ROSS
FAMILY.
Thomas
Benton Ross.
[Leader, Walnut Township, Winfield.]
Thomas Benton Ross was born October 2,
1794, in Georgia, 25 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, of Scotch-Irish extraction.
His father, William Ross, and his uncle, John Ross, both fought in the
Revolutionary war. He grew to manhood in Kentucky.
He enlisted in the war of 1812 with Col.
Richard M. Johnson’s Kentucky riflemen—a force picked by Johnson of 100 crack
riflemen. Johnson’s “Kentuckians” were half of the 7,000 man force that invaded
Canada. The British were allied with Indian tribes led by the Shawnee Indian
Chief Tecumseh. Tecumseh was the leader in trying to unite all Indian tribes to
fight the Americans. The Americans attacked on horseback but because of the
forest dismounted and fought on foot. Chief Tecumseh was killed at the battle
of the Thames River in 1813.
In a related battle on Lake Erie Oliver
Hazard Perry uttered the famous quotation, “Don’t Give up the Ship.”
After the close of the war of 1812,
Thomas B. Ross received a warrant of land, which he took up in Cumberland
County, Illinois.
It is claimed that Thomas Benton Ross was
part of the Kentucky militia that was called for when British General Ross’s
forces burnt Washington, D. C., in August 1814. The Kentuckian’s arrived in
time to oppose General Ross when he tried to capture Baltimore and Fort
McHenry. General Ross was killed in that Battle on September 12, 1814.
The bombardment of Fort McHenry by the
British warships inspired Francis Scott Keyes to write the “Star Spangled
Banner.”
Col. Johnson’s Kentucky forces were
called for, again, to oppose the British in Louisiana. They arrived to join
General Andrew “Stonewall” Jackson’s forces to defend New Orleans on January 4,
1815. They repulsed the British and killed General Packenham on January 8,
1815. Due to the slowness of communication, this battle took place two weeks
after the war was over.
[Note: RKW received from the Illinois
State Historical Society a xerox of the record of services by Illinois soldiers
in the Black Hawk War of 1831-32.]
T.
B. Ross, Major in Black Hawk War in 1832.
Capt. Thos. B. Ross’s company was a part
of the first regiment of the second brigade of the Illinois Mounted Volunteers.
Capt. Ross enrolled from Coles County, Illinois, June 18, 1832, and was
mustered out August 15, 1832. The company enlisted for 90 days. It was
originally Capt. James P. Jones’s company. Jones was elected a Major on June
19, 1832. On the same date First Sergeant Thomas B. Ross was elected Captain
and took command of the company. [It was the practice in volunteer companies to
elect the officers and non-commissioned officers.]
T. B. Ross and his family continued to
live in Cumberland County, until 1848 or 1849, when the family removed to Knox County, Illinois. He took up
120 acres near the city of Peoria. The family resided in Peoria during the
first three years, while Thomas B. Ross followed his trade as a carpenter.
T.
B. Ross, Ordained Methodist Minister.
[RKW received a xerox of the “History of
the Southern Illinois Conference of the Methodist Church.” T. B. Ross is
mentioned in 1864. The Southern Conference was divided between the Loyalists
and the Southern (Democratic) members.]
At some unknown date Thomas Benton Ross
was ordained a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, south. He was a
circuit rider preacher over several counties of Illinois. He is mentioned in
Evers’s history of the Methodist Church as being active in 1864. His picture
hangs on the wall of the State House at Springfield, Illinois.
T. B. Ross was among the group that split
from the Methodist Church with the belief that politics should not be reflected
from the “Pulpit.” In time the original conference acceded to the same view and
the splinter group rejoined the main group.
The
Family of Thomas Benton Ross.
While a young man Thomas Benton Ross
married in Kentucky. The lady’s name is unknown; but she died in early life
after bearing him six children. The only name known (of the six children he had
with his first wife) is a daughter named America (born in 1827). America
married Josiah Wallace and they are listed in the Pleasant Valley Census of
1882 with her age being 56 and his 55. Mrs. Clarence Roberts advises that one
of the Ross children was the mother of Charles M. Wallace and the grandmother
of Josh Wallace. A descendant, Mrs. Ona Bruner of Arkansas City, verified this
statement. [The 1902 Biographical History also makes this statement.]
After the death of his first wife, Thomas
B. Ross married Nancy Higgins Ross. She was born in 1814 in North Carolina and
her ancestors came from Holland. They had six children.
Ross
Family Reach Cowley County in 1869.
Ross and his family came to Cottonwood
Falls, Chase County, in 1868. In November 1868 the men came south to Cowley
County to look over the land. Being well pleased with it, they went back to
Cottonwood Falls on New Years Day, 1869, and at once returned to Cowley County
with all their possessions.
The Ross family arrived in Cowley County
sometime in January of 1869. T. B. Ross
was the first preacher of the Gospel to settle in the county. He
settled three miles northwest of Winfield, on section 17, on the Walnut River.
The Osage Indians drove out the settlers in the fall of 1869. When they told
him to go, Ross refused unless they returned the team of horses they had
stolen. They did not return the horses but allowed him to remain unscathed.
Children
of Thomas Benton Ross and Nancy Higgins Ross.
1. F. H. B., who came to Kansas in 1870.
He was a deputy sheriff in March of 1871. He moved to Caldwell later in 1871,
where he died in 1885.
2. John (born in August of 1844), who
never married, and took a claim in Cowley County near his father.
3. Mary M.; died in Illinois.
4. Frank A.; died in Illinois.
5. Mrs. Emma E. Bryant; died in Kansas.
6. Miss Mary. J. (born in 1851), who kept
house for her brother, John.
The special census of Cowley County was
held February 10, 1870, and only listed one Ross. That was P. _. Ross.
The following is from the E. C. Manning
autobiography. “This was early in June of 1869 . . . at this time there were
only six or eight ‘squatters’ located in the valley and only two of them had
families, namely Thomas B. Ross and James Renfro. Ross and Renfro were about
three miles above Winfield.”
Thomas Benton Ross was the first Probate
Judge of Cowley County; in fact, the only judge on all laws in 1870. His name
is on all deeds issued from the government to individuals on the original town
site of Winfield.
He went to Augusta as an officer from
Cowley County, and laid out the city of Winfield. The Winfield delegation
wanted him to drive to Augusta, the nearest land office, on Sunday afternoon to
be there early Monday morning. He refused, but told them to drive to his claim
three miles northwest of Winfield at midnight, and one minute after twelve
o'clock he would go. They arrived early Monday morning, ahead of the Arkansas
City delegation, and had Winfield declared the temporary county site.
On December 31, 1879, Judge T. B. Ross
died at home. The Winfield Courier reported the immediate cause of his
death was a violent cold.
On February 21, 1904, Mrs. Nancy Higgins
Ross died. They had three surviving children: John, Patti, and T. H. B.
-0-
From Newspapers:
[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.
The following bills were allowed.
One in favor of T. H. B. Ross, services
as Deputy Sheriff, $5.00.
[PROGRAM OF THE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
AT WINFIELD.]
Cowley County Censor, July 1, 1871.
Toast:
“The Day We Celebrate.” Judge Ross.
[MASS CONVENTION OF THE SUPPORTERS OF
GREELEY AND BROWN.]
Winfield Messenger, September 6, 1872.
Meeting organized by the selection of R.
B. Saffold for chairman, and A. Walton as secretary. Mr. Saffold made an
interesting speech in favor of the Cincinnati Platform and the nominees; Mr.
Jackson made a motion that a committee of five be appointed on organization,
seconded and carried; also moved that a committee of five be appointed on
resolutions; carried.
Recommended by T. A. Blanchard, Chairman,
that a Central Committee be elected, consisting of two members from each township,
and that they be requested to meet at Winfield, Saturday, the 9th day of September,
1872, for the purpose of organization of said Committee and apportioning to
each township its number of delegates for a County Convention Sept. 18, named
as the day for a Greeley Mass meeting at Winfield.
A.
A. Jackson, Secretary.
CENTRAL
COMMITTEE APPOINTED: DIFFERENT TOWNSHIPS.
Nominations were then made for delegates
to the two Conventions to be held in Topeka September 11th, 1872. A. A.
Jackson and R. B. Saffold, with S. D. Oaks and T. B. Ross as alternates were
nominated to one Convention, and A. Walton, T. McIntire with H. N. Deming and
T. A. Blanchard, alternates to the other, for the purpose of nominating State
officers, Electors, and Congressmen.
[PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Messenger, September 20, 1872.
The following bills were acted upon:
T. B. Ross and others, for County road,
allowed $8.00.
[THE FAIR—LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED.]
Winfield Messenger, October 4, 1872.
Class
P—Horticulture, etc.
Premiums to T. B. Ross, J. Brown, Henry
Marshal, D. W. Boutwell, Mrs. J. C. Blandin, Miss Mollie Bryant.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 10, 1873.
Judge T. B. Ross is quite sick.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 5, 1873.
We were shown a copy of the Coffeyville
Courier, published by White & Chatham, Coffeyville, Montgomery Co.,
Kansas. The latter gentleman is a nephew of our esteemed fellow citizen, Judge
T. B. Ross.
Winfield Courier, November 20, 1873.
GRAND
ANNUAL RE-UNION OF THE SOLDIERS OF COWLEY COUNTY,
ON
THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 27, 1873.
A CORDIAL INVITATION To participate in
the festivities of the day is hereby extended to all the soldiers residing in
the county. The following PROGRAMME will be observed.
AT 3, P.M. THERE will be a meeting in the
Courthouse, and addresses will be delivered by the following soldiers: Chaplain
E. P. Hickok, Maj. J. B. Fairbank, Capt. James McDermott, A. D. Keith, S. M.
Fall, Maj. T. B. Ross, Rev. N. L. Rigby, J. C. Bigger, Esq., and other soldiers
present.
[Note: The following pertains to daughter
of T. B. Ross: Emma Ross Bryant.]
Winfield Courier, April 10, 1874.
Marriage
Licenses.
The following is a list of the marriage
licenses issued by the Probate Judge for the month of March.
John S. Bryant to Emma Ross.
[COMMISSIONER’S PROCEEDINGS: APRIL 16,
1874.]
Winfield Courier, April 24, 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.
F.
M. Ross, $2.00.
[THE 4TH AT WINFIELD CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1874.
CALLED
TO ORDER.
The meeting was called to order by G. S.
Manser, president of the day. The Declaration of Independence was read by L. T.
Michener, Esq. Speeches were then made by Col. John M. Alexander and Judge
Ross. The “Star Spangled Banner” was sung by Mrs. A. H. Green, assisted by J.
T. Hall, and a full chorus of young ladies, when a short recess was had for
After dinner several toasts were
proposed, and responded to, by Judge Ross, L. J. Webb, Col. Manning, Capt. S.
C. Smith, and L. T. Michener.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
A
KNOT OF NICE “REFORMERS.”
Gathered at P. O. headquarters No. 2,
last Wednesday night, were as nice a knot of “reformers” as ever (dis)graced
the State of Kansas. In the center, Nelson Abbott, whose record during and since
the war brand him as no better than any other murderer and thief. Around him
such shining lights as J. M. Alexander, R. B. Saffold, Will. M. Allison, H. B.
