O. J. PALMER AND OTHERS.

Explanation by MAW for examining the family of Hight and others...

Jeff Palmer, Kingfisher, Oklahoma, wrote to me, informing me that he grew up in a home just one block north of my residence. His parents were Charles and Lorene (Hight) Palmer. Charles Palmer was the city engineer until his death in 1973. Lorene Hight Palmer passed away in 1878, when Jeff Palmer was a senior in Arkansas City Public High School.

Jeff’s grandparents were Philip Kearney Hight and Stella (Chambers) Hight. They assisted in the three books published, called Between The Rivers, years ago.

Jeff informs me that he did a paper on the Cherokee Strip Run, and that a copy of it is in the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum in Arkansas City.

Jeff stated: “I found information on my great grandfather and his brother.” His great grandfather was James Thompson Hight (known sometimes as J. T. Hight), whose brother was Jacob Hight. “Uncle Jake, as my grandfather referred to him, was a city councilman, and I noticed that he ran for Police Judge in April 1887.”

As a result of Jeff Palmer’s interest, I am attempting to learn what I can of the various families he mentioned: Hight, Chambers, and Palmer.

THIRD FAMILY: PALMER.

[Note: Years ago R. K. Wortman obtained the story about one of the Palmer families.]

PALMER FAMILY. OSCAR JOHN PALMER.

[Source: Daughter of O. J. Palmer: Mrs. A. H. Abrams.]

Mrs. A. H. Abrams, of West Creswell, gave the following family history at the Grange meeting of April 7, 1924. Her maiden name was Grace Palmer and she was the daughter of Oscar John and Rhoda Palmer.

“I claim the distinction of being one of the youngest old settlers in Cowley County. Of course what I shall say, unless it would be something of your own experience, so it just occurs to me that I should speak of those childhood memories of Kansas.

“My father and mother came from Wisconsin in a wagon. I was a bottle baby of six months, therefore I must need bring my step-mother along, which was a little Airshire [Ayrshire] cow. I (later) learned to milk the cow too. Father was a pine man, he worked at getting out pine in the north, running the logs down to the lake, rafting them there and taking them to the saw mills.

“We got to Arkansas City in June of 1872. Father had come the previous fall. He had arranged to have the cabin built and a well dug. He was here in October before he went to the woods that winter. When I was two years old we experienced one of the terrific prairie fires. Some one came along and asked dad to help fight the fire. Mother grabbed the children and ran for a ten acre tract, which father had prepared for an orchard. She ran back and grabbed a candy pail full of water, and from this the men wet their coats to whip the fire. Presently someone came with a mule team to start a “back-fire.” It was finally stopped a quarter of a mile from our house.

“Mr. Buckwalter was the first man to tell of the healing qualities of the springs at Geuda and my father took the contract to get out stone at the old Peter Andrews quarry to use at the springs. I played with the Andrews children, colored people, while father was at work and I drove a mule team part of the time.

“I remember of taking a drink of that cool sparkling water, which was good, but very salty. In after years my father, in his travels, was asked by many if those water's really had curative qualities. He would say, “I just took one drink and look at me.” He was always a stout and big man.”

The Abrams family story is told in the Cowley County Heritage book.

Until now that was the only “Palmer” we had information on...

PALMER.

Kansas 1875 Census Bolton Township, Cowley County. 3/1/1875

Name age sex color Place/birth Where from

O. J. Palmer 28 f w Maine Wisconsin

R. A. Palmer 26 f w New York Wisconsin

G. M. Palmer 3 f w Wisconsin Wisconsin

M. O. Palmer 3m m w Kansas

Bolton Township 1873: Palmer, Oscar J., 27; spouse, Rhoda A., 24.

Bolton Township 1874: Palmer, Oscar J., 27; spouse, Rhoda A, 25.

Bolton Township 1876: Palmer, O. J., 29; spouse, R. A., 27.

Bolton Township 1878: Palmer, O. J., 31; spouse, R. A., 25.

Bolton Township 1882: Palmer, O. J., 35; spouse, R. A., 33.

Arkansas City 1893: Palmer, C. A., 43; spouse, Mary, 38.

Arkansas City 1893: Palmer, J. M., 24. No spouse listed.

There were other Palmer families listed:

Rock Township 1882: Wm. Palmer, 33; spouse, Annie, 33.

Walnut Township 1882: Thomas Palmer, 27; spouse, S. A., 26.

Winfield 1873: M. L. Palmer, 43; spouse, Fidelia, 35.

