The Richland township census of 1872 lists:
A. J. Thompson, age 38
his wife Anna, age 26
J. R. Thompson, age 32
his wife Mary E., age 32
The Winfield census of 1873 lists:
A. J. Thompson, age 28, no wife.
The Winfield census of 1874 lists:
A. J. Thompson, age 29, no wife.
The Winfield census of 1878 lists:
A. J. Thompson, age 34
his wife Phoebe D., age 28
David Thompson, age 22, no wife.
Eugene Thompson, age 23, no wife.
Robert Thompson, age 28, no wife.
None of them were listed in the 1880 census.
The Walnut Township census of 1882 lists:
A. J. Thompson, age 36
his wife Phoebe, age 32
Walnut Valley Times, December 30, 1870.
From the Censor of the 24th, we take the following items:
Mr. A. J. Thompson fell from the roof of his building last Saturday and received a blow on the head that rendered him unconscious for some hours. He is all right now.
[FAIR NOTES.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 25, 1873.
In this department there was a fair exhibition of grades in all lots, but it might have been largely increased if people would have brought out their stock.
The premiums were: Working oxen: 1st pr. A. J. Thompson; 2d Wm. Bartlow.
[COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 9, 1873.
Board of County Commissioners met at the County Clerk's office Oct. 6th, 1873. Present: Frank Cox, J. D. Maurer, and O. C. Smith.
Petition of Menor for County Road was granted, with J. H. Land, A. J. Thompson, and W. D. Roberts as viewers. Survey ordered on the 16th of Oct., 1873, to meet at the county Clerk's office.
[ODD FELLOWS' SOCIABLE.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
The members of the Fraternity of Odd Fellows will give a Sociable on Wednesday evening, November 5th, in the large room at the Courthouse. Evening entertainments will be of a social character. Supper will be provided at an early hour.
SOLICITING COMMITTEE: Mrs. M. L. Mullen, Mrs. J. J. Todd, Mrs. S. W. Greer, Mrs. Braidwood, Miss J. Stewart, Mrs. J. Bullene, Mrs. Jeffreys, L. J. Webb, T. A. Blanchard, A. S. Williams, G. W. Martin, Mrs. Fannie V. Curns, A. G. Jackson.
COMMITTEE ON PREPARING AND DECORATING THE ROOM: P. M. Shell, J. W. Curns, A. J. Thompson, Miss Ada Millington, Miss Quarles, Mrs. McMasters.
COMMITTEE ON KITCHEN: J. J. Williams, P. M. Sholl, F. D. Davis.
COMMITTEE ON MUSIC: Miss Lewelia Blandin, Miss Kate Lowery, Miss Kate Porter, Miss Braidwood, J. Swain.
COMMITTEE ON RECEPTION: Mrs. Flint, Miss J. Stewart, Mrs. Capt. Davis, J. J. Williams, J. Swain, Dr. Houx.
[REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS.]
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1874.
We are indebted to Curns & Manser, real estate agents and proprietors of Abstracts of Titles to all lands in Cowley County, for the following transfers of real estate.
Andrew J. Thompson to Cyrus M. Perrine 40 acres out of n w qr sec 27 tp 32 r 4 $2,400.
Max Shoeb was the first blacksmith; Frank A. Hunt, the first hardware dealer; W. Q. Mansfield, the first physician; J. P. Short, the first hotel keeper; A. J. Thompson, the first feed store keeper; Manning the first merchant and P. M.; T. H. Johnson was the first lawyer; B. H. Dunlap, the first livery stable keeper; Judge T. B. Ross preached the first sermon; Rev. A. Tousey, the first resident preacher; Miss A. Marks, of Silver Creek, taught the first school; J. C. Fuller, the first banker; M. L. Palmer, the first tinner and schoolmaster; the first birth was Fred Manning; W. M. Boyer, the first news dealer and book store. C. A. Bliss & Co. bought out the small stock of Baker & Manning in September of 1870, and were the first regular mercantile firm in town and brought in a large stock of goods.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1876.
