THOMAS
A. BLANCHARD.
Vernon
and Walnut Townships.
[Note: This file
was set up by RKW many years ago. His entries are next. MAW]
The following is
from the book “Robert Allen” by William Ray Allen, printed in 1991. A copy is in the Cowley County Genealogy
Library.
Thomas A.
Blanchard is a son of Ira A. Blanchard and Margaret Rutherford. Ira was born in
1799 and apparently died in California between 1850 and 1856. Margaret was born
in 1808 and died in Cowley County in 1870.
Thomas A.
Blanchard served as a sergeant in Co. I, 7 Missouri Cavalry, from December 1,
1861, to January 10, 1864—two years and two months. He reenlisted as a sergeant
in Co. K, 1 Missouri Cavalry, from January 10, 1864, to September 29, 1865—one
year, 8 months, and 28 days. He was mustered out as a First Sergeant.
In 1865 Thomas A.
and Sarah E. Blanchard moved to Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas. He was
elected in 1867 to both the position of Sheriff and Treasurer of Woodson
County.
In 1869 the
Blanchard family moved to Cowley County and he preempted a farm in Section 7,
near Winfield. They had six children; Valentine; Ira A.; Mary E.; John D.; Miss
Lammie; and Elgie E. Ira and Elgie E. were buried in Vernon Cemetery in Cowley
County.
The February 10,
1870, special census of Cowley County lists _ Blanchard, _. A. Blanchard, _. D.
Blanchard, _. E. Blanchard, George Blanchard, Margaret Blanchard, S. A.
Blanchard, and Sarah E. Blanchard.
The 1873 Vernon
Township census lists Thomas Blanchard, age 40, and his wife S. E., age 32.
The Winfield
census of 1878 lists T. A. Blanchard, age 47, his wife S. E., age 34. It also
lists George Blanchard, age 26, and his wife R., age 22.
After what appears
to have been a successful and comfortable living in Winfield, Thomas got itchy
feet for free land in the Oklahoma Territory. Sometime between 1883 and 1889 he
moved to the Oklahoma Territory. On May 18, 1889, Thomas filed homestead
application No 1600 near Guthrie, Oklahoma.
At the first
Cowley County election on May 2, 1870, T. A. Blanchard was elected a County
Commissioner. He served as chairman.
Thomas A.
Blanchard was born Oct. 19, 1833, in Perry County, Indiana; died July 14, 1892,
and was buried in Camp Russell Cemetery near Guthrie, Ok. He married Sarah E.
Allen on July 9, 1857, at La Plata, Missouri. She died August 22, 1903, and was
buried in Summitview Cemetery, in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
FROM
THE NEWSPAPERS.
The Commonwealth [Date Unknown:
Latter part of August or early September 1870.]
COWLEY COUNTY.
Proceedings of the Mass Meeting of Republicans, Held at Winfield, Cowley
County, Kansas, August 25th, 1870, for the purpose of organizing the
Republican Party in the county.
In compliance with
a call for a republican mass meeting, issued and signed by one hundred
republican voters, a large number of the republican voters of Cowley County met
at the court room, in Winfield, on the 25th day of August, 1870, at
one o’clock P. M.; and organized the meeting by choosing W. W. Andrews
chairman, and Wm. Orr secretary.
The object of the
meeting being stated, on motion, a committee was appointed to report the names
of persons to the convention to be selected as a republican central committee
for Cowley County.
The committee
retired a few minutes, and reported the following named persons, who were then
unanimously elected the republican central committee of Cowley County, for the
ensuing year, to wit: E. C. Manning, G. H. Norton, Wm. Hubbell, Wm. Orr, Thos.
Blanchard.
The following
resolutions were offered and adopted as an expression of the voice of the
republicans of Cowley County.
Resolved, That the
republican party of Cowley County, in mass convention assembled, cordially
endorse the administration of Gen. Grant, and congratulate him and the country
upon the successful manner in which the reconstruction of the country and the
rapid restoration of its finances to a healthy and permanent condition, has
been conducted.
Resolved, That we gratefully
acknowledge our obligations to congress for having passed the bill purchasing
the Osage diminished reservation, upon the wise, equitable, and favorable terms
provided, and that we are especially pleased with the members of our
congressional delegation who contributed their efforts to the consummation of
the purchase.
Resolved, That the
authorities whose duty it is to remove the Indians from this reservation and
cause the same to be surveyed, are respectfully requested to cause the same to
be done at the earliest practical moment, to the end that the settlement and
development of the same may be facilitated.
Resolved, That the Kansas
COMMONWEALTH, The Cowley County Censor, and the Arkansas Traveller
[Arkansas City Traveler] be requested to publish the proceedings of this
convention.
W. W. ANDREWS,
chairman. WM. ORR, secretary.
The Commonwealth, November 15, 1870.
COWLEY. The people’s
ticket, with the exception of county attorney and register of deeds, is elected
by about 50 majority. Col. E. C. Manning is elected representative by 64
majority. Stover’s majority in the county is 348. The following are the county
officers elect: T. B. Ross, probate judge; J. M. Patterson [Pattison], sheriff;
E. P. Hickok, district clerk; A. A. Jackson, county clerk; George B. Green,
treasurer; E. S. Torrence [Torrance], county attorney; W. A. Smith, register of
deeds; H. L. Barker, surveyor; Dr. H. B. Kellogg, coroner; L. B. Walmsley,
school superintendent; E. Simpson, G. H. Norton and T. A. Blanchard,
commissioners.
[FROM COWLEY
COUNTY.]
The Commonwealth, November 26, 1870.
WINFIELD, KAS.,
Nov. 20, 1870.
To the Editor of
the Commonwealth:
In your daily
issue of the 18th inst. appears a sensational article from Arkansas
City, relative to the result of the election in this county, signed X. It
contains some errors. Here are the main ones taken from the letter, the
remainder of which is lost.
“The election of
the 8th was favorable in its result. The entire republican ticket
was elected—H. B. Norton, for representative, carrying four out of six
townships over E. C. Manning, “people’s” candidate.
“However, the
county commissioners have thrown out the vote of four townships—just two-thirds
of the county—in order to give Manning and his compeers, themselves included,
the certificates! Even Jim Lane and Sam Wood would have recoiled from such a
trick. This was done on the plea of informality; a stale, played-out shyster’s
dodge.”
The entire
“people’s ticket” was elected except two. If every vote and pretended vote in
the county had been counted, ten out of fourteen candidates on the people’s
ticket were elected. Error No. 1 corrected. There are but three instead of six
legally established townships in the county. Error No. 2 corrected. Two of
those townships were counted and one rejected. Error No. 3 corrected. The vote
of three precincts (97 votes in all) were not contested because the poll books
did not state where the election was held. The returns from the localities were
not taken cognizance of by the board of commissioners because no precincts had
ever been established there. Capt. G. H. Norton, a brother of the candidate for
the legislature, is one of the county commissioners and was the first member of
the board to vote to throw out the first precinct that was rejected. Capt. G.
H. Norton and T. A. Blanchard are two of the commissioners re-elected by the
“people’s ticket,” and hence the Captain is one of Manning’s “compeers.”
There are eight
precincts established in the county. The returns from three of them were
rejected. Had the three rejected returns been counted, it would have made no
difference in the result. Winfield cast 171 votes, Arkansas City 143. XX.
[COWLEY COUNTY
AGAIN.]
The Commonwealth, November 29, 1870.
To the Editor of
the Commonwealth:
In your issue of
the 26th, “XX,” writing from Winfield, makes a statement that
certainly “contains some errors.”
He says “there are
but three instead of six legally established townships in the county.”
I find on file in
the office of the secretary of state, a record in the hand and also the
signature of E. P. Hickok, clerk of Cowley County, describing the organization
of Rock Creek, Winfield, Creswell, Cedar, Grouse, and Dexter townships, by the
county commissioners last May; accompanied with a full map of the same!
This record is not
to be found in the office of the present (deputy) county clerk. What villain’s
hand has abstracted and destroyed it?
I have also on
file the poll books from the rejected precincts. The informalities are very
slight; the clerks and judges were as well known to the county commissioners as
their own brothers; the case will not hold one moment against the legality of
the returns in any court of justice.
It is flatly false
that Capt. G. H. Norton was the first to object to the returns. T. A. Blanchard
did that, and Capt. Norton’s vote, in opposition to the entire iniquity, is on
record.
Capt. G. H.
Norton’s name was put upon the “people’s ticket” without his knowledge or
consent, and voted for against his protest.
“XX” says “there
are eight precincts established in the county.” I find in the Censor, of
Oct. 8th, over the signature of W. Q. Mansfield, deputy county
clerk, and T. A. Blanchard, county commissioner, the following statement:
“The precincts, as
established by law, are as follows: Rock Creek precinct, Nenescah precinct,
Floral precinct, Armstrong precinct, Dwyer precinct, Dexter precinct, Grouse
precinct, South Bend precinct, Creswell precinct, Winfield precinct.”
Just ten precincts
in six townships; of which four townships, or two-thirds of the county, were
rejected.
“Arkansas City
cast 143 votes,” almost every vote being challenged by Mr. Cook.
“Winfield cast 171
votes,” not a vote being challenged, upon the ruling that no person not
residing in the township, had the right to challenge.
Winfield village
has about one fifth the buildings, business, and population of Arkansas City.
“Villainy somewhere; whose?”
The republican ticket
has a legal majority of ninety votes, as will appear at the pending trial.
Notwithstanding
the frauds, a counting of all the votes would give H. B. Norton eight majority.
XXX. Topeka, Nov. 27, 1870.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Cowley County
Censor, July 1, 1871.
Board of County
Commissioners met in special session at the County Clerk’s office in Winfield,
June 27th, 1871. Present: T. A. Blanchard, G. H. Norton, and E. Simpson.
[REPUBLICAN
TICKET]
Cowley County
Censor, October 21, 1871.
For Senator, 25th
District, J. M. ALEXANDER.
For
Representative, 75th District, E. C. MANNING.
For county
commissioners:
District No. 1:
FRANK COX, of Richland
District No. 2:
LUCIUS WALTON, of Beaver.
District No. 3: R.
MAURER, of Dexter.
For Sheriff:
THOMAS A. BLANCHARD, of Vernon.
For County Clerk:
JOHN W. HORNBEAK, of Winfield.
For Register of
Deeds: JOHN IRWIN, of Rock.
For Treasurer: A.
H. GREEN, of Winfield.
Fort Supt. Public
Instruction, JOHN DUDLEY, of Windsor.
For Coroner, DR.
G. P. WAGNER, of Dexter.
For Railroad
Assessor of the 11th Judicial District, DR. R. W. WRIGHT, of Labette County.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY
CONVENTION.]
Cowley County
Censor, October 21, 1871.
Last Saturday the
Republican Delegate Convention met at this place and, notwithstanding the day
was stormy and disagreeable, all the townships were represented except
Creswell. The following named gentlemen were the delegates.
Richland Township:
James Kelly and Frank Cox.
Windsor Township:
S. Wilkins, B. H. Clover, and John Dudley.
Vernon Township:
Geo. Easterly, T. A. Blanchard, and F. W. Schwantes.
Beaver Township:
T. W. Morris, B. Y. Hunt, and L. M. Kennedy.
Tisdale Township:
G. W. Foughty and A. B. Lemmon.
Pleasant Valley
Township: W. E. Cook, D. Hostetter, and S. W. Greer.
Rock Township:
John Irwin, A. V. Polk, W. H. Grow, and J. Funk.
Dexter Township:
Jas. McDermott, J. H. Reynolds, and G. P. Wagner.
Winfield: E. S.
Torrance, I. H. Coon, J. W. Hornbeak, C. A. Bliss, J. A. Myton, Capt. Tansey,
D. A. Millington, and Jno. Stannard.
The convention was
called to order by J. McDermott, Chairman of the Central Committee.
E. S. Torrance was
chosen temporary Chairman and L. H. Coon, Secretary.
CANDIDATES FOR
NOMINATION:
Representatives:
E. C. Manning and S. M. Fall.
Sheriff: T. A.
Blanchard, Warren Ablen, J. M. Pattison and E. M. Conklin.
Register of Deeds:
John Irwin, F. A. Hunt, G. C. Swasey, and J. W. Tull.
Treasurer: A. H.
Green, W. H. Grow, and G. W. Bullene.
Coroner: G. P.
Wagner.
Surveyor: W. W.
Walton.
County Clerk: J.
W. Hornbeak and J. A. Myton.
Superintendent of
Public Instruction: Jno. Dudley and A. B. Lemmon.
T. A. BLANCHARD.
The nominee for Sheriff is also well known through the county, holding as he
does the Chairmanship of the Board of County Commissioners. He is a staunch
Republican, and has held the office for which he is a candidate in Greenwood
Co., this State, for several terms, knows well its duties and will make a
prompt and efficient officer.
Walnut Valley
Times, October 27, 1871.
The following are
the nominations of the Cowley County “REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.” For
Representative, E. C. Manning; for County commissioners District No. 1, Frank
Cox; District No. 2, Lucius Walton; District No. 3, R. Maurer; for Sheriff,
Thomas A. Blanchard; for County Clerk, John W. Hornbeak; for Register of Deeds,
John Irwin; for Treasurer, A. H. Green; for Superintendent Public Instruction,
John Dudley; for Surveyor, W. W. Walton; for Coroner, Dr. G. P. Wagner.
Walnut Valley
Times, July 19, 1872.
RAILROAD
CONVENTION. Delegates from the several conventions along the line of the Kansas
City, Emporia & Walnut Valley Railroad, and from Kansas City, met at the
courthouse in Emporia July 11th to consider the matter of raising money and
apportioning to each locality along the line its equitable share to build the road.
Prof. H. B. Norton, of Arkansas City, was made chairman, and Prof. Warner
Craig, of Osage County, secretary.
Entitled to seats
in the convention--
Cowley
County: H. B. Norton, L. R. Kellogg, C.
A. Bliss, and C. A. Millington.
Butler
County: W. M. Sparks, A. L. Redden, and
T. B. Murdock.
AMONG THOSE WHO
WERE MADE DIRECTORS--
Cowley
County: C. A. Bliss and Thomas
Blanchard, of Winfield, and A. D. Keith, of Arkansas City.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield
Messenger, August 16, 1872.
Board of County Commissioners
met in County Clerk’s office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O.
C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.
The bill of all
the judges and clerks of the Election held on the 10th of this month was
allowed.
Thomas Blanchard:
$3.00.
[MASS CONVENTION
OF THE SUPPORTERS OF GREELEY AND BROWN.]
Winfield
Messenger, September 6, 1872.
Meeting organized
by the selection of R. B. Saffold for chairman, and A. Walton as secretary. Mr.
Saffold made an interesting speech in favor of the Cincinnati Platform and the
nominees; Mr. Jackson made a motion that a committee of five be appointed on
organization, seconded and carried; also moved that a committee of five be
appointed on resolutions; carried.
Recommended by T.
A. Blanchard, Chairman, that a Central Committee be elected, consisting of two
members from each township, and that they be requested to meet at Winfield,
Saturday, the 9th day of September, 1872, for the purpose of organization of
said Committee and apportioning to each township its number of delegates for a
County Convention Sept. 18, named as the day for a Greeley Mass meeting at
Winfield.
A. A. Jackson,
Secretary.
Nominations were
then made for delegates to the two Conventions to be held in Topeka September
11th, 1872. A. A. Jackson and R. B. Saffold, with S. D. Oaks and T. B. Ross as
alternates were nominated to one Convention, and A. Walton, T. McIntire with H.
N. Deming and T. A. Blanchard, alternates to the other, for the purpose of
nominating State officers, Electors, and Congressmen.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
9, 1873. Editorial Page.
THE TISDALE
SQUABBLE. The make believe “farmers” met at Tisdale last Tuesday for the purpose
of nominating a ticket to be voted for next November. The meeting was called to
order at 2 o’clock p.m., and elected J. L. Shaw of Pleasant Valley, temporary
chairman, and George Melville, secretary. J. G. Young of Tisdale, J. C. Roberts
of Winfield, and A. N. Deming of Creswell were appointed a committee on
credentials. Committee on Resolutions, appointed as follows: C. C. Krow, G.
Melville, Robert McNown, Dr. Sylvester Wilkins, and Wm. Voris. Both committees
retiring, a motion was carried that the convention organize when the proper
time came. George Melville’s appointment on committee on resolutions was objected
to by J. C. Burger as he (Melville) was not a delegate. Motion to displace Mr.
Melville, lost. Burger thought Melville ought to be displaced, as he was not a
delegate, he might pack the Resolutions. He thought the committee should be
selected by the crowd. John Smiley also thought the committee ought to be
selected by the crowd.
The crowd was
finally organized, with J. L. Shaw as President, T. A. Blanchard,
Vice-President, W. S. Coburn, Secretary.
Committee on
Resolutions reported in substance as follows.
That we desire to
curtail expenses. That we ask the aid of honest men regardless of party.
Resolved, That we confine
nominations to farmers and laborers as far as practicable. That we invite the
press of Cowley County to assist us to elect the ticket nominated here today.
The list of
candidates nominated will be found in another column, with our comments on
their qualifications, abilities, etc.
Column did nothing
but blast candidates nominated.
[FARMERS’ PRIMARY
ELECTION, HELD IN VERNON TOWNSHIP.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
9, 1873.
VERNON TOWNSHIP,
October 4, 1873.
Please publish the
following report of the farmers’ primary election, held in Vernon Township. J.
WERDEN, Chairman, T. B. WARE, Secretary.
Motion by J. B.
Evans that all persons present who took part in the primary election and are
dissatisfied with the Republican ticket be cordially invited to take part in
this meeting carried. Moved that the manner of electing delegates be by acclamation.
Carried.
The delegates and
alternates were then elected as follows.
Delegates: C.
McClung, T. A. Blanchard, J. B. Evans, J. Werden, K. McClung, F. S. Norris.
Alternates: J. W.
Fahnestock, A. T. Williams, J. R. Taylor, P. M. Waite, C. Sutton, Wm. Martin.
