This file gave me fits until I finally figured the sequence of events to the building in which the people involved were situated in Winfield.
Occupant No. 1: Harry Bahntge.
Location of Building: Southwest Corner of Main Street and Tenth Street.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
Mr. H. Bahntge has bought the lot southwest corner of Main and tenth streets, and will immediately erect a brick and stone building 25 x 100 feet, two stories.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
SEALED PROPOSALS for building a stone and brick building. Plans and specifications to be seen at the Williams Hotel. Owner to receive or reject all bids. H. BAHNTGE.
[REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.]
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
J. E. Platter and wife to H. Bahntge, lot 1, block 110, Winfield, $1,000.
Winfield Courier, September 12, 1878.
Bahntge's new brick building is up to the second story and will soon be completed.
Winfield Courier, October 3, 1878.
L. J. Webb has rented the front rooms in Bahntge's new building for his law office, and until they are completed, he is stopping temporarily in Judge Coldwell's office.
Winfield Courier, October 24, 1878.
The dry goods department of the new store in Bahntge's new building opened up in grand style Tuesday morning. The grocery department will open up for business next Saturday.
Bahntge's building principally known as a "Grocery Store."
Occupants No. 2: W. R. McDonald and M. A. Walton.
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
Bahntge & Bro. have sold out their splendid property, corner of 10th and Main, to a Mr. McDonald.
Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.
Mr. McDonald is fixing up the building which he recently purchased from Harry Bahntge, preparatory to opening his stock of goods. He will be ready for business about May 1st.
Winfield Courier, June 2, 1881.
Messrs. McDonald & Walton opened their store for business last Friday. They have a very fine stock, and their store looks as neat as any in the city.
Winfield Courier, June 23, 1881.
M. A. Walton, of the firm of McDonald & Walton, started for the east on Tuesday last.
He will be away until September.
Winfield Courier, August 18, 1881.
Dr. S. B. Stidger, of Cameron, West Virginia, is visiting with Mr. McDonald's family.
Winfield Courier, August 25, 1881.
McDonald, of McDonald and Walton, has gone to Colorado to see the hills and the holes in the ground and to get a breath of cool air.
Winfield Courier, August 25, 1881.
W. R. McDonald, accompanied by Dr. Stidger, who has been visiting Mr. McDonald's family during the past week, started Monday for Pueblo, Colorado, on a trip of both pleasure and business.
Winfield Courier, September 15, 1881.
McDonald, of McDonald & Walton, is home again and the promised goods are coming in endless variety.
Winfield Courier, October 20, 1881.
McDONALD & WALTON, CORNER 10TH AVE. AND MAIN ST., Complete assortment of Dress Goods, Cloaks, Skirts, Dolmans, Hosiery, Yarns, Underwear, Notions, Flannels, etc.
Cowley County Courant, February 23, 1882.
Mr. McDonald, of the firm of McDonald & Walton, has purchased the Jochems's property for $2,500.
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
Last Saturday evening a large number of the businessmen of Winfield met at the Brettun House and organized an association that will be of more practical benefit to businessmen and the trading public generally then anything that has yet been proposed. The matter has been talked of for some time, but recent events brought it to a focus, of which the "Merchants and Business Men's Protective Association" is the outcome. The following gentlemen were present and assisted in the organization.
A. H. Doane, R. E. Wallis, J. A. McGuire, Will Hudson, A. E. Baird, W. J. Hodges, H. Brotherton, J. M. Dever, J. P. Baden, J. L. Hodges, R. E. Sydal, Lou Harter, Ed. P. Greer, J. B. Lynn, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, D. L. Kretsinger, A. T. Spotswood, S. W. Hughes, J. S. Mann, W. B. Pixley, W. R. McDonald, A. D. Hendricks, Col. Wm. Whiting, J. G. Shreves, J. W. Batchelder, J. L. Horning, T. R. Timme, J. L. Rinker, J. P. Short, B. F. Wood, J. A. Cooper.
A committee consisting of the officers and a committee of eight or ten members were appointed to draft constitution and by-laws to be presented at the next meeting to be held at A. H. Doane & Co.'s office Thursday evening. The object of the organization is for mutual protection against the class of men who obtain credit at one place as long as possible, then change to another, and so on around, and for heading off dead-beats of every kind. A list of all those who are in arrears at the different stores will be made out by each merchant and filed with the secretary, who will furnish each member with a complete list of all who obtain credit and the amount. Then, when a person desires to buy goods on time, the merchant can go to his list, find out how many other firms in town he owes, and how long the account has been running. If he finds that the person desiring credit owes every other merchant in town, he can safely make up his mind that he is a D. B. On the other hand, if he finds that the person asking for credit has paid his bill and is reckoned good by the other merchants in establishing his credit, he will find no trouble in getting all the advances he desires. It will weed out the dishonest fellows and protect those who pay their debts and show a disposition to deal honestly.
