NORTON
BROTHERS.
ONLY NOTES THAT KAY HAD:
There are two brothers who are
instrumental in forming and creating Arkansas City. They are Prof. H. B. Norton
and Capt. G. H. Norton.
The town company that organized in
Emporia had both of these men as part of the 15 organizers.
The special census of February 10, 1870,
lists only G. H. Norton.
T. A. Wilkinson, one of the fifteen
organizers, wrote the Eldorado paper on March 18, 1870 “Stores are being
erected by parties who fully appreciate the importance of our location, and who
mean business. Capt. Norton has a store well stocked with groceries, dry goods,
and provisions, and is having a brisk trade.”
“More recently among us is Professor
Norton, with his family, who is so well known that we need hardly repeat that
he is a leading spirit and general favorite, because of his impartiality, his
mild and unpresuming deportment, his unlimited generosity, uniform urbanity,
and constant self-control and good nature, and greatest of all his eminent
knowledge on all scientific as well as general topics, making him doubly
important to us as a citizen, for the simple reason that we are always benefitted
when we enjoy the privilege of associating with our superiors.”
“Capt. Norton, the Professor's brother,
of whom we have spoken before, is noted for his energy and perseverance, and is
doing much for the enterprise by imparting to others considerable of that
go-ahead spirit which characterizes his general movements, and which is so
necessary to give vitality to any great project when in an embryo state.”
E. C. Manning had this to say about Prof.
Norton in his autobiography, page 66. “Prof. H. B. Norton was the leading
spirit of Arkansas City. He had been a teacher in the State Normal school at
Emporia, and added to his literary attainments, which were untiring enegy, a
pleasing address, and an altruistic spirit. Of course the new settlers of the
county soon lined up in the rivalry between the two towns. At the fall election
of 1870 Professor Norton was the Arkansas City candidate and E. C. Manning was
the Winfield candidate for representative. The latter was elected, but the
former created a good deal of unsavory sentiment against the latter by
publishing in the Topeka and Emporia papers allegations of fraud in the
election and instituting contest proceedings which were finally dropped.”
Winfield Courier, April 15, 1875. From the Atchison Champion
we learn that Prof. H. B. Norton has accepted a position in the State Normal
school of California and will leave Kansas some time in June next. We will be
very sorry to lose Prof. Norton from among the educators and good men of our
state.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1875. From the Traveler
we learn that Captain Norton's investments in Florida have proven very
unsatisfactory, as he bought a large tract of land with a Spanish claim upon it
and had to abandon it. He is now in Illinois.
Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877. In a letter to the Emporia News,
Prof. Norton, formerly of that city, but now located in San Jose, California,
advises parties who contemplate a removal to that State to stay in Kansas.
The Professor states that a severe drouth
prevails all over Southern California, that the crops promise a total failure,
and that cattle are driven into the sea and drowned to save them from
inevitable starvation, and to relieve the people from the stench of their
decaying carcasses. Poor people are suffering for the means to live
comfortably, and thousands of laboring men are destitute of work.
NOTES THAT I HAVE GATHERED...MAW
Emporia News, January 31, 1868.
Professors Kellogg and Norton are both
absent in attendance upon the meeting of the State Teachers’ Association at
Topeka. Mrs. Gorham has charge of the Normal in their absence.
[STATE SUPERINTENDENT.]
Emporia News, July 3, 1868.
The State Teachers’ Association in
session here on Thursday resolved to recommend H. B. Norton, of the State
Normal school, to the Republican State Convention as its choice for State
Superintendent. The contest was between Messrs. Norton and McCarty, of Leavenworth.
The vote stood 30 to 35. The selection was afterwards made unanimous. The
selection is one we can most heartily endorse. There is probably no man in the
State better qualified for the position than Mr. Norton. He has been for many
years a practical teacher—
just what is needed in the position of
State Superintendent. . . .
[SCHOOLMASTERS ABROAD.]
Emporia News, July 31, 1868.
Schoolmasters Abroad. There seems to be a
conspiracy against the faculty of our Normal School. Prof. Kellogg and family,
on a recent trip to El Dorado, were treated to a breakdown and supperless
bivouac on the prairie beyond Cottonwood Falls; while Mrs. Gorham was lately
robbed of her trunk and money, at Omaha. The pickpocket was caught, and part of
the money refunded, but the trunk has not yet been found. Prof. Norton, though
“spoiling” for a journey, is quietly at home, afraid to venture out, and
waiting for the Governor to send an escort.
Emporia News, August 14, 1868. [Part of an article]
The State Normal School, which is one of
the most important institutions of the State, is located in Emporia. It has two
departments, the Model and the Normal. Prof. L. B. Kellogg is Principal,
assisted by Mr. H. B. Norton, Mrs. Gorham, and Miss Plumb. The average
attendance of scholars fitting themselves for teachers, when the school is in
session, is about 130. The school building is a most substantial structure,
three stories high, built of stone, and a portion of the twenty acres belonging
to it, is enclosed with a fine fence.
Emporia News, September 11, 1868. A CARD. To whom it
may concern: When I accepted the recommendation of the State Teachers’
Association for the State Superinten-dency, this was done with the
understanding that Mr. McVicar’s declination was firm and final. However, feeling
that he was really the first choice of the Convention, I had the honor of
offering the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted.
“Resolved, That we regard the Hon. P. McVicar as a
Christian scholar and gentleman, and an officer of great ability and worth; and
that, with due respect to his sacred office, we greatly regret his withdrawal
from his present field of labor.”
Within the past day or two, it has
transpired that Mr. McVicar will consent to a re-nomination, if the people of
the State so desire it; and therefore, with thanks to kind friends, I
cheerfully withdraw from the field, assured that his re-election will best
promote the interests of education in Kansas. H. B. Norton. Topeka, Sept. 7th,
1868.
Emporia News, September 18, 1868.
Eastward Bound. Prof. Kellogg and family
started on an extended visit to the East this morning. It is the Professor’s
intention to visit many of the leading institutions of learning in the East,
especially the Normal schools, with a view of bringing to our Normal school all
the modern improvements in teaching, and to gain such other information as will
be of benefit to the school here. The Board of Directors have granted him a
leave of absence for three months. They will visit Mrs. Kellogg’s parents in
Massachusetts. We wish them a pleasant journey and safe return.
Miss M. J. Watson, a graduate of the
school, will assist Prof. Norton during the absence of Prof. Kellogg.
Emporia News, January 1, 1869.
[Portion of Official Report for 1868,
State Normal School, Emporia.]
Estimate for 1869.
H. B. Norton, deficiency in salary as
Associate Principal for 1868: $1,200.
L. B. Kellogg, deficiency in salary as
Principal for 1868: $500.
Report submitted by C. V. ESKRIDGE, REV. G. C. MORSE,
Executive
Com. State Normal School.
In the Preparatory Department and Model
School, we found 27 pupils.
The Instructors during the year have been
L. B. Kellogg, Principal; H. B. Norton, Associate Principal; Mrs. J. H. Gorham,
and the first two graduates of the Institution, Miss Ellen Plumb and Miss M. J.
Watson.
The pupils enrolled during the year
represent 19 different counties in the State.
There are about 150 young men and women
now teaching who have received instruction here, some of whom are filling
situations in prominent schools.
Committee that signed report.
A. D. CHAMBERS, M. S. CROSWELL, L. M.
HANCOCK....Emporia, Dec. 16, 1868.
Emporia News, April 2, 1869.
Noticed: Announcement of Spring Term at
State Normal School does not have the name of Norton listed...only L. B.
Kellogg.
Emporia News, April 23, 1869.
Prof. Norton has contracted with M.
Roberts for the erection of a brick residence on a five acre lot just east of
Mr. Goodrich’s residence.
Emporia News, April 23, 1869.
As an evidence of the rapid advance of
property in this town, we may mention that Prof. Norton sold a block of seven
lots, a few days ago, on the ridge in the northeast portion of town, for
$1,000. Two years ago Mr. Norton bought these lots at $15 to $25 each. Now they
sell for about $143 each.
Emporia News, April 23, 1869.
[Legal notice...same source as given
before.]
L. B. Kellogg to H. B. Norton, quit-claim
for lot 154, Mechanics St.., Emporia.
Emporia News, May 14, 1869.
[Legal entries...E. P. Bancroft.]
H. B. Norton to John Dickinson, quit
claim for s w 9 20 12.
W. K. Boggs to H. B. Norton, warranty
deed for n h of s e of s w 4 19 11.
S. B. Smith to A. A. Newman, warranty
deed w h n w 6 29 11,]
C. R. Sipes to P. M. Foote, warranty
deed, lots 22 24 26 28 Rural street, Emporia.
Emporia News, May 21, 1869.
NORTON’S REAL ESTATE BULLETIN. The first
number of this paper has been placed upon our table. It is issued by H. E.
Norton, Real Estate Agent at Emporia. [No mention as to whether he is related
to Norton brothers.]
Emporia News, May 28, 1869.
[Brief history of Emporia taken from H.
E. Norton’s Real Estate Bulletin.]
Emporia was founded in the year 1857 by a
company of pioneers, who then had the pick of all Southern Kansas. The Normal
School was located here in 1863. The courthouse and other important buildings were
erected in 1865. [SKIPPED REST.]
Emporia News, June 11, 1869.
Prof. Norton’s brick residence northeast
of town is rapidly approaching completion.
Emporia News, June 11, 1869.
At a meeting of the Emporia 1st
Congregational Church June 3, 1869, Rev. M. S. Croswell resigned the pastorate
as he was going to San Francisco. H. B. NORTON, Clerk.
Emporia News, July 16, 1869.
Messrs. Kellogg & Norton, of the
Normal School, have the contract for editing and publishing the Educational
Journal for two years. It will be published at THE NEWS office.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
Paper indicates that fall term of State
Normal School will begin September 13, 1869, and that L. B. Kellogg will be
principal again and H. B. Norton will be associate principal.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
Big article re EMPORIA NEWS getting the
first power press in the Neosho Valley from George Taylor & S. P. Rounds,
of Chicago, Illinois. He gave thanks to his friends: Harry Norton, Major E. P.
Bancroft, Col. P. B. Plumb, Major Wright, Profs. Kellogg and Norton, and others
not named.
Emporia News, August 13, 1869.
On Monday last Col. L. N. Robinson bought
of Mr. M. Roberts, of this place, seven lots formerly owned by Prof. Norton, in
the northeastern portion of town, for $2,500. Mr. Roberts bought them of Mr. Norton some three months ago, for $1,000.
We sold one of these lots two or three years ago for $15. . . .
Emporia News, September 3, 1869.
We had the pleasure, this week, of
meeting the father, mother, and sisters of our fellow citizen, Prof. H. B.
Norton. They seem to be much pleased with Kansas, and say that in all crops we
are far ahead of Illinois, this year. We hope they will have a pleasant visit
among our people, and we shall not be much surprised to hear that they have
concluded to become citizens of our State.
Emporia News, October 15, 1869.
We notice the return of our friend, Prof.
H. B. Norton, after an Instituting tour of some days. Wherever he goes the
teachers will be benefitted.
Believe this is a reference to Captain Gould
Hyde Norton...paper had D. H.
Emporia News, December 3, 1869.
PERSONAL. Mr. D. H. Norton, of Illinois,
brother to our Prof. Norton, was in our office this week. He comes to Kansas,
we believe, to make it his permanent home, and will probably “stick his stake”
in Cowley County.
Emporia News, December 3, 1869. [Believe this should
be G. H. Norton.]
Mr. D. H. Norton, who arrived here this
week, left about 18 inches of snow in Ogle County, Illinois. We have not yet
had much more than a heavy frost here.
[THE OSAGE RESERVE.]
Emporia News, January 14, 1870.
THE
OSAGE RESERVE.
EDS. NEWS: With your permission, I will
use your columns as a convenient medium for answering numerous questions
concerning the Walnut and Arkansas valleys. Probably it will be hardly worthwhile
to narrate all the ups and downs of a two weeks’ camping expedition; the game
which we did not shoot, the poor jokes, and short rations. I will rather follow
Mr. Gradgrind’s lead, and narrate the more important “facks.”
El Dorado seems to be flourishing beyond
her former experiences. Business is brisk, whiskey scarce, town lots rising.
The town is yet in its rough infancy, a total stranger to white paint and pine
siding. We found our old friend, Dr. White, suffering from a most gratifying
presence of customers.
Below El Dorado the valley widens, and
farms are being rapidly opened.
Augusta is less excited than El Dorado,
but seems to be doing a good business. Douglass, near the Southern line of
Butler County, has a beautiful site, three stores, extensive water-power, and
one of the best hotels on the border.
Butler County is larger than the State of
Rhode Island: too large for convenience or comfort. There is much talk about
carving a new county out of it and Cowley; in which case, either Douglass or Augusta
would probably be the county seat.
Three miles south of Douglass we enter
Cowley County and the Osage Reserve. The valleys grow in breadth and beauty,
and numerous squatter cabins are visible, as we approach Lagonda, better known
on the border as Dutch Creek. The word Lagonda is said to signify clear water,
in the language of the Osages, and the name is well applied to a most beautiful
stream, but the border settlers are not poetical, and adhere to the old name.
The town consists, at present, of one log house and a log store, the former
being the residence of Mr. C. Wood, formerly of Cottonwood Falls, and the
latter owned by Baker & Manning of Augusta. This is a pleasant site, has
one of the finest water-powers in Kansas, and is surrounded by a good country.
While at Lagonda we were somewhat amused
and interested by attending a “claim trial.” The squatters on the Reserve are
thoroughly organized for self-protection, and all claim disputes are referred
to their league. Some fifty of the pioneers were present on this occasion, and
the question was decided by vote. If legal forms were not very strictly adhered
to, we at least concluded that substantial justice was done.
Below Lagonda the scenery changes. The
Walnut Valley, still broad and beautiful, is bounded by vast precipices of
white magnesian limestone. The stream is exceedingly tortuous in its course,
and the timber large and abundant. Crossing the Walnut one mile below town, at
the “Kickapoo Corral,” we climb the divide, and driving ten miles to the
southward, stand upon high bluffs overlooking the Arkansas.
The river here is about the size of the
Kaw at Lawrence. The bottoms are broad and fertile and the grass wonderful in
its growth. We measured single stalks over ten feet in height. The soil is a
sandy loam, loose in texture, but with an increased proportion of clay at the
depth of four feet, and therefore not liable to “leach.” The settlers at
Wichita tell wonderful stories about the adaptation of this soil to hoed crops.
Immediately along the Arkansas, for a number of rods in breadth on each side,
the soil is piled in sandy drifts, and dwarf oak and Chickasaw Plum are
abundant. The Grouse, which flows into the Arkansas some ten miles southeast of
the mouth of the Walnut, has broad bottoms, and even more timber than the
Walnut. Its mouth is barely within the State. It flows for some distance
parallel to the Walnut, about six miles from it.
Immediately east of the mouth of the
Walnut, a range of limestone hills crosses the Arkansas, forming a gorge probably
three-fourths of a mile in breadth, filled with timber from bluff to bluff.
East of this range, we found hundreds of acres of oak openings, and very broad,
fertile bottoms. Two other streams, the Neniskah and Shekaska, enter the
Arkansas on the west side, within five or six miles above the mouth of the
Walnut, each having broad bottoms, and abundance of timber. The Arkansas is far
better timbered here than in the region further west. The uplands are generally
smooth and fertile, based upon limestone.
The peninsula between the Walnut and
Arkansas, towards its southern extremity, breaks off into a smooth swelling
ridge, much like that upon which Emporia is situated, but narrower and somewhat
lower. Timber, building-stone, sand, water power, all abound in the immediate
vicinity. The site has every natural advantage to be found in Kansas; and here,
on Monday, in the newest stage of the moon, and near the first day of the year,
we laid the rude log foundations on which a thriving town may some day rise. We
were spared the trouble of naming it; the charter of the Preston (Texas) and
Salina railroad has already christened it Delphi.
The Sac and Fox and Osage Indians were
camped close by. They are perfectly quiet and harmless; perhaps over-awed by
the number of settlers. We made the acquaintance of a few of them: the
superannuated chief, “Hard Rope,” “Little Bear,” E-keep-son-Ge, whose name is,
translated, “Long-tailed Rat,” and some others. Like all the other settled
Indians, the Osages are a dying race. Very few children now grow to maturity.
“Strike-axe,” one of the principal chiefs, told one of our party that he had
lost nine children, and only one remained. At the present rate of decrease,
these tribes will soon disappear from the earth. “White man’s food” and
consanguine intermarriages are mentioned as the most apparent causes.
We have the best evidence that the number
of the Osages has been greatly exaggerated by interested parties; that 2,000 is
above the figure. While encamped near them for some days, we were particularly
struck by a sort of prolonged and unearthly wail, which rose every morning at
daybreak from their villages—a sound that wonderfully harmonized with the note
of the owl and coyote—rising and falling for several minutes in strange cadence.
This was said by some to be their mode of worship; but Col. Manning, who has
spent much time among them, told us that they were mourning for their dead. To
us it seemed as if these pre-Adamite people were singing their own death-song.
Most of the timbered claims along the
lower Walnut are now taken. The prairie claims are almost untouched. The
valleys of the lower Grouse, the Arkansas, Neniskaw, and Shikaska, are almost
totally unclaimed, and the best timbered lands await the pioneer. In its
adaptation to grass, corn, fruit, and livestock, this region is hardly equaled
in Kansas. The survey of the Walnut Valley branch of the A., T. & S. F. R.
R. passes across the site of Delphi. A ferry for this point has been chartered,
and will be put in operation early next spring. Other good things are in
progress. Should the Osage title be extinguished this winter, the growth of
this country will be wonderful; and it is impossible to describe the anxiety of
the pioneers upon this point. Above all, they desire that the lands be sold
only to actual settlers, and not made the plunder of great monopolists, in
which prayer most of us will heartily join. If the present Osage Treaty be
ratified, actual settlers will receive each a quarter section at $1.25 per
acre. Now is the time to act. H. B. NORTON.
Emporia News, January 21, 1870.
THE
RIGHTS OF SAVAGES.
Sidney Clarke’s bills concerning Indians
in general, and the Osages in particular, bring up a new point in social and
political ethics. While the Rights of Man, Woman’s Rights, and State Rights,
are being so generally discussed, the relations of these wild tribes to the
nation and to humanity should not be passed neglected by.
Blackstone calls society a social
compact, of which each member surrenders a part of his individual liberty for
the general good. If the welfare of the nation demands it, he may be taken from
his home by a military conscription, and carried to his death in battle. His
property may be taken from him for the public use. His house may be torn down
to make room for a street, railroad, or military evolution. Therefore, Mr.
Jefferson’s phrase “unalienable rights,” must be understood in a qualified and
partial sense. Man has no such rights, absolutely.
If this position be correct, we may be
prepared for some rather startling and novel inferences in Mr. Clarke’s favor.
Are the Indian tribes independent nations? If so, by what right do we claim
their territory as a part of our national domain, and exercise legislative
authority over it? If they are not independent nations, but rather wards of the
government, why should we observe the usages of treaties, in diverting their
land to the needs and uses of civilization?
Have these Osages the right to forever
withhold from the world’s productive workers twelve thousand sections of
valuable land—six sections for each man, woman, and child of the tribe—a
territory as large as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and half of Connecticut? We
may say that civilization does not need this land; that there is room enough
elsewhere. This is perhaps true today, but will not long be so. The number of
young men pushing westward to seek new homes is each year greater than the
last; and the vacant space yet available for cultivation is now small indeed.
The prevailing maxim of the age is, “The world belongs to the workers.” If this
is agrarian logic, we must abide the issue, for the principle seems certain to
prevail.
If the principles suggested are sound
ones, we may lay down this conclusion, that it is right for the government to
condemn for public use the vast tracts of land now occupied by the Indians,
duly compensating them, as in case of private property so used, and
guaranteeing them safety in other homes.
If this be fairly and righteously done,
it will be far better for all parties than those solemn farces known as “Indian
treaties”—which are usually the work of fraud, bullying, and violence. There is
the best evidence that this is true of the “Sturges Treaty.” The chiefs refused
to sign it, resisting every blandishment, till they were assured that the
government would wreak bloody vengeance upon them for the murder of a white
settler which had recently occurred, and that this particular treaty was their
only salvation. So honest men familiar with the tribe assure us. It is hardly
necessary to allude to the bribery, the drunkenness, the ten thousand
rascalities and villainies, by which these treaties have so often been
accomplished. It would be far better for the tribes to carry out Mr. Clarke’s
policy, appointing righteous, honest, God-fearing men as commissioners to
execute the will of the government. H. B. NORTON.
Emporia News, January 28, 1870.
