounce of coffee.
1-1/4 ounces of sugar.
1/6 of an ounce each of salt and soap.
1/12 of an ounce of tobacco.
3/4 of a pound of bacon.
Crackers, or hard bread as it is generally called, is issued in lieu of flour.
The morning of "issue day" was cold and damp, and yet most of the men, women, and children were with nothing on their feet; and one child, old enough to walk, had nothing but a thin calico shirt on, and yet they did not complain of the cold. Many suffer from rheumatism and pneumonia in consequence.
Among the Kiowas and Comanches are men who have taken the lives of many, and until their head chiefs were captured and sent to St. Augustine, Florida, and confined as prisoners in Texas, they openly boasted of their exploits and atrocities.
The Plains Indians all wear their hair long, never cutting it except in mourning for the dead. Many of them pride themselves in keeping it well arranged, but it is generally allowed to hang loosely over their shoulders.
INDIAN TRADITIONS.
There are many peculiar traditions among them. A few of which we give below, as received from Mr. Battey, who has spent years among them.
"One of the party asked the chief what the Kiowas thought of the moon. He replied, 'It is the Great White Man;' then, looking for a cluster of stars, which he did not succeed in pointing out to us, he stated to have the outline of a man, and to be the Great Kiowa. He subsequently pointed out to me the Pleiades, with some of the surrounding stars, as this cluster.
"In reply to the question, 'What becomes of us when we die?' he answered that he did not know what became of white people, as they were not made by the same being that made the Indians. But when Kiowas die, the spirit travels a great way toward the sunset, and crossing a high mountain ridge, it comes at length to a wide water, which it has to cross. Upon arriving at the opposite shore, it is met by former loved friends, who have gone before to this happy land, and who now rejoice to meet it again. There the game is always fat and plenty, the grass is always green, the horses large, swift, and beautiful. The inhabitants are never sick, nor feel pain. Parting and tears are unknown--joy fills every heart. A high mountain stands near the boundaries of this land, and watchers are set upon it, who are continually looking along the road leading from this country, watching for the spirits of the dying and newly dead--whether they die naturally, in battle, or by accident; and when they discover any coming along the road, they immediately call to the friends of the coming spirits, who go forth with rejoicings to meet them, and conduct them to the lodges they have prepared for them."
"INDIAN CRUELTY.
"Dangerous Eagle was again compelled to remain behind on account of his wife's illness, which continued for several days before she expired. Before leaving, I saw this woman engaged in digging her grave. This led me to fear that the patience of her husband was so nearly exhausted by his repeated detentions on her account, that violent means would be resorted to if she did not soon die. I have known instances among these people--though not among Kiowas--of men becoming discouraged, and killing their wives with their own hands, when they have been for some time sick, and their medicine (jugglery) failing to effect a cure. Indeed, I know a Comanche chief who cut the throat of his wife for that reason. She was sick a long time and their medicine did not cure her; so, to avoid the inconvenience of caring for a sick wife, who was not able to care for herself, after making 'medicine or preparation,' to fit her for a happy reception in the unknown land of spirits, he took her life, though mourning her untimely death. Such deeds are rare among them, but are still sometimes practiced, they setting but small value upon human life, and sick or very aged people are a great hindrance to their wild, roving, unsettled way of life."
The Caddos claim their fathers first spring up out of the ground. The Comanches' idea is that they were born in a cave, and that the Indians and buffalo were enemies, with the power in favor of the buffalo, until the Great Spirit sent a messenger informing them that they should conquer. They went forth with the messenger, who killed a deer, took the sinews from it, and strung a bow, and from a piece of flint made a arrow head, and the first time the buffalo attacked them, it was killed.
SON OF GOD.
The Apatches claim their father was the son of God and lived among the clouds with the Almighty. One day as their father was descending to the earth on a spider web, the Great Spirit sent a bolt of lightning and cut him in two; and out of one half of their Father, women grew, and children multiplied. The place of this remarkable occurrence is located across the "big water" in the Northwest, where the Indians crossed on the ice and came to this country.
