RECAP DR. GEORGE EMERSON.

In November 1877 Dr. George Emerson, aged 37, his wife, P. A., his mother-in-law, Mrs. P. Bixby, and the Emerson children, John and Caro, moved from the state of New York to Winfield, where Dr. Emerson purchased Mart L. Robinson’s residence at 321 East 11^th Avenue. The Emerson family had servants: Miss E. Ward and Chas. Marks. A physician and surgeon, Dr. Emerson started an office over the New York Store at 109 East 9th. In April 1878 he became local examining surgeon for the New York Life Insurance company. In June 1878 he was paid $15.00 by the Winfield council for small pox services. His six-year old son, Johnny, fell from a horse, bruising and putting his arm out of joint. Shortly after this Dr. Emerson teamed up with Dr. George Black in an office above McCommon & Harter’s drug store. Their partnership was dissolved by mutual consent on November 22, 1878, Dr. Emerson retaining his office and sharing quarters with attorney O. M. Seward. In December 1878 Dr. and Mrs. Emerson attended the fifth anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Holloway’s marriage, giving them wooden sugar scoops, and began entertaining friends at their home.

Mrs. Emerson held a New Year reception on January 1, 1880, assisted by Miss Jessie Meech. In July 1880 Mrs. Bixby fell downstairs, bruising her head, hip, and shoulder. She was rendered insensible but gradually recovered. In August 1880 John and Caro Emerson attended a party given by Master Bertie Lemmon’s grandmother, Mrs. D. A. Millington.

Dr. Emerson was one of the thirty-five physicians in Cowley County who filed a certificate with the county clerk as required by law in August 1880. Many failed to do so.

Dr. Emerson and his wife were listed as one of the twenty-six couples and four individuals who attended a reception in December 1880 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, who were assisted by their daughters, Kate and Jessie.

In January Mrs. George Emerson and Mrs. D. A. Millington were elected as directors of the Ladies’ Library Association, which had library rooms in which to hold their meetings. Mrs. W. L. Mullen was elected as president; Mrs. N. L. Rigby, vice president; Mrs. E. T. Trimble, secretary; and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, treasurer. Officers and directors voted upon themselves a tax of $3.00 each to raise funds for the purchase of books and other items.

In April 1881 Dr. and Mrs. George Emerson were among the eighty people who attended a banquet given by Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson and Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood at the Robinson residence. Soon after Mrs. Emerson took a pleasure trip to Topeka and Kansas City with the Robinson and Spotswood families. M. L. Robinson, selected by the commissioners to vote the Cowley County stock, stopped over in Topeka to attend the directors’ meeting of the A. T. & S. F. Mrs. Emerson attended an entertainment given by Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson in early May for seventy-five guests, wherein their outfits were described. Mrs. Emerson wore white French bunting with lace trimming, and a black silk velvet skirt.

The Winfield Courier on May 5, 1881, printed the following response from Geo. Emerson, M. D., relative to inauguration of the prohibitory law in Kansas.

“There is and has been very little sickness in this county all winter and spring, much less than usual. I do not attribute this to the operation of the prohibitory law. The State Medical Society meets on May 10th. Until then I do not intend to take the oath or to prescribe liquors. I do not intend to let anyone die on account of it, but shall administer it myself when necessary. I think the law needs to be authoritatively defined by the courts and then our profession will fall in to help carry out the law. We hold off a little now as a matter of prudence.”

Dr. George Emerson and City Attorney Oscar Seward renovated their quarters above McCommon & Harter’s Drug Store in May 1881 until the rooms looked like parlors.

Dr. Emerson, accompanied by his daughter, Caro, took a vacation trip to New York by way of the Lakes in late June 1881, returning in July. He and Mrs. Emerson participated in a party given by Mrs. A. T. Spotswood in late July.

Involvement of Dr. Emerson in Death of Peter Larson.

On August 23, 1881, Peter Larson, an elderly Norwegian living in Rock township, died suddenly in spasms. Larson owned a splendid farm, which had two houses. He lived alone in one and his tenant, Ewell Harmon, lived in the other. Larson had some fifty head of cattle, a large number of hogs, horses, a great variety of farming implements, and ready money. It was estimated that he was worth in all seven or eight thousand dollars.

After Larson’s death events leading up to and following his death came to light.

Before his death a neighbor happened to pass Harmon’s and saw Larson have a fit; and immediately went to his help, and had a physician brought. Larson soon recovered from it, and when the cause of his illness was questioned, Harmon suggested that perhaps it was hydrophobia, as the dog had died that morning. Larson stated that he hadn’t been bitten by any dog and he seemed all right, so the neighbor left.

During the night he was taken with other fits and died before a physician arrived. He was buried next day, at Douglass. On the second day following, George Williams, one of the best known and highly respected citizens of Rock township, was appointed administrator by Judge Gans and instructed to immediately take possession of the property of the deceased. Williams soon discovered that some of the hogs were missing and found that during the previous night, Harmon had taken a load to Augusta and sold them. He immediately had Harmon arrested for grand larceny and placed in the county jail, stopping payment on the check and recovering the hogs. County Attorney Frank S. Jennings and Mr. Williams began a careful investigation of the circumstances of Larson’s death. The symptoms of the fits were found to be those of strychnine poisoning. It was ascertained that during the morning meal Larson had fed his dog from the food he was eating and that the dog ran to a pool of water, drank, and then stiffened dead. Jennings interviewed the druggists at Douglass, and found a druggist who remembered selling a bottle of strychnine to a man meeting Harmon’s description. Jennings brought the druggist to the Winfield jail, who identified Ewell Harmon among the prisoners as the man who had purchased the strychnine from him.

On the following day Probate Judge H. D. Gans, County Attorney Frank S. Jennings, Dr. Geo. Emerson, and Dr. W. G. Graham, county physician, went to Douglass, exhumed the body of Larson, took from it the stomach, heart, and liver, and returned with them to Winfield. The Doctors then made a comparative analysis of these organs and discovered strychnine. It was stated that when a fly lit upon the liver, it was so strongly poisoned that the fly tumbled off, dead as a mackerel. The contents of the stomach of the late Peter Larson were sent to Mr. G. E. Patrick, professor of chemistry at the University of Kansas at Lawrence, Kansas, to determine whether or not strychnine was present. Patrick sent a report that there was no strychnine present in the stomach.

Ewell Harmon was sentenced on November 21, 1881, for grand larceny and sent to the Kansas State Penitentiary for four years. He was released on June 3, 1883.

Millington, editor of the Winfield Courier, expressed his opinion of Dr. Patrick on December 1, 1881. “G. E. Patrick, professor of chemistry in the Lawrence University, is a brick. Dr. Emerson readily found strychnine in the stomach of the late Peter Larson though he did not claim to be a practical chemist, but the great chemist of Lawrence was called in to settle the question. The professor made an analysis and pronounced that there was no trace of strychnine, months passed, and the supposed murderer is only tried for stealing hogs, is convicted, and sent for four years to the penitentiary; now comes forward the said professor with the statement that he has analyzed the same matter again and found strychnine. Either the chemicals or the chemist operate very slowly and with uncertain results!”

Millington printed a letter from chemist Patrick in the December 22, 1881, issue.

“Ed. Winfield Courier: An item that appeared in your paper some time since, relative to my analysis of the viscera of Peter Larson, does me injustice. I do not propose to enter into the details of the matter, as these are all contained in my reports to the county authorities, and will be produced at the proper time in court. Suffice it to say here that the organ declared by all the authorities to be by far the most valuable in an analysis for poison, i.e., the gall-bladder, was not given to me at all, but was used by the physician at Winfield in his analysis; that, by a process recommended by high authorities, and one that I have always considered reliable, I was unable to detect any strychnia, but by a slight modification of this process (substituting sulphuric acid for ascetic) I shortly after succeeded in obtaining two distinct reactions (color test) for strychnia; and finally, that the whole time occupied by the work was less than eight weeks. Now, Mr. Editor, in any further criticisms you may wish to offer on this subject, I merely make the reasonable request that you will stick to the facts.

“P.S. Papers that copied your first item will do me justice by copying this also.”

Millington commented on Patrick’s letter: “Above we print a letter from the chemist of the State University. He seems to be exercised over the COURIER’S remarks on his attempted analysis of Peter Larson’s stomach, and calls for facts when we criticize his chemistry. Dr. Emerson found unmistakable evidences of poison: the Professor wrote soon after the matter was submitted to him that there was strong evidence of poison, again that it did not seem so strong, and finally filed an official declaration with the probate Judge that he could detect no poison. He afterward came down to claim his $200 for the work, and met Dr. Emerson, who seems to have told him how to detect poison, for he immediately returned home, tried the job over again, and reported that he found poison. In the meantime the man held for the poisoning is brought into court, tried for stealing hogs, and sent up for four years.

“The Professor claims that he had ‘only eight weeks’” in which to make the analysis. Dr. Emerson only had five weeks, and boiled the liver down till it would kill flies. These are ‘the facts’ the Professor seems so desirous of having brought out. If the Professor wishes to acquire fame and fortune making analyses of this kind, he should keep a cannibal to chew stomachs and livers given him to ‘analyze.’ If he dies, it’s poison: if he feels around for more, the Professor can file an official paper that ‘no evidences of poison exist’ and turn his attention to collecting his fee.”

Many of the newspapers began to have items relative to Dr. Emerson’s cases.

Some of the Cases Handled by Dr. Emerson.

Families of Gen. A. H. Green and N. C. Millhouse. Dr. Emerson successfully treated members of both families, who were neighbors living on Manning street in Winfield, Kansas, after they sustained food poisoning when served left-over portions of a beef tongue, served to them at a July 4^th celebration on the previous day in 1879.

Charles Smith of Vernon township. In November 1879 Mr. Smith got his shirt caught in the tumbling rod of his threshing machine while he was oiling it. He was wound around the rod, which nearly tore off his clothes, cutting and bruising his head and mangling one arm and leg. A bystander rode his horse to Winfield in 25 minutes to summon Dr. Emerson, whose efforts to save Smith were futile. Mr. Smith died on the following day.

William D. Foster of Rock township. Dr. Emerson was called upon in late November 1879 to the home of Frank Davis to tend to five knife wounds sustained by young Foster. After the dance Schock and Foster left with some friends. Schock suddenly attacked the unarmed Foster with a knife. The wounded man was carried by his friends back to the Davis residence and Dr. Emerson was summoned. While tending to his patient, Dr. Emerson was watched closely by Schock, who stood by with his knife in his hand, apparently intending to cut again if he found he had not killed Foster. Schock soon got on his horse and escaped. A $50 reward was offered for his capture. William D. Foster recovered.

Amos Mounts. Drs. George Emerson and W. R. Davis went to Liberty township, three miles southeast of Winfield in October 1881 and operated upon the skull of seven-year old Mounts, son of J. H. Mounts, who had his skull crushed when kicked by his mule. They took out a piece of the skull and raised the balance. The young boy died six weeks later.

Ed Collins’ son. In December 1881 Dr. Emerson operated for necrosis on this young boy from Silver Creek township, removing a large amount of the tibia or shin-bone. Dr. Emerson acquitted himself with credit and it was thought that the boy would have a good limb.

Chas. W. Long. Dr. Emerson pronounced that Mr. Long, a nineteen-year old laborer who resided four miles north of Winfield, had a very severe case of insanity on January 5, 1882, before a probate court jury. Experiencing pain in his head, Long went insane on December 24, 1881. He became vicious, tearing his clothes off when his hands were free; cursing, spitting, and striking those near him.

George M. Hawkins, M. D. Dr. Emerson traveled to Dexter to treat Dr. Hawkins, a graduate of the university of the City of New York, in January 1882, suffering from pneumonia. After some months Dr. Hawkins recovered.