A. J. THOMPSON is expected home this week with his Ohio bride. There is still hope for Col. Loomis.
Winfield Courier, May 4, 1876.
A. J. Thompson has first class sweet potato plants for sale at his farm one half mile east of Winfield.
Not sure if the following entry applies to A. J. Thompson...
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
Messrs. Platter, Fuller, and Thompson have purchased a header for their extensive wheat fields.
[CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
Mention of "Miss Thompson" and Mrs. A. J. Thompson...
agreeable to a suggestion of ours made a few weeks ago, was represented by about fifty ladies on horse-back. This, without doubt, was the most interesting and attractive part of the procession. The ladies, be it said to their credit, without a single exception, rode well, although several of them had not been in a saddle more than once or twice for years. They managed their steeds with an easy grace, entirely surprising to that male portion of the lookers on, who, so vainly imagine that they alone can sit and guide a horse correctly.
The States and Territories appeared in the order of their admission into the Union. The "original thirteen" led off, with New Hampshire represented by Mrs. Hickock; Massachusetts, Miss Thompson; Connecticut, Mrs. Bliss; Rhode Island, _____; New York, Mrs. Mansfield; New Jersey, Mrs. Dever; Pennsylvania, Mrs. McClelland; Delaware, Mrs. Hunt; Maryland, ______; Virginia, Mrs. Klingman; North Carolina, ______; South Carolina, Mrs. W. D. Roberts; Georgia, _____; Vermont, Miss Jennie Greenlee; Kentucky, Mrs. Maris; Tennessee, Miss Mary Greenlee; Ohio, Mrs. Bedilion; Louisiana, Mrs. A. J. Thompson; Indiana, ______; Mississippi, Miss Sophia Loubner; Illinois, Mrs. Godard; Alabama, ________; Maine, Mrs. Bates; Missouri, Miss Lizzie Thompson; Michigan, Miss Clark; Arkansas, Mrs. Ireton; Florida, Miss Ella Pierce; Texas, Miss Florence Prater; Iowa, Mrs. G. W. Martin; Wisconsin, Miss Mary Stewart; California, Miss Marks; Minnesota, Miss Mollie Bryant; Oregon, Mrs. Simpson; Kansas, Miss Allie Klingman, West Virginia, Mrs. T. B. Myers; Nevada, Miss Kate Millington; Nebraska, Mrs. Lemmon; Colorado, Miss Etta Johnson; New Mexico (Territory), by Miss Seely; Arizona, Miss Sue Hunt; Dakota, Mrs. Stansberry; Wyoming, Miss Robertson; Montana, Miss Snow; Washington, Miss Norman, Indian Territory, by an Indian Squaw; Utah, by "Brigham Young and family," and Alaska, by Miss Hess.
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1876.
A. J. THOMPSON, one mile east of town, threshed his wheat last week and obtained twenty bushels to the acre.
[DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876. Editorial Page.
The committee on credentials reported the following as delegates.
Winfield: J. W. McDonald, J. B. Lynn, J. D. Cochran, J. W. Curns, N. W. Holmes, C. C. Black, A. J. Thompson, Wm. Dunn, T. B. Ross, G. W. Yount.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.
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. Gillelen, Mattie Coldwell, J. N. Harter, Carrie Olds, T. C. Copeland, Katie McGaughy, O. M. Seward, Nora Coldwell, Dr. Strong, Amie Bartlett.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
Winfield Courier, June 13, 1878.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
A. J. Thompson sowed eight bushels of Fultz wheat on the 20th of October last, on 8 acres of upland. He harvested 301 bushels of No. 1 wheat. It ripened June 1st. Thirty-seven and five-eights bushels per acre is a rather good yield under such circumstances.
Winfield Courier, September 12, 1878.
A. J. Thompson and wife to George and E. Olive, lot 3, block 170, Thompson's addition to Winfield, $75.
A. J. Thompson and wife to Elizabeth Bates, lot 2, block 31, Thompson's addition to Winfield; $75.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.
The citizens of Winfield and vicinity purpose giving an entertainment benefit on
at Manning's Opera House, to show their appreciation of the enterprise of a citizen who has erected a magnificent hall in our city.
