ESTUS BROTHERS.

Looking for Estus involved in handling cattle...

Kansas 1875 Census, Silverdale Township, Cowley County, 3/1/1875.

Name                     age sex  color              Place/birth                    Where from

A. Estus                 55    m     w                        Kentucky                           Texas

J. Estus             45     f      w                       Kentucky                           Texas

C. Estus                 14    m     w                        Kentucky                           Texas

R. Estus                  17     f      w                       Kentucky                           Texas

A. Estus                 13    m     w                        Kentucky                           Texas

 

W. T. Estus            28    m     w                        Kentucky                           Texas

J. J. Estus               25    m     w                        Kentucky                           Texas

Census records showed all of the above “Estus” people in Silverdale Township in the March 1, 1875, Census, though the last two were separated from the rest.

Believe the two “Estus Brothers” who went into the cattle business were “W. T. Estus,” referred to as “William T.” and “J. J. Estus,” later referred to as “James J. Estus.”

J. J. Estus...James Estus, age 21, Spring Creek Township 1873 Census.

 

[TEACHERS’ CERTIFICATES.]

Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.

The following is a list of teachers who were granted certif­icates at the examination held at Arkansas City, October 17th, 1873.

Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.

William T. Estus is the new postmaster at Silver Dale.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1876.

J. J. ESTUS writes us from San Juan, Colorado, sending some specimens of ore, and saying that that country is not what it is “cracked up” to be, but much the same as a lottery—one fellow draws the prize and the rest go hungry. He says there are some very rich mines opened up, but the chances are against a poor man.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 2, 1876.

ARRIVAL at the Central Avenue House during the past week.

                                                    W. T. Estus, East Cowley.

[COWLEY COUNTY MINER: MR. J. J. ESTUS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1876. Front Page.

We clip the following notice of Mr. J. J. Estus’ mine from the Silver World, published at Lake City, Hinsdale County, Colorado.

“The Kansas Jim is owned by J. J. Estus. It is worked down some 15 feet, and gives every encouragement to the owner that he has a fortune near at hand. Mr. Estus is also half owner of the Susan Hubbard, having sold one-half to a citizen of Kansas. This lode is very wide, and shows remarkably well on top. It would not surprise me if millions should be realized from it. A lode of this showing, if located near Virginia City, would sell for a large sum of money.”

Many of our people will remember Mr. Estus, who used to reside at Maple City, and later on Grouse Creek. He seems to have “struck it rich” in the mining districts.

[SILVERDALE TOWNSHIP: ELECTION OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, November 1, 1876.

At a meeting of the citizens of Silverdale Township, without regard to party, the following action was taken. The meeting was organized by L. Lippmann being called to the chair, and Mr. Anderson, Secretary. Upon motion, it was voted that the selec­tion of trustees be made by ballot. B. A. Davis and Daniel Grant were then placed in nomination, the result being Mr. Davis received thirteen votes and Mr. Grant three. Mr. B. A. Davis was declared the nominee.

The following officers were chosen by acclamation: S. Catrell, Clerk; Wm. Estus, Treasurer; Justices, W. S. Coburn and D. Francisco; Constables, W. I. Gilman and H. L. C. Gilstrap. Road Overseers chosen as follows: 1st Dist., Mathias Hoyt; 2nd Dist., H. W. Chancey; 3rd Dist., J. B. Splawn; 4th Dist., Alonzo Butterfield; 5th Dist., J. P. Mussulman.            L.

[TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, November 8, 1876.

The following officers were nominated in the different townships, and most of them are probably elected.

Silverdale Township. For Justices of the Peace. W. S. Coburn, D. Francisco; for Constables, W. I. Gilman, H. L. C. Gilstrap; for Township Trustee, B. A. Davis; for Township Treasurer, Wm. Estus; for Township Clerk, S. Cattrell; for Road Overseers: Dist. No. 1, Mathias Hoyt; Dist. No. 2, H. W. Chancey; Dist. No. 3, J. B. Splawn; Dist. No. 4, Alonzo Butterfield; Dist. No. 5, J. P. Musselman.

[TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ELECTED NOVEMBER 7, 1876.]

Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876. Editorial Page.

