JOSEPH D. HOUSTON.

Attorney, Arkansas City.

FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.

[CARD/ADS.]

Arkansas City Traveler, April 28, 1880.

MITCHELL & HOUSTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, ARKANSAS CITY, KAS.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 28, 1880.

A Bargain. We have 160 acres of choice, well improved land for sale. MITCHELL & HOUSTON.

[NOTICES OF ATTACHMENT: E. D. Le CLARE.]

Arkansas City Traveler, June 16, 1880.

THERE WERE A NUMBER OF “NOTICE OF ATTACHMENT” SERVED ON

E. D. LE CLARE, DEFENDANT, BY VARIOUS PARTIES....

1. Giles Brothers & Co., Plaintiffs....$300.

2. J. L. Huey, Plaintiff...$26.51.

3. J. L. Huey, Plaintiff...$50.00.

4. Shepard & Maxwell, Plaintiffs...$48.00.

5. Houghton & Speers, Plaintiffs...$21.60

He was given until July 12, 1880, to settle.

MITCHELL & HOUSTON ACTED AS ATTORNEYS FOR ALL THE PLAINTIFFS MENTIONED ABOVE.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 14, 1880.

GARFIELD AND ARTHUR CLUB.

The Republicans of Arkansas City held a crowded meeting in the council chambers last Wednesday evening, for the purpose of organizing a Garfield and Arthur club in this place and to generally promote the interests of the Republican party in the coming campaign. On motion J. S. Daniels was called to the chair and I. H. Bonsall was appointed secretary. The meeting was then addressed by C. R. Mitchell, Dr. A. J. Chapel, J. H. Phillips, Henry E. Asp, of Winfield, Houston, and several others. Altogether a most enthusiastic and inspiring time was had. The following committees were appointed.

On Procuring Pole: Messrs. Daniels, Parker, and Williams.

Music and Glee Club: W. D. Mowry and W. Griffith.

Permanent Organization: Messrs. J. H. Phillips, Bonsall, and Houston.

Pending the report of this committee, a temporary agreement was drawn up and signed by thirty-seven of those present, who thus pledged themselves to work in the interest of the Republican party and its nominees. Mr. Asp was requested to procure speakers for the next meeting. On motion the meeting then adjourned, to meet again this Wednesday evening, July 14, in the room lately occupied by the Tivoli on the west side of Summit street, opposite the City Hotel. Republicans one and all should turn out and make things lively.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 18, 1880.

At the temperance meeting last Sunday night, Mr. Henry E. Asp, of Winfield, spoke to a large congregation in the Methodist church, having been invited to supply the place of Mr. Houston, who had gone to Chicago. Mr. Hill also made some stirring remarks, which were well received.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 18, 1880.

Owing to the cheap rates of Saturday last, quite a crowd took advantage of them and started for Chicago or way points. As far as we could learn, the Arkansas City list comprised Mrs. Matlack and child, Mr. and Mrs. Searing, Mrs. Henderson, J. L. Huey and family, Will and Henry Mowry, Mrs. Coombs and two children, J. D. Houston, J. B. Walker, and Mr. McConn. Messrs. Huey and McConn will attend the Knights Templar conclave at Chicago, while the others took this occasion to visit various points in Iowa and Illinois. The fare was ten dollars from Winfield to Chicago and return.

Arkansas City Traveler, November 24, 1880.

Messrs. O. P. Houghton, S. Matlack, and Joe Houston returned from a two-weeks’ hunt in the Nation last Thursday. They are the banner sportsmen so far, bagging three deer, as well as a magnificent array of turkeys, chickens, and other small game.

[CHRISTMAS TREE ACTIVITIES: PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.]

Arkansas City Traveler, December 15, 1880.

The names of the various committees having in charge the Christmas tree festivities to be held at the Presbyterian church, were handed in last week, but were unavoidably crowded out, and are presented in this issue, as follows.

Committee on Procuring Tree: Messrs. John Walker, M. B. Vawter, S. B. Reed, A. Gardner, R. Hutchison, C. L. Swarts.

Committee on Receiving Presents: Misses Clara Finley, Alma Dixon, Kate Hawkins, May Roland, May Benedict, Lizzie Guthrie, Mary Thomas, and Messrs. F. W. Farrar, C. M. Swarts, Dr. Vawter, Robert Maxwell.