COMMITTEE ON TABLE: MRS. A. J. THOMPSON, MRS. P. STUMP, MRS. C. A. BLISS, MRS. J. M. PEED, MRS. J. OLDS.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
The fight in this township was very lively, over 170 votes being polled. Both the Republicans and Democrats had tickets in the field. The following was the vote.
For Trustee, J. C. Roberts, 113; D. W. Ferguson, 63.
For Clerk, T. A. Blanchard, 116; C. A. Roberts, 62.
For Treasurer, Joel Mack, 158; A. J. Thompson, 62.
For Justice of the Peace, John Hoenscheidt, 158; S. E. Burger, 112; G. W. Prater, 65.
For Constable, Frank Weakley and H. L. Thomas were elected.
Winfield Courier, December 9, 1880.
A. J. Thompson is building a handsome house on east Ninth avenue, for rent.
Winfield Courier, February 24, 1881.
At the council meeting Monday evening Thompson's addition was taken into the city. This brings in the territory clear out on Ninth avenue to Thompson's house. It puts Frank Jennings in the city once more.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
In our early day reminiscences we left out A. J. Thompson, who used to ply the saw and hatchet, the only tools required by a carpenter in those days. Our attention was called to the fact by seeing him taking out a load of fruit trees Saturday. He is getting into fruit raising extensively, and will make a specialty of small fruits. When the trees become grown, they will add greatly to the view out toward the mounds east of town.
Winfield Courier, January 19, 1882.
The Society met in regular session, called in order by the President. S. E. Burger elected Secretary pro tem.
Minutes of meetings of Oct 1st and December 3rd read and approved.
Mr. R. I. Hogue, delegate to State Society meeting, made a written report, which was on motion received, and request made that report be published in county papers.
The following members paid their annual dues of 25 cents each: J. F. Martin, F. A. Williams, J. O. Taylor, R. I. Hogue, A. J. Thompson, John Mentch, and S. E. Burger.
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1882.
Mr. A. J. Thompson sold five acres near the mounds to W. J. Lunday last week for $650.
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.
Met at COURIER office. Minutes of last meeting passed to regular. Messrs. Taylor and Mentch appointed as Committee to report on fruit on table, who reported as follows.
Your committee find exhibited on table by A. J. Thompson very fine old Mixon Cling, and an extra fine seedling from the Crawford, deep flesh, small red, fine flavor, and a very desirable acquisition to prolong the Early Crawford season by a succession.
G. W. Robinson, a supposed seedling of Early Crawford, with same merits as last; also Wilson's seedling peach, fine flavor, small to medium size.
Wm. Butterfield, Cling peach, fair size.
De Turk, fine Conrad and Clinton Grape, best exhibited for 1882, showing the benefit of thorough cultivation and judicious pruning.
M. L. Read, fine L. B. De Jersey and Duchesse D'Angonieme pears.
J. L. Darnell, extra large white Dent corn; also Hybrid flint corn, grain well hardened.
A. J. Thompson, New York Flour corn, very good.
Henry Hawkins, Maiden Blush apples, very large.
I. N. Davis, Butcher corn, large ears, very good.
N. J. Larkin, wild plum, good.
A. M. Holmes, extra large Early Vermont potatoes.
Members and visitors present partook of fine Nutmeg musk melons presented by President Martin. Signed, Taylor and Mentch, committee.
On motion Society adjourned until next Saturday. J. F. MARTIN, President.
JACOB NIXON, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
Mr. A. J. Thompson is going to try the "Lister" system of planting corn.
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
John Easton is building on Thompson's addition, east Seventh Avenue.
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
Mr. J. Morris, of Chicago, bought of Muse & Spivey the six acre tract of land just north of A. J. Thompson's residence, on east Seventh Avenue, for one thousand dollars.
Winfield Courier, November 29, 1883.
Mr. A. J. Thompson and family returned from an extended visit among friends in Ohio, last Saturday.
Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.
Following is a list of Shareholders and Number of Shares Held.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.