TEXAN
CATTLE.
There is a prize within reach of Emporia,
which she may grasp by merely stretching out her hand.
The cattle-trade of Texas is carried on
over two principal trails: the Chism [Chisholm] and Shawnee trails. The former
crosses the Arkansas at Wichita, and the latter in the Indian Territory, below
the mouth of the Walnut. The two meet above Wichita, and extend to Abilene, on
the Kansas Pacific, where the cattle are shipped to the eastern market.
The best information we have been able to
gather, is that 50,000 cattle came over the Shawnee trail last year, and over
100,000 by the Chism [Chisholm] trail. It will readily be seen that this traffic
is enormous in its extent. The sale of 150,000 cattle implies an exchange of
not less than Three Millions of Dollars. A large portion of the purchase-money
is paid in merchandise, which is obtained at the outfitting point. Junction
City has reaped a rich harvest in this way.
At present, the cattle trails are forced
by law within certain limits, on account of the dread of “Spanish Fever.” If
the business were left to itself, it would naturally flow to Emporia. By this
route, the traders would save 150 to 200 miles of driving and freighting.
Could the law be so modified as to allow
the trade to come hither without endangering the interest of our own
stock-growers?
The report of the Illinois commission
shows that the Spanish Fever is not propagated by the air, nor by bodily
contact. It is caused by “entophytes”—miscroscopic mushrooms bred in the
secretions of the animals infected, and is communicated only to such as feed
upon the pastures where the diseased cattle have scattered their saliva. Cattle
kept off the trail seem to be never infected.
Between the Walnut on the west and the
Verdigris and Fall River on the east, there extends a range of flint hills from
the Arkansas nearly to a point on the Cottonwood, a little southwest of
Emporia. It is totally uninhabited, and likely to be so for years to come.
Wherever we have crossed it, it seems to be several miles in breadth. To all
appearance, cattle, driven along this long divide would be out of everybody’s
way, and injure nobody. If permitted by act of the Legislature, the trails
would meet on the south side of the Arkansas near the mouth of the Walnut,
cross at that point, and immediately ascend the divide of which we have spoken.
It would be met by a spur of the railroads some three miles southwest of this
place. There would be the cattle-yards. Emporia would be the shipping and
outfitting point. It is difficult to imagine the enormous impulse which such a
trade would give to business in Emporia, and the growth in wealth and
population which must follow. We can probably secure all this by making the
proper effort. Shall it be done? Is there any reason why it should not? H. B.
NORTON.
Emporia News, February 4, 1870. TEXAN CATTLE.
[Editorial.]
A communication appeared in the last
week’s NEWS with reference to the Texan cattle trade. We would like to see the
question of allowing these cattle to be driven to this point for shipment
thoroughly discussed. Are Texas cattle really infected with Spanish Fever?
Is not much of the furor against these herds caused by the efforts of beef men
in the west, fearful of the competition of the Texas trade? If there really is
infection, how is the disease communicated to other cattle?
H. B. N. [NORTON GENERALLY GAVE HIS
INITIALS ONLY] mentions a route over which he thinks they can be driven to
within a short distance of Emporia, without the least possible danger of
injuring anybody. It seems to us this matter is worth looking into. What shall
be done? Shall a meeting be called to take into consideration the expediency of
throwing open our gates to this trade? We believe a public discussion of the
matter, bringing to light all the possible reasons for and against the measure
would do no harm and might result in much good.
Emporia News, February 25, 1870.
CRESSWELL.
This new town (formerly called Delphi) at
the mouth of the Walnut seems to promise good things. The town company consists
of Messrs. Plumb, Stotler, Norton, Eskridge, and Kellogg, of Emporia; Judge
Brown and H. L. Hunt, of Cottonwood Falls; Kellogg & Bronson, of El Dorado;
Baker & Manning, of Augusta; and Messrs. G. H. Norton, Stain [?], Brown,
Moore, and Wilkinson on the site.
Mr. John Morris, of this place, is
intending to open a grocery store there speedily. The company have the material
to start a newspaper as soon as circumstances will permit. The company have not
yet received a title to the land, but hold it as yet by the border law. They
make good offers to all actual settlers. Having 160 acres of timber adjacent to
the town site, they offer a lot and the necessary timber to any person who will
build a log house, and proportional bounties to those who make more costly
improvements.
Mr. Clarke’s bill, to remove the Osage
Indians and open the land to actual settlers, recently received a decided
majority in a test vote in the House of Representatives; and the Senate
committee has reported favorably upon a similar bill. It is almost certain that
this will speedily become a law, and that the land will be dedicated to
civilization within the next thirty days. There is already an immense rush of
settlers in that direction. Thousands on thousands of fertile homesteads await
the coming of the pioneer.
A considerable Welsh colony is already
located upon the Arkansas bottoms, a short distance above Cresswell, the
vanguard of a great host of most worthy, moral, industrious, intelligent
people.
Cresswell is an excellent site for
merchants, mechanics, mill-wrights, and all classes of workers. Owing to its
position at the convergence of several of the finest valleys in Kansas, and only
seven or eight miles from the southern border, it must be the center of a great
traffic with the Indian tribes and the military posts. The soil and climate are
especially adapted to livestock, hoed crops, and fruits.
Messrs. Hunt & Fawcett, of this place,
have located there, intending to embark in the fruit and nursery business. No
point in the State is better provided with building materials—
sand, timber, clay, sandstone, and the
choicest magnesian limestone. For young men of energy and enterprise, seeking
new homes on the border, we know of no better site than Creswell.
The place wants, immediately, a hotel,
stores of different sorts, a sawmill, and a full representation of the various
mechanical trades. For all these, the town company offer good inducements. Who
speaks first?
Author’s name not given for following
article...
[WINFIELD/MANNING.]
Walnut Valley Times, March 4, 1873.
About 18 miles below Douglas we come to
Winfield at the mouth of Lagonda Creek, formerly called Dutch Creek. Here we
found A. A. Jackson running the store of Baker & Manning during the absence
of Col. Manning, who has gone to Manhattan after his family. We counted several
new houses going up at Winfield.
KICKAPOO
CORRAL/DELPHI.
Just below the town we crossed to the
west side of the Walnut, at what is known as the Kickapoo Corral. We ascended
the divide through a defile with large rocks on either side; and from there
south ten miles to Delphi is the most beautiful stretch of lands that I have
seen in Kansas.
The Arkansas, about six miles west of the
road, is visible to the eye all the way down from the divide to the mouth of
the Walnut. About the middle of the afternoon of the second day, we reached
Delphi, which is a new site just laid out for a future town. The site has every
natural advantage to be found in Kansas. The site selected for the town is a
smooth, swelling ridge sloping off towards the Walnut on the east and the
Arkansas on the south and west, making one of the most pleasant sites for a
town that can be found anywhere in Kansas.
The Arkansas at this place is about the
size of the Kaw River at Lawrence. Fish are very abundant in the rivers at this
place. On the evening of the first day after our arrival, we formed a party and
went on a fishing excursion. The evening was most delightful, being very warm
and clear; the moon being full, of course, made it almost as light as day.
During the short time we were fishing, we succeeded in securing some very nice
fish, which we feasted upon during our stay.
A day or two prior to our arrival, Capt.
Norton caught a large cat fish weighing some 70 pounds, and a short time
before, one weighing 60 pounds.
The second day of our sojourn at Delphi
about noon, while surveying claims, etc., getting somewhat tired and dry, we
stopped to take a drink—not of the “over joyful,” but out of the pure and
sparking waters of the Walnut, and while so doing, our horses became
frightened, and ran off. We immediately started after them. The horses after
running through the woods came out leaving the wagon a wreck, scattered in
different parts of the woods. After running a couple of miles, our horses were
secured by a friend, and in an hour we had picked up the pieces, and returning
to our camp, we went to work, and before night we had everything mended up, and
ready to start home next day.
On returning to Eldorado (being absent
only four days), we noticed three new buildings that have sprung up during our
short absence, which shows that the people of Eldorado mean business.
Yours, * * * *
Walnut Valley Times, March 11, 1870.
[Correspondence
of the Times.]
A
TRIP DOWN THE WALNUT.
A
Description of Delphi and Vicinity.
MESSRS. EDITORS: As I have been requested
by many to give you an impartial description of the country near the mouth of
the Walnut River, where we are now executing the plan of establishing a
thriving town, I know of no better way to meet the wants of all who are now
looking in that direction than through the columns of your paper.
The incidents of our trip from Emporia to
this point were only such as one might expect on a pioneering trip like ours.
But for the benefit of those who will read your paper in Wisconsin and other
States of a more northern climate, I will say here that pioneering in Kansas
does not signify hardships; and if we may take the present winter as a type by
which to judge the climate during that season, Kansas is truly a most
delightful country to live and dwell in.
Our party carried tools with which to
build our houses, as well as provision for man and beast. So it became
necessary for us to walk most of the time. The roads, however, were quite dry
all the way down, which made that part of the performance rather more pleasant
than otherwise.
Captain Norton, our worthy leader,
blistered one heel, but being of the plucky sort, he sat down by the wayside,
and with a pin “took the conceit out of it,” and then came on rejoicing to
think that brass instruments could make heels shed tears as well as play Hail
Columbia; i.e., by simply modifying them to suit the performance.
Our town site is blessed as is your own
Eldorado, by being situated in one of the finest river valleys in the State. It
is about sixty miles south of Eldorado, and one hundred and twenty from
Emporia. It is about two miles from the mouth of the Walnut, and one-half mile
from the banks of that and the Arkansas River. The natural local advantages for
a town here, aside from its commercial importance, are actually unlimited.
Everything that nature can do for the happiness or prosperity of man has been
profusely done here.
The undeveloped resources which are
crowded together at the junction of the Walnut and Arkansas have no equal in
this State. The Walnut Valley increases in size and beauty from its source to
its mouth, and the timber and bottom lands increase in the same proportion
until they spread out near the mouth and join the bottoms of the Arkansas,
forming a vast tract of rich, deep soiled arable land.
This tract is skirted on every side
except the northwest by heavy belts of all kinds of timber, and terminates at
its southern extremity by a beautiful mound like Watershed nearly four miles
in circumference, and upon this our party, under the supervision of Prof.
Norton, has surveyed out one mile square for a town site.
One mile from the northeast corner of said
site, we have discovered an excellent water power on the Walnut. A good ford
immediately opposite the east side we have nicely improved, which leads to a
splendid body of limestone, where we have just this evening completed a kiln
which we will fire tomorrow.
The Walnut affords every variety of
timber, many trees large enough for four cuts of saw logs four feet in
diameter. The principal growth on the Arkansas is cottonwood, but very tall and
straight, affording the best material for log house building.
Both rivers abound in fish, and Captain
Norton’s heel affording him the opportunity of laying up the afternoon we
arrived here, he improved the time by hauling in a large catfish, weighing
nearly seventy pounds. Since then we have caught any quantity, and for once, we
must admit, that we have had a genteel sufficiency of fish.
All along the lower Walnut, the action of
the current in high water has thrown upon curves of the banks immense beds of
gravel, which are beautiful to behold, and will be valuable for many purposes,
as they can be readily reached with teams and wagons.
The different kinds of game which have
come under my notice are deer, antelope, wild turkeys, ducks, prairie chickens,
quails, wild cats, and beaver. The first two and last, judging from their
tracks and work upon trees, are very numerous. Many cottonwood trees along the
banks of both streams have been gnawed down by the beavers. They don’t always
choose the smallest, for we have found many cut off measuring ten inches in
diameter. The deer tracks along the Arkansas are as thick as sheep’s tracks in
a pasture. We have seen a great many, but have had no time to spare in
organizing a systematic hunt for them.
Opposite the town on the west, and about
one-half mile distant, there is a fine sandstone ledge, and the sand bars of
the Arkansas afford as good sand for building purposes as one needs to ask for.
There are also clay beds which offer every facility for making brick.
The chances for water on the town site
are very promising, and as soon as the six buildings now in process of erection
are completed, we intend digging a well.
Speaking of water reminds me of a
ludicrous accident which occurred to your humble servant this evening. Our boys
had been at work across the Walnut getting out shingles for our houses. In the
morning our team had crossed us over the ford, but Capt. Norton had gone to
Winfield after some supplies, and it became necessary for us to cross in some
manner the most agreeable to ourselves. The rest of the party had tight boots,
and as the river is not more than one foot deep, they crossed over very nicely;
but mine being rather the worse for wear, I thought it would be quite romantic
to cross on stilts, as I used to be quite an expert with them when a boy, but I
soon found that instead of being romantic, it was more antic than anything
else, for in the center of the stream my stilts stuck in the gravel, and I
being very obedient to the laws of gravitation, just then made a
splashification, and came out somewhat liquified, if not liquidated.
I meant to have said something about the
Indians, but I have said too much already. In my next, I will commence where I
now leave off. Suffice it to say that the Indians have all gone to the Mission
from here, and have taken their dogs (of which they have many), with them. Why
I mention their dogs, is because of their peculiar individual characteristics
as dogs. They are a very poor, long, lean, snapping, grinning kind of dogs;
reminding me very much of a piece of rope with one end frizzled for a tail,
with a knot in the other for a head, and four small sticks stuck anywhere in
the rest of the rope for legs. In fact, I think they would look better roped up
to a tree than any other way.
And now, dear editor, as it is 11
o’clock, P. M., while you “press” on with the labor of the press, I will press
my overcoat for a pillow, and dream of the future greatness of Delphi.
T.
A. WILKINSON.
Walnut Valley Times, March 11, 1870.
OFF FOR CRESWELL. Captain Norton passed
through town today moving to Creswell, and was joined here by Prof. Wilson, who
is also moving there, and Mr. Frazier, of the firm of Betts & Frazier, who
will open a branch store there. Creswell is getting lively.
Emporia News, March 11, 1870.
FROM
CRESSWELL.
Capt. G. H. Norton lately arrived from
this new settlement on the Arkansas. He reports buffalo abundant within one
day’s ride; deer, antelope, and wild turkeys daily visible. Several parties
from Illinois and elsewhere have passed through town within a few days, on
their way to this point. Coal has been discovered within two miles of
Cresswell; in how large quantities is not yet known. It is in the bed of a
stream, and nearly covered with sand. The fragments taken out are clean,
brittle, and burn with a brilliant flame. Cresswell has a beautiful site and a
capital location for business. The Osages are not in that vicinity now. They
are perfectly quiet and peaceable, being powerless in the presence of so great
a number of settlers as are now pouring into this region.
No town in Kansas has a better prospect
for the great trade of the border. The company have reserved some 400 lots to
give away as bounties to those who shall make improvements on the town site.
This offer is unprecedently liberal. For the production of livestock, fruit, and
hoed crops, this Arkansas Valley leads Kansas. We can scarcely doubt that the
Osage title will be extinguished before the end of the present session of
Congress. Here is a field for enterprise. Capt. Norton returned with a
considerable party last Monday.
Beautiful mill sites, any number of
excellent farms, ledges of the finest magnesian limestone, excellent commercial
advantages await the settler at and near Cresswell.
Emporia News, March 18, 1870.
OUR
KANSAS LETTER.
Biographical
Sketch of the Kansas Normal School Teachers.
The following letter, published in the Elgin
(Illinois) Gazette, was written by one of the students of the Normal.
[Skipped part of article.]
PROF. L. B. KELLOGG was born in Ohio,
Sept. 28, 1841, and his parents removed to Northern Illinois when he was but
four years old. He was educated in a district school until the age of sixteen
years. At this age he received from his father a gift of his time to the age of
twenty-one, for the purpose of acquiring a better education; and the summer
after his sixteenth birthday he commenced teaching as a writing-master. At the
age of seventeen he commenced his career in the teacher’s profession, as an
assistant in a country district school, at a salary of ten dollars per month.
The next summer (1858) he taught the village school at Solon, McHenry County,
Illinois, at a salary of sixteen dollars per month. In the spring of 1860, he
entered the Normal University of Illinois as a student—stopping at intervals to
earn money by teaching, and continued the course of study until graduation in
1864, where he left behind him a reputation for true morals, upright demeanor,
and thoroughness in scholarship.
In the fall of 1864 he was engaged as
Principal of the Grammar department in the Normal University, and in January,
1865, he was selected by the Board of Directors of the Kansas Normal School,
through the recommendation of President Edwards, to commence the experiment of
a Normal School in Kansas, and to accept the Principal’s chair, which position
he still holds.
His appearance is manly—a young, boyish
cast, his conversation elegant and plain, his views extensive, his disposition
amiable, his great executive talent is indelibly impressed in his countenance.
He is as much admired for his amiability, simplicity, and high-bred courtesy as
for his remarkable abilities and acquirements.
In February, 1865, he took charge of the
Normal School, and with a zeal, diligence, self-denial, and perseverance which
have seldom had any parallel in the history of education, he has been able to
make and sustain the rank and character of the Kansas Normal School; and has,
by his unflinching labor in the cause of education in Kansas, gained a
reputation as one of its best educators. All the friends of the Normal, as well
as the students, are highly elated at the thought of having such a spokesman at
the helm, and the manner in which he entered upon his duties more than answered
their highest expectations. The consciousness of intellectual strength, the
just reputation he has attained, the elevated station to which he has been
raised, have not, in the slightest degree, injured the natural modesty of his
character or the mildness of his temper.
PROF.
H. B. NORTON,
Associate Principal, and a refined and
accomplished scholar, was born in New York in 1837. Of his youthful years, I
know but little; but that his education was not neglected, and that he applied
himself with assiduity to his studies, I may fairly infer from his subsequent
services in the teachers profession and the editor’s chair.
He was educated at the Rockford
(Illinois) Academy and Beloit (Wisconsin) College, and graduated at the
Illinois Normal University in July, 1861. From 1861 to 1863, he taught in the
public school at Warsaw, Illinois, and in 1863-1864 he edited the Daily
Pantagraph at Bloomington. In 1864 he was elected County Superintendent of
Public Instruction of Ogden County, Illinois. In 1865, he entered the Kansas
Normal School as Associate Principal, where he still remains.
To enter into the particulars of his early
and eventful life—the continued offers of offices of public trust and honor;
his fearless and manly defenses of the reform movements; to enter these and
other numerous eventful incidents of his young life would be impractical for
the writer to do and do him justice.
Prof. Norton is a very remarkable man.
His power, as a speaker, as a writer, and of seizing and retaining a strong
hold upon the popular mind, has seldom been equaled by the best speakers and
writers of Kansas. Of great originality, and of strong and clear conceptions,
which he is able to embody in language equally perspicuous and forcible, and
has the power of making his oral instructions in the schoolroom superior to the
text book. With a ripe scholarship, the patience to bear with dullness and
waywardness (a peculiar trait with young people), those kind and urbane manners
to win love and respect, that tact in controlling and governing the free and
wild-spirited American youth, and that happy manner of illustrating
difficulties and imparting knowledge, which are as essential as high literary
attainment to form the perfect schoolmaster, has endeared him to the young men
and women of the Kansas Normal School, and to his brother and sister teachers
in Kansas and Illinois.
[Next Mrs. Jenette H. Gorman, teacher at
the Normal School is played up...Skipped.]
The Normal School opened its present
session with 160 pupils. A. G. O. E.
Emporia News, March 25, 1870.
The directors of the Creswell Town
Company met in this place on Monday last and effected a permanent organization
as follows.
President, H. B. Norton.
Vice President, C. V. Eskridge.
Secretary, W. R. Brown.
Treasurer: L. B. Kellogg.
Executive Committee: C. V. Eskridge, H.
D. Kellogg, and Capt. Norton.
[EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.]
Walnut Valley Times, March 25, 1870.
EDITORIAL
CORRESPONDENCE.
We have just returned from Emporia, and
regret to find it too late for a full report of our trip in this issue. Suffice
it to say, however, that Emporia is improving beyond all former precedent. As
we entered the city, we could not but contrast the village of Emporia as we
found it last spring with the city we see it today, with its broad and busy
thoroughfares, lined with costly structures. Of course, we stopped at the
Robinson House, for it is the only first class hotel in Emporia. The
gentlemanly proprietors, L. N. Robinson & Son, received us kindly and
treated us cordially. We observed that a large number of the bon ton of
the city board at the Robinson House. We also noticed a large number of
wholesale drummers and railroad officials, besides Alf. Burnett and his troupe
at the Robinson House. . . .
We attended a meeting of the Creswell
Town Company, which, besides transacting other important business, elected the
following officers.
Prof. Norton, President.
Judge Brown, Secretary.
Gov. Eskridge, Vice President.
Prof. L. B. Kellogg, Treasurer.
Dr. H. D. Kellogg, Capt. Norton, and Gov.
Eskridge, Executive Committee.