Lacy, not to mention Judge Ross. We noticed a few vacant chairs, which to have
made the circle complete, should have been filled by the fisherman of the P. O.
“Charley,” Alexander’s former partner, and one or two others we could name. No
doubt they had a good time “fighting their battles o’er again.” Certainly if
each was not benefitted, neither could he be contaminated by contact with the
others.
[CAMPAIGN MEETING: NELSON ABBOTT COMES
AND GOES.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
A
CAMPAIGN MEETING IN WINFIELD!
Nelson
Abbott Comes and Goes
How
He Didn’t Do It.
Nelson Abbott came to Winfield the day that
September left. Wednesday night the courtroom filled with voters to hear Nelson
speak. Besides some things that Nelson isn’t, he is a candidate on the “reform”
ticket for Secretary of State. Nelson is some things, but he isn’t a good many
things. He is the publisher of a democratic paper in Atchison, he is an awkward
public speaker, is doing the republican ticket much good, and is a fair
specimen of the “reform” genius. He isn’t an honest man, he isn’t doing his
cause any good, he isn’t paying off those lottery tickets, isn’t telling the
truth one-third of the time when he talks, isn’t fooling anybody with his lies,
isn’t going to be elected secretary of state.
He opened his remarks by saying that last
fall the reform party had only county organizations throughout the state, and
that said reformers were successful in electing their candidates in a majority
of the counties. This being true the reformers had a majority in the
Legislature. He then charged this same legislature with authorizing Barbour and
Harper counties to issue large amounts of bonds, fraudulently. That was the
work of the reform legislature, Nelson, and not chargeable to the republican
party. He then charged the republican party with robbing the school fund of
500,000 acres of land and giving it to railroads, but forgot to tell us that
Sam Crawford, who is now a noisy reformer, was governor at the time and signed
the bill, and that F. W. Potter and dozens of other blatant reformers were then
members of the legislature and voted for the bill and held the law to be
constitutional.
But the wind was badly let out of Nelson
when Mr. Kelly, the senior editor of this paper, who knew Abbott in Macomb,
Illinois, took the floor and told the audience that Abbott published a
scandalous, copperhead paper in Macomb during the war, and only saved his press
by taking the oath of allegiance. He stated that Abbott’s paper counseled
resistance to the draft, advised desertion, and so incensed and encouraged the
copperheads at home as to cause the murder of W. H. Randolph, the deputy
provost marshal. He also accused Abbott of selling lottery tickets to dispose
of his own property in Macomb, and then sold the property at private sale and
left the country with his ticket money in his pocket.
Abbott denied all these charges, but Mr.
E. P. Kinne of Arkansas City, who also knew Abbott and his history, happened to
be present and at once arose and verified Mr. Kelly’s statement.
Great applause followed Mr. Kelly’s
exposure of Abbott. From this time on the meeting became boisterous but good
natured. Judge Ross, the chairman, got “on his ear” and defended the old time
democracy in eloquent terms, and urged the people to disregard party lines and
unite on honest men for office. The Judge’s enthusiasm and rough hewn sentences,
frequently brought down the house.
R. B. Saffold, democrat, and Allison’s
candidate for the state senate, made a few remarks.
Capt. Jas. Christian, of Lawrence,
happened to be present, and was called out. His speech was humorous and well
put, its criticisms being divided not equally between the republican and reform
parties. He was a democrat and took no stock in either. He admitted that Abbott
might have been a bad man, but if he was trying to reform himself now and live
an honest life hereafter, he should be allowed to do so.
The Winfield band discoursed sweet music
for the occasion. Taken altogether the meeting was cold comfort to Abbott and
his followers, and it were far better for Nelson and his cause if he had never
seen Winfield.
Winfield Courier, October 22, 1874.
Col. E. C. Manning, Mrs. Manning, Judge
Ross, John Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, and J. H. Finch started for a four week’s
trip to Arkansas yesterday morning.
Winfield Courier, November 5, 1874.
From
our Special Correspondent.
COFFEYVILLE,
KANSAS, October 24th, 1874.
FRIEND COURIER: I write you from the
office of the Coffeyville Courier. It is a smart paper, published by
Chatham and Scurr. Chatham is a nephew of Judge Ross of your town. Coffeyville
is twice as large as Winfield and contains three times as many business houses,
and a greater variety of them. We meet Indians, Mexicans, Missourians,
Arkansans, and white men upon the streets of this busy place. Drinking and
gambling are pastimes that are indulged in by many apparently respectable men
and businessmen at that. This is Saturday and there are not as many teams in
town as is usual in Winfield, but for all that there seems to be a large
business done here.
The civilized Indians from the Territory
come here to trade. The town is an irregular shaped affair without beauty in
architecture or symmetry in form. A very large schoolhouse, much after the
plan of the one in Arkansas City, only twice as large, graces the highest part
of the town plot.
There are larger business houses here than
in Winfield, but no private residences to compare at all with Rev. Platter’s,
Capt. Davis, or Capt. Lowrey’s.
The town is about two miles from the
Indian Territory line and is surrounded by a sandstone country; consequently,
the soil is sandy. The hills are covered with black jack oak and autumn’s tints
upon the foliage make the landscape charming. The railroad (L. L. & G.)
terminates here, though the track runs a mile below town to the stock yards.
Many cattle are shipped here.
Nobody need want to leave Cowley County
to come here to either live or buy winter provisions. The soil is not half as
good as Cowley soil; the water is not as good; the streams are all dry. Cattle
have to go long distances in some localities to get water. The crops are as
poor here as with you there. Sweet potatoes sell for one dollar and they are
the only eatable that we can find that is cheaper than there. Corn sells from
75 to 90 cents. Irish potatoes are shipped in from the north. As another
indication that this is not a more favored land than yours, nearly everybody
wants to sell out. We passed in the last twenty miles more than a hundred acres
of castor beans, but the crop is about a failure. It is only about two feet
high and far from ripe.
The road from Winfield to this place is a
very rough one, hilly and stony. It is about one hundred miles in distance. Our
route lay by Dexter, Cedarvale, Peru, St. Paul, and Canaville. At Cedarvale we
left the limestone country and entered the sandstone region, which extends to
this place and to the Boston mountains in Arkansas for ought I know. Cedarvale
is a little larger than Tisdale and shows more thrift than any place between
here and Winfield. Peru is about the size of Cedarvale but looks deserted,
about one half the buildings being vacant. St. Paul consists of a very large
white hotel, two deserted stores, a good well, a running race track one half
mile long, and corn at a dollar and a quarter. It is on the east edge of Howard
County and the ragged edge of despair. The heavy timber of Cana Valley are on
one side and timber crowned hills on the other give a mellow tinge to the
somber picture. Canaville two miles away and out of sight smiles upon the top
of a little hill where the solitary loafer on the street corner points the
traveler on the right road to Coffeyville. Canaville is twice as large as St.
Paul and consequently happy. All the towns that we passed through from Winfield
here have county seat aspirations that glow or slumber during the annual
election canvass and legislative session according as they win or lose on their
respective candidates. The distances as given us (and they always hold out)
are Dexter 18 miles; Cedarvale, 15 miles; Peru, 15 miles; St. Paul, 12 miles;
Canaville, 2 miles; Coffeyville, 22 miles.
Howard County will give Brown for
congress 500 majority and St. Clair for the Senate a still larger majority. The
division candidate for the House will probably be elected.
Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.
That old Jackson War Horse, Judge T. B.
Ross, went down to Arkansas to see how it was himself. He thought may be “after
seein” he might want to move “thar.” When he drove in sight of the Walnut on
his return, he thought somehow he was being translated like Elijah of old,
into Heaven. He never did in all of good old fashioned Methodist experience
feel so good before and we felt nearly as happy to see him permanently back
again.
Winfield Courier, December 3, 1874.
Judge T. B. Ross, a worthy citizen of
Cowley County, has lately returned from an extended tour in the state of
Arkansas. The distance traveled by him is nearly seven hundred miles, which was
accomplished in a heavy two horse wagon. When the judge went down there he
intended—had the country suited him—to locate and grow up with the country, as
he is only 84 years old.
[BILLS ALLOWED BY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]
Winfield Courier, December 23, 1875.
Witness
Fees—T. B. Ross.
CENTENNIAL
ISSUE.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.
In August, 1868, N. J. Thompson, the
first white settler, ventured within its limits. He built a house on the east
bank of the Walnut River, about one mile below the line. The fame of its many
beautiful streams, groves of heavy timber, rich valleys, and inviting prairies
was attracting attention in the State. In the spring of 1869 several young men
took claims along the Walnut River and built claim cabins. Judge T. B. Ross and
James Renfro came into the county in January of 1869 and commenced work upon
claim houses into which they moved with their families in the March following.
They reside upon the same claims about two and a half miles above Winfield on
the east bank of the Walnut. These with Wm. Quimby and family, and Mr. Sales
and family, who settled on the Walnut just below Thompson’s place in December,
1868, were the first settlers with families of whom any evidence can be found.
At this time there was no house on Grouse Creek, nor upon the Arkansas River
below Wichita.
In the month of August the Indians
ordered the settlers out of the valley and they all moved to the north line of
the county, and camped or went into Butler County, except Judge T. B. Ross and
family. He affirmed his determination to live and die right where he was. He
still lives, though eighty-two years old. He walks as erect as an Indian, and
declares that he is going to attend the Centennial this summer.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.
ORGANIZATION.
Cowley County was organized Feb. 28,
1870, by the order of Gov. Harvey on petition, and Winfield was designated as
the temporary county seat. W. W. Andrews, of Winfield, G. H. Norton, of
Creswell, S. F. Graham, of Dexter, were appointed County Commissioners, Feb.
28, 1870, and E. P. Hickok was appointed County Clerk at the same time by the
same authority.
This Board of Commissioners ordered an
election to be held May 2nd, 1870; at which time the permanent location of the
county seat was voted upon, and a full set of county officers were also
elected. At that election there were two places voted upon for county seat,
to-wit: Winfield and Arkansas City. The former received 108 votes and the
latter 55 votes, and the following officers were elected.
Commissioners: T. A. Blanchard, Winfield;
Morgan Willett, Rock Creek; G. H. Norton, Creswell; H. C. Loomis, Winfield,
County Clerk; John Devore, Creswell, Treasurer; E. P. Hickok, Winfield,
District Clerk; T. B. Ross, Winfield, Probate Judge; W. E. Cook, Creswell,
Recorder; W. G. Graham, Winfield, Coroner; F. A. Hunt, Rock Creek, Sheriff; F.
S. Graham, Grouse Creek, Surveyor.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.
PROBATE
JUDGE. T. B. ROSS, Elected Nov. 8, 1870; resigned Oct. 31, 1871.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.
Oct. 8th, a call for a “People’s
Convention” was issued, signed by W. Q. Mansfield, T. H. Johnson, T. A.