Johnny, Dr. Emerson’s son. Dr. George Emerson treated his son in February 1882 after the boy undertook to ride Speed and Schofield’s goat down to the stable from uptown. A dog was set on his “goatship,” which commenced to goat down the street at a lively rate, throwing the boy off and bruising his face up in a severe manner.

James Kelly, former editor of the Winfield Courier. Mr. Kelly credited Dr. Emerson with his recovery from typhus fever and erysipelas on his face and head after his return in March 1882 from a trip to New Mexico during which time he was extremely ill and out of his head for several weeks.

Mrs. Daniel Bovee. Mrs. Bovee, who lived near New Salem in Tisdale Township, slipped on the crossing in front of Doane’s coal office at 122 West 9th in April 1882 and was carried to the home of Johnnie Swain, an architect and builder in Winfield, where Dr. Emerson set a broken bone in the lower part of her leg.

Jacob Kirsch, Winfield baker. In April 1882 Dr. Emerson operated on Mr. Kirsch, who suffered from dropsy, removing from him three wooden buckets full of water. Before the operation Mr. Kirsch appeared to be heavy; afterwards, he resembled a skeleton.

Judge Bard’s son, Charles. Judge S. Bard moved from California to Winfield with his family in 1881 and purchased Judge Coldwell’s resident. He became a real estate agent. Dr. Emerson cared for little Charlie, severely injured in April 1882 when he was experimenting with a tin tube held over the nozzle of a teapot. Inhaling a mouthful of steam, the young boy scalded his throat badly. He got along nicely under Dr. Emerson’s care.

J. H. Finch, Constable and Deputy U. S. Marshal. In June 1881 Dr. Emerson reduced the fracture in both bones of the left leg of Mr. Finch, who was thrown to the ground by his team on the approach to the west bridge at Winfield while Finch was driving with Gen. A. H. Green.

Autopsy: Amanda Franklin, 18. The death of a young colored employee of Frank Williams, proprietor of the Occident Hotel in Wichita, was questioned after the deceased was brought by train to Winfield in May 1882. The young colored girl had been intimate with a colored man, Tom Mills, who had procured a small phial of oil of Tansey at a Wichita drug store. The phial, about two-thirds empty, was found in the girl’s trunk. It was claimed by her friends that her death was due to the discharge of a tumor in her throat. A Wichita physician sent a part of this tumor which had been thrown up. Dr. Emerson examined it and said it was a piece of beefsteak, the contents of her stomach. Cowley County Coroner H. L. Wells summoned a jury for the purpose of holding an inquest and also ordered an autopsy, which was conducted by Dr. George Emerson, assisted by Drs. W. R. Davis and A. R. Wilson. They uncovered the fact that the deceased was pregnant and the odor of the oil of Tansey, clear and distinct, was detected in the stomach.

Dr. L. V. Polk of Rock township. In June 1882 Dr. Emerson disagreed with the opinion of a fellow physician, Dr. Polk, who claimed he had hydrophobia as a result of receiving a sore on his hand when he performed an autopsy on his mule, killed by the bite of a mad dog. Dr. Emerson stated that Dr. Polk was suffering from an attack of fever.

John A. Edwards, Winfield. In August 1882 Dr. Emerson dressed the wounds of Mr. Edwards, an employee of Chas. Schmidt, who ran a stone quarry near Winfield, when a derrick used to load stones gave way, allowing the stone to fall and crush Mr. Edwards’ leg.

William Duncan, a farmer living southeast of Winfield. Mr. Duncan’s head was severely bruised when his team ran away in December 1882, throwing him out of his wagon. It was believed by many that he would die, but under the care of Dr. Emerson he recovered.

Joseph, young son of J. L. Foster of Fairview township. Dr. Emerson was called upon to splint the arm up of young Joseph, who broke his arm while running after another boy, in December 1882.

Autopsy: Miss Hanchet. Dr. Emerson performed an autopsy on Miss Hanchet, a deaf and dumb girl living east of Winfield, who died in December 1882. Despondent over the death of her brother, Frank Hanchet, it was determined that she had died from strychnine poison, probably administered by her own hand.

Paper Compares Dr. Emerson to Other Physicians.

The Cowley County Courant had an item in March 23, 1882, relative to Dr. Emerson.

“The M. D. is the worst paid professional man, and they are not to be blamed sometimes for growling a little at being hauled out of bed in the cold at the dead hour of midnight, when it is possible they will never get anything for it, but occasionally they make a mistake about the paying ability of their patients, as well as newspapers and other people. A couple of Winfield’s pill rollers made a mistake recently which proved profitable to one of their rivals.

“One of them was called to see a sick child six or eight miles in the country, and things not looking very stylish or wealthy around the country residence, the medicine man concluded not to go again; and when he was sent for the second time, said he could do the little child no good, and recommended another doctor, who went once also, and before leaving said he would not treat the child unless he could have his bill secured. This made the granger mad, and he came to town and employed Dr. Emerson, who it appears goes at every call, money or no money in sight. It now turns out that the farmer is pretty well-to-do and always has money, notwithstanding the looks of his clothes. The child is gradually improving, and the wrath of the granger has increased to such an extent that he swears he would burn his wealth before he would pay either of the first two physicians a cent for what they have done.”

Dr. and Mrs. Emerson Active in Winfield.

Dr. George Emerson was elected to fill a vacant position on the Board of Education in the First Ward in April 1882. He was elected President of the school board in May.

The position of county physician was given to Dr. Emerson by the commissioners of Cowley County in January 1882. There were seven identical bids for the physician to the poor, which received a salary of $100 per year, so it was a mere matter of selection.

Mrs. Emerson attended a party in April 1882 at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, where she work a black satin dress, cashmere bead passementerie, and diamond jewelry. Like the other guests she spent the time in dancing and other amusements, enjoying an elegant collation consisting of cakes and ice cream served at 11:00 p.m.

Dancing parties became frequent in Winfield. On May 18, 1882, the Winfield Courier had an article about a large company of friends having a party at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, who danced until 2:00 a.m. An excellent repast consisting of ice cream, strawberries, and cakes was served. Dr. and Mrs. George Emerson were among the guests. A week later Dr. and Mrs. Emerson entertained over fifty guests at their residence. This was soon followed by a large dancing party given by Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Bahntge.

Mrs. George Emerson became ill in June and they missed attending a number of parties.

Dr. Emerson added a new addition to his residence in August 1882 and beautified his grounds. In September he was elected as First Vice President of the South Kansas Medical Association in a meeting held in Winfield. The residence of Dr. and Mrs. Emerson was the meeting place for the Ivanhoe Club in October 1882. He was a member of the losing team at the annual hunt of the Winfield Sportsmen’s Club in November.

Mrs. George Emerson entertained at her home on New Years Day in 1883, assisted by the Misses Meech. She later went with Misses Wallis and Julia Smith to Wichita to take in the play “Esmeralda,” given by the Madison Square Company.

Dr. George Emerson revealed his feelings relative to prohibition when he signed the following petition on January 23, 1883, that was circulated by Frank Manny and taken to Topeka, where it was presented to State Senator W. P. Hackney.

“Inasmuch as the Prohibition Amendment, as enforced, has always resulted in injury to the material development of our town—it having signally failed to accomplish the object sought, the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating drinks—we would respectfully urge upon you the necessity of so providing for the enforcement of the law that its application shall be uniform throughout the State. If this is impossible, don’t sacrifice our town on the altar of inordinate devotion to an impracticable principle.”

In March 1883 Dr. George Emerson purchased a new buggy from Charles Harter; treated Mr. A. A. Jackson for rheumatism of the heart; and agreed to run for the office of Mayor in Winfield at the request of his good friend, Mart L. Robinson, president of the Water Works Company, who was aware that Dr. Emerson favored holding the company to the strict letter of their contract with the city of Winfield. Robinson’s allies succeeded in getting D. L. Kretsinger, a strong supporter of Robinson, elected as one of the new councilmen.

On April 16, 1883, Dr. George Emerson, Mayor of Winfield, took hold of the city council, which consisted at that time of John A. McGuire, senior member of the McGuire Brothers, a firm that handled groceries, dry goods, boots and shoe, hats and caps, hardware, and Queensware at their stores in Tisdale and Winfield; D. L. Kretsinger, who had recently departed from the staff of the Winfield Telegram newspaper and was devoting his time to being Vice President of the Winfield Building & Loan Association; Captain of the Winfield militia company, and Secretary and Superintendent of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association; Col. J. C. McMullen, president of the Winfield Bank; and R. S. Wilson, a partner with A. D. Hendricks in a hardware store in Winfield.

Mayor Emerson appointed the following committees: Streets and alleys, Wilson, Kretsinger, and McGuire; Finance, McMullen, Kretsinger, and Wilson; Fire Department, Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire; Public Health, McGuire, McMullen, and Wilson. Col. McMullen was elected President of the city council.

Question? Does this conflict with article re Fire Department, water, Judge Torrance.

Check on this.

At the May 7, 1883, meeting J. Wade McDonald, attorney for the Winfield Water Company, requested that the City of Winfield condemn the right to perpetually divest from the Walnut River, at a point thereon northwest of the north end of Walton Street, all such quantity or quantities of water as may be necessary to enable the Winfield Water Company, its successors or assigns, to supply the said City of Winfield and its inhabitants with water in pursuance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 167.

Councilman McMullen moved that the city attorney, Joseph O’Hare, Esq., present a petition to Judge E. S. Torrance that would request appointment of three commissioners to lay off and condemn to the use of the city the right to forever divest from the Walnut River at a point thereon northwest of the present north end of Walton Street of said city, so much of the water of and from said stream as may or shall be or become necessary to forever supply from day to day and from year to year said city and the inhabitants thereof with an abundance of water for the extinguishment of fires and for domestic, sanitary, and other purposes as specified and provided for in and by ordinance numbered 167, of said city. This was followed by a motion to appoint Mayor Emerson, Councilman Kretsinger, and Mr. J. P. Short as a committee to examine the question of providing the city with fire hose and carts.

G. B. Shaw & Co., were granted the privilege of erecting a windmill in the street near their place of business, subject to removal on order of council.

The Mayor appointed Giles Prater city marshal and street commissioner for the ensuing year, and on motion the council confirmed the appointment; the mayor then appointed E. S. Bedilion city clerk for the ensuing year, and the council refused to confirm, there being two votes for confirmation and two against; the mayor then appointed D. A. Millington city engineer for the ensuing year, and the appointment was confirmed by the council.

The city attorney was instructed to present an ordinance to prevent children from being on the streets at night. On motion the council adjourned.

Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.

Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.

Last week Mayor Emerson received a letter from Mee & Co., Solicitors, of Bretford, England, inquiring the whereabouts of G. S. Gillott, and stating that Mr. Gillott’s children were made heirs of an uncle just deceased. There are several Gillotts in the county.

[APPOINTMENTS BY MAYOR.]

Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.

Mayor Emerson’s Appointments.

After several weeks of anguish and suspense on the part of expectant officers and their friends, Mayor Emerson has at last made his appointments. They were all what is termed “dark horses,” the small army of diligent applicants being entirely ignored. Giles W. Prater, the new marshal and street commissioner, is one of the early settlers in the county and a citizen of many and excellent qualities. He resides in Walnut Township, about four miles out, at present, but will move to town at once and assume the duties of position in a few days. Winfield has but little to do in the way of preserving the peace, but much in the way of improvement and beautifying her streets. This most important work has been sadly neglected during the past year, and it will take much energy and well-directed effort to redeem the alleys and crossings from the appearance of abandonment into which they have been allowed to fall. The mayor nominated for city clerk E. S. Bedilion, but the council refused to confirm him, probably on the ground that one office was sufficient at a time. Lovell Webb holds over.

[SCHOOL BOARD.]

Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.

School Board Meeting.