Winfield 1880: D. Palmer, 60; spouse, Hulda, 28.

Deloss Palmer. Winfield.

Excerpts...

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.

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 Melville. A. J. Patrick is publishing the “Censor” here. This is a good paper and is becoming extremely popular in Cowley and Butler Counties.

Cowley County Censor, March 18, 1871.

DELOS PALMER, -DEALER IN- HARDWARE, STOVES, AND TINWARE.

Cowley County Censor, May 13, 1871.

Hapgood & Cos. celebrated Casteel Breaking Plows. No more cast iron frogs to break. Sizes from 10 to 16 inches. Kept constantly on hand at Delos Palmer’s stove and tin store: sign of the big coffee pot.

Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.

Last Saturday afternoon, during a very severe storm, Mr. Delos Palmer’s Hardware store was struck by lightning. It struck the roof near the front part and passed down the tin to the northwest corner, where a portion of the cornice was torn off, thence, along the north side of the building to the east end, where it entered and passed down the inside to the work bench to the tools used by the tinner. No serious damage was done. The tools are all more or less charged; a small file so much that when applied to a piece of iron, it will almost support itself. Mr. Palmer has the agency for a new lightning rod and he thinks he will use one of them himself. We advise all others to do likewise.

Prof. Palmer.

Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.

FOURTH OF JULY PROGRAM.

A military salute will be fired at sunrise.

The procession will be formed on Main Street at 10 a.m., by the Marshal of the day, and march to the grove at 11 o’clock accompanied with a band of music under the management of Prof. Palmer.

Cowley County Censor, October 21, 1871.

COWLEY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Owing to the unfavorable state of the weather during the late fair which prevented a proper exhibition of the articles entered for display, there will be an Exposition of all articles relating to the following classes: farm and domestic products, fruits, flowers, fine arts, textile fabrics, natural history, etc., on Saturday afternoon and evening, October 28th, 1871, in Rodocker’s Hall, Winfield. . . .

SUPERINTENDENTS.

Farm Products: A. T. Stewart.

Domestic Products: Mr. Clingman.

Fruits and Flowers: H. Hawkins.

Fine Arts: Prof. Palmer.

Textile Fabrics: W. W. Andrews.

Natural History: Prof. Hickok.

D. N. EGBERT, Secretary.

E. L. Palmer.

Winfield Messenger, August 16, 1872.

Commissioners Proceedings.

Winfield, Kansas, August 16th, 1872.

Board of County Commissioners met in County Clerk’s office, pursuant to adjournment. Present: Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and J. D. Maurer.

The following bills were allowed.

E. L. Palmer $6.00

Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.

The Cornet Band has engaged Mr. Palmer as teacher during the winter.

M. S. Palmer of Winfield.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 13, 1873.

FLORAL, Cowley Co., Mar. 10, 1873.

Last October the undersigned landed in Cowley County, and took a claim in Richland township, twelve miles northeast of Winfield.

Before coming here I had been induced to believe that this part of Kansas had been settled, to a very great extent, with a rough class of western pioneers, such as generally follow in the wake of the retreating Red man and buffalo. But never was a man possessed of a more erroneous idea. I have had unusual facilities this winter of observing the character and habits of the citizens of a good portion of the county, and I am compelled to say that I have never met with a more agreeable, honest, sober, and intelligent class of people in any country, old or new. And considering the length of time that the country has been open for settlement, the progress made in improvements is entirely beyond precedent. Why, in many places, especially in the valleys, it begins to look like an old country—good houses, barns, and farms.

I had the pleasure of being present at two exhibitions given at the Darien schoolhouse on the Walnut Valley, Feb. 28th and March 5th—at the close of the first term taught in the house—C. L. Rood, teacher. The house although an unusually large one, was crowded early the first evening to overflowing, and quite a number came who were unable to gain admittance. The exhibition was an entire success in every particular. The selections were good and well performed. The essays, and a newspaper gotten up by the students, were such as would do credit to any community. We could not help noticing throughout the performance a tendency among the young lady performers to give the old bachelors a thrust at every available opportunity; that’s a commendable spirit. In fact, I think it would be a good thing for the community to put all the old bachelors up at auction and sell them to the highest maiden bidder, such a proceeding might be a benefit to your humble servant.

But to resume my narrative. Perhaps the most noticeable feature in the entertainment was the music which consisted of both vocal and instrumental—the instruments were an organ, and one tenor and one bass viol. The violin was played by a musician from the vicinity of Dutch Creek, the bass by Mr. Palmer of Winfield. The accompaniment was played by Miss Emma Leffingwell, a member of the school. Miss Leffingwell certainly possesses rare musical talents, and is in a fair way of becoming a great organist.