Blanchard, James Renfro, James Land, D. A. Millington, Wm. Craig, F. A. Hunt,
A. Menor, J. Mentch, T. B. Ross, and H. Wolf.
The election of T. B. Ross as Probate
Judge was contested before T. H. Johnson, County Attorney, presiding as judge,
with J. C. Fuller and E. S. Torrance, the incoming County Attorney, then a
resident of Arkansas City, as associate judges. The “Court” decided that Ross
was entitled to the certificate.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 6, 1876.
Judge T. B. Ross preached the first
sermon in Winfield.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January
6, 1876.
Though this country was practically open
for settlement on the passage of the act of Congress of July 15th, 1870, in
relation thereto; yet no one knew where his claim lines would run, because
there had been no government survey. This survey did not occur until January,
1871. Immediately after the survey D. A. Millington, who was the first engineer
and surveyor, surveyed and laid out into town lots and blocks, all the west
half of Fuller’s claim and east half of Manning’s claim (not already laid out),
and platted the whole as the town site of Winfield. Settlers continued to
locate in Winfield until on the 10th day of July, 1871, there were 72 lots
improved with 80 buildings. On that day the town site was entered by the
Probate Judge, T. B. Ross.
[RAILROAD MASS MEETING: WINFIELD.]
Arkansas City Traveler, February 9, 1876.
C. R. Mitchell, being absent, on motion
of A. B. Lemmon, Mr. I. H. Bonsall of Arkansas City was elected Secretary in
his place. On motion of Mr. Fleming, the Arkansas City Silver Cornet Band was
requested to give the meeting some music while the committee was absent
drafting resolutions. After listening to some very good music by the band,
Judge Ross, of Rock Township, was called on for a speech, and responded with an
effective and pointed speech in favor of railroads, and convinced the convention
that he was, as he said in commencing his speech, covered all over with the
railroad fever, and must have convinced the most skeptical of the need of a
railroad outlet for our crops.
Rev. Mr. Platter read a letter from
Peabody, asking for delegates to be appointed to attend a meeting there on the
23rd or 27th. A motion of Rev. Platter that the chair appoint delegates was
carried, and Rev. J. E. Platter, of Winfield, C. M. Scott, Arkansas City, and
Judge Ross, of Rock Township, were appointed delegates.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1876.
THAT
RAILROAD MEETING.
Last Saturday a large concourse of
representative men from all parts of Cowley County assembled in Winfield to
give expression to their views upon the railroad situation. The meeting was
held in the Courthouse. The room was packed full and many were left outside
that could not gain admittance for the jam.
Mayor D. A. Millington was chosen Chairman,
and I. H. Bonsall, of Arkansas City, selected as secretary.
A committee on resolutions consisting of
A. B. Lemmon, S. M. Fall, of Lazette; R. P. Goodrich, of Maple City; W. R.
Watkins, of Liberty; S. S. Moore, of Tisdale; J. B. Holmes, of Rock; H. L.
Barker, of Richland; Enos Henthorn, of Omnia; Mr. Harbaugh, of Pleasant Valley;
T. M. Morris, of Beaver; L. Bonnewell, of Vernon; Amos Walton, of Bolton; and
S. B. Fleming, of Creswell Townships was appointed.
The committee retired to prepare the
resolutions, and during their absence speeches were made by several persons,
the most notable of which were those of Judge Ross and Judge Christian. The
resolutions reported by the committee were adopted.
On motion three delegates to the Peabody
convention, on the 27th inst., were appointed, to-wit: Rev. J. E. Platter,
Judge T. B. Ross, and C. M. Scott.
Winfield Courier, April 20, 1876.
At the railroad meeting last Saturday,
Judge Ross presided and C. M. Scott of the Traveler occupied the
Secretary’s desk. Eloquent speeches were made in favor of the railroad by the
Judge, Amos Walton, and others.
Winfield Courier, April 27, 1876.
Registered
Warrants.
Notice is hereby given that the Cowley
Warrants here described will be paid on presentation at the Treasurer’s office,
and that the interest will cease on each of them after
publication.
T.
B. Ross: $5.10
[CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.]
Winfield Courier, July 6, 1876.
“Our Early Settlers,” by Judge T. B.
Ross, was a review of the pioneers of Cowley, of which he stands, figuratively,
the oldest tree in the forest. His speech was long and vociferously applauded.
Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.
THROUGH the solicitation of friends we
publish on our first page this week our Centennial History of the county. For
the facts concerning Cowley’s early history, we are indebted to the “old
settlers,” among whom we might mention Col. Manning, C. M. Wood, Jas. Renfro,
Judge Ross, Dr. Graham, and others, of this neighborhood; Judge McIntire, H. C.
Endicott, and T. A. Wilkinson, of Arkansas City; Capt. Jas. McDermott, of
Dexter; S. S. Moore, of Tisdale; and J. W. Tull, through R. C. Story, Esq., of
Lazette. For the courtesy of county, township, and city officers in placing at
our disposal, books, records, etc., we are particularly grateful.
Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13,
1876.
COWLEY
COUNTY.
This county was born in the usual way, of
“poor but honest parents,” viz: the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives
in old Constitution Hall at Topeka, on the 3rd day of March, 1867. Governor J.
S. Crawford stood sponsor and named it Cowley, in honor of Lieut. Mathew
Cowley, a soldier of the 9th Kansas Regiment.
A party of persons, consisting of James
Renfro and sons, Judge T. B. Ross and sons, Shep Sayers, and Frank Hunt,
crossing the sombre, stony hills of old Butler, followed down the Walnut River
on the 1st day of January, 1869, and “took claims” in the bottom just above the
mouth of Timber Creek.
Judge T. B. Ross was the only pioneer
that did not obey the orders of Mr. “Lo.” They couldn’t scare him. He came to
stay and he has stayed.
Cowley County Democrat, Winfield, Kansas, Thursday, July 13,
1876.
On the 10th day of July, 1871, Judge T.
B. Ross entered the town site of Winfield at the Augusta land office, under the
town site laws. At that time there were eighty buildings in town.
Unknown: Relationship of F. T. Ross to
Ross family.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.
TEACHERS.
The following teachers were in attendance
at the examination held at Winfield, Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16,
1876.
WINFIELD. Louis P. King, Lusetta Pyburn,
Mr. J. Huff, M. E. Lynn, Mary E. Bryant, E. M. Snow, Sallie E. Rea, C. A.
Winslow, Amy Robertson, Mall Roberts, Mrs. Bell Siebert, H. W. Holloway, Mollie
A. Davis, O. S. Record, Rachel E. Newman, Ioa Roberts, F. T. Ross, Geo. W.
Robinson, J. K. Beckner, Emma Saint, Sarah E. Davis, Maggie Stansbury, M. D.
Snow, Byron A. Snow, Helen Wright, Mina O. Johnson, Kate Gilliland.
The following refers to 1870 election in
Cowley County...
[LETTER FROM W. P. HACKNEY TO SCOTT.]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 27, 1876.
WINFIELD,
KANSAS, Sept. 9, 1876.
C. M. Scott, Esq.: DEAR SIR: In reply to your question as to
Manning bolting the Republican ticket in 1870, I have this to say. The party
was organized by the appointment of a Republican Central Convention of one from
each voting precinct in the County. This was done in Convention at Dexter. At
the same time a delegate was elected to represent this County in the State
Convention and he was admitted. Col. Manning, although there and claiming to
represent the county, was rejected. That Central Committee called a Republican
County Convention to be held at Winfield, I don’t remember the date. At the
appointed time the Convention met in the building, then unfinished, in which
Green’s Drug Store is situated, and organized by the election of John Irwin as
Chairman and myself as Secretary.
All the precincts were represented but
Winfield, and we nominated a straight Republican ticket. Afterwards a People’s
Convention was called at Winfield and E. C. Manning nominated for
Representative; Judge T. B. Ross, of Winfield, for Probate Judge; A. A.
Jackson, of Winfield, for County Clerk; John M. Pattison, of Rock, for Sheriff;
William Cook, of Winfield, for Register of Deeds. The other members on the
ticket escape my memory. My recollection is the ticket was composed of three
Republicans and three Democrats. This ticket was the only ticket nominated that
fall against the Republicans.
Manning was defeated at the polls, but
the easy conscience of the County Board resulted in the throwing out of the
votes returned from six precincts, resulting in Mr. Manning being declared
elected.
I commenced a contest against him, and
the notice was served on T. H. Johnson at Manning’s residence, he (Manning)
having absented himself to avoid such service.
When the Legislature met, the contestor,
H. B. Norton (who was the choice of a majority of the voters of the county as
aforesaid at that election), was very sick, and confined to his bed until
towards the close of the session: hence the contest was abandoned.
Respectfully,
W.
P. HACKNEY.
[DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.]
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876. Editorial Page.
The committee on credentials reported the
following as delegates.
Winfield: J. W. McDonald, J. B. Lynn, J.
D. Cochran, J. W. Curns, N. W. Holmes, C. C. Black, A. J. Thompson, Wm. Dunn,
T. B. Ross, G. W. Yount.
[Note: Miss Mary J. Ross was a daughter
of T. B. Ross.]
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1876.
BETHEL grange elected its officers Dec.
16, for the coming year: N. E. Newell, Master; R. J. Barker, Overseer; Joe
Stansberry, Lecturer; B. E. Murphy, Steward; Mrs. C. E. Barker, chaplain; G. W.
Yount, Treasurer; Jno. Mentch, Secretary; W. R. Wilson, Gate keeper; Mrs. M.
Murphy, Ceres; Miss M. J. Ross, Pomona; Mrs. Mary Newell, Flora; and Miss Kate
Yount, Lady Assistant Steward.
Unknown whether Ellen Ross Gallotti was
related to T. B. Ross...
Winfield Courier, March 1, 1877.
MARRIED.
GALLOTTI - ROSS. Married at the residence
of Mr. M. L. Robinson, on Thursday evening, February 22nd, 1877, by Rev. J. E.
Platter, Mr. Frank Gallotti and Miss Ella Ross.
After the ceremonies a very pleasant
party was given the number of friends who were invited and in attendance. The
happy pair repaired to a neat little residence, which has recently been built
and very finely furnished, and was in readiness for the new and happy
occupants. The wish of the COURIER force is that their journey through life may
be as pleasant as their honeymoon.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 7, 1877.
MARRIED. MR. FRANK GALLOTTI and MISS
ELLEN ROSS, both of Winfield, were married by Rev. Platter, on the evening of
February 22nd. The many friends of Mr. Gallotti rejoice in his good fortune.
Unknown whether Lizzie Ross was related
to T. B. Ross..
Note that Traveler has “John M. Reid” and
“John M. Reed.”
Arkansas City Traveler, April 25, 1877.
MARRIED. On Thursday, April 19th, by Rev.
Platter, John M. Reid and Miss Lizzie Ross, both of Winfield.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 16, 1877.
MARRIAGE LICENSES. The following are the
marriage licenses issued by the Probate Judge during the months of April and
May.
John M. Reed and Elizabeth Ross.
Not sure what relationship F. M. Ross had
to T. B. Ross. [Kay had F. H. B. Ross in his records.]
[EDITORIAL COLUMNS.]
Winfield Courier, November 15, 1877.
TOWNSHIP
OFFICERS ELECTED.
