March 20, 2002

Bill,

Under Shriver I gave information relative to madstone, which I changed to one word according to dictionary. It appears that in both instances where it was used, the people involved survived. Very interesting!

Am sending the Moorehouse file as No. 1. You will no doubt want to eradicate the information about this when you receive all the files.

All files being sent today fall under the category of accattlemen...

#1 - Moorehouse.wpd

#2 - BurdenRF.wpd

#3 - BurressSP.wpd

#4 - Clendenning.wpd [He was not a cattleman, but took minutes at meeting.]

#5 - DeanBrothers.wpd

#6 - DentonGeorgeandJohnT.wpd

#7 - Shriver.wpd

Much to take care of today. Have a dental appointment this afternoon. Hope to get started again on April 1886 of Courier.

There is absolutely no reason to rush in getting these files on your computer, but I thought I should send some to let you know I have been working on these and have more to send and more to look up. The Dean Brothers is the longest file being sent. My biggest problem was trying to figure out Kay’s notes and where he came up with four brothers, at least. What really perplexed me is the following: Where in the world was “Bitter Creek” and why was it given a post office? Kay did not list it in Volume I in which he gave information on early post offices.

It was interesting to learn that the town of Burden was named after R. F. Burden, who never lived there.

Thanks for calling me last night. My best regards,

                                                                   MAW

 

                                                         MOOREHOUSE.

                                                Cattleman and Businessman.

                        Winfield. Ranch in Indian Territory Near Medicine Lodge.

[The only Moorehouse I could find was “W. L. Moorehouse” of Winfield. The references made to “Moorehouse” did not give his first name or initials.

I finally discovered that the Winfield newspapers were guilty of getting his name wrong. They sometimes had “Morehouse” and at other times “Moorhouse.” It definitely was W. L. Moorehouse who got into the cattle business in Indian Territory. MAW]

CITY OF WINFIELD 1880:

Moorehouse, W. L., 40; spouse, Genevia, 31.

                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.

Winfield Courier, August 28, 1879.

Jim Hill has sold his block in the southwest part of town to Mr. Moorehouse, from Indiana, for $1,200.

Winfield Courier, November 6, 1879.

We received a call from Mr. W. L. Moorehouse, the gentleman who purchased the Jim Hill block, last Tuesday. He has purchased Prof. Farringer’s residence on south Main street, has brought his family, and has come to stay. Mr. Moorehouse is a pleasant gentleman and will make a valuable citizen.

Winfield Courier, December 4, 1879.

Mr. W. L. Moorehouse has some fine business lots to dispose of in the “Hill Block.” See his ad.

AD: FOR SALE, THE “HILL BLOCK,” in any quantity to suit the purchaser. Also acre and half acre lots located at the South end of Main street. Terms easy and prices low.

                                                     W. L. MOOREHOUSE.

                                                           Winfield, Kansas.

                                   Inquire at Hendricks & Wilson’s hardware store.

Winfield Courier, December 4, 1879.

Mr. W. L. Moorehouse has purchased the lot on the corner of Main street and 10th avenue from C. A. Bliss for $1200. He will very soon commence the erection of a two story brick building, 25 x 80, the first floor of which will be occupied by Messrs. Hendricks & Wilson.

[Note: Courier gave his name as “Moorhouse,” which is wrong! I have corrected items in paper. MAW]

Winfield Courier, June 10, 1880.

W. L. Moorehouse left for his old home in Indiana last Monday. He will be absent several weeks.

Winfield Courier, June 10, 1880.

Judge Soward has rented rooms in the Moorehouse building and will in a few days open his law office. The Judge comes to Winfield to stay, and has purchased property here.

Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.

Mr. Moorehouse and family are home again after several months’ sojourn at Hot Springs. Mr. Moorehouse is much improved in health.

Note: Paper had name wrong! They said “Morehouse.” His name was Moorehouse.

I have corrected my copy of paper to show “W. L. Moorehouse.” MA

[THE MANNY TRIAL.]

Winfield Courier, June 30, 1881.

