C. Louis Crapster.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, February 1, 1873.
Teacher’s Report. To the Clerk of Public School Board of Winfield, Kansas, for the month ending Jan. 25th, 1873.
Whole number enrolled, 104.
UPPER ROOM.
Average daily attendance, 31.
Roll of Honor. Cora E. Andrews, Luella Blandin, M. Callie Blandin, Adida V. Boucher, P. Nellie Covert, C. Louis Crapster, F. Ella Freeland, Lydia A. Kenworthy, Mary L. Koehler, Jessie Millington, Anna Newman, Nettie C. Quarles, Ida B. Weir, R. Nellie Wiggan, Fred C. Hunt, Frank E. Howard, Frank A. Howland, I. Ernest Johnson, H. Eddie Likowski, Wm. Dean Menor, Holiday H. Menor, O. Orlando Menor, Harold H. Mansfield, Addison F. Powers, Charles E. Weathers.
Burt Crapster.
Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.
Mr. Brettun, grandfather, and Burt Crapster, a cousin of Chas. Black, arrived in town yesterday evening. They expect to spend the winter here.
Winfield Courier, November 26, 1874.
A small conflagration, which might have been more serious but for the energetic efforts of those present, occurred last Saturday evening at the store of C. C. Black. Shortly after the lamps were lighted in the evening, Charley Harter bethought him that the chandelier needed filling, and being at the time in the oil business, having just drawn some for a customer, he took a quart measure and proceeded to replenish the illuminator. While thus engaged the oil in the measure unexpectedly ignited from one of the burners, and Charley, with the blazing can grasped firmly in his fist, glided swiftly toward the door. The air from without upon coming in contact with the flames carried them back into the face of the torch-bearer, and compelled him to deposit his burden upon the floor. His somewhat excited tones brought J. J. Ellis to the rescue with a couple of blankets, which he spread over the blaze, overturning the can, and giving the flames a new impetus.
The excitement now became intense, as the window curtain went up like a flash and the fire started along the counter. Jack Cruden pushed the calico from the counter, and grasped a blanket with which to whip the fire into submission.
Tom Braidwood pulled down and dragged out the line upon which was suspended shawls, scarfs, etc., while Ellis leaped the counter and rescued the mosquito bar which hung in front of the shelves.
Just at this juncture a new actor appeared upon the scene in the shape of Burt Crapster staggering under the weight of a pail of water in each hand, a skillful application of which put a dampener upon the ardor of the flames, and quiet was soon restored.
The total loss amounted to about twenty-five dollars.
This experience goes to show that while blankets may be just the thing for extinguishing blazing coal oil, water is what is needed for gasoline. It is a well known fact, also, that as a fire extinguisher, water has but few superiors, and one pail-full at the commencement of a fire is worth a cistern-full when the flames are well underway, and as no precaution has as yet been taken by our citizens, we would suggest that each businessman follow the example of Charley Black by keeping a full barrel of water standing at their doors ready for use in case of an emergency.
We hope our citizens will attend to this matter without further delay. Remember the adage, "An ounce of preventative is worth a pound of cure."
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1875.
Mr. S. L. Brettun and family, who have been visiting Charlie Black, of this place, left for their home in Illinois last Monday morning. Burt Crapster went with them, and will attend college there this summer.
Brettun Crapster.
[DISTRICT COURT DOCKET.]
Winfield Courier, March 23, 1876.
District Court Docket.
The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the April term A. D. 1876, of the District Court of Cowley, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY. Brettun Crapster vs. S. D. Williams.
Burt [Bert] Crapster.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
Burt Crapster returned from Chicago last Friday night. While there he took a run down to Philadelphia, viewed the Centennial for a few hours, became discouraged, and started back the next day. The exposition had no charms for him.
[EVENING STAR CLUB.]
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1876.
Frank Gallotti was appointed a committee of one on bylaws. Balloting was then had on the following candidates, resulting in their election to full membership: J. Wade McDonald, James Hill, Bert Crapster, Wilbur Dever, O. M. Seward, Fred Hunt, and Chas. Harter. The Club met last evening but we have not learned what additional business it transacted. We wish the association unlimited success, in its hitherto unoccupied field.
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876.