Otter—A. B. Shaver, Trustee; C. R. Myles,
Treasurer; E. J. Edwards, Clerk; J. J. Smith, J. McDonough, Justices; F. M.
Ross, T. Thompson, Constables.
Do not know what relationship the
following Ross was to T. B. Ross, if any.
Winfield Courier, January 3, 1878.
Red
Bud Items.
BIRTH. Born to Mr. and Mrs. O. G. Ross,
on Wednesday, December 5th, a son.
M. J. Ross: daughter of T. B. Ross...
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1878.
Minutes of meeting held at Bethel
schoolhouse, district 37th, Winfield, Cowley County, Kansas.
On motion M. J. Ross was appointed
treasurer.
Resolved, That this society be called the Murphy
Temperance Society.
Resolved, That the meetings of this society be
held on Tuesday evenings of each week.
Resolved, That we appoint a committee of five on
program.
Committee on program: Henry Weekly, Quin
Paugh, M. J. Ross, Julia Anderson, and Frank Weekly.
Winfield Courier, February 7, 1878.
BEAVER
JOTTINGS.
One of the smart alecs of our neighbor
township, Pleasant Valley, in close proximity to this vicinity, assassinated a
disorderly Indian a few days ago. The weapons used were a knife in the hands of
the Indian and an ax in the hands of the assassin.
The partaking of the Lords Supper at the
Centennial last Sunday was a solemn and interesting affair. Elder Down and Rev.
Judge Ross dispensed the bread and wine.
Do not know relationship, if any, of O.
G. Ross to T. B. Ross family.
Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.
MAPLE
TOWNSHIP.
Our Sunday school was organized last
Sabbath at the Grand Prairie schoolhouse. Officers were chosen as follows:
Superintendent, Mr. Hodson; assistant superintendent, Mrs. Daniels; secretary,
Mr. John Hale; assistant secretary, Mr. C. M. Kreps; treasurer, Mr. O. G. Ross.
We had a nice time, and we expect to have a better one in the future.
Unknown who Andrew Ross might be. No
apparent connection to T. B. Ross.
Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.
District
Court Proceedings.
Venire for additional jurors ordered
yesterday returned served on D. A. Byers, H. C. Catlin, H. C. McDorman, Simeon
Martin, W. W. Thomas, J. W. Miller, L. B. Stone, A. C. Davis, and W. S. Gilman;
John Young, A. C. Winton, and Andrew Ross not found.
John Ross was a son of T. B. Ross...
Winfield Courier, July 11, 1878.
BETHEL,
COWLEY COUNTY, KANSAS, July 6, 1878.
EDITOR COURIER: John Bryant and John Ross
spent the Fourth at Arkansas City. Frank Furthy celebrated at El Dorado. Some
of our citizens went to Queen Village and some to Wellington.
Winfield Courier, August 29, 1878.
Democratic
Convention.
The delegates to the Democratic County
Convention met according to call at the courthouse in Winfield on Saturday,
August 24th, at 2 o’clock p.m., and the meeting was called to order by Hon. A.
J. Pyburn.
The veteran, Judge T. B. Ross, was chosen
permanent chairman, and J. S. Allen secretary. There were twenty-five delegates
present and, on motion, the call of the delegates was dispensed with and the
meeting resolved itself into a mass convention.
The following named gentlemen were chosen
delegates and alternates to the state convention, which meets at Leavenworth on
Wednesday, September 4th, 1878, viz:
Delegates: A. J. Pyburn, J. B. Lynn, T. B. Ross, A.
Walton, W. D. Lester, J. B. Adams.
Alternates: C. C. Black, R. B. Pratt, J. F. Miller,
Ed. Green, J. Christian, T. McIntire.
It was voted that the delegates chosen
have power to fill vacancies.
Winfield Courier, September 12, 1878.
Judge
T. B. Ross.
The Democrats, in convention at
Leavenworth, had the good sense to give to Judge Ross, of this county, the
place of honor on the platform. The Judge is one of the old war horses of the
party, and is now 85 years old, hale and hearty, with evidently many years of
service in him yet. He was called on for a speech, and entertained the
unterrified with one of his characteristic orations, which “brought down the
house.” The party which honors such men as Judge Ross cannot be altogether bad.
[FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, WINFIELD,
1879.]
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
Last Friday was undoubtedly the biggest
day Winfield ever had. Considerable preparation had been made by our citizens;
but as so many celebrations were to be held in the county, no one expected such
a crowd as gathered at the metropolis to observe “the day we celebrate.” Over
8,000 people were present.
The streets and avenues were lined with
wagons, crowding the streets and lining the roads for miles.
About half past ten a.m., Gen. Green,
with a corps of assistants, began the work of organizing the procession and
getting the different township delegations together. The procession was
delayed somewhat by the Vernon delegation, which came in about eleven o’clock
headed by the Winfield Cornet Band, and took their places at the head of the
column. When all was ready, the band struck up “Hail Columbia” and the
procession, reaching from the courthouse to Millington street, south on
Millington street to 13th avenue, thence west to Main street, and north to the
grounds, over two miles, started. It was supposed that over half of the teams
had not formed in the procession, and the number of wagons was estimated at
five hundred.
The speech of the occasion, which was
delivered by Judge McDonald, was pronounced by all to be one of his most brilliant
efforts, and was as creditable to himself as it was pleasing to the audience.
Everybody
seemed to be a committee of one to provide dinner for a score of persons, and
we wished a dozen times that we had the capacity for victuals of the “two-headed
giant” of picture book fame.
After dinner, the presentation of the
flag to the largest delegation, was awarded to Vernon township. Prof. R. C.
Story presented the flag in one of the neatest speeches it has ever been our
fortune to hear. Judge Ross, Squire Barrack of Rock, and Rev. Joel Mason of
Pleasant Valley made some happy and appropriate remarks.
[DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER: JUDGE T. B.
ROSS OF WALNUT TOWNSHIP.]
Winfield Courier, January 1, 1880.
Just as we go to press we learn with pain
of the death of Judge T. B. Ross, of Walnut township, in this county. Judge
Ross was, we believe, the first settler in Cowley County, and the only man who
dared to remain when the Indians drove out the few settlers in the fall of
1869. He has been a prominent and highly respected citizen of this county ever
since, and had arrived at the ripe age of eighty-four, preserving his faculties
in an eminent degree to the last. The immediate cause of his death was a
violent cold.
Winfield Courier, February 5, 1880.
Elder Downs, of Methodist Church South,
will on next Sunday, February 8th, at Bethel school house, preach the funeral
sermon of Hon. T. B. Ross.
[REPUBLICAN CONVENTION HELD AT DEXTER.]
Winfield Courier, August 12, 1880.
At the Republican convention held in
Dexter on last Saturday to nominate a candidate for the office of
Representative of the Eighty-ninth district, there were present many
Republicans from all parts of the county, with a full attendance of delegates
from that district. The meeting was a large and enthusiastic one.
Hon. W. P. Hackney, being present, was
called on to make a speech, and responded with a ringing speech in behalf of
the principles of the Republican party, claiming that its organization was
inspired by the great truths of the declaration of Independence, and that it
was the first and only party that ever dared accept those truths as a party
platform. That the Democratic party was the champion of slavery before the war
and its apologist since; that the Republican party was the champion of free speech
and an untrammeled press, the defender of the liberties of the people and the
purity of the ballot box; that the Democracy was cemented together by the
coalition of the Northern and Southern wings of that party, the former willing
to submit to the dictation of the latter for the sake of the spoils, while the
latter, actuated by the sole desire of regaining in peace what they lost in
war, permitted their mouths to be hermetically sealed during the last session
of Congress for fear some of their hopes and aspirations would be unwittingly
promulgated and the Northern mind startled.
He referred to the fact that the
Democratic party was the same today that it always had been, the foe of the
black man; the apologist of oppression, and unrelenting opponent to all
election laws to protect our ballot boxes.
He referred to the fact that he has
always been a Republican, and that he helped organize the Republican party in
Cowley County, was secretary of the first Republican convention ever held in
Cowley County, which met in Dexter in August 1870; that he was secretary of the
Republican convention that nominated a Republican ticket in September of that
year; that the opposition nominated a ticket with E. C. Manning, Judge Ross, A.
A. Jackson, and John Devore, all Democrats except the former; that his ticket
was elected, but the returns were thrown out and Manning declared elected,
although defeated.
Here someone called out: “Where were you
four years ago?” Hackney retorted: “Fighting for the Republican county ticket,
except as to the man he fought ten years ago;” and that he four years ago
bolted the nomination of that man, Col. Manning, and that by that act (although
he had spent his time and traveled over the county every fall since making
speeches for the Republican ticket) he had placed a club in the hands of
enemies that they had freely used ever since, and referred in bitter tones to
the fact that the beneficiaries of that act had omitted no opportunity to
assault him at every turn made by him since in favor of the straight ticket.
He warned the Republicans, that while the
Democratic party will fawn upon them now, if they will help them, yet the first
time that they are pleased with the ticket and want it elected, and attempt to
secure that object, they will be set upon by the jackals and scorpions that
infest that party, and nothing will be too low and mean for them to do or say.
And when he closed he was greeted with
thunders of applause. It was a timely speech, and well received by all, and
everybody went home happy and pledging themselves anew to the election of our
gallant candidate for the State Senate.
Unknown: relationship of A. G. Ross to T.
B. Ross, if any.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 17, 1880.
List of jurors drawn to serve for the
December term of the district court of Cowley county.
A. G. Ross, Maple.
T. H. B. Ross was a son of T. B. Ross,
who moved to Caldwell.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 1, 1880.
T. H. B. Ross has the merest luck and the
worstest of it of any man on the hill. A couple of weeks ago with a few friends
he went down into the Territory to have a little hunt and look around a bit—all
of which he did, and had arrived at the Cimarron on his return, when he fell in
with a party of soldiers, and accepted a very pressing invitation from them to
go back to Fort Reno. It was just as well that he did, for he found comfortable
quarters until the storm was over, when the line of march north was taken and
the party arrived here last Monday. Ross is mad, though, because he didn’t
corral more soldiers. He only brought up five, but they seemed to take it good
naturedly, and Ross let them go as soon as they got to the State line. Caldwell
Commercial.
John Ross was a son of T. B. Ross.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 20, 1881.
SOLDIERS
REUNION.
WINFIELD,
KANSAS, JULY 14, 1881.
To the Union Soldiers of the late War:
We, the undersigned, your comrades and
survivors of the late rebellion, believe that a reunion of the old soldiers now
residents of Cowley and surrounding counties, would meet your approval and
serve to renew and strengthen a patriotic and brotherly feeling in the hearts
of all old soldiers and lovers of the Union, we would, therefore call a reunion
at Island Park, Winfield, Kansas, for the 7th and 8th of October, 1881.
For a more complete organization and the
successful carrying out of this plan, we would ask all old soldiers residing in
the limits above named, to meet at Manning Opera House, on Saturday, July 23rd,
at 2 o’clock p.m., at which time to effect a permanent organization, and the
appointment of such general and local committees as the meeting may deem
proper, essential for the ultimate success of this—an old soldiers’ reunion—at
the time and place above mentioned. The county papers are requested to publish
this call.