The second exhibition was given in aid of the school, 20 cents admission, and consisted of almost an entirely new programme. The house was well filled but not so badly crowded as at the first, if not more so. Instrumental music same except that Mr. Palmer was not present. Had some excellent songs sung by Mrs. C. L. Rood, Miss E. Leffingwell, Miss Ida Davis, and Miss Mary Akers. But the feature of the last exhibition was the “String-bean-Band”—we think that Barnum would do well to employ that set of minstrels to travel with his new show next summer. Mr. C. L. Rood is certainly entitled to great praise for the able manner in which he conducted the exhibitions.

I cannot help expressing here my sincere thanks for the kind and hospitable manner in which your correspondent, though a total stranger, was entertained during the exhibitions by Mr. Wm. Grow and his amiable mother, who live in the vicinity of the schoolhouse. Mr. Grow possesses a fine farm and residence, and how he can live a bachelor life among all those blooming maidens that abound in the Walnut Valley, is entirely beyond our comprehension. W. H. S.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 20, 1873.

RECAP. Rock correspondent, “C. L. R.,” mentioned dance held at the Darien Schoolhouse (District No. 25). Among participants: Mrs. C. L. Rood, Mrs. G. H. Williams, Mrs. Hiram Fisk, Wm. Sumner of Cedar Creek, J. F. Williams, M. S. Palmer of Winfield.

M. Palmer.

[COURT PROCEEDINGS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS EDITION.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 7, 1873.

D. M. Osburn et al vs. M. Palmer: sale set aside.

M. W. Palmer.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 28, 1873.

At a meeting held by the children of Winfield on Wednesday of last week in the Methodist Church it was decided to have a picnic in Mr. Andrew’s grove on Friday Sept. 5th. The following committees were appointed.

To obtain the grove: E. Freeland and Cora Andrews.

To invite Brass Band: Callie Blandin and Nettie Quarles.

To attend to the dinner: Mrs. Tousey, Mrs. Wm. Marris, McClellan, Blandin, McMaster, Hill, Mrs. M. W. Palmer, Miss M. Bryant.

Minor L. Palmer’s son, J. W. Palmer.

Winfield Courier, December 10, 1874.

Obituary.

MEDICINE LODGE, Nov. 25th, 1874.

EDITOR COURIER: Please announce through the columns of your paper the death of J. W. Palmer (familiarly known as Chubbie), son of Minor L. and Eula Palmer, early settlers and for a long time residents of Winfield.

The deceased came to his death on the 28th day of October, 1874, by the accidental discharge of a shot gun while he was duck hunting. He was seventeen years of age, was a member of Co. A, Barbour County Militia, and took part in the engagements had between the Osage Indians and Company A at Red mounds in Harper County, August 7th, 1874, where he distinguished himself for his bravery in his efforts to overtake the fleeing savages. Though the youngest, yet the foremost in the pursuit.

His remains were escorted to their last resting place by Company A and many citizen friends. His death was a severe blow not only to his parents, but to his many friends and associates, as he was loved and esteemed by all who knew him.

M. W. SUTTON, Co. Atty.

Medicine Lodge, Barbour Co., Kansas.

M. L. Palmer. Winfield.

Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13, 1876.

HISTORY OF COWLEY COUNTY.

Read at the Centennial Celebration, July 4th, 1876, at Winfield, Kansas.

BY WIRT W. WALTON

Winfield. The first tinner: M. L. Palmer.

Oscar Palmer: Bolton Township.

[BOLTON TOWNSHIP: BANNER WHEAT RAISING DISTRICT.]

Arkansas City Traveler, May 31, 1876.

What Cowley County is to the State, Bolton Township is to Cowley County, the banner wheat raising district. Unless a farmer has over sixty acres of wheat in his field, it is called a “patch.” A. A. Newman & Co. will harvest 200 acres; Reuben Bowers, 187; Henry Pruden, 165; Frank Lorry, 150; E. B. Kager, 150; Oscar Palmer, 150; the Beard Bros., 100; and we don’t know how many farmers 50 and 75 acre fields of the best wheat in the State. The majority of the farmers will use “Headers,” thus saving the expense of binding and shocking the grain. Of course, Bolton wants a railroad. We were told by one of her leading citizens that the township would not cast three dissenting votes to any railroad bond proposition that the Commissioners might submit, whether east, west, north, or south, it matters not to them, they all want a railroad. Courier.

