HENRY
E. ASP.
Winfield.
Winfield
1878: Henry E. Asp, 22. No spouse listed.
Winfield 1880: Henry E. Asp, 24. No spouse listed.
Winfield
Directory 1880.
ASP, HENRY E., lawyer, over post office; boards Central Hotel.
ASP, HENRY E., lawyer, changed residence to Walton, e. s. between 8th and 9th avenues.
HENRY E. ASP. Attorney at Law.
Henry E. Asp came to Winfield from Henry County, Illinois, in 1875, where he had been studying. In May 1877 he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law. Since that time his progress has been rapid, and he is now one of the leading and most popular attorneys of this city, though the youngest member of the bar, having not yet reached his 25th year. What his future will be can readily judged by his wonderful progress in the past. He is talked of as a candidate for County Attorney, and his popularity would seem to insure his nomination in the coming Republican Convention.
FROM
THE NEWSPAPERS.
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.
Mr. Henry Asp, late student of the Commercial and Business College at Rock Island, Illinois, has commenced the study of law with our excellent legal light, L. J. Webb. Mr. Asp is a young man of good culture and pleasing address. He comes among us well recommended. May the enterprise he embarks in here be a successful one. “There is always room at the top.”
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1876.
On Monday evening last at the regular meeting of Winfield Lodge, No. 79, I. O. G. T., officers were elected as follows: L. J. Webb, W. C. T.; Miss Ella Walton, W. V. T.; T. C. Copeland, W. R. Sec.; Fred C. Hunt, W. F. Sec.; Miss Nellie Powers, W. Treas.; Henry E. Asp, W. Chap.; F. W. Finch, W. M.; Miss Ella Freeland, W. I. G.; George Gray, W. O. G.
Winfield Courier, July 20, 1876.
HENRY E. ASP assisted the Democrat this week with some interesting local items.
Winfield Courier, November 30, 1876.
HENRY ASP will make application at the next term of court for admission to the bar to practice law. He has closely applied himself to its study for many months and we predict that he will pass a good examination.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1876.
MESSRS. GALLOTTI, Pryor, Copeland, Roberts, Asp, Franklin, Baldwin, Geo. Robinson, Will Robinson, Ed. Holloway, Jennings, Buckman, and the writer, are on the popcorn committee.
LATER. Messrs. E. S. Torrance and O. M. Seward are on it too.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
E. S. Torrance has moved his law office upstairs into the corner brick. Mr. Henry Asp is his assistant in the office.
[KNIGHTS OF HONOR.]
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1877.
Another Lodge. A new organization has sprung into life in our midst—a secret society called Knights of Honor, having for an object the promotion of the interests and welfare of the members, and to establish a widows’ and orphans’ benefit fund, out of which will be paid, on the death of a member, to his family or whom he may direct the sum of two thousand dollars.
The first lodge in Kansas was organized at Winfield, February 20th, 1877, by A. E. Keyes, Past Supreme Director of the Supreme Lodge, having twenty-three charter members. On the same evening the following officers were elected and installed: W. G. Graham, Past Director; Alonzo Howland, Director; W. C. Robinson, Vice Director; Frank Williams, Assistant Director; J. L. Rushbridge, Chaplain; T. R. Bryan, Guide; Geo. W. Robinson, Reporter; Henry E. Asp, Financial Reporter; B. F. Baldwin, Treasurer; A. E. Baird, Guardian; Charles E. Love, Sentinel.
Lodges have also been organized at Arkansas City, Oxford, and Wellington. The plan of this organization is a feasible one and we bespeak for it success.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1877.
BASE BALL. Attorneys vs. Businessmen.
That game of base ball on last Tuesday afternoon between the two nines, one of which was made up of attorneys exclusively and the other of businessmen, of this city, was decidedly an interesting one. The players, and a large crowd of spectators, assembled upon the ground, south of town, at [? failed to give time ?] o’clock p.m., soon after which the game commenced, with the attorneys in the field and the businessmen at the bat.
Score given after article shows that Businessmen had 44 runs; Attorneys had 19 runs.
Players—Businessmen: Copeland, c.; Dickinson, p.; Hunt, F. C., s.s.; Robinson, 1st b.; Majors, 2nd b.; Stuart, 3rd b.; Wallis, B. M., l. f.; Hunt, J. S., c. f.; Starwalt, r. f.
Players—Attorneys: Webb, 2nd b.; Buckman, p.; Pryor, J. D., 1st b.; Green, c. f.; Jennings, 3rd b.; Seward, c.; Asp, r. f.
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1877.
Programme of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, March 30th, 1877.
Address, Henry E. Asp: “What poor boys have done, and what they may do.”
Henry E. Asp appointed Winfield City Clerk...
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
The new city council appointed Henry E. Asp City Clerk and J. C. Fuller City Treasurer.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
Programme of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, April 13, 1877.
Contest reading, R. C. Story and Henry Asp. Contest to be decided by three judges to be appointed by the President. C. M. WOOD, President. EMMA SAINT, Secretary.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
WINFIELD, KAN., April 6, 1877. City Council met at the Mayor’s office pursuant to a special call of the Council April 6th, 1877.
Present: R. L. Walker, Mayor; A. G. Wilson, H. Jochems, A. E. Baird, C. M. Wood, and S. C. Smith, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The Clerk read the call for the special meeting and the Council proceeded with the special business by electing S. C. Smith President of the Council.
The Clerk read the following appointments made by the Mayor for the subordinate city offices for the year: City Attorney, J. E. Allen; City Clerk, B. F. Baldwin; City Treasurer, J. C. Fuller; City Marshal, J. D. Cochran.
B. F. Baldwin thanked the Mayor for the appointment of City Clerk, but owing to business of his that employed all his spare time, withdrew his name and suggested the name of Henry E. Asp to the Mayor, who was appointed.
On motion of Councilman Wood, the council proceeded to vote on the confirmation of appointments by ballot, resulting in the unanimous confirmation of the appointments except that of Henry E. Asp, as clerk, which stood three for and two against. A majority having voted for all the appointments, they were declared duly appointed.
Henry E. Asp and Linus S. Webb, brother of Leland J. Webb, admitted to the bar...
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
Henry E. Asp and Linus S. Webb, were examined and admitted to the bar on last Tuesday morning. Both gentlemen have been studying law for some time, and we predict they will make good attorneys.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
Dissolution Notice. The co-partnership heretofore existing between Drs. W. R. Davis and J. L. Williams under the firm name of Davis & Williams, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. We will both for the present continue to occupy the same office in Manning’s corner brick building. Partnership accounts have been left with Henry E. Asp for collection. W. R. DAVIS. Winfield, Kansas, May 5th, 1877.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.
The following are the attorneys in attendance at the Cowley County district court now in session: L. J. Webb, W. M. Boyer, J. E. Allen, D. A. Millington, Jennings & Buckman, E. S. Torrance, Hackney & McDonald, James McDermott, A. H. Green, Pyburn & Seward, J. M. Alexander, Pryor & Pryor, Henry E. Asp, Linus S. Webb, of Winfield; C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, Amos Walton, James Christian, and Col. McMullen, of Arkansas City; A. L. Redden, of Eldorado; Judge M. S. Adams, of Wichita; J. D. McBryan, of Sedan, Chautauqua County; J. M. White, of Howard City, Elk County.
Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.
The District Court commenced its session on Monday with a light docket, and it is to be hoped that it will be cleared up this week. The following members of the bar present: Hon. W. P. Campbell, Judge; E. S. Bedilion, Clerk; R. L. Walker, Sheriff; M. S. Adams, of Wichita, C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, and A. Walton, of Arkansas City; J. McDermott, County Attorney, J. E. Allen, A. J. Pyburn, O. M. Seward, W. M. Boyer, L. J. Webb, W. P. Hackney, J. W. McDonald, E. S. Torrance, H. E. Asp, D. A. Millington, S. D. Pryor, J. D. Pryor, F. S. Jennings, G. H. Buckman, and A. H. Green, of Winfield, attorneys.
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
PUBLISHED
EVERY THURSDAY BY MILLINGTON & LEMMON.
[From
the Kansas City Journal of Commerce.]
An exclusive boot and shoe house is that of W. C. Root & Co. The leading clothiers are Boyer & Wallis, who can stop at any hotel in Saratoga. The most prominent real estate dealers are J. C. Fuller, E. C. Manning, and A. H. Green, and from a score of lawyers I select as the probable leaders of the profession here Hon. W. P. Hackney, Hon. L. J. Webb, the present representative from this district, Messrs. McDonald, Jennings & Buckman, and E. S. Torrance. Mr. Henry E. Asp is a young limb of the law, just admitted to practice in the district court, and gives promise of a successful career.
The Courier changed hands some time since, Hon. A. B. Lemmon, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, succeeding Mr. Manning, the present style of the firm being Millington & Lemmon.
Winfield Courier, November 8, 1877.
The Presbyterian Sunday school is fully organized. Last Friday evening officers were elected as follows: Rev. J. E. Platter, superintendent; Henry E. Asp, assistant; G. S. Manser, secretary; T. B. Myers, librarian; Miss Mary Bryant, treasurer; J. D. Pryor, chorister; Mary Bryant, organist; Mrs. Earnest, assistant. The school meets regularly every Sabbath at 3 o’clock p.m.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
Isaac Conner and George C. Holman, attorneys of Rochester, Indiana, were at Winfield on the 17th to take the deposition of G. R. Bearss before H. E. Asp, to be used in the Indiana courts in an important partnership case.
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT: “ORLANDO.”]
Winfield Courier, March 28, 1878.
From Bethel—District 37. Mr. Henry E. Asp lectured here Thursday evening. He is a promising young man and made a favorable impression among our people.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.
Monday, May 6th, 10 o’clock a.m. His Honor, W. P. Campbell, on the bench. Present: C. L. Harter, sheriff; E. S. Bedilion, clerk; Jas. McDermott, prosecuting attorney; attorneys C. Coldwell, W. P. Hackney, Henry E. Asp, J. E. Allen, D. C. Beach, E. S. Torrance, J. M. Alexander, A. J. Pyburn, N. C. Coldwell, Jas. Christian, G. H. Buckman, S. D. Pryor, J. Wade McDonald, C. R. Mitchell, J. D. Pryor, C. C. Black, R. C. Story, L. J. Webb, W. M. Boyer, F. S. Jennings, and D. A. Millington.
State vs. Samuel Houston; H. E. Asp appointed by the court attorney for defendant.
State vs. Nicholas Hostetler called and trial proceeded; Attorneys J. McDermott for State, E. S. Torrance and H. E. Asp for defendant. This case occupied the balance of the day and is not concluded. It is a case in which an old man is charged with incest. The details of the evidence offered are not fit for publication.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
The Daily Winfield Courier, Saturday Morning, May 11, 1878.
State vs. Samuel Houston. Plea in abatement overruled.
State vs. William H. Bilson; called and trial proceeded. Offense grand larceny. Jury empaneled as follows: J. M. Mark, B. B. Vandeventer, James Jackson, W. S. Gilman, M. A. Kelsey, J. W. Miller, John M. Gates, S. Elkins, J. H. Mounts, Abijah Howard, D. A. Byers, S. Martin. County Attorney appeared in behalf of the state and E. S. Torrance, H. Asp, and Amos Walton for the defendant. This case occupied the whole day and will come up again this morning.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, May 16, 1878.
The court has been occupied all day in the incest case of State vs. Hostetler.
The evidence was all in about 2:30 p.m. The charge of the court was elaborate and clear, and the arguments of the County Attorney, McDermott for the state, and of Mr. Torrance for the defense, were eloquent, searching, and exhaustive. Mr. Torrance addressed the jury for over four hours, when the court adjourned until this morning at 8 o’clock, when Mr. McDermott will again address the jury, and the jury will retire to consider their verdict.
The jurors trying this case are: Stephen Elkins, James Jackson, John M. Gates, Thomas McGinnis, Abijah Howard, Daniel Hunt, Clark Bryant, A. R. Davis, Samuel Huey, J. W. Miller, and Thos. Chaffee.
Thursday, May 9. State vs. N. Hostetler.
Hon. J. McDermott made his closing address to the jury, who retired, and a short time before noon brought in a verdict of “not guilty.” The defendant was discharged.
State vs. Samuel Houston. Plea in abatement overruled.
State vs. William H. Bilson; called and trial proceeded. Offense grand larceny.
Jury empaneled as follows: J. M. Mark, B. B. Vandeventer, James Jackson, W. S. Gilman, M. A. Kelsey, J. W. Miller, John W. Gates, S. Elkins, J. H. Mounts, Abijah Howard, D. A. Byers, S. Martin.
County Attorney appeared in behalf of the state and E. S. Torrance, H. Asp, and Amos Walton for the defendant. The case occupied the whole day and will come up again this morning.
Friday, May 11th.
State vs. Bilson. Trial continued. This was on the charge of burglary instead of grand larceny, as stated yesterday. The case was argued by counsel and submitted at about noon, when the jury retired and court adjourned for all purposes except to receive the verdict, to Monday morning at 8 o’clock.
State vs. Bilson. At about 11 o’clock on Saturday evening the jury returned a verdict of burglary in the second degree.
Monday, May 13, State vs. Houston: two indictments for grand larceny.
Defendant was arraigned and plead guilty on both.
State vs. Wm. Steadman, grand larceny.
County Attorney James McDermott appeared for the state and E. S. Torrance and Henry Asp for Defendant.
The following are the names of the jurors sworn to try the case, after which the court adjourned till eight o’clock this morning, when it will proceed to trial.
Jurors: J. M. Mark, B. B. Vandeventer, S. Elkins, J. Jackson, John M. Gates, T. McGinnis, J. H. Mounts, A. Howard, D. A. Byers, H. C. Catlin, H. C. McDorman, S. Martin, W. W. Thomas, J. W. Miller, A. C. Davis, and W. S. Gilman.
Tuesday, May 14.
State vs. W. H. Bilson. Motion for a new trial heard and overruled.
Notice of a motion in arrest of judgment.
State vs. William Steadman. Trial concluded.
The jury brought in a verdict of guilty of grand larceny.
Winfield Courier, June 20, 1878.
WINFIELD, June 17, 1878. EDITOR COURIER: Allow us the use of your columns to answer the libelous charge made by the Rev. Rushbridge in his pulpit last Sunday evening. He said: “that the committee appointed to examine petitions for saloon license were only twenty minutes examining 1,000 names,” when this little man was well aware that we spent one whole afternoon in Colonel Alexander’s office examining these petitions. He also knew that Henry E. Asp, one of their chosen number, was with us, and that he expressed himself entirely satisfied with the manner in which the examination was made.
The committee not being entirely satisfied referred the petitions back for additional names. The twenty minutes spoke of was the time spent in examining the additional names to the petition. And this is his basis for false and malicious representation. Respectfully,
C. M. WOOD, H. JOCHEMS, G. W. GULLY, COMMITTEE ON SALOON LICENSE.
Winfield Courier, June 27, 1878.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, June 25, 1878. EDITOR COURIER: In reply to a communi-cation in your columns last week, dated 17, 1878, and signed by the Committee on Saloon License, I have this to say:
On the evening of the 15th of April Jos. Likowski and Jay Page presented to the city council their petitions asking for dramshop license. On that evening the committee on saloon licenses was appointed and those two petitions referred to it for examination. On the afternoon of the next day the committee examined those two petitions, and by the courtesy of that committee and at the request of the temperance committee, it was agreed that I should be present at such examination. I was present, and expressed myself satisfied with the manner in which the examination was made; but the two petitions were on the same evening referred by the council back to the parties who presented them that they might procure additional names, and they were not again presented until the evening of the 22nd day of April.
At this meeting of the council the petition of James Fahey for dramshop license was for the first time presented, and the temperance committee presented a census of the competent petitioners residing within the corporate limits of the city, taken by three of our citizens and sworn to by them to be correct, asking the committee to examine the petitions in connection with such census, stating that the petitions to be legal should be signed by a majority of the persons named in said census and requesting that if the committee found any names on the petition who were in fact competent petitioners that they add them to the census, and thereby form a basis from which to determine whether or not the petitions contained a majority of the competent petitioners of the city.
On the same evening the two petitions before examined, and the petition of James Fahey for the first time presented, together with the census, were again referred to the committee. They took them and retired for private consultation, and in a very short time they returned to the council chamber and made their report favorable to the granting of the saloon licenses, which was accordingly done.
The petition of James Fahey was said to contain about 400 names; the census contained 769 names besides the additional names that had been procured to the petitions of Page and Likowski.
I desire to make no comments, but the above is a true statement of the facts.
Very respectfully, HENRY E. ASP.
Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.
R. C. Story, R. L. Rushbridge, O. M. Seward, H. E. Asp, and F. S. Jennings will spread the eagle at Floral.
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
Mrs. Jay Page attempted to kill L. J. Webb on last Saturday evening. Webb had just been released from jail on bail, and in company with Sheriff Harter, H. E. Asp, and R. L. Walker, was walking from the jail west toward Main Street along the sidewalk, and when passing the house of B. M. Terrill, Mrs. Page ran out of the back door with a large revolver in her hand and passing along the west side of the house toward Webb, attempted to get a range on Webb to shoot him, at the same time using violent and threatening language. Sheriff Harter and R. L. Walker were between Mrs. Page and Webb, and under their cover Webb ran and escaped. R. L. Walker made some remark and Mrs. Page turned on and threatened him.
H. E. ASP’S STATEMENT. I was present and heard Mrs. Page say to R. L. Walker: “I know you, Dick Walker. You are as bad as any of them. I’ll give it to you next. I’ll fix you for your coffin.”
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
The celebration at Queen Village was quite an affair. The grounds were in excellent condition and were filled with people from all points of the surrounding country. The Silver Creek band and New Salem string band furnished plenty of good music for the day. The exercises opened with prayer by Rev. Thomas. Music and songs followed, and then came the address of Charles Payson, distinctly rendered and full of information and thought. Dinner, the most enthusiastic exercise on the ground, followed; and for whole-souled, hospitable people, and excellent, generous cooks, we will back that northeastern country against the state. After dinner came music and an address by Mr. Green, and a song by himself and his accomplished daughter. Then followed a speech by Henry Asp, and we wish to say that Henry did nobly, and that no better speech was delivered on the ground. He was well worded and contained many beautiful thoughts and happy sentiments. If Henry wishes to feel proud over his first soaring of the eagle, he has good right, and the feathers of that noble bird shine with a new luster. The speech of R. C. Story followed, full of enthusiasm, startling statistics, and warm appeals for temperance, delivered in his own intelligent and earnest manner. Samuel Jarvis then addressed the crowd with a few remarks, and shortly afterwards the people dispersed and sought their homes. A platform dance was held on the ground in the evening.
[PRIMARY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
WINFIELD, August 3, 1878. Convention met at the courthouse in pursuance to call of County Central Committee. The meeting was called to order by W. Q. Mansfield, and D. A. Millington was elected as chairman and G. H. Buckman secretary. On motion the chair appointed a committee of three to report names of delegates and alternates. S. M. Jarvis, E. P. Kinne, and W. M. Boyer appointed on such committee. The committee reported the following named persons as delegates and alternates.
Delegates: R. L. Walker, W. P. Hackney, E. S. Torrance, F. S. Jennings, L. W. Spack, O. M. Seward, James Kelley, E. C. Manning, D. A. Millington.
Alternates: E. P. Kinne, W. M. Boyer, W. Q. Mansfield, G. H. Buckman, S. M. Jarvis, John Mentch, Sampson Johnson, Henry E. Asp, T. B. Myers.
On motion the report of the committee was adopted by the convention. Thereupon the convention adjourned. D. A. MILLINGTON, President. G. H. BUCKMAN, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
Henry Asp made his maiden speech to a jury last week. His winning the case augurs well for his future success.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
Met Monday morning, August 26th, 1878.
Present: Judge W. P. Campbell, Sheriff C. L. Harter, Clerk E. S. Bedilion, Attorneys McDermott, Torrance, C. Coldwell, N. C. Coldwell, Hackney, McDonald, Pryor, Pyburn, Allen, Jennings, Buckman, Black, Webb, Alexander, Beach, Troup, Jarvis, Asp, of Winfield; and Dennison, of Osage Mission.
Winfield Courier, October 3, 1878.
Call for Sunday School Convention. A Union County Sunday School Convention will be held at Winfield, Kansas, commencing on Friday, October 18, 1878, at 10 o’clock a.m., and continuing two days. The convention will be held at the Presbyterian church, and it is desired that every Sunday school in the county send three delegates with credentials to admit them as members, and also that the delegates from each school be furnished with statistics of attendance, members enrolled, and all other matters pertaining to the schools they respectively represent. Entertainment during the convention will be gladly furnished all delegates from schools outside of Winfield free of cost. . . . F. S. JENNINGS, Chairman.
HENRY E. ASP, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878.
Skipped the call for Sunday School Convention given by F. S. Jennings, Chairman, and Henry E. Asp, Secretary. Purpose: Temperance.
Winfield Courier, October 31, 1878.
WINFIELD, October 28, 1878.
EDITOR COURIER: Allison, in his paper of last week, devotes some space to me as the Republican candidate for county attorney, and closes by asking me five questions. I have furnished him brief answers to these questions for his paper this week, but lest he may adhere to the tactics he has started out on, and not publish my answers, I ask the privilege of a hearing through your columns.
Allison’s hostility toward me has been of long standing, growing out of the fact that he failed to get the county printing from the county board when I was county attorney. He claimed that my advice to the board concerning the law was what defeated him. When he says that he made attacks upon me through his paper before he made a bid for the county printing, he states an untruth.
Every unprejudiced person who attended the late Greenback county convention and heard Allison’s harangues there in relation to whom he wanted for county attorney will be satisfied that his grudge toward me arose out of the matter of county printing. His imputation that I have been trying to patch up my official record in advance of his charges is a fitting innuendo from his libelous pen, since, from the moment of my nomination, he has been busy retailing false charges against me.
The first three questions he asks he puts in the form of charges against me at a meeting at New Salem, and when Mr. Asp, who was present, asked him if he had any more charges to make against me, and if so, to make them then so that I could reply before the election, Allison said he had, but did not propose to exhibit his powder and shot in advance. He closes the article in his paper with the statement that when these questions are answered he shall propound more in next week’s issue, well knowing that it will be impossible for me to reply to them before the election.
Unless Allison is a true exponent of his party, which I do not believe, his manner of conducting the campaign against me will not be approved by his party, and will be considered worse than bush-whacking by every fair minded person.
And now I will answer his questions in their order.
1st. I was not guilty of a back salary grab in 1872 or in any other year, nor did I ever receive a cent from the county that I was not justly and legally entitled to. I was county attorney from January 1871 to January 1875. Under the law the county board had to fix the salary of county attorney, the amount depending upon the population of the county on the first of March of each year, to be ascertained by the returns of the township assessors, to be made by July 1st, and the board could not legally determine the population until their July session. The board at their July session in July, 1871, fixed the salary of county attorney for that year at $450, and I received that amount in the scrip of the county. At the July session for 1872 the population was such that the county board legally fixed the salary for that year at $1,000, and I received that amount in county scrip worth sixty to seventy cents on the dollar.
2nd. The only part which I had in the allowance of a salary to T. H. Johnson, Probate Judge, was to advise the board that it was in their discretion whether to allow him a salary at all or not, and that in any extent it could not exceed $500. That opinion was correct. The board did allow $500, and this violated no law.
3rd. In relation to the road damages allowed Mr. Johnson, all I had to do with it was to advise the board that it should allow such damages as were just and reasonable.
4th. I never advised the Board of County Commissioners in 1873, or at any other time, that it had a right to grant a whiskey license on the same petition upon which a license had been granted the year before, and, having never given such advice, I of course never received any money on account of such advice; nor did I ever receive, nor was I ever offered, a cent, or any sum of money or valuable thing, to do or forbear to do any official act during the four years that I was county attorney.
5th. John B. Fairbank, A. H. Green, and myself at one time were associated together in the civil practice of the law only. During that time I prosecuted a man by the name of James Stewart on the charge of being implicated in the shooting of a deputy U. S. Marshal on Grouse Creek. Stewart was defended in court by W. P. Hackney and Messrs. Putman & Case, of Topeka, and Mr. Green was in some way connected with the defense, but did not take any active part in the trial of the case. Whether Mr. Green offered Stewart any such inducement to secure his employment as Mr. Allison insinuates, I have no personal knowledge, nor do I care. Mr. Green says he did not, which settles the question in my mind that Mr. Allison lies on that score. This much I do know, that, although Stewart was defended by as good lawyers as the State afforded, the only favor I showed him was to procure his conviction and have him sentenced to the state penitentiary.
I have been informed that Mr. Allison, at a meeting at Beck’s schoolhouse, in Ninnescah Township, on last Saturday night, said that I had been given a yoke of cattle for loosely prosecuting a case in Beaver Township in which two men had been arrested on a charge of bringing Texas cattle into that township. That charge is absolutely false.
Mr. E. B. Johnson was the prosecuting witness in that case. I told Mr. Johnson after he had these men arrested and before the commencement of the trial before the justice of the peace that I believed the statute under which they were held was in contravention of the constitution of the United States, and that they would finally be discharged on that account. Mr. Johnson insisted however on testing that question, and as the county could in no event be liable for the costs, I proceeded with the trial before the justice and a jury. One of the defendants was acquitted because proof could not be obtained that he had any connection with bringing the cattle into the county. The other was convicted and he appealed to the district court, and was there discharged on the ground that the statute was unconstitutional.
It is perhaps a matter of general information that a short time ago the Supreme Court of the United States decided that a similar statute of the State of Missouri conflicted with the constitution of the United States, and on that account was null and void.
These comprise the batch of lies that Mr. Allison, so far as I am advised, has thus far charged against me in this campaign. If he didn’t lie in the last week’s issue of his paper, he intends to publish a new string of falsehoods in the last issue of his paper before the day of election.
In conclusion I have to say that any charges he may make affecting my honesty or integrity as county attorney of this county will be absolutely false; that whatever my ability may have been when acting as county attorney, I honestly and conscientiously endeavored to discharge the duties that the office devolved upon me. E. S. TORRANCE.
[ATTORNEYS’ CARDS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 14, 1878. Front page.
HENRY E. ASP, ATTORNEY AT LAW. OFFICE UPSTAIRS IN MANNING’S BLOCK, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.
Judge Campbell came down from Wichita on Monday and the session of court commenced.
Present: His Honor Judge W. P. Campbell; C. L. Harter, sheriff; E. S. Bedilion, district clerk; J. McDermott, county attorney; and Messrs. J. E. Allen, C. C. Black, S. D. Pryor, A. J. Pyburn, J. M. Alexander, F. S. Jennings, C. R. Mitchell, L. J. Webb, E. S. Torrance, N. C. Coldwell, W. M. Boyer, W. P. Hackney, O. M. Seward, C. H. Payson, H. E. Asp, G. H. Buckman, J. D. Pryor, D. C. Beach, W. M. Boyer, C. Coldwell, M. G. Troup, S. M. Jarvis, A. H. Green, attorneys.
[COURIER
ADVERTISERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
ASP,
H. E., is the youngest lawyer of our bar, but one of great promise. He is
studious, and careful in his business and has manifested oratorical ability of
a high order.
[WINFIELD CITY COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.
WINFIELD, KANS., March 17, 1879. Council met at the usual place and hour, C. M. Wood, President of Council, in chair; Councilmen Gully, Jochems, Manning, and Robinson; J. P. Short, clerk, and N. C. Coldwell, city attorney, present.
The Governor’s proclamation making Winfield a city of the second class was then read, after which a petition of some ninety citizens in opposition to changing the class of the city was read; and Mr. Manning moved that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. The matter was discussed by Councilman Manning and H. E. Asp and J. E. Allen, citizens, for, and N. C. Coldwell, Col. Alexander, and M. G. Troup, against. The roll being called the vote stood as follows: Yes—Jochems and Manning. Nay—Gully, Robinson, and Wood.
On motion of Robinson, the clerk was instructed to spread the Governor’s proclamation on the Record.
Ordinance No. 84, dividing the city into two wards, was then passed.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.
The following are the officers of the Cowley County Sabbath School Convention.
President: R. C. Story; Vice President: W. M. Sleeth; Secretary: F. S. Jennings; Assistant Secretary: H. E. Asp; Treasurer: James Harden.
Executive Committee: R. C. Story, F. S. Jennings, T. R. Bryan, Will Mowry, E. W. Jones, John R. Thompson, and A. S. Williams.
Arkansas
City Traveler, April 9, 1879
Mr. Henry Asp, Esq., of Winfield, will deliver a lecture at Grange Hall, in South Bend, next Saturday evening. Mr. Asp made quite a reputation as a speaker and orator last fall, during the fall campaign, and we are sure that his audience will be highly entertained.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.
On last Thursday one David Creak was arrested and charged with having stolen a cow from Mr. Wm. Hawkins, who lives five miles south of town. Mr. Hawkins missed the cow early Thursday morning, and upon investigation found tracks in some plowed ground between the corral and the road which led him to believe that his cow had been stolen, whereupon he came to town and found Creak trying to sell the cow to George Miller. County Attorney Torrance being out of town, Mr. Henry Asp made out the papers and in less then two hours, Mr. Creak was languishing in the “cooler” in default of $500 bail.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.
Mr. Henry E. Asp made his maiden speech before the District Court, in the Small-Starbuck murder case, last Friday evening. It was a very effective argument, and full of good points. We congratulate Mr. Asp on his success.
[COWLEY
COUNTY DISTRICT COURT: SMALL TRIAL; THE VERDICT.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.
Saturday morning at 4 o’clock ended the argument in the most closely contested case ever tried in Cowley County. When we went to press last week, the trial of Francis Small for the murder of Jacob Starbuck had reached the examination of Oliver Whitted.
The argument of the case occupied all of Friday night, Mr. Torrance closing his speech at 4 o’clock in the morning. The charge given to the jury was remarkably clear and reflected the highest credit upon Judge Campbell.
Henry Asp opened the argument. He occupied one hour and fifteen minutes. He made his points well and presented his theory of the affair very forcibly. This was Henry’s first talk to a jury in the District Court, and he made a splendid effort.
Mr. Hackney made an excellent speech. It was the finest effort thus far in Will’s professional life. The same may be said of Judge McDonald’s argument, while Torrance simply did nobly. The arguments of all the gentlemen were first class. A gentleman outside said, “When Asp made his speech, it looked plain that Small was guilty of a cold-blooded murder; when Hackney had finished, he thought it was awful doubtful; by the time McDonald had finished, he thought Small ought to be acquitted. But Torrance began to make the thing look dark again for Small, and before he closed his talk he made up his mind again that Small was guilty as h__l.”
The jury came in Saturday evening with a verdict of guilty of manslaughter in the second degree.
Motion for a new trial was overruled. Judge Campbell reviewed the testimony and made his criticisms freely and plainly. His review was remarkable. He said the defendant ought to have been convicted of murder in the first degree, and declined to entertain the plea of clemency interposed by Judge McDonald for the defendant. He sentenced Small to confinement at hard labor in the penitentiary for the longest term that he could under the verdict—five years.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1879.
Mr. Henry Asp will be one of the orators at Floral on the 4th. The emblematic bird will catch it this time, for Henry never lets up till his hand slips off the tail feathers.
[NEW SALEM, TISDALE TOWNSHIP, COR.: “KNICKERBOCKER.”]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
On Tuesday last one of our leading men was in town, and while in front of Baird Bros.’ store met a lady of this place, and spoke concerning the picnic, when up stepped a dashing widow late of Illinois and said: “It’s a wonder you didn’t have me mixed up in it, but you can mix and be durned.” The gentleman just considered the source and let it pass. The picnic at Floral on the Fourth was largely attended considering the weather, quite a number from Winfield being present, among whom were Messrs. Asp, Payson, and Rev. Cairns. Late in the afternoon came the New Salem side show, followed by two caravans. It caused quite an excitement, and how they did sing! Why, it was splendid! After the picnic was over, quite a crowd came to Mr. D. W. Parker’s where refreshments were awaiting them, then they retired to J. J. Johnson’s, where they tripped the light fantastic. Miss Mollie Buck’s school closed on the 3rd. She had a full attendance throughout the term. The people of New Salem think they will have a city here if the railroad comes.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
The celebration at Floral was largely attended, fully 400 people being present. Mr. Chas. Payson delivered the speech of the occasion, and was followed by Messrs. Cairns, Trimble, and Asp. Mr. Payson’s speech was highly spoken of by all who heard it.
[COWLEY
COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY. H. P. Mansfield [Torrance & Asp] versus Estate W. Q. Mansfield [McDermott & Alexander].
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY. Thos. S. Parvin [Torrance & Asp] versus James C. Topliff [Hackney & McDonald].
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY. Robert Hudson [Torrance & Asp] versus Frances R. Hudson.
CIVIL DOCKET. EIGHTH DAY. J. C. Phillips [Torrance & Asp] versus Phillip Stout [Hackney & McDonald].
CIVIL DOCKET. NINTH DAY. William Storms [Torrance & Asp] versus G. S. Story.
CIVIL DOCKET. TENTH DAY. Carson, Peoria & Co. [Torrance & Asp] versus John W. Johnston [L. J. Webb].
[A
GRAND SCHEME TO ELECT HARTER SHERIFF BY FOUL MEANS.]
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.
ROBERT
HUDSON’S AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF KANSAS, )
Cowley County. ) ss.
Robert Hudson, after being first duly sworn, upon his oath, says that he is a citizen of Winfield, in said county and state, and has been for several years last past.
That his occupation is that of house mover, that during the year 1878 James Kelly, then postmaster of this city, employed affiant to move the old post office building from Dr. Mendenhall’s premises. Dr. Mendenhall commenced an action in attachment against James Kelly, and the order of attachment was placed in the hands of Charles L. Harter, Sheriff of said county, to execute, and instructed him to levy upon said building. He came down to levy upon the building, affiant at the time being at work getting it ready to move away. James Kelly was present. Harter stated his business to him and said he was going to levy upon the building and for me to stop work, and for Kelly to get out.
Kelly ordered him to leave and told him he would put a head on him if he did not go and Harter taking him at his word left. Kelly told affiant to go ahead with the moving. Affiant did so and moved the building away and Harter never did get possession of the same, and further the affiant says not. ROBERT HUDSON.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of October, 1879.
HENRY E. ASP, Notary Public.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1879.
The following affidavits completely refute the charge in the Telegram in relation to Shenneman and confirm our former statements as to Harter.
A.
T. SHENNEMAN’S AFFIDAVIT.
STATE OF KANSAS, )
Cowley county. ) ss.
A. T. Shenneman, after being first duly sworn, on oath says that he has read the affidavit of Amos Biddle, published in this morning’s Daily Telegram, and the facts in this matter are as follows.
Mr. Biddle came to me and wanted to rent my farm and buy a mule team I had in July, 1877. He proposed to pay a share of the crop as rent and buy my mules on one year’s time. I told him I would like to rent him the farm, but did not want to sell the team without the money as I needed it in my business. He then said if I would let him have the team, he would give me a mortgage on the team and crop to secure me, and would pay the same interest that I would have to pay to get the money.
With this understanding I came to Winfield and made arrangements to get what money I wanted for twenty percent of Mr. E. C. Seward. I told Biddle of my arrangement with Seward, and he said he would take the team and allow me that rate of interest. The papers were drawn up. I sold him mules, wagon, and harness, cover and bows, for $450.00, he giving me a note for $540.00, due in one year, and I borrowed money of Seward from time to time as I needed it, to supply the place of this money that I should have had when I sold my team.
When this note came due, Biddle had not threshed his wheat and wanted me to wait and said he would pay the interest. I, at that time, was paying J. C. McMullen 18 percent for money I had borrowed of him. I extended the time. Two or three months after the note came due, Biddle threshed his wheat, took his time to haul it to Wichita, paid me $110.00, and I gave him a receipt. About two months after this, he again threshed and again took his time to get the wheat to market, and when through paid me $150.00, and I gave him a receipt therefore. Some six weeks after this he threshed the balance and hauled it away as before, but failed to pay me any money. One of his neighbors, knowing I had a mortgage on every-thing, informed me that he thought Biddle was using the money instead of paying me. I saw Biddle; he said he had other debts to pay and had used the money, and wanted me to take the mules back, stating the time he would come in and we would fix the matter up. This I did not want to do, telling him that I had trusted him to haul the wheat away and pay me the money; that he knew I needed it, and he ought to pay it; that it was in the dead of winter, and no sale for the mules; that I could not realize on them, and must have money with which to meet debts contracted by me in anticipation of the payment of his note.
Finding that he could not pay me and that there was no chance to get the money from him, at his earnest solicitation I consented to take the mules and harness at his own figure: $280. He wanted to keep the wagon, it being worth $65 to $75. He brought the team in, his brother-in-law, Robert Kerr, accompanying him. I threw off a part of the interest, which left, as we settled, a balance due of $322 or thereabouts, I think.
I took the mules and harness at $280, and he agreed to pay me $25 thereafter; and I threw off the balance and the matter was satisfactory to him, and his said brother-in-law afterwards told me that Biddle said it was. The matter closed, and I gave him a receipt for $280. He took the wagon home, and five days after, paid me $25; and I gave him his note. I gave Biddle a receipt for every cent he ever paid me except that $25 paid when I gave him the note and he can produce them if he chooses. I kept the mules until the following April, and in my settlement with Millspaugh of our partnership, I allowed $20 for feeding them. I paid Benj. Cox, of Winfield, $2 to take them to Wichita. He placed them in the hands of J. F. Reese to be sold. He sold them for $270, kept $10 for his trouble and expense, and gave me a check on the Wichita Savings Bank for $260, and if anyone will take the trouble this can be shown by Reese’s check book. I sold the harness for $10, thus realizing but $248 on the mules and harness, for which I allowed him $280 in our settlement, to say nothing of the interest I paid for money during the time I had to hold the mules.
The note, when due, called for just $540. I got my money in installments, as above stated; and realized, all told, but $533, to say nothing of the interest paid by me for money during all these months that I was accommodating this man, and which amounted to certainly not less than $50.
Hearing that it was reported that I had wronged Biddle, I took Moses Teter and went to him and stated the facts in the case so far as our dealings were concerned; and he admitted to Moses Teter, in my presence, that they were true, and as I have here stated them, and that he had no cause of complaint against me except that I knew he was on the road and had procured another man to haul a load of coal from Wichita to Winfield, whereas I ought to have given it to him.
This is a full, accurate, and complete statement of all facts and circumstances connected with, or in any wise appertaining to each and every circumstance growing out of my trusting and befriending this man, Biddle. A. T. SHENNEMAN.
Subscribed in my presence, and sworn to before me this 23rd day of October, 1878.
HENRY E. ASP, Notary Public.
[THE
REPUBLICANS WIN...A GLORIOUS VICTORY...A CLEAN SWEEP!]
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1879.
Among the many who have contributed to the glorious vote in this county, our young friend, Henry E. Asp, W. P. Hackney, and J. B. Evans are worthy of special mention. They have been at work early and late and their telling eloquence has been heard over the county. Judge Caldwell, Frank Jennings, A. P. Johnson, and others have put in many stalwart blows. Jarvis, Green, Chairman Johnson, Torrance, and many others did efficient work; and though we may fail to mention others equally praiseworthy in this hurried notice, we will not neglect to state that our contemporary, the Semi-Weekly, has put a stalwart shoulder to the wheel.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1879.
Henry E. Asp has built a neat little house in the north part of town. Since the “cruel war is over,” and the Democracy demolished, we suppose Henry will begin to look around for a housekeeper.
Winfield
Courier, November 27, 1879.
Henry Asp left on Monday for Kansas City.
Winfield
Courier, November 27, 1879.
Henry Asp’s house will soon be ready for a tenant, and Henry is looking for a renter.
Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.
