CAPTAIN SIMON GRAY GARY.

SHERIFF COWLEY COUNTY.

Simon Gray Gary was born in Lewisburg, Champaign County, Ohio, February 5, 1837. He was the son of Joseph F. and Martha Gary. His father died on the 18th day of August 1850, when he was 13 years old. Five years later, his mother, with her four children moved to Mahaska, Iowa. There he grew to manhood and learned the carpenter trade. He entered the service of the Union during the rebellion joining as a private, Company H, Third Iowa Volunteers. He rose to the rank of captain in 1863, seeing service at Shiloh, Corinth, and before Vicksburg. He was wounded three times. He was mustered out July 18, 1864, and returned to Iowa, where he engaged in farming for ten years.

In 1865 he married Mary E. Hunt, daughter of Abraham and Mahala Hunt, at Peoria, Iowa. Capt. Gary was a member of the Iowa assembly in 1865-66 and also acted as deputy United States Marshall for his district in that state. Growing dissatisfied with his lot in Iowa and hearing of the opportunities in Kansas he decided to see for himself. With two companions he came to Kansas in 1877 and camped near Winfield. He was so pleased with it that he went back for his family.

He first engaged in the carpenter and contracting business, manufacturing furniture, and afterward owned a livery stable. His livery stable was at the southeast corner of Eighth and Manning. For two years he was a member of the Winfield City Council. He attended the Methodist Church and helped to build every church in Winfield, although he was not a member of any religious organization. He was a close student of the Bible and Shakespeare and there were few passages in either text that he could not complete if the first few works were given him.

In 1883 he was appointed sheriff to fill the vacancy left by the murder of Sheriff A. T. Shenneman. He filled this office to the entire satisfaction of the people and in later years acted as deputy for other sheriffs. In 1893, during President Cleveland's second term, he was appointed postmaster and served four years. For the last years of his life he owned the newsstand under the First National bank and his presence there every day was the cause of many of the old timers, who knew him, to assemble there and gossip.

Beside his widow, Capt. Gary left a son, George, who is associated with the First National bank, a daughter, Mrs. Leoti Kibbe, wife of the vice-president of the Winfield National bank and another daughter, Mrs. Grace Olds, wife of Wiley Olds. His only grandchild at the time his death was Gary Olds, the three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Olds.

The funeral was November 24, 1904, at 2:30 p.m. The members of Winfield lodge No. 110 A. F. & A. M. attended in a body and conducted the services from the family home on East Ninth Avenue, assisted by Rev. A. O. Ebright, chaplain of the lodge, and Rev. T. W. Scott of the Methodist Church. Burial was in the Union Cemetery beside John Keck, the life long friend of Capt. Gary.

FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.

First item found in newspapers about Gary family...

Winfield Courier, June 24, 1880.

Miss Emma Burden has been spending the past week in Winfield visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Gary.

Winfield Courier, March 3, 1881.

Mr. Croco has purchased the Gary property on East Ninth avenue and occupied it Monday.

[RELIEF FOR THE SUFFERERS BY THE FLORAL CYCLONE.]

Winfield Courier, June 16, 1881.

A considerable number of the citizens of Winfield met on Monday evening on the steps of the Winfield Bank to provide for raising funds for the immediate relief of the sufferers caused by the cyclone Sunday evening. Mr. Crippen called the people together by music from the band.

S. G. Gary gave $1.00.

[CITY ELECTION.]

Winfield Courier, September 29, 1881.

The first ward election on last Saturday for councilmen to fill vacancies resulted in a draw game as follows:

For the long term, S. G. Gary, democrat, elected with 97 votes against 80 for J. C. Fuller, republican. For the short term, Dan Mater, republican, elected with 90 votes against 85 for H. Jochems, Democrat.

Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.

The council is again in running order with the new members, Messrs. Gary and Mater duly installed. The senior democratic member is responsible for the following, which we clip from the proceedings.

On motion of Mr. Hodges the fine of Logan Hundley [?] was remitted “on account of his impecuniosity and the Mayor directed to discharge him after delivering to him an euphonious speech looking towards his early departure from the city.”

After which an adjournment was immediately had.

Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.

WINFIELD, DECEMBER 19, 1881.

Council met in regular session. The president of the council, Mr. Read, presiding, in the absence of the mayor. Present: Councilmen Read, Hodges, Platter, and Gary, city attorney and clerk.

Ordinance No. 153, changing the name of Court House street to Riverside avenue, was read and on motion of Mr. Hodges was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1 and 2 were adopted. On a motion to adopt as a whole on the final passage the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Hodges, Gary, and Mater; nay, none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.

Petition of Frank Barclay and 55 others, asking that the stacking of hay be prohibited by ordinance within the city limits, was presented.

Remonstrance of W. T. Roland and 62 others, against the passage of such an ordinance, was also presented.

On motion of Mr. Hodges, the petition and remonstrance were referred to the committee on fire department.

On motion of Mr. Gary, the matter referred to fireman committee, at last meeting, were continued in their hands until the next meeting.

It was moved by Mr. Gary that when council adjourn, it adjourn to meet on Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Carried.

Cowley County Courant, December 22, 1881.

Capt. Gary, Ben. Long, Frank Barclay, and Mr. and Mrs. Wells returned from a week’s hunt in the territory Sunday evening. They brought in two deer and about twenty turkeys, and report a good time generally.

Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup presiding. Roll call, present: councilmen Read, Gary, and Mater; City Attorney Seward; Clerk Beach. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Petition of A. T. Spotswood and 12 others for sidewalk of usual width and construction, along the east side of block 153 and along the west side of blocks 172, 171, and 170 was presented. On motion of Mr. Gary the prayer of the petition was granted and the attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance in accordance therewith. Ninety days from the passage of the ordinance to be allowed property owners to complete the same.

It was moved by Mr. Read that a committee be appointed to confer with County Commissioners relative to cost of constructing a frame with wind mill attached on Court House Square. Carried.

The Mayor appointed Messrs. Gary and Read such committee.

On motion council adjourned to meet on Friday evening April 7th.

M. G. TROUP, Mayor.

Attest: D. C. BEACH, City Clerk.

Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding. Present, Councilmen Read, Gary, Mater, and Hodges, City Attorney Seward, and Clerk Beach.

The minutes of the regular meeting of April 3rd, and of the meeting of April 7th, to canvass the votes cast at the general election held April 8th, were read and approved.

Col. J. C. McMullen and Mr. R. S. Wilson, Councilmen elect, being present, were then inducted into office; Messrs. Hodges and Mater, vacating their offices.

Ordinance No. 156 being an ordinance providing for the construction of certain sidewalks therein named, was read and on motion of Mr. Read, was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On the motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye, were Messrs. Read, Gary, McMullen, and Wilson; nays, none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.

The special committee, appointed to confer with the County Commissioners relative to the construction of a tank and windmill on the courthouse grounds, reported adversely to the city having any connection with the matter. On motion, the report was adopted and the committee was discharged.

On motion of Mr. Gary, the City Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance prohibiting the lariating of stock, so that they may obstruct any street or alley, by crossing the same; prohibiting the stacking of hay within the city limits, and prohibiting the use of barbed wire for fencing, within the city limits, unless the same shall be protected by a board above it.

The City Attorney was, on motion of Mr. Read, instructed to amend the ordinance relating to fire limits, so as to bring it within the provisions of the statute concerning the same.

On motion of Mr. McMullen, Mr. Read was elected President of the Council for the ensuing year.

The Mayor then made the following appointments of standing committees for the ensuing year.

Finance: Gary, McMullen, and Wilson.

Streets and Alleys: Read, Gary, and Wilson.

Public Health: McMullen, Read, and Gary.

Fire Department: Wilson, Gary, and McMullen.

The Mayor appointed David C. Beach, City Clerk, for the coming year.

On motion of Mr. Gary, the appointment was confirmed by the Council.

Winfield Courier, May 4, 1882.

Council Proceedings.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, MAY 1, 1882.

Councilmen met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding. Present, Councilmen Read, Gary, McMullen, and Wilson, City Attorney, and Clerk.

Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.

A Big Picnic.

The A. O. U. W. Society of Winfield are making arrangements for a grand basket picnic in Riverside Park, May 25th. Twenty-five neighboring lodges have been invited, special trains will be run, and a general good time indulged in. The following committees have been appointed.

On grounds: Wm. Hodges, A. B. Snow, B. F. McFadden, John Burroughs, S. G. Gary, Wm. Caton, T. J. Harris, D. Dix.

Winfield Courier, May 18, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, May 15th, 1882.

Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Troup. The following officers answered to the call of the roll: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson, and City Clerk.

An ordinance relating to the storing of powder within the City limits was read, and on motion was referred to the Committee on Fire Department and City Attorney for modification and revision.

The Committee on Finance reported that they had examined the reports of Treasurer for month ending April 15th, and of Police Judge for March, and found them correct. Report adopted.

Mayor Troup appointed Benj. F. Herrod Marshal for the ensuing year. On motion of Mr. Gary, the Council confirmed the appointment.

Winfield Courier, May 25, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, MAY 23, 1882.

Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mayor Troup in chair.

Roll called. Present, Councilmen Read, Gary, McMullen, and Wilson.

Ordinance No. 157 providing for the construction of certain sidewalks therein specified was read and on motion of Mr. Read was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the Ordinance was declared adopted.

Ordinance No. 158 regulating the storing and keeping of powder was read, and on motion was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, Gary, McMullen, and Wilson; nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.

Ordinance No. 159, Protecting life and property by regulating the maintenance and construction of wire fences and the lariating of stock was read and on motion of Mr. Read, was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, and 3 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.

Winfield Courier, June 8, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JUNE 5TH, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup in chair. Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, Wilson, and McMullen; City Attorney and Clerk.

Ordinance No. 163 amending Sections No. 3 of Ordinance No. 111 and Ordinance No. 141 was read and on motion was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections No. 1, 2, and 3 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary and Wilson; nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.

Ordinance No. 161, prohibiting the stacking of hay and other combustible material and the covering of stables and other buildings with such materials, within the corporate limits of the City of Winfield, was read and on motion was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.

Winfield Courier, June 29, 1882.

The young ladies of the Broom Brigade, being drilled in the Lecture Room of the M. E. Church by Capt. Gary, are acquiring a great deal of proficiency in handling that homely instrument of household warfare. When fully equipped with the best weapons of the kind, they will no doubt prove combatants not to be despised in the conflicts that housekeeping always engenders. Their future husbands will quail and tremble, after a single experience of their prowess, whenever they hear the ominous words, “Present broomsticks!” “Charge scrubbing brushes!” Their entertainment on the evening of the Fourth will be an important feature of the Methodist Exposition.

Winfield Courier, July 6, 1882.

There is but little danger of the martial spirit dying out in this county when even the girls learn the manual of arms and become proficient in company movements. The Broom Brigade gave an exhibition of their proficiency in the handling of brooms at the Opera House on the evening of the Fourth. There were a good many in attendance, and the girls under the leader-ship of Miss Leota Gary and Miss Lizzie McDonald went through the army movements in a manner that surprised the “old vets” and completely captured the boys. After leaving the hall the Brigade marched to the church, and very soon thereafter you could see their bright and attractive uniforms scattered over the house; but in each case they had a captive in the shape of some handsome young gentleman. The girls will give another exhibition on Friday night at the Hall.

Winfield Courier, July 20, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, July 17, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup in chair.

Roll called: Present, Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk.

On motion of Mr. Gary the resolution relating to guttering Main street between 7th and 10th avenue, and the remonstrance against the same were referred to the Committee on Streets and Alleys and the City Attorney with instructions to investigate the matter and report at the next meeting of the City Council by ordinance if necessary.

The Committee on Streets and Alleys were instructed to buy a scraper.

Winfield Courier, July 27, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JULY 24, 1882.

Council met in adjourned session, Mayor Troup presiding. Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk.

Ordinance No. 162, providing for the construction of a stone gutter on Main Street between 7th and 10th Avenues, was read, and on motion of Mr. Read was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, and 3 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole, in its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the ordinance was declared adopted.

The Committee on Finance reported on clerk’s quarterly statements, and on reports of City Treasurer for months ending May 12th and June 15th, that they had examined the same and found them correct; also on bill of J. E. Conklin, for dirt $25.00, and of Winfield COURIER for printing, $28.50, that they found them correct and recommended payment. On bill of Winfield Courant for printing $11.00, they recommended that it be allowed at $10.50. Reports adopted and warrants ordered drawn for the respective amounts.

Winfield Courier, August 10, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, AUGUST 7, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup in the Chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, McMullen, and Gary, City Attorney and Clerk.

Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, AUG. 9, 1882.

Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mayor Troup in chair.

Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, McMullen, and Gary, City Attorney and Clerk.

Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, AUGUST 21, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup presiding.

Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson and City Attorney and Clerk.

Ordinance No. 163, being an ordinance in relation to working the road tax in the streets and alleys of Winfield City, was read and on motion of Mr. Read was taken up for consideration by sections.

Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the Ordinance was declared adopted.

Petition of J. A. McGuire and 34 others asking that the “Nightwatch” be paid by the City instead of by individuals was read and on motion of Mr. Gary, action on the same was postponed until the next regular meeting.

Winfield Courier, August 24, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, AUGUST 22, 1882.

