JOSEPH FOOS FAMILY.

[Note: In the beginning, the Winfield newspapers spelled the name correctly. It was “Foos.” Later on, they made a lot of mistakes re family and spelled the name as “Foose.” It was interesting to note that there was a creek named “Foos” in Cowley County. MAW]

Kansas 1875 Census, Winfield Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.

Name age sex color Place/birth Where from

E. Foose [Foos] 48 f w Ohio Australia

Ada Foose [Foos] 24 f w California Australia

Walnut Valley Times, August 5, 1870.

Col. W. Wright, of Springfield, Ohio, visited our town a few days since. He comes among us to look out a home, and expresses himself as highly pleased with Butler County. The Col. has been connected with the Little Miami Railroad Company for twenty-five years. He possesses integrity, energy, and intelligence. We welcome such men among us with pleasure. Mr. J. Foos, from the same place, was in company with Col. Wright. He left Ohio in 1849—went to California shortly after Fremont’s trip. Saw no building west of Westport, Missouri. Was greatly surprised to see Kansas dotted over with nice farm cottages. After remaining in California and Australia over twenty years, he comes to Kansas to engage in the profitable business of stock raising, and will bring with him others of means and influence.

Walnut Valley Times, February 2, 1872.

[From the Winfield Messenger.]

Mr. Foos will soon have his cheese factory in operation. He calculates to milk about one hundred cows. Mr. Evans of this place is engaged, and it being only three or four miles from Winfield, we may expect to buy our own home-made cheese.

Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.

THE FAIR—LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED.

Lot Nine—Short-horned Cattle—Nine Entries.

Premiums to Joseph Foos, J. H. Werden, W. Stewart, A. McClellan, W. E. Cook, E. P. Hickok.

Lot Ten—Grades and All Other Breeds—Twelve Entries.

Premiums to James Foos, John H. Davis, B. H. Lacy, T. C. Dunn, J. D. Cochran.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.

MINUTES OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY

OF COWLEY, STATE OF KANSAS, HELD AT WINFIELD,

MARCH 9TH, 1873.

Joe Foos, ser. as wit., grand jury: $2.30

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 28, 1873.

Captain Foos sold his entire lot of fine dairy cows last Monday. It was without a doubt the largest lot of domestic cows ever sold in Cowley County. The sale amounted to something like $1,200 Cash, and the Captain attributes his success to judicious advertising.

Note: The following article is hard to follow. There were no railroads at this time.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873. [Editorial Page.]

MORE ITEMS RE FARMERS’ MASS MEETING & TELEGRAM EDITOR....

ONLY GOING TO GIVE RECAP ON ONE ARTICLE.

On Saturday morning we went to Winfield expecting to meet our brother farmers and spend the day socially with them, comparing notes of crops, profits, losses, experiments, etc. We hoped to take by the hand our friend, Renfro, and inquire after his horses and colts; to ask Mr. Cochran as to his corn crops in the valley and on the uplands; to congratulate Mr. Stewart and Capt. Lowery on their fine improvements and with them much happiness in their new residences; to obtain from Mr. Clingman some valuable information in regard to growing hedge; to inquire of Mr. Andrews of his brick making enterprise, and learn whether brick can be furnished so as to take the place of wood as a building material thus saving money in the county rather than sending it to the lumber men of Wisconsin and Michigan; to ask Mr. Davis and Mr. Holcomb of their fine Swine; to obtain some valuable information from Mr. Foos in regard to the management of the dairy, etc.

We reached the place of meeting through clouds of dust, and found about three hundred people present, but not our friends: Cochran, Renfro, Stewart, Lowery, Clingman, Andrews, Foos, Holcomb, etc. A few farmers were present, but they wore either a dissatisfied look, as though they had been sold, or a hungry look as though they would give their farms for a county office.

The farmers were called to order by J. F. Paul, CIVIL ENGINEER and OFFICE-HOLDER, who was then chosen president of the day, by previous arrangement, as would seem from the set speech he delivered upon assuming the chair. Mr. Allison, EDITOR, was chosen Secretary at the meeting. . . .