The State Journal, of Topeka, pays our young townsman, Henry E. Asp, a deserved compliment. Mr. Asp is one of our brightest lights and is bound to make his mark.
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
Two railroaders, James Moore and Michael Reynolds, were arrested last week and brought before Justice Buckman on complaint of Dennis Murphy, charged with robbing him of $110.00. Henry E. Asp conducted the case for the State, and Charles H. Payson appeared for the defense. From the testimony of Dennis Murphy, he had got into a “bad crowd” as he furnished all the whiskey and his friends showed their appreciation of his generosity by robbing him of his money.
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.
Since County Attorney Torrance left for the east, Henry Asp has had his hands full. He has prosecuted six cases, with more criminals “panting for justice,” and has been successful in every case but one. Henry is making a reputation about as rapidly as any young lawyer we know of.
Winfield Courier, February 26, 1880.
Henry Asp had a wedding in his bachelor apartments Monday.
Winfield Courier, March 11, 1880.
Henry Asp is devoting considerable time to the improvement of his premises on 7th avenue.
Winfield Courier, April 8, 1880.
For sale: A good farm, 160 acres within one and one-half miles of Winfield.
HENRY E. ASP.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 14, 1880.
The professional card of Henry E. Asp, of Winfield, will be found in this issue. Henry is one of the rising young attorneys of this county, and is destined to reach high up on the ladder of fame. Business entrusted to his care will be placed in good hands.
CARD: HENRY E. ASP, Attorney At Law, WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1880.
Our young friend, Henry E. Asp, has been mentioned as a candidate for the office of County Attorney. Mr. Asp is a young man of ability and integrity, a hard student, and a careful observer, and is destined to rise high in his chosen profession. During the last two campaigns, he has done good work for the party, for which he may expect recognition, if not now, most certainly at some future day.
Winfield Courier, April 29, 1880.
A number of persons interested in base ball met Tuesday night and appointed committees on membership, and constitution and by-laws. They meet again this (Wednesday) evening, at Henry Asp’s office at 7:30 o’clock.
Henry E. Asp marries Nellie Powers, daughter of N. M. Powers...
Winfield
Courier, May 6, 1880.
We take great pleasure in announcing the marriage of Mr. Henry E. Asp and Miss Nellie Powers. It was celebrated at the residence of the bride’s parents in this city last evening. Henry’s many friends will unite with us in wishing them many long and happy years. No young man in Winfield enjoys the confidence and esteem of its citizens more than does Mr. Asp. Coming among us as he did five years ago, without friends or acquaintances, he has, by his energy, strict integrity, and close attention to business won a legal reputation reaching beyond the confines of Cowley, and which we predict will some day reach even beyond the confines of the State. The bride is one of Winfield’s fairest ladies.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 12, 1880.
MARRIED. We are pleased to notice the marriage of our friend, Henry E. Asp, of Winfield, on last Wednesday evening, to Miss Nellie Powers, and heartily congratulate each one on securing so worthy a partner.
Winfield Courier, June 3, 1880.
Captain H. H. Siverd and Henry Asp go to Little Dutch, Friday night, in behalf of the announcement.
[MAPLE TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “CAHOKA.”]
Winfield Courier, June 17, 1880.
We, of Maple, are looking forward to our home politics with some feelings of interest. Here is our Slate, which we submit without hesitation: For Congress, Tom Ryan; State Senator, Hackney; Representatives, Lemmon and Mitchell; District Judge, Torrance; County Attorney, H. E. Asp.
[REPUBLICAN
COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Arkansas
City Traveler, June 23, 1880. Editorial Page.
After Mr. Denning sat down, Mr. H. E. Asp stepped to the platform and in an eloquent and telling speech offered the name of Hon. W. P. Hackney. The storm of applause that greeted this name drowned all things else for several minutes, and the eloquence of the young orator was repeatedly interrupted to allow the delegates to give vent to their feelings. It was the best speech we ever heard from Mr. Asp, and spoke well for the great possibilities and probabilities of the speaker.
Winfield Courier, June 24, 1880.
Mr. Henry E. Asp, made a fine speech in his nomination of Mr. Hackney before the county convention last Saturday. Henry is a good orator.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 30, 1880.
Frank Jennings made us a pleasant call last Wednesday evening. He is looking around the county in the interest of his nomination for County Attorney. Between the two candidates, Mr. Jennings and Mr. Asp, there seems to be little choice. They are both young men of irreproachable character and good ability, and enjoy the friendship of all who know them. The lack of years is the only thing brought against either one of them. We would suggest that at the primaries next month the friends of these parties turn out and see that each has a fair show at least. If you stay away from the polls, some other parties will run a ticket through, for which you cannot blame them. It don’t do any good to growl after an election is over, if you haven’t done your part beforehand.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 14, 1880.
GARFIELD AND ARTHUR CLUB. The Republicans of Arkansas City held a crowded meeting in the council chambers last Wednesday evening, for the purpose of organizing a Garfield and Arthur club in this place and to generally promote the interests of the Republican party in the coming campaign. On motion J. S. Daniels was called to the chair and I. H. Bonsall was appointed secretary. The meeting was then addressed by C. R. Mitchell, Dr. A. J. Chapel, J. H. Phillips, Henry E. Asp, of Winfield, Houston, and several others. Altogether a most enthusiastic and inspiring time was had. The following committees were appointed. On Procuring Pole: Messrs. Daniels, Parker, and Williams; Music and Glee Club: W. D. Mowry and W. Griffith; Permanent Organization: Messrs. J. H. Phillips, Bonsall, and Houston. Pending the report of this committee, a temporary agreement was drawn up and signed by thirty-seven of those present, who thus pledged themselves to work in the interest of the Republican party and its nominees. Mr. Asp was requested to procure speakers for the next meeting. On motion the meeting then adjourned, to meet again this Wednesday evening, July 14, in the room lately occupied by the Tivoli on the west side of Summit street, opposite the City Hotel. Republicans one and all should turn out and make things lively.
[BALTIMORE,
OMNIA TOWNSHIP, CORRESPONDENT: “X. Y. CAESAR.”]
Winfield Courier, July 15, 1880.
As we expect to see the law poured upon this district in “Torrance” this fall, we are not afraid our county will suffer in the least in the hands of that venomous (?) Asp.
[DEXTER, DEXTER TOWNSHIP, CORRESPONDENT: “JLAN.”]
Winfield
Courier, July 15, 1880.
We have had St. John’s day, and a jolly, rousing time, too. The Davis family discoursed sweet music. Judge Adams’ oration was fine and well received. Outside of the encampment was a circular swing, propelled by horse power and going around at the rate of 2.40. This swing was a paying institution, judging by the number who availed themselves of the pleasure of riding. Mr. McDermott officiated in a speech appropriate to the occasion, followed by the usual accompaniment of music. Right on the heels of St. John’s day came the Fourth of July, in the same grove, and an oration by Mr. Asp, of Winfield.
Winfield
Courier, July 15, 1880.
FOR SALE: A good farm, 160 acres, within one and one-half miles of Winfield.
HENRY E. ASP.
[NORTH
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “SIR R. DeCOVERLY.”]
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1880.
Richland is just now on needles: political needles I mean. The people waver in a balance between Jennings and Asp. Both, they say, are fine young men.
Winfield
Courier, July 22, 1880.
A Republican meeting will be held at the Jarvis schoolhouse Wednesday evening July 28th, for the purpose of organizing a Garfield and Arthur club. Speeches will be made by Col. Manning and Henry E. Asp. A large turnout is expected.
Winfield
Courier, July 22, 1880.
A Young Men’s Republican club was organized in Richland township last Monday night. Fred Hunt and Henry Asp went up in the afternoon. Mr. Asp went on to Baltimore, in Omnia, and organized a Republican club, and Mr. Hunt stopped at Polo and organized the club in Richland. The Richland club selected the following officers: President, James McLester; Secretary, L. C. Park; Treasurer, J. R. Weimer.
[TISDALE TOWNSHIP CORRESPONDENT: “FAIRPLAY.”]
Winfield
Courier, July 29, 1880.
TISDALE, July 25, 1880. EDS. COURIER: An article appeared in the Monitor, of July 20th, under the head of “Query” and signed “Justice,” purporting to be from Tisdale, in which the Rev. S. S. Holloway was grossly misrepresented, and by the editor maliciously assaulted. I, with your kind permission, beg leave to reply through the COURIER to the unprovoked attack.
I, with many others, some of whose names will be found below to corroborate my statement, were present at a temperance meeting called at Tisdale, July 17th, at which time and place Mr. Holloway made the remarks referred to by “Justice,” who states that Mr. Holloway said that he is opposed to Mr. Asp for two reasons: First, because Mr. Asp is opposed to the amendment; Second, because Mr. Asp was in favor of the nomination of Mr. Hackney. Now in justice to Mr. Holloway, whom I highly esteem for his many excellent traits of character, I will just say that he made no such statements. The only allusion he made to Mr. Asp whatever was in expressing his regret that Mr. Asp was not present at the meeting as was anticipated, saying that he understood Mr. Asp was for the amendment and he wanted to hear him define his exact position on the temperance question. The gentleman that wrote the article either was not present at the meeting or his listening apparatus was out of repair. Every reading man knows that Mr. Asp is in favor of the amendment; therefore, it is unreasonable to say that Mr. Holloway was ignorant of the fact. Yet it seems the writer was not positive on the subject.
In conclusion, I would advise Mr. Justice to never resort to injustice in order to carry out some petty motive. As to the remarks of Mr. Conklin, nothing better could be expected as it is habitual with him to abuse and vilify every individual that does not cringe to his ideas, whether fanatical or otherwise. FAIRPLAY.
We, the undersigned, being present at the time above mentioned and distinctly hearing the address delivered by the Rev. Mr. Holloway, do emphatically endorse the above statement as being true in every particular.
ALEX. CAIRNS, WALTER DENNING, HENRY FALKINGHAM, P. F. MILLHOUSE,
V. P. ROUNDS, JEREMIAH DIKE, JOS. HUNT, JOHN BUNYON.
Winfield
Courier, July 29, 1880.
Windsor township held her Republican primaries on Monday. The interest manifested was intense as shown by the fact that over 100 votes were polled. We are informed that the delegates elected stand on County Attorney two for Jennings and one for Asp; on Probate Judge, three for Gans; on Commissioner, two for Clay and one for Fall. The delegates are Shaw, Reynolds, and Denton.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 4, 1880.
Mr. Henry Asp came down from Winfield last Monday to take charge of the prosecution in the case of Blackman versus Conaway, tried before Justice Linton, in Bolton Township.
[BALTIMORE, OMNIA TOWNSHIP, CORRESPONDENT: “X. Y. CAESAR.”]
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
Mr. H. E. Asp met with the Republicans at the Baltimore schoolhouse last Monday evening, and after a pleasant little speech, proceeded to organize a Garfield club. Mr. L. A. Daniels was elected president; John L. Parsons, vice-president; Geo. F. Thompson, secretary; Wm. Jenkins, Treasurer. X. Y. CAESAR.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 18, 1880.
At the temperance meeting last Sunday night, Mr. Henry E. Asp, of Winfield, spoke to a large congregation in the Methodist church, having been invited to supply the place of Mr. Houston, who had gone to Chicago. Mr. Hill also made some stirring remarks, which were well received.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 8, 1880.
Mr. Henry E. Asp, of Winfield, has been making a triumphal march through the State. At the Topeka convention he was elected president of the Young Men’s State Republican club, and on last Friday he made a political speech at Leavenworth, following it up with a speech at Abilene, last Saturday. Good for Henry. His many friends watch his career with interest.
Winfield
Courier, September 9, 1880.
The compliment tendered the young Republicans of Cowley County by electing Henry E. Asp chairman of the state club is highly appreciated all over the county.
[Y.
M. R. C.]
Winfield
Courier, September 9, 1880.
One hundred and eleven young Republicans met in Representative Hall in Topeka last week and organized a Young Men’s Republican Club for the State of Kansas. The Republican Club of Winfield was represented by Henry E. Asp, Fred C. Hunt, Will Wilson, and Ed. P. Greer. The contest over the chairmanship was spirited, and resulted in the election of Cowley’s bright young orator, Henry E. Asp. The candidates for the position were C. C. Baker, of Topeka; J. R. Burton, of Abilene; John Coulter, of Leavenworth; and Henry E. Asp, of Winfield. Mr. Asp was elected on the fourth ballot, receiving 62 votes, Burton 41, Baker 1.
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1880.
Henry Asp returned from Abilene and the north, Sunday.
Winfield
Courier, November 25, 1880.
Messrs. T. H. Soward and Henry E. Asp have formed a law partnership. It will be an able and active firm.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 1, 1880.
A partnership has been formed between H. E. Asp and T. H. Soward, of Winfield. These gentlemen are both promising young lawyers, and will make a strong team.
[ECHOES
FROM THE JAIL! BY “OCCASIONAL.”]
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.
The trial that awakened the strongest interest was that of Alfred Conway of Bolton township, tried for assaulting Rialdo Blackman with a deadly weapon with intent to kill: prosecuted with the energy and skill for which Torrance and Asp are noted; defended by Houston and Mitchell with the same stubborn determination as the prosecutors. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Guilty? Yes, horrid word! It fell like a funeral dirge on the ears of the Conway family and that of his young bride; to her it meant more than death; to her it meant the shutting out of the last ray of sunshine that makes this life worth living; to her it meant the snatching away by the iron arm of the law, the Idol of her soul; the sheet anchor of her hopes upon this side of eternity. To her vision, seen through her tears, may have arisen the towering walls of the state penitentiary that seemed more terrible than the grave. Possibly, for the first time Andrew Conway realized his true position and may have regretted the hot blood of anger that when aroused flowed through his veins. The court, moved, maybe, by pity and the extenuating circumstances that surround the case, sentenced Conway—for six months to the county jail and to pay the costs. He has resolved to enter upon a new life and henceforth will devote his attention to the care of his young wife who was so faithful to him, and thereby challenge the respect of his neighbors and by their aid build up what he has torn down. Will they help him? OCCASIONAL.
Winfield
Courier, March 10, 1881.
Henry E. Asp has been admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of the state. His popularity as an attorney is rapidly increasing and he is kept busy early and late. Coupled with a naturally bright intellect, Henry possesses an unusual amount of energy and perseverance, qualifications which are paramount to all others in making a successful practitioner.
Winfield
Courier, March 24, 1881.
Messrs. Soward & Asp have been “cleaning house.” They have recarpeted, painted, and papered their offices till they resemble a Fifth avenue parlor. They mean to have things comfortable and pleasant and are succeeding admirably.
[REPUBLICAN
WARD MEETINGS.]
Winfield
Courier, March 24, 1881.
The following 12 gentlemen were elected delegates to the city convention: G. H. Buckman, N. A. Haight, H. E. Asp, T. M. McGuire, T. H. Soward, W. Bitting, J. L. Horning, C. M. Wood, M. L. Robinson, Archie Stewart, H. Brotherton, I. W. Randall.
[REPUBLICAN
NOMINATIONS FOR CITY OFFICERS.]
Winfield
Courier, April 7, 1881.
A great many Republicans were not satisfied with the Republican nominations for city officers, and joined with the Democrats to nominate a citizens’ ticket. They met at the opera house on last Saturday evening and put in nomination J. B. Lynn for mayor, O. M. Seward for city attorney, T. R. Bryan for city treasurer, J. D. Pryor for treasurer of the board of education, W. E. Tansey for justice of the peace and police judge, John Moffitt and A. H. Doane for councilmen, N. L. Rigby and E. P. Kinne for members of the school board, and J. T. Quarles and B. McFadden for constables. Mr. Bryan was not present at the meeting, but it was understood that he would support the straight Republican ticket, having already accepted the nomination for city treasurer tendered him by the Republicans.
Mr. Tansey had been nominated by the Republicans for justice of the peace, but made a speech accepting the nomination of the Citizens, and enlisting to support the whole ticket, going back on the Republicans. Of course, it was inconsistent for the Republicans to keep on their ticket a candidate who was fighting the balance of the ticket, so the Republican committee met and struck off his name and placed the name of J. H. Kinney in his stead, which was eminently proper and right. E. P. Kinne was not present at the time of the Citizens meeting nor on the day of the election, but we understood him before he went that he would not accept a nomination on the Citizens ticket. N. L. Rigby positively declined to be a candidate.
J. T. Hackney withdrew his name from the Republican ticket, and James Kelly was put upon the ticket for police judge in his stead. This made up the issues: as to candidates.
On Monday evening the supporters of both tickets held meetings, and speakers harangued the people. The Citizens held their meeting in the street, and used the stone steps of the Winfield Bank for a rostrum.
We did not get a report of the speakers, for we were in the other meeting: that of the republicans in the opera house. Of this meeting Col. C. M. Wood was chairman, and made a stirring address, which was followed by strong and pungent speeches from H. E. Asp, M. G. Troup, W. P. Hackney, and T. H. Soward.
The scathing that Mayor Lynn and Marshal Stevens got at their hands was terrible and cruel to the victims. Their administration was shown up in no enviable light, and the speakers demanded a change.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 13, 1881.
The case of Chas. Brash, charged with stealing fruit trees, etc., which came off last Saturday, and in which Messrs. Asp and Swarts were retained for the defense, resulted in a verdict of not guilty.
[MONITOR
ITEMS.]
Arkansas City Traveler, May 18, 1881. Editorial Page.
A new trial was granted in the case of the State vs. Toops on error which gives the defendant another chance. The firm of Soward & Asp have made a gallant fight in their handling of this case.
Winfield Courier, May 19, 1881.
Henry Asp has added another laurel to his professional career by his manipulation of the Allison Toops case. Failing to clear his client, Henry went to work to get a new trial on some technicality and succeeded in doing so. He then went to work to get the matter compromised, and by agreement with opposing counsel, succeeded in getting his client’s sentence fixed at eighteen months in the penitentiary. Henry never gives up. If he can’t clear a client, he will ease him off as much as possible.
[RELIEF
FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]
Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.
A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.
Henry E. Asp: $5.00.
[THE
MANNY TRIAL.]
Winfield
Courier, June 30, 1881.
Winfield has been in a fever of excitement for the past few days over the arrest of Frank Manny for violating the prohibition amendment in selling beer. The trial was first brought before Justice Kelly, but the defense secured a change of venue to Justice Tansey’s court. Monday was the day set for the trial and early in the day numbers of spectators gathered to see the opening of the case.
The array of legal talent retained on the part of the defense was simply appalling: Judge Campbell, with eight years’ experience on the bench; J. E. Allen, one of the most precise and painstaking lawyers at the bar; O. M. Seward, the leading temperance attorney of the southwest; and Messrs. Soward & Asp, gentlemen of high standing at the bar. Certainly Mr. Manny should feel that his interests will be protected as far as the law is concerned.
County Attorney Jennings appeared for the State.
County Attorney Jennings then attempted to open the case, when the defense again objected and moved that the case be dismissed because “the complaint was not sworn to by a responsible party.” Judge Campbell then made an exhaustive argument on a constitutional point. Mr. Jennings answered Judge Campbell at considerable length, and was followed by Mr. Asp for the defense, who closed the argument. The objection was overruled and duly excepted to, and the state proceeded with the examination of the first witness, Mr. Miller.
Mr. Miller testified that he resided in Winfield, and that he knew where Mr. Manny’s brewery was. He was asked if he had been in Mr. Manny’s brewery between the first day of May and the 21st day of June, the latter being the date the indictment was made. The defense objected on the ground that the state should confine its proof of offense to the date mentioned in the indictment: the 12th day of June. On this objection Mr. Allen spoke, and cited authorities, though none of our Supreme court. The State replied with Kansas authorities bearing directly upon the point. Mr. Asp closed the argument on this point, and the court overruled the objection.
Mr. Jochems was then called. He had been at Manny’s brewery twice since the first of May. The defense then objected on the ground that the prosecution should confine itself to the sale already proven and the point was ably argued by Mr. Asp. Mr. Troup assisting the state, spoke for ten minutes, and Mr. Asp closed the argument. The objection was sustained and the court held the prosecution to the sale proven to Miller and allowed to introduce testimony to prove the drink known as “ginger” was intoxicating, providing no date or other sale than the one made to Miller was fixed by date. Mr. Jochems then testified that he had drank “ginger” and that it produced no effect on him.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 28, 1881.
Henry E. Asp et al are the proprietors of a coal mine in Chautauqua County.
[REPORT
FROM W. A. LEE IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI.]
Winfield Courier, October 13, 1881.
September 4th. Bound for Southwestern Missouri, the land of the free and home of the brave, brave James boys, and free whiskey. The Hon. W. P. Hackney was on board the train, Messrs. Myton, Hodges, and Silver boarded the train and got off at Grenola. I am informed that they have a bonanza coal mine near there, a two foot vein. Mr. H. E. Asp, of Winfield, has become so elated that he intends quitting the law practice and manage the mine at Elk Falls.
We saw three barrels of empty beer bottles marked E. M. Trimble. What are the initials of our worthy Professor Trimble?
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
Court is in session: the lambs and the lions are mingling together in harmony under the soothing influence of Judge Torrance’s presence. Among the lions we notice Henry E. Asp,
T. H. Soward, Frank Jennings, G. H. Buckman, D. C. Beach, O. M. Seward, J. E. Allen, Jas. O’Hare, S. D. Pryor, James McDermott, A. P. Johnson, A. H. Green, W. P. Hackney, A. B. Taylor, Lovell H. Webb, C. R. Mitchell, Joe Houston, Cal. Swarts, Charlie Eagan, and others. The list of lambs can be found in our Court docket of last week.
Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.
Our young attorneys are covering themselves all over with glory at this term of court. Henry E. Asp won golden opinions in his defense of Gels, in which he secured the acquittal of his client. Attorney Jennings and Mr. Asp on the one side and Mr. Hackney and Joe Houston on the other are fighting the Armstrong case step by step. The balance are impatiently waiting until their turn comes.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
Henry Asp, one of Winfield’s brightest young attorneys, has been employed on one or the other side of each criminal action tried at this term of court, notwithstanding the fact that he has been giving a good deal of time to a coal bank enterprise the past few months. Henry is a very successful young lawyer, fights his side of the case every inch of the road, and never allows his opponent to ask a question without entering his objection because it is irrelevant, immaterial, unconstitutional, imitational, and incongruous.
[COURANT
EDITOR PAYS A VISIT TO DISTRICT COURT, WINFIELD.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
We paid a visit to the District Court Thursday, with a view of taking in the situation so far as possible, and to see if District Court is the same in Cowley County now as it was in 1872, when our city was in embryo, and the brilliant attorneys and learned judges of today occupied about the same positions on the stage of life. On entering the room, many familiar faces, and more strange ones, turned toward us as if to say: “Wonder if he expects justice here!”
Frank Jennings, who would rather succeed in convicting a man then to go home to his family before ten o’clock at night, was asking all manner of questions of an Arkansas City banker, who was so unfortunate as to pay out $500 last May on a forged draft, and Henry Asp set to his side yelling, “We object” to every question, and would then turn and look Joe Houston uneasily in the face until the court would remark, “Objection overruled.”
[COLUMN:
YOU CAN MARK IT IN YOUR LITTLE BOOK.]
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
That Henry Asp and Joe Houston got in some fine work on the Haywood forgery case, and came very near pushing the County Attorney to the wall.
Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.
The Enterprise Says That
Frank Jennings and Henry Asp, of Winfield, made a raid on this office last Monday.
Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.
For Sale. Two run of old quarry French Buhrs, and an old Plantation sorghum mill. Henry E. Asp.
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
Henry E. Asp has removed his office to Ninth Avenue, in Hackney & McDonald’s building, and has furnished the rooms nicely. Judge Soward holds forth in the old location.
Cowley County Courant, January 12, 1882.
Henry Asp has removed his law office into the first floor in the Hackney and McDonald building on 9th avenue.
Cowley County Courant, February 2, 1882.
In our issue of yesterday we noticed the arrival of the first car of Cana Valley coal. Our limited space at the time forbid a more extended notice of the coal or a more liberal mention of the parties who are interested in the company. The COURANT is ever ready to advance the interest of Winfield and Winfield men. It will be remembered that this company, consisting of Messrs. Hodges, Myton, Silver, Jennings, Asp, and others, was organized in October last, since which time the company have expended over $5,000 in the purchase of land leases, mining tools, and the development of the mines which are located eight miles south of Grenola in the Cana Valley. Like all new organizations they have had everything to contend against, and at times failure seemed to stare them in the face, and but for the indomitable pluck of Messrs. Hodges and Myton, the Cana Valley Coal Company would long since have been numbered with the dead. Today the company is on a solid basis with a bright and glorious prospect ahead.
From a scant vein of 14 inches, the show is now 20 inches, and a much better grade of coal. From a wagon load a day, their capacity has increased to 500 bushels. They are now able to supply the retail demand at the mines and ship from five to ten cars per week. Since the arrival of the Cana Valley coal to this market, our people have had time and opportunity to test its quality. It is pronounced by many that the Cana coal is far superior to any other grade of soft coal mined in the southwest. The coal is free from rock and slate, burns clean, and leaves only a white ash. There is no offensive gas which escapes from the stove; and no accumulation of soot in the pipe or flue. The company have very wisely made the reliable coal firm of A. H. Doane & Company their agents in Winfield, and will keep them supplied at all times with Cana coal, putting it in the market at the price of other soft coal.
Cowley County Courant, February 9, 1882.
We have recently turned out for Henry E. Asp a law brief which we claim is a beauty. We wish to call attention of our lawyers to this class of work.
Winfield Courier, February 23, 1882.
Mr. W. A. Irwin, the New Salem physician and postmaster, was arrested for forging a promissory note with the name of Stephen Grimes. He had a preliminary examination before ’Squire Crow, and was held to bail in the sum of $200. Mr. Irwin claims that he was authorized to sign the name. Henry E. Asp has been retained by the defendant.
Winfield Courier, March 2, 1882.
Henry E. Asp has a case in which there is a nice legal point. A widower with four children took out a life insurance policy, making the benefit payable to his legal heirs. Three months afterward he was married, and in a short time died. The question is: Is the wife entitled to half the benefit, not being one of the heirs at the time the policy was taken out?
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
Burden comes to the front with a shooting affray, though so far we have been unable to get the full particulars, only being able to get one side of the story, that of the man who did the shooting. The man who was shot is Ben Saunders, and his assailant is Henry Causey. The two live on adjoining farms about four miles west of Burden, and from what we can learn, have not been on the most friendly terms. Causey is an old resident; and according to his story, some eight years or more ago had his land surveyed and planted a hedge on the line, as then established between him and the farm now owned by Saunders. It appears that recently Saunders had a new survey made without giving notice to Causey, and the new line established runs over onto Causey’s land, taking away from his hedge and a strip of cultivated land. Thursday, Saunders went over into Causey’s field and began plowing, when Causey went out with a shotgun and ordered him off. Saunders refused to go, and said he had a notion to go and get his gun. Causey said to go ahead and get it, when Saunders replied that if he should, Causey would run. Causey said for him to try it and see, and Saunders started toward his house, but after going about a hundred yards turned and came back and picked up some stones and threw them at Causey. He then started on to plowing when Causey fired at him, the shot taking effect in Saunders’ legs, which seemed to lessen his appetite for agricultural pursuits the remainder of the day.
Causey came over to Winfield in the evening and tried to have the County Attorney have him arrested for assault and battery, but Mr. Jennings refused to file a complaint against him until he had time to look up the case. Causey has retained Henry Asp to defend him, and is expecting to be arrested any hour. He says he would much rather have a preliminary examination here in Winfield than over at Burden.
Cowley County Courant, April 13, 1882.
About $2,000 to loan on good real estate security, on terms to suit the borrower.
HENRY E. ASP.
Cowley County Courant, May 11, 1882.
The board of directors of the Agricultural and Horticultural society met at the Courier office, in Winfield, May 6th, 1882, at two o’clock P. M.
The following committees were appointed.
Finance: W. J. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, James Vance, J. L. Horning, James Schofield.
Printing: T. A. Blanchard, E. P. Greer, W. A. Tipton.
Grounds: W. J. Hodges, J. C. Roberts, J. W. Millspaugh.
Bylaws: W. A. Tipton, F. S. Jennings, Henry Asp.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Cowley County Courant, May 18, 1882.
Congressional State Convention to be held at Topeka June 28, 1882: C. R. Mitchell, M. G. Troup, C. M. Scott, M. L. Robinson, John Wallace, R. S. Walker, J. E. Conklin, H. D. Gans. Alternates: Henry E. Asp, J. B. Tucker, J. M. Harcourt, J. B. Evans, R. F. Burden, N. W. Dressie, W. P. Heath, T. H. Soward, H. C. McDorman.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.
This is Court week and our lion-like attorneys are in clover. The following gentlemen are present: A. J. Pyburn of La Mars, Missouri; C. R. Mitchell, of Geuda Springs; Senator Hackney, Judge McDonald, Judge Tipton, Jas. O’Hare, Henry E. Asp, S. D. Pryor, J. F. McMullen, D. C. Beach, O. M. Seward, J. E. Allen, A. P. Johnson, James McDermott, P. H. Albright, T. H. Soward, Geo. H. Buckman, M. G. Troup, and County Attorney Jennings.
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1882.
Henry Asp was called over to Burden Monday on business.
Winfield Courier, June 29, 1882.
W. S. MENDENHALL BECAME ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF L. A. MOORE AND JAMES A. LYTLE...HENRY E. ASP, ATTORNEY, IN PROBATE COURT MAY 5, 1882.
Winfield Courier, July 20, 1882.
A CARD. Hon. Jas. McDermott, Winfield, Kansas. DEAR SIR: We the undersigned citizens of Cowley County, Kansas, anxious that an able and faithful man represent us in the coming legislature, and ever mindful of the important legislation that will come before that body, unite in requesting you to become a candidate for the office of Representative from this district, July 11th, 1882. Hackney, W. P.; Gridley, A.; Bethel, Jas.; Millington, D. A.; Greer, Ed. P.; Finch, Frank W.; Siverd, H. H.; Pryor, J. D.; Wilson, W. J.; Hunt, J. S.; Bryan, T. R.; Curns, J. W.; Harris, T. J.; Arrowsmith, J. W.; Hendricks, A. D.; Soward, T. H.; Story, R. C.; Reynolds, E. M.; Buckman, G. H.; Haight, N. A.; Cook, S. A.; Webb, L. H.; Fuller, C. E.; Hudson, W.; Wood, B. F.; Kelly, James; Short, J. P.; Platter, Jas. E.; Gridley, A., Jr.; Asp, Henry E.; Trimble, E. T.; Roberts, W. D.; Moore, Wm. H.; Hackney, J. F.; Waite, R. B.: McMullen, J. C.; Lee, W. A.; Holloway, S. S.; and others.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, July 17, 1882. Hon. W. P. Hackney, T. H. Soward, D. A. Millington, and others: GENTLEMEN: I have received your very flattering call to become a candidate for the legislature in this district, and after due consideration, have concluded to consent to the use of my name in that connection. At first I did not regard the proposition favorably, owing to business interests which I thought might suffer thereby but upon the representations of friends that I might be able to assist to some extent in making the temperance laws more effective; in guarding the interests of Cowley County in the Congressional apportionment; and in securing any other advantages that may be desired for the county and which may be attainable; I have overcome my reluctance and hereby authorize my friends to use my name as a candidate before the Republican District Convention—and if nominated and elected I will hold myself bound to consider the interests of the people of Cowley County as of paramount importance to all other interests, and will give my best efforts to maintain and protect them.
Respectfully yours, JAMES McDERMOTT.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 2, 1882.
Henry Asp and A. H. Limerick, of Rock Township, drove down from Winfield Monday, returning in the evening.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Committee: Rules and order of business: H. E. Asp, D. P. Marshall, J. B. Nipp, James Utt, W. J. Wilson, P. T. Walton, Barney Shriver.
Delegates Winfield 1st Ward: H. H. Siverd, Frank Bowen, M. G. Troup, H. E. Asp, W. P. Hackney.
[HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Jas. Kirk, Jas. M. Bair, A. H. [?M.?] Broadwell, Mahlon Fatout, H. C. Catlin, F. H. Brown, H. E. Asp, T. A. Blanchard, and F. W. McClellan enrolled as members of the Society. J. F. MARTIN, President. JACOB NIXON, Secretary.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1882.
Henry Asp was in our city, Monday, on legal business.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1882.
“CLASS E”—FOWLS. There were fourteen entries in this class, and some very fine specimens were exhibited. Wm. Bryan took 1st premium on his game Bantams. Dr. C. C. Green took 2nd on his brown Leghorns. Mrs. Olds took 1st premium on her trio of Black Spanish and 2nd on Silver lace bantams. Mrs. Trezise took 1st on her white Leghorn; Mrs. Asp 1st on best trio of partridge Cochins; Prestin Dorin 1st on golden pheasants; Ed. Thomas 1st on bantam chicks; and A. R. Gillette, 2nd on trio of partridge Cochins.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
Hon. T. H. Soward and Hon. H. E. Asp will speak at Rose Valley schoolhouse in Pleasant Valley township on Saturday evening, October 7th, at 7½ o’clock. The ladies as well as gentlemen are expected to be present.
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1882.
It Does Prohibit a Little. Ed. Weitzel was tried last week before Justice Buckman for selling beer and whiskey contrary to law. The trial lasted three days. Jennings & Troup and Henry E. Asp prosecuted and J. Wade McDonald and S. D. Pryor defended. Saturday evening the jury of twelve, after consulting two or three hours, brought in a verdict of guilty. The Justice assessed a fine of $200, and costs. The costs, attorney’s fees, and some little outside matters which he would not like to mention, must have cost him about $250, and there are yet five complaints against him to be tried. He took an appeal with a thousand dollar bond. If tried in the District Court, the witness who happened (?) to be absent will be present, there will be no doubt about the result, and it will probably cost him $1,000 in all. Frank Manny says that Ed. was an officer of the Good Templars and a warm advocate of the prohibition amendment and that he is now taking his own medicine so he must not squeal.
It seems that Ed. commenced selling at his hotel stand, which he was using as a billiard hall, during fair week. He hired W. D. Smith to tend bar for him at $25 per month. He kept his business so close that it did not get out on him until last week. He had then sold intoxicating liquors to the amount of about $60. Frank Jennings got hold of it, investigated the matter, and made six complaints against him and one against the boy, Smith, his bar tender. Ed. got bail for himself, but let Smith go to jail. Ed. was tried on one case, convicted and fined $200, and cost. Smith plead guilty and was fined $100. Ed. then plead guilty on another complaint and was fined $100. The fines and costs in all amounted to over $600, besides attorney fees and other expenses, with four complaints standing against. Verily the way of the transgressor is hard.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1882.
Henry Asp will address the citizens of South Bend schoolhouse tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m.
Winfield Courier, November 23, 1882.
Henry E. Asp has been remarkably successful in his cases recently. Two of his clients, Bassywather and Van Meter, were cleared at this term of court.
Winfield Courier, December 14, 1882.
The Musical Union held a very pleasant meeting in the audience room of the Presbyterian Church Thursday evening. There are now about 150 members, and under the leadership of Mr. Blair, the Union cannot fail to be a source of improvement to their musical talent. The officers for this month are Mr. Geo. Cairns, president; Mrs. H. E. Asp, vice president; and Frank Greer, secretary. There is a half hour’s social, and a concert of the same length, each evening. The remainder of the time is devoted to general practice. The Union will meet regularly on Thursday evening of each week in the basement of the church.
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1883.
RECAP IN JUSTICES COURT BEFORE G. H. BUCKMAN, A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE OF THE CITY OF WINFIELD...J. L. HODGES AND J. W. HODGES, PARTNERS UNDER THE FIRM NAME OF HODGES & HODGES, PLAINTIFFS, VS. MARGARET WINNER, GEORGE WINNER & FRED McCAY, DEFENDANTS. HENRY E. ASP, ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 24, 1883.
Speaking of the waterworks question, which has been agitating Winfield for some time past, and in which Mr. H. E. Asp took a prominent part, the Courier remarks: “To Henry E. Asp, who has worked indefatigably, and with powerful effect in securing these concessions, each and every citizen and tax-payer owes his thanks. Of the young men of Kansas whose power is felt when they take hold of a proposition, Henry E. Asp is peer of all.”
[MURDER OF SHERIFF SHENNEMAN.]
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
At two o’clock Tuesday the news was flashed across the wire that Sheriff Shenneman had been fatally shot by a murderer whom he was attempting to arrest, in Maple Township. As soon as the news was received, a COURIER reporter was dispatched to the scene of the tragedy with all possible haste to gather complete and accurate information. At the depot a crowd of excited men were gathered, some seeking news, others bound to go up and see and hear for themselves. Soon the train bore them on to Seeley, where the first reliable informant was found in the person of the son of the man at whose house the shooting occurred, and who had brought the dispatches to the office. Even his account was vague and uncertain but was eagerly devoured by the crowd of anxious listeners on the train. At Udall a lot of farmers’ wagons were pressed into service and the physicians, the scribe, and others took their way across the prairies six miles into Maple Township to the residence of W. Jacobus, which was the scene of the terrible deed.
The doctors, after carefully examining the wounds, decided that Sheriff Shenneman could not be moved that evening. After the examination the doctors gave the reporter as their opinion that his recovery was hardly probable and that he had less than one chance in ten. Messrs. Asp and Jennings left there at ten o’clock Tuesday evening at which time Mr. Shenneman was resting easy and sent word to the boys that he would be all right in thirty days. He was under the influence of opiates.
[PROHIBITION.]
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
WINFIELD DON’T WANT SALOONS.
On looking over carefully the list of signatures on the petition to Hackney, we find a considerable number of names of persons who live in the country, and many more whom nobody knows. We find only 101 names, less than half of those on the petition, who are known as citizens of Winfield. Less than half of these probably understood what they were signing, and are in favor of saloons. It is presumable that the originators got all the names of prominent Winfield men they could by any kind of representations; and, considering all these things, the petition is not so very formidable after all. But it is enough to give our city a bad name, and give a severe stab to the cause of prohibition. The Kansas City Journal’s Topeka correspondence says that the names of all the prominent men and business firms of Winfield are found on that petition, except one bank and one hardware store. We notice that the following Winfield firms and names are conspicuously absent from the petition.
Henry E. Asp was one of those listed who did not sign the petition.
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
Public Meeting. The citizens of Winfield, irrespective of party or sentiment on the prohibition question, are requested to meet at the Opera House on Monday evening, February 5th, for the purpose of discussing the petition forwarded to Senator Hackney, advising him as to his action with regard to the legislation on the subject of the prohibitory law. F. S. JENNINGS, H. D. GANS, M. L. ROBINSON, J. S. HUNT, A. T. SPOTSWOOD, P. F. JONES, JAS. E. PLATTER, D. A. MILLINGTON, M. G. TROUP, T. R. BRYAN, HENRY E. ASP.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
Albert Gilkey, Administrator of the Estate of Francis C. Martin, Deceased (Henry E. Asp, Attorney) entered papers of administration to handle said estate in Probate Court April 10, 1883.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
Henry E. Asp went over to Howard Monday to bring some suits in that court. Henry’s practice is extending to other counties rapidly.
[KANSAS PRESS ASSOCIATION MEETING AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield, Courier, April 19, 1883.
Excursion Committee: H. E. Asp, P. H. Albright, J. B. Lynn, A. T. Spotswood.
Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.
Henry E. Asp has repapered his office in gilt, varnished the furniture, and is keeping up with the spring-time.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Henry E. Asp was appointed guardian of Henry Hockett, Addison Hockett, Cassius Hockett, Myrtle Hockett, and Minnie Hockett.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Where the Money Came From. The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance. Henry E. Asp gave $1.00.