The above, as near as we can state it, is the object of the association. Here alone, good, honest, straightforward men all over the county have failed to get credit because there was no way to establish their standing while others who were no good have run annual bills all over town and never make an effort to pay. This will stop all that business and place them in a very unenviable light until their bills are paid.
After the adjournment of the meeting all repaired to the dining room of the Brettun and ate oysters and celery, drank coffee and cream, told vigorous stories of dead-beats and bill- jumpers, and treated each other to little bits of business experience that furnished points for future action. The supper was nicely served and thirty-nine sat down to the long table and took two or more dishes of "Oysters-loony style," with fruit and lighter refreshments thrown in. One of the most unfortunate features of the supper was that there were no toasts. Nothing is so delightful after a nice supper as to sit back in your chair and note the writhings of the poor mortal who has been selected to tell about "The great American eagle, who laves his bill in the Atlantic and dips his tail in the Pacific," and to see him squirm when he finds that he has forgotten the piece and got the proud bird's tail in the wrong pond. We were very anxious to see this duty performed and had about concluded to call out J. L. Horning or A. T. Spotswood, with W. J. Hodges and R. E. Wallis as possible substitutes, when the thought struck us that it might prove a boomerang and our desire for toasts immediately expired.
Among the ladies who graced the occasion were Mrs. W. R. McDonald, Mrs. J. L. Rinker, Mrs. J. B. Lynn, Miss Sadie French, Mrs. W. J. Hodges, Mrs. S. W. Hughes, Mrs. J. A. Cooper, and Mrs. W. B. Pixley.
Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882.
H. Jochems sold his city residence to W. R. McDonald for $2,500.
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.
There will be a special meeting of the Womans' Foreign Missionary Society of the M. E. Church, at the residence of Mrs. W. R. McDonald, on Saturday, April 8, at 4 o'clock p.m. All members of the society are earnestly requested to be present. Mrs. N. J. Lunday, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
Mr. W. R. McDonald, since his purchase of the Jochems dwelling, has largely improved it by paint and an ornamental fence. It is one of the fine homes of the city.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.
Mrs. W. R. McDonald is enjoying a visit from her sister, Miss Minnie Ingram, of Cameron, West Virginia. She will spend several weeks in our city.
Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.
Messrs. McDonald & Walton have been receiving and opening their large stock of fall and winter goods this week. They have an excellent stock and are pleasant and accommodating gentlemen to deal with.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
JUST RECEIVED! NEW GOODS, NEW STYLES, NEW SHADES, And new combinations in Dress Goods and Dress Furnishings.
Also a complete line of Staple and Fancy Dry Goods and Notions at McDONALD & WALTON'S.
We have just received direct from the commercial center a large invoice of FALL AND WINTER GOODS! They are goods that we know will please, and a cordial invitation is extended the ladies to call in and examine them. We keep also a full and complete stock of
BOOTS ANDSHOES, Groceries and Queensware, and persons can get everything they wish under one roof. McDONALD & WALTON, Corner Main and 10th Avenue.
Third Occupants: E. S. Spencer ("Spence") Miner and W. R. McDonald.
Winfield Courier, October 26, 1882.
The firm of McDonald & Walton has been changed, Mr. Walton retiring, and Mr. Miner assuming his interest. Mr. Miner has been with the firm for years and is well known to the trading public.
Winfield Courier, October 26, 1882.
Dissolution of Partnership. The firm of McDonald & Walton having this day dissolved partnership by mutual consent, M. A. Walton retiring, Spencer Miner, having bought the interest of Mr. Walton, the business will now be conducted under the firm name of McDonald & Miner. With many thanks for a liberal share of the patronage of the people of Cowley Co., in the past, we hope by strict attention to business, fair dealing, and low prices, to merit a continuance of the same. All persons having claims against the old firm will please present them for settlement, and all persons knowing themselves indebted to the firm of McDonald & Walton will please call on the undersigned and settle the same.
McDONALD & MINER. Oct. 17, 1882.
NOTE: The remainder of items pertain to E. S. Spencer ("Spence") Miner...
Winfield Courier, December 7, 1882.
