COVERT FAMILY.

The February 1870 census of Cowley County did not list any Covert Family.

The Winfield census of 1873 lists A. J. Covert, age 45, and his wife Mary, age 39. Albert Covert, age 24, was also listed.

The Winfield census of 1874 does not list A. J. and Mary Covert. It does list Albert Covert, age 25, and his wife Flora, age 21.

The Winfield census of 1878 lists (Al) Burt Covert, age 28, and his wife F. E., age 26.

The Winfield census of 1880 lists Burt Covert, age 33, and his wife Flora, age 28.

The Fairview township census of 1882 lists Thomas Covert, age 21, and his mother M. T., age 44. Their address was little Dutch. 

The Arkansas City census of 1893 lists G. N. Covert, age 51, and his wife Ellen, age 48.

The northwest quarter of section 33, township 33 south range 4 east of the 6th principal meridian was another homestead. This is generally written NW 1/4-33-33-4. It was homesteaded by Andrew J. Covert and Mary, his wife. This is the quarter section that later became a part of Highland Cemetery.

                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.

                                            “BERT” OR “BURT” COVERT.

Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.

Bert Covert has opened a meat market first door north of Green’s Drug store, where he is trying to raise a “steake.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 24, 1873.

Burt Covert after a two weeks’ illness, is again perambulat­ing the streets. We are glad to see you around again, Burt.

Burt Covert’s father: part owner of “Tunnel Mills”...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873. [From the Atchison Champion.]

We had the pleasure of a little drive around in company with Hon. L. J. Webb, to see the Fair Grounds and the two new mills, one just below the bridge on the west of town, and the other on a narrow peninsula a half mile south. The former is built of rock, three stories high. Two run of burrs have been put in, and it is the intention to add two more. It is run by water power. There is a splendid rock dam attached. Messrs. Bliss & Blandin, proprietors.

The building of the latter has been attended by a marked degree of enterprise, in the construction of a tunnel one hundred and thirty feet in length, from the Walnut above to the same stream around a bench, at a cost thus far of $5,000 or $7,000, and it will cost to complete it about as much more. The building is a three story frame, 24 x 36, and will have a base­ment in addition. One burr has already been put in, and it is the intention to add three more. Messrs. Koehler & Covert are the proprietors. So that this community will have no want of good mills, as well as school facilities.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 26, 1873.

Joseph C. Blandin has purchased a half interest in the mill of Koehler & Covert.

Bert or Burt Covert...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 17, 1873.

Bert Covert has returned from Emporia.

A. J. Covert [Bert or Burt Covert’s father]...

[COURT PROCEEDINGS.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.


                                      J. J. Williams vs. A. J. Covert el al, continued.

                                       W. Rogers vs. A. J. Covert et al, dismissed.

Burt Covert...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 2, 1873.

                                                                 A CALL.

                                                         Soldiers Reunion.

We, the undersigned, late Soldiers of the Union Army, take this method of calling a meeting of the Soldiers of Cowley and adjoining counties to meet at Winfield, October 18th, 1873, for the purpose of getting acquainted and having a good social time.

                                             Burt Covert, Co. H, 21 N. Y. Cav.

A. J. Covert...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.

Proceedings of the Cowley County District Court, to Oct. 29th, 1873, the Following Causes having Been Disposed of.

                   J. J. Williams vs. A. J. Covert et al, judgment for plain­tiff by agreement.

Albert G. [Burt or Bert] Covert to marry Flora E. Tansey...

Winfield Courier, December 4, 1873.

MARRIAGE LICENSES. The following is a list of marriage licenses issued by the Probate Judge during the month of Novem­ber, 1873.

                                            Albert G. Covert to Flora E. Tansey.

                                              T. H. JOHNSON, Probate Judge.

Winfield Courier, December 4, 1873.       

MARRIED. COVERT - TANSEY. Married in the City of Winfield on the 27th day of November, by the Rev. J. E. Platter, Mr. Albert G. Covert to Miss Flora E. Tansey, both of this city.

Burt Covert, Constable...

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.