O. J. Palmer.

Excerpt...

[A JOURNEY TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY: BY C. M. SCOTT.]

TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 21, 1877 - FRONT PAGE. And TRAVELER, FEBRUARY 28, 1877 - FRONT PAGE.

A JOURNEY TO THE INDIAN COUNTRY.

Fort Sill, Wichita, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Agencies.

Tuesday morning we left Wichita Agency for Fort Sill. After we had traveled about five miles, we met George Shearer, Jerome Hilton, Charles Peters, and E. Worther, and at noon we came to where a number more were camped for dinner, on Killpecker Creek, to wit: Frank Hutchinson, A. W. Patterson, Walt Dolby, H. S. Adams, Hank Nelson, Ross Merrick, Cass Endicott, Sam Endicott, John Tolles, Buck Wintin, Frank Wintin, Jack Martin, Frank Johnson, Wagstaff, Jim Burrell, and Benj. Harberson. Hank Nelson had met with an accident and had his arm in a sling, having been thrown from his wagon while trying to get ahead of someone. We were the invited guests of Ross Merrick, and partook readily of his “sow belly,” biscuit, and what the boys called “bovine” gravy. The rain fell in chunks while we were at dinner, and the meal was stowed away as soon as possible.

After dinner we moved along and before long met M. E. Garner, Poke Stevens, Daniel Hunt, Geo. Christy, Mr. Stevens, Dan Fegans, Ab. Christy, O. J. Palmer, Andrew Meisner, J. Clark, D. Pendergrass, and Joe Garner, on their way back from Sill.

O. J. Palmer. Salt City.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 3, 1877.

SALT CITY, March 30, 1877.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. O. J. Palmer, on the 18th inst., a boy, weight 10½ pounds, all doing well.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 8, 1877.

Sealed proposals will be received at Salt City, Sumner County, Kansas, until August 15th, 1877, for the erection of a stone schoolhouse in School District No. 79, Bolton Township, Cowley County, KAS. Plan and specification can be seen at the TRAVELER office in Arkansas City, and at the residence of W. E. Chenoweth, in the above named District. The board reserve the right to reject any or all bids. Bidders are requested to be present at the opening of the bids at 2 o’clock p.m. of August 15, 1877. Job to be paid for in cash when completed according to specifications.

A. M. SHURTZ, Director; W. E. CHENOWETH, Clerk; O. J. PALMER, Treasurer.

School District No. 79, Cowley Co., Kans.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 17, 1878.

The Pruden boys take 700 bushels of wheat down the river this morning on the barge.

MR. O. J. PALMER will go down the river with the Pruden boys on the flat boat.

Winfield Courier, July 18, 1878.

ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS, July 13, 1878.

EDITOR COURIER: The steamer “Arkansas Traveler” was sold today to the city, and by it sold to Messrs. Pruden & Palmer, of Bolton, who start for Little Rock, Arkansas, with a load of wheat next week.

Winfield Courier, July 25, 1878.

Navigation.

Henry Pruden and O. J. Palmer started from Salt City down the Arkansas River with 700 bushels of wheat in their boat last week Wednesday. The farmers in that vicinity intend to ship their wheat in that way. David Maricle says he intends to ship the proceeds of his 700 acres of wheat on flat boats.

Wm. Palmer. Rock Creek Township.

Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.

Primary Meeting.

The Republican voters of Rock Creek Township met at Darien schoolhouse Saturday, August 3, 1878. Reuben Boothe was chosen for chairman, G. H. Williams, Secretary. The following named gentlemen were chosen to represent the township at the Republican County Convention, to be held in Winfield, Saturday, Aug. 10, 1878.

For delegates: Sam’l. P. Strong, Chas. H. Eagin, Reuben Boothe, Wm. J. Funk.

Alternates: E. R. Evans, Geo. H. Williams, Frank Akers, Wm. Palmer.

REUBEN BOOTHE, Chairman.

GEO. H. WILLIAMS, Secretary.

[BARGE LOADED WITH WHEAT FROM A. C. REACHES FT. SMITH.]

Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.

A New Interest.

On Thursday evening a barge arrived at our wharf loaded with wheat from Arkansas City, Kansas. Arkansas City is situated on the Arkansas River, near or at the mouth of the Walnut Creek, some three hundred miles above this place. The boat was in charge of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and the wheat is a part of the cargo purchased for the Aunt Sallie, and left by her, because of some unknown influence, and is being transported down to fill the contract made with Mr. Shearholtz for Eisenmayer & Co., of Little Rock. Mr. Pruden says he started with 650 bushels, and finding shoal water at Ponca Agency he had to store 250 bushels. His boat draws fifteen inches light, but with his load, from Ponca down, he had no trouble. He was on the way since July 16, and laid up six days on the trip.