Mr. and Mrs. Albro, Misses Ida McDonald, Cora Berkey, Ettie Robinson, Jennie Hane, and Jessie Millington, and Messrs. Noble, Berkey, Miner, Davis, Albright, Wilson, Zenor, Nixon, and others of Winfield, and Conductor and Mrs. Miller of Arkansas City, attended the Opera at Wichita Monday evening.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1882.
On last Saturday evening Mrs. J. E. Conklin entertained a company of her young friends at her pleasant home. The evening was most pleasantly spent and all were sorry when the warning hand of time pointed to Sunday morning, thus compelling the party to disperse. Mr. and Mrs. Conklin assisted by their charming guest, Miss Dinnie Swing, have the thanks of the persons below named for so pleasant a time, viz: Misses Hane, Scothorn, Beeny, McDonald, Berkey, and Millington, and Messrs. Fuller, Cairns, Robinson, Wilson, Davis, Miner, and Webb.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
Douglass Miner, a brother of Spense Miner, arrived Monday and will spend the summer with Spense. He is pleased with Kansas as far as he has seen.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
A fine lot of summer silks at absolute cost, fifty and fifty-five cents per yardformer price, seventy-five cents per yard. McDonald & Miner.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Where the Money Came From. The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance. McDonald & Miner gave $5.00.
Winfield Courier, July 26, 1883.
McDonald & Miner have sold their groceries and will now devote the whole of their fine store room to dry goods, boots, and shoes. They now enjoy a splendid trade in these lines.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.
McDonald & Miner have just finished remodeling their storeroom. They have disposed of the groceries and filled the whole room with Dry Goods, Boots, and Shoes, and Carpets. The stock is complete and the store one of the pleasantest and most roomy in the city. For the next few weeks they will mark everything down to the lowest notch in order to make room for a big fall stock. If you want especial good bargains, call on them within the next thirty days.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1883.
Spencer Miner has purchased a fine horse and buggy of Dr. Dunn and now chases the boys around at the fair grounds every evening.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1883.
Spence Miner left Tuesday for a short visit to friends in Iowa. (?)
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Among the many young Republicans in Winfield who are always ready to do valiant work for the party and its principles, none have been more earnest than Spence Miner, of the firm of McDonald & Miner. He is a West Virginia Republican and comes from a place where Republicanism is not surrounded by many encouragements, hence he knows what it is to fight for a principle.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Mr. John Ingram, of Cameron, West Virginia, came in last week and will remain some time, the guest of his nephew, Spence Miner. Mr. Ingram is a wealthy farmer and wool grower, and, like Spence, is a West Virginia Republican. We hope he will be so well pleased with Cowley that he will conclude to remain permanently.
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.
Messrs. Shivvers & Linn have opened a real estate and insurance office in the rooms formerly occupied by Jarvis, Conklin & Co., over McDonald & Miner's store. They are energetic, responsible businessmen, and persons looking for a location or desiring to place land for sale should call on them.
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
Ad. Powers is arranging to open a skating rink under McDonald & Miner's store. He will be ready for business next week.
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1883.
Roller Skating. I will open a skating rink Monday evening, December 3rd, 1883, in the basement under McDonald & Miner's dry-goods store. Roller skating is the most popular amusement of the day among the most refined class of society. And in introducing this graceful exercise in this city again, I beg leave to announce my intention to conduct the assemblies in the most elegant manner, and extend the freedom of the hall to the polite class of people only. It is the object to establish a pleasant place of resort, where ladies and gentlemen, parents and children, may meet for healthful exercise, safe and pleasant recreation. The assemblies will be select, the order perfect. The management, on behalf of the patrons, reserves the right to refuse admission and the use of skates to any objectionable person. Doors open at 3 and 7 p.m., and close at 5:30 and 10 p.m. A. F. POWERS, Manager.
Winfield Courier, January 3, 1884.
Spence Miner, of McDonald & Miner, made a contract Saturday with the Vermilye boys to furnish the new mansion on Magnolia farm with carpets and window hangings. The carpets will be made for the rooms and of the best material. The carpet bill amounts to $400.
Winfield Courier, January 10, 1884.
Found. Spence Miner has left a handsome scarf which he found, at this office. The owner can get it by calling and paying for this notice.
Spencer Miner marries Cora Berkey...
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
MARRIED. Mr. Spence Miner and Miss Cora Berkey were married last Thursday evening at the residence of the bride's parents in this city, Rev. Jones officiating. Mr. Miner is the junior member of the firm of McDonald & Miner, and one of our brightest and best young businessmen. The bride is one of Winfield's fairest ladies. The happy couple were the recipients of a large number of beautiful presents and the best wishes of hosts of friends.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
The following MARRIAGE LICENSES have been issued during the week.