Decorating Committee: Mr. and Mrs. Searing, Mr. and Mrs. Matlack, Mrs. Haywood, Mrs. Shepard, Mrs. Cypher, Misses Mary Parker, Angie Mantor, Carrie Benedict, Annie Norton, Mattie Mitchell, Linnie Peed, Flora Finley, Albertine Maxwell, Sadie Thomas, Linda Christian, Annie Hutchison, Mary Theaker, Emma and Susie Hunt, Ada Easterday; Messrs. E. G. Gray, W. D. Mowry, John Kroenert, J. D. Houston, George Howard, D. Cunningham, James Leonard, Will Peed, J. C. Topliff, Dick Chamberlain, Irving French.

Distributing Committee: Mr. and Mrs. Standley, Mr. and Mrs. Bonsall, Mr. and Mrs. Gooch, Mr. and Mrs. Sleeth, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mantor.

[THE OKLAHOMA BOOM.]

Winfield Courier, December 16, 1880.

The reports from the boomers along the line of the Indian Territory were so conflicting all last week that on Saturday the COURIER sent a reporter to the field of operation to get the facts.

On Monday the boomers began to arrive and go into camp near Arkansas City. Capt. Dave Payne was on hand and in command. He impressed strangers as a large, good looking gentleman not very talkative, but evidently having a strong purpose, which he meant to carry out as effectively as possible without resisting the troops. Beside them were camped about thirty U. S. cavalrymen under Lieut. Mason. Gen. C. H. Smith, of Gen. Pope’s staff was also present. On Tuesday evening the boomers held a meeting with bonfires and illuminations, and Capt. Payne addressed the assembly in a moderate speech. Mayor W. W. Bloss, of the Chicago Times was present and made a few remarks. A petition to the president was read.

On Thursday the boomers had accumulated to the number of about eighty men and twenty-five wagons and they broke camp and started on their expedition. They moved on Westward and camped on Bitter Creek on the Kansas side of the line, the troops following in the wake.

It was given out that they would cross the line the next morning. Gen. Smith informed them that his orders were to arrest the “whole outfit” and take them to Fort Reno and there hold them prisoners until released by the government. Friday morning Capt. Payne did not move as was expected. He was inclined to avoid a collision with the troops. The boomers were hot and dissatisfied. They wanted to fight and called Capt. Payne a coward. They held a meeting and deposed Payne and elected Major Mains, of Wichita, as their general and leader.

On Saturday morning they took up their line of march, but instead of entering the territory they marched westward and camped at Shoo Fly creek near Hunnewell close to the state line. The troops camped close by, just across the line in the Territory. Col. Coppinger arrived and took command. Accessions to the boomers arrived from Caldwell and other points so that on Sunday there were in camp about fifty wagons and one hundred and eighty men. They are organized in eight military companies under eight captains with Mains at the head.

In a conversation with Col. Coppinger and Lt. Smith, Maj. Mains said they should disregard the president’s orders and enter the territory at every hazard unless forbidden by Congress. The horses of the troops are in good condition, but those of the boomers present a scrawny woe begone appearance.

Major Randall with two more companies of cavalry was expected to join Col. Mason on Monday the 13th. One company of cavalry is occupying the Oklahoma town site and picking up stragglers. Other companies are watching the threatened incursions from Texas and other points. It was told at Hunnewell that considerable numbers of boomers had already entered the territory from Caldwell and other points, probably for the purpose of stimulating those at Hunnewell to desperation. Statements of persons who should know show that these reports were not true. Our reporter found both opposing forces in camp at the place near Hunnewell, and first visited the boomer camp where was found about 180 rough but apparently earnest, hardworking men with about fifty wagons.

The reporter was escorted by a gay company of young people, consisting of a versatile reporter for the Monitor, who amused the company on the route with speeches and songs. Mr. Ed. Roland, Mr. J. Houston, a young attorney, Miss Grace Scoville, and Miss May Roland, Mr. and Mrs. Lem Cook, and Miss Summers were down from Caldwell to see the battle. These visitors together first paid their respects to the boomer camp, and were invited to remain and attend their religious services.