All the traditions of the Apatches do prove that they came from the Northwest, and some even have a knowledge of Behring's Straight, where they claim their forefathers crossed. It is well established the Apatches have inhabited the mountains for more than a century; and it is the opinion of many that they are a part of the lost tribes of Israel, and the original pilgrims of this hemisphere.
We made it a point to visit the school of this Agency, also, and were well paid for the visit. The building is 1-1/4 miles from the Agent's house, and the school is conducted by Mr. A. J. Standing, a teacher of many years' experience among them. He had 62 pupils in the school, who were boarded, clothed, and cared for under his direction.
Mr. Standing took great interest in showing the advancement they had made while with him, and presented us with a number of specimens of writing and drawing, executed by the boys and girls.
With the older and younger members of the tribe, Agent Haworth seemed to be a favorite, and we were amused with the earnestness with which they examined the gray hairs of his beard to see if he would live long with them. They all know him as "Red Beard," the agent of Washington.
A very valuable article among them is the tooth of an elk. As most elks have no teeth, and never more than two, they are prized very highly, two teeth being worth one mule. We noticed a little girl, the daughter of a chief, who wore a sack on which were sewn 27 teeth, worth about $1,300, and were informed that another had one worth $2,100 according to their estimated value. A herd of thirty elk roam within forty miles of the Agency, but are rarely killed, owing to their remarkable instinct of avoiding their enemies.
On the road from the Cheyenne to the Wichita Agency, we saw 60 miles distant, with the naked eye, the elevated dome of Mount Scott, rising majestically above the horizon, surrounded by Mounts Sheridan and Medicine Bluff.
The first house after crossing the Canadian is that of George Washington's, a full blood Indian of considerable reputation, and formerly chief of the Caddos, of which tribe he is a member. During the war he fought against the Union Indians in the cause of the rebellion.
"In the summer of 1871, Caddo George, having had a field made, raised some corn to sell. He accordingly went to Shirley, the trader, and contracted his corn, and was furnished with a corn-sheller to shell it, and sacks to put it in. In due time the corn was delivered, which, from some cause, weighed unusually heavy. George, however, was paid in goods, at a heavy price, corresponding with the weight of the corn.
"When the sacks were emptied,--which was not done for several days,--a large stone was found in the middle of each sack, fully accounting for the great weight of the corn. George was called to an account by the trader, to whom he acknowledged that he had put the stones in the sacks.
"George stated that, having started on the white man's road, he thought it was a pretty good road, and was anxious to follow it up. He accordingly watched the white men, in order to learn it well. The trader had cheated him a great deal, and he thought it was part of the white man's road, and he would try and cheat him just a little. The logic was good, and George had been paid, the trader could recover nothing, and he had to consider the explanation satisfactory."
Among other good jokes told of George is that of an individual with whom he had traded horses and lost about $7.50, who stopped with him for dinner one day. After partaking of a hearty meal, he asked George what was his bill, when George replied in stuttering tones:
"Una, una, seven dollars una fifty cent."
"My G___d! For dinner?"
"Una, una, yes. You cheat me some day."
It don't do to refuse to pay board bills in that country, so the traveler had to come down with that amount.
The Kiowas are an exceedingly lively class of Indians, and are happy as long as they have plenty to eat. They relish quantity more than quality, and devour almost anything that a hog would eat, with great satisfaction. We witnessed the killing of a cow for beef. After shooting it a half dozen times in the shoulders and sides, the animal fell, and was soon divested of its hide. The meat was then cut from the bones, and part of the entrails saved. An unborn calf was cut open and its liver eaten raw while yet steaming with life.
Mothers picking and eating the insects from their children's heads, and other instances of filth unparalleled could be seen almost any time in the camps, and yet these Indians are far superior in manliness than those adjoining or near the settlements.