In Walnut Township the whole Republican ticket was elected with the exception of John C. Roberts for trustee, who was defeated by A. J. Thompson.
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT: "CANARY."]
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
The township election came off according to proclamation and J. C. Roberts, the Republican nominee, was defeated and A. J. Thompson, the Democratic nominee, was elected in his stead by seven majority. It is not for me to say why it is thus, but time will tell, and that time is anxiously awaited by several of the Walnut Township Republicans.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
The Board of Commissioners met Tuesday and canvassed the vote for township officers. The following were declared elected.
Beaver, J. W. Browning; Bolton, A. T. Cooper; Cedar, Richard Courtright; Creswell,
M. N. Sinnott; Dexter, S. H. Wells; Fairview, R. B. Corson; Harvey, Geo. Shelley; Liberty, J. A. Cochran; Maple, E. J. Cole; Ninnescah, A. J. Worden; Omnia, G. B. Darlington; Otter, J. H. Bartgis; Pleasant Valley, L. Holcomb; Richland, R. S. Sandfort; Rock, M. N. Martindale; Sheridan, Barney Shriver; Silver Creek, Ed Pate; Silverdale, P. F. Haines; Spring Creek, H. S. Libby; Tisdale, H. H. Sparrow; Vernon, H. H. Martin; Walnut, A. J. Thompson; Windsor, W. L. Koons.
[ASSESSORS' MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
Winfield, Kansas, March 3, 1881.
The following named township and city assessors of Cowley County, Kansas, met, pursuant to law, at the office of the county clerk March 3rd, 1881.
J. W. Browning, Beaver; A. T. Cooper, Bolton; Richard Courtwright, Cedar; M. N. Sinnott, Creswell; S. H. Wells, Dexter; R. B. Corson, Fairview; G. W. Shelley, Harvey; J. H. Cochran, Liberty; E. J. Cole, Maple; A. J. Werden, Ninnescah; G. B. Darlington, Omnia; J. H. Bartgis, Otter; L. Holcomb, Pleasant Valley; H. J. Sandford, Richland; M. N. Martin-dale, Rock; Barney Shriver, Sheridan; Ed Pate, Silver Creek; P. F. Haynes, Silver Dale; H. L. Libby, Spring Creek; J. H. Sparrow, Tisdale; H. H. Martin, Vernon; A. J. Thompson, Walnut; W. L. Koons, Windsor; J. W. Arrowsmith, Winfield City.
Meeting organized by electing W. L. Koons, chairman, and M. N. Sinnott, secretary.
[ASSESSMENT ROLLS: WALNUT TOWNSHIP.]
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1884.
Assessor Thompson has sent in the assessment rolls of Walnut Township, showing an increase in population for the past year of one hundred and eighty-nine; total taxable real estate $168,507, and the total wheat acreage 1,927.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 19, 1884.
A. J. Thompson, J. S. Hunt, and John Keck appointed to view the John Mentch road.
A. J. Thompson, A. H. Jennings, and J. P. Short viewers on J. W. Bryan county road; Henry Branson, John Maurer, and W. W. Underwood viewers on J. W. Edmonds road; same viewers on the Kavanaugh road.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, July 30, 1884.
The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association will hold its Second Annual Exhibition at Winfield, Kansas, September 23 to 27, 1884. This Association comes before the public with more attractions and better facilities than any like Association in the State. It is a well established fact that our grounds are the largest and best in the State, our buildings, stables, and stalls ample and commodious, thus affording the exhibitor more comfort, pleasure, and money than any Fair Association in the State.
The following is a list of the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association.
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
John R. Clark, from Butler County, Ohio, a relative of A. J. Thompson, associated himself last week with T. J. Harris in the real estate and loan business. Mr. Clark is a young man of vim and ability and with the daisy land seller of the West, Mr. Harris, the firm will keep in the lead in its line.
[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
Mr. A. J. Thompson's premium of his Short Horn cattle amounted to $88.50.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 31, 1886. From Monday's Daily.