Silverdale Township:

B. A. Davis, Trustee; S. Catrell, Clerk; W. T. Estus, Treasurer; W. S. Coburn, J. P.; H. L. C. Gilstrap and W. S. Gilman, Constables.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 22, 1876.

                                              SCHOOL BOND ELECTION.

A vote was taken on the proposition to vote $1,000 to build a schoolhouse in District No. 35, in Silverdale Township, last Monday, and was carried. During the voting, a discussion arose between Will Estus and Charles Hawkins, resulting in the drawing of knives. Otherwise, every­thing was quiet.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 29, 1876.

                                                          LINES TO SUIT.

                                   A Few More Facts for Our County Surveyor.

Editor Traveler:

For some inscrutable purpose, Providence sent W. W. Walton into the world, scarce half made up in brains, to vilify and abuse others through the columns of his dirty sheet, and as he has seen fit to attack me personally, I claim your indulgence to reply.

Every sentence contains a lie. To his first charge of leaving Illinois, I will only say that I was not the clerk in the House of Representatives who was kicked out of the back door of a fourth rate hotel at Topeka for having a mass of corruption in his room.

He lies when he says I sold land (or told him I did), describing it by metes and bounds. Walton swore that the corner he moved “had the usual marks of a Government corner.” You may believe him under oath or not, as you like.

He lied when he said I tried to steal land of Mr. Acton. I never claimed an acre of land that Mr. Acton claimed, or thought I owned any, until Walton, while surveying for Mr. Acton, cut off several acres of Mr. Acton’s land and gave them to me; and if I “tried to steal the land,” it must have been through this County official that I did it. I still hold the land, given me by this honest official, which (as he says) I tried to steal.

He was either a dishonest scoundrel in giving me Mr. Acton’s land, or a liar in making the charge.

I tried “to steal land from Mr. Myers.” Had he let the old corner stand, I should not have got the springs by eight rods, according to the field notes. He moved the corner about eleven rods and I now hold the springs (worth to my place five hundred dollars) by about three rods; so the fact still remains, that by moving the corner eleven rods, he gave me the spring by about three rods. Many thanks, Mr. Walton, whether you were paid for it or not.

Now, I assert that he lied, or ought to have known it was false, when he said I had a suit with Mr. Kay and had the costs to pay. The court, as the records show, ordered the costs on Mr. Kay, who paid them like a man. By his bungling, or ignorance of surveying (more likely the latter), he succeeded in getting us into trouble. Mr. Kay is out of pocket fully two hundred dol­lars, which he would have in his pocket today, but for that swell head, who promised to see him out, only to send him a bill of over ten dollars for his lordship’s attendance as witness.

He lied, and knew he was lying, when he said any one of the witnesses, either directly or indirectly, uttered a single word under oath that could be construed as reflecting on me.

He utters one truth when he says he was a witness in that case. He was, and he swore that “he had pencilings of the Government field notes.”

Finally, this brainless figure-head of the Courier says, “The TRAVELER gave Skinner a terrible skinning a short time ago.” This statement will be branded as a lie by every reader of the TRAVELER.

Come out, Wirt, for once, and act the man. Don’t try to cover your tracks by the old cry of “Stop, thief!” For your sake, and with the sincere hope that you may reform, I will not in this place ask you to explain how it is that your bills, to the extent of fifty dollars at a lick, are rejected by the County Commissioners. I will not produce the records to show that you have taken hundreds of dollars out of the tax-payers’ pockets, to pay for platting private surveys, and to which you had no legal right, whatever.

Now, Wirt, if you will reform, I will not speak of your survey where W. T. Estus, J. C. Smith, and others were interested—never lisp a word about little wash bills. And should you ever become a candidate again, you might get more than one vote in East Bolton—always provided that you can convince the public that you have truly reformed.

                                                         Wm. B. SKINNER.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 6, 1876.

MR. ESTUS, of the Colorado San Juan mining country, will spend the winter on Grouse Creek, and return to his claim in the spring.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 20, 1877.

                                                     NEW POSTMASTER.

W. T. ESTUS, late P. M. at Silverdale P. O., gave up possession of that office to Israel Tipton on Saturday evening last.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 11, 1877.