Adjourned to meet May 5th, on the town
site of Creswell. From the interest manifested by the stockholders, and the
natural advantages surrounding Creswell, we predict for it the most brilliant
future, believing it to be the very best point in Southwestern Kansas.
There was more to this article pertaining
to other matters. He ended by saying:
“Dr. Kellogg was our right bower in the
whole game, and is, indeed, a very pleasant traveling companion; being like all
other doctors, entirely harmless without drugs, and we had a jolly good time of
it. D.”
Emporia News, April 1, 1870.
FROM
CRESWELL. [Header had only one “s”.]
MESSRS. EDITORS: For the benefit of those
of your readers who are interested in hearing from Cresswell, I give you what
items of interest I have from that very modern city. Inquiries are constantly
being made as to the chance of obtaining good claims in the vicinity of
Cresswell. To all such anxious inquirers I would say that within a radius of
eight miles from the town site there are still a large number of excellent
claims remaining untouched, composed of choice bottom and timbered lands, lying
on the Arkansas and Grouse, and a nameless creek on the south side of the
former. The distance from Cresswell to the State line, measuring down the
Arkansas River, is from twelve to thirteen miles, the river leaving the State
two and three-fourths miles below the mouth of the Grouse. Not more than four
or five claims are taken in this whole distance. A large number of fine claims
can be found here on both sides of the river, many of them being well timbered,
especially those in the vicinity of the mouth of the Grouse, and from there
down to the State line. Up the Arkansas excellent bottom claims can be found on
both sides of the river, but no timber is to be had except Cottonwood and Black
Jack. South of the Arkansas, about five miles from the mouth of Walnut, is a
fine creek, whose name we do not know, running nearly parallel with the
Arkansas in a southeasterly direction, and entering it near the State line,
probably a little below. This is a beautiful stream, timbered with hard timber,
mostly Oak and Walnut. The land, judging from its appearance, is of the very
best quality and is virgin soil indeed: not a claim has yet been taken on the
stream to my knowledge. It runs a distance of at least fifteen or twenty miles
in the State, affording room for thirty or forty good claims at the lowest
calculation. Many beautiful springs rise in the hills and flow down to the
stream, and all things considered, I think it one of the most desirable
locations in Cowley County.
Much uncertainty has heretofore been felt
as to the exact location of the State line, and certain interested parties
above us on the Walnut have been in the habit of informing all those emigrating
to our locality that Cresswell was in the Indian Territory, the State line
passing some two miles to the north of us. These reports we have been unable to
contradict, not knowing ourselves exactly where the State line was; but within
the last week the Cresswell Town Company have obtained from the Hon. Sidney
Clarke a copy of the field notes of Johnston’s survey of the State line, which
settles the matter beyond dispute, and locates the State line as crossing the
Arkansas two and three-fourths miles below the mouth of Grouse, and passing
from six to eight miles south of Cresswell. Within the next four weeks the
entire southern line of the county will be hunted out.
Cresswell is just beginning to assume the
form of a town. The following are some of the latest sensations: Major Sleeth
[they had Sleath] & Co. will move their new steam saw mill from El Dorado
to Cresswell by the middle of May, and propose to add a shingle machine at
once.
Daniel Beedy, of Emporia, will put in a
water saw mill, shingle machine, and planing mill this summer and add a
flouring mill as soon as there is a prospect of having anything to grind. This
will be on the Walnut one mile northeast of town.
Two stores will be opened at once, one a
grocery and provision store, the other a general assortment. A hardware and
tinware and a drug store will be opened by June 1st.
Negotiations are now in progress which
will undoubtedly give us a weekly newspaper and one of the best job offices in
southern Kansas, within the next sixty days.
A solid rock-bottomed ford has lately
been discovered across the Arkansas River, one half mile below the mouth of the
Walnut. This we think will when improved make one of the best water-powers in
the State; and now it gives us a good ford in low water and an opportunity to a
ferry boat in high water, or perhaps in any stage.
The State Legislature at its last session
ordered that a State road be opened from Emporia to Cresswell by the most
direct route by the first of August next.
These are only a portion of the
enterprises now on foot, but will serve to give you some idea of our progress
and prospects. The weather has been fine most of the spring, and building,
plowing, etc., is being vigorously pushed. Three buffalo were seen from
Cresswell last week feeding on the bluffs south of the Arkansas. But enough for
this time.
Respectfully,
G. HYDE NORTON.
Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
Written for THE NEWS.
FROM
CRESWELL.
This town is situated on the Arkansas
River, twelve miles above its intersection by the State line; said intersection
being two and three-fourths miles below the mouth of the Grouse. The Walnut
enters the Arkansas at Creswell, and the valleys of other streams on the south
side of the Arkansas converge at this point, making it the natural center of
business and population for Cowley County.
Creswell is named as a point upon four
chartered lines of railroad, viz: The Walnut Valley Branch of the Atchison,
Topeka & Santa Fe road; the Preston, Salina & Denver road; the Emporia
& Holden road; and the Arkansas Valley, or Fort Smith & Hays City road.
It is also confidently expected that this will be the point of crossing for the
Fort Scott & Santa Fe road. The Legislature, at its recent session, ordered
the immediate survey of a State road, by the most direct route, from Emporia to
Creswell.
The company have determined to spare no
expense or effort to make Creswell the metropolis of the Arkansas Valley. The
following are among the enterprises already inaugurated.
Sleeth & Co., of El Dorado, have
contracted to put their steam saw-mill and a shingle-machine in operation at
Creswell by the 15th of May.
Daniel Beedy, now resident at Emporia,
has contracted to build a grist-mill, saw-mill, and planing-mill upon the
Creswell water-power; work to commence by July 1st, 1870.
G. H. Norton & Co. have opened a
general stock of groceries, dry goods, boots and shoes, which they pledge
themselves to sell at El Dorado prices.
Betts & Fraser, of El Dorado, will at
once open a stock of groceries, provisions, and campers’ supplies.
C. R. Sipes, of Emporia, has purchased an
interest in the town, and is preparing to open at Creswell the largest stock of
hardware, tinware, and agricultural implements ever offered south or west of
Emporia.
A stock of drugs and medicines has been
ordered by responsible parties, and a well-provided drug-store will speedily be
established.
We are also happy to announce that the
best job and newspaper office south of the Neosho will commence the publication
of a newspaper at Creswell within the next ninety days.
Max Fawcett, recently of the Neosho
Valley (Emporia) Nursery, has transferred his entire interest to Creswell, and
is arranging to establish there the largest fruit and nursery concern in
Kansas.
L. F. Goodrich, of Emporia, is now at
work erecting a feed and livery stable.
A ferry has been chartered, and will be
running upon the Arkansas by July 1st.
The above may all be regarded as certain
and reliable.
QUESTIONS:
First article had Cresswell except for
caption...this one stated Creswell.
Did not pay attention to
“Goodrich”...could be if I had studied ads more thoroughly, he might have shown
up.
Emporia News, April 8, 1870.
Prof. Norton has gone to Creswell.
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
Written for THE EMPORIA NEWS.
MAX
FAWCETT’S CLAIM.
EDITORS NEWS: Max Fawcett is well known
to the good people of Emporia as a marked and peculiar genius, possessing much taste,
refinement, ingenuity, and love for the beautiful. He has taken a claim
one-half mile west of the young city of Creswell, which I recently had the
pleasure of visiting, and which I propose to describe.
It is situated on the north bank of the
Arkansas, here a noble stream forty rods in width. A bluff of magnesian
limestone some thirty feet high here rises abruptly, washed by the river a part
of the way, but bending in such a manner as to enclose a bottom of some thirty
acres, covered with a splendid growth of timber and grape-vines. Out of this
bluff pour three beautiful springs. One is received in a square cavity cut with
a chisel in the soft magnesian stone. Another pours out of a pipe in such a
manner as to form a miniature and fanciful cascade, showing some of the
peculiar touches of the proprietor.
A few rods from this is a cave about ten
feet wide and four feet high at the entrance, larger within, and passable to
the depth of about one hundred feet; beyond that too small to conveniently
penetrate, but of unknown extent. Here is a most perfect natural cellar for
meat, fruit, and vegetables.
The cabin stands on the bank just above.
It is not yet very thoroughly completed, and was, a few nights ago, invaded by
a pack of prairie wolves, doubtless attracted by the scent of dried apples and
graham crackers. One yell from under the blankets caused them to vanish more
rapidly than they entered.
Just back of the house is Max’s garden.
This is in a conical sink-hole, evidently connected with the cave below. He has
shoveled this partly full of loose earth, and laid it off in garden beds with
his own quaint taste. Various ornamental plants are also growing about the
house.
The land is a warm, sandy loan, admirably
adapted to the growth of corn, fruit, and nursery stock. The Chickasaw plum,
now in full bloom, grows in thickets all over it. From the building site the
scenery is truly magnificent, including many miles of the river, the town-site,
and vast vistas of bottom, upland, and bluff. Here “Mac” has found a site
exactly adapted to his genius. He seems perfectly happy here, and declares that
nothing could induce him to return to dull, muddy, monotonous Emporia. His
estate here will soon be the most beautiful in Kansas.
Creswell is founding. Dr. Wolsey, of Iowa,
is here building a hotel. He is a man of means and energy, and intends
business. He will become the most popular Boniface in the state.
C. R. Sipes, of Emporia, is erecting a
building for his new hardware store.
Mr. Sleeth, of El Dorado, is to move his
new sawmill hither on the 1st proximo.
A stage-route, a water-mill, a newspaper,
two or three stores, a restaurant, a ferry, and many other improvements are in
the near future.
Hundreds of excellent claims await the
pioneer.
Dr. Kellogg will soon be ready to show
these to all anxious inquirers.
Cowley County will be known as the garden
of Kansas.
H.
B. N. [NORTON]
[Note: They had Dr. Wolsey...not
Woolsey.]
[FROM CRESWELL.]
Emporia News, April 22, 1870.
CRESWELL,
April 9th, 1870.
EDITORS NEWS: We arrived home on the 2nd
and found things as we wanted them. Messrs. Smith, Thompson, Cain, and Gibson
came down with us. Mr. Smith drove his stake on the south side of the Arkansas,
on a first class claim within two miles of town; the others preferred claims on
this side, but not having corn enough for their team, they were compelled to
return to Emporia without having time to look them up. They say they like the
country and are coming back again. We hope they will. They are just the kind of
men we want here.
Charley Sipes is here. He has bought John
Stram’s share in Creswell. He is wide awake and energetic, and will do more
than a full share toward making Creswell the important place it is destined to
be. He is building a house and will soon bring down a first class stock of
hardware and tinware.
We have had plenty of rain during the
past week, as much as is needed at present. Emigration is coming in fast, and
our county is settling up with as good a class of people as can be found in any
part of Kansas, and all seem perfectly satisfied. Many who were here from
Emporia last winter and this spring will remember a lame man named Rogers. He
died two weeks ago. He was a whole-souled and generous-hearted fellow; we all
liked him.
On the east side of the Walnut, about a
mile from town, in a rough, rocky ravine, there is a natural bridge; it is a
perfect one, with not even the keystone lacking. The highest part of the arch
is about ten feet above the bed of the ravine; it has about twenty feet span.
The top of the bridge is level and just wide enough for teams to cross on; and
if it had been made for that purpose, it could hardly have been made better
than it is. The road to Grouse will probably pass over it.
A few feet above the bridge there is a
round basin hollowed out of the solid rock; it is about twenty feet across and
about three feet deep, and is filled with clear water that runs out of a little
cave through a trough worn in the rock. ON the side opposite the bridge the
basin is half surrounded by a semi-circular rock ten or fifteen feet high, and
a few rods further up the ravine there is a beautiful little cave, with a basin
similar to the one I have tried to describe. It just fills the bottom of the
cave. These were discovered by Captain Norton while looking for a route to the
Grouse. Further up the ravine the geologist will find the book he likes to
read.
On the third of this month I planted two
weeping willow trees by my spring on the side of the hill by the river. I think
I can safely claim the honor of planting the first tree in Cowley County. MAX
FAWCETT.
Walnut Valley Times, April 22, 1870.
PERSONAL. Prof. Norton, President of the
Creswell Town Company, passed through town this week going to Emporia to move
his family to Creswell. The Professor intends to grow up with the place, and we
expect he will have a rapid growth of it.
[OSAGE INDIAN LANDS: REPORT FROM H. B.
NORTON.]
Walnut Valley Times, May 20, 1870.
[Correspondence
of the Times.]
OSAGE
INDIAN LANDS.
EDITORS TIMES: Pursuant to notice, the
people of Cowley County met in convention at Creswell on Tuesday, 10th inst.,
to consider the questions connected with the Indian occupancy of the Osage
lands. After some discussion, the following preamble and resolutions were
unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, We, the citizens of Cowley
County, in mass convention assembled, believe that the time has fully come in
which the interests of civilization demand the extinction of the Indian title
to the Osage lands, and
WHEREAS, We regard with regret and
distrust the inactivity of our Senators upon this question, therefore
Resolved, That we urge upon our Senators, Pomeroy,
Ross, and Representative Clarke, immediate and definite actions looking toward
the removal of the Osage Indians from these lands and opening them to actual
settlers.
Resolved, That while we are opposed to all great
land monopolies like those contemplated in the “Sturges Treaty,” we favor the
policy of aiding the construction of railroads by granting to them alternate
sections of land now unclaimed, or the proceeds of the sale thereof, to the
amount of ten sections to the mile, reserving to the immigrant upon said lands
the right of pre-emption and ultimate purchase at a fixed maximum price, not to
exceed two dollars and fifty cents an acre.
Resolved, That we regard immediate action upon
this subject as of permanent importance, and we earnestly urge that the
question be finally settled before the close of the present session of
Congress.
Resolved, That copies of the above preamble and
resolutions be forwarded to each member of our Congressional delegation, and to
the WALNUT VALLEY TIMES, Emporia News, Topeka Commonwealth, and Lawrence
Tribune. H. B. NORTON, President.
C. R. SIPES, Secretary.
Creswell, May 11, 1870.
Emporia News, June 3, 1870.
LETTER FROM CRESWELL.
[The following letter was accidentally
misplaced by the person taking it from the office, hence the delay in its
appearance in our columns.]
CRESWELL,
May 11, 1870.
EDITORS NEWS: Pursuant to notice the
people of Cowley County met in convention at Creswell on Tuesday, May 11th,
inst., to consider the questions connected with the pending occupancy of the
Osage Lands.
After some discussion the following
preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.
WHEREAS, We, the citizens of Cowley
County, in mass convention assembled, believe that the time has fully come in
which the interests of civilization demand the extinction of the Indian title
to the Osage lands, and
WHEREAS, We regard with regret and
distrust the inactivity of our Senators upon the question, therefore,
Resolved, That we urge upon Senators Pomeroy and
Ross, and Representative Clarke, immediate and definite action looking toward
the removal of the Osage Indians from these lands, and opening them to actual
settlers.
Resolved, That while we are opposed to all great
land monopolies like those contemplated in the “Sturges Treaty,” we favor the
policy of aiding the construction of Railroads, by granting to them alternate
sections of lands now unclaimed, or the proceeds of the sale thereof, to the
amount of ten sections to the mile, reserving to immigrants upon said lands the
right of pre-emption and ultimate purchase at a fixed maximum price, not to
succeed two dollars and fifty cents per acre.
Resolved, That we regard immediate action upon this
subject as of paramount importance, and that we earnestly urge that the
question be finally settled before the close of the present session of
Congress.
Resolved, That copies of the above preamble and
resolutions be forwarded to each member of our congressional delegation, and to
the EMPORIA NEWS, Walnut Valley Times, Topeka Commonwealth, and Lawrence
Tribune for publication.
H.
B. NORTON, President.
C. R. SIPES, Secretary.
Walnut Valley Times, June 3, 1870. Front Page.
[Correspondence
of the Times.]
LETTER
FROM CRESWELL.
MESSRS. EDITORS: In my last I promised to
begin where I left off, but as events of that time are now in a fossil state
compared with those of the present, I will merely state that since the Indians
went to their mission east of here, we have seen nothing of them. Everything we
once hoped for in regard to our town enterprise, is being reduced to practical
tangibility.
Stores are being erected by parties who
fully appreciate the importance of our location, and who mean business. Capt.
Norton has a store well stocked with groceries, dry goods, and provisions, and
is having a brisk trade.
Mr. Sipes has just opened his new
hardware store on Summit street, and presents a fine display of goods in his
line.
Mr. Walsey [Woolsey], of Iowa, has
returned with his family, and will soon begin the erection of a large hotel.
Mr. Wolsey [Woolsey] is a very fine appearing gentleman, and brings with him a
son and two beautiful daughters, who share in a great degree their worthy
parent’s polite and cultivated manners. And what makes him extremely welcome
among us is the fact that he will start his house on the temperance principle.
The teams, we understand, have gone to
your town to aid Mr. Sleeth in bringing down his mill, and we hope soon to
manufacture our own lumber, which will certainly enhance the energy already
manifested among businessmen here.
Mr. Bowen has the lumber on hand for
another grocery store, and Mr. Goodrich hopes to complete his store the coming
week. He tells me he has a thousand dollar stock ready packed in Emporia, and
is only waiting to complete his building when he will have them sent down.
But I will pass over the business
prospects of the town as an established fact, needing no further comment, and
speak on a subject quite as important to us.
Society in all new countries necessarily
is somewhat chaotic, and takes time to settle down to a permanent basis. It is
therefore difficult under such circumstances for order loving and moral people
seeking homes to always find a location suited to their past customs of life,
and one where society will improve with age. Business prospects are important
to all, but those bringing in families and wishing to educate them, and also
realizing that influence outside of the family circle has much to do in moulding
the character of their children, look for locations that ultimately promise
something aside from mere money making.
As I said before, it is difficult to
always find just such locations. But as we can nearly always judge the
character of any whole by being familiar with its component parts, so we can of
society; regarding each individual as an element, and easily determine the
general character of any settlement or community.
Old Mr. Endicott, familiarly known among
us as Uncle H., comes properly upon our list of permanent residents, as he is
the first pioneer we found when we came, is a man in every sense of the word, a
gentleman—generous, hospitable, solicitous for the welfare of all whose good
fortune it is to share his acquaintance, and the number is truly legion, for
his claim on the banks of the Walnut has been the general rendezvous for claim
hunters during the past winter; and the old gentleman is still ready to
accommodate newcomers to plenty of wood, and has always a kind word of welcome
to offer to everyone. He has settled around him several sons and step sons,
some of them with their families, and the old adage “a black sheep in every
family,” does not apply to them in any respect whatever, for they all seem to
be moral, energetic, and intelligent, and well suited to the work of building
up and improving a new country.
Our worthy minister, Elder Swarts, knows
not only how to instruct us in the ways of truth and religious duty, but also
makes his religion practical by his examples of honest industry, which, though
they sometimes soil his hands and outer garments, never seem to ruffle his well
balanced mind; for under all circumstances, one is improved by his presence. He
amuses while he interests, blending truth and good humor together in such harmony
as to always please while he convicts. He holds a fine claim a half mile from
the town site, and having just completed his house, he has offered it as a
place of public worship each sabbath until a suitable house can be erected
elsewhere. We understand that his standing as minister of the gospel was a very
important one in Illinois, from whence he came, he having held the position of
presiding elder for several years.
His daughter, a very fine looking,
intelligent young lady, proposes to open a select school as soon as the
condition of the town demands it, and from the recent numerous arrivals, that
time is not far off. She is also prepared to give instructions in music and
painting, and brings a fine piano with her. Having had the pleasure of examining
some of her oil paintings, I simply add my testimony to that of many others,
when I say they manifest very much artistic skill and workmanship; not only in
the choice and blending of colors, lights and shades, etc., but in the design
and general execution of the work. Painting, like poetry, is a natural gift,
and those elegant and graceful touches which so much enhance the beauty of a
picture, can only be accomplished when the brush is in the hands of one whose
mind has an instinctive adaptation to the work.
Dr. Alexander and wife, recently from the
best ranks of society in Wisconsin, show by their general deportment that they
are well calculated to adorn it here, and make it better by the addition of
themselves as members.
More recently among us is Professor
Norton, with his family, who is so well known that we need hardly repeat that
he is a leading spirit and general favorite, because of his impartiality, his
mild and unpresuming deportment, his unlimited generosity, uniform urbanity,
and constant self-control and good nature, and greatest of all his eminent
knowledge on all scientific as well as general topics, making him doubly
important to us as a citizen, for the simple reason that we are always
benefitted when we enjoy the privilege of associating with our superiors.
Capt. Norton, the Professor’s brother, of
whom we have spoken before, is noted for his energy and perseverance, and is
doing much for the enterprise by imparting to others considerable of that
go-ahead spirit which characterizes his general movements, and which is so
necessary to give vitality to any great project when in an embryo state.