A hunting party consisting of Jim Brown, Charles Harter, Burt Crapster, Geo. Miller, and Virgil Harter returned from the Indian Territory last Friday loaded with turkey, duck, deer, buffalo, kangaroo, elephants, and such other wild animals as that country afforded. That’s the way the story is told now, but the other Charlie Harter tells is that they took away a load of beans, flour, pickles, and provisions and brought back one large bird without any feathers, so that it was impossible to tell whether it was a turkey with a sir name or not. The boys had a good time visiting the Agency by moonlight.
Brettun Crapster.
[COWLEY COUNTY TRIAL DOCKET.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877. Front Page.
The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the May term of the District Court, of Cowley County, to be begun and held on the first Monday, 7th day of May, A. D. 1877, and have been placed on the Trial docket in the following order.
CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY: Brettun Crapster vs. Stephen D. Williams.
Bert Crapster.
Winfield Courier, April 5, 1877.
A few days since Uncle Billy Rogers and Bert Crapster started for the Black Hills. They stopped in Leavenworth for a few days for the purpose of purchasing a saw mill, which they intend running at Deadwood City. We wish them much success in their enterprise.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
We are under obligation to Bert Crapster for several copies of the daily and weekly Black Hills Times, and also copies of the weekly Black Hills Pioneer. They are both neat and well printed twenty column papers.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
We understand from a private source that Bert Crapster has purchased a third interest in an extensive Black Hills gold mine. A small amount of gold dust has been received from this mine, by letter, by a party in this city.
Note: Most of the time they spell it "Burt" instead of "Bert" Crapster.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1877.
We learn through private source that Bert Crapster will soon leave Deadwood, in the Black Hills, for the Big Horn country. He says that he knows of over one hundred persons from Cowley County in the Hills and that "but one of them is a dollar ahead." "Black Hills heap d n fraud."
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1877.
We understand that Bert Crapster is engaged in the wholesale dry goods business in Rock Island, Illinois. The name of the firm of which he is a member is H. C. Wivill & Co. We wish him success in his new undertaking.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
Bert Crapster is in town again, staying with Charley Black.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
On last Tuesday morning, Messrs. L. J. Webb, Jay Page, Bert Crapster, and others whose names we have not learned, started for a grand hunt in the Indian Territory. They will return next Saturday.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
Winfield Socially.
The coming winter bids fair to be the most pleasant, socially, that Winfieldians have ever experienced. Many changes have taken place in the circle of young folks since the good old frontier days. New and attractive young ladies and gentlemen have settled amongst us, giving to Winfield an air of city life and gaiety when they meet "in convention assembled." The recent Thanksgiving ball was followed so closely by Miss Kate Millington’s "dancing party," and both so largely attended, that the indications are that those "who look for pleasure can hope to find it here" this winter. The last mentioned party, to use a stereotyped expression, was a "brilliant success." Probably of all the gay and charming gatherings that have "tripped the fantastic," etc., in our city, this was the most pleasant. The music was excellent, the refreshments good, and the polite and attentive demeanor of the fair hostess most agreeable.
The following persons were fortunate enough to be present at this party: Judge W. P. Campbell, of Wichita; W. W. Walton, of Topeka; Herman Kiper, of Atchison; Fred C. Hunt, W. C. Walker, Bert Crapster, Ed. P. Greer, Charley Harter, J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. J. Holloway, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Harter, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Earnest, Mr. and Mrs. James Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Thompson, Miss Ina Daniels, S. Suss, Josephine E. Mansfield, G. E. Walker, Mary McGaughy, M. B. Wallis, Fannie Wallis, Wilbur Dever, Maggie J. Dever, W. C. Root, Jennie Hahn, W. Gillellen, Mattie Coldwell, J. N. Harter, Carrie Olds, T. C. Copeland, Katie McGaughy, O. M. Seward, Nora Coldwell, Dr. Strong, Amie Bartlett.
Brettun Crapster.
[COWLEY COUNTY COURT PROCEEDINGS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 15, 1878.
Court Proceedings.
[From the Cowley County Telegram.]
The following is a report of the disposal of the cases which have come up so far during this term.
Brettun Crapster vs. Clara E. Houx, et al, settled.
Burt [Bert] Crapster.
Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.
Bert Crapster locals for the Telegram now and he can be found any day leaning against a corner desperately chewing the end of a No. 2 Faber.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 12, 1878.
Forty Young Visitors.
The liveliest and jolliest crowd of young folks that we have seen for some time drove into this place last Friday evening and took supper at the Central Avenue Hotel. There were twenty couples of fair women and brave men, all in the best of spirits, and as chuck full of fun as they could be. The party had held a picnic several miles out from Winfield, and concluded the day by making a drive to this place. We were called on by several—something like forty—and extended what hospitalities we had on hand, afterwards escorting the parties through the streets to prevent them from being lost on the many avenues. If time had permitted, Captain Walton would have tendered them an excursion down to the island, but the hour was too late.
It was a sight worth seeing to see the fair young ladies, as charming as angels, their faces ruddy with the glow of blooming youth. We have seen the Southern blondes, the Baltimore princesses, the Green Mountain girls, and the pride of the West; but these Cowley County damsels excel in beauty, affability, exquisiteness, and all those things that make woman the noblest work of God. Among the party were:
Misses Kate Millington, Jessie Millington, Minnie H. Finney, Nora Coldwell, Mattie Coldwell, Frances E. Wallace, Emma Saint, Carrie Olds, Jennie Hans, Tinnie H. Finney, Sarah E. Aldrich, Kate E. Holloway, Lizzie Kinne, May A. Hudson, E. Green, D. Emerson.
Messrs. Suss, J. N. Harter, George W. Robinson, W. C. Root, M. B. Wallis, William Hudson, W. J. Wilson, Burt Crapster, C. C. Harris, W. C. Robinson, M. Gillelan, J. N. Holloway, E. H. Bliss, C. Emerson, O. M. Seward, A. D. Speed, and of course, Frank Baldwin and Ed. Clisbee. There were others whom we have at this writing forgotten. We hope to see them all again on a similar errand, only let us know in time so that we can receive you into our arms and good graces—the gentlemen, we mean, for the ladies may object.
Winfield Courier, June 20, 1878.
Bert Crapster has gone to Illinois to spend the 4th.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
B. B. Crapster has purchased the materials and will start a new paper at Winfield. Four newspapers in Cowley County will be an "elegant sufficiency" for all practical purposes.
W. V. Times.
Always go away from home to find out what you are doing at home. Bert owns some jobbing materials and press, but we don’t think he intends to start a new paper. This is a free country and friend Crapster has as good a right to start a paper as anyone.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 14, 1878.
Burt Crapster was here Monday night and shook hands all around. Ed. Clisbee, Seward, Suss, Harter, Dr. Emerson, Speed, Harris, Prof. Robinson, and Root were here also, each one
attended with a lady.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 16, 1878.
S. S. Majors, R. L. Walker, Bert Crapster, O. M. Seward, Suss and Speed, and Frank Baldwin and lady were all here last Wednesday.
Winfield Courier, October 24, 1878.
Office of the Secretary of the Walnut Valley Fair Association.
WINFIELD, KANS., Oct. 18, 1878.
To the officers, stockholders, and patrons of the above named association: I have the honor to submit herewith a detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements of the association from its organization to the present time, as per order of the Executive Board dated Oct. 17th, 1878.
[Interesting with regard to people named under disbursements.]
A. Brown, work on grounds; F. M. Freeland, work on grounds; J. Mentch, work on grounds; H. Whistler, work on grounds; W. C. Hayden, work on grounds; P. Gardner, work on grounds; M. W. Brown, work; Mrs. Andrews, rent of ground; Sam’l. Trowbridge, race track; Jas. Benson, race track; Jas. M. Riser, police; Isaac Davis, police; J. W. Beal, police; C. C. Cruck, police; W. R. Sears, police work; J. E. Bates, police; A. W. Jones, police; Geo. Klaus; J. C. McCollum, police; Cyrus Walker, police; E. S. Eades, police; Perry Martin, police; J. W. Beal, work on track; J. F. Force, gate keeper; John Snyder, police; H. Grommes, police; Bert Crapster, chief police; D. A. Millington, printing; J. H. Raney, clerk; W. O. Lippscomb, clerk; Baird Bros., merchandise; S. M. Jarvis, asst. marshal; H. Jochems, nails, etc.; J. VanDoren, police; Brown & Glass, stationery; S. H. Myton, hardware; F. M. Freeland, hay; D. F. Jones, premium; Jas. Benson, premium; A. Brown, premium; S. G. Miles [? Mills ?], premium; Wm. Allison, premium; W. Ensign, entrance money forfeited; W. C. Hayden, police; McCommon & Harter, books; W. C. Hayden, work on grounds; Ed. Nicholson, police; Wallis & Wallis, goods; L. C. Hyde, carpenter work; John Reynolds, hauling; W. C. Hayden, work on grounds; Lynn & Gillelen, goods; John Moffitt, lumber; Geo. H. Crippen use of band; John Moffitt, fencing; Will Allison, diploma.