The Democrats held their county convention Saturday. Winfield, Arkansas City, Rich-land, Bolton, Creswell, Beaver, Spring Creek, Ninnescah, Liberty, Dexter, Pleasant Valley, and Vernon townships were represented by delegates. Capt. Gary called the assembly to order and Amos Walton was chosen temporary chairman and D. C. Young, of the Telegram, secretary. The committee on permanent organization recommended that the temporary organization be permanent, which was done. The following delegates were then elected.
Delegates: John A. Eaton, J. B. Lynn, Chas. Schmidt, S. G. Gary, A. J. Thompson, J. D. Ward, C. C. Black, Amos Walton, Frank Manny, C. G. Thompson, T. McIntyre.
Alternates: D. V. Cole, D. C. Young, J. W. Connor, John R. Smith, J. M. Keck, J. Wade McDonald, W. P. Hardwick, E. P. Young, J. W. Ledlie, M. G. Hoover, A. D. Prescott.
R. E. Howe, J. R. Smith, Arthur Smith, E. C. Million, C. M. McIntire, Ed Gage, John A. Eaton, J. B. Lynn, Chas. Smith, S. G. Gary, A. J. Thompson.
Alternates: Robert Ratcliff, J. L. Andrews, J. Wade McDonald, Ed Millard, W. L. Krebs, C. T. Thurston, Garm Primrose, Fred Kropp, I. D. Harkleroad, P. M. Bilyeu.
The state convention meets at Leavenworth, August 4th, and the congressional convention at Cherryvale on the 2nd. No resolutions were passed.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
Col. H. C. Loomis and Mr. A. J. Thompson are off for three weeks at the Crescent City.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Mayor and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Irve Randall, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Dr. D. V. Cole, and Miss Nellie, Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Byron Rudolph, Will Robinson, Col. Loomis, A. J. Thompson, Grant Stafford, and C. C. Harris are among those who have got home this week from a delightful trip to the Crescent City. They report the sights of the World's Fair varied and grand. One of the unique things mentioned is a miniature representation of Geuda Springs, surrounded by circulars describing the Western Saratoga.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
The matter of taking additional territory into the city limits came up before Judge Torrance yesterday evening, and was postponed to Monday next. Bliss & Wood, Col. Loomis, A. J. Thompson, D. C. Beach, A. A. Howland, the Highland Park Company, and others appeared to protest. The point was made that a mistake occurred in the publication of the late law enabling cities of the second class to extend their corporate limits, the official State paper omitting one section. An enrolled copy of the original bill, from Auditor McCabe, has been sent for.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
Pursuant to call the citizens met in mass meeting at the Court House Tuesday evening, with J. C. Long presiding and Ed. P. Greer as secretary, for the purpose of considering the question of securing the Methodist College. Senator Hackney, of the visiting committee, explained the situation. M. L. Robinson then proposed a plan whereby the twenty acres and fifteen thousand dollars necessary might be raised. He proposed to be one of eight to organize the College Hill Addition Company, secure land in some available location, set aside twenty acres thereof for the college site and guarantee ten thousand dollars to the fund. This suggestion was immediately adopted, and the following gentlemen subscribed to the shares at once: M. L. Robinson, W. P. Hackney, Chas. F. Bahntge, John W. Curns, W. R. McDonald, T. H. Soward, A. J. Thompson, and S. H. Myton. After some further discussion on the matter by Judge Gans, Mayor Graham, J. E. Conklin, and others, the meeting adjourned to meet again this evening. Messrs. Baden, Millington, Spotswood, Wallis, Conklin, F. S. Jennings, Bedilion, and Whiting were appointed as a committee to confer with the members of the College Hill and Highland Park Association and report proceedings. Mayor Graham, H. B. Schuler, and Senator Hackney were appointed to attend to the reception and entertainment of the College Commission. The railroad questions was also discussed at some length, and a committee of seven consisting of Messrs. Farnsworth, Bowen, M. M. Scott, Siverd, Chas. Schmidt, and J. E. Conklin were appointed to see that the registration was fully made. An assessment of $1.00 was levied upon the members of the Enterprise Association to defray the expenses of the railroad canvass. The solution of the college problem seems to be at hand. If this association furnishes the twenty acres and ten thousand dollars, certainly our citizens will furnish the other five thousand. Now is the time to act in this matter, and when the committee calls, be ready to put down liberally.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds yesterday.
