GEORGE
M. MILLER.
Winfield.
Winfield 1874: George Miller, 34; spouse, Mollie, age not given.
Kansas 1875 Census, Winfield Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name age sex color Place/birth Where from
Geo. M. Miller 24 m w Missouri Missouri
Mollie Miller 21 f w New York Illinois
Anna Miller 1 f w Kansas
W. W. Miller 17 m w Missouri Missouri
Winfield
1878: George M. Miller, 28; spouse, M., 24.
Winfield
1880: G. M. Miller, 28; spouse, Mollie, 26.
Note:
George M. Miller was usually referred to as “George Miller.”
Winfield
Directory 1880.
MILLER & COX, meat market and packers, Main, w. s. bet 9th and 10th avenues.
Miller, Geo. M. (Miller & Cox), r. Main e. s. bet Maple and Walnut.
Cox, B. F. (Miller & Cox), boards Main e. s. bet Maple and Walnut.
Dix, Jno., butcher, Miller & Cox, boards Main e. s. bet Maple and Walnut.
Lang, D. P., butcher, Miller & Cox, r. city limits bet Manning and Menor.
Laopohl, Geo., butcher, Miller and Cox, boards City Restaurant.
FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
[COWLEY
COUNTY FAIR—LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED.]
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
Class E—Sheep.
Two second premiums were awarded to G. M. Miller & Co. and W. K. Davis.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
Goldie Triplett, formerly of this place, now traveling for a New York house, has been stopping in town for a few days. He is on the road to Texas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 1, 1873.
KILLED. Frank Triplett, a brother of Goldie Triplett, once a resident of this place, was killed in a duel near Salina in this State. An exchange says: “Both were young gentlemen of good family, and with every prospect of long and happy lives before them. At the second fire Triplett fell dead, shot through the heart, and lived but a moment. Bates was shot through the shoulder the first fire, and through the lungs the second, and cannot possibly recover. Triplett was a young man of unusual promise, being something of a poet, an artist, and we believe was a graduate of law and medicine. Thus are two young lives cut off to satisfy a point of honor.”
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 15, 1873.
The story started about Frank Triplett and another man fighting a duel and both being killed is, we are informed by Goldie Triplett, without foundation. No duel was fought and nobody was killed.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 19, 1873.
Mr. J. G. Titus, having bought the meat shop of Myers & Miller, has fitted it up in the best of style and he is now prepared to supply Winfield with the best beef the county affords. He has a large farm south of town on which he keeps his stock, and thus he is enabled to sell cheaper than the cheapest. Give him a call.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 26, 1873.
The “Parlor Bar” is sailing under new colors with Triplett “at the wheel.” Lovers of billiards should visit his pleasant rooms where they can have a quiet game and get any style of fluid comfort in the business.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 3, 1873.
New Restaurant. The St. Nicholas opened out in fine style yesterday. Messrs. Myers & Miller set out one of the best and most substantial dinners that it has been our fortune to sit down to for a long time. They fed eighty hungry mouths and all went away uttering high encomiums on the good taste displayed by these gentlemen. The St. Nicholas supplies a want long felt in Winfield. Their room is under the new Bank Building. It is a marvel of neatness and convenience. We would advise all who need anything to eat, to give them a call as they are gentlemen who deserve patronage.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 10, 1873.
We take pleasure in noting the completion of M. L. Read’s new bank building. The contractors, Messrs. Stewart & Simpson, deserve every credit as experienced mechanics, as this piece of their work will fully testify. The material used in the construction is an extra quality of limestone rock for the foundation, and also used in the walls of the basement. The main building is of brick structure, and exhibits as fine an appearance exteriorly, as any brick block in the eastern States. The front has iron columns to support it, and the window sills are of white limestone rock and are capped with the same. The folding doors at the entrance are magnificently constructed of fine material, and grained and finished in modern style; while the large windows on each side of the door will be one solid glass, French plate, 4½ feet in width and 9½ feet in height.
The appointments of the building consists of basement full size of building, which is now occupied by Messrs. Miller & Myers in the restaurant business. The second floor is exclusively occupied by the bank, and has attached every convenience desired in a banking house. The third floor is cut into rooms for office purposes, and is occupied by Messrs. Scull & Michener, attorneys; Messrs. Pryor & Kager, attorneys; J. F. Paul, Esq., County Recorder; John Curns, City Clerk; T. A. Wilkinson, County Superintendent; and E. B. Kager, Esq., County Treasurer. The building is completely occupied, and its interior, in point of finish and adaption to the business for which it is used, is not excelled by a like structure in any city.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 10, 1873.
The St. Nicholas Restaurant is just now the greatest attraction in the hotel line in the city. It is no doubt one of the best appointed Restaurants in the State, and fills a want long felt in our city. Messrs. Miller & Myers, the gentlemanly proprietors, do everything up in splendid order, and their style of keeping a well supplied table will draw them all the patronage they want.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 17, 1873.
