Winfield Courier, February 15, 1873.

Petition presented by J. G. Titus, principal petitioner, for a county road beginning on the same road, at the southwest corner of the northeast quarter, section 22, township 34, south of range 5 East, and running northward up Silver Creek along the west side of northeast quarter of section 22, and through the west half of section 15; thence a little west of north through the west half of section 10, to a point on section line 35 rods east of northwest corner of section 10, thence west along section line three fourths of a mile to county road.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.

Petition of J. G. Titus granted, with Joen Flarity, Hamilton Herbert, and John Tipton as viewers, to meet for survey March 28, 1873.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 19, 1873.

Mr. J. G. Titus, having bought the meat shop of Myers & Miller, has fitted it up in the best of style and he is now prepared to supply Winfield with the best beef the county affords. He has a large farm south of town on which he keeps his stock, and thus he is enabled to sell cheaper than the cheapest. Give him a call.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.

Our enterprising butcher, J. G. Titus, has ninety head of young cattle which he is fattening for this market. He is also ready to buy hides, hogs, cattle, sheep, etc.

[FAIR NOTES.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 25, 1873.

We took great interest in this department for the future wealth of the county is assured if the soil and climate are well adapted to corn and other small grains. The exhibition in this department was quite full, and the quality of the samples excellent.

The premiums were awarded on corn to J. G. Titus, R. L. Cowles, F. W. Schwantes. On wheat, white, A. Meaner; red, J. H. Curfman, spring wheat, J. Lowery.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 2, 1873.

For Representative: JAMES McDERMOTT.

For County Commissioners--

1st District: JOHN MANLY.

2nd District: J. G. TITUS.

3rd District: R. F. BURDEN.

For County Clerk: M. G. TROUP.

For County Treasurer: E. B. KAGER.

For Register of Deeds: N. C. McCULLOCH.

For Sheriff: R. L. WALKER.

For County Surveyor: W. W. WALTON.

For Coroner: S. S. MOORE.

Walnut Valley Times, October 10, 1873.

The following gentlemen were nominated at the Republican Convention in Cowley County last week for the offices named: Representative, James McDermott; County Clerk, M. G. Troupe; Treasurer, E. B. Kager; Register of Deeds, N. C. McCulloch; Sheriff, R. L. Walker; Coroner, Sim Moore; Surveyor, W. W. Walton; Commissioners, Messrs. L. E. Manley, J. G. Titus, and R. F. Burden.

Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.

Last Friday Mr. Titus dug his potatoes on the Black farm near town and they turned out in good condition.

[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' PROCEEDINGS, JANUARY 6, 1874.]

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.

Winfield Courier, January 23, 1874.

TO RENT. Two bottom farms, well improved, plenty of water and timber. One two miles, the other ten miles from Winfield. Or would sell one reasonable and give time on a part of payments. Enquire at City Meat Market. J. G. TITUS.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1874.

A farm two and a half miles from Winfield. For particulars, call at Newland's bakery.

Enquire at Titus' Meat Market.

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1874.

If you want to build a house and take for pay a choice piece of land near Winfield, call on J. G. Titus, at City Meat Market.

[DISTRICT COURT PROCEEDINGS.]

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.

Wright vs. Titus, dismissed at defendant's cost.

Wright vs. Titus, Remanded.

S. Tyner vs. Titus, Judgment for plaintiff.

W. Tyner vs. Titus, dismissed at defendant's cost.

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.

J. G. Titus has sold out his butcher shop.

[COMMISSIONER'S PROCEEDINGS: APRIL 16, 1874.]

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.

Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.

J. G. Titus furnishes the county wood at $4.00 per cord in scrip.

Winfield Courier, January 21, 1875.