The visitors attended and furnished a part of the music for the occasion. The congregation united in singing, “Hold the fort for we are coming, Oklahoma still. Waive the answer back to Kansas, By thy grace we will.” The sermon was delivered by the colony chaplain, supplemented by remarks from another boomer. The reporter forgets their names. A large flag was floating over the camp and the congregation sang, “Rally ‘round the flag.” Capt. Payne was called on and made a few remarks. The general and Lieutenant from the other camp attended the service by special invitation. After services the visitors were invited to partake of refreshments with the boomers, which they did with great relish, for camp life was new and interesting at least to the ladies.

Capt. Payne and others, including Major Bloss, treated the visitors with cordial courtesy, and made their visit very pleasant. They visited the camp of the troops where they were courteously received. There was found everything orderly and neat. There were a dozen tents looking trim, forty fine horses standing ready to be saddled and mounted on a moment’s notice, and forty well clad and equipped soldier boys ready for action on like notice. One of the saddlers was asked how they expected to cope with so many boomers. He answered that the boomers were not well equipped or disciplined, and that no serious difficulty was expected. He did not think they would attempt to cross the line; but if they did, they would be easily disposed of. Some of the soldiers were practicing shooting at a red handkerchief on a bush, but all were civil and quiet. The contrast between the two camps was very great.

Our reporter thought Hunnewell a hard place to get anything to eat and in other respects. At about 4 o’clock p.m. the visitors left for Arkansas City, where they arrived at 8 o’clock in the evening, returning to Winfield the next day. The conclusion arrived at, is that the stories and press reports afloat about the boom are grossly exaggerated.

Winfield Courier, December 16, 1880.

Mitchell and Houston made an able and strenuous defense of Conway in the “assault with intent to kill” case last week. Mr. Houston is a talented young attorney who will yet make his mark.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 22, 1880.

Young Conway was sentenced to the penitentiary for six months. He owes the mildness of this sentence to the very able defense made by his attorneys, Mitchell & Houston, as the sentiment of the community is strongly against him. He was married but a few weeks before his trial, probably thinking he would be cleared.

[ECHOES FROM THE JAIL! BY “OCCASIONAL.”]

Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.

Alfred Conway Trial Awakened Strong Interest.

The trial that awakened the strongest interest was that of Alfred Conway of Bolton township, tried for assaulting Rialdo Blackman with a deadly weapon with intent to kill: prosecuted with the energy and skill for which Torrance and Asp are noted; defended by Houston and Mitchell with the same stubborn determination as the prosecutors. The jury returned a verdict of guilty. Guilty? Yes, horrid word! It fell like a funeral dirge on the ears of the Conway family and that of his young bride; to her it meant more than death; to her it meant the shutting out of the last ray of sunshine that makes this life worth living; to her it meant the snatching away by the iron arm of the law, the Idol of her soul; the sheet anchor of her hopes upon this side of eternity. To her vision, seen through her tears, may have arisen the towering walls of the state penitentiary that seemed more terrible than the grave. Possibly, for the first time Andrew Conway realized his true position and may have regretted the hot blood of anger that when aroused flowed through his veins. The court, moved, maybe, by pity and the extenuating circumstances that surround the case, sentenced Conway—for six months to the county jail and to pay the costs. He has resolved to enter upon a new life and henceforth will devote his attention to the care of his young wife who was so faithful to him, and thereby challenge the respect of his neighbors and by their aid build up what he has torn down. Will they help him? OCCASIONAL.

[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]

Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.

Mr. Joseph Houston’s argument before the jury in the Conway case demonstrated the fact that he is a young man of more than ordinary ability. He moved to this county from Kentucky about a year ago, and has already won for himself a reputation that many an older man would be proud of.

The jury in the case of the State vs. Conway, which occupied the time of the court nearly all of last week, finally returned a verdict of guilty of the crime charged, under section 42 of the statutes. Sentence was deferred and Messrs. Mitchell and Houston, attorneys for defendant, have applied for a new trial.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 26, 1881.

The case of the State vs. Brash, for malicious trespass, tried before Judge Bonsall last week, resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff, leaving Mr. Brash in for $10 and costs, which probably made his little fun cost about $50. Messrs. Jennings and Houston were attorneys in the case.

Winfield Courier, April 14, 1881.