The St. Nicholas, under the new bank building, is now in full blast, and if you happen to be hungry that is the place to fill up, as Miller and Myers fully understand the art of catering to the wants of the hungry.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.
The notice of dissolution of the firm of Miller & Myers, former proprietors of the St. Nicholas restaurant, was sent in for publication last week, but was by some means overlooked and will appear in this issue. Geo. M. Miller is now sole proprietor.
Dissolution Notice. Notice is hereby given that the co-partnership heretofore existing between Geo. M. Miller and John Myers, in the firm known as Miller & Myers, is dissolved by mutual consent. The business will continue under the name of Geo. M. Miller, who will pay all debts and collect all accounts of the firm heretofore existing.
GEO. M. MILLER, JOHN MYERS.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 23, 1873.
George Miller is butchering and Goldie Triplett is running the St. Nicholas.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 13, 1873.
Triplett now has charge of the St. Nicholas Restaurant. His city and country friends will find the best the market affords at the St. Nicholas. He will keep constantly on hand fresh oysters which will be served in any required manner. Give him a call.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 13, 1873.
The meat market of Miller and Davis is in full blast and anybody wishing fresh meat can get it by calling upon them at their place of business on Main Street.
Winfield Courier, November 27, 1873.
BIRTH. George Miller grins and says the young Miller must always wear dresses.
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
A. A. Jackson and Geo. Miller have formed a co-partnership to engage in the restaurant business. A. A. Jackson has, for the past two years, been the County Clerk of this county, is a kind, sociable gentleman, and with Geo. Miller for an associate, will make the restaurant business—what it has failed to be so far in Winfield—a success. Everybody in need of a good square meal, or fresh oysters any way they wish them served, should call on Jackson & Miller.
[COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
The following bills were laid over and rejected. Geo. Miller rejected: $9.22.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
Below we give the names of our businessmen who advertised in the “COURIER EXTRA” this week. Our readers may rest assured that men who advertise liberally will deal liberally. Ellis & Black, W. L. Mullen, Darrah & Doty, O. N. Morris & Bro., T. E. Gilleland, George Miller, Maris, Carson & Baldwin, J. C. Weathers and Co., C. A. Bliss & Co., Hitchcock & Boyle, W. M. Boyer, Lagonda House, Banking Houses of M. L. Read and J. C. Fuller, J. B. Lynn, N. Roberson, M. Miller, Frank Williams, Geo. W. Martin, and the Arkansas City Traveler.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.
Those oranges donated us by George Miller were nice and disappeared lively. George has a lot of candies, lemons, and other good things which he hasn’t brought around yet but which we are expecting daily.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.
“Quite a novel lawsuit is pending before ’Squire Boyer, between Geo. Miller and a prominent lawyer in this city. The case is as follows. Just before court adjourned at the last term, T. H. Suits, Esq., arose and addressed the Court in a little short facetious speech and informed his honor, Judge Campbell, that as it has been the custom from time immemorial for the members of the bar, on the occasion of the departure of anyone of their number from their midst, to meet and jollify in some way, pass resolutions of respect, etc. And now it was generally understood that one of them was about to depart a life of single cussedness, and submit his neck to the benedictine yoke. Therefore, the speaker moved that said candidate for matrimonial honors be notified that the Court and bar expected him to set up the oysters.
“The Court entering at once into the spirit of the joke, appointed T. H. Suits, R. B. Saffold, and E. S. Torrance to carry out the programme. This was faithfully attended to by the committee and about 9 o’clock p.m., of that day, the Court, members of the bar, clerks, and sheriff’s, sat down to a splendid supper at the St. Nicholas, kept by Geo. Miller, who is noted the country over for serving his guests with the best the market affords. A jollier time was never seen in Winfield. The lawyer seemed to enjoy the good things set before him as much as the worst gourmand there; perhaps in anticipation of the way he was going to fool that court and bar, or perhaps he liked the tone of the speeches, or the sentiment of the toasts, or the sparkle of the wine, or, perhaps it was because he was hungry, he, perhaps not having eaten a good square meal for some days previous, or it may have been all combined; certain it is that he seemed well pleased with the entertainment.
“After
allowing a reasonable time to elapse, Mr. Miller sent his bill to the victim,
who refused to come down with the scads, greenbacks, dingbats (or whatever those
things are called which you swap for oyster suppers). The other members of the
bar learning that the ‘little bill’ had gone to protest, magnanimously agreed
each to pay for his own. And now our friend is sued for the quantity of oysters
and wine he was supposed to have stowed away under his vest, on that, to the
other starvelings, very pleasant occasion, amounting in the aggregate to the
sum of one dollar and seventy cents.