Much credit is due to the pluck of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and they should be encouraged. This trade may prove a valuable one to this section, and the people of that part of Kansas are so anxious to establish it, we should give them all the aid and all the encouragement in our power. We will refer to this subject again. Ft. Smith Herald.

[MORE ABOUT PRUDEN AND PALMER, FLAT BOAT CREW.]

Arkansas City Traveler, August 28, 1878.

H. B. Pruden, O. J. Palmer, and the flat boat crew returned from Little Rock last Saturday. They came to Ft. Smith by steamboat, thence by stage to Muskogee, thence by rail to Independence, thence by private conveyance home.

They say they found no less than three feet of water in the channel all the way down, and that the river from this point to Fort Smith is as deep as from there to Little Rock. It is the opinion of Mr. Pruden that flat-boating is practicable, and will pay if the barges can be brought back.

Winfield Courier, September 5, 1878. Editorial Columns.

A NEW INTEREST.

On Thursday evening a barge arrived at our wharf loaded with wheat from Arkansas City, Kansas. Arkansas City is situated on the Arkansas River, near or at the mouth of Walnut Creek, some three hundred miles above this place. The boat was in charge of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and the wheat is a part of the cargo purchased for the Aunt Sally, and left by her because of some unknown influence, and is being transported down to fill the contract made with Mr. Shearholtz for Eisenmayer & Co., of Little Rock. Mr. Pruden says he started with 650 bushels, and finding shoal water at Ponca Agency he had to store 250 bushels. His boat draws fifteen inches light, but with his load, from Ponca down, he had no trouble. He was on the way since July 16, and laid up six days on the trip. Much credit is due to the pluck of Messrs. Pruden and Palmer, and they should be encouraged. This trade may prove a valuable one to this section, and the people of that part of Kansas are so anxious to establish it, we should give them all the aid and all the encouragement in our power. We will refer to the subject again. Ft. Smith Herald.

Mrs. Anna Palmer.

Winfield Courier, November 28, 1878.

There will be a festival held at Darien schoolhouse, in Rock Township, on the night of the 28th of November, for the benefit of Rev. Mr. Graham. All are invited to come.

By order of Committee. Mrs. Anna Palmer, Mrs. H. Grow, Mrs. Brown.

Excerpt...

Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.

NAVIGATION OF THE UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER.

Soon after the “Aunt Sally” returned South, Henry and Albert Pruden and O. J. Palmer, of Salt City, Sumner County, started for Little Rock with a “ferry-flat” loaded with seven hundred bushels of wheat. The wheat was sold at a good round figure, and the gentlemen returned, reporting a successful trip and a good stage of water.

Palmer, Lumber Dealer. Winfield.

Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.

We called on Messrs. Palmer & Drew, our new lumber dealers, last Monday and found them “head over heels” in business. They are live, enterprising men, and know how to run a lumber yard.

O. J. Palmer. Bolton.

Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.

The following is the list of Jurors drawn to serve at the next term of the District Court, which convenes next Monday.

O. J. Palmer, Bolton.

Devore Palmer. Winfield.

Winfield Courier, October 21, 1880.

Devore Palmer is building a fine brick residence up east on 9th avenue.

Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.

Mr. Palmer’s new brick residence on 9th avenue toward the mound is nearly completed, and makes a substantial show.

Palmer. Pleasant View.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 5, 1882.

J. A. Scott sold to Mr. Palmer last week three head of calves for $22.50.

LEAN CONTRIBUTOR.

M. L. Palmer. Formerly from Winfield.

Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.

M. L. Palmer, an old Winfield timer, has two hundred head of Texas colts on his range in Barbour County.

Wm. H. Palmer, Jr. [Arkansas City?]

Arkansas City Traveler, July 19, 1882.

ARKANSAS CITY, JULY 13TH, 1882.

We, the undersigned, saw the Centennial washer tested this morning at Mr. Bryant’s Restaurant, and can conscientiously say that it will do a washing without any rubbing, in less time, with less soap, fuel, and labor than any machine we ever saw on the market.

NAMES: Charles Bryant, Mrs. Chas. Bryant, Wm. H. Palmer, Jr., Myrtle Bryant, J. A. L. Romine, L. H. Teets, Charlie Clark, J. N. G. Gibson, G. W. Miller, John J. Clark.