[COMMENT: EDITORIAL CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
K. C. TIMES AS A LIAR. Our attention has been called to an article in the Kansas City Times of the 17th, presumably written by some representative of that sheet who was not made known to us at the time of the editorial convention, and therefore was not feasted, toasted, and made much of by the Winfield people, and was unable to get his usual supply of rot whiskey, so he vented his gall by writing a batch of the most infernal lies about Winfield and her people, and the Times, the most mendacious paper in the west, of course published them. Among the cowardly slanders of that article is the statement that Winfield “in 1880 was a boomer, was growing rapidly, and even the rival of Wichita. Today you can sit for hours on the porch of the Brettun house, and, scanning the entire length and breadth of Main street, see not a solitary team upon this highway.”
The express object of the article was to show that Winfield is a dead town, killed by prohibition. Frank Manny, and other leading opposers of prohibition, are among the most indignant on account of these falsehoods. They say that while they think our city would be better off without the prohibition laws, there never was a year in which business was anything near as good as it has been for the past year up to the present time, that it is nearly double what it was in the spring of 1880, that there is no time in business hours this spring when there are not considerable numbers of teams to be seen on Main street from the porch of the Brettun House, from a dozen up to hundreds; that there are more improvements going on, more new buildings projected, more sales of real estate at much higher prices, and that now, instead of 1880, we are enjoying “a boomer,” which is apparent to everyone who has spent a day or two in Winfield recently. The man who wrote that article would find himself in hot water if he met any of our anti-prohibitionists, they knowing that he was the author of the vile slander, to say nothing of the reception he would meet from prohibitionists.
We need not comment on his insinuation that the jurymen who recently tried the Frank Manny case were some of them perjurers, nor upon the gall and spleen he exhibited toward Senator Hackney, who is abundantly able to take care of himself, but would mention that while the writer says that Manny’s counsel in the trial was “mediocre,” he finally winds up by saying that “Judge Tipton, a Democrat of the old school, is here practicing law with eminent success”; a well deserved compliment, but the writer probably did not know that “mediocre” counsel and the “eminent” Judge Tipton were one and the same person. He also pays deserved compliments to Hon. J. Wade McDonald and Hon. Henry E. Asp. Since writing the above, we learn that the writer in the Times is O. H. Bently, a bald-pated jack-legged lawyer of Wichita.
[FOURTH OF JULY.]
Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.
Committee on Special Trains: Kennedy, Branham, H. E. Asp.
Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.
Henry E. Asp now sports a fine new Columbus buggy. It is a beauty.
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.
Recap Marie F. Pierson, Plaintiff, against D. W. C. Bellville, Martha S. Bellville, and Winfield Bank, Defendants. On Real Estate. Henry E. Asp, Attorney for Plaintiff. Notice given on June 25, 1883.
Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.
Recap. Lorinda Daniels, Administratrix of the Estate of John B. Daniels, Deceased. Notice of Hearing of Petition to sell Real Estate. To Lorinda S. Daniels, widow of said deceased John S. Daniels; Nellie Evinger, and Sarah S. Wilson, children and heirs at law of said deceased, etc. Henry E. Asp, Attorney for Administratrix.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1883.
Recap. George M. Gardner, Administrator of the Estate of Wm. Whitted, Deceased, Henry E. Asp, Attorney, in Probate Court August 8, 1883, notified all claimants against estate to present the same for allowance within one year from date, etc.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1883.
Recap: Divorce petition, Henry E. Asp, Attorney for plaintiff. Olive E. Dabney, vs. Franklin K. Dabney, Defendant. Told to answer petition by September 7, 1883. Minor child, Ave Dabney, five years old, to be in care, custody, and control of Olive E. Dabney, Plaintiff.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1883.
D. A. Millington, of the Courier, and Henry E. Asp were in this city Monday on railroad and other business.
[RAILROAD MEETING.]
Arkansas City Traveler, August 22, 1883.
Pursuant to notice given a number of our citizens gathered at McLaughlin’s Hall last Monday evening to discuss railroad matters. Dr. A. J. Chapel was called to the chair, and N. T. Snyder to the secretary’s desk. The chairman introduced Mr. Hill, who enlarged upon the advantages to be gained by our city and county by the construction of the proposed Missouri, Winfield & Southwestern railroad through our county. Mr. Henry Asp was then called upon to read the proposition, the main points of which we will briefly state, as our space precludes us from publishing it in full this week. It asks the county to take capital stock to the amount of $100,000, to be paid for in county bonds. Each mile of road constructed in the county is to cost not more than $2,800 per mile. As soon as ten miles of road have been constructed in the county, bonds to the amount of $12,000 shall be paid to the company, and each succeeding five miles constructed shall entitle the company to receive an additional $12,000. This rate of payment will entitle the company to receive, upon the completion of its line and when cars are running to the south line of the state, the residue of the bonds, or $20,000. To put the above in few words, it is proposed to build a road from the north to the south line of the county for one hundred thousand dollars, of which over 25 percent, or $26,000, are not to be paid until the road is actually running to the south line of the state in Bolton Township. Said road is to issue to the county in return for its bonds $100,000 of fully paid up stock. The road is to be completed in two years from the date of issuance of the bonds. The probable point of junction of the proposed railroad with the St. Louis, Fort Scott & Wichita railroad will be at Eureka, which will cause the road to enter Cowley near the northeast corner of the county, and run via Winfield and Arkansas City to a point south or southwest of this city in Bolton Township, thus giving us advantages that no other road could give us in securing the territory cattle trade. Those present were asked to sign the petition to the county commissioners calling for an election, nearly all responding. It was also moved and carried that those parties who had subscribed for the expenses of a preliminary survey on the east and west road should transfer their subscriptions to the M. W. & S. R. R. instead, after which the meeting adjourned.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
H. E. Asp, of Winfield, P. A. Lorry, of Bolton, and S. Johnson of Pleasant Valley, a committee on permanent organization.
DELEGATES: WINFIELD, 1ST WARD.
G. H. Buckman, J. W. Craine, T. J. Harris, J. A. McGuire, Daniel Mater, John W. Nichols, H. E. Asp, M. G. Troup.
Alternates: W. F. Bowen, W. B. Caton, Walter Denning, Quincy A. Glass, J. W. Arrowsmith, E. S. Bedilion, J. T. Hackney, G. F. Corwin.
Winfield Courier, September 13, 1883.
From the following items found in the Wellington Democrat, it seems that a good many of Winfield’s citizens were in some way attracted to that burg last week.
“Ivan Robinson, of Winfield was in the city this week. Henry E. Asp and wife, of Winfield, were in the city on Wednesday last. Dr. Cole, Miss Nellie Cole, and Dr. Emerson and wife, of Winfield, were in the city on Tuesday last. S. G. Gary, J. Wade McDonald, and F. K. Raymond, all of Winfield were in the city this week attending court. Senator W. P. Hackney of Winfield, was a pleasant caller on Tuesday last. Although opposed to Mr. Hackney, politically, we cannot help admiring the man. Tony Sykes, the foreman of the Winfield Courier for ten years, was in the city Tuesday, and we had the pleasure of a hand shake with him. Sykes is one of the best job and general printers in the State.”
Arkansas City Traveler, September 19, 1883.
Ed. Greer, of the Courier, and Lawyer Asp visited the city last Friday; the former was looking up matters in the interest of the Cowley County Fair.
Winfield Courier, September 27, 1883.
Henry E. Asp was up to Wichita last week, attending a contest case.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1883.
Henry Asp and wife took dinner at the Leland Hotel last Sunday.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.
Property is selling rapidly in the east part of the city. Judge Torrance purchased a ten acre tract of Mr. Howland for twenty-five hundred dollars. Henry E. Asp has sold his house in the Howland addition, and nine lots have changed hands in the Courier Place, since Monday.
Winfield Courier, December 20, 1883.
RECAP: James H. Tallman, Plaintiff [Henry E. Asp, Attorney for Plaintiff] vs. Charles W. Harris, George B. Harris, Anson B. Moore, Robt. B. Carskaden, Elizabeth Carskaden, and J. H. Nesbett, Defendants....petition filed Nov. 16, 1883, $648.00 + interest...foreclosure of mortgaged property executed by Charles W. Harris and George B. Harris...asking for judgment against defendants Anson B. Moore, Robert B. Carskaden, Elizabeth Carskaden, and J. H. Nesbett.
Winfield Courier, December 20, 1883.
A social party were entertained at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Buckman on Tuesday evening. The guests present were: Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Rembaugh, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Black, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Bahntge, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brown, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Asp, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Troup; Mrs. Schofield, Mrs. G. H. Allen; Misses Josie Bard, Jennie B. Hane, Nettie R. McCoy, Margie Wallis, Sadie French, Jessie Millington; Messrs. M. O’Meara, R. B. Rudolf, Louis B. Zenor, E. H. Nixon, W. H. Smith, H. Bahntge, L. H. Webb. The affair was delightful in every way, and the guests were profuse in their thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Buckman for their many and pleasant attentions which secured them so much enjoyment.
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
Notice. On and after the 18th day of Feb., all accounts of Pugsley & Zook will be left with H. E. Asp for collection. Prompt attention is necessary to save cost. PUGSLEY & ZOOK.
Winfield Courier, February 28, 1884.
RECAP: Administrator, George H. Williams, of the estate of Peter Larson, deceased, Henry E. Asp, Attorney, notified creditors of final settlement of estate April 7, 1884.
[NEW SALEM, TISDALE TOWNSHIP, CORRESPONDENT: “OLIVIA.”]
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
The school in old Salem has closed for this term. Mr. Roberts awarded prizes to the deserving ones, and treated all the pupils and his numerous guests to candy. It seems I was lucky enough to get treated to all the goodies, as I just returned from my visit in time for the exercises at school. I presume I ought to tell you what a delightful time I had in my travels. Left Salem on Saturday morning the 23rd. Arrived all right at my destination, Cambridge, and was warmly welcomed by dear, kind friends. That evening I, with quite a number of the Cambridges, had a ride on the I. O. G. T.’s goat, in the Cambridge schoolhouse. The Lodge, like myself, was a stranger there, but I trust the young people who seem to possess plenty of energy will keep the Temperance boat from sinking and may their Lodge be the means of saving many. On Sunday morning with my friends, I attended Sunday school, and listened also to an excellent discourse from the Rev. Knight. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. On Monday morning, behind the spirited horses of the Row brothers, I enjoyed a ride of four miles to the Ranch, where I spent two days very pleasantly and feasted on the sweets of the land, and was “honeyed” to my heart’s content. Returned to the little city and on Tuesday evening the Rowe brothers entertained quite a number of their friends, and thus I formed some very pleasant acquaintances. The rest of my visit was quietly passed and on Thursday eve I returned home, but my trip was far from lonesome, as I met Mrs. Olds, also Mrs. Asp, of Winfield, at the Cambridge depot, also Mr. Beasley of Burden, and Mr. James B. Rowe formed our little party and we had plenty of fun. The ladies, also Mr. Beasley, dropped off at Burden. We arrived in Salem in time for Christian service (came on the local), were kindly entertained a few moments by Mrs. Lucas, and after church was brought home by my good brother, and so ended my travels. But I forgot to mention that I met quite a number of Winfieldites while there, and among the number Mr. Frank Greer, and enjoyed a friendly little chat with that amiable gentleman. OLIVIA.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1884.
Cowley County will have Competing Lines. A meeting of citizens of Winfield was held at the Brettun House last Monday evening to hear concerning movements which have recently been taken toward the construction of a railroad direct to Winfield from the direction of Kansas City.
W. H. Smith was chosen chairman and Ed. P. Greer, Secretary.
Henry E. Asp, being called upon for a recital of what has been done, stated that since any report has been made to the citizens, James Hill, the manager of the Missouri, Winfield & South Western railroad company, has visited St. Louis, Chicago, and other cities east conferring with capitalists and railroad builders to induce them to take hold of the organization he represented and build us a road. He finally got Messrs. Geo. W. Hoffman, James N. Young, and L. D. Latham, of Chicago, and M. M. Towle and C. N. Towle of Hammond, Indiana, so far interested in the project that they sent Mr. L. D. Latham to look over the route, examine the situation, and report. Mr. Latham came about March 1st, at the time that our narrow gauge excitement was strongest, which was an element of discouragement to him, but such other facts and reasons were placed before him that he was prepared to make a favorable report. Mr. Hill returned with him and secured a meeting of the above named gentlemen at St. Louis, where they could confer with the authorities of the railroads running west from that city. Mr. Hill and Mr. Asp met them in St. Louis about the 11th of this month and the result of the arrangements made there was that Messrs. L. D. Latham, M. M. Towle, and J. N. Young were authorized to visit the route again, get further information, and make such arrangements as in their judgment was best for themselves and their friends.
These gentlemen arrived at Newton last Friday, where they met with Mr. Hill, who took them down to Arkansas City. That evening Mr. Asp went down and consulted with them. They came to Winfield Saturday, but after consulting with but a very few of our citizens, they returned to Arkansas City that evening, saying that they would be back Monday and then be ready to announce their decision. On Monday they returned and stated their decision that they could not use the old M. W. & S. W. charter because it did not cover the ground from Coffey County to Kansas City direct and was insufficient for their purposes in other respects, beside, if they built the road, they must have the full control.
They therefore decided to make a new organization and file a charter to suit themselves at once and proceed to build the road immediately if they can get such aid from the counties and townships along the line as will warrant them in proceeding. They locate by their charter the general office of the company at Winfield and Kansas City, Kansas. They will first try for aid between Winfield and Eureka over the route surveyed by the M. W. & S. W., if permitted by that company, and will pay for any part of the work done that they can make available. If they fail of getting sufficient aid by that line, they will next submit propositions up the Little Walnut to Rosalia. As soon as they are assured of the aid, they will put that portion of the road from their connection with the Ft. Scott & Wichita road to Winfield under contract and will complete it this season. They expect to bring their iron and ties on the Frisco road, which is now under the control of the Gould interest. They will build from that road to Winfield first. If they fail on both of these routes to get the aid, they will try another.
Messrs. Towle are the men who originated the scheme of carrying dressed beef in refrigerator cars, have overcome all obstacles, have their slaughter houses at Hammond, Indiana, twenty miles out of Chicago, where they have built quite a city and are slaughtering about a thousand beeves a day and shipping the dressed beef to New York. They have the idea that a slaughter house on the south line of Sumner County, with direct and cheap rates to Kansas City and New York, would have greater advantages over Chicago as a packing point than Chicago has over New York. They are worth half a million. Mr. Hoffman is the heavy capitalist of the concern and is worth several million. Mr. Latham is a railroad builder in which he has had much experience and success. He can command plenty of money. The same may be said of Mr. Young, who is an experienced broker and dealer in railroad stocks and bonds. There is no doubt of their ability to build the road. They expect to offer propositions for voting aid by our people in a very few days and to push the matter as rapidly as possible.
The meeting passed a resolution to the effect that we want them to build the road and will do anything reasonable in aid thereof.
A committee consisting of D. L. Kretsinger, J. C. Fuller, M. L. Robinson, H. E. Asp, and C. A. Bliss was appointed to confer with them, get their terms, and report at a meeting to be called by themselves, and directed the secretary of the meeting to inform the company of these proceedings. Adjourned.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1884.
RECAP: In District Court...Edgar Smith, plaintiff, versus Thomas A. Wilkinson and Anna C. Wilkinson, Hampton S. Story and ____ Story, his wife, whose real name is unknown, Isaac A. Camp and _____ Camp, his wife, whose real name is unknown, Gibbs, Sterret & Co., Gibbs Sterret Manufacturing Company, G. and C. Merriam, A. P. Dickey, James A. Loomis, M. G. Troup. John W. Curns, Nannie J. Platter, Administratrix of the estate of James E. Platter, deceased, Nannie J. Platter, Houston Platter, Bell T. Platter, Margaret M. Platter, Robert I. Platter, and Jane E. Platter, heirs at law of James E. Platter, deceased, and M. T. Green, E. T. Williamson, and George S. Pratt, partners doing business under the firm name and style of the Chicago Lumber Company, defendants.
Notice that defendants are being sued by plaintiff April 2, 1884. Petition names defendant Wilkinson for the sum of $418 with 12 percent interest thereon from May 1, 1880, on a certain promissory note executed and delivered by said defendant Wilkinson to secure the payment of said sum of money on real estate.
Location of real estate: southwest quarter of section 28, township thirty, south of range No. six east.
If judgment, interest, and costs not paid in six months, mortgaged premises to be sold according to law without appraisement, and the proceeds arising from such sale to be applied to the payment of said judgment, interest, and costs. And same applied to the other defendants named...adjudging and decreeing their estate, title, and interest in and to said mortgaged premises to be junior and inferior to the mortgage lien of the plaintiff, and that upon the completion of said dale that the defendants and each, all, and every of them and all persons claiming by, through, or under them, be forever barred and foreclosed of all rights, title, and interest in and to said mortgaged premises or any part thereof.
HENRY E. ASP, Attorney for Plaintiff.
[CAMBRIDGE CORRESPONDENT: “CLYDE.”]
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.
Lawyer Asp, of Winfield, was in town Monday on business.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
RECAP: District Court, John P. Ross, Plaintiff, vs. Sarah J. Ross, a non-resident of the state of Kansas..March 18, 1884, petition...to be answered by May 5, 1884, or else judgement that the marriage relation existing between the plaintiff and defendant be set aside and held for naught, and forever divorcing said plaintiff from defendant...and defendant to pay the costs of said action. Henry E. Asp, Attorney for Plaintiff.
[ANOTHER RAILROAD.]
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
On Monday evening a large meeting was held in the Courthouse for the purpose of receiving and discussing the new railroad proposition. The meeting organized by placing Mayor Emerson in the chair with Geo. H. Buckman as secretary. Henry E. Asp then read the proposition as decided upon in a conference between the representatives of the railroad company and the railroad committee. After the reading of the proposition, Mr. James N. Young, of Chicago, representing the company, was introduced and stated that the company were now ready to build the road, and desired to do so with as little delay as possible. That their intention was to build from a connection with the St. Louis & San Francisco, north or northeast from Winfield, to the south line of Sumner County, during the coming summer, and that the company desired an expression from the citizens as to whether they wanted the road or not, and would aid it, at once, so that the final location of the line might be decided upon.
Senator Hackney was then called out and made a ringing speech in favor of the proposition and urged all to take hold with a will and secure it while they had the opportunity. Ex-Mayor Troup also spoke strongly in favor of securing the road at all hazards, as did Mr. Black, of the Telegram, and Judge T. H. Soward. A vote was then taken on the proposition, and almost every person in the house voted the affirmative. A committee of five, consisting of Geo. H. Rembaugh, Henry E. Asp, George. H. Buckman, Geo. H. Crippen, and Ed. P. Greer, was appointed to secure the necessary amount of names to the petitions. The meeting was one of the largest ever held in the city and enthusiastic and united on the railroad question.
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.
Mr. C. M. Leavitt, late of Kansas City, has gone into the law business in Winfield and is officing with Henry E. Asp.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 21, 1884.
Henry E. Asp and wife, of Winfield, were in the city last Sunday.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 28, 1884.
Henry E. Asp was in our city Monday last.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 4, 1884.
Henry Asp was in town most of the day yesterday working in favor of the railroad bonds.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 4, 1884.
H. E. Asp and Ed. Greer drove down last Saturday evening and held a railroad meeting at Parker schoolhouse, east of the Walnut.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.
Henry E. Asp and C. M. Leavitt now occupy office rooms in Senator Hackney’s building, opposite the Courthouse.
Arkansas City Republican, June 7, 1884.
The card of Henry E. Asp appears in this issue of THE REPUBLICAN. Mr. Asp is an attorney of fine attainments and has had singular success in the management of cases. He is a candidate for county attorney, but will leave the most of the work to his friends, as business renders it impossible for him to do much work for himself. Mr. Asp has many friends throughout the county, and his chances for success are excellent.
CARD. HENRY E. ASP, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR OF LAW.
WINFIELD, KANSAS.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1884.
Henry E. Asp went up to Wichita Monday, on business, and took part in a big ratification meeting there that evening.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1884.
Senator Hackney and Henry E. Asp are having gas put into their offices.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1884.
Nominations Ratified. The Republicans of this city held a ratification meeting at the Opera House Saturday evening. The hall was hotter than a bake oven, but several hundred were present. Rousing speeches were made by Henry E. Asp, T. H. Soward, and W. P. Hackney, and one hundred and ten handed their names in as members of a Blaine and Logan club. The Republicans of Winfield are alive and awake and will make the dry bones of Democracy rattle during the next four months.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
COUNTY ATTORNEY. Henry E. Asp will be a candidate for County Attorney before the Republican County Convention, which meets August 23rd. He is now engaged with nearly his whole time and talents in securing the building of a railroad direct from Kansas City to and through this county. He will succeed if it is in the power of energy and perseverance to do it and success in this enterprise means competition and lower freights to and from this county; higher prices for our wheat, corn, pork, and all that our farmers can produce for the markets; lower prices for coal, salt, iron, lumber, and all they have to buy; enhanced prosperity and wealth to them and all that these terms imply. It means work for the laboring man and his team at enhanced prices; it means more building, more improvements, more demand for the labor of our mechanic and better prices; it means a revival of trade and prosperity to our merchants and manufacturers; greater population to our towns and cities with home markets for our country produce, it means the establishment of new manufacturing interests; new sources of wealth, more culture, refinement, and happiness to our people, and he is now engaged in a nobler work than running for any office, county, state, or national.
Two years ago he was urged by so large numbers of influential friends to become a candidate for representative that his success was assured, but he declined. Often has he been urged under the most favorable circumstances to become a candidate for other offices, but he has invariably declined all except that of county attorney, an office which is in the line of his business profession and in the line of his ambition for future success and usefulness and for which he is peculiarly fitted. Four years ago he very nearly received the nomination to that office by the spontaneous act of the people against a most popular candidate supported by many influential friends. Since then he has grown largely as a lawyer. He has read, studied, and practiced, and his bright talents, indomitable industry, and hard work have made him one of the most careful, accurate, painstaking, energetic, and brilliant young lawyers of the State.
If he is elected, he will do his whole duty ably, conscientiously, carefully, judiciously, and efficiently. With stainless moral character and a high sense of honor and justice, he will honor his party in his nomination and his county in his election.
Occupied so fully as he will be all through this canvass with the work above described, he will not be here to buttonhole you on the streets and solicit your support every time you come to town, he will not go through the county calling upon you in your fields and hindering your work by long talks about his candidacy, complimenting your wives, daughters, and sons, and kissing your babies, but he will be doing much more and better for you in another field.
We think he does not need to play these arts in this county and among this people. We believe that he is so well known, so highly appreciated, and so popular in this county that he will be tendered spontaneously the nomination by the unanimous vote of the convention.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
Cowley at the State Convention. Recap. On the morning of the first day of the convention, Judge Torrance had strength enough to become the nominee for Associate Justice, but question of his ineligibility arising and their being doubts in the minds of many on the question, the Judge thought it best to withdraw from the race. His forces then went to Attorney-General Johnson, giving that gentleman the nomination.
Cowley lent substantial aid to Sedgwick in assisting to secure the nomination of Dr. Allen for secretary of state.
Among the “visiting statesmen” from Cowley were Capt. J. S. Hunt, M. G. Troup, Henry E. Asp, Geo. H. Buckman, and Rev. Fleming, of Arkansas City.
While waiting for the reports of committees, loud calls were made by the convention for speeches from Hon. Geo. R. Peck and Senator Hackney. Mr. Peck responded in a very appropriate manner, after which the convention unanimously requested Mr. Hackney to “come to the front.” He did so, and in a manner that the democratic party and Governor Glick will long remember. It was a magnificent speech, and reflects great credit upon the Senator; but best of all, it drew the fire from every little Democratic gun about the State Capital. Mr. Hackney had a hundred invitations to deliver campaign speeches over the state before he left the city.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 30, 1884.
Announcement. I hereby announce myself as a candidate for the office of county attorney, subject to the action of the Republican nominating convention. Respectfully, H. E. ASP.
Winfield Courier, July 31, 1884.
COUNTY ATTORNEY. We hear the objection raised against the nomination of Henry E. Asp for county attorney that he is a railroad attorney. If it were a fact that he is in the employ of some existing railroad now operating in this county and intended to continue in such employ, the objection might have some weight; but in that case, he would not be a candidate for county attorney. However, such is not the case. His present railroad attorneyship, if such it may be called, is simply a temporary work against the existing railroads in this county in an effort to work up a competing road, which is certainly working in the interests of the people of this county. This work will be soon completed so far as he has to do with it and while its interests and that of the county are identical, he does not expect to be in any kind of railroad employ beyond a month or two more, when his time and talents will be turned to the canvass and to his ordinarily legal business or that of the county. The fact that he is now devoting himself to the interests of the county, instead of being an objection to his candidacy, is one of the strong reasons why he should be nominated and elected. There is absolutely no good reason why he should not get the nomination. He is an energetic worker, an able lawyer, true and loyal in every particular. The democrats might have reason to object to his nomination for if nominated, he will surely beat their candidate and be elected by a large majority.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 6, 1884.
The Dexter Eye came out last week against H. E. Asp, but it did not fail to secure $5 from Mr. Asp as an announcement fee before doing so. This is one way to do, and doubtless is consistent with the Eye’s ideas of fair dealing with candidates, but we hardly think such a course will be endorsed by the people of Dexter.
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
MUD AS A POLITICAL WEAPON. There is always a class of men who seem to know of no other way to advance the interests of a favorite candidate than to throw mud at his opponent. There are in the field two candidates for the Republican nomination for county attorney, Mr. Asp and Mr. Johnson, and the friends of both are warm in the contest. Some advocates of Mr. Johnson have been circulating yarns against Mr. Asp all over the county. In one locality he is charged with trying to defeat the D. & M. railroad and that lie told by the Dexter Eye among others, is expected to carry the southeast part of the county for Mr. Johnson. In other localities he is charged with such other things as it is supposed will injure him in such localities. We have heard of four or five different stories which have been told in different places, not one of which are true. His character as a citizen and an attorney stands as high as that of any attorney in the county and those who are most intimately acquainted with him, esteem and honor him the most.
So far as we have heard, his friends have not considered it necessary to make charges against his opponent, but rely on the excellent character, industrious habits, legal abilities, energy, and valuable services of their favorite to commend him to the Republicans of this county. He is young in years yet, though ripe in attainments, and will yet make a bright record in the history of our state and country. When this contest is over, the men who are throwing mud now will deny ever having said anything against him, and will then admit that all we have said about him is true. We favor his nomination because we feel that the county needs just such a man as he is for county attorney for the next two years and because we feel sure of his election if nominated.
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR AND DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
Henry E. Asp was a stockholder in the Association.
[CAMBRIDGE, WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, CORRESPONDENT: “CLYTIE.”]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
Lawyer Asp was in Cambridge Friday.
SKIPPED BY ME IN AUGUST 20, 1884, EDITORIAL PAGE, THE PRIMARY BATTLE THAT WENT ON BETWEEN H. E. ASP AND ALBERT P. JOHNSON, BOTH RUNNING TO BE COUNTY ATTORNEY. BOILED DOWN: IT APPEARS THAT JOHNSON WAS FAVORED BY PEOPLE WHO WANTED THEIR LIQUOR; WHEREAS ASP WAS A STRONG PROHIBITIONIST.
Arkansas City Republican, August 9, 1884.
Henry E. Asp was in the city for a few days this week.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 20, 1884.
If the Dexter Eye does as good work for Henry Asp in the western part of the county as it did in Arkansas City, he will be nominated by acclamation.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
Winfield Primary Election. The Republican primaries of Winfield to elect delegates to the county and district conventions were held in both wards on last Friday, August 15th, from 3 to 7 o’clock, p.m. The principle contest and interest was centered in the office of county attorney between Henry E. Asp and A. P. Johnson, candidates. The voting for delegates was by ballot, each ballot containing the choice of the voter for the several offices to be filled, by way of instructions to delegates, as well as the names of the delegates voted for. Two tickets were in the field: the one known as the Asp ticket and the other as the Johnson ticket. The result was:
First Ward: Asp, 189; Johnson, 70.
Second Ward: Asp, 137; Johnson 58.
Totals: Asp, 326. Johnson, 128.
The delegates elected are:
First ward: J. C. Long, M. G. Troup, Frank W. Finch, T. R. Bryan, Albert McNeal, W. J. Wilson, and J. T. Hackney.
Second ward: G. H. Buckman, M. B. Shields, T. B. Myers, Wm. Whiting, J. L. M. Hill, and Spencer Miner.
The delegates are instructed to support Henry E. Asp for county attorney; E. S. Bedilion for clerk of the district court; H. D. Gans for probate judge; A. H. Limerick for Superintendent of public instruction; Frank S. Jennings for state senator; and Ed. P. Greer for representative.
Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.
Politics. The township primaries so far as heard from indicate the nomination of Mr. Asp for county attorney by a large majority. The contest for District Clerk is about evenly divided between Messrs. Pate, Bedilion, and Tansey.
Arkansas City Republican, August 23, 1884.
Henry E. Asp was in the city yesterday on legal business.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
HENRY E. ASP, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Winfield, Kansas. Office in Hackney Building, opposite the Courthouse.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
Nominations for county attorney then being in order, the rules were suspended and H. E. Asp was nominated by acclamation.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
Letter from Dexter. MR. EDITOR. Perhaps you would like to know something about the way things are going in this part of Cowley. Doubtless you have noticed the stand taken by the Dexter Eye, of late, against Prohibition. The action of which called forth some little rebuke from the Friends of Temperance in this vicinity; which has been thrust back through the columns of this paper, in a strain of threatenings and abuse. This has been quite a surprise to the good people of Dexter as he represented himself to be a temperance man, and a strict prohibitionist, and exhibited to the writer at the same time that he made his statement, a certificate of membership to the I. O. G. T. and an officer of the order. But like Judas of old, he has betrayed the innocent blood and sold his inheritance for a few pieces of silver.
That an action so treacherous should be denounced by all lovers of Prohibition is beyond a doubt, and because there are people in this community who are advocating the cause of prohibition and they are denouncing his course. They have been grossly insulted and falsely accused, such has been the course of this paper, that it is deemed necessary for a number of the best citizens of Dexter for someone of the community to answer some of the accusations made against us, and give an explanation of some kind why such things should have been said. But doubtless the reader of this letter has already suspected the reason from what has already been said.
Now Mr. Editor, we are called fanatics, ring nose clicks; Idiots, anxious to be called Godly ministers: guilty of kicking up a fuss and stealing the livery of Heaven, to serve the Devil in, and indeed if the decision he has rendered against us is to be final, we are guilty of the grossest crime, and deserve to be banished from the land.
Now when people are accused, the thing to be done is to inquire into the cause of the accusation, and from whence it cometh, and what are the facts in the case and this is just what we desire the people to know. In the first place, we do not deny having done something—for we have not been idle since we came to Dexter, neither do we intend to be in the future. One among other things we have done, and not the last either, is we have been
guilty of holding a Temperance meeting in this place, and advocating the cause of Prohibition, and have declared war against King Alcohol and denounced whiskey, beer, and ale. We have sent out a decree to the effect that he shall not reign over us, and that we intended, God helping us, to do all we can to overthrow him.
We have even gone so far as to invite a citizen of Winfield, Mr. Soward, to come to Dexter and advocate this doctrine to the people we have been advocating, a reform which is near and dear to the hearts of every American citizen, who loves his country and that ought, to be dear to every man, woman, and child in the land. We have been publicly denouncing every Practice and Principle that recommends anything less than a strict Prohibitory law in the state of Kansas. We have declared our intention to vote for and lend our influence to assist Temperance candidates who are strict Prohibitionists in preference to all others who are not.
And when the Dexter Eye came out denouncing our cause, pronouncing it a failure, and advocates the cause of the liquor traffic and declared war against prohibition, we withdrew our support from that paper and condemned the course it had taken. If this is kicking up a fuss, we do not deny the charge. If this is stealing the livery of Heaven to serve the Devil in, we expect to keep on serving him right along in this line. If this is fanaticism, may the Lord give us more of it for the country is just now in need of more such fanatics. Nay, we have been watching the course of this paper for some time, which has been full of the abuse of man, and in fact contains scarcely anything else of late, at least in the editorial department. Some time ago this little sheet began this dirty work by assailing one of the best citizens of Dexter, for the only reason that he was a supporter of Mr. Asp, who is not the Eye’s candidate; and he is a man who advocates prohibition. Next came the continued effort to injure Mr. Asp, who is a well known gentleman of your city, and an honored citizen of Cowley County. But this foul sheet could scarcely find language suitable to gratify its lust or desire in defeating any man towards whom he does not lean, and now simply because we denounced the course of this paper although we did it in an honorable way and told him of his fault in the presence of others, he has sailed out upon us as though he would endeavor to stop the mouth of everyone who dared to say anything against his course and with threats if he hears anything more he will trace up men’s records and publish to the world.
Now we want to let this man know that all his threats and bulldozing will not keep people from expressing their opinion upon the course he has taken. And we also wish the Editor of the COURIER and people in general to know that the Dexter Eye does not represent the opinion of but a small part of the people of this community, and the cause of prohibition still lives in Dexter. There is a large number of our best citizens who are enlisted in the glorious cause, and in spite of all the opposition which may be brought to bear, they will be found true to its principles. Respectfully, T. C. WARREN.
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.
RECAP. District Court. Notice for Service by Publication: Francis V. McGregor, Plaintiff, vs. John J. McGregor, Defendant, a non-resident of the State of Kansas. Divorce petition. Plaintiff to have sole custody and control of minor children: Clyde E. McGregor and Ralph Montie McGregor; defendant to pay costs of this action. HENRY E. ASP. Attorney for Plaintiff.
Arkansas City Republican, August 30, 1884.
Henry Asp, the next county attorney of Cowley, was in the city Monday on legal business.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 3, 1884.
The Dexter Eye opposes Asp because he didn’t happen to favor Dexter on one occasion. Creswell gave Beaver the nominee for the legislation, and yet Beaver worked against Creswell in railroad matters. This is the difference. We don’t let township difficulties cut any figure in politics.
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1884.
Henry E. Asp. The Arkansas City Traveler pays Mr. Asp the following handsome compliment. “The few who, before the convention, were opposed to Mr. Asp for county attorney were completely won over by his speech thanking the delegates for their unanimous nomination. Mr. Asp surprised even his most intimate friends by his eloquence. We doubt if a more ringing speech was ever heard in that opera house, and the great possibilities of our next county attorney were thus made apparent to the most doubting. The speech was evidence enough of his ability. No amount of abuse from Democrats—no garbled lies or distorted assertions—can destroy the impression made upon that convention by our eloquent young friend, who then and there placed himself squarely before the people and outlined his course. Mr. Asp’s triumphant nomination will be followed by an equally triumphant election, and our citizens will never have cause to be less proud of him than were those who heard him last Saturday.”
Arkansas City Republican, September 6, 1884.
Capt. Nipp and Henry Asp were in the city yesterday.
[NEW SALEM, TISDALE TOWNSHIP, CORRESPONDENT: “OLIVIA.”]
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1884.
Salemites received a treat in the form of temperance speeches from Messrs. Judge Gans and Henry E. Asp on Thursday evening last.
Arkansas City Republican, September 13, 1884.
Henry Asp and Sheriff McIntire were in town Thursday.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1884.
New Salem organized a Blaine and Logan club of thirty members last Friday evening. Henry E. Asp addressed the meeting. Long ears here and there in the assembly indicated a slight sprinkling of Democracy, but not enough to cool in the least the Republican ardor.
Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.
Meeting of Blaine and Logan Clubs and a Flambeau Club. A meeting of the Blaine and Logan Club of Winfield was held at the Courthouse Monday evening. The meeting came to order by electing Mr. A. H. Limerick, Chairman, and W. A. McCartney, Secretary. The object of the meeting was stated by W. J. Wilson. Speeches were made by T. H. Soward and W. P. Hackney in favor of the complete organization and equipment of a Blaine and Logan club. It was decided to organize the club into three companies of torch-bearers and one Flambeau club. The following officers were elected: Colonel Whiting, Commander of battalion and D. L. Kretsinger, Adjutant; Spencer Miner, Captain “Co. A,” Frank Finch, 1st Lieutenant, M. B. Shields, 2nd Lieutenant, T. J. Harris, 3rd Lieutenant; Capt. J. B. Nipp, Captain of “Co. B,” W. P. Hackney, 1st Lieutenant, John McGuire, 2nd Lieutenant, H. H. Siverd, 3rd Lieutenant; Cap Steuven, Captain of the Flambeau club; H. G. Norton, 1st Lieutenant, W. A. McCartney, 2nd Lieutenant, Frank H. Greer, 3rd Lieutenant. The election of officers for “Co. C” was deferred until Tuesday evening. A meeting of the officers of the different companies was called for Wednesday morning for the purpose of appointing various committees, and deciding on the kind and number of suits and torches to be ordered. After the completion of business of the meeting, Henry E. Asp was called on, and responded in one of his characteristic speeches, after which the meeting adjourned.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 1, 1884.
The Burden Republican rally on Monday was a glorious success, over 2,500 people participating. A pole 120 feet high was raised, and speeches were made by Messrs. Jennings, Asp, and Tansey. Music for the occasion was furnished by the Winfield Glee Club. We need just such a rally in this section, and should take steps to secure it by turning out tonight.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
Philip Hills, a cousin of P. H. Albright, arrived Tuesday from Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Dickenson College, and has been reading law for two years. He will finish his law studies in the office of Henry E. Asp.
[BURDEN: BLAINE AND LOGAN SUPPORTERS.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
BURDEN’S REPUBLICAN ENTHUSIASM. A number of our citizens attended the Blaine and Logan pole raising at Burden on Monday and report the biggest crowd that our sister city, considering all her previous big days, ever saw. And the enthusiasm was equal to the magnificent crowd. The Winfield Glee Club, composed of Messrs. Blair, Snow, Roberts, Shaw, and Crozier, with Prof. Stimson, organist, and Burden’s two splendid brass bands, furnished the best of music for the occasion, while Messrs. Jennings and Asp delivered rousing addresses. The pole was one hundred and twenty-five feet high and was raised without an accident. In striking contrast was this demonstration to the Democratic pole raising at the same place a few weeks ago, when they had to call on Republicans to help boost their poor old stick into the air; where no music, no speaking, and no crowd were the principal attractions—a regular Democratic fizzle. Burden and vicinity are rife with true-blue, energetic, intelligent Republicans, and the fact that enough Democrats can’t be found to raise a Cleveland and Hendricks pole is the greatest index to the prosperity, substantial and general enterprise of that sprightly little city and surrounding territory.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 15, 1884.
Republican Ticket: Judge 13th District: E. S. TORRANCE.
County Ticket: County Attorney: HENRY E. ASP; Probate Judge: H. D. GANS; District Clerk: ED. PATE; County Supt.: A. H. LIMERICK.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 15, 1884.
H. E. Asp will speak at Mercer Schoolhouse in Bolton Township, on Friday night of this week, and on Saturday night at Terwilliger’s Schoolhouse.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 15, 1884.
The Republican rally of Winfield was simply immense, eclipsing anything ever seen in this county in the way of a political gathering. The streets of our county seat were one blaze of light and glory, reflected from eight hundred torches. Every available spot for sight seeing on Main Street was occupied. It is estimated that as many as 7,000 people witnessed the proceedings of the day and evening. No four buildings in the county could have held the crowd that had gathered to hear the eminent speakers, and thus two sets of meetings were held. Dr. Phillip Krohn, of Atchison, W. P. Hackney, H. E. Asp, and others addressing those in the street, and Hons. John J. Ingalls, B. W. Perkins, and John A. Martin holding forth in the opera house.
