[I NEED HELP, IF YOU CAN GIVE IT TO ME, RELATIVE TO THE ABOVE INTERESTING PERSON, WHO IN 1877 WAS SHERIFF OF COWLEY COUNTY AND ALSO MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WINFIELD, KANSAS. DOES ANYONE HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT HIM? MAW May 15, 2001.]
The Winfield census of 1874 lists R. L. Walker, age 31.
The Kansas State census of 1875 lists; Rebecca Walker, 57; R. L., 32; George, 27; and Edward, 24.
Rebecca Walker and her son, R. L., were born in Pennsylvania.
Rebecca Walker's sons, George and Edward Walker, were born in Ohio.
The Winfield census of 1878 lists; R. L. Walker, age 35 and his wife Sada, age 26; George L. Walker, age 28; and E. L. Walker, age 25.
Name Elected Term Expired.
J. M. PATTISON November 8, 1870. January 8, 1872.
JAMES PARKER November 7, 1871. January 11, 1874.
R. L. WALKER November 4, 1873. January 10, 1876.
R. L. WALKER November 2, 1875. January 10, 1878.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1873.
A call was made by the following Republicans of Vernon Township for a committee meeting of Republicans: Wm. Bonnewell, C. S. Smith, Henry Pennington, T. B. Ware, J. Cromer, John McMahon, W. G. Pennington, W. L. Pennington, Wm. L. Cromer, R. L. Walker, J. S. Wooley, H. L. Benedict, D. L. Walker and F. McMahon.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1873.
Capt. R. L. Walker was nominated for Sheriff after a sharp fight; it seemed that many applicants for that position were determined not to yield the point, but all acquiesced in the choice of the convention. Capt. Walker was one of the boys "in blue" during the rebellion, and no doubt did valuable service for the country then as he will now after his election to the office of Sheriff of Cowley County.
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. Troup; Treasurer, E. B. Kager; Register of Deeds, N. C. McCulloch; Sheriff, R. L. Walker.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
Captain Dick Walker, the new sheriff, is one of the most popular men in the county. Everybody who knows him bets on him. His personal appearance is strikingly favorable--except to criminals. In form: tall, straight, and well proportioned. In motion: lithe, graceful, and dignified. To those graces are added an intelligent countenance, whose flashing eyes and strong, well-turned features at once attract the attention of the observer. In repose: grand; in action, awful! His is a happy combination of the powers, arts, faculties, graces, and acquirements of the remaining members of the "ring." With the length of a Johnson, the sinews of a Green, the muscle of a Torrance, the nerve of a Kelly, the bearing of a Fuller, the decision of a Millington, the address of an Irwin, the brains of a McDermott, the brilliancy of a Webb, and the intuition of a Manning, Dick is calculated to get away with the baggage of all the passengers he goes for. Girls, he is not married, but wants to . . . well, you can guess the remainder. His mustache is so ticklish!
Winfield Courier, January 30, 1874.
Prisoner Escaped! Rucker's Lodgings Vacated! Worthlessness of the City Jail!! Wednesday morning last, our city was thrown into a tumult of excitement by the announcement that Thos. Rucker, the Lazette murderer, who had been confined in the city jail at this place since the tragedy last Christmas, was missing. The inhabitants of the town immediately proceeded to the jail and soon found that it was no hoax, but a bona fide fact. Scouts were immediately dispatched in every direction, but failed to discover any trace of his whereabouts.
The means by which he escaped are very indefinite. It is generally supposed that some outside party opened the doors and gave him his liberty, although it is possible that he had the tools furnished, and did the work himself. At any rate, he has gone, and the next thing is to find him, although Sheriff Walker is confident that he will soon have his hands on him, as well as the one who gave him his freedom.
And while he is gone, it would be well if the city council would put the jail in a condition to hold him an hour or so if he should be brought back. A man who has a friend in the world and wishes to get out need not stay in his cell an hour. In the first place, there is nothing to prevent anybody giving a pris-oner anything they wish, as the windows have nothing to protect them except some iron bars with space enough between to throw a sledge hammer.