The Board met at the office of the Winfield Bank Monday. Present: Emerson, president; Fuller, Doane, and Wood, members. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Reports of all outstanding committees were accepted and the business of the old Board closed up as far as practicable. The new Board then proceeded to organize by electing Mr. Fuller, president; Mr. Wood, vice-president; and L. D. Zenor, clerk. The president then appointed the following committees.

Mr. Wood, committee on buildings and grounds.

Dr. Graham, common ways and means.

Mr. Short, committee on finance.

Dr. Emerson’s family take off for New York vacation...

Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.

Mrs. Geo. Emerson and her children will start for Le Roy, New York, on Monday for a summer’s visit, leaving the Doctor to run the city government all by himself.

[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.

Where the Money Came From.

The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance.

Dr. Emerson: $2.00.

Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.

W. A. Smith came down from Wichita to attend the surprise party at Dr. Emerson’s.

Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller and Mrs. Geo. Emerson finally got away Tuesday morning. The Fullers will be home about July 1st. Mrs. Emerson will remain away all summer.

Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.

Last Saturday evening the Mayor and Mrs. Emerson were surprised by a gay party of young people who took possession of their residence and behaved as such people will. The victims seemed to enjoy it, however, for Mrs. Emerson said “It was too nice for anything,” and the surprisers thought so too.

Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.

Council Proceedings.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, City of Winfield, May 21, 1883.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Emerson in the chair. Roll called. Present, Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, and Wilson; absent, councilman Kretsinger.

An invitation from the Mayor and Council of Wichita to attend the test of waterworks in that city on the 24th inst., was read, and on motion it was resolved that the Mayor make the necessary arrangements for the acceptance thereof, and that the Clerk notify the Mayor of Wichita of such acceptance.

Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883. [City Council Meeting.]

On motion it was resolved to ask the Winfield Water Company to give the city a bond of indemnity against loss or expense on account of possible suits concerning the condemnation proceedings for water works.

Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.

On invitation from the mayor and council of Wichita, Mayor Emerson, Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, and Wilson, and citizens Lynn and Bryan, went up to Wichita last Thursday to witness the formal test of their waterworks. The party express themselves as well pleased with the test and that the works are a success. They are especially pleased with the hospitality shown them by the officers and citizens of that place.

Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.

A young five year old son of Mr. Emerick, living near Seeley, was kicked by a horse Tuesday and had his arm broken. Dr. Emerson set the limb and the boy is now doing well.

[FOURTH OF JULY.]

Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.

WE WILL CELEBRATE.

An Enthusiastic Meeting and Gratifying Results.

By virtue of a previous call, the citizens met to devise ways and means for a 4th of July celebration at Winfield. Capt. J. S. Hunt was elected President, and O. M. Seward, Secretary.

Hon. C. C. Black stated the object of the meeting, and Col. Whiting moved to celebrate. Carried.

On motion Mayor Emerson was elected President of the day, and Col. Whiting, Marshal, with power to select his own aids, and have general charge of programme for the day.

Winfield Courier, July 26, 1883.

Mrs. Dr. Emerson returned home last week, much to the Doctor’s pleasure. He had enjoyed the blessings of hotel life to his heart’s content.

Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.

On last Thursday Dr. Emerson removed from the throat of Frank Smith’s little girl a nickel that had been there eighteen days. It was taken out with a probe. The little one suffered untold agonies and the parents are overjoyed at its relief.

Winfield Courier, September 13, 1883.

From the following items found in the Wellington Democrat, it seems that a good many of Winfield’s citizens were in some way attracted to that burg last week.

“Ivan Robinson, of Winfield was in the city this week. Henry E. Asp and wife, of Winfield, were in the city on Wednesday last. Dr. Cole, Miss Nellie Cole, and Dr. Emerson and wife, of Winfield, were in the city on Tuesday last. S. G. Gary, J. Wade McDonald, and F. K. Raymond, all of Winfield were in the city this week attending court. Senator W. P. Hackney of Winfield, was a pleasant caller on Tuesday last. Although opposed to Mr. Hackney, politically, we cannot help admiring the man. Tony Sykes, the foreman of the Winfield Courier for ten years, was in the city Tuesday, and we had the pleasure of a hand shake with him. Sykes is one of the best job and general printers in the State.”

[FAIR.]

Winfield Courier, September 20, 1883.

Mayor’s Proclamation. By request of a part of the businessmen of Winfield, I hereby suggest that, so far as practicable, all business houses be closed from 11 o’clock a.m., until 4 o’clock p.m., on Thursday, September 26th, in order that all who desire may attend the County Fair on said day. GEORGE EMERSON, Mayor. Sept. 19th, 1883.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

DIED. Martha Jackson, a colored woman about forty years of age, dropped dead at her home in the east part of the city on last Sunday morning. She came from the South about two years ago and has been making her home with the colored family of Andrew Shaw, assisting them in the laundry business. On Sunday morning she arose as usual and just after getting dressed, fell, and died immediately, not uttering a word after falling. She had made no complaints and was considered unusually robust and healthy. Doctors Emerson and Green made an examination and pronounced her death the result of paralysis of the heart.

Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.

The Hydrophobia Case.

For some time the case of Amos Harris, of Harvey Township, has been attracting considerable attention. It appeared to be a case of hydrophobia, and for three weeks he had severe fits, barking like a dog and snapping at the attendants. Sometimes he would partially recover, get out and roam over the country, disturbing the peace of the inhabitants. Most all of the local physicians examined the case and pronounced it hydrophobia, he having been bitten by a dog some years ago.

Finally, Dr. Emerson was called, and after a brief examination, pronounced his hydrophobic antics a sham, and that his ailment was a mental one. The Doctor came home at the instance of the township trustee and had the young man brought before the Probate Court on a charge of insanity. The trial was held before a jury and a verdict returned of idiocy, which will necessitate his being cared for by the county. The young fellow played the hydrophobia game nicely. He could tell when he had a fit coming on and would notify the attendants to tie him and get ready. After Dr. Emerson went up and looked at him, he prescribed the energetic application of a raw-hide when the next fit came on, since which time the fits have ceased. The best part of the thing is that Dr. Emerson is taxed up with the costs of the trial which amounts to twenty dollars.

Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.

Drs. Green, Mendenhall, and Emerson attended the semi-annual meeting of the South Kansas Medical Society at Wichita on Tuesday. There was a large attendance and an interesting meeting. In the election of officers for the ensuing year, Dr. Geo. Emerson was made president and Dr. C. C. Green, secretary. Thus is Winfield honored.

Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.

Council Proceedings.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, November 12, 1883.

Council met pursuant to adjournment, Mayor Emerson in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McMullen, McGuire, Kretsinger, and Wilson. Minutes of the last two regular meetings and adjourned meeting read and approved.

The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.

Frank Barclay, piping, etc., to drinking fountains: $34.75.

The acceptance by Wm. Whiting of the gas ordinance was ordered filed and spread upon the council proceedings.

On motion the Council decided that the city should put in gutter in front of Newton’s Harness Shop, where the city well is to be removed.

[ENTERTAINMENT: DR. & MRS. GEO. EMERSON.]

Winfield Courier, November 29, 1883.

The most delightful entertainment of the season was given by Dr. & Mrs. Geo. Emerson on Tuesday evening of this week. The guests present were: Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Ordway, Mr. & Mrs. J. Wade McDonald, Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Baird, Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. & Mrs. M. L. L. Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. & Mrs. G. H. Allen, Mr. & Mrs. A. H. Doane, Mr. & Mrs. C. F. Bahntge, Mr. & Mrs. W. J. Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. D. A. Millington; Mrs. F. Mendell of Texas, Mrs. H. P. Mansfield of Burden, Mrs. Perkins, late of Australia, Mrs. Frank Barclay, Mrs. C. L. Harter; Misses Lizzie Wallis, Margie Wallis, Jennie Hane, Florence Beeney, Nettie R. McCoy, Huldah Goldsmith, Clara Brass, Sadie French, Julia Smith, Jessie Meech, Caro Meech, Jesse Millington; Messrs. M. J. O’Meara, D. L. Kretsinger, W. H. Smith, W. A. Smith of Wichita, E. H. Nixon, L. D. Zenor, W. C. Robinson, Geo. W. Robinson, E. Wallis, G. Headrick, F. F. Leland, H. Bahntge, E. Meech, Jr. It was an exceedingly lively party and the host and hostess had omitted nothing which could add to the general enjoyment. Mr. and Mrs. Emerson stand at the head of the list of those in Winfield who know how to entertain their friends.

Winfield Courier, December 20, 1883.

Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller entertained a large number of friends at their elegant home Friday evening. It was a pleasant company and the hospitality was highly enjoyed. Among those present were Mayor & Mrs. Emerson, Mr. & Mrs. Bahntge, Mr. & Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. & Mrs. Hickok, Mr. & Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Mr. & Mrs. E. S. Bliss, Mr. & Mrs. Mann, Mr. & Mrs. W. S. Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. Millington, Mr. & Mrs. Silliman, Mr. & Mrs. Ordway, Mr. & Mrs. Tomlin, Mr. & Mrs. Col. Whiting, Mr. & Mrs. Geo. W. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Greer, Mr. & Mrs. Allen, Mr. & Mrs. J. C. McMullen, Mr. & Mrs. Dr. Green, Mr. & Mrs. Brown, Mr. & Mrs. H. G. Fuller, Mr. & Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. & Mrs. Branham. Also, Mr. Elbert Bliss, Mrs. Albro, Mrs. Doane, Mrs. Foos, Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Ripley, of Burlington, Iowa, Mrs. Judge Buck of Emporia. These evening gatherings are becoming quite a feature in our social life, and nowhere are they more heartily enjoyed than at Mr. Fuller’s.

Winfield Courier, January 10, 1884.

Dr. Emerson’s colt put one of its hind feet into the phaeton Tuesday, while driving along Main street. It was rather an unusual performance for the Mayor’s horse to indulge in.

Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.

The Masquerade.

The members of the Pleasant Hour Club have made the winter thus far very pleasant in a social way. Their hops have been well attended, and the utmost good feeling and harmony has prevailed. Their masquerade ball last Thursday evening was the happiest hit of the season. The floor was crowded with maskers and the raised platforms filled with spectators. At nine o’clock the “grand march” was called, and the mixture of grotesque, historical, mythological, and fairy figures was most attractive and amusing. Then, when the quadrilles were called, the effect of the clown dancing with a grave and sedate nun, and Romeo swinging a pop-corn girl, was, as one of the ladies expressed it, “just too cute.”

The following is the list of names of those in masque, together with a brief description of costume or character represented.

LADIES.

Mrs. Emerson, Daughter of the Regiment.

Emerson and Wilson oppose Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire...

[WINFIELD WATERWORKS.]

Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.

WATERWORKS ACCEPTED.

The city councilmen at their meeting Monday evening accepted the waterworks, Messrs. Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire voting aye; Mr. Wilson and Mayor Emerson opposing. This was hastily done while the reservoir had never been filled to test whether it was strong enough to hold two million gallons of water as required by the ordinance and while the question of whether the company had a right to the water from the “mill pond” was pending in the court. Since the acceptance the court has decided that the company have no right to use the water, thus leaving the city with a dry, waterless waterworks on its hands and $3,000 a year tax. We expected Kretsinger would vote for an acceptance whether there was any water in the reservoir or not, but we were surprised beyond measure when McMullen went over thus early and McGuire with him, while we honor Mr. Wilson and the mayor for their conservative and prudent course in the interests of the city. We do not mean to reflect on the motives of the gentlemen who voted for acceptance. We give them credit for doing what they considered just and proper in the case, and we hold them in higher respect, but we think they have made a mistake.

Emerson part of coal company...

Winfield Courier, February 7, 1884.

Coal.