“And now the case is set for hearing next Monday. How it is likely to turn out, we, of course, don’t pretend to say, nor is this article written to bias public opinion, to suborn witnesses, or to assist the average Kansas juror to form an opinion; no, none of these; but it is written for the purpose of insisting that the public suspend their opinion and never condemn a man unheard, no matter how guilty or deserving of the gallows you may know the man to be. Let justice be done though the oysters be never paid for. George has retained all the lawyers in town, and if he don’t win, it will be because he has ‘too many cooks.’”
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1874.
Geo. Miller keeps lemonade.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
We never saw better cocoanuts than those kept by George Miller. They are sound and sweet, and taste as delicious as it is possible for cocoanuts to taste. George is the only person in town who keeps them, and he sells reasonable.
Winfield Courier, June 19, 1874.
Have you seen the large stock of candies, lemons, oranges, nut, and cocoanuts, that Geo. Miller has just received? If you haven’t you had better take time and examine them.
Winfield Courier, June 26, 1874.
John Manly’s platform dance takes place this afternoon and evening. All the sports of this city are intending to be present and have a little fun. Geo. Miller will be on the ground with his lemonade and candy stand to supply all thirsty lads and lassies.
Background on T. J. Jones...
Cowley County Censor, October 28, 1871.
T. J. JONES, HOUSE, SIGN AND CARRIAGE PAINTER.
Shop over Dale & Miller’s Livery Stable, Winfield, Kansas.
Winfield Messenger, November 1, 1872. Front Page.
T. J. JONES, HOUSE, SIGN AND CARRIAGE PAINTER, Winfield, Kansas.
All work neatly and promptly executed. Shop on Main Street.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
T. J. JONES & CO., House, Sign and Ornamental Painters.
Paper-hangers, Kalsominers, and Gilders.
Office and paint rooms two doors south of Winfield Bank, Main Street.
Winfield Courier, Saturday, January 18, 1873.
New Sign. Ellis & Black, the enterprising successors of T. H. Benning, in the corner store, have ornamented the front of their establishment with a new and neat sign, the workmanship of T. J. Jones.
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Dissolution Notice. Notice is hereby given that the firm of Jones & Reynolds is this day dissolved by mutual consent. T. J. Jones will assume all liabilities and collect moneys due the old firm. T. J. JONES, A. S. REYNOLDS. Winfield, Kan., June 22nd, 1874.
George Miller & T. J. Jones partnership...
Winfield Courier, July 3, 1874.
Miller & Jones are erecting a new Meat Market between Miller’s restaurant and Nichols barber shop.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1874.
Geo. Miller and T. J. Jones have built them a nice shop on Main Street adjoining the St. Nicholas restaurant, and will run a meat market there. They have fitted it up in the latest and best style, with a refrigerator and all the paraphernalia of a first-class meat shop. They are both clever, accommodating gentlemen, experienced butchers, and will give their customers entire satisfaction. All those who like a good beefsteak or good fresh meats of any kind will do well to purchase of Miller & Jones.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
Concannon is opening a cigar store and billiard hall next door to Miller’s meat market.
Winfield Courier, August 14, 1874.
A. A. Jackson is now the proprietor of the St. Nicholas restaurant, he having taken Geo. Miller’s place in the business. George now has nothing to attend to but his meat market.
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.
A new store is being started in Jackson’s building next door to Miller’s Meat Market. They keep harness and a stock of general miscellany. The goods are being brought from Peoria, Illinois, and is a branch of the establishment of Ford, of Wichita. A harness repair shop will be run in connection.
Note: I was unable to find out the first name or initials of the Hill who was involved with George Miller in a meat market in September 1874. Paper did not even indicate when they started their partnership let alone when they dissolved. MAW
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1874.
EVERYBODY got tired of reading the Beecher-Tilton scandal and they have now turned their attention to their own affairs. The first thing they did was to walk into Miller & Hill’s meat market where they got the tenderest, sweetest meat they ever saw. Beef, Pork, Veal, Mutton, all kinds of sausage, and in fact anything kept in a first class market, can be had by calling at Miller & Hill’s, one door south of St. Nicholas.
Winfield Courier, September 11, 1874.
New Bakery. Messrs. Brown & Markwort wish to inform the citizens of Winfield and vicinity that their new bakery, located in the St. Nicholas Restaurant building, Main street, is now open and prepared to accommodate customers. It is our intention to keep a complete stock of all kinds of bakery on hand, such as bread of all kinds, pies, cakes, etc., and in addition to our bakery we shall keep a good fresh stock of canned fruits, nuts, and confectionery. A lunch room will be kept in connection, open at all hours, where farmers and others can get a meal worth from ten cents to as much higher as liked. In soliciting the patronage of the public, we have only to pledge ourselves to keep a good stock on hand which will entitle us to a liberal share of public favor. Give us a call.
Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.
FINE MEATS.—No man ever bought a finer steak or roast than can be had at Miller & Hill’s meat shop every day. They have a number of splendid beeves, and kill none but the best.
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1875.
George Miller has fitted up his butcher shop at the old stand in a very handsome style, and it is now the most popular steak dispensing shop in the city.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
GO TO George Miller’s and get some of that corned beef.
Winfield Courier, July 22, 1875.
IF YOU WANT nice juicy, fresh beef, get it at George Miller’s. He has the best refrigerator this side of Emporia, and his meats are always cool and fresh.
Cowley County Democrat, Thursday, April 6, 1876.
Messrs. Hill & Christie have changed the location of their butcher shop once more, and are now in the old Miller and Hill stand, next door to Brotherton & Silver.
Winfield Courier, November 16, 1876.
A hunting party consisting of Jim Brown, Charles Harter, Burt Crapster, Geo. Miller, and Virgil Harter returned from the Indian Territory last Friday loaded with turkey, duck, deer, buffalo, kangaroo, elephants, and such other wild animals as that country afforded. That’s the way the story is told now, but the other Charlie Harter tells it that they took away a load of beans, flour, pickles, and provisions and brought back one large bird without any feathers, so that it was impossible to tell whether it was a turkey with a sir name or not. The boys had a good time visiting the Agency by moonlight.
In 1878 it appears that McGuire & Crippen had their store located on the southeast corner of Main Street and Ninth Avenue.
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1878.
George Miller is in the meat market business again and the people of Winfield will be happy. This time he is in a new, clean building, just east of McGuire and Crippen’s store; his counter and block are new, his scales, saw, meat-ax, and knives are new, and he looks as if he might be new too. Everything about his shop is clean and sweet, and George knows what good beef is before it is slaughtered and is sure to have the tenderest and best; then he knows just how to cut it up and serve it, and knows how to treat his customers so that they will come again. George is a success.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
We would call particular attention to the new card of George Miller’s meat market. If George cannot suit you, the case is hopeless.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
MEAT MARKET. GEORGE MILLER has always on hand the choicest steaks, roasts, and other fresh meats. Particular attention paid to neatness.
Shop on Ninth avenue, one door east of McGuire and Crippen’s store.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.
The following is a list of new buildings erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner and cost of building.
G. M. Miller, residence, frame: $700.
Miller has another partner: J. G. Kraft.
Winfield Courier, November 28, 1878.
A German Association has been organized in this city for the purpose of encouraging immigration, assisting newcomers, and providing amusements. It is named “Deutcher Unterhaltungs Verein,” with J. G. Kraft as president and John Hoenscheidt as secretary. Meet every third Sunday of each month at 7 o’clock p.m.
Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.
Miller & Kraft come out with a new meat wagon.
Winfield Courier, December 26, 1878.
The members of Winfield Lodge, No. 110, I. O. O. F., have chosen the following named brethren as officers of this lodge for the term commencing January 1, 1879.
M. B. Shields, N. G.; David C. Beach, V. G.; John Hoenscheidt, R. S.; E. S. Bedilion, P. S.; Max Shoeb, Treasurer; John E. Allen, W.; D. W. Southard, C.; J. G. Kraft, R. S. to N. G.; R. L. Walker, L. S. to N. G.; B. M. Terrill, R. S. S.; Wm. Hudson, L. S. S.; J. W. Smiley, I. G.; C. C. Stevens, O. G.; A. W. Davis, R. S. to V. C.; T. C. Robinson, L. S. to V. G.; J. W. Curns, Chaplain; J. S. Blue, Host.
A cordial invitation is extended to all members of the order in good standing to be present at the installation ceremonies on the first Thursday night in January. The lodge is in a prosperous condition, and is increasing its membership from among our best citizens very rapidly.
[SOCIETY CARDS.]
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
DEUTCHER UNTERHALTUNGS VEREIN. J. G. KRAFT, Pres’t. John Hoenscheidt, Sec’y.
Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.
Listed
as a Courier Advertiser:
MILLER & KRAFT keep one of the neatest and best meat markets in the state and serve their customers with promptness. George Miller was in the business here some years ago and is popular with our citizens. Mr. Kraft has made himself very popular.
MILLER & KRAFT. Shop on Ninth Avenue. One door east of McGUIRE & CRIPPEN’S STORE.
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1879.
The following officers of the Winfield Lodge, No. 101, I. O. O. F., were installed last Thursday evening.