Winfield has been in a fever of excitement for the past few days over the arrest of Frank Manny for violating the prohibition amendment in selling beer. The trial was first brought before Justice Kelly, but the defense secured a change of venue to Justice Tansey’s court. Monday was the day set for the trial and early in the day numbers of spectators gathered to see the opening of the case.

The array of legal talent retained on the part of the defense was simply appalling: Judge Campbell, with eight years’ experi­ence on the bench; J. E. Allen, one of the most precise and painstaking lawyers at the bar; O. M. Seward, the leading temper­ance attorney of the southwest; and Messrs. Soward & Asp, gentle­men of high standing at the bar. Certainly Mr. Manny should feel that his interests will be protected as far as the law is con­cerned.

County Attorney Jennings appeared for the State.

The hall opened at 9 o’clock, the jury was called, and the examination for jurors commenced. This proved to be a tedious matter as most everyone called had either formed or expressed an opinion, or had conscientious scruples that unfitted him for sitting in the case. Generally when a juror went into the box thinking he was unprejudiced, he found that he was mistaken before the lawyers got through with him. Up to noon thirty-five jurors had been called and twenty-nine of them proved to be incompetent.

After dinner the examination of jurors was continued and soon developed into a lively fight. The question was raised of whether a member of a temperance organization was a competent juror in the case, on which Judge Campbell made an exhaustive argument, insisting that such a person was not and could not be competent to sit in the case. County Attorney Jennings replied in a brief but convincing manner. He stated that if Judge Campbell’s theory was correct, a horse thief could be tried only by persons not opposed to horse stealing, and that persons who were in favor of enforcing the laws would not be competent jurors in criminal cases.

The court sustained the County Attorney, and the juror was passed. The jury was finally empaneled at 5 o’clock Monday evening.

The following is a list of the jurors: A. G. Wilson, James Bethel, E. P. Harlen, Elam Harter, I. N. Holmes, E. P. Kinne, J. H. Mounts, T. H. Jackson, T. S. Smith, Wm. Trezise, W. L. Moorehouse, and W. I. Shotwell.

Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.

                            McDERMOTT & JOHNSON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW.

                                      [JAMES McDERMOTT/A. P. JOHNSON]

                  Office in Moorehouse block, corner Main street and 10th avenue.

Cowley County Courant, December 29, 1881.

W. L. Moorehouse, from Winfield, Kansas, was here last week for the purpose of buying a stock ranch. Medicine Lodge Index.

[Note: The Courant had his name wrong. They had “Morehouse.” I corrected my copy of paper. MAW]

Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.

Mr. Moorehouse starts for his ranch in the Territory tomor­row. The cattlemen are having a good deal of trouble on account of the big prairie fires which burned off the range.

Flora Moorehouse...

Winfield Courier, September 28, 1882.

A happy crowd of very little folks met as per invitation at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Buckman Wednesday afternoon, to celebrate the third birthday of little Miss Stella Buckman. It was one of the few real jolly parties that have been held this season. The ceremony of introduction was dispensed with and each one present seemed imbued with unusual conversational power. In the matter of real, solid enjoyment, it was the model party of the age. Little Miss Stella was the recipient of many beautiful presents from her youthful friends. Those present were Misses Flora Moorehouse, Maud Miller, Mamie Pryor, Margie Pryor, Gracie Gary, Edna Glass, Inez Crippen, Blanche Troup, Nellie Harden, June and Bessie Schofield, and Mattie Marshall. Our future statesmen were represented by Masters Willie Nixon, Edgar Powers, Johnnie Crippen, Willie Troup, Ralph Brown, Eddie Greer, Harvey Harden, Baron Bahntge, Roy Robinson, Robbie Platter, and Royal Carver. As this was the first event in the social life of the little ones, it will be remembered with much pleasure.

Moorehouse at important meeting in Arkansas City...

Arkansas City Traveler, February 28, 1883.

                                                      Stockmen’s Meeting.

Pursuant to call a number of stockmen met at the office of C. M. Scott, in Arkansas City, Kansas, and organized by calling Mr. John H. Tomlin, of Winfield, to the chair and C. M. Scott, Secretary.

The following gentlemen were present: W. J. Hodges, John Myrtle, John Love, J. M. Love, Weathers, Tipton, Chinn, Wicks, D. Warren, Hugh McGinn, J. H. Saunders, Moorehouse, Dr. Carlisle, and others.