Moved that the
delegates be instructed to vote for no man that has announced himself a
candidate or sought a nomination. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION.
Resolved, That William
Martin is the unqualified choice of this convention, for Representative, and we
cheerfully recommend him to the farmers’ nominating convention.
Moved that the
secretary furnish a copy of the proceedings of this meeting to the county
papers for publication. Motion carried. Adjourned.
[THE SOLDIERS’
REUNION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
23, 1873.
Meeting
of the Veterans.
At half past 2
o’clock the soldiers, to the number of about 150, fell into line at the tap of
the drum, and preceded by the Winfield Martial band, marched to the Methodist
Church, which had been kindly tendered for their use. The meeting was called to
order by T. A. Blanchard. L. J. Webb was chosen Chairman, and James Kelly,
Secretary.
The chairman
stated the object of the meeting to be to organize a permanent Soldiers’ Union.
On motion a
committee consisting of A. A. Jackson, A. D. Keith, Capt. Wm. H. H. McArthur,
Capt. Henry Barker, and Col. E. C. Manning were appointed on permanent
organization.
During the absence
of the committee, D. C. Scull entertained the meeting with a few appropriate
remarks.
The committee on
permanent organization reported as follows.
Mr. Chairman: Your
committee on permanent organization, recommend the following as a permanent
organization for Cowley County, of the Union Soldiers of the late war.
1st. The
association of all soldiers into an organization to be known as the Cowley
County Soldiers’ Association.
2nd. That said
association elect a president, 3 vice presidents, secretary, and assistant
secretary, and treasurer, and adopt a constitution.
3rd. That said
association request its members to subscribe the constitution as an evidence of
membership, giving the required company or battalion to which each belonged,
and to attend the meetings of the association.
4th. That said
association meet semi-annually for celebrations, and as much oftener as
business requires. A. A. JACKSON, Chairman.
The above was
unanimously adopted. The roll being called; the following “Boys in Blue,”
answered to their names.
MISSOURI.
T. A. Blanchard,
Co. K, 7th Mo. Cav.
The following were
elected to hold the respective offices until the next meeting.
C. M. WOOD,
President; Wm. H. H. McARTHUR, 1st Vice President; A. D. KEITH, 2nd Vice
President; BEN F. HARROD, 3rd Vice President; JAMES KELLY, Secretary; T. A.
BLANCHARD, Assistant Secretary; Dr. W. Q. MANSFIELD, Treasurer; J. W.
MILLSPAUGH, Color bearer.
Mr. Wood, on
assuming the chair, made a few brief appropriate remarks.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1873.
Our friends, T. A.
Blanchard and E. S. Bedilion, thinking perhaps that the bushel of turnips left
us last week, would be devoured by this time, and not willing to see the
printers starve before their very eyes, brought us each a peck of the finest
potatoes we have seen this year. Mr. Blanchard has some four or five acres of
potatoes which netted him here in Winfield about $65 per acre.
[ODD FELLOWS’
SOCIABLE.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
30, 1873.
The members of the
Fraternity of Odd Fellows will give a Sociable on Wednesday evening, November
5th, in the large room at the Courthouse. Evening entertainments will be of a
social character. Supper will be provided at an early hour.
SOLICITING
COMMITTEE: Mrs. M. L. Mullen, Mrs. J. J. Todd, Mrs. S. W. Greer, Mrs.
Braidwood, Miss J. Stewart, Mrs. J. Bullene, Mrs. Jeffreys, L. J. Webb, T. A.
Blanchard, A. S. Williams, G. W. Martin, Mrs. Fannie V. Curns, A. G. Jackson.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
GRAND MASONIC
FESTIVAL!
To be given for
the benefit of Adelphi Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at the Courtroom, Winfield,
Kansas, Dec. 25th, 1873.
PROGRAMME. There
will be a public installation of officers of the Lodge at the Baptist church at
one o’clock P.M. After the Installation there will be a few short addresses by
members of the order.
Dinner will take
place at the courtroom at five o’clock P.M.
A cordial
invitation is extended to the public.
After dinner a
grand ball will be given at the courtroom. Good music will be in attendance. A
cordial invitation is extended to the fraternity to be present. Special
invitations will be given by the Committee to those not members of the order.
The following is
the list of the committees appointed for the occasion.
SOLICITING
COMMITTEE. A. T. Stewart, S. H. Myton, I. Bing, A. T. Shenneman, J. A. Simpson,
J. Swain, T. A. Blanchard, R. B. Saffold, John Rhodes; Mrs. Flint, Mrs.
McMasters, Mrs. A. H. Green, Mrs. Brotherton, Mrs. Tousey, Mrs. Limbocker; Miss
Jennie Stewart, Miss Lowry, W. W. Limbocker.
[WOLF HUNT: VERNON
TOWNSHIP.]
Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.
Wolf Hunt. The citizens of
Vernon Township and vicinity assembled January 5, 1874, for the purpose of
organizing for a wolf hunt. D. Hopkins was chosen chairman of the meeting. A
committee was appointed to draft a programme for the hunt consisting of Dr. A.
S. Capper, E. D. Skinner, and T. Thompson. The place of closing the circle is
the northeast quarter of the 16th section of Vernon Township, the boundary
lines as follows.
The Walnut River
on the east, the Arkansas on the west, the south line of Vernon Township on the
south, two miles north of the north line of Vernon Township on the north.
The day designated
for the hunt: January 15, 1874. Time of starting at the boundary lines 10
o’clock A.M. The men are allowed to carry fire-arms, but no shooting is allowed
inside of the ring. Dogs are not allowed to run loose when the ring is closed.
The Chief Marshal gives the signal when the dogs are to be loosed. The proceeds
of the hunt to be donated to the Cowley County school fund. T. A. Blanchard is
Chief Marshal. There shall be a marshal for each line and he shall call as many
aides as needed; everyone having a horn or bell is requested to bring it. The
chief marshal shall wear a blue scarf; the marshal on the lines and their aides
shall wear a red scarf or ribbon.
A general
invitation is extended to all, and a special one to the editors of the Oxford
and Winfield papers. By order of Committee.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
T. A. Blanchard,
bailiff, laid over.
[GRANGES CREATE
COUNTY COUNCIL IN COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, February 6, 1874.
Fifty-seven grange
delegates, being nineteen granges represented by three delegates each (the
Lazette grange not being represented), met at the Courthouse in Winfield, on
Monday, February 2nd, at 11 o’clock a.m., for the purpose of organizing a
County council. The meeting being called to order Mr. A. S. Williams was made
Chairman, and N. C. McCulloch, Secretary pro tem. The Council was then
organized and the following officers were elected: A. S. Williams, Master; T.
A. Blanchard, Secretary; A. T. Gay, Overseer; W. A. Freeman, Gate-keeper. A.
H. Acton of Bolton Township, Simeon Martin of Maple Township, and John Irwin of
Rock Township were elected Trustees. A Constitution and By-laws were adopted,
a copy of which we are sorry to say we have not yet received. After the matters
pertaining to the County Council were satisfactorily settled, they proceeded to
choose delegates to the State Council. The following are the delegates chosen:
J. J. Johnson of New Salem, B. A. Davis of Silverdale, and Adam Walck of Grand
Prairie.
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.
It will be seen by
reference to the proceedings of the County Council of Grangers that T. A.
Blanchard of Vernon was appointed the General agent for this county. Thus far,
at least, the Council has acted with rare good judgment. We have known Tom
Blanchard almost since the county was first organized—have been associated with
him at various times and places and we know him to be in every way reliable.
[NOTICE TO
GRANGERS BY T. A. BLANCHARD.]
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.
To Grangers.
COUNTY AGENCY OFFICE,
COWLEY COUNTY, Feb. 5th, 1874.
To Patrons of
Husbandry throughout my district, I would say that having been elected agent, I
have put myself in communication with the State agency, and expect soon to
publish all needed information for your guidance in making purchases. In the
meantime talk the matter up and if possible bulk orders for your Grange. We
will as soon as possible make contracts with retail dealers in our district of
which due notice will be given. All communications to this agency to be addressed
to me at Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas.
THOS A. BLANCHARD,
Agent.
[COWLEY COUNTY
GRANGE.]
Winfield Courier, February 13, 1874.
County Council.
COUNCIL ROOST,
WINFIELD, KANSAS, 10 o’clock A. M., Feb. 3d, 1874.
Pursuant to a call
of Deputy J. H. Werden, the delegates from the different subordinate granges
throughout the county met at the Courtroom in Winfield. The meeting being
called to order by the worthy Deputy, proceeded to temporary organization by
electing brother A. S. Williams temporary Chairman, and N. C. McCulloch
Secretary pro tem. Whereupon the Master appointed the following committees.
On Constitution
and By-laws: J. H. Werden, Jos. Stansberry, and Frank Cox.
Committee on
Credentials: W. H. Grow, H. H. Martin, and A. Walck.
Committee on
Resolutions: T. A. Blanchard, John Irwin, J. C. Van Orsdal, C. G. Handy, and A.
T. Stewart.
Adjourned to meet
at 1:30 o’clock, p.m.
1:30 p.m.: Meeting
called to order by the sound of the gavel, whereupon the committee on
Credentials made the following report and declared the following members
entitled to seats.
Pleasant Valley
grange: Lucius Walton, E. Frederick, H. H. Constant.
Winfield grange:
A. T. Stewart, J. D. Cochran, N. C. McCulloch.
Darien grange: W.
H. Grow, John Irwin, Wm. White.
Eagle grange:
Daniel Grant, Samuel Jay, J. Tipton.
Bethel grange:
Jos. Stansberry, John Mentch, Geo. Yount.
Silverdale grange:
B. A. Davis, Wm. Butterfield, S. C. Winton.
Beaver grange: W.
A. Freeman, Warren Wood, J. A. McCulloch.
Grand Prairie
grange: Adam Walk, W. P. Heath, Thos. Cooley.
Sheridan grange:
Jos. Burt, H. W. Stubblefield, W. H. Clay.
Vernon grange: A.
S. Williams, J. H. Werden, T. A. Blanchard.
Philomathian
grange: H. H. Martin, A. H. Beck, John Boyd.
Richland grange:
S. W. Phoenix, N. J. Larkin, Frank Cox.
New Salem grange:
J. J. Johnson, C. C. Crow, J. C. Baker.
Centre grange: C.
G. Handy, Ed Millard, A. T. Gay.
Committee on
Constitution and By-Laws made the following report, which was unanimously
adopted.
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I. The
association shall be know as the Cowley County Central Committee of P. of H.
ARTICLE II. The
object of this Council is to aid Patrons and persons connected with the
business department of our order in buying supplies, in selling, in marketing,
and shipping their surplus products, and for mutual consultation and action of
all members upon matters that effect their financial interest, and relate to
the good of the order.
ARTICLE III. This
Council shall be composed of delegates from the subordinate granges of Cowley
County and others adjacent thereto, as follows: one for each grange at large
and one for each ten members or fraction equal to six, who shall be elected by
the subordinate granges at their last regular meeting of the Council in
February next following their election, and hold their office for one year, or
until their successors are duly elected.
ARTICLE IV. The
officers of this Council shall be a Master, Overseer, General Agent (who shall
be ex-officio Secretary), Gate Keeper, and an Executive Committee of five, two
of whom shall be the Master and Overseer. The Council agent shall be the Assistant
State Agent within his council district, and shall give suitable bond to the
Executive Committee of the Council for the faithful performance of duty. The
officers shall be elected by ballot at the first regular meeting after the
meeting of the State Grange in each year.
ARTICLE V. This
council shall hold its regular meetings on the second Saturday of each month at
10 o’clock a.m. Nine members shall constitute a quorum for doing business.
ARTICLE VI. The
Executive Committee shall have the general supervision of the officers of the
Council, any three of whom shall constitute a quorum for doing business, and
shall have the power to remove at any time the Council and appoint someone in
his place.
ARTICLE VII. It
shall be the duty of the Council agent to receive, bulk, and forward all orders
for goods, under the seal of the State Agency and upon their arrival see that
the same are properly distributed to the parties ordering. He shall levy such
percent upon goods purchased, and upon products sold through this agency, as
the executive committee of the council shall direct, and at the end of each
quarter report the total cash value of such purchases, and, sales to the office
of the Central State Agency. He shall keep a correct cash account of all money
received and paid out by him as Council Agent and keep his books open to
inspection at all times by the Executive Committee, and under their direction
make arrangements with the retail dealers and business houses of his district
for supplying goods to members of the order. He shall open a stock record, keep
prices current from different localities that are deemed of importance, attend
to the business correspondence of the Council, and perform such other duties as
the Executive Committee or Council may from time to time direct, and receive
such compensation for his services as the Executive Committee may designate,
subject to the approval of the council.
ARTICLE VIII. Any
article of this constitution may be amended or repealed at any regular meeting
of the Council by a vote of two thirds of all the members present, provided
notice of such change was given at some preceding meeting of the Council.
BY-LAWS.
SECTION 1. Each
subordinate grange represented in this Council shall pay to the Council Agent a
quarterly due of 25 cents for each delegate.
SECTION 2.
Purchasing tickets shall in no case be transferable, but all members of the
order shall be entitled to one; all tickets to be stamped with the seal of the
State Agency kept in possession of each council agent, and when so stamped
shall be good in any part of the state; one person is not to be permitted to do
business on another ticket, but each individual entitled shall procure a ticket
of his own.
SECTION 3. The
rules of order of the Kansas State Grange as passed at the last session held
July 30th, 1873, and found in the 1st Article of the By-Laws, shall be the
rules of the order of this Council, with the following exceptions, viz: Where
the word Grange is used read Council and consider the last clause of Section 1
stricken out.
SECTION 4. Order
of business of this Council shall be as follows:
1st, calling to
order by the Master and examination by the Overseer.
2nd, calling roll
and reading minutes.
3rd, report from
the Council Agent.
4th, report of the
standing committee.
5th, report of
special committees.
6th, unfinished
business.
7th, new business.
8th, suggestions
for good of the order, and financial prosperity of the council.
SECTION 5. The
following standing committees shall be appointed by the Master of the Council.
1st, a committee
on crop reports and the best method of marketing products on hand.
2nd, committee on
warehouses, mills, factories, etc.
3rd, committee on
banks, currency, and insurance companies.
4th, committee on
taxation, transportation, and needed Legislation.
SECTION 6. Any of
the by-laws may be amended or repealed at any regular meeting, by a majority
vote of all the delegates present.
The Council then
proceeded to permanent organization by electing brother A. S. Williams, Master;
A. T. Gay, Overseer; T. A. Blanchard, Central Agent; Wm. Freeman, Gate Keeper;
and A. A. Acton, John Irwin, and H. H. Martin Executive Committee.
The Master
appointed the following standing committees: On taxation, transportation, etc.,
A. T. Stewart, John Irwin, and T. A. Blanchard.
County papers
requested to publish. Council closed to meet on second Saturday of February,
1874, at 1 o’clock p.m. A. S. WILLIAMS, Master.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
Secretary.
[COUNTY GRANGE
COUNCIL.]
Winfield Courier, February 20, 1874.
COUNCIL ROOM,
Winfield, February 14, 1874.
Council called to
order by the Master whereupon the following business was transacted after
calling the roll, etc.
The following
resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That our delegates
to the State Grange of patron’s of husbandry, be instructed to ask our
Representative in the Legislature to vote and use his influence against
authorizing the Commissioners to bond the indebtedness of Cowley County.
Resolved, That our
delegates to the State Grange be instructed to inform our Representative that
his action on the pass and per diem resolutions is not approved by the patrons
of husbandry of Cowley County.
Resolved, That we approve
the action of the County Commissioners in the present investigation of the
County Clerk’s office, and say, make the examination thorough, and extend it to
other officials if thought necessary, even if it takes six months.
Resolved, That our Council
agent be requested not to purchase implements of those firms who refuse to
contract with the agency.
The following
committees were appointed by the Master.
Committee on crop
reports: Lucius Walton, John Mentch, S. C. Winton.
Committee on
warehouses, mills, etc.: Adam Walck, H. W. Stubblefield, Frank Cox.
Committee on
banks, Insurance companies, etc.: T. C. Bird, P. M. Waite, John Manly.
Adjourned until
the next regular communication, unless otherwise convened.
A. S. WILLIAMS,
Chairman. T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.
To Patrons of
Husbandry. Each member of the order is required to have a “trade” ticket to
enable them to purchase on our special terms. Tickets can be procured by
calling on me at the store of Ellis & Black, in Winfield. T. A. BLANCHARD,
Agent.
[NOTICE: T. A.
BLANCHARD, AGENT, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
NOTICE is hereby
given that sealed proposals will be received at my office in Winfield, Kansas,
up to Saturday, April 4th, to furnish merchandise, agricultural implements,
etc., to the Patrons of Husbandry in Cowley County. Bids may be sent through
the mail. The right to reject any and all bids is reserved. Bids will be opened
at 2 o’clock p.m. of said day.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
Agent.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.
TO PATRONS OF
HUSBANDRY. Each member of the order is required to have a “trade” ticket to enable
them to purchase on our special terms. Tickets can be procured by calling on me
at the store of Ellis & Black, in Winfield. T. A. BLANCHARD, Agent.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874
NOTICE TO
GRANGERS. Arrangements have been made with the following retail dealers of
Winfield for supplying members of the order with merchandise at special rates.
With Ellis & Black for dry goods and groceries; S. H. Myton for hardware,
implements, etc.; Max Shoeb for blacksmithing. Sub-granges can procure all
needed blanks at the lowest rates at the COURIER office in Winfield.
Members will be
furnished with tickets upon application, and for protection against fraud, members
are requested to take bills for all goods purchased, or work performed, and
file the same as often as convenient with the agent. Sub-granges are requested
to send me their orders accompanied with $3.50, for sub-grange seals, that I
may bulk the order.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
Agent.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.
COWLEY CLERK’S
OFFICE, Cowley County, Kan., April 16th, 1874.
The following is a
list of bills allowed by the Board of County Commissioners at their last
regular meeting, showing the amount to whom allowed, and for what purpose.