[John
Ross was one of the old soldiers who signed call for reunion.]
The following item relates to visit by
widow of T. B. Ross to her daughter.
[REPORT FROM “HANK” - PLEASANT VALLEY.]
Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.
Mrs. Ross, from north of Winfield, is visiting
her daughter, Mrs. Wallace.
Cowley County Courant, November 17, 1881.
Mr. T. H. B. Ross took in Winfield last
Friday in the interest of our school district. He says there has been many
changes there, but few of the old “boys” are left, and Winfield does not appear
now as it did in 1870-74. Caldwell Commercial.
Believe “Paddie” Ross is related to Ross
family.
[COMMUNICATION FROM “MUNROE” - CHIMES
FROM BETHEL.]
Cowley County Courant, June 8, 1882.
Miss Paddie Ross is visiting friends in
Pleasant Valley township.
Caldwell Commercial, Thursday, September 7, 1882.
AD ON FRONT PAGE.
T. H. B. ROSS, LAW AND LAND BROKER.
Collections a Specialty.
Farms and Town Lots for Sale.
I represent some of the best Insurance
Companies in the United States.
Office one door south of Moreland’s
restaurant, Main Street,
CALDWELL, KANSAS.
Caldwell Commercial, Thursday, September 21, 1882.
Notice
to Bidders.
Sealed proposals will be received by the
school board of school district No. 20, city of Caldwell, until twelve o’clock
a.m., October 1, 1882, to furnish coal for the coming year for the brick school
building.
Bidders will state price per ton, to be
delivered in five ton lots, paid for in “district orders.” All bids must be
addressed to T. H. B. Ross, district clerk, and marked “bids for coal.”
The board prefers Cannon City coal. The
board also reserves the right to reject any and all bids offered.
By order of the board. T. H. B. ROSS,
District Clerk.
Caldwell Commercial, Thursday, January 11, 1883.
An
Oklahoma Meeting.
Pursuant to notice previously given by
bills scattered over the town, about sixty persons, men and boys, assembled in
the Christian Church building on Tuesday night, with the expec-tation of
hearing something from Capt. D. L. Payne, the Oklahoma boomer. The Captain
failed to put in an appearance, and the assembled multitude seemed to be at a
loss how to proceed.
Finally, old man Haley took the chair and
called the meeting to order, and requested that, as the room was used for
worship by the Christian Church, no one present spit upon the floor or use
profane language. Just then, some boomer ejaculated what sounded very much like
“d n it!” And a coterie of
other boomers threw out about a quart of tobacco juice upon the floor, while
the not overly fragrant aroma from “stinkers” and pipes floated lazily toward
the ceiling.
After this came a long, serious pause,
during which the entire audience wore a look of indefinite curiosity as to what
would happen next. This unpleasant state was relieved by someone moving that T.
H. B. Ross act as secretary of the meeting, which motion prevailed. Mr. Ross,
in assuming the duties of the position, stated that the object of the meeting
was to organize a colony to join Capt. Payne’s Oklahoma colony. He said it was
expected that Payne would be there to address the meeting, but from some cause
he had not arrived. The speaker went on to say that several parties had been
organized to accompany Payne, that they would go from Wichita, Kansas City,
Independence, Rich Hill, Missouri, and other points, to the number of 1,000
men, all of whom would assemble at Arkansas City on or about the 1st of
February, and gaily slip into Oklahoma like a sore foot into an old slipper.
Mr. Ross also stated that the colony had the newspaper material, and the men to
run it, at Wichita, and a saw mill, all of which would move with the colony.
[This is some kind of taffy Payne has
been giving the public for the last three years. ED.]
The speaker stated that Payne said he
would start his colony from Caldwell, if it were not that the newspapers here
were against him.
[If we remember rightly, Payne used to
give as a reason for not concentrating his vast forces here that the people of
Caldwell were opposed to him and his scheme. ED.]
At the close of Mr. Ross’ remarks an
opportunity was given those present to sign the roll, and after a long wait,
two, more bold than the rest, walked up and signed the paper entitling them to
the privilege of being taken in on the Oklahoma lands by U. S. Troops.
Emboldened by the example of the two braves, about twenty-five others put down
their names. Notice was then given that a meeting would be held on Wednesday
night, when only those who had signed the roll would be admitted. The meeting
was undoubtedly held, but as the COMMERCIAL reporter was not entitled to be
present, we are unable to even give a hint of its deliberations.
Caldwell Commercial, Thursday, February 15, 1883.
The
Boomers.
T. H. B. Ross received a letter on
Tuesday from J. H. Miller, dated the 8th inst., in which it was stated that a
squad of troops under Lieut. Stevens, had arrested Payne and a few others, but
that the main force of the boomers had refused to pay any attention to the
troops. The letter is dated February 6th, and was sent by a courier to Arkansas
City. Since its receipt, we learn that troops from Sill and Reno had been sent
out and the entire party of boomers captured. One thing is certain, that the
entire outfit will be taken in and removed from the Territory, and the poor
dupes who have spent their time and money in following D. L. Payne, will find
themselves out to that extent, even if they are not punished otherwise.
Hard to tell which Ross the next item
pertains to.
Winfield Courier, February 8, 1883.
Otter
Scriblings.
Mr. Graves is overhauling and repairing
his house on the Ross place, and is also building an addition.
Caldwell Commercial, Thursday, March 29, 1883.
Another
Tragedy.
An unfortunate and tragical affair
occurred in this city last Thursday afternoon, in the shooting of Charles Everhart
by Dr. W. A. Noble.
An examination of Dr. Noble before
Justice of the Peace T. H. B. Ross, was called on Friday, but the case was
continued, and the defendant held in $10,000 for his appearance on Wednesday,
March 28, at 1 p.m. Bail was promptly furnished.
[SHOOTING AT CALDWELL: DR. NOBLE.]
Arkansas City Traveler, April 4, 1883.
The
Six-Shooter Again.
This time that unnecessary, infernal
machine, the six-shooter, was in the hands of one of the most prominent
physicians and citizens of the county; the result is a blasted name, a
heart-broken family, and the life of a young man of fine education and fair
habits hanging upon a thread, while the friends of the assaulting party are
bowed with grief and shame at the possible ending of this sad affair.
On last Thursday, at about 3:30 p.m., Dr.
W. A. Noble, while under the influence of liquor, shot, with a six-calibre
six-shot revolver, C. C. Everhart, in the Roberts saloon. Three shots were
fired almost instantly, and when the smoke cleared away Everhart was found to
have been hit twice. One ball entered the left breast just below the collar
bone, and, ranging downward, passed through the upper part of the left lung and
came out at the back. The other ball entered on the right of the spinal column,
and came out through the fleshy part of the shoulder. Being but a flesh wound,
it is not dangerous. The other wound may prove fatal, although Everhart may
live three or four months, or may die in a week. Dr. Noble was arrested
immediately after the shooting, and was brought before Justice Ross Saturday
morning, and was admitted to bail in the sum of $100,000 for his appearance
before the same officer yesterday morning. The bail bond was signed by ten of
our citizens. This case is likely to come up before a jury of citizens of this
county, and we refrain from making further comments upon the subject. Caldwell
Post.
Caldwell Commercial, Thursday, April 5, 1883.
The
City Election.
The COMMERCIAL’s lariat roped in the old
city government, with the addition of O. Beeson as one of the council. It
couldn’t pull Judge Kelly through, for Ross got there by a plurality vote.
The new government will stand as follows:
A. M. Colson, Mayor; J. W. Dobson, M. H. Bennett, A. McLain, William Corzine,
O. Beeson, councilmen; T. H. B. Ross, police judge.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 11, 1883.
The following officers were elected at
the Caldwell city election last week: A. M. Colson, mayor; T. H. B. Ross,
police judge; A. McLain, Wm. M. Corzine, J. W. Dobson, M. H. Bennett, and O.
Beeson, councilmen.
The following could be a reference to the
late T. B. Ross...
Winfield Courier, May 3, 1883.
Akron
Items.
Constable Lacy is the boss corn dropper.
Rev. Ross’s vacancy is filled by a prayer
and class meeting.
Caldwell Journal, May 17, 1883.
The examination of Dr. Noble was
concluded last Saturday, and he was held in $2,000 bonds for his appearance at
the next term of the District Court. The defense was ably managed by W. A.
McDonald, Wellington, and, previous to the decision of Justice Ross, the general
impression was that the defendant would be discharged. In view of the fact that
Everhart skipped out on the night of the first day’s examination, and has not
been heard of since, it is our opinion, and the opinion of many who cannot be
accused of being biased toward the Doctor, that he should have been discharged.
We understand that an attachment has been issued for Everhart, but that’s all
the good it will do, and the county will only be put to an extra expense for no
corresponding benefit.
Caldwell Journal, May 31, 1883.
On Tuesday morning Constable McCulloch
might have been seen wending his way to the office of Squire Ross. Preceding
him was a lively young man of apparently twenty-five summers, or some’ers
about, who bore upon his broad and stooping shoulders a heavy saddle, such as
the festive cowboy is wont to sit upon while chasing the flying bovine, a
saddle blanket and other paraphernalia necessary to clothe a range horse. As
the two took their solemn and stately walk up to the stairs ending at the
justice’s office, with the bearer of burthens in the lead, our curiosity became
excited, and, following the cavalcade into the sacred precincts of justice, we
ascertained that the bearer of the saddle was one who gave his name as John
Caypless; that, in company with two others, he had been loafing around the
outskirts of the town for three or four days; that the attention of Brown,
Hollister, and Ben Wheeler had been called to the fact; that on Friday night
Moores & Weller lost a saddle, which fact they reported to the police. On
Monday night they ran across Mr. Caypless and interviewed him so successfully
that he finally consented to show where his wicked partners —who had vamoosed
the ranch—had hid the saddle. They accompanied him to the spot, which proved to
be the ravine near I. N. Cooper’s place, on Fall Creek, where, hidden in a
clump of bushes, the saddle was found. Mr. Caypless’ attendants, taking into
consideration the fact that he had packed the saddle to its hiding place,
concluded that he could carry it back to town, which he did. Caypless, on
examination, was bound over, and, as the poor fellow had missed his breakfast,
Mac took him to get a square meal, after which the train took him to
Wellington, where he is now receiving the hospitalities of the hotel de
Thralls. Had Caypless and his friends succeeded in their schemes, there is no
doubt that other saddles would have been missing, likewise three good horses.
Caldwell Journal, August 2, 1883.
RAILROADS.
The communication of “Widows Child” published
in the JOURNAL of last week had the effect of stirring up our own citizens and
also other parties interested in a projected line seeking connection with this
portion of the state. On Tuesday, Mr. James Hill, of Arkansas City, and a
representative of the Missouri, Winfield & Southwestern Railroad, came to
Caldwell for the purpose of enlisting our people in aid of the enterprise, and
after consultation with some of our most prominent businessmen, a meeting was
held at the opera house yesterday morning.