Winfield Courier, November 7, 1878.
Last Friday the Gun Club had their first glass ball shooting match with the following score. This is the first shoot and the score is not very good, but we hope that the next score will give a better showing. Dick Gates carried off the leather medal.
Cannot put scores down: too complicated. Club participants were E. Hersinger (not in town), James Vance, Bert Crapster, F. C. Nomnsen, Frank Manny, B. M. Terrell, Chas. Steuven, Dick Gates.
Winfield Courier, November 7, 1878.
Fair Warning.
After this date any person or persons guilty of trapping or netting prairie chicken or quail or killing game out of season in this county, will be fined to the full extent of the law. Five dollars reward will be paid to anyone giving reliable information of the same.
By order of the Winfield gun club. FRED HERSINGER, President.
BERT CRAPSTER, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, November 21, 1878.
Scores given for gun club meeting called the "glass ball shooting" last Friday. Participants listed: Bert Crapster, F. C. Nomnsen, Frank Manny, B. M. Terrell. "And now the shining leather medal hangs upon the heaving bosom of Bert Crapster."
Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.
The score of the shooting match last Thursday is as follows: Dick Gates, 10; Frank Manny, 9; James Vance, 9; Charles Steuven, 9; B. M. Terrill, 5; Bert. Crapster, 2; S. Suss, 3; Ed. Clisbee, 2; F. Nomnsen, 1.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
The score of the shooting match last Friday is as follows: Fred Heisinger, 8; James Vance, 9; Bert. Crapster, 3; Chas. Stueven, 6; S. Suss, 4; C. C. Wallis, 7. For want of glass balls, they had to content themselves with shooting at apples.
Now it becomes very confusing. Instead of Bert or Burt, the following shows Bret.
Is it possible that "Bert" or "Burt" is really Brettun Crapster???
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1879.
Winfield Amateur Dramatic Association.
The Winfield Amateur Dramatic Association gave one of their best entertainments on Monday evening, which was well attended. The play was the "Streets of New York."
The cast was as follows.
Badger: W. M. Allison.
Gideon Bloodgood: Geo. Walker.
Adam Fairweather: Geo. W. Robinson.
Paul: Fred Hunt.
Mark Livingston: W. R. Stivers.
Puffy: T. A. Wilkinson.
Dan: W. J. Wilson.
Edward: Bret Crapster.
Mrs. Fairweather: Miss Jessie Millington.
Mrs. Puffy: Miss Clara Brass.
Lucy: Miss Minnie Bacon.
Alida: Miss Kate Millington.
The play was one of peculiar interest and the characters were well sustained, the sufferings of the poor in our large cities being well depicted.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.
Bret. Crapster, ye local of the Telegram, has returned from his visit East. We suppose that he has accumulated a "fu of humor and a store of wit" with which he will embellish the columns of the Telegram for the next two or three weeks.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
NEW DEMOCRATIC PAPER.
On the first day of April—all fool’s day—Winfield and Cowley County will boast of something it never had before, and that is a full fledged Democratic paper.
The Telegram will be changed from a seven column mongrel sheet to a nine column folio, printed on a power press. The new machinery arrived on Thursday last, purchased by Mr. Crapster on his late visit east.—[Semi-Weekly.]
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.
Mr. Kretsinger has retired from the editorial staff of the Telegram, Mr. Crapster now being the sole driver of the local quill. Mr. Kretsinger is a spicy writer and did good service during his short career as local editor.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.