A coal company has been formed for the purpose of prospecting for coal here. Quite a large sum has already been subscribed to prosecute the work and it is the intention of the company to begin work as soon as the necessary boring machinery can be secured. This enterprise is a most important one for our City. There is no doubt but that our town is underlaid by coal deposits and all it needs is enterprise to develop them. The following gentlemen are the incorporators: W. P. Hackney, M. L. Robinson, B. F. Cox, J. L. Horning, C. C. Black, J. M. Keck, O. M. Reynolds, C. L. Harter, S. C. Smith, and Geo. Emerson.

Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.

More Fires.

Again, on Sunday evening, an attempt was made to set fire to property in the city. A lot of hay was stuffed under the rear end of Hendricks & Wilson’s hardware store and ignited. It was done about half past seven o’clock in the evening. Mr. James McLain, who has been acting as night watchman, first discovered and put it out. Shortly before, when walking across Manning Street and Tenth Avenue, he passed a man who was walking hurriedly. As soon as he passed, the man broke into a run, and a moment after McLain discovered the fire. When he turned, the man had disappeared in the darkness. What the object of these incendiaries is cannot be defined. The fire in the Hodges barn could have injured but little business property if successful. The fire started in the Shenneman barn, immediately after, when the hose was handy and hundreds of people standing around to use it, could not have been set with a very villainous intent to destroy, as the destroyer might have known it would be put out in a minute. The setting of the Sunday evening fire early in the evening, when everyone was about, showed a lack of deep intent to do great injury. However, our people have resolved to put a stop to it, and to that end the following paper has been prepared and duly signed, and the total sum of $222.50 goes to the person who runs the fire-bugs in.

We, the undersigned, promise to pay the sum set against our respective names as a reward for the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons engaged in setting any incendiary fire in the city of Winfield, either heretofore or hereafter.

THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $5.00:

S. C. Smith, T. K. Johnston, Horning & Whitney, Wm. Newton, Hudson Bros., McGuire Bros., J. B. Lynn, Geo. Emerson, COURIER Co., Ella C. Shenneman, W. S. Mendenhall, Winfield Bank, M. L. Read’s Bank, Rinker & Cochran, Miller & Dawson, H. Beard, Whiting Bros., Hendricks & Wilson, A. E. Baird, Johnston & Hill, J. N. Harter, Farmers Bank, Wallis & Wallis, F. V. Rowland, J. S. Mann, Hughes & Cooper, A. B. Arment, Quincy A. Glass, W. L. Morehouse, McDonald & Miner, Curns & Manser, J. D. Pryor, M. Hahn & Co., O’Meara & Randolph, S. H. Myton, J. P. Baden, Telegram, Scofield & Keck, Henry Goldsmith.

THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $2.50.

R. E. Sydal, S. D. Pryor, E. G. Cole, Kraft & Dix, H. Brown & Son, Brotherton & Silver, F. M. Friend, F. H. Blair, F. H. Bull, T. J. Harris, Albro & Dorley.

TOTAL RAISED: $222.50

Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.

“Mayor Emerson made a mistake in his selection of fire marshal. Daddy Millington was the man for that position and Ed. Greer for second position. The only danger from this combination would have been that they would willingly let the town be reduced to ashes in their attempt to crush the water-works. . . .

“If Dad Millington and Me too Greer had been on the roof of Mrs. Shenneman’s stable when the firemen cut loose with their inch and a quarter stream, they would have thought that about four million of nature’s wash basins had been upset on their miserable heads.”

Telegram.

We have always thought that within Rembaugh’s aesthetic frame slumbered the incipient fires of a genius that would some day flash upon the world like the rays of a tallow candle on the summit of Pikes Peak. The above, from his pen, would appear to one who did not know him to be the mutterings of a disordered mind. They are really sparks from his storehouse of wit and humor, drawn from the inspiration of a ten dollar fire in a hay-mow. We might quote a column more of the same kind, from the same source, and fruits of the same inspiration, were we sure that the public would bear with us. If the marshal has ever inadvertently collected money of him as poll-tax, it ought to be refunded. There is a statute exempting such persons from municipal burdens. Their existence is a sublime proof of the mercy of God, and should be borne cheerfully.

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.

Mrs. Dr. Emerson and Mrs. Chas. F. Bahntge took a little pleasure and business tour to Kansas City last week, returning one day this week.

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.

Oliver of Akron Observes.

That James Defenbaugh, who has been quite sick at Mr. Metzger’s for three weeks past, is recovering quite rapidly under the treatment of Dr. Emerson.

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.

ANOTHER RAILROAD!

WINFIELD WILL BE THE “FUTURE GREAT” OF SOUTHERN KANSAS.

A Third Competing Line to be Built At Once.

On Monday evening a large meeting was held in the Courthouse for the purpose of receiving and discussing the new railroad proposition. The meeting organized by placing Mayor Emerson in the chair with Geo. H. Buckman as secretary. Henry E. Asp then read the proposition as decided upon in a conference between the representatives of the railroad company and the railroad committee. After the reading of the proposition, Mr. James N. Young, of Chicago, representing the company, was introduced and stated that the company were now ready to build the road, and desired to do so with as little delay as possible. That their intention was to build from a connection with the St. Louis & San Francisco, north or northeast from Winfield, to the south line of Sumner County, during the coming summer, and that the company desired an expression from the citizens as to whether they wanted the road or not, and would aid it, at once, so that the final location of the line might be decided upon.

Senator Hackney was then called out and made a ringing speech in favor of the proposition and urged all to take hold with a will and secure it while they had the opportunity. Ex-Mayor Troup also spoke strongly in favor of securing the road at all hazards, as did Mr. Black, of the Telegram, and Judge T. H. Soward. A vote was then taken on the proposition, and almost every person in the house voted the affirmative. A committee of five, consisting of Geo. H. Rembaugh, Henry E. Asp, George. H. Buckman, Geo. H. Crippen, and Ed. P. Greer, was appointed to secure the necessary amount of names to the petitions. The meeting was one of the largest ever held in the city and enthusiastic and united on the railroad question.

Hose Company No. 1 [Robinson Hose]...

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.

Hose Company No. 1 was out in splendid new uniforms Monday evening. Headed by the Juvenile Band, they paraded down Main Street, and to the residence of Mr. M. L. Robinson, where an informal reception was held, after which they visited Mayor Emerson’s home. The new uniforms are neat and showy and the effect is imposing. The boys composing our hose companies are as fine bodies of young men as any city can show and we are justly proud of them. No. 1 has been christened the “Robinson Hose,” in honor of Mr. M. L. Robinson, who assisted them liberally in completing their organization.

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.

Last Sunday was the most perfect of May days, calm, clear, and buoyant, such as only Kansas can supply, and all nature seemed at her loveliest. In consequence, the temptation for a visit to the Chilocco Indian School below Arkansas City was so great as to almost depopulate our city of its society people. Those who yielded to temptation on this occasion were Mayor Emerson and family; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Albro; Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Blair; Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Nelson; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Wallis and daughters, Miss Bertha and Birdie; Mr. and Mrs. Beeny; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilson, and Mrs. J. E. Saint; E. H. Nixon and Miss Jessie Millington; M. J. O’Meara and Miss Lizzie Wallis; M. H. Ewert and Miss Margie Wallis; Byron Rudolph and Miss Sadie French; Mr. Walters and Miss Florence Beeny; Joe Finkleburg and Miss Anna Hyde; Fritz Ballein and Miss Nina Anderson. With such a bright and happy crowd, nothing but a most enjoyable trip could be the result. This Indian school is becoming a very popular resort for persons in search of recreation and information.

[SOUTHERN KANSAS RAILROAD: PROPOSED CHANGE.]

Winfield Courier, May 15, 1884.

Proposed Change on the Southern Kansas.

Word was received last Friday of the intention of the Southern Kansas railroad officials to put on a night passenger train from Kansas City to Harper, passing here at about ten in the morning and returning in the afternoon, while the regular day train would be stopped at Independence. Our people were in favor of the new train, but heartily opposed to having the regular train stopped at Independence. A meeting of businessmen was held Friday evening at which Mayor Emerson and Messrs. Long, Black, and Horning were appointed a committee to interview the railroad officials, at Lawrence, to secure the continuance of the regular train to Winfield. The heaviest passenger traffic of any town on the line comes from this city, and the business is such as to demand both these trains. A train leaving for Kansas City at the same time as the Santa Fe, would greatly lessen our railroad accommodations.

LATER: We learn that the committee were successful in their efforts and that both trains will run through from Kansas City to Harper.

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1884.

Dr. Emerson is again in his office after a severe tussle with typho-malarial fever.

Winfield Courier, July 10, 1884.

Mayor Emerson was detained from the council meeting Monday evening by sickness.

Mrs. Emerson was married before: her son, John Ballard, returned from school...

Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.

Master John Ballard has returned from school in the state of New York, and his mother Mrs. Emerson, is happy. So is the Mayor.

[TRAIN WRECK.]

Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.

A Railroad Smashup!

An Accommodation Train on the Southern Kansas Badly Wrecked Near Cambridge.

Many Passengers Injured and the Coach Used Up.

For some time past the Southern Kansas railroad has been running an accommodation train, which connects with the extra passenger at Independence and runs through, on fair time, to Harper. On this train is, in addition to the caboose, a first-class passenger coach. Most of the passengers arriving in Independence in the evening take this train and in this way make several hours over the regular through passenger train arriving, for instance, at Winfield at 5:10 a.m., instead of at 10:30.

This train was badly wrecked last Saturday morning at 3 o’clock between Grand Summit and Cambridge, about twenty-five miles east of this city, in Cowley County. The train was going down grade at a rapid rate, when a front wheel of the coach went down. The train, of course, couldn’t be stopped on down grade for some distance, and the coach plunged around over the track, plowing up the ground terrifically, until an up grade was reached, when the car broke off and rolled over almost on its top. The coach contained about twenty-one passengers, who were tossed helplessly through the car. Scarcely one escaped injury, while many were seriously hurt, and a few fatally.

Mrs. S. C. Sumpter, of Walnut Township, with a sister, was in the car returning from an Illinois visit. Mr. Sumpter met them at the depot here to find them fearfully cut and bruised about the head and shoulders, and a startling story they told.

Mrs. Hoyland and her three daughters, from Wisconsin, were within a few miles of their destination, New Salem, where her brother, J. W. Hoyland, was awaiting them. The old lady was badly cut about the head, the oldest daughter had a shoulder broken, the next received what were supposed to be fatal internal injuries, and the youngest girl was seriously bruised. Physicians were procured from Cambridge and the injured cared for until the west bound passenger train picked them up.

It was impossible for us to ascertain further names, as nearly all of the unfortunate were taken on to their several destinations.

Some who were unable to travel were left at Cambridge. Dr. Emerson, of this city, the Company’s physician, gave them early attention.

The Doctor and Senator Hackney, attorney of the company, spent Sunday at Cambridge.

None of the train men were injured. The conductor was in the caboose and the brakeman was just leaving it to set the coach brakes when the disaster occurred.

Names or officers not given [Emerson was still Mayor.]...

[CITY COUNCIL.]

Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.

DOINGS OF THE CITY DADS.

Notice by the Winfield Gas Company that they had finished the system of gas-works as contemplated by Ordinances No. 176 and 177, was referred to a special committee consisting of Councilmen Hodges, McDonald, and McGuire.

Lawless served with Sampson Johnson & Senator Hackney...

[LAWLESS HAS AN EDUCATED DOG. SERVED WITH SAMPSON JOHNSON.]

Winfield Courier, August 14, 1884.

Mr. Wm. E. Lawless, an old soldier of the 7th Illinois, has been in the city for several days. He is selling notions and has with him an educated dog, which is a wonder. He met many of his old comrades here. Mayor Emerson very kindly remitted his license, a favor that is justly due a crippled soldier. He served with Sampson Johnson during the war and was in the same regiment with Senator Hackney, and was with the latter gentleman when he was wounded. He was a bugler in the service and uses the same bugle to call a crowd together on the street. Sampson Johnson said he recognized the sound as soon as he heard it.