I. N. Cooper was called to the chair and
W. B. Hutchison appointed secretary. Mr. Hill was then introduced and stated
the object of his visit and the intentions of the company he represented. He
said that the company was independent of either the Gould or the Santa Fe
combinations, and that while it expected aid from the localities through which
the line would run, at the same time it was not backed by Mr. Gould or any
other railroad magnate. The aid asked would only be $2,500 per mile, and it was
the intention of the company to build to Caldwell within the next year.
After the close of Mr. Hills’ talk, it
was resolved that Caldwell needed another railroad, and that the city would
extend any suitable aid for a competing line.
On motion I. N. Cooper, I. B. Gilmore,
John W. Nyce, A. M. Colson, S. P. G. Lewis, and T. H. B. Ross were appointed a
railroad committee with power to take all needful action in case everything was
satisfactory.
The chairman notified the committee to
meet at the Stock Exchange Bank next Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock, after
which the meeting adjourned.
The committee is composed of some of our
most energetic citizens, and we are confident that it will do its work
faithfully, carefully guarding the rights of Caldwell Township in case of any
agreement with the M. W. & S. W. Company.
[VAN METER KILLED.]
Caldwell Journal, November 22, 1883.
A
MAN FOR SUPPER.
Killed
Because He Would Not Surrender.
On Wednesday, about supper time, C. M.
Hollister and Ben. Wheeler drove up to the Leland Hotel in a spring wagon and
lifting out the body of a man, deposited it on one of the tables in the front
basement of that house. When the body was laid out, we found it to be that of a
young man apparently about 23 or 24 years of age, about five feet seven inches
in height; dark complexion, smooth face, except a brown mustache, black hair,
high forehead, narrow between the temples, a long straight nose, something
after the Grecian style, with large nostrils; mouth fair size, with thin
compressed lips. It was the body of Chet. Van Meter, son of S. H. Van Meter,
living near Fall Creek, in this township, about seven miles northwest of this
city.
T. H. B. Ross, Justice of the Peace,
immediately telegraphed for Coroner Stevenson and County Attorney Herrick. The
former was out of town, but the latter came down on the night train, and this
morning a coroner’s jury was summoned, consisting of D. Leahy, Wm. Morris, S.
Sawyer, Wm. Corzine, John Phillips, E. H. Beals, and an inquest was held before
Squire Ross.
We cannot give the testimony in detail,
but the substance of it was to the effect that Chet. Van Meter had married the
daughter of Gerard Banks, a widower living on a farm in Chikaskia Township,
about nine miles from town; that he was living with his father-in-law, and that
on the night of the 20th he beat his wife. That he also, on that same night,
fired at J. W. Loverton and Miss Doty, threatening to kill them, and on the
following morning had beaten his brother-in-law, Albert Banks, a boy about
fifteen or sixteen years of age, and made threats that he would kill half a
dozen of them in that neighborhood before he got through. Young Banks and
Loverton came in on Wednesday and swore out a warrant for the arrest of Van
Meter, before Squire Ross, stating the above facts, and the Justice deputized
C. M. Hollister to serve it, at the same time telling him to get someone to go
with him, and to go well armed, as, from the statement of the complainants, Van
Meter was a dangerous man, and would likely resist a peaceable arrest.
With this understanding, Mr. Hollister
requested Ben Wheeler to accompany him, and about four o’clock in the afternoon
the party started for the home of Mr. Banks. Arriving there, it was ascertained
that Chet had gone to his father’s, about five miles south. Driving over to Van
Meter’s, they found Chet standing near the southeast corner of the house, with
a Winchester in his hands. Wheeler and Hollister jumped out of the wagon, and
the former ordered Chet to throw up his hands, and he did so, but he brought up
his gun at the same time, and fired, apparently at Hollister, as near as the
evidence went to show. Wheeler and Hollister fired almost simultaneously, but
as Chet did not fall, and attempted to fire again, they both shot the second
time, and he fell, dead. They then, with the assistance of Loverton and young
Banks, loaded the body into the wagon, and brought it to town.
An examination of the body this morning
by Dr. Noble disclosed the fact that it had seven bullet holes in it, one
evidently made by a large ball, entering the right side between the second and
third ribs, passing through the lungs and liver and coming out between the
ninth and tenth ribs. The other shots entered the chest, and one penetrated the
abdomen just above the navel. There were also two gunshot wounds on each hand.
The Winchester he held also showed marks where the buckshot from Hollister’s
gun had struck it.
The examination of witnesses closed at 3
o’clock, when the jury retired, and after a short absence returned a verdict to
the effect that the deceased came to his death from gunshot wounds at the hands
of C. M. Hollister and Ben. Wheeler, while in the discharge of their duties as
officers of the law, and that the killing was not felonious.
After the verdict was rendered, the body
was turned over to S. M. Van Meter, father of the deceased, who had it encased
in a coffin and took it home for burial.
And thus the latest, and we trust the
last, sensational incident to border life in Southern Kansas has ended.
[OLD SOLDIERS: ROLL OF HONOR.]
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
ROLL
OF HONOR.
We publish below the roll of old soldiers
in this county drawing pensions from the government for injuries sustained on
account of service, with monthly rate of allowance. It shows that there are one
hundred and forty-six soldiers in the county drawing pensions, and that the
government pays to them monthly the aggregate sum of $1,509.66-3/4. This is a
record that no county but ours can show. It is certainly one that “Cares for
him who has born the brunt of battle and for his widows and orphans.”
LIST
OF PENSIONERS, COWLEY COUNTY.
[NOTE: THEY GAVE THE NUMBER OF
CERTIFICATE FOR EACH ONE. DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS HARD TO READ AND MANY ARE
LONG, I HAVE SKIPPED.
LISTING “Number of Certificate.” MAW]
1. NUMBER OF CERTIFICATE.
2. NAME OF PENSIONER.
3. POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
4. CAUSE FOR WHICH PENSIONED [SOMETIMES
ABBREVIATED].
5. MONTHLY RATE.
6. DATE OF ORIGINAL ALLOWANCE...NOT
ALWAYS GIVEN.
Ross,
Nancy, Winfield, mother 1812, $8.00, July 1879.
Certificate
No. 20,753: Nancy Ross, widow 1812, $6.00, July 1879.
[NEWT BOYCE, GAMBLER, KILLED BY CITY
MARSHAL HENRY BROWN.]
Caldwell Journal, December 20, 1883.
Newt
Boyce Killed.
Newt Boyce, a gambler, was shot last
Saturday night by City Marshal Henry Brown, and died about three o’clock the
next morning. The coroner was telegraphed for, but word was sent back that he
was out of town. Squire Ross, therefore, had a coroner’s jury impaneled, and
proceeded to hold an inquest.
The testimony went to show that on Friday
night Boyce had some trouble in a saloon a few doors north of the post office,
and had cut a soldier, and one of the proprietors of the saloon, with a knife.
Ben Wheeler, assistant city marshal, afterward took the knife away from Boyce
and made him go home. Subsequently, while Brown & Wheeler were in the
Southwestern Hotel, someone informed them that Boyce was out again and liable
to do some harm. The officers started out to hunt him up, and while passing
Hulbert’s store, saw Boyce in there. Brown stepped in, and seeing a knife and
revolver lying on the counter, which Boyce was paying for, pushed the
implements to one side, arrested Boyce, and put him in the cooler, where he
stayed all night.
The next day Boyce was brought before the
police judge and fined, but at the time did not appear to be angry at the
officers for what they had done. During the day, however, he got to drinking,
and made threats against both Wheeler and Brown.
About an hour before he was killed,
Wheeler saw Boyce in the saloon north of the post office, dealing monte. Boyce
asked him where Brown was, at the same time applying epithets regarding Brown.
Wheeler afterward met Brown and told him to look out, that Boyce was a
dangerous man, and was liable to do him some harm. Brown then went to the
saloon, and some words passed between the two men, Boyce remarking that as soon
as he was through with that game, he would settle with Brown.
Shortly after, Wheeler met Boyce in front
of Moore’s saloon, and Boyce asked him where Brown was, that he wanted to see
that fighting S. B., etc. Wheeler told him that Brown was in the saloon, but
advised Boyce to go home and behave himself. While they were talking, they
heard footsteps, as if someone approaching the door from the inside. Boyce
immediately stepped to the alley way between the saloon and Moore’s, and, as he
did so, Wheeler noticed that he had his right hand under his coat, on the left
side. T. L. Crist came to the door, and Wheeler, seeing who it was, turned to
go north. Boyce immediately jumped out of the alley way, pulled his pistol,
cocked and pointed it directly at Wheeler’s back, but seeing Crist at the same
time, he put back the weapon and started down the alley.
Crist called to Wheeler and informed him
regarding Boyce’s actions, and while they were talking, Brown came out of the
saloon. Wheeler informed him what had occurred, and cautioned him to look out,
that he believed Newt Boyce intended to do him some harm. Brown said if that
was the case, he would go and get his Winchester because he didn’t want to be
murdered by anyone.
After Brown got his gun, he and Wheeler
walked north on the west side of Main street, and when opposite Unsell’s store,
they saw Boyce standing on the sidewalk in front of Phillips’ saloon. Brown
immediately started across the street, and when within about thirty feet of
Boyce, called out to him to hold up. Boyce ran his right hand into his breast,
as if feeling for a weapon, and stepped around so as to put one of the awning
posts between himself and Brown. The latter fired two shots from his
Winchester, and Boyce started toward the door of the saloon, at the same time
telling Brown not to kill him. Brown followed him into the saloon, and shortly
after entering it, Boyce fell. Dr. Noble was called in, and an examination
showed that the ball had struck Boyce in the right arm, close to the shoulder,
broken the bone, and penetrated the right side. Every effort was made to save
his life, but he expired the next morning from the loss of blood.
Boyce had a wife here, who had the
remains encased and started with them, Tuesday, for Austin, Texas, where
Boyce’s father lives.
The verdict of the jury was that the
deceased came to his death at the hands of an officer while in the discharge of
his duties.
Winfield Courier, January 31, 1884.
Citizens of Walnut Township met January
24, 1884, and nominated the following citizen ticket: For Trustee, J. P. Short,
for treasurer, G. W. Yount; for clerk, D. W. Ferguson; for J. P., John Ross;
for constables, John Anderson and Jos. C. Monforte; executive committee, T. A.
Blanchard, O. P. Fuller, Senior, and C. A. Roberts.
Do not know if David Ross was related to
T. B. Ross family.
[POLICE COURT.]
Arkansas City Republican, May 17, 1884.
On Thursday David Ross was fined $2 and
costs for suffering his team to run loose and damage property in the city.
RKW notes indicate John Ross, son of T.
B. Ross, never married. He was born August 1844. Therefore, we do not know who
the parents were of John P. Ross.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
RECAP: District Court, John P. Ross,
Plaintiff, vs. Sarah J. Ross, a non-resident of the state of Kansas..March 18,
1884, petition...to be answered by May 5, 1884, or else judgement that the
marriage relation existing between the plaintiff and defendant be set aside and
held for naught, and forever divorcing said plaintiff from defendant...and
defendant to pay the costs of said action. Henry E. Asp, Attorney for
Plaintiff.