The wilder tribes are more honorable in war, and more faithful to promises than many of those nearer civilization. The language of the Kiowas cannot be interpreted; and in order to make their wants known, they talk Comanche, which is regarded as the predominent and standard language of the western portion of the Territory. Many speak Spanish, and all know the answer: "No savey,"--(don't understand), so commonly used in this country by the Chinese. "Wano," is good, and "chuckaway," something to eat. Many of the whites have abbreviated the word, and call it "chuck." All names of individuals have a meaning, and when anyone distinguishes him or herself, they are given a new name. "Ese-tike" is one of very peculiar meaning. "Ese"--wolf, and "tike,"--tail.
They call Sunday the white man's medicine day. To make medicine with them is to worship or call on Deity for assistance. They do not believe in future punishment, but are confident that all Indians go to Heaven, or the happy hunting ground, as they term it. They never speak the name of the dead, and are believers in spiritualism.
Among the Comanches is a man, who they claim performs miracles equal to those of our Saviour.
"The young medicine man makes bold pretensions. He claims that he has raised the dead to life. He is reported to have raised from his stomach nearly a wagonload of cartridges at one time, in the presence of several Comanches. He then swallowed them again, informing the Comanches that they need not fear the expenditure of ammunition in carrying on a war against the whites, as he can supply all their needs in that line. He can make medicine which will render it impossible for a Comanche to be killed, even though he stands just before the muzzles of the white man's guns. He ascends above the clouds far beyond the sun--the home of the Great Spirit, with whom he has often
conversed.
"He has done these things in open daylight, in the presence of many Comanches, remaining in the sky overnight, and coming back next day; he has been known to do this four times. In short, he has power to control the elements, to send wind, lightning, thunder, rain, and hail upon his enemies, and in no respect is he inferior to the Great Spirit.
"The main body of the Comanches believe all this, and are afraid to disobey him for fear of his medicine if they offend him. Horseback, who has hitherto been friendly, brought in and left his ambulance with the agent, and gone to the great medicine council. Some few are bold enough to brave his medicine, and remain near the Agency. What the result will be it is impossible to forecast; but in all probability, the Comanches will be led by him wheresoever he sees fit. It is seriously to be feared that he will lead them to destruction, in which many others may become involved.
"How this bold pretender succeeds in deluding the minds of this people may be understood from the following: It is given out that at a certain time he will visit the sun, the dwelling place of the Great Spirit. A number of prominent persons are in attendance as witnesses. He withdraws himself a short distance from them, charging them to look directly at the sun until he speaks to them, then to let their eyes slowly fall to the place where he is standing; as they do this, they will see dark bodies descend to receive him, with which he will ascend.
His directions being complied with, the dark objects descend to him, and being blinded by their continued gaze upon the orb of light, he bids them slowly raise their eyes, and the dark objects arise, while he conveys himself away, and keeps concealed until the time appointed for his return. These men, thoroughly deluded, believe and report that they saw him ascend to the sun."
While at the different Agencies, our resident minister, Rev. Fleming, who made a tour similar to our own through the Territory, with Mr. O. P. Houghton, some time since, was highly spoken of and requests made that he should repeat his visit.
Corn at the Wichita Agency retails at 40 cents per bushel. Flour retails at $6 to $8 per 100 pounds. Hay by contracts, $7 per ton. Apples sixty cents per dozen. Ponies from $20 to $40 each.
Fort Sill is a military post of some importance, and frequently numbers 1,000 inhabitants. The buildings are built of stone in a very substantial manner, and would afford strong defense against an attack. There is a store, one hotel, one photograph gallery, one saloon and billiard hall, a barber shop, several laundries, besides a number of officers' residences and soldiers' quarters. A telegraph line extends to Jackborro, Texas, and while they are a long ways from civilization, they enjoy many advantages. Every two or three weeks, the soldiers give an entertainment of a theatrical nature, and dull time is driven away by the sports of horse racing and hunting game. The location is good, healthy, and very pleasant. They have a tri-weekly mail from Caddo, on the M. K. & T. Railway, and a tri-weekly from Wichita, Kansas. A new contract has been agreed upon by which the time required from Wichita to Sill is but forty-eight hours. The fare by stage between Caldwell and Sill is $20. From Caldwell to Cheyenne Agency $15. To Wichita Agency $18.