Winfield Courier, August 21, 1884.

Mrs. Sim Moore, of Burden, is suffering very severely with her hand. Some time last week she went to the barn to fix an animal that was loose and got her thumb caught in the rope, tearing the flesh badly. Sunday the hand and arm began to swell and pain terribly and Monday a man came down for Doctor Emerson to amputate the hand. Her sufferings were excruciating.

Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.

DR. GEO. EMERSON, PHYSICIAN and Surgeon. Office over Harter Bros. drug store. Tuesdays and Saturday will be devoted exclusively to office practice.

Van Hook or Vanhook??? [See items given after next one about Emerson]...

Winfield Courier, September 25, 1884.

DIED. Wm. H. Vanhook, a young man for fourteen years in the employ of Geo. W. Miller, our cattle man, and the last four years manager of Mr. Miller’s Territory ranch, died last week at Hunnewell. He was taken a few days before, while in the Territory, with typho-malarial fever. Mrs. Miller and Dr. Emerson left here as soon as apprized, but before they reached him, the grim destroyer had done his work. The body was brought to Winfield and buried Friday from the Christian Church, Rev. H. D. Gans officiating. The attentions of Mr. and Mrs. Miller could not have been exceeded had the young man been an own son.

Miller Burying Ground.

The Miller family did buy cemetery lots in the Graham-Union Cemetery. On March 13, 1900, Joe C. Miller bought block 2, lot 29. Joe Miller’s infant daughter died March 27, 1897, and is buried there with a headstone. On May 11, 1900, George W. Miller bought block 2, lot 36, and there is no record of any burials there. These lots are side by side. G. W. Miller died in 1903, while the family was still living in Winfield, but the body was sent to Crab Orchard, Kentucky, for burial. There are no other burials recorded by headstone or in the Winfield city records.

To visit these lots, approach the cemetery from the south, enter at the second entrance, go to the second crossroad west of the street, turn north and the Miller properties are the second and third lots north on the east side of the road way.

There are references to the Miller burying ground in Winfield.

One is in the book “Fabulous Empire” by Gipson, page 3. “So Zack had to stay around home and play with the neighbor kids, longing for the day when he could ride with old Milton Van Hook, the 101 cowhand who could spin a kid exciting, long-winded range yarns by the hour.”

“That hope was never fulfilled, though. Old Milton died before Zack ever got big enough to ride with him. (Note- Zack was born in 1878.) Typhoid got the old cowhand in an upstairs room of the Hale Hotel in Hunnewell.”

“ -----. They just carried him on outside and loaded him into a rig and set off for Winfield with him.”

Notes from Arkansas City historian, Lois Hinsey. “Milton Van Hook lived here (Hunnewell) ---. He is thought to be buried in a Miller plot, following his death in 1880's, in Winfield, Ks.”

Note from Richard Wortman 1/21/1994. I visited Graham Union Cemetery 1/9/94. Enter at south entrance, drive west but do not enter circle drive. About 35 feet south of road is a plot with a curb around it. The legal description is block L, lot 6. It is large enough for 10 burials. The Winfield city records show it was bought by (first name unknown) Van Hook in 1881. The first burial recorded in the Winfield city records was Milton Vanhook, who died 9/18/1881 and had no headstone.

Inside the curb surrounding the plot is a granite shaft with the name Vanhook on it. It reads “Wm. H. Vanhook, died 9/18/1884, age 28. The base is limestone with a carving of a longhorn steer and a coiled rope. There is no visible sign of a saddle. The base also says Dawson-Winfield. (After checking Dawson Monument Co., I find that they have no record of the creation of this stone or who paid for it.) The top of the shaft has had something on top which has been broken off, or weathered off. One source (Sally Wilcox) stated that it used to be a longhorn steer’s head but was broken off by vandals and destroyed.

The Courier obituary of 9/25/1884 states “William H. Vanhook, a young man for fourteen years in the employ of Geo. W. Miller, our cattle man, and the last four years manager on Mr. Miller’s Territory ranch, died last week at Hunnewell. He was taken a few days before, while in the Territory, with Typho-malarial fever. Mrs. Miller and Dr. Emerson left here as soon as apprized, but before they reached him the grim destroyer had done his work. The body was brought to Winfield and buried Friday from the Christian church, Rev. H. D. Gans officiating. The attentions of Mr. and Mrs. Miller could not have been exceeded had the young man been an own son.”

At the back of the lot is a granite stone which states “Father. December 12, 1932. The Courier obituary, published 12/13/1932 states; “George K. Vanhook of Ponca City, father of Mrs. Claude Brown of Winfield, died at the 101 ranch in Oklahoma at 5:25 p.m. Monday. He was born in Crabapple (Crab Orchard), Ky., in 1850 and was 82 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by three children, Mrs. Claude Brown, Glenn W. Vanhook, and Claud E. Vanhook.”

Note from the book “The 101 Ranch” published in 1937 by Alma Miller England, page 8. “Rainwater and the late George Vanhook (who had died 5 years before the book was written) of the 101 Ranch accompanied Colonel Miller many Times. Vanhook had come with Miller to Newtonia from Crab Orchard, Kentucky, the Miller ancestral home.”

At the front of the lot is a double marble stone that reads; M. Claude Brown, 3/7/1882, 11/6/1958; Georgia Brown, 3/12/1887, 5/16/1970.

From this we find that Milton Vanhook and his two boys, George K. (born in 1850) and William H. (born in 1856) came from Crab Orchard, Ky., to Newtonia, Mo., with Geo W. Miller in 1870. They also moved with Miller to Winfield, Hunnewell, and on to the 101 Ranch.

From the book “Fabulous Empire” by Gipson and Zack Miller. Page 104. “Jimmie Moore had sung for the last time ---. When Zack got back, they’d already buried the little Irishman in the 101 burial lot at Winfield where today a big granite shaft, with carvings of empty saddles and coiled ropes, marks the graves of many a good 101 cowhand.” (Note - This was in late 1893 or early 1894 according to Zack Miller’s memory.)

Notes from Lois Hinsey about Jimmie Moore. “When he died a few years later (after 1893) he was buried in the plot in Winfield.”

Note from Richard Wortman. It is strange, to me, that there is no mention of Milton Vanhook’s wife, or George Vanhook’s wife. I have no indication to show that William Vanhook was ever married.

Joe Cayton...

Winfield Courier, October 9, 1884.

A team belonging to Mr. Joe Cayton, of Liberty Township, ran away on the street Monday. Mr. Cayton was on the ground when the team started, and sprang between the wheels to get the lines when he was thrown down, the wheels passing over his body. He was picked up senseless and carried up into Dr. Emerson’s office, where he was soon restored to consciousness. He was afterward removed to the residence of Mr. T. R. Bryan, where he was kindly cared for. It is to be hoped that his injuries may not prove serious.

Joe Cayton follow-up:

Winfield Courier, October 9, 1884.

Mr. Cayton, the gentleman who was injured in the runaway Monday was removed to his home Tuesday. Dr. Marsh, who attended him, reports no bones broken and no serious injuries sustained.

Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.

The South Kansas Medical Society meets at Wichita Tuesday next, November 11th. Drs. Geo. Emerson and C. C. Green of this city are president and secretary. All our prominent physicians will attend.

Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.

DEADLY BULLETS!

Saturday Night’s Excitement has a Sequel in the Murder of a Colored Man

And the FATAL SHOOTING Of a White!

General Recklessness and Bad Whiskey the Cause.

FLETCHER AND BURGE THE VICTIMS.

Notwithstanding the intense excitement caused by the Presidential uncertainty, Winfield was free from dangerous passions and fatal results until Saturday night, when the deadly revolver, in the reckless hand, took the life of Charlie Fletcher (colored) and gave Sandy Burge (white) a death wound. Excitement had been at a fever heat during the evening, but had vented itself up to eleven o’clock only in civil hilarity, playing of bands, and other harmless modes of jollification. But at that hour the celebrating portion of the crowd had mostly exhausted all enthusiasm and departed to their homes, leaving the ground in charge of the more boisterous. The Democrats had been celebrating during the evening the supposed elevation of Cleveland; and though loud denunciation of disciples of both parties had been indulged in, this sad ending is thought by all to have no political significance, but merely the result of whiskey and undue recklessness. However, we present the evidence at the Coroner’s inquest, from which all can draw their conclusions. The affair is very much deplored by members of both parties, as anything but an honor to our civilization and the good name of our city.

Fletcher died within an hour after the bullet had passed through his abdomen, and was buried Monday afternoon from the colored M. E. Church, of this city, a large concourse of white and colored citizens following the remains to South Cemetery.

Burge walked, after being shot, in company with the marshal, to Smith’s lunch-room, sat down, and soon fainted away. He was taken to the Ninth Avenue Hotel, where doctors were summoned and where he remained till Sunday morning, when he was removed to his home and family in the east part of the city. He was shot with a thirty-two bullet, which entered just below the fifth rib on the right side and passed through the right lung and came very nearly out at the back. As we go to press he still lies in a critical condition, though the physicians give him the possibility of recovering. But little change has been noted in his condition since Sunday.

Coroner H. W. Marsh was summoned, impaneled a jury Sunday afternoon, and held an inquest on the body of young Fletcher.

The jury was composed of Messrs. John McGuire, J. B. Lynn, George Emerson, T. H. Soward, W. J. Hodges, and James Bethel, who brought in a verdict that Fletcher came to his death by a pistol shot from the hand of Sandy Burge.

A synopsis of the evidence is given herewith, which fully explains the whole affair.

The first witness called up was Andrew Shaw, colored. He said: “I saw Charlie Fletcher on the corner of Ninth and Main on Saturday night, at what hour I don’t know. I saw no one shoot, nor did I see anyone with a pistol or other weapon in hand. I saw Fletcher fall. Before this I told him to have no row. When I heard the first shot, Charlie whirled around and fired. I saw the flash of a gun from the direction where Sandy Burge was standing. I also saw Mr. Lacy there with a star on.”

Dan’l D. Miller was next called. He said: “I saw a difficulty last evening at the corner of Ninth Avenue and Main Street about 11 o’clock. I was standing on the curb-stone near the hydrant when Henry Franklin, colored, came and spoke to me. He told me he understood the white boys were making up a mob to drive the darkies out of town and if they were, they would have a good time doing it. I told him I had heard nothing of the kind and thought everything would be all right if they behaved themselves. While we were talking, Lewis Bell was also talking. A. A. Thomas, standing near, said: ‘Democrat, Republican, or any G__d d___m man that jumps on me during this campaign will carry his guts off in his hand.’ Bell said: ‘I am a Democrat and if you jump on me, I’ll see that you jump off.’ Thomas replied, ‘the hell you say.’ Thomas then left and Bell was talking about the G__d d____m niggers or coons. Franklin, colored, went to Bell and Bell knocked him down. Just at that time Sandy Burge drew his revolver. I was about two feet from him. I advanced, grabbed him by the right shoulder, and whirled him around facing south and told him to put up his gun. He replied: ‘I won’t fight a G__d d___m nigger a fist fight.’ Some man then hollowed to turn his G__d d__m gun loose or put it up. He tore loose from me and whirled round facing northeast; his pistol in hand, and immediately there was a flash of a pistol about 10 or 12 feet east of where Burge stood. At this time Burge threw his hand up, made a slight noise, and as his hand came down, his pistol fired. I saw the colored man fall and he fired his pistol as he fell. The colored man was standing 10 or 12 feet nearly north of Burge—12 feet from where the first shot was fired. The next moment Burge fired his pistol again in the same direction. I don’t know who fired the first shot. I think the first shot struck Burge. I also think the shot fired by Burge struck Fletcher and I don’t think it was Fletcher’s shot that struck Burge. There were two shots fired from down the street east of us, after Burge and Fletcher shot. The first shot of the last two burned my face and made me dodge. The second one struck the lamp post. Don’t know who fired them. Then I shot around the corner.”