M. B. Shields, N. G.; D. C. Beach, V. G.; John Hoenscheidt, R. S.; E. S. Bedilion, P. S.; Max Shoeb, Treas.; J. G. Kraft, R. S. to N. G.; J. H. Vance, L. S. to N. G.; J. E. Allen, W.; D. W. Southard, C.; J. W. Curns, Chaplain; B. M. Terrill, R. S. S.; Will Hudson, L. S. S.; John Smiley, I. G.; C. C. Stevens, O. G.; A. W. Davis, R. S. to V. G.; T. C. Robinson, L. S. to V. G.; J. S. Blue, Host. Total number of members: 52.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
The following is a list of the principal business firms of Winfield.
MEAT MARKETS.
Miller & Kraft.
Jas. Allen.
Earnest L. Hazard.
Note: It is believed that the following item refers to “George M. Miller,” and not “George W. Miller.”...
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1879.
On last Thursday one David Creak was arrested and charged with having stolen a cow from Mr. Wm. Hawkins, who lives five miles south of town. Mr. Hawkins missed the cow early Thursday morning, and upon investigation found tracks in some plowed ground between the corral and the road which led him to believe that his cow had been stolen, whereupon he came to town and found Creak trying to sell the cow to George Miller. County Attorney Torrance being out of town, Mr. Henry Asp made out the papers and in less then two hours, Mr. Creak was languishing in the “cooler” in default of $500 bail.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1879.
Messrs. Miller & Kraft have dissolved partnership. The business will be continued by Mr. Miller.
Note: Miller now located one door east of Smith Brothers’ shoe store. Evidently Smith Brothers took over former store of McGuire & Crippen...
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.
AD. MEAT MARKET. GEORGE MILLER. Has always on hand the choicest steaks, roasts, and other fresh meats. Particular attention paid to business.
Shop on Ninth avenue, one door east of Smith Bro.’s shoe store.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.
George Miller, the Prince of Meatmen, never tires of catering to the appetites of his customers. His last purchase was a cinnamon bear, killed on the Cimarron river in the Territory.
Winfield
Courier, September 25, 1879.
G. M. Miller beats old Sellers himself in selling sells. He sells bare meat as well as beef and pork, and sells Conklin and our Local. The latter won’t eat hog, but is fond of bear.
Winfield
Courier, December 4, 1879.
Mr. James Allen has sold his meat market to Geo. Miller. He intends going into the hide business.
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.
George Miller has removed all his meat interests to Main Street and now occupies the stand which he purchased of James Allen. He says his say in another column.
Miller now located on the west side of Main Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. He was located close to Baird Brothers...
[GEORGE
MILLER: WINFIELD’S FAVORITE BUTCHER.]
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.
Mr. George Miller has removed from Ninth Avenue and consolidated his shops on Main street. He is refitting and refurnishing the shops throughout, and intends to make his meat market second to none in the country. George, from his long connection with this business in Winfield, has won the confidence and patronage of a large part of our citizens. He furnishes the best meats at the most reasonable prices.
Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880.
George Miller has just put an elegant counter in his meat market.
Winfield Courier, January 8, 1880.
George Miller is an artist in the decorating line. New Year’s day he had his shop trimmed with evergreens and festooned with Bologna sausages till it looked as tempting as a millinery shop. He even went so far as to draw a crayon portrait of the “Village Parson” with which to adorn the walls.
[MR. GEORGE MILLER IMPLICATED IN CRIME.]
Winfield Courier, April 1, 1880.
Just as we go to press we learn of an occurrence which will cast a shadow of gloom over the entire community. It seems that of late many crimes have been committed in the northern part of the state, the perpetrators of which are still at large. Late this (Wednesday) morning Marshal Stevens went to the place of business of Mr. Geo. Miller and asked him to go with him to identify a man who had worked for him several years ago, and who was supposed to be one of the parties wanted up north.
After looking around among the stores for some time, Marshal Stevens pointed out a man with his back toward them and said that “he thought this was his man,” requesting Mr. Miller to go around and come in on the other side of him so as to get a sight of his face, at the same time admonishing him to be careful and not let the criminal see that he was being observed.
Mr. Miller, in order to reach the other side, went down the alley back of the Opera House, coming into the street through the gap between S. H. Myton’s buildings, and quietly picked his way along until he reached a pile of prints in front of M. Hahn & Co’s., and with the utmost caution slowly raised his head above the barrier to see if he recognized the man.
This proved to be a movement that will be regretted by Mr. Miller for many days to come, for the suspected person seemed to be expecting an attack from that quarter, and was looking squarely at the pile of prints. As Miller’s head appeared above them, their eyes met, a sign of recognition seemed to pass between them, when, with a blood curdling shriek, Miller sprang from behind the prints, darted past the intended victim, and was, in all probability, saved from an untimely end by the interference of the bystanders.
He had discovered at the last moment that he was about to be implicated in the arrest and perhaps the conviction and imprisonment of—Baird’s wooden dummy.