Senator Ingalls, of course, was the main attraction for the evening, and those who were fortunate enough to secure seats, or even standing room, listened to the ablest, most logical, and cultivated speech ever delivered in Cowley County. Our senior senator has no superior in the United States, and but one or two equals. His words were keen and cutting, and carried conviction with them from the start to the finish. Dr. Krohn, Congressman Perkins, and John A. Martin each delivered able and eloquent arguments in the cause of Republican-ism. This general and united rally has cemented the Republicans of Cowley together firmly, and given such an impetus to the campaign as to make certain our majority in every case by our old-time numbers.
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1884.
INGALLS, MARTIN & PERKINS. Monday was a day which will be long remembered in the political history of Cowley. The morning opened with a drizzling rain, but by ten o’clock Old Sol smiled serenely down, drying things off, and leaving a pure, balmy atmosphere. By noon our streets were alive with people, all with joyous step, beaming eyes, and eager words, exhibiting the greatest enthusiasm for the Republican County, State, and National tickets. All day the crowd was occasionally augmented by a newly arrived delegation from some surrounding city or town and by night all was crowd and jam. Many of our business houses were gaily festooned with red, white, and blue bunting and the National flag appeared in all quarters, in honor of that party which made a glorious record on many a bloody field during the dark days from 1860 to 1864; in honor of that party which needs not to apologize for the past, to blush for its present, or to shrink in dread from its future. The crowd seemed animated, jolly, and patient, yet intensely concerned in the great interests and issues at sake, and all eagerly manifested their loyalty and devotion to the great and grand party of Lincoln, Garfield, Sumner, Grant, Sherman, Blaine, and Logan. Uniformed Blaine and Logan clubs were present from Arkansas City, Burden, New Salem, Wellington, and other surrounding towns while the Wellington Cornet Band joined with our Courier Cornet and Juvenile Bands in furnishing splendid entertainment for the vast crowd. The bands were untiring and received many praises from all. But especially notable were the campaign songs of the Cowley County Glee Club, Frank Blair, leader, and Messrs. Buckman, Roberts, Snow, and Shaw, members, with Prof. Stimson, organist. Their many renditions at the Opera House in the afternoon and evening were received with hilarious applause and won them fame, as was evidenced by the numerous invitations they received to attend rallies at different places. They made a name which would make the famous Topeka Modock Club sick with envy.
The Blaine and Logan clubs, headed by the band, and toned up by a club of uniformed cavalrymen, marched to the Santa Fe train at 11 a.m., and met the lions of the day, Senator J. J. Ingalls, Hon. John A. Martin, Hon. B. W. Perkins, and Dr. Philip Krohn, escorting them to the Brettun House, where they were entertained. At two o’clock the same procession escorted the speakers to the Opera House, where, after some stirring songs from the Glee Club, Senator W. P. Hackney introduced Hon. Jno. A. Martin, the next Governor of Kansas, who came forward amid the wildest cheering and delivered a telling address. Those few who had been in doubt as to Mr. Martin’s standing on any issue were thoroughly convinced by his direct, open, and unmistakable declaration of principles. He arraigned the Democratic party for its many disgraceful acts from its inception, and especially its record of 1856 to 1860 in attempting by force, fraud, fire, and sword to plant slavery upon the fair plains of Kansas; for its attempts to kill liberty and make American slavery National; for its shot-gun and tissue ballot frauds by which it has kept the South solid; and for its general rottenness. Touching state issues he was very outspoken. He frankly accepted the legally rendered decision of the people on the prohibition question and was squarely in favor of the law adopted by the legislature to sustain it; he acknowledged the right of the majority to rule in this as well as in all other legislative questions; that the constitution and laws touching prohibition had been sustained in all points, by the Supreme Court, and that if elected governor of this great State he would not perjure himself by seeking to nullify these or any other parts of the constitution and laws of the state, or by any action seek to bring them into disfavor or contempt. He would deem it an insult to his audience or the voters of Kansas to even think that they desired him to do so.
Senator John J. Ingalls was then introduced, not to make a set speech, for he was on the evening program, but merely to appear on behalf of his old friend, Col. Martin. His endorsement of Mr. Martin was brief and bristling and such as did honor, not only to the candidate for governor, but to himself. This brief introduction was an index to the magnificent treat in waiting for the crowd in the evening.
While the vast Opera House audience was being entertained, a large overflow meeting on Main street was being addressed by Dr. Philip Krohn, of Atchison, Hon. W. P. Hackney, and Henry E. Asp. Dr. Krohn is one of Kansas’ ablest speakers, and threw shot and shell into the Democratic ranks in a way that drove them all into their little “caves of gloom.” He denounced G. Washington Glick in terms so keen, cutting, and sarcastic that the gubernatorial accident must have rubbed his hardened conscience in a remorseful wince even at the distance of Topeka.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
Messrs. Asp, Tansey, and King delivered speeches in Bolton Township last evening. Monday evening Asp and King with others will make addresses to the voters of Silverdale Township. Tuesday afternoon the same speakers will visit Otto and in the evening Maple City. Wednesday afternoon at Fairview schoolhouse in East Cedar. These are all appointments in this district for next week.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
RECAP OF BIG REPUBLICAN RALLY IN ARKANSAS CITY.
First speaker was Hon. B. W. Perkins, our congressman. He was received at the depot by Rev. J. O. Campbell and Committeeman Maj. L. E. Woodin. Also received by over 100 men, headed by John Daniels, who welcomed the Plumed Knights of Winfield who came in on a special train plus the Courier band. “They played several strains of music at the depot and on the opera house balcony.” Arkansas City people who furnished martial music: L. J. Wagner, J. S. Daniels, and N. C. Hinkley. Rally held in Highland Hall. At rally music rendered by Winfield Glee Club and the Courier band. Perkins was followed by Messrs. Soward and Jennings of Winfield. Winfield visitors: Henry Asp; Capt. Nipp, a Plumed Knight; Capt. James Finch, who commanded the Plumed Knights.
[TORRANCE, WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, CORRESPONDENT: “JAY-EYE-SEE.”]
Winfield Courier, October 23, 1884.
The people of Torrance are to be troubled again by the office seekers, this time Henry Asp and J. D. Maurer are to be the plagues, still the people think they can stand it to hear them for one night, which will be on the 30th inst. Come out everybody and listen to them.
[LETTER FROM W. P. HACKNEY.]
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 29, 1884.
TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF COWLEY COUNTY. GENTLEMEN: As is usual at the close of our campaigns in this county, you are insulted and outraged by a characterless sheet published in Winfield and misnamed “The Telegram,” and known all over Cowley County as a dirty, filthy sewer through which vile slanders are annually heaped upon the unoffending candidates of the Republican party. This sheet does not advocate Democratic principles, unless to peddle lies and slanders, and to paint men in false colors, to their shame and that of their families and friends, in Democracy. I cannot call to mind now a single editorial in that paper intended or calculated to increase the Democratic votes of this county by legitimate argument or the enunciation of a single principle. Its whole stock in trade consists in the peddling of lies, vilification of men, and the repeating of slanders.
In this community where it is best known, it is recognized as the mouthpiece of the vile, vicious, and venal. If it has a character for honesty or decency, it has covertly and designedly hid the light under a bushel. In its issue of the 16th, it contained a base and infamous charge against Henry E. Asp, who has lived in this community from his boyhood up, and who is respected by every decent man in Cowley County who knows him. This charge was made by that paper at the instance and in the interests of Joseph O’Hare, his political opponent, and is in keeping with the character of O’Hare and in accord with the past record of that paper. Six years ago in this county, when the man who today honors the bench and is the respected judge of this district, was a candidate for county attorney, that paper made the same kind and character of charges against him. And yet today that paper, knowing that the upright and honorable conduct of Judge Torrance upon the bench has placed him beyond the power of that infamous sheet to encompass his defeat with a Democrat, now endorses his candidacy. Again, five years ago, this same outfit vilified and blackened the character of A. T. Shenneman, who gave his life in the discharge of his duty. Again, four years ago, this vile and dirty sewer of all filth made the same kind of a fight on myself, and with what result we all know. Again, two years ago, this sheet made the same kind of a fight on James McDermott, whose honesty and integrity cannot be questioned, and succeeded in defeating him with a man whose whole career in the legislature was opposed to the interests of the people of Cowley County. And last year this same paper vomited forth its vile and infamous lies about George McIntire, Tom Soward, and Capt. Nipp, and sent its satraps and parasites forth to repeat its charges for the purpose of deluding Republicans and thereby obtaining votes under false pretenses for its candidate.
Why is it that you never hear their candidates upon the stump advocating their election because of the principles of their party and in the interest of their party? Why is it that they go out into the campaign and sneak up to your homes and peddle the libels of that paper to the disgust of decent men, instead of magnifying their own fitness for that position? Because their candidates, as a rule, are not able to do so, and for the further reason that as a rule their countenances of themselves are a breach of the peace.
How long must the Republicans stand such treatment, and are we to retaliate? I answer, we must submit to it so long as that paper is controlled by the moral leper who now directs its course and mouths the excrement vomited by that sheet each week of its filthy issue. We cannot retaliate because no decent Republican can get low enough in the purlieus of filth to compete with them.
Are their candidates better men than ours? Not at all; they never claim that. They engage in that conduct because they hope to steal into office thereby, and because without the employment of such means to deceive the thoughtless and unwary and thereby procure their votes, they could not hope to succeed.
The paper and its siders and abetters in this city, are to decent politics what a peat house is to a healthy community, or a pig stye in summer to a near neighbor.
The abuse of this paper is and should be treated by men who are familiar with the facts as an honest man’s endorsement.
Our candidates are all men who have lived in our midst; they were unanimously nominated by the largest and best convention of men ever assembled in Cowley County, and all fresh from the people of each township; and that convention by its nominations certified to the good character of each, and nothing that this infamous sheet can do or say in this campaign ought to win any Republican from his allegiance. Let us remember that the enemy is virulent, that he is exasperated by defeat, and poisoned with malice, and let us this year, as last, down this dirty outfit again.
Hoping that we may win a grand victory on Tuesday next, I am, W. P. HACKNEY.
P.S. Business in court is my excuse for not visiting you in person. H.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 29, 1884.
A STATEMENT FROM JUDGE TORRANCE.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, Oct. 27, 1884. In the issue of the Telegram of the 16th inst., appeared an anonymous communication from some person signing himself “A Farmer,” in which he refers to some rumors he claims to have heard affecting the character of Henry E. Asp, for honesty and integrity, while he was my partner in the practice of law. My attention was called to this communication, but as it was an anonymous one and did not pretend to assert as a matter of fact that Mr. Asp was guilty of any dishonest practices, I did not deem that the article demanded any notice from myself.
In the issue of the Telegram of the 23rd inst., however, the editors of that paper published an editorial accusing Mr. Asp of certain dishonest acts, while he was in partnership with me. These charges being specific and positively asserted by the editors of one of the public newspapers of this county, and not by one who is ashamed to sign his own name to his own communication, and especially as they are charges affecting Mr. Asp in his relation as my partner in the practice of the law, I deem it my duty not to let them pass unnoticed.
In respect to this matter I have this to say, that these charges made against Mr. Asp by the Telegram impeaching his conduct for honesty and integrity in his relation as my law partner, are not true. I hand this denial to Mr. Asp, who is at liberty to use it as his judgment may dictate. E. S. TORRANCE.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 29, 1884.
We heard a gentleman remark recently that Henry E. Asp was the brightest and smartest looking attorney in Winfield. The county wants such a man for county attorney.
Udall
Sentinel.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.
[Editorial column has a long discourse about Democrats attacking Republicans, especially those living in Cowley County. RECAP.
1. Attacked Henry E. Asp, Republican candidate for county attorney. Geo. Rembaugh wrote and published a letter in the Telegram charging Mr. Asp with collecting funds for clients and refusing to pay over, so that Mr. Torrance, his partner, had to pay and the Judge was about to disbar him, send him to prison, and other awful things. . . . Then he charged Asp with trying to bribe John C. Roberts to vote and work for the railroad bonds. . . .
[Torrance told all who would listen that this attack was done by liars.]
2. The next attack was made on the Republican candidate for representative of this district. Telegram charged that Rev. B. Kelly said “Ed. Greer was drunk two weeks ago.” Mr. Kelly answers that he never said or thought of such a thing. Telegram then said J. F. Martin had said he had seen Ed. drunk. Martin pronounces this a lie. Then a real conspiracy is concocted by an editor, a whiskey man, a beer man, and a low character, to prove that Ed. had been seen drunk and in company with a bad woman. One man is given $20 to bribe some loose women to make an affidavit to that effect. This failed. They then circulated an affidavit signed by the above low character to that effect. They then employed the editor as a go between to stir up a prohibition lawyer who is supposed to hate Ed. and convince him that Ed. is bad so that he will go and convince the ministers and other good men, telling the prohibition lawyer that Arthur Bangs will swear to the charges. The lawyer gets caught and tumbles to his part of the program, Bangs being appealed to says it is a lie. Then the whole conspiracy comes out and shows the operators to be the vilest hounds in the state. . . .
NOTE: Asp running for job of County Attorney; Ed. P. Greer running for office of Representative 66th District. POLITICS THIS TIME AROUND WERE VERY DIRTY!
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.
TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF COWLEY COUNTY. GENTLEMEN: As is usual at the close of our campaigns in this county, you are insulted and outraged by a characterless sheet published in Winfield and misnamed “The Telegram,” and known all over Cowley County as a dirty, filthy sewer through which foul slanders are annually heaped upon the unoffending candidates of the Republican party. This sheet does not advocate Democratic principles, unless to peddle lies and slanders, and paint men in false colors to their shame and that of their families and friends, is democracy. I cannot call to mind now a single editorial in that paper intended or calculated to increase the Democratic votes of this county by legitimate argument or the enunciation of a single principle. Its whole stock in trade consists in the peddling of lies, vilification of men, and the repeating of slanders.
In this community where it is best known, it is recognized as the mouthpiece of the vile, vicious, and venal. If it has character for honesty or decency, it has covertly and designedly hid its light under a bushel. In its issue of the 16th, it contained a base and infamous charge against Henry E. Asp, who has lived in this community from his boyhood up, and who is respected by every decent man in Cowley County who knows him. This charge was made by that paper at the instance of, and in the interest of, Joseph O’Hare, his political opponent, and is in keeping with the character of O’Hare and in accord with the past record of that paper.
Six years ago in this county, when the man who today honors the bench and is the respected judge of the district, was a candidate for County Attorney, that paper made the same kind and character of charges against him. And yet, today, that paper, knowing that the upright and honorable conduct of Judge Torrance upon the bench has placed him beyond the power of that infamous sheet to encompass his defeat with a Democrat, now endorses his candidacy.
Again, five years ago, this same outfit vilified and blackened the character of A. T. Shenneman, who gave his life in the discharge of his duty.
Again, four years ago this vile and dirty sewer of all filth made the same kind of a fight on myself and with what result we all know.
Again, two years ago this sheet made the same kind of a fight on James McDermott, whose honesty and integrity cannot be questioned, and succeeded in defeating him with a man whose whole career in the legislature was opposed to the interests of the people of Cowley County.
And last year this same paper vomited forth its vile and infamous lies about George McIntire, Tom Soward, and Capt. Nipp, and sent its satraps and parasites forth to repeat its charges for the purpose of deluding Republicans and thereby obtaining votes under false pretenses for its candidates.
Why is it that you never hear their candidates upon the stump advocating their election because of the principles of their party and in the interest of their party. Why is it that they go out into the campaign and sneak up to your homes and peddle the libels of that paper to the disgust of decent men, instead of magnifying their own fitness for the position? Because their candidates, as a rule, are not able to do so, and for the further reason that as a rule, their countenances of themselves are a breach of the peace.
How long must the Republicans stand such treatment, and are we to retaliate? I answer, we must submit to it so long as that paper is controlled by the moral leper who now directs its course and go out and mouths the excrement vomited by that sheet each week of its filthy issue. We cannot retaliate because no decent Republican can get low enough in the purlieus of filth to compete with them.
Are their candidates better men than ours? Not at all, they never claim that. They engage in this conduct because they hope to steal into office thereby, and because without the employment of such means to deceive the thoughtless and unwary and thereby procure their votes, they could not hope to succeed.
That paper and its aiders and abetters in this city are to decent politics what a pest house is to a healthy community, or a pig stye in summer to a near neighbor.
The abuse of that paper is and should be treated by men who are familiar with the facts as an honest man’s endorsement.
Our candidates are all men who have lived in our midst, they were unanimously nominated by the largest and best convention of men ever assembled in Cowley County, and all fresh from the people of each township and that convention by its nominations certified to the good character of each, and nothing that this infamous sheet can do or say in this campaign ought to win any Republican from his allegiance. Let us remember that the enemy is virulent, that he is exasperated by defeat, and poisoned with malice, and let us this year, as last, down this dirty outfit again.
Hoping that we may win a grand victory on Tuesday next, I am W. P. HACKNEY.
P. S. Business in court is my excuse for not visiting you in person. H.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.
A STATEMENT FROM JUDGE TORRANCE.
Winfield, Kansas, October 27, 1884. In the issue of the Telegram of the 16th inst., appeared an anonymous communication from some person signing himself “A Farmer,” in which he refers to some rumors he claims to have heard affecting the character of Henry E. Asp, for honesty and integrity, while he was my partner in the practice of law. My attention was called to this communication, but as it was an anonymous one and did not pretend to assert as a matter of fact that Mr. Asp was guilty of any dishonest practices, I did not deem that the article demanded any notice from myself. In the issue of the Telegram of the 23rd inst., however, the editors of that paper published an editorial accusing Mr. Asp of certain dishonest acts while he was in partnership with me. These charges being specific and positively asserted by the editors of one of the public newspapers of this county, and not by one who is ashamed to sign his own name to his own communication, and especially as they are charges affecting Mr. Asp in his relation as my partner in the practice of the law, I deem it my duty not to let them pass unnoticed. In respect to this matter I have this to say, that these charges made against Mr. Asp by the Telegram impeaching his conduct for honesty and integrity in his relation as my law partner, are not true. I hand this denial to Mr. Asp, who is at liberty to use it as his judgment may dictate. E. S. TORRANCE.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.
One of the best political meetings of the campaign was held on Monday evening at Tisdale. The New Salem Blaine and Logan Club was present and the Republicans of Tisdale Township were out in all their exuberance. Addresses were delivered by Senator W. P. Hackney, Henry E. Asp, Capt. H. H. Siverd, and Ed. P. Greer and enthusiasm ran high.
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.
Henry E. Asp beat the record of Maude S. His rousing majority is a compliment worthy the pride of any ambitious young man. It is a splendid recognition of his superior energy and ability.
Arkansas City Republican, November 8, 1884.
Elected.
REPRESENTATIVE, 67TH DISTRICT. L. P. KING, R.: 455.
I. D. HARKLEROAD, D.: 241.
F. P. SCHIFFBAUER, I.: 369.
COUNTY ATTORNEY. HENRY E. ASP, R.: 612.
JOS. O’HARE, D.: 475.
Henry Asp ran ahead of Blaine and Logan; and in fact, polled the largest vote of any candidate on the ticket. The Telegram must feel terribly “set down” by this vindication of Mr. Asp’s character by the vote of the people.
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
HENRY E. ASP. Asp’s majority for County Attorney of Cowley County is 1,063, according to the official count. This is in spite of and a good answer to the Telegram’s mud slinging. It is a well merited compliment to Mr. Asp.
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.
Mr. Henry E. Asp is in the northern part of the state on legal business. He drops into the harness quickly after an exciting campaign.
Arkansas City Republican, November 15, 1884.
Saturday of last week Henry Asp went up into Greenwood County in the interest of our new railroad. An election is to be held there on the 18th of this month.
Winfield Courier, December 4, 1884.
A New Firm. Senator W. P. Hackney and Henry E. Asp have formed a co-partnership in the practice of law. The firm will be Hackney & Asp. It will also be the strongest law firm in Southern Kansas. They are the county attorneys for Cowley for two years to come. With Mr. Asp single handed the sneaking peddlers of the unlawful were very blue as to the future. They now absolutely refuse to be comforted and most of them want to die and be decently buried at once.
Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.
The brother of F. P. Jones, the man who was recently lynched in this city, has filed a claim with the city clerk for $25,000 from the city in the way of damages sustained by said lynching. Should the suit come to trial, Attorneys Hackney & Asp, of Winfield, will conduct the prosecution. Wellington Press.
Arkansas City Republican, December 13, 1884.
Henry Asp was in town Tuesday. We are informed that Mr. Asp and Hon. Bill Hackney have united in the legal business.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 17, 1884.
We noticed Henry Asp on our streets the first of last week. Law business.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
Recap: Alice L. Harmon, Plaintiff, against John L. Harmon, Defendant, Petition to be answered on or before January 22, 1885, relative to divorce. Plaintiff wanted property, both real and personal, settlement and the resumption of her maiden name, Alice L. Jenkins. Hackney & Asp were her attorneys.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 1, 1885.
Mr. Chas. M. Leavitt, for some months past connected with Mr. Henry E. Asp and Mr. W. D. Halfhill, of Van Wert, Ohio, an old pupil of Mr. B. F. Wood, formed a law partnership last week and have taken rooms over the post office. Mr. Leavitt has developed talents which show him to be possessed of a keen legal mind and among the most promising of our your attorneys, while Mr. Halfhill has been an attorney of prominence in Ohio. The firm will soon work up a merited business.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.
HENRY E. ASP. ATTORNEY AT LAW, Winfield, Kansas.
Office in Hackney Building, opposite the Court House.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.
Recap: F. M. Savage, Plaintiff, vs. Thomas J. Jackson and Martha Jackson and George F. Crestenberry, Defendants. Specifically spells out George F. Crestenberry, a non-resident of the State of Kansas, relative to judgment concerning real estate. Hackney & Asp. Attnys. For Plaintiff.
[COWLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 15, 1885.
The Board allowed Henry E. Asp, County Attorney, $7.50 per month as office rent and also one half of the fuel expense of the office of Hackney & Asp.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
Recap: Estate of Francis Hays, late of Cowley County, Kansas, deceased.
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that letters of administration were granted by the Probate Court of Cowley County on the 27th day of January, 1885, to the undersigned as Administrator of the Estate of Francis Hays, deceased. JAMES F. MILLER, Administrator.
HACKNEY & ASP, Attorneys for Administrator.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
County Attorney Henry E. Asp is attending to his work in the most effective manner: cases ready, papers perfect, and sure convictions of the guilty; and is more than justifying all the good things we said about him during the campaign.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.
The tranquility of last Sunday morning was broken by an accident that ushered the soul of Thos. Welch, with scarcely a moment’s warning, into that undiscovered country from whence no traveler returns. The victim of this unfortunate accident, with Charles Skinner, William Kelly, and Frank Harrod, occupied a room over Hudson Bros. Jewelry Store. They retired on Saturday night, leaving two large six-shooters, which had been in the room for several weeks, on a box in the center of the room. In the southeast corner of the room was a bed on which Welch and Kelly slept, and in the northeast corner one on which Skinner and Harrod slept. Skinner arose first, about 8 o’clock Sunday morning, and began to clean up the room. Harrod soon followed and while putting on his clothes, with his back to Skinner, the latter picked up the revolvers to move them onto another box against the wall. As he raised the one in his right hand, a huge 44-calibre, it mysteriously discharged, and simultaneous with the report, Welch, who was still in bed, though supposed to be awake, threw the cover off his head and exclaimed, “My God, you have shot me through the heart! I am killed!!” Skinner dropped both revolvers to the floor, turned white as a sheet, and advanced to the bedside of Welch. Kelly, who was lying on the back of the bed in a sleepy stupor, raised up and looking Welch in the face said, “You’re not shot, are you Tom!” but the lips were speechless and the spirit had flown. Skinner seemed terribly grief-stricken over the awful accident and gave himself into official custody. Coroner H. W. Marsh was summoned, a jury empaneled composed of Messrs. T. H. Soward, J. W. Arrowsmith, F. M. Pickens, C. M. Leavitt, A. B. Taylor and O. M. Seward, and an inquest held, developing the facts as given above and resulting in a verdict of accidental death. Drs. W. S. Mendenhall and S. R. Marsh examined the body and ascertained that the bullet entered the left side between the fourth and fifth ribs, severed several arteries just above the heart, crashed through the breast to the collar bone, and lodged in the base of the brain. It was one of the wickedest wounds, splintered the bones terribly, and it is supposed that the victim hardly realized what had struck him before life was extinct. The evidence as drawn from the witnesses by County Attorney Asp indicated that the revolver was laid on the box cocked, as neither was a self-actor and could not have discharged without the trigger drawn; but neither of the remaining occupants of the room could testify to having cocked it. Skinner and Welch ran the Palace lunch room, on West Main, for about two months; but about a month ago, they sold out to Kelly, though both still remained around the place as occasional assistants. No witness testified to knowledge of other than amicable feelings having ever existed between any of these parties.
Thomas Welch was born in Morgan County, Ohio, and he was in his forty-second year. In 1869 he was married at Olathe, Kansas, to Adell T. Hoyt, who died six years ago near Arkansas City, leaving a girl, who is now nine years old and living in Pratt County. He served three years in the 13th Kansas Volunteer Infantry and was in several of the hardest Southern battles. He was a member of Winfield Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, whose members took charge of the body and conducted the funeral. He was also a member of our battery. Mr. L. F. Blodget, who married a sister to the unfortunate man’s wife, was summoned from Wellington. The deceased came to Cowley in 1871 and settled on Grouse creek. He was honorable, affable, and highly esteemed, and his sad death causes much regret, especially among his old comrades-in-arms.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
The law firm of Hackney & Asp is taking on a metropolitan tone. They have now an accomplished shorthand reporter in the person of Miss E. M. Dodge from Terre Haute, Indiana, a friend of Mrs. Frank Raymond.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
Burden Eagle: “Henry E. Asp is receiving high encomiums for the manner in which he disposes of his business and brings offenders to justice. He is undoubtedly the right man in the right place, and his assistant, W. P. Hackney, will add all necessary strength to the office.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.
County Attorney Henry E. Asp and his able assistant, W. P. Hackney, are beginning to make the fur fly among violators of law. Every criminal case coming up under their prosecution has ended in conviction. There are a certain few violators who hope to avoid or stave off conviction by keeping from under the jurisdiction of this court, but Hackney and Asp will soon knock the wind out of these little schemes.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 7, 1885.
Thursday afternoon as Ed Bass and Bob McGinnis, both colored and the latter residing in West Bolton, were discussing some grievances they waxed warm. Frank Sheets, who was standing nearby was resorted to as a referee in the dispute. Finally the quarrel narrowed down to McGinnis and Sheets, which continued about a bird dog until the latter remarked that he could lick the former on less ground than he could stand on. McGinnis replied he did not want to fight and was not prepared to fight. Sheets wanted McGinnis to go outside of the city limits and fight it out, which we believe was finally agreed upon, Sheets turning and walking away. When he was several feet from him, friends who were holding McGinnis, let him loose. He started after Sheets and made several slashes at him with a razor, one cut taking effect in his neck, barely missing the spinal vertebrae, and inflicting an ugly wound. If the cut had extended but an eighth of an inch farther, it would have severed the external jugular vein, and Sheets would have bled to death. Two other slashes took effect on his shoulder and arm, but not making more than a scratch. The wounded man saw he was going to be carved and having nothing with which to defend himself, started to escape. By this time McGinnis was prevented from doing any further damage by Capt. Rarick, who arrested and disarmed him. Joe Finkleburg and A. W. Patterson assisted the wounded man upstairs into Dr. G. H. J. Hart’s office, where his wound was dressed. The wound was about three inches in length. Dr. Hart washed, dressed, and took the necessary stitches quickly and in a manner which designated that he was perfectly familiar with this portion of his profession. Sheets stood the pain like a hero, never flinching. The hide on his neck was so thick that the needle would not penetrate, and an instrument was used in order to make the necessary stitches. After the wound was dressed, Sheets walked around about the same as usual. The scrimmage occurred on Summit Street, between the post office and T. R. Houghton’s harness shop. Henry Asp, the county attorney, was sent for, who came on the evening train. The preliminary examination was had before the Mayor, F. P. Schiffbauer. It commenced as soon as Asp arrived. A good part of Thursday night and until noon yesterday was used up in taking the evidence. In the afternoon the arguments pro and con were rendered before Mayor Schiffbauer. The charge was assault and battery with intent to kill. J. A. Stafford represented McGinnis and Henry Asp the State.
The preliminary resulted in the mayor binding McGinnis over to appear at the next term of court in the sum of $400. We understand that McGinnis will give the necessary bond.
Sheets was taken before Judge Kreamer and fined $1 for disturbance of the peace yesterday morning.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 11, 1885.
Henry Asp was in the city Thursday representing the state in several trials before Justices Schiffbauer and Kreamer.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
Frank Sheets entered a “coon” arena at Arkansas City last week and succeeded in drawing the compliments of one of the belligerents, Bob McGinnis. The darkey nearly severed Sheets’s throat with a razor. McGinnis was taken before Justice Schiffbauer, County Attorney Asp prosecuting, and bound over to the District Court.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
Joseph S. Hill made administrator of estate of J. H. Boggs, deceased. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for Administrator.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.
Settlement of estate of Nellie Sellers by James A. G. Forth, Administrator. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 14, 1885.
Dr.
W. I. Burge, who skipped out some time ago while under $3,500 bond to await
trial after violation of the prohibitory law, came back very quietly, and tried
to settle his little difficulty with the county attorney. While in the office
of Mr. Asp, Sheriff McIntire happened in, and recognizing Burge, took him into
custody. Burge is now out again on a reduced bond of $1,000. Winfield
Telegram.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
County Attorney Asp and his assistant, W. P. Hackney, with Constable Siverd and Sheriff McIntire, officials that Cowley certainly feels proud of, have been making things exceedingly sultry for violators of law during the past ten days. The sanctums of Justices Buckman and Snow have been crowded, and these worthy officials have ground out more justice in that time than was ever administered in ten days before in Winfield. Eight violators of the liquor law and about thirty gamblers have been before them: a clean sweep of every crook in the city. Most of them have already plead guilty, and what cases are undisposed pend with a certainty of conviction. The result will be about a thousand dollars in the State treasury—most of which could have gone into the coffers of the city if our marshal had done his duty. However, we are glad that we have county officials who would take this duty out of derelict hands and bring the lawless to the rack. Winfield, along with her beauty and enterprise, is a comparatively moral town; but under this lax enforcement of our municipal laws, one or two “blind tigers,” and a number of gambling holes have been nightly grinding away, roping in the susceptible. The records of Justices Buckman and Snow show that those who have been displaying a weakness for the gaming table are by no means those who could afford it. Were we to publish the list, which we refrain from doing because we believe the fact of their names existing on the criminal registers of the county and the heavy fines imposed sufficient punishment to many of them, the names of a number of boys and young men well connected and of otherwise good character would be revealed—youths who have been inveigled into the game, and having once tasted of the fascinations, were irresistibly drawn into these dens night after night. Many of the victims, too, are hard-working persons whose money should have gone to the support of their families or themselves, but has been finding its way into the pockets of these gentlemen (?) who make gambling a profession. The victims have not only injured themselves and families, but the merchant who has been generous enough to credit them with goods has suffered also. We know several of these victims who mean to be honest—as honest indeed as persons who frequent gambling tables can be—but being despoiled of their substance, they have not wherewithal to pay. But this thorough routing out of these dens is what is needed. Now it would be difficult indeed for a man inclined to hazard his money on a game of chance to find accommodation, and the whiskeyites have been given another forcible warning that Winfield and Cowley County have no room for “blind Tigers” or any other kind of whiskey holes. Our county officials now are tigers in themselves—not blind tigers, but tigers that have the grit and ability to make Rome howl all along the line; and they are doing it.
In this connection is prominent the necessity of electing in April a city government that will keep every hell-hole of vice weeded out and make Winfield a city in harmony with the high moral character of her citizens. We want a government that will stifle every brothel in its incipiency and keep a pure moral atmosphere. We not only want men of nerve, but men of broad and comprehensive views—men who fill foster the enterprises we already have and who have the necessary push and ability to properly encourage others.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.
Read & Robinson vs. Winfield Creamery. Trial by the court. This case occupied four or five days of last week. Hackney & Asp and McDonald & Webb were attorneys for the plaintiffs, and J. F. McMullen, M. G. Troup, and A. P. Johnson for the defendants: stockholders of the creamery. About twenty-four hundred dollars in claims were thrown out by the court and a judgment for four thousand dollars awarded the plaintiffs.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 21, 1885.
Last week we copied an item from the Telegram concerning one W. L. Burge. Ere we had finished running our papers off, Mr. Burge paid us a call. Not an “appreciated” one by the way. He was angry at us for giving publicity to the Telegram’s item. He said he was not arrested as was stated, nor had he skipped his bonds. But, that on his return from the Territory where he had been rusticating and visiting friends, had called on Henry Asp, our county attorney, and settled his difficulty. It will be remembered that Burge was arrested quite awhile ago for issuing illegal prescriptions, tried in the court at Winfield, the jury hung, and Burge acquitted. He went to the territory to visit “friends” and just came back a few days ago. Burge made his visit before another warrant was issued. He was not under a $3,500 bond. His bond was not so large and when the jury hung his bondsmen were released.
Arkansas City Republican, February 21, 1885.
Tuesday Henry Asp was in town to prosecute in the case of state vs. Chas. Raupe. The trial came off before Judge Kreamer and a jury of six men. About the first of January W. R. Branson had a public sale. Raupe, being the highest bidder, bought 300 bushels of corn, more or less, in the field, bidding 33 cents per bushel. The terms of the sale were to be cash or approved security. Raupe failed to satisfy Branson on this point and the latter forbade the former getting any corn. Raupe never heeded Branson’s warning, but took some anyway. Branson had him arrested and a verdict was rendered against the defendant, Raupe, and a fine of $25 and costs.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 26, 1885.
A peculiar liquor case came up in Justice Snow’s court last Friday, whereby V. W. Aikin was found guilty of illegally selling the ardent, by a jury of twelve, and fined one hundred dollars and costs. The first charge was against Steve Poor, but in attempting to shield Poor, on the witness stand, Aikin got himself into a bad box, making unintentionally a clear case against himself. County Attorney Asp then dismissed the first case and brought one against Aikin. The evidence was to the effect that Ed Watts gave Aikin fifty cents with which to purchase a pint of whiskey from Poor. Aikin got the whiskey, but in the examination swore that Poor only loaned the liquor to him and received no money. But the liquor was transferred to Watts without the return of the money, thereby placing Aikin in the sellers boots. Aikin appealed his case. [Article had “Poor” and “Poore”.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
The Sedan Graphic is evidently disgruntled: “Incendiarism is running rampant and unrestrained at Winfield, while the man who sells a glass of whiskey or beer in violation of the prohibitory law is hunted down with untiring efforts by the law and order citizens of that town. In the mind of the average citizen of the city on the banks of the placid Walnut, all other crimes pale into insignificance when compared with the sale of a glass of beer.”
No law-breaker can find quarters in the Queen City, and the festive fire-bug stands an equal show with any other criminal—a splendid chance to suffer the grip and penalties of outraged justice. With such officials as Sheriff McIntire and Constable Siverd to track the lawless, with County Attorney Asp to prosecute the man who thinks he is a bigger man than the “statoots” will find himself throttled with a vice-like tenacity that will might soon “knock him hout.” Unpunished violators of law promise to be exceedingly “scarce” in Cowley during the reign of these officials. They have a stalwart, intelligent, law-abiding people to back them—a people who recognize nothing but fealty to every duty and law.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Henry E. Asp is just in receipt of a letter from James N. Young, of Chicago, President of the Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Company, stating that the material has been purchased and the contracts let for the construction of that line and that work will commence at Beaumont, Butler County, as soon as the right of way can be obtained. They commence at Beaumont, which is on the main line of the St. Louis & San Francisco, because the rails from St. Louis and the ties from Arkansas can be laid down cheaper there than at Kansas City. Work will progress both ways from Beaumont, and the prospect is that most of the counties and townships that have voted bonds can be reached in time to fill the stipulations contained therein. Some of the bonds are valid till August, others till June, and those voted in Winfield till May 27. But should it be impossible to reach certain places within the given time, aid will be re-solicited and the work pushed right through. This road is now a sure thing and its early construction means that Winfield and Cowley County will receive an impetus that will make her material advancement during the next year unprecedented. Further developments of a specific character will be made by our next issue.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Notice of final settlement, estate of Francis C. Martin, deceased, on April 6, 1885. A. Gilkey, Administrator, Hackney & Asp, Attorneys.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Notice of final settlement, estate of John H. Boggs, deceased, on April 6, 1885. Joseph S. Hill, Administrator, Hackney & Asp, Attorneys.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Summons by Publication: Martha F. Worden, Plaintiff, against Linden O. Worden, Defendant, before 9th day of April, 1885. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for plaintiff.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.
Notice of final settlement estate of C. B. Goforth, on April 6, 1885. Administrator: James A. Goforth, Hackney & Asp, Attorneys.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 11, 1885.
H. E. Asp was down on business Thursday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Of Interest to Druggists and Others. County Attorney Asp has filed the following opinion in the Probate Court.
“Hon. H. D. Gans, Probate Judge: Dear Sir: In response to your question propounded to me yesterday, ‘Is a druggist’s permit lawfully issued under the prohibitory liquor law of 1881 valid under the new law of 1885, and may a druggist holding such permit, it being unexpired; lawfully sell under the same?’ Permit me to say that in my opinion, no druggist holding a permit issued under the prohibitory law of 1881, and unexpired, has any right to sell thereunder since the taking effect of the new law of 1885. Section 2 of the prohibitory law of 1881 provides: ‘In order to obtain a druggist’s permit under this act, the applicant therefor shall present to the Probate Judge of the county wherein such person is engaged in business, a petition, signed by at least twelve citizens of the township or city in which such business is located, etc.’ The act of 1885 provides: ‘The applicant therefor shall present to the Probate Judge of the county wherein such applicant is engaged in business, a petition signed by at least twelve freeholders having the qualifications of electors, of the township or city wherein such business is located, etc., and the original section is repealed by section 19 of the new act, and since it took effect, no druggist may lawfully sell intoxicating liquor except upon a permit issued upon a petition as prescribed by the new law. HENRY E. ASP, County Attorney.” It might be well to remark in this connection that under this new law prosecutions are not discretionary with the County Attorney. When a complaint is made, he must prosecute and no excuse of having sold under an old permit under impression that it was valid will shield the druggist in the least.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 12, 1885.
Another Heavy Dose. The trial of W. L. Pridgeon for illegally selling liquor some time ago in the Blair building came off in Justice Buckman’s Court, Monday. A jury of twelve found the defendant guilty on two counts, and fines of $100 on the first and $200 on the second, with costs of suit, were assessed: an aggregate of nearly five hundred dollars. Pridgeon gave notice of appeal and his bond was fixed at $800, which at the present writing has not been furnished and the defendant seems likely to languish in durance vile. County Attorney Asp informs us that but one more liquor case remains on file under the old law, the case of the State vs. Dr. Irwin, of New Salem. The man silly enough to undertake violation of the new prohibitory law, which went into effect Tuesday, will strike the ceiling of justice with a thud that will shake his frame with remorse deep and awful. Our County Attorney has on his armor and will make it sultry for every violator; but we think the whiskeyites have grasped the situation and will accept water in peace.
Arkansas City Republican, March 14, 1885.
A delegation of druggists went to Winfield Thursday to hear what Henry Asp, county attorney, had to say on the new prohibition law.
Arkansas City Republican, March 21, 1885.
Henry Asp and Ed. Greer were in the city Wednesday.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 25, 1885.
H. E. Asp was in the city Wednesday.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 1, 1885.
Henry E. Asp was in the city on business Saturday last.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
Getting Nervous. The arrest and conviction of the man Copenhaser last week by county attorney Asp for having a pint of whiskey for medical purposes and then using it as a beverage has sent terror to the souls of some dozen of the thirsty who have been consoling themselves with the thought that they could hoodwink the law. The spectacle of a man’s looking through the grates as a penalty for buying a bottle of whiskey comes upon them like a nightmare. The longer the new law is tried the more do we hear wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.