After remaining eight days at the Kiowa and Comanche Agency, we turned our faces homeward and drove about five miles, when we met a pack mule heavily loaded, with a white canvass over his load, making it appear as large as a small-sized elephant. Before we could give our horses an introduction to the harmless beast, they reared, plunged, and finally whirled round and started to run. As they wheeled, the pole of the wagon snapped off and the vehicle almost upset. We held on like grim death to a dying nigger, and by the timely assistance of our companion, were prevented from being dragged over the dashboard. The animals at last subsided and we crawled out to take an invoice of damages.
Finding we could not proceed, we straddled one horse, and leading the other, returned to the Agency after a wagon to draw ours in with. Agent Haworth, as usual, tendered his assistance, and before night Wm. Wikes, the carpenter, and David McBride, the blacksmith, had our vehicle ready to proceed with. The next morning we started again, avoiding everything in the shape of pack mules, and made a pleasant drive back to the Wichita Agency, where we met Theodore Moore, Howard, and Simms, going to Sill, and Jack Seaman, McCoy, and Hank Reed, just starting.
At ten o'clock the next day, we were on our road again and drove to George Washington's and stopped for the night. Bright and early the morning of the next day, we were again in our wagon, and reached Cheyenne Agency before noon, where we were entertained by Agent Miles for dinner.
Mr. Miles was in the height of enjoyment, as he had but recently been the recipient of a ten pound boy. (Babies weight two pounds more in the Territory than in this vicinity.) Before leaving we visited the school building, but did not have the opportunity of seeing the school in session as it was Saturday, and the children had gone home. They have 114 pupils enrolled. The school house is a very clean, and in a commodious building, well heated and ventilated. Mr. Miles is a thorough businessman and good financier. He has recommended to the Department that the Indians be awarded the contract for transporting their own goods, and has a bill before Congress to that effect.
Lee & Reynolds, at this Agency, will buy 10,000 buffalo hides of the white hunters this winter and hire the Indians to tan them, paying $3 for the tanning of each robe. A squaw can tan four a week.
The plan is a good one and meets the hearty approval of the Agent, as it will net them $30,000.
We drove from Cheyenne Agency to Jones' ranche during the remainder of the day, overtaking L. C. Norton, R. B. Scott,
B. Hyde, and Coffey at the Cimarron. After supper we took a turkey hunt by star light, but after wandering a distance of twelve miles and seeing but one bird, we returned to the ranche at 1 o'clock pretty well fatigued.
The next morning by daylight we were on our way again, and drove to Uncle Tom's cabin by twelve, and prepared to take dinner, when to our sorrow, our bread and cake had all molded during our long stay at Sill, and as we had managed to reach a ranch each meal time, we had not noticed it. What was to be done? Ninety miles from nowhere, no chuck, nothing to make any; and no friends. With a face as long as an ordinary bootjack, we implored Uncle Tom to bake us two loaves of bread, promising good pay. He did it in just an hour, and we were not long in starting again. Uncle Tom lives on Long Branch--so called from the fact it takes so long to find it.
We had proceeded but a few miles from our dining place when a fearful storm arose, accompanied by rain. Being anxious to get home, we kept on until our overcoats were soaked with water. A cold north wind with hail and snow then set in, and our faces were beaten blue with hail stones, and coats frozen on our backs, before we reached timber and a good camping place.
In camp we soon had a good fire, dried our clothes, and made our bed in the wagon, and were soon warm and fast asleep, notwithstanding we had been told that the Endicott boys had been murdered and scalped by Indians a few days before, near the same place. We were then in the treacherous Osage country, and used discretion accordingly, although we had no apprehensions of trouble.
The next day was equally cold, but the snow was not falling so fast. After a tedious drive of only 35 miles over a muddy road, we arrived home in time for supper, having eaten the last of our supplies early in the morning.
All in all, the trip was an enjoyable one, as well as profitable in the way of experience; and one that we shall be glad to repeat at no distant day. To parties who have never made a trip through a wild, unbroken prairie country, it would be relished beyond comparison. Early in the spring, after the grass is well started, or in the fall before cold weather, would be the best time to go.
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