Council met in adjourned session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called: Present, Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, and City Clerk.

Ordinance 164 levying a tax for general revenue was read and on motion of Mr. McMullen was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, and 3 were adopted on motion to adopt as a whole in its final passage. The vote stood as follows: Those voting aye were Messrs. Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson. Nays one and the ordinance was declared adopted.

Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, SEPTEMBER 4, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding.

Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson; City attorney and Clerk.

The Finance Committee reported on reports of Police Judge for months of April, May, July, and August that they found the same correct. Adopted. On report for June the Committee asked further time, which was granted.

On bill of J. Heller, the Committee reported that they had examined the same and found it correct. Report adopted.

Winfield Courier, September 21, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, SEPTEMBER 18, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup, presiding. Present: Councilmen Gary, McMullen, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk.

Reports of Police Judge for August, and of City Treasurer for months ending July 15th, August 15th, and September 15th, and of City Clerk for quarter ending September 15th, 1882, were read and referred to Finance Committee.

Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, OCT. 2, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding. Present: Councilmen Gary, Wilson, McMullen, and City Attorney Seward. In the absence of City Clerk, D. C. Beach, on motion of Gary, O. M. Seward was appointed City Clerk pro tem. Minutes of meetings of Sept. 4th and 18th, 1882, read and approved.

The bill of Wm. Warren for $28.50 for street crossings was referred to the Finance Committee.

Winfield Courier, October 26, 1882.

Several citizens experienced slight shocks of an Earthquake Sunday afternoon at about four o’clock. It was also felt at Kansas City, Missouri, and other points north and east. Mr. S. G. Gary was lying on a sofa near the wall and felt distinctly the vibrations.

Winfield Courier, October 26, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, OCTOBER 16, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk.

Petition of G. B. Stiles for authority to number the buildings in the city was read and referred to the Committee on streets and alleys.

Petition of H. D. Gans and 11 others for sidewalk on the east side of Block 145 was read and on motion of Mr. Gary, the prayer of the petition was granted and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance in accordance therewith.

Petition of C. L. Harter and 13 others for sidewalk on north side of Blocks 87 and 107 was read and on motion of Mr. McMullen, the prayer of the petition was granted and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance accordingly.

Report of Finance Committee on Police Judge’s report for August, that they found the same correct, was adopted. The Committee were given further time in all other matters in their hands.

Bill of C. H. Wooden, removing nuisances, $3.75, and of Wm. Warren, street crossings, etc., $28.50, were allowed and ordered paid.

Bill of A. T. Shenneman for board of city prisoners from January 1st to Sept. 16, $42.25, and bill of Winfield COURIER, printing and job work, $51.00, were referred to the Finance Committee.

It was moved that the time allowed under the deed from the city to the County Commissioners for constructing a fence around the Courthouse grounds be extended to the 1st day of January 1883. Carried.

Winfield Courier, November 16, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, NOVEMBER 6, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup in chair. Roll called. Present, Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; City Attorney and Clerk.

Petition of A. B. Graham and 10 others for sidewalk on west side of block 187 and on south side of block 186, was read. On motion of Mr. Gary, that part of the petition relating to sidewalk on west side of block 187 was granted and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an Ordinance in accordance therewith.

Ordinance No. 165 providing for the construction of sidewalks on the west side of block 187; on the north side of blocks 87 and 107; and on the east side of block No. 145, was read and on motion of Mr. Read was taken up for consideration by sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were adopted. On motion to adopt as a whole on its final passage, the vote stood as follows: Those voting aye, were Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; nays none, and the Ordinance was declared adopted.

Communication from S. L. Gilbert declining to remain on the bond of T. H. Soward as Police Judge, and asking to be released therefrom, was read. On motion of Mr. Gary, the communication was placed on file and the clerk was instructed to notify the Police Judge that he must file a new bond by the next meeting of the Council.

David C. Beach again tendered his resignation as City Clerk, which was accepted. The Mayor appointed Lovell H. Webb to the position of City Clerk for the remainder of the term, he to file his bond for approval at the next regular meeting. On motion, the appointment of the Mayor was confirmed by the council.

The Finance Committee reported favorably on bills:

Winfield COURIER, Printing, etc.: $57.00.

A. T. Shenneman, Board Prisoners: $42.00

Reports adopted and warrants ordered for the amounts of same.

The Finance Committee reported on Clerk’s quarterly statement for Sept. 15th that they had examined the same and found it correct. Reports adopted. On Police Judges report for June the Committee reported that they found it correct. Report adopted.

E. H. Lintrell and W. B. McConnels made a statement concerning the fines assessed against them in Police Court for violation of the Ordinance relating to licenses. The Mayor for the reason that the violations were technical and unintentional, remitted their fines. The action of the Mayor was on motion approved by the Council, and the City Clerk was instructed to inform the Police Judge of the same.

Winfield Courier, December 14, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, DEC. 4, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding.

Roll called: Present, Councilmen Read, McMullen and Gary; City Attorney and Clerk.

The Police Judge’s reports for the months of September and October were read and referred to Committee on Finance.

Bill of Horning & Whitney for scythe, nails, and scythe stone, $1.15, was referred to the Finance Committee.

The council were addressed by a committee of ladies in the question of an appropriation to the City Library.

It was moved by Col. McMullen that the City Council appropriate the sum of $25.00 per month for a City Library in accordance with the petition filed in this case. Motion lost.

Bond of L. H. Webb as City Clerk, with W. C. Robinson, J. Wade McDonald, W. S. Mendenhall, and J. S. Mann, as sureties, was read and approved by the Council.

The following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the Mayor and Council hereby tender their thanks to David C. Beach for the faithful and efficient manner in which he has performed the duties of the office of City Clerk.

For some reason or another, articles were not presented in proper date order in the Winfield Courier for some time. I have changed position of the next crucial meetings to show just when they were took place in order to understand better the handling of the water works propositions by Winfield Water Company and Ed. P. Greer...

Winfield Courier, December 21, 1882.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, DECEMBER 18, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup presiding. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, City Attorney and Clerk. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Finance committee given until the next regular meeting to report on all matters referred to them.

Petition of citizens in reference to water works was presented. On motion consideration of the matter was postponed until the next meeting.

The report of the Police Judge for the month of November, 1882, was presented and on motion referred to the Finance committee.

The reports of the Treasurer for the months ending Oct. 15, Nov. 15, Dec. 15, 1882, were presented, and on motion referred to the Finance committee.

The bond filed by the Police Judge was read and on motion was approved and accepted by the council.

The report of the City Clerk for the quarter ending Dec. 15, 1882, was presented and referred to the Finance committee and ordered published.

The Street Commission was ordered to report at the next regular meeting the number of those liable who have paid their road taxes and the number in default.

On motion the Council adjourned to meet on Friday evening, Dec. 22, 1882.

M. G. TROUP, Mayor.

Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.

Winfield Courier, December 28, 1882.

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS.

CITY OF WINFIELD, DECEMBER 22, 1882.

Council met pursuant to adjournment, Mayor Troup in the chair. Present: Councilmen Read, McMullen, Gary, and Wilson, and the City Attorney.

In the absence of the City Clerk, D. C. Beach, Esq., was elected Clerk pro tem.

Petition of W. F. Bowen and others in reference to dray licenses was presented and read.

The City Attorney presented proposed Ordinance No. 166 entitled “An Ordinance amending Sec. No. 1 of Ordinance No. 135, providing for the levy and collection of certain license taxes,” as instructed at the last meeting, which proposed Ordinance was read and considered by sections, with the following result: The proposed Ordinance as a whole was then submitted to a vote on its final passage, with the following result. Those voting aye were Councilmen Read, McMullen, Wilson, and Gary; noes, none; and the Ordinance was declared passed, and was approved by the Mayor.

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, DECEMBER 23, 1882.

Council met in special session on call of the Mayor.

On motion, it was resolved to consider the proposed ordinance in relation to water works.

The proposed ordinance offered with the petition in relation to water works was then taken up for consideration by sections, with the following result: Sections 1 and 2 were adopted as read. Section three was amended and adopted. Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were adopted as read. Section 9 was amended and adopted. Section 10 was adopted as read. Sections 11, 12, and 13 were amended and adopted. Sections 14 and 15 were adopted as read.

Adjourned to Tuesday night.

DECEMBER 26, 1882.

Council met pursuant to adjournment, Mayor Troup in the chair. Present, Councilmen Read, Wilson, Gary, and McMullen, City Attorney and Clerk.

The proposed water works ordinance was again taken up for consideration. Sections 16 and 17 were amended and adopted, Sections 18 and 19 were adopted as read.

It was then moved that Section 1 be reconsidered. The vote upon the motion was a tie. The Mayor voted in favor of such reconsideration. It was then moved to amend Section 1 by adding the following:

“Provided, That nothing in this ordinance shall be deemed or held to give to said Barclay or assigns the exclusive privilege to construct, operate, or maintain a system of water works in said city.”

The vote upon such motion was a tie, and the Mayor voted against such motion to amend. It was then moved to adopt Section 1 as originally adopted. The vote upon said motion was a tie, and the Mayor voted in favor of such adoption.

A motion was carried to reconsider Section 19. The following was adopted as Section 19.

“Section 19. That the said Frank Barclay, his associates, successors, or assigns shall be required under the provisions of this ordinance to do the business pertaining to their said water works company within the corporate limits of the said city of Winfield.”

Former Section 19 was then adopted as Section 20.

The Council then adjourned without taking final action in the matter.

M. G. TROUP, Mayor.

Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.

Greer’s proposition for water works presented at Jan. 1 meeting...

Winfield Courier, January 4, 1883.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 1, 1883.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Present: Councilmen McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; absent, Read. Minutes of last regular meeting and of the adjourned and special sessions were read. A motion was carried to amend the minutes of the meeting of Dec. 26 so as to show the votes of the several Councilmen on the tie vote there recorded. Upon the motion to reconsider Sec. 1 of the proposed ordinance, the vote was as follows: Those voting aye were Councilmen McMullen and Gary; those voting no were Councilmen Wilson and Read. Upon the motion to amend Sec. 1 by the addition of the proviso, Councilmen McMullen and Gary voted aye and Councilmen Read and Wilson voted no. Upon the motion to adopt Sec. 1 as originally adopted, Councilmen Read and Wilson voted aye and Councilmen Gary and McMullen voted no. The minutes as amended were then adopted.

A petition from citizens of 1st ward to postpone definite action on the proposed waterworks ordinance was read and ordered filed.

A proposition from C. H. Wooden to do all the work of removing nuisances in the city for the year 1883 for fifteen dollars, payable quarterly at the end of each quarter, was read, accepted by the Council, and ordered fixed.

The Finance Committee was given until the next regular meeting to report on matters referred to them.

The report of the street commissioner as to those who have paid road tax and those in default was referred to the committee on streets and alleys.

Bill of Wm. Moore and sons for well stone was referred to Finance committee.

A proposition from E. P. Greer in reference to water works, in the shape of a proposed ordinance, was presented and read, and Mr. Greer addressed the Council thereon. Several citizens then addressed the Council on the question of water works.

On motion the Council adjourned M. G. TROUP, Mayor.

Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.

[CITY COUNCIL.]

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 15, 1883.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Wilson, McMullen, and Gary; City Attorney and Clerk.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

The finance committee reported on and found correct the statement of the Clerk for the quarter ending Dec. 15th, 1882; the report of the Police Judge for the months of August, September, October, and December, 1882, and the reports of the Treasurer for the months ending Oct. 15, Nov. 15, and Dec. 15, 1882, and the bill of Horning and Whitney for $1.15 for goods furnished the city, and recommended that the bill be paid. The report of the committee was adopted and the bill of Horning & Whitney was ordered paid.

The bill of W. A. Lee for $2.00 for room rent for election was presented, allowed, and ordered paid.

The Police Judge’s report for December was presented and referred to finance committee.

The crucial vote where Gary switches sides...

Mr. McMullen moved to consider by sections the so-called Greer water-works ordinance. Those voting aye were Councilmen McMullen and Wilson; those voting no were Councilmen Read and Gary. The Mayor voted no.

Mr. Gary moved that the Council go into committee of the whole on all questions relative to water-works, and the motion was carried and the Council then went into committee of the whole. Upon rising the committee reported back the two water-works propositions with certain proposed amendments submitted to them in relation to the proposition made by Frank Barclay, but without making any recommendation in regard thereto.

On motion the Council adjourned until January 16, 1883, at 7 o’clock p.m.

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 16, 1883.

Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mayor Troup in the chair. Present: Councilmen Read, Wilson, Gary, and McMullen, and Clerk.

A petition to change the ordinance relating to auction merchants was presented, read, and ordered filed.

A petition to indefinitely postpone the propositions before the Council in reference to water-works was presented, read, and ordered filed.

The Council then listened to propositions in relation to water-works by Frank Barclay and certain others, and by Ed. P. Greer and others.

Acceptance of Barclay proposition takes place after next vote...

It was then moved that the Council accept the proposition made by Mr. Barclay and certain others. Those voting aye were Councilmen Read and Gary; those voting no were Councilmen McMullen and Wilson. The Mayor voted aye.

On motion the Council adjourned until January 17th, 1883, at 7 o’clock p.m.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, JANUARY 17, 1883.

Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Gary, and Wilson; absent, McMullen.