Then again, the jail is at least twenty rods from the nearest human habitation, and the building could be bombarded with a ten pound cannon and the noise would be hardly heard by the citizens at home. The doors are also in such a shape that Rucker could easily have lifted them off the hinges with a crow bar. If some protection was put around the windows and the upper story occupied by a family, it would become more difficult for a prisoner to make his escape."
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.
Sheriff Dick Walker has a new and safe way of keeping his prisoners. Since the jail has been "broke" so much, he takes them to bed with him. We understand that Mr. Walker will not trust anymore of his prisoners in the jail while the city authorities carry the keys.
Winfield Courier, January 14, 1875.
A heavy theft was perpetrated here a night or two ago. It seems that Sheriff Walker took a threshing machine from somewhere on the Walnut to town and left it in the yard attached to the livery of Morris & Bro. Sometime during the night the machine was spirited away, no one knew wither. It was finally found, however, and brought to town. We have heard of thieves stealing saw mills and such like, but this is the first instance on record of a threshing machine being stolen.
Winfield Courier, May 27, 1875.
One day last week the boys at the Courthouse attempted to illustrate the cold water ritual of the Methodists by sprinkling each other. Judge Gans, an old hand at the business, "frowed de last water fust" on Dick Walker; and Dick, not being partial to water in any form, handed a pitcher full to Troup, which, owing to his carelessness, landed on top of his head. This set the ball to rolling. Troup returned the compliment by emptying his coal scuttle of dirty water in Walker's left ear. Then Bedilion and Walton joined in--only to get treated to more cold water than they had been used to lately, and they retired satisfied. Then Walker and Gans formed an alliance, which they were just sealing with a "shake," when the irrepressible Troup put in his ladle and sent them off shaking themselves and swearing vengeance against him. They soon proved too much for Troup, for while he was guarding the pump and watching Dick, Gans stole upstairs, and emptied four gallons of muddy water down his shirt collar; and in attempting to retreat, he was overhauled by long Dick and treated to another bath, which closed the circus for that day. They are now suffering from bad colds, the penalty for using too much cold water when their constitutions were not used to it."
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
By way of retaliation the boys are circulating a good joke on Dick Walker this week. It is well known, far and wide, that he has an unusual sized understanding (he wears boots numbered somewhere away up in the teens), and that he never fails to embellish a joke when it passes through his hands.
"While at the picnic on the 3rd, at Arkansas City, he stood leaning against a tree, with his feet extended, listening to the sweet music of the Beethoven Society, perfectly unconscious of his surroundings. While standing there (unobserved by him) a young couple from Bolton Township came along, and, as they supposed, took a seat on a log under this same tree. The music stopped, and Dick, for the first time, noticed them. But as they were chatting merrily, he thought he wouldn't disturb them, until the conversation took a turn where he thought, "Two is company, and three a crowd." So he modestly suggested that he was "sorry, he didn't like to disturb them, but the fact was Harter wanted to see him over there by the lemonade stand."
The young man said nothing, but his sweetheart allowed "He (Dick) could go as nobody was holden him." "Well," said Dick, at the same time bowing gracefully with the upper part of himself, "I can't, you see, as you are sitting on my left foot." It is needless to say that they moved, and rather suddenly too; and as they passed round the speaker's stand, the girl was heard to remark, "Well! That must be that sheriff, Dick Walker, of Winfield, for nobody else has such feet outside of a museum."
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.
Sheriff Walker is keeping house with his mother in the residence lately occupied by C. M. Wood.
R. L. Walker was sheriff from the November 4, 1873, election, until his second term expired January 10, 1878.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
MARRIED. WALKER-WEBB. Tuesday evening, January 4, 1876, at the residence of the bride's brother, L. J. Webb, by Rev. N. L. Rigby, Mr. R. L. Walker and Miss Sadie A. Webb.
Everybody in the county knows Dick Walker and no one has more friends than he. They all rejoice at his good sense and good fortune in selecting a companion for life. His new wife, though not one of the "old settlers," has many friends in our midst and quietly captured the Captain that all the girls were going crazy after. "Still waters run deep.'"
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.