Thus you can easily see that we are not
even now devoid of the advantages of good society, and I might say in a general
way that Kansas is not being settled up after the old order of things.
In this State, under the present system,
we are simply transplanting in great numbers, very rapidly, too, the youngest,
best, and most enterprising portion of eastern society into new and better
soil, for development. Kansas is being settled up by people who have left their
aristocratic armor behind, and have come with open hearts and hands to aid in
building up society, and seeking only to draw lines of distinction between
virtue and vice, morality and immorality.
The poor man here actually enjoys what he
simply hears tell of in the more eastern States in a sort of beautiful theory,
or tradition of times gone by, viz: opportunity to improve his condition if he
will. There is a kind of mutual dependence existing in all new countries that
compels humanity to manifest its noblest and most liberal, whole-souled,
benevolent qualities. Liberality, generosity, and charity pervades the public
mind, of necessity, and the best impulses of our nature are developed and
brought into action by the very requirements of our social condition.
In the east men’s fields are fenced to
keep out their neighbor’s stock, and their hearts are also hedged in by a wall
of selfishness and aristocratic austerity that prevents their neighbors, if they
happen to be poor, from offering, or obtaining that sympathy that binds human
hearts together.
As far as my experience goes, society in
Kansas is free from such corruption, and being no longer infected by border
ruffianism, Quantrell raids, or drouth, she will this year receive an impulse
which shall continue to move her onward and upward until she attains the rank
of one of the first States in the Union.
I have endeavored to give you a fair idea
of the progress of events with us in this article. There are many other items
which I might mention, but time and space will not permit.
Among the many projects in view, however,
I will mention that of constructing a bridge across the Arkansas, and another
important item which I almost forgot, is the new well. The first attempt by the
town company was a failure, but they have just completed an excellent well,
which furnishes plenty of good water.
Before many months we shall have a brass
band connected with our settlement. We have now three players, Messrs. Baker, Chapin,
and Max Fawcett.
Since I began this article, Mr. Page, a
gentleman from Emporia, has taken a lot, and will commence a butcher shop
shortly. More anon. T. A. WILKINSON.
Walnut Valley Times, June 3, 1870. Front Page.
A Correspondent of the Lawrence Tribune,
writing from Creswell, Cowley County, says: “The growth of Southwestern Kansas
is wonderful. Eldorado one year ago a huddle of dingy huts on the bare prairie,
is now a large and thriving town, crowded with emigrants and business men, and
the center of a great traffic.
“The Walnut Valley is certainly the most
beautiful in Kansas, and well deserves the vast immigration now pouring into
it. Looking at these broad timber belts and benches of fertile bottom one can
hardly doubt that this will soon be one of the richest and most densely
populated regions in the West.
“Cowley County, which, one year ago,
boasted not a single white family, has now a population of not less than two
thousand people, and the rush hither is beyond all precedent.”
Walnut Valley Times, June 10, 1870.
[Correspondence
of the Times.]
COWLEY
COUNTY.
CRESWELL,
MAY 25, 1870.
EDITOR WALNUT VALLEY TIMES: Understanding
that reports of Indian hostilities are being circulated in your vicinity, I
will ask the use of your columns to correct misapprehensions.
The sum total of casualties is as
follows:
Nobody killed or scalped.
Nobody hurt.
Two men scared by some fast young Osages.
The gist of the matter lies in the fact
that the Osages are camped on the Arkansas, below the mouth of the Grouse, and
desire that no homes be built by the whites on this part of the valley—not
quite three miles in length—or on Chilocky Creek, which flows from the west
into the Arkansas near the State line. They therefore ordered out of this
region one family, and one young man who was there at work. No violence has
been used toward anybody, and none will be used.
Certain exaggerated reports have been
spread by parties who wanted to keep certain tracts of land vacant till their
own particular friends should arrive from the east, and by others who wish to
keep emigrants from passing through Eldorado, Augusta, etc., into the country
below.
Permit me to say that the policy of
certain merchants and other parties at Eldorado is rather short-sighted in this
matter. To build up a wealthy and prosperous county here is to insure the
prosperity and future greatness of Eldorado. Your town is now growing rich from
the stream of immigration pouring hither through your streets. Your people
cannot afford to so treat this current as to force its diversion into other and
more direct routes.
Creswell was never more prosperous than
now. Before November 1st, this will be the largest town in the Walnut Valley,
Eldorado excepted. There are houses and places of business now under contract
to insure this. We have been blessed with heavy and abundant rains, two showers
falling on the night of the 23rd and morning of the 24th, which completely
saturated the soil.
The Osages have gone out upon the plains.
We have enjoyed an interview with Chetopa, Numpawalla, and others. They are
friendly and peaceable. If the average of white men would be as orderly and
law-abiding as the Osages, the legal profession would soon become extinct.
H.
B. NORTON.
Emporia News, June 17, 1870.
THE FOURTH AT ARKANSAS CITY. Our friends
at Arkansas City (Creswell) will hold a grand celebration on the Fourth of
July. Max Fawcett’s celebrated claim is the spot selected. Music, a big dinner,
an oration by H. B. Norton, toasts, responses, and short speeches by Prof. L.
B. Kellogg, General Ellet, J. S. Danford, and others, and unlimited boating,
swinging, and sight seeing are on the programme. A large party will leave for
the new town on the 31st inst.
Emporia News, June 24, 1870.
[Another letter from Arkansas City...Max
Fawcett.]
ARKANSAS
CITY, June 14th, 1870.
EDITORS NEWS: We are having frequent and
terrific rains here now. Our town is improving rapidly, forty more houses are
under contract, and are being built as fast as lumber can be obtained to build
them with. Mr. W. H. Speers, of Peoria, Illinois, has a new thirty horse power
stationary steam saw mill on the way, which will be here in a day or two. Mr.
Speers has had a number of years of experience in the mill business, having run
mills in Iowa, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Illinois. When his mill arrives we will
have two mills. Mr. Wolsey has his shingle machine in operation and is turning
out six or eight thousand first class shingles a day.
Our four merchants are doing a staying
business. C. R. Sipes tells me that he sells four times as much as he expected
when he commenced, and our other merchants, Norton, Bowen, and Goodrich, are
not behind him in sales, and all sell at reasonable rates, nearly or quite, and
sometimes below, El Dorado prices. Our carpenters are all busy. Messrs.
Channell, Smith, and Thomson, carpenters, have just finished a neat, roomy
cabinet shop, and are running a lumber yard in connection with their other
business. Channell starts for Emporia tomorrow for the purpose of bringing back
his better half.
Tomorrow we are going to commence tracing
the southern boundary of Kansas from where it crosses the Arkansas River to a
point directly south of Arkansas City, and then measure the distance from
Arkansas City to the line. There are a great many first-class claims vacant
down there. I will write you a description of that part of our county when we
return.
We are preparing for a grand time on the
Fourth, and expect to see a number of familiar and welcome faces from the North
on that day. M. F.
Emporia News, July 1, 1870.
WHAT
OUR FOLKS ARE DOING.
Prof. Kellogg and family have gone to
Lake Superior to spend their vacation.
Prof. Norton will vegetate, ruminate, and
rusticate at Arkansas City, on the banks of the “Walnut” and “Rackensack,”
during the Normal vacation.
Our Mr. Williams, in company with Ed.
Cunningham, started on Tuesday for a trip to Cottonwood Falls, Chelsea, El
Dorado, Wichita, Arkansas City, Eureka, and intermediate points. We hope the
people on the route will treat these young gentlemen kindly, and that they will
be able to bring back a basket full of greenbacks as the result of their trip.
Several of our teachers, including Profs.
Kellogg and Chambers, are in attendance upon the State Teachers’ Association at
Wyandotte this week.
Emporia News, July 8, 1870.
THE
EMPORIA & SOUTHWESTERN RAILROAD.
Articles of incorporation have been filed
for the organization of a company to build a railroad from here to the
Southwest. The names of the incorporators are as follows: C. V. Eskridge, S. B.
Riggs, L. N. Robinson, E. Borton, E. B. Peyton, T. J. Peter, E. B. Crocker, M.
G. Mains, Jacob Stotler, T. B. Murdock, and G. H. Norton. The road is to run
from here via South Fork and Walnut valleys to Arkansas City, touching at the
principal towns along the route, and thence to Fort Belknap, Texas. It is
intended as an extension of the Kansas City & Santa Fe road, which will
probably be built to this point at an early day.
Emporia News, July 8, 1870.
THE
FOURTH AT ARKANSAS CITY.
Need I premise by telling where and what
Arkansas City is? I think not, though three months ago, Arkansas City had
neither name nor existence, and none save the Osage Indians had traversed its
site. Yet, on the Fourth, it had denizens enough to celebrate, and being
patriotic, as all American citizens are, they did celebrate. They did it
after this wise. At ten o’clock the citizens and residents of surrounding
country were formed in procession in front of the Woolsey House by Capt. Smith,
and proceeded to Max. Fawcett’s grove, on the banks of the Arkansas. This
grove, beautiful by nature, has been rendered more so by Max’s artistic hand.
Arriving there, strolls and chats were indulged in until the dinner hour, when
the crowd crystallized around different points of gastronomic interest, and proceeded
to discuss, with much interest and apparent satisfaction, the contents of
diverse and sundry baskets, buckets, and boxes. To our certain knowledge the
Arkansas City people have good things to eat. The city takes pattern of its
Godmother, Emporia, and discourages the sale and consumption of intoxicating
drinks; but the oldest soaker would have gotten his “red eye” in the presence
of the bountiful supplies of pure cold water flowing from Max’s springs.
Dinner dismissed and the crowd settled, a
selection of vocal music was finely rendered by a number of ladies and
gentlemen. I may say of all the music, both vocal and instrumental, that it
was creditable, not only to a town not yet six months old, and standing as an
out-post on the borders of civilization, but would have been considered highly
meritorious in any place. After prayer by Rev. Swarts, and another piece
of music, Prof. Norton, the orator of the day, was introduced, and for about
three quarters of an hour, addressed the people in a most interesting manner.
Dismissing the past and matters of more
general importance with a few eloquent remarks, he directed attention to things
of the present and future of great local importance. He appealed to the people
to plant trees, and urged the necessity of it, because of the climatic
influence they would exercise; because they would afford homes for birds, the
sworn enemies of all noxious insects; in order to supply the demands of the
future; and in order that town and country might be made attractive and pleasant.
He directed attention to the importance of railroads to their country. Spoke of
the wonderful agricultural resources that would be opened up thereby; and of
the cheapening of all foreign imports by means of a railroad that must soon be
built to tide water, down the Arkansas Valley. He urged upon all the vast
importance of the Common School System as an element of permanent future
prosperity, and expressed a hope that that place would never exist a starveling
college, with its wise looking and pretentious professors, and its conceited
students pouring over the foolish fables of a long since dead language, while
the living, scientific truths of a living age should go unstudied, but that in
the place thereof should be the well regulated public school, full of the life
and spirit of the age.
An abstract cannot do justice to the
professor’s speech; it was eloquent, applicable, and well received. After the
speaking and singing the crowd dispersed, some to their homes, some to the
river to sail and fish, and all ready to declare that the first Fourth of July
celebration in Arkansas City was a success.
There were well attended celebrations at
three points in this county, in which county, one year ago, there were not a
half dozen white men’s homes. The change is marvelous, and what is better, the
people are happy and contented, and sanguine of the future. Of course, not very
much of a crop will be raised this year on the sod freshly turned over, but
next year the lower Walnut and Arkansas valleys will laugh with such a harvest
as will surprise even Kansas.
WEC.
Emporia News, July 15, 1870.
A
TRIP TO THE SOUTHWEST.
The third morning of our journey finds
us, at an early hour, on the road leading from El Dorado to Wichita.
[AT THIS POINT I SKIPPED ALL THAT WAS
SAID ABOUT EL DORADO AND WICHITA.]
But we must abruptly break loose from
Wichita and move suddenly down the river sixty miles to Arkansas City. This
place is situated on an eminence; the former is in the valley. Here, we gain a
splendid view of the whole surrounding country; there, no such privilege is
afforded. Here, the valley is comparatively narrow; there, it is extremely
wide. Here, there is quite a large quantity of timber; there, there is almost a
total absence of it.
As to size, Wichita is about five times
as large. But the place is growing just as rapidly as it can, with the present
facilities for getting lumber. Two large steam saw mills are now at work and
the supply cannot keep pace with the demand. Here, also, we find several of our
former townsmen. In fact, the majority of the citizens came from Emporia. Prof.
Norton of the State Normal School is the leading spirit. He is full of energy
and enterprise, and is determined that the new town shall grow and the country
develop. Max. Fawcett is laboring with a zeal that is truly commendable. The
stranger has not been in town one hour before the question is asked him, “Have
you seen Max Fawcett’s claim?” If not, you must go at once. When you get there,
you are glad you came. With Mr. A. C. Wilkinson as our guide, we visit it early
Sabbath morning. We reach it at a distance of one and one-half miles west of
the town. It lies along the banks of the Arkansas. We first hasten toward the
spring for we are thirsting for a drink of pure, cold water. A strip of timber
lines the bank of the river ten or fifteen rods in width. We reach the edge of
this timber and find ourselves on the brink of a precipitous bluff. Our guide
directs our attention to a path that leads down the hill through the trees. Our
eyes follow it gladly down farther and farther until they behold away down ever
so far the most beautiful stream of pure, cold water flowing from out the
hillside that it was ever our good fortune to see. The path has steps of stone
carefully adjusted by the hand of Max. himself. Descending we find that an
artificial reservoir made of stone receives the water to which it is conducted
by means of wooden troughs extending back to the hillside. From this reservoir
another trough carries the water eight or ten feet and precipitates it down a
descent of three or four feet, where another smaller basis carved out of the
rock receives it. A cup attached to a chain hangs by the side of a tree near
the main basin. While you are drinking you look eastward and a few rods in
front of you, carved on a big rock, you read: “Stranger, you are welcome
here.”
You look southward and on another rock
you read:
“Better than gold
Is water cold,
From crystal fountains flowing.”
You turn to the west and a few feet from
you, you find two natural chairs formed of rock. On one is written “easy
chair”; on the other, “hard chair.” You sit down on the easy chair and sure
enough you sit as comfortably as on the softest easy chair in your parlor at
home. A path leads you along the foot of the bluff in a westerly direction
until you come to the mouth of a great cave whose inner chambers have not yet
been wholly explored. We wish we had time and space to tell about this cafe,
other springs, and other pleasant retreats.
But we must say farewell to Max and his
beautiful claim, with the advice to everyone who goes to Arkansas City to be
sure to go and see Max.’s fountains, springs, and caves.
We are now on the road homeward bound.
Between Arkansas City and Winfield, twelve miles north, you pass over some very
fine prairie. The land is all rich, the grass tall and luxuriant. Winfield is
on the Walnut, has a splendid location, plenty of timber in close proximity,
and is the county seat of Cowley County. We remain overnight with an old friend
of ours, Dr. Wm. Graham, in whose pleasant home we spend a happy evening,
talking of the good old times. The next morning we are on the road bright and
early, anxious to get back to Emporia. It is the glorious fourth. At Douglass
the stars and stripes are flying to the breeze. They are making big
preparations for a celebration. This is at present the best town south of El
Dorado. We hurry on toward Augusta. Reach it at noon. We find several hundred
people assembled in a pleasant grove celebrating our national anniversary in
dead earnest.
Emporia News, July 15, 1870.
ARKANSAS
CITY ITEMS.
ARKANSAS CITY, COWLEY CO., KANSAS, July
6th, 1870.
Our celebration on the Fourth was a
success; weather cool, no mosquitos, large attendance, and much applauded;
instructive and entertaining orations, delivered by Prof. Norton, of Arkansas
City, and Mr. Cunningham, of Emporia. A number of Emporians were present. The
programme was carried out to the letter, and all were “gay and happy.” In the
evening a large number repaired to Col. Woolsey’s commodious hotel, where many
feet kept time to enchanting music till late in the evening, when supper was
announced by Col. Woolsey, and all sat down to one of the best suppers ever
gotten up in Southern Kansas. The Colonel is one of our most enterprising and
accommodating men.
Prof. Norton (who is the mainspring of
Arkansas City’s prosperity) and lady arrived home on the 2nd.
Mrs. Slocum and daughter, Mrs. F. B.
Smith, and a number of others came down with them. Mrs. Slocum has a claim near
Arkansas City, and intends making it her future home, and judging from what she
has already done, we believe that in a few years she will have one of the
finest places in Kansas. She went to Emporia in 1858, and immediately commenced
planting fruit and forest trees, small fruits, shrubs, and flowers. She now has
one of the most beautiful places near Emporia. Very few men have done as much.
Mr. Mains, of the Emporia Tribune, will
commence the building for a printing office next week, and as soon as it is
finished he will commence the publication of a first-class paper, worthy of the
patronage of an intelligent people like ours of Southern Kansas. It should and
will be supported. Suppose it will be called the Arkansas Traveler. The
first number is to be out August 1st, 1870.
The following are among the more than
fifty houses now being built, or under contract to be built in Arkansas City.
Norton & Co., a dry goods and grocery
store.
Mr. Sleeth, one neat residence finished
and another commenced.
Livingston & Gray, a clothing store,
building 18 x 26.
S. P. Channell, a dry goods and grocery
store.
H. C. Meigs, a building 20 x 32, two
stories, with cellar under the whole building.
C. A. Wilkinson, building to rent.
Beck & Woolsey, restaurant and
bakery.
E. I. Fitch, millinery and dressmaking
establishment.
Mr. Walker, dry goods and grocery store.
D. Lewis, stone store building, 21 x 31
feet.
S. A. Moore, paint shop.
Mr. Johnson, carriage shop.
Harmon & Endicott, a building 20 x 50
feet, two stories, the lower for a store; and the upper for a hall.
Paul Beck, blacksmith shop.
C. E. Nye, harness and saddle shop.
A. D. Keith, drug store.
Dr. Alexander, office and drug store.
Mr. Groat, a restaurant.
F. H. Denton, store 18 x 24.
Mr. Bridge, a hotel and bakery.
Pond &. Blackburn, of Emporia, have
established a real estate agency here. Persons wanting to buy or look up claims
will find it to their interest to call on them. They are accommodating, and are
well posted as to the location and quality of nearly all the claims that are
vacant, and those that are for sale. They are honest and upright young men.
They are building a neat office.
The citizens of Allen, Wilson, Howard,
and Cowley Counties will meet in general and mass convention at Fredonia, on
Saturday the 16th of July, 1870, for the purpose of effecting a railroad
organization and electing directors of the Humboldt, Fredonia & Arkansas
City railroad. Eminent speakers from a distance will be present.
We had another splendid rain last
evening, and the weather is now delightfully cool.
There is little or no sickness here now,
not a case of ague in this vicinity. Our doctors and lawyers are the only men
that look downcast and discouraged.
The Arkansas River is rising, and is
nearly or quite past fording.
We were unsuccessful in finding the State
line when we went to look for it a week or two ago. We are going down again
this week to try to find the marks on the east side of the Arkansas. We found
plenty of mounds while on our last trip, but they had “dead Ingins in ’em.” M.
F. [MAX. FAWCETT, I am certain.]
[EMPORIA & SOUTHWESTERN RAILROAD.]
Walnut Valley Times, July 15, 1870.
EMPORIA
& SOUTHWESTERN RAILROAD.
The people of Emporia are alive to the
importance of an immediate railroad connection with the Southwest. They are
making strenuous efforts to secure the Kansas City & Santa Fe Railroad, and
have formed a company for the extension of the road on Southwest. The Emporia News
says that articles of incorporation have been filed for the organization of a
company to build a railroad from there to the Southwest.
The names of the incorporators are as
follows:
C. V. ESKRIDGE, S. B. RIGGS, L. N.
ROBINSON, E. BORTON, E. B. PEYTON, T. J. PETER, E. B. CROCKER, M. G. MANES,
JACOB STOTLER, T. B. MURDOCK, AND G. H. NORTON.
The road is to run from there via South
Fork and Walnut Valleys to Arkansas City, touching at the principal towns along
the route, and thence to Fort Belknap, Texas. It is intended as an extension of
the Kansas City & Santa Fe road, which will probably be built to that point
at an early day.
[ALL ABOUT ARKANSAS CITY: REPORT BY “X.”]
Walnut Valley Times, July 15, 1870.
[Correspondence
of the Times.]
ALL
ABOUT ARKANSAS CITY.
ARKANSAS
CITY, July 6, 1870.