A G Mudgett and wife to A J Thompson, lot 12 blk 149 Winfield: $3,375
Peter C Clark and wife to A J Thompson, lot 12 blk 149 Winfield: $3,375
F S Jennings and wife and A H Jennings and wife to A J Thompson, lot 12, block 149, Winfield, quit claim: $75.00
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
Judge Torrance came home Sunday, having closed Court at Howard. The incorporation matter came up in chambers before him Monday. The kickers composed about all whose property is in the proposed boundaries: Col. Loomis, A. A. Howland, D. C. Beach, A. J. Thompson, The Highland Park Company, and others. Joseph O'Hare appeared for the city and M. G. Troup, J. F. McMullen, S. D. Pryor, and other attorneys for clients. The Judge has the matter under consideration, having postponed his decision to the 29th inst. He is undecided as to the power of an administering officer in this matter.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds yesterday.
A J Thompson et ux to Mattie E Rodocker, lots 1, 2 and 3, blk 286, Thompson's 3d ad to Winfield: $150
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
A J Thompson et ux to W H Brooks, lot 3 and w hf, lot 2, blk 331, Thompson's ad to Winfield: $600
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
In answer to many questions, and for the benefit of those that could not avail themselves of the opportunity of taking in the excursion of Kiowa, I will try and give a few outlines of the trip. On Tuesday morning, August 25th, we boarded the 10:40 train, hearing that the regular excursion train from Kansas City, which was 20 minutes behind the regular train, was full, we boarded and started for Kiowa, which is located in Barber County, and at the terminus of the K. C. & S. K. Railroad. At Kellogg several parties joined our company. Among them was our friend, W. P. Gibson, of Protection, Comanche County. When we told him we were going to Kiowa, his face was almost as long as a fence rail, and he felt sorry for Protection. At Oxford a number of her citizens joined us, and so on at every station we passed until we neither had sitting nor standing room on our train. We arrived at Kiowa at 3:30 p.m., and the other train 20 minutes later. The citizens of Kiowa met us in grand style at the railroad. I won't say depot for they have none yet; but they were there with all the buggies, carriages, and hacks they had in town, together with the Wellington Band, which had gone over the day before. We unloaded right in the midst of the worst prairie that a great many of the excursionists has ever looked upon. We were now about half a mile from what they called New Kiowa. We started on the march, headed by the Band. We marched up through Main street, and there, let me tell you, we saw wonders to behold such as we never will forget. As they marched us into the town, they said they proposed to show us the production of their county, which they did to perfection. Across Main street they had erected an arch about forty feet high in the center. This was handsomely decorated from base to base with all the cereals of the soil, such as none but Kansas lands can produce--corn, wheat, millet, beans, cane, melons, cotton, pumpkins, etc. This they claim was the production of 1885, and the production of their county for 1884. They had on exhibition the bear, cayote, wild cat, deer, and numerous others too numerous to mention, and to go back as far as 1881, and to show to this grand excursion party--especially to those who had forgotten the production of these past years--they had on public exhibition, with doors wide open, seven saloons and gambling houses, selling whiskey and beer over the bar by the drink, as they did of olden times. I must confess that this seemed to be the most lively part of the exhibition. On top of the arch they had a stuffed beef hide. There it stood natural as life, 40 feet in the air. After passing through this arch, we filed right and were brought to a halt in front of the Hardwick House, a fine, large two-story hotel, fitted up for all contingencies, with a bar and billiard room on the first floor, with all the necessary conveniences about a first class hotel on the second floor. After some very fine music from the band, the excursion party started for the four corners of Kiowa. I want to tell you some of them saw the elephant before morning, but I am not going to tell you who they were. Ask J. J. Johnson and Sam Phenix about it. The first place I saw these two gentlemen in the morning was crawling out of a stockade that had been bedded with sand the night before for shipping Texas cattle. Of course, we did not know whether the people of Kiowa would give us a free lunch or anything of the kind, but it was suggested by some of the party that it was such a great cattle region that they would as much as have a roasted beef anyway. When we all got off of the train and beheld that beef standing forty feet in the air, the whole party thought it was a sign of a roasted beef. It was a sight to see the greedy eyes feasting on that stuffed beef as we passed under it; but we were to be pitied as the train had stopped nowhere for dinner, and we had eaten up all the roasted and unroasted peanuts that the peanut vendor had on the train. You may know what a hungry looking crowd we were, but we did not see any roast beef nor have a barbecue. I think if that striped animal had fallen off of the arch in the crowd, it would have been devoured in less time than a gang of cayotes could devour a buffalo carcass. But we got full--that is, we all got plenty to eat by paying $2 for our supper, bed, and breakfast. We were glad of the accommodations, even at that price. When you visit Kiowa, you don't want to care for expenses.