Joe Houston, one of Cowley’s bright young attorneys, was in the city Tuesday on legal business.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 20, 1881.

NOTICE. Notice is hereby given that on the 3rd day of May at 11 o’clock a.m., 1881, an application will be made to his excellency, Gov. John P. St. John, at Topeka, Kansas, for the pardon of Alfred Conway, convicted at the December term (A. D. 1880) of the Cowley County District Court, of an assault and wounding, under such circumstances, that, it would have been manslaughter if death had ensued. See sec. 42 chap. 31 “of crimes and punishments” act., and sentenced to six months, confinement in the Cowley County jail. Said sentence expires June 16th, 1881. MITCHELL & HOUSTON.

Winfield Courier, May 5, 1881.

Mr. Joe Houston is looking after the interest of his clients at court this week.

[ARKANSAS CITY.]

Winfield Courier, May 26, 1881.

Last Monday we paid Arkansas City a flying visit for the purpose of inspecting the “Canal,” and giving the readers of the COURIER a fair understanding of it and of other improvements going on in our sister city. On our arrival we were welcomed by Joe Houston, Captain Scott, Charlie McIntire, and other old friends, who made it seem almost like home. We were then turned over to Mr. John Walker, in company with whom we drove over the city and inspected the canal, water-works, and other general improvements.

THE CANAL was first visited. The contractors have a small army of men and teams at work, and find work for more laborers than they can get. They pay $1.25 for men, and $3.00 for teams. The canal starts at the Arkansas river, west and a little north of the city, runs southeast, bends around the south end of the town, and empties into the Walnut a little south of east of the city. The length is about three miles, and the width is about twenty or thirty feet at the bottom, and seventy at the top.

The excavation resembled a railroad cut. The liveliest place on the work was at the Arkansas river where they are putting in wing dams and the gates that admit the water to the canal. They have excavated about five feet below the water-level, and are driving piles down to bed-rock. The stone-work will be built on the piles. Dozens of men are at work, day and night, bailing the water out of the excavation, and are relieved every five minutes. Another lot of men work on the stone, getting them ready to lay up as soon as the foundation is ready. Con. Glenn, an old resident of the county, and one of the best stone-masons in it, has charge of the stone-work. We noticed many other Winfield men at work along the canal.

WHAT WE THINK OF IT. The canal is the principal topic of conversation in and around the city at present, and a person who would stand on Summit street and publicly denounce the practicability of the scheme would be “fired” out of town in short metre. But we have no such opinions to express. The people have faith in it, and are spending their money for it. The engineers say it is bound to succeed, and we see no reason why is should not, so far as water-power is concerned. Whether they will be able to get mills enough to utilize the power, and make the investment pay, is another thing. One gentleman has already contracted for the erection of a large flouring mill, with four run of burrs, and will pay the Canal Company fifteen hundred dollars for the water privilege. Other flouring mills will certainly be erected, and Cowley county needs a woolen mill, which will in time be built there, if the power is secured. If by the investment of $20,000, which is the amount the city has put in so far, they secure large manufacturing interests, it cannot help being of benefit to them.

THE WATER-WORKS. This enterprise cost $2,000, and is well worth the money. The water doesn’t taste very good, but it keeps a fountain running in the post office and supplies several door-yards with water for trees, flowers, and fountains. Its practicability in case of fires we will not discuss, for we don’t know anything about it. They tell us that it will throw a stream over Matlack’s Block, which is about the largest building in the city. The works consist of a windmill and tank, similar to that in use at the Santa Fe Depot. The tank is raised on a high stone foundation, which gives the water a good head. It is conducted over town along Summit street.

GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS. We noticed many new buildings going up, and a general air of activity that speaks well for the future of the town. They are not dead, neither are they asleep, but are wide enough awake to get a government contract for a million pounds of flour, and the freighting thereof.

This draws more or less Territory business to the city, and Uncle Sam’s wards are lavish with their money—when they have any. Of course, in the appreciation of all this prosperity, the newspaper must not be behind, and so Stanley will enlarge his “Traveler” to a nine column, and Arkansas City can boast of a blanket sheet equal in size to the COURIER. Charley McIntire also shows evidences of prosperity. He shows forth in immaculate linen and sorrel neck-tie, and has rented a post-office box. Speaking of post offices reminds us that Postmaster Topliff has the neatest one we have ever seen. It is carved and varnished, and has “didoes” all over the front, like a circus wagon. It’s tasty, and a postmaster who can keep an office like that ought to get married. He can keep a wife.