Thomas A.
Blanchard, Election Judge: $2.00.
Thomas A.
Blanchard, Bailiff: $8.00.
[NEW DISCOVERY:
LEAD IN COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, May 1, 1874.
T. A. Blanchard,
Esq., has left in our office a specimen of lead ore which he found on his farm
north of town. It is as large as a hen’s egg, and contains about 75 percent
pure lead. Mr. Blanchard has found several “chunks” of this quartz in the last
few weeks, and is quite sanguine that there is plenty of the mineral there,
enough at least to warrant him in making a thorough examination. We have no
doubt but it exists in paying quantities. What with coal, salt, lead, etc.,
Cowley County is blessed far beyond the most of her sister counties. Mr. Blanchard
has already taken steps to satisfy himself on the subject, and will let us know
in a short time the result of his “prospecting,” when we will give it to our
readers.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Public Sale at
Winfield. June 6th, 1874, there is to be sold the largest lot of household
furniture ever sold in this county, consisting of Bedsteads, Bedding, Stands,
Bureaus, Chairs, Wardrobes, Carpets, Stoves, Queensware, Silverware, Tableware,
and many other articles too numerous to mention. Sale to commence at 10
o’clock A.M. Now is the time to get furniture cheap. REUBEN ROGERS, Auctioneer.
T. A. BLANCHARD, Clerk.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
T. A. Blanchard
has been chosen by the County Council P. of H. to represent Cowley at the
coming State Fair.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
The farmers in the
vicinity of the Blanchard schoolhouse are going to have a neighborhood
celebration on the 4th. T. A. Blanchard, orator of the day.
[COUNCIL ROOM -
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY, COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
Council Room P. of
H. WINFIELD, July 11, 1874.
Council called to
order by the worthy Master, and corrected by the Overseer. After reading
minutes of last meeting, etc., and under the suggestions for good of the order
it was
Resolved, That the Patrons
of Cowley County hold a grand social feast on the 22nd day of August, 1874, at
Winfield, and the following committees were appointed:
Committee of 5 on
general arrangements consisting of Brothers A. S. Williams, T. C. Bird, A. T.
Gay, J. O. Van Orsdal, and P. Smith, and that Winfield Grange be requested to
act in conjunction with said committee in procuring grounds. etc.
Committee to
procure speakers consisting of Brothers Irwin, Deming, and Stewart.
Ordered that Sub.
Granges appoint each a Committee of 2 whose duty it shall be to properly
arrange the table.
Brother
Stubblefield was elected Marshall and Brothers Deming and Stewart assistants.
Resolved, That members of
the Order in adjacent counties be invited to meet with us and that the invitation
be also extended to persons not members but who are friendly to the cause.
Ordered that these
proceedings be forwarded to the county papers with the request to publish.
Council closed in
due form. T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary.
[DEXTER TOWNSHIP
CORRESPONDENT: “MAGNET.”]
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1874.
I have made
arrangements to secure a specimen of the gold, lead, or dirt that they may
encounter at every foot of their descent. I now have several of the surface
specimens of lead that will compare favorably with those of the Blanchard or
Gallotti mines in the west part of the county.
Winfield Courier, November 26, 1874.
T. A. Blanchard,
Esq., has been appointed Agent of the “Patrons Mutual Fire Insurance
Association,” of the State of Kansas.
[RESOLUTIONS OF
THE COUNTY COUNCIL, P. OF H.]
Winfield Courier, December 17, 1874.
Resolutions of the
County Council, P. of H.
WINFIELD, KAS.
Dec. 12, 1874.
WHEREAS, A report
is widely circulated that the Order of P. of H., is opposed to the payment of
high rates of interest, and that members are encouraged to take advantage of
the usury law. Therefore, be it
Resolved, By this council
that while we deplore the situation that impels us to pay such high rates of
interest, yet we hold that no member is justifiable in pleading the usury law,
but should as far as possible meet their obligations, and discharge the same
according to the stipulations therein.
Resolved, That the secretary
furnish a copy of these resolutions to all the county papers with request to
publish. A. S. WILLIAMS, Master. T. A. BLANCHARD, Sec.
---
Winfield, Dec. 12,
1874.
WHEREAS, The great
drouth and grasshopper plague of 1874 has destroyed the crops to such an
alarming extent that the members of this order have failed to raise enough
corn, oats, or potatoes for feed for team, or seed, during the time for raising
crops.
Be it Resolved,
By this county council of Cowley County, that we request the members of the
state central relief committee who are members of our worthy Order, to interest
themselves in making some honorable arrangement with the A. T. & S. F.
Railroad Company to furnish us with the above articles at such prices as will
justify them, and take their pay January 1st, 1876, at some given rate, or such
number of bushels of each article as will be fair to all parties. A. S.
WILLIAMS, Master. T. A. BLANCHARD, Sec.
Winfield Courier, December 24, 1874.
To Secretaries of
Subordinate Granges. Having been recently appointed by the executive
Committee of the State Grange, Agent for the distribution of aid to the
destitute members of the order in Cowley County, and to enable the same to be
done as speedily as possible, you will please report without delay the names of
those who are in need and the kind of supplies most needed. Report by mail to Winfield.
T. A. BLANCHARD, Agent.
Winfield Courier, January 7, 1875.
T. A. Blanchard,
the Cowley County grange agent, has received notice that two carloads of
provisions were at Wichita, subject to his order. Half of one carload is
intended for the destitute granges of Sumner County, and the remaining load and
a half is for this county.
Winfield Courier, January 28, 1875.
One week ago last
Sunday, Mr. T. A. Blanchard, feeling unwell, laid himself down on the sofa in
his own house to rest, while the other members of the family went to church.
The house was closed up, the curtains nearly all drawn, and the place had a
deserted air, which by an outside observer, would have been thought to be real.
It was under this impression, no doubt, that one of his neighbors was laboring,
when he walked into the barnyard and cornering a fine ram, threw it across his
shoulders, just as our friend Blanchard happened to glance out of the window
and observed the proceedings. The neighbor having got the sheep safely secured
on his shoulder tredged off home, and Mr. Blanchard, happening to be in sight
of the law-abiding neighbor's house half an hour afterwards, perceived him
making mutton of that ram in the quickest possible manner, and as he seemed to
take so much pleasure in the performance, the owner of the meat couldn't have
the heart to disturb his operations, so he said nothing about it.
Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.
T. A. Blanchard
has contributed a barrel of pork to the poor of the county.
Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.
Some hungry cusses
“went through” T. A. Blanchard’s house the other day, and helped themselves to
everything they could find to eat. Mrs. Blanchard had just finished her week’s
baking so that the thieves got some ten pies and numerous loaves of bread.
Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.
Grange
Resolutions.
VERNON GRANGE, P.
of H. No. 128. February 20th, 1875.
WHEREAS, in the
dispensation of Divine Providence, Brother Joseph Ettenborough has been removed
from us by death, therefore be it
Resolved, That in the death
of brother Ettenborough we have lost a valuable member of our order, and an
esteemed member of society, and that we sympathize most sincerely with his many
friends here and his relatives in the east, in this their great bereavement,
caused by the sudden death of one who bid so fair to take a leading position in
society. . . .
A. B. WILLIAMS, M.
T. A. Blanchard, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.
Letter from the
State Grange Relief Agent.
TOPEKA, Kansas.
BRO. BLANCHARD:
The Legislature has appropriated $5,000 for the use of our organization, with
which to pay freight on grain contributed for the destitute people of Kansas.
As an organization we are charged with an important trust, to aid in procuring
seed, and feed for animals, for those who are not members of our order, as well
as those who are.
The Executive
Committee desires to urge upon you the importance of a judicious and impartial
distribution of whatever supplies of grain may be consigned to your charge. To
do this, please urge upon every grange in those localities where there are
people unable to procure seed, or feed for their animals, to select a
trustworthy and careful brother as agent for their locality, who shall make a
canvass of his locality and report the names and number of those unable to
procure grain—both members of the order and those who are not—and report the
kind and amount of grain needed for seed, and feed for teams. These reports
will be made to you as County Relief Agent, from which you will be enabled to
guide your judgment in the distribution of whatever supplies of grain you may
receive. We trust to your good judgment and the faithful co-operation of the
local agents to make an impartial distribution.
We send you blanks
which you will please sign as agent and forward to W. P. Popenoe, Grange Relief
Agent, Topeka, Kansas.
W. P. POPENOE. For
Ex. Com. K. S. Grange.
WINFIELD, Kan.,
Feb. 24th, 1875.
The above letter
explains itself, and in pursuance of the same let me urge subordinate granges
in this county to take immediate steps, and that no time may be lost, I
recommend the calling of special meetings for this purpose. Report by mail.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
Relief Agent for Cowley County.
[BETHEL GRANGE.]
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1875.
BETHEL GRANGE, No.
715, P. of H., May 1st, 1875.
MR. KELLY: The
within resolutions were passed at a regular meeting of the above Grange and a
request that you print the same in your paper.
WHEREAS, Brother
T. A. Blanchard has been a good and faithful member and an efficient officer
of Bethel Grange, No. 715, P. of H., and whereas business calls him to another
field of labor, therefore be it
Resolved, That we, the
members of Bethel Grange, deeply regret to part with Brother Blanchard, and
that we hereby tender him our sincere thanks, and that our best wishes and good
will be with him hoping his lot may fall in pleasant places.
Resolved, That a copy of
the above be furnished the Winfield COURIER for publication.
Winfield Courier, June 24, 1875.
T. A. Blanchard,
Esq., has returned from the Black Hills to await the opening of that Territory.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1875.
The newly elected
officers of Bethel Grange.
Master: E. C.
Manning; Overseer: Israel Weakley; Lecturer: Jno. Mentch; Steward: Frank
Weakley; Asst. Steward: J. Paugh; Chaplain: B. E. Murphy; Treasurer: Fred
Arnold; Secretary: T. A. Blanchard; Gate-Keeper: Otho Arnold; Ceres: Sister
Paugh; Flora: Kate Yount; Pomona: Sister Murphy; Lady Asst. Steward: Mary
Stansberry.
THE WINFIELD
COURIER. CENTENNIAL ISSUE.
WINFIELD COURIER,
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.
PRODUCED EVERY
THURSDAY BY E. C. MANNING.
ORGANIZATION.
Cowley County was organized Feb. 28, 1870, by the order of Gov. Harvey on
petition, and Winfield was designated as the temporary county seat. W. W.
Andrews, of Winfield, G. H. Norton, of Creswell, S. F. Graham, of Dexter, were
appointed County Commissioners, Feb. 28, 1870, and E. P. Hickok was appointed
County Clerk at the same time by the same authority.
The first meeting
of the County Board was held March 23, 1870, at the house of W. W. Andrews, at
which time W. W. Andrews was chosen chairman.
The following is
the first action taken at that meeting, and is the first official record in
Cowley County.
“County
Commissioners, pursuant to a previous call, met at Winfield on the 23rd day of
March, A. D. 1870, at Mr. Andrews’.
Present—Andrews
and Norton. County Clerk proceeded to divide the county into three townships,
numbered 1, 2, and 3.
No. 1 to include
all that part of Cowley County laying north of a line running through the
county east and west, touching the mouth of Little Dutch Creek, all north of
Little Dutch to be included in said township.
No. 2 to include
all south of the mouth of Little Dutch, extending south to include E. P.
Hickok’s claim, and to within ten miles of the mouth of Grouse Creek.
No. 3 to include
all south of E. P. Hickok’s claim on Walnut and the lower ten miles of the
Grouse and the Arkansas to the State line.
Election in
township No. 1 to be held at the house of Edward Phillips, at the mouth of Rock
creek. No. 2 at Winfield. No. 3 at Creswell.”
This Board of
Commissioners ordered an election to be held May 2nd, 1870; at which time the
permanent location of the county seat was voted upon, and a full set of county
officers were also elected. At that election there were two places voted upon
for county seat, to-wit: Winfield and Arkansas City. The former received 108
votes and the latter 55 votes, and the following officers were elected.
Commissioners: T.
A. Blanchard, Winfield; Morgan Willett, Rock Creek; G. H. Norton, Creswell; H.
C. Loomis, Winfield, County Clerk; John Devore, Creswell, Treasurer; E. P.
Hickok, Winfield, District Clerk; T. B. Ross, Winfield, Probate Judge; W. E.
Cook, Creswell, Recorder; W. G. Graham, Winfield, Coroner; F. A. Hunt, Rock
Creek, Sheriff; F. S. Graham, Grouse Creek, Surveyor.
There was but one
ticket in the field, and 163 was the total number of votes polled. These
officers qualified and took possession of the respective offices May 21st,
1870.
[Note: In the
“History of Cowley County,” written by Wirt Walton, historian, under the
guidance of his employer, E. C. Manning, editor and publisher of the Winfield
Courier, gave a different twist to a critical election in Cowley County.
Please read the August 26, 1870, and November 26, 1870, issues of The
Commonwealth and then decide if the election held was fair. MAW]
Wirt Walton wrote
the following.
Oct. 8th, a call
for a “People’s Convention” was issued, signed by W. Q. Mansfield, T. H.
Johnson, T. A. Blanchard, James Renfro, James Land, D. A. Millington, Wm.
Craig, F. A. Hunt, A. Menor, J. Mentch, T. B. Ross, and H. Wolf.
Under the call
this convention met at Winfield, Oct. 20th, and nominated a full ticket, which
will be found in the “Annals.” The tickets nominated at the two conventions
last mentioned, though called Republican and People’s, really were composed of
partisans to a strife that had been engendered between Winfield and Arkansas
City for political and business supremacy in the county. The canvass preceding
the election, which transpired Nov. 8th, was very spirited, almost bitter; the
principal interest centering upon the candidates for representative—H. B.
Norton and E. C. Manning. At that election 504 votes were cast, of which H. B.
Norton received 256 and E. C. Manning 248. The remaining candidates upon the
“People’s” ticket received a small majority except the candidate for Register
of Deeds and County Attorney.
When the
Commissioners met to canvass the votes after the election, they found the
returns to be in a crude and some of them in an unintelligible condition. In
the language of G. H. Norton, one of the Commissioners, and a brother of H. B.
Norton, “The next returns opened were objected to by Mr. Blanchard (another
member of the board of canvassers) on the ground that he did not know where it
came from. Upon examination I found there was nothing on them to indicate where
they came from. I suggested to the board that perhaps they knew some of the
names on the poll book and could tell from them what precinct the returns came
from. The other members both stated they did not know any of the names and as I
did not, I voted with them to reject the returns.”
The rejection of
the unintelligible returns gave the “People’s” ticket a large majority except
in the offices of County Attorney and Register of Deeds. The election of T. B.
Ross was contested before T. H. Johnson, County Attorney, presiding as judge,
with J. C. Fuller and E. S. Torrance, the incoming County Attorney, then a
resident of Arkansas City, as associate judges. The “Court” decided that Ross
was entitled to the certificate. Some steps were taken to contest Mr. Manning’s
seat in the legislature but the idea was finally abandoned.
COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.
ELECTED. EXPIRED.
T. A. BLANCHARD Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.
G. H. NORTON Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.
E. SIMPSON Nov. 8, 1870. Jan. 8, 1872.
Winfield Courier, January 20, 1876.
BLACK HILL ITEMS. Andy Corcoran,
who resides here, returned some weeks since from the vicinity of the Black Hills.
He intends returning there in the spring. Last Tuesday he received a letter
from an associate at Sydney, the nearest railroad station, informing him that a
miner was just in from the Hills with over $1,000 in gold dust of his own
digging. The miner returned with several loaded teams for the Hills. Seth
Blanchard, a brother of T. A. Blanchard of this place, is in the Hills and has
been all winter. He writes home each week or two, as opportunity offers for
sending letters to the railroad. He says several hundred men are in the Hills
and that paying gold is there and that times will be lively in the spring.
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1876.
T. A. Blanchard is
going to the Black Hills.
[T. A. BLANCHARD
HEARS FROM BROTHER IN BLACK HILLS.]
Winfield Courier, March 9, 1876.
From the Black
Hills. We are permitted to publish the following letter, received by Mr. T. A.
Blanchard, from his brother, Seth, who is in the new Eldorado. As so many are
seeking information that is trustworthy, we give considerable space to the
subject. The writer is well and favorably known here.
DEAD WOOD GULCH,
BLACK HILLS, January 16th, 1876.
BRO. TOM: Your
interesting letter, of December 5th, found its way to me, after many delays, a
few days ago. Since I wrote last I have abandoned Castle Creek, and moved about
fifty miles further north. We are now about eighty miles north of Custer City.
I think this creek, and others in this vicinity, contain far richer diggings
than have before been discovered in the Hills. Prospecting has not been very
extensive here as yet, but enough has been done to convince miners that money
can be made here, probably $10 or $15 per day, and some say as high as $50,
with sluices, from two cents to fifty and seventy-five cents to the pan. Two
parties are fixed for sluicing on a small scale on this creek, but owing to the
cold weather can do but little. I am now engaged in putting up another cabin.
Think I shall go into quarters here for the winter. Don’t expect to take out
much gold this winter, but will saw out lumber, dig ditches, etc., and be in
readiness to go to work when spring opens. I think I might now venture to
advise you to try the Hills in the spring, that is, if you are so situated that
you can do so without any very great sacrifice, financially or otherwise. I am
strongly of the opinion that you will stand a good chance to make two or three
thousand here during the summer, and return in the fall if you wish. I wish you
were here now, as men are pouring in by hundreds, but I guess if you leave
home by the 1st of April, you will be in time. We are not posted as to what is
being done at Washington in regard to the Hills, but are strong in the faith
that we will not again be molested by the Government, but anticipate some
troubles with the Indians in the spring. If you should decide to come, you had
better come by railroad to Sidney, and from there you can easily get
transportation to Custer City, or any point in the Hills. Supplies are already
beginning to come in, and the probabilities are that by the 1st of May anything
we need can be procured here at reasonable rates. Flour is worth $10 and $12
per hundred now, and other things in proportion.