Spencer Miner to Cora Berkey.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
More Fires. Again, on Sunday evening, an attempt was made to set fire to property in the city. A lot of hay was stuffed under the rear end of Hendricks & Wilson's hardware store and ignited. It was done about half past seven o'clock in the evening. Mr. James McLain, who has been acting as night watchman, first discovered and put it out. Shortly before, when walking across Manning Street and Tenth Avenue, he passed a man who was walking hurriedly. As soon as he passed, the man broke into a run, and a moment after McLain discovered the fire. When he turned, the man had disappeared in the darkness. What the object of these incendiaries is cannot be defined. The fire in the Hodges barn could have injured but little business property if successful. The fire started in the Shenneman barn, immediately after, when the hose was handy and hundreds of people standing around to use it, could not have been set with a very villainous intent to destroy, as the destroyer might have known it would be put out in a minute. The setting of the Sunday evening fire early in the evening, when everyone was about, showed a lack of deep intent to do great injury. However, our people have resolved to put a stop to it, and to that end the following paper has been prepared and duly signed, and the total sum of $222.50 goes to the person who runs the fire-bugs in.
We, the undersigned, promise to pay the sum set against our respective names as a reward for the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons engaged in setting any incendiary fire in the city of Winfield, either heretofore or hereafter.
Among those who contributed $5.00: McDonald & Miner.
TOTAL RAISED: $222.50.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
W. R. McDonald, of the firm of McDonald & Miner, left for the east this morning. While gone he will visit the markets of Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and Chicago, where he will buy the largest stock of dry goods, notions, and carpets ever brought to Winfield. It is their intention to make every department complete and he will buy a complete stock of men, boys' and youths and children's clothing. As the old year was the most prosperous they have yet had in business, and have now entered a still more prosperous year, it is their purpose to demonstrate the ability of the firm to supply the demand of the trade on the most reasonable terms consistent with the highest standard of quality.
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
All those that vote for or against the Narrow Gauge must come and examine our stock of clothing. McDonald & Miner.
Come and see that suit of Men's clothes that we sell for $15.50 at McDonald & Miner.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1884.
Mr. Robert Gibson, who has been out in Barbour County for some time, returned to Winfield a few days ago, and is again a salesman for McDonald and Miner.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
Roy Stidger, formerly a salesman with McDonald & Miner, came in from Virginia last week and spent a few days with friends.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
McDonald & Miner have painted the outside of their store-room "old gold" color. Perhaps the color will be changed to something prettier when the next coat gets on.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.
Another Radical Reform. Spence Miner is disconsolate. The "boys" in the store deter- mined to eradicate the old throw-your-hat-down-any-where habit so common in stores, put up hat racks, and entered into a compact by which every individual hat found lying on a show case should be destroyed by the fire fiend. Twenty-four hours hadn't elapsed before a victim was caught and Spence's fine fur hat cremated. With a firm determination to reform, he got a new head covering, but by some mysterious way, it was soon found on a show case. Spence thought it "a put up job" and rebelled. A judge was elected, a jury was called, and a verdict rendered: "We do find said hat guilty," and the sentence of the judge ordered its immediate destruction. It was put on the zinc in the middle of the floor, ignited, and straight- way its spirit fled. "Peace to its ashes," was echoed; they were placed in a casket and are now "lying in state" at the store. "Revenge shall be mine," saith Spence.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
Spence Miner will attend the Chicago Republican Convention and go on to the old home in Virginia for a short visit.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
McDonald & Miner have been spreading on the spring paint and have greatly improved the appearance of their store building.
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.
ARKANSAS CITY REPUBLICAN.
Mrs. Spence Miner, of Winfield, paid her sister, Mrs. D. W. Stevens, a visit last Monday.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
Spence Miner leaves today for a visit to his old home in West Virginia. He will return by way of Chicago and take in the National Republican Convention.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1884.
Our delegation to Chicago leaves Saturday. Cowley will be represented by Hon. W. P. Hackney, T. H. Soward, Judge Gans, D. A. Millington, J. W. Wilson, M. G. Troup, Capt. J. B. Nipp, J. D. Maurer, E. A. Henthorn, and Spence Miner.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
Spence Miner headed off the National Convention on his way from West Virginia and nominated his candidate in time to get home Saturday night.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
TO BE MARRIED. Mr. Roy Stidger, formerly with McDonald & Miner, of this city, arrived from West Virginia Saturday last, and will today lead to the altar of matrimony Miss Etta Robinson, one of our most popular young ladies. They will take the afternoon train for Cameron, West Virginia, their future home. Both are most excellent young people and will receive the hearty congratulations of a large number of friends.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
WINFIELDSECOND WARD. Delegates: Spence Miner, G. H. Buckman, L. B. Stone, T. B. Myers, C. Trump, T. H. Soward.