                                                MAPLE CITY, June 28, 1877.

Friend Scott: I am in trouble. For six months or more there has regularly appeared, at the tail of my name, a phonetic specimen of writing, which at first, not understanding what it meant, looked quite funny, but soon the funny part of it left and it began to worry me. I commenced getting nervous whenever I took the TRAVELER out of the office and found that tail end still attached to my name. Soon the nervous symptoms began to give way for the more dreaded ones of the galloping consumption. Now, unless I can persuade you to stop that way of doing, you will certainly have my obitu­ary notice to write in a very short time. I thought for a time it was one of your gentlemanly duns, and I sent $2 by W. T. Estus and got a receipt from you showing that my subscription was paid up two weeks or more in advance of the receipt, which was May 27, 1877. Now rise and explain by return mail if you please. Yours,

                                                              H. S. LIBBY.

The joke is too good to keep, so we publish Mr. Libby’s letter. He is the oldest subscriber we have at Maple City, and his name appears first on the list. The mailing clerk, in making up each “pack” puts a mark in phonography, for short, indicating what post office the pack goes to, so that when they are all made up and ready to be wrapped, the top paper shows the address. A few weeks ago we had to “explain” to the Wichita Eagle, and later the Oxford Independent inquired, and now comes Mr. Libby to cap the climax. ED.

[COMMUNICATION FROM J. J. ESTUS—COLORADO.]

Arkansas City Traveler, October 3, 1877.

                                 LAKE CITY, COLORADO, September 22, 1877.

Having spent two summers in the San Juan mines, I would respectfully solicit room in your columns to communicate to many friends in Cowley County.

My headquarters at present is Lake City, the champion mining camp of San Juan. The city is neatly laid out and substantially built. The principal business streets will compare favorably with any city west of the Mississippi. Four smelters and reduc­tion works are now in successful operation, and the tons of glittering ore that is piled in the yards and constantly arriv­ing, establishes the fact that the precious metals exist in paying quantities in the vicinity. Several good leads have been developed during the present summer, and the sharp click of the pick and drill and the loud peal of blasts coming from every cliff and crevice indicate the mere presence of the prospector.

My advice to those desiring to come here is to bring excel­lence. This is a rich mining country yet in its infancy, skilled labor is in good demand. If you bring capital, the chances are that you will get it swamped before you learn to apply it to the local wants of the country. If you bring cattle and horses from the rich pastures of Southern Kansas, you will perhaps find the limited market supplied, and prices very low. If you expect to trade your rich farming lands for rich developed mines, you will find yourself badly sold.

But if you come with the intention of applying yourself to the wants of the country, you will be received with a hearty welcome and find a rich field to operate in.

We are now having splendid September weather, though the ground has already been several times covered to the depth of four inches with the beautiful snow.

Your lively paper is a great favorite in camp. Long may it wave. J. J. ESTUS.

[COMMUNICATION FROM “C”—SILVERDALE.]

Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1877.

                                                SILVERDALE, Oct. 23, 1877.

A slight flutter was caused in our quiet neighborhood by the meeting at Mr. Butterfield’s, on the caucus for the nomination of township officers. The results will be found below.

Trustee: J. B. Musselman.

Justices: D. Francisco, W. Butterfield.

Clerk: S. Cattrell.

Treasurer: W. T. Estus.

Constables: I. Tipton, T. Butterfield.

The store at this place, and with it the post office, has been bandied about somewhat unmercifully of late.

W. T. Estus, successor to Mr. Tipton, sold the twin concern to S. Cattrell, who has been serving Uncle Sam for about a week, but at this writing, Dan Grant is spoken of as the coming mer­chant and postmaster.

Mr. Warren has sold his cattle to the Freeman boys, who with Messrs. Austin & Haynes intend herding in the Territory during the winter. C.

James Estus, on Red Rock...

Arkansas City Traveler, May 26, 1880.

                                            CATTLE IN THE TERRITORY.

The Caldwell Post states that there are 40,000 head of cattle west of the Chisholm trail in the Indian Territory. The following herds, held east of the trail, south and west of Arkansas City, will swell the number to 60,000.