In conclusion, we wish to congratulate Arkansas City on her evident prosperity, and her people on the grit and sand they exhibit in inaugurating and pushing to completion enterprises that tend to promote the interests of the town, and laugh at the risks accompanying them. We are glad to see them prosper, and always shall be. Arkansas City is a part of grand old Cowley, and the mission of the COURIER is to work for Cowley County, and to fairly represent all of her people. We are glad that the old days of strife and bitterness between Arkansas City and Winfield are past; and that we can once more clasp hands across the “bloody chasm” of many fierce local struggles, and try to promote rather than destroy each other’s prosperity.

Winfield Courier, August 11, 1881.

Joe Houston, of Arkansas City, has been retained as counsel for the defense in the Lennox forgery case. Mr. Houston is one of the brightest young lawyers in the state.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.

The farewell party, given by Miss Lillie Chamberlain at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schiffbauer, on Tuesday evening of last week, was one of the grandest events of the season. The full moon shown down like an immense headlight, viewing apparently, with the many Chinese lanterns that were pendant from the surrounding trees, making the scene resemble that of fairy land rather than reality.

After some time spent in promenading through the beautiful grove of fruit and forest trees, the party’s attention was directed to an immense platform prepared for the occasion, where Prof. Farringer, with the string band of Winfield, had taken position, and in a few moments it was filled with youth and beauty gliding through the graceful movements of the easy quadrille and mazy waltz. A gorgeous repast followed, then with spirits overjoyed, each of the party instituted all manner of fun and mirth, which had to be seen to be appreciated. Mr. Matlack produced a novel figure in the terpsichorean art that few ever witnessed before, while Cal. Swarts furnished the music. To say it was an enjoyable affair don’t half express it, and for one, we hope to have the pleasure of again meeting Miss Chamberlain and her many friends under like circumstances. The Cornet Band did their best and filled the night air with delightful sounds for which the hostess came forward, and in the most charming manner, expressed her appreciation and thanked them for their kindness.

Mr. J. D. Houston was one of those in attendance.

Winfield Courier, October 13, 1881.

Joe Houston spent several days of last week in the city. Joe’s defense of Theodore Miller, in which he secured the acquittal of his client, has been a big card for him.

Winfield Courier, October 27, 1881 - Front Page.

McIntire’s Madam Rumor says: That the law firm of Mitchell & Houston will soon be changed to Mitchell, Swarts & Bixler. Mitchell & Bixler will be located at Geuda Springs, and Swarts will remain here.

[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, November 3, 1881.

CIVIL DOCKET, THIRD DAY. Mitchell & Houston vs. Elisha Bowen.

[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.

Court is in session: the lambs and the lions are mingling together in harmony under the soothing influence of Judge Torrance’s presence. Among the lions we notice Henry H. Asp,

T. H. Soward, Frank Jennings, G. H. Buckman, D. C. Beach, O. M. Seward, J. E. Allen, Jas. O’Hare, S. D. Pryor, James McDermott, A. P. Johnson, A. H. Green, W. P. Hackney, A. B. Taylor, Lovell H. Webb, C. R. Mitchell, Joe Houston, Cal. Swarts, Charlie Eagin, and others. The list of lambs can be found in our Court docket of last week.

Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.

Arkansas City has almost taken the “hub” for the past week. Many of her citizens are here attending the Armstrong murder case. Among these we notice Charlie Holloway, Mayor Kellogg, Cal. Swarts, Joe Houston, the Fairclo boys, liveryman McIntire, Solicitor Holland, and Mr. Adams, supported by a number of other prominent citizens.

Winfield Courier, November 17, 1881.

Our young attorneys are covering themselves all over with glory at this term of court. Henry E. Asp won golden opinions in his defense of Gels, in which he secured the acquittal of his client. Attorney Jennings and Mr. Asp on the one side and Mr. Hackney and Joe Houston on the other are fighting the Armstrong case step by step. The balance are impatiently waiting until their turn comes.

[COURANT EDITOR PAYS A VISIT TO DISTRICT COURT, WINFIELD.]

Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.

We paid a visit to the District Court Thursday, with a view of taking in the situation so far as possible, and to see if District Court is the same in Cowley County now as it was in 1872, when our city was in embryo, and the brilliant attorneys and learned judges of today occupied about the same positions on the stage of life. On entering the room, many familiar faces, and more strange ones, turned toward us as if to say: “Wonder if he expects justice here!”

George Haywood was being tried for forgery. Judge Torrance sat in his cushioned chair, with a contented look on his beaming face, which would assure anyone that he was the boss, and proposed to run that shop. Sheriff Shenneman was looking extremely wise, and wore a satisfied smile on account of having two years more to rustle for criminals. Knight was taking down the questions and answers, so as to be able to furnish a transcript for the Supreme Court, and get $75 or $100 from the defendant, who would receive in return about ten years in the penitentiary.

Frank Jennings, who would rather succeed in convicting a man then to go home to his family before ten o’clock at night, was asking all manner of questions of an Arkansas City banker, who was so unfortunate as to pay out $500 last May on a forged draft, and Henry Asp set to his side yelling, “We object” to every question, and would then turn and look Joe Houston uneasily in the face until the court would remark, “Objection overruled.”

In fact, everything seemed different from the good old days of yore, and we imagined there would have been more merriment in the proceedings had R. B. Saffold and L. J. Webb been there, throwing law books across the room at each other, Judge Campbell leaning back utterly indifferent, gnawing a musty hunk of dried buffalo meat, and Sheriff Parker dodging around under the tables like a cat shot in the eye with a paper wad. In the good old days of these kind of court proceedings, there were no strings around the lawyers nor rocks suspended to the court’s coat-tail, and everyone seemed to enjoy himself, no matter how many cases he had in court.

Then Torrance, a smooth faced lad, gave but little thought of anything save the day when he would get sufficient funds to send back east for his first love.

Fairbank’s only pride was to prepare a neat little talk for his Sunday school, held at 9 o’clock every Sabbath morning in the little white church on Ninth Avenue, which now supports a boarding house sign.

Wirt Walton cared only to get on his soldier jacket and talk about the swimming times he would have among the country lasses when elected County surveyor.

Allison kept an eye peeled on his Tisdale girl like a youth who had trusted humanity once too often, and been everlastingly and unanimously left.

Billy Anderson would work hard all day in the lumber yard, and then at dusk, tuck the robes around his sweetness in a four dollar a day buggy, and skip out for Thomasville to a dance.

Judge Campbell would tell a lawyer to sit down, in the middle of a carefully studied and written speech, because the verdict of the court had been rendered before the argument began.

A jury would retire to the rear end of Triplett’s saloon, order a bucket of beer, and return a verdict of “not guilty” by ten o’clock next morning.

Jim Kelly, then editor of the Courier and Clerk of the court, would work in the courtroom all day and then sit up till midnight pouring over his exchanges, trying to get a few pointers from which to write a handsome notice of the birth of a cross-eyed infant.

Father Millington was holding justice court in the front end of Fuller’s little frame bank, and would tax up the cost with as much coolness as he now writes column after column of editorial matter on the grand jury system, five days after it is too late for the article to be of any good.

T. H. Johnson was about the only man in town who was really paying strict attention to business, and the way he would stick to the claim jumper until he got his last nickel as a retainer, would shock the modesty of a more cheeky demagogue than Gov. St. John.

But he is gone as well as many other shining lights of that day, and while only about half of the free and happy boys of then have raised to wealth and prominence, with chubby babies growing up to call them blessed, Winfield has become a live little city indeed, and hundreds of energetic citizens, who can never know the trial and pleasures of the early settlers, have made their homes here, and all join hands in the good work of pushing ahead, until death shall call us to that celestial shore from which no tramp printer returns.

COLUMN: YOU CAN MARK IT IN YOUR LITTLE BOOK.]

Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.

That Henry Asp and Joe Houston got in some fine work on the Haywood forgery case, and came very near pushing the County Attorney to the wall.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 7, 1881.

Joe Houston, of the hub, came down on Monday night’s train en route for the Geuda Springs to test the curative properties of the water.

Arkansas City Traveler, December 7, 1881.