Alternates: S. H. Myton, D. E. Douglass, John Fogarty, A. B. Taylor, H. Brotherton, W. J. Kennedy.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR AND DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
THE COWLEY COUNTY FAIR AND DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION WILL HOLD ITS SECOND ANNUAL EXHIBITION AT WINFIELD, KANSAS, SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 25, 26, AND 27, 1884.
SPECIAL PREMIUMS.
The following special premiums are offered by the citizens of Cowley County. Parties wishing to compete for them must enter articles same as in other class, and must also comply with the instructions and requests named in the premium.
President J. F. Martin will have charge of this department, make assignment of articles, and appoint the necessary judges.
BY McDONALD & MINER'S DRY GOODS HOUSE.
$5.00. For the best hand-made Misses' White Apron, by any girl in Cowley County under 15 years of age; $3.00 to 1st, $2.00 to 2nd.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
Winfield Primary Election. The Republican primaries of Winfield to elect delegates to the county and district conventions were held in both wards on last Friday, August 15th, from 3 to 7 o'clock, p.m. The principle contest and interest was centered in the office of county attorney between Henry E. Asp and A. P. Johnson, candidates. The voting for delegates was by ballot, each ballot containing the choice of the voter for the several offices to be filled, by way of instructions to delegates, as well as the names of the delegates voted for. Two tickets were in the field: the one known as the Asp ticket and the other as the Johnson ticket.
The result was:
First Ward: Asp, 189; Johnson, 70.
Second Ward: Asp, 137; Johnson 58.
Totals: Asp, 326. Johnson, 128.
The delegates elected are:
First ward: J. C. Long, M. G. Troup, Frank W. Finch, T. R. Bryan, Albert McNeal, W. J. Wilson, and J. T. Hackney.
Second ward: G. H. Buckman, M. B. Shields, T. B. Myers, Wm. Whiting, J. L. M. Hill, and Spencer Miner.
The delegates are instructed to support Henry E. Asp for county attorney; E. S. Bedilion for clerk of the district court; H. D. Gans for probate judge; A. H. Limerick for Superintendent of public instruction; Frank S. Jennings for state senator; and Ed. P. Greer for representative.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
MRS. N. A. PIERSON, PHYSICIAN. Treats scrofula, cancer, and catarrhs. Female diseases a specialty. Office over McDonald & Miner's store. Open from 9 till 4 o'clock. Residence on east 12th Avenue.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
WINFIELD2ND WARD. G. H. Buckman, M. B. Shields, T. B. Myers, Wm. Whiting, J. L. M. Hill, Spence Miner.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
Spence Miner's white plug hat did good duty Saturday. When the enthusiasm was at its height that plug hat would rise up out of the second ward delegation and go sailing out over the heads of the outlying townships in the most emphatic way. Spence is one of those Republicans who believe in working at it right along.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
Mrs. Spence Miner and Mrs. Frank Raymond spent a part of last week with Kansas City friends and viewed the great exposition.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
Meeting of Blaine and Logan Clubs and a Flambeau Club. A meeting of the Blaine and Logan Club of Winfield was held at the Courthouse Monday evening. The meeting came to order by electing Mr. A. H. Limerick, Chairman, and W. A. McCartney, Secretary. The object of the meeting was stated by W. J. Wilson. Speeches were made by T. H. Soward and W. P. Hackney in favor of the complete organization and equipment of a Blaine and Logan club. It was decided to organize the club into three companies of torch-bearers and one Flambeau club. The following officers were elected: Colonel Whiting, Commander of battalion and D. L. Kretsinger, Adjutant; Spencer Miner, Captain "Co. A," Frank Finch, 1st Lieutenant, M. B. Shields, 2nd Lieutenant, T. J. Harris, 3rd Lieutenant; Capt. J. B. Nipp, Captain of "Co. B," W. P. Hackney, 1st Lieutenant, John McGuire, 2nd Lieutenant, H. H. Siverd, 3rd Lieutenant; Cap Steuven, Captain of the Flambeau club; H. G. Norton, 1st Lieutenant, W. A. McCartney, 2nd Lieutenant, Frank H. Greer, 3rd Lieutenant. The election of officers for "Co. C" was deferred until Tuesday evening. A meeting of the officers of the different companies was called for Wednesday morning for the purpose of appointing various committees, and deciding on the kind and number of suits and torches to be ordered. After the completion of business of the meeting, Henry E. Asp was called on, and responded in one of his characteristic speeches, after which the meeting adjourned.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
SPECIAL PREMIUMS.