W. M. Palmer. Fairview.

[COMMUNICATION FROM “WILLIAM” - [ROCK] FAIRVIEW ITEMS.]

Cowley County Courant, June 8, 1882.

C. D. Hanlen, of Kansas City, is here visiting his sister, Mrs. W. M. Palmer, and other relatives.

W. M. Palmer and J. B. Hanlen are getting a new steam thresher of the latest improvements. They propose to thresh hell all out of Walnut valley.

Rock, Kansas, June 2nd, 1882.

Lizzie Palmer. Cambridge.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1882.

We have here a full list of our teachers now enrolled in our County Normal, with grade and post office.

CAMBRIDGE.

GRADE B. Lizzie Palmer.

Winfield Courier, September 14, 1882.

Teacher Items.

Miss Lizzie Palmer goes to Summit, 105, this fall.

O. J. Palmer. Bolton Township.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 13, 1883.

Old Soldiers of Bolton.

The following list of our soldiers of Bolton Township were furnished us for publication by Gus Lorry, trustee of that township.

O. J. Palmer, corporal, Co. G, 34 Wisconsin Infantry.

D. Palmer & Co. Winfield.

[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]

Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.

The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance.

D. Palmer & Co., $1.00.

W. M. Palmer. Winfield [?]

Winfield Courier, December 6, 1883.

OFFICIAL COUNT -OF- BRYAN & LYNN’S PEAS!

Number of peas in jar 13,242. Prize awarded to Mr. John Shields, of New Salem, his guess being 13,247.

Ten next nearest guesses are:

W. M. Palmer: 13,160

Lizzie Palmer. Cambridge.

Winfield Courier, January 10, 1884.

We present below a list of the teachers of Cowley, their post office addresses, and the amount they are receiving per month for their services. This list will be valuable to teachers, school officers, and the public generally. It is taken from the records, through the courtesy of Supt. Limerick.

CAMBRIDGE.

District Teacher Amount

The writer had the pleasure on last Saturday afternoon of accompanying a bright party of Winfield people to Cambridge. The day was clear and calm and many things were observed along the way which are worthy of note. We had been feeling very good over the rapid improvement of the queen city of the valley, Winfield, but a drive over this beautiful country revealed forcibly the vast strides being made in other parts of Cowley in the way of permanent improvement. Almost every farm shows new buildings, of one kind and another, a corral full of cattle and hogs and a general air of thrift. Some of Cowley’s best land and many of her wealthiest farmers are between Winfield and Cambridge. New Salem, the first town we strike, has the appearance of having come out of winter quarters in good spirits. Several new houses were noticed and the number of cars standing on the side track at the depot would denote quite a shipping trade. The little city over on the hill, Burden, has done itself proud during the past few months. On approaching the town we counted forty nine houses newly built or in course of erection. The place presented a business like appearance, the merchants were busy, and the streets were crowded with teams. We called around to see Brother Henthorn, but found nobody but the post office in. The Enterprise has several times accused the COURIER of being inimical to the interests of Burden, which it knew was a mistake, and we wanted to see its good looking and efficient young editor, J. W. Henthorn, and inform him of our intention to give the Enterprise and Burden a puff. The COURIER has always claimed that Burden was a remarkable little town, and while the railroad and splendid country around it have done much, there is no doubt that the town owes more of its prosperity to the Enterprise than to anything else. It has advertised and made Burden: the town never could have been what it is without a good local paper. Torrance has made but few recent changes. The most prominent thing is its fine schoolhouse, which is a very creditable structure. In traveling through Cowley, in any direction, the schoolhouses are a noticeable feature. At New Salem the schoolhouse would do honor to a much larger town. Burden’s schoolhouse is the finest building in the place, while that at Cambridge is superior to any outside of Winfield, Arkansas City, or Burden. It is a two story stone structure, 30 x 60 feet, is splendidly furnished, and has a fine bell. Mr. Will C. Barnes, a Winfieldite, to whom the company are under many obligations for courtesies extended, is principal and Miss Lizzie Palmer, well known to many Winfield people, is assistant. They are among Cowley’s most capable teachers and are giving good satisfaction. Of course, we called on the Cambridge News, and found the proprietors, Messrs. S. B. Sherman and H. F. Hicks, at home. One of them was busily engaged trying to explain to a rural gentleman that the News had ten times as many subscribers as that “vile sheet,” the Burden Enterprise, and that their list had increased until it contained one-fiftieth as many as the Winfield COURIER, the oldest and most reliable paper in the county. He must have been correct. Mr. W. G. Seaver, the energetic, intelligent young editor of the News, was at his post, but instead of writing narrow gauge editorials, he was making selections of type from a specimen book, with which to start a paper at Dexter in a few weeks. He thinks he can make a paper pay at that place. He is a racy writer and was at one time connected with the St. Joe Gazette. Should he start a paper at Dexter, it will undoubtedly be a success in point of excellence, the only uncertain thing being a sufficient patronage. We supposed that no Satanic angels ever visited a sequestered spot like Cambridge, but they do. A man with a grip and twenty-five cents worth of soap done up in little wads, opened out there during our stay. His lusty voice drew a crowd around him, and after placing five and two dollar bills in some of the wrappers and rolling them up, he commenced to dispose of the soap to persons who were anxious to get five dollars for two. After clearing fifty dollars, twenty of which came from a young man who seemed illy able to make such a contribution, he quietly slid out of town. There are always men ready to fall into such traps, and the only lamentable thing about it is that experience dost seem to teach them anything. We were pleased to meet at Cambridge Miss Tirzah A. Hoyland, who has been the regular correspondent of the COURIER from New Salem for many years. She is one of Cowley’s most intelligent ladies and has written many good things for this paper. She was visiting friends there. In and around Cambridge are many substantial, intelligent men, and other than those already named, we might mention F. S. Coons, proprietor of the Cambridge House, W. H. Palmer, Thos. S. Griffin, J. B. Lukens, L. B. Carter, J. P. Craft, J. S. Bernard, James B. Rowe, and others whose names we did not get. It is also the home of County Commissioner, J. A. Irwin.