I have had the
pleasure of meeting J. J. Williams and W. W. Andrews, of Winfield. They are
located in this Gulch.
The winter so far
has been very mild, at least compared with Kansas winters. We are entirely
exempt from those cold, chilling winds, as the country is a succession of
hills, densely covered with pine timber, with the exception of an occasional
patch of beautiful rolling prairie, from two to four miles across, which we
call parks. Horses and cattle are doing well on the range. Pack ponies are
indispensable here in the hills. While packing from Castle Creek to this place
a few days ago, and while descending a very steep mountain, one of my ponies
made a misstep and rolled something near a hundred yards down the mountain. Jim
looked on in dismay to see his mate getting such a fearful fall. But, contrary
to our expectations, on landing at the foot of the hill, she got up and quietly
walked off. No serious injuries.
Tell Mary she can
calm her fears, as far as my starving is concerned, for I not only have plenty
of flour, fruit, coffee, tea, bacon, sugar, etc., to do me till the 1st of
June, but also a good gun, and the country abounds in game—deer, elk, etc., so
that instead of starving, our life in the Hills is one continual feast—almost
equal to a Harvest Feast at Bethel.
A. S. BLANCHARD.
[LETTER FROM A. S.
(SETH) BLANCHARD: BLACK HILLS.]
Winfield Courier, March 16, 1876.
CUSTER CITY, BLACK
HILLS, February 24th, 1876.
FRIENDS AT HOME:
Being blessed with another chance to send out a letter, I will improve it. I
left Dead Wood Gulch about a week ago, and arrived in the beautiful little city
of Custer yesterday; and a lively little city it is, though only a few months
ago it was a military camp, carefully dodged by the few miners then in the
Hills. I have wandered around the town and surrounding country today, and for
fine scenery and picturesque beauty, it certainly surpasses anything I ever
saw, not excepting our dear old Winfield. The surrounding country is a
succession of small parks, and groves of pines, with here and there a romantic
looking cliff of granite, and altogether, closely resembling (in my imagination)
the original Garden of Eden. While standing on an eminence overlooking the
town, I counted 180 houses completed, and I should judge there is as many more
under process of erection. A steam saw mill is at work near town, and those
majestic pines are being rapidly converted into substantial houses. Lumber is
selling at $60 per thousand.
On the route here
we passed through Hill City, situated on Spring Creek, 18 miles north of this
place. It has about one hundred houses, and is building up very fast, and it
also has a saw mill.
A town is now
being laid out on the northeast side of the Hills, near where Rapid Creek
empties into the Cheyenne River, with the view of getting supplies from
Bismarck or some other point up on the Missouri River, the route to strike the
Hills at said town, on the Rapid.
There are, at the
lowest calculation, two thousand men in the Hills, and the cry is, “still they
come.” In short, the country is being rapidly developed. Gold bearing quartz
and silver ore has been discovered in several localities, which assays well. A
stage line will be in operation soon, from Cheyenne to Custer City, via Red
Cloud Agency.
We are not posted
as to what Congress is doing toward the opening of the country, but we consider
the Hills open to all intents and purposes.
I wrote to Tom
some time ago, advising him to try the Hills. I gave the advice then
reluctantly, and do now; but, at the same time, confidently believing he can
make it successful. I am satisfied paying mines are here, and if you can spend
the summer in the Hills without too great a sacrifice at home, why come ahead
and come early.
As to the best way
of coming, I can hardly say; but certainly it is not necessary to bring
supplies, for even now they can be bought here at what I consider very
reasonable rates, and by the time you get here will be much cheaper. I think it
would be as well to come by rail to Sidney or Cheyenne, and there you can
easily get transportation to Custer, and probably to any point in the Hills.
Would like if you
could be here by the 1st of April or the middle at latest, as I have some
claims which I have some doubts about being able to hold longer than that time.
Unless a man stakes his own claim and applies in person for record, it is not
respected. A mining claim is 300 feet of gulch.
It gives me
infinite pleasure to hear that the Grange is still marching on toward success
and victory. I have great faith in the organization and its principles, and
though I have temporarily laid aside the plow, spade, and hoe, and taken up
the pan, pick, and shovel, I look forward with pleasure to the time when I
shall again be permitted to unite with you in the great work of reform in which
we are engaged and in which I feel confident we will eventually meet with grand
glorious success.
I have received
several letters lately which are as yet unanswered—among others, one from Speed
and one from Burns. Give them my regards, and tell them I will answer as soon
as possible, and that I shall be most happy to see them on Dead Wood. Would
send you a specimen of Dead Wood gold, only I consider our means of sending out
mail a little unsafe, so I will reserve it for my next.
Would like to
write more, but my friends are ready to take their departure for Dead Wood, so
I must close. Ben, if you and Tom come out, you had better not wait to hear
from me again. Yours, etc.. A. S. B.
Winfield Courier, March 23, 1876.
FROM BETHEL
GRANGE.
At a regular
meeting of Bethel Grange, held at their hall on the 18th day of March A. D.
1876 the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, Brother
T. A. Blanchard, Secretary, and Bro. R. E. Murphey, Chaplain, have resigned
their respective offices for the purpose of journeying in a distant land,
therefore be it
Resolved, That a vote of
thanks be tendered them for the faithful discharge of the duties of their
respective offices.
Resolved, That it is with
feelings of profound regret that we part with Bros. Blanchard and Murphey and
may prosperity and Heaven’s choicest blessings attend them wherever they may
roam.
Resolved, That a copy of
these resolutions be presented to Bros. Blanchard and Murphey and that they be
spread upon the minutes and be preserved in the archives of the Grange.
E. C. MANNING,
Master.
Winfield Courier, March 30, 1876.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
BEN. MURPHY, and JOE STANSBERRY started for the Black Hills last Monday morning.
Seth. Blanchard's last letter to his folks here contained such fabulous
reports that we refrained from publishing it. Tom says, however, that Henry
Ireton and Seth are “fixed.” Tom promises to write a letter to the COURIER
immediately after his arrival, and weekly thereafter.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1876.
The many friends
of Tom Blanchard, Joe Stansberry, and Ben Murphy will be gratified to know that
they have arrived safely at Deadwood Gulch, 80 miles north of Custer City, and
are taking out plenty of gold.
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
BEN. MURPHY, who
went to the Black Hills with T. A. Blanchard and others, in the spring,
returned from Deadwood to this place a few days since. Poor health caused him
to return. He presented us with rich gold quartz.
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
TOM, or T. A.
BLANCHARD, sends a letter to the COURIER force, in which he says: All the
discovered mines at Deadwood are taken; that all the paying dirt is occupied;
that provisions are very high—flour $25 per hundred; that persons who are
making a living in Cowley had better remain there.
Winfield Courier, July 27, 1876.
Thanks to T. A.
Blanchard for a copy of the Deadwood Pioneer, from which we learn that
one claim washed out $2,500 in one day.
Winfield Courier, November 2, 1876.
We omitted to
mention that our old friends, Tom and Seth Blanchard, two boys that were here
when this county was made, have returned from a trip to the Black Hills. They
struck “pay dirt” as soon as they arrived there, and have been handling it ever
since. They will go back to their claims in the spring and run them another
summer. To hear the boys talk about “bed-rock,” “drifting,” “pay-gravel” and
the like, makes us forget that they used to be county officers of this county.
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1877.
Seth Blanchard has
gone to the Black Hills again. Mr. D. Rodocker, of this place, accompanies him.
The latter took his photograph apparatus with him. Dave is a tip-top artist and
we wish him well.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1877.
We were pleased to
see Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Blanchard, of Augusta, in town last Monday.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.
We regret seeing
the following named gentlemen leave our midst last Tuesday morning, en route
for the Black Hills: N. C. McCulloch, John C. Roberts, Joe Carter, F. Williams, T. A. Blanchard,
Will Clark, and John and Joe Greenlee.
Arkansas City
Traveler, September 12, 1877.
SOUTH BEND, DAKOTA
TERRITORY, September 2, 1877.
DIED. Of heart
disease, on the 2nd day of September, 1877, Mr. N. C. McCulloch, of Winfield,
Kansas. T. A. BLANCHARD.
Winfield Courier, September 13,
1877. O. F. Boyle has returned from the Black Hills. He met the road agents and
was beaten severely and robbed. He reports T. A. Blanchard at Deadwood, but
about to start for Colorado; Seth Blanchard also there with Rodocker taking
views; John Swain about to come home.
Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.
Tom Blanchard, one
of Cowley’s earliest settlers and most substantial citizens, returned from the
Black Hills last Saturday. [Note: Earlier they had him moving to Colorado?]
Winfield Courier, October 25, 1877.
Seth Blanchard and
D. Rodocker have left the Black Hills and gone East.
[BETHEL CORRESPONDENT:
“N.”]
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1878.
Murphy has reached
us, and all the girls, with most of the boys, wear the blue ribbon. Frank
Weakley is “not one who would join because of a girl,” but his name follows
that of a young lady. T. A. Blanchard has called an anti-tobacco meeting.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, April 18, 1878.
Upon presentation
of a petition and bond by E. C. Manning et al. asking for the view and survey
for a county road, the board appointed T. A. Blanchard, Robert Hudson, and A.
T. Shenneman viewers, to meet on the 9th day of May, 1878.
[COWLEY COUNTY
GREENBACK CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, May 2, 1878.
Pursuant to a call
for a county convention, the Presidents of the various Greenback clubs in the
county and two delegates from each, convened in convention at Winfield, April
28, 1878, for the purpose of effecting a county organization.
Mr. T. A.
Blanchard was called to the chair and C. C. Krow elected Secretary of the
convention.
Committee on
credentials appointed as follows: A. S. Williams, S. B. Hunt, and C. G. Handy.
The committee reported the following persons entitled to seats in the
convention.
Bethel Club: T. A.
Blanchard, B. F. Murphy, Jos. Stansberry.
Pleasant Hill
Club: J. Shields, C. C. Krow.
Dexter Club: G. C.
Bourdette, John Hoyt, Christopher Gates.
Fairview Club: W.
E. Merydith, A. A. Hamil, C. W. Ridgway.
Tisdale Club: J.
M. Wright, C. G. Handy, Wm. J. Hodges.
Maple City Club:
J. G. Custer, H. S. Libby, L. W. Miller.
Vernon Club: F. W.
Schwantes, A. S. Williams, C. A. McClung.
Odessa Club: S. B.
Hunt, S. F. Howard, T. Hughes.
On invitation Mr.
N. C. Coldwell addressed the convention, giving his views of the manner of an
organization it was desirable to effect. He was followed by W. E. Merydith, C. C.
Krow, F. W. Schwantes, H. S. Libby, S. B. Hunt, and other gentlemen, each
giving his idea of what should be done.
On motion it was
decided that the county organization should consist of an executive committee,
consisting of one member of each club already organized, or hereafter organized
in the county—with a president, secretary, and treasurer to be elected by this
convention.
The convention
then proceeded to elect the officers of the executive committee which resulted
as follows: President, J. B. Callison; Secretary, W. M. Allison; Treasurer, T.
A. Blanchard.
The president and
secretary of the executive committee were instructed to issue an address to the
people of Cowley County in behalf of the greenback cause. The county
organization was named the “Independent Greenback Party of Cowley County.”
It was, on motion,
decided that the executive committee should assemble at any time when called
together by the president and secretary, or either, or upon issue of a call
signed by three members of the committee.
The following
resolution was introduced and carried.
Resolved, That this
convention, recognizing the valuable work done for the greenback cause by
various gentlemen, who have devoted their time to addressing the people in a
number of localities, hereby extend to them an invitation to continue the work.
On motion the
county papers were respectfully requested to give a place in their columns to
the minutes of this meeting. C. C. KROW, Secretary. T. A. BLANCHARD, President.
Winfield Courier, August 22, 1878.
The Greenback
Executive Committee. Committee met August 17, J. B. Callison presiding, W.
M. Allison, secretary. The committee chose N. C. Coldwell, J. B. Callison, F.
W. Schwantes, and D. Elliott as delegates to the Congressional Convention at
Florence August 20. The chairman and secretary were instructed to call a county
convention to put a full county ticket in the field when they think best.
The following were
appointed a committee to see after unorganized territory: F. W. Schwantes, T.
A. Blanchard, D. Elliott, J. B. Callison, J. W. Searle, A. S. Williams, B. H.
Clover, N. C. Coldwell, Wm. Morrow, S. B. Hunt, C. C. Krow, O. C. Brubaker, and
W. M. Allison.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP,
COWLEY COUNTY.]
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1879.
Walnut Twp.,
Cowley Co., July 12, 1879.
Pursuant to call,
the Republicans of Walnut twp. met at the courthouse in Winfield and organized
by the election of J. H. Curfman, chairman, and T. A. Blanchard, secretary. The
object of the meeting being the election of a Township Republican Committee.
The following gentlemen were chosen: T. A. Blanchard, D. Robertson, and S. E.
Burger.
J. H. CURFMAN,
Chairman. T. A. BLANCHARD, Sec.
Walnut Twp.,
Cowley Co., July 12, 1879.
Pursuant to call,
the citizens of Walnut twp. met at the courthouse in Winfield on the 12th day
of July, 1879, and organized by the election of J. H. Curfman, chairman, and
T. A. Blanchard, secretary. The object of the meeting being stated, the
nomination of a township ticket to be voted upon at the coming township
election on the 22nd day of July, inst.
Committee on
nominations appointed as follows: Robert Weakley, John Mentch, and John
Hoenscheidt, who, after due deliberation, made report, which was received and
unanimously adopted as candidates at the approaching election: trustee, J. C.
Roberts; treasurer, Joel Mack; clerk, T. A. Blanchard; Justice of the Peace, J.
L. King and S. E. Burger; Constable, T. J. Johnson and Abe. Land. Messrs.
Mentch and Hoenscheidt were appointed a committee to procure ballots.
Resolved, That Winfield
papers be requested to publish.
J. H. CURFMAN,
Chairman. T. A. BLANCHARD, Sec.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP
ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
The fight in this
township was very lively, over 170 votes being polled. Both the Republicans and
Democrats had tickets in the field. The following was the vote.
For Trustee, J. C.
Roberts, 113; D. W. Ferguson, 63.
For Clerk, T. A.
Blanchard, 116; C. A. Roberts, 62.
For Treasurer,
Joel Mack, 158; A. J. Thompson, 62.
For Justice of the
Peace, John Hoenscheidt, 158; S. E. Burger, 112; G. W. Prater, 65.
For Constable,
Frank Weakley and H. L. Thomas were elected.
[WALNUT PRIMARY.]
Winfield Courier, August 5, 1880.
At the Primary
Republican Meeting held in Walnut township last Friday J. C. Roberts was
elected chairman, and L. J. Webb, Secretary. John H. Morgan was elected a
member of the County Republican Central Committee. J. C. Roberts, T. A.
Blanchard, and Robert Weakley were elected a township Republican Committee.
Winfield Courier, September 2, 1880.
T. A. Blanchard
and family are taking a family excursion with wagon, camping out in Missouri
and Arkansas. That is the true way to “excurt.”
[TOWNSHIP
OFFICERS.]
Winfield Courier, February 17,
1881.
WALNUT: Trustee,
J. C. Roberts; treasurer, Joel Mack; clerk, T. A. Blanchard; Justice, J. L.
King.
[THE NEW IRON
BRIDGE.]
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
J. C. Roberts,
Trustee of Walnut Township, called on us last Thursday, and invited us to go
along and see the new bridge, while they examined the structure for final acceptance.
We soon found ourself at the bridge, where were the treasurer and clerk of the
township, Messrs. Blanchard and Joel Mack; Col. Bullene, of Leavenworth, the
contractor, and his brother, J. G. Bullene; S. E. Burger, and a few others. We
did not go as an expert, so our opinion was not given and did not count, but we
were much pleased with the bridge. It appeared to us to be thoroughly well constructed,
and a complete bridge in every particular. It is a beautiful bridge, of a
hundred feet span, on abutments far above high-water mark.
We came back, and
all took some lemonade, at Col. Bullene’s expense. Then the parties sat down in
the COURIER office and settled up, and the board paid for the bridge. A great
deal of work has been done by Robert Weakley, S. E. Burger, George Brown, and
others, to get up an interest, get the necessary legislation, and the necessary
subscriptions. The Township Board have spent their time, and used the greatest
care to make the bridge perfect in every respect, and have attended to their
work faithfully. The people most interested give them full credit and grateful
thanks.
This bridge is of
much importance to Winfield in many respects, and the efforts of those whose
exertions have secured the bridge will be appreciated.
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
T. A. Blanchard
brought us a lot of sample apples from his orchard. They were the largest,
fairest, ripe apples we have seen this year.
[THE OLD
SOLDIERS.]
Winfield Courier, July 28, 1881.
A large number of
the Soldiers met in the Hall Saturday afternoon to consider the ways and means
of organization. Mr. C. M. Wood was chosen President and Jacob Nixon,
secretary.
The following
motion was offered, and prevailed: “That townships and wards hold local
meetings the 13th of August, and a committee meeting at the opera house August
10th at 10 o’clock a.m., to perfect arrangements for the ‘Old Soldier Reunion
to be held October 7th and 8th.’” It was then moved and carried that a
committee of one from each township be appointed to make all necessary
arrangements in the townships and wards. The following persons were appointed
as said committee.
Walnut: T. A.
Blanchard.
On motion of
comrade T. A. Blanchard, the committee from townships be requested to report at
the county meeting, August 20th, the name, company, regiment or battery, rank
of each old soldier in their respective township and ward, was approved with
amendment that the Secretary prepare and furnish each with a blank roll.
Motion prevailed
that the county papers be furnished with a copy of these proceedings with
request to publish and secure the attention of all old comrades to this call.
Pending motion to
adjourn, Judge Soward presented a resolution expressing to President Garfield
through Hon. R. L. Lincoln, Secretary of War, “our sorrow as soldiers of the
late war for his injuries at the hands of the assassin, and expressing the hope
that he may live long to serve his country and people, and to cheer his brave
wife is our sincere wish,” with a request to the Secretary to forward, was
unanimously adopted. The meeting then adjourned.