A young man named Joe Straidler, formerly in the employ of J. G. Titus of this place, took it into his head to raise the "wind" slightly, on his own hook a day or two ago. So being fully aware of the stringency in the money market, especially in Cowley, devised a by no means original plan whereby to replenish his much depleted exchequer. He drew up a note, and unlawfully, and feloniously attached thereto, such "filthy lucre" raising names as J. G. Titus, and C. C. Black. The note, so well endorsed, was presented by this young man to the Arkansas City banks for "shave." Luckily, however, the signatures of the drawers were well known there, and after a careful comparison with those on the note, they were found not to be identical. Whereupon word was dispatched to Messrs. Titus and Black, who struck right out in quest of Joe, and much to his discomfiture, found him, and brought him before Justice Boyer, where he waived examination and was sent to jail.

Joe certainly acted cutely in making the note. It was drawn for $114.69, the cents giving it the appearance of exactness. But Joe erred in offering to shave these gentlemen's paper so ruinously, as their paper is not the kind which goes a begging for buyers. No doubt Joe is well enough satisfied as he is boarding at the expense of the county.

Winfield Courier, February 18, 1875.

The Traveler says that Samuel Darrah, W. J. Keffer, and J. G. Titus start down the Arkansas in a flatboat with J. C. Lillie, managing Editor. . . .

Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.

Samuel Darrah and J. G. Titus of this place, and Mr. Keffer of Pleasant Valley, started last Monday down the Arkansas River in a flat-boat bound for Fort Smith. We wish those hardy sailors a pleasant voyage.

Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.

Sam Darrah, J. G. Titus, and Jake Keffer, the three hardy mariners who left Arkansas City a few weeks ago to test the navigability of the Arkansas River, returned home last Saturday. They report the navigation of the river impracticable for boats larger than the Great Eastern. The party floated down in a skiff as far as Fort Gibson, where they bought ponies to bring them back.

[DISTRICT COURT DOCKET: MARCH TERM.]

Winfield Courier, March 18, 1875.

Winfield Courier, April 22, 1875.

For about a year past there have been spiritual meetings held by Major F. Strout, formerly from Gridley, Illinois, at the houses of Esq. Butterfield and a Mr. Adams, living on Grouse Creek, near Silver Dale, and claimed to have very strange and mysterious demonstrations in the way of "Materialized Spirits," appearing in life-like form, and conversing with friends on earth. A number of persons in that vicinity have frequently been invited. Fifteen attended their meetings and conversed and joined hands with the materialized forms of their departed friends, and for those who could believe all they saw, it was a grand entertainment, and made lasting impressions on their minds by being honored by the returning spirits of departed friends.

But there were some in the neighborhood who were slow to believe all they saw; consequently, it was talked up by a few to put it to the test--to prove it to be a fraud or true.

So on the night of the 14th inst., there were quite a number invited to attend a meeting at Esq. Butterfield's, among whom were Messrs. Lippmann, Blendin and brother, Allison and lady, Harlow, Hilton, Darnall, and myself, and several others besides their own circle. We went prepared with lamp and plenty of matches, and with an understanding that when the signal was given that we make a rush.

When the medium, Mr. Strout, was put under control of the spirits, there was considerable discussion as to the propriety of so large an audience, as it was feared they would not be able to produce satisfactory result; but at length all were admitted, and seated by Esq. Butterfield, who gave a brief lecture as to how we should conform to certain rules and laws during the exercise, in order that satisfactory results might be produced.

Then it was voted that I should witness the tying of the medium in an adjoining room, with a curtain hung over the door. After he was securely tied in his seat by Mr. Butterfield, the curtain dropped, and the music commenced. In about three minutes something commenced poking at the curtain and calling through a French harp to lower the lights, which was in the main room in rear of the audience, and also doubly curtained. At first the spirits seemed very shy, but as one and another scene seemed to produce the desired effect, and was undisturbed, they became more bold, and showed some wonderful scenes, provided the same were Heavenly spirits and the medium still bound in his seat.

But that was the question we wished to solve. So at about the usual time, the controlling spirit called for a quick step by the musicians, and there would be an Indian spirit in material form come forward and dance the war dance, which was done to the satisfaction of the audience, he coming forth dancing and waving his war club, letting the curtain drop behind him, and coming out in the main room among the audience.