A communication from Councilman McMullen was read and ordered filed.

A motion was carried to reconsider the vote by which the proposed ordinance No. 167 was adopted, for the purpose of considering said proposed ordinance with certain amendments thereto. Said proposed ordinance as amended was taken up for consideration by sections, with the following result:

Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted as read.

Section 8 was amended and adopted.

Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 were adopted as read.

The ordinance as a whole was then submitted to a vote upon its final passage with the following result. Those voting aye were Councilmen Read, Wilson, and Gary; noes none, and the ordinance was declared adopted and was approved by the Mayor.

A motion was carried to adopt the following as the title and number of such ordinance: “Ordinance No. 167. An ordinance contracting for and providing for a system of water works for the City of Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas, for domestic, sanitary, and other purposes, and regulating the rates thereof.”

On motion the Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.

Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.

[WATER WORKS.]

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.

THE WATER WORKS QUESTION SETTLED.

Job Reduced But Still Big.

Last week we went over east with Joe. E. Conklin on business in the interest of Winfield and her citizens, and in our absence the water works question came up before the city council on Monday evening, and as we expected, was not concluded by the passage of an ordinance. We further expected that the matter would go over to the next regular meeting, by which time it could probably be determined whether a better proposition could be obtained than either of the two propositions before the council. Contrary to our expectations the council adjourned to Tuesday and then to Wednesday evening and rushed the matter along, finally passing an ordinance substantially that offered by Ed. Greer with his amendments, but giving the contract to the originators of the Barclay ordinance, contrary to all rules of justice and fair dealing. Instead of giving the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, it was given to the highest bidder on the condition that he should accept the terms proposed by the lowest bidder.

This was an outrage which admits of no excuse, and we believe that no one pretends there was any excuse for it. Ed. had the backing of at least as much Winfield capital and character as had the parties to whom the job was awarded, and in addition he had the indorsement of one of the strongest water works builders in the country who promised to build the works if Greer’s proposition passed; while the parties to whom the award was made, had no outside backing at all, and now boast that their pretended backing, John Worthington, has been dead two years.

Such an outrage could not have been perpetrated by councilmen Read and Mayor Troup alone. One other councilman was necessary to complete the job. Councilmen Wilson and McMullen could never have been inveigled into such a measure. Councilman Gary was their only chance. He had been the most stubborn opponent to the Barclay job and held that the city could not afford to go into any plan of water works which had been presented or was likely to be presented. Wilson and McMullen were in favor of water works on the best terms the city could get. Read and Troup were as certainly in favor of giving as big a job as possible to Barclay’s assigns, viz., Read’s Bank. How they managed to win Gary to their side is a matter on which our citizens will all have an opinion, but we need not state ours. Some circumstances, however, will not be overlooked. In the first place, it seems that only Read’s Bank was in the scheme. It becoming necessary to have a good talker and a lawyer, Hackney was enlisted, either on a fee or with a share in the job. We have too much regard for his shrewdness to suppose he went in without either. The job did not rush through as suddenly as was expected and Hackney had to go to Topeka. Several outsiders tumbled to their racket, probably without pay or shares, but simply because their souls belonged to Read’s Bank. But they did not count for much. Greer had put in an ordinance that would favor the city at least $55,000 over the other ordinance and something had to be done or the original job would be beaten. They must have a lawyer and a shrewd talker. They selected J. Wade McDonald, probably on similar terms to those on which Hackney was engaged, and because it was claimed that Wade had Gary in his vest pocket. But somehow Gary did not tumble at once. He promised Ed. that he would vote for his ordinance unless the other fellows should present something a great deal better, that he would never vote to allow any other to take the job on Ed’s bid. There was still a hitch in the matter and other arguments had to be used on Gary. Other parties were taken into the ring to help out. We did not hear the new argument which was presented to Gary, but whatever it was it brought him down. On the first test vote, Gary went over to the enemy. He even refused to support Wilson’s motion to reduce the rents on additional hydrants from $75 to $65, according to Greer’s offer. This showed that Ed’s ordinance would certainly be passed and given to the other fellows, and Ed. wilted and gave up the fight. Believing that it was necessary to have water works and that the matter was reduced to the best terms the city could get, Ed. urged Wilson to vote for the measure with Read and Gary and thus settle the question. Had we been present we would have continued the fight for two weeks longer if possible, with the expectation of getting, within that time, a much better proposition for the city than that which is now saddled upon us.

We consider that Ed. has succeeded in his main point, that of saving the city a large sum of money by compelling Robinson & Co., to accept a franchise not worth one-half as much as that which they would have got but for his efforts.

Under the original ordinance, which would certainly have passed but for him, the City would have had to pay rents on at least eighty hydrants after two years at most at $75 per hydrant per year to the end of the 99 years, amounting to $6,000 a year, and if the City should require 20 more, or 100 hydrants in all, it would cost the city $7,500 a year.

Under the ordinance as passed, it will cost the city $3,000 a year for the first 40 hydrants, $65 each per year for perhaps 20 more, and the other 40 hydrants to make up 100 may be free of rent to the city, thus possibly costing the city only $4,300 a year rent for 100 hydrants, a possible saving to the city of $3,200 a year. As this sum is simply interest on the franchise, it reduces the value of the franchise by a sum which would produce $3,200 a year at 6 percent interest.

But we hold that this ordinance ought not to have passed, simply because the city cannot afford it, and because the city could have established and maintained the same kind of works with less than half of the expense, and possibly with no expense at all after two or three years; by issuing $50,000 six percent bonds and letting the individual water-rents pay the running expenses, repairs, and interest on the bonds and creating sinking fund to extinguish the bonds. Because too, as we are now informed, a proposition would soon have been made, on the same basis as the one passed, in all respects except that no hydrant should cost the city more than $60 per year, which would be a further saving to the city of about $700 a year.

But we have not got altogether a sure thing on the savings of $3,200 a year on the ordinance as passed, over the first ordinance as presented. It depends upon the structure of our future city governments. If the persons who own this franchise should be allowed to control the city legislation as in the past, they will make their stock pay, “you bet.”

The only way to preserve what we have gained is to always elect mayors and councilmen who are not interested in this stock. Even with the closest care we are liable to elect persons who are secretly stockholders or who may be bought.

The grand objection which was urged against the City building its own water works, was, that it would make a big hubbub and quarrel at every city election in the struggle between parties and individuals to get control of the water works offices. We have got the same troubles or worse ones fastened on us with this ordinance. At every city election there will be a struggle and bad blood to determine whether water works men or other citizens shall fill the city offices.

Next article pertinent to the water works controversy...

Winfield Courier, January 25, 1883.

SOME JOKES.

Ed. Greer is the butt of some rather keen jokes since his ordinance was passed and given to M. L. Robinson & Co. Ed. is pictured as Diogenes with a lantern looking for an honest man, and thinking he had found one, rested in security. The result was that he got left. Another is that John Worthington, the backing of the Barclay ordinance, died two years ago, and M. L. beat Ed. with a “stiff.” Ed. retorts on M. L. inquiring if he means to say that he fooled our worthy mayor so completely with a mere “stiff.” Another is that the Council passed Ed.’s ordinance and then beat him out of it by striking out his name and inserting those of Robinson et. al. Ed. consoles himself that his ordinance saves the city two thousand dollars a year for ninety-nine years over the original Barclay ordinance, and that is some glory, though others reap the harvest of profits and fortune which his ordinance still retained for the poor fellows who now get the benefits of it.

The next item concerns an attempt by M. L. Robinson and others to a petition to Hackney to do away with prohibition in Winfield, which was hurting the city financially...

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.

The following petition was circulated last week by Frank Manny, taken to Topeka, and presented by him to Senator Hackney.

WINFIELD, KANSAS, January 23, 1883.

HON. W. P. HACKNEY, State Senator, Topeka, Kansas.

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.

S. G. Gary signed the petition.

[PETITION TO HACKNEY.]

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.

THE TRUE “INWARDNESS” OF THE PETITION TO HACKNEY.

The original petition is drawn in the hand writing of M. L. Robinson, the originator and principal member of the water-works scheme. That measure entails a heavy tax on the citizens, of which its projectors will have their portion to pay, besides this tax is likely to create a prejudice against the originators. It is said that there are three men who are willing to pay three thousand dollars a year each for the privilege of opening and running saloons in this city. This three thousand dollars a year, with a probable increase after the first year, would be about enough to pay the water rents saddled on to the city. Besides, Read’s Bank is supposed to hold Frank Manny’s paper to a large amount, which would be largely enhanced in value if Frank could get to making money in selling intoxicating drinks.

So to help out the securities of the bank and to provide a fund for paying the water rents without taxation, these hitherto ultra prohibitionists have become the most ultra advocates of saloons and breweries we have. For the sake of paltry dollars, they are anxious to open up the flood-gates of drunkenness and debauchery upon our city and county. Hackney has an interest in the water-works stock, and judging him by themselves, they concluded that by fortifying him with a tremendous petition, he might be won over to help them in their schemes. It was an insult to him, and he has duly resented it in his answer in this paper.

Instead of 300 names on the petition as stated in the Journal, and other papers, there are just 209 only. These names are the owners and employees of Read’s Bank, Mayor Troup, and Councilman Gary, about a dozen fellows whose souls are not their own, all those who wish to run or patronize saloons, all the anti-prohibition element, and besides this, a very considerable number of respectable businessmen or citizens, who evidently signed without thought or consideration, merely to please the person who presented it. Many of these have stated that they signed under the explanation that the petition was to ask that laws be passed that would enforce the prohibitory law in the large cities of the state as effectively as it is enforced here—a construction which the ambiguity of the petition may well bear. Others say they never signed it nor authorized their names to be attached. We do not believe that one half of the signers are in favor of saloon here, or would have signed if they had understood that such was the meaning of it. We consider it a fraud upon its face, starting out as it does with statements which are well known to be false and concealing its object under ambiguous language.

It is well known here that the prohibition law has been better and more effectively enforced than the dram-shop act, which preceded it, ever was; that the sale and use of intoxicating drinks have been very largely decreased, though not entirely suppressed; that drunkenness has become ten times more rare than under license, and that the moral and business interests of the community have been greatly enhanced.

Some of the businessmen whose names are on this petition have told us that their business has been greater and better the past year than ever before, and much better than it could have been but for the prohibition law.

Next item pertinent to the prohibition movement...

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.

WINFIELD DON’T WANT SALOONS.

On looking over carefully the list of signatures on the petition to Hackney, we find a considerable number of names of persons who live in the country, and many more whom nobody knows. We find only 101 names, less than half of those on the petition, who are known as citizens of Winfield. Less than half of these probably understood what they were signing, and are in favor of saloons. It is presumable that the originators got all the names of prominent Winfield men they could by any kind of representations; and, considering all these things, the petition is not so very formidable after all. But it is enough to give our city a bad name, and give a severe stab to the cause of prohibition. The Kansas City Journal’s Topeka correspondence says that the names of all the prominent men and business firms of Winfield are found on that petition, except one bank and one hardware store. We notice that the following Winfield firms and names are conspicuously absent from the petition.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 7, 1883.

Capt. S. G. Gary has been appointed by the Governor Sheriff of Cowley County, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Shenneman. Mr. Gary has held the office of Councilman in our sister city, and is spoken well of in that capacity.

Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, Feb. 5, 1883.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Wilson, McMullen, and Gary; absent, Councilman Read.

Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.

S. G. Gary entered upon his duties as sheriff of Cowley County last Saturday.

Winfield Courier, February 15, 1883.

Sheriff Gary went east Tuesday morning and brought Colgate in.

Gary remained on the city council of Winfield after he was elected sheriff...

Winfield Courier, February 22, 1883.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, FEBRUARY 19, 1883.

Council met in regular session. In the absence of the Mayor, President Read took the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Wilson, Gary, and Read. Absent, Councilman McMullen.

On motion the Council adjourned. M. L. READ, President of Council.

Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.

Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883.

With his bright and vivid imagination, S. G. Gary would shine resplendent as the editor of a circus poster. Such talent cannot long remain obscured.

[GREER SPEAKS OUT AGAINST GARY AND WATER PROPOSITION.]

Winfield Courier, March 1, 1883. Editorial by Greer.

A Card.

My attention has several times been called to a card in the Telegram of last week from S. G. Gary to the effect that I had offered him ten thousand dollars worth of stock in a water company as a consideration for his vote and influence in support of my proposition. The statement is a Democratic lie, pure and unadulterated, without the usual embellishment given to utterances of like character.

As the gentleman has taken upon himself to draw so largely on his imagination for a question of fact, I may be pardoned for briefly referring to his official action in the water-works matter—a thing I have refrained from doing thus far only through the personal solicitation of his friends.

When the Barclay ordinance was first proposed, I thought it was a steal. When I learned its origin and studied its provisions, suspicion became conviction. Observation had taught me that faith without works accomplished little—especially when combated by wealth and the prestige of success. To defeat the proposition with three of the council pronounced in favor of water-works, was out of the question. A better proposition must be secured, and that speedily. On Tuesday evening the Barclay ordinance had been passed by sections, and adjournment was had until next Monday evening, when the question of final passage would come up. In the four succeeding days I traveled a thousand miles, secured the backing and necessary data for a proposition infinitely better for the city, and broke the Sabbath day getting the papers in shape to lay before the council. I did this at my own volition and at my own expense. When the council met on Monday evening and my banker friend had gathered himself there to carry away the spoils, my proposition was presented. It was received with derision and sneers by Mr. Robinson and his co-laborers—that gentleman going so far as to assert that it was simply a ruse to defeat, and that no man could build the works under such a proposition.