Cocanut, on the trail: 2,575 [?L. M. Kokernut]

Gilch & Wait: 300

Burress, on Salt Fork: 300

Capt. Nipp, on Shawascaspa: 150

Kincaid, on Thompson creek: 600

Bates & Beal, on Thompson creek: 2,000

Gatliff & Dixon, on Bitter creek: 200

Jas. Hamilton & Co., Pond creek: 3,000

Jas. Estus, on Red Rock: 200

Potter, on Red Rock: 300

Badley, on Red Rock: 160

Dean Bros., on Bear creek: 600

Wiley & Libby, on Bear creek: 400

Musgrove, on Polecat: 600

Malalla, on Pond creek: 2,900

Richmond, on Shawascaspa: 600

Riney, on Inman creek: 400

Manning, on Thompson creek: 600

Dunn & Co., on Deer creek: 700

Cloverdale & Stafford, on Bodoc: 300

R. A. Houghton, on Bodoc: 150

In addition to these there are a number along the State line, and several herds in the Nation, the number of which we did not learn.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 18, 1880.

The following is the central committee for the 89th Repre­sentative district, elected at Dexter on the 7th, of which G. H. McIntire is chairman.

Creswell: George McIntire.

Cedar: James Utt.

Pleasant Valley: A. H. Broadwell.

Bolton: D. P. Marshall.

Spring Creek: James Gilleland.

Beaver: G. W. Brown.

Liberty: H. W. Stubblefield.

Silverdale: W. T. Estus.

Windsor: George Reynolds.

Otter: A. A. Mills.

[REPORT FROM “GRANGER” IN SILVERDALE.]

Winfield Courier, December 16, 1880.

Our stockmen have had a great deal of trouble with their cattle during the late cold snap, through the stock straying off. The Estus brothers lost over one hundred head and other herds are in the same fix. GRANGER.

[“OBSERVER” FROM SILVERDALE.]

Arkansas City Traveler, January 5, 1881.

Rumor says W. T. Estus has gone to Colorado for a life partner.

[REPORT FROM “SCHOOL BOY” - SILVERDALE.]

Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.

J. J. Estus came up from Red Rock, Indian Territory, last week, and reports grass is coming up slowly, many cattle dying, especially cows and calves. After such a severe winter, they were in poor condition for such a cold backward spring and as a consequence cattle men will lose heavily. The round ups begin this week.

Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.

Cowley County stock men are largely represented on Red Rock and Black Bear creeks in the Territory. Among the number are: Wiley, Eaton, Potter, Estus, Libby, and Warren; while in other parts of the Territory are Houghton, Henderson, Nipp, Walker Bros., Berry Bros., Dean Bros., Shriver, and others.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 11, 1881.

The keeping of stock in the Indian Territory has, of late years, assumed quite considerable importance as a business, many of our best citizens being engaged therein. Among the Cowley County men now holding stock in the Territory, we may mention the following: On Red Rock and Black Bear creeks are Messrs. Eaton, Potter, Estus, Libby, Wiley, and Warren; while in other parts of the Territory are Houghton, Henderson, Nipp, Walker Bros., Berry Bros., Dean Bros., Shriver, and others.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 6, 1881.

BIRTH. Jim Estus, of Silverdale, who is most of the time in the Territory, came home last week and found that the rights of his home had been encroached upon by another gentleman. Things looked kinder ________ for awhile, but on consideration of said stranger, it only weighing nine pounds, Jim put off the day of retribution for a few years.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 6, 1881.

Mr. W. T. Estus, of Silverdale, called upon us last week, and from him we learned that the wheat harvest is all over, and the average yield for that township is light. His own wheat was a total failure, owing to the dry spell and the chinch bug. Corn, however, is looking splendid, and one more rain will make early corn a sure and good crop.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 13, 1881.

Cyrus Wilson, of Cottonwood Falls, recently bought of Dean Bros., Estus, Weathers, and others, over 800 head of cattle, which will be held in the Territory, south of here, till disposed of.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 3, 1882.

Our old friend and subscriber, J. J. Estus, of Silverdale, dropped into our print shop last week, and of course put himself in good shape on the TRAVELER books, for which he has our thanks. He was accompanied by W. C. Denny, of Lincoln, Illinois, who is visiting Kansas with a view of purchasing a farm and making a permanent location.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 14, 1882.