Chas. H. Miller, the new U. S. Marshal for Kansas, has appointed Sheriff R. L. Walker as his deputy for this part of the district. We congratulate Mr. Miller on his selection. He could not have made one more acceptable to the people on the "border tier" had he submitted it to their popular vote. Capt. Walker will make a deputy worthy of the chief, and that is saying a great deal.
Winfield Courier, May 11, 1876.
Monday morning the citizens of the west part of town were startled with the cry of "Help! Help! Murder!!" Three men were seen scuffling on the street near Kirk's blacksmith shop. Sheriff Walker rushed to the scene, and found old man Hornemann in the hands of two men, who were trying to put him in a wagon. He was shouting vociferously and calling on the bystanders for help. Dick inquired of the parties by what authority they were acting, and they showed him a warrant for Hornemann properly signed by the authorities of Rice County. Having the proper credentials, they chucked the old man in the wagon, and hurried off towards Wichita. Dick hurried up to the office of Pryor, who made immediate application to, and obtained of Judge Gans, a writ of habeas corpus. Armed with this and other necessaries, Dick started out after the kidnappers. A novel race ensued. The old man was pinioned to the lower deck of the wagon box by a two hundred pound deputy sheriff sitting on his broad chest, while the other sat upon the seat and drove furiously. As Walker came in sight, they redoubled their speed, thinking to reach the county line before him. They didn't know the man or the mettle of the little bay team that was slashing up behind them. He came up, halted them, and demanded the prisoner. They gave him up without any "back talk." As Hornemann, almost breathless, climbed into the buggy with Dick, he shook his fist at the big Rice deputy man and said: "By shimminy, you don't sit on mine pelly so much now as before Valker came you did, eh!" The cause alleged for the arrest was that Hornemann stole a horse up in Rice County and brought it down here. The truth of the matter is this: Hornemann hired a horse of Mr. Fitzsimmons, of Red Bud, loaned it to Tom Deering, who drove it up to Rice County and sold it. Hornemann, having a chattel mortgage on the horse, went up and got it. Then he was followed and arrested for stealing the horse, as above stated. His trial will come off next Monday. The old man's description of his ride, with the deputy sheriff sitting on him, was too funny for any use.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1876.
Sheriff Walker, J. P. Short, Cliff Wood, Burt Covert, and Mr. Tansey stopped at the Central Avenue last Monday, and ate enough to fill a bed tick. Dick's health is improving since he is married. Cliff is as portly as usual. Burt still backs that charming moustache, and Mr. Tansey retains his natural good qualities.
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.
In Wilson's History of Montgomery, we learn that our Sheriff, R. L. Walker, was one of the first three commissioners of that county. He was appointed by the Governor on the 3rd day of June, 1868. H. C. Crawford and H. A. Bethuram were his associates.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
Deputy U. S. Marshal R. L. Walker has been for several days engaged in ferreting out the illicit distilling of liquor near this place, and on Sunday last found where the still had been, and arrested Wm. McGee as one of the parties connected with it. McGee was brought to town and confined at the Central Avenue Hotel. On Monday morning, about three o'clock, he asked to go out, pretending to be sick. Mr. Walker gave his consent, telling Mr. McGee to leave his boots and hat. McGee left them, and in his shirt and pants, made a run toward the Arkansas River Bridge, getting so much of a start that the Sheriff did not overtake him. The still, we are informed, was on Cass Endicott's farm, but had not been there a great while. Not long ago it was on Grouse Creek, and by this time there is no telling where it is. It seems the parties connected with it moved it about from place to place, and located it where they chose, without the knowledge of the owners of the land. It remains to be proven whether even McGee was in any manner connected with it. The efforts of the Sheriff, however, have resulted in stopping its work in Cowley County.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1876.
It is rumored that considerable whiskey was sold from the distillery at this place. We were told that it could only be obtained at night from a stranger: a woman, or a man in women's clothes.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
Barrels. The parties connected with the whiskey distilling who stored twenty-two empty barrels in Mr. Maxwell's timber will have until Saturday to get them away. The parties are known, so they need not run around after night to do the work, but come right out in the daytime if they want them.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 6, 1876.