Henry Franklin, colored, was then called, who testified: “I saw Charlie Fletcher at McGuire’s corner about 11 o’clock. I was standing near the lamp-post, and after Bell struck me, Fletcher passed by me. Burge was standing east of me 5 or 6 feet, on the sidewalk. I can’t tell who fired the first shot. It came from about where Burge stood. I think Burge shot twice. My opinion is that Burge shot Fletcher and Fletcher shot Burge.”

James H. Finch then took the stand: “As I stood on McGuire’s corner last night about 11 o’clock, I saw a colored man come along. He stopped just off the curb-stone and some man spoke to him. The colored man said, ‘I don’t want any trouble,’ and laughed. Somebody at this time pitched in for a squabble and then the colored man fell to the sidewalk. Someone said, ‘Give it to the son of a b____.’ Just at that time Burge put his hand to his hip pocket to draw a revolver and began backing off from where he stood, in rather a stooping position. I watched him because I had a conversation with him about an hour before and he was drinking and I thought there might be some trouble. I thought in his condition if there was trouble, he would be in it. I was some 20 feet from him when he started to draw his revolver and made toward him, thinking I could knock his revolver out of his hand or his arm up so he would not shoot into the crowd. Before I got to him he fired two shots and snapped the revolver once. He shot a little northwest. Saw the man who was shot as he commenced falling. He was 12 or 15 feet northwest of Burge. He was a colored man. Burge shot the first shot and the darky shot about the same time. I should say four or five shots were fired. The colored man was falling when he shot, and I can’t tell where the other shots came from. I thought Burge’s second shot went some other way than toward the colored man. The darky said, when I went to him, that Sandy Burge shot him.”

The next witness was Alex. Franklin, colored: “I knew Charlie Fletcher and was on McGuire’s corner about 11 o’clock last night. The first thing I saw, old man Franklin was pulling Henry Franklin off the ground. I then saw Sandy Burge’s revolver; then the reports and the blaze of it; the reports were about together, and then Charlie Fletcher fell. Charlie fired one shot and Sandy the other. I heard four shots. A stone Mason, unknown to me, shot two shots! Sandy then snapped his revolver again and walked off. Don’t know whether he shot twice or not. Charlie told me when we took him home that Sandy shot him and he shot Sandy.”

Frank A. Smith was then introduced: “I came up the sidewalk from Jim Smith’s lunch room last night about 11 o’clock. There was a crowd on McGuire’s corner. I heard a blow struck and soon after saw Sandy Burge walking backward and pulling a revolver. I told him to put up his gun. He then shot. I believe he shot down within five feet of his own feet. The next shot he fired so as to range about a person’s breast. As he shot the second shot, the colored man said, ‘I am shot!’ and fell. Fletcher told me after he was down that Sandy Burge shot him. There were from five to eight shots fired.”

Capt. J. B. Nipp testified: “I heard a fuss on McGuire’s corner last night, about 11 o’clock, and went over there. I saw Sandy Burge draw his revolver and back up. Heard several say ‘Put up your gun!’ and heard five shots fired. Saw the blaze of the pistol from where Sandy stood; think Burge did a part of the shooting and don’t know who did the rest. The time was very short between the knock-down and the shooting; the time between the first three shots was not long enough for a man to draw his revolver; about time for pulling a trigger.”

John W. Dix said: “I saw a crowd on McGuire’s corner last night a little after 11 o’clock and ran over there. I heard a blow when nearly there and on getting to the crowd saw Sandy Burger with his revolver drawn down by his side. Someone told him to put it up or turn it loose. Then they began to rush toward him and he backed up, telling them to stand back; but they kept telling him to put it up. The words were repeated a number of times, when he backed off the crossing east a few paces and told them not to crowd him or he would shoot and started to raise his pistol; before he got it up, the colored man shot him. The flash of the colored man’s pistol was not gone before Sandy’s flashed. Sandy and the colored man shot at each other.”

A. A. Thomas next testified: “I heard there was going to be a fight and went over to McGuire’s corner. There I saw Henry Franklin, colored, staggering through the crowd. They said he had been hit. Saw Sandy Burge with his revolver out and Charlie Fletcher had his in his coat pocket with his hand on it. Sandy started off the gutter-stone and said, ‘That won’t do.’ I told Fletcher to keep his pistol in his pocket, that Sandy was bluffing. Fletcher and I walked 10 or 12 feet toward the crossing. Then Sandy shot downward into the ground. I then moved southward and heard two shots. The smoke came from both the colored fellow and Sandy and I don’t know which shot first. It seemed that Fletcher shot as he was falling.”

The testimony of Marshal Herrod was introduced, as follows. “I took a pistol away from Sandy Burge last night just after the shooting and took one from the hands of the colored man while he yet lay in the street. (Here the balls from the wounds and the pistols of Fletcher and Burge were produced in evidence, the balls fitting exactly their respective pistols.) There was two shots out of Burge’s pistol and one out of Fletcher’s when I got them.”

Said John Easton: “I met Sandy Burge yesterday morning between 7 and 8 o’clock and in a conversation with him he said, ‘I will kill the first d___n nigger that steps in my way.’”

James McLain testified: “I heard Fletcher say that Bell couldn’t get to him; he could reach him first. I searched him about fifteen minutes after and found no pistol. Bell was cursing and swearing and had two or three rackets.”

Dr. C. C. Green testified to having found Fletcher lying in the street in a dying condition and gave location of wound, which passed through the abdomen. The bullet was a forty-five caliber.

Winfield Courier, November 13, 1884.

The South Kansas Medical Society met at Wichita Tuesday. The attendance from here were Drs. Emerson, Mendenhall, Green, Wright, Tandy, and Park. The meeting was a very pleasant one and wound up with a big banquet in the evening.

Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.

Society.

A very pleasant entertainment was given by Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, at their splendid residence in this city, on Thursday evening, December 10th. About sixty to seventy guests were present, among whom we remember by name the following.

Rev. and Mrs. W. R. Kirkwood, Prof. and Mrs. E. P. Hickok, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Horning, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Buckman, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Ordway, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Williams, Dr. and Mrs. W. T. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Hunt, Dr. and Mrs. C. S. Van Doren, Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mrs. Frank Williams of Wichita, Mrs. J. H. Bullen, Mrs. W. H. Albro, Mrs. Whitney, Mrs. Arthur Bangs, Miss Nettie McCoy, Miss Anna McCoy, Mr. W. H. Smith, Mr. Lew Brown, and Mr. W. C. Robinson.

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, made up of rain, mud, snow, and cold, the guests enjoyed themselves to the utmost, and after partaking of a magnificent supper, music, and mirth, the guests separated with warm thanks to their host and hostess, who had afforded them so much pleasure, and with the aid of Arthur Bangs, most of them, we presume, found their own domiciles in due time.

[UDALL. — “G.”]

Winfield Courier, December 18, 1884.

Drs. Mendenhall, Emerson, and Knickerbocker attended D. C. Green during his sickness.

DIED. Our city is again thrown into a state of gloom by the sudden death of D. C. Green, of the firm of Green & June. Mr. Green had been suffering from a long standing hernia, and on the 12th inst. took violently, rendering a surgical operation imperative, but alas! human skill could avail nought against the grim destroyer and today (the 16th) we commit all that is earthly to man’s last sad resting place. The deceased was one of our best and most enterprising citizens, coming here at the start. He assisted as much, if not more, to the upbuilding of Udall as any of our citizens, with a hand of charity ever open to assist the unfortunate. None came to him for assistance or sympathy that went away disappointed. At the state of our town, he was postmaster and filled the position to the satisfaction of all. He was a member of Mulvane Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and will be buried with Masonic honors. To the writer of this he was a most intimate friend and his loss will be felt by him more deeply than words can express. He leaves a wife and two small children to mourn his sad and untimely departure, who in this hour of their great and sad visitation, have the sympathy of all.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.

DR. GEO. EMERSON.

PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON.

Office over Harter Bros. drug store.

Tuesday and Saturdays will be devoted exclusively to office practice.

Tin Wedding Celebration.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.

On Wednesday evening of last week, Mayor Emerson and lady threw their pleasant home open for the entertainment of invited guests, it being the tenth anniversary of their wedding. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Mann, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. O. Branham, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Ordway, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Schuler, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Williams, Mrs. D. A. Millington, Mrs. J. E. Saint, Mrs. Perkins; Misses Sadie French, Margie Wallis, Jessie Millington, Josie Baird, Nettie McCoy, Anna McCoy, Mattie Harrison of Hannibal, Mo.; Messrs. E. H. Nixon, R. B. Rudolf, M. H. Ewart, M. J. O’Meara, and Ezra Meech. Each bore a token of respect and good will. Under the royal entertainment of Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, all passed the evening most enjoyably and departed with the old year, heartily wishing the “bride and groom” many anniversaries of their wedding, down to the one of diamonds, with its silver tresses.

Doings of the City “Dads.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 8, 1885.

Following pauper claims were recommended to County Commissioners for payment: Holmes & Son, coal, $18.50; Rinker and Cochran groceries, $20.00; McGuire Bros. ditto, $31.00; J. W. Johnston, coffin, $10.00; J. N. Harter, medicines, $32.00; Mrs. H. H. Horner, Midwife services, $10.00; J. S. Rothrock, board, $2.00; L. L. Beck, R. R. fare, $12.00; Geo. Emerson, Medical attendance, $151.00.

Follow-up article to Emerson receiving $151.00, etc....

OUR COMMISSIONERS.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 22, 1885.

From the looks of the long list of claims allowed by our “County Dads” at their last session, a stranger might think that some influence was brought to bear that was not just as it should be. To say the least, for instance, Doane & Co.’s coal bill for Court House ($191.00) was sufficient for at least twenty families for the same time, beside twenty-one pauper bills. No doubt Doane & Co. are all right, as perhaps all the rest may be, but it does seem to the uninitiated that it’s not a different thing to get in a bad account as a pauper bill; in fact, some of our merchants have boasted that it’s a slick way to collect bills when other methods fail. I am creditably informed that it is not unusual for such bills to contain charges for tobacco, cigars, candy, and the like.

Another large item is the doctor bills. Why don’t our “Dads” contract with some good doctor to attend to the county poor as do other counties in eastern states, for a salary. It seems to me that the service would be as good, and at much less cost.

One question that troubles us grangers is: what constitutes a pauper? We have known instances of fellows owning teams that will not work them at reasonable wages receiving aid from the county. Now we think these things are not looked into as they should be.

One more complaint: We believe it to be the duty of public servants to consider always the best interest of the master, the public, and we think that duty has been disregarded in the matter of printing. If it is necessary for the Tribune to receive aid, the end might be accomplished by a “pauper bill.” Justice would say the paper having the largest circulation should have the public printing in order that the greatest number of taxpayers might be benefitted.

Another suggestion: We grangers think the county seat ought to be run somewhat in the interest of the county. As things are tending, Cowley will soon be an attachment to Winfield.

OLD SETTLER.

The above was written by a very intelligent and substantial farmer of the Democratic persuasion, a man whom we very highly respect. We have not scrutinized the work of County Commissioners very closely and cannot say how much justice there is in the above strictures. We presume they are just in some directions, but have been hearing the most bitter and indignant complaints on the other side of the question. It is stated that this winter has been very severe on many persons of moderate means, both in the city and county, and many families have suffered very much because they were unable to obtain fuel and other means to keep them warm; that physicians have reported this distress in various cases to the township trustees and the city mayors and urged the necessity of aid from the public funds; that these orders have been approved by the township boards and city councils and the bills have been allowed by the County Auditor, who has simply done his duty in the premises, but that the County Commissioners, or rather that Commissioner Smith has repudiated these bills and refused to allow them to be paid, and this on the slimmest pretexts, such as that this bill had omitted the word “pauper,” and that bill had omitted some other word, and thus rendered it technically imperfect. It is now stated that the coal merchants and other dealers, have, in consequence of this action of the commissioners, refused to honor all orders of the trustees and mayors, and there are many poor and worthy families who are suffering terribly without a pound of fuel and cannot get it, and this, during the extremely cold weather. Mayor Emerson and our city council are said to be very indignant and excited over this outrageous action, as it has been called, of the county board, and are about to call a public meeting to devise means of relief.