Up to this time Mr. Gary had been the sturdy defender of the city’s interests. Messrs. Wilson and McMullen declared themselves in favor of water-works on the best terms that could be had. Mr. Read’s position was conceded to be for it, regardless of the interests of the city, while Mr. Troup acted but at the beck and call of M. L. Robinson.

During the pendency of the question, I interviewed all of the council except Mr. Read. Councilmen McMullen and Wilson unhesitatingly said that my proposition was much the best and they would support it until a better one was offered. Mr. Gary said he wanted to “investigate,” and when I put the question squarely to him whether he would support my proposition until a better one was offered, he evaded it by saying he would “support the best one.” I had unbounded confidence in his integrity as a man and an officer, believed that he meant what he said, and did not question him farther. In this I erred. Others who had less confidence than I in integrity and official honor, were at work. Sunday evening a caucus was held and plans laid to “fix Gary.” What those plans were I do not know, but they were eminently successful, and the results were clearly apparent at the council meeting on the following evening. Mr. Robinson then appeared with his ordinance modified to cover some of the salient improvements in mine and Gary seemed to be supporting him.

On Tuesday evening Mr. Robinson had further modified his ordinance until it embraced exactly the same material provisions contained in mine. I then reduced my proposition, making the terms of the franchise sixty years instead of ninety-nine, and the price on extension hydrants sixty-five instead of seventy-five dollars, making a better proposition for the city than any that had been presented by possibly five thousand dollars.

In this shape the two propositions were placed before the council in committee of the whole.

Before a vote was taken, Mr. Gary rose up and said that he wished to “explain himself.” That he considered the two propositions about equal, but that the Robinson proposition had a little the best financial backing, and for that reason he should vote for it. I then told him that I would quiet his fears on that score and produced a paper signed by citizens representing probably two hundred thousand dollars of capital, guaranteeing the erection of the works under my ordinance if accepted by the council. In a rather confused manner Mr. Gary replied that “it was too late as he had indicated how he intended to vote.” I told him he was supposed to be acting in the interest of the city, had not yet voted, and would be expected to cast his vote for the best proposition regardless of any previous condition of mind.

The question was called, Messrs. Gary and Read voted for the Robinson ordinance and Messrs. Wilson and McMullen against. Mr. Troup, after a lengthy apology for so doing, cast the tie for Robinson, and the council adjourned.

On the next evening the council again met for the consideration and final passage of the ordinance. Mr. McMullen was absent. When they came to the section relating to extension hydrants, Mr. Wilson moved to amend by making the price sixty-five instead of seventy-five dollars each, and stated that while he did not wish to obtrude his ideas upon the council, he must insist upon this reduction, as Mr. Greer had offered to do it for that and a contract for a higher price would never receive his vote. Mr. Gary would not second the motion. Without Mr. Wilson’s vote, in the absence of Mr. McMullen, the ordinance could not pass, and after an hours’ wrangle, Robinson consented to allow the reduction; and then, and not till then, did Mr. Gary consent to vote in the interests of the people whom he pretended to represent, as against the man whom he evidently was doing his utmost to assist.

Mr. Wilson, by his firm and determined stand, forced Robinson & Co., to consent that Gary should vote for the reduction.

The ordinance as finally passed is exactly the same in every material point as the one I proposed, with the exception of the term of franchise, which in mine was reduced thirty-nine years.

That some subtle influence guided Mr. Gary’s actions in the matter, no sensible man will deny. What that influence was, no one but Mr. Gary and those interested will ever know. The facts will remain, however, and he will be regarded with distrust that it will take years of penance to remove.

The result of the water-works was not a disappointment to me. Mr. Gary’s action was. I had always regarded him in the highest estimation and felt that his spirit of fairness, aside from his duty as an officer, would accord any citizen the common courtesy which a bidder at a street corner auction never fails to receive—namely, the precedence of bid until a better offer is made. When I found that he, too, could be suborned to act in the interests of a Shylock, regardless of every principle of justice, fairness, and his duty, I was painfully surprised and disgusted.

Mr. Gary claims to publish this card in order to refute certain “innuendoes” which have appeared in this paper against him. If any innuendoes appeared, it was at least five weeks ago. Since that time the assassin’s bullet has taken from our midst a true, noble, honest officer—one whose highest aim was to serve the people faithfully and well, and who would have scorned to do a questionable act. While his remains lay yet unburied, surrounded by weeping kindred and embalmed in the heartfelt grief of thousands of sympathizing friends, seventeen persons met at the call of men whom Mr. Gary’s action had most benefitted, and nine of them decided upon him as a fit and proper person to fill the dead sheriff’s place. One of the parties went immediately to Topeka, urged the appointment, and succeeded in having it made. The intelligence was conveyed by telegraph to M. L. Robinson, which telegram he exultingly displayed to me and industriously exhibited upon the streets.

Mr. Gary holds the office of sheriff of this county by virtue of his action in the water-works matter. Under such circumstances it is meet that he continue to do the master’s bidding. He seems to have treasured up his righteous indignation for five long weeks, during which time the changes above referred to have taken place, and during which time the COURIER, aided by the people of this city and county, have been making it exceedingly warm for his benefactor.

It is but consistent that he do all he can, even to the sacrifice of his little remaining character, to assist in diverting public attention from a much abused subject. In the roll he has been following, this action is much more creditable to him than any he has yet attempted. I must at least accord him the one virtue of gratitude. If this seeming virtue proves but a cloak for avarice, then I know not where to turn for another. ED. P. GREER.

Sheriff Gary still a member of city council...

Winfield Courier, March 8, 1883.

CITY OF WINFIELD, MARCH 5, 1883.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilman Gary, Wilson, and Read; absent, Councilman McMullen.

The Finance Committee reported the bill of the COURIER Co., for $75.95 for printing correct in the amount of $75.25; the bill of M. E. Knox for $20.50 for care city poor correct in amount of $20.00; the report of the Police Judge for December 1882 correct. The report of the committee was adopted and the bill of COURIER was ordered paid and the bill of M. E. Knox was recommended to the County Commissioners for payment.

The account of Horning & Whitney for $1.75 for stove grate was referred to Finance Committee.

The reports of Police Judge for January and February were referred to Finance Committee.

Winfield Courier, March 8, 1883. [Re City Council Meeting March 5, 1883.]

The City Clerk notified the Council that there had been filed with him and laid before the Council, an acceptance of the terms of the Ordinance in relation to Water Works, signed by all the persons named as grantees in such ordinance, and also a notice of an assignment by said individuals of their rights and privileges therein to the Winfield Water Company, and an acceptance of the terms of said ordinance by the Winfield Water Company. The Clerk was instructed to report the above facts in the journal.

The committee on streets and alleys was instructed to report at the next meeting as to the proper places for the location of the City’s hydrants to be erected under the terms of the ordinance in relation to Water Works.

On motion the Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.

Attest: L. H. Webb, City Clerk.

Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1883.

[From the Winfield Telegram newspaper.]

Capt. O. S. Rarick, of Arkansas City, was appointed undersheriff, last Wednesday, by Sheriff Gary.

Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.

Eli Perkins will lecture at the Opera House Tuesday evening, March 27th. The lecture is under the auspices of the Knights of Pythias. Eli is probably not aware that S. G. Gary lives here. He will be ashamed of himself when he finds it out.

Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, MARCH 19, 1883.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen McMullen, Gary, and Wilson; absent, Councilman Read.

The City Attorney presented an ordinance in relation to construction of certain sidewalks. The ordinance was read and sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 were separately read, considered, and adopted by an affirmative vote of the three Councilmen present. The ordinance as a whole was then submitted to a vote upon its final passage with the following result: Those voting aye were Councilmen Wilson, Gary, and McMullen; naes, none, and the ordinance was declared adopted as Ordinance 168, and was approved by the Mayor.

An ordinance was presented, relating to fire limits, and was postponed until the next meeting.

The reports of the City Treasurer for the months ending Jan. 15, Feb. 15, and March 15, 1883, were presented and referred to the Finance committee.

Winfield Courier, March 29, 1883.

CITY OF WINFIELD, MARCH 23, 1883.

Council met in special session, on call of the Mayor.

The proposed ordinance amending the ordinance relating to fire limits was taken up for consideration by sections and sections 1, 2, and 3 were separately read, considered, and adopted by an affirmative vote of the three Councilmen present. The ordinance as a whole was then submitted to a vote upon its final passage with the following result: Those voting aye were Councilmen Wilson, Gary, and McMullen; nays one, and the ordinance was declared passed and approved by the Mayor.

The Mayor stated that he would, with the consent of the council, remit the fine assessed by the Police Judge against C. L. Harter for a violation of the ordinance relating to erection of buildings of combustible material, for the reason that the erection was an ice house necessary for the use of the hotel operated by Mr. Harter. On motion, the Council consented to such remission by an affirmative vote of the three Councilmen present.

On motion the Council adjourned. M. G. TROUP, Mayor.

Attest: L. H. WEBB, City Clerk.

Winfield Courier, April 5, 1883.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, APRIL 2, 1883.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll call. Present: Councilmen Gary, McMullen, and Wilson; absent, Councilman Read.

The finance committee made the following report: Reports of Treasurer and Police Judge referred, correct; bill of Horning & Whitney for $1.75, correct and payment recommended; bill of L. A. Belmont on county for care of poor, $5.00 found and paid and rejection recommended. The report was adopted and the bill of Horning & Whitney was ordered paid.

The clerks quarterly report on the quarter ending March 15, 1883, was presented and referred to the finance committee.

Last meeting for Councilman Gary and Councilman Read...

City Council now made up of Geo. Emerson, Jno. A. McGuire, D. L. Kretsinger, J. C. McMullen, and R. S. Wilson and Mayor Troup.

Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.

Council Proceedings.

COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY OF WINFIELD, APRIL 16, 1883.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup in the chair. Roll called. Present: Councilmen Read, Wilson, McMullen, and Gary. Minutes of the last regular meeting and of the meeting held April 6, to canvass the votes of the late city election were read and approved. Mayor Troup, Councilman Gary, of the first ward, and Councilman Read, of the second ward, whose terms of office had expired, then vacated their seats, and Geo. Emerson, Jno. A. McGuire, and D. L. Kretsinger, having filed their oaths of office with the clerk, took the seats thus vacated, as Mayor, Councilman from the first ward, and Councilman from the second ward respectively. Roll called. Present: Mayor Emerson, Councilmen Wilson, McGuire, McMullen, and Kretsinger. The council then proceeded with the regular order of business.

The report of the finance committee that the report of the clerk for quarter ending March 15, 1883, was correct, was received and adopted.

The report of the Police Judge for March and 9 days of April was presented and referred to the finance committee.

The mayor allowed the standing committees for the ensuing year as follows.

On streets and alleys: Wilson, Kretsinger, and McGuire.

On finance: McMullen, Kretsinger, and Wilson.

On fire department: Kretsinger, McMullen, and McGuire.

On public health: McGuire, McMullen, and Wilson.

On motion of councilman Kretsinger, councilman McMullen was elected President of the council for the ensuing year.

The committee on streets and alleys was instructed to secure the dirt from the excavation of Mr. Myton’s new building on the best possible terms.

Messrs. Black & Rembaugh and the Courier Co. submitted proposition to do the city printing for one year from May 1st as follows: Council proceedings without charge; other city printing except job work at rates allowed by law for public printing; job works at lowest schedule rates. On motion the printing was awarded to Black & Rembaugh for six months from May 1st, 1883, and to the Courier Co. for six months thereafter, and the City Attorney was instructed to draw a contract accordingly.

Winfield Courier, April 26, 1883.

The sidewalk out east on Ninth Avenue has been straggling around over the edge of the street in the most disgracefully crooked manner ever since it was put down. The COURIER has called attention to its fantastic angles several times. Aside from this, its flinty surface has re-echoed the tread of the Democratic Councilman from the First Ward, S. G. Gary, on an average of four times a day for three years, and still it remains an eye-sore to pedestrians. One would have thought that his eagle eye would have flashed at the sight of so much crookedness under his very nose. His neglect in this matter was undoubtedly due to pre-occupation—or perhaps he was waiting for some indignant citizen to offer him ten thousand dollars (?) to do his duty and have it straightened. We hope the new Council will have it done at once.

Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.

Notes of the Convention.

Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Gary entertained W. D. Greason of the Paola Republican and J. T. Highly of the Paola Spirit.

Winfield Courier, June 7, 1883.

W. H. Colgate was taken to the penitentiary by Sheriff Gary Tuesday.

Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.

During the past few weeks S. G. Gary seems to have become an aspirant for election to the office of Sheriff. He daily approaches citizens with the burthen of his ambition; without regard to race, color, or politics. About the best way Mr. Gary can auctioneer just at present is to infuse a little life into his office. It is the only really dead thing in Cowley County.

Winfield Courier, June 14, 1883.