                                                STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

Last Monday evening during the storm a bolt of lightning struck a flock of sheep belonging to T. R. Johns, which they were holding one and a half miles north of J. J. Estus’ place in Silverdale township. Three herders were stunned, their horses knocked down, and several sheep killed, beyond which no permanent harm resulted.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1882.

J. J. Estus passed through the city Monday with a lot of ponies for their ranche in the Territory.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 12, 1882.

The only casualty on the Fourth was Mr. Estus’ team running away. Mr. Estus and child were in the wagon and were thrown out, but luckily were not injured. The team was caught and no damage to speak of was done.

Caldwell Journal, July 12, 1883.

                                               BOARD OF ARBITRATION.

                                                           Second Session.

The Board met on the 5th day of July. The first case, Windsor & Roberts vs. Hodges & Stewart, compromised.

Next in order was the continued case of Blair, Battin & Cooper vs. Windsor Bros. The board decided that the plaintiffs were entitled to all the lands in controversy.

The case of Colson & McAtee vs. Campbell Lynch. Mr. Colson being an interested party, withdrew from the Board and Mr. D. Donovan was appointed in his place pro tem. After hearing the testimony, the Board divided the ground in dispute equally between the two parties.

P. S. Burroughs vs. G. W. Gardenhire. The Board gave Burroughs a strip about two miles wide, considerably less than he claimed.

Cases No. 6, 7, 8, and 9, being those of J. V. Andrews vs. R. H. Campbell, Conner, Tucker, Mills, Blackstone, Sterns, Kennedy & Co., and Creswell & Co. The defendants failed to appear on two adjournments, and ample notice. The Board therefore decided that defendants were not entitled to any rights on range claimed by Andrews.

The next in order was the case of H. Hoskirk vs. McLain & Foss. Settled by agreement.

Next case was that of B. H. Campbell vs. Bates & Co. The Board decided that Bates & Co., were not entitled to any of the range in controversy outside of their present pasture fence, and that the defendants were entitled to all range inside their fence.

C. Lynch vs. Crane & Larimer, next occupied the attention of the Board. The decision was to the effect that Mr. Lynch was entitled to all the range claimed.

The following cases were continued, until next meeting of the Board.

Bridge & Wilson vs. Windsor Bros.

Robert Estock vs. Rees & Stoller.

Mr. Chambers vs. Windsor & Roberts.

The case of Lynch vs. Crane & Larimer was appealed to the Board of Directors.

The Board practically closed its work today for the present session, and adjourned to meet again on the 23rd inst., notice of which is given in another column.

The last case decided was that of F. Y. Ewing vs. The Salt Fork and Eagle Chief Pool. The decision of the Board was to the effect that the fence between the Pool and Ewing should be the permanent line between the ranges of the parties in contest.

The following cases before the Board were continued until its next meeting.

1. Windsor & Roberts vs. Beach & Welch.

2. Windsor & Roberts vs. W. W. Wicks.

3. Windsor & Roberts vs. Estus & Bros.

4. Windsor & Roberts vs. Tomlinson [Tomlin] & Webb.

5. Peter Stewart vs. The Wyeth & St. Jo. Cattle Co., E. M. Ford, Manager.

6. O. D. & H. H. Halsell vs. E. M. Ford.

Next two items not fully understood...

Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1883.

The board of arbitration, recently in session at Caldwell, allowed Mr. Chambers his range on the state line, but cut the Estus brothers’ range down nearly one-half, as they also did that of Mr. Wicks. Mr. Beach was allowed nearly all of his. We learn that several of the cases will be appealed to the board of directors.

Caldwell Journal, August 30, 1883.

                                                         Arbitration Notes.

Since our last issue, the Board of Arbitration have decided the following cases.

Roberts & Windsor vs. W. W. Wicks and same against Estus Bros. The Board gave defendants in these two cases a combined range of 24,000 acres.

Caldwell Journal, November 22, 1883.

                                       Cherokee Strip Live Stock Association.

                                        Proceedings of the Board of Directors.