After supper the crowd was called together--all that could get together--at the Hardwick House and after some very fine music by the Wellington band, the excursionists were addressed by Mr. Dobson, mayor of the city, in which he stated that he was completely surprised to think that 1,500 people would drop down on them at one time just to see their little city. He said their town was only six months old and had already about 1,000 inhabitants. Judge Reed, of Wellington, also addressed the crowd, making some fine remarks about the southwestern country. Some gentleman from Kansas City also made some remarks in which he said there were three great cities. First, the city of Chicago; Kansas City; and, last, but not least, the city of Kiowa. Then the chairman suggested that after some more music from the band there would be a free dance on the platform adjoining the hotel, and those who had no place to stay "could dance all night and go home in the morning." The platform was 40 x 100 feet. They had fine music and the Kansas City, Wellington, Winfield, Oxford, and Kiowa people all joined hands and had a jolly old time by the sweet, silvery light of the moon.
My object in taking this trip west was for my own satisfaction and to see if all reports were true that we had been hearing. I had been told by many that they had been having much more rain than we had and that the crops were much better. Now, after seeing with my own eyes, I emphatically deny the reports. I do not think they have had any more rain than we have had. I saw some pieces of corn that were green and nice yet, and some that were dried up, some were well eared, and some had no ears at all on it, just the same as in this county. The early corn is good, but the late is a failure. Some say the soil is just as good out west as it is here. Now I can deny this. I paid particular attention to the crops and soil and want to say right here, I would not give a good quarter section of Cowley County soil for any section of land I saw west of a little town called Crystal, about fourteen miles west of Harper, for agricultural purposes. At this place and on west the soil is a deep red, with not an inch of black soil to be seen. The water that stands in pools is a red color and did not look even fit for stock to drink. If the soil was only a Mulatto color with a little black mixed in, I would think it better for agriculture. I did not see any grass west of Attica that was tall enough to cut. I noticed that there was not much fall plowing done, on account of the dry weather. The ground is just as dry out there as it is here. I examined some ground that had lately been plowed and it looked as though it has had no rain on it this summer. I think that country, to make a good farming country, wants a rain every day in the week and one on Sunday for a change. Between Attica and Chrisfield we passed through quite a valley, which A. J. Thompson called "Wild Horse Valley," as there was a herd of Texas ponies running away from the train, and he took them for a genuine herd of wild horses; but he was informed by someone that they were only Texas ponies. Between Chrisfield and Hazelton we ran into the prairie dog towns and Jap Cochran thought they were pigs following the cattle until he was told better by some bystander, who informed him that they did not raise hogs in that country.
Among the excursionists from Cowley, I noticed the following persons: J. J. Johnson, New Salem; F. M. Fall, Cambridge; J. Hiatt, Cambridge; S. Phenix, Floral; J. Finkleburg, Arkansas City; N. T. Snyder, Arkansas City. From Winfield: A. J. Thompson, Walter Denning and wife; Uncle Billy Moore and wife; Jap Cochran and mother; Barnthouse, the soda man; Sol Fredrick; John Eaton and wife; C. W. Stolp and son; Jake Goldsmith; Sam Stivers and brothers; and Gray, of the Telegram.