Constable Burt Covert arrested Albert G. Headrick a few days ago in Howard County, on a charge of stealing a pair of horses from Judge Saffold sometime last Fall. He had a preliminary examination before ’Squire Boyer and in default of bail was lodged in jail to await his trial at the March term of the District Court.

Winfield Courier, February 27, 1874.

The prisoners now boarding at the Covert House were each treated to a new suit of clothes yesterday morning. Our “devil” declares himself in readiness to commit fornikaboogry, of some kind, in order to be sent to jail, and get a new suit. If anybody ever did need new clothes, our “devil” does.

A. J. Covert...

                                                      District Court Docket.

The following are the cases which stand for trial at the March term A. D. 1874, of the Cowley County District Court, and have been placed on the docket in the following order.

                                             CIVIL DOCKET. EIGHTH DAY.

                                       60. S. L. Brettun vs. Andrew J. Covert et al.

Burt Covert, jailor...

Winfield Courier, March 27, 1874.


An attempt was made by the prisoners in the county jail to escape, a few nights since. With a nail and a stick of wood, they had broken the lock so that the door could be easily opened when the shades of night furnished an opportunity for escape. But about this time the jailor, Burt Covert, walked in and stopped their little game.

A. J. Covert...

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.

                                                  District Court Proceedings.

                                   Brettun vs. Covert et al, dismissed and cost paid.

Burt Covert, Constable...

Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.

                                                 Winfield Township Officers.

The following are the officers elected in this township last Tuesday.

Trustee: H. S. Silver.

Clerk: E. S. Bedilion.

Treasurer: O. F. Boyle.

Justices of the Peace: N. H. Wood and W. M. Boyer.

Constables: A. T. Shenneman and Burt Covert.

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.

The City Council met at the Courthouse April 20, 1874, at 7 p.m. Mayor S. C. Smith in the chair. Councilmen present: J. P. McMillen, H. S. Silver, S. Darrah. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Bill of Burt Covert, $12.25, for boarding prisoners was referred to the finance committee.

Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.

                                                 Commissioner’s Proceeding.

                                              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.

Burt Covert, Jailor: $36.00; $104.88; $17.77; $52.44; $8.00; $6.75.

Burt Covert, Constable: $55.60

Burt Covert, witness: $.50; $4.50; $1.50.

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.

                                                   City Council Proceedings.

The Council met at Sheriff Walker’s office May 4th, 1874, at 7½ o’clock p.m. Present: S. C. Smith, Mayor, and Councilmen J. P. McMillen, R. B. Saffold, S. Darrah, and H. S. Silver. J. W. Curns, Clerk. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

The following bills were audited by the committee on finance and severally allowed and ordered paid.

Bill of Burt Covert boarding prisoners, claimed $12.75, allowed $9.33.

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1874.

                                          County Commissioners Proceedings.

The following is a list of the bills allowed by the board of County Commissioners at their meeting commencing on the 18th day of May A. D. 1874.

Burt Covert, Jailor: $2.21

Burt Covert, bailiff: $18.00

Burt Covert, deputy...


Winfield Courier, October 9, 1874.

                                                            Lazette News.

The late visits of Captain Walker and his good looking deputy, Burt Covert, produced a stir among the inhabitants of Grouse Creek Valley.

Winfield Courier, November 5, 1874.

Bob Drummond, a late employee of Darrah & Doty’s, has sold his house and lot in Menor’s Addition to Burt Covert, and gone back to Illinois.

Winfield Courier, January 14, 1875.

Last Monday evening as we were passing the courthouse, the cry of “fire” startled us and we followed Ed Bedilion and N. C. McCulloch up the stairs of Burt Covert’s residence. As we entered, the table, from which the supper dishes had not yet been taken, and a board partition against which the table stood, were blazing brightly. Mr. McCulloch pulled the cloth from the table and let the dishes fall upon the floor, breaking the major part of them. The blazing cloth he threw out of doors after which the fire was soon extinguished. The trouble was caused by the explosion of a kerosene lamp. Immediately upon noticing the fire burning down into the bowl of the lamp, Mrs. Covert grasped her babe and with her sister (the ladies being alone at the time) went to the courthouse and informed Messrs. Bedilion and McCulloch of the fact. While they were gone the lamp burst with the above result.