By McDonald & Miner $5 for best handmade Misses white apron by any girl under 15 years, Mamie Young.
[BLAINE AND LOGAN CLUB.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
Attention. The Blaine and Logan Club will meet in the Courthouse next Monday evening, for uniforming and drill. All members are requested to be present.
SPENCE MINER, Captain.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.
CITY AND COUNTY ELECTION NOTES. The COURIER office was jammed with eager faces at an early hour Tuesday evening to catch the first bulletins that came in. Anxiety, deep and searching, was depicted in every visage. The first dispatches were meager, but along toward midnight the news began to come from all quarters, fluctuating in the interests of both parties. The crowd overwhelmed all bulletin board space and the Opera House was secured. About this time dispatches giving New York, Indiana, and other strongholds to the Democrats began to come in. These engulfed the Democrats in wildest hilarity. Democratic throats that hadn't yelled for twenty years were seen to oil up and fairly paralyze the air with hurrahs. The Republicans were feeling a little blue, which feeling was borne out by the dispatches until yesterday afternoon, when the tables turned and Republicans began to yell. The COURIER office was densely packed in the evening, and every dispatch as it noted increased Republican gains everywhere, received with triumphant shouts. When New York was conceded, enthusiasm knew no bounds. Men marched by hundreds up and down Main Street fairly renting the air with hurrahs. Headed by the Juvenile Band, they paraded the streets until a late hour. When the crowd left the COURIER Sanctum at one o'clock, it was to sleep in sweet consciousness of a grand Republican victoryin the sweet assurance of prosperous times and happy people for another four years.
Spencer Miner says he bet his wife that West Virginia would go Republican and he saved his wife and got Virginia. "We turned the rebels out," is the way he puts it. He's wild with enthusiasm, especially over the result in his native State.
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
McDonald & Miner of this city will start next week a general merchandise store at the new town of Ashland, Clark County. Spence Miner will have charge of it and try pioneer life during the next year. Mrs. Miner will remain here till spring, leaving Spencer a lonely "widdy." There are great prospects in that county, and Spence is the man to assist ably in developing them. The only question is, how can we lose him? We will rest in the hope that he will soon tire of the festive coyote and prairie dog, and put some trusty fellow in charge of the store and hie himself back to the Queen City.
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1884.
A New Winfield. The new town of Ashland, in Clark County, is getting to be one of the "Infant Wonders" of western growth. It was laid out by a party of Winfield gentlemen some four weeks ago. There are now thirty houses up and foundations being laid for others as rapidly as the lumber can be got on the ground. The town is on Bear Creek, at the intersection of the two great western trails. Already a newspaper is running in full blast. It has two hotels, restaurants, and almost every modern convenience. Every deed given by the Town Company provides that should intoxicating liquors be sold on the premises, the deed becomes null and void. It is to be emphatically a temperance town. Mr. W. R. McDonald, of this city, is President and Messrs. Nipp, Hughes, Cooper, Taylor, Averill, Gibson, Bullene, Kinnear, Hall, Berry, Gridley, Hudson Bros., Greer, and several others constitute the town company. It is located near the center of Clark County, and will be the county seat when the county is organized. Messrs. Hughes & Cooper are putting in a stock of hardware; also Mr. Kinnear, McDonald, and Miner are putting in a large stock of dry goods. The settlers are pouring into the county and claims are being taken rapidly. The land is good and the general lay of the country smooth. A very large number of Cowley County people have taken claims around the new town. Many other persons from this vicinity are going out to take claims or engage in business.
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1884.
Spence Miner left yesterday to put in a stock of general merchandise at the promising new town of Ashland, Clark County. It will be a branch of the establishment of McDonald & Miner, of this city, and receive the personal attention of Spence.
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.
Spence Miner writes from Ashland that business is booming and everything quiet. The murderer who escaped has been captured and is in jail at Medicine Lodge. Spence is pleased with the country, pleased with business, and more than satisfied with the outlook for the future.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.