We left Kiowa at 12:30 and arrived home at 5:30, all except Jap Cochran. I think he got off on the way to get some of those pigs. I don't think there was an investment made out of the whole party on account of the high prices. A. J. Thompson don't value lots out in Kiowa like he does in Winfield. They tried to sell some lots at auction the day we left, and Thompson bid $100 for a lot on Main street, but I think one of the town company over-bid him and he did not get it. Now if anyone that was on this grand excursion can give a better description of the trip, I am ready to hear from them.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Some new corn is appearing on the street. It sells for thirty cents a bushel, eighty pounds. A load raised on A. J. Thompson's place just east of town was as fine as can be produced. It goes seventy bushels to the acre and is the large yellow variety.
Could this have been Mrs. A. J. Thompson???
Arkansas City Republican, August 27, 1886.
The Woman's Relief Corps, of Winfield, having invited their sister corps of Arkansas City to enjoy a festivity with them yesterday, the following ladies responded to the call.
Mesdames Ashton, Guthrie, Mansfield, Ruby, Taylor, Lewis, Chapin, Bluebaugh, Nelson, Neil Shields; and Miss Pickering.
Arriving at their destination, they were met by their entertainers, who conveyed their guests to Winfield's beautiful park near the placid waters of the Walnut, where they were greeted by some 60 co-workers in that grand old regiment--Relief.
The sociability and encouragement of these ladies with each other was pleasant to behold. And when the hour for dinner arrived, quite a number of Winfield's veterans of 61 and 65 came down to the happy throng to assist in doing away with that bountiful repast, which was spread upon a table rock, 12 x 20 feet, and which seated about forty persons. The dinner was simply immense and the ladies of Winfield with Mesdames Walton, Beach, and Thompson at the head, spared no pains to make this social gathering one to be long remembered by their guests. The quarter-master and chaplain of the Arkansas City post were also present to keep a protective eye on the ladies (as it were). And the ladies (oh my) didn't they do themselves proud in catering to the wants of the inner man, a day long to be remembered by ONE WHO WAS PRESENT.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 15, 1886.
The Winfield Visitor tells of an active effort being made by home capitalists to build up the city and infuse some life into business. The first move made in this direction was the purchase last week of the Mendenhall property, on the corner of Ninth Avenue and Millington Street, for $15,000. The gentlemen composing the syndicate who made the purchase are: W. P. Hackney, A. J. Thompson, John A. Eaton, H. D. Gans, J. B. Nipp, M. L. Robinson, J. L. Horning, James B. Mabry, W. L. Hands, P. H. Albright, M. L. Reed, T. H. Soward, Curns & Manser, and J. L. M. Hill. They buy the lots, we are assured, with the intention of erecting a large stone building thereon. There is also talk of another syndicate being formed to make another purchase of real estate on West Ninth Avenue, where another stone block is to be erected. Some more loose talk is thrown in of Messrs. Ferguson, Hackney, Albright, Fuller, and Smith making arrangements to build on their lots on Ninth Avenue, and Mr. James Fahey agrees, if the last named work is done, to carry up the post office building so as to make it correspond with the Farmers' bank and the Short block. We are glad to learn that our Winfield neighbors are waking up to the necessity of the times, but they have aroused themselves so late in the season that we do not expect to see much stone and mortar laid before bad weather sets in. It is well to make a stir, however, and encourage the townspeople with great things to be accomplished, though the consummation is never arrived at. It will never do to give up best.
Some years later [1891] the following about "Andy Thompson" appeared...Have no idea whether this was "A. J. Thompson" or not...
Daily Calamity Howler, Thursday, October 8, 1891.
It has leaked out that the democratic central committee are fitting Andy Thompson for joint discussions with republicans and people's party speakers. No better choice could have been made. Andy possesses superior advantages as a debater, chief of which is that he never hears what an opponent says, usually considering it unworthy of notice.
Note...I will probably add more items for A. J. Thompson as I am working with the Winfield Courier newspapers in latter part of 1885 and will continue on for some time, the Good Lord willing. MAW