The Sheriff told us last week he had McGee at the Central Avenue. He was mistaken; in short, he lied, for McGee was at Walker's barn. We say this because the Central Avenue don't want the credit of keeping him. That is, keeping McGee.
[ARREST: NOTORIOUS CHARLES HOWERTSON.]
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
Monday evening the crowd around Fuller's bank and near the apple wagons on Main street had an opportunity to see the neatest magisterial job that has been performed in this county for some time.
Information was given Sheriff Walker that one of the apple peddlers from Arkansas on our streets was the notorious Charles Howertson, of Knox County, Missouri, who, in July last shot and killed one Hiner, near Edina, in that county. The informant, one of the best citizens of our county (we refrain from giving his name for prudential reasons), knew Howertson personally a few years ago, and recognized him in his new role of apple vender.
Walker prepared to arrest him and to make assurance doubly sure, called in A. H. Green, who performed the part of confidence man to perfection. When everything was in readiness, Green stepped up behind their man and spoke out quick and sharp, "How do you do, Howertson?" at the same time extending his hand for a "shake." Howertson, taken by surprise, of course, turned round quickly when the name was spoken and advanced a step to meet the supposed acquaintance.
At this juncture Walker closed his vice-like grip on the Missourian's arm and informed him that he was a prisoner. Howertson made an attempt to draw his revolver, which was in his right hand pocket, but of course failed. The boys were too much for him. They unarmed him and marched him off to the calaboose.
When informed of the charge against him, he admitted that he did shoot a man in Missouri last July, and added that if the Sheriff hadn't got the drop on him, he would have shot him. He says the man Hiner that he shot is not dead yet, but the Hiner that his brother shot died. It seems that the two Howertsons got into a difficulty with the two Hiners, which terminated in the death of one of the latter and the wounding of the other.
The Howertsons fled to Arkansas, and have eluded the officers up to the present time. Sheriff Walker telegraphed to the Sheriff of Knox County, notifying him of the arrest. The Howertsons are said to be desperate and lawless men. They were "rebel bushwhackers" during the late war and led a terrible life.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
John R. Thompson, one of the sterling farmers of Richland Township, left his cattle ranche, upon invitation of Sheriff Walker, and is in town serving his country in the capacity of a petit juror.
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1876.
The above named social organization is just making its debut in Winfield's fashionable "upper-ten" society. The need of a similar association has long been felt in this community. "Hoodlum dances" have become the rule instead of the exception and are growing very monotonous. Social lines are now to be drawn, and a new order of things will soon take the place of the old breeches-in-boots regime. "Hoe-downs" and their concomitant evils will pass into oblivion, and the big nosed "caller" who used to sing out, as he buckled on to the red-haired girl himself, "Grab pardners for a quadrille!" will be a thing of the past. Kid gloves and waxed moustaches are not to take the place of all these old frontier familiarities, but a jolly, fun loving, respectable class of our citizens who have been reared in the higher walks of life, resume their position in the social scale, and propose to conduct these entertainments in a manner that will reflect credit upon the management and the city at large. The world moves and we must keep pace with the hour, socially, morally, and otherwise.
The charter members, so to speak, of the Club are Messrs. Frank Gallotti, Esq. Boyer, E. W. Holloway, T. K. Johnston, R. L. Walker, J. B. Lynn, W. P. Hackney, C. C. Black, J. O. Houx, and A. E. Baird, as they were its organizers. At their meeting on the 17th instant, the following constitution was read and adopted.
Art. 1. An association is constituted in the City of Winfield, Kansas, under the name of "The Evening Star Club."
Art. 2. The object of the Club is to give a series of Social Dances, and other entertainments as may be decided by the same.
Art. 3. The Club will have a regular meeting every fortnight, and a special meeting whenever deemed necessary by a majority of the board of trustees.
Art. 4. All business of the Club must be transacted at the regular meetings.
Art. 5. The administration of this Club will be conducted by a board of trustees, composed of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and three directors, to be elected by its members at a regular meeting.
Art. 6. A person wishing to become a member of this club must have his or her name proposed by one of the members at a regular meeting.
Art. 7. Every petitioner for membership shall be balloted for at a regular meeting.