Council met in regular session Monday evening.
Bills of Conklin Bros. of $53.76, and Allison & Crapster of $54.75, for city printing, presented and referred to committee on Finance.
[COWLEY COUNTY TELEGRAM.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.
The Cowley County Telegram came out last week in a new dress throughout and enlarged to a thirty-six column paper. It is now the size of the largest Wichita papers, beautiful in appearance and almost faultless in mechanical execution. It is printed on a new cylinder press, which seems to work admirably. The number last week was largely filled with a description and history of Cowley County and notices of the businessmen of Winfield, and was issued in an extra large edition. We congratulate our neighbors Allison & Crapster on their evident prosperity.
With such a competitor the COURIER will have to "look to its laurels."
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1879.
The following young folks came down from Winfield on the Fourth: Dave Harter and Miss Minnie Bacon, Bret. Crapster and Miss Bonnie Anderson, R. W. Dever and Miss Jennie Hane, Will Houser and Miss Maggie Dever, Fred Hunt and Miss Sarah Hodges, A. D. Speed and Miss Thompson, W. C. Robinson and Miss Minnie Cappts, Jas. Miller and Miss Minnie Hyden, A. V. Wilkinson and Miss Cora Hyden.
Winfield Courier, January 15, 1880.
The army is well represented at Topeka this week. Gen. Green, Captains Bacon aand Steuven, Lieutenants Finch, Friend, Hoenscheidt, Greer, and Crapster represent the troops stationed at Winfield. In case war is declared before they return, they will go right in and not wait for the consent of their wives and sweethearts.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 9, 1880.
C. C. Black has purchased Bret Crapster’s interest in the Telegram.
Winfield Courier, June 10, 1880.
Bert Crapster has sold his interest in the Telegram to Chas. C. Black; and that paper will hereafter be conducted by Messrs. Allison & Black. Mr. Black is one of our best citizens, and will materially strengthen the Telegram both editorially and financially.
[Bert Crapster is mentioned in following story.]
[RAILROAD IN NEW MEXICO: REPORT FROM MRS. ADA SAINT.]
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
Mrs. Ada Saint, writing from Las Vegas, New Mexico, gives an interesting account of the time she had in getting there, from which we extract the following.
"Talk about this being a dry country. When I left Newton it was raining, and has rained most of the time since. I arrived at Trinidad at 4 o’clock the next morning, and there Ex came on board and found me asleep. We took breakfast at Raton and the train went on as far as Tipton, where the telegraph reported washouts ahead. Tipton is a board with the name on it and a telegraph box. Here we remained until late dinner time, when the train went back to Raton for dinner. We put up at the hotel. The landlord treated us splendidly, gave us his best room, the best seats at the table, and personally attended to our wants.
"Next morning (Thursday) another train arrived from the east, bringing Mrs. T. A. Wilkinson and her children. In the evening T. A. came down from Springer and met his family here. Next morning we went forward again in the train. At Springer, T. A. and family stopped off. Mrs. Wilkinson had a coal oil stove with her and did her own cooking. We got to Tipton again about noon, where orders to stop were received, and we waited on the train until night without dinner and had a lunch for the children. The train then backed to Wagon Mound, the next station, for supper. We were not expected and no supper was prepared. While waiting the train had orders to go on again, and we were so anxious to get ahead that we were willing to give up the supper and start at once. We had not moved foward more than a mile when we came to a bridge over a creek bed, which was perfectly dry when we crossed it less than an hour before, but we found it now a big river swelled so as to submerge the bridge and track out of sight, and we could not tell whether it was a wash-out or not. I never saw or heard of such a thing before. The water rushed and roared so we could hardly hear each other’s voices.
"We waited over an hour, when the water had subsided so that we could see the track, and the train then moved over safely, though we thought it very risky. We reached Tipton again and there the train got orders to stop overnight and then go back to Wagon Mound for breakfast; for, as the dispatch said, all the work just done to repair the wash-out in Moro Canon had been washed out again. It rained heavily all night.
"In the morning, when the train was about to move back to Wagon Mound, we heard that the track had washed out a mile or two back. The engineer went back with his engine to examine, and when he got there, found it true; and in attempting to return, found another wash-out between his engine and his train so that he could not get out either way, and we were without an engine and remained there on the train all day, living in the Tanner style.