On motion a committee of three was appointed to settle all claims of stockmen with the parties proposing to fence, or any other whose interests might conflict.

Committee: W. J. Hodges, Chairman; Drury Warren, and C. M. Scott.

Mr. Weathers thought the Oil Company had no right in the Territory, and did not believe in adjusting matters with them. Thought they should not be recognized in the meeting at all.

Mr. Hodges thought if they paid the tax and complied with the law, they had as much right as anyone to the unoccupied range, and that we should not expect the range to lay idle, and that it would not, and anyone claiming it and paying for it would be protected, whether they were of Kansas, Pennsylvania, or England.

Mr. Chinn said if a man paid, he had no protection against Texas cattle, to which Mr. Hodges replied; only through the Stock Association.

Mr. Warren didn’t see any harm in the Oil Company occupying the range as long as they interfered with the rights of no one legally there.

Mr. Love is on the west side of the range they propose to fence. He hasn’t paid his tax. When he stopped there, he did not expect to remain long—was going farther west, but finally concluded to remain. He then rendered payment to the Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation, and his offer was refused, although he was first on the ground, and had conflicted with no one; and after they had refused, the grant and privilege was given to Mr. Gore. He did not believe in discriminating in favor of a monopoly, and that too, when they were not on the ground, and have not yet a hoof of stock on the range. He said there was no fairness in it, and that the Oil Company were only acting fair since they could do no better. That they had tried to shut out all alike and would have done it if they could, and he appealed to the stockmen to stand by him as he had stood by them.

Mr. Hodges thought Mr. Love’s case one of merit, and that his right would not be ignored.

On motion the meeting elected Mr. Tomlin, Mr. Love, and C. M. Scott a committee of three to forward the grievance to Major John Q. Tufts at Muskogee, Indian Territory.

On motion Drury Warren, Mr. Wicks, and Mr. Weathers were appointed a committee of three to attend the meeting of the Cherokee Strip Stock Association, to be held at Caldwell March 6, 1883.

The following resolutions were introduced and passed.

Resolved, That it is the sense and desire of this meeting that no quarantine ground be established east of Bitter Creek.

Resolved, That no through Texas cattle be permitted to be driven along the State Line east of Bitter Creek, or within four miles of the line during the summer months and that we will use our best endeavors to prevent such doing.

Resolved, That each and everyone of us become a member of the Cherokee Strip Association, and that we stand by one another in the protection of our rights.

On motion the meeting adjourned.

Moorehouse property...

                                        OUR MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 26, 1885.

The City “Dads” held an adjourned session Monday evening. Petition of August Kadau and sixteen others for sidewalk on the west side of lots 1 and 26, block 222, and along the south side of 3rd avenue fronting on lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in same block, was referred. Councilmen McGuire and Hodges were appointed to investigate as to the amount of money in the city treasury and the amount yet to be collected with a view of adjusting the city order of Winfield Water Company, issued in July, 1884. The committee previously appointed to report territory for incorporation recommended that the city attorney commence legal proceedings at once to have the following described tracts of land added to the city’s corporate limits: Beginning at the northwest corner of the Moorehouse property, near the railroad crossing to the Tunnel mill; running along the township line to the southeast corner of Howland’s quarter, then north to the northeast corner of same quarter, then east 80 rods, then north one mile to the northeast corner of same quarter, then east 80 rods, then north one mile to the northeast corner of west half of Dr. Davis’ quarter; then west three-fourths mile to northeast corner of Vandeventer quarter; then south to Manny’s brewery; then following on south side of Dutch Creek and east side of the Walnut to west line of right of way of the Santa Fe railroad; then following railroad south to corporation line. The report was adopted, and the city attorney will proceed at once to file the proper petition before Judge Torrance and the hearing is set for the 20th of April. The petition of Frank Manny to be taken into the corporate limits was granted and the proper ordinance ordered. Bills of Leon Doroshee, work on streets, $2.75; J. M. Keck, team and carriage, $2.00, were ordered paid. Bills of City Clerk Buckman, railroad fare for Lida Vandermark, a pauper, $7.50, and J. P. Baden, goods furnished numerous paupers, $53.40, were referred to the County Commissioners for payment.