Now we have given two sides to the question and leave it with our readers. We are not deciding the case, but expect a careful scrutiny of the county expenses would show many places where economy could be exercised much more humanely than in disallowing these bills for coal and similar necessaries to save many families from perishing.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.

The beautiful, commodious home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller was the scene of a most pleasant gathering of our young society people on last Thursday evening, the occasion being in honor of Miss Mattie Harrison, a highly accomplished young lady of Hannibal, Mo., who is visiting here. The pleasing entertainment of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, gracefully assisted by Miss Harrison and other members of the family, banished all restraint and made genuine enjoyment reign supreme. Miss Harrison made a beautiful appearance in a lovely evening costume of white Nuns-veiling, entrain, and a number of elegant toilets were worn by the ladies. Those present were Mayor and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cole, and Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Fuller; Mrs. W. J. Wilson and Mrs. J. Ex. Saint; Misses Jessie Millington, Anna Hunt, Nellie Cole, Emma Strong, Jennie Lowry, Hattie Stolp, Mamie Baird, Lena Walrath, Mattie Kinne, Alice Dickie, Maggie Taylor, Sarah Kelly, and Alice Aldrich; Messrs. Ezra Nixon, T. J. Eaton, M. J. O’Meara, M. H. Ewart, Ed. J. McMullen, B. W. Matlack, F. F. Leland, Everett and George Schuler, Lacey Tomlin, James Lorton, Lewis Brown, W. H. Smith, D. E. Kibby, and Frank H. Greer. At the proper hour a splendid repast was spread and received due attention from the joyous crowd. The “light fantastic” keep time to excellent music and the hours flew swiftly by until the happy guests bid adieu to their royal entertainers, feeling delighted with the few hours spent in their pleasant home.

Another follow-up to pauper sufferings, etc....

HELP FOR THE SUFFERING.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.

The merchants of the city having refused to fill pauper orders, owing to the action of the County Commissioners in disallowing bills on technicalities, Mayor Emerson called a meeting of businessmen at the Council chamber Thursday last to devise means for the sustenance of the dozen or two freezing and starving families in the city. A guarantee was numerously signed to the amount of over three hundred dollars, vouching the payment of these bills if rejected by the Commissioners. Thus were the unfortunate little faces that had been vainly trying to draw warmth from a cold stove and succor from an empty cupboard made comfortable. Our merchants were justifiable in refusing these orders unless guaranteed, for they must wait at least three months for the currency and when a big risk of having the bills refused is attached, it is much more than should be expected.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.

Messrs. W. C. Robinson and Grant Stafford left yesterday for the World’s Fair. Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, and Mayor and Mrs. Emerson also leave today for the Crescent City, joining the first named persons at Kansas City. This will make a delightful party and their Southern vacation will certainly prove most enjoyable.

Emma and Mattie Emerson [???]...different Emerson family???...

THE MASQUERADE.

Another of Winfield’s Charming Social Events.

The Participants and Characters Represented.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 12, 1885.

The annual masquerade party of the Winfield Social Club has been the crowning social event of every winter for years past, and the one at the Opera House last Thursday evening was all that past successors could have spoken for it—in fact, many pronounce it superior to preceding ones in selectness and refinement of conduct. It was free from the promiscuous crowd and jam that usually characterize such gatherings, there being just maskers enough to fill the floor nicely and make dancing most enjoyable. The characters represented were varied and unique, elicited much admiration from the large number of spectators, and we regret our lack of space to mention each in detail. Following are the names of the maskers and the characters represented.

Ladies: Miss Nellie Cole, Cerus; Miss Mattie Harrison, Milk Maid; Miss Iowa Roberts, Water Nymph; Miss A. Marks, Wichita, Fancy Costume; Miss Leota Gary, Flower Girl; Mrs. J. L. Horning, Ghost; Miss Nina Anderson, Fancy Costume; Misses Emma and Mattie Emerson, Fancy Costumes; Miss Anna Hyde, Spanish Lady; Miss Sarah Kelly, Fancy Costume; Miss Carrie Anderson, Fancy Costume; Mrs. Ed. Cole, Folly; Mrs. Lovell Webb, Cards; Mrs. D. Rodocker, Daily News; Mrs. George Dresser, Sailor Girl; Miss Mattie Kinne, Frost; Miss Jennie Snow, Cotton Girl; Miss Hulda Goldsmith, Flower Girl; Miss Jennie Lowry, Butterfly; Miss Hattie Stolp, Fancy Costume; Miss Ida Johnston, Music; Miss Lou Clarke, Fancy Costume.

Gentlemen: B. W. Matlack, Jumping Jack; Dr. C. C. Green, Monkey and Dude; Everett Schuler, British Artilleryman; Eli Youngheim, Humpty Dumpty; Eugene Wallis, Noble Red Man; Ed. McMullen, Phillip’s Best; F. F. Leland, Double-action Pussy and Flying Dutchman; George Read, The Devil; Fred Ballein, Hamlet; D. A. Sickafoose, Page; Frank Weaverling, Mexican; A. B. Taylor, Indian War Chief; Charles Roberts, Old Uncle Joe; W. J. Hodges, Highlander; Jos. O’Hare, British Officer; Addison Brown, Highlander; J. E. Jones, Sailor; George Schuler, Page; Tom Eaton, O’Donovan Rossa; M. H. Ewart, Page; Jake Goldsmith, Clown; M. J. O’Meara, Humpty Dumpty; S. Kleeman, Black Dude; Laban Moore, Monkey; John Hudson, Clown; Frank K. Grosscup, Spanish Cavalier; A. Snowhill, Prince; A. Gogle, King Henry; Frank H. Greer, Beggar’s Student.

The excellent music of the Winfield orchestra and the experienced prompting of Mr. Chas. Gray, captivated all, while the careful floor managing of Messrs. A. H. Doane and Lacey Tomlin made everything go off without a hitch.

NEW SALEM PENCILINGS. “OLIVIA.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.

Mr. McMillen when suffering recently, became worse, and Dr. Emerson, of Winfield, was sent for. Mr. McMillen is now convalescent. OLIVIA.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 5, 1885.

Mayor and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Irve Randall, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Dr. D. V. Cole, and Miss Nellie, Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Byron Rudolph, Will Robinson, Col. Loomis, A. J. Thompson, Grant Stafford, and C. C. Harris are among those who have got home this week from a delightful trip to the Crescent City. They report the sights of the World’s Fair varied and grand. One of the unique things mentioned is a miniature representation of Geuda Springs, surrounded by circulars describing the Western Saratoga.

ABSTRACT OF COUNTY AUDITOR’S REPORT.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 19, 1885.

Abstract of the monthly report of the County Auditor of Cowley County, Kansas, of claims certified to the County Clerk, on the First Monday of March, 1885.

[Showing Amount Allowed Only.]

Emily Wooden pauper claim: $13.29

D. Palmer & Co. pauper claim: $5.00

Mowry & Sollitt pauper claim: $1.95

J. W. Johnston pauper claim: $10.00

Thos. Goodwin pauper claim: $14.25

L. L. Beck pauper claim: $12.00

McGuire Bros. pauper claims: $21.10; $5.00; $5.00

Holmes & Son pauper claim: $18.50

J. B. Lynn pauper claim: $7.00; $19.44; $1.35; $20.09

Eli Blenden pauper claim: $13.28

West & Dyer pauper claim: $5.45

J. S. Crabtree pauper claim: $64.50

Geo. Emerson pauper claim: $31.00

J. N. Harter pauper claim: $32.00

H. L. Wells pauper claim: $5.00

H. H. Horner pauper claim: $10.00

J. S. Rothrock pauper claim: $2.00

H. W. Marsh, coroner’s fees: $10.00

S. R. Marsh, medical expert’s fee: $7.00

H. W. Marsh, coroner’s fees: $6.00

Geo. Emerson witness fees: $1.00

S. B. Park witness fees: $1.00

S. R. Marsh, medical expert’s fees: $1.00

W. S. Mendenhall, medical expert’s fees: $10.00

J. B. Lynn, pauper claim: $15.85

Series of articles re the Vandermark matter follows...

Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.

ARKANSAS CITY’S SHAME.

A House of God Desecrated Shamefully.

E. A. Barron observed early one morning last week a girl emerging from the Methodist Church. This circumstance raised his curiosity and he made an investigation and found that the church had been occupied that night, as a fire was burning and things were somewhat in confusion. He promptly notified the marshal, who identified the girl as Alida Vandermark, who was brought here from the East by S. Matlack to work for him, and was discharged on account of certain disgraceful actions. She was arrested and confessed that Ery Miller and herself had been in there all that night. Miller was soon hunted up and the justice before whom they were arraigned, fined them $50 and costs each, amounting to $109, and sentenced them to the county jail until such fine and costs were paid.

This is the most disgraceful proceeding that has come to light for a long time. The heinousness of the offense demanded all they got—not taking into consideration the fact that the church of God was defiled by their actions. No punishment can be too severe for them.

The startling intelligence was vouchsafed by the young reprobate, that he or some other—which, is not quite clear—had frequently done this. When our people are subject, not only to the disgrace of such proceedings but to the desecration of their place of worship, it is high time we move ourselves and get rid of such characters as Kansas City is now doing—expel them by force from our midst, with a warning never to return.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.

Hon. W. P. Hackney was down from Winfield, Saturday, representing the state in the case against Alida Vandermark and D. F. Best. Criminals must expect trouble when that holy terror, Bill Hackney, gets after them.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1885.

Police Court.

Things have been somewhat livelier in this line for the past week.

City of Ark. City vs. Ery Miller, complaint of E. A. Barron, president of the M. E. Church Board of Trustees, plead not guilty; fined $50 and costs, total $54.50, sentenced to the county jail until such fine and costs are paid.

Ditto vs. Alida Vandermark, same complaint, fine and sentence.

Justice Court.

State vs. Alida Vandermark, unlawful cohabiting as married, $5 and costs, total $31.18, committed to county jail.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 31, 1885.

A youth by the name of Ery Miller and a maiden by the name of Alida Vandermark were arrested last Saturday morning for desecrating the M. E. Church. At their trial before Judge Kreamer, they were found guilty and fined $50 each and costs. They were taken to Winfield to expatiate their crime in the county bastille.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 5, 1885.

Ery Miller and Alida Vandermark recently desecrated the Methodist church at Arkansas City by lodging therein; and the Traveler loudly condemns the heinous offense, and the authorities sat down on the rapscallions a hundred dollars’ worth, which they were unable to pay and languish in the county bastille.

A FEW WOMANLY POINTS AND ARGUMENTS.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.

In view of the coming municipal election, at which time the voters of this city are to use the responsible privilege of choosing officers to govern our city, schools, etc., it being of importance to have men elected who will be on duty when our persons or property are in danger, a number of the ladies of the W. C. T. U., who help to sustain the treasury of our city and county by taxation (without representation), think it a duty we owe ourselves and those mutually interested, to use the only privilege given us, free speech, in defense of our homes and firesides.

We have been drawn into a discussion of the proper enforcement of the laws of chastity and temperance, not from any seeking of our own, but incidentally, and we believe providentially. Not wishing to injure anyone, but believing the transactions of all good men and women will bear investigation, we go to the public record and find the expense of the grand jury for November, 1884, to be $918. We do not object to the calling of the grand jury under existing circumstances; but we do object to the necessity of calling it, and are sure, if the city officers had done their duty, that much of the expense might have been saved.