"Finally the track was repaired between us and Wagon Mound and we got back there, where we stayed two days and devoured every edible about the place, climbed mountains, visited adobe houses, and had a gay time generally.
"The train then was finally ordered back to Springer, where we arrived Sunday night. Here we met Bert Crapster; I suppose he has told you about it. Sunday night was an awful time. The passenger cars in the train were two common cars and two sleepers. Nearly all the men on the two common cars and some on the sleepers were out in town and got on a big drunk and came noisily back to the train toward morning. Monday night the town was out of beer, but there was a freight car on the track loaded with kegs of beer. The crowd selected a number of men who pretended to be tramps and broke into the beer car; and then there was another big drunk. There were two or three who belonged to our sleeper. The conductor refused to let them come into the car in that condition; but they drew their pistols and secured their entrance. They made an awful racket and I was nearly scared to death.
"On Tuesday evening the train was ordered forward to Moro Canon, where the passengers would be transferred. We arrived at the canon about dark and had to walk a quarter of a mile and cross the river on a foot bridge. The walking was good. Ex carried Rene over and the porter carried Jesse. Here we met the Rev. J. E. Platter. (He promised to tell you about it.) It took a long time to get the baggage all transferred, as it had to be carried by men across the foot bridge; but at last it was over, and we arrived here at Las Vegas at two o’clock in the night. Here the train not being expected, all was quiet and we started to walk to the nearest hotel; but meeting a carriage, we took possession, went to the old town, and put up at the Summer House. On the whole I have enjoyed all this very much. The railroad employees have been very kind and helpful."
Winfield Courier, August 26, 1880.
It is reported that Bert Crapster has got a situation as hotel clerk at Caldwell. We saw him in Winfield last Monday.
Winfield Courier, October 7, 1880.
Bert Crapster has returned from Caldwell. And will remain permanently with us.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 3, 1880.
The ball given by the A. C. S. Club at the Central Avenue Hotel last Friday was largely attended, and being the initial hop, augurs that the club will meet with a glorious season. The elite of Winfield, represented by Misses Kate and Jessie Millington, Miss Laura Watson, Miss Grace Scovill, Miss Minnie Bacon, Miss Cole and Messrs. C. C. Harris, W. J. Wilson, L. Pence, D. Harter, B. Crapster, J. Hyden, Burke, and E. G. Cole, contributed largely to the enjoyment of the evening. Supper was served at midnight, after which dancing was resumed until three a.m., when the votaries of Terpsichore sought the arms of Morpheus and dreams in which the jollities of the evening were rehearsed.
[DEATH OF S. L. BRETTUN.]
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
The Moline (Illinois) Review-Dispatch of April 22nd contains the following notice of the death of Soranus L. Brettun, which is doubtless correct, though no information of the kind has been received from C. C. Black, who was there at the time named. It is with deep regret that we have to make this announcement.
Mr. Brettun has been a friend to Winfield, where he has invested large sums of money and made some of our grandest improvements and we had learned to regard him as a citizen of this place, and a man of enterprise, a warm hearted and courteous friend and a true gentleman of the old school. The citizens of Winfield will deeply sympathize with the bereaved.
"Mr. S. L. Brettun, of this place, died last night at nine o’clock. Funeral tomorrow, Sunday afternoon at one o’clock, from his late residence. His disease was lung fever. Mr. Brettun was born in Livermore, Maine, May 11, 1806, and was in his seventy-fifth year. He came to this place in 1837, and has been actively engaged in business ever since. His wife is still living, and they have three grandchildren living: Mr. C. C. Black, of Winfield, Kansas; Mr. Brettun Crapster, of Kansas City, Mo.; and Miss Louise Crapster, who is living with her grandmother. Mr. Brettun has held many offices of trust in this county, and his death will be universally regretted. During the past few years Mr. Brettun has invested largely in Kansas real estate. His own children are the late Mrs. Francis Black, of Hamilton; Mrs. Dr. Crapster, of St. Louis; and Clarence, who was drowned in early boyhood."
[REPORT FROM "MRS. RUSTIC" - FLORAL.]
Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881.