Miller takes on another new partner: Benjamin F. Cox. Have very little background on Cox. He was listed as being 42 and single in the 1880 Winfield census. It appears that he traveled often to Wichita...
Winfield Courier, June 6, 1878.
Benj. Cox counted one hundred and forty-six machines at work harvesting within sight of the road as he came down from Wichita the other day.
Winfield
Courier, May 6, 1880.
MEAT MARKET. MILLER & COX. Have always on hand the choicest steaks, roasts, and other fresh meats. Particular attention paid to neatness.
SHOP ON MAIN STREET, TWO DOORS SOUTH OF READ’S BANK.
Winfield
Courier, July 15, 1880.
Miller & Cox have ornamented the front of their building with an immense chromo, the work of artist Herrington representing the “Great Arkansas Valley,” with a fat steer right in the middle of it. The sign is a good one, and will catch many unwary boarding-house men who will be led to believe that the steer on the sign is a fair sample of the beef furnished to their customers.
Winfield Courier, August 12, 1880.
Monday Geo. Miller received a telegram from Wellington to look out for a couple of thieves who had stolen some green hides and started this way with them. Soon after two men entered his shop to sell some hides; and from the description, he judged them to be the thieves. Warrants were immediately put into Constable Finch’s hands and the parties arrested. They claimed to have purchased the hides at Hunnewell. Mr. Finch took them to Wellington Monday evening.
Winfield
Courier, November 25, 1880.
Miller & Cox give a well-timed lecture on “deceased meats,” in this issue.
[Article pertained to diseased meats.]
[DISEASED
MEATS.]
Winfield
Courier, November 25, 1880.
A certain firm in Winfield makes a statement that meats from the packing house of Plankinton & Armour are superior to that of home productions, using this as an excuse for selling meats from this firm.
Just let us consider the proposition one minute. Plankinton & Armour buy their hogs from all parts of the country, and as a result they get many that are diseased: some with cholera, and others with that still more horrible disease, the trichina spiralis. Now we use Cowley County hogs; our customers know exactly what they are buying, and are assured of the fact that they run no risk of being killed by diseased meat. For it is a fact that Cowley County has no diseased hogs. Another point. The foreign firm named uses a large amount of saltpeter, which injures the meat, and is unhealthy. We cure with salt instead. In conclusion, we want to say to our patrons that we buy our hogs here. We pack our own meats and sell the products, and in patronizing us, you patronize a home market. Keep your money at home, and get meats that are cheaper and better than Plankinton & Armour’s, or other man’s who packs in large cities.
We claim for our meats that they are better at the same price, and can prove it by customers who have used both. If you want meats of any kind, we invite you to call at a home market. MILLER & COX.
P. S. Wanted: Two or three good hands to pick chickens. Butchers preferred.
[COWLEY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, November 25, 1880.
CIVIL DOCKET. SECOND DAY. Benjamin F. Cox vs. Flora E. Covert et al.
CIVIL DOCKET. FOURTH DAY. George M. Miller vs. John Gleason et al.
Winfield
Courier, December 2, 1880.
Miller & Cox were displaying six fine deer last Saturday.
Winfield
Courier, December 30, 1880.
The meat markets seemed to vie with each other in their preparations for Christmas. Miller & Cox came out ahead, and had their shop trimmed out in a style gorgeous to behold. Huge quarters of beef hung around the room decorated with evergreens, etc. Roast pigs, picked chickens, and rings of sausages tempted the passers by. Simmons & Ott were also decorated in fine style.
Background on J. A. Graham, who buys out Miller...
Winfield
Courier, January 27, 1881.
ANOTHER BURN OUT. Wednesday morning most of our citizens on striking Main street discovered that there had been a fire during the night; that Sheel’s furniture store, Rhodes’ coal office, and Graham’s meat market were a smoking mass of ruins.
To most everyone this was a surprise, as no alarm was heard during the night. The fire-bell was frosty, and although it was rung long and hard, yet the sound could not be heard more than two blocks away. The fire machines were got out, but unfortunately they are of the kind that won’t operate successfully without water, and as that article is very scarce at present, the machines were useless.
The Buildings were old frame ones, dry as tinder boxes, and burned rapidly. The fire is supposed to have caught from the stove in Rhodes’ coal office. It was discovered about three o’clock in the morning and was under full headway. Mr. Sheel loses his building and stock, estimated at about $3,000. He is insured for $1,000. Mr. Rhodes loses his building, worth about $2,000. Mr. Graham’s loss is about $500.
The brick houses on either side of those burned were hardly scorched. This is a splendid opportunity for a lecture on our means of controlling fires, but we desist.
Winfield Courier, April 21, 1881.
Miller & Cox have sold their meat market to Mr. J. A. Graham.
Winfield Courier, July 14, 1881.