Winfield Courier, May 27, 1875.

L. J. Webb, Burt Covert, A. D. Speed, and Will Doty started last Monday for Kansas City to attend a trial of Speed’s in regard to some Texas cattle. They went in a spring wagon across the country, emigrant style.

Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.

                                       City Council Proceedings, July 19, 1875.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; N. M. Powers, M. G. Troup, and C. C. Black, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

The following bills were presented, referred to the finance Committee, and reported favorably on by them, and duly approved and ordered paid.

Bill of Burt Covert, boarding prisoners, referred to the finance committee at a previous meeting, reported favorably and ordered paid: $5.55.

Winfield Courier, October 21, 1875.

A. D. Speed, accompanied by Burt Covert, has gone to Kansas City to attend his cattle lawsuit.

Winfield Courier, October 28, 1875.

The following excellent ticket was nominated last Saturday for the various township offices.

Trustee: J. S. Hunt.

Clerk: F. S. Bedilion.

Treasurer: B. F. Baldwin.

Justice of the Peace: W. E. Tansey.

Constables: Burt Covert and E. R. Evans.

Everyone of whom are well qualified for the various posi­tions to which they have been nominated and will receive the support of all honest men.

Winfield Courier, November 11, 1875.


The Winfield Township ticket created some strife at the late election. The Republicans elected all their candidates, however, but W. E. Tansey, the Republican candidate for justice of the peace, failed to get the certificate of election notwithstanding he received about thirty majority. The judges of election refused to count about forty ballots that had the names of two candidates for justices of the peace upon them. This they did under the law as they understood it. It was well known however that Mr. Tansey was being voted for the vacant office and that A. G. Green was being voted for the vacancy that is thought will occur next spring. The judges undoubtedly erred, and consequently Mr. J. W. Curns received the certificate. The officers are: Trustee, J. S. Hunt; Clerk, E. S. Bedilion; Treasurer, B. F. Baldwin; Justice of the Peace, J. W. Curns; Constables, Ed. Evans and Burt Covert.

Winfield Courier, November 25, 1875.

                                                 County Warrants to be Paid.

                   COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE, WINFIELD, Nov. 1, 1875.

By virtue of authority given by an Act of the Legislature of the State of Kansas, approved February 10th, 1875, entitled “An Act to amend Section Sixty-nine of Chapter Twenty-five, General Statutes of Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-eight,” I hereby give notice that the principal and accrued interest of County Warrants herein below described will be paid at the County Treasurer’s Office, in Winfield, on and after the 1st day of November, 1875, and that the interest on said warrants will cease on that day. E. B. KAGER, County Treasurer.

By F. GALLOTTI, Deputy.

Names of parties to whom warrants are payable:

                                      BURT COVERT: 5 WARRANTS - $50.00.

A. J. Covert...

                                               THE WINFIELD COURIER.

                                                     CENTENNIAL ISSUE.

                         WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.

I. E. Moore is proprietor of the Tunnel Mill, built by Covert and Koehler in 1872 and 1873. It is a three-story, substantial frame building containing two run of burrs driven by the water of the Walnut flowing through a tunnel beneath a narrow neck of land three quarters of a mile south of town. The mill is valued $16,000.

Burt Covert...

Winfield Courier, January 13, 1876.

                                                   City Council Proceedings.

                                              WINFIELD, KAN., Jan. 3, 1876.

City Council met January 3rd, 1876, at 7 o’clock P. M.

Present: M. G. Troup, chairman of Council; N. M. Powers, C. C. Black, Councilmen, and B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

The following bills were presented and acted upon:

Burt Covert, one dollar for boarding prisoner, allowed and ordered paid.

[CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS: MARCH 21, 1876.]

Winfield Courier, March 23, 1876.

Bill of Burt Covert, twenty dollars, for services as City Marshal from January 15th, 1876, to March 18th, 1876, ten Satur­days, at two dollars per day, was read, approved, and ordered paid.

Winfield Courier, April 20, 1876.

                                                   City Council Proceedings.


                                        WINFIELD, KANSAS, April 17th, 1876.

Bill of Burt Covert, services as City Marshal from March 25th, 1876, to April 17th, 1876, five Saturdays at two dollars a day, was read, approved, and ordered paid.