The Board met in Caldwell on Tuesday, November 13th, pursuant to adjournment, and met from day to day until Monday, November 19th.

Present: Ben S. Miller, president, and a full board.

The Board decided as to who were members of the Association, and ordered certificates to be issued to all parties who had paid the first assessment and held undisputed ranges on the Cherokee Strip.

It was also ordered that the treasurer refund the $10 fee paid him by parties not entitled to membership.

In the cases of Windsor & Roberts vs. Estus Bros., and Windsor & Roberts vs. W. W. Wicks, the Board decided as follows.

That the ranges of Estus Bros., and W. W. Wicks shall commence at a point on the north line of the Ponca reservation half way between Bodark and Deer Creek; thence running north, or nearly so, to a point eleven miles north, and half way between Bodark and Deer Creek; thence east to East Bodark, and down East Bodark on the west side to where Miller’s branch empties into East Bodark; thence east to the Ponca trail, and south along said trail to the Ponca reservation; thence along the north line of the reservation to place of beginning; and that the Black Dog trail shall be the dividing line between said Estus Bros., and W. W. Wicks.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 2, 1884.

Parties owning live stock of any kind will do well to read the Estus Bros. Notice in another column.

AD. WANTED, 500 or more head of cattle to pasture on a range in the Indian Territory. Address, ESTUS BROS., Arkansas City, Kansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, April 9, 1884.

NOT GOING TO GIVE A BREAKDOWN ON BRANDS COMPLETE WITH ILLUSTRATIONS IN APRIL 9, 1884, ISSUE OF TRAVELER...TOO MANY...SOME TOO HARD TO READ! JUST LISTING NAMES!

1. H. H. SHERBURNE.

2. W. J. POLLOCK.

3. R. A. HOUGHTON.

4. C. M. SCOTT.

5. J. N. FLORER.

6. N. W. PARVIN.

7. J. C. TOPLIFF.

8. E. R. BARROUGH.

9. ESTUS BROS.

    10. DRURY WARREN.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 30, 1884.

RECAP OF STOCK BRAND OWNERS LISTED IN APRIL 30, 1884, ISSUE OF ARKANSAS CITY TRAVELER.

 1. J. H. SHERBURNE.

 2. W. J. POLLOCK.

 3. R. A. HOUGHTON.

 4. J. N. FLORER.

 5. N. W. PARVIN.

       6. WILLOW SPRINGS STOCK RANCH [PINK FOUTS, MANAGER]...

       NOTED THAT O I L WAS USED ON LEFT HIP OF HORSES AND THAT

       O I L WAS USED ON EITHER SIDE OF CATTLE.

 7. J. C. TOPLIFF.

 8. E. R. BARROUGH.

 9. ESTUS BROS.

10. DRURY WARREN.

11. C. M. SCOTT.

12. BURKE & MARTIN   - P. O. Address, Red Rock, Indian Territory. Range on the Cimarron river, south of McClellan’s. Horse Brand: [?] on left shoulder. Cattle are branded on both sides. [B & M]

13. T. J. Gilbert & Co.

14. J. B. NIPP.

15. STEWART, HODGES & SNYDER, WINFIELD and ARKANSAS CITY.

Range on Turkey and Possum creeks, west of Ponca Agency, I. T.

Horse brand same as cattle.

Ear marks—Smooth crop on left and smaller fork and over-bit on right. LOOKED LIKE Sh with bar underneath on cattle depicted.

16. T. E. BERRY & BROS.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1884.

                                                             Good Farming.

Mr. J. J. Estus, one of Silverdale’s most thrifty farmers, dropped in long enough to report fine crops and lots of them. Mr. Estus is one of the systematic farmers—a man who attends to his farm with the same care that a merchant bestows upon his business. One rule in his farming is especially worthy of attention just now among that class of farmers whose weeds are as high again as their corn, and that is, never pass a cockle-bur, or a patch of them, even if it takes half a day to extricate them. He has a man employed as a general farm hand the entire year, and his instructions are to pull this weed up wherever it is seen, whether crops are growing there or not, and as a result, just half a dozen cockle-burs were found last week in a fifty acre lot of corn. This is only one of the many items that need careful looking after on a farm, but it shows what perseverance and steady work will do. Too many farmers become shiftless, or at least do not carry their warfare against weeds any farther than the ground in cultivation, when the only true way is to not allow these rank growing enemies of good crops to obtain a foothold in the remotest part of your farm. To do this requires constant watching as much in the fall and winter as in the spring; but it will pay 100 percent on the outlay of labor and money necessary to keep your fields clear. Another thing—it cultivates a habit of thriftiness in the farmer which will show itself in the general improvement of his farm, not to mention the increased value thereof.