JUNE 3, 1881.
Mr. Read has purchased from Mr. Crapster the property across the street from his store; he has also purchased the forty acres on the hill north of Floral, formerly owned by Mr. Cole.
Louise Crapster.
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
Mrs. Brettun and granddaughter, Miss Louise Crapster, have returned to Winfield to remain a year. They are stopping at the Olds House until the Brettun is in running order.
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
A merry party consisting of the gayest of her gay young people assembled at Miss Roland’s on last Saturday evening and proceeded to the residence of Mrs. A. T. Spotswood for the purpose of a complete surprise party to Miss Nettie McCoy, who leaves this week for a visit to her home in New Jersey. The following were present: Mr. and Mrs. Albro, Mr. and Mrs. Bahntge, Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. George Whitney, and Mr. and Mrs. Garvey; Misses Amelia and Clara Garvey of Topeka, Jennie Hane, May Roland, Allie Klingman, Sarah Hodges, Louise Crapster, Ida McDonald, Amanda Scothorn, Margie Wallis, and Jessie Millington; and Messrs. Davis, Dever, Hunt, Baldridge, Harris, W. A. Smith, W. C. Robinson, Dr. Gunn, and Bahntge.
Bert Crapster.
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
Bert Crapster makes a most bewitching hotel clerk. We give him this puff because he trusted us for 10 cents the other day.
Louise [Lou] Crapster.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
Hon. Charles C. Black and wife, Mrs. Brettun, his grandmother, and Miss Lou Crapster, his cousin started Tuesday for Hampton, Illinois, where most of the party will spend the summer. The last named started suddenly and left her bangs.
Bert Crapster.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1882.
ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.
Bert Crapster supped at the City Hotel Sunday. It is the first visit Bert has made us for some time.
[Louise Crapster Bangs.]
Arkansas City Traveler, October 4, 1882.
TO BE MARRIED. Arthur Bangs left on the morning train Monday, for Hampton, Illinois, where we understand, he will be united in wedlock to Miss Lou Crapster. We welcome Arthur to the matrimonial realms; Arthur is a Bang-up young man of the strictest integrity and honesty, and one who commands the respect of every one. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Bangs all the joy that can possibly be attained in this world. Telegram.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
MARRIED. Arthur Bangs and his bride, nee Miss Crapster, arrived home from the East Monday evening and were met by a number of their friends. Arthur carries his honors grace-fully but bashfully. He will get used to it after awhile.
Brettun Crapster.
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
A Monumental Fraud,
With an Attempt to Make Anti-Prohibition Capital,
And Establish Glickeries in Winfield.
A PETITION AND REPLY.
The following petition was circulated last week by Frank Manny, taken to Topeka, and presented by him to Senator Hackney.
One of those who signed petition: Brettun Crapster.
Arkansas City Republican, February 21, 1885.
The Bonham Triple Homicide.
Arthur Bangs, A. E. Baird, Bert Crapster, James McLain, F. M. Freeland, and others whose names we did not get, were subpoenaed from here to testify in the murder case of Frank Bonham at Independence. Bonham is charged with the most revolting murder that ever stained the annals of Kansas. As we noted last week, the mother, sister, and brother of Bonham were found in bed at their home near Radical City, Montgomery County, one morning recently covered with blood, having been brained and stabbed to death with a hatchet and butcher knife, probably while asleep. Frank Bonham claimed to have been in Winfield the night of the murder, but the sheriff of Montgomery County, on investigation, found that he was not here for two days afterward, when he sat up one night in the office of the Brettun and registered the next day at the Commercial. He also bought some articles of clothing at the New York Store, and talked with Mr. Baird. These circumstances were what led to the subpoenaing of the parties from here. The trial was continued to the 26th, when our folks will have to make another trip. James McLain says that nothing but Bonham’s previous good character keeps him from "pulling hemp." Bonham is a youth of twenty-two. Develop-ments seem likely to fasten this crime upon him. Winfield Courier.
Kansas 1875 Census, Winfield Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name age sex color Place/birth Where from
C. C. Black 22 m w Illinois Illinois
Marian E. Black 22 f w New York New York
Charlotte E. Black 2m f w Kansas
Bretton Crapster 19 m w Illinois Illinois