Art. 8. To become a member of this Club, the petitioner must receive the unanimous vote of the members present at the balloting, must sign the constitution, and pay an admission fee of Two dollars, and a monthly fee in advance of one dollar.
Art. 9. A member in arrear of one month fee will have no voice in the regular or special meetings, and if in arrear of two month's fees, will lose his membership.
Art. 10. The duties of the officers of this Club, and the order of business to be transacted by the same, shall be regulated by bylaws drawn as soon as the club is constituted.
Art. 11. None but the members of the club will be admitted at the regular Dances given by the same unless non-resident.
Art. 12. A non-resident shall be admitted at the dances of this club only when supplied with an invitation.
Art. 13. All invitations must be signed by the board of Trustees.
Art. 14. This Club will be considered constituted when the constitution is signed by ten persons who will be charter members.
The election of officers following, W. P. Hackney was chosen president; J. B. Lynn vice president; A. E. Baird, treasurer; J. O. Houx, secretary, and T. K. Johnston, C. C. Black, and
F. Gallotti as directors.
Frank Gallotti was appointed a committee of one on bylaws. Balloting was then had on the following candidates, resulting in their election to full membership: J. Wade McDonald, James Hill, Bert Crapster, Wilbur Dever, O. M. Seward, Fred Hunt, and Chas. Harter. The Club met last evening but we have not learned what additional business it transacted. We wish the association unlimited success, in its hitherto unoccupied field.
[DEMOCRATIC VICTORY MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1876.
The Democratic jollification last night, over the election of one man out of the thirty-one on the ticket, was a huge affair. At an early hour sundry dry goods boxes, barrels, etc., were fired at the crossing of Main and 9th, the band was brought out, and the unterrified proceeded to get together. They met to rejoice over the election of Mr. Pyburn for fear that they wouldn't have anything else to rejoice over. Mr. Pyburn was called out and in a few words thanked the Democrats for his election, which cooled the ardor of the bushwhacking Republicans, who were hanging on the outskirts expecting to get a comforting crumb.
Mr. McDonald followed him, of course, and put on the finishing touches. By insinuating remarks he cast reproach upon the name of the defeated candidate for State Senator.
This was more than his hearers could stand, and the only applause he received at its close was loud and repeated cries for "Manning!" "Manning!!" Mr. Manning climbed halfway up the stairway that led to the speakers stand and stopped, remarking that it was a time for "the Republican flag of Cowley County to stand at half mast." From this stand he gave the "bushwhacking" enemy in his own party such a raking as they will remember for years. He had no feeling against the honest Democrats, who voted their honest sentiments, but against the men who had been nursed and petted by the Republican party until they thought they owned the entire thing.
Mr. Hackney, late of California, was then called out and tried to explain why he was furnished with a "sleeping car" to ride free from Topeka to Galveston last winter, while his constituents were holding mass conventions at home to persuade the same road to build them a line down this valley. He then spoke a few kind words to "my friends," the Democrats and Republicans, whereupon a full fledged "Dymocrat," about half "set up," yelled out, "Which side yer on?" This brought our friend Hackney down, and after more music the next Democratic (?) orator took the stand.
L. J. Webb, who had carried his district by a Republican majority of nearly four hundred, gave the jollifiers a few words that convinced them they had missed their man again.
Dick Walker, the Republican wheel-horse of this county, next stood up and put on the "cap sheaf." He spoke of Arkansas City's going back on him, bolting Webb's nomination, Kinne's nomination, and every other nomination the Republicans had ever made that wasn't dictated by them, and that loyal old Vernon, "the only loyal State in the Union," would remember them for all time to come.
Dick was followed by Capt. McDermott, Prof. Lemmon, and Mr. Kelly. They all made Republican speeches, which the poor Democrats were compelled to swallow. Prof. Lemmon said that he thought the meeting was called to attend a Republican funeral. That thirty out of thirty-one corpses were Democrats, and the anthem singers were nearly all Republicans.
The crowd was good humored and everything passed off harmoniously. The funniest thing is to find where the Democratic jollification came in. The meeting was captured by Republicans, and seven speakers out of ten were "true blue Republicans."
Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.