Winfield Courier, June 15, 1876.

An oval shaped, equine career course has been described upon the undulating prairie, east of town, or in other words—Messrs. Hackney, Covert, and others have laid out an egg-shaped half-mile race track between this city and the mound. Fun on the 4th is anticipated. The boys have some lively nags.

Winfield Courier, August 10, 1876.

                                                   City Council Proceedings.

                                         WINFIELD, KANSAS, Aug. 7, 1876.

City Council met in regular session at the Clerk’s office, Aug. 7th, 1876.

Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; H. Brotherton, T. B. Myers, and M. G. Troup, Councilmen; J. E. Allen, City Attorney; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.

Bill of Burt Covert, fees as marshal, $4.00, boarding prisoner, $1.50, total $5.50, was read, approved, and ordered paid.

Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.

Date Tansey drives a rattling four horse freighting team. Burt Covert owns an interest in them.

Winfield Courier, November 9, 1876.

The Republicans of Winfield Township met pursuant to call, at the Courthouse Saturday, the 4th instant, and proceeded to nominate the following township ticket:” For trustee, J. S. Hunt; for Clerk, Ed. S. Bedilion; for treasurer, B. F. Baldwin; for justice of the peace, W. M. Boyer; for constables, Ed. R. Evans and Burt Covert. After which the following township central committee was chosen: Wirt W. Walton, C. C. Pierce, and S. E. Burger.

                                               J. M. ALEXANDER, Chairman.

E. S. TORRANCE, Secretary.

[TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ELECTED NOVEMBER 7, 1876.]

Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876. Editorial Page.

Winfield Township:

J. S. Hunt, Trustee; E. S. Bedilion, Clerk, B. F. Baldwin, Treasurer; W. M. Boyer, J. P.; E. R. Evans and Burt Covert, Constables.

Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876.

The case of the State versus Covert came up for trial before Justice Boyer last Tuesday. The prosecuting witness, Mr. Waite, charged the defendant with an assault with a deadly weapon, etc. A jury trial was demanded and had, resulting in a verdict of not guilty.

Winfield Courier, February 8, 1877.

MONEY LOST. Burt Covert on last Friday lost a brown leather pocket book containing twenty dollars and fifty cents on the road between here and Oxford. If an honest man found it, he will return it to the owner.

Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.

                                                               MARRIED.

LEE - WOODEN - DALE - RAMAGE. Married at the residence of Burt Covert, on Thursday evening, February 22nd, 1877, by H. D. Gans, Mr. George Lee to Miss Mary A. Wooden, and Mr. David A. Dale to Miss Flora Ramage.


Winfield Courier, April 12, 1877.

M. B. Wallis, of the firm of Boyer and Wallis, has pur­chased the little sorrel running mare, known as the Burt Covert mare.

Winfield Courier, June 7, 1877.

While crossing the bridge on Dog creek, between this city and Wichita, one day this week, the leaders of Burt Covert’s four-horse team became frightened and jumped off, turning the wagon, loaded with flour, bottom side to the sun. The flour lodging on dry ground, no damage was done except horses being slightly scratched.

[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877.

Florence Covert, prisoner bill, $12.00

Burt Covert, bailiff’s bill, $15.00

Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.

                                         TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ELECTED.

Winfield—C. C. Pierce, Trustee; B. F. Baldwin, Treasurer; E. S. Bedilion, Clerk; W. M. Boyer, G. H. Buckman, Justices; J. H. Finch, Burt Covert, Constables.

Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.

                            COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. Claims allowed Jan. 10.

Bailiffs: B. Covert, $9; J. H. Finch, $9; E. L. Walker, $9; G. L. Walker, $9.

Winfield Courier, May 16, 1878.

Burt Covert was subpoenaed to appear before a certain committee yesterday appointed by the court, and was interrogated without being sworn, and as he was about to answer, he said:

“Hold on here, must I tell this thing under oath or must I tell it straight?”

He was told, “Tell it straight.”

Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.

                                                      A BOLD ROBBERY.

                             Unknown Robbers Go Through a Bank at Noonday.

                                                  The James Boys Outdone.