Moorehouse to build extension of Spotswood’s grocery building...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 18, 1885.

The “Dads” of the city met in regular session Monday, President Crippen in the chair, and Councilmen McDonald, Connor, Myers, and Harter present.

W. L. Moorehouse was granted permit to build brick and stone building, extension of Spotswood’s grocery building.

Moorehouse premises back of Spotswood & Wallace’s store...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.

Marshal McFadden cares not for king nor potentate—all must be served alike. Will Hudson’s fine gray steed was found lariated across the street and sidewalk Monday, and was brought before Judge Turner to the tune of $12.25. A nuisance on the premises of W. L. Moorehouse, back of Spotswood & Wallace’s store, also received $12.25 of the Judge’s attention. The dignity of the “statoots” must be vindicated.

Odd Fellows on second floor of Moorehouse addition back of Spotswood & Wallace’s grocery...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 2, 1885.

The Odd Fellows have closed a contract for the second floor of the Moorehouse addition now being erected back of Spotswood & Wallace’s grocery, for a hall. It will be of good size, splendidly ventilated, and a most pleasant room. The Odd Fellows will furnish it finely.

Moorehouse 40 ft. extension to Spotswood grocery on West 10th Avenue...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.

W. L. Moorehouse has nearly completed the forty foot extension to the Spotswood grocery. This building is now roomy and imposing—a splendid adornment to West 10th Avenue.

Juror: W. L. Moorehouse...

                                                          A FATAL FALL!

          Wm. Pretzman Falls Under the Train on the S. K. and is Horribly Mangled!

               Seven Cars Run Over Him, Leaving Not a Whole Bone In His Body.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 25, 1886.

                                       LIQUOR AND POVERTY THE CAUSE.

Last night at 7:10 as No. 27 was putting out for the west on the Southern Kansas road, William Pretzman fell under the train and was run over by seven cars, his body being crushed almost into a jelly. He was a cook and had worked here for about three days (two days at the Brettun and one at the Central). He received a telephone from Mr. Speed, of the Arlington, at Wellington, yesterday, that a cook was wanted at that place, and started on the train last night, wishing to get there before some other cook, and secure the position. Yesterday another cook came up from Arkansas City and Pretzman, being in close circumstances, borrowed money from Frank Thompson, cook at the Central, with which to pay his fare to Wellington, but it is supposed he spent the money for whiskey and was trying to beat his way, and being under the influence of liquor, was incapable of climbing over the cars, and as he was jumping from one coal car to another, lost his footing, and fell under the train. He first fell about 20 feet west of where the sidewalk crosses the track near the depot, and was dragged about 100 feet under the wheels, as indicated by bones and flesh on the rail. He was the most horrible sight our eyes ever beheld, having both legs cut entirely off, only hanging by small threads of flesh. Thee was not a whole bone left in his body, his right arm being cut and crushed off just above the elbow. The Coroner’s inquest was held this morning by Coroner H. L. Wells, and the following was the verdict rendered by the Jury: “Deceased came to his death by being run over by railroad cars on the Southern Kansas railroad at Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas.” Signed: W. L. Moorehouse, M. M. Scott, James W. Connor, D. A. Smith, F. M. Jones, Jurors.

Pretzman has been traveling around in this part of the State for the past four years, and is known as a journeyman cook, and came from Wichita here. He left a satchel at one of the hotels at Wichita, but had no effects with him except a pocket full of hotel bill of fares and a cook book. He was about 35 years of age, of rather small stature, had brown hair and moustache. In conversation with John Hubbell, cook at the Brettun, he said that he had relatives somewhere in Pennsylvania, but hadn’t heard from them for fifteen years. He is of Pennsylvania Dutch decent, and was well liked by those who knew him. The remains were deposited in the potters field at the Union cemetery this afternoon.

Moorehouse building on North Main, railroad lunch counter and restaurant...

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 4, 1886.

W. L. Moorehouse is putting up a building on North Main, near the S. K. track, to be rented for a railroad lunch counter and restaurant.