Court met this morning and went through a few cases. The term will last six weeks and the docket is quite heavy. A. P. Johnson was appointed to act as County Attorney in the case of the State against D. P. Hurst, Mr. Asp being disqualified by reason of his connections with the case before election.
The case of D. F. Best, for disturbing the peace of an Arkansas City individual some time ago, was the first case called in the District Court this morning. He was acquitted. Doctor Burge plead guilty to one count on charge of illegally prescribing liquor. Judgment deferred to Monday. The regular jury was dismissed till Monday. State vs. Dennis P. Hurst, assault with intent to kill. Defendant waived arraignment, and a plea of guilty to simple assault was accepted by County Attorney Asp. Judgment deferred. State vs. Lewis C. Rise, adultery: nollied. State vs. R. H. McGinnis, assault with intent to kill. Case continued.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 16, 1885.
County attorney Asp and Sheriff McIntire were in the Terminus Thursday turning the crank of justice for T. M. Moreland and G. W. Estus, who were charged with stealing two horses from the boomers, in March. The thieves were found in Comanche County. They were bound over to the district court and now revel in the bastille.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, April 18, 1885.
Yesterday complaint was filed against Frank Miller before Judge Kreamer alleging that Miller purchased whiskey for Chas. Bundrem. Henry Asp came down to investigate the matter on the noon train. Miller waived trial until next Tuesday. Miller is a butcher in the City Meat Market.
Arkansas City Republican, April 18, 1885.
A druggist informs us that 10 times as much whiskey is sold now under the new law as during the former prohibition law. Wait, only wait a few weeks, and the REPUBLICAN ventures they will tell a different story. Give County Attorney Asp a little time and then perhaps the tune will be changed a little.
Arkansas City Republican, April 18, 1885.
In the district court last week, W. J. Burge, having plead guilty to selling whiskey, came up from Arkansas City and paid his fine and costs Thursday, amounting to $125, chronicles the Courier. A petition was presented to the Board of County Commissioners yesterday, signed by a large number of Arkansas City people, praying that the order of commitment be rescinded on the ground that he was not able to pay his fine and to give him a chance to earn it. The petition called him a man of “fair moral character.” The Commissioners, one dissenting, refused his little request, and with the iron gates running through his imagination, he chose the better way, and “whacked up.” There are ten counts against him, but in consideration of his pleading guilty, to the tenth, County Attorney Asp nollied the rest.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 22, 1885.
County Treasurer Nipp and County Attorney Asp were on our streets last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 22, 1885.
County Attorney Asp was in town yesterday, on business of a legal nature connected with the prohibition law.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
The
arrest and conviction of the man Copenhaser last week by County Attorney Asp
for buying a pint of whiskey for medical purposes and then using it as a
beverage, has sent terror to the souls of some dozen of the thirsty who have
been consoling themselves with the thought that they could hoodwink the law.
The spectacle of a man’s look-through the grates as a penalty for buying a
bottle of whiskey comes upon them like a nightmare. The longer the new law is
tried, the more do we hear whining and gnashing of teeth. Winfield Courier.
It must have been a little sharp practice that Mr. Copenhaser was convicted. The fact that Cope was drunk is no evidence that he was not sick when he took his medicine. He perhaps took an overdose. Many people take too much laudanum or morphine. The fault was probably with the druggist in not informing Cope what constituted a dose. Buying it of a druggist, he had no means of judging for himself. If Cope had bought whiskey from a saloon keeper, he would have known just what a dose was. If he did not, the bar-keeper would kindly inform him. Cope, no doubt, told the druggist that he was sick, and if he had told the Judge the same story, how could the Court arrive at the conclusion that he was not sick? The Judge, no doubt, took the benefit of a doubt, and sent Cope to the “Little Brown Jug.”
Beacon.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
There were no cases put through the mill of justice today. The only business transacted was the examination of T. J. Stafford and W. M. Jenkins, of Arkansas City, and P. Hills, of this city, for admittance to the bar. The committee of examination were James McDermott, J. D. Pryor, and Will T. Madden, who have not yet reported. W. J. Burge, having plead guilty to selling whiskey, came up from Arkansas City and paid his fine and costs today, amounting to $125. A petition was presented to the Board of County Commissioners yesterday, signed by a large number of Arkansas City people, praying that the order of commitment be rescinded, on the ground that he was not able to pay his fine and to give him a chance to earn it. The petition called him a man of “fair moral character.” The Commissioners, one dissenting, refused his little request, and with the iron grates running through his imagination, he chose the better way, and “whacked up.” There were ten counts against him, but in consideration of his pleading guilty to the tenth, County Attorney Asp nollied the rest.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
County Attorney Asp went over to Dexter today to prosecute an assault case before the justice there. It is a case wherein some boys shied too many dangerous stones at an innocent individual. James McDermott was for the defendant.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.
Henry E. Asp and lady moved into their splendid new residence on Millington street Monday. It is furnished in neat and elegant style, and will be a home most homelike. Long may they live to enjoy it, is the wish of their many friends.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 29, 1885.
Railroad Meeting. On Wednesday several gentlemen interested in the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad visited the city for the purpose of submitting a new proposition to our citizens for aid to that road. The notice being impromptu, a few score persons were notified on the street, and when the meeting was convened in the Cowley County Bank, in the evening, about fifty of our citizens were present. The railroad company was represented by Henry Asp, Esq., their attorney, who was accompanied by ex-senator Long and W. P. Hackney, both of Winfield. The proposition originally made was for this county to issue bonds to the amount of $160,000, on certain conditions known to our readers. Whether such a proposition would carry with the voters of the county was considered doubtful by some, as the eastern portion of the county would be less directly benefitted by the road. The modification made in the proposal submitted on Wednesday, was the issue of $100,000 in county bonds, with $20,000 of city bonds by this city and a similar amount by the city of Winfield. With this was coupled a proposal to render county aid to the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic road to the tune of $100,000 more. This addendum received but slight favor from the meeting, and after a feeble effort to support it, it was withdrawn. The other portion of the proposition was debated in an informal manner at some length, and at 10 o’clock an adjournment was taken till the following morning.
On Thursday the meeting reconvened and approval of the modified proposition was finally given. On motion Judge Pyburn, H. O. Meigs, and A. A. Newman were appointed a committee to lay before the County Commissioners, in session in Winfield, the petition of the people of Arkansas City, that a county election be called to vote on the $100,000 bonds to aid in the construction of the Kansas City and Southwestern road. The issue of city bonds by this city and Winfield will, of course, be determined by a city election in both of these places.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
Thomas Corbin sold two loads of wheat at Arkansas City the other day for Ross Merrick, put the forty-five dollars in his garments, and lit out. His dream was short. He was raked in and Wednesday plead guilty in Judge Kreamer’s court and will also plead guilty in the District Court this week, and go to the “pen” for a short period. County Attorney Asp manipulated the State’s side, and Sheriff McIntire was on hand to cage the “wictim.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.
James Curry was arrested last week at Udall by Sheriff McIntire for disposing of property mortgaged at Arkansas City. He was found guilty in Judge Kreamer’s court and sentenced to thirty days in the county bastille, with the costs of suit. He languishes. County Attorney Asp turned the crank of State.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 7, 1885.
Hackney & Asp will begin the erection of their splendid new office soon. It is to be of stone, pitched face, with all the modern adornments and conveniences.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.
SOME ONE SHOULD BE NIPPED. The first full month of business under the new prohibitory law ended on May first. Owing to the enormity of the task in figuring up these returns, THE COURIER is late in presenting them. When and as presented they furnish much food for reflection on the part of persons who care to observe the effects of whiskey on prohibition or prohibition on whiskey. The first bunch of statements tackled was that filled by S. E. Steinberger. It was a very extensive job. He filed five hundred and seventy-five statements, covering 407 pints of whiskey and 159 bottles of beer. Fifty gallons of whiskey in thirty days. This is a rattling good business. Many flourishing saloons would be proud of such a trade. The Chicago market report published in our news columns quotes whiskey as “firm at $1.15.” This is about the kind of whiskey Mr. Steinberger probably sells at never less than seventy-five cents per pint or six dollars a gallon. If it costs him two dollars a gallon, he has cleared at least two hundred dollars on his whiskey and twenty-five on his beer—a nice thing. The most probable thing is that his net profit on his beer and whiskey business was over three hundred dollars for the month. Steinberger this month as last heads the list. Arkansas City sells over half and double that of Winfield. There is something rotten down there. An examination of the statements will convince anyone of this. Steinberger has sold three times the whiskey of any Winfield druggist, and twice as much as his competitors. If he is doing a square business, then Winfield druggists must not be making a living. It is the duty of our officers to look after Mr. Steinberger without further delay. The most salutary thing that can be done is for Judge Gans to revoke his permit. Chop his head off smack smooth, and let County Attorney Asp wrestle with him afterwards.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14, 1885.
Hackney & Asp are fixing up the room formerly used by Justice Snow as a law office.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 21, 1885.
We had the pleasure of looking through the new and elegant house of N. M. Powers, Thursday. It is finely finished; the rooms large and well planned. Mr. Asp has a suit of rooms, elegantly furnished, above. The lower part will be occupied by Mr. Powers and family in a short time.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 27, 1885.
Henry Asp, our genial county attorney, was in town on Monday, and was warmly greeted by his many friends.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.
Frankie Morris has brought suit in our District Court against the Mutual Life Insurance Company of N. Y., for $5,000 and against the Equitable Life Assurance Company of the U. S., for $10,000, policies fully complied with, according to the complaint, by Nannie Poisett, deceased, in favor of her daughter, the plaintiff. The plaintiff’s attorneys are A. A. Hurd and Hackney & Asp.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.
Last Sunday evening Lou Skinner came into Arkansas City and notified the authorities that the dead body of a man had been found in the river about ten miles below the city. Sheriff McIntire was notified, and with County Attorney Asp, went down to investigate, as suspicion of foul play was strong. On arriving at the city they found that Deputy U. S. Rarick with a physician had already gone to view the body. The sheriff, after interviewing several parties, turned his keen scent to the north, boarded the train, and today returned with John Cooley in his custody. The dead body proved to be that of George Musselman. The facts in the case, so far as ascertained at this date, are these: Cooley and Musselman have been keeping company with a fair and beautiful grass widow. It seems that they kept a boat to cross the river and for fishing purposes. On last Thursday Cooley and Musselman were out fishing, and by some means the boat was upset. Both men were plunged into the angry waters and Musselman was drowned. Deputy Rarick reports today that upon examination they found that the skull was crushed in, as though struck with a club. The neck was unbroken and the body was covered with bruises. Cooley will have an examination tomorrow. [Article showed both Mussleman and Musselman.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 28, 1885.
Two Miles of the S. K. Built. Henry E. Asp came in Friday from Beaumont and says the engine is puffing on the K. C. & S. right along. A mile of track had been laid before he left, and by this time more than two miles are down. The company are adding workmen as fast as they can be obtained and mean to bring the road through with a rush. Whoop!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
James N. Young, James Hill, and Henry E. Asp left today, the former to transact business in St. Louis relating to the K. C. & S. W., and the latter to look after the right of way, grading, and track-laying from Beaumont here. Now that the bonds are carried, the company will hump every joint in pushing the road through. Several hundred men are now at work and more are added as fast as they can be procured. Forty flat-cars, twenty box-cars, and two combination cars arrived at Beaumont yesterday for work on this line, and the entire rolling stock has been contracted for and will be ready for the track in a short time. Whoa!
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
Charles F. Baxter, Administrator, estate of Wm. O. Baxter, deceased. Attorney: Henry E. Asp.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
Mr. S. Allison has bought the feed barn east of Hackney & Asp’s office, and assumed control last week.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
Hackney & Asp have just put in a fine new safe: one to make the heart of the festive burglar go on a strike.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
County Attorney Asp and Sheriff McIntire were prosecuting the trial of John Cooley at the Terminus Thursday, charged with the murder of George Mussleman. Cooley’s examination showed both parties to be professional fishermen, on the line of the Territory, just below Arkansas City. Thursday week they started across the Arkansas, the skiff upset, and Mussleman was drowned. Circumstantial evidence was much against him, the water being shallow where Mussleman is said to have drowned, and the victim’s neck being broken. The rumor that a fair grass widow was mixed up in the affair was discredited. The Justice Court bound Cooley over to the District Court in the sum of $1,500. Bail has not been given, and he languishes in the Bastille de Finch. Mussleman was twenty-seven and Cooley is thirty-five years old.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 10, 1885.
Council Meeting. A communication from Henry Asp, attorney to the Kansas City and Southwestern road, requesting that an order for the city subscription to the stock of the above road be issued. Read and placed on file.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 11, 1885.
Cowley County is recovering her health—or some of her druggists are getting very bad. The batch of statements returned by the druggists of the county for the month of May show a decrease in sales that means something. From the earnest protests from some quarters against THE COURIER publishing this “legitimate” business, it would seem that caution, that better part of valor, had been punching them in the ribs. But it is rumored, as an explanation to the decrease in sales, that certain druggists are dispensing the ardent without requiring statements or prescriptions, or failing to file them when they are obtained. This matter will be thoroughly investigated, and Judge Gans has uttered his determination to chop off the head of every druggist of whom he has evidence of such proceedings, and County Attorney Asp will attend to the remains. S. F. Steinberger, the April lion, came up with a gentler batch.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
The first chapter in the most horrible tragedy ever enacted in this section ended Wednesday of last week, by the jury in the inquest on the body of Mrs. Julia Ann White, bringing in a verdict finding the husband to be the murderer.
The first signs of fear made by White were made Wednesday when he wanted to be taken away from Winfield. County Attorney Asp issued a warrant Thursday, arresting White on charge of murder in the first degree. The prisoner waived preliminary examination, Thursday, before Justice Buckman, and was again placed in jail, where he will await the District Court, in September. Of course, many theories are being advanced in trying to solve the deep and despicable mystery. Many seem convinced of White’s guilt, and some go so far as to talk of lynch law.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.
Omnia’s New City. The Atlanta Town Company was organized here yesterday. The company purchased two hundred and forty acres of land near the center of Omnia township on the line of the Kansas City & Southwestern railroad, and will survey and plat it at once. Already several capitalists are waiting for the survey, to begin the erection of business buildings. A large lumber firm will put in yards, a newspaper is on the way, and the boom has commenced. It is the center of a fine productive country and will make a flourishing burg. The company is composed of W. H. Gilliard, Wm. A. Day, J. W. Kerr, Jas. N. Young, of Chicago, Henry E. Asp and Ed P. Greer. The railroad will be completed to the town by the tenth or fifteenth of July.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.
Summons by Publication. In the District Court within and for the county of Cowley, and state of Kansas. H. C. Stivers, Plaintiff, against Mary N. Stivers, Defendant. Defendant notified that she has been sued by plaintiff, and that she must answer said action on or before August 6, 1885. He desired a divorce. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for plaintiff.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.
Saturday afternoon Sheriff McIntire arrested Frankie Morris, a lady who has rooms on Ninth Avenue in the Blair building, on a telegram from Neosho County. The charge is that she poisoned her mother to secure fifteen thousand dollars of life insurance, and the Mutual Life company, of New York, secured her indictment. She came here some three weeks ago and employed Hackney & Asp to institute proceedings against the companies for the collection of the insurance. She has applied to the companies, but they refused to pay it and suit was the last resort. As soon as the suit was commenced, the companies secured the indictment against the lady. We understand that they had previously threatened her with prosecution. We are not yet familiar with the facts in the case, but so far it appears to be a case of pure bulldozing on the part of the life insurance companies—a repetition of the Hillman case. Life insurance is getting to be a fraud. If a person insures their life now-a-days, it is almost invariably a legacy of law, vexation, and serious cost and trouble to those who are unfortunate enough to be the beneficiaries. Senator Hackney will defend the lady and if the insurance companies are playing a grab game, they will be hunting for someone to help them let it go before they get through with it.
Arkansas City Republican, June 27, 1885.
Poor Winfield! How near the bottom rung of the ladder that city is approaching in the criminal calendar! First was the roller skating regime, which lasted until last Saturday. Then for a time she was infested by a gang of safe-blowers. She had not broken loose from their grasp until a Jesse James gang of boot-blacks made their appearance and annoyed the good people of the Hub by committing all sorts of petty thefts. Next in order were the jail-breakers, followed by house-burners, murders, wife-beatings, and other events too numerous to chronicle. Now they are after a lunatic. He is worrying the natives considerably. But they are unable to catch him. He is only one of the “bright beautiful gazelles,” who has come to occupy his berth in the new imbecile asylum. Judging from the Courier, he is pleasant company, but rather choice in his selections of associates. The latest is the arrest of a young lady for the murder of her mother. Her name is Frank Morris. She is a newcomer. The Mutual Life Insurance Company, of New York, had the indictment made out against Miss Morris. Through Hackney and Asp, Miss Morris brought suit against the company to obtain $15,000 of life insurance money on her mother. What next will happen at the county seat to keep the criminal pot boiling, we can’t say. We prefer to live and die in the Terminus, where we are afflicted with the Asthma.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
Henry E. Asp writes us from the road that the K. C. & S. W. road will be completed to the Cowley County line July 4th and to the new town of Atlanta July 11th. They are making things hum up there notwithstanding the rains. Henry got the Hickory township bonds on the 20th ult. and Ed. Greer took them to Topeka to register on the 30th, whence he went to St. Louis with them, where he meets President Young to transact further business for the road. Henry and Ed. are developing into railroad builders, but cannot be said to beat Jay Gould in that line yet.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
The decision of County Attorney Asp was read Friday before the Board of County Commissioners in the D., M. & A. bond matter. He cited the law making it imperative that the amount of stock, after being voted, be subscribed. It is very likely too that the State Board of Equalization, as last year, will raise the county valuation to an amount sufficient to legalize the $100,000. The value was raised eleven percent last year. The Board ordered the County Clerk to subscribe the full amount of the bonds.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
Henry E. Asp got in Saturday from three weeks on the line of the K. C. & S. W., looking after the legal matters of the line. He looks like a veritable granger; and to complete his misery, he found his wife had left him, gone to visit at Ashland.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.
At first R. H. White, in the bastille charged with the brutal murder of his wife, Julia Ann, was undecided as to whether or not he would wave preliminary examination, and had the matter put off. When his brother came on, arrangements were made to get $600 for the defense. Then a preliminary hearing was instituted and began before Judge Snow yesterday, with County Attorney Asp prosecuting, and Jennings & Troup and McDermott & Johnson for the defense.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
What seems to be the last chapter in the deepest and most damnable murder that ever stained the history of any community closed Thursday. Robert H. White, charged with the awful crime of having crushed in the skull of his wife with a flat iron or other instrument, languished in the county jail until ten days ago, undecided as to whether he would waive preliminary examination or not. His brother came out from Illinois and proffered $250 or more to his brother’s defense. Jennings & Troup and McDermott & Johnson were secured as counsel and Tuesday afternoon the preliminary trial began. County Attorney Asp conducted the prosecution and Senator Jennings and A. P. Johnson the defense.
County Attorney Asp’s opening and closing arguments occupied an hour and showed a careful study of the case. Every bearing was dwelt upon with ability and zeal. A. P. Johnson’s speech occupied forty minutes and Senator Jennings spoke an hour and ten minutes. He brought out the theory that the simple lunatic who was found in that neighborhood a day or so afterward was the murderer. His own vicious habits had made him an imbecile and the likelihood of an attempt at outrage by him, as he passed by the door coming from the woods, was shown probable. But County Attorney Asp, in his closing argument, showed by the evidence of the shoe tracks around the house and the fact that no clue was found on her person by the physicians that would lead to the belief that any outrage had been attempted, was uncircumstantial. At the conclusion of Mr. Asp’s closing argument, the court proceeded to sum up the case and render his judgment, as follows.
JUDGE SNOW’S DECISION. “This case, which has taken so long to investigate, has undoubtedly caused more interest than any other ever tried in Cowley County, at least since I have been a resident of Winfield, as is shown by the crowds who have attended this examination. Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of one human being by another and is always more or less revolting in its details, but this particular case is especially so. Indeed, the testimony as given by the witnesses has been of such a character as to cause everyone who has heard it to be horrified. The public have discussed it in all its features, and different opinions have been expressed. But with public opinion I, as an officer of this county under my oath, have nothing to do. I have only my duty to perform. That Julia Ann White, wife of the defendant, was, on or about the 9th day of June, 1885, foully murdered, there can be no doubt. With the question as to who committed this deed I have nothing to do, unless I believe from the evidence the defendant did the deed. The evidence in this case has all been circumstantial; this class of evidence is considered the very strongest from the fact that circumstances are usually unerring and point directly to the guilty party with perhaps more certainty than that which is usually called positive evidence. Circumstances seldom mislead; but in order to make circumstantial evidence conclusive, I believe the correct rule is to the effect that the chain of circumstances should be unbroken—or at least if broken—it should be shown that the missing link cannot be supplied upon any other theory than that the defendant is guilty. The officers of the law, as shown by the evidence, have only done their duty. The county attorney has prosecuted this case with his usual zeal, but I am fully justified that he has only done his duty, as under his oath he is bound to do. The sheriff has only resorted to the usual methods of securing the conviction of the person in his custody charged with committing a crime against the laws of the land, and should not be blamed. As I have before remarked, I believe that no sane man or woman ever committed the crime of murder without a reason or a supposed reason. I only have to find that there are reasonable grounds to believe the defendant guilty as charged in the complaint, and not, as some suppose, to find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. I have examined this case with much care and attempted to bring every particle of evidence to bear upon the case in its proper light and it would be useless at this time for me to go through with a rehearsal of the testimony. If then it be true that no sane man would commit murder without some cause, it would devolve upon the state to show in this case some incentive. Has it been done? The previous good character of the defendant may count nothing, for a man may have always borne a good reputation, and fall at last, and that may have been his first wrongful act so far as the world may know. The theory that this deed may have been done by a tramp or a lunatic, I think, amounts to nothing. I cannot go outside of the evidence to find a basis for my judgment, but must be confined strictly to what has been proven in the case. I do not believe the evidence warrants me in holding the defendant to answer this charge. It is therefore the judgment of the court that the defendant, Robt. H. White, be, and is hereby, discharged and permitted to go hence without delay.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
Mrs. Henry E. Asp came in Thursday from a week at Ashland, and Henry is again happy.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
Asp’s Grand Jury. County Attorney Asp and Judge Gans, with Miss Eva Dodds, stenographic reporter for Hackney & Asp, went up to Burden Friday to have a sitting of the County Attorney’s grand jury provided for in the late liquor law. A number of witnesses were examined and Burden’s drug record thoroughly examined into. Mr. Asp returned Saturday and will have some more witnesses subpoenaed to appear before him here before he gets through. This move created some talk at Burden. Many discussed and some “cussed.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 23, 1885.
Recap divorce proceedings: Mary B. Seabridge, Plaintiff, against Levi Seabridge, Defendant. Action to be taken on or before August 20, 1885. She asked for care and custody of children. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for Plaintiff.
Arkansas City Republican, July 25, 1885.
County Attorney Asp and Probate Judge Gans have been investigating the sales of intoxicants at Burden this week.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
Last Monday Frank Manny filed a second petition with the Probate Judge to obtain a permit to manufacture beer for medicinal, mechanical, and scientific purposes, accompanied by a bond of equal proportions to the first one. With it he left the request that the Probate Judge and County Attorney, if the petition was rejected, file a written record of their reasons for so doing. Of course, Frank has no more reason to expect a permit on this second petition than on the first. His object in getting this record is no doubt to enable him to produce before the Supreme Court evidence that he has complied with the law in trying to obtain a permit, and on this, ask a mandamus compelling Judge Gans to grant the permit. County Attorney Asp winds Dr. Manny up with neatness and dispatch. In refusing Frank’s petition, Judge Gans recorded the reasons as follows.
“Whereas, on the 20th day of July, 1885, Frank Manny filed a petition, together with his bond, to obtain a manufacturer’s permit, which petition and bond were this day referred to the County Attorney for his advice and instruction in reference thereto. And now, on this 23rd day of July, 1885, the County Attorney having returned such petition and bond, accompanied with his endorsement, in substance following: ‘The petition and bond of Mr. Manny are in compliance with the provisions of law, and, in my judgment, are sufficient in every respect. That since the Prohibitory Liquor Law went into effect in May, 1881, Mr. Manny has been one of its most bitter opponents and on the 11th day of July, 1881, he pleaded guilty before Justice Tansey, of this city, to keeping a nuisance under this law, and at the same time several cases for illegal sales against him were dismissed at his costs. On the 24th day of May, 1884, the applicant was convicted in the District Court of this county upon a trial by a jury on the 1st, 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th counts of the information of County Attorney containing ten counts for illegal sales of intoxicating liquor. A motion for a new trial was overruled by the Court and Manny was sentenced to pay a fine of $100 on each of five counts and sentenced to 30 days imprisonment in the county jail on the other count. From these convictions, however, Manny was pardoned by His Excellency, Gov. Glick. I am satisfied that Mr. Manny has not since his conviction in 1884 been manufacturing or selling liquor at his brewery, and while personally I would like to see Mr. Manny have the privilege of utilizing his property built before the enactment of this law, I cannot, with a proper respect for the law, as a public officer, recommend that the prayer of the petition be granted. And the matter being now fully considered, I find that said petitioner, during the time from 1881 to 1885, never applied for or obtained a manufacturer’s permit as provided by law, for all of which reasons I fully concur with the opinion of the county attorney, and notwithstanding the sufficiency of his bond and petition, the petitioner cannot now be considered a suitable person to be entrusted with a permit to manufacture intoxicating liquors and will therefore be refused.” H. D. GANS, Probate Judge.
In the above matter and at the request of Mr. Manny and in his behalf, explanatory of the reason why he had not applied for a permit to manufacture intoxicating liquors, he was during the years 1881 to 1885 a resident of Walnut township and in which township he could not obtain a sufficient bond.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
The following charters were filed in the Secretary of State’s office yesterday.
The Wilmot Town Company, place of business, Winfield; trustees, Samuel Phoenix, Adam Stuber, Thos. R. Carson, Edwin P. Greer, and Henry E. Asp. Capital stock, $25,000.
The Floral Improvement Company, place of business, Winfield; directors, Lewis Stevens, Joel R. Cole, and Wm. H. Hornady, of Floral, and James N. Young and Henry E. Asp, of Winfield. Capital stock, $30,000.
[COWLEY
COUNTY AUDITOR.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30, 1885.
The following claims were allowed in July.
Salary county commissioners: S. C. Smith $75.00; Amos Walton $75.00; J. A. Irwin $75.00.
Salary county clerk, J. S. Hunt, $583.75.
Salary county auditor, M. G. Troup, $265.00.
Salary county attorney, H. E. Asp, $500.00.
Salary county superintendent, A. H. Limerick, $250.00.
Salary county treasurer, J. B. Nipp, $990.00.
Salary deputy county clerk, M. N. Sinnott: $250.00.
Arkansas City Republican, August 8, 1885.
Druggist Steinberger’s record shows that H. E. Asp of Winfield purchased a pint of gin during May for rheumatism. This was a forgery by some unscrupulous party as Henry Asp was in St. Louis at the time of the purchase.
Arkansas City Republican, August 8, 1885.
Henry Asp, Judge Gans, and Sheriff McIntire came down yesterday from Winfield to investigate the liquor sales of our druggists. They were busily engaged in examining witnesses who had purchased intoxicants and the druggist’s records at the Leland Hotel, as we go to press. If anyone can be found guilty of violating the law, lightning will be sure to strike.
Arkansas City Republican, August 8, 1885.
Mrs. Henry Asp came down from Winfield with her husband to view the city yesterday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
While Asp’s court was busily examining Steinberger’s statements Friday, one was found that all but Asp declared to be “H. E. Asp, Winfield, one pint gin, for rheumatism.” This abashed Henry, but it looked mighty plain. When Steinberger got on the stand, however, he took the joke off Henry’s shoulder by swearing that the name was “H. E. Sop.” The “S” very much resembled an “A,” as did the “o” an “s.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
Asp’s Grand Jury. County Attorney Asp, Judge Gans, and Sheriff McIntire, with Miss Eva Dodds as stenographic reporter, held a County Attorney’s Court of investigation at Arkansas City Friday, as provided by the late liquor law. All the druggists, beer, and whiskey guzzlers, “it don’t prohibit” growlers, and everybody from whom anything could likely be pumped, were up before a fire of interrogations, continued up to twelve o’clock last night. The greatest irregularity was found against Grimes & Son, with Steinberger following up closely. The Terminus was considerably stirred over the examination, which was rigid and fruitful. Whether or not some of A. C.’s druggists will be made to perspire under the gills, will appear later, when the vice gets ready to close. In the meantime, we think several druggists will come down in the number of statements and amount of ardent dispensed. Asp and Gans are bound to keep the druggists status quo, or chop off their heads.
[EXCHANGE: UDALL SENTINEL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
County Attorney Henry E. Asp passed up the road Tuesday evening, and stated to a Sentinel reporter, who questioned him concerning the D., M. & A. road, that he had not heard a whisper but that the road would pass through Udall; that he felt confident that we would get the road. That great corporations move very slowly, and could not be expected to build a road in a day, especially when they had two years in which to do it.
The D., M. & A. surveying corps are busy this week in Fairview township making a new survey. The new line will be a mile or two north of their previous survey. This change is made in order to comply with the stipulations concerning the location of a depot in that township. This move on the part of the company makes it still more favorable for Udall, and should convince unbelievers that thee is something in this D., M. & A. enterprise for our growing city.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
The case of Joe Mason, whose theft of two rings from the Hudson Bros. we chronicled Saturday, is another forcible exhibition of what youthful infatuation will bring. The youth is the son of a respected widow residing near Akron, with whom he came to town. His sweetheart was also in town that day, a young girl several years less aged than Joe, who is nineteen. He had promised the ring as a plight of faith, but he didn’t have the wherewith to get it. It could be postponed no longer, and in his desperation the youth conceived his successful plan of purloining one from the jewelry store of Hudson Bros. His first attempt was so successful, that, hunting up his Dulciana and depositing the ring on her dainty finger, stalked off for another conquest, at Bob Hudson’s, but landed in the bastille, as badly scared as any youth ever was. This was Joe’s first offense. Prominent men from his neighborhood plead his cause before County Attorney Asp, declaring Joe to be industrious and previously honest. The news fell like a pall over the mother, who lay in a fainting stupor in Pixley’s store all afternoon. Joe made a clean breast of the whole affair to the County attorney, who, with the consent of Hudson Bros., released him, after talking to him like a Dutch Uncle. Joe’s penitence was very tearful. He accompanied an officer, hunted up his girl, got the ring, and returned it to Hudson Bro’s. Those few hours behind the grates, with the lesson in full, will follow him as an ever-present dictator of right. The penalty, of the two cases, would have given Joe a year in jail. His release was the proper thing. The offense, with the heartfelt penitence and his previous good character, will be condoned by his neighbors and friends; and we predict for him a bright and honorable life—one averse to female smiles and ring desires. The love fever is a dangerous malady.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
Lightning has struck one of the druggist’s of the “Medicine” City—Grimes & Son. They were burned out some time ago, but had bought a stock to again enter business at Arkansas City, expecting to go it on their old Probate Court permit to sell liquors. The investigation by County Attorney Asp and Judge Gans, the other day, revealed violations by Grimes, and Tuesday their “medicine”head was chopped off—their permit revoked.
Bob Phelps, of Burden, has been granted a druggist’s permit. He was several months in obtaining it. The objections by people of Burden were many, but when ferreted out, proved to be mostly through personal spite. The objectors, when placed on the stand before the County Attorney’s Court, knew nothing in fact. Every charge was thoroughly investigated by Asp and Gans, in a Court at Burden, and nothing sufficient to warrant a refusal could be gleaned.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.
Divorce petition: Lilly Carter, Plaintiff, against James H. Carter, Defendant. Request for minor child, Charlie Carter. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Date: September 35, 1885, for judgment.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
Lightning has struck one of the druggists of the “Medicine” City—Grimes & Son. They were burned out some time ago, but had bought a stock to again enter business at Arkansas City, expecting to go it on their old Probate Court permit to sell liquors. The investigation by County Attorney Asp and Judge Gans, the other day, revealed violations by Grimes and today their “medicine” head was chopped off—their permit revoked. Courier.
Last Saturday Father Grimes came into our office bright and early and ordered his paper stopped, his advertisement discontinued, and paid his bill. We did not inquire into the cause of Mr. Grimes’ wrath for we had grave suspicions that it was visited upon us because we dared to publish the report of the whiskey sales made by the druggists of the county during the month of July. It is true we were somewhat surprised at the turn affairs had taken, but we published the report as a news item so one and all could know how the new law was working, never dreaming anyone of our druggists would object to a holding up to a public gaze a copy of their record. A man who has conscientiously followed the teaching of the new law will not be averse to the public knowing just how he is dealing in the traffic. If he has sold all intoxicants strictly within the bounds of the law, he will be pleased to have everybody know his record. On the other hand, if not, he will want his record concealed. ’Tis only the guilty that oppose publicity. We are not sorry that we published the report. We are glad. It was our duty, as publishers of a newspaper, we owe our 1,200 subscribers, and they will appreciate our efforts and stand by us as we try to advance the grand cause of prohibition. Arkansas City Republican.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
The Board of County Commissioners, accompanied by County Attorney Asp, inspected the first ten miles of the K. C. & S. W. railroad built in this county Tuesday. The rode over the line from Richland township to Beaumont, and were surprised at the completeness of the road bed and equipments. They found everything first-class—far from the scrap iron and two-ties-to-a-rail line the Burden Eagle and other sorehead papers had been trying to make believe. The engines are as fine as ever run on a track, and like the cars, and everything else about the road, are splinter new. The Commissioners were unanimous in pronouncing the road, so far, as good as any in the west, and unhesitatingly accepted the first ten miles. They also examined the abutments of the Dutch creek bridge and found them of the very best. The track is about twelve miles from Winfield now, coming right along. Side-track has been put in at Wilmot. The Commissioners went out today to condemn from the north line of Walnut township to Timber creek. The survey around the city is not yet settled.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 20, 1885.
And now Arkansas City comes up with another divorce case, about the twelfth one for the September sitting of court. Elmira Only, a colored girl of eighteen, petitions for a divorce from Joseph Only, whom she charges with extreme cruelty and other diabolical things unmentionable. They were married on the 17th of last June, and on the 30th of that month he skipped, and hasn’t been since heard from. Hackney & Asp are her attorneys.
[COWLEY
COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.
Note: I skipped all the cases handled by Hackney & Asp. It would have taken up too much room to list them.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
The Mowry-Smith Tragedy. Saturday afternoon last the remains of James P. Smith, the man who was shot down by Henry Mowry, were taken to Kansas City for interment. The body was escorted to the train by the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias organizations. Mrs. Smith went with the remains to Kansas City. She was accompanied by Mrs. Rev. Walker and S. C. Lindsay. The latter was sent by the two organizations of which Mr. Smith was a member. The party arrived at their destination at 6 o’clock Sunday morning, and the funeral occurred at 3 p.m. under the auspices of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. Lodges. Mrs. Smith has a sister residing in Kansas City, and she will remain with her until she recovers from the blow and her impaired health. She will return here and settle her affairs and then go back to Kansas City and make it her future home. Her health has been bad lately. She is a frail and delicate woman, but bears up as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Henry Mowry, on being taken to Winfield, was placed in the hands of a physician. He had a fever, but the Doctor had it broken up by Tuesday. Sunday he had five spasms caused by fever. He has about recovered. The wound in his thigh has healed. It did not cause him much trouble. The preliminary examination will come off next week sometime and at Winfield. Jennings and Troup will defend Mowry, and Hackney and Asp will prosecute.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.
Recap. Notice of Final Settlement. Estate of John Servis [Service], late of the County of Cowley. James Kirk made administrator October 5, 1885. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for Administrator.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 10, 1885.
Henry E. Asp and Ed P. Greer went up to Wichita and eastward Thursday on business connected with the K. C. & S. W.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 12, 1885.
Council Proceedings. Hackney & Asp, legal advice, $25; rejected.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Railroad Racket. Great honor is due Hon. C. R. Mitchell for the money he has spent and the great amount of labor he has performed in order to secure a railroad to this place. Now when he has come so near getting the road, let us stand by him, and not go off to some other scheme that will take a year to work up. It seems to us that Wellington is only working to head us off. When we were working for a road through Valverdi township, they had a road ready to come through the township and give them a depot near the center. And now when Henry Asp has told them that he intend to build a road to Caldwell via Geuda Springs, they commence with renewed vigor trying to beat us out of the road that is already building and will complete within six months. So let the whole township stand by Mr. Mitchell and we will assure that you will never regret it. Geuda Springs Herald.
With
the greatest respect to Hon. C. R. Mitchell and our sprightly acquaintance of
tender years, Henry Asp, we want to say that the Wellington portion of the Ft.
Scott, Wellington and Northwestern is substantial and is backed by cash and not
wind. Now to talk seriously and earnestly to the people of Geuda Springs, we
wish to say that the Wellington stockholders in the road are actually worth
over one million dollars, and their business, honor, and credit is at stake on
this railroad question. Now, to taxpayers, look at this matter in a sensible
light, and train with a crowd that amount to something financially. Wellington
is not given to twaddle and taffy, and upon this railroad question is not
dealing out newspaper gush to fool the people. We are sick and tired of the
schemes set on foot by Winfield men to induce the people to believe that the
town is not dying with “dry rot.” The place is peopled with a class of folks
that could not enjoy life, and do you think sensible, careful businessmen will
invest their money in a town covered entirely up with debt? But to get back to
where we began. We once more ask the taxpayers to put their faith in a project
backed by individuals who are able themselves, without assistance, to build a
railroad and run it. Wellington Press.
So you are “sick and tired of the ‘schemes’ set on foot by Winfield people,” are you? This grunting and groaning on the part of Wellington is most pitiable. Does anyone suppose that Winfield would sit sleepily and let these railroads run around her, cutting off her richest territory? Not much. The success of any city is simply measured by the enterprise and life of its citizens. Winfield does not whine and make faces at its neighbors, but devotes its spare time to organizing new enterprises and its energies carrying them to a successful termination. Why so, pray tell us? Is not Winfield money and brains building the C., M. & A. through the fairest part of Sumner County? Of course, it misses Wellington on the north, but that can’t be helped. Then is not Winfield enterprise building the K. C. & S. W. through the rich territory of southeastern Sumner? This misses Wellington on the south, but that can’t be helped. Of course these roads all come to Winfield, for they were born here.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
The case of the State against Frank Manny for cutting and hauling off prairie grass from the premises of W. W. Andrews was before Judge Buckman Tuesday afternoon, with a jury of twelve. It is a little case run on big dimensions. County Attorney Asp prosecutes and M. G. Troup defends. Unfinished.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Judge Gans married a couple the other day, solicited by County Attorney Asp. The ceremony was pronounced and the Judge hadn’t said boo about his license and marriage fee. His nervousness was plainly visible as the couple began to depart, and rushing over to Henry, the Judge said: “Henry, stop him! I haven’t got my fee yet!!” Henry laughed and the Judge got clear off his “base.” Raking up courage, and getting no assistance from Henry, the Judge quietly called the groom back, cornered him, and told him that in order to make the wedding according to the “statoots,” he’d have to whack up, which the youth did, with becoming innocense.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
A week ago Stephen Carver was brought before Judge Buckman, charged with being the father of Maggie Thompson’s unborn babe. Both reside in Liberty township. He is a young fellow of twenty-four and she a girl of twenty. He has always been considered a tough one. She is of a good family, one upon whom no stain has ever before fallen. He wooed Maggie, got her confidence and love, and under the guise of a matrimonial engagement, took her virtue—a woman’s all. That he never intended to marry her is evident. His property was put in the name of another, and he got in readiness to “skunk” out. But the girl realized her misplaced confidence—her terrible mistake—and brought a criminal action. The trial was set for Monday. A day or so ago County Attorney Asp got Carver in tow, and talked to him like a Dutch Uncle, showing up the devilishness of Steve’s crime—how he had ruined a promising, innocent girl, to be thrown on a cold and unsympathetic world with an indelible brand on her brow, and the legal penalty to pay himself. Steve “caved,” and consented to end all in matrimony, and yesterday the climax came. The relatives on both sides appeared in the County Attorney’s office, Judge Gans and a marriage license were sent for, and the ceremony pronounced. The Judge’s preliminary advice melted everyone present. He told of the mistakes of life and their remedies; the solemn obligations of the marriage vow, admonishing the young couple to retrieve their mistakes with a determination unshakeable. It was a peculiarly pathetic scene—in wonderful contrast to the usual jollity of a wedding. The bride and groom cried like children. Those who know the couple best think their marriage will “stick,” and their lives be happy. She loves him with an ardent devotion that will go a long ways toward this result. His late actions exhibit manhood, capable of blotting out this mistake in a long and happy wedded life. That such will be the case is the earnest wish of all.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 23, 1885.