The next thing on the programme was the reading by the ENGINEER from the distinguished HOTEL KEEPER, I. S. Kalloch, explaining why neither himself nor his friend, Sidney Clarke, the LIGHTNING ROD PEDDLER, could be present. . . .

We have learned from our neighbors that after dinner the train ran off the track. The public generally blame the engineer and fireman for this catastrophe. They endeavor to lay the blame upon the switchman and brakeman from Arkansas City, who certainly, if report be true, used the switch most mercilessly, and neglected to apply the brake in time to save the concern from total wreck.

Excerpts...

[FAIR NOTES.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 25, 1873.

We give this week a cursory report of the 3rd annual fair of the Cowley County Agricultural Society, held last week. Notwithstanding the dust which at times was almost stifling, the fair was quite successful and the managers are entitled to much credit for the energy and good judgment they used. We are informed by the secretary that there were over 400 entries, and more than 1,000 different articles on exhibition. We report some of the premiums as furnished us. The race horse and fast trotter had to take a back place this year, while the horse for service came to the front. The “pure agricultural horse trot” gave way to the tests of strength, and excellence was not measured by the short time required to run 300 yards. We were glad to notice some very good young stock in this department.

In the department of fine arts were some splendid articles. The oil paintings of Miss Foos and Miss Stewart, the crayons of Mrs. Howard, and the collections of photographs of Mr. Bonsall were deserved of the premiums they received.

In the department of needle and fancy work, there were many beautiful articles. We have not time to specify but give a list of those to whom premiums were awarded.

Mrs. Bonsall, Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. McLaughlin, Misses Deming, Mary Stewart, Foos, Porter, Jane Stewart, Likowski, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Mansfield, Mrs. Bostwick, and Mrs. Shepherd.

[OBITUARY: JOSEPH FOOS.]

Winfield Courier, February 11, 1875.

The death of Mr. Joseph Foos, which we chronicle in another place, cast a gloom over the entire community. But a few days since he was upon our streets in the vigor of health and prime of manhood. Blessed with a large and well poised physical organization, endowed with strong mental facilities, of good habits and happy social circumstances, he enjoyed every assurance that man’s allotted three score years and ten were his. Having been one of the first settlers of the county, his circle of acquaintances was large, and his open hand and heart made him universally loved and respected. Death could scarcely have singled out a victim that this people would have given up with greater sorrow. The sad and unexpected news was an absolute shock as it flew from ear to ear.

The bereavement of the much loved but stricken family chills the mirth of many a fireside.

Joseph Foos was born in Madison County, Ohio. At the age of twenty he married the estimable lady who now mourns his death. He moved to California in the year 1850, where he resided three years. California is the native state of his accomplished daughter, Ada. From California he went to Australia, where he lived twenty years. Again, bidding adieu to friends and loved associations, he turned his face toward his native land.

He, with his family, settled in Cowley County in October, 1870, where he lived happy and contented until his death. The widow and orphan daughter have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community. He was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders.

Winfield Courier, February 11, 1875.

DIED.

At his residence four miles north of Winfield on Monday, the 8th of February, 1875, of pleura pneumonia, Mr. Joseph Foos, in the 48th year of his age.

[ADMINISTRATRIX NOTICE: ESTATE OF JOSEPH FOOS.]

Winfield Courier, February 25, 1875.

ADMINISTRATRIX NOTICE.

STATE OF KANSAS, COWLEY COUNTY.

In the Probate Court in and for said county.

In the matter of the estate of Joseph Foos, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that letters of administration have been granted to the undersigned on the estate of Joseph Foos, late of said county, deceased, by the honorable the Probate court of the county and state aforesaid, dated the 25th day of February A. D. 1875. Now all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby notified that they must present the same to the undersigned for allowance within one year from the date of said letters, or they may be precluded from any benefit of such estate, and that if such claims be not exhibited within three years after the date of said letters, they shall be forever barred.

REBECCA FOOS.