Tuesday the authorities at Arkansas City telephoned Sheriff Gary that two horses had been stolen there the night before, with their description. Ed. Nicholson happened to be in town and saw the description and on the way home came upon the thieves on Badger Creek. He borrowed an old rusty shot gun, and in company with Tom Wright and several of the neighbors, surrounded the thieves in a thicket, where Ed. brought them up at the muzzle of his ancient gun. They were brought to town and gave their names as Cooper and Carter, residents of Arkansas City. One of them claims to be a brother of F. M. Cooper, formerly of this place. He is about thirty years old. They tell several stories in explanation of how they came into possession of the horses, but deny having stolen them.

Winfield Courier, June 21, 1883.

The Telegram does Mr. Ed. Nicholson an injustice in its account of his horse-thief capture last week. He was not “sent out” by Sheriff Gary. He was on his way home, and took in the thieves on his own account. Instead of being “sent out” by Mr. Gary, he “sent in” for the said Gary post haste, the messenger being Captain Stubblefield, with the information that he had two horse thieves surrounded and desired the Sheriff to come out and assist in the capture. The “sheriff” never put in an appearance until the thieves were safe at the jail doors —probably because he was too busy to go himself and had no one to “send.” Our Sheriff evidently prefers “sending someone out” to getting in the way of trouble himself. His administration reminds us of that of one of Cowley’s early sheriffs who, when fleeing from an irate citizen who was attempting to caress him with a club, looked back over his shoulder and wailed, “Don’t strike! Don’t strike!! If you strike, I’ll bring the majesty of the law to bear upon you!” The citizen struck, but only caught the tail of a coat as it whipped around the corner.

Winfield Courier, June 28, 1883.

A Shooting Raid.

Last Friday a young man rode hurriedly in town and reported that he had been robbed at Limbocker’s ford on Dutch Creek by two men. On receipt of the news, Sheriff Gary became greatly excited. Here, at least, was a chance to achieve fame and glory, and show the world that he was in truth and in fact a valiant and active officer, by starting out at once and bringing in the robbers, alone and single handed. But hold! As he buckles on his trusty revolvers and girds about his loins a fresh belt of cartridges, a change comes over the spirit of his dream. He remembers that robbers are bold, bad men, and he remembers reading in a dime novel in the long years ago about bandits who laid in ambush for their pursuers and sometimes captured them and carried them away into the fastnesses to die of starvation. As he thought on these things and wondered what raven would feed the widow and orphans when he was gone, he grew sad, until finally he decided to raise a “posse” to defend him in case the robbers refused to be arrested peaceably. No sooner was the decision made than it was carried into effect—and right here was brought actively into play our sheriff’s wonderful power as an organizer. In less than two hours he had fourteen men, seven double-barreled shot guns, and twenty-two revolvers on their way to the scene of the robbery, three miles out. The order of march was as follows.

Frank Finch, with hand cuffs and shackles.

Charlie Limbocker, accompanied by a double-barreled shot gun.

Ben Herrod ditto.

F. M. Burge ditto.

A. B. Taylor, deputy sheriff, carrying in addition to his own, part of the Sheriff’s armory.

Johnny Riley, double-barreled shot gun and two revolvers.

W. J. Hodges and Johnny Hudson, Aids-de-camp to Sheriff and Ex-Captain S. G. Gary.

Ammunition wagon.

Owing to the limited time and the absence of Capt. Haight, the battery was not called out, but “held in reserve.” Arriving at the scene of action, the “posse” was halted and Sheriff Gary advanced cautiously to the front, where he discovered Constable Siverd with the alleged victim.

Mr. Siverd had been on the ground some time, examined for tracks, found none, and concluded that the robbery was a canard. He so informed the doughty sheriff, which seemed to revive his drooping spirits and the “posse” was allowed to disperse while the Sheriff returned to Winfield by way of New Salem.

It was an active and valiant struggle to defend the rights of an injured citizen, and we take pleasure in commending Sheriff Gary for his energy, and for the rare power of organization he displayed in getting such a large force of men, fully equipped and on the road in such a short space of time. We tremble for the result should a bonafide robbery occur within his jurisdiction. The expenses of conveying the “posse” were only $12.50, which the county can well afford to pay.

“Because Sheriff Gary performs the duties of his office in an energetic but quiet and unostentatious manner, Greer becomes disgruntled and wants the Sheriff to make more noise and fuss. Capt. Gary is not that kind of man, Ed.” Telegram.

[REPORT: J. S. HUNT, COUNTY CLERK.]

Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.

S. G. Gary, sheriff’s costs: $12.70.

F. P. Pruitt, sheriff’s costs: $2.50.

S. G. Gary, sheriff’s costs: $51.15.

Winfield Courier, July 12, 1883.

We are informed by the Telegram that Mr. Gary has not charged the county up with the $12.50 expense bill contracted in his remarkable raid on the highwaymen, reported in these columns a few weeks ago. This is all wrong. When a bold and fearless officer goes out in the discharge of his duty, he should be afforded every facility that will secure success. In this case the Sheriff’s plans were carefully laid, and none but experienced men were selected. Of course, in such a large company, it was necessary to enlist some few persons who had never been under fire; but they were brave men, and with veterans to the right and left of them would have fought like tigers. The only reason that the robbers were not captured was because there had been no robbery. It was not the sheriff’s place to see that the robbery came off all right. This part of the program belonged to the robbers, and because they failed to carry it out, our sheriff should not be compelled to pay the $12.50, and we do not think our citizens will permit it. They will pay it by private subscription first.

[POLITICAL CANDIDATES.]

Winfield Courier, August 2, 1883.

Some Candidates.

Saturday was a big day for candidates; indeed, every day now-a-days brings forth an enterprising batch of them. But Saturday was especially active in this commodity. They were all around here and there and everywhere.

The first one we observed was R. B. Pratt, that staunch old Democrat, who has been born and bred in the party ranks until he is in root, branch, and fibre Democratic. He’s running hard for the Democratic nomination for sheriff.

Mr. Gary, the present incumbent, whose Democracy is of a later and more spongy growth, was also active, and slashed around until the tails of his linen duster stood out behind. His “don’t-tread-on-the-tail-of-me-coat” style is peculiarly refreshing, and as his “record,” political and otherwise, is still a matter of deep, dark, and dismal mystery, he meets with some favor in the eyes of the unterrified.

In the Republican camp the activity and friction smelled like brimstone. That little man walking along so peacefully is none other than our present county treasurer, and while he seems so contented and peaceful, is really putting the stakes and riders on his nine rail fence, while way off in the country his genial competitor, Capt. Nipp, is building a barbed wire enclosure for himself.

That fellow going across the street in ten steps and an old straw hat is Capt. Siverd. It is pretty generally understood that he is a candidate for sheriff and that he’s got a bushel of friends who think he will make the best kind of an officer. He is always going that way, and every time he goes something comes.

The tall, handsome man Capt. Siverd is talking to is Oscar Wooley, his competitor for the honor. He is a young man of unimpeachable character, brave as a lion, and runs like a race horse.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1883.

Sheriff Gary was in town yesterday and appointed our city marshal, J. W. Oldham, Deputy Sheriff. No better selection could have been made.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1883.

At the Democratic County convention held at Winfield last Saturday, the following gentlemen were put in nomination: Sheriff, S. G. Gary; treasurer, J. B. Lynn; register of deeds, Geo. Eaton; county clerk, J. C. Hanlon.

Winfield Courier, August 30, 1883.

Democratic Convention.

The Democratic Convention of Cowley County was held at the Courthouse last Saturday the 25th inst. Amos Walton was chairman and Jos. O’Hare secretary. The following nominations were made.

For Sheriff: S. G. Gary of Winfield.

For Treasurer: J. B. Lynn of Winfield.

For Coroner: W. I. Shotwell of Winfield.

For County Clerk: John Hanlen of Rock.

For Register of Deeds: Geo. Eaton of Silverdale.

For Surveyor: Alex Cairns of Tisdale.

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.”

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

NO REFERENCE TO DUTY.

What are we to infer from the Telegram’s opposition to the prohibitory amendment and law, and its blatant support of Mr. Gary? He looks very much as if he was going to continue, if elected, to do as he is now doing, namely: loaf in town while the people catch their own violators of law. The Telegram and its crowd don’t want officers elected who will do their duty; and this is not surprising when the facts are known.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

GARY’S GALLANTRY.

When Corder and Cooper stole Harris and Freel’s horses, they telephoned up from Arkansas City to Gary that fact, and that the thieves were going northeast. Gary went to Ed Nicholson and said: “Ed, some parties have stolen two horses at Arkansas City and are going northeast; if you see them as you go home, I wish you would catch them.” He then went up the street and the last seen of him he was trying to explain his Iowa record. Ed got on his horse and started home on Grouse Creek, and on the way caught the horse thieves, and they were taken by our gallant sheriff last week to the penitentiary.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

ANTIMONOPOLY.

Judge Tipton is passing as the leader of the Antimonopoly, alias Greenback party. He is essentially a Democrat, but as a Democrat he could not expect to influence Republican votes, therefore he is an Antimonopolist as nearly all Republicans are, and he proposes to lead as many Republicans as possible to throw away their votes on a third party ticket, thus giving the Democrats a chance to elect a part of their ticket. We predict that he and his followers of Democratic proclivities will all vote the straight Democratic ticket and only Republican anti-monopolists will vote the third ticket, and they ought to be too smart to be caught by his little game.

When the time comes Tipton and his allies will drop their candidate for sheriff and trade everything they can for Gary. No one imagines it possible that any candidate for sheriff can trade everything they can for Gary. No one imagines it possible that any candidate on the third ticket has the slightest chance for election—and every vote should be cast in reference to the candidates on the two other tickets.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

THE SHERIFF QUESTION.

We hear of two objections having been raised to G. H. McIntire as a candidate for sheriff. The first is that he did more than his duty in defending the murderer of Shenneman and keeping him out of the hands of the mob. The other is that he did less than his duty in the same case. The former objection is raised by some Democratic and even Republican friends of the Democratic nominee. They evidently have no fear that Gary will do more than his duty. The latter objection is raised by a Republican in Vernon, who proposes to play into the hands of Gary. His simplicity in supposing that the Democratic nominee will not do less than his duty is sublime.

We may boldly assert that in the trying time that followed the murder of Shenneman, McIntire did his whole duty faithfully and well. By his great skill and shrewdness, he kept his prisoner out of the hands of the mob for several days by dodging him from jail to farmhouse and from town to town, the first three days of which he was pursued and spied upon by hundreds of men. A few days later when the mob spirit appeared to have died out and apparently no more efforts at lynching would be made, he secretly, in the night, brought his prisoner back to the county jail. It was then reasonable to suppose that there would be no further danger to the prisoner. It was a considerable extra expense to the county to keep the prisoner otherwise or dodging about. It would have been another large expense to the county to fortify the jail and keep it guarded day and night, by a body of armed men. Keeping the prisoner anywhere but in the county jail made it extremely probable that he would escape.

McIntire’s first duty was to prevent the escape of the prisoner; his next duty was to protect the prisoner as far as practicable against threatened violence; and his third duty was to save the county from any unnecessary expense. These objects were constantly before him and if he misjudged of the final danger to the prisoner, it was just what a great many of our good citizens did. We maintain that he did his whole duty well, and no more than his duty, and that he is far the most likely of the two candidates to do his whole duty.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

QUITE A CHARGE.

That was a gallant charge made by our sheriff when he caught Corder and Cooper, who stole Harris and Freel’s horses; that is, he charged up street and left them to escape but for the effort of farmer Nicholson, who took them in. His latest charge was upon the County Treasury for fees earned by others in that case. As a charger the Captain is a success—in a horn.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

A “Bread and Butter” Outfit.

The Democratic campaign this fall from the start has been a triangular one: and each corner of this triangle rests on a loaf of bread, so to speak, with a roll of butter in the center. At one corner stands the Telegram, with its little mouth wide open and its tail feathers “quivering in thin air.” It is hungry nigh unto dissolution, and the case is a desperate one. At the next corner stands its main hope and stay, Mr. Gary. What matters it that he is a renegade Republican, a renegade Greenbacker, and will, if history repeats itself, be a renegade Democrat if he is treated as he has been by every other political party now in existence, namely, kicked out of office. It is the only chance it ever had, and around him clings a faint odor of public patronage which its sharpened appetite is eager to follow. At the other corner stands the Democratic nominee for commissioner. Upon him its longing gaze is occasionally turned with an expression which says: “If both YEOW! YEOW!! If either, which? If neither, ___?___? In the center is the fellow who is furnishing the butter for this delightful trio, and his name is Lynn. He carries the banner on which is emblazoned, “Vote for the grand old principles of Democracy.” His blood is thick and sluggish with the stagnant poison of Democracy, and the chickens go to roost whenever he crosses the border of a township. He furnishes the “sinews of war,” and holds the “old liners” straight while Gary skirmishes for stragglers. He don’t need bread. He only wants the office as a kind of side issue to his dry-goods store.