All present joined
in singing “Old John Brown.” C. M. WOOD, President.
JACOB NIXON,
Secretary.
Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.
EDS. COURIER: The
old soldiers of Walnut township met at Island Park Sept. 24th, and organized by
electing H. W. Stubblefield, Captain; Silich Cure, 1st Lieutenant; D. C.
Roberts, 2nd Lieutenant; S. E. Burger, orderly sergeant; and T. A. Blanchard,
D. W. Ferguson, B. E. Murphy, Lewis Myers, G. W. Porter, Sergeants. The propriety
of organizing as cavalry or infantry was decided to drill as infantry, and
appointed Oct. 8th and 15th at Island Park as the time and place of drill. All
soldiers were requested to attend the drills, so that at the reunion the
company would be enabled to make a fair show of proficiency.
The orderly has
been instructed to make a complete muster roll of soldiers giving name, rank,
company, regiment, state, and arm of service to which they belonged, and to
enable him to do this all are requested to hand their names to him or leave the
same at the COURIER office prior to the 8th of October.
OLD SOLDIERS OF
WALNUT TOWNSHIP.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
ORDERLY SERGEANT, CO. I, 7TH MO. CA.
[REPORT FROM
“GREEN”—VALLEY VIEW, VERNON TOWNSHIP.]
Cowley County
Courant, January 12, 1882.
VALLEY VIEW,
VERNON TOWNSHIP, January 1st, 1882.
There was a social
hop December 18th at the residence of Mr. T. A. Blanchard, at which we noticed
the faces of several Winfieldites who seemed to enjoy the country dance most
hugely, especially the supper prepared by Mrs. Blanchard, who has few equals in
the culinary art. On the 28th Valley View Sunday school held a social for the
purpose of raising money to purchase an organ. Miss Emma Martin presided at the
organ. Near the close of the exercises Mr. Jennings and Greer of Winfield were
each presented with a handsomely ornamented cake by Mr. Blanchard, in behalf of
the Sunday school. The social was a financial success. Sufficient funds to
purchase the organ were realized with a surplus in the treasury. Great praise
is due Mr. Martin, the superintendent, as he is one of those energetic workers
who spare neither time nor money to interest and benefit his school.
Cowley County
Courant, February 2, 1882.
The Walnut
Township Republican convention met according to published notice at Frank
Manny’s stone building. Ezra Meech was appointed chairman and F. S. Jennings,
secretary. The following nominations were made: For Trustee: J. C. Roberts. For
Clerk: T. A. Blanchard. Treasurer: Joel Mack. Justice of the Peace: S. E.
Burger. Constables: Henry Perry, colored, and Jethro Cochran. Road Overseers:
District No. 1, George Brown; District No. 2, Perry Hill.
Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.
The proceeds of
the festival at Valley View last Thursday evening were about twenty-five
dollars. The money, together with funds already in the treasury, will be used
in the purchase of an organ for the Sunday school. Messrs. Martin, Schwantes,
and Blanchard were in Saturday making arrangements to purchase the instrument.
Winfield Courier, January 5, 1882.
Valley View. Last Thursday
evening, in company with County Attorney Jennings, we attended an entertainment
given by the Sabbath school at Valley View Schoolhouse in Vernon Township. Mr.
Jennings was invited to deliver an address, and we went along as a kind of an
“amanuensis” to do the editing. The drive out through the bright moonlight with
the crisp, cool air blowing in our faces was delightful. Arriving at the
schoolhouse, we found it crowded with the best and happiest lot of people it
has ever been our good fortune to meet. We have often heard of the generous
hospitality of the folks up there, but are now ready to affirm that the half of
it has never been told. Everybody seemed to have brought enough for themselves
and five others, and as Jennings and I were the only ones who had not brought
anything, the prospects for a bountiful feast were most flattering. There was
pound cake and ten-pound cake embellished with frosting and confectionery,
chickens and turkeys, fried and roasted, in about the ratio of one chicken and
half a turkey for every person present, and pies and other edibles enough to
have fed St. John’s battery. The exercises were opened with an organ solo, “St.
Paul’s March,” by Miss E. Martin, followed by a song, “Young Pilgrims, by the
school. Master Robert Craig declaimed “Our Country’s Flag,” and rendered it
nicely for such a little boy. Master Lee Snyder recited “Mother Eve,” a
beautiful selection, in a very creditable manner. Pearl Martin told about
“Dropping Corn,” and drew from it many moral and social precepts that we would
all be better by following. Next came a song, “Holy Trinity,” by the school,
and then Miss Emma Martin read “A Noble Revenge,” and sang a beautiful and
touching piece, “Home is Sad Without a Mother,” in a way that brought tears to
the eyes of many. The sentiment contained in this song is very fine and was
admirably brought out by Miss Martin. After the song T. A. Blanchard, master of
ceremonies, introduced Mr. Jennings, who delivered a ten minute address. Just
when we were beginning to console ourself with the idea that Jennings was about
through and we would soon be able to assist in the destruction of the fowl and
cake so temptingly displayed, he made the startling announcement that he did
not intend to make a speech, but that “his friend, Mr. Greer, was fully
prepared and he felt sure would do justice to the occasion.” In about a minute
we discovered that we were being “led like a lamb to the slaughter,” and when
Tom Blanchard got up with a smile all over his face and announced that “they
would now listen to an address by the Hon., etc.” we felt that Mother Shipton’s
prophecy couldn’t be fulfilled any too soon. We spoke—and we’ll give $2.50 for
a comprehensive report of the speech. The tempting visions of fried chicken and
frosted cake vanished away into thin air and our oratorical powers went with
them. The audience discovered this at the same time we did, and we sat down
amid impressive silence. We have charged Tom Blanchard and Frank Jennings with
this conspiracy and some day we’ll get a chance to get even. Elder Snyder then
delivered a short address, congratulating the Sunday school on its success and
cheering them up to renewed work and greater exertion. Mr. Snyder is putting
his whole soul into the work and is meeting with abundant success. Messrs. Geo.
Conner, C. F. Martin, and W. Millspaugh sang a laughable piece entitled “All
the World’s a Barber Shop,” the last verse of which told about lawyers shaving
their clients and giving them “the meanest shave of all.” It was our laugh
then.
The feature of the
evening, of course, was the supper and the kind ladies who served the plates
filled them up till each one looked like the apex of Pikes Peak. It was an
absolute shame the way Jennings ate, and were it not that his voracity on that
occasion is likely to reflect upon the fair name and fame of our city, we would
let it go unnoticed. The fact is he thought he was expected to eat all that was
set before him, but if anybody should tell us that “the wish was father to the
thought,” we wouldn’t try to refute it. After supper an hour was spent in
greeting friends and just as we were about to depart, the house was called to
order and the chairman, in behalf of the Sunday school, presented Mr. Jennings
and the writer with two beautiful cakes. To say we were surprised would not
express it. In behalf of Mr. Jennings and on our own account, we wish to extend
to the school our hearty thanks for this kind token of their esteem. The
generous, home-like hospitality of the people; the kindnesses showered upon us
from every side; the many new acquaintances formed and old ones renewed; all
tend toward making this one of the pleasantest evenings we have ever spent.
Winfield Courier, February 2, 1882.
The Republicans of
Walnut Township met last Saturday and nominated J. C. Roberts for trustee, T.
Blanchard for clerk, Joel Mack for treasurer, and S. E. Burger for Justice. The
first three are the officers who have been managing the affairs of the township
for several years, and their re-nomination is an assurance that their official
acts have been satisfactory to the Republicans of the township—an endorsement
that was fully deserved. Jethro Cochran received again the nomination for
constable. Henry Perry, a colored man, was nominated for constable against Mr.
John Ferguson, and the boys say they are bound to elect him. From what we can
learn, he is fully qualified to fill the office. We hope to see the ticket go
through with a rousing majority, as it certainly will. Is “Olive Oil” satisfied
with this convention?
Winfield Courier, February 9, 1882.
VALLEY VIEW. The session of
Sabbath school on January 29th was an occasion long to be remembered by those
present. After the usual time spent in studying the lesson, this being the
anniversary day, the secretary, Miss E. Martin, and the treasurer, Mr. F. W.
Schwantes, made complete reports and showed a prosperous condition of the
school. The interest appears to have steadily increased from the organization
to the present time. The finances, which annoy so many schools, have from the
liberality of our people, given us no trouble at any time. Besides paying the
current expenses for books, papers, etc., the treasurer has now on hand
fifty-two dollars. An organ has been ordered for the school and will be on hand in a few
weeks. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year.
Mr. T. A.
Blanchard had prepared an excellent article, but owing to its length, only a
synopsis can be given for your columns.
“The officers and
members of our S. S. To J. F. Martin, their respected superintendent.
“In behalf of our
school there has been performed a duty, the remembrance of which, both by you
and them, will ever be a source of pleasure and delight. After two years of
service, and on this anniversary, it was fitting that we give a token of our
appreciation of your services. In retrospecting the progress of the school, we
find that the work performed and results attained, far surpass our most
sanguine hopes. From a rough, profane, and Sabbath-breaking community has been
erected one noted for morals and true piety. And oh! How gratifying the thought
that the principles inculcated are more enduring than life, that even when we
are inhabitants of the silent city, posterity will point with pride to the
noble and glorious achievements which have been accomplished mainly through
your untiring energy. In receiving this beautiful time piece from the school,
we are sure you will not receive it for its intrinsic value alone, but as a
visible expression of our love and esteem. Therefore, we earnestly hope that
you may long be spared to guide and instruct in the ways of truth and virtue,
and that our children’s children may rise up and call you blessed is the
sincere desire and prayer of your school.”
Winfield Courier, February 9, 1882.
TOWNSHIP
ELECTIONS. Up to the time of going to press, we have heard from the following
townships: In Pleasant Valley, J. S. Hill, Greenbacker, received 44 votes and
was elected trustee over Z. B. Meyers, Republican. With this exception the
straight Republican ticket was elected. In Walnut Township the straight
Republicans carried the day by a large majority and J. C. Roberts is trustee
for another year. Tom Blanchard and Joel Mack got all the votes cast. In
Fairview the straight Republican ticket was elected, which makes Wm. White,
trustee; J. H. Curfman, treasurer; and R. B. Corson, clerk. There was a tie
between A. J. McCollum and B. Hanlen, for Justice, each receiving 18 votes. W.
F. M. Lacey and N. E. Darling were elected constables. Liberty goes Republican,
so also Richland.
[VALLEY VIEW
CORRESPONDENT: “GREEN BRIAR.”]
Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882.
VALLEY VIEW.
EDS. COURIER: The
next question is settled. At the Valley View lyceum on Thursday evening, the
great question “Does Prohibition prohibit?” was thoroughly analyzed in all its
bearings. The principal disputants were Mr. J. W. Millspaugh for the
affirmative, who made an eloquent address, interspersed with some close
reasoning and almost convincing arguments, but it was not until Mr. Blanchard
took the stand that the fun actually commenced. He with his characteristic
eloquence and convincing logic fairly made the affirmative gentlemen quake: The
negative took the position that all laws were prohibitory but none prohibit;
that the Lord even could not make such a law without depriving man of his free
agency; that the only way to positively prohibit an act was to deprive a man of
his liberty, or as expressed, catch and tie him. The jury unanimously decided
for the negative without leaving their box. GREEN BRIAR.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, February 16, 1882.
Among other
proceedings had by the Board the following claims were acted upon as follows.
WALNUT TOWNSHIP.
S. E. Burger,
Judge: $3.20; J. L. King, Judge: $2.00; T. A. Blanchard, Judge: $2.00.
John Mentch,
Clerk: $2.00; G. W. Prater, Clerk: $2.00.
[COWLEY COUNTY
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
Cowley County
Courant, April 20, 1882.
Pursuant to call,
a number of gentlemen interested in the organization of a Cowley County
Agricultural Society met at the Courthouse Saturday, April 15th, 1882, and were
called to order by T. A. Blanchard. Thereupon, J. W. Millspaugh, of Vernon township,
was elected Chairman and T. A. Blanchard, Secretary. F. H. Graham stated that
the object of the meeting was to organize for the purpose of holding a county
fair this fall. On motion of J. B. Jennings, the meeting unanimously resolved
to hold a fair, and a committee of six gentlemen, consisting of J. C. Roberts,
W. P. Hackney, W. J. Hodges, J. W. Millspaugh, J. L. Horning, and W. A. Tipton,
was appointed to draft articles of incorporation and report at the next
meeting. The meeting then adjourned to meet on Saturday, April 22nd, 1882, at 2
o’clock, at which time all feeling an interest in the fair are requested to
attend. All Cowley County papers requested to copy.
[COWLEY COUNTY
FAIR ASSOCIATION.]
Cowley County
Courant, April 27, 1882.
The Fair
Association held their second meeting at the courthouse Saturday afternoon, and
the meeting was called to order by the president, J. W. Millspaugh. The
committee appointed on permanent organization made their report, which embraced
a carefully prepared constitution and by-laws, and the following officers were
then elected: President. W. A. Tipton; Vice President, H. Harbaugh; Secretary,
T. A. Blanchard; Treasurer, J. W. Millspaugh. The meeting adjourned to meet
again, according to the minutes, “at two o’clock in two weeks,” which means of
course, Saturday, May 6th, 1882, at two o’clock P.M.
Cowley County
Courant, May 11, 1882.
The Republicans of
Walnut township held a meeting at Frank Manny’s stone brewery building last
Saturday at which the following delegates and alternates were elected to
attend the County Convention to be held in this city May the 13th inst.
Delegates: J. L.
King; M. A. Graham; S. E. Burger; S. Cure; H. W. Stubblefield.
Alternates: T. A.
Blanchard, Joel Mack, John C. Roberts, Chas. Wilson, and C. E. Metzgar.
The delegates were
instructed to also vote for delegates to the State Convention to be held in
Topeka on the 24th day of June next.
[AGRICULTURAL AND
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.]
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.
Present: J. C.
Roberts, R. B. Pratt, P. M. Waite, W. A. Tipton, W. J. Hodges, S. W. Phoenix,
and J. W. Millspaugh.
The following
officers were elected for the ensuing term: W. A. Tipton, President; Henry
Harbaugh, Vice President; T. A. Blanchard, Secretary; J. W. Millspaugh,
Treasurer; W. J. Hodges, Superintendent.
The Treasurer was
required to enter into a bond of $2,000 and to have the same ready for approval
at the next meeting.
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.
Committee on
grounds were directed to meet May 8th, 1882.
Committee on
premium list, the board.
The secretary was
directed to procure a rubber stamp seal bearing the legend, “Cowley County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society Seal.”
The Secretary was
directed to publish the proceedings in all the county papers.
Adjourned to meet
May 20th, 1882. T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary.
[PIONEERS REUNION
- VERNON TOWNSHIP.]
Cowley County
Courant, May 25, 1882.
The pioneer
settlers of Vernon township, in Cowley County, Kansas, will hold a picnic
meeting at Riverside Park, in Vernon township, near Winfield, on Wednesday, May
31st, 1882, at 10 o’clock A.M., for the purpose of organizing an association
for mutual friendship and to commemorate the incidents and hardships
encountered in the early settlement of this township. The following is the
program of exercises.
1st. 10 A.M., E.
D. Skinner, Chairman, calls the meeting to order.
2nd. Enrollment of
old Pioneers, who were settled in Vernon township prior to January 1, 1873.
3rd. Election of
President, Vice President, and Secretary, by the members enrolled.
4th. Song.
5th. 12 M.,
Dinner.
6th. 2 P.M., Songs
and Speeches by Wm. Martin, T. A. Blanchard, Millington, and others.
7th. Essay on the
Early Settlement of Vernon Township, by Mrs. John Werden, Mrs. C. A. McClung,
and Mrs. Mina Bliss, who are among the earliest settlers.
Winfield Courier, May 25, 1882.
Notice. The
members of the executive committee of the Cowley County Agricultural and
Horticultural Society are hereby requested to meet at the COURIER office in
Winfield, on Saturday, May 27, 1882, at 2 o’clock p.m., without fail. T. A.
BLANCHARD, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, June 1, 1882.
Secretary
Blanchard of the Fair Association, is up to his eyes in work, getting the
premium lists ready. He is bound to make the fair this year a success.
Winfield Courier, June 8, 1882.
To the Farmers of
Cowley County:
GENTLEMEN: Let me
urge upon you the importance of securing specimens of agricultural products for
our fair in September, and with a view of displaying the same at the State
fair. Specimens of wheat, oats, rye, grass, etc., should be carefully gathered
and cured in the straw, taking pains to select the best filled as well as
tallest straw. Place your name upon the same, giving kind, time of sowing, time
of harvesting, kind of land upon which sown, and manner of sowing. Specimens of
fruits may be kept in the natural state, or by canning or preserving in
alcohol. We are determined to make the fair in Cowley a success, and in order
to do so, it is only necessary that you take hold of the matter with this
object in view. Our premium list will be ready for circulation in a few days.
Persons who desire a copy may procure the same by addressing the Secretary at
Winfield.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
Secretary.
[VERNON TOWNSHIP
CORRESPONDENT: “M. LEWIS.”]
Winfield Courier, June 15, 1882.
ORCHARD COTTAGE.
EDS. COURIER: As
the first item of interest, I will insert the minutes of the Vernon Pioneer’s
Reunion, as furnished me by the Secretary.
RIVERSIDE PARK,
VERNON TOWNSHIP, MAY 31ST, 1882.
Minutes of the
first reunion of the Pioneers of Vernon Township, Cowley County, Kansas.
Pursuant to a
previous call, the old settlers of Vernon Township met at Riverside Park at 10
o’clock a.m., and Mr. Henry Hawkins was called to the chair and M. L. Martin
was chosen temporary secretary. After which all the old settlers who immigrated
to Vernon previous to January 1st, 1873, were requested to come forward and
sign their names to the roll, or have the secretary to do so, as by a previous
motion, and vote it was decided that all who settled in Vernon previous to that
time should be considered old settlers.