Arkansas City Republican, June 14, 1884.

W. T. Estus came into the office Monday, and ordered THE REPUBLICAN be sent to him at Longmont, Colorado. Mr. Estus is a cousin of the Drs. Vawter and possesses qualities equal to theirs in amiability, but in politics he far surpasses them. In other words, he is a thorough Republican, and solid for Blaine and Logan, while the Vawter boys are decidedly tremulous concerning those illustrious men.

Arkansas City Republican, June 28, 1884.

W. T. Estus passed through the city Thursday on his way to Longmont, Colorado. He promised to let his friends hear from him through THE REPUBLICAN.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 30, 1884.

Republicans of Silverdale Township will meet at Silverdale schoolhouse, Saturday evening, August 2, 1884, at 8 o’clock p.m., for the purpose of organizing a Blaine and Logan club. Speakers are invited and expected to be present. Every man who believes in protecting American labor and interests come out. J. J. Estus, L. J. Darnell, Committee.

[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, August 27, 1884.

Entitled to seats in the convention: Silverdale: J. B. Splawn, J. J. Estus, J. N. Fleharty.

[BLAINE AND LOGAN CLUB: COWLEY COUNTY.]

Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.

                                          Organization of Blaine and Logan Club.

Pursuant to notice the committee appointed to organize a Cowley County Blaine and Logan Club met at the COURIER office at 2 o’clock p.m., July 19, 1884. T. H. Soward was elected President, J. R. Sumpter, Secretary, and W. J. Wilson, Treasurer. The following gentlemen were elected vice-Presidents of the Club.

Beaver, M. F. Teter; Bolton, J. D. Guthrie; Cedar, Alec Grouse; Creswell, C. T. Atkinson; Dexter, S. H. Wells; Fairview, Wm. White; Liberty, Justus Fisher; Maple, Ed. Morse; Ninnescah, A. J. Worden; Omnia, W. H. Gilliard; Otter, A. H. Mills; Pleasant Valley, D. S. Sherrard; Richland, Capt. Stuber; Rock, S. P. Strong; Sheridan, Barney Shriver; Silver Creek, J. W. Henthorn; Silverdale, J. N. Darnall; Tisdale, Hugh McKibben; Vernon, Oscar Wooley; Walnut, S. E. Burger; Windsor, R. F. Roberts; Winfield 1st Ward, W. J. Wilson; Winfield 2nd Ward, G. H. Buckman; Harvey, R. S. Strother; Spring Creek, J. J. Estus.

Motion that the Vice Presidents be instructed to organize Blaine and Logan Clubs in their townships at the earliest possible time, and report their organization and members to the President of this Club, carried. On motion the chair appointed Capt. White, W. J. Wilson, and J. R. Sumpter a committee on finance. The Club adopted as a badge a plain blue ribbon with the names of the Republican candidate for President and vice-president printed thereon. Adjourned to meet on the call of the Chairman. J. R. SUMPTER, Secretary.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 30, 1884.

The farmers and stockmen of Silverdale Township, south of the Maple City road, have organized themselves into a protective association to prevent the killing of game on their farms and ranches, and offer $10 each for every prosecution made by any member of the association, and agree to stand by the person prosecuting to the very end of the law. Among the prime movers in the matter are I. D. Harkleroad, John Irons, Mr. Showalter, C. M. Scott, Drury Warren, Estus Brothers, Squire Coburn, and others. This will put a stop to a number of hunters camping on the farms and staying as long as a quail can be seen.

Arkansas City Republican, September 13, 1884.

A slight war on Grouse Creek occurred last Tuesday. Jno. W. Irons and Jas. Estus were the combatants.