This is a faithful picture of the present so-called democratic campaign, and it will be so recognized by every impartial voter. It rests upon no principle and fights for nothing but safe and easy access to the public treasury. The central figure is the candidate for Sheriff, Mr. Gary. For years, in another state, he was a republican, was elected to office on the republican ticket, ran again, was defeated, and immediately left the party for a place in the ranks of greenbackism, which was then carrying all before it in that state. He immediately became a candidate for office. If his ambitions were realized, we have not now the evidence at hand, but the fact that the decline of that party’s prestige found him in the Democratic ranks is proof that its power for satisfying his greed had waned, or its suffrages been refused. Next we find him in Cowley County—an office-holder in the third part of his adoption—filling the shoes of our murdered sheriff before the last clod had ceased to rattle above his coffin-lid; and placed there through an agency most humiliating. Under such circumstances one might have expected that at least the work mapped out by his efficient predecessor would be accomplished. But this work necessitated tireless energy, courage, and the exposure which a strict performance of duty in that responsible position always entails. It is needless to say that it was not done. The unfinished work was left where the master-hand had placed it, until one who thinks more of duty than of inclination is found to take it up. And this has been his record all through the term he is now serving. He is notified from Arkansas City that horses have been stolen and the thieves are traveling north. He happens to see a farmer on the street, tells him about it, and goes off to talk politics while the farmer goes out and brings in the property and thieves. But while the commissioners are in session allowing bills, his is the first presented and most energetically pressed.

Such democracy and such efficiency are not wanted in Cowley County, and he has gained nothing in removing from Iowa.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1883.

A Sell Out.

S. G. Gary, together with a self-styled Greenbacker who claims to carry the votes of that element in the hollow of his hand, are arranging to sell out the Greenback votes, body and breeches, to Mr. Gary. The plan is to force Mr. Teter and Mr. Stephens off and turn the votes over to Gary and the Democratic nominee for Commissioner in the 3rd district. From our knowledge of Messrs. Teter and Stephens, we are afraid the leader of Greenbackism and peddler of Greenback-votes-in-a-lump will not be able to deliver.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, October 24, 1883.

S. G. Gary.

Why is it that the moment the Republican party refuses to vote for a dirty Republican and kicks him out of the party, the Democrats at once take him up and nominate him for an office?

S. G. Gary was defeated in Mahaska County, Iowa, for treasurer, on the Republican ticket, when that party had 1,200 majority, and then he turns Democrat and comes to Kansas. Bill Hackney and his late relict, J. Wade McDonald, had him appointed sheriff upon the death of Shenneman. Then, desirous of propitiating these two worthies, he is forthwith nominated by the Democrats for sheriff. Is he a Democrat, or is Bill running that party through Wade McDonald, as he always has done in this county? Or, mayhap, the office of sheriff is to be given him to pay him for refusing the bribe which Gary says Ed. Greer offered him in the water works row in Winfield, when Gary was councilman. When we remember that Bill and Wade, together with Read’s bank, put up that job, and that Gary voted it through the council, we can see more than one sow with its nose in the political swill trough of this county.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1883.

Mr. Gary, in a speech in Liberty Township, made the assertion that he was going to carry Creswell Township over McIntire. Ordinarily we would suggest that Gary had made a mistake, but in this instance we are constrained to remark that he wilfully lies, and that McIntire will beat him two to one.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1883.

Republicans, Take Notice. Mr. Gary, Democratic sheriff of this county, has made arrangements with one Kelser to insert his (Mr. Gary’s) name on the Republican ticket in place of Mr. McIntire. This instance has reference to Silverdale Township, but the same steps are taken with reference to the other voting precincts in this county, and too much care cannot be taken by the Republicans to examine their ticket before voting them. Careful attention will frustrate such despicable fraud, and beat the poor fools.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 24, 1883.

Judge Torrance last Friday gave our most efficient (?) Democratic sheriff a very forcible hint to look after his business while he held the office. Asking the officers of the court to remain after adjournment, he told them he had become tired of performing the duties of both judge and sheriff in this county; and that hereafter if the sheriff could not find time to attend to his business, he would appoint one that could. At last account he had not found that worthy Democratic official.

Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.

WHAT A REPUBLICAN!

Last week we said in relation to two exactly contrary objections which had been raised to Geo. H. McIntire for sheriff: “The latter objection is raised by a Republican of Vernon, who proposes to play into the hands of Gary. His simplicity in supposing that the Democratic nominee will not do less than his duty is sublime.”

This caused one, Capt. J. B. Evans, of Vernon Township, to get up on his ear and inform us that he is not to be driven out of the Republican party again, that he will remain in the party, and we will remember? that he has always been a friend of the COURIER, but, will, etc. We told him that he was talking very foolishly, that we appreciated his friendship and favors, but that we were going to say what seemed to be the right thing and take the consequences, and that any covert threat would not affect our course. Capt. Evans has assumed the position of a “kicker,” is vigorously working to defeat the Republican nominee for sheriff, and for the Democratic nominee and does not deny it. He is talking around that Vernon Township will vote almost solid against McIntire and for Gary. He may think so. He may believe that the whole township consider him the brains of the township and will vote just as he dictates. If so, he is cranky. There are plenty of Republicans in Vernon as brainy as he, who vote their own opinions and not his, and who will vote for a man like McIntire, who has always been efficient as an officer, instead of such a man as Gary, who is notoriously inefficient; who will certainly vote for a good Republican instead of a bad and uncertain Democrat. We shall be surprised if he influences a single Republican beside himself to vote against McIntire, for we have a high opinion of the good sense of the Republicans of Vernon. As to Capt. Evans remaining in the Republican party, we fear that now he has started on the downward road that he will tumble on downward with increasing rapidity, that next year he will be a Greenbacker and the year after a Democrat. Such is the usual course of kickers. We would like it if this would give him a job that would wake up his sleeping sense and reason.

Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.

Mr. Gary thinks there must be something wrong with a man when he can’t carry his own township. On this theory the counting of the ballots in this City will make Mr. Gary feel very bad.

Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.

From a Democratic Standpoint.

A prominent democrat, one of the “old liners” and one who leads in his township, said to the writer Monday evening: “I shall not vote for Mr. Gary, for several reasons. The first is, because he is no more a democrat than a vulture is an eagle—he is a republican deserter, a greenback deserter, and will remain a democrat only so long as we keep him in office. His main efforts for twenty years back, as near as I can learn, have been directed toward getting a living, some way or other, out of the taxpayers, not caring what party he espoused or what principles he advocated so they brought him office. The second is, because he is a failure as an officer, and hasn’t the courage or the grit to run criminals down. The third is because he is a nincompoop, politically, officially, and personally. I would rather vote for a decent republican than such a man. It’s bitter medicine, but it’s better than the dose a lot of you republicans fixed up for us when you helped to get him appointed, thus saddling him onto our party. I believe that the democrats who have stood by the old party through the hours of her adversity, ought to unite in kicking out the roustabouts who are climbing on deck when victory seems ready to crown her banners.”

Our democratic friends is certainly sound on the question from a political standpoint, but is mistaken in crediting Gary’s appointment to “you republicans.” Gary’s appointment was purely a commercial transaction, secured for him by a few republicans and a few democrats, jointly, as a reward for his sudden, and at the time, inexplicable change of front on an important matter while a member of the Council of this city. These gentlemen themselves despise Gary for his action in the matter and announce their intention of voting for McIntire. They evidently feel that they have canceled their obligation to Mr. Gary and are now free to follow the dictates of their own consciences in casting a ballot.

Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.

The Sheriff Out of Court.

One of the most notorious evidences of Mr. Gary’s incompetence or utter disregard for the duties of his office, has been displayed all through the term of court now in session. The duties of sheriff in the courtroom are second only to those of the judge. Upon him devolves the carrying out of the rules and orders of the court, the maintenance of order and decorum, and the exaction of that proper and due respect for the court and its proceedings which is all important in impartial administration of law. During Mr. Shenneman’s administration he was never absent from the court room while court was in session, except under circumstances which were positively unavoidable. Several times he has remarked to the writer that he could not attend personally to this or that until “after court,” and at all times he was at his post helping to dispatch the business rapidly and correctly. During the present session of court this is all changed. The sheriff is rarely seen about the courtroom, but is constantly upon the streets canvassing voters and maneuvering for re-election, while the important duties of his position are entrusted to this deputy or that deputy as they may happen to be around. The judge has been impatient about this and several times during the term his disgust at the way matters were being allowed to run at “loose ends” has exhibited itself in both words and actions. This every lawyer who has been in close attendance upon court knows to be true.

Mr. Gary evidently has a wrong conception of what is necessary to secure the support of the people. If he makes a faithful officer and attends carefully to the duties of his position, it will affect them far more than personal solicitation for their votes. The officer who neglects his duties in order to follow men about the streets supplicating for support, can never win either their respect or their suffrages.

Winfield Courier, October 25, 1883.

At His Old Tricks.

Mr. Gary said to some gentlemen in Fairview Township recently: “The worst thing about McIntire is that he won’t carry his own township, and there must be something wrong with a man when he can’t get his nearest neighbors to vote for him.”

Small lies are always mean ones. Mr. Gary seems to have given himself over to a style of campaigning that is contemptible in its littleness. George McIntire will come out of Creswell Township with a hundred and fifty majority, and Bolton will add another fifty to it. Wherever George McIntire is known, he is respected as a straightforward, upright man, and one who would not willfully misrepresent an opponent for all the offices in the gift of the people. He is not that kind of an office seeker.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1883.

On His Merits. The Telegram calls Gary “a quiet, unassuming man, the candidate of no ring or clique, a man before you simply on his merits.” Here is richness for those who have seen him, day after day, on the streets and in the country, supplicating for votes and explaining his greatness to the almost total neglect of his duty as sheriff. Winfield Courier.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 31, 1883.

George H. McIntire. The candidate for sheriff on the Republican ticket needs no better recommendation than his record for efficient service in the discharge of his duties as deputy sheriff and U. S. Marshal. The opposition is seeking to injure him by publishing his evidence before the coroner’s inquest over the body of Shenneman’s murderer. There is nothing in that to answer. McIntire gave his evidence for the public, and we say let it be published and republished in the papers. The publishers and the politicians who cause it to be published, know that McIntire is a brave man, and that he dodged around with the prisoner, Cobb, day and night for a week to keep him from a mob. Then when he could no longer keep him from the jail, he returned, and an armed mob took him from him by force. Where were these friends to Cobb then? Some of them were in the mob that murdered him. Some ignorant or prejudiced person may talk this thing of “coward” or “accomplice,” but it is false. McIntire knows all the routine of the sheriff’s office, and will do it. Gary knows nothing of the duties of sheriff, could never do it, and would not do anything if he did—taking his record as evidence. Give McIntire a rousing vote and get a sheriff that knows his duty and will do it. Burden Enterprise.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

[From the Burden Enterprise.]

ON HIS MERITS.

The Telegram calls Gary “a quiet, unassuming man; the candidate of no ring or clique; a man before you simply on his merits.” Here is richness for those who have seen him, day after day, on the streets and in the country supplicating for votes and explaining his greatness to the almost total neglect of his duty as sheriff.

A FOSSIL.

We suspect that Judge Tipton is a “lying fossil,” whatever that is, for that is what he calls us because we predicted that he and his allies will drop their anti-monopoly candidate for sheriff and trade everything they can for Gary. It must be that we guessed his intentions very closely from the spiteful way in which he answers it: But as Teter is not that kind of a man and stoutly asserts that he will not get off the ticket for anybody, we conclude that no such program will be fully carried out. But we do not yet believe that the irate Judge will vote for either Teter, Walck, or Sandfort.

GEO. H. McINTIRE.

The candidate for sheriff on the republican ticket needs no better recommendation than his record for efficient service in the discharge of his duties as deputy sheriff and U. S. marshal. The opposition is seeking to injure him by publishing his evidence before the coroner’s inquest over the body of Shenneman’s murderer. There is nothing in that to answer. McIntire gave his evidence for the public, and we say let it be published and republished in the papers. The publishers, and the politicians who cause it to be published know that McIntire is a brave man, and that he dodged around with the prisoner, Cobb, day and night for a week to keep him from a mob. Then when he could no longer keep him from the jail, he returned and an armed mob took the prisoner from him by force. Where were these friends to Cobb then? Some of them were in the mob that murdered him. Some ignorant or prejudiced persons may talk this thing of “coward” or “accomplice,” but it is false. McIntire knows all the routine of the sheriff’s office, and will do it. Gary knows nothing of the duties of sheriff, can never learn it, and would not do anything if he did—taking his record as evidence. Give McIntire a rousing vote and get a sheriff that knows his duty and will do it.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

Note: The entire front page for the most part is full of items from the Traveler and Burden Enterprise...re Politics.

The Traveler attacked Gary in three separate items:

Item No. 1: “Why is it that the moment the republican party refuses to vote for a dirty republican and kicks him out of the party the democrats at once take him up and nominate him for an office? S. G. Gary was defeated in Mahaska County, Iowa, for treasurer, on the republican ticket, when that party had 1,200 majority, and then he turns democrat and comes to Kansas.”

Item No. 2: “Mr. Gary, Democratic sheriff of this county, has made arrangements with one Keiser to insert his (Mr. Gary’s) name on the Republican ticket in place of Mr. McIntire. This instance has reference to the other voting precincts in this county, and too much care cannot be taken by the Republicans to examine their tickets before voting them. Careful attention will frustrate such despicable fraud, and beat the poor fools.”

Item No. 3: “Judge Torrance last Friday gave our most efficient (?) Democratic sheriff a very forcible hint to look after his business while he held the office. Asking the officers of the court to remain after adjournment, he told them he had become tired of performing the duties of both judge and sheriff in this county, and that hereafter if the sheriff could not find time to attend to his business, he would appoint one that could. At last accounts he had not found that worthy Democratic official.”