The secretary then
called the roll, after which a permanent organization was affected by electing
officers for the ensuing year as follows: J. W. Millspaugh, president; T. A.
Blanchard, vice-president; H. H. Martin, secretary and treasurer. The meeting
was then adjourned until 2 o’clock, to give all a chance to partake of a
bountiful dinner prepared for the occasion, and to which old settlers and
friends did ample justice.
At 2 o’clock p.m.,
the meeting was called to order by the president, J. W. Millspaugh, who made a
short address stating the object of the afternoon session. A number of old
settlers were then called to the stand, and short and appropriate addresses
were made by T. A. Blanchard, A. Hetrick, J. B. Evans, Albert Werden, M. L.
Martin, and F. W. Schwantes.
T. A. Blanchard
stated that Benjamin F. Murphy was the first white man that settled in Vernon
Township, and that Mother Blanchard was the first white woman who died in the
township, a martyr to the trials and privations of pioneer life.
P. M. Waite claims
the honor of hauling and offering for sale the first load of wheat in the city
of Winfield.
Mr. T. B. Ware
claims the honor of raising the seed wheat from which Mr. Waite raised his load
of wheat.
M. L. Martin has
the honor of having planted the first shrubs and rose bushes set in Vernon
soil, from which hundreds of bushes have been taken and are now blossoming
around the homes of others.
Moved and carried
that our next reunion be held on May 31st, 1883. On motion a committee of five
were appointed on program by the chairman. They were: T. A. Blanchard, chairman
of committee, J. H. Werden, H. H. Martin, Mrs. Thos. Thompson, and Mrs. J. H.
Werden. On motion a committee of three on arrangements were appointed by the
chair.
H. C. Hawkins, T.
Thompson, and T. B. Ware were the committee appointed, after which the meeting
adjourned to meet one year from date, May 31st, 1883.
J. W. MILLSPAUGH,
President. H. H. MARTIN, Secretary.
I failed to get
the roll of the old settlers, but I think I can give them by memory; at least
all those who answered to their names.
Messrs. Ives,
Brown, A. Beaman, Bud Bernard, F. W. Schwantes, T. A. Blanchard, Wm. Schwantes,
Fahnestock, Thos. Thompson, E. C. Martin, D. S. Beadle, J. H., A. J., and F. A.
Werden, H. C. Hawkins, Benj. Dougherty, D. G. Hawkins, Henry Hawkins, J. W.
Millspaugh, L. A. Millspaugh, N. Millspaugh, R. Millspaugh, M. L. Martin, James
Foster, T. B. Ware, N. C. Clark, P. M.
Waite, Charles McClung, Ile McClung, Milt Rhodes, and J. B. Evans.
It was moved and
carried that at the next reunion we should have a book and record the names of
both males and females, and all children who were with or born to their parents
prior to January 1, 1873. There was as good a turn-out of citizens, both new
and old, as could have been expected, considering the inclemency of the weather
and short time of notice. There were several hundred present, and everything
went off pleasantly. We are sorry the editor of the COURIER failed to be there
to give us an address. Hope he will be sure and attend our next.
I will forbear
making any remarks about the address, as it has been hinted to me that I am
capable of telling all I know and a little more, and I have a sincere desire to
write nothing but the truth. Anything from Vernon needs no high coloring, no
extra touches or polishing, for she stands forth in grandeur and beauty; an
honor to herself, and the county.
Winfield Courier, July 20, 1882.
Notice. The Cowley
County Agricultural and Horticultural Society will receive bids at the COURIER
office on the 29th day of July, 1882, for the privilege of keeping eating
houses, ice cream, and lemonade on the grounds of said Society during the fair.
The bids may be made to include all, or may be separately for each. W. A.
TIPTON, President.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
Secretary.
[VALLEY VIEW
CORRESPONDENT: “BOBOLINK.”]
Winfield Courier, July 27, 1882.
We heard, but
doubt the assertion that Mr. T. Blanchard has his farm for sale.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY
CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Credentials
Committee: J. L. Parsons, H. Brotherton,
P. McCommon, M. Christopher, M. S. Teter, T. A. Blanchard, G. M. Hawkins.
Delegates entitled
to seats.
Walnut: J. P.
Henderson, J. C. Roberts, E. M. Reynolds, T. A. Blanchard, R. I. Hogue.
Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.
Horticultural
Society Meeting.
WINFIELD, AUGUST
5, 1882. Society called to order by President Martin. Minutes of last meeting
read and approved. President appointed F. A. A. Williams, G. W. Robertson, and
R. I. Hogue a committee to test and report on fruits placed on exhibition on
table. Committee on State Fair collection reported by Secretary; good
encouragement and cooperation of our orchardists, so far. State reports from
State Horticultural Secretary for 1881 received and distributed to members
present. Suggestion from President Martin that bees are necessary to fertilize
flowers of tomato by carrying the pollen. General discussion on grape. It was
suggested by a member that the Delaware grape should be planted on the north
side of buildings to insure returns this far south. Invitation extended to
society by T. A. Blanchard, Secretary of Agricultural Society for this Society
to take charge of the Horticultural exhibit at County fair this fall. Mr. Hogue
moved that “Resolved, That the Cowley County Horticultural Society take
charge of and make an exhibition of fruits at our County Fair this fall.”
Carried. Moved and carried that President appoint a committee of five to take
charge of such exhibition at Fair. President appointed Jos. Taylor, F. A. A.
Williams, S. Maxwell, R. I. Hogue, and J. Nixon such committee. Motion
prevailed that the Society meet at COURIER office each Saturday in August at 2
p.m. Committee on fruit reported as follows.
The Committee find
exhibited the following specimens of fruit.
Apples. Chimney
Strawberry and Pennoch, G. W. Robertson; White Pippins, J. F. Martin; Variety
unknown, fine, S. H. Jennings.
Peaches.
Crawford’s Early, very fine, Mr. Howland and Mrs. Parker; Geo. 4th, Geo. W.
Robertson; Large Early York; S. H. Jennings.
Plums. Lombard,
extra fine. J. C. McMullen; Noise Seedling, G. W. Robertson. Nectarine Early
Violet, very fine, G. W. Robertson.
Grapes. Unknown
(supposed to be Early Amber), J. D. Guthrie.
F. A. A. WILLIAMS,
G. W. ROBERTSON, R. I. HOGUE.
Jas. Kirk, Jas. M.
Bair, A. H. 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.
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
Special
Horticultural Meeting. August 12, 1882.
Society called to
order in COURIER office. Minutes of regular meeting passed. Notice to Cowley County
fruit growers by secretary, read by president. Messrs. Taylor, Gillett, and
Hogue were appointed a committee to report on varieties of fruit on table,
which was loaded with fine products of horticultural skill from orchards and
garden. After an interesting discussion by members, committee and visitors
present, among whom we noticed Mr. Myron Hall, of Newton, an old veteran
horticulturist, who labeled, named, and arranged Kansas’ exhibition of fruit at
the Centennial exhibition. We hope and expect his aid and assistance in
preparing an exhibit for Topeka in September. The committee on fruit reported
as follows.
We present the
following on the present exhibit. I. H. Bonsall, peas, No. 1, unknown; No. 3,
Bartlett; No. 2, Winter Nellis; No. 2, apples, Ben Davis. T. A. Blanchard, fine
Conrad grapes. A. R. Gillett, Livingston tomato, new and fine. Capt. Lowry,
very fine display of 17 Crawford’s Early peaches, 9½ inches in circumference
and ½ pound weight each; also two apples, variety not determined. Mrs. Wilson
Shaw, fine cluster of yellow Siberian crab.
G. W. Yount,
Chinese radish and large fine onion. A. R. Gillett, sample very early purple
squaw corn. F. W. Schwantes, fine red plum, called Weaver. (Committee could not
determine name.) Also large white onion from button setts, very good. Henry
Hawkins, peas, Bartlett, Flemish Beauty, fine, one seedling and one unknown.
Apples, Fallwater, Rambo, Keswick, Codling, Michael, Henry Pippin, striped
sweet Pippin, and two unknown. G. W.
Brown, peach, very large seedling, green (mesipe) unknown. Apples, Ben Davis,
Maiden Blush, and one unknown.
G. W. Robertson,
peaches, old Mixon, cling and free, also fine specimens yellow peach, supreme
flavor—unknown; apples, Maiden Blush and strawberry fine. G. W. Martin, apple, Summer
Pennoch, Lombard plum, fine specimen. Jas. Kirk, seedling peaches, very good. Jacob Nixon, Large Early York peach. Mr.
Smith, seedling peach, fair. J. W. Millspaugh, apples, Domine, Ben Davis, fine,
one unknown. Fine early Dent corn from exhibitor unknown; grapes, Clinton,
Dracket, Amber, Concord, and fine Bermuda sweet potatoes.
W. C. Hayden,
vegetable display very fine, 3 varieties corn, rhubarb, yellow Strasburg and
red Wethersfield onions, 3 Rose and 3 Vermont potatoes, fine tomatoes and stalk
corn 14 feet high with two good ears.
W. A. Ela,
peaches, Mixon, Cling, and Indian, and one unknown. Jas. Adams, Snow peach.
Jos. Taylor, Glori Mundi apple, very large and fine, 12½ inches in
circumference. Mrs. Col. McMullen, splendid plate of pears, peaches, apples,
grapes, and plums tastefully arranged.
Taylor, Gillett,
and Hogue, committee.
Resolved that this
society return a vote of thanks to the COURIER Company for the use of their
room at our meetings. Carried. W. C. Hayden joined society. Adjourned to
Saturday July 19th at 2 p.m. J. F. MARTIN, President. JACOB NIXON, Secretary.
[COWLEY COUNTY
FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.
The First Annual
Fair of the Cowley County Agricultural and Horticultural Association will be
held at the Fair grounds in Winfield, September 21st to 23rd. The Fair grounds
of the Association are conveniently situated one-half mile north of Winfield,
and for natural advantages are unsurpassed. An abundance of water and a large
grove make them the most desirable, for fair purposes, of any in the state. The
Association offers over $1,500.00 in cash premiums. Adjoining the grove and
within the grounds is a first-class speed ring, one-half mile in length.
Liberal premiums are offered by the Association for trials of speed. Entries of
articles for exhibition may be made up to 9 o’clock a.m., of the second day.
Entrance fee for all articles for exhibition. In speed ring competitors will be
requested to pay 10 percent of the premium to be competed for, as an entrance
fee. An ample police force will be furnished by the Association to protect the
property of patrons from loss or injury.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
Secretary. W. A. TIPTON, President.
Winfield Courier, August 31, 1882.
Special
Horticultural Meeting. August 26th, 1882.
Society called to
order by President Martin. Minutes of last meeting passed. President Martin
introduced Prof. E. A. Popenoe, of Riley County, to the members present, who
stated that he was on a professional tour through the eastern and southern
counties of the state, collecting entomological information for the State
Agricultural College, and found the orchards laden with fruit; pears very fine
in the southern counties—pear blight and other causes producing a failure on
the Kaw river. He hoped to meet the members of the society at the State Fair,
with a display worthy of our county’s orchards. . . .
President
appointed Dr. Marsh, J. A. Burrell, and T. A. Blanchard committee to report on
fruit on table. Their report follows.
Mrs. Mary E.
Murphy, 6 large apples unknown.
J. T. Pruitt,
large seedling peach, yellow, good.
J. L. Andrews,
Indian Cling peach.
Mrs. McCalvary,
Bartlett pear and Crawford late peaches.
J. H. Watt,
Crawford late peach, very fine.
J. J. Stevens,
Large Globe musk melon, insipid.
Isaac Beach,
Crawford late peach.
Wm. Butterfield,
Indian Cling, Butterfield’s favorite, and seedling peaches. Jonathan apple, and
four varieties unknown, wrongly labeled.
H. W. Marsh, A. J.
Burrell, and T. A. Blanchard, committee.
Committee to
attend exhibition of fruit at Topeka to be appointed next Saturday.
Adjourned to meet
at COURIER office next Saturday at 2 p.m.
J. F. MARTIN,
President. JACOB NIXON, Secretary.
[VALLEY VIEW
CORRESPONDENT: “BOBOLINK.”]
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.
Thinking the
matter over, I find we have some men of talent in our district. Mr. T. A.
Blanchard is the secretary of the County Agricultural Society, Mr. J. W.
Millspaugh the treasurer, Mr. J. F. Martin president of Horticultural Society,
and Mr. P. B. Lee is presiding elder in United Brethren church.
[HORTICULTURAL
MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.
Minutes of last
meeting read and approved. President called attention to the fact that it would
be necessary to appoint a committee to collect specimens for exhibition at
Topeka.
Moved by Mr.
Burger that president appoint a committee of two to collect fruit for State
Fair, and that they be paid not more than $2 a day.
Mr. T. A.
Blanchard, Secretary of Agricultural Society, stated that Agricultural Society
would make no exhibit at State Fair. Motion prevailed.
President
appointed R. I. Hogue, Mr. Maxwell, and Messrs. Hawkins and Jos. Taylor. Mr. T.
A. Blanchard appointed committee to raise funds to pay committee to collect
specimens. R. I. Hogue, T. A. Blanchard, S. E. Burger, Jos. O. Taylor,
committee to take charge of fruit at State exhibit.
Dr. Marsh, H.
Hawkins, A. J. Burrell committee to make report on fruit on table.
Committee on fruit
reported as follows.
Fine display of
apples, consisting of Dominie, Maidens Blush, Wine Sap, Rome Beauty, Ben Davis,
and Ortley. Whitney and Hyslop crabs and Bartlett pears from H. H. Martin of
Vernon.
Collection from A.
J. Burrell of Creswell: Jonathans, Maidens Blush, Mo. Pippin, Dominie, Winter
Rambo, Huntsmans Favorite apples, Bartlett and Seedling pears, Late Crawford
and Cling peaches, Concord and Catawba grapes, very superior specimens.
From Henry Hawkins
of Vernon: Michael Henry, Striped Pippin, Ben Davis, Winter Rambo, and one
variety unknown, apples.
Hamilton Hawkins
of Vernon: Bartlett pear, extra fine.
Fine display of
Catawba grapes from A. De Turk, Pleasant Valley.
James Foster,
Vernon: Dominie and two varieties of apples unknown.
Seedling peaches
from J. Mentch of Walnut.
Fine display of
Apples by Dr. Marsh from J. H. Watt’s orchard, of Beaver: Geniton, Limber Twig,
Rambo, Ortley, and Milam.
J. Earnest: Red
Yam sweet potato weighing 5 lbs.
E. C. Martin: 2
Brazilian sweet potatoes.
W. C. Hayden: fine
display of tomatoes.
A. T. Spotswood
& Co.: Early Rose potatoes and extra large Maiden Blush apples.
Mrs. Elizabeth
Capper: fine Indian peaches.
S. E. Burger,
Walnut: Seedling peaches, Mo. Pippin apples.
J. Nixon, Vernon:
6 Belle Lucrative and 6 Bartlett pears. Sutton Beauty, Wagner, Mo. Pippin,
Grimes Golden and Willow Twig apples, George IV and President budded peaches,
with two varieties unknown.
Extra good samples
of corn from Bryant Fowler of Fairview, also stalks 18 ft. Long.
From G. W. Prater:
two varieties of apples, name unknown, and committee was unable to agree upon
variety.
H. W. MARSH, A. J.
BURRELL, HENRY HAWKINS, COMMITTEE.
T. A. Blanchard
reported $15.15 collected to pay expenses of collecting. Adjourned.
[OLD VETERANS’
REUNION.]
Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.
VETERANS OF THE
LATE WAR WHO WISH TRANSPORTATION TO TOPEKA DURING THE REUNION IN SEPTEMBER,
1882.
Included in list:
T. A. Blanchard, Co. I, 7th Mo. Vol. Cav.
[HORTICULTURAL
MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, September 14,
1882.
Special meeting of
the Society held at the Courthouse in Winfield, on Saturday, Sept. 9th, 1882. Present:
J. F. Martin, President; G. W. Robertson, Treasurer; the Secretary being
absent, T. A. Blanchard was elected Secretary pro tem.
Mr. Blanchard, the
committee appointed at last meeting to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of
defraying expense in making collections of horticultural products for display
at state and county fair, reported $17.00 collected and $3.00 subscribed and
not yet paid, and upon motion of S. E. Berger, was directed to turn the same
over to the Treasurer. The committee was then discharged.
Dr. Marsh made a
partial report of the committee on fruit collection, and was requested to
prepare a full report for publication, which he consented to do.
The committee
appointed at last meeting to take charge of our fruit display at the State
Fair, was directed to preserve and return the same for display at our county
fair. Messrs. Berger, Brown, and Williams were appointed a committee to take
charge of all fruit on the table not needed for the State fair, and preserve
the same for exhibition at the county fair.
Mr. Hogue
exhibited a seedling apple grown by J. W. Curfman, which is said to possess
excellent keeping qualities, and is of fine flavor. There were displayed on the
table three watermelons by Mr. N. T. Snyder, weighing respectfully 50, 52, and
53½ pounds; also some mammoth onions,
all of which were kindly donated for display at the State fair.
Society adjourned
to meet at the COURIER office next Saturday.
T. A. BLANCHARD,
Secretary Pro Tem.
[COWLEY COUNTY
FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, September 14,
1882.
BIG AD. HEADED
[LET ALL WHO CAN, ATTEND THE COWLEY COUNTY FAIR, COMMENCING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
21ST.]
HO! FOR THE FAIR!
THE COWLEY COUNTY FAIR WILL OPEN ON THE MORNING OF THE 21ST OF SEPT., on the
beautiful grounds leased by the Association adjoining the city of Winfield on
the North, and will CONTINUE FOR THREE DAYS.
The officers of
the Association are doing all in their power to make the Fair an honor to the
county and confidently expect the citizens of the county will take such an
interest in seconding their efforts so as to make the coming Fair a pride to
the banner county of the State.
MORE THAN $1500 ARE OFFERED BY THE
ASSOCIATION IN PREMIUMS!
LIBERAL PREMIUMS
ARE OFFERED ON STOCK, GRAIN, FRUITS, MACHINERY, VEGETABLES, AND ON EVERYTHING
PRODUCED BY LABOR.