Arkansas City Republican, September 13, 1884.

Horace Vaughn, every body remembers Horace, who was a graduate of the High School last year, will be the pedagogue who presides over the school in district 35, Estus schoolhouse, in Silverdale Township.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 5, 1884.

Ad. STRAYED. A 2-year-old light bay filly, branded [ILLUSTRATION SHOWS A DIAMOND AT THE TOP AND A STRAIGHT LINE ATTACHED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE DIAMOND] on left shoulder. If mare is returned to Arkansas City, will pay a liberal reward. ESTUS BROS.

Arkansas City Traveler, Supplement, December 24, 1884.

                                                         BRANDS LISTED.

 1. LOVE BROS. [J. D. LOVE/F. A. LOVE]

 2. DRURY WARREN.

 3. WILEY & HARKNESS.

 4. B. F. CHILDS.

 5. J. A. SHOWALTER.

 6. PINK FOUTS.

 7. STEWART & SNYDER.

 8. T. E. BERRY & BROS.

 9. H. R. BARROUGH.

10. C. M. SCOTT.

11. J. C. TOPLIFF.

12. ESTUS BROS.

13. BURKE & MARTIN.

14. W. J. POLLOCK.

15. J. H. SHERBURNE.

16. R. A. HOUGHTON.

17. HEWINS & TITUS.

18. FLORER, GOULD & AYRES.

Arkansas City Republican, June 27, 1885.

A bridge across Grouse Creek is still being discussed. A portion of the township wants the bridge in the southern part and a good many desire it to be located at Gilstrap’s Ford. We are informed that Spring Creek Township says it will give $1,000 towards building a bridge at Estus’ Ford. The township, it is claimed, is unable to build two bridges. Estus’ Ford is between the points mentioned above; and as Silverdale is not likely to come to an agreement as to where the bridge will be, we will suggest that it be put at Estus’ Ford and accept Spring Creek’s proffered aid.

Arkansas City Republican, July 4, 1885.

Estus Ford is a good place to locate the Grouse Creek bridge.

Arkansas City Republican, July 4, 1885.

Ike Harkleroad was in again from Silverdale. He is still working on the Grouse Creek bridge question. He informs us that about all have concluded that Silverdale Township was not able to build two bridges and now the location is the bone of contention. If the bridge is built at Estus Ford, Spring Creek Township will aid. This place is between the Gilstrap Ford and where the southern portion of the township desired the bridge located. From what we can learn, a bridge at Estus Ford on Grouse Creek would be of the most benefit to the greater number.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 14, 1885.

We heard from Mr. Calhoun, who arrived in town on Monday, that on Saturday afternoon a fire started on the Estus ranch, and spread over the dry pasture with uncontrollable force, clearing an area four or five miles in sitem, and destroying the buildings and some portion of the fence. Hands from the adjoining ranches gathered to fight the fire, and their efforts were aided at 3 o’clock in the night by a heavy shower, which extinguished the flames. The amount of damage done we are not informed.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 21, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.

This morning a south span, the one recently put in by J. W. Canfield, of the south bridge across the Arkansas went down. Jas. Estus was driving some cattle across and they had just got on this span when it gave away, letting a number of cattle down in the “ragin Rackensack.” Ten of them were injured so badly they had to be killed outright. Others that fell in waded ashore. Mr. Estus had sold the cattle to a man by the name of Shively over in Silverdale Township and was delivering them. Steps are being taken to make the necessary repairs to make the bridge once more passable. That south bridge has been unable [? Do they mean disabled?]  for some time now, and if there is any way possible, it should be replaced with a new one.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 15, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.

Lloyd Scott, of Silverdale, was in the city today. He informs us that the state line survey runs across their entire farm almost diagonally, and passes between the well and the house. Mr. Scott also tells us of Ambrose Estus, the five-year-old son of J. J. Estus, getting kicked by a colt yesterday. Master Ambrose was driving hogs through a gate, and he happened to run up behind a colt. The animal was scared, and started to run away, and at the same time kicking up, the hoof of the colt struck the boy in the mouth. His upper lip was severely cut, but at this writing he is getting along nicely.