Lizzie Palmer, Teacher, and Blanch Palmer. Cambridge.

[CAMBRIDGE CORRESPONDENT: “CLYDE.”]

Winfield Courier, March 6, 1884.

School is going off finely and the youths of this vicinity are learning rapidly under good instruction from Prof. Barnes and Miss Palmer. They seem to give universal satisfaction.

Miss Blanch Palmer has returned from her protracted visit in your city, to the joy of her friends here.

Mrs. W. H. Palmer and Lizzie Palmer. Cambridge.

Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.

Mrs. W. H. Palmer and daughter, Miss Lizzie, of Cambridge, spent last week in Winfield visiting relatives and friends.

Lizzie Palmer Marries James S. Tull.

Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.

The following MARRIAGE LICENSES have been granted by the Probate Judge since our last issue.

James S. Tull and Lizzie Palmer.

Winfield Courier, June 5, 1884.

TO BE MARRIED. Mr. Jas. S. Tull and Miss Lizzie Palmer, of Cambridge, will be married in that place this evening at the home of the bride. A party of young folks from this city will be present, composed of Misses Ida McDonald, Anna Hunt, Jennie Lowry, Leota Gary, and Mrs. Bishop; and Messrs. James Lorton, Lewis Brown, Will C. Barnes, Frank Robinson, and Frank H. Greer.

Winfield Courier, June 12, 1884.

MARRIED. A bright and happy party of Winfield’s young people attended the marriage of Mr. J. S. Tull and Miss Lizzie Palmer at the home of the bride, near Cambridge, last Thursday evening. Rev. W. J. Tull, brother of the groom, came especially from Illinois to officiate at the wedding, and the ceremony was pronounced at eight o’clock. After hearty congratulations from those present, refreshments were served, the excellence of which are seldom equaled. It was one of those happy occasions which only come to the parties most interested, once in a life time, and true enjoyment reigned supreme under the agreeable hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer and their pleasant family. The bride and groom are among Cowley’s most intelligent, substantial young people and start on the matrimonial journey very auspiciously, with the well-wishes of a large number of friends.

Blanche [Not Blanch] Palmer. Cambridge.

Winfield Courier, June 26, 1884.

Cambridge Crumbs.

Blanche Palmer has gone to Winfield to learn the milliner trade.

D. Palmer. Winfield.

Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.

Mr. D. Palmer is confined to his home by sickness.

Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.

Mr. D. Palmer is just out after a severe tussle with malaria.

Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.

CAMBRIDGE CRUMS.- “CLYTIE.”

Blanch [Blanche] Palmer has returned from her visit in Winfield.

Winfield Courier, December 11, 1884.

The Houses of the City to be Numbered.