On Wednesday, July 31, 1878, at about half past 12 o’clock, four strangers effected the robbery of the Cowley County Bank at Arkansas City. The amount of money obtained is said to be $2,300. The robbers were seen in town during the forenoon; two of them entered a saloon, called for beer, drank, and sat down in the saloon for some time. The other two walked around town together; and at one time came into the saloon and called for beer, but pretended not to recognize their pals sitting there.

At dinner time two brought out their horses from a stable and hitched them not far from the bank. The two others came towards the bank from another direction and hitched their horses in another place. A drug store is next door to the bank and the salesman was at the door. One of the robbers called for quinine, saying he would step in and get it in a few moments, and the druggist went into his store to weigh it out while the customer patrolled the sidewalk.


Another robber went into the bank, where Mr. Farrar was alone in attendance, Mr. Sleeth having just gone to dinner, and presented a $20 bill, requesting small bills for it. Mr. Farrar proceeded to make the change, but immediately a revolver was presented at his head and silence commanded; at the same time two other robbers appeared with cocked revolvers. One of them led Mr. Farrar into the back room while the other two went through the safe, which was open. They took what money there was to be readily found and then Mr. Farrar was brought out to the door and required to sit down. The robbers made some jokes, thanked him for his kind attention, and promised to call again when they wanted more money. They bade him good-bye, mounted their horses, and rode together out the south side of town, then around to the west side and north past the cemetery. They were each armed with revolvers and a long range rifle.

The alarm was immediately given, and in a very few minutes a large number of men were on horseback, with such arms they could get hold of quickly, in pursuit. Messengers were at once sent over the river into Bolton Township to notify Frank Lorry and Rudolph Hoffmaster and rouse the people with the view of cutting off the retreat into the Territory.  Others, including Mr. Sleeth, the president of the bank, rode rapidly up to Winfield for help to head them off in case the robbers should go north toward Wichita. A considerable numbered followed rapidly on the track of the robbers.

Mr. Stafford nearly overtook the robbers and got two shots at them; but they turned on him and fired a rifle shot, just scratching his cheek, and another throwing dirt over him, as he lay close to the ground in the grass to avoid their shots. The robbers then rode on, as other pursuers were coming up. At one place they rode into a grove or ticket and the pursuers immediately surrounded the grove and believed they had corralled their game. They spent a hour or more in searching the thicket, and finally determined that the robbers were not there. They then pursued on to the Salt City ferry. There they learned that the robbers had crossed more than an hour before and had turned southwest through Salt City in the direction of the Territory.

Messrs. Lorry and Hoffmaster had collected a number of men in Bolton and were patrolling the road all the way from Arkansas City to South Haven, two of their men having crossed the robbers’ tracks nearly half an hour before they got along; but their place of crossing this line was so uncertain, it was scarcely possible that Lorry’s men should be at the right place at the right time, so the robbers crossed their line and passed on into the Territory; but Lorry and his men soon got together and pursued.

Burt Covert and others, of Winfield, started out west from Winfield to intercept the robbers, if they went north. They rode over to the Arkansas River and discovered that the robbers had escaped across the Salt City ferry going southwest. Covert and C. G. Holland, of Beaver, having first-class horses and courage, pursued some thirty miles into the Territory and long into the night, until Covert’s horse got so sprained in crossing a bog that he was unable to proceed except at a slow and limping gait. They therefore abandoned the pursuit.

On Friday following Frank Lorry returned. It appears that they got a long ways ahead of the robbers in the Territory and therefore lost all track of them. They therefore abandoned the pursuit and probably passed them on their return.

It is believed that at least one of the robbers was a James. It is evident that they are experienced hands at the business.

Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.

Curns & Manser sold 160 acres of land on Little Dutch for $2,000 last week. It was one of the Willet farms to Mrs. Covert.

Winfield Courier, September 19, 1878.

                                               Trial of L. J. Webb at Wichita.


The case was called on Monday morning, September 9th, on the opening of the court. Defendant made application for a continuance because of the absence of Dr. Mendenhall, a material witness for the defense. The court held the showing sufficient, unless the State would admit the affidavit of defendant as the testimony of witness. The State consented and the case was set for trial next morning.