Administratrix of the Estate of Joseph Foos, Deceased.

BY WEBB & MILLINGTON, her Attorneys, Winfield, Kansas, February 25, 1875.

Winfield Courier, March 25, 1875.

Notice.

There will be a meeting of the stockholders of the Winfield Cemetery Association on Wednesday, March 31, 1875, at W. H. H. Maris’ store. All persons owning a lot in the Winfield Cemetery are stockholders, and entitled to vote at the meeting. A full attendance is requested. The following is a list of the said stockholders.

JOHN B. FAIRBANK, Secretary.

John Lowrey, C. A. Bliss, Mrs. Clara Flint, Robert Hudson, W. L. Fortner, W. H. Dunn, Mallard, Dr. D. N. Egbert, J. H. Land, W. M. Boyer, A. Menor, S. J. Swanson, Mrs. Eliza Davis, M. L. Read. S. C. Smith, Kenton, Marshall, Henry Martin, W. H. H. Maris, Mrs. K. Maris, E. Maris, J. Newman, L. J. Webb, J. W. Smiley, George W. Brown, John Rhoads, H. H. Lacy, L. T. Michner, George Gray, N. H. Holmes, John Mentch, M. Steward, J. J. Barrett, J. W. Johnson, J. Evans, Cutting, W. G. Graham, S. W. Greer, Dr. W. Q. Mansfield, J. D. Cochran, C. C. Stephens, W. H. South, J. C. Weathers, Mrs. Joseph Foos, G. S. Manser, Mrs. Southworth, A. A. Jackson, J. F. Graham, Mrs. H. McMasters, S. H. Myton, S. H. Darrah, M. L. Robinson, D. H. Rodocker, R. H. Tucker, James Kelly, W. Dibble, D. F. Best, Z. T. Swigart, R. Rogers.

Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.

PUBLIC SALE!

The undersigned will sell at public auction on

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1875,

At her residence on the Walnut, 4 miles North of Winfield, the following personal property: Seven Cows, Five Calves, Two Heifers, Thirty-two Hogs and Pigs. One Span of Mares, One Wagon, One Sett Double Harness, Farming Implements, Household Furniture.

200 BUSHELS OF WHEAT!!!

75 Bushels of Rye, 25 Bushels of Oats, Forty-five Acres of Corn in the Field, and a number of Turkeys, Chickens, and Ducks. The sale is to commence at 1 o’clock p.m.

Terms Cash!

The farm will be rented for a term of years. Early applications required.

For further information, inquire of L. J. Webb.

REBECCA FOOS,

Winfield, Kansas, September 16, 1875.

Winfield Courier, September 23, 1875.

Anyone who wishes to rent a farm will do well to call on Mrs. Foos. The Foos farm is one of the best and most convenient in the county, only 4 miles from Winfield. Applications should be made at once.

[MARRIED: EDWARD PERKINS TO MISS ADA FOOS.]

Winfield Courier, October 7, 1875.

MARRIED.

PERKINS - FOOS. On Sunday evening, October 3rd, 1875, by the Rev. Mr. Platter, Edward Perkins, of Auckland, New Zealand, to Miss Ada Foos, of this place.

Melbourne, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, papers will please copy.

We congratulate the young couple on this, to them, the most important event of their lives. Our acquaintance with Mr. Perkins, the bridegroom, although short, has been extremely pleasant. And we predict that the love which impelled him to cross the seas, all the way from Australia to Winfield, to consummate his early vows with the fair Ada, will not fail him as they journey down life’s stream together. The bride, as most of our readers know, is the daughter of the late Joseph Foos, who was one of the pioneers of this county, and died, lamented by all who knew him. The fair Ada is one of nature’s noble women, and not one of her acquaintances but sincerely regret her departure from our community.

The bride’s mother will accompany them as far as Springfield, Ohio, where she will spend the winter among friends, while Mr. and Mrs. Perkins will proceed to New York, there to be joined by the mother in the spring, when they will sail for their old home in Australia, there to take up a permanent abode. May heaven’s choicest blessing go with them wherever they go.