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

GARY’S POLICY. Awhile after Gary had assumed the office of sheriff, some persons called his attention to some criminals whom Shenneman had traced up and was preparing to swoop down upon, but was prevented by the murderer, and Gary was asked to complete the jobs by making the arrests. Gary answered: “I am not going to set myself up for a target to be shot full of holes. I shall let the criminal business alone and attend to the civil business. There is more money in it and less danger. I am running this office for the money there is in it.” Our informant is a life Democrat of good standing and undoubted veracity. He says he can swear to the above statement and bring two other witnesses who heard Gary make the statement. That Gary has acted on this policy is prominently apparent. Such was his policy when he kept away from where the horse thieves, Carder and Cooper, were supposed to be while Ed. Nicholson, a brave Dexter farmer went and arrested both and brought them in. Gary did not get any bullet holes in his skin, but he got the money which Nicholson earned in making the arrests and he gets his fees for his civil duties, every cent of them, you bet, while he neglects those duties and spends his time soliciting votes. Another Democrat says Gary is so infernal stingy that he will not vote for him. This stinginess is part of the above policy to get all the money there is in it and keep it too.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

SWINDLING TICKET. We have caught on to a large batch of tickets got up by Gary which purports to be the Republican ticket but leaves the place for sheriff blank evidently for the purpose of inserting Gary’s name. It has neither of the Republican candidates given correctly. Don’t vote any of these tricky tickets. Look out for them. It would seem that Gary has succeeded in hiring some pretended Republicans to peddle such tickets on election day. We are told he has offered ten dollars apiece for them. He seems to be selling out his Democratic colleagues for votes for himself.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

DEMOCRATIC ARGUMENT. We are informed that a former saloonist in this place returned to this city the other day, and on the way stated to a friend that he brought a large amount of money to be expended in securing votes for Gary and other democratic candidates. Whiskey, beer, and bribery are the weapons which the Republicans will have to contend with. It is time they were stirring around.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

A MULHATTAN INVENTION.

Capt. Gary furnished the Telegram last week with the following lie, which it endorsed and published for the benefit of the inventor.

“Some time since a horse was stolen at Arkansas City; the thief was arrested by the authorities at Fayetteville, Arkansas. When McIntire received word that his man had been caught, he engaged Mr. Milks, a resident of Arkansas City, to go with him, also engaging Milk’s team to convey the party. On their return trip, McIntire, between Vinita and Big Cabin, Indian Territory, saw some berries growing by the wayside; the sight was too much for this political gourmand, whose appetite for grub seems to keep pace with his appetite for official ‘pap.’ McIntire laid his revolver on the seat and jumped to the ground; no sooner had he struck the earth than the prisoner grasped the pistol and had the crowd covered. The bold, bad man then demanded Mr. McIntire’s shekels, which were handed over with alacrity and haste. His companions were also persuaded to contribute their mite to the missionary’s fund. These financial negotiations having been brought to a successful termination, this fellow, who had wantonly trifled with the feelings and pocket book of a constable of ten years standing and deputy sheriff to boot, coolly unharnessed Mr. Milks’ best horse and jumping astride, rode off, bidding Mr. George H. McIntire a long, last, sad farewell as he disappeared. The horse that had been ridden off by the thief was shortly recovered, but died from the effects of the hard usage it had received. For this loss Mr. Milks never received a cent. There was a mortgage of $75 on this team and wagon of old man Milks; the remaining horse and the wagon were sold under this mortgage and after it was satisfied, Mr. Milks had $20 left. This man (a republican, by the way) declares that McIntire never paid Milks one cent for his trouble or loss, which he could illy afford, being an old man 50 years of age, and a cripple besides, caused by wounds received in the Army.”

The Telegram was not smart, but published the lie too soon. It should have waited until the morning of the election when it would be too late to get the facts. Now comes the said Milks referred to therein and exposes the lie as follows.

ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, Oct. 29, 1883.

The Telegram, in its last issue in an article purporting to come from an eye witness, charging G. H. McIntire with employing me to go with my team after a horse thief with him into Arkansas, and that he never paid me for the trip. That is a lie. McIntire never employed me to go with him; he never owed me a cent he did not pay. I was employed by J. Martin to go after his horse with McIntire. We found the man and horse at Fayetteville, Arkansas, and when on our way back near Vinita, the man jumped from the buggy. I was guarding the prisoner at the time. I had McIntire’s revolver under my leg, and the prisoner saw his opportunity and grabbed the revolver and jumped out of the buggy. My horse was being led behind the buggy. I untied him and started to a house to get a gun, and the prisoner, when I was off about fifty yards, started after me and took my horse away from me and rode him off. He never got a cent of money from McIntire and did not seem to want to undertake to unharness the horse that McIntire was holding. I never blamed McIntire for losing my horse, and the man that makes that statement in the Telegram and says he was an eye witness is an unmitigated liar. E. MILKS.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

If Mr. Gary was as energetic in the pursuit of criminals as he is in the pursuit of office, he would be the best sheriff in the state of Kansas.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

Like a leading general, Mr. Gary’s headquarters are in the “field.” The district court would like to have some citizen locate the sheriff permanently: at least during terms of court.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

Sheriff Gary passed through this city Monday en route from Topeka to Arkansas City. He left the county last Friday, since which time the district court, in session here, continued to run itself.

Winfield Courier, November 1, 1883.

The sheriff fight is being reduced to a one-sided affair. Scores of democrats have announced their intention of voting against Gary, hoping to thereby rid the party of an incompetent parasite. The query now is: Where will Gary go after his defeat?

Winfield Courier, November 8, 1883.

If Gary’s latest defeat does not break him of sucking eggs, we do not know what will.

Winfield Courier, November 8, 1883.

The East ward of Winfield, S. G. Gary’s home, gave McIntire a majority. Arkansas City, Mr. McIntire’s home, gave him two hundred and eighty majority. Comment is unnecessary.

Winfield Courier, November 8, 1883.

The recent election is another sad and solemn warning to S. G. Gary to forever forsake the treacherous walks of politics and retire to the peaceful shades of his furniture shop. He is at present a frightful example of political bankruptcy.

Winfield Courier, November 15, 1883.

Recap: Official vote of Cowley County, Kansas, November 6, 1883.

For Sheriff: G. H. McIntire, R, 2309. Plurality: 594.

S. G. Gary, C, 1715.

J. F. Teter, G, 270.

1ST WARD, McINTIRE 162, GARY 158.

2ND WARD, McINTIRE 113, GARY 131.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, November 28, 1883.

“CONSISTENCY, THOU ART A JEWEL.”

Last Friday evening Deputy Sheriff Taylor came down from Winfield, and arrested Mr. Kitchen for selling liquor contrary to the prohibitory law of this state, and on Saturday Sheriff Gary arrested A. W. Patterson and C. U. France on the same grounds of offense. Papers were served on the latter gentlemen more from a desire to sift the matter to the bottom than from any belief that they were at all implicated. Concerning this move, which has more in it than an honest desire to bring these men to justice, we have simply this to say.

Insofar as it is the result of a desire on the part of our county officers and law abiding citizens to protect the dignity of the law and to punish its offenders, we cannot but say amen; but insofar as it springs from an attempt of our city marshal to shield himself from just censure for his neglect of duty on Thursday or from an understanding that effort will be made to lessen the establishment of L. D. Skinner in consideration of his furnishing whatever information he may possess, we hope it will fall flat. Mr. Oldham is suddenly taking a very lively interest in the temperance cause—more than would reasonably be expected from a person of his proclivities; but in his desire to procure witnesses against Mr. Kitchen and direct the public eye away from himself and Skinner, he completely ignores a most valuable witness for the state—himself. He need not have waited until last Friday to become such a shining light with his good work, as by personal observation he long ago possessed all such knowledge necessary. Such a course, however, is but in keeping with the tactics he has pursued for some time in the office of marshal—to hit the game if it is a deer and miss it if it is a calf. The gentlemen who are on Mr. Skinner’s bond have always been conscientious temperance men, ever working against the liquor traffic in any shape. From them the whiskey dealers have never expected anything but uncompromising war; but it was a matter of surprise that such a good consuming though poor paying customer as the city marshal should become so thoroughly converted in so short a time.

While we desire to see the law take its course, we most profoundly hope the offenses against decency, last Thursday, which were witnessed by the entire city, will not be overlooked; and that in the effort to convict one man or set of men of violating the law, the inefficiency of an officer will receive due consideration.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1883.

Sheriff Gary was in the city last Friday, and favored this office with a call. Fact.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 12, 1883.

Sheriff Gary was in the city last Monday. He was after another crowd this time.

Winfield Courier, January 17, 1884.

OUR FAIR.

On Monday afternoon the stockholders of the Cowley County Fair and Driving Park Association met in the Opera House for the purpose of re-organizing the Board of Directors for the year 1884, and receiving reports of the condition and doings of the Association for the year. About seventy-five stockholders, representing nearly all of the subscribed stock, were present.

S. G. Gary held two shares of stock.

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.

The city fathers met in adjourned session on Wednesday evening of last week and ground out a large grist of business. Al Wilson was re-appointed by the Mayor as City Weighmaster for the ensuing six months, and the appointment was unanimously confirmed by the three councilmen present. Mr. Wilson has filled this position to the full satisfaction of all concerned and his re-appointment is well merited.

The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.

S. G. Gary, boarding city prisoners: $21.45.

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.

S. G. Gary has bought a half interest in the livery barn of Billy Hands. The building has been enlarged and more stock put in.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 21, 1884.

The cattle firm of Stewart, Hodges & Snyder seem to be having a little family quarrel just now. Mr. Snyder has applied to the courts, and Mr. S. G. Gary, of Winfield, has been appointed receiver. All parties seem to desire a dissolution of partnership, and are unable to agree among themselves; hence the receiver. It is to be hoped their difficulties may be arranged without forcing a public sale of cattle.

Winfield Courier, May 1, 1884.

ELIGIBILITY OF TORRANCE.

The Commonwealth of last Saturday quotes our article of last week in full and then makes the following comments.

“The COURIER is mistaken in supposing that the Commonwealth has any ulterior objection in view in this matter. It has no candidate for the supreme bench. If the COURIER will reflect, it will remember that as a rule the Commonwealth has not taken part in the contest among Republicans for positions on the state ticket. It has believed that, occupying the position as it does at the capital of the State, it was not for the interest of the people to engage in a war for or against individuals who were seeking nominations. We have only varied from this rule when we believed there was danger that unworthy or impolitic nominations were about to be made. We have pursued this course even when local candidates would have been a good excuse for departing from the rule laid down years ago.

“The COURIER admits about all that we have claimed on the judge question, by confessing that Judge Torrance could not, if elected, take his seat at the time the constitution says he must. This we think, settles the question. We don’t pretend to say that if Judge Torrance was elected, and there was no question raised and brought before the courts, but that he might take his seat at the time stated. But if the question was raised, and had to go to the court, it would be, to say the least, an open question, a case to be decided. The decision cited by the COURIER does not meet the case in the least.”

You cannot put us off in that way, Mr. Commonwealth. The COURIER admits nothing except that Judge Torrance’s present term of office does not expire until January next. It did not admit that Torrance, if elected to fill the place vacated by Judge Brewer, could not occupy the place immediately after the canvass of the votes, except “for the sake of the argument only,” as we remarked. It certainly did not admit “that the constitution says he must.” The constitution says no such thing, does not prescribe any time within which the officer elected to fill a vacancy must qualify and hold the office. It is customary when a vacancy is filled by a general election in November that the successor takes the office on the second Monday in January following, the same time that he would take the office if elected for a full term. When a vacancy is filled by an appointment of the governor, and the term expires on the following January, it is not customary to fill the vacancy at the November election. This was the case with Gary appointed Sheriff of this county, who held the balance of the term as there was no attempt to fill the vacancy by an election and if there had been, the man elected would not have probably been hog enough to take the office away from Gary for the very short time before the commencement of the regular term. The presumption is that whoever is elected to fill the vacancy on the supreme bench will not take the office until the second Monday in January.

The Commonwealth says: “The decision cited by the COURIER does not meet the case in the least.”

We say, it meets the case in every respect. This is what the COURIER said:

“In the case of Privett vs. Bickford 26th Kansas, p. 55, this matter is definitely settled by our Supreme Court.

Privett was elected sheriff of Harper County at the general election of 1880, to fill a vacancy in this office. Privett had voluntarily borne arms against the government of the United States during the war of the rebellion, and at the time of his election was disqualified to hold office in this state, by virtue of a provision of our constitution. The Legislature the following winter, by authority conferred upon it by the Constitution, removed his disability to hold office, and in May, 1881, he qualified as sheriff of Harper County, and afterwards commenced an action to obtain possession of the office. The Supreme Court decided that he was competent to hold the office, although he was ineligible at the time he was elected. The court says that when the electors of Harper County voted for Privett, they had the right to look at and to build their expectation upon provisions of the Constitution empowering the Legislature to remove his disability, and if removed that he would be entitled to the possession of the office to which he was preferred by the majority of the electors.”