EDITOR TIMES: The glorious Fourth was a
decided success here. The celebration took place on Max Fawcett’s celebrated
claim, about half a mile west of town; a beautiful grove on the back of the
river, in the immediate vicinity of some remarkable springs and caverns. The
procession formed on Summit street at 10 o’clock, A. M., and marched to the
grove, headed by a beautiful new flag—Mrs. H. B. Norton’s donation. Hundreds
of people were present; the turnout was truly astonishing. The dinner was
excellent and abundant; all were filled, and more than twelve baskets full were
carried away. Prof. H. B. Norton and Judge Cunningham, of Emporia, were the
orators. The orations were such as might have been expected from the
distinguished speakers—energetic, witty, eloquent, and entirely practical in
their tendency. The band discoursed wonderfully sweet music at suitable
intervals, both vocal and instrumental. All sorts of dainties, fireworks, and
cooling drinks, were dispersed on the ground. Some boats were on hand for those
aquatically inclined. A brilliant ball at the Woolsey House closed the
festivities of the day. Everybody looked happy.
Arkansas City was first settled—that is,
by an actual resident upon the town site, on the 7th day of April, three months
ago. It is now, beyond dispute, the largest town in the Walnut Valley, Eldorado
alone excepted; and it bids fair to soon rival the “Queen of the Walnut.” The
census taker reports our village population at about 200 people. Two saw mills
and a shingle-mill are vainly trying to supply the demand for building
materials. The Woolsey House is uncomfortably thronged. Work has begun upon
another hotel—a large stone building, 50 feet front, three stories high. Some
forty business houses and residences are now actually under contract, and being
built as rapidly as possible. Four new buildings were raised today. All is
energy and enthusiasm. The second public well is situated at the intersection
of Summit street and Central Avenue, the center of the corporation, and on the
very crest of the ridge. It has about seven feet of excellent water. There are
now two public wells open to everybody, besides those dug by private persons.
No town in Southern Kansas is so well supplied with pure water as Arkansas
City. Settlers are coming in by hundreds. About two hundred claims were
recently taken in one day on the creeks west of the river, and there is yet
room for many more.
The type and press for our newspaper,
“The Arkansas Traveler,” are now on the road. Be prepared to exchange about
August 1st.
A tri-weekly stage line is now running
from Eldorado to this point. Come down and see us.
A mass meeting of citizens of the county
will be held here on Saturday night, to nominate two directors, and elect
delegates to the Fredonia meeting in behalf of the Humboldt, Fredonia &
Arkansas City Railroad.
A new mail route from Wichita to Arkansas
City has just been established by the Department. X.
Walnut Valley Times, July 22, 1870.
ARKANSAS CITY. Capt. Norton, T. R.
Wilson, Dr. Kellogg, M. C. Baker, Miss Swarts, and several others from Arkansas
City are in town this week.
Emporia News, July 29, 1870.
AN INQUIRY. Editors News: Who is “Wec,”
that writes such a partial, one-sided report of the picnic at Arkansas City,
July 4th? What he said of Prof. Norton’s oration was but a just tribute to a
well written, well delivered address. But he entire ignores that fact that we
had another speaker. A Mr. Cunningham, of Emporia, who spoke equally as well,
was as heartily cheered, and as highly complimented. He gladdened many hearts
by his cheering words to our brave pioneers, and his manly words for human
progress. His pleasant address will be remembered for many a year by the first
settlers of Arkansas City.
Hoping that “Wec” will apologize to Mr.
Cunningham, I am Yours truly, J. H. Slocum.
Emporia News, August 19, 1870.
FROM
ARKANSAS CITY.
Arkansas
City, August 2, 1870.
DEAR NEWS: The Osages have been enjoying
very much of an unbender among us. Yesterday, according to previous
arrangement, “Haul Robe” [Do they mean Hard Rope??] rode into town, at the head
of his band, some one hundred and twenty in all, clad in all the splendor of
beads, red blankets, paint, and every sort of fantastic Indian finery. Some of
the party brought willow poles, from which, with the aid of blankets, they
speedily constructed a long tent, large enough for the entire party. A
subscription paper was passed around among the spectators, and after the
contributions had reached a satisfactory figure, “He-wah-hug-gah,” the chief of
the dancers, formed his cotillion. This consisted of about twenty of the young
men arrayed in a style which is simply indescribable. Their faces were painted
in red, green, blue, yellow, and every other color of the rainbow; their bodies
streaked in a style somewhat resembling mahogany graining, their heads shaved
to the scalp-lock, and adorned with plumes, beads, green boughs, horns, bears’
claws, and everything in the line of the grotesque which Osage land affords.
Buffalo tails, turkey wings, and feathers, every possible device which the
imagination could suggest, were hung to the dancers, and the general effect was
like that of a pack of howling devils just let loose from the pit. The music
consisted of a couple of drums formed of raw-hide stretched over a hoop; each
drum being borne by two of the old men, and beaten by two more. There were also
fifes, or whistles, formed of hollow reeds and cane-stalks. The general effect
was soothing to weak nerves.
The procession moved from the tent to the
shady side of Norton & Co.’s store, where a large ring was formed about the
dancers, “Hard Robe” [Hard Rope] being seated in smiling dignity at one side.
The band was in the middle of the ring, and the evolutions of the dancers were
performed around it. The dancers carried bows, spears, queerly ornamented
shields of raw-hide, a huge tomahawk (evidently a “theatrical property” of the
tribe), and various other articles. Extravagance of gesture, unearthly noises,
indescribable contortions, and very profuse perspiration, were incidents of the
dance, which lasted for about half an hour. It fulfilled my most impossible anticipations.
No picture or description ever yet made public could do justice to its
demoniacal grotesqueness.
The Indians remained camped in town all
night, entirely peaceable and quiet, except the strange ululation with which,
at daybreak, they mourned their dead. The trade in jerked buffalo, rawhide
lariats, sugar, coffee, flour, and calico was particularly lively.
Four tons of goods—the first installment
of Keith & Eddy’s drug store—arrived today, meeting with a hearty welcome.
The type and press for the Arkansas Traveler also arrived today. We hope
to greet the first issue next week. Livingstone & Gray’s stock of ready
made clothing is just open. Mr. Meigs has a stock on the road; he it is
planning a wholesale grocery business. His new store, now enclosed, is the best
building south of El Dorado. Benedict Bros., of Dayton, Ohio, have arranged to
put in a wholesale stock of hardware and goods for the Texan trade. Hamilton
& Kinne, of Ottawa, have just sent in an order for the necessary lumber to
erect a two-story building, some 20 x 50 feet. Pond & Blackburn, of
Emporia, have just built and opened a real estate and claim office. Paul Beck,
of Emporia, has just put up a good blacksmith shop, and has arrived with his
tools and stock. Bridge & Lewis are hard at work on their three-story
hotel. Our 200 people are now permanently located on our town site, and “still
they come.” Some eighteen buildings devoted to business purposes are now up,
and many more in progress. The country about here is rapidly filling up with an
excellent class of citizens.
I forgot to mention that Mr. Silas Moore,
of Emporia, has just erected a paint shop, and has already commenced work upon
the store-fronts, and that Mr. Grote, also of Emporia, has just enclosed a
two-story building for a bakery and restaurant.
The concentration of immigration and
capital at this point it is truly remarkable. We are decidedly ahead of
everything in this valley, El Dorado alone excepted, and we may even challenge
comparison with her, if the work goes on six months longer.
Come and see us, Mr. Stotler, and “view
the land where your possessions lie.”
N. [Norton?]
Emporia News, August 26, 1870.
Prof. R. B. Dilworth, graduate of
Princeton College, New Jersey, has been appointed to fill the temporary vacancy
in the Faculty of the State Normal School, occasioned by the absence of Prof.
Norton. Mr. Dilworth it is a ripe scholar, a man of energy and influence.
Walnut Valley Times, August 26, 1870.
The Arkansas Traveler, a six
column paper, published at Arkansas City, by M. G. Manes, is received. The Traveler
is a credit to this new town and will no doubt be handsomely sup-
ported. The first number contains a
great deal of matter descriptive of the lower country. Prof. H. B. Norton will
be “special contributor” to the Traveler, and of course will make things
lively.
Emporia News, September 2, 1870.
FROM
ARKANSAS CITY.
Arkansas
City, July 31, 1870.
MESSRS. EDITORS: When we left Emporia in
January last, I promised you that I would try to write frequently the progress
of events connected with our town project; but as I passed through El Dorado,
my good friend, Danford, took a potent grasp upon my sympathies by means of an
excellent dinner, and I must needs have written for his paper, or incur the
lasting displeasure of my lacteal system. So I “writ,” and my wants being all
supplied (physically, I mean), I forgot my moral obligations to you, and to you
I did not “writ,” hence the theorem, etc. And I now return as did the prodigal,
full of repentance and literary husks, to eat the fatted calf which, of course
(following the example of Scriptural injunction are in duty bound to kill for
me), will have in readiness. If I should set out to write a fairy story, I
could find no fitter subject for my plan than to describe a wild region of
country, inhabited by savage beasts and a degraded and ignorant race of human
beings, transformed in an inconceivably short time, as it were, by some
mysterious hand, into a lively town of civilized people, bringing with them
refinement, moral culture, and social advantages far superior to a great many
towns of a number of years standing in the east.
Such it is the brief history of Arkansas
City, as she now stands without a rival this side of Emporia. Many others,
realizing the importance of this point, came here soon after our town company
did, and on finding the ground occupied and themselves disappointed in their
plans, instead of wisely taking claims nearby and cooperating with the company,
they made the vain attempt to discourage our efforts, by various detrimental
rumors and insinuations. Good judges of human nature would have known that such
a course of conduct, if it had any effect whatever on enterprising men, would
be to stimulate to greater achievements. But it has not had even that much
effect. The town company have treated all of their blowing with silent
contempt, not even giving it a passing remark. No more than does a train of
cars notice the whiffit that comes on its track and barks in ignorant
impudence, until the engine, wholly unconscious of its presence, crushes the
insignificant creature out of existence. No trivial cause can retard or
accelerate the growth of this place, for it is simply the unfolding or
developing of a preconceived plan by men who have fully proven in a former
enterprise that they well know when and how to make the most of a good
opportunity. I refer to the rise and growth of Emporia. I have before mentioned
that our project actually began on the 1st of January. But the principal work
up to about March 1st was simply to hold the claims in the interest of the town
company. Before the latter date the town project was all ideal, but since then
it has actually sprung into existence, and when we consider the time since the
first family (that of Capt. Norton) moved onto the town site, and behold the
change that has been produced since then, we cannot but express our candid
admiration of the genius and energy of the men who are operating the machinery
so successfully in this great scheme. Nor do we think it detracts from their
credit at all to say that they have every natural advantage in their favor,
simply because it was their wise foresight which enabled them to discriminate
in choosing from the many inviting points in the Walnut Valley the one having
all these natural commercial advantages, which, when combined, enhance the
importance of any location.
A mountain’s peaks catch the first gleam
of the morning sunlight long before it reaches the valleys below. So great
minds illumined by superior wisdom acquired by long experience, which enabled
them to see the possibilities and advantages of this section long before it
entered the minds of the great mass of immigration now pouring into the
country, foretold the future greatness of this point, and are now simply fulfilling
their own prediction, much more rapidly, however, than the most sanguine
expected. Nor shall we be unmindful of the credit due to the many individual
enterprises now in successful operation, each of which may be regarded as an
important spoke in the wheel of town building.
Our principal hotel, Mr. Woolsey,
proprietor, it is doing a flourishing business. We also have a good-sized
boarding house with daily increasing patronage; a hardware store by Mr. C. R.
Sipes, a young gentleman noted for promptness in business, and whose general
address it is candid and right to the point. Mr. Bowen has a very good stock of
groceries and provisions; and bids fair to come out a successful merchant as
the town advances. Mr. Goodrich has a general assortment of dry goods,
groceries, and ready made clothing, and no one who goes there to trade comes
away dissatisfied with either price or quality of goods. Capt. Norton and
brother still hold forth at their old stand, but soon intend to move into a
large and commodious building on Summit street. The increase in the number of
stores has not diminished their custom, because the influx of immigration more
than keeps up the demand, and their sales, which have been heavy from the
first, are constantly on the increase.
Several new buildings are now looming up,
the most important of which it is Mr. Meig’s store, a fine two-story building,
20 x 32, with nicely finished paneled open front. Messrs. Gray and Livingstone
have just opened their new store, inviting the public to invest in a new stock
of ready made clothing. Their building it is a fair-sized two story square
front, with fine walnut finish. Mr. Freeman will soon commence the building of
a ferry across the Arkansas, the timbers for which are now being sawed at the
mill.
Our reliable blacksmith, Paul Beck, has
commenced blowing his bellows for Southern Kansas, and one would think, from
the manner in which he opened up his business a few nights ago, that he was
obeying the divine commandment of “Let there be light.” And as it shone out
into the street and flashed upon his sturdy figure, with his right arm raising
the hammer to strike an additional blow for the advancement of Arkansas City,
and
Our hearts kept time to the clinking
sound,
And throbbed a welcome to him,
While a horse near by came up with a
bound
And neighed for Paul to shoe him.
Thus man and beast, to say the least,
Were thankful for the favor
Bestowed upon our busy town
By this new branch of labor:
For labor it is life, and life it is joy
To man or beast, in season;
But the sluggard hangs back like a snail
on his trek,
Or a drone devoid of reason.
Then to each branch of industry
A welcome we will give;
Our motto now, and e’er shall be,
“To labor it is to live.”
Then hail to the sound of work and mirth,
May they ever be found together!
Fibres of life’s golden thread on earth
’Til death that thread doth sever.
For labor gives strength to head and
heart,
To bone and brain and muscle,
And mirth chimes in her cheerful part,
Adding joy to toil and bustle.
Messrs. Channell and Thompson are still
pushing the work they so nobly began, as architects and builders. To the three
Thompson brothers, Channell, and Capt. Smith, belongs the credit and honor of
building the first several buildings on the town site, and like the first
volunteers who went into the army without bounty as an inducement, they should
properly be regarded as the veterans of the cause.
Mr. Chamberlain [they had Chamberlin]
expects soon to open a cabinet shop. He has shown himself to be a first-class
workman in a general way, and fully competent to conduct his special business
in a successful manner.
Pond & Blackburn are on the ground to
act in the capacity of claim and insurance agents. They seem to have that
peculiar tact that wins friends, and which it is so essential to success in
their peculiar department of business. They have erected a very neat building
for an office, and are ready to accommodate newcomers in finding claims suited
to their wishes.
A new hotel it is about to be erected by
the town company.
Our weekly newspaper will be out next
Wednesday, August 24th.
There are still plenty of good prairie
claims to be had for the taking.
One more item and I will cease for this
time. I visited Mr. P. F. Endicott’s home not long since, and was very much
pleased as well as surprised to find several large bunches of grapes on this
year’s sets of the style Concord. This speaks well for this locality as a place
for grape culture. F. A. WILKINSON.
[Think NEWS consistently got his initials
wrong....try T. A.]
[Note. NEWS had Channel,
Chamberlin...wonder how many others are wrong?]
Emporia News, September 2, 1870.
The Arkansas City Traveler has at
length made its appearance, and it is a very handsome 24-column sheet. The
local department it is full and interesting, and promises to be a faithful
exponent of the business of this rapidly growing town. Prof. H. B. Norton is
announced as a special contributor.
[LETTER FROM DOUGLASS: WRITTEN BY
“LEDA.”]
Walnut Valley Times, September 9, 1870.
[Correspondence
of the Times.]
LETTER
FROM DOUGLASS.
After our slight spring acquaintance, and
long absence, we again greet our friend, the WALNUT VALLEY TIMES. All of its
patrons, and indeed, all fond of progress, are proud of the paper, and Eldorado
deserves it. A short time ago we were in town, and the rapid advancement she
has made in one year, is great. A wide-awake, living town, will support
periodicals characteristic of it.
Augusta, we confess ignorance of, to some
extent; not having been there to see, neither having heard, nor having seen her
husband, C. N. James, to inquire of her welfare; but of course, it is to be
expected that Augusta enjoys her usual prosperity, if not a little more so.
Winfield, our south-door neighbor, we
have not heard from lately, though the last news was favorable. In a back No.
of the TIMES we noticed a description of Creswell, which told of her marvelous
strides. We have intended to take a trip in that direction, to luxuriate in the
beauties of her locality, but plead the old excuse—procrastination.
At the rate she was growing then, as
given by the writer—200 claims being taken in a day—why, we cannot locate her
boundary-line; of a necessity, she would take in Winfield, and us; wholly
ignoring Prof. Norton, who, ere this, should have succeeded in teaching his
pupils the beauty of proportion. We are glad to know that our country is being
settled so rapidly—and hope there will not remain a foot of ground on the
thirty mile strip unoccupied.
[The remainder of his correspondence
dealt with people in Douglass: Huffman & Brown, Quimby, Chastain, Dr.
Morris, Mr. Drea, J. W. Douglass, Mr. Uhl from Humboldt, Mr. Shamleffer, Mr.
White, Mr. Kelker, C. H. Lamb, Esq., Mr. Stone, W. H. Douglass, Mr. R. Odell,
Mr. S. Shaff, Mr. Flint.]
“Crops have done well, and none have
finer yields, or more acres under cultivation for the time, near town, than Mr.
S. Shaff. He is one of the first settlers; came when J. W. Douglass first came,
though literally commencing his home a year ago. . . .”
“Some of the citizens have had a very
heavy loss of stock, by Spanish fever, it is supposed. No cattle should be
driven in, just from Texas. To couple with this embarrassment, is the loss of
horses by horse thieves, who wander about, north, south, east, and west,
selecting their prizes, which are taken at the proper moment. On the night of
Aug. 8th, several were stolen from here, one from E. C. Nash; two from Dr.
Miller; a pony from J. White; and a pony from J. W. Douglass. Near the same
time we are informed, twenty seven American horses were taken from Wichita. Can
it be these thieves have families waiting to welcome them home, ignorant of the
committal of these criminal deeds! . . .”
“ . . . So closely allied are the crimes
of horse-thieving and land-thieving, it would require a close discrimination to
detect the shade of a difference but in its immensity.
“The method of stealing claims by a Co.
arrangement of “foreman” and “backers” as in the case of Boyd vs. Lamb, which
facts are proved, being now revealed to the public, is more convenient and
modest than a single handed game, for each of the sneaking party, provided they
are content with their share of the gains. These fellows are infesting Southern
Kansas, reveling in their soul bought freedom, thinking not that just men alone
are free, while all the rest are slaves. . . .” ARTICLE SIGNED “LEDA.”
Emporia News, September 30, 1870.
We have cheering news from Arkansas City.
There are now forty-three buildings up, and many more contracted for. Trade is
good. The location of this town is at the junction of Arkansas and Walnut
Rivers, and it cannot fail to be an important town. Liberal inducements are
offered to settlers. H. B. Norton, at Arkansas City, is the President of the
Company. Among the towns in the Walnut Valley, it is only second to El Dorado
in size and the amount of its business.
Emporia News, October 14, 1870.
GOOD NOMINATIONS. We are glad to hear
that the Republicans of Sedgwick County have placed in nomination for
representative, J. M. Steele, of Wichita. . . .
Prof. H. B. Norton has been nominated by
the Republicans of Cowley County for the same position. This nomination is a
good one. Prof. Norton, as the public knows, was for years connected with the
State Normal School. He is a gentleman of liberal education, a forcible debater,
a man of thorough knowledge of the wants and interests of the section of the
State from which he hails, and a man of unimpeachable and never-failing
integrity. If elected, he will be heard from, always on the side of right, in
the next Legislature. At this distance from the “field of battle,” we are
inclined to the opinion that the people of Cowley County cannot do a better
thing than to let Prof. Norton try his hand as a legislator.
Walnut Valley Times, October 21, 1870.
REPUBLICAN
NOMINATIONS.
The Emporia news of the 14th says: we are
glad to hear that the republicans of Sedgwick County have placed in nomination
for representative, J. M. Steele, of Wichita.
Prof. H. B. Norton has been nominated by
the republicans of Cowley County for the same position. This nomination is a
good one. Prof. Norton, as the public knows, was for years connected with the
State Normal School. He is a gentleman of liberal education, a forcible
debater, a man of thorough knowledge of the wants and interests of the section
of the State from which he hails, and a man of unimpeachable and never-failing
integrity. If elected, he will be heard from always on the side of right, in
the next Legislature. At this distance from the “field of battle” we are
inclined to the opinion that the people of Cowley County cannot do a better
thing than to let Prof. Norton try his hand as a legislator.
[COWLEY COUNTY.]
Walnut Valley Times, October 21, 1870.
COWLEY
COUNTY.