Mr. D. Palmer has a petition ready for presentation to the City Council asking that the houses of the city be numbered. The plan proposed is that in vogue in St. Louis and several of the larger cities, beginning each block from a basis of one hundred, numbering alternately. The petition is signed by nearly every businessman and prominent property owner of the city, and will, of course, be carried out, as it should be. Nothing so adds to the convenience of a city as properly numbered buildings. And then it gives us a metropolitan air, which we can now bear with easy grace.

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 3, 1885.

Bold Burglars.

As the Winfield Courier predicted the other day, the town is full of thieves and roughs. Last Thursday night they got in their work on D. Palmer and Irve Randall. About 1 o’clock Mr. Palmer was awakened by someone touching the side of his face. He looked up immediately and asked who it was, and what they were doing there. The fellow was after Mr. Palmer’s watch, which was in his vest pocket under his pillow. As soon as Mr. Palmer spoke, however, the burglar made a rush for the door, Mr. Palmer close onto his heels, but Mr. Burglar was too quick for him. He dashed through the door and pulled it shut after him, catching Mr. Palmer’s hand and bruising it up pretty badly. An investigation followed, and it was found the thief had got away with the watch—a two hundred and fifty dollar one—which Mr. Palmer had carried for years. No clue has yet been found that will lead to the identity of the thief, but the officers are on a sharp lookout, and every available means will be used to run the rogue in. Mr. Randall, the second victim, also lost a watch and ten dollars in money. He retired early and knew nothing of his loss until morning. It is supposed that there is a gang of these fellows infesting the town, and while one or part of them were at Mr. Palmer’s, some of the rest were at Mr. Randall’s. Winfield Courier.

ABSTRACT OF COUNTY AUDITOR’S REPORT.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 19, 1885.

Abstract of the monthly report of the County Auditor of Cowley County, Kansas, of claims certified to the County Clerk, on the First Monday of March, 1885.

[Showing Amount Allowed Only.]

D. Palmer & Co. pauper claim: $5.00

Wm. Palmer Family. Cambridge.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 30, 1885.

Mrs. William Palmer, accompanied by her son and daughter, Rev. James Tull and wife, came in from Cambridge this morning, on their road to Udall, where Mr. Tull is now stationed and will reside.

Wm. Palmer. Winfield.

ODD FELLOWS.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 16, 1885.

The following are the officers installed by the District Deputy Grand Master, J. H. Vance, at the last meeting of the I. O. O. F., to serve for the ensuing term.

George D. Headrick, N. G.; Jos. O’Hare, V. G.; J. M. Reed, R. S.; J. P. Stewart, P. S.; S. J. Hepler, T.; W. H. Dawson, R. S. N. G.; A. Snowhill, L. S. N. G.; J. W. Chancey, W.; M. B. Shields, Con.; Samuel Dalton, C.; M. Hahn, L. S. S.; A. B. Taylor, R. S. V. G.; Walter Harris, L. S. V. G.; Wm. Palmer, L. G., H. C. Callison, O. G.

The Lodge is one of the best in the State, as is proven by its financial condition. The trustees have secured the upper story of the new Morehouse building for a term of five years, which will be fitted up especially for lodge purposes. Mr. J. H. Vance, the financial manager of the institution, is entitled to much credit for his management of the affairs of the Lodge.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.

James Vance, A. B. Taylor, J. H. McClellan, George Lierman [?Liermann], H. M. Zimmerman, Frank L. Crampton, John Craine, and Wm. Palmer, of the Odd Fellows Lodge, of this city, went over to Burden today to cross bats with a nine composed from Burden’s Lodge. Will Kirkwood and others went along.

CAMBRIDGE. “H.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 3, 1885.

Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Hill, of Udall, visited their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Palmer, last week.

CAMBRIDGE. “H.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 17, 1885.

Miss Blanche Palmer and her brother, Clarence, returned home Friday, after a two week’s visit near Winfield, with their sister, Mrs. Charlie Davis.

D. Palmer. Winfield.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 15, 1885.

Mr. Daniel McConn, of Ft. Madison, Iowa, arrived here Monday to visit Mr. D. Palmer. They are friends of long standing and this visit is most enjoyable.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 29, 1885.

The reporter mounting a steed sallied forth early Friday morning to take an inventory of the improvements and new buildings which have gone up since the season opened, and the ones under construction at the present time. Being rushed, we are satisfied many have been overlooked. The valuation given is below the market value rather than above. The following list we know will surprise our own citizens.

D. Palmer, barn: $500

OTTER VALLEY. “JESSE.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 21, 1886.

Charley Davis and wife, of Winfield, have been visiting Mrs. Davis’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, the past week.