At this moment the signal was given and there was a grand charge for the spirit, which did not vanish into the ethereal regions, but fought manfully with his club and pulled hair. There was hurrying to and fro, upsetting seats, lighting matches and lamps, women screaming, and cries of don't kill the medium, etc. When the room was sufficiently lighted, I saw some of the boys kindly caressing the stranger from the happy hunting ground, but it turned out to be the materialized form of Major F. Strout, instead of the Indian dancer. On the opposite side of the room, I saw another person lopping against the wall. It was Butterfield and it seemed as though some fellow was feeling his coat collar.

If there were any spirits or angels hovering around there that night to behold the exposure of the fraud, I am quite sure they turned away in disgust when they heard the benediction pronounced on the head of Strout by those who had grasped his clammy hand instead of (as they supposed) a father, mother, sister, or brother, who had long before departed. In the closet overhead was found left open a board in the ceiling, that slipped in its place very readily, and there is where he kept his spiritual trimmings. J. G. TITUS.

April 20th, 1875.

Winfield Courier, April 29, 1875.

Titus and Darrah, of Winfield, who went down the Arkansas River to Fort Gibson in a flat boat in February last, report the route practicable, and intend to ship grain that way this fall. Give us a rest. [Newspaper source not given.]

Winfield Courier, August 5, 1875.

Big stalk of corn at P. O. Raised by Titus--15 footer.

Winfield Courier, October 21, 1875.

J. G. Titus, one of the most successful farmers of Kansas, told us the other day that he had finished sowing three hundred acres of wheat, and that he would give $300 out of his pocket to help build a railroad. Let our farmers but raise one other good crop of wheat and we have no fears but that a railroad will be built to haul it away.

Winfield Courier, January 20, 1876.

Mr. Titus, of Winfield, brother of Sheriff Titus, has been spending a few days in town. He is one of the big wheat raisers of Cowley County, having sown 300 acres last fall.

Sedan Journal.

Winfield Courier, January 27, 1876.

It will cost J. G. Titus, of Winfield Township, two thousand dollars next fall to haul his wheat crop to Wichita; and still we have no railroad.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.

We have received another letter from J. G. Titus, now at Muskogee, Indian Territory, asking when the Parker Brothers' boat would be up the river. He has a lot of baled hay he intends shipping to Fort Smith.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.

Mr. J. G. Titus speaks of bringing two thousand sheep into Cowley County. A. E. L.

Winfield Courier, March 2, 1876.

FOREST TREES FREE. In the timber of J. G. Titus there are about 5,000 young walnut and Pecan trees, which persons desirous of obtaining such trees can have free. J. G. TITUS.

Winfield Courier, June 22, 1876.

Messrs. Geo. M. Wells, Jas. D. Greene, and Wm. League, of Indianapolis, arrived this week with a steam-threshing machine. They came with the intention of staying, as evidenced by their "setting up" with that live-go-ahead farmer, J. G. Titus. They left Indiana because they couldn't get work. They are intelligent, hard-working men, and no doubt will succeed in getting all the work they can do. Farmers desiring threshing done by the steamer can find the parties by calling at the COURIER office.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876. Editorial.

Charges sufficient to disqualify our present County Surveyor have been brought to our notice within the past ten days. While surveying a road from Wintin's, up Silver Creek, he dined at the house of J. G. Titus, and was asked in reference to moving established Government corners, when he said:

"In my official capacity, it would not be advisable for me to advise anyone to move the Government corner stones, but I frequently tell them that if their lines do not suit them, if they would hide the Government stones, I would set one to suit." J. G. Titus and John Brannon are witnesses to the fact.

Then Mr. Charles Seward testified that for five dollars, Mr. Walton moved a corner stone himself, on Squaw Creek, three miles below Winfield, so as to make a farm "take in water." There are a number of other complaints afloat in reference to the gentleman's actions that should be looked into and the perpetrator held accountable for "in his official capacity."

Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.

A. A. NEWMAN bought 1,700 bushels of wheat last Friday, and paid the cash for it. 1,500 bushels he purchased of J. G. Titus, who is to haul it from Winfield.

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1877.

We learn that Mr. J. G. Titus was breaking prairie yesterday. How's that?

Winfield Courier, April 19, 1877.

From all accounts, J. G. Titus made an unjustifiable and outrageous attack upon the person of R. B. Corkins, his neighbor, last Saturday. A suit for mayhem is likely to grow out of the wounds.

[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.

Winfield Courier, May 17, 1877.

In the case of the State vs. Titus, charged with an assault with intent to maim and disfigure, the defendant was found guilty of assault and battery. Judgment of the court not yet announced.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.

J. G. Titus, who was arrested for assault and battery inflicted on the person of one R. B. Corkins, was fined $100 for the amusement. The quarrel originated from Corkins taking up some cattle belong to Mr. Titus, and demanding pay before he would release them. Mr. Titus went to him on the last occasion while Corkins was plowing in the field. Words were exchanged, and finally Titus hit him on the back of the head and knocked him down, and during the affray bit a part of his ear off. Corkins objected to this ear work, and brought suit for damage, and received $100. He is well satisfied with the court's decision, and will sell the balance of that ear at the same rate--$100 a bite.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 6, 1877.

Mr. Titus, of Cowley County, has recovered $100 damages from Mr. Corking, the latter having bitten off a part of Mr. Titus' ear. This pays better than the old testament rule of "an ear for an ear." Commonwealth.

How are you "an ear for an ear" for an old testament quotation? You will have to read scripture more frequently, Prentiss. Besides, it was Corking that lost the ear.

Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.

Public sale of farming implements, stock, and blacksmith tools, on Thursday, Dec. 20th. Nine months time given on sums over $5. Twenty percent per annum off for cash.

Winfield Courier, February 28, 1878.

Leon Lippmann is moving his mill up to J. G. Titus' timber, just below town. Lippmann is one of the men that will keep business moving in spite of bad weather and hard times.

[DISTRICT COURT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, April 17, 1878.

Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.

Notice the new advertisement of S. W. Chatterson. His mill for sawing native lumber, only 2½ miles from this city, is a convenience much needed, and will be highly appreciated. Mr. Chatterson is a wide-awake man and will be found reliable.

AD:

Having moved my Mill to

Two and a half miles below Winfield, I am now prepared to

Orders can be left at Winfield Post Office. S. W. CHATTERSON.

Winfield Courier, May 23, 1878.

John W. Blizzard vs. Jacob G. Titus.

Motion to dismiss appeal overruled. Case dismissed, the plaintiff failing to appear.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.

MR. TITUS, of Grouse Creek, lost 500 bushels of old wheat during the late high water. The water rose some four feet in the bind in which the wheat was kept, and the stream ascending through the rest of it, ruined the entire amount. This will be a severe loss to Mr. Titus, and we sympathize with him, as he, like many other farmers, has no more of this world's goods than he knows what to do with.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 10, 1878.

MR. TITUS, of Grouse Creek, has met with another loss--this time through the fiendish deviltry of one Blizard, who had a spite against him. Mr. Titus thought he saw fire in the direction of his wheat stacks, and mounting his horse he made all haste toward them, only to find them enveloped in flames. Blizard was on the ground, and Titus, suspecting him of the deed, grappled with him, and after pounding him over the head with his revolver for a few minutes, Blizard confessed that he burned the wheat--about 1,200 bushels in all. He is now in custody, though he ought to be in hell by this time. He ought to have been shot or hung as soon as caught. His act leaves Mr. Titus and his family almost destitute. We hope to write Blizard's obituary soon.

Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.