Prof. H. B. Norton has been nominated by
the Republicans of Cowley County for Representative to the Legislature from
that county. Mr. Norton lives in Arkansas City; and as a county seat war is
going on in that county, another ticket will be put in the field. The second
convention will be held on the 20th inst.
[COWLEY COUNTY.]
Walnut Valley Times, November 11, 1870.
From the Cowley County Censor of
November 3rd, we take the following:
PRAIRIE FIRE. We regret to state that a
very extensive prairie fire swept through the valley and over a large tract of
upland, yesterday, burning up a large quantity of hay and doing other serious
damage for miles around. Our neighbors Messrs. Oakes & Oakes, lost over 200
tons of good hay, and we hear of many others who have sustained heavy losses.
COUNTY LINES. Prof. Norton has pledged
himself not to change the county lines of Cowley County if elected. He has been
driven to this position by the people of the county. He started out with the
full determination of cutting a strip off from the north end of Cowley, but he
found the measure so unpopular that he has abandoned it for the present. He is
still in favor of the measure, but offers to not favor it this winter if
elected. Besides this project, we have been told that Prof. Norton reported on
Grouse Creek that we and Mr. Manning, especially, intended if elected, to cut a
piece off from the east of Sumner, and attach it to Cowley, and to drop a piece
off of the east of Cowley on to Howard. We are authorized by Mr. Manning to say
that he has no such desire or intentions; but that he is opposed to any change
in our county lines.
Walnut Valley Times, November 11, 1870.
A report came from Cowley County that H.
B. Norton, of Arkansas City, is elected to the Legislature.
Emporia News, November 18, 1870.
Arkansas City. Wanted—a good Blacksmith
at this growing young town. To a live man we can offer first-class inducements.
Address C. V. Eskridge, Emporia, or
H.
B. NORTON, Arkansas City.
Walnut Valley Times, November 18, 1870.
ARKANSAS
CITY, KAN., Nov. 15, 1870.
ED. TIMES: In order to declare E. C.
Manning (People’s Candidate) elected over H. B. Norton, Republican, the two
Winfield Commissioners have thrown out, as informal, the vote of Rock Creek,
Cedar, Dexter, and Grouse—just two-thirds of the County!
Of all known feats of political
shystering, this is certainly the largest on record.
Of course, the case will at once be
contested, and somebody will get hurt. X.
[PLAYING UP BUTLER/SEDGWICK/COWLEY
COUNTY.]
Walnut Valley Times, November 18, 1870.
COWLEY
COUNTY.
Immediately south of Butler is Cowley
County. It is unnecessary for us to eulogize the last named counties. They are
only to be seen to be appreciated. Write to H. B. Norton, Arkansas City, or to
E. C. Manning, Winfield, for information about Cowley County. We are convinced
that these three counties are the best in the State, and would advise
home-seekers to come and see the great southwest.
Emporia News, December 9, 1870.
ARKANSAS
CITY—RAPID GROWTH.
This new town, located at the junction of
Walnut and Arkansas Rivers, is building up rapidly. We glean a few items in
relation to the town from the report of the President—Prof. H. B. Norton—and
Executive Committee of the town company, made at a meeting of said Company held
in this place last Monday.
The first building was completed in April
last, and by a liberal policy in donating lots to those who would build
thereon, fifty-six buildings are now up and occupied; twenty more are in
process of construction, and will be completed within the next twenty days;
twenty-five others are under contract to be built as soon as the materials can
be had. It is believed that over 100 buildings will be completed by the 15th of
January. This is now the largest town in the Walnut Valley, leaving out El
Dorado.
The buildings now occupied include some
of good dimensions, such as the City Hotel, just erected by the Town Company,
which has a basement and two stories, and the main part being 25 x 30 feet.
Many of the business houses are 25 x 40 and two stories high. The Woolsey
house, which is in running order, is 22 x 34, with a two-story wing nearly as
large.
Among the branches of business now being
carried on is the following: Carpenters, dry goods, harness shop, boarding
houses, millinery and dress making, land office, bakery, grocery, restaurant,
paint shop, blacksmithing, livery stable, wagon making, billiard hall, hotels,
hardware and stoves, tin ship, drug store, printing office, clothing store,
candle factory, meat market, jewelry store, shoe shop, feed store, soap
factory, etc.
Trade is good in the town, and as the
Walnut and Arkansas valleys are rich and arable for miles, the country will be
thickly settled, and business will steadily grow better. It is so situated,
also, as to command the trade of several tribes of Indians, in their new homes
in the Indian Territory.
Parties are erecting a large building for
the sale and manufacture of agricultural implements; also, for a town hall 25 x
60 feet. Another hotel is underway to be 30 x 50 feet in size, two stories
high.
The Southern Kansas Italian Immigration
Society has made Arkansas City its headquarters, and has already erected a
building for an office. Two hundred families will be located in the vicinity,
by the agent, who is already making arrangements for them, early in the Spring.
They will engage in silk and grape culture.
The total number of lots donated, so far,
for the benefit of the town, by the Company, 253. A large number more are yet
to be donated.
A ferry is now running over the Walnut
River at the town, and one will soon be running over the Arkansas, and
arrangements are being made to cross Texas cattle at this place next season. A
road has been laid out south to intersect the well known Chisholm trail, and
traders pronounce the route via Arkansas City superior in every respect to the
Western trail.
Two of the best saw mills in Southern
Kansas are running day and night at Arkansas City, and they cannot supply the
demand for lumber. Two shingle machines are also in operation, and to one of
the mills is being added a lath mill and gig-saw.
Beedy & Newman who entered into
contract last season to improve the water-power near the place, are already at
work on a large water mill, which will be running next summer.
The flow of immigration to the town and
country is steadily increasing, and the demand for town lots on the liberal
terms offered by the company, was never so great as now.
The company will obtain title for their
site at an early day, and the town will have a growth next season which will be
rapid and permanent. Few towns in Southern Kansas have a better location.
Emporia News, December 9, 1870.
[SKIPPED
MOST OF A LONG REPORT RE NORMAL SCHOOL.]
CHANGES
IN THE FACULTY.
At the close of the quarter of the fiscal
year, H. B. Norton, Associate Principal, resigned his place in the school. Ill
health, coupled with a desire for an active, out-door life, constituted the
motives inducing the resignation.
Report was signed by L. B. KELLOGG,
Principal.
Emporia News, December 9, 1870.
Prof. H. B. Norton has been in the city
for some days. When he goes back Arkansas City will be supplied with more goods
than we can make room to enumerate. He reports great prosperity in his city.
Emporia News, December 30, 1870.
Prof. Kellogg has gone into the elephant
business. He has bought the Arkansas Traveler office. The well known
energy of the Professor will make it a paying elephant.
Emporia News, December 30, 1870.
We learn from the Arkansas Traveler that
Capt. Norton has just returned from a trip to the Little Osage’s camp, on Slate
Creek, where he has been for some days trading with them. He informs us that
about thirty of the hunters had just got in from a twenty day’s hunt, and
brought with them over 400 robes. This was an unusually good hunt. The balance
of the hunters, about 150 or 200, are expected to come in a few days. They
state that they did not see any wild Indians on the plains, and think they are
below the Cimarron. Big Hill Joe’s band killed over 300 buffaloes on their
first day’s hunt on the Salt Fork. The Osages will get about 5,000 robes on
their first hunt, this winter. Their second hunt will come off early in
January. It is calculated, from the way the hunting has been going on this
winter, that 200,000 buffaloes will be killed by next spring.
News that Professor Norton has
hepatitis...
[FROM ARKANSAS CITY.]
Emporia News, January 13, 1871.
Arkansas
City, Kansas, January 9, 1871.
DEAR NEWS: We are pained to hear that you
have been suffering a little touch of the arctic—have been mourning over nearly
a foot of snow.
Well, we are sorry for you. Here in our
warm, tropical Arkansas Valley, we have had no snow at all, except a few
scattering flakes, that melted as they fell. Roads and weather are lovely.
Arkansas City is growing faster than
ever, our seventy-seventh building was raised on the 6th. It is our new
schoolhouse, built by subscription, 25 x 40 feet. We have already an excellent
school, in two departments. In a few weeks more, this will be the great staging
center of Kansas. The consolidated line of the two great companies are to be at
once extended from Parker and Eureka to this point; the former line to be
pushed on up to Wichita, and another line will speedily be extended to Fort
Sill.
Prof. Norton has for several weeks been
lying severely ill, unable to sit up or move much of the time. The disease is
acute hepatitis. He is slowly gaining, but will not be able to move for some
weeks. This is a great disappointment to all who desired him to claim his seat in the Legislature.
Our big new mills are being rapidly
built. The immigration is remarkable. The survey of the lands is in progress,
and we are beginning to know where our claims are. A. G. O. A. C.
Walnut Valley Times, January 27, 1871.
The Traveler says that Norton
Bros. Indian Trade this winter will amount to over $30,000.
Walnut Valley Times, January 27, 1871.
Prof. Kellogg is making arrangements to
enlarge the Arkansas City Traveler to an eight column paper.
Emporia News, February 3, 1871.
CHICAGO,
KANSAS & TEXAS R. R.
A company has been organized under the
above name, having for its object the construction of a railroad commencing at
Council Grove, Morris County, Kansas, and thence by way of Cottonwood Falls,
Chase County, Chelsea, El Dorado, Augusta and Douglass, Butler County, Winfield
and Arkansas City, Cowley County, and thence on the most direct and practicable
route to Florence, near the mouth of the Little Wichita, on Red River, Texas.
The capital stock of said company to be
one million dollars.
A meeting of the directors of said
company was held at Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, Kansas, January 4th, A. D.
1871.
The proceedings of the meeting were as
follows.
In the absence of Hon. T. H. Baker,
President, Vice President C. A. Britton took the chair. After a lengthy
discussion of the project by Messrs. Wood, Baker, Stover, and others, the
meeting proceeded with the following action: At the request and recommendation
of
G. M. Simcock, treasurer by the charter,
William Shamleffer was elected to fill vacancy as director and treasurer. H. L.
Hunt was also elected to fill vacancy of director.
S. N. Wood, superintendent, was
authorized to cause books to be opened in the Indian Territory and in Texas for
subscriptions to the capital stock of the company. Hon. E. S. Stover was
authorized to open books in Council Grove, Morris County; H. L. Hunt in Chase
County; T. H. Baker in Augusta; H. T. Sumner in El Dorado, Butler County; E. C.
Manning in Winfield; and H. B. Norton in Arkansas City, in Cowley County,
Kansas.
On motion Hon. E. S. Stover, Hon. James
Finney, Hon. S. M. Wood, Hon. L. S. Friend, Hon. T. H. Baker, and Hon. E. C.
Manning were appointed a committee to ask the Legislature of the State of
Kansas for the passage of a memorial asking Congress to grant the right of way
to the above railroad company through the government lands in the south of
Kansas and the Indian Territory to Texas.
It was moved and adopted that S. N. Wood,
H. P. Dumas, and A. Eldridge be a committee to procure action and the influence
of the Legislature of Texas in favor of obtaining the right of way through the
Indian Territory and also obtaining a grant of land from the State to the
company. The said committee were also authorized to present to the proper
authorities the question of getting a transfer of the Atchison branch road as
required by act of Congress, running from where said Atchison road crosses the
Neosho River to where the Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston road crosses the
same, to run from Cottonwood Falls, Chase County, by way of the Walnut Valley
in Butler and Cowley Counties, to the south line of the State of Kansas.
Moved and adopted that the Superintendent
cause a preliminary survey of the road to be made, if the same can be done
without involving the company in debt. Moved and adopted that the proper
officer, as soon as local subscriptions are sufficient, cause to be let under
contract any portion of said road and, also, to negotiate with any other
railroad company to construct any part or the whole of said road. It was also
resolved that the secretary correspond with the secretary of St. Joseph, Wamego
and Council Grove R. R. Co., in relation to the probability or possibility of
forming a continuous line of the two roads. It was moved that subscriptions to
capital stock of the company be received, payable in county and township bonds,
lands, or town lots at their cash value, and that certificates of paid up stock
be issued therefor as well as the ordinary subscriptions of stock in money.
Ordered that the secretary furnish a copy of the proceedings of this meeting to
the newspapers of Morris, Chase, Butler, and Cowley Counties. Moved and adopted
that the meeting adjourn subject to call by the secretary. C. A. BRITTON,
Vice-Pres’t.
W. S. ROMIGH, Secretary.
Emporia News, February 3, 1871.
ON
THE WING.
Augusta,
Kansas, January 29th, 1871.
Over a week has passed since an opportunity
has presented itself for us to forward an account of our wanderings to the
NEWS. Within that time we have traveled through the Walnut Valley from El
Dorado to Arkansas City, near the mouth of the stream, and returned to this
point; a distance of almost 60 miles.
South of Augusta, a distance of 12 miles,
is located the village of Douglass. It is situated on the Big Walnut, at a
point almost three miles below the junction of the Little Walnut. The town site
is an excellent one, being on a gentle rise in the prairie, and gives it
drainage that will, in a great measure, protect it from the mud incident to
towns built on the tenacious soil of Kansas.
The storm clouds that covered this
youthful village, and enveloped it in gloom a few weeks ago, have all dispersed,
giving place to the more genial sunshine of prosperity, and leaving the
atmosphere much purer and healthier than before. Unless the stranger asks
questions, he would never suspect that such a thing as hanging men by fours was
ever resorted to by the quiet working people of this little frontier
neighborhood. But the fact that eight men were shot and hung in this vicinity
not long ago, can’t be denied; as a consequence, the citizens from Augusta to
Arkansas City claim that they have no need of watching stock, but wake from
peaceful slumbers to find their horses where they left them the previous night.
They go to work in the morning thankfully, remembering long days in the past
spent in fruitless search for missing horses.
Douglass contains about twenty houses,
with all the stores, shops, etc., usually found in such places. In the town
there are three general country stores. L. Shamleffer & Bro., brothers of
our enterprising friend, Billy Shamleffer, at Council Grove, are carrying on an
extensive trade here in dry goods, groceries, etc. They are young men of large
business capacity, and are working hard to advance the interest of the town and
country. Huffman & Brown are engaged in the grocery and provision business.
The Douglass House is one of the best hotels in the valley. C. H. Lamb is the
proprietor. Here the traveler finds good beds, good hash, and an accommodating
landlord. Mr. Lamb is postmaster and is also dealing in blank books and
stationery. The country around Douglass is well settled and supports a good
trade. They are in need of a drug store and a shoemaker here; anyone starting a
business in either of the above will be liberally supported.
From the mouth of the Little Walnut, the
timber becomes heavier the further one travels down the valley.
Ten miles below Douglass we arrive at a
trading point called “Polk’s store.” This store is owned by A. V. Polk, a
native of Pennsylvania. He has a good location for his stock of goods. The post
office here is called “Lone Tree.” This will make a good trading point, and we
rather wonder that a town has not been laid off here.
After crossing Big Dutch Creek, a large
stream, we found ourself at Winfield, county seat of Cowley County. This town
presents an extremely new appearance. In fact, it has been built, with the
exception of a very few houses, within the last three months. Some good wooden
buildings are being erected. On our road to the mouth of the Walnut, we stopped
at the Walnut Valley House at this place. That night was a new experience to
us. We have heard of the hair of one’s head being turned gray in one night.
Heretofore we were incredulous, but its truth has been demonstrated and we
believe it. This house needs “ventilation,” but we will leave that for the
citizens of Winfield to do. We found some enterprising men here, and with their
excellent location and rich surrounding country, they will have a city of no
mean dimension at some future time. Among some of the principal businessmen of
Winfield are Maris & Hunt, dealers in groceries; and Deloss Palmer,
formerly of Emporia, dealer in hardware and tinware. W. C. Orr is proprietor of
the Indiana House; his table is always loaded with the best the market affords
and he spares no pains to make his guests comfortable. The present term of the
school here is taught by Miss Mellville. [?Melville?]. A. J. Patrick is
publishing the “Censor” here. This is a good paper and is becoming
extremely popular in Cowley and Butler Counties.
Arkansas City has one of the finest
locations for a town to be found any place in Kansas, but as this has been
written of so often and so extensively, we will pass it for the present. The
city contains about eighty houses, some of them are very good buildings. H. O.
Meigs has recently erected a large building, in which he has opened the City
Hotel, one of the best hotels in the valley; G. H. Hamilton & Co. are doing
an extensive business in groceries and provisions; they have a large stock.
Charley Sipes is engaged in hardware, etc. Keith & Eddy, a Leavenworth
firm, are selling drugs. E. A. Rennin and M. C. McIntire are dealing flour,
feed, and groceries. Norton & Bro. are trading extensively with the
Indians. The Arkansas Traveler, the property of L. B. Kellogg, of
Emporia, published here, is superintended by C. M. Scott, the local editor.
Mr. Scott is a first class printer and gets up one of the neatest little papers
in the State.
Owing to the bad condition of the roads,
our return trip was not as pleasant as dry soil and fine weather would have
made it. G. G. PATTERSON BRIX.
Emporia News, February 10, 1871.
[Part
of this item is missing...all chopped up.]
We clip the following notice of Prof.
Norton from the Schoolmaster, an educational periodical published at
Chicago.
“Hon. H. B. Norton, late Associate
Principal of the Kansas State Normal School, has left, we suspect, forever. When the prospect of
wealth appears, most of us kindly accept the situation. His ability and energy
to select a spot in Cowley County, Kansas, at the junction of the Walnut and
Arkansas Rivers, upon which to build a city. He and his brother, Gould Hyde,
put up the first log house in June. Today there are nearly one hundred
buildings, including mills, etc. A large trade is already opened with the
Osages and Texan drovers. Capt. Norton will handle $30,000 in furs and robes
this winter. As the Norton boys have a large share of the land, and as two
railroads are sure to pass through their town, we, on the whole, are not
disposed to blame the ‘Sage’ for leaving the school room.”
Walnut Valley Times, February 10, 1871.
THE
COUNTY LINE QUESTION.
Elsewhere we publish the proceedings and
resolutions of a public meeting, held in Eldorado, on Monday evening, February
6th, in reference to the County Line Question. We are all aware that the people
residing in the southern portion of Butler and the northern portion of Cowley
Counties want a new county formed out of the territory now comprising the two
named counties. This proposition is one that we are all more or less interested
in, and should engage the candid consideration of every citizen of these
counties. The question is, whether these counties are not too large for
practical purposes.
Leaving out local issues, would it be to
the best interest of the taxpayers of these counties to have a new county
formed, embracing the territory in the south of Butler and north of Cowley
counties. E. C. Manning, Representative of Cowley County, was elected on the
issue of “no change of County lines.” H. B. Norton, his opponent ran on
the same platform, but was defeated.
Emporia News, March 31, 1871.
H. B. Norton spent a few days here this
week. He is as enthusiastic as ever for the Arkansas Valley, and Arkansas City
in particular. He says there are now over ninety buildings in the City, and
more going up. Shares are selling rapidly. Norton & Bro. are doing a large
trade, as is every business house in the town.
Emporia News, April 14, 1871.
Max Fawcett left upon our table a
specimen of hydraulic cement, taken from his claim near Arkansas City. He has a
ledge on his place that crops out above the surface for a distance of one
hundred rods. Being in doubt as to what it really was, he took a specimen to
Prof. H. B. Norton, of Arkansas City, who pronounced it hydraulic cement. In
order to feel yet more certain, he took it to a Professor in the Normal School
at Bloomington, Illinois, who is a first class geologist, and he pronounced it
to be the same that Prof. Norton thought it was. This cement is a matter that
being made of hydraulic lime is very extensively used for cementing under
water, but is not abundantly found anywhere else in this country, we believe,
except in Michigan. It may prove of no inconsiderable value to Max. We hope it
may.
Emporia News, May 12, 1871.
FROM
ARKANSAS CITY.
Arkansas
City, May 1, 1871.
EDITOR NEWS: About one week since, a
strong working force stated from this point for Fort Sill, accompanying a train
sent out by Neal & Co., of Humboldt, to the Cheyenne and Wichita Agencies.
Col. O. P. Johnson commands the party.
The object is to completely open a road
to a point near the crossing of Red Fork, just above where the “Jackson Trail”
diverges. This will give us an air line to Fort Sill, through a most
magnificent country, and over a road made as perfect as a strong working force
can make it in one season.
We have an excellent ferry at this point.
Only 50 cents ferriage across the Arkansas, and freighters from Emporia will
save 50 to 75 miles by taking this instead of the Wichita route.
Very
respectively, H. B. NORTON.
[BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEET JUNE
27, 1871.]
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
Board of County Commissioners met in
special session at the County Clerk’s office in Winfield, June 27th, 1871.