Mrs. Spence Miner will join her husband at Ashland the first of January.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
Frank Hall, Spence Miner, R. S. Howard, C. W. Averill, M. L. Wortman, and other Winfieldites came in from Ashland to eat Christmas turkey with the folks at home.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
A large assembly witnessed the marriage of Mr. Fred D. Blackman and Miss Ida M. McDonald, in the Methodist church last Thursday evening. The ceremony was most impressively conducted by Rev. B. Kelly, and the happy couple were attended by Misses Lizzie McDonald and Maude Kelly and Messrs. W. C. Robinson, Lewis Brown, James Lorton, and Charley Dever. The bride was beautifully attired in white satin. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Robinson, on behalf of the official church board, stepped to the rostrum, and in a very neat speech presented the bride with forty dollars in gold as a token of appreciation of her valuable musical services to the church. At eight o'clock a large number of friends were received at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. McDonald, where congratulations, an excellent repast, and general mirth were freely indulged in. The presents were numerous and elegant, and the congratulations hearty. Among the most noticeable presents was a very handsome silver pitcher, presented to Mr. Blackman by his young gentlemen friends. No personal mention of ours could possibly add to the high esteem in which the happy couple are held by all who know them. The COURIER again wishes them happiness and prosperity. We append a list of the principal presents: White velvet hand-painted pin cushion, Miss Belle Lowe; pair of silver napkin rings, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Millspaugh; picture and easel Madonna, Charles Dever; silver vase, Leota Gary; silver celery stand, Lizzie Graham; silver vase, Minnie Gibson; colored glass with castor, Nettie McCoy; colored glass water set, W. C. Robinson; pair of hand-painted gilt plaques, Lena Walrath; hair ornament, Gracie Oliver; hand-painted velvet banner, Mrs. Leavitt; bracket lambrequin, Jessie Millington; hand-painted hammered brass plaque, Miss Anna Hunt; beveled-edge French plate mirror with Hammered Brass frame, M. Hahn; gold-lined individual silver butter dishes, Miss Delia Lisk; set silver teaspoons, sugar spoon, and butter knife, Lizzie and Margie Wallis and Maggie Taylor; Russia leather photograph album, Lewis and Addison Brown; one-half dozen China fruit plates, Lucy Tomlin; one set silver spoons, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Robbins and Miss Carrie Tillotson, Aurora, Illinois; China salt and pepper bottles, Mr. and Misses Rev. Kelly; silver cake basket, Ida Johnston; silver fruit basket, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Miner; silver berry dish, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Kennedy and Miss Lydia Young; large mounted silver water pitcher and mug, E. H. Nixon, M. H. Ewart, Geo. Headrick, James Lorton, and M. J. O'Meara; silver tea-set and waiter, bride's parents.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
The Ashland Clipper tells of a prairie Eagle that Spence Miner brought down with his Winchester at a distance of one hundred and sixty-four rods. It measured five feet from tip to tip of its wings, and the skin was sent to Cleveland, Ohio, to be stuffed. Spence is getting to be the boss marksman of the Western plains.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
A COWBOY DEFEAT. Spence Miner came in from Ashland last week. He says that Friday week four cowboys rode into that place, began shooting off their "guns" and showing intentions to take the town that were mighty soon nipped in the bud. The exciting experience of Ashland's earlier days had prepared everybody for the festive shooter of the Western plains. In a very short time the cowboys were covered with a dozen or two Winchesters and ordered to "hold up," which they did without a moment's hesitation. They were disarmed, locked up until sobered off, and sent on their way amid ignominious defeat. The manager of the old Clark City whiskey hole, a half mile above Ashland, where the cowboys got their liquor, was then visited by four citizens and given four days to "git up and git," which orders were promptly obeyed, leaving nothing but the old shell in which the ardent had been dispensed. A saloon has recently been started seven miles up the valley and a committee has been appointed to give its managers a stated time in which to shake the dust of the valley from their feet. Without whiskey, the cowboys are as peaceable and citizen-like as anybody; but whiskey makes them hyenas, and Ashland is determined to have no liquor near its jurisdiction.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Spence Miner has sold his interest in the establishment of McDonald & Miner here, and bought Mr. McDonald's interest in the Ashland store. Mrs. Miner will accompany him to Ashland for a permanent residence next week. Spence sees great possibilities in that infant wonder of the western plains.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
The office of constable sought Spence Miner during his absence from Ashland, and overwhelmingly "sot" down on him. Spence got about every vote in the township and is prepared to bear the honor gracefully.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
Spence Miner left for a permanent residence at Ashland, Monday. Mrs. Miner will join him about May first.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers for the past week, as taken from the official records, and furnished the COURIER by the real estate firm of Harris & Clark.