We also learn in the investigation the astonishing fact that the salary of the mayor is one dollar per annum, making his services, of course, gratuitous. “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” Much cannot be expected of any man performing his duty without remuneration. Pay the mayor an honest compensation for his labor that citizens may feel free to call upon him to enforce laws, and he to spend the time necessary to attend to the sanitary and moral condition of the city. Also, we would suggest a more critical watch over the city officers, with a proper remuneration for the services of all, and that when they have done their duty in arresting offenders and placing them in the hands of the court, that the law be strictly enforced, with due regard for penalties, that the law may become a terror to evil doers and the majesty of our court sustained.

This brings us to a disagreeable subject, but one which we think needs to be noticed, because of many false rumors connected with it. Our city has always, we believe, and nobly, too, refused to license houses of ill fame; nevertheless, they have been allowed to flourish in our midst, with frequent arrests for drunkenness and other intolerable misdemeanors. The offenders have been thrown into jail; fined ten dollars and costs, and turned loose to fester anew, until arrested and the same farce gone through with again. Thus it was at our last term of court with one Mollie Burke, who, according to the record, was brought before the court on the 20^th day of January, 1885; the defendant was placed before the bar, was asked if she had any council, and answered in the negative. She was asked if she desired any council, she answered she did not; thereupon she was required to plead to the indictment of the grand jury, to which said defendant plead guilty. Her plea was, therefore, considered, ordered, and adjudged by the court that she pay the fine of ten dollars, the costs of the prosecution, taxed at $21.45, and that she stand committed to the county jail until such fine and costs are paid; and it is further adjudged by the court that the said Mollie Burke executed to the State of Kansas a good and sufficient bond with sufficient sureties in the sum of three hundred dollars, conditioned that she keep the peace for the term of two years from this date, and that she stand committed until such securities be given. On January 20^th she was again brought before the court with council, when a motion was made for a modification of the foregoing penalties. Hearing an affidavit on the motion, the court sustained it, and she was relieved from giving bond for good behavior, to keep the peace, etc. She was therefore ordered to be discharged. With these facts before us, we beg leave to ask what has been accomplished for morality, good order, and the general well being of society by the large outlay of money by the county, as above mentioned? The prisoner found herself in the same position after all this as before, and with very little expense and trouble to herself.

Another question we would like right here to ask: by what course of reasoning was the account of the W. C. T. U. for seven dollars and twenty-one cents expended for Lida Vandermark refused by the council on the ground she was not a pauper, when we see one week later an account of seven and a half dollars allowed for the same person as a pauper? O, consistency, thou art a jewel!

Again we ask, what incentive can we have to labor for the advancement of morality, when such hindrances are continually thrown in our way by officials of the law elected by yourselves? And we ask all thoughtful, candid, law-abiding citizens to think well on these things. It is true we have no place to put these persons, either to punish or reform. Let us build a reformatory for women, enlarge the jail for men, and then mete out justice equally to all; and, with the blessing of God, we will begin the work of reform in earnest, and try to teach that virtue is as honorable in men of all ages as it is lovely in women.

Some time ago, when the engine was located for our water-works, one place was condemned because it was near pig-pens and a slaughter-house; nevertheless the water riffled by them as clear on the surface as at other places; but these wise men knew it was not healthy, notwithstanding its apparent purity and placidity. So with our city beautiful for situation, with every God-given advantage, and with, we believe, when troubled, “it casteth up mire and dirt,” but like the chain pump in our cisterns, we believe agitation will purify, and with the disinfectants of honest officers and an equal enforcement of the law, the moral condition will be improved.

We find there are in the City of Winfield 1,488 children of school age and that the enrollment for the year is 1,150, which leaves 138 children out of school. We are told almost daily, in newspapers, from platform and pulpit, that education is the bulwark of our free government; that every child should be taught the genius of our institutions that he may compare with others and learn to appreciate the blessings he enjoys. We have also the figures of $9,000 as about the cost of the new east ward schoolhouse. So the cost of one grand jury is about one ninth that of a good school building needed to meet a crying demand for another to accommodate the 300 and more children, who are loafing around our streets learning wickedness. Now we ask a redress for these ills and believe there is no better remedy than to make our laws a terror to evil doers, which will produce economy in the outlay for criminals, and enable us to make a more liberal expenditure for education, with wiser laws to compel attendance at school, during the whole school year.

W. C. T. U.

A CARD.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 2, 1885.

To the W. C. T. U.:

From your article published April 1^st, in regard to the administration of the city government in relation to the immoralities practiced in Winfield, I am irresistibly led to the conclusion that you are grossly ignorant of the facts or else maliciously intended to misrepresent. Now, if you desire light rather than darkness, and mean business rather than gush or twaddle, call at my office and I will give you such an explanation as will enable you to talk with some degree of intelligence on the Vandermark matter. GEORGE EMERSON.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIR.

The Last Meeting of the Old Council, Monday Evening.

A Big Grist Ground Out.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 9, 1885.

The old City Council held its last meeting Monday evening.

The Committee previously appointed to look up the matter of adjusting city order number 241, given to Winfield Water Company in July, 1884, recommended that the City pay one thousand dollars of the order, and issue a new one for the balance, due February 17^th, 1886, bearing seven percent interest, which was adopted.

The Committee on opening the street west of Courier Place recommended that the City purchase the ground and immediately lay out the street.

The following pauper claims were referred to the County Commissioners for payment: A. H. Doane & Co., coal, $15.95; J. N. Harter, goods and medicines, $12. O’Meara & Randolph, shoes, $1.25; George Emerson, medical attendance, $22.50; claims of J. C. Long, groceries, etc., amounting to $106.50.

HAPPY WOMEN.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.

There are at least four happy women in Winfield: Mrs. Dr. Emerson, Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mrs. Col. Whiting, and Mrs. Millington. The latter we know most about. She makes a fire to cook a meal of victuals with as little work and trouble as it takes to light a gas light, much less than it takes to light a lamp. She changes her cook stove fire to little or much by a mere turn of the wrist, cooks everything nicely and as quickly as is desirable, with no trouble and little work, bakes, boils, broils, fries, stews, and fricassees with equal facility, does not have to handle wood, kindlings, coal, coal oil, or gasoline; but her fire is always ready and always goes out instantly with a slight turn, when she is through with it. She has no fear of explosions or conflagrations, but is perfectly secure, and cooks with half the work required for wood stoves, coal stoves, oil stoves, or gasoline stoves. Besides her fuel is as cheap as any other and no bother to get.

She has a gas cooking stove and her fuel is supplied by the gas company. We believe the other ladies mentioned are equally happy in the same way. Several other ladies of this city are going to join the procession to unalloyed domestic bliss.

Since our wife got her gas stove, four days ago, she has not scolded a single scold, nor asked us for a single dollar. She has found no fault with our clothes or our doings, and she even smiles when we come late to dinner. Who would not have a gas cooking stove?

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 23, 1885.

MRS. ANNA QUARLES THE VICTIM.

An act was perpetrated Thursday night between the hours of twelve and one that makes a very dark spot on the fair name of Winfield. The home of Mrs. Anna Quarles, widow of Col. Quarles, so well known in days gone by, was entered by some damnable demon and she nearly beaten to death as she lay in her bed. A DAILY COURIER reporter called at the house on Riverside avenue, a block east of the Santa Fe depot, and found Mrs. Quarles lying in bed and suffering terrible pain. Just above her right temple was an awful gash about two inches long and to the bone, evidently made with some blunt instrument; her right shoulder and arm were beaten black and blue, her eyes swollen nearly shut, and other marks of violence. She said: “I was partially awakened last night by footsteps in my room. I thought it was one of the children and said, “Who’s there?” Before I had aroused from my comatose condition, a low flash came from the lamp, and before I could look around, I was struck an awful blow on the head. This stunned me for a second, when I screamed: “Murder! Murder!! And tried to rise from the bed. The blows, from what seemed to me to be a heavy cane or club, came thick and fast on my head and shoulders. I threw my arm up; and as I did so, a fearful blow was given me on my left side. I was sightless from fright and pain and could do nothing but scream for mercy. Everything came so suddenly that I could distinguish nothing. I got from my bed—I don’t know how—and with blood streaming down my face rushed into the street, when Mr. C. C. Pierce and other neighbors came to my assistance. I have only a faint recollection of the circumstances. Can’t tell whether there was more than one person attacked me or not—was too badly stunned and frightened to realize anything. Hardly knew what had been done until it was all over, and not till this morning did I know all. With my recalling memory, I think it was a large man who beat me. I have not an enemy in the world that I know of, and have no idea what caused this brutal assault. No attempt, whatever, was made to outrage my person—all was with the club and no words were spoken. Think I must have left the door unlocked last night, but don’t know. My youngest child was sleeping with me, and the others in that bed (a small bed in the corner of the same room). Don’t know what they did, but think they screamed also. The children say they don’t know what kind of a person it was.” Mrs. Quarles moved into this house last Monday. It is a small box house with two rooms, fronting north. Her bed was just to the right of the door on entering and the other bed was in the southeast corner, just back of hers. The stand on which sat the lamp was a few feet from her bed to the left of the entrance. The floor and sidewalk where she went during the terrible assault were lined with blood. Mrs. Quarles is a woman about thirty years of age, of frail and delicate physique, and has seen a hard time in the last few years. She has three children, the oldest about eight years and the youngest four. Since the death of her husband, nearly three years ago, the only means of subsistence for herself and family have been her own exertions, with rent to pay. During the past winter she has been almost constantly sick, and dependent upon neighborly assistance. She is accomplished and fairly winsome. Her circumstances in early life were such as to make present circumstances terribly humiliating to her natural pride and ambition. Her ambition to do for herself and be free from the charity of others is traceable to her winter’s feebleness. This brutal assault is very mysterious. One of the theories advanced by general gossip is that for some years there lived in this house a family whose domestic infelicity was the talk of the neighborhood. His threats were deep and loud. A year ago he departed for other pastures, and she soon after obtained a divorce. Since his departure the widow has occupied this house. Last week she took onto herself another husband, and together they vacated the premises last Saturday. Monday morning Mrs. Quarles moved in. Certain parties were almost positive that they saw the person in question in this city Thursday. This gave rise to the theory that he had returned in a rage at his former wife’s re-marriage and with vengeance in his heart and blood in his eye sought the house where he supposed she still lived to beat her to death. The screams showing his mistaken victim, he suddenly decamped. To ascertain whether this man had been in the city during the past few days, the DAILY COURIER reporter visited the Santa Fe and Southern Kansas trains, interviewed the conductors, train, and depot men, Arthur Bangs, and everyone likely to know whether he came in, and found no trace whatever of his arrival. No one but the woman before named had seen anything of him, and she couldn’t swear to identity. This theory is doubtless without foundation. The man was so well known that he couldn’t get in and out of the city stealthily enough to avoid recognition. Another theory is that local jealousy did it, with a woman at the bottom. This case is so dark and unfathomable that every circumstance that seems in the least plausible is greedily devoured by a curious public, and much injustice is likely to be done. Mrs. Quarles stands well among her neighbors, none of them attributing for a moment the awful deed to any action of hers. That the scoundrelly savage was prompted by no desire to satisfy his animal passions is plain from the manner of the assault. That he did not enter for robbery is also very evident. The surroundings and circumstances were far from burglarious. He went into that house with murder in his heart, and the brutal determination and weapon with which to beat out life. The whole circumstances show nothing else. Our officers are following up every link in the case and will likely reveal something soon—If it can be done.

Several parties who reside near the Santa Fe depot report having seen a man on horse-back going down R`èÖuIMãYØ|U