The defalcation of William R. Smith, late bookkeeper in the employ of A. V. Alexander & Co., is a painful instance in our social life. He came here last February from Washington, D. C., with his wife and two children, and was employed in the real estate office of Frank J. Hess. He is a young man of 28 or 30 years, genteel in appearance, popular in manner, and well fitted to win the confidence of those with whom he comes in contact. He seems to have studied law some, and had a shingle painted designating himself as attorney-at law. He is an elegant calligraphist, and was recently appointed writing master in our public schools. After a stay of about three months in Frank Hess’s office, he severed his connection there and obtained an engagement in Alexander & Co.’s lumber office. For awhile he enjoyed the entire confidences of his new employers, until doubts of his strict integrity were aroused over the paucity of the cash receipts. The result of a heavy day’s business was often disappointing in the light showing it made in the cash book. To test the accuracy of his accounts, Mr. Alexander, or Mr. Baldwin, his partner, would abstract small sums of money from the safe during the bookkeeper’s absence, and an inquiry the next morning how his cash account came out would always receive a nonchalant answer, “all right.” His method of keeping accounts was original and elastic, and would adapt itself to any circumstances.
This confirmed the suspicions of his employers of wrong doing, and one evening last week, after Smith had left the office, the two gentlemen set to work to examine his cash account of the day, and discovered a discrepancy of $20 in one of the columns. The next morning Mr. Smith declared his cash balance “all right” as usual, and then his attention was called to this error in the footing of his debit column. The error he had to admit, but could give no account of the additional $20 on hand it called for. He showed no confusion, and said that one of his employers must have used the money and failed to charge it on the blotter. This led to serious talk, and the inculpated accountant sought to relieve himself from the dilemma by producing a $20 bill from the cash drawer in the safe badly crumpled up. Mr. Alexander told him he had evidence that he had been abusing his trust, and urged him to make a clean breast of it. He denied his guilt for awhile, but the threat of exposure and prosecution forced him into the confession that he had abstracted various sums, some of which he enumerated and the uses to which they had been applied. One of his pilferings had been to pay his admission fee to freemasonry. His admissions that evening accounted for the abstraction of about $147 in all; but his employers believed that they greatly exceeded that amount.
The services of another accountant, Fred Barrett, were called in, who has been at work the past ten days on the books, and who reports his cash account within a few dollars of balancing. His investigations have not resulted in discovering any further delinquency.
Complaint was made to Judge Kreamer and a warrant issued for Smith’s arrest. On Monday he was examined, County Attorney Asp conducting the proceeding, and Judge Sumner appearing for the defense. The charge of embezzlement being proved, the defendant was bound over in the penal sum of $500 for trial in the district court. Frank Hess made no charge, his books being in such an involved condition that he can prove no defalcation.
[REPUBLICAN
COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.
WINFIELD, 1ST AND 2ND WARDS.
Delegates: H. H. Siverd, Frank Finch, C. E. Steuven, John Nichols, T. J. Harris, A. H. Jennings, W. B. Caton, Henry E. Asp, W. T. Madden, T. F. Axtell, A. J. Lyon.
Alternates: Greene Wooden, C. M. Leavitt, Hank Paris, Archie Brown, B. McFadden, James McLain, Walter Denning, W. R. McDonald, J. H. Taylor, A. B. Taylor, Ben Harrod.
Arkansas City Republican, September 26, 1885.
A. V. Alexander & Co., got their books into such a shape by Monday that they were able to strike a balance. They found Smith’s confession corresponded with the sum of money shown to be missing by the books. Monday afternoon Henry Asp came down and Smith was taken before Judge Kreamer, who bound him over in the sum of $500. The prisoner secured bondsmen. The sum required to balance the books was less than $150.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 1, 1885.
Henry E. Asp went west Monday to submit propositions for the K. C. & S. W. Geuda Springs and Caldwell branch.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 8, 1885.
The case of the State against Henry Mowry, charged with the murder of J. P. Smith at Arkansas City, in August, came up before Judge Dalton yesterday afternoon, and was continued to the next term of the District Court and the defendant admitted to $7,000 bail. The State’s evidence as given at the preliminary examination was presented to the Court by the defending attorneys, Senator Jennings, of this city, and W. E. Stanley, of Wichita, to show a bailable case, County Attorney Asp holding out against. In addition to the stenographic evidence, Senator Jennings, who had examined the Godfrey premises at Arkansas City, put a new phase on the matter by swearing that Mowry fired into Godfrey’s house through the window of a room in which he couldn’t help but know, being familiar with the house, neither Godfrey nor his wife were in, with no possible show of hitting them, indicating that the shots were for a scare. The arguments, by Asp, Jennings, and Stanley were pointed and pithy, as to whether deliberation and premeditation, necessary to murder in the first degree, were proven in Mowry’s killing of Smith. Asp claimed positive evidence of deliberation in the fact that Mowry halted Smith three times before he shot, warning him each time. Smith had no visible weapon and was the only one in close pursuit—if not almost the only one in pursuit at all. The defense argued that Mowry’s terrible fear made deliberation impossible, and that the shot was the result of momentary passion—could be nothing else from the evidence. The Court held that the evidence was not sufficient to prove premeditation and deliberation. A number of Mowry’s friends and the State’s witnesses were present from Arkansas City, and Mowry was congratulated on getting fail, the most noticeable one who shook his hand being O. F. Godfrey, over whose wife this whole tragedy occurred. The bond was taken down to Arkansas City last evening. The bondsmen will be W. D. and Al. Mowry and their mother and others. The bond will likely be approved tomorrow, and Henry released.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 10, 1885.
Out on $7,000 Bail. The case of the State against Henry Mowry, charged with the murder of J. P. Smith at Arkansas City in August, came up before Judge Dalton Monday afternoon, and was continued to the next term of the District Court and the defendant admitted to $7,000 bail. The Courier says the State’s evidence as given at the preliminary examination was presented to the Court by the defending attorneys, to show a bailable case; County Attorney Asp, holding out against. In addition to the stenographic evidence, Senator Jennings, who had examined the Godfrey premises at Arkansas City, put a new phase on the matter by swearing that Mowry fired into Godfrey’s house through the window of a room in which he couldn’t help but know, being familiar with the house, neither Godfrey nor his wife were in, with no possible show of hitting them, indicating that the shots were for a scare. Asp claimed positive evidence of deliberation in the fact that Mowry halted Smith three times before he shot, warning him each time; Smith had no visible weapon and was the only one in close pursuit—if not almost the only one in pursuit at all. The defense argued that Mowry’s terrible fear made deliberation impossible, and that the shot was the result of momentary passion—could be nothing else from the evidence. The court held that the evidence was not sufficient to prove premeditation and deliberation. The bond was brought down to Arkansas City Tuesday and filed. Henry Mowry came home Tuesday evening.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
The Marriage of Mr. Ezra H. Nixon and Miss
Jessie Millington Thursday Night.
THE TOKENS AND DONORS.
Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hackney and Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Asp, silver butter pads.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Among the guests at the Nixon-Millington wedding last Thursday evening were Mrs. Henry E. Asp, of Winfield; and Mrs. Jas. M. Dever, of Topeka.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.
Recap Administrators Notice. James A. Goforth, Administrator of the estate of Alice Goforth, deceased. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys. Notice sent to Orlena Goforth, J. J. Goforth, W. P. Goforth, Robert Goforth, Lucy Goforth, Laura Goforth, Jane Goforth, Clyde Goforth, C. B. Goforth, Alice Goforth, Ellen Goforth, May Goforth, A. P. Brooks, T. P. Brooks, William Brooks, J. B. Brooks, James Brooks, Osborne Brooks, Nattion [?] Brooks, Cordelia Cockrum, C. T. Cockrum, James Cockrum, Laura Myers, George Myers, and James A Goforth. Asked for sale of real estate. Hearing: November 9, 1885. H. D. Gans, Probate Judge.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 17, 1885.
Railroad Talk. We are told by good authority that the K. C. & S. W. Railway will be completed to Arkansas City by the middle of next month. The track is laid through Winfield to the Walnut River south, where a bridge is being constructed. Graders are on this side of the Walnut throwing up dirt, and as soon as the bridge is completed, which will be in about one week, track-layers will commence to extend the iron band towards Arkansas City that is to connect us with the great Gould system of railway. The foreman of the track-laying gang was in the city Saturday last to contract for the boarding of his men, when they arrive near enough Arkansas City. Railroad men will be in our city all fall and the greater part of winter, as considerable time will be consumed in bridging the Arkansas. After that the construction train will run out from our city with men and supplies to the scene of operation, and returning at eventide, until the K. C. & S. W. is completed to the State or Sumner County line. We suppose a station will be located there, but in time Arkansas City will spread out sufficiently to take it into her corporate limits.
The much talked of branch leaving the K. C. & S. W. Road between here and Winfield, known as the Geuda Springs & Caldwell railroad, will not be built this fall. In fact, the REPUBLICAN does not believe now that it will ever be built, unless the junction be formed at Arkansas City and the road be built west from here.
To span as large a stream as the Arkansas River twice for the same railway system within a distance of 10 miles appears to be a needless expenditure of money. By a strong pull and a pull altogether, we can make our town the junction of the K. C. & S. W., and their western extension, regardless of Asp.
We have looked at the call for an election in Walton Township—Geuda Springs—asking for aid, and it says that the road will be constructed within a specified time if “no legal hindrance” prevents. This argument should not quiet our solicitude. The people never know where a railroad is going until its completion and operation. The K. C. & Southwestern might shoot off in that direction with a branch and deprive us of considerable rich trading territory.
Aid is also being asked from Walton Township by the Ft. Smith, Wellington & Northwestern. The road starts at Ft. Smith, Arkansas, passes northwesterly through the Indian Territory and Kansas into Colorado. The road as projected will strike our fair city, Geuda Springs, Wellington, etc., and open up a southern market. Then we can exchange our hogs and flour with the natives of Arkansas for lumber and coal. The company building the road claim that within 18 months it will be constructed. Aid has been voted in several townships in Sumner County already, and elections are called in several other townships along the line. We would think that it would be to the interests of Geudaites to seek this road. This corporation we are told has the right of way through the Territory.
The prediction which we made a short time since that Arkansas City was being looked at by railroad corporations with a longing eye is being fulfilled. Let the good work go on. The REPUBLICAN will continue to shout the glad tidings to the people, and when Arkansas City has grown to be the metropolis of the southwest, we will quit the sounding of our bugle, but not till then.
Arkansas City Republican, October 17, 1885.
Railroad Meeting.
The citizens of Arkansas City have just awakened to the fact that they are about to be left out in the cold in the matter of the K. C. & S. W. Railroad. It has now become known that the Geuda Springs branch is only another name for the K. C. & S. W., and that while the company will fulfill their agreement to the letter, and build the road through Arkansas City to the state line, they have intentions of making the junction at least three miles north of here and thus make the Geuda Springs & Caldwell branch the main line, while this will be only a stub with not sufficient length to justify a separate service. The effect will be that when the road is in operation that only such trains as are absolutely necessary will ever be run down here, a local freight perhaps. This is a direct stab at Arkansas City from the Winfield element in the company headed by the road’s attorney, Henry E. Asp, our present county attorney. To devise some means to have the junction here or south of here, provided a western branch is built, was the object of a meeting held in the office of Meigs & Nelson Thursday evening.
The meeting was called to order by N. T. Snyder, Judge Kreamer being called to the chair and N. T. Snyder, secretary.
George Cunningham stated the object of the meeting, which was to devise some way to prevent the junction from being north of Arkansas City, and asked Mr. Hill to make a statement of what the company intended to do.
Mr. Hill said that the company intended to build the road through Arkansas City to the state line, and that the Caldwell branch would also undoubtedly be built, and that it would be to his interest, and to the company’s interest, to have the branch start from here, as it would require but one bridge. He also stated that the company, outside of the Winfield element, was favorable to Arkansas City. He acknowledged that the company was morally, if not legally bound, to make the junction here, because it was upon these express promises that they had obtained the aid of Arkansas City in voting the bonds.
Rev. Fleming made a forcible speech, charging it as conspiracy on the part of Winfield to leave Arkansas City out in the cold and a violation of the promises made by Asp and others when they obtained our aid.
Amos Walton said that it was a conspiracy that was entered into at the time the company approached Winfield. Every opposition was made to Mr. Hill’s efforts to get the road through the east part of the city and east of the Santa Fe. The city council was even in the conspiracy, as shown by the fact that they would not grant the right of way of street crossings unless the road went west of the city. The road going west, he estimated, cost $25,000 more than the east route. “Winfield voted $20,000 bonds to get them in there and charged them $25,000 to get out.”
A. A. Newman moved that a committee of five be appointed to confer with Mr. Hill as regards the best means of attaining the object of the meeting. The chair appointed A. A. Newman, Geo. W. Cunningham, Amos Walton, Rev. Fleming, and S. Matlack as that committee.
The following resolution was passed.
Resolved, That the K. C. & S. W. Railroad Company is not treating the city of Arkansas City fairly, and in the same generous spirit which the citizens treated them in the inception of the road in the matter of building a road diverging from their line north of this city. In support of this proposition, would say that it was promised and agreed by Mr. Asp, attorney for the road, in order to obtain our aid, that the line of road should come down east of the A. T. & S. F., and yet the leading citizens of Winfield antagonized the road sufficient to prevent its coming through Winfield on a line to accomplish that object and to the injury of the company forced it upon the west side of the city of Winfield, and then as a part of the scheme for the injury of Arkansas City proposed and looked up a line leading west only three miles north of the city of Arkansas City. Feeling that it is a violation of the good faith pledged to the city, we would respectfully state that the said line should be left open until the line to the territory on the south of us is built. We would further state as to the matter of expense that in case the company will make a survey and establish the cost of the road from the point in Beaver Township, to the west line of Walton Township, Sumner Co., and a corresponding survey from Arkansas City or south of it, west through Walton Township, Sumner County, that we will willingly make the difference in case it should be favorable to the first mentioned line. W. D. KREAMER, Chairman. N. T. SNYDER, Secretary.
Arkansas City Republican, October 17, 1885.
Scraps of History. Several months ago Burden wanted Arkansas City to affiliate with her in building the K. C. & S. W. Railway, and leave Winfield out in the cold. But our citizens, induced by fair promises from the leading men of Winfield, refused to acknowledge Burden’s request. We combined with Winfield to win the enterprise. She lulled our citizens into peaceful repose by fair promises of standing by us, and then while Arkansas City’s representative in the railroad company was away in New York attending to business of interest to both towns, she stabs us in the back, by hatching a scheme to build a line of railway from the K. C. & S. W., at the edge of Creswell, west through Geuda. Henry E. Asp, our present county attorney, elected by the votes of Arkansas City, says Jim Hill, is the father of the scheme. Remember this, friends, Mr. Asp is a county official and in trying to injure our town for the benefit of his own, overreaches the bounds of his office. Instead of working for the interest of the county, as he was in honor bound to do after the promises he made our citizens in regard to the K. C. & S. W., his little soul could not extend out of the corporate limits of Winfield. Well, what he has done can not now be undone. But we wish to remark right here that Mr. Asp is dead politically in this end of Cowley County. We have learned enough about him since his election to remand him to pettifoggery once more as soon as his term of office shall have expired. As far as Winfield is concerned, she seems to have forgotten that there is a feeling yet existing for Tisdale to be the county seat of Cowley County.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
The resentment shown by our citizens to the treacherous attempt of certain Winfield parties to put this city off at the back end of a spur, and carry the railroad on to Geuda, and Caldwell, the Courier affects to ridicule; and, the dissatisfaction expressed with Henry Asp and some of the republicans who are seeking office, that journal pronounces a case of “if I can’t lick you, I can make mouths at your sister.” The Courier being indirectly implicated in the swindle, it is but natural that it should resort to contumely as argument fails it. Perhaps the people of Arkansas City know when they are injured without taking counsel of that officious organ.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 21, 1885.
Council Proceedings. The City Council met in regular session on Monday evening, all the members present, acting Mayor Thompson in the chair.
Mr. Hill introduced an ordinance, prepared by Henry E. Asp, attorney for the Kansas City and Southwestern Railway Company, granting the right of way through Arkansas City. Two routes are proposed, one along First Street to Leonard’s addition, the other along Third Street to Fifth Avenue; the council to determine the more expedient route. After a prolonged discussion of the matter, it was determined that the council should meet at the Star Livery Stable at 8 o’clock the next morning, where hacks would be ready to take them over the proposed routes; and at 9 o’clock they would meet in their chamber to take action.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
The cases of James A. Bowlin vs. Selora A. White, suit on failure of sheep contract, 200, and Henry E. Asp, guardian of Linscott estate vs. W. M. Roberts, suit to partition real estate, were filed with District Clerk Pate on Wednesday.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
Henry E. Asp, guardian of minor heirs of Linscott, judgment to partition real estate, and S. C. Smith, J. F. Miller, and M. L. Read appointed to make said partition.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
List of Appointments by Republican County Central Committee. Townships—
Fairview—Little Dutch, Oct. 24. A. H. Limerick and Henry E. Asp.
Tisdale—New Salem, Oct. 28; Tisdale, Oct. 27. H. D. Gans and Henry E. Asp.
Otter—Stockdale’s, Oct. 23. Capt. A. Stuber and Henry E. Asp.
Beaver—Tannehill, Oct. 27. H. D. Gans and Henry E. Asp.
Liberty—Rose Valley, Oct. 29; Prairie Ridge, Oct. 30. H. D. Gans and Henry E. Asp.
All meetings will be held at 7:30 p.m. Members of township committees will please see that the places of meeting are properly lighted and that due notice is given.
By order of Republican County Central Committee.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
Capt. H. H. Siverd has been stirring Udall up again. He recently brought down a number of witnesses, on county attorney’s subpoenas, to be pumped by Asp. Something will again “drap,” with a mighty “dull thud.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 22, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
Henry E Asp et ux to K C & S W R R Co., lot 2, blk 8, Manning’s ad to Winfield: $1,000.
Margaret Manning to Henry E Asp, lot 2, blk 8, except a strip fifty feet wide on the west end in Manning’s ad to Winfield: $2,425
Henry E Asp et ux to J C McMullen, lot 2, blk 8, Manning’s ad to Winfield, except fifty feet off the west end: $2,500.
B B Vandeventer et ux to Henry E Asp, tract in 21-32-4e, 5 acres: $1,000.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 24, 1885.
The Railroad Muddle. For the past ten days the all-absorbing railroad topic has held the attention of our citizens. You could see them gathered in crowds on the street corners discussing the prospect of having a branch extended west three miles north of us. We all realized that such a branch would be detrimental to Arkansas City, and have been very much excited over the project. We naturally would as it effects our home. Anyone possessing the slightest patriotism at all would enter a hearty protest against the junction being made north of us only three miles.
The excitement was cooled down considerably by promises made by our townsman and a prominent member of the K. C. & S. W., Jas. Hill, that no such a branch would be constructed. He informed our citizens at the council chamber last Monday evening that should the K. C. & S. W. Railway extend its line west at all, the junction would be formed at or south of Arkansas City just across the Arkansas. The reason he assigned for this was that if the branch was made to Geuda north of Arkansas City that about ten miles of road would have to be constructed without any aid from the people, and that a bridge across the Arkansas at Geuda, costing about $35,000, would have to be erected and maintained. As the construction of railroads cost about $20,000 per mile, it will be readily seen that if that branch was ever built, it would cause a large outlay of money, which would be useless if the company came to Arkansas City and then went west. He also stated that the reason propositions had been submitted in Sumner County on this branch was to head off the Ft. Smith & Wellington road. The K. C. & S. W. was desirous of going west and they submitted their proposition for the purpose of holding that territory in order that they might receive aid when they were ready to build their projected western line.
He further stated that Mr. Asp had submitted the propositions without any orders from President Toole, Jas. Young, or himself.
Jas. Young, one of the most influential spirits of the K. C. & S. W. company, came down from Winfield Tuesday to meet our citizens and have a talk with them about the matter. The meeting was held in Judge Pyburn’s office, the Judge presiding over the assembly by an unanimous vote. Mr. Young stated to us that he and the company had no intentions of building the branch west; that they were not ready to do so, and that he had informed delegates from Caldwell and Geuda Springs on Monday that all propositions along the projected line had better be withdrawn; that in his judgment the junction should be formed at Arkansas City or just south across the river if the line was ever extended west; that while Mr. Asp was acting in good faith, he was doing so without instructions from the company. Mr. Young further stated that by withdrawing the K. C. & S. W. proposition in Sumner County, it would be a detriment to the company as the matter had gone so far. That he was going to St. Louis immediately to consult with Pres. Toole on the matter of calling in the propositions and that he would telegraph the citizens of Arkansas City immediately the action taken.
Mr. Young also said that Arkansas City and Omnia Township had stood by the K. C. & S. W. company and that their interests should not be forgotten.
This is the action up to our going to press. We have concealed nothing and told nothing but the bare facts, which have been laid before us in the last few days.
Our readers can draw their own conclusions. Winfield citizens forced the K. C. & S. W. track on the west side of their town, in order that the road might be forced to run as far west in Beaver Township as possible. They had in view the building of the branch to Geuda three miles north of Arkansas City and have “boomed” it. They are now probably laughing in their sleeves at our discomfiture. But the true old saying of “He who laughs last, laughs loudest and longest,” should be remembered. They laugh now, but perhaps Arkansas City will turn the tables soon. We won’t forget Winfield’s contemptible action in this matter nor the men who originated and propelled the scheme to injure our town. The time may come again when they will want to join hands with Arkansas City in order to secure an enterprise, but our eyes are open now, and no more will we affiliate with them.
Arkansas City Republican, October 24, 1885.
LIST OF APPOINTMENTS BY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE.
Otter: Stockdale, Oct. 23. Capt. A. Stuber and Henry E. Asp.
Beaver: Tannehill, Oct. 27. H. D. Gans and Henry E. Asp.
Liberty: Rose Valley, Oct. 29. Prairie Ridge, Oct. 30. H. D. Gans and Henry E. Asp.
Arkansas City Republican, October 24, 1885.
When we recall the events which have transpired in relation to Cowley County in getting the K. C. & S. W. And D. M. & A railroads, we wonder how a Winfield man dare show his face on our streets. We pledged Winfield to help to carry the D. M. & A. Bonds, and fulfilled it. We get not the slightest benefit from the D. M. & A. When the K. C. & S. W. wanted to run their line via Burden, we joined hands with the county seat and induced the road to be constructed through it. Now, the ingrate up the road rises up, stabs at our heart’s blood by promulgating a scheme to build a branch west to Geuda, the junction being formed only three miles north of us. But, thank God, a stop has been put to it. M. L. Robinson, J. C. Long, and the puppy pettifogger, Henry E. Asp, will be remembered. Remembered by 1,014 voters in Arkansas City.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.
THE
TELEGRAM DISCOVERS AN AWFUL RING IN WINFIELD.
“The Ring in Winfield is composed principally of Messrs. Millington, Greer, Hackney, and Asp, two firms which, for railroad and political purposes, have combined their influences and have been gathering into their control, as much as possible, the public interests of the county. There are other persons who, through necessity perhaps, are connected with and influenced by them, but who are tools rather than principal parts of the ring itself. Mr. Millington stands at the head of an old established paper and consequently possesses influence from this fact. He is or was, an officer of the K. C. & S. W. railroad and while he bitterly fought the D., M. & A. project until compelled by public opinion to surrender, he found no public interests in conflict with his own railroad project. Mr. Greer, his partner, and an employee of the K. C. & S. W. railroad, was made a member of the Legislature by the ring influences, and the voters of the district made the pleasant discovery that they had elected as a man to stand between them and the grasping nature of railroads, a railroad employee. By the same ring influences, Henry Asp was secured the election of county attorney and the voters again discovered that their paid and honored attorney, whose special business it was to guard the many legal interests of the county, was a salaried attorney of the same railroad company.” Telegram.
What an astounding discovery? Who would have thought? But personally we feel rather complimented by the alleged composition of the ring. For the information of the Telegram, we will remark, however, that public opinion has not yet compelled us to resign and we are still a director of the K. C. & S. W. railroad. So is Greer, and Mr. Asp is still attorney for the same railroad company. Yes, and we all glory in our shame. We do not think the people of Winfield or of the county are going to “smash” us very badly for the part either of the four have taken in relation to the K. C. & S. W. railroad. The road is an established fact and has already reduced the rates of freight to and from the east twenty per cent. It has built up towns, and is giving Winfield and Arkansas City the biggest kind of booms. It has given employment to our people and laborers at round prices, has stimulated other enterprises, has paid large sums of money to our people for labor, supplies, and right of way, and has made Cowley prosperous in a time when elsewhere is the general cry of hard times. Yes, we are willing to admit that we are in a ring for that purpose. But the ring is much larger than would appear from the Telegram article. It embraces a very large number of men, energetic and active citizens of not only Winfield and Arkansas City, but of other parts of the county. So far as the D., M. & A. is concerned, though not in any way connected with its management, as are some others of our citizens, it has no warmer friends than the above named members of this ring, and later events have proved that our early position in regard to its first proposition to this county was the correct one and worked to the advantage of the project.
Politically this ring is somewhat differently constituted. While there are Democrats prominent in the ring for railroad purposes, they are excluded or exclude themselves for political purposes. But in this phase of the ring, it is much more extensive than in the former, embracing the majority of the voters of the county. In this respect the members of the ring disagree and their differences are settled by the Republican caucuses, when they take hold and work together to carry out the decision. For instance, Hackney disapproved of the candidacy of Greer for Representative last year and neither of the above named members, except himself, did a thing or said a word to help him to the nomination, yet the convention nominated him without their help, and we think his work in the Legislature has justified the convention in its action. Two of the named members supported earnestly the nomination of Capt. Hunt this year, and the two others did not oppose, yet Hunt was not nominated. In short, more frequently than otherwise, the said four members disagree in the choice of candidates for office and work against each other before the nominations are made, but we are happy to say that they invariably work together after the balance of the ring, the Republican party, has made up the tickets.
The attempt to slur Henry E. Asp in that article is simply contemptible. The duties of his office of county attorney are as ably, as faithfully, and as thoroughly attended to as under any former incumbent, and besides this he has done an incredible amount of work to secure our new railroad and to benefit the whole county, and this railroad would not have been built without his unremitting and efficient hard labor and his influence and sleepless nights. This community owes Henry E. Asp too much not to despise those who attempt to cast such slurs on his work. Few have done more to secure the D., M. & A. than Mr. Asp, though his province has been with the K. C. & S. W. The time will come when Henry E. Asp will be appreciated in this county and be honored as he deserves.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.
The
people of Winfield owe much to Henry Asp for his perseverance in sticking to
his hobby, the K. C. & S. W. road, until it is now a reality. If the people
of the hub are up to snuff, they will not let his services go forgotten. The
same might be said of Charlie Black for the deep interest he has and is taking
in the D., M. & A. road. These two roads are of great importance to the
County. Udall Sentinel.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.
The depot building at Latham, on the K. C. & S. W., will be moved next week four or five hundred yards up the track, and the city of Tolles will be taken up bodily and placed some half a mile this way in order to make it a commercial center. Fred Kropp will hitch next week. Fred has moved almost everything in the last few weeks, but this is the first town he has unseated.
Arkansas City Republican, October 31, 1885.
Last fall Capt. Thompson, Democratic candidate for sheriff, was elected a delegate to the state convention by his party. Afterwards he participated in a Republican primary convention, working hard for the nomination of Henry Asp. The Democrats could not stand this, so they requested Capt. not to go to the convention. “It is useless to say that Capt. remained at home.” Now, the Democrat tells us that Capt. Thompson sold his vote to Jas. O’Neil, of water works fame, while serving as councilman. It tells you now that Capt. is an honest fellow and begs for your suffrage for him. Voters, which story will you credit.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 5, 1885.
Miss Eva Dodds, with Hackney & Asp, left for a visit in the East Sunday.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 7, 1885.
The
Situation. If Arkansas City can down Winfield in getting the Caldwell branch of
the Kansas City & Southwestern, it is all right. The Telegram will
not kick. The Colorado Midland or the Denver, Memphis & Atlantic will
occupy that territory with a line. Winfield don’t propose to be left on any
enterprise. Telegram.
This shows up the true animus of that branch west. The Telegram shows it was a Winfield project, notwithstanding H. E. Asp’s claims to the contrary.
Arkansas City Republican, November 7, 1885.
The K. C. & S. W. Once More. Wednesday morning, bright and early, information reached our citizens that some of the propositions to be submitted by the Geuda Springs and Caldwell road in different townships in Sumner County asking aid, read to the effect that the road was to leave the K. C. & S. W. between Arkansas City and Winfield. In Walton Township—Geuda—the proposition read to go west from Arkansas City. By this it would seem that someone was determined to hurt the interests of Arkansas City. Our citizens were once more aroused to action, and when James Hill, L. D. Latham, and H. E. Asp made their appearance upon the streets in the afternoon they were besieged on every side by inquiries in regard to the matter. We were told by these gentlemen that we had been informed correctly. Immediately the citizen’s committee marshaled its forces and called a meeting, requesting the railroad company to be present. The meeting was held in Judge Pyburn’s office, that gentleman presiding. Some very plain and sensible talk was indulged in by our citizens and the company. The latter was informed that if any such propositions reading that the road would be extended west between here and Winfield, were submitted in Sumner County, no right of way through the city would be granted and the company’s interests would be fought by our citizens on every hand. This stirred the gentlemen up somewhat and after a conference among themselves they decided to comply once more with the requests of Arkansas City. It was agreed that all propositions to be submitted in Sumner County should be sanctioned by our citizen’s committee before submission. A copy of each petition calling the elections will be forwarded to the citizen’s committee for perusal in order that no more “monkeying,” as Jim Hill expresses it, may be indulged in. We are glad to announce to the public that it has been decided by the company to build its road west from Arkansas City via Geuda to Caldwell within the next 16 months and petitions calling elections in the several townships will be submitted to that effect in a few days. This is as it should be.
The following letter was read to the council.
ARKANSAS CITY, NOVEMBER 10, 1885.
To
the Hon. Mayor and Councilmen of the City of Arkansas City, Kansas.
GENTLEMEN: The Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Company hereby accept the provisions of Ordinance No. 25, of said city of Arkansas City, the same being an ordinance granting the right of way to the Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Co., upon and across certain streets, avenues, and alleys in the city of Arkansas City, Kansas, and repealing Ordinance No. 24, of the ordinances of said city, with all the rights, duties, and obligations thereof. KANSAS CITY & SOUTHWESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY. By Henry E. Asp, its general agent.
Ordinance No. 25 was then read by sections and adopted seriatim and it was then adopted as a whole.
On motion the council adjourned.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Jerusha Tousley filed her petition with District Clerk Pate Wednesday, asking for a divorce from her husband, William Tousley. Hackney & Asp are her attorneys.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Henry E. Asp as guardian of the estate of the Linscott heirs versus W. M. Roberts, report of Commissioners approved in partition of real estate.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 12, 1885.
Recap: Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Suit in District Court by Julia F. Randall, Plaintiff, against Charles E. Randall, Defendant, non-resident of the State of Kansas. She was seeking a divorce and getting her maiden name of Julia F. Northrup back and custody and control of her minor child, Charles Randall. Petition had to be answered by December 25, 1885.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 19, 1885.
Hindsight Versus Foresight. The Caldwell branch of the K. C. & S. W. railroad will run from Arkansas City. The question was settled last week. The propositions which had been submitted to townships in Sumner County stipulating that the branch should leave the main line at Winfield or a point north of the center of Beaver township, are withdrawn and others submitted stipulating that it shall branch from Arkansas City. While but few of the citizens of Winfield seem to realize it, the fight over this question has been most fierce and bitter. The Winfield members of the company bent their energies from the first to secure this branch for Winfield, and of course expected and counted upon the hearty cooperation of our citizens and municipal authorities. They early presented the matter to the company, took pains to ascertain from the citizens of Sumner County what aid could be secured, and formulated a proposition which embraced four thousand dollars per mile for every mile constructed in Sumner, and pledged to the company hearty and liberal encouragement from Winfield in the right of way through the city, land, and money for machine shops, etc. The propositions were considered and determined upon and the matter was fixed before the road reached our city on the most feasible route and branch from Winfield. But when the Winfield members were called upon for the right of way through the city, they could not deliver the goods. The route selected by the engineer as being the most feasible, was through the eastern part of town. Mr. Asp approached the city council and suggested that they allay this road to occupy some street in the east part of the City. As a precedent for this request, he cited Wichita, which had given like privileges to two railroads, El Dorado the same, Emporia the same, Topeka, Leavenworth, Atchison, Ottawa, and many others. Immediately there arose a howl the like of which we have rarely heard. Members of the council seemed to care more for the sanctity of their back yards than for the future welfare of the city whose interests they were especially selected to protect. Mr. Asp argued with them individually and collectively, early and late, but it was of no use. They said, some of them, that he was “personally interested.” This was in a measure true, but they failed to observe that his position enabled him to see more clearly the benefits which might be reaped for Winfield by a judicious and liberal public policy, and, laying aside the contemptible insinuation that he would betray his own people for a mess of pottage, his greatest “personal interest” lay in the permanent and enduring prosperity of Winfield. Mr. Asp made one of the ablest speeches and strongest personal appeals to the council in public session, but he was unanimously set down upon. The council had got it into their heads that the proper place for the road was out by Bliss & Wood’s mill and up a canyon, despite the protest of the chief engineer that such a route was impracticable. Then the road tried to get the council’s consent to buy their way through the east part. This was refused. Then they asked permission to climb the hill and cross Ninth avenue a mile east of Main street. The councilmen were taken in carriages to view the route and agreed verbally to let the road go there. A special meeting was called that evening only to result in their going back on what they had agreed to in the morning. Then the road asked that they might follow the Santa Fe around the town and get out in decent order. But another councilman’s back yard was endangered and even this was refused. The company was dismayed. Instead of finding Winfield friendly to the road, they found her council ready to throttle it, to disembowel it, to scatter its fragments over the whole surrounding territory rather than that the “beauty” of the east part of town should be forever marred by the presence of a railroad track, although the company offered to plank the track, inside and out, and making a continual crossing from limit to limit of the city. In this the council was ably seconded by citizens whose back yards with that of the writer, were seriously threatened. Every new move only seemed to increase the bloodthirsty disposition of our valiant city fathers, until the road ordered its Chief Engineer to locate the line in accordance with the dictation of the city council of Winfield. The Chief Engineer did so. The road is now built and we advise every citizen and will furnish carriages for the city council, to go out and view it. It ruins the fair grounds. It damages the Park for public purposes. It practically vacates the only road over which the people of Vernon, Beaver, and part of Pleasant Valley can get into Winfield—and two miles of it costs the company forty-six thousand dollars more than they receive from Winfield in aid, leaving them with one of the most dangerous and expensive pieces of road to maintain and operate forever that there is in Kansas outside of the Flint Hills, which were for years a practical barrier to railroad building in the Southwest.
This is Winfield’s attitude toward this company; now for Arkansas City:
She wanted the road. She was willing that Winfield might have two roads to her one, and voted solidly for the D., M. & A., redeeming her pledges faithfully. She also wanted the Caldwell branch. She asked the company to simply notify her of what it thought necessary to be done and they would do it. The company suggested that they give the road a street, free of cost, from limit to limit of their city. The suggestion was embodied in an ordinance and passed unanimously, leaving the company its option to select which street it wanted, and even holding the company harmless for any damages that might arise from its occupancy.
We believe that the action of our city council toward this road has been the most unfortunate move in the history of Winfield. Had it accorded the company any kind of fair and decent treatment, we would have the Caldwell branch, the permanent division, machine shops, and general headquarters, all of which the company had offered, which would place Winfield far in the lead of any city in Southern Kansas. These things were within our grasp. The fight had been made and these points gained before the road reached town. It only needed the sanction of the Council to settle it.
We believe they all acted for what they thought to be best, and a minority would have saved us the prize if they had only had the power.
Broad-gauge men will make a live, enterprising, flourishing town—close-fisted and short-sighted ones will kill it if given enough rope. We have the former if they will only wake up and help to take in the slack on the latter. Winfield’s future is grand and promising, but no city can afford to make many such costly mistakes—especially after being fully informed and with their eyes opened.
We may yet secure some of the advantages which seem to have drifted away from us, but the fight has to be made over again. The Winfield members of the company will work for Winfield to the extent of their ability and means, but the measure of their success will depend upon the attitude of Winfield and her Council and men of influence.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 21, 1885.
The following charter was filed with the secretary of State last Tuesday.
“The Geuda Springs, Caldwell, Harper & Northwestern Railroad Company.” Place of business, Winfield, Cowley County. Route: from Geuda Springs, Sumner County, in a northwest course to Denver, Colorado. Estimated length of road 700 miles. Capital stock, $5,000,000. Directors for the first year: A. Stevens and J. W. Young, of Chicago, Illinois; H. E. Asp and J. D. Dantham [?], of Winfield, and J. Munger and W. S. Torrey, of Harper, Kansas.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 21, 1885.
A Candle Lecture. The Caldwell branch of the K. C. & S. W. Railroad will run from Arkansas City. The question was settled last week. The propositions which had been submitted to townships in Sumner County stipulating that the branch should leave the main line at Winfield or a point north of the center of Beaver Township, are withdrawn and others submitted stipulating that it shall branch from Arkansas City. While but few of the citizens of Winfield seem to realize it, the fight over this question has been most fierce and bitter. The Winfield members of the company bent their energies from the first to secure this branch for Winfield, and of course expected and counted upon the hearty co-operation of our citizens and municipal authorities. They early presented the matter to the company, took pains to ascertain from the citizens of Sumner County what aid could be secured, and formulated a proposition which embraced four thousand dollars per mile for every mile constructed in Sumner, and pledged to the company hearty and liberal encouragement from Winfield in the right of way through the city, land and money for machine shops, etc. The propositions were considered and determined upon and the matter was fixed before the road reached our city that the road should go through the city on the most feasible route and branch from Winfield. But when the Winfield members were called upon for the right of way through the city, they could not deliver the goods. The route selected by the engineer as being the most feasible, was through the eastern part of town. Mr. Asp approached the city council and suggested that they allow this road to occupy some street in the east part of the city. Immediately there arose a great howl, the like of which we have rarely heard. Members of the council seemed to care more for the sanctity of their backyards than for the future welfare of the city whose interests they were especially selected to protect. The council had got it into their heads that the proper place for the road was out by Bliss & Wood’s mill, and up a canyon, despite the protest of the chief engineer that such a route was impracticable. Then the road tried to get the council’s consent to buy their way through the eastern part. This was refused. Then they asked permission to climb the hill and cross Ninth Avenue a mile east of Main Street. The councilmen were taken in carriages to view the route and agreed verbally to let the road go there. A special meeting was called that evening only to result in their going back on what they had agreed to in the morning. Then the road asked that they might follow the Santa Fe around the town and get out in decent order. But another councilman’s backyard was endangered, and even this was refused. The company was dismayed. Instead of finding Winfield friendly to the road, they found her council ready to throttle it, rather than that the “beauty” of the east part of town should be forever marred by the presence of a railroad track, although the company offered to plank the track inside and out, making a continual crossing from limit to limit of the city. Every new move only seemed to increase the blood-thirsty disposition of our valiant city fathers, until the road ordered its Chief Engineer to locate their line in accordance with the dictation of the city council of Winfield. The Chief Engineer did so. The road is now built. It ruins the fair ground; it damages the park for public purposes. It practically vacates the only road over which the people of Vernon, Beaver, and part of Pleasant Valley can get into Winfield—and two miles of it cost the company forty-six thousand dollars more than they receive from Winfield in aid, leaving them with one of the most dangerous and expensive pieces of road, to maintain and operate forever, that there is in Kansas outside of the flint hills. This is Winfield’s attitude toward this company.