Further testimony for the defense from Burt Covert, G. L. Walker, James Fahey, P. Hill, A. H. Green, R. F. Baldwin, Ed. Bedilion, and Dr. W. R. Davis corroborated Herndon in relation to the wild and insane appearance, the convulsive twitching movements of the throat, head, and shoulders of the defendant immediately before and subsequent to the shooting; also showed the finding of some small bottles and vials in the counter used by Page in his saloon; that these vials were taken from the counter sometime after the shooting and preserved with their contents and are the same that are now exhibited in court; and the testimony of Drs. Davis, Rothrock, and Furley showed that these vials contained opium, nux vomica, and India hemp, and that these compounded and administered would produce the symptoms described in the defendant and would produce insanity.

The jury than examined the indentation which is apparent on defendant’s head. From inspection it appeared that a considerable portion of the skull had been formerly removed, and that the left side of the skull is pressed in upon the brain.

The medical gentlemen testified that such is a frequent cause of insanity, and that any person thus afflicted was extremely liable to mental derangement or insanity in any unusual excitement, or the excessive use of intoxicating liquors, or of such drugs as had been found in the vials.

Thursday, Friday, and a part of Saturday were occupied with the testimony for the defense. Rebutting testimony was then offered by both State and defense but was of little importance. The testimony in many important points was conflicting.

On Saturday evening the evidence was all in and the court adjourned to Monday morning, when the court will give his charge to the jury and the arguments of counsel will be heard.

On Monday morning, the 16th, the Judge gave his charge to the jury, and was followed by W. E. Stanley in the opening argument for the State. Stanley scored the defendant and many of the witnesses for the defense fearfully and evidently with great effect. His plea was long and pronounced to have been brilliant to a high degree. He was followed by Judge Coldwell for the defense. This is the latest news we get as we go to press.

Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.

Board of County Commissioners met in regular session [Janu­ary 6, 1879]. Present: R. F. Burden, W. M. Sleeth, and G. L. Gale, commissioners, James McDermott, county attorney, and M. G. Troup, county clerk.

Among other proceedings had, bills against the county were presented and passed upon by the board as follows.

                                                    Burt Covert, bailiff’s costs.

Winfield Courier, October 23, 1879.


A good joke is told on Charley Harter about the Arkansas City bank robbery. After the news had arrived, Charley met Burt Covert on the crossing of Main street and Ninth Avenue, his face pale and hair disheveled, and grabbing him by the arm, said: “B___; B __Burt; Read’s Bank has been robbed; five hun__hundred dollars reward, get Dick Walker and go after them quick.” Burt and Dick went after them while Charley, after his “excitement” had subsided, learned that it was Arkansas City, instead of Winfield, that had been raided, and immediately took steps to capture them if they came within two blocks of Main street.

Winfield Courier, February 26, 1880.

“We would like to speak of each and every one of the charac­ters in the ‘Spy’ could we spare the space, as all deserve mention. Leland J. Webb as ‘Albert Morton,’ D. L. Kretsinger as ‘Charles Morton,’ Burt Covert as ‘Uncle Tom,’ George Buckman as ‘Farmer Morton,’ Master George Black as ‘Little Willie,’ and J. E. Conklin as ‘Col. Orr,’ deserve special mention. Miss Florence Beeney as ‘Mrs. Morton’ did splendidly; Miss Emma Himbaugh as ‘Nelly,’ was a general favorite; and Miss Jennie Hane, as ‘Mrs. Anna Morton’ looked the perfect picture of a brave and loyal farmer’s wife.”

[THE CITY ELECTION.]

Winfield Courier, April 8, 1880.

Tuesday passed off very quietly. There was considerable “scratching” on both tickets resulting in the election of a mixed ticket. The following are the official returns.

                                                            FIRST WARD.

Justice of the Peace.

James Kelly:                 89

G. H. Buckman:            82

W. M. Boyer:               57

W. E. Tansey:               55

Constable.

J. H. Finch:                   82

J. T. Quarles:                63

D. F. Kerr:             50

Bert Covert:                 49

Thos. Benning:        35

Ed. Weitzel:                  26

Councilman.