Present: T. A. Blanchard, G. H. Norton,
and E. Simpson.
Proceeded to canvass the vote of Beaver
Township, which resulted in declaring the following officers elected.
For Justice of the Peace, Alfred Jenkins
and T. W. Morris; for constables, N. Wertman and J. L. Ritchie; for Trustee, L.
M. Kennedy; for Treasurer, Isaac Beach; for Clerk E. J. Smalley; Road Overseer,
H. Freeman.
Petition of M. S. Cobb was then
presented, asking for a license to keep a dram shop in Arkansas City. Petition
rejected on the ground that said Cobb failed to satisfy the Board that a
majority of the citizens of the township were on said petition. There was also
a large remonstrance filed and presented.
Petition of Gillmore and others for road
was presented. Laid over until next for want of evidence of publication.
Petition of Jasper Trusty and others for
a new township was granted, with the following boundary lines: Commencing on
the west bank of the Walnut, at the crossing of the north line of Township 33,
Range 4, thence west to northwest corner of township, thence south to southwest
corner of township, thence east two miles, thence south two miles, then east
five miles, thence north six miles, thence west to Walnut River, thence up the
Walnut River, to place of beginning. Name of Township: “Pleasant Valley.”
Election ordered July 25th, 1871.
Remonstrance against the State Road that
runs from Eureka to Arkansas City, running through Pat Sumner’s claim laid over
for the report of the viewers.
Petition of A. Kelley and others for a
new township granted, with the following boundaries: Commence northeast corner
of Township 30, Range 6, running south nine miles, thence west one mile, thence
south one mile, thence west one mile, thence south one mile, thence west eight
miles, thence north six miles, thence east one mile, thence north one mile,
thence east one mile, thence north one mile, thence east one mile, thence north
three miles, then east to place of beginning. Name of township, “Richland.”
Election ordered 25th day of July, 1871.
Petition for the sale of school section
sixteen, 7, 31, Range 7, east. The following appraisers were approved by the
Board: Joseph Trumbell, Henry Wilkins, and E. D. Sutton.
Petition for the sale of the southeast
quarter of Section thirty-six, Township 21, Range 4, of school land. The
following appraisers were appointed by the Board: J. C. Monfort, S. R. Richards,
and W. J. Orr.
Petition for the sale of the northeast
quarter of Sections 36, 7, 32, Range 3, east of school lands. The following
gentlemen were approved as appraisers: D. A. Millington, J. D. Cochran, and E.
C. Manning.
Petition of L. B. Goodrich and others for
the sale of school lands was laid over until next meeting of the Board.
The following bills were allowed.
One in favor of T. H. B. Ross, services
as Deputy Sheriff, $5.00; H. J. Keffer, as judge of election, $6.00; cost in
case of State vs. Thomas Shippley, $52.15; E. Case as Deputy Constable in above
case, $5. T. A. BLANCHARD, Chairman.
A. A. JACKSON, Clerk.
Emporia News, July 21, 1871.
OSAGE,
NEOSHO AND WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
The papers have been filed for the
organization of a company to build a railroad from Ottawa (the present western
terminus of the Kansas City and Santa Fe railroad, and soon to be the western
terminus of the Holden road) up the Marais des Cygnes River Valley, thence to
the Neosho, up the Cottonwood and South Fork to the Walnut Valley, and down
that magnificent stream to its mouth, at Arkansas City. This, today, is the
most important railroad project on foot in this State, as it traverses five of
the best valleys in the western country.
The following gentlemen, who are incorporators
of this great enterprise, are men well known for their sagacity, enterprise,
and devotion to the interests of Kansas: S. T. Kelsey, Franklin County; J.
Mather Jones, Osage County; F. R. Page, C. V. Eskridge, S. J. Crawford, E. P.
Bancroft, E. P. Peyton, Lyon County; T. B. Murdock, M. Vaught, J. D. Conner, T.
H. Baker, Butler County; D. A. Millington, H. B. Norton, Cowley County.
The length of this road is about 180
miles, and the capital stock is $4,000,000.
Osage and Franklin Counties have already
voted bonds to this road to the amount of $175,000. It is supposed that on the
balance of the road $600,000 can be voted, making a total of $775,000. This
will insure the speedy construction of the entire line. . . .
It will be remembered that about a year
ago companies were organized to build over this same route. It has been thought
best to consolidate them into one company, and thus have a more united feeling.
We urge, in behalf of the people along
this line, immediate action.
Walnut Valley Times, July 21, 1871.
OSAGE,
NEOSHO AND WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.
The above Railroad Company was organized
this week, and will receive its charter from the State within the next few
days.
Prominent Railroad men are interested in
this organization and give assurance that the road will be built as soon as the
franchises are worked up. This road is to start from Ottawa, and run up the
Marais Des Cygnes Valley to Arronis, in Osage County, thence up the Neosho
Valley to Emporia, thence up the Cottonwood Valley, crossing over to the head
of the Walnut and passing directly to the mouth of the steam, via Chelsea,
Eldorado, Augusta, Walnut City, Douglass, Winfield, and Arkansas City.
The Directors of this Company are: R. M.
Kelsey, of Franklin County; J. Mather Jones, of Osage county; F. R. Page, C.
V. Eskridge, Gov. S. J. Crawford, E. P. Bancroft, and E. B. Peyton, of Lyon
County; M. Vaught, T. B. Murdock, J. D. Connor, and Hon. T. H. Baker, of Butler
County; D. A. Millington and H. G. Norton, of Cowley County.
One hundred and seventy-five thousand
dollars in bonds have already been voted to secure the building of this road
from Ottawa to Emporia. Lyon County will give one hundred and fifty thousand
dollars for the continuation of this road to the west line of the County in the
direction of the Walnut Valley. Should the counties of Butler and Cowley each
vote two hundred thousand dollars in bonds to this road, it will be built the
entire length of the Valley within fourteen months. We are assured that the
Company proposing to build this road will commence at Emporia and build both
ways. We consider this road a feasible one that will reach the Valley sooner
than any other, giving us a shorter route east, with better connections than
any route now proposed. We shall give further particulars next week.
Emporia News, September 29, 1871.
FROM
ARKANSAS CITY.
Settlers
Moving North—Railroad and Other Matters.
Arkansas
City, September 24, 1871.
DEAR NEWS: As your readers have not had a
letter from this section for some time, I thought one might prove interesting.
What seems to be agitating the minds of a
great many of our people just now is the vexed question of the exact location
of the State line. Emigrants came in last spring and settled up the country
immediately south of here quite densely. In their eagerness to get good claims,
many of them, I am afraid, got too far south, and settled in the Territory.
Superintendent Hoag’s recent instructions, ordering intruders out of the
Territory, has created quite a sensation. Many are moving their houses one,
two, and three miles north, upon unoccupied claims. It is unfortunate for them
because many of them have made improvements, such as breaking, etc., which they
are compelled to abandon, thereby losing one season’s labor.
The sectioning of the Territory is under
rapid headway. Col. E. N. Darling has four hundred men employed on the work.
His aim is to get it completed in January next. Quite a good many men have gone
from here to engage in the work. The survey headquarters have been established
on Deer Creek, twelve miles south of here. Major A. N. Deming, of New York, is
in charge. This being their basis of supplies, our merchants are wearing
smiling countenances.
Touching railroad matters, Cowley
congratulates Lyon County for her work on the 13th inst. This county is alive
to her interests, and when called upon she will follow your noble example.
The Nortons are down in the Territory
among their Wausasha friends. All miss the graceful Professor and the fair
haired Captain.
The drawing of lots due on certificates
is announced to come off on the 30th inst. Everything bids fair that the
drawing will be conducted in an honorable manner. M. J. M.
[REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.]
Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.
Last Saturday the Republican Delegate
Convention met at this place and, notwithstanding the day was stormy and
disagreeable, all the townships were represented except Creswell. The following
named gentlemen were the delegates.
Richland Township: James Kelly and Frank
Cox.
Windsor Township: S. Wilkins, B. H.
Clover, and John Dudley.
Vernon Township: Geo. Easterly, T. A.
Blanchard, and F. A. Schwantes.
Beaver Township: T. W. Morris, B. Y.
Hunt, and L. M. Kennedy.
Tisdale Township: G. W. Foughty and A. B.
Lemmon.
Pleasant Valley Township: W. E. Cook, D.
Hostetter, and S. W. Greer.
Rock Township: John Irwin, A. V. Polk, W.
H. Grow, and J. Funk.
Dexter Township: Jas. McDermott, J. H.
Reynolds, and G. P. Wagner.
Winfield: E. S. Torrance, I. H. Coon, J.
W. Hornbeak, C. A. Bliss, J. A. Myton, Capt. Tansey, D. A. Millington, and Jno.
Stannard.
The convention was called to order by J.
McDermott, Chairman of the Central Committee.
E. S. Torrance was chosen temporary
Chairman and L. H. Coon, Secretary.
CANDIDATES FOR NOMINATION:
Representatives: E. C. Manning and S. M.
Fall.
Sheriff: T. A. Blanchard, Warren Ablen,
J. M. Pattison and E. M. Conklin.
Register of Deeds: John Irwin, F. A.
Hunt, G. C. Swasey, and J. W. Tull.
Treasurer: A. H. Green, W. H. Grow, and
G. W. Bullene.
Coroner: G. P. Wagner.
Surveyor: W. W. Walton.
County Clerk: J. W. Hornbeak and J. A.
Myton.
Superintendent of Public Instruction:
Jno. Dudley and A. B. Lemmon.
CENTRAL COMMITTEE FOR ENSUING YEAR:
Dexter township, James McDermott.
Creswell township, G. H. Norton.
Beaver township, L. M. Kennedy.
Rock township, John Irwin.
Winfield township, L. J. Webb.
L. J. WEBB WAS CHOSEN CHAIRMAN AND JOHN
IRWIN SECRETARY.
BACKGROUND ON SOME OF THE CANDIDATES.
E. C. MANNING. The nominee for
Representative is so well known to the people of this county that it hardly
seems necessary for us to say ought concerning him. Were it not that his
personal and political enemies have said and done so much to place him in a
false light before the people it would be wholly unnecessary for us to do so.
Col. Manning has resided in this State
about twelve years. During that time he has been five winters in the
Legislature; he is thoroughly posted in parliamentary usage and it is conceded
by all who know him that as a legislator he has but few superiors. He came to this
county two years ago, long before its organization, in which he took an active
part, devoting his energy, time and means in making it what it now is, one of
the leading counties on the southern boundaries of the State.
Last winter he represented the county in
the Legislature, and the zeal with which he watched after its interests was
commended by the members from all parts of the State, and the press at the
capitol acknowledge his services in flattering terms. Upon his return he found
those who were endeavoring to supplant him, using all means in their power to
do so; he has at all times worked for the interests of the county, and not
being willing to submit to the charges made against him, he challenged his
defamers to meet him face to face before the people; he stood upon his record
and no one appeared for the purpose of substantiating the charges made against
him. His enemies knew it was folly to attempt it, and the Colonel stands
unimpeached before the people.
T. A. BLANCHARD. The nominee for Sheriff
is also well known through the county, holding as he does the Chairmanship of
the Board of County Commissioners. He is a staunch Republican, and has held the
office for which he is a candidate in Greenwood Co., this State, for several
terms, knows well its duties and will make a prompt and efficient officer.
A. H. GREEN. The nominee for Treasurer is
a rising young lawyer of this place; he is a true Republican, in every respect
qualified for this position, and if elected will faithfully discharge the duties
of his office.
J. W. HORNBEAK. Our candidate for County
Clerk is well known to most of our citizens. He is an old soldier, having
served during the war of the rebellion four years and four months; he was
wounded several times, and is now prevented by reason of those wounds from
doing hard work. He is an honest, upright young man, a good scribe, having
graduated at one of our leading commercial colleges. He is well fitted for the
office, and the people of Cowley County will best serve their own interests by
electing Mr. Hornbeak to serve them. If there be any man in Cowley County who
is deserving political favor it is Mr. Hornbeak.
W. W. WALTON. The candidate for Surveyor
has so often been spoken of that little more need be said. He is a practical
Surveyor, having graduated at the State University of Missouri about one year
ago, since which time he has been actively engaged in his profession.
JOHN IRWIN. The nominee for Register of
Deeds, of Rock Township, is a leading farmer of the county. For many years he
was engaged in mercantile pursuits, is a thorough going businessman, a good
scribe, and well known to be an honest upright citizen.
DR. G. P. WAGNER. Nominated for
Coroner...rising young physician...he resides at Dexter.
FRANK COX. Of Richland Township,
nominated for Commissioner of District No. 1.
LUCIUS WALTON, of Dexter, for District
No. 2.
R. MAURER, of Dexter, for District No. 3.
[These gentlemen are all farmers and well
known, etc.]
JOHN DUDLEY. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT
CANDIDATE...FARMER OF WINDSOR TOWNSHIP.
COL. J. M. ALEXANDER. Since writing the
above we learn that Col. Alexander received the nomination at the Senatorial
Convention held at Douglass last Tuesday, for Senator from the 25th District.
Col. Alexander is so well known throughout the county, and in fact the
district, which is comprised of the counties of Howard, Cowley, Butler, and
Sedgwick, that the people need not be told of his ability to represent our
interests in the Senate.
DR. WRIGHT, Of Oswego, is the Republican
candidate for Railroad Assessor for the Eleventh Judicial District, and of
course will be elected.
[SOUTHWESTERN KANSAS: COWLEY COUNTY.]
Walnut Valley Times, December 1, 1871.
Cowley
County.
[FROM
THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER.]
The Arkansas Traveler will be
enlarged and greatly improved soon.
There is no let up, no diminution of zeal
and enterprise with which the citizens of Arkansas City work for the interest
of the town. The prospects of this young city were never brighter than now. All
goes well with us.
The citizen’s Association has ordered the
printing of 5,000 pamphlets, descriptive of Arkansas City and vicinity.
H. B. Norton and L. B. Kellogg have been
appointed to edit the pamphlet. It will be printed at this office.
OUR BRIDGE. The bridge across the
Arkansas is to be built immediately. The lumber is nearly all out, and teams
are now at work hauling it down to the river bank. Mr. Hobson, the contractor,
is in town and proposes to push matters.
Keith & Eddy have some specimens of
brown umber and ochre, which is found in large quantities near this place.
Parties are investigating the mine, and will soon make arrangements for the
manufacture of mineral paint. This discovery will be of great benefit to
Arkansas City by inducing manufactures.
[CONVENTION: KANSAS CITY, EMPORIA &
WALNUT VALLEY RAILROAD.]
Walnut Valley Times, July 19, 1872.
RAILROAD
CONVENTION.
Delegates from the several conventions
along the line of the Kansas City, Emporia & Walnut Valley Railroad, and
from Kansas City, met at the courthouse in Emporia July 11th to consider the
matter of raising money and apportioning to each locality along the line its
equitable share to build the road. Prof. H. B. Norton, of Arkansas City, was
made chairman, and Prof. Warner Craig, of Osage County, secretary.
Entitled to seats in the convention—
Cowley County: H. B. Norton, L. R.
Kellogg, C. A. Bliss, and C. A. Millington.
Butler County: W. M. Sparks, A. L.
Redden, and T. B. Murdock.
Among those who were made directors—
Cowley County: C. A. Bliss and Thomas
Blanchard, of Winfield, and A. D. Keith, of Arkansas City.
Butler County: Wm. Sparks, of Chelsea, T.
B. Murdock, of Eldorado, and Neil Wilkie, of Douglass.
[TEACHER’S INSTITUTE: H. B.
NORTON—EDITOR, BENT MURDOCK.]
Walnut Valley Times, October 25, 1872.
H. B. Norton, of Arkansas City, was at
our Teachers’ Institute during its session and thus writes of us in the
Arkansas Traveler.
The town was full of handsome school
ma’ams and their cavaliers. An Institute of over seventy teachers convened on
the 23rd prox. It was a gala week. Everybody kept open house, hospitality ran
rampant, and we “boarded round” right royally. Our bighearted and digestive
friend, Bent Murdock, gave away a big edition of his paper to the teachers.
The TIMES is building a cut stone block,
and waxes fat. Eldorado is the largest and most wealthy town in the valley.
Judge Campbell is opposed to the one term principle, and is going to be
re-nominated. So be it. Dr. White resembles Jeshurun, and sells infinite piles
of quinine. His lady’s ministrations of hospitality will be remembered for a
long time to come. They are glorious hosts.
Walnut Valley is full of people, full of
corn, full of grit; but hogs are scarce, fruit scanty, and money wanting. We
wait for a railroad with anguished hearts. Heaven speed the day.
[PROGRAMME OF TEACHERS INSTITUTE AT
WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 20, 1873.
RECAP OF PARTICIPANTS ONLY.
Charles Williston, J. B. Parmelee, Mrs.
Bostwick, Mrs. J. C. Graham, J. B. Fairbank, Prof. Wilson, Prof. E. P. Hickok,
Mrs. N. J. Fergeson, Prof. L. B. Kellogg, Mrs. Mina Hawkins, Prof. H. B.
Norton, H. H. Martin, C. L. Rood, J. W. Cowgill, Alexander Limerick, Mrs.
Bostwick, Miss Helen Parmelee, Miss Lizzie Swarts.
Efforts are being made to secure the
presence of our State Superintendent, H. D. McCarty. T. A. WILKINSON, Co.
Superintendent.
[SHERIFF’S SALE: W. T. SODEN, ET AL, VS.
H. B. NORTON, ET AL.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 8, 1873.
Sheriff’s
Sale.
W. T. Soden, et al ) In the District court for Lyon County,
vs. ) Kansas.
H. B. Norton, et al. )
By virtue of an order of sale issued out
of the District court, for Lyon county, Kansas, and to me directed, wherein W.
T. Soden, E. R. Holderman, I. E. Perley, and J. S. McMillen are plaintiffs, and
H. B. Norton and G. H. Norton are defendants, I will, on the 24th day of May,
1873, at one o’clock p.m., in front of the court house door, in the city of
Winfield, Cowley county, Kansas, offer for sale, to the highest bidder for cash
in hand for not less than two thirds of the appraised value thereof, all the
right, title, and interest of the Defendants, H. B. Norton and G. H. Norton, in
and to the following described real property, as follows to-wit:
Lot 19, block 44, lot 17, block 109, lot
14 in block 17, lot 11 in block 116, lot 25
in block 53, lot 7 in block 9, lot 15, block 120, lot 21, block 110, lot
2, block 95, lot 30, block 136, lot 14, block 133, lot 5, block 124, lot 16,
block 82, lot 15, block 51, lot 25, block 19, lot 26, block 151, lot 10, block
30, lot 15, block 39, lot 17, block 150, lot 18, block 86, lot 11, block 39,
lot 13, block 17, lot 23, block 94, lot 10, block 116, lot 19, block 93, lot
15, block 131, lot 8, block 9, lot 16, block 120, lot 14, block 32, lot 1,
block 95, lot 29, block 136, lot 14, block 76, lot 18, block 104, lot 7, block
30, lot 8, block 124, lot 3, block 54, lot 24, block 19, lot 25, block 151, lot
21, block 82, lot 7, block 50, lot 16, block 39, lot 18, block 150, lot 7,
block 73, lot 20, block 138, lot 21, block 138, lot 14, block 113, lot 10,
block 32, lot 3, block 35, lot 9, block 101, lot 19, block 52, lot 13, block
113, lot 6, block 39, lot 4, block 25, lot 10, block 101, lot 20, block 52, lot
6, block 30.
All of said real estate being in the city
of Arkansas City, county of Cowley, State of Kansas.
Said real property will be sold in
obedience to said order of sale.
Given under my hand at my office, in the
city of Winfield, this 15th day of April, 1873.
JAMES
PARKER, Sheriff, Cowley County, Kansas.
[DEATH OF MRS. L. B. KELLOGG.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, May 27, 1873.
Mr. Norton received a letter from Prof.
L. B. Kellogg, late Principal of the State Normal School, dated Golden City,
Colorado, May 17th inst., containing information that Mrs. Abbie G. Kellogg,
his wife, died at that place on the 15th inst., and that he will go to
Illinois, and perhaps to Massachusetts with his little children, after which he
will return to Arkansas City.
Prof. Kellogg left Arkansas City a couple
weeks since, with his family, to spend the summer in the mountains for the
benefit of Mrs. Kellogg, who had been in poor health for some time. The
sympathies of a large number of our citizens will be enkindled in behalf of the
bereaved husband by the above announcement. Mrs. Kellogg was a faithful wife,
and greatly attached to her husband, always ready to sacrifice her personal
comfort and enjoyment to his interests. We have a vivid recollection of their
starting from Emporia two years ago for their new home on the border, and
considering the position they filled in society here, we could not but admire
the devotion of a woman, who crowding into a rough wagon, filled with household
goods and her little ones, would take the lines and drive an imperfectly broken
pair of colts, her husband on horseback following, to a new home on the borders
of an uncivilized Indian Territory.