Unknown whether or not Phillip Ross is a
descendant of T. B. Ross.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING.]
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1884.
On Isaac Winters’ road in Windsor
Township, R. O. Hamill, Phillip Ross, and Yates Smith appointed viewers.
[DISTRICT COURT PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
John P. Ross vs. Sarah J. Ross. Divorce
decreed plaintiff on ground of abandonment.
[COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, July 24, 1884.
Talesman:
John Ross.
Have no knowledge who Charlie Ross is
related to...
[FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1884.
SPEED
RING. THURSDAY.
No. 4, running, half mile, 2 in 3, purse
$100: Rex Stratton, 1st; Charlie Ross, 2nd.
Death
of T. H. B. Ross, Son of T. B. Ross.
Arkansas City Republican, January 31, 1885.
Frank Wallace went to Caldwell Wednesday
to attend the funeral of his uncle, T. H. B. Ross.
The early newspapers keep driving me
crazy! At first they refer to Mr. Ross, then they indicate his name is E. C.
Ross, and then I came across articles written by T. D. Ross. IT APPEARS THAT
HIS NAME IS REALLY T. D. ROSS AND THAT HE WAS THE FATHER OF L. M. ROSS AND EARL
C. ROSS. UNKNOWN! RELATION TO THE FAMILY OF JUDGE THOMAS BENTON ROSS, IF ANY.
MAW
Arkansas City Traveler, March 4, 1885.
Mr. Ross, of Vinita, has leased the Ohio
Livery Stable and will endeavor to run a first-class stable for the
accommodation of the traveling public.
Arkansas City Republican, March 7, 1885.
Our
Roll of Honor.
[Payments
of $1.50, $.50, and $.75 not listed.]
Subscribers
to newspaper: E. C. Ross [T. B. Ross] and L. M. Ross & Bro., City.
Arkansas City Republican, March 7, 1885.
E. C. Ross [T. B. Ross], and sons, of
Vinita, came up from the Territory last Saturday. Mr. Ross has leased the Ohio
Livery Stables from J. P. Musselman for one year. Mr. Ross is a gentleman of
considerable means. He has established his sons in the livery business here.
The firm name will be L. M. Ross & Bro. They are putting in new stock, new
teams, and everything necessary to conduct a first-class livery stable. They
mean business and don’t you forget it.
Another mention of John Ross...
Arkansas City Republican, April 4, 1885.
Under the new law the next term of the
district court in this county opens the first Saturday in April. The following
persons have drawn as petit jurors.
Among
the list of petit jurors: John Ross, Walnut Township.
Now we go back to T. D. Ross...
Arkansas City Republican, July 18, 1885.
The
People vs. City Government.
The dissatisfaction concerning our city
government is not the result of unfair criticisms of prejudiced newspapers, nor
is the dissatisfaction confined to a few “hot-heads”; but the dissatisfaction
is wide-spread and results from the moral weakness of the city government
itself—not for the want of confidence in the city government but for the lack
of ability in the city government to inspire confidence.
It is openly confessed the city attorney
is incompetent; that the police judge is incompetent; that the street
commissioner and others are incompetent. And, as a result, it follows that the
council who appointed the city attorney are incompetent as a body. The
appointment of one incompetent man is a pardonable mistake; but the appointment
of the entire complement of incompetent officials is as unpardonable as it is
intolerable.
The incumbent of the police judgeship is
a good man, but a poor judge. Gen. Grant was a competent military leader, but a
lamentable failure as a financier. Charley as a man and citizen is acceptable,
but as a judge is a failure.
The street commissioner may be a
gentleman, but what man with eyes does not know that in some wards the streets
are not worked at all and in others where the streets are worked, the work is
poorly done.
Besides all his favors in the way of
hiring help are bestowed upon a few—”myself and wife and my son John and his
wife.” Now the city pays enough to have our work well done. The street
commissioner for the month of June last, notwithstanding it was a wet month and
had the usual complements of Sabbaths, reported twenty-nine days work done and
received pay for same. The city council seems disposed to allow any bill so as
it comes from the right direction.
The city was taxed for police service
outside of the corporate limits of the city on the Fourth of July. Not only
this pittance is lost, but just the amount of money which slid out on that
desecrated national Sabbath, witness saith not. Now, in addition to the above,
how much is the city liable for by way of unsuccessful litigation. What are our
prospects for reformation. True, Mr. Stafford has been sacrificed—a jewel
removed; but the ring remains. Every official with whom the people are dissatisfied
stick where they were stuck, and give no promise of better things. We care not
whether our city dads are old or young, handsome or homely, rich or poor, so
they own real estate if no more than one poor fifteen dollar lot; so they give
us a good impartial government. I would suggest, however, the best way to get
rid of the rats is to burn the old barn and build a new one—on a site of lawful
eligibility. T. D. ROSS.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, July 25, 1885.
Answer
to T. D. Ross.
ED. REPUBLICAN: In an article written by
T. D. Ross, I will say he proves himself to be a terrible ignoramus or doesn’t
try to inform himself when he says our city dads allowed 29 days work in June
when the bid says May, and June also. When he says I hire help on the street,
if he has any common sense, he knows that I have not hired a day’s work done
this spring. Now, Mr. Ross, you are mad because the street commissioner would
not let you put your rotten manure in that fill at west canal bridge to pay your
occupation tax and beat the city. Oh, you are a nice man to holler reform. When
the street commissioner came in your ward, you and yours were the last men to
come out and work or pay, which you have not done yet. You may be an honest
man, but things don’t look that way to a man up a tree.
J.
M. MOORE, Street Commissioner.
Arkansas City Republican, August 1, 1885.
Good
News from a Far Country.
As the ever welcome leaves of the
Arkansas City press floated down upon the morning breeze, they radiated the glad
tidings of the whereabouts of our looked for and long sought Street
Commissioner. All hail! Let the 4th ward rejoice! He is safe—safe “up a tree.”
Instead of looking for him in small augur
holes, why did I not think of “Up a tree?” I’m more than an ignoramus. I’m an
idiot. Now, Mr. Street Commissioner, do come down from the tree, before our
honorable city council gets to throwing stones, like the man in the
spelling-book. Were you up a tree all of these twenty-nine days of June last?
The council have been throwing grass up that way. Say, are there anymore up
there, or were they throwing it all at you?
You say you have been in the 4th ward.
Impossible, Mr. Street Commissioner. When and where were you here? Who saw you
here? Had we only known you were here, we would have turned out en masse and
helped you repair our long neglected streets.
When you make your next visit to our
disconsolate ward, please notify us as the law directs and we assure you we
will be on hand even though the council has rejected our “rotten manure.”
Now, Mr. Street Commissioner, I
everlastingly thank you for your kind communication through the REPUBLICAN,
informing us as to your whereabouts and that you actually did, sometime in the
past, “drap” down, in the 4th ward. I am sorry that I cried “reform,” and now
while tears as big as cabbage heads roll down from both my eyes, I promise that
while you remain up a tree, I will cry reform no more. T. D. ROSS.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 15, 1885.
M. Sawyer, the laundryman, is in deep
tribulation. Last week he was arrested for violating the ordinance prohibiting
the erection of frame buildings within the fire limits and fined $50 and costs.
He took an appeal. We are told that one of our city officers went to Judge
Bryant and requested him to mark Sawyer’s fine paid, but Bryant refused. We
asked Mr. Bryant for the name of the man who would be guilty of asking him to
commit such a criminal error, but he refused to enlighten us.
The truth of the matter is we have an
ordinance prohibiting the erection of frame buildings in the fire limits. Mr.
Sawyer violated it, but unknowingly, he says; consequently, he was fined.
Ignorance does not shield a violator of a law. If we have any valid ordinances,
let us enforce them, if it has to be done by calling on the militia. Mr. Sawyer
has erected an addition to his building within the fire limits. If he is
permitted to do so, so should T. D. Ross be allowed to enter with his livery
barn. Let us have equity done to one and all. The city officers allowed Mr.
Sawyer to go right along with his building until almost completed before he was
arrested. He should have been stopped at the beginning. As it is now, the city
officers will have to either tear the building down or change the fire limits
to suit Sawyer. If Sawyer comes out ahead in this instance, other individuals
will attempt the same game.
We have the ordinance, and there is no
doubt but that it is a valid one, so let it be enforced. Ordinances should not
be changed upon the asking of anyone, unless it be damaging to the city at
large.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 19, 1885.
Violating
a City Ordinance.
The Republican tells of W. H.
Sawyer’s case (the laundryman), but hardly does him justice. His violation of
the city ordinance, in regard to frame buildings within the city limits, came
up in the council chamber on the 3rd inst. He had been arrested for putting up
a considerable addition to a frame building on Central Avenue (just east of the
alley), and he presented himself before the council to plead his case. He had
bought the old frame store which stood where Herman Godehard is erecting his
new and handsome store, and removed it to its present location in ignorance (as
he claimed) of the ordinance. His present quarters being too restricted for his
extensive business and the accommodation of his family, Mr. Sawyer thought to
provide room enough for all purposes. He had cut his lumber, part of it was in
place, and if he was not allowed to go on and finish his building, he would be
put to serious loss. The question was asked him if any of the neighbors
objected to his work; he replied that no complaint had reached his ears.
Councilman Hill said he did not like to make the enforcement of any ordinance
oppressive. If the neighbors did not object, the council might shut its eyes to
the offense. His advice to the applicant was to pay his fine to the police
judge (he having been arrested), and trust to being let alone in the future. To
the surprise of all present, not a city father raised his voice to show the
folly of such cecutiency.
The next day Mr. T. D. Ross ordered a
bill of lumber of G. B. Shaw & Co., with intent to erect a frame livery
stable on the same avenue near the Arkansas City Co.’s coal yard. He had
previously asked leave of the council to build a stable and been refused; but
he now declared that if one was allowed to disregard an ordinance, the same
indulgence was due to another; and he proposed to place his stable where he
wanted it.
It may be said in defense of Mr. Hill
that he has been away from the city for some time, and was not familiar with
the situation here. At least half a score applications have been made to the
council by persons desiring to put up frame buildings, to make additions to
their stores or dwellings, or violate the ordinance in some way. They have been
refused on the ground that if dispensation is granted to one man, it must be
extended to others; and there is no use passing a law if it is not enforced.
With this promise of immunity, Mr. Sawyer
set his carpenter to work again; and the city marshal again pulled him. The
promise made him by Mr. Hill that the council would shut its eyes to his
offense had no force in law because one ordinance can only be revoked by the
passage of another. Mr. Sawyer unwisely persists in going on with his work, and
fines in the police court to the amount of $125 have been piled up against him.
He has appealed his case to the district court, and a serious bid [? bit ?] of
expense will be the result of the false sympathy extended to him.
Arkansas City Republican, August 29, 1885.
T. D. Ross compliments the typo boys on
the REPUBLICAN with a box of cigars for favors extended. They are of the
“Treasure” brand, and were purchased at Deming & Son’s store. They are
choice cigars.
Arkansas City Republican, November 14, 1885.
Oklahoma.
The return of the Oklahoma boom is here.