Born, to Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Walker, Friday, the 24th inst., a son. Weight ten pounds.
ED. WALKER has stopped talking politics. Cause: his weighty responsibilities as uncle.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1876.
DICK WALKER purchased the ten acre tract of land lying east of the road leading north from the bridge from Col. Manning and will use it as a stock lot. Its water boundary and nearness to town makes it very valuable for that purpose.
Winfield Courier, December 21, 1876.
Ordinance No. 61 was duly approved by the Mayor. In accordance with ordinance No. 61, the Mayor with the consent and recommendation of the Council, appointed R. L. Walker as Chief of the fire department of the city of Winfield, T. B. Myers, Engineer, and H. S. Silvers as Captain, of said fire department.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1877.
Caught At Last. Monroe and McGee, the illicit whiskey distillers whom Sheriff Walker frightened out of this county, were arrested near Elgin, Kansas, last week, by a detective, and are now at Topeka awaiting trial.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.
McGee and Monroe, who were arrested a few weeks since at Elgin, were confined nine days in jail at Independence, and finally released for want of sufficient evidence.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 14, 1877.
McGee at Liberty. On the 27th of February, McGee was arraigned before the court at Independence, Kansas, charged with illicit distilling, and making spirituous liquors without a license. There being no evidence against him, he was released. He then entered suit against the parties that arrested him for $1,000, for false imprisonment, and finally compromised by them paying him $200.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 18, 1877.
Sheriff Dick Walker is Mayor of Winfield; and John Allen, City Attorney.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 2, 1877.
Dick Walker, Mayor of Winfield and Sheriff of Cowley County, was in town yesterday with his deputy, Burt Covert, in search of John Barber, who attempted to rape his half sister at Dexter last week, and was shot in the head by her brother, the ball striking about the ear and coming out alongside of the nose. Barber was lying in bed, unable to be up, as all supposed, until last Sunday when he heard that he was to be tried for the murder of four soldiers in Texas. He then got up and left. When last seen Monday noon, he was riding a poor pony, coming from Harmon's ford, with a bandage about his head. Parties are in pursuit of him.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 2, 1877.
Before leaving this place last Tuesday week, Sheriff Walker deputized A. W. Patterson, and offered him a bonus of fifteen dollars if he would capture John Barber, who had escaped from the authorities at Dexter two days before. Mr. Patterson secured the assistance of Constable Gray, and the two started in pursuit. Before going far, they learned he had gone up the Walnut, and immediately followed. After hunting the most of the night, they abandoned the pursuit until next morning.
In the morning Patterson and George Walker found the trail of the criminal and followed it until they came to the house of Robert White, where it stopped. Alighting from the buggy both went into the house and found the man lying in bed asleep, with a Colt's improved revolver and Bowie knife hanging in their sheaths on the bed post near his head. These were taken possession of by the officers, and a gun and pistol aimed at his head while they took hold of his leg to awaken him. As soon as he opened his eyes, Patterson said to him, "You are my prisoner." He realized his situation at once, and cooly remarked, "Where are you going to take me?" He was told that he would have to go to Winfield, and he readily assented to it, as his wound needed careful treatment. He told the officers he did not want to go back to Elk County for fear his father and brother would mob him. In conversation afterwards he told the officers if he had not been wounded, they could not have taken him. In reply to a question of killing the soldiers in Texas, he stated he had heard of it and that it was a man by the same name as his own, but not him. He is now in jail at Winfield, awaiting trial. From all accounts, his father and brother are not as worthy people as they might be, as the father of the culprit, it is said, sent his son to shoot the half brother, saying he had $6,000 to clear him with.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877, reported the following cases on the Criminal Docket, May term of the District Court: State versus Martin Barber; State versus John W. Barber.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 9, 1877.
Martin Barber, of Dexter, Cowley County, shot and severely wounded his half brother, J. W. Barber, on Friday, the 20th inst. The circumstances, as we learn them, are as follows.
J. W. Barber is rather a dangerous and dissipated man and has been in Texas and on the frontier for eight years previous to last December, when he came to his father's place near the head of Grouse Creek in Cowley County, where he has remained until a short time ago. Two or three weeks ago, he attempted to perpetrate an outrage upon his half sister, and has conducted himself generally in an outrageous and scandalous manner, threatening to shoot the whole family.