Come one, come
all, come everybody, and compete for the premiums, and you all will receive a
warm welcome. T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary. W. A. TIPTON, President.
Winfield Courier, September 28,
1882.
T. A. Blanchard,
Secretary of the Fair Association, was taken quite ill Sunday with bilious
fever, and his duties in settling up the premiums and awards of the fair have
devolved upon the secretary pro tem, Ed. P. Greer.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
T. A. Blanchard is
out again after a severe spell of sickness.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
Notice! The
directors of the Cowley County Agricultural and Horticultural Society are notified to meet at the COURIER office
Saturday, Oct. 7th, at 10 o’clock a.m., for the purpose of winding up the
affairs of the Society. Let each and every director be present.
W. A. TIPTON,
President. T. A. BLANCHARD, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, October 19, 1882.
The Board of
Directors of the Agricultural Fair Association met at the COURIER office last
Saturday to close up the business of the late fair. Present: Judge Tipton,
president; T. A. Blanchard, secretary; J. J. Johnson, J. C. Roberts, W. J.
Hodges. After transacting such business as came before it, the Board adjourned
until Saturday, October 28th, which is the regular meeting.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP
CORRESPONDENT: “SPECTATOR.”]
Winfield Courier, December 7, 1882.
T. A. Blanchard
has been acting as bailiff during this term of court. T. A. deserves some
county office and if it was not for his innate modesty, he might be elected.
[WILMOT, RICHLAND
TOWNSHIP, CORRESPONDENT: “SPECTATOR.”]
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1883.
The rumor that T.
A. Blanchard had sold his farm proves a canard.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.
Walnut Township
Primary. The Republicans of Walnut Township met at Olive schoolhouse January
19th at 2 p.m. They organized by electing John Mentch chairman and S. E. Burger
Secretary. Frank Manny, G. Brown, and J. A. Mentch were elected judges. The
following persons were nominated.
For Trustee: T. A.
Blanchard; For Treasurer: Joel Mack; For Clerk: Frank Manny; For Justice of the
Peace: J. L. King; For Constables: J. C. Monforte, Jr.; J. A. Mentch.
For Road overseer,
District 1: F. Arnold; For Road overseer, District 2: _ ____; For Road
overseer, District 3: J. C. Roberts.
The following
resolutions were adopted.
Resolved, That we request
our Senator and Representative in the Legislature to use their best endeavors
to reduce passenger rates on railroads to three cents per mile and freight
rates be fixed at so much per ton per mile.
Resolved, That we are
opposed to the commissioner system unless backed by a specific law, the mere
collection of facts to report to the next Legislature having the people at the
mercy of the roads for two years more.
Resolved, That the Secretary
of this meeting furnish a copy of these resolutions to our Senator and
Representative at Topeka and to each of the Winfield papers for publication.
JOHN MENTCH,
Chairman. S. E. BURGER, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
The township
election in Walnut resulted in the election of T. A. Blanchard over his
Democratic competitor for trustee by one majority. D C. Beach was elected
clerk.
[TOWNSHIP
ELECTIONS.]
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1883.
WALNUT: T. A.
Blanchard, trustee; D. C. Beach, clerk; Joel Mack, treasurer; J. L. King, J.
P.; J. Mentch and J. C. Monforte, constables.
[PAST ISSUES OF
THE WINFIELD COURIER.]
Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.
Echoes From the
Past. We have before us bound files of the COURIER from the first copy, issued
ten years ago. They contain an ever-varying panorama of the life and growth of
Cowley and her people, of peculiar interest to the old residents, and replete
with incidents and anecdotes of early life for the new-comers.
May 1, 1874, we
find that “Tom Blanchard has discovered lead.” This seems to have been Tom’s
first mining enterprise.
Winfield Courier, March 8, 1883.
Assessors Meeting.
On Monday, March 5th, 1883, the Assessors of Cowley County, Kansas, met at
Winfield.
Among those present:
T. A. Blanchard, Walnut Township.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP
CORRESPONDENT: “SPECTATOR.”]
Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.
Mr. T. A.
Blanchard, Township Trustee and ex officio Assessor, has been at work assessing
the personal property for the last week. He is doing the work very rapidly and
accurately.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
Fish Ways. The
following letter has been received from the State Fish Commissioner by T. A.
Blanchard relative to fish ways in dams.
OFFICE OF THE
STATE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES,
ELLSWORTH, KANSAS,
MARCH 20, 1883.
T. A. Blanchard,
Secretary, etc.:
DEAR SIR: Yours of
the 24th is received and I answer. The law is imperative in relation to the
construction of fish ways and has been for the past five years. The owners of
dams across the streams of this state should not require the commissioner of
Fisheries to compel them to construct them. It is useless to stock the streams
of this state with desirable fish and have them locked up by dams, and unless
proper fish-ways are constructed by the owners of the dams, the law makes it
obligatory upon the commissioner of fisheries to compel them to, and to do it
in such a manner as to satisfy him that they are passable for fish; and this
must be done before the state is put to the expense of stocking the stream, and
I desire to stock your stream this season. I am respectfully yours, W. S. GILE,
Commissioner of Fisheries.
Blanchard loses
his son, Ira. Oldest daughter in critical condition...
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
Mr. T. A.
Blanchard’s family have all been dangerously sick with measles and pneumonia
this spring, and on Sunday, his oldest boy, Ira, died, after a severe illness
of more than six weeks. His oldest daughter is also very low and hardly any
hopes are held of her recovery. These visitations of sickness and death have
come to our citizens more frequently this spring than ever before. Mr.
Blanchard and family have much sympathy in their bereavement. We hope that his
family may soon again enjoy the blessings of health.
Winfield Courier, April 19, 1883.
Mr. T. A.
Blanchard’s family were all up to breakfast Monday morning, for the first time
in six weeks. They have had a most severe tussle with sickness.
[FAIR MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.
A mass meeting of
farmers was held in the Opera House Saturday afternoon to consider the Fair
question. A goodly number of farmers from every part of the county were
present. W. J. Millspaugh, of Vernon, was elected chairman and S. P. Strong, of
Rock, secretary. The report of the committee on soliciting subscriptions to the
stock reported four thousand eight hundred dollars taken. The committee was
then increased by the following additions, one in each township.
Maple: W. B.
Norman; Ninnescah: W. B. Norman; Vernon: W. J. Millspaugh; Beaver: Dr. Marsh;
Beaver: S. D. Jones; Creswell: Capt. Nipp; Bolton: J. D. Guthrie; Rock Creek:
Geo. L. Gale; Fairview: Cleve Page; Walnut: T. A. Blanchard; Pleasant Valley:
Henry Harbaugh; Richland: Sam Phoenix; Tisdale: J. S. Baker; Liberty: Justice
Fisher; Silverdale: L. J. Darnell; Omnia: Wm. Gilliard; Silver Creek: Harvey
Smith; Sheridan: Barney Shriver; Spring Creek: J. S. Andrews; Harvey: Sam Rash;
Windsor: S. M. Fall; Dexter: John Wallace; Cedar: Jas. Utt; Otter: T. H. Aley.
[W. B. Norman
represented both Maple and Ninnescah townships.]
The Secretary was
instructed to prepare and forward to each of the township committee blank
subscription lists, with the request that they circulate them at once. This
committee was instructed to report with the lists at a public meeting in the
Hall at 2 o’clock, May 19, when all who have subscribed to the stock are
requested to be present and form a permanent organization.
Short speeches
were then made by Senator Hackney, Jas. F. Martin, S. P. Strong, S. S. Lynn,
Henry Harbaugh, F. W. Schwantes, John C. Roberts, D. L. Kretsinger, and others.
After the meeting
many new names were added and the list now foots up over five thousand dollars.
Great interest was
manifested by all the farmers present for the success of the enterprise. Over
half the capital stock is already taken and it looks as if we were at last
going to have an institution that will be a credit and an honor to the county.
Winfield has responded nobly in this matter, and it now remains for the farmers
to do their share, which they will undoubtedly accomplish.
Blanchard’s
youngest daughter, Elgie E. Blanchard, dies...
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.
DIED. July 12,
1883. Elgie E., daughter of T. A. and Sarah E. Blanchard. This is the second
death in Mr. Blanchard’s family this year. For three months his house has been
afflicted by continuous sickness, resulting in the death of his oldest and
youngest. Such affliction is very hard to bear.
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.
DIED. On Thursday,
July 12th, 1883, of cholera infantum, Elgie E., daughter of Thomas A. and Sarah
Blanchard, aged 9 months and eighteen days.
“Loveliest of
lovely things are they,
On earth that soonest pass away.
The rose that lives its little hour
Is prized beyond the sculptured flower.” M. S.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.
Announcement. We
are authorized to announce T. A. Blanchard, of Walnut Township, as a candidate
for County Clerk. . . .
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.
T. A. BLANCHARD.
We call attention to the announcement of T. A. Blanchard of Walnut Township as
a candidate for County Clerk of this county. Mr. Blanchard is well and
favorably known to all the old settlers, being one of the oldest settlers
himself, and having held the office of county commissioner for some of the early
years of our county’s history. He has by his probity, good sense, energy, and
industry gained the high respect of all who know him and if nominated by the
Republican convention, will be elected and will be a most valuable and popular
officer in the position he seeks, and for which he is in every way well
qualified.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.
Saturday was a big
day for candidates; indeed, every day now-a-days brings forth an enterprising
batch of them. But Saturday was especially active in this commodity. They were
all around here and there and everywhere.
The tall fellow
who looks like a church deacon is Tom Blanchard. He settled in Cowley when it
was a wilderness of Indians and buffalo, and has always been a staunch,
reliable citizen. He will contest with Capt. Hunt for a place on the ticket.
Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.
A Card. EDS.
COURIER: We desire through the columns of your paper, to most sincerely thank
the many friends and neighbors who rendered such timely assistance in our late
continued and fatal sickness, and especially are we placed under obligations we
can never repay, to Mrs. Matty Simcox, Mrs. Sady Greer, Mrs. Strickland, and
Mrs. Dow, who, at the sacrifice of their own interests, labored with us through
the long weary days and nights. May kind Providence guard them from like
affliction, and long spare them to minister to the sick and distressed, is our
prayer. This is but a feeble expression of our gratitude, and we can only say,
God protect and bless you. T. A. BLANCHARD, SARAH E. BLANCHARD.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1883.
Thomas A.
Blanchard, of Winfield, Cowley County, of yore a resident of Woodson, and at
one time sheriff of the county, together with his family, was visiting
relatives and friends in this neighborhood the past week. Mr. Blanchard went to
Cowley thirteen years ago, took a claim near the town site of the present big
city of Winfield, and has had a fair share of prosperity. He will make the race
for clerk of the county and as he is no slouch in the intricate ways of
politics, we should not be surprised to hear of his getting there. As Tom is an
excellent man in any way he may be taken, we hope that he may succeed.
Yates Center News.
[VERNON TOWNSHIP
CORRESPONDENT: NAME NOT GIVEN.]
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1883.
Vernon Festival
Notes. Tom Blanchard had his right hand wagging among his many friends. It was
badly disabled, but will hold out until after the convention.
[COWLEY COUNTY
FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 4, 1883.
CLASS G.
AGRICULTURE.
Half bushel sweet
corn, E. Blanchard, Walnut, 1st premium; J. H. Curfman, Walnut, 2nd.
CLASS J. FARM AND
HOUSEHOLD.
Best 5 gallons
Sorghum, T. A. Blanchard, Walnut, 1st premium; John Sargeant, Walnut, 2nd.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.
The general
election November 6, 1883, in Walnut Township will be held at Frank Manny’s
stone building. Voters will govern themselves accordingly.
T. A. Blanchard,
Trustee.
[COMPLAINT ABOUT
BLANCHARD: N. R. Wilson.]
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1884.
From Walnut
Township.
EDITOR COURIER: As
the time is approaching for the election of township officers, I, as a resident
and a taxpayer of the above named township, would respectfully ask permission,
through the columns of your valuable paper, to make known certain facts, for
the benefit of the voters of Walnut Township, and all others whom it may
concern. It is not the intention of the writer to lie or misrepresent anything
or any person. What will be said, the proof is at hand. The people of this
township, the past year, have been represented by Mr. T. A. Blanchard as
trustee, and a few fortunate ones were more than pleased with the state of
affairs, but a majority of our citizens are not so well satisfied. What appears
to be a great injustice has been perpetrated upon our citizens by Mr. Blanchard
while trustee of this township; and to show the inconsistency of his action, I
have examined the assessment roll, and will give the names of a few of the
wealthiest citizens, and their personal assessed value.
Mr. Blanchard
occupied thirty-seven days, at an outlay of one hundred and eleven dollars, in
assessing the personal property of this township, amounting to thirty-one
thousand, seven hundred and eighty-six dollars. The following method was
adopted to mete out justice and injustice, to his fellow man and neighbors.
J. L. King’s four
mules were assessed at eighty dollars, one span of the finest mules in the
county, and valued at $400. The other span since sold for $200.
R. Weakley’s 16
head of horses assessed at $440 and it might be well enough to state that Mr.
Weakley has no plug horses upon his farm. His 17 head of cattle, mostly milch
cows, were assessed at $170.
Stivers and
Wallis’ 25 head of cattle were assessed at $425, and one span of broken down
mules was assessed at the enormous sum of $80.
Joseph Hassel, the
oldest man in the township and the owner of four old mules which he brought all
the way from Pike County, Illinois, at an early day, was assessed at 200 even
dollars.
S. Cure, 8 head of
horses $90; 48 head of cattle, 23 of the number milch cows, got off with $350.
12 head of fat hogs, sold within six weeks after for $490, were assessed at
$34, [?]. One new pleasure carriage, assessed at $10; one “farm implement” $2.
The whole
assessment roll showed where Mr. Blanchard has a personal friend. His own
property was put down to the very lowest figure. The question now is, will we
have Mr. Blanchard for trustee another year? I, for one, say no. Any person who
may question the truthfulness of this statement can learn all he desires by an
examination of the assessment book of 1883, and I, as a citizen of Walnut
Township, ask every voter to go and examine them before attending the caucus of
February 2nd, 1884. N. R. WILSON.
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
Citizens of Walnut
Township met January 24, 1884, and nominated the following citizen ticket: For
Trustee, J. P. Short; for treasurer, G. W. Yount; for clerk, D. W. Ferguson;
for J. P., John Ross; for constables, John Anderson and Jos. C. Monforte;
executive committee, T. A. Blanchard, O. P. Fuller, Senior, and C. A. Roberts.
[TOWNSHIP
OFFICERS.]
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
The Board of
Commissioners met Tuesday and canvassed the vote for township officers. The
following were declared elected.
Walnut Township:
Justice of the Peace, T. A. Blanchard.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, February 21, 1884.
Office of the
County Clerk, Winfield, Kansas, February 12th, 1884.
BOARD met in
regular session agreeable to adjournment of January 16, 1884. Present: S. C.
Smith (Chairman), Amos Walton, Commissioner, County Attorney, and J. S. Hunt,
County Clerk.
Among other
proceedings the following claims were allowed the Judges and Clerks of the
February 5th 1884 election...paid from $2.00 to $6.00.
WALNUT TOWNSHIP.
Judges: T. A.
Blanchard, J. L. King, Thos. Youle.
Clerks: S. Cure,
D. Ferguson.
[VALLEY VIEW
SCHOOL REPORT.]
Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.
The report of
Valley View school for term commencing Oct. 1st, 1883, and ending Feb. 22,
1884. Number of pupils enrolled 41. Average first two months 16 11/40. Average
last three months 24_. A grade general
average 97¾. Wilber Martin 100, Carrie Schwantes and Pearl Martin 98, B. Grade
Peter Schwantes, George Staggers, and Charlie Staggers 92, May Blanchard and
Mary Bryan 87, Alice Pennington 90, average 90. C. grade, Charley Schwantes and
Sandy Craig 92, Jessie Staggers, Nellie Martin, May Allen, Robert Craig,
Heartie Schwantes and Ben Perrin, 89, general average 89¾.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
Talisman: T. A.
Blanchard.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
The old case
between Tony Boyle and Uncle Billy Rogers is being tried this week by Judge
Pyburn as referee. Tom Blanchard, Henry Ireton, Jim Burns, Geo. Brown, W. W.
Andrews, and other old Black Hills tourists are witnesses. The suit is over a
quartz mill which Boyle & Rogers established in the Black Hills in 1875.
[FARMERS’
INSTITUTE.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January
15, 1885.
A number of
prominent farmers met at the COURIER office Saturday last, and determined to
hold a Farmers’ Institute at the Opera House in Winfield, on Thursday and
Friday, Jan. 29th and 30th, to be conducted by Professors
of the State Agricultural College. J. S. Baker, of Tisdale, was chairman of the
meeting and Jas. F. Martin, of Vernon, secretary. An executive committee of
nine was appointed by the meeting, to have charge of the entire matter,
composed of the following gentlemen: M. H. Markcum, Pleasant Valley, chairman;
Dr. C. Perry, Winfield; T. A. Blanchard, Walnut; J. R. Sumpter, Beaver; J. S.
Baker, Tisdale; J. F. Martin, Vernon; F. W. McClelland, Walnut; Henry Harbaugh,
Pleasant Valley; and S. P. Strong, Rock. This committee is arranging an
interesting program of music, essays, lectures, and discussions, which will appear
next week. Four Professors of the Agricultural College will be on hand with
addresses and the occasion promises to be of much pleasure and benefit to the
farmers of the county. Let every man constitute a committee of one to work up a
large attendance from his neighborhood. In addition to splendid addresses and
essays, everything of interest to farmers will be throughly discussed. This is
a grand opportunity for Cowley farmers to interchange ideas and broaden
knowledge, and everyone of them should be present with their ladies.
[COWLEY COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5,
1885.