Now for Arkansas City.
She wanted the road. She was willing that Winfield might have two roads to her one, and voted solidly for the D. M. & A., redeeming her pledges faithfully. She also wanted the Caldwell branch. She asked the company to simply notify her of what it thought necessary to be done, and they would do it. The company suggested that they give the road a street, free of cost, from limit to limit of their city. The suggestion was embodied in an ordinance and passed unanimously, leaving the company its option to select which street it wanted, and even holding the company harmless for any damages that might arise from its occupancy.
Had Winfield accorded the company any kind of fair and decent treatment, she would have had the Caldwell branch, the permanent division, machine shops, and general headquarters, all of which the company had offered, which would place Winfield far in the lead of any city in southern Kansas.
Broad-gauge men will make a live, enterprising, flourishing town; selfish, close-fisted, and short-sighted ones will kill it if given enough rope. Winfield Courier.
Arkansas City Republican, November 21, 1885.
Last Tuesday evening A. A. Newman and H. E. Asp went over to Guelph Township and held a railroad meeting in the interest of the G. S. & C. Road. Quite a large number of Guelph Township’s voters were in attendance and expressed a willingness to aid in getting the road.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 25, 1885.
THE SORROWS OF WINFIELD. There is a heavy washing of dirty linen being done in Winfield. The jealousy of the people there is aroused at the advantages likely to accrue to this city from the Kansas City and Southwestern railroad being built through our boundaries and then carried to the state line.
The Courier, in an article over a column long, charges hostility to the enterprise on a number of the city council, who were solicitous for the safety of their backyards, and this solicitude also cropped out from the doings and sayings of several private citizens whose property was likely to be invaded. The Courier thus states the treatment visited on the railway managers.
“The council had got it into their heads that the proper place for the road was out by Bliss & Wood’s mill and up a canyon, despite the protest of the chief engineer that such a route was impracticable. Then the road tried to get the council’s consent to buy their way through the east part. This was refused. Then they asked permission to climb the hill and cross Ninth Avenue 4 miles east of Main Street. The councilmen were taken in carriages to view the route and agreed verbally to let the road go there. A special meeting was called that evening only to result in their going back on what they had agreed to in the morning. Then the road asked that they might follow the Santa Fe around the town, and get out in decent order. But another councilman’s backyard was endangered and even this was refused. The company was dismayed. Instead of finding Winfield friendly to the road, they found her council ready to throttle it, to disembowel it, to scatter its fragments over the whole surrounding territory, rather than that the ‘beauty of the east part of town’ should be forever marred by the presence of a railroad track.”
It has been frequently talked on our streets that Winfield gave the K. C. & S. W. company $20,000 to go there, and charged it $25,000 to get out. But the Courier makes a still worse showing. After dwelling on the impracticable character of the route pursued, and bewailing the ruin wrought to the fair ground, the injury to the park, and the divergence of the track from the only road over which the people of Vernon, Beaver, and part of Pleasant Valley can get into Winfield, the writer sums up the adventitious cost of the road at “$46,000 more than it receives from Winfield in aid.” With this further disadvantage, that it leaves the company “one of the most dangerous and expensive pieces of road to maintain (and operate forever) that there is in Kansas, outside of the flint hills.”
With such unfair and inhospitable treatment, we can understand that the railroad company has not the kindest feeling toward that city, and must feel that such help as was bestowed on them costs more than it comes to.
But all this talk is apart from the real question. When the city and county bonds to aid in the construction of the K. C. & S. W. road were voted in this city, it was with the distinct understanding that its track was to be laid directly here and carried hence to the state line. Our people were informed that the road was to be built through into Texas, and the halt would be made on the border of the territory only until the right of way through the Indian country should be granted. The bonds were voted with that understanding and the faithful performance of the undertaking looked to. Our cotem, in strong antithesis, contrasts the conduct of this city toward the railway company with that of Winfield.
Here is how he puts it.
“She (Arkansas City) wanted the road. She was willing that Winfield might have two roads to her one, and voted solidly for the D. M. & A., redeeming her pledges faithfully. She also wanted the Caldwell branch. She asked the company to simply notify her of what it thought necessary to be done and they would do it. The company suggested that they give the road a street, free of cost, from limit to limit of their city. The suggestion was embodied in an ordinance and passed unanimously, leaving the company its option to select which street it wanted, and even holding the company harmless for any damages that might arise from its occupancy.”
This is in striking contrast with the conduct of Winfield toward the railroad company (as detailed by our sprightly cotemporary), but it moved no feeling of gratitude. Ever since the ordinance was passed by our city council, granting the road its choice of the right of way, there have been schemes proposed and combinations entered into, to deprive this city of the benefit of the road, and put us off on a stub. But these sharp tricks were defeated by the prompt, and energetic, action of our businessmen. On two occasions, when they learned that the road was to be diverted from its proposed course and good faith violated, they summoned Messrs. Young, Latham, Asp, and other managers of the road, and informed those gentlemen that if the engagement with this city was not honestly fulfilled, no bonds would issue.
This was argumentum ad hominem. It has been forcibly said: “The man who carries the bag has many forces at his back; an empty sack will not stand upright.” This threat to cut off supplies brought the road managers to terms, and the track was graded to our city without further flouncing.
What threat may be contained in the significant passage with which the Courier editor winds up his arraignment, we do not clearly comprehend. He says: “We may yet secure some of the advantages which seem to have drifted away from us, but the fight has to be made over again. The Winfield members of the company will work for Winfield to the extent of their ability and means, but the measure of their success will depend on the attitude of Winfield and her council and men of influence.” If this means that when the bonds of this city are issued and hypothecated, an effort will be made by “the Winfield members” to have the track removed from this city, it is clear that an act of perfidy is contemplated which will bring confusion on the heads of its promoters. But we borrow no trouble over this intangible avowal. The road will be completed to this city in a few days, and the necessary depot buildings started upon, and possession is nine points of the law. Good faith has been observed by the railway company in spite of the machinations of “the Winfield members;” and as they have lost their opportunity to divert the road, they will now find it a fruitless task to attempt to undo a work that has already been accomplished.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 25, 1885.
THE RAILROAD AT HAND. On Monday Mr. Henry E. Asp, on behalf of the managers of the Kansas City and Southwestern Kansas railroad, then within a few miles of Arkansas City, tendered Mayor Schiffbauer and the city council an excursion over the line to Beaumont and return. The mayor said he should like the invitation extended so as to include our principal businessmen. Mr. Asp said a general excursion to our citizens would be given as soon as the road was completed to the city, and arrangements could be made for the entertainment of a large number of guests, but at the present time not more than a score of excursionists could be provided for. This being the case, Mayor Schiffbauer invited the city council, authorizing each member to take a friend along, and also included in the invitation the railroad committee of the board of trade. This filled out the allotted number.
The following gentlemen composed the excursion party.
Mayor Schiffbauer, Councilmen Thompson, Bailey, Dunn, Dean, Davis, and Hight. (Councilman A. D. Prescott was unable to take part, through business engagements, and Councilman Hill was found superintending the construction of the road.)
The friends they invited and who were present for duty, were mine host Perry, J. Frank Smith, J. H. Hilliard, Frank Thompson, and City Clerk Benedict.
The railroad committee consisted of A. A. Newman, N. T. Snyder, Major Sleeth, G. W. Cunningham, W. D. Mowry, and T. H. McLaughlin. These with the present writer (nineteen in all) formed the invited party, Henry E. Asp accompanying them as host and guide.
At 7:30 on Tuesday morning, omnibuses were in waiting at the Leland Hotel to carry the excursionists to the end of the track, and the party being seated, a brisk drive of three miles carried them to an animated scene. The day’s labors had begun, upwards of 100 workmen being employed. A construction train of ten or a dozen cars was on hand, loaded with implements and material: ties, rails, fish-plates, bolts, spikes, shovels, and so on. The ties were of well seasoned oak brought from Arkansas, which were being unloaded by lusty arms, and thrown onto tracks, which was distributed along the grade. The train was standing on the foremost rails that were spiked, and in advance of this was a rail truck drawn by two mules, which recovered the iron from the flat car, and carried it forward over the loose rails, a force of men standing by the truck and laying the rail as fast as the ties were in place.
Track laying, in these days of railroad building, is reduced to an exact science. The ties are laid along the road bed under the direction of a foreman; another crew extends the nails, which is followed up by the spike-drivers. A sufficient force can lay two miles of track a day without extraordinary effort, and the onlooker has to maintain a steady sauntering pace to keep up with the workmen.
Some delay was caused on Tuesday morning by a disagreement between two foremen, which resulted in a fisticuff encounter. The aggressor in the unpleasantness was discharged, and his crew, numbering about thirty men, refused to work under another boss. They were all sent to Winfield to receive their pay, and a fresh force brought from there to take their place. This delayed the work about an hour and a half.
At 8:30 a.m. the whistle of the excursion train sounded about one-fourth of a mile along the track, and our party of pleasure seekers made good time walking in the direction of the cars. T. H. McLaughlin stumped along, with his one live leg, as agile as the best of them; but Councilman Davis, another mutilated war veteran, jumped into a vehicle to save a fatiguing walk. The track to Winfield is not yet ballasted, and the running time to that city was slow. The bridge over the Walnut is a substantial piece of work, being raised on trestles 45 feet above the stream, and the approaches being supported on solid masonry. The two miles of road south of Winfield cost $65,000.
At Winfield a brief stay was made to take on passengers, and here Mr. Latham joined the party, who was heartily greeted by his Arkansas City guests, and who spent the day in their company. From Winfield a good rate of speed was put on, the road being well ballasted and running as smoothly as a bowling green. The first station reached was Floral, nine miles from Winfield. This is a thrifty place, which has sprung into existence since the road was built, is well situated, and surrounded by a good country. Wilmot is 8½ miles distant, and Atlanta, 7 miles along. Latham is in Butler County, also a railroad town, built on a broad creek, and already containing 400 or 500 inhabitants. Commodious stone stores are in process of erection, an extensive lumber yard is well stocked, and other business lines are well represented. At Wingate (between the two places last named) there is a flag station. Beaumont was reached about 11:30, the distance from Latham being 13 miles. Here the K. C. & S. W. Road forms a junction with the St. Louis & San Francisco road, and here the journey terminated. Several miles of the Flint hills were traversed in reaching here, a surface formation of brecciated and abraded rock, which proves that at some time in the geological periods this whole region was overflown. Dinner was ready for the excursionists when they stepped off at the station, their dining hall being a commodious room on the upper floor of that building, under charge of Noah Herring and his very excellent and capable wife. Two tables furnished room for the score of hungry guests, and a good dinner, promptly served, was in waiting to allay their hunger.
Here four hours was afforded to take in the town, and enjoy the fine scenery that surrounded it. A party of the most robust pedestrians, under conduct of Henry Asp, took a breezy walk over the hills into Greenwood County; where a fine panorama of scenic beauty lay spread before their gaze, with Eureka, in the distance, nestling in the valley, like a sylvan deity. Those less enterprising visited the post office, made acquaintance with store keepers, talked with the oldest inhabitant, and then played the games of billiards, pigeon-hole, and quoits. Major Schiffbauer, at the first named game, made some extraordinary shots in missing the balls he aimed at. At quoits G. W. Cunningham did great execution, bombarding with his rings an extensive region of country around the pin he professed to aim at.
Our narrative of this very enjoyable trip must be brought to a close, as space fails. At 4:30 the train started on return. Mr. Young, of Young, Latham & Co., the builders of the road, who came in on the Frisco train, joined the party. Winfield was reached at 7:30, where our friends belonging to that city, left us, and Ed Gray came on board, escorting W. H. Nelson (of Meigs & Nelson), who had been spending a day in the county clerk’s office, making a transcript from the tax list. Towards the close of the journey a vote of thanks to the officers of the road was proposed by Mayor Schiffbauer for their hospitality to the excursionists, and polite attention to them as guests of the day. This was heartily responded to by the party. The day’s labors of the track layers brought them 1¼ miles nearer the city. Omnibuses were in waiting to convey the tired travelers to the city, and by 9 o’clock they were deposited at the Leland Hotel, all clamorous for supper, but unanimous in declaring they had spent a delightful day.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 26, 1885.
The editor of the Caldwell Journal, Tell W. Walton, writes thusly of our new railroad.
“Last week while the local railroad committee was in Winfield, by special invitation of Superintendent Latham, Attorney Asp, and Vice President Young, they took a run over the above named road from Winfield to Beaumont, the junction with the Frisco. Messrs. William Corzine, A. M. Colson, and the writer availed themselves of the invitation and accompanied by Messrs. Latham and Asp, boarded the passenger train at 7 a.m. and pulled out for the north. On the route we passed the booming little cities of Atlanta and Latham besides several smaller villages in embryo. The writer had not been in that part of Cowley County since 1878, and many were the changes he noticed. Most of them, however, had been made since the building of the road through there last summer. Any description of the new road that we could give by the single trip over it would not do it justice, but such observations as we made will be given.
“The road up the Timber Creek valley is well built and no grade on it to the summit of flint hills at Beaumont is over 60 feet to the mile and no curve more than six degrees. The Southern Kansas road to get over the flint hills has many grades of over 90 ft. to the mile and curve as high as ten degrees. The ties are all either oak or cedar, the rails steel, and the bridges combination wood and iron set upon solid stone piers and abutments. The culverts are all stone and built in a substantial manner. The grading is well done and is sufficiently smooth now so that riding over the road at a thirty mile gait is attended with no more jostling than is on the Santa Fe and Southern Kansas. The coaches run on the passenger train are one combination coach and baggage, and a regular day coach, such as are run on all first-class roads. The day coach runs from Winfield direct to St. Louis, while the combination coach is used for local travel. A regular freight on the Frisco, from Wichita to St. Louis and from St. Louis to Wichita. The passenger train connects with the regular through passenger train on the Frisco from and to St. Louis. In conversation with men along the line of the road, we found none but the best words spoken of the management of the road and their honorable treatment of all with whom they have had dealings. The Kansas City and South Western is a good railroad and one that will revolutionize the freight rates of this part of the valley when completed to Caldwell, as it has already done at Winfield and will do at Arkansas City on December first, at which date it will be completed there. Our people are at work now circulating petitions to aid in the construction of the main line of this road, but under a different name from Arkansas City to this point.”
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 2, 1885.
Railroad Items. Archie Dunn says there is as much passenger travel over the new road as is carried over the Santa Fe.
Henry E. Asp, yesterday, showed us the ground plan and elevation of the new K. C. & S. W. Depot to be erected in this city. Its dimensions are 88 feet by 20; 53 feet being given up to the freight room; 14 feet to the office, and the rest to the passenger waiting room. The design is very tasteful and was prepared by Mr. Wingate, engineer of the road.
The K. C. & S. W. Passenger trains leave this city at 8:15 a.m. and arrive at 6:50 p.m.
The road is being extended southward to the state line, and pile drivers are at work on the canal sinking supports for a bridge.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1885.
Recap. Assignees Notice of the Adjusting of Accounts. To creditors in the estate of J. E. Coulter, assignor, by Wm. B. Norman, Assignee of J. E. Coulter, Assignor. Dated at Winfield, December 3, 1885. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for Assignee. Date: April 12, 1886.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 5, 1885.
Last Thursday evening between the hours of 7 and 8 o’clock, the businessmen began to assemble at the Leland Hotel. When a fair representation had congregated, the crowd repaired to the Leland parlors, where everyone was treated to cigars. By the time the smokers had reduced their Havanas to ashes and indulged in a sociable and animated conversation, the feast was announced ready for devourment. At this moment 47 businessmen of Arkansas City showed an inclination to move towards the spacious dining halls of the Leland. The march was commenced, and when we entered, ye gods! What a sight was presented to the vision of 47 hungry businessmen of Arkansas City. A long table, the entire length of the dining room, was loaded to its uttermost capacity with refreshments for the inner man. Mine Host Perry undoubtedly acquired great fame as a caterer on this occasion. The invited guests filled the long rows of chairs on either side of the table, with Maj. W. M. Sleeth presiding and Jas. Hill occupying a seat at the opposite end of the table. Henry E. Asp and Contractor Moore were present and enjoyed the hospitality of the sturdy businessmen. It was an interesting study to the writer to note the faces present. Here and there among the assembly we recognized faces of the old land-marks. There were thirteen who came to the city on the sand hill in 1870—fifteen years ago. What a mammoth municipality has been constructed upon that small foundation which was laid fifteen years ago. All honor to that noble thirteen who were then present, for the many able efforts they have set forth to build up Arkansas City within the last fifteen years. We will call them the corner stones of the municipality. Then, again, in other places there were faces that have appeared upon the scene later, and by untiring zeal and hard work have aided very materially in the advancement of Arkansas City. They were here when the sunflower was rank in the streets, and the stalks grew so large that they were used for hitching posts, and the festival raccoon climbed up them and hid his carcass in the branches. They came later on, having heard of the many natural advantages here for making a city. From far-off climes they came, and they came to stay. Behold, what a city has grown! But to return to the banquet. In the language of the immortal poet, “The big, the small, the lean, the tall, ate a half ton each and all.” And yet the half of it remains to be told. When the “task” of feasting was over, Maj. Sleeth arose and, in one of the most able and touching addresses we have ever heard, handed to Hon. James Hill a handsome gold watch and chain. It was a gift from those there assembled as a token of appreciation for the efforts Mr. Hill put forth in bringing the K. C. & S. W. Railroad here, and also, in behalf of what he has done for the prosperity of Arkansas City. Mr. Hill responded in a very neat speech. Henry E. Asp, being called for, arose and made an excellent little speech. He was followed by Judge A. J. Pyburn, who toasted in behalf of Arkansas City; and kind readers, let it suffice for us to say that the Judge did his subject justice. Judge McIntire, also, made a few interesting and telling remarks very suitable to the occasion. By motion it was unanimously declared that it was the will of those present to adjourn to the parlors once more and “schmoke.”
As we have stated above, the banquet was given in honor of Hon. James Hill. Mr. Hill has done much for Arkansas City. We will not attempt to enumerate what he has done, for our readers have known the honorable gentleman many years more than the writer. But we believe he is deserving of the honor conferred upon him last Thursday evening. Long may he live to do good to our thriving little city.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 9, 1885.
On Wednesday evening, shortly before ten o’clock, a cry of fire proceeded from the Leland Hotel, which caused serious consternation, and the office and hall of the building were soon filled with people. In a very few minutes the gratifying news was spread that the fire was extinguished and all danger was over.
Suspicion of this daring act of incendiarianism fell upon Jerry McGee, a discharged porter, then employed in the Occidental Hotel, who had been seen about the premises by a dining room girl. Complaint was made to Justice Kreamer, and the City Marshal was instructed to make the arrest. The suspected party was found in the Occidental and taken before the justice, who placed him under $1,500 bonds to appear for examination. Bail was furnished by DeWitt McDowell, proprietor of the Occidental, and the accused was discharged; but later on he was re-arrested and placed under guard.
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION. On Friday morning the examination was held in Justice Kreamer’s room, the state being represented by County Attorney Henry E. Asp, and the defense conducted by Judge H. T. Sumner.
ARGUMENT OF COUNSEL. Prosecuting Attorney Asp then made an able argument to the court, dwelling with great emphasis on the discrepancy with regard to time. Five or six witnesses, he showed, gave the alarm of fire as occurring from 15 to 30 minutes after the bus drove up. Even the statement of Mr. Pomyea, the traveling man, introduced by the defense, declared that he heard the alarm 15 or 20 minutes after he had landed at the hotel. The proprietor of the Occidental, and the witnesses put on the stand, who were in his employ, would not allow that more than four or five minutes elapsed. There is a suspicious unanimity in the estimate of time by these witnesses. They would allow no more than two minutes for the stay of Jerry McGee in the hotel office, and the same length of time for his visit to his room along a hall 80 feet and his return therefrom. The two girls seated in the parlor, enjoying themselves with their friends, and paying no heed to what was transpiring outside, admit to the witness Hess that they did not hear the bus drive up, knew nothing about Jerry’s movements, were totally ignorant, in fact, of the whole affair. Yet on the stand they tell a story so completely in agreement with the statements made by other witnesses for the defense, that their testimony strongly suggests the suspicion of being cooked up.
[EXCHANGE: ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
Henry E. Asp yesterday showed us the ground plan and elevation of the new K. C. & S. W. depot to be erected in this city. Its dimensions are 88 x 20 ft.; 53 ft. being given up to the freight room; 14 ft. to the office, and the rest of the passenger waiting room. The design is very tasteful and was prepared by Mr. Wingate, engineer of the road.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
At a meeting held in Winfield in the interest of the Geuda Springs, Caldwell, Harper and Northwestern railroad, the following officers were elected: President, A. Stevens, Chicago; vice-president, Jos. Munger, Harper; secretary, W. S. Forrey, Harper; treasurer, J. L. Huey, Arkansas City; attorney, Henry Asp, of Winfield. We were informed that the prospect for the road was flattering if the people would work for it. Harper needs another railroad badly, and the citizens should not let this chance slip. Let her come. Harper Sentinel.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
State of Kansas vs W I Burge, H E Asp, County Attorney.
CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY. Henry Hansen vs Joseph Davis, Jennings & Troup for prosecution; Hackney & Asp for defense.
Elizabeth McQuain vs Nancy A Baldwin et al, Hackney & Asp pros; Jos O’Hare defense.
Houghton & McLaughlin vs John Brown, A J Pyburn pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Francis J Sessions vs J P Strickland, Hackney & Asp pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
J C Fuller et al vs L B Stone et al, J F McMullen and McDermott & Johnson pros; Jos O’Hare and Hackney & Asp defense.
Dwight Ripley vs D A Millington, Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Winfield Bank vs William A Hybarger et al, J F McMullen pros; D C Beach, McDermott & Johnson and Hackney & Asp defense.
William M Null vs Nell Willsie et al, Hackney & Asp pros; McDonald & Webb defense.
James Jordan vs Winfield Twp et al, Jennings & Troup pros; Jos O’Hare and Hackney & Asp defense.
Bartlett & Co vs A T & S F R R Co., Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Schuster, Tootle & Co vs G B Sigler, McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Smith, Frazee & Co vs G B Sigler, McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Stout & Wingert vs S S Baker sheriff et al, McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Stout & Wingert vs S S Baker sheriff et al, McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Nannie C Fuller vs Board County Com et al, J F McMullen pros; Jennings & Troup, Jos O’Hare and Hackney & Asp defense.
Burton L Weger vs The City of Winfield, Hackney & Asp pros; Jos O’Hare defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. THIRD DAY. M Ingram et al vs P Fouts et al, McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
M L Read vs J E Parking, McDonald & Webb pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
James K Shapper vs David Hahn, Hackney & Asp pros; J F McMullen defense.
Marshal Lambert vs Hiram Blenden, Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
B H Clover et al vs Charles H Elliott, Hackney & Asp pros; J F McMullen defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY. Isaiah L Newman vs William H Speers et al, Mitchell & Swarts and Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Ben Bartlow vs D P Hurst et al, Dalton & Madden pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
A H Doane & Co vs Board Co. Commissioners, Jos O’Hare pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Sarah Cardiff vs Michael Cardiff, Hackney & Asp pros.
CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY. Martha A Iliff vs Lemuel Iliff, Hackney & Asp pros.
Amasa K Jones vs Geo Heffron, Hackney and Asp pros; J F McMullen defense.
H M Beacham vs Geo E Hasie et al, Hackney & Asp pros; A J Pyburn defense.
Winfield Bank vs J B Nipp Co. Treasurer et al, McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp and McDermott & Johnson defense.
The Wichita & Southwestern Railroad Co vs G H McIntire as sheriff et al, Hurd & Dunlap and W P Hackney for pros; Henry E Asp, Jennings & Troup and C L Swarts defense.
S B Briggs vs Camilla Bigler et al, Kellogg & Sedgwick pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Justin Hollister vs Board of Co. Commissioners, McDermott & Johnson pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
James Burrington vs Board of Co. Commissioners, McDermott & Johnson pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. SIXTH DAY. J N Harter vs Board of Co. Commissioners, Jos O’Hare pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Frankie Morris vs The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U S, A A Hurd and Hackney & Asp for pros; Geo J Barker and J W Green defense.
Frankie Morris vs The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, A A Hurd and Hackney & Asp for pros; Geo J Barker and J W Green defense.
I Weil & Co vs Wert Bros, Hackney & Asp pros.
N M Pering et al vs Oscar Henderson et al, Samuel Day and Hackney & Asp pros; McDermott & Johnson defense.
R R Conklin vs William H Funk et al, A J Pyburn pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Peter McCuish vs Seaborn Moore et al, Hackney & Asp for pros; McDonald & Webb defense.
James Davidson, adm. of estate of Thos McCampbell et al vs John Deffenbaugh et al, Hackney & Asp pros.
Lawrence Dawson vs The Kansas Life Association, Hackney & Asp pros, Jennings & Troup defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. SEVENTH DAY. Adelia A Kibbie vs Lyman S Kibbie, Hackney & Asp pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Nicholson Belveal vs The Kansas Protection Union, Hackney & Asp pros; Sheble & Vandever defense.
J E Hayner & Co vs G M Gardner, Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Geo Hefner vs W A Lee, Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Louisa Galbreth vs William H Galbreth, Hackney & Asp pros.
Alexander Hoel vs John A Cochran, Hackney & Asp pros; McDonald & Webb defense.
Chas W Frith vs Alfred P Cochran, Hackney & Asp pros; McDonald & Webb defense.
Chas W Frith vs Geo C Taylor, Hackney & Asp pros; McDonald & Webb defense.
James A Crane vs Lizzie Crane, Hackney & Asp pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Ellen Riley [Riely] vs Theodore Fairclo et al, McDermott & Johnson pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
118, 1296. Levi Weimer vs Board of Co. Commissioners. McDermott & Johnson pros; Hackney and Asp defense.
120, 2191. Jamison Vawter vs Board of Co. Commissioners. Hackney & Asp defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. EIGHTH DAY. 121, 2192. G H Buckman vs Board of Co. Commissioners. G H Buckman pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
123, 2196. Warren Cottingham vs K C & S W R R Co., Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
125, 2198. Nancy A Cottingham vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
126, 2199. James Hollingsworth vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
129, 2205. Daniel Maher vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
131, 2207. Elmira Only vs Joseph Only, Hackney & Asp pros.
132, 2208. James F Mays vs Richard Constanzer et al, Hackney & Asp pros.
133, 2209. J W Cottingham vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
134, 2210. M C Hedrick vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
232, 2212. W J Orr vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
137, 2213. Volney Baird vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Fred J Patterson vs The Southern Kansas Railway Co. J F McMullen pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Maria A Andrews vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp and Dalton defense.
W G Graham vs Kansas City and Southwestern R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
G W Yount vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
W W Limbocker vs Kansas City & South Western R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
W W Limbocker vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
David C Beach vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co. David C Beach pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
L C Clark vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co. W. T. Madden pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Adam Walck vs School District No. 91 in Cowley County, Kansas, George Tice, Director, E J Cole, Clerk and H I Daniels, Treasurer, said district. Hackney & Asp pros; Jennings & Troup defense.
Anna Mabee vs Ezra Mabee, Hackney & Asp, pros.
Thomas McLean vs C W Jones et al, Hackney & Asp pros; Dalton & Day defense.
Assignment of J E Coulter, Wm B Norman, assignee. Hackney & Asp attorneys.
H P Farrar vs V M Ayres et al, A J Pyburn pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Alexander Fuller vs V M Ayres, C L Swarts pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. TENTH DAY. R B Waite vs K C & S W R R Co. S D Pryor pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
R B Waite vs K C & S W R R Co. S D Pryor pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
A B French vs K C & S W R R Co. McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
J B Lynn vs K C & S W R R Co. McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
John Lowry vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings and Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Addie W Sykes vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Winfield Water Co vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Riverside Park Association vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
The First National Bank of Brooklyn, Ia vs John Kirker, Hackney & Asp pros.
The First National Bank of Brooklyn, Ia vs John Kirker, Hackney & Asp pros.
The First National Bank of Brooklyn, Is vs John Kirker, Hackney & Asp pros.
Samuel S Linn vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings and Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
W H H Teter vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp, defense.
185, 2271. A G Robinson vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
187, 2272. A G Robinson vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
CIVIL DOCKET. ELEVENTH DAY. 187, 2273. A G Robinson vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
188, 2275. M D Rowe et al vs Eli J Sherlock, Hackney & Asp pros.
189, 2276. Lucius Walton vs K C & S W R R Co. McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
190, 2277. Lucius Walton vs K C & S W R R Co. McDonald & Webb pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
191, 2278. Estate of Hilary Holtby vs K C & S W R R Co. Jennings & Troup pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
192, 2279. Z T Whitson vs K C & S W R R Co. Hackney & Asp defense.
196, 2285. City of Winfield vs W S Reed, Jos O’Hare pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
197, 2286. City of Winfield vs W S Reed, Jos O’Hare pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
198, 2287. Jerusha Tousley vs William Tousley, Hackney & Asp and H T Sumner pros; Jos O’Hare defense.
202, 2291. Julia F Randall vs Charles E Randall, Hackney & Asp pros.
207, 2298. Harriet R Loomis vs K C & S W R R Co. J F McMullen pros; Hackney & Asp defense.
Arkansas City Republican, December 12, 1885.
The
directors of Geuda Springs, Caldwell, Harper, and Northwestern railroad met in
their office at Winfield, Kansas, and organized by electing Alonzo Stevens, of
Chicago, President; Jos. Munger, of Harper, Vice-President; J. L. Huey, of
Arkansas City, Treasurer; W. M. [?] Forney, of Harper, Secretary; and Henry E.
Asp, of Winfield, Attorney. Immediate steps will be taken to procure the right
of way from Harper to Caldwell and vote the aid along the line necessary to
secure the building of the road. The directors expect and desire the hearty
co-operation of the people of Harper and the people along the line. Harper
Graphic.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 16, 1885.
JAMES HILL BANQUETED. The sickness of part of our force last week caused delay in composition, and a portion of the copy prepared for insertion was not set up in type. Among the matter crowded out was a report of the banquet given by our businessmen to Mr. James Hill, councilman from the first ward; to whose faithful labors in behalf of the city we are mainly indebted for the defeat of the machinations of the Winfield syndicate to divert the route of the Kansas City and Southwestern road, and place Arkansas City at the end of a spur. This valuable service was deemed worthy of public recognition, and on the 4th inst., a dinner was given to our fellow-townsman at the Leland Hotel, and a valuable gold watch presented. Major Sleeth, who made the presentation in a speech that is commendable for its appropriateness, brevity, and terseness, declared that the offering was made as a token of the appreciation of himself and fellow-citizens of the mental, moral, and social qualities of the guest of the evening, but more especially on account of his business enterprise and executive ability. These are qualities of the highest importance in all great undertakings; they are eminently useful to the community in whose behalf they are exercised, and uniformly lead to success.
Henry E. Asp, who has been intimately associated with Mr. Hill, in procuring the means to build the road, and subsequently laying the track, also paid a warm tribute to his co-laborer’s business astuteness, and his immense capacity for labor. He not only has the enterprise and the originality to form useful and progressive designs, but he is endowed with the physical endurance to carry them out, in spite of opposition and difficulty.
There is another eminent quality in our fellow-townsman, which was not touched on by his eulogists. We refer to his sound and discriminating judgment. He has the native instinct of a lawyer, or perhaps we might more correctly say, a statesman. Without the advantage of scholastic education, he has extraordinary clearness of perception. He spends much of his leisure in reading, and his reading is of a profitable nature. What he reads he assimilates, and all his intellectual equipment is stowed away in its proper receptacles, classified and endorsed, and ready to lay his hand on whenever wanted. We have carefully watched Mr. Hill on various occasions, when his railroad project was under discussion, and property rights, perhaps, were supposed to come in conflict with his franchise. Questions would be asked him involving points of law or public expediency, where a cautious man would refuse to commit himself, and an indiscreet man would tie himself up. But James Hill never shirked an answer, never got himself entangled. The cause he was advocating found in him an alert champion, armed at all points, and his candor and manifest sincerity never failed to win the confidence of his hearers. His joust with Col. Sumner in the city council chamber, at the time that the lot owners on Thirteenth Street appealed against the damage done to their property by running the track along that street, was not only masterly—it towered into moral grandeur; and the eloquence his feelings warmed him into hushed a crowded and clamorous audience.
We desire to add one word in regard to Mr. Hill’s ardent eulogist, Henry E. Asp. This young man had the misfortune to “incur the hospitality,” as our Malaprop neighbor, the Democrat, would say, of many of our citizens, because of his supposed complicity with Winfield property owners and others in their endeavor to leave this city out in the cold. He has since had an opportunity of vindicating himself from this injurious suspicion, and the popular resentment against him is largely allayed. We can say of this gentleman that his private utterances in regard to Mr. Hill’s qualities and usefulness are in entire accord with his public declarations. He speaks of his fellow laborer as bold in his plans, sagacious in council, and skillful and experienced in practical details. Mr. Hill is the elder of the two, and a man of larger mould, mentally and physically. But it is pleasant to note the unanimity that has marked the actions of these two during the ups and downs and ins and outs of the railroad enterprise, and to award a due need of praise to the useful services of both associates.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
The committees, appointed at the citizens’ meeting, to work up the submitting of propositions for the extension of the Florence El Dorado & Walnut railroad from Douglass to Winfield, met yesterday afternoon in McDougall’s hall to determine on the apportionment of the amount of aid asked. Judge T. H. Soward called the meeting to order. S. P. Strong was chosen chairman and W. J. Wilson, Secretary. M. L. Robinson then explained the object of the meeting, to get everything in readiness for aggressive work in submitting the propositions and securing this road. The townships through which the road will run were represented as follows.
Rock: S. P. Strong, H. F. Hornady, E. J. Wilber, and W. H. Grow.
Fairview: J. C. Page and T. C. Covert.
Walnut: J. C. Roberts, J. B. Corson, John Mentch, T. A. Blanchard, J. Anderson, W. D. Roberts, and E. M. Reynolds.
Winfield: H. H. Siverd, J. A. Eaton, D. L. Kretsinger, Col. Whiting, T. H. Soward, B. T. Davis, M. L. Robinson, S. J. Smock, G. H. Crippen, J. E. Conklin, W. P. Hackney, G. L. Gale, Chas. Schmidt, W. J. Wilson, Ed P. Greer, H. E. Asp, A. H. Limerick, F. C. Hunt, and J. W. Curns.
Enthusiastic speeches were made last night in favor of this and other enterprises by Rev. B. Kelly, Henry E. Asp, T. H. Soward, Senator Jennings, John A. Eaton, and John McGuire.
Every movement must have money back of it to insure its success. This and other enterprises needing agitation take money. Contributions were called for to be placed in the hands of the Winfield Enterprise Association for use in submitting these railroad propositions and any other progressive enterprise for which the Association sees necessity. Over $500 was subscribed as follows.
Hackney & Asp: $50.00.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
John A. Eaton, on examination by a committee composed of Henry E. Asp, Frank S. Jennings, and David C. Beach, was admitted to the bar, as a regular practitioner.
The docket this term shows 212 cases. It will keep the court on the jump to clear the docket.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
Wm. B. Norman, Assignee of J. E. Coulter, assignor, Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for Assignee. Notice to creditors and all other persons interested in the estate of J. E. Coulter, assignor, notification that creditors will be satisfied in court adjustment of demands starting April 12, 1886, for two days at office of Clerk of the District Court.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
The scene in the court room on the announcement of the dismissal of Alice Jeffries’ case, was extremely pathetic. The fair heroine, with a heart o’er flowing with gratitude at her release from the horrible charge of midnight burglary, threw her arms around the neck of Judge Snow, her leading attorney, and affectionately impressed a sweet kiss on his manly brow. This was a signal for Campbell and Sumner, and she found them braced for the awful ordeal. She satisfied them with a hearty hug or two, and made for the jury, which looked desperately for a means of exit—none there. With tears dimming her eyes, she showed hand-shakes and thankful words clear around, even shaking hands with the two against her. The court, the while, was sightless with tears, but some considerate member of the bar, who saw, through tears, the Judge’s impending fate, rushed up with encouraging words, “put him on.” He wiped his weeping eyes and looked up just as the onslaught came. The two foot counter didn’t save him. Reaching her eager arms over all, she took in the Court with a loving embrace, and “may heaven bless you, Judge.” Judge Torrance has been called rather modest; perhaps he is, but the whole bar declare that his nerve on this occasion was heroic—are almost ready to declare that they heard the smack of a kiss. But, next to Snow, Campbell took it the hardest, and absolutely put his hand up to ward off the kiss. Sumner took in the whole circus just as though he had been there before and didn’t care a darn. But Snow was teetotally broke up. He had expected a demonstration among the other folks, but hoped for less publicity in his case. His blushes illuminated the whole court room. She hunted for Ed Pate, but he had hid under the counter. Sheriff McIntire came next, but he had hooked on to Time’s forelock and slid out. She afterward tackled him in his office, with the curtain down. Composing herself for a moment, she bethought herself of the excellent courtesy shown her by Messrs. Hackney & Asp. She saw the awful dejected look o’erspreading Bill’s face and tackled him first. Drawing his wild west locks over his brow, he took her demonstrations as meekly as a lamb—actually seemed rather to rather like it. Henry Asp by this time was under the table. But the attorneys hauled him out, about as nonplused an individual as you ever saw. Lovell Webb and Frank Jennings sympathetically braced him, one on either side, while Henry pleadingly extended his arms. He had to stand it, but swears he can never meet another attack like that. The whole scene knocked the hose clear off Walkup, Baily, or Frankie Morris—absolutely beggared description. We don’t pretend to do it justice. If Alice had given THE COURIER man a little attention, he could have written her up with much better satisfaction. She ran out of kisses before she got to us.
[COWLEY
COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
Martha A. Iliff vs Lemuel Iliff—ordered that the defendant pay $50 per month during the pendency of this trial, for her maintenance; also to pay fee of Hackney & Asp, her attorneys.
The case of the State vs. Alice Jeffries was called yesterday afternoon, the plaintiff appearing by Hackney & Asp, County Attorneys, and the defendant in person and by her attorneys, Judge Snow and H. T. Sumner. She is charged with complicity in robbing Smith & Zook’s safe, January, 1885. The trial is now progressing before the regular jury.