Torrance is proposed to be elected to fill a vacancy. Privett was elected to fill a vacancy. It is claimed that Torrance will be constitutionally ineligible at the time of the election (mind that we do not admit it). Privett was constitutionally ineligible at the time of the election. It is claimed that Torrance will be ineligible at the time when he might (must?) take the office. Privett was ineligible when the vote was canvassed and he “must”? take his seat, and on the second Monday in January following when he ought to have taken the office. He was not eligible until weeks later. His disability was removed by an act of the Legislature and did not qualify and offer to take the office until May following.

Torrance will be unquestionably eligible on the second Monday in January without an act of the Legislature and will take his seat then and at the usual time in such cases. The Supreme Court decided that Privett was constitutionally entitled to hold the office in May though he were ineligible for five months after he might have taken the office. So Torrance will be entitled to the office though he were ineligible for six weeks after he might have taken his seat.

Is this not plain enough for the Commonwealth? Where is the point that it does not touch? Even if we admit all that it claims about Torrance’s present ineligibility and when the Constitution says he must take his seat.

In view of the decision of the Supreme Court above cited, it cuts no figure if Torrance is actually eligible to hold the office of Justice of the Supreme Court now and at any time before the expiration of his present term of office of District Judge, but there are those who believe he is eligible now.

Section 13 of article 8 of our State constitution rules as follows:

“The justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the District Court shall at stated times, receive for their services compensation as may be provided by law which will not be increased during their respective term of office; provided, such compensation shall not be less than $1,500, to each justice or judge each year, and such justices or judges shall receive no fees or perquisites, or hold any other office of profit or trust, under the authority of the state or the United States, during the term of office for which said justices and judges shall be elected, or practice law in any of the courts of the state during their continuance in office.”

Reading only that part of the section which is pertinent to this decision, it reads: “The justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the district court shall hold no other office of profit or trust under the authority of the state or the United States during the term of office for which said justices and judges shall be elected.”

This certainly admits of the construction that, such justices and judges shall hold no office other than justice of the supreme court and judge of the district, but may hold either or both of these during the same term. The evident meaning and object of this section of the constitution was to keep the judges out of politics and keep their minds in the line of the judiciary so that they should be better qualified for judicial duties, but not to prevent the promotion to the supreme bench of a judge who has kept out of politics and become best fitted for that position. The debates and demands at the time and ever since have simply been to give judges none but judicial offices, and such was what the framers of that section intended by the inhibition and nothing else. Probably Torrance would not assent to this view and in his case it is of no consequence for he will be eligible anyhow on the second Monday in January, the proper time for him to take his seat if elected.

Mrs. Gary visited by uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. James Dever...

Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.

Mrs. S. G. Gary is enjoying a visit from her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. James Dever, of Iuka, Illinois. Mr. Dever is suffering from asthma and having heard so much of the efficacy of our balmy atmosphere, concluded to visit it as an experiment. He may locate permanently.

Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.

DOINGS OF THE CITY DADS.

The following bills were allowed and ordered paid.

Hands & Gary, team and carriage, $3.00.

Arkansas City Traveler, February 18, 1885.

Capt. Gary, of Winfield, was on our streets yesterday.

Arkansas City Republican, February 21, 1885.

Winfield, the city of incendiarism, has had two fires this week. One was a shop owned by Capt. Gary. It was extinguished before any damage was done. The other was the residence of John Case, Tuesday evening. It was entirely destroyed. Mr. Case had just had his residence insured the day preceding the evening of the fire.

Arkansas City Republican, February 21, 1885.

Capt. Gary and Chas. Gay of Winfield were down Tuesday. Mr. Gay came to call for the Mother Hubbard.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 10, 1885.

COWLEY DEMOCRACY.

The Democratic Convention Very Tame Indeed—No Competition Whatever.

The democrats of Cowley County met at the courthouse Saturday to go through the same old farce of nominating a county ticket to be easily defeated by the Republicans—a sequel inevitable in grand old Republican Cowley. About fifty delegates were present, with a small audience of visitors. J. L. Andrews, of Maple City, was chosen chairman and Ed Gage secretary. Everything was as tranquil as a May morning. The office went around hunting its man, as usual in Democratic conventions in Cowley. Nobody could smell meat, and didn’t care to sacrifice themselves on the party altar. The convention was exceedingly tame—no opposition whatever. The following nominations were unanimously made.

For Sheriff: Capt. C. G. Thompson, of Arkansas City.

Treasurer: Rudolph Hite, of Dexter.

Register of Deeds: John Ledlie, of Burden.

County Clerk: Fred C. Hunt, of Winfield.

Coroner: Dr. T. B. Tandy, of Winfield.

Surveyor: J. W. Weeks, of Udall.

The Democratic County Central Committee for the coming year stands as follows.

Arkansas City: Geo. R. Westfall, T. E. Braggins, Peter Wyckoff, and C. M. McIntire.

Winfield: Capt. Gary, H. S. Silvers, Geo. Crippen, and J. B. Lynn.

Creswell: W. J. Abbott.

East Bolton: Amos Walton.

Cedar: Martin Dale.

Dexter: W. J. Hardwick.

Richland: R. W. Stevens.

Harvey: J. A. Primrose.

Maple: A. J. Walck.

Omnia: E. Harned.

Windsor: G. W. Gardenhire.

Silverdale: O. S. Gibson.

Silver Creek: John Ledlie.

Tisdale: ______ Bacon.

Sheridan: W. M. Smith.

Spring Creek: J. L. Andrews.

Walnut: J. R. Smith.

Vernon: J. Scott Baker.

Ninnescah: E. M. Buffington.

Pleasant Valley: [LEFT BLANK].

Rock: Jeff Williams.

Fairview: H. C. Shock.

Beaver: Garnett Burke.

Liberty: M. Calkins.

Otter: Wm. Gammon.

The committee met, after the convention adjourned, and elected Capt. S. G. Gary, of this city, chairman, and C. M. McIntire, of Arkansas City, secretary.

The delegates of the 2nd commissioners district also met and unanimously selected Amos Walton for commissioner.

Walter Seaver, of the Winfield Telegram, was the only fellow who could write, and his chicken scratches would make Horace Greeley faint, could he see them.

Ye Gods! Compare the two tickets!! The kid against the staunch old soldier; corpulency against the big hearted, eloquent, and public spirited Tom Soward; a man almost unknown against the popular and enterprising Capt. Nipp, an old soldier and a patriot—and so on clear through.

It was as tame and timid as a little lamb, but when the election is over the candidates will think it too darned easy to be “lammed.” “I didn’t know he was a Democrat,” is the expression regarding several of the nominees. ’Twas ever thus. When did a Democrat convention find timber enough in their own ranks.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 31, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.

Democratic Convention.

The Democrats held their county convention Saturday. Winfield, Arkansas City, Rich-land, Bolton, Creswell, Beaver, Spring Creek, Ninnescah, Liberty, Dexter, Pleasant Valley, and Vernon townships were represented by delegates. Capt. Gary called the assembly to order and Amos Walton was chosen temporary chairman and D. C. Young, of the Telegram, secretary. The committee on permanent organization recommended that the temporary organization be permanent, which was done. The following delegates were then elected.

STATE CONVENTION.

Delegates: John A. Eaton, J. B. Lynn, Chas. Schmidt, S. G. Gary, A. J. Thompson, J. D. Ward, C. C. Black, Amos Walton, Frank Manny, C. G. Thompson, T. McIntire.

Alternates: D. V. Cole, D. C. Young, J. W. Connor, John R. Smith, J. M. Keck, J. Wade McDonald, W. P. Hardwick, E. P. Young, J. W. Ledlie, M. G. Hoover, A. D. Prescott.

CONGRESSIONAL CONVENTION.

R. E. Howe, J. R. Smith, Arthur Smith, E. C. Million, C. M. McIntire, Ed Gage, John A. Eaton, J. B. Lynn, Chas. Smith, S. G. Gary, A. J. Thompson.

Alternates: Robert Ratcliff, J. L. Andrews, J. Wade McDonald, Ed Millard, W. L. Krebs, C. T. Thurston, Garm Primrose, Fred Kropp, I. D. Harkleroad, P. M. Bilyeu.

The state convention meets at Leavenworth, August 4th, and the congressional convention at Cherryvale on the 2nd. No resolutions were passed.

[CORRESPONDENT: MAPLE.]

Arkansas City Republican, August 14, 1886.

There was a fair city, vain, haughty, and proud,

She sat in the valley and boasted quite loud

Of her grandeur and beauty, her power to command

And control of human beings all over the land.

Her Hackney and Eaton and Mart of the bank,

Her Soward and Siverd and Eddy, the crank,

Her Conklin and Gary and Henry the Asp,

Imagined they held all the world in their grasp.

The Sand-hill they tried very hard to surpass

And to hold up the folks of A. C. by the seats of their pantaloons.

Yes, railroads! We’ll build ‘em, and here they shall run

From all points of the compass, for we each weigh a ton!

To Spring Creek and Cedar we’ll go in great haste

With letters and telegrams made to our taste;

Sand-hillers we’ll squelch and from us shall flee

All opposition and then you will see

Snake feeders and natives dance to our lay,

The junction we’ll give them the 1st day of May!

But O ye gods! How the mighty have fallen!

“As the matter now stands, the Missouri Pacific will run to Arkansas City”—via Burden. The Dexter Eye will suspend publication of notice of bond election in Otter, Dexter, and Liberty townships, as the Santa Fe company will not build the road if the bonds are voted.

N. B. Dr. Cooper will please forward, by pony express, one barrel of Eye water, and charge to MAPLE.

1891.

Daily Calamity Howler, Saturday, October 31, 1891.

Democrats Attention.

In a conversation that I had with S. G. Gary on or about Oct. 9, 1891, he got a little warm over political matters and made, in substance, the following statement: “The democratic ticket was put up on purpose to beat the people’s party. They are going to do it and you fellows can’t help yourselves.” I told this to some parties and have heard since that Mr. Gary denies making the statement. Mr. H. R. Branson was present and heard the statement and will make affidavit to the same if necessary. So will I. W. F. PIERCE.

Comments by RKW (date unknown)...

J. J. Banks reports that the Bank’s story on page 121 of the “Cowley County Heritage” book is wrong. George G. Gray should be George G. Gary, and Ruby Mider Gray should be Ruby Mider Gary.

Have not had an opportunity to research this file completely in the newspapers.

FROM THE WINFIELD COURIER SUPPLEMENTAL EDITION,

MARCH 14, 1901, Page 46. (Photo of S. G. Gary shown).

POPULAR NEWS STAND.

No city would be complete without a first class news stand, where the latest papers, magazines, novels, etc., can be secured. Winfield has just such a news stand, owned and conducted by Capt. S. G. Gary. The representative metropolitan morning and evening papers are handled and distributed throughout the town: Globe Democrat, Republic, Post Dispatch, Chronicle, Kansas City Start, Times, and Journal; also the Topeka, Wichita, and Winfield papers. He handles all the leading brands of smoking tobacco, over forty brands of fine cut and plug tobacco; while his stock of cigars surpasses anything carried by competitors in Cowley County. There are no prevarications in stating that this is absolutely headquarters for smokers. He also carries a side line of pipes, stationery, confectionery, canes, etc. Mr. Gary’s place of business is at the corner of Main street and Ninth avenue and the capacity of his room is 875 square feet.

Capt. Gary is not only well known as a news dealer but has held responsible positions in this and other states. He came to Winfield in 1887 [1877] and has been a member of the city council. He won the good will of all by favoring only that which was to the best interests of the city and community. In 1883 he was appointed sheriff by Gov. Glick. While in this position, by his utter fearlessness in carrying out the orders of the court and other duties of his office won for him the admiration of the people of Cowley County. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster. During his term of four years in this honorable and responsible position, he was always found at his post of duty, and by his faithfulness and honesty, he succeeded in adding more “laurels to his crown.”

Before Mr. Gary came to Kansas he lived in Mahaska County, Iowa, for twenty years or more and served in that county as constable, justice of the peace, county supervisor, and member of the 11^th General Assembly and census enumerator in 1870.

Mr. Gary was born in Ohio, February 5, 1837. He was educated at North Lewisburg, Champaign County. He left this state while still a youth. On May 22^nd, 1861, he enlisted in the United States Volunteers at Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa; was mustered into Co. H, 3^rd Iowa Infantry, June 8, 1861, as a private, at Keokuk, by United States Mustering officer Chambers. In September he was made first sergeant; in February, 1862, he was commissioned second lieutenant; in October of the same year he was promoted to first lieutenant, and lastly to captain. All of these offices were in the same company in which he enlisted. During the battle of Shiloh he was wounded in the leg, then at Hatchie, Oct. 5, 1862, he was wounded in the arm, and again at Jackson, Mississippi, he was wounded in the thigh. At the expiration of his term, June 8, 1865, he was discharged at Davenport, Iowa.

Mr. Gary was married January 1, 1861, at Peoria, Iowa, to Miss Mary E. Hunt. They have three children: Mrs. H. Kibbe, who lives at Douglass, Kansas; Mrs. Wallace Olds, of this city; and Mr. George G. Gary, who is bookkeeper in the First National bank of this city. Capt. Gary is a 32^nd degree Mason, and a member of the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W. lodges. He lives at 809 East 9^th Avenue. His place of business is on the southeast corner of 9^th and Main under the First National bank.