The County Fathers
met in special session Monday and Tuesday. Various bids and plans for a county
poor house were considered and the matter laid over to the April term. Tax of
1884 was remitted on south half of northwest quarter and west half of southwest
quarter, section 11, township 31, range 4, the same having been erroneously
assessed. Personal property tax on $388 assessed to Becker and Bacastow was
also remitted. T. A. Blanchard was given care of paupers for the coming year.
Order was made for the summoning of Joseph Garris and George W. Roberts to
appear before board on the fourth day of its April term. The Sheriff was
instructed to return personal property warrant in his hands to county treasurer
against A. P. and A. G. Carman and take out an alias and hold same till April
sitting of the board.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March
12, 1885.
The Cowley County
Horticultural Society held its regular monthly meeting last Saturday at the
COURIER office, President Jas. F. Martin in the chair. The Secretary, Jacob
Nixon, read minutes of last meeting, which were adopted.
President Martin
reported the tender by Mr. T. A. Blanchard of a collection of insects; the
tender was gratefully accepted and Mr. Blanchard voted an honorary member of
the Society. Mr. Martin appointed to procure cases for same.
[COWLEY COUNTY
DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9,
1885.
The bailiffs for
this term are T. A. Blanchard and R. Farnsworth.
[MEMORIAL
SERVICES.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 14,
1885.
Post commander and
comrades of Winfield Post No. 85, G. A. R.: Your committee appointed to report
to the Post a program for memorial and decoration services submit the following
as their report.
T. H. SOWARD, J.
J. CARSON, H. H. SIVERD, A. H. LIMERICK. T. A. BLANCHARD, Executive Com.
[DECORATION DAY.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4,
1885.
The Vernon
Cemetery was decorated by Capt. H. H. Siverd, Dr. D. J. States, W. W. Painter,
J. W. Millspaugh, T. A. Blanchard, and other old soldiers, with 150 Vernon
citizens.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30,
1885.
The Cowley County
Horticultural Society held its regular monthly meeting last Saturday, in the
real estate office of Curns & Manser, President J. F. Martin in the chair,
and Secretary Jacob Nixon at his desk, with a good attendance of members.
President
appointed Messrs. Hogue, Hawkins, and Robertson a committee on fruit on table,
which committee reported as follows.
Apples: By T. A.
Blanchard. Williams Favorite: fair specimens.
[COWLEY COUNTY
AUDITOR.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 30,
1885.
The following
claims were allowed in July.
Bailiff’s fees, T.
A. Blanchard, $42.00.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August
27, 1885.
Nelson Utley, the
new Superintendent of the County Poor Farm, has got things straightened around
and took the nine paupers off Tom Blanchard’s hands. The inmates now have
comfortable quarters and will be put to work. Cowley’s poor farm is one of the
best in the State and will improve from year to year and soon be
self-supporting.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August
27, 1885.
Judge Snow’s court
was novelly entertained Monday. M. S. Williams, a grass widower of Udall, was
up on complaint of Hattie M. Williams, his adopted child, charging him with
unmercifully beating her. She is eighteen years old and not very bright. She
had some big scars on her head, where she said chairs, pokers, sticks, etc.,
had held high carnival. She also swore that to the best of her knowledge, she
was Williams’ legitimate child. She said he exercised himself frequently by
playing on her frame with a blacksnake and the weapons aforesaid. Neighbors
swore that she came to their homes with her shoulders and back all lashed and
black and blue. She is not a bright girl—as wild as a deer, just allowed to
grow up with no education whatever. Williams said she was incapable of
education. She was terribly hard to manage, but Williams swore that he never
struck her cruelly with anything—never whipped her with anything heavier than a
switch. The evidence failed to convince the jury of this and he was found
guilty and fined $100 and costs. The neighbors conceded her wildness, but have
no palliation for his treatment of her, and some accuse him of worse things
than the outward abuse of her person. The girl is not bad looking and has a
fiery snap in her eyes, with short curly hair. When Williams was testifying
that he never abused her she, sitting back in the court room, yelled, “That’s a
lie,” making the old gentleman very nervous. This girl was the daughter of
Williams’ wife’ sister, who died when the girl was a year old. Williams had
just married and at request of his wife, they took this girl to raise. A son,
now fourteen, was their only fruit. Seven years ago, Williams and wife
separated, since when Hattie has lived with Williams and son. Last spring,
after one of their household furniture matinees, Hattie left Williams and went
to the neighbors. She fell into bad hands and was soon turned over to the county
poor home. Blanchard soon found she was pretty tough, and locked her upstairs.
She threw her bed out of the window, jumped out on it, and skipped. Since then
she had been drifting on the mercies of the public around Udall. She will now
be sent “over the hill to the poor house,” to remain. She is out on the world,
a simple, friendless girl, with little natural sense and no experience: a
continual public charge. And many blame it largely to a cold-hearted, unrefined
guardian, who raised her as he did his horses, only to work.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY
CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday,
September 24, 1885.
The convention met
at the Opera House in Winfield at 10 o’clock a.m. today according to the call,
and was called to order by W. J. Wilson, chairman of the county committee. E.
A. Henthorn, Secretary of the committee, read the call. On motion of G. H.
Buckman, Hon. T. A. Blanchard was elected chairman pro tem and took the chair.
On motion of Geo. T. Walton, E. A. Henthorn was elected secretary pro tem and took
his seat. On motion of S. P. Strong, voted that the chair appoint a committee
of five on credentials. The chair appointed S. P. Strong, Ed Pentecost, G. P.
Haycraft, Ed Nicholson, and W. B. Weimer. On motion of Geo. T. Walton, voted
that the chair appoint a committee of five on permanent organization. The chair
appointed Sid Cure, A. H. Jennings, J. S. Rash, John Bartgis, and S. C.
Pattison. On motion of P. A. Lorry, voted that the chair appoint a committee of
five on order of business. The chair appointed P. A. Lorry, Sampson Johnson, W.
E. Tansey, J. R. Sumpter, and Capt. Stuber. On motion of J. C. Long, the chair
was instructed to appoint a committee of five on resolutions. The chair
appointed John C. Long, E. A. Henthorn, Dr. H. T. Hornady, L. E. Woodin, and R.
C. Maurer. On motion, the convention adjourned to 2 o’clock p.m., sharp. Just
previous to adjournment the chairman announced that all the delegates would be
provided with dinner tickets by calling at the secretary’s desk.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
2 O’CLOCK.
Convention called
to order. Committee on credentials reported the following names of delegates
entitled to seats in this convention.
WALNUT.
Delegates: Frank
Conkright, J. L. King, Frank Weakley, John Mentch, J. C. Roberts, T. A.
Blanchard, Sid Cure.
Alternates: B. F.
Walker, Mel Graham, John Anderson, Geo. Brown, S. C. Sumpter, Noah Wilson, J.
H. Sorey.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
8, 1885.
J. E. Conklin, J.
J. Carson, T. A. Blanchard, Dr. Pickens, and others got home from the Topeka
Soldiers’ Reunion Thursday.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
22, 1885.
WINFIELD, KAS.,
Oct. 8th, 1885.
T. A. Blanchard,
Dear Sir: I hope you will pardon me if I trespass on your time for the purpose of
endeavoring to interest you in a matter which, while it is of considerable
interest to me, may not be of much to you. As you are probably aware, the
Democratic convention at Winfield tendered me the nomination of County Clerk,
and which I have accepted.
I do not know how
binding you consider party ties in local elections, but if I may presume upon
friendship enough to solicit your vote, and perhaps your influence in my
behalf, you will feel assured that such kindly interest on your part will be
sincerely appreciated by myself. I have grown up in the county in your knowledge,
and of course you can soon settle the question as to my fitness to serve the
public in this office. I am with respect, very truly yours. F. C. HUNT.
Friend Fred, my
first impulse upon the receipt of your letter was to let it pass unnoticed, but
upon mature deliberation I have concluded that I would be untrue to myself and
party without giving some of the reasons for resenting the insult, you have,
perhaps unthoughtedly, given, for I can view it in no other light and define it
by no milder term; and notwithstanding all this, I should probably have
remained silent had I not been informed that many staunch Republicans
throughout the county have been similarly insulted. It can only be regarded as
a sneaking attempt upon your part to straddle both political parties, and thus
thrust yourself into office against, what you know to be, the choice of the
people.
I am willing to
make all due allowance, and even presume that you acted without mature
deliberation, and all this for I cannot think you ever had cause to regard me
as the vile traitor you have asked me to become. Did you consider, have you
ever considered, the enormity of what you ask? Did you not know that I was a
member of the late Republican convention, that I was even honored by being
chosen as their chairman, and trust I took more than an ordinary interest in
the nomination of Mr. Smock? And for the sacrifice of my honor and betrayal of
my party, you have not given or attempted to give a single reason, save the
ties of old friendship. You labor under a great delusion when you think it a
matter of little interest to me. Mr. Smock was a true, tried, and valiant
soldier in the late war, and now bears the wounds received from rebel (I came
near saying Democratic) bullets, and will go to his grave a maimed cripple. Did
I not also spend four years of the best of my life and spill my blood battling
for the principles of the Republican party, and for these principles a dear
brother now fills a soldier’s grave in the sunny south. Then talk to me about
old friendship. That word but feebly expresses the ties that bind the old
soldiers together. Are we not cemented by blood and welded by rebel fire? Now
don’t call it unfair to connect the Democratic party with reason and rebellion,
for I tell you, Fred, they cannot be separated. It may be true that we hold
some doctrine or professed doctrine of the Democratic party to be for the
public good, particularly on the question of tariff, but I am fully convinced
that if there is anything really good to be derived from reduction or abolition
of the tariff, the Republican party will discover it as soon as the Democratic
and will not be afraid or slow to reform or abolish the same.
No, no, Fred, when
you seek my support it must be through the Republican party and in a more
honorable mode than you have yet proposed. What has the Democracy ever done for
me; in fact, what has it ever done for anybody? On the other hand, are we not
indebted to the Republican party for every political blessing we enjoy, even
for a government itself? Fred, you ask too much; the sacrifice is too great.
And now, Fred, in
conclusion, I, in turn, ask your pardon for the plain manner in which I have
tried to answer you, and promise at some future time and in the present like
manner, to give you a little fatherly service, for you know I am much older
than you and of course it will be permissible. And now let me wish you success
(in your present occupation) and express the hope that you may conclude that I
am not the vile traitor you seem to think.
Yours plainly and
somewhat indignantly, T. A. BLANCHARD.
[UNION SOLDIERS.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
29, 1885.
I noticed quite a
nice letter in THE COURIER of Wednesday from Mr. Blanchard. I only wish to add
that a few years ago it was very properly conceded by all parties in the north
that other things being equal, the fact that a candidate for office had been a
union soldier was to be taken to his advantage over a candidate who has not
been a soldier. This was right and proper then and it is right and proper now.
The man who volunteered in the service of his country as a soldier had and has
a superior claim to recognition at the hands of the people who remained at
home. The man who went to serve his country at $13 a month, leaving behind him
the comforts and quiet of home, encountering the perils of the march, the camp,
and the battle has certainly a superior claim to favor over a man who sat by
his fireside and read of these things in the papers. Few, if any, men went into
the army to make money. They entered the service from patriotic motives and to
them should be accorded all proper benefits. Some might say that patriotism is
having a market price attached to it. It is true that men went into the army as
a matter of patriotism or duty, but the duty was alike to all the men who went
as to the man who did not go. But it is not true that they claimed a price for
their patriotism. It very ill becomes the man who remained at home in the peace
and quiet of his fireside or who being too young to or who for any other reason
did not go to say that the soldier has no superior claim on the country. These
army associations are not partisan associations, but if they were, why might
they not be so in the north as they are in the south. No man in the south or of
the south can get an office unless he was a confederate soldier. Service in the
confederate army has been a claim for all candidates. The truth is the soldiers
of the union have been self-denying in their demand for office. There has not
been an election in the north since the war closed at which federal soldiers
have not voted for men who were not in the army. How times have changed since
the close of the war. Mr. Lamar, the present Secretary of the Interior, who has
the final decision of all questions relating to the granting of pensions to
union soldiers, was not only a confederate soldier but he resigned his seat in
Congress to become a confederate officer. More than fifty brigadier generals
were members of the last House of Representatives, and every member of the
United States Senate from the States lately in rebellion, was either in the
rebel army or in the rebel congress. These are the men who with the dough faces
of the north make the laws for the loyal soldiers of the nation, and who pass
upon their pensions and the bills in which they have an interest. It ill
becomes any man in the north to complain that union soldiers hold their camp
fires, have their army organizations, and their re-unions. Has the time come
when the Union soldier must apologize for the part he took in the war? I hope
not. But soldiers, I do hope that the few chickens that were taken from the
enemy by way of business, will not be recorded against you in the big book, but
that the Provo guard now on duty at the gates of the new Jerusalem will present
arms to you as you come straggling in and tell you that you are welcome to the
best they have. P. A. HUFFMAN.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
29, 1885.
THINGS WE WOULD
LIKE TO KNOW.
If Fred Hunt did
not feel like going into a hole and pulling the hole in after him when he read
Tom Blanchard’s letter?
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October
29, 1885.
We hear of very
numerous Republicans who have received copies of the letter to Blanchard
begging their votes. The letter seems to have been stereotyped, and if all the
Republicans he sent it to should vote for him, he would get there sure.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November
12, 1885.
Horticultural
Meeting. Society called to order by President Martin. Minutes of last meeting
passed to next meeting. Notice from State Secretary of meeting of the State
Society at Manhattan Dec. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Revision of the voted fruit list for State Society taken up and made the
business of the Society for the day’s session. On motion J. F. Martin and Jacob
Nixon were elected delegates to the State meeting. Mr. Morgan Martin exhibited
three fine seedling pears from his orchard; also Smith Cider and Missouri
Pippin apples. Mr. T. A. Blanchard showed fine Smith Cider, Winesap, Rawles
Genet, and unknown variety. Adjourned to Dec. 5th. J. F. Martin,
President; Jacob Nixon, Secretary.
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.
J. C. Page, T. C.
Covert, W. P. Hackney, and W. H. Grow made pointed remarks. It was decided to
submit propositions to Rock for $18,000; Walnut $15,000; Fairview $10,000;
Winfield $17,000, making the $60,000 required for the extension. Committees
were appointed to canvass and work up the propositions, as follows.
Rock: G. H.
Williams, R. Boothe, Sr., S. P. Strong, H. F. Hornady, W. H. Grow, J. M.
Harcourt, and E. J. Wilber.
Fairview: Tom
Covert, J. C. Page, H. C. Schock, J. W. Douglass, J. M. Barrick, R. P. Burt, A.
J. McCollim.
Walnut: T. A.
Blanchard, John Mentch, J. P. Short, John C. Roberts, W. D. Roberts, E. M.
Reynolds, Chas. Schmidt.
The propositions
are now being printed, and in a few days will be ready for signatures. The
benefit of this extension is potent in every thinking man, and little
opposition will be experienced.
When it comes to
the advancement of Winfield and Cowley County, our people are a unit.
Enterprise, energy, and grit have put our county and city far in advance of any
others in all fair Kansas and will continue to do so. Winfield is destined to
be the great metropolis of Southern Kansas, one of the big commercial and
educational cities of the big west. With citizens of rare intelligence,
progress, and vim, with natural surroundings and possibilities unexcelled, she
can be nothing else. The enthusiasm of our businessmen in securing enterprises
for the advancement of our city was forcibly exhibited last night in the
rousing meeting for the consideration of the extension of the Florence,
Eldorado & Walnut railroad, owned by the Santa Fe Co. The meeting was
called to order by M. L. Robinson. W. G. Graham was chosen chairman and W. J.
Wilson, Secretary. Mr. Robinson then explained the object of the meeting, and
read letters from A. A. Robinson, General manager of the Santa Fe, agreeing to
extend this road from Douglass to Winfield for $3,000 a mile, reserving only
the necessity of erecting an independent depot here, the road to either connect
with the Wichita & Southwestern at the junction just over the Walnut bridge
and run into the Santa Fe depot, or cross the S. K. just east of, and using,
that depot. The intention is a union depot here for the Southern Kansas,
Wichita & Southwestern and Florence, Eldorado & Walnut railroads. The
Santa Fe is determined to push through the Territory, which right of way it has
already secured, at once. The extension will be made from Winfield, with the
machine shops, roundhouse, etc., for this southern division and the roads of
southern Kansas, at this place. An editorial elsewhere explains the
requirements and advantages fully. 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. Committees were
appointed as follows to see that this matter is properly worked up.
Winfield: Capt.
Nipp, J. E. Conklin, D. L. Kretsinger, C. Schmidt, Col. Whiting, J. A. Eaton,
and A. H. Doane.
Walnut: J. B.
Corson, J. P. Short, J. C. Roberts, T. A. Blanchard, and W. D. Roberts.
Fairview: M. C.
Headrick, J. C. Page, A. H. Limerick, J. W. Douglas, and T. S. Covert.
Rock: G. L. Gale,
G. H. Williams, H. F. Hornady, E. J. Wilber, J. M. Harcourt, S. P. Strong, J.
B. Holmes, and John Stalter.
[COWLEY COUNTY
DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December
17, 1885.
Tom A. Blanchard
is again bailiff and gets around with alacrity and precision.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December
24, 1885.
Tom A. Blanchard
and Tom H. Herrod swear that THE COURIER was partial in its report of the
Jeffries hugging bee. Each declares that he was specially honored by fair
Alice, and don’t propose being left out in the cold, reportorially speaking. It
was Tom Herrod who kept the court from adjourning until the circus was
over—waiting for Alice to get to him.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January
14, 1886.
T. A. Blanchard,
of Walnut, lost eight head of hogs. His hogs piled themselves up to keep warm
and eight of them smothered to death.
[WALNUT TOWNSHIP
ELECTION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January
21, 1886.
Notice to the
voters of Walnut township, Cowley County. The Railroad bond election on the 27th
day of January, 1886, will be held at Phillip Belveal’s residence, just
southwest of the Water Works reservoir, in said township, east of the city of
Winfield.
John C. Roberts,
Trustee; T. A. Blanchard, J. P.
[Coverage of
Thomas A. Blanchard ended with the last item. MAW]