A. A. Knox and wife to W. R. McDonald & Miner, s e ¼, 12, 34, 4, east. $2,000.00
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
TUESDAY. Mrs. Spencer Miner left this afternoon to join her husband at Ashland.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
E S Miner et ux to W R McDonald hf se qr 2-34-4e: $1,000.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Mrs. E. S. Miner got in Thursday from Ashland to visit her folks for a couple of months.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Miss Mary Berkey gave a very enjoyable party to a number of her young friends at her home Thursday evening. Those present were: Mrs. Roy Stidger and Mrs. Spencer Miner; Misses Leota Gary, Millie Schute, Minnie Taylor, Emma Strong, Bert Morford, Nona Calhoun, Eva Dodds, Ida Johnston; Messrs. George Schuler, Lacey Tomlin, Frank Robinson, Tom Eaton, Addison Brown, P. S. Hills, A. F. Hopkins, Ed McMullen, Harry Sickafoose, Phil. Kleeman, and C. S. Seitz. Miss Mary, assisted by her mother and sisters, Miss Eva and Mrs. Miner, did the honors of the evening elegantly, making genuine enjoyment supreme. Cards, music, and other amusements, with a luncheon of choice delicacies, made the time fly rapidly until twelve o'clock, when all bid their agreeable entertainers appreciative adieu, wishing the return of many such happy occasions.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
Spence Miner came in from Ashland Saturday. He says Ashland is the best town west of Medicine Lodge, in the southern tier of counties.
Miner sells dry goods stock at Ashland to Thomas E. Berry...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
The Clark County News, of Ashland, says: "Mr. E. S. Miner has sold out his stock of dry goods to Thomas E. Berry, who will hereafter conduct the business at the same place. We are sorry to see Spence go out of business. He has been a pillar of strength to our town, and we hope he will yet conclude to remain with us."
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Mrs. Spence Miner is in from Ashland. Spence will be over in two weeks.
Miner now living in Wichita: traveling for a St. Joseph dry goods company...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Spence Miner was down from Wichita Monday, where he and his wife now reside. Spence is traveling for R. A. McDonald & Co., St. Joe dry goods, but thinks he won't like it. His several snow-bound trips already have taken off the roseate hue of the jolly commercial man. Spence is a rustler, and will make success, where anybody can.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Spence Miner, the first dry goods merchant in Ashland, but now traveling salesman for McDonald & Co., of St. Joseph, Missouri, came in Saturday night. Spence is the same jolly, wholesome cuss and during the past three days has rounded up all the boys and had a repetition of the good times of old. He went to Appleton yesterday, but will make Ashland his headquarters until he works Englewood, Protection, and Coldwater. Ashland Clipper.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
Spence Miner is down from Wichita, where he makes his headquarters while perambulating as a tourist for an eastern house. He will be here several days.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
THE G. O. CLUB. The elegant and spacious new home of Senator and Mrs. W. P. Hackney was a most pleasurable scene last night. It was a reception in honor of the G. O. Club. The unavoidable absence of the Senator in Topeka was the only regret. It was one of the happiest meetings in the history of the club. Mrs. Hackney was very gracefully assisted in entertaining by Miss Eva Dodds. This was the first opening of this beautiful home and the guests found delight in wandering through the richly furnished and capacious apartments. Everything exhibits cultured taste and modern fashion. The entire remodeling of the interior and exterior, with its bright new furnishings, has made one of the most elaborate homes in the Queen City, if not in the whole stateelaborate in all that pertains to elegance and comfort. There is no gaudy display. All is in perfect taste from the first floor to the third. At eleven o'clock the west parlors were cleared, miniature tables spread, and the gay party sat down to a luncheon exceptionally fine, many choice delicacies with a sprinkling of the substantial. The rain storm brought out the hacks for the home-taking, and all departed with the highest praises of this grand home and the delightful entertainment afforded on this occasion. The guests were: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Brown, Mrs. D. L. Kretsinger, Mrs. B. H. Riddell, Mrs. B. W. Matlack, Mrs. Spence Miner, and Mrs. Alice Bishop; Misses Nettie and Annie McCoy, Nellie and Kate Rodgers, Leota Gary, Nona Calhoun, Bert Morford, Hattie Stolp, Ida Johnston, Jennie Hane, Ida Ritchie, Mary Berkey, and Nellie McMullen; Messrs. Wm. D. Carey, Tom P. Richardson, A. F. Hopkins, Willis A. Ritchie, Lacey Tomlin, Will E. Hodges, Chas. F. and Harry Bahntge, Ed J McMullen, Tom J. Eaton, J. L. M. Hill, Harry Sickafoose, Frank N. Strong, G. E. Lindsley, Ivan A. Robinson, Geo. H. Schuler, Addison Brown, and Frank H. Greer.