THE WINFIELD COURIER.

CENTENNIAL ISSUE.

WINFIELD COURIER, THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 1876.

The streams of the county are as follows: The Arkansas River enters the west line of the county, thirteen miles below the north line, and winding through the southwest portion of the county it crosses the south line thirteen miles east of the west line and enters the Indian Territory. The streams that fall into the Arkansas from the county are Sand Creek, Lost Creek, Beaver Creek, and Evans Creek. The Walnut River, which is an elegant mill stream, enters the county from the north seven miles east of the west line and flows south through the county joining the Arkansas River within three miles of the south line. Falling into this stream from the west are the following creeks: Eight-mile, Maple, Stewart, Crooked, Squaw Creek, Posey, and Camp creeks. The streams that fall in from the east are Muddy, Rock, Darien, Little Dutch, Foos, Timber, Black Crook, and Badger.

Winfield Courier, April 13, 1876.

H. L. BARKER has purchased the farm adjoining the Foos farm on the northeast and is now a resident of Winfield Township.

Winfield Courier, April 27, 1876.

C. C. Stevens, who is occupying the Foos farm, was seriously injured by a runaway team last week. The principal injury sustained was a leg broken near the ankle.

Winfield Courier, December 7, 1876.

BIRTH. The many friends of Mrs. Perkins, nee Ada Foos, will be glad to learn that her “island home” has been visited by a little angel with golden hair, etc. She is well pleased with Australia and her many newly made friends there, but has not forgotten those whom she left in this valley.

Winfield Courier, September 20, 1883.

Mrs. Ada Perkins and her mother, Mrs. Foos, from Sidney, Australia, residents of Winfield in the early days, came in Monday and will spend some time visiting friends here. Mr. Perkins will follow in a few weeks.

Winfield Courier, October 11, 1883.

Lost. A small black beaded cashmere cape, Friday, between Mr. Weakley’s and the Foos farm on the Douglass road. The finder will please leave it at this office, and be suitably rewarded.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

Dr. F. H. Bull last week sold his residence on east Ninth Avenue to Mrs. Ada Foos, recently from Australia, but a resident of Winfield in the early days. The Doctor will buy or build another residence immediately.

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.

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 25, 1885.

Three carriage loads of folks from Winfield had a nice little picnic of their own out at the Widow Foose’s [Foos’s] last Tuesday.

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.

Mrs. Foose’s [Foos’s] daughter, Mrs. Perkins, and her daughter, spent Friday last in Winfield with friends.

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.

A sister of Mrs. Foose [Foos] has been visiting her for a few weeks, but contemplates returning soon to her home in Ohio. Thinks Kansas too warm for her.

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.

Two of Winfield’s fair ones made a visit to Mrs. Foose’s, [Foos’s] since our last.

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.

Is Speed trying to rent the Widow Foose [Foos] farm, and why does it take so many trips to make the trade?

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.

Mrs. Robt. Weakly spent the day with Mrs. Foose [Foos] lately.

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.

The widow Foose [Foos] was at Winfield Saturday. She had a pleasant day for the drive.

BETHEL CHAT. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 31, 1885.

Mrs. L. Foos and daughter and granddaughter went to Winfield Christmas.

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELLE.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.

Mrs. Foose [Foos] and daughters [?] spent New Year’s day in Winfield.

BETHEL ITEMS. “BLUE BELL.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 25, 1886.

Mrs. McClaren, of Illinois, has moved in with her father-in-law on the Foose [Foos] farm.

The widow Foose [Foos] and daughter and the two Mrs. McClarence [? McClaren’s] went to Winfield, one of those breezy afternoons lately.

[Note: I quit covering “Foos” after March 1886.]

NOTE BY RKW:

Mrs. Joseph (Rebecca) Foos died in Australia January 23, 1913. Her ashes were returned to Winfield to be buried beside her husband in Union cemetery. Her daughter, Ada, had died recently and was buried in Australia.