W. S. Mendenhall:  77

W. A. Freeman:            79

Member of School Board.

T. R. Bryan:                  157

                                                         SECOND WARD.

Justice of the Peace.

James Kelly:                 143

G. H. Buckman:            123

W. M. Boyer:                 57

W. E. Tansey:                 64

Constable.

J. H. Finch:               82

J. T. Quarles:                  92

T. H. Benning:          28

Bert Covert:                   82

D. F. Kerr:               34

Ed. Weitzel:                    53


Councilman.

J. W. Hodges:              118

S. H. Myton:                  76

Member of School Board.

G. W. Robinson:           105

J. L. Horning:                  94

Winfield Courier, July 29, 1880.

A party of our citizens, comprising James Finch, Custer, Covert, and Walcott [Wolcott], with Patterson of Arkansas City, went to Arkansas City on a sort of a “jamboree.” They had one of Terrill & Ferguson’s best rigs, and on their return, when within four or five miles of town, managed by careless driving to upset the carriage, breaking the vehicle in divers places, and well nigh making it a complete wreck. The horses were not injured. Custer had a leg broken in two places. Patterson’s collar bone was fractured, and Walcott’s [Wolcott’s] head seriously bruised.  Telegram.

[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.

                                            CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY.

                                        Benjamin F. Cox vs. Flora E. Covert et al.

Winfield Courier, August 4, 1881.

Burt Covert’s team ran away with him Tuesday, upsetting the water wagon and breaking Burt’s leg. This is a hard blow on Burt. He may lose his leg.

Cowley County Courant, February 16, 1882.

Suits have lately been commenced in the District Court as follows.

M. L. Read vs. Flora E. Covert et al, foreclosure of mortgage.

Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.

                                                              City Election.

The City election last Tuesday passed off pleasantly and quietly, but there was strenuous work done. As usual, the successful candidates are happy and the unsuccessful feel a little sore. There were no party nominations and the contest, so far as there was a contest, was mainly on the prohibition issue. The anti-prohibitionists on Monday evening made up a good strong ticket largely of prohibition candidates with the evident main object of beating Buckman for Justice, Siverd for Constable, and whoever might be nominated in the first ward for councilman by their opponents. The prohibitionists accepted their nominations so far as suited them, but substituted other names for five principal offices, as appears below, to make up a complete ticket. The long and short term candidates for school board happened to get reversed on the two tickets, which occasioned the votes for full term and vacancy for the same candidates. Every man on the prohibitionist’s ticket was elected by majorities ranging from 55 to 180. The average vote on contested candidates in the whole city was 245 prohibition to 145 anti, or 100 majority. This is the way we look at the matter, but others may view it differently. The following is the vote in full. Those names prefixed by * are elected.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

*G. H. BUCKMAN: 256

*T. H. SOWARD: 277

  W. E. Tansey: 201

  H. B. Lacy: 15


  E. S. Bedilion: 1

CONSTABLES.

*H. H. SIVERD: 293

*FRANK W. FINCH: 239

  Burt Covert: 97

  S. J. Hepler: 104

  Tom Wright: 58

  O. M. Seward: 23

  J. E. Allen: 1

Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.

Bert Covert has sold his street sprinkler to Mr. Paris, the water man, who will attend to the business in a business-like and systematic manner. Mr. Paris gets the water at the K. C., L. & S. tank for the streets.

Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.

Bert Covert brought us several of his Crawford’s Early peaches. One of them would just go in a common round paper collar box.

[OLD VETERANS’ REUNION.]

Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.

VETERANS OF THE LATE WAR WHO WISH TRANSPORTATION TO TOPEKA DURING THE REUNION IN SEPTEMBER, 1882.

                                            Burt Covert, Co. H, 21st N. Y. Cav.

Muriel Covert...

Winfield Courier, November 9, 1882.

                                                        Little Folks’ Party.