On Sunday, the 14th inst., he came to Howard City, where his father was staying, and got in a quarrel with him, threatening to shoot him, etc., but finally agreed that for $125 he would leave the country forever. To this, the old gentleman, Leander Barber, consented and paid him the money, and the young man went back to the home of the family on Grouse Creek, where he remained for several days, when he went to Dexter.
About this time, Martin Barber, who is a man of exemplary character, about 23 years of age, returned from Emporia, and was told what had occurred; also, that his brother, J. W., had gone to Lazette and left word for Martin to come and see him. Martin started immediately, and not finding him at Lazette, went on to Dexter and found him. After having a few words together, Martin drew a revolver and fired at J. W., the ball taking effect just below his right ear and coming out under his right eye; inflicting a dangerous but not necessarily fatal wound.
Martin Barber then gave himself up to the authorities of Cowley County, and was taken to Winfield, where he waived a preliminary examination and gave bonds in the sum of $2,000 for his appearance at the next term of the District Court.
J. W. Barber, on Sunday night, after having been wounded on Friday, left Dexter, avowedly for the Indian Nation. He is said to have remarked on leaving that he would yet come back to Howard City and "wake them up," meaning his father and sister.
There seems to be some old grudge existing between J. W. Barber and his father, Leander Barber; what it is, we have not heard.
Leander Barber moved to this country some two or three years ago from Bath County, Kentucky.
Martin Barber, the man who did the shooting, has always borne a good character where he was known, and we are convinced that the deed was committed, as he conscientiously believed, in the defense of the lives of his father and sister. Elk County Ledger.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.
Martin Barber was acquitted for shooting his brother.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 23, 1877.
District Court in Cowley County adjourned last Thursday evening. J. W. Barber was sentenced to six months in the county jail for attempting to commit rape on his half sister.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.
R. L. Walker, Sheriff of Cowley County, paid the Traveler a visit on Tuesday of this week. Dick must have good living and plenty of beer, as he is getting a regular lager beer Dutchman's "frontispiece" on him.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 19, 1877.
An attempt is now being made to pardon John W. Barber, who was sentenced to jail last May for assault with intent to rape. The punishment of criminals in many instances often proves a mere farce.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 20, 1878.
The darkey horse thief who escaped with Bilson by locking the jailor in the jail last week was caught on Skull Creek, by John Barber, who was shot by his brother a few months ago for an attempt at rape. The darkey carried a wooden poker with him with his name cut on it that he had in his cell to the place where he stole a horse. The next morning the horse was gone, and the stick was found close by, which led to his capture. The sheriff and deputies were surprisingly active in the capture of the man and did some hard riding to effect it.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 21, 1877. Some thief stole a horse from Henry Coryell, while he was attending the religious meeting at Parker's schoolhouse on Monday evening.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1877.
A colored man, of short, thick stature, who has been stopping with Mr. Banks on the south side of the Arkansas, was arrested at the ferry last Wednesday by Sheriff Walker, on the charge of stealing a horse from Henry Coryell on Monday night. The horse was stolen while Mr. Coryell was attending church at Parker's schoolhouse, and taken to Dexter and traded to a son of Uncle Billy Moore, of Crab Creek, for another horse. Moore's horse was then sold to Jim Allen, the butcher in Winfield, for a watch and $20. The thief gives his name as Charley Williams; says he is from Elk County to this place, but was born and reared in Missouri, having lived awhile in St. Joseph. He has been bound over to appear at the next term of court, and will be confined in jail until that time.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 5, 1877.
Williams, the negro who stole Coryell's horse, has been arraigned, and plead guilty; has not been sentenced yet.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 12, 1877.
The colored man who was arrested at this place a few weeks since for horse stealing was sentenced to one year's imprisonment in the Kansas penitentiary at Leavenworth at hard labor. He seemed to care but little for the sentence and left the courtroom with a terrible grin all over his countenance.