To many who have made such journeys to a
new country, this circumstance may appear trivial, but in days to come there
will be some at least who will find immense comfort in the contemplation of
those days when a wife and mother, educated, and accustomed to social and
refined associations, willingly surrendered her own comfort that in the future
herself and family might enjoy the rich blessings of an honest earnest
sacrifice. Emporia Ledger.
Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg were old residents
of this county, and will long be remembered by the old settlers of Arkansas
City and Winfield. Mrs. Kellogg was an estimable lady, and the news of her
death brings a pang of sadness to the hearts of her many friends in Cowley
County.
[SHERIFF’S SALE: JAMES PARKER, SHERIFF OF
COWLEY COUNTY]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 10, 1873.
W. T. SODDEN, E. R. HOLDERMAN, J. S.
McMillen, AND I. E. PERLEY, PLAINTIFFS, VERSUS H. B. NORTON, G. H. NORTON,
ALICE J. NORTON, AND MARIAN G. NORTON, DEFENDANTS. SHERIFF PARKER SOLD LOT 14,
BLOCK 79, TOGETHER WITH HEREDITAMENTS AND TENEMENTS THEREUNTO BELONGING, LYING
AND BEING IN THE CITY OF ARKANSAS CITY.
[COURT PROCEEDINGS CONTINUED FROM
PREVIOUS EDITION.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.
J. S. McMillen et al vs. H. B. Norton et
al: sale confirmed.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 21, 1873.
Prof. Henry B. Norton will deliver a
course of Scientific Lectures on the evening of the 28th, 29th, and 30th inst.,
in the Arkansas City Schoolhouse, commencing at 7-1/2 o’clock p.m. Subjects:
Suns and Planets; the Nebula Hypothesis and the six days of creation; The earth
and man. Tickets for the entire course 50 cents. The Lectures will treat of the
most recent discoveries concerning the structure of the Universe; the plurality
of worlds; the spectroscope, and its recent wonderful revelations; the
antiquity of man; air and ocean currents; and the complete harmony of science
and revelation. The entire proceeds will go to aid in the erection of a
parsonage for the use of the pastors of the M. E. church of Arkansas City. We
earnestly solicit the patronage of the community. C. KING, P.C.
N. B. The Basket meeting will begin next
Sabbath morning the 24th inst., in Endicott’s grove and continue through the
entire week. We invite all. The presence of the various Evangelical ministers
is earnestly desired. C. KING, P. C.
Walnut Valley Times, August 22, 1873.
Prof. Norton, of the State Normal School
at Emporia, is in attendance at our Institute. The professor is loved and
beloved by the teachers and educators of Butler County.
Prof. Norton will lecture tonight at the
Academy Hall on the subject of Genesis and Geology. It will undoubtedly be a
good one. Turn out.
PROF.
NORTON’S LECTURE.
Walnut Valley Times, August 29, 1873.
On Wednesday evening, Prof. Norton
lectured upon “The Great Republic.” The lecturer discussed various evils
affecting modern society, including war, the diversity of languages, restraints
upon commerce, our imperfect system of weights, measures, and coinage, and the
discordant relations between labor and capital. He then spoke of the remedies
which may be applied to these evils. The British Parliament is moving in behalf
of international high court, which shall arbitrate between nations, and make
an end of war. The Japanese are now likely to adopt an improved form of the
English language, with a phonetic alphabet and regularized verbs, which is
likely to become universal in the far east and ultimately all over the world.
The tendency of the times is towards free trade, cooperation between capital
and labor, and to universal adoption of the French Metric System and a uniform
coinage all over the world. The lecturer showed that this would practically
change the world into one Great Republic and pictured the grand effect of this
harmonious union upon human progress.
Upon Friday evening he lectured upon “The
Nebular Hypothesis,” analyzing the structure of the universe, its method of
growth, and the complete harmony between Genesis and geological science.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 4, 1873.
The directors of the Agricultural Society
will meet at the Fair Grounds, Saturday, Sept. 6th, 1873, at 2 o’clock P. M.
They earnestly desire that the Superintendents of all the departments meet with
them to acquaint themselves with their duties. The following are the names of
the various Superintendents.
Capt. E. Davis; A. Walton; J. H.
Churchill; J. P. Short; John R. Smith; E. B. Johnson; W. K. Davis; A. S.
Williams; Will S. Voris; S. H. Myton; Samuel Darrah; James Stewart; Jas. H.
Land; T. B. Myers; Geo. W. Martin; W. M. Boyer; Max Shoeb; John Swain; S. C.
Smith, Mrs. L. H. Howard; Mrs. J. D. Cochran; Mrs. E. Davis; Mrs. J. C. Fuller;
Mrs. C. A. Bliss; Mrs. Fitch; Max Fawcett; J. O. Matthewson; H. B. Norton; D.
A. Millington; E. B. Kager, C. M. Wood; T. A. Wilkinson.
The Superintendents are desired to study
carefully the rules and regulations of the society so they may be able to
render assistance to exhibitors.
[ITEMS FROM THE “TRAVELER.”]
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.
Ordination and Dedication. The exercises
at the liberal church last Sunday were interesting and well attended. Prof.
Norton was ordained according to the Congregational order in the forenoon. In
the evening, Rev. Mr. Platter conducted the dedication exercises.
Prof. Kellogg gave an interesting history
of the origin, nature, and progress of the enterprise, announcing that the
church had been built without foreign aid, had but a small debt, and was in a prosperous
and hopeful state. Mr. Platter preached a sermon appropriate to the occasion.
The church is a neat and tasteful edifice, finely and completely finished, and
is in all respects an honor to its founders.
Butler County has but one newspaper,
while Cowley and Sumner have three each. There is hardly enough enterprise in
that county, outside of Eldorado, to run a saw mill.
Forty-two beds were made at the City
Hotel on the night of the circus. This Hotel has been compelled to put on
another addition in order to make room for the traveling public. H. O. Meigs is
well known as a landlord, and his many friends are glad to hear of his resuming
control of this most estimable house.
The city council met at Meigs &
Kinne’s office last Monday evening, and after being sworn in, appointed R. C.
Haywood, City Treasurer, and H. P. Standley, Clerk. The Council consists of H.
O. Meigs, Mayor; and A. K. Melton, W. S. Packhard, Dr. Sheppard, E. P. Kinne,
and I. H. Bonsall, councilmen.
Mrs. G. H. Norton writes from Vicksburg
bitter complaints of the weather there; rain and mud all the time. We have
about the right latitude and climate. Let us try and make the most of it.
The peach trees are in full bloom this
week, and the weather is warm, showery, and beautiful.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1874.
Commissioner’s
Proceeding.
COWLEY
CLERK’S OFFICE,
Cowley
County, Kan., April 16th, 1874.
The following is a list of bills allowed
by the Board of County Commissioners at their last regular meeting, showing the
amount to whom allowed, and for what purpose.
H. B. Norton, Examiner: $6.00
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1874.
Prof. Henry B. Norton, of Arkansas City,
is just now being talked up by the Emporia Ledger, Topeka Commonwealth,
and Arkansas City Traveler, for the position of State Superintendent of
Public Instruction. It is really encouraging to see the newspapers bring out
such men as Prof. Norton, for places of trust and honor. We know of none in the
state better qualified for the position than he, and the Republican party of Kansas
will honor itself and the State by nominating and electing Henry B. Norton.
[ITEMS FROM THE TRAVELER.]
Winfield Courier, May 15, 1874.
L. B. Kellogg has returned from
Washington. He does not think the “Cattle Trail Bill” will become a law much
before the close of the present session of Congress. Some modification of the
bill will be necessary to insure its success. Some enactment to legalize and
regulate the cattle driving from Texas to Kansas is absolutely necessary for
the mutual protection of the drovers and Indians.
FRIGHTFUL.
The little son of Mr. Mott, aged eighteen
months, drank from a cup of strong lye, last Monday, and is not expected to
live. The mother had just left the house, and when she returned, the child was
lying on the floor with its mouth so much swollen as to be unable to make any
noise. Assistance was called as soon as possible and it may possibly recover.
Orin Wilkinson, formerly of this place,
but late of Arkansas, writes that the whole country is under water, and the
Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers still rising, and people and stock are being
drowned and starving to death. During all this the Governors are fighting for
their positions. That would be a lively state to emigrate to, surely.
Prof. Norton’s discourses bring out a class
that have heretofore been unknown at church.
A herd of buffalo, seven in number, came
in on the townsite of Caldwell, May 4th, became frightened at the school
children, and ran away.
The tuition for the common branches of
English for non-residents of this school district is $3 and $5 for the higher
branches for the whole term.
Winfield Courier, May 29, 1874.
Prof. H. B. Norton will deliver two
lectures at the Courthouse on Tuesday and Wednes-day evenings of next week.
The subject on Tuesday evening, June 2nd, will be “Glacial period of the
Northern Hemisphere.” On Wednesday, June 3rd, his subject will be “Genesis and
Geology.”
The popular interest awakened in regard
to scientific subjects has led many of our scientific men to prepare lectures
suited to meet this demand. Prof. Norton is one of the leading educators and
scholars in the west, and as a popular lecturer meets with favor everywhere. Go
and hear him. The proceeds are for the benefit of the Presbyterian church
building fund.
[ITEMS FROM THE TRAVELER.]
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.
Items
From the Traveler.
A dancing master was in town Monday
evening, trying to get a school.
One of our painters has been called to
Winfield to paint Rev. Platter’s new house.
A man came into our office the other day
and offered us a wild cat in payment of subscription.
The editor goes to the Kaw Agency this
week, to interview Agent Stubbs, and the Kaw brethren.
Mr. Oaks, near Remanto, had his wagon
burned last week by prairie fire. The Indians started the fire.
D. H. Clough had the lowest bid to drill
a six inch hole for coal, but the award is not yet made.
C. R. Mitchell is to return in one week.
BIRTH. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Endicott, a
daughter.
MARRIED. Max Fawcett has returned, no
longer a bachelor.
Esquire Meigs proposes a baby show for
the 4th of July.
BEES. Peter Pearson caught the swarm of
bees that passed over town a few days since.
The young man drowned in the Nenescah,
spoken of two weeks ago, was Lewis Roach, son of Simpson Roach, who resides
near Oxford.
Cowley County will raise and grind
3,500,000 pounds of flour this year; affording on an average, to each family,
5,330 pounds.
Loads of bacon have been brought to this
market from Howard County. The farmers of Howard smoke and pack the meat themselves.
John Cattrell has ten acres of castor
beans on the sod, on the Grouse, doing well.
FOURTH
OF JULY—ARKANSAS CITY.
It will be seen by the proceedings in
another column that the people of this place have determined to celebrate the
96th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Extensive arrangements are
being made, and it is believed the grandest celebration Cowley County ever
witnessed will be the result. A general invitation will be extended to all,
especially the citizens, soldiers, and Grangers of this and adjoining counties.
ADDRESS. Prof. Norton goes up to Lawrence
to attend the University Commencement next week. He has been selected as one of
the orators on that occasion. He also addresses the literary societies of the
Emporia Normal School, June 18th.
Winfield Courier, June 5, 1874.
The lecture of Prof. H. B. Norton last
Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, owing to a misunderstanding as to the time, and
owing to this, and owing to that (but we believe owing to the fact that many of
us do not yet appreciate such talent as Prof. Norton, and are not particularly
fond of intellectual treats) anyway, the attendance was not so large as
it might have been.
[EDITORIAL PAGE.]
Winfield Courier, Friday, July 17, 1874.
SMALL.
“It will be observed that our $12,000
courthouse is a failure. That was a pretty little job to put on the county. We
hope that the responsible parties, and those who voted for them will feel proud
of their work.” Arkansas City Traveler.
The above was written by Prof. H. B.
Norton, who is left in charge of the Traveler during the absence of the
editor. How did you observe that our $12,000 courthouse was a failure,
Professor? We promise that Prof. Norton got his information from the following,
published by us last week.
“The courthouse is reported as being in
an unsafe condition. The self-supporting roof, is not a self-supporter at all,
but is pushing the walls over.
Is there any failure in the simple fact
that some of the braces in the roof are insufficient? But the Prof. says, “It
was a pretty little job to put upon the county, and hopes that the responsible
parties who voted for them will feel proud of their work.” We have always
entertained the highest regard for Professor Norton, believing that he was
incapable of anything cruel or mean, but if the above is a fair sample of his
spirit, if he still loves to be revenged on Winfield, then we are compelled,
though with the greatest reluctance, to change our opinion of Professor Norton.
The Prof’s squib is of the same piece as that of C. M. Scott, in his letter to
the Cadiz (Ohio) Republican, when he says, “Arkansas City is the
principal town in Cowley County.” No, Prof., there was no job about the
courthouse, so far as the County Board, or those who voted for them were concerned.
[EDITORIAL PAGE.]
Winfield Courier, Friday, July 24, 1874.
The Howard County Messenger says:
A large flock of sheep passed through town yesterday on their way to Cowley
County.
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1874.
Prof. Norton called us Colonel in the Traveler
this week. Well, Colonels, like Professors, are easily manufactured here in
Kansas.
[ORGANIZING A COMPANY OF STATE MILITIA:
WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, August 28, 1874.
Right
Front in Line. March!
Pursuant to a call, the citizens of
Winfield and vicinity met at the courthouse on Monday evening, the 24th,
electing J. J. Williams as chairman, and W. W. Walton Secretary; E. B. Kager
stated the object of the meeting to be the organization of a company of State
Militia.
Capt. J. B. Nipp, being called upon, made
some very good suggestions besides giving the latest news from the frontier. He
thought that there was more danger of an invasion by the Indians now than there
had ever been. The Osages demanded the return of the ponies and one thousand
dollars each for the Indians killed in the recent engagement with the Militia.
These terms will not be conceded by the Governor, and an open war on the
extreme border this fall and winter is threatened.
A sufficient number having signed the
necessary oath, they were sworn in by Capt. Nipp. They then proceeded to the
election of officers, resulting as follows.
Capt., E. B. Kager; 1st Lieut., A. T.
Shenneman; 2nd Lieut., L. J. Webb; Orderly Sergeant, W. W. Walton.
Recruiting has begun in earnest, and a
large company will be formed here, the necessary arms and accouterments will be
sent on immediately. Yesterday Capt. Kager received the following from Col.
Norton which explains itself.
ARKANSAS
CITY, August 26, 1874.
CAPTAIN KAGER: Please report to me the
number of effective men in your company that you can count on to go, both
mounted and unmounted. This is by order of the Adjutant General. He says: “Have
all the companies carefully inspected and accept none but first-class men for
service.” Yours, G. H. NORTON, Lieut. Col. Kansas Militia.
[INDIAN NEWS.]
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.
INDIAN
NEWS.
Last week between Dodge City and Camp
Supply, five farmers who lived in that vicinity, and were out hunting buffalo,
were killed by Indians.
A. C. Williams, special agent of the
Kickapoos, whose agency is about twenty-five miles below Arkansas City, sent in
word to Capt. Norton a few days ago for assistance to protect himself and
little band of Indians and the agency from the Osages. Mr. Osage had been
making some hostile demonstrations. The Captain provided the required aid.
On the 17th ult., a party of six Indians
fired upon the pickets at Medicine Lodge, it being promptly returned but
without much effect, it being after dark and in brush.
On the morning of the 18th, a party of
five Cheyennes made a descent upon the river eight miles above Medicine Lodge
and captured five head of horses, at the same time firing seven shots at Dr.
Bond.
[PROF. NORTON OF ARKANSAS CITY: DEFEATED
FOR NOMINATION.]
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.
DEFEATED.
Prof. Norton, of Arkansas City, was
defeated in the state convention as candidate for the nomination for
Superintendent of Public Instruction. This was a great disappointment to his
many friends and especially to the southwest, which craved a place on the
ticket. The Prof. had a majority of the convention and on the first ballot
stood five votes above Gen. Frazer. But owing to the confusion in the tally
kept by the clerk resulting from the changes that some of the delegates had
made, the result was announced in Fraser’s favor. Norton’s friends, seeing the
scullduggery of Fraser’ backers, and the determination of President Thatcher
to nominate his pet in spite of the Convention, very properly demanded another
ballot, which was finally granted, but not until a large number of Prof.
Norton’s friends had left the convention. On the final vote Fraser was
nominated.
[ITEM FROM THE TRAVELER.]
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.
Items
from the Traveler.
TO THE PUBLIC. Whereas unfounded rumors
greatly exaggerating the present Indian difficulties have within the past few
days been put in circulation, this is to give notice that any person caught in
the act of originating and circulating falsehoods tending to disturb the peace
and quiet of the community will be arrested and handed over to the proper
authorities and dealt with according to law. G. H. NORTON, Capt. Militia.
[ITEMS FROM TRAVELER.]
Winfield Courier, September 4, 1874.
PURE
GRIT.
We saw a man between this place and
Wichita mowing hay with a scythe, and raking it up with a rake made of poles,
with a rope attached, hauled by two oxen. That man will provide for his stock,
and will see that his family does not suffer. How many who are able to do much
better are attempting to do nothing.
The Militia of Barbour County scalped the
Indians whom they killed at Medicine Lodge recently.
The following dispatch was received by
Captain Norton on Saturday evening.
TOPEKA,
KANSAS, August 28th, 1874.
Capt. G. H. Norton—Arkansas City: Your company is ordered
into active service, to commence from this date. Orders will be sent tomorrow.
Supplies shipped to Wichita.
C.
A. MORRIS, Adj. Genl.
The fifty ponies captured from the Osages
by the Barbour County Militia, are herded at Medicine Lodge daily and brought
within the stockade each night for safekeeping. They are held by Captain
Ricker’s company subject to the order of Gov. Osborn. The Governor will not
deliver them back to the Osages unless they can prove:
1st. That the Indians from whom they were
taken were a hunting party without hostile intentions to the citizens of
Kansas.
2nd. That the Indians had not learned the
order of their Agent to return to their reservation.
3rd. That the Indians did not fire first
upon the Militia.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
Items
from the Traveler.
Prof. Norton will remove his family to
Emporia next week.
More
Scalping Soon.
We learn from several reliable sources
that from sixty to one hundred Osages left their Agency for the plains last
Friday week—they said to hunt buffalo—but it is pretty well understood by all
that it is for the killing of their two last comrades, in Barbour County. Mr.
Gibson did all he could to persuade them not to go, but he could not. Killing
and scalping will undoubtedly take place, but, of course, it will not be by
Osages, as they are always on their reserve. Word should be sent to the
Medicine Lodge country, and more militia called out at once, to send aid to the
western counties if they prove too many for the white settlers. Capt. Norton is
already in that vicinity, but with only twenty men.
We have received a letter from Bill
Conner, an Osage, in which he states there need be no fear from Indians,
entertained at this place, as the Osages and wild tribes are not on good terms,
and would war on one another. William only speaks for a portion of the Little
Osages, when he makes his assertion.
[EDITORIAL PAGE.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1874.
A
GOOD WORD FOR KANSAS.
Mr. S. P. McKelvey, who headed the
“farmer’s excursion” from Illinois, a short time ago, writes to the Clinton,
Illinois, Register, concerning Kansas and Cowley, as follows.
Leaving Winfield, I visited Colonel
Norton’s headquarters in the Indian Territory. Found quite a number of soldiers
encamped there. Saw a scouting party of Kansas militia form in line of battle
and start for the interior. Saw Mr. Williams (the broad brimmed hat Quaker
Indian Agent), with a party of friendly Indians, who were fleeing for safety.
After a pleasant conversation with Col. Norton, I began to retrace my steps
back into the state of Kansas. As I had “lost no Indians,” I could not see the
necessity of going farther.
I would be pleased to write further
concerning Kansas. I would like to give a general description of the prosperous
and successful farmers and businessmen of Kansas; but urgent business compels
me to desist. I will say, however, that Kansas is a better country than I
expected to see, and I think that in the course of time she is destined to be a
great state.
Respectfully, S. P. McKELVEY.
Winfield Courier, December 10, 1874.
Traveler
Items.
A. A. Chamberlain was elected First
Lieutenant, in the militia, in place of A. J. Pyburn, resigned, and William
Wilson, instead of A. D. Keith, who also resigned. Others in the company were
promoted.
Prof. Norton, although not a candidate,
received 256 votes for Supt. of Public Instruction in Butler County in the
November election.
The Militia are stationed in town for a
few days, awaiting rations. It is not definitely known yet whether they will be
mustered out, as Indians are frequently seen on the plains.