At about 10 or 11 o'clock last Saturday evening, J. G. Titus, who lives about two miles southeast of town, returned home from this city, and seeing several of his wheat stacks on fire, seized his double-barreled gun and with some of his men rode on horse back rapidly to the scene of the fire. Finding that nothing could be saved, they immediately commenced scouting around to find, if possible, the incendiary. Soon Mr. Titus came across John W. Blizzard and fired at him. Blizzard, terribly frightened, held up both hands and begged for his life; and under the fear and excitement of the moment confessed before Titus and some of his men that he (Blizzard) had set the stacks on fire. Blizzard was brought to town and lodged in jail. There has been a bitter controversy and lawsuit between Blizzard and Titus, in which Blizzard was not successful, and we are told he had threatened revenge. We do not know the merits of the controversy, nor do we think that the confession is conclusive against Blizzard, but we have this to say: that if Blizzard actually fired the stacks, he can have no excuse and should be punished to the very extent of the law. The man that is so degraded as to destroy property merely for revenge has no right to live outside the penitentiary. We understand the loss is about 900 bushels of wheat.

Blizzard had his preliminary examination on Monday before Justice Buckman and was bound over to court in $800. Failing to procure bonds, he was returned to jail.

Winfield Courier, December 19, 1878.

Anyone wanting 50 tons millet hay and good timbered feed lot for stock will do well by calling soon on J. G. TITUS, Winfield, Kansas.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.

NATIVE LUMBER. Having moved my Mill to J. G. Titus' Farm, two and a half miles below Winfield, I am now prepared to Fill Orders For any kind of Native Lumber Promptly. Orders can be left at Winfield Post Office. S. W. CHATTERSON.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

J. G. Titus was at Wichita last week. He says Wichita people do not like the idea of losing the terminus of the road. He is in receipt of many letters from friends inquiring for lands in this county, all of which he answers promptly.

[DISTRICT COURT DOCKET.]

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1879.

The following is a list of cases that will stand for trial at the May, A. D. 1879, term of the District Court of Cowley County, beginning on the first Monday in May, and have been placed on the Trial Docket in the following order.

[DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.

The court commenced its session on Monday. His Honor W. P. Campbell presiding. Present: E. S. Bedilion, clerk; C. L. Harter, sheriff; E. S. Torrance, prosecuting attorney, and a full corps of local attorneys.

The following cases were dismissed.

Excerpt...

[A GRAND SCHEME TO ELECT HARTER SHERIFF BY FOUL MEANS.]

Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.

State of Kansas, )

Cowley county. ) ss.

Seth W. Chase, after being duly sworn, upon his oath doth say, that he is a resident of Tisdale township in said county of Cowley, and has been for more than six years last past.

Affiant further saith, that in the month of July, 1878, Zeke White, William Baker, and Mrs. Wood committed the crime of theft in said Cowley county and a warrant upon the complaint of affiant was issued by George H. Buckman, Justice of the Peace of Winfield township in said Cowley county, and the same was placed in the hands of Charles L. Harter, as sheriff of said Cowley county, to arrest them. That affiant accompanied the said sheriff and showed him the said thieves. That said Harter called to them to come out to where we were. Affiant was unarmed, but the said Harter was armed. Bill Baker and White came up to where we were, and Baker told Harter he would not be taken. White made no resistance. And thereupon the said sheriff, after parleying with said Baker for some time, in a tone of voice not heard by me, turned to affiant and said, let's go, and we left. Baker and White went back to where they came from. White was unarmed. I said to Harter on our way back, what are you going to do? He replied, what can I do? I then said, Go get Titus and I will get Chaffee and his shot-gun, and we will go back and get them (the said Baker and White). He said, no; I will get the drop on them tomorrow. I replied, they will be gone tomorrow; and he replied, that will be better than to arrest them. I then said, Give me the warrant and deputize me and I will bring them in tonight. He looked at me and said, No, damn you; you would kill him. We then separated. I went home and he came on to town. All the thieves made their escape that night, except White, and he came in and gave himself up, and the other parties have never been arrested, and no attempt ever made to arrest them; and further deponent saith not. SETH W. CHASE.

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of October, 1879.