Al Requa has fitted up the room next door of Graham’s meat market, as an office for his transfer business.
[TRIAL
DOCKET DISTRICT COURT MAY TERM, 1881.]
Winfield
Courier, April 28, 1881.
CRIMINAL DOCKET: STATE OF KANSAS VERSUS 59 CASES...
Theo Miller, R. Ehret, Jos. Whiteman, Frank Manny, John Himelspach, James Fahey, Frank Merrill, Stephen O’Lane, Theo R. Timme, Thos. H. Benning, E. A. Henthorn, Geo. Miller, B. M. Terrill, Joe R. Smith, A. W. Patterson, Harry Bahntge, David Harter, A. H. Green, Barney Shriver, Thos. Wright, Sid S. Majors, W. A. Gibbs, S. S. Moore, Geo. Corwin, Ed G. Cole, A. Hatfield, ____ Squires, John Custer, Wayne Bitting, Ed Appling, Ed Howell, S. R. Walcott, W. L. Mullen, H. Jochems, James Allen, L. J. Webb, Ed Collins, Sol Frazier, R. Ehret, Major F. Moss, Geo. Haywood, E. B. Weitzel, Allison Toops, Willie Fogg, Alex May.
Note that Geo. Miller was listed on the criminal docket. There was no follow-up in which it could be determined that it was “George M. Miller” who had been on this docket.
Winfield Courier, June 9, 1881.
Ben Cox broke his leg between the ankle and knee Wednesday, while wrestling with A. D. Speed. He was immediately taken in charge by Dr. Davis and the bones reset. The injuries are very painful, but we hope will not prove serious.
Winfield Courier, December 8, 1881.
According to George Miller, Winfield is blessed with one of those “too awfully utter” girls about which our exchanges rave so much. She went into George’s butcher shop the other day while he was skinning a calf, and after watching for a moment, she exclaimed: “Oh, what a cute little beefe-weefe.” George was so impressed with the remark that he made her a present of the beefe-weefe’s tail.
New Shop! New Partner!...
Cowley
County Courant, December 22, 1881.
MILLER
& DIX, WINFIELD MEAT MARKET, CENTER OF BLOCK NORTH OF THE POST OFFICE.
Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.
John D. Pryor has purchased the Winfield Meat Market heretofore owned by Miller & Dix, and is going to make a bloody butcher of himself.
Cowley County Courant, April 13, 1882.
That item of ours a few days ago about John D. Pryor buying the Winfield meat market was all a lie, and Geo. Miller was to blame for it. John threw a stone at his calf the day before, and killed it, the stone striking it in the forehead, and the bloody butcher induced us to misrepresent John in consequence.
Winfield Courier, March 22, 1883.
The walls of the Miller building on south Main Street are going up rapidly.
Winfield Courier, April 12, 1883.
Judge Torrance and J. C. Fuller will begin the erection of two brick buildings on Main Street next to George Miller’s meat shop at once.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Where the Money Came From. The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance.
[Note: Three different entries pertaining to Miller.]
George
W. Miller: $5.00.
George
M. Miller, $1.00.
Miller,
Dix & Co., $1.00.
Winfield Courier, June 7, 1883.
The old frame buildings on Main Street next to Geo. Miller’s Meat Shop are being removed to make room for a new brick block two stories high. One by one the old rookeries are fading away and in their places spring up fine new brick and stone buildings.
Miller, Dix & Co....
Winfield Courier, July 19, 1883.
The ladies of the Christian Church, desiring to assist in furnishing the new church building, will have ice cream and cake on sale Friday and Saturday evenings, 20th and 21st inst., at the room recently vacated by Miller, Dix & Co., one door south of Strahan’s on Main Street, two doors south of Brown’s drugstore. All are invited to come and partake.
Winfield Courier, August 16, 1883.
Mr. E. T. Rogers has just turned out a new wagon for Miller, Dix & Co., which eclipses anything of the kind we have seen. It is put up perfectly and is finished in Johnny Reid’s best style of painting.
Next item indicates that Geo. M. Miller had a separate market from “Kraft & Dix.”
Winfield Courier, December 27, 1883.
Christmas. Christmas came in this year with more than its usual life and jollity. All of the churches had Christmas trees, Christmas houses, and other of the arrangements which are supposed to make young hearts happy. The traditional “Santa Claus” was abroad in all his glory and showered candies and beautiful presents around promiscuously.
As usual the meat markets were decorated in the most attractive way. The market of Whiting Bros. was especially fancy. They had houses and pyramids constructed of snow white lard, and huge beeves decorated with evergreens and flowers. In addition to this the market was supplied with rare novelties gathered from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The markets of Geo. M. Miller and Kraft & Dix were also beautifully decorated. At the latter was exhibited one of the fattest pigs that anyone has ever seen.