A large number of little folks gathered together at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor Monday afternoon to celebrate with little Mamie her third birthday. The crowd was the jolliest and liveliest we have seen and each of the little folks seemed to take in the full measure of enjoyment. A splendid repast was set for them which they attacked with a relish. Little Mamie received a large number of elegant presents from her young friends. The following is a list of the presents and of those present: 1 silver set knife, fork, and spoon; 2 Majolica plates; 2 gold sash pins; 1 gold ring; 1 child’s decorated china wash stand set; 1 child’s dinner castor; 1 hand painted mug; 1 porte-monnaie; 5 China cups and saucers; 2 China mugs; 1 glass mug; 1 doll’s parlor suite; 1 autograph album; 1 photograph album; 1 wood tea set combination table and cupboard; 1 Brittania tea set; 2 child’s glass sets; sugar bowl; butter dish, etc.; 3 dolls; 2 doll’s canopy top phaetons; 1 doll and carriage; 2 picture books; 1 flat iron and stand; 1 bell cart and span of goats; 1 bouquet; 1 basket of flowers; 1 satin puff box; 1 panorama egg; 6 elegant birthday cards; 1 little brown jug; 1 necklace of pearl beads; 1 shell box; 1 photograph with frame; 2 China match safes; 2 bottles perfumery; 1 card receiver (Kalo Meda); 2 handkerchiefs (embroidered); 1 collar; 1 tooth-pick holder.


Present: Misses Birdie Wright, Edna Glass, Blanche Bliss, Blanche Troup, Stella Buckman, Mamie Black, Frankie Black, Mary Spotswood, Maggie Pryor, Edna Pryor, Muriel Covert, Annie McDonald, Clara Austin, Pearl E. Snyder, Maggie Johnson, Emma Johnson, Bernice Bullen, Beryl Johnston, Nina Nelson, Nona Nelson, Lube Myton, Josie Myton, Ethel Carruthers, Mary Brotherton, Bell Brotherton, Nina Harter, May Harter, Maud Miller, Gertie Lynn, Effie Lynn, Edna Short, Alma Miller, Mollie Trezise, Lillie Trezise, Fannie Bryan, Flossie Bullen, Ollie Newcomb, Edna Fitch, Maud Cooper, Daisy Clark.

Masters Eddie Greer, Eddie Thorp, Ralph Brown, Roy Robinson, Bertie Silliman, Vere Hollenbeck, Charles F. Green, Charlie Sydal, Henrion McDonald, Dolphi Green, Clare Bullen, Bruce Carruthers, Edgar Powers, Charlie Lynn, Paul Bedilion, Codie Waite, Zack Miller, Willie Trezise, Carl Farringer, Walter Baird, and Willis Young.

[RECAP: SHERIFF’S SALE.]

Winfield Courier, December 7, 1882.

M. L. READ, PLAINTIFF, VS. FLORA E. COVERT AND ALBERT G. COVERT, DEFENDANTS.

Winfield Courier, January 24, 1884.

Bert Covert came up from Ponca Agency Tuesday. He is at present a teacher in the Industrial School and has a band of about sixty “little Inguns” under his care. He says they are bright and quick and learn readily. The boys are taught to work and the girls to cook. Bert spent part of his time while in the city in skirmishing around for Sunday School papers for his dusky charges.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1884.

                                                           Lost His Reason.

Burt Covert, industrial teacher at Ponca Agency, commenced to complain on Monday of last week of not feeling well, saying his head ached and felt queerly. He did not give up, however, or take to his bed, but on last Friday his reason left him, and since then everything has been blank to him. There is nothing particularly strange in his actions, save that he recognizes no one—not even his wife and little boy—and always has a vacant, far away look in his eyes. The doctor at the agency is at a loss to account for this sudden change, and as yet it is impossible to tell whether it will be permanent or is only temporary. His father-in-law, Judge Tansey, passed through the city last Monday night with him, en route for Winfield. Burt has many friends in Cowley County, all of whom will be pained to hear of his misfortune, and who will heartily echo the wish of the TRAVELER that he will soon be himself again.

Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.

Bert Covert was brought up from Ponca Agency last week, very low with brain fever. He is now at the home of his father-in-law, Capt. Tansey, just west of town, in a very critical condition.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 9, 1884.

Bert Covert, who was adjudged insane before Judge Gans, last week, was taken to the Topeka insane asylum Tuesday by his father-in-law and guardian, Captain Tansey. Telegram.