The Kansas State Census of 1875 lists Rebecca Walker, 57; R. L. Walker, 32; George Walker, 27; and Edward Walker, 24. Rebecca Walker and her son, R. L., were born in Pennsylvania. George and Edward were born in Ohio.
The Winfield Census of 1878 lists R. L. Walker, age 35, and his wife, Sada, age 26. Also, George L. Walker, age 28, and E. L. Walker, age 25.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 10, 1878.
Dr. Hughes returned from Washington last week, and in company with R. L. Walker will go to the Territory this week for the purpose of selecting a suitable place for their headquarters. The office to which these gentlemen have been appointed by the Secretary of the Interior is known as Special Agents for the unoccupied Indian reserves and Government lands. Their duties will be to put a stop to all timber depredations, collect tax on cattle in the Territory, arrest all parties trafficking in liquor within their jurisdiction, and have general supervision of all matters not assigned to the different Agencies. After their return a statement will be made by them. It is the policy of the Government to first tax and then protect the stock men in the Territory, and to protect the timber at all hazards. After these gentlemen become thoroughly established, there will be less lawlessness in the region south of us, and instead of being a harbor will be a trap for thieves.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 17, 1878.
Dr. Hughes and R. L. Walker, special agents for the protection of property in the Territory, are out west looking out a location for headquarters. After their return we shall know all about their movements.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 3, 1878.
R. L. Walker was in town last Monday. Dick has a host of friends all over the county.
Note...
[This is the last mention of R. L. Walker relative to working for the Secretary of the Interior as a special agent. Dr. Hughes continued in working for them for some time. See story re Nathan Hughes, M. D.]
Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1879.
Article appears showing "R. L. Walker, Register, Land Office at Wichita."
Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.
Hon. Richard L. Walker, of Vernon township, Cowley County, Kansas, returned last evening from a trip to New Mexico and Arizona. He will remain with us a few days. [Cowley County papers please copy. Wichita Times.]
Added information concerning R. L. Walker...
The following is copied from the book entitled History of Sedgwick County, Kansas, by O. H. Bentley, published in 1910 and reprinted in 1994.
"The land office was first located at Augusta, Kansas. In 1872 the office was moved to Wichita and was renamed the Wichita Land District.
"The officers of a local land office consist of a registrar and receiver, appointed by the President, holding their offices for four years but subject to removal at the wish of the President.
"The offices of registrar and receiver in those days grew high up on the political tree, and the one having the longest and strongest pole got the persimmon. Although appointed for four years, yet if the officers happened to be for the wrong man for Congress or for the United States Senate, his resignation was soon demanded and a favorite was selected to succeed him, in accordance with the old Jacksonian policy, 'To the victor belongs the spoils.'"
"H. L. Taylor was forced to give way before the expiration of his term of office to the Hon. Richard L. Walker in 1878.
"Richard L. Walker held the office of registrar one full term, and was re-appointed for a second term. Then he had to fall by the wayside on account of Cleveland's election. Walker was captain of Company A, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, and had a splendid record as a soldier. He removed from here and afterwards was United States Marshal for the District of Kansas.
"Walker was a jolly good fellow and counted a great politician, but has been gathered to his fathers many years ago in the prime of his vigorous life and manhood."
Kay's notes showed the following:
The history of Chautauqua County mentions Marshall Dick Walker.
"After awhile, the Anti-horse thief Association took matters into its own hands. After a few hangings in the vicinity of Hart's Mill and the taking of a bunch of thieves from U. S. Marshall Dick Walker east of Arkansas City and hanging four of them at the Grouse Creek ford, horse thieving was not so interesting."
--taken from page 5 of an article written by Betty M. Watson.
Note: I find the above maddening! Do not know the year or date referred to.
From book about E. J. ("Buckskin Joe") Hoyt...
March 10, 1890, Hoyt was appointed a deputy federal marshall by R. L. (Dick) Walker.
In 1909 Hoyt sold his interests in Kansas and Oklahoma, and retired to Los Angeles, California. He died in April 1918, and his wife died there in August of 1920.
I believe the very last item needs to be checked out to ascertain if Hoyt really did work for Federal Marshal Dick Walker.
We need to find out years that Dick Walker served as U. S. Marshal for the District of Kansas. MAW