[Note: J. G. Titus had a brother who was a Sheriff in Howard County in 1874. I assume it was "J. G. Titus" that affidavit refers to. Item re his brother is next.]

Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.

"Mr. Titus, sheriff of Howard County, arrived in this city last evening on the 9 o'clock train from his county to advise with the governor and attorney general on the state of affairs in relation to the county seat question.

"The readers of the Commonwealth are already advised of the visit of Messrs. Williams and Thomas to that county and the refusal of the Boston people to surrender the records as it was supposed they would under the advice of Attorney General Williams. Since that time Capt. Berry of Howard County was deputized by Gov. Osborn to go down there and try to settle the matter. But it seems his efforts were as fruitless as those of the first named gentlemen. On arriving in the county Capt. Berry had a written agreement drawn up at the instance of the Boston party which after some demur was agreed to by the Elk Falls people. This agreement was to the effect that the books and records were to be peaceably given up by the Boston party and that in the suit in the district court Boston was to be made a party so that their rights might be adjudicated at once. After this agreement was signed, the Boston people backed out and refused to deliver up the books, etc.

"Under this state of affairs the sheriff, Mr. Titus, has come here to ask of the governor the aid of the state Militia to enable him to execute the laws of that county.

"Mr. Titus says some of the Boston people have made some very loud threats as to what they will do in case the militia is called out, but it is very possible that even armed as they are and with all their warlike demonstrations, Gov. Osborn will surely enforce the law if he commences. It is understood that a conference is to be had by the governor, attorney general, and Mr. Titus, this morning, when it will be decided what course the state authorities will pursue. Commonwealth."

Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.

One of the most important property exchanges we have yet chronicled was made last week. Mr. Chas. C. Black purchased from W. H. Maris the building now being occupied by J. H. Lynn's store, the one occupied by W. C. Root & Co.'s boot and shore store, and his residence on Elm Row, for $12,000. Mr. Maris receives in part payment the J. G. Titus farm of 640 acres, southeast of town, and the balance, $5,000, in cash.

[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, December 1, 1880.

[TRIAL DOCKET, DISTRICT COURT - MAY TERM, 1881.]

Arkansas City Traveler, May 4, 1881. Front Page.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 2, 1881.

Mr. J. G. Titus, whom many of our citizens will remember as one of the pioneers of Grouse Creek, but now in Colorado, has developed into an inventor. Read from the Scientific American.

"Mr. Jacob G. Titus, of Silver Cliff, Colorado, has patented an improvement to that class of journal bearings in which friction is relieved by use of balls or rollers interposed between the journal and its box or casing. The improvement consists in the construction of an axle journal box which adapts it to receive anti-friction balls, and also in the provision of elastic and anti-friction end bearings for receiving the end movement or thrust of the axle journal."

[BAR DOCKET DISTRICT COURT - COWLEY COUNTY.]

Winfield Courier, November 3, 1881.

[TRIAL DOCKET: DISTRICT COURT.]

Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.

Cowley County Courant, May 11, 1882.

Two important real estate transactions have just been made in Cowley County. The first being the J. G. Titus farm of 480 acres located southeast of town, the consideration being $4,600 and the purchaser Frederick McClellen, a stock man from Ohio, who has been here, living in the Sam Jarvis house for a short time. The other being one of the G. N. Fowler quarter sections in Fairview township, which sold for $4,500, including one hundred acres of growing wheat. The purchaser was Robt. Gammon, a wealthy gentleman from England, who is making a tour around the world. He stopped here to visit his nephew, W. H. Gammon, who resides near Akron, Fairview township, and for whom he purchased the farm.

Winfield Courier, May 11, 1882.

Real estate is still booming. Messrs. Curns & Manser on Tuesday sold the Titus farm of 480 acres south of town to F. W. McClellan for $4,600. Also W. H. Gamon purchased one of the G. N. Fowler farms of 160 acres near Little Dutch for $4,500 cash. The figures are getting up in the region of Illinois land.