George Miller has a new partner: Henry Dawson...
Winfield Courier, January 24, 1884.
Mr. Henry Dawson has purchased an interest in George M. Miller’s meat market and the firm will hereafter be known as Geo. M. Miller & Co. Mr. Dawson is a gentleman of large means and business experience and will prove a valuable acquisition to our list of businessmen.
Miller & Dawson...
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.
More Fires. Again, on Sunday evening, an attempt was made to set fire to property in the city. A lot of hay was stuffed under the rear end of Hendricks & Wilson’s hardware store and ignited. It was done about half past seven o’clock in the evening. Mr. James McLain, who has been acting as night watchman, first discovered and put it out. Shortly before, when walking across Manning Street and Tenth Avenue, he passed a man who was walking hurriedly. As soon as he passed, the man broke into a run, and a moment after McLain discovered the fire. When he turned, the man had disappeared in the darkness. What the object of these incendiaries is cannot be defined. The fire in the Hodges barn could have injured but little business property if successful. The fire started in the Shenneman barn, immediately after, when the hose was handy and hundreds of people standing around to use it, could not have been set with a very villainous intent to destroy, as the destroyer might have known it would be put out in a minute. The setting of the Sunday evening fire early in the evening, when everyone was about, showed a lack of deep intent to do great injury. However, our people have resolved to put a stop to it, and to that end the following paper has been prepared and duly signed, and the total sum of $222.50 goes to the person who runs the fire-bugs in.
We, the undersigned, promise to pay the sum set against our respective names as a reward for the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons engaged in setting any incendiary fire in the city of Winfield, either heretofore or hereafter.
AMONG THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $5.00: Miller & Dawson.
AMONG THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $2.50: Kraft & Dix.
TOTAL RAISED: $222.50.
Do not believe “George Miller,” residing east of Winfield, refers to G. M. Miller...
Winfield Courier, March 6, 1884.
Mr. Geo. Miller, residing east of town, sold one hog to our Geo. W. Miller for $30 Tuesday. Geo. W. Miller says that is more than he ever paid for one hog before. It was bought for shipment. While we are speaking of Millers, we would like to suggest that some of those in Cowley change their names to something beside George. With about a dozen George’s in the county, how are we going to keep from getting them mixed? The Smith families want to branch off from Williams, too.
Winfield Courier, April 3, 1884.
If you want a nice juicy steak, go to the Meat Market of Miller & Dawson.
Next item refers to purchase of Miller building on South Main: Unknown if this refers to George M. Miller...
[WINFIELD BOOMS.]
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1884.
Geo. and Will Hudson have purchased the Miller building on South Main for $3,500 and will finish it up immediately. They have already had applications from renters.
George Miller Meat Market purchased by Van Meter and Sidle...
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1884.
Messrs. Van Meter and Sidle have purchased the George Miller meat market, just south of the banks. They are fitting it up in good shape and expect to keep the choicest and best meats and run the markets up to the highest standard.
According to the next item, George M. Miller moved to Cherryvale...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 9, 1885.
George M. Miller was over from Cherryvale yesterday. THE DAILY will visit him hereafter.
Unknown of the next item refers to George M. Miller. If so, he evidently moved back to Winfield...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.
Geo. Miller, of Winfield, an old residenter in Cowley County, was here Wednesday night. He was wonderfully surprised at the growth made by Udall the past two years.
Sentinel.
Unknown if the following item refers to George M. Miller...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.
An Irishman, from Chautauqua County, dropped into Whiting Bros. meat store Thursday, and sitting down by the stove, in a few minutes dropped over in a drunken sleep. George Miller happening in, fixed him up in the latest fashion and went out, telling parties he met that there was a frozen man there, just brought in from the Territory. Soon the crowd commenced filing in uttering expressions of sympathy as they looked at the victim. For an hour the crowd kept up the dead march; and not till Paddy woke up, did they realize he had resurrected.
The next item indicates that George M. Miller is still a resident of Cherryvale...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
Geo. M. Miller came over from Cherryvale Thursday to spend a few days with his relatives and many friends here.
If I understand the next item it indicates that John Dix and George M. Miller, of Cherryvale, purchase “Constanzer & Co.’s Meat Shop.” In turn, “Constanzer & Co.” purchase Kavanaugh’s shop, south of the Blue Front...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.
John Dix and George M. Miller, formerly of this city, but recently of Cherryvale, have bought Constanzer & Co.’s meat shop, and Constanzer & Co. have purchased Kavanaugh’s shop, south of the Blue Front. Both of these firms are well known here and will do a good business.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
Geo. Miller moved his family back to Winfield, Friday, over the Frisco, from Cherryvale.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.
George and John Dix have bought the Constanzer shop and will run a first-class meat market here.