The jury in the Alice Jeffries case, after wrestling two days and a night, were called in Saturday evening, without a verdict. It stood ten for acquittal and two for conviction. The two hung like death to a deceased coon—their determination would be impossible to empanel a jury to try it again this term, everybody knowing something of the case. The evidence was all circumstantial, with no certainty of a conviction and the expenses being heavy, he deemed it best for all that the proceedings be dismissed. The case was ably conducted on both sides. Messrs. Hackney & Asp extracted all the evidence that could be squeezed out, and the defending attorneys, Judge Snow, seconded by Judge Campbell and Judge Sumner, brought out every point possible in her favor, and are greatly pleased over the result.
The Jeffries case is one in which there is little doubt of guilt, but which is mighty hard to prove. She is a reckless woman of wide experience and wily manner, and was no doubt a regular accomplice of the gang she was accused of assisting. Her detective story was too thin. She worked her cards well—such women always do. The evidence, coupled with her past character, was such as convinced all of her guilt, but was too vague in the law: evidence entirely circumstantial. The prosecution ferreted out all they could, but there were links that couldn’t be found. She was badly scared, however, when the jury continued to hang Saturday, when she showed her first signs of weakening. She had seven hundred dollars in cash on deposit here for her appearance, during the year the case was pending, since last January. This case worried her considerably and cost her considerable cash. She is a large woman, of smooth form and rather even features, and dresses stylishly. She will never need anybody to take care of her—is able to cope with anything that comes in her way. She was mighty happy over her discharge.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds since our last issue.
Henry E Asp et ux to Gideon C Grand, lot 1, blk 14, New Salem: $50.00.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 24, 1885.
The case of the State vs. Jerry McKee [McGee], charging him with trying to burn the Leland hotel at Arkansas City, was begun today before the following jury: H. C. McDorman, Levi Buck, Theodore Heineken, J. Linton, Jerry Weekly, C. McIlwain, Theodore Stevenson, John Meham, D. L. Henderson, G. P. Haycraft, and J. N. Henry. But two or three witnesses have been examined so far. There are a dozen or more witnesses in the case. It will probably take two days or more to try it. The prosecution is conducted by Hackney & Asp, county attorneys, and the defense by Judge Sumner, of Arkansas City.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
Henry E. Asp was caned, silvered, and broomed last night. His services to the city of Winfield in securing the K. C. & S. W. railroad and in every public enterprise for the advancement of our splendid city have always been spontaneous, indomitable, and effective. This merry Christmas time was the occasion for a demonstration of appreciation. Accordingly an elegant silver tea set and water service, a beautiful gold-headed cane, and—a jump from the sublime to the ridiculous—a thirty-five cent broom, were secured as tokens by the following representative gentlemen of the city: Rev. B. Kelley, M. L. Robinson, W. C. Robinson, J. L. M. Hill, Senator Jennings, D. A. Millington, T. H. Soward, J. C. Long, Sol. Burkhalter, Judge Gans, Col. Whiting, Senator Hackney, H. H. Siverd, J. L. Horning, and Ed P. Greer.
Word had been sent to Mr. Asp that a committee must meet him at his office on important railroad business. The above named gentlemen gathered at THE COURIER office, in the evening, preparatory for an onslaught on Mr. Asp’s home. Two of the party were sent after the tokens, which were placed in a big basket and carefully covered up. But the railroad committee didn’t turn up at the proper hour, and Henry got uneasy and popped into the crowd in THE COURIER office. Mr. Robinson hustled him out with some difficulty, while a man rushed over to tell the basket fellows to shun THE COURIER office, and the said fellows darted into a lunch room and hid their basket under the counter. Then the party, basket in hand and broom on shoulder, raided Henry’s home, taking his wife completely by surprise. Henry was sent for, at his office, with the word that a committee from Geuda were over and had gone to his house, that the interview might be more secluded. The surprise was complete. Rev. Kelly made a very neat presentation and Mr. Asp responded in an eloquent little speech, full of deep feeling and warm appreciation. The water service was beautifully engraved: “Presented to Henry E. Asp by citizens of Winfield, in recognition of his services for our city.” It was one of the happiest surprises of Mr. Asp’s life—one doubly merited by his indefatigable efforts in behalf of Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
The case and service testimonial to Henry E. Asp calls to mind the Christmas of 1875, just ten years ago, when a young student less than nineteen years old, a mere boy in looks but well educated and full of hope, energy, and ambition, came to Winfield, a stranger from New Boston, Illinois, and concluded to “grow up with the country,” which he has been doing and keeping a little ahead of its wonderful growth ever since. He arrived here in the times just succeeding the great drouth and grasshopper year when everything was dull, and nobody wanted help. He first entered the law office of L. J. Webb, where he did chores for the privilege of reading law in that office. Later he became law clerk for E. S. Torrance. His unremitting study and labor soon made him quite well read up in the law and his energy was such that Mr. Torrance made him his law partner. His progress was so rapid and so well appreciated that in 1880, when he had been in the state but little over four years, he almost succeeded in beating one of the brightest and most popular lawyers in this county, who was supported by the newspapers, the bar, and the politicians, for the nomination for county attorney; being opposed only on the grounds that he was too young, a failing that he has not yet wholly divested himself of. After he had been an active partisan and attorney for four more years and had necessarily stirred up many elements of opposition, he was elected to the same office by a most flattering majority. For the last two years he has paid special attention to the working up of the project, and carrying to complete success, of the building of the K. C. & S. W. railroad, in which he has centered his talents and energies to a large degree and worked night and day to secure its success and to secure the best results to his city and county. In this work he has been secretary and attorney for the company and has enjoyed the full confidence of its managers as well as that of the best men of our county who had intelligence enough to see that the interests of the county and of the company are as yet identical. His services to the county and to Winfield as well as to the company have been great, valuable, and successful, and the memorial presentation of Christmas day was fairly and amply earned. Mr. Asp is a young man whom those who know him best believe in and trust most implicitly, and is a worthy example to the young men and boys who are coming upon the stage of action or will do so in a few years.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
Mr. G. E. Lindsey, the young attorney who has recently located here from Waverly, New York, will office with Hackney & Asp.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.
County Attorney Asp has received a letter from Frank Freeland, at Pinal, Arizona, emphatically denying that he had anything to do with Graham’s peculation from A. V. Alexander & Co., A. C. lumber dealers. He declares he knew nothing about where Graham got his money, and solicited the use of none of it, and that if the officials want him, he’ll come on receipt of a pass, without an escort.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 6, 1886.
How to Suppress Immorality. The council on Monday got into a discussion on the morals of the city. Mr. James Hill said that Judge Gans and District Attorney Asp had complained to him of irregularities between the sexes, and several young girls being enceinte. He wished to know whether our police force lacked in number or efficiency; and if it was not strong enough to prevent flagrant immorality, the quality needed improving. He wanted better men employed. Mayor Schiffbauer said it was somewhat unreasonable to invest one man with the functions of city marshal, road commissioner, and night watch, and expect him to hold vigilant supervision over all the doings of the city. Mr. Dunn said there was a [THREE FRENCH WORDS THAT I CANNOT MAKE OUT WRITTEN IN ITALICS—looked like maison de joie] between his house and Mr. Dean’s, where girls plied their vocation, and they were so quiet over it that the neighbors were ignorant of the character of the inmates. But this he thought a lesser evil than the miscellaneous intercourse between young men and young girls, which he believed was carried on to some extent, and the adoption of an ordinance to restrain the evil may be looked for.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
Recap Summons by Publication. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for plaintiff. Elmira Only, plaintiff, vs. Joseph Only, defendant. Divorce petition, to be handled February 18, 1886.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
Some of the leading citizens of Winfield paid Attorney Henry Asp a deserving compliment in presenting him on Christmas with a silver tea service and a gold headed cane, as a token of his valuable services and deep interest in the welfare of their city. Henry, we congratulate. Udall Sentinel.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 14, 1886.
Office of Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Company.
Winfield, Kansas, Jan. 9th, 1886.
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the stockholders of the Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Company will be held at the office of the Secretary of said company in the City of Winfield, County of Cowley, State of Kansas, at 8 o’clock p.m., on the 30th day of January A. D. 1886, for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon a proposition to ratify and adopt the action of the Board of Directors of this Company in making, executing, and delivering of the lease of said Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad, constructed and unconstructed, together with its property and franchises, to the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway Company for the full term of 98 years, together with all its property, rights, privileges and immunities.
2. To consider and vote upon a proposition to ratify and approve the action of the Board of Directors of this Company in making, issuing, and negotiating the bonds of this company for the sum of Twelve Thousand Dollars per mile for each and every mile of railroad constructed by this Company south of the crossing of the Neosha river in Coffey County, in the State of Kansas, and Fifteen Thousand Dollars per mile for each and every mile constructed by said company between the said cross of the said Neosha river and the city of Kansas City in the state of Missouri, and securing the payment of the same by deed or trust to be made, executed, and delivered to the Farmers’ Loan and Trust Company of New York, upon all the railway constructed and unconstructed, and other property and franchises and immunities of this company.
By order of the Board of Directors. HENRY E. ASP, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
The Marshal has notified the billiard saloon keepers that throwing dice for cigars or anything else, playing pool or billiards for cigars or who shall pay for the use of the table, or anything else, will be prosecuted for keeping a gambling house. The Marshal and Capt. Siverd are to report any violation of these injunctions to Senator Hackney or Mr. Asp, who have signified their determination to break these holes up if they have to jail the violators. The parties recently captured for gambling can testify that it don’t pay. Boys, look out or some of you will be playing checkers with your nose.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
The stockholders of the K. C. & S. W. railroad company held an annual meeting at the office of Henry E. Asp Wednesday. The lease of the road to the Frisco from Beaumont to the Territory line was confirmed. The Frisco gives 25 per cent of the gross earnings, guaranteeing the interest on the mortgage bonds, should the earnings be insufficient. The K. C. & S. W. company still exists and has all the arrangements made to push its line to Kansas City and other directions. The new directors, as elected last night, are: James Dun, assistant general manager of the Frisco Co.; A. Douglass, auditor of Frisco; John O. Day, general attorney Frisco; E. D. Kenna, assistant attorney of Frisco; B. F. Hobert, C. M. Condon, Henry E. Asp, and James Hill. The executive officers stand as before.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
“A secret gambling den was discovered and raided by the Winfield police the other night and eight nice young men hauled up before the justice for participating. Wellington is remarkably free from gambling dens. No doubt there is some gambling done as there always is in cities, but it is seldom a city of this size is found without a regularly equipped gambling resort, conducted very quietly, of course, and not acknowledged to be in existence by the authorities, but which every sporting man knows how to find. This state of affairs is due to the vigilance of our city officers.” Press.
The same here. It’s a mighty sly gambling den that can evade the keen eyes and determination of county attorneys Hackney & Asp, Capt. Siverd, and Marshal McFadden. The “dens” are all routed, scarcely before they get firmly founded. That it don’t pay to buck the tiger, the boys can sadly testify, not only by the wads they have laid on the paste-board altar but by the $58 assessments of Judge Snow.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Henry E. Asp went north on the Santa Fe Friday, to Topeka and elsewhere.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 28, 1886.
Recap. Divorce Petition. Mary J. Goss, plaintiff vs. Martin Goss, defendant. Hackney & Asp, attorneys for plaintiff. Date: March 12, 1886.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
HACKNEY & ASP, Attorneys at law. Winfield, Kansas. Office in Hackney Building, opposite the Court House.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 4, 1886.
County Attorney Asp accompanied Judge Torrance and Stenographer Raymond to Howard Monday eve, to attend to legal matters in the Elk County court.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.
The preliminary examination of John Marshall for the murder of Jack Snyder, at Maple City, the 27th ult., began at 10 o’clock Monday before Judge Buckman, at the Court House. McDonald & Webb are conducting the defense and County Attorney Asp the prosecution. J. H. Fazel, the stenographer, was appointed to report the case. There are about thirty witnesses to be examined, only one or two of whom have yet been on the stand, developing no facts that haven’t already appeared in THE COURIER. A large number of Maple City people are here, to take in the trial. The court room is crowded. It will take several days to conclude the examination.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 18, 1886.
Henry E. Asp and wife and Ed. P. Greer left last evening for the State Capital, via Kansas City.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Henry Asp and wife returned Friday from Topeka.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
P. H. Albright Friday purchased the four lots on which Hackney & Asp’s office and Mrs. Bobbett’s boarding house is situated. Consideration, $10,000.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
At three o’clock Tuesday night Tom H. Herrod, at the jail, was roused out by Jimmy Vance, a brother of Mrs. Bobbett, and rooming next to Hackney & Asp’s office, with the startling information that the big safe in Hackney & Asp’s office, full of valuables, was being bored. Tom yanked on a skimming of “duds” and rushed out into darkness surpassing “a stack of black cats,” accompanied by drizzling rain. Noiselessly he made around to the back window of the office, tumbling into a half dozen mud-holes head-over-heels in transit, and placed his ear to the pane. The same sound that the boy had heard—chump, chump, hard and then soft, caught Tom’s ear. He flew back to the jail, woke up Sheriff McIntire, who went over to guard the office while Tom went for Henry Asp and the office key. Scarcely taking time to jerk on his coat, shoes, and pants, all without buttoning, Henry accompanied Tom back. All listened and heard that same sound, as of a drill slowly penetrating the safe, now hard and then easy. Their hearts ran up into their mouths. After waiting, listening, and watching for a considerable time, there appeared to be no surcease or increase, and doubt as to the real existence of a burglar began to crawl into their minds, while Vance, the young “Wall Street detective,” stood shiveringly waiting for b-l-o-o-d. With guns ready for gore, the door was noiselessly unlocked and the premises carefully reconnoitered. No burglar, and Henry’s hair gradually resumed its lay as they hunted around for the source of the noise, which still continued. Finally the whole thing dawned. It was the drip, drip of the water spout of the abutting boarding house. This is what excited the boy and fooled the officials. It was a water hall and a good joke all around.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
SHERIFF’S ELECTION PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, on the 2nd day of March, A. D., 1886, the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Cowley, in the State of Kansas, duly made, and caused to be entered of record in the office of the County Clerk of said county, the following order to-wit:
OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK, WINFIELD, KS., March 2nd, 1886.
NOW, on this 2nd day of March, A. D. 1886, at a special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas, duly convened, present: S. C. Smith, Chairman; and J. A. Irwin and J. D. Guthrie, Commissioners, S. J. Smock, County Clerk, and Henry E. Asp, County Attorney, there is presented to said Board of County Commissioners an act of the legislature of the State of Kansas, entitled, “An act in relation to building and maintaining bridges in Cowley County, Kansas, and to provide for levying and collecting taxes for such purposes.” Approved February 18, 1886. And upon consideration of said act, it is ordered by the said Board of County Commissioners that a special election be and is hereby called to be held in said County of Cowley, on Tuesday, the 8th day of April, A. D. 1886, for the purpose of taking the sense of the electors of said Cowley County as to whether the said act of the legislature of the State of Kansas shall be in force in said Cowley County; and for the purpose of determining the said proposition.
And it is further ordered that the Sheriff of said county give at least twenty days’ notice of said election, of the time and places of the holding thereof, by proclamation, and by publishing the same for at least twenty days in the WINFIELD COURIER, a weekly newspaper printed and published in said County of Cowley, and of general circulation therein, and being the official paper of said county, and by posting the same as written or printed handbills at each of the several voting precincts in said county, at least twenty days before the time of the holding of said election.
And it is further ordered that the votes and ballots for the said proposition shall have written or printed thereon the following words: “For the Special Bridge Act,” and the ballots and votes against said proposition shall have written or printed thereon these words: “Against the Special Bridge Act.”
And it is further ordered that in said proclamation the said sheriff set forth the foregoing order in full.
Done by the Board of County Commissioners of the county of Cowley in the State of Kansas, this 2nd day of March, 1886
S. C. SMITH, J. A. IRWIN, J. D. GUTHRIE
County Commissioners of Cowley County, Kansas.
STATE OF KANSAS, COWLEY COUNTY, ss
Now, therefore, I, G. H. McIntire, Sheriff of the county of Cowley, in the state of Kansas, under and by virtue of the foregoing order of the Board of County Commissioners of said county of Cowley, and the authority in me vested by law as such Sheriff, do hereby proclaim and make known that on Tuesday, the 5th day of April, A. D. 1886, there will be held a special election in said county of Cowley, at the usual voting precincts therein, for the purpose and in the manner and form as set forth in said order of the said Board of County Commissioners of said Cowley County, and that in all other respects said election will be held, the returns made and the result ascertained in the same manner as is provided by law for general elections.
Done at the Sheriff’s office in the city of Winfield, in the county of Cowley, state of Kansas, this 3rd day of March, A. D. 1886. G. H. McINTIRE, Sheriff.
[Note: I skipped the Act bringing about the above election for bridge construction. It was very lengthy. The law referred to was Senate Bill No. 2, February 20, 1886.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
Henry E. Asp, of Winfield, made the Standard a pleasant call Tuesday. Mr. Asp is very enthusiastic over the future greatness of his city. He also informed us that a preliminary line had already been run on the Geuda Springs, Caldwell & Southwestern railroad, and it is expected that work will commence in the near future. Wellington Standard.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
Recap. Wm. B. Norman, Assignee of J. E. Coulter, assignor. Hackney & Asp, Attorneys for Assignee. Notice of the adjusting of accounts: creditors and all other persons interested in the estate of J. E. Coulter, assignor. To be handled April 12, 1886, at office of Clerk of the District Court, Cowley County.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
R. H. White, of last summer’s terrible wife-murder, now at his father-in-law’s at Goreville, Illinois, is still writing letters to various individuals here, giving the officials hades for not running down the mystical murderer of his wife. He says their actions will land them in the bottomless pit of hell, and mildly alludes to numerous citizens hereabouts as dastards and liars in seeking to blacken his immaculate character. He says McIntire and Asp have bought up THE COURIER in aid of the “nigger” whom he is certain committed the murder of his wife. He tells everybody to mail their letters on the trains, for McIntire “stands in” with the postmaster and will let no letters pass. Another letter asks Brother Kenney to go into the agony of darkness and implores the capture of the perpetrator of that awful tragedy. His letters are the eruptions of a haunted mind. Every letter he writes convicts him, and are notably minus that contrite and Godly spirit he feigned while here. He should keep his mouth shut. Every time he opens it, he gets his foot in—comes a little nearer giving himself away.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
P. H. Albright and James B. Moore have bought the four Hackney & Asp office lots, opposite the courthouse, for $8,000. They will hold them for increase of value, possibly putting up good buildings on them later in the year.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 11, 1886.
Engineer Wingate has returned from his trip to Comanche County, to view the R. R. route. Messrs. Latham and Asp will wade on as far as Ashland.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 18, 1886.
Henry E. Asp has tendered his resignation to Judge Torrance as County Attorney of Cowley County, which has been accepted. The Judge will appoint a county attorney in a day or so. Mr. Asp’s overwhelming business burdens compelled this action.
Arkansas City Republican, March 20, 1886.
The R. R. Struggle. Elsewhere in the columns of the REPUBLICAN we publish calls for special elections in the townships of Cedar and Silverdale to vote aid to the Kansas State Line road. The calls for the townships of Spring Creek and Creswell are published in the Democrat and the Traveler respectively. The Board of County Commissioners met last Friday in Winfield. In the morning S. C. Smith and J. A. Irwin received the petitions of citizens of Walnut, Liberty, Spring Creek, Cedar, and Otto Townships for elections to vote on bond propositions to the Independence and Southwestern railroad. The petitions were granted and the elections were called for May 1st.
In the afternoon the three commissioners received petitions of Cedar, Spring Creek, Silverdale, and Creswell Townships for elections to vote on bond propositions to the Kansas State Line Railway Company. The petitions were granted and the elections were called for May 3rd.
The principle struggle was between Winfield and Arkansas City for priority in the elections, Winfield working for the former and Arkansas City for the latter of the above sets of petitions.
Messrs. Smith and Irwin gave the precedence to the former company. S. C. Smith resides in Winfield and is chairman of the board of county commissioners, and refused to call the elections for the same day and thereby give each company equal chances.
But we will go back to the beginning of this railroad struggle. Some two months ago Hon. Jas. Hill, the gentleman who built the Frisco road to Arkansas City and is now building it west along the State line, conceived the plan of building a line of road from Oswego to Arkansas City through the Border townships to connect with his western Frisco extension here and thereby have an air-line to St. Louis. He set about to execute his idea immediately. About a month ago the charter was filed for the Kansas State Line road. Owing to a press of business matters on this western extension of the Frisco, the petitions were not in the township of which aid is asked as soon as Mr. Hill intended to have them, but they were there two days before those of the Independence & Southwestern and signed by good and legal tax-payers as well as voters.
Some busy body told Winfield of Arkansas City’s intentions and that she was going to file a charter for the Kansas State Line road. Immediately Bill Hackney jumps on the train, goes to Topeka, and tries to head off the Kansas State Line road, by obtaining the privilege of using the name of the Santa Fe road in building the Independence & Southwestern. He failed to get the necessary satisfaction at Topeka, so he determined to try higher authority. He went to Washington, and interviewed C. P. Huntington, of the Kansas and Arkansas Valley road projected from Ft. Smith to Arkansas City. That gentleman informed Mr. Hackney that he has his line mapped out and will not change it for the benefit of Winfield. Mr. Hackney saw Hon. H. W. Perkins and got him to introduce an amendment making the bill granting the right-of-way through the Territory read to some point between the Arkansas and Caney Rivers instead of Arkansas City. There the bill rests. It has never been passed as yet. The bill was permitted to be changed in order to unite the Kansas delegation in Congress.
The Kansas & Arkansas Valley road will come to Arkansas City. It is a Santa Fe project and they will never parallel their line from here to Winfield just to accommodate that city.
From Washington Mr. Hackney went to Boston and saw President Strong of the Santa Fe. Here he got permission by misrepresentation to use the Santa Fe’s name in connection with the Independence & Southwestern road to head off the Kansas State Line road and keep a competing line from entering the field. He returned home, filed a charter, and got his petitions into the townships of Spring Creek and Cedar two days later than the Kansas State Line road. On the same day the petitions were started from Winfield. Hon. E. P. Greer came down to Arkansas City to get Commissioner Guthrie to sign a call asking Chairman Smith to convene the board. Mr. Guthrie rightly refused because the petitions signed up by the proper number of voters of the townships had never been presented. Mr. Greer returned to Winfield and induced the chairman to sign the petitions himself.
The chairman of the Board of County Commissioners petitions himself to call a meeting! Whoever heard of the like before?
The petitions of the Kansas State Line road were in one day before all the petitions of the Independence & Southwestern were signed up. A petition signed by Commissioners Guthrie and Irwin asking Mr. Smith to call a meeting of the board to consider the Kansas State Line petitions was presented him, but that gentleman refused to countenance it until after he had disposed of the Independence & Southwestern, although their petitions were not in at the time.
When the hour for the meeting of the board arrived last Friday morning, Mr. Guthrie refused to sit with the board. Chairman Smith was marched to the courthouse between Bill Hackney and Henry Asp. Oh, we would hate to be the slave and have those men masters. During the session of the board, Mr. Hackney called the petitioners of the Kansas State Line road s__ns of b____hs and other vile names. After a great deal of talk, the chairman finally settled the matter as stated above.
We have consulted attorneys and they inform us that the call of the Independence & Southwestern is illegal; that it amounts to nothing, and shows to what desperate means Winfield has resorted to keep Arkansas City and the border townships from getting a road. Cedar, Silverdale, and Spring Creek are now paying taxes upon the bonds they voted to build the Southern Kansas, the Santa Fe, and the Frisco into Winfield. They voted bonds to the D. M. & A. Now, when all the border townships have a chance to secure a line, Winfield is trying to beat them out of it. Will our friends out east stand any such outrage?
Arkansas City Republican, March 20, 1886.
Henry E. Asp has tendered his resignation as attorney of Cowley County to Judge Torrance.
Arkansas City Republican, March 20, 1886.
C. L. Swarts, of this city, has received the appointment of county attorney to succeed H. E. Asp from Judge E. S. Torrance. The REPUBLICAN congratulates Cal. upon his good luck.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.
New County Attorney. Judge Torrance has appointed C. L. Swarts, of Arkansas City, county attorney of Cowley County, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Henry E. Asp. Mr. Swarts filed his bond today and took his first case, the preliminary of Whitehead. C. L. is one of the best leaders among the young attorneys of Cowley County and was the hearty choice of the bar, by petition, for this appointment. He will move to the hub at once. Henry E. Asp retires from this office with the full appreciation of the people whom he served. He has proven himself to be a young giant in the legal profession—possessed of remarkable talent, knowledge, and energy for one of his years. His railroad enterprises and general legal labors overwhelmed him with a burden the most grinding of which, in the important interests of his physical constitution and by-laws, he had to drop.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.
The Arkansas City Republican speaks of James Hill, of that city, as “the man who built the K. C. & S. W. railroad, and is building the Geuda Springs and Western.” We suppose this is intended to not only supply Mr. Hill with an immense gob of taffy (which he seems to live on) but to show that there is somebody connected with the South Line project who can build a railroad. We presume that Mr. Hill has money and credit enough to build about a mile of railroad, not more than that, but none of his money or credit went into the building of the K. C. & S. W. All he supplied was a part of his time in talking up the project and doing some work as an employee. There are half a dozen men in Winfield either of whom did more towards building that road than Mr. Hill. He was useful to the company, but Henry E. Asp was a necessity. It would have been built without Hill, but never would have been built without Asp. Hill did some work, but Asp did work of forty times the value to the company. If Hill can build one railroad, Asp can build a dozen. We would not trade one Asp for a dozen Hills, even if some of them were small mountains. But there is another difference. Asp is loyal and true and works for his city and his company faithfully and honestly. Hill works only for himself and gobbles in all he can like a swine. Asp never offered to sell out his city or his constituents. Hill is not that way, and we could tell of propositions he has made which would make the hair of his Arkansas City admirers stand on end if they knew of them. If he could build a road, we should know how to gain him for our side.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.
Henry E. Asp and L. D. Latham left on the Frisco Tuesday for St. Louis.
Arkansas City Republican, March 27, 1886.
The Winfield Courier speaks of Henry Asp as having been a necessity to the K. C. & S. W. Railway construction company. Bah! What are you giving your readers? Any other pettifogger could have done as much as Mr. Asp did. Why didn’t Mr. Asp build that railroad west north of Arkansas City if he is such a giant? And why don’t he build the D. M. & A.? We can tell things on Mr. Asp which will make his hair stand on end. But we won’t do it because it is child’s play. We are talking about building railroads, Father Millington, and not of the private character of Jas. Hill and Mr. Asp. Confine yourself to the subject and don’t get so badly scared.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
The new law office of Hackney & Asp, opposite the courthouse, is going up rapidly, and will be a very neat building.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
The Burden Eagle don’t like the appointment of Mr. Cal. Swarts for county attorney, and thinks it “strange freaks” that Judge Torrance should appoint an Arkansas City man of “moderate abilities;” that his choice should have fallen on a “ring candidate” and favorite of Mr. Asp; that Mr. Asp should have resigned just at that time; that an opponent of the prohibitory law should become Mr. Swarts’ assistant, and that the county treasurer should stump his district against himself and in favor of Swarts. Perhaps we have not got this last clause in the shape it was intended, but it is just as well. We think the appointment a good one and not at all strange. Perhaps the Eagle don’t know much about Cal. Swarts or Webb’s position on prohibition. In due time it will discover that the ability of the said man is not so “moderate” and that the prohibitory and other laws will be ably enforced by both. Unless the Eagle should cut up some “dude” and get into their clutches, it will then admit that the appointment was a first-rate one and that there was nothing strange about it. Wait and see. Several good men have come up out of Arkansas City and there are a few more left of the same sort.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
Wells, Willis & Kipp are getting right along with Hackney & Asp’s office, on Ninth Avenue. It will be a neat, tasty building.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.
The preliminary examination, before Judge Buckman, of Alfred B. Elliott for the murder of Wilborn M. Chastain, at Dexter, on the 22nd, closed at five o’clock last evening. The defendant was granted bail in the sum of $10,000, which was promptly given. The court room was thronged with anxious listeners. The interest was intense and when the case was declared bailable, signs of approbation were noticeable all around.
The examination of Alfred B. Elliott for the murder of Wilborn M. Chastain was begun Tuesday at 10 o’clock at the courthouse before Judge Buckman. The court room was crowded, Dexter being over en masse. Next to the defendant sat his wife; near her was Mrs. Rev. Elliott, from Missouri. Laura Elliott, of Torrance, a niece, and William Moses, a son-in-law, included the relatives present. Mr. Elliott listened to the testimony attentively and without the least nervous agitation visible. County Attorneys Swarts & Webb conducted the prosecution and Judge McDonald, Henry E. Asp, and James McDermott represented the defense. There was little cross examination. The witnesses sworn were: Lee Richardson, G. M. Hawkins, J. D. Ward, W. H. Culp, J. V. Hines, Joseph Church, G. P. Wagoner, H. L. Wells, L. C. Pattison, Geo. W. Dunlap, Geo. Callison, Frank Ross, and J. B. Nicholson.
In twenty minutes after the examination, the defendant’s attorneys, Judge McDonald, James McDermott, and Henry E. Asp had the bond made, signed, and approved.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.
The following are the real estate transfers filed in the office of Register of Deeds.
Mrs. S C Hanchett to Henry E Asp, lot 11, blk 168, Winfield: $2,500.
Albert A Newman et al to Henry E Asp, lot 19, blk 115, lots 8, 9, 10 & 21, blk 116, and lots 1 and 2, blk 123, A C: $260.
Joseph S Garris and wf to Henry E Asp, lots 3 and 4, hf sw qr 13-35-3e: $5,000.
Eliza Bowen et al to Henry E Asp, e hf se qr 14-35-3e, 23 acres: $1,125.
Eliza J Bowen et al to Henry E Asp, hf lot 1 & ne qr se qr 14-35-3e: $2,625.
David C Beach & wf to Henry E Asp, tract in out lot 2, Winfield: $80.
Henry E Asp to K C & S W railway Co., lots 9, 10 & blk 143, village of Northfield, q-c: $1.00.
Henry E Asp & wf to City of Winfield, tract in Webb’s ad to Winfield, q-c: $1.00.
Henry E Asp & wf to Winfield Gas Company, tract in out lot 3, Winfield: $10.
Henry E Asp & wf to John A Young, lot 25 & 25 ft lots 9, 10, 11, 20, 25, 24 & 25, village of Northfield: $1.00.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 8, 1886.
CIVIL DOCKET.
1. 1786. Henry Hansen vs Joseph Davis, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
2. 1794. Elizabeth McQuam vs Nancy A Baldwin et al, W P Hackney & Asp for def.
3. 1849. Houghton & McLaughlin vs John Brown, A J Pyburn for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
4. 1858. Dwight Ripley vs D A Millington, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
5. 1871. William McNull vs Neil Wilkie and J. F. Greer, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, McDonald & Webb for def.
7. 1899. James Jordan vs Winfield Township, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Jos O’Hare and Hackney & Asp for def.
9. 1937. Bartlett & Co vs A T & S F R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
11. 1958. Schuster Toole & Co. vs S B Sigler, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
12. 1959. Smith, Frazee & Co. vs S B Sigler, W P Hackney for def.
13. 1960. Stout & Wingert vs S S Baker, Sheriff, and Schuster Toole & Co., McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
14. 1961. Stout & Wingert vs S S Baker, Sheriff, and Schuster Toole & Co., McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
17. 1983. M Ingram et al vs P Fouts et al, McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
31. 2052. Isaiah L Newman vs William H Speers et al, Mitchell & Swarts and Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
37. 2065. Ben Bartlow vs D P Hunt and Floyd M Hurst, Dalton & Madden for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
40. 2071. A H Doane & Co vs Board County Commissioners, Jos O’Hare for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
42. 2083. Martha A Iliff vs Lemuel Iliff, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
44. 2295. H M Beachman vs George E Hasie and W S Hasie, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup and A J Pyburn for def.
45. 2096. Winfield Bank vs J B Nipp, County Treasurer, and G H McIntire, as Sheriff of Cowley County, Kansas, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, McDermott & Johnson for def.
52. 2124. J N Harter vs Board of County Commissioners, Joseph O’Hare for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
55. 2139. Peter McCuish vs Seaborn Moore and The Udall Milling Co., Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, McDonald & Webb for def.
56. 2140. James Davidson, administrator of the estate of Thomas McCampbell, deceased, vs John Deffenbaugh et al, Hackney & Asp for def.
57. 2146. Lawrence Dawson vs The Kansas Life Association, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
63. 2155. Adelia A Kibbe vs Lyman S Kibbe, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
64. 2159. Nicholas Belveal vs The Kansas Protection Union, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
67. 2173. George Heffron vs W A Lee, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
68. 2174. Alexander Hoel vs John A Cochran, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, McDonald & Webb for def.
69. 2175. Alexander Hoel vs George C Taylor, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, McDonald & Webb for def.
70. 2176. Charles W Frith vs Alfred P Cochran, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, McDonald & Webb for def.
71. 2177. Charles W Frith vs George C Taylor, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, McDonald & Webb for def.
75. 2191. Jamison Vawter vs Board of County Commissioners, A J Pyburn for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
76. 2192. G H Buckman vs Board of County Commissioners, G H Buckman for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
80. 2205. Daniel Maher vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp and Dalton for def.
82. 2207. Elmira Overly vs Joseph Overly, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
83. 2208. James F Mayo vs Richard Constanzer and H Mauls, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
84. 2210. M C Hedrick vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup and Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
85. 2211. Arthur Orr vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
86. 2212. W J Orr vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
87. 2213. Volney Baird vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co, Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
90. 2221. W G Graham vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
91. 2222. G W Yount vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
92. 2223. W W Limbocker vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
93. 2224. W W Limbocker vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
94. 2225. David C Beach vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., David C Beach for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
95. 2226. L C Clark vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Henry E Asp for def.
96. 2227. R Ehret vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Henry E Asp for def.
97. 2232. Adam Walck vs School District No. 91, in Cowley County, et al, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
101. 2241. Thomas McLean vs C W Jones et al, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Dalton & Day for def.
104. 2245. H P Farrar vs V M Ayers and A D Ayers, A J Pyburn for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
105. 2246. The Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
106. 2247. Alexander Fuller vs V M Ayres, C L Swarts for plaintiff, Hackney & Asp for def.
108. 2255. R B Waite vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., S D Pryor for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
409. 2256. R B Waite vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., S D Pryor for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
410. 2257. A B French vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
110. 2257. A B French vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
111. 2258. J B Lynn vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
112. 2259. John Lowry vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
113. 2260. Addie W Sykes vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
114. 2261. Winfield Water Co. vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
117. 2269. Samuel S Lynn vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
118. 2270. W H H Teter vs The Kansas City and Southwestern Railroad Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
119. 2271. A J Robinson vs The Kansas City & Southwestern Railroad Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
120. 2272. A J Robinson vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
121. 2273. A J Robinson vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
122. 2275. M D Rowe and D F King vs Eli J Sherlock, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
123. 2276. Lucius Walton vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
124. 2277. Lucius Walton vs The Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., McDonald & Webb for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
125. 2278. Estate of Hillary Holtby vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
126. 2279. Z T Whitson vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Henry E Asp for def.
136. 2298. Harriet R Loomis vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., J F McMullen for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
138. 2306. A A Newman and Tylor H McLaughlin vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., A J Pyburn for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
139. 2307. Frank J Hess vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., A J Pyburn for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
140. 2308. Mark Morris vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., A J Pyburn for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
142. 2067. F M Savage vs Thomas Jackson et al, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Dalton & Madden for def.
147. 2296. Homer G Fuller vs William H Day, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
163. 2329. H G Fuller vs Curns & Manser, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff, Jennings & Troup for def.
164. 2330. H G Fuller & Co. vs John B Harden, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff; Jennings & Troup for def.
167. 2335. F I Pike vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
168. 2336. W J Conway vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., H T Sumner for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
169. 2337. Charles Seyfer vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, H E Asp for def.
170. 2338. H J Donnelly vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Henry T Sumner for plaintiff; Henry E Asp for def.
171. 2339. Elizabeth C Hurst vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., H T Sumner for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
172. 2340. C J Beck vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
173. 2341. Henry B Hollowell vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
174. 2342. W D Mowry vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
175. 2343. S E Gilbert vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Jennings & Troup for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
176. 2344. Elijah Wilson vs J W Wilson, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
177. 2346. Ida M Willis vs John Willis, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
178. 2347. Lucy Cooper vs J W F Cooper, Hackney & Asp for plaintiff.
181. 2363. T B Ricks vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., John Hall for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
182. 2354. C C Gilliland vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., Henry E Asp for def.
183. 2355. John Parker vs Kansas City & Southwestern R R Co., John Hall for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
190. 2363. Thornton Richards vs The St. Louis & San Francisco R R Co., H T Sumner for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
195. 2368. Mary E Harris vs the Kansas City and Southwestern R R Co., John Clark for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
199. 2378. J C McMullen vs Fred Grandy, a minor, and Charles L Grandy, his general guardian, John Hall for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
200. 2379. John Larson vs L D Latham & Co. et al, John Hall for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
201. 2380. William Harris vs Kansas City and Southwestern R R Co. et al, John Hall for plaintiff, Henry E Asp for def.
Arkansas City Republican, April 10, 1886.
Hold on, Mr. Winfield Telegram, when you say the REPUBLICAN lauded Henry Asp. We say you are mistaken. We never did and never will.
[COWLEY
COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 15, 1886.
Thursday was entirely taken up in empaneling a jury in the Henry Mowry murder case from Arkansas City. The regular venire, with six talesmen, were exhausted in selecting the following jury: G. W. Hosmer, H. O. Brown, Fountain Seacat, J. D. [?] McMains, W. S. Caster, C. W. Dover, W. Drury, Henry Chitwood, D. W. Frew, S. Bonifield, J. G. Anderson, and L. Conrad. Jennings & Troup, of this city, and W. E. Stanley, of Wichita, are counsel for the defense, and Henry E. Asp and County Attorneys Swarts & Webb conduct the prosecution. Mr. Asp is in the case from the fact of this case having come up under his regime as county attorney. He will also assist in the Marshall case. The case in hand is a big one, with a woman at the bottom of it—a case the facts of which have numerously appeared in THE COURIER and with which all are familiar, making a rehash of the evidence unnecessary. The mother of the prisoner, a fine looking old lady, with his brothers, W. D. and Al., occupy seats within the railing and exhibit deep concern. The woman in the case, Mrs. O. F. Godfrey, and husband are here from Chicago, to where they recently moved. There are two dozen or more witnesses in the case and its trial will probably occupy a week or more.
Arkansas City Republican, April 17, 1886.
The evidence in the Mowry trial at Winfield was all in Wednesday morning. Judge Torrance adjourned court until Thursday morning, when the attorneys began their argument.
Judge Torrance read his instructions to the jury and County Attorney Swarts opened the argument with a keen-cut speech of a couple of hours. It surprised those unfamiliar with his ability. Senator Jennings followed for the defense and occupied most of the afternoon in a speech, seeking to establish epileptic mania in his client at the time of the shooting. Henry E. Asp came next, for the prosecution, followed by W. E. Stanley for the defense.
LATER. Just as we were going to press, the word reached us that the jury rendered their verdict after being out about five hours—a verdict of “guilty of murder in the first degree.”
Arkansas City Republican, April 24, 1886.
On Wednesday morning court convened at 8:30, and the case of the state vs. Alfred B. Elliott, for the murder of Dr. Chastain at Dexter a short time since was called. The trial is still going on. County Attorney Swarts and Lovell Webb appear for the State. James McDermott, J. Wade McDonald, W. P. Hackney, and H. E. Asp appear for the defense. Rev. Chastain, the father of the murdered man, is at Winfield attending the trial. Three murder trials at a single term of court is pretty good for our county.
At this point I quit copying items relative to ASP. MAW.