Joe Houston sold his town lots, near Mr. A. Wilson’s residence, to H. P. Farrar yesterday. Mr. Farrar, we understand, will shortly build upon them.

Winfield Courier, December 8, 1881.

Joe Houston has gone over to Geuda Springs to bathe in mineral water and recuperate his wasted energies.

Winfield Courier, December 29, 1881.

Joe Houston is talking of removing either to Wichita or Kansas City. During his stay in Arkansas City, Mr. Houston built up quite a lucrative practice.

Cowley County Courant, December 29, 1881.

Joe Houston, formerly of Arkansas City, has moved to Wichita and formed a law partnership with W. P. Campbell. Mr. Houston is a young man of excellent character and more than ordinary legal ability, and will no doubt, in the connection he has made, rapidly rise in his profession.

Winfield Courier, December 29, 1881.

Joe Houston has formed a co-partnership with Judge Campbell in the law business in Wichita.

Cowley County Courant, March 16, 1882.

Joe Houston was down from Wichita today and made us a pleasant call. We are always glad to see Joe and are pleased to learn that he is prospering in his present situation. We have always predicted his success and we will always have a hearty interest in his welfare.

Winfield Courier, March 16, 1882.

Mr. J. D. Houston came down from Wichita Saturday, and spent the afternoon shaking hands with his many friends here.

Winfield Courier, September 7, 1882.

Joe Houston came down from Wichita Tuesday and spent a pleasant hour with us. Joe is doing well and is rapidly climbing the ladder of fame and fortune.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1882.

J. D. Houston, of the law firm of Campbell & Houston, Wichita, was in town last week. Joe reports business good, and is happy.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 29, 1883.

J. D. Houston, formerly a resident of this city, but now practicing law in the suburban retreat, Wichita, spent Sunday among some of his old friends here, who are glad to hear that he is doing well.

[SUIT DUE TO COLORED GENTLEMAN AT BRETTUN, WINFIELD.]

Arkansas City Traveler, October 10, 1883.

Cal Swarts is now in Leavenworth, in attendance as a witness before the United States court. This is the case that has grown out of the row raised by our very high toned Southern friend, Joseph Houston, at the Brettun house, in Winfield, some two years ago. Joseph’s intensely aristocratic, blue blood threatened to stop circulating through his delicate body at the prospect of his being compelled to eat in the dining room that sheltered a colored gentleman. We sincerely hope that Joe is satisfied with the result of his vigorous kick, and that his respectability is as yet uncompromised.

Articles telling about row at Brettun House involving proprietor of the Brettun House, Harter, P. B. Andrews of Arkansas City, and Joseph D. Houston...

Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.

The color line came promptly to the front last week at the Brettun House in Winfield. Mr. P. B. Andrews (colored) was sent as a delegate from Bolton township to the (Old Soldiers) Convention, and, when with his delegation, he went to the Brettun House for dinner, the proprietor informed him he could not take dinner in the dining room but must go to the kitchen. Considerable feeling was manifested for awhile, but Mr. Andrews, with several friends, retired to seek more hospitable quarters. So far, Messrs. Harter & Black are following the example of Judge Hilton in this questionably exclusive proceeding.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 14, 1881.

Can it be, as claimed by the proprietors of the “Brettun” that two members of the Convention, on last Saturday, objected to Mr. Andrews going into the dining room with the other delegates? If so, God help such a Republican! Why should such a person presume to sit in a Republican Convention? Why should he forsooth presume to represent the grand old Republican principle that all men are created equal? This is not Republicanism. All Republicans repudiate such an act, and blush that such pusillanimity can be found in a Republican Convention.

RKW had the following to say about the “Brettun” incident...

(Note: The original complainant was a lawyer named Joseph D. Houston. Mr. Houston came from Kentucky to Arkansas City in 1880 and went into business with lawyer C. R. Mitchell. He left Arkansas City at the end of 1881 to move to Wichita and go into partnership with Judge W. P. Campbell.)

[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.

CIVIL DOCKET.

2017. John S. Mann vs Tanebaum, David & Co. J. Wade McDonald for plaintiff; J. D. Houston for defendant.

2112. J W Hinton vs The Wichita & Southwestern R R Co. J. W. Ruggles for plaintiff. Houston & Bently for defendant.