Hundreds have crossed the river, Treaty, into the promised land while hundreds
more are on the way. Are these men crazy? Can sober men expect to obtain homes
in disregard of solemn treaties and in defiance of law and the authority of
both the United States and Indian governments? I am persuaded that the people
are ignorant of the legal difficulties to the settlement of Oklahoma.
When the Indian owned all the land west
of the Missouri River to the Pacific coast, the U. S. Government entered into
treaty relations with them and it was provided in that treaty that a white man
should not be permitted to invade the Indian country for the purpose of
commerce or settlement, without the consent of the Indians, and, if any person
did so invade this country, he should be summarily ejected. The Indian
Territory is all that is now left them of this vast domain and this permit law,
of course, remains in full force within its limits.
It is time that the Seminoles and Creeks
ceded Oklahoma back to the general government, but the permit law was not
repealed and it is plainly stipulated that those tribes retain full control and
possession of said land till the wild Indians and freedmen thereon are settled.
It is by the operation of this law that
the boomers have been so often ejected from Oklahoma—not from Oklahoma only,
but the law is enforced in every nation in the territory.
For so entering Indian lands, if a man
commits no act of depredation, he is not a trespasser, but is no more than an
intruder, and this is not a crime for indictment. Hence the boomers and the
many who are ejected from the jurisdiction of every tribal domain of the
territory are not punished. I am no friend to the Redman or to that policy of
the government that encourages them to indolence, but it is the law and it must
be respected. But the cattlemen—why is it that they can remain and graze their
herds and the poor boomer must come out? Why? It is plain enough. The cattlemen
have obtained the consent of the Indians to remain and the boomers have not.
Nor are we not friendly to cattle syndicates and denounce their assumption of
preeminence to the soil to the prejudice of agriculture, but law is on their
side. They have the Indians’ consent to remain and some of them have paid dear
for it, too. T. D. ROSS.
Arkansas City Republican, November 21, 1885.
Oklahoma.
The article on Oklahoma in last week’s Republican
provoked some unfriendly criticism to the writer’s loyalty to the boomer cause.
I say in self-defense that all my interests are identified with the labor
class, and it would be best to lay a foundation for settlement in Oklahoma. But
I am far from going into spasms about it. I have no faith in fits as a
preliminary to the opening of the Territory for settlement.
Before Oklahoma can be settled, congress
must first act—repeal the permit law or procure the Indians’ consent to
settlement. Stockmen have procured it. Their leases are evidences of it, but
the Indians can revoke those leases at will and the lessees must move off as
seen in the recent order moving stockmen from the Cheyenne country.
Whether any of these leases are legal or
not depends upon what congress will do. If congress legalizes them, they are
legal; if not, they are not; for the law reads, “No lease shall be made with
the Indians without the consent of congress.” There has been no congressional
action on any of these leases. Prudence and caution will be necessary when
congress does act; for, ratify the cattle leases and it will necessitate the
legalizing of land leases for agricultural purposes, also. This would never do.
What delays congressional action on those
leases no man knows better than Hon. Ryan, of Kansas, or the Standard Oil
Company of Pennsylvania, or Hon. Phillips, Cherokee counsel at Washington.
Perhaps Secretary Teller knows something about it. One thing to my mind is
clear, that there never would have been the money invested on those ranches
that has been if there had not been some assurance that congress would delay
action.
The interests of the country require that
the cattle remain where they are. Millions of beef, which the world needs, are
annually burned in the grass and forever lost. Also the world needs the
billions of bread which lie undeveloped in the rich soil of Oklahoma. The
Indians will not develop it; why not, then, give it to men that will? By doing
so a few cattlemen might suffer pecuniary loss, but the country at large would
not, for as much beef, if not more, would be produced by the many farmers as is
produced now by the few cattle barons, and in addition to this billions of
bread and fuel.
Besides all this, how many homeless
families now almost perishing for food and destitute of clothing, at the door
of pitiless winter, dependent for shelter upon the crafty landlord, would find
homes of comfort and plenty if this goodly land was accessible?
The opening to settlement of the Black
Hills country was a great relief to the nation from her financial troubles and
it gave the party in power an additional lease of ten years. Greater results
for good will inevitably follow the opening of Oklahoma. I am no Democrat, but
would rejoice with that party in any good thing it may do.
As for the “poor Lo,” he must stand
aside. If he persists in idleness and living off of the industry of the
paleface and continues to block the wheels of commercial progress, American
enterprise will plow him under or crush him beneath the iron horse. One more
turn of the iron wheel and the Redman is out of the home-seekers’ way. T. D.
ROSS.
The following pieces of an article
pertains to L. M. Ross & Bro. (Earl C. Ross). There were some follow-up
articles also. MAW
Arkansas City Traveler, December 9, 1885.
Beat
His Board.
[ALMOST AN ENTIRE PARAGRAPH MISSING IN
ONE PLACE...MORE LINES MISSING ELSEWHERE IN ARTICLE.]
Some few days ago, L. M. Ross & Bro.,
and Fred Bower, by their attorney, C. T. Atkinson, commenced suit against
Brewer & Stannard, proprietors of the Ottawa nursery, in Judge Kreamer’s
court, for the recovery of money for board and livery furnished by said
plaintiffs to Brewer & Stannard’s agents.
It is alleged that fruit-tree agents of
this firm have been dead-beating our citizens for some time, always avowing
[MISSING LINES.]
Many of our citizens [MISSING WORDS] the loss
in silence, but Ross Bros., and Fred Bower have called a halt. The question
whether unscrupulous scoundrels can defraud honest men will be definitely
settled, as both parties seem determined to carry the case to the highest
courts. Public opinion is strongly in favor of the plaintiffs and talk of a
[MORE MISSING LINES] the course of the law will be awaited.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 16, 1885.
LIABILITY
OF AGENTS.
A
Suit for Debt. The Merits of the Case Discussed.
ED. TRAVELER: I notice an article in your
issue of the 9th inst., headed “Beat his Board,” which contains some very
unjust and erroneous statements. It is true that Fred Bower and the Ross Bros.,
have begun suit against Brewer & Stannard for board and livery bills, made
by two men in the employ of that firm, which case will be tried next month.
Neither Mr. Bower nor the Ross Bros. ever ascertained whether the firm named
would be responsible for the bills, but credited the men expecting them to pay.
Now the men are gone, they try to make the indebtedness off the company.
These men are hired to sell nursery stock
on certain conditions stated in their contract with the firm, and the latter
pays all bills in accordance with this agreement. Brewer & Stannard’s
agents have sold stock in Arkansas City for some years, and have given
satisfaction to all their customers. There have been no bills left unpaid until
these two men became delinquent. The company repudiates no bills which it
agrees to pay either to patrons or agents. All agreements made by agents to
patrons are fulfilled so long as they are consistent, in regard to sales of
stock, and in accordance with the contract made to the firm. For any
liabilities outside of this, the company will not be responsible.
Does the public believe that employers
should be responsible for the personal bills of their agents?
I do not know who wrote the article,
“Beat his Board,” but, he must be the only person who thought of “tar and
feathers,” and I am sure his screed was written out of jealousy and with
malicious intent. Most probably he is himself engaged in the nursery business.
Toward the close of his letter, he says, “One of them is in our midst.” Yes,
sir, I am here, and intend to stay here and sell to the people. Our stock is of
the best, and charges reasonable. I have been in the agency business over three
years, and defy you to find a single person who will say (and prove his
assertion) that I have ever dealt otherwise than honestly by him. Our stock
stands on its own merits, and we sell on the reputation of our stock.
I hope the writer of “Beat his Board”
will be fair and sign his name to his next effusion.
GEO.
E. COONROD, Agent for Ottawa Star Nurseries.
BREWER
& STANNARD, Proprietors.
Arkansas City, Dec. 10th.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 16, 1885.
Suit against Brewer & Stannard by L.
M. Ross & Bro.
1. IN JUSTICE’S COURT BEFORE W. D.
KREAMER, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE OF THE CITY OF ARKANSAS CITY: L. M. ROSS AND EARL
C. ROSS, PARTNERS, AS
L. M. ROSS & BRO., PLAINTIFFS.
L. M. Ross mentioned as W. F. of Knights
of Labor organization...
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, January 2, 1886.
Last Tuesday evening the Knights of Labor
organization of Arkansas City elected the following officers: F. M. Peak, M.
W.; L. M. Ross, W. F.; W. D. Kreamer, R. S.; Pete Yount, F. S.; Gardner Mott,
T.; T. Braggins, W. K.; Geo. Piles, W. I.; I. N. Dodd, I. E.; and Ed. Ferguson,
O. E. Trustees: D. Baxter, V. J. Conway, and Gardner Mott. Judge of Court,
Jacob Crites; Judge advocate, C. M. Johnson, Clerk of court, M. Reno.
The following might be considered as a
notice relative to “Mr. Ross.” Have no idea which Ross this might be. MAW
Arkansas City Republican, March 13, 1886.
Having purchased Mr. Ross’ stone quarry
on the state line south of town, and let the same to Messrs. Hughes &
Haven. They will be ready the coming week to furnish all kinds of flagging and
dimension stone on short notice. Orders may be sent to the quarry or given to
me, and they will be promptly attended to and at as reasonable rates as stone
can be furnished. Z. CARLISLE.
T. D. Ross (still do not know if related
to T. B. Ross family) departs for Greely...
Arkansas City Republican, March 27, 1886.
T. D. Ross, the former proprietor of the
Ohio Livery Stable on 7th Avenue, whose departure for the new town, Greeley
Center, we chronicled two weeks ago, seems to have struck a veritable bonanza
in his Greeley County Stage Line. Word was received yesterday that he reached
Syracuse, the initial point of his line, on the 23rd instant, and made his first
trip to Greeley Center the next day, with two four-horse stages loaded down
with passengers. His line is a daily one, and “to a man up a tree,” it looks as
though he had a good thing in his contract. The rush into Greeley Center is
said to be greater than into any other of the western counties in the state.
Arkansas City Republican, April 17, 1886.
T. D. Ross and family left for Greeley
Center Wednesday. He took with him from this vicinity Rev. Scovey and family
and several others.
The next item I find very puzzling! Have
no idea what they are referring to when they mention “Charley Ross”
sensation...MAW
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, June 26, 1886. From Thursday’s
Daily.
Emporia is about to have a Charley Ross
sensation. The son of Mr. J. Miller of that place mysteriously disappeared some
days ago, and no trace of him has yet been found.
DO NOT BELIEVE THE FOLLOWING IS CONNECTED
WITH T. B. ROSS FAMILY....MAW
Arkansas City Republican, August 14, 1886.
Howard Ross, a broker of New York, was in
the city this morning. He made a purchase of a corner lot on Fifth Avenue of
Albert Worthley, in the block where the Johnson Loan & Trust Company are
building. The consideration was $3,500. Mr. Ross is greatly pleased with
Arkansas City and its future prospects. He was in the city only a few hours
until he began investing in real estate. He will build a three-story business
block, occupying the first floor with a bank, which he will establish.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, August 21, 1886. From
Thursday’s Daily.
Albert Worthley is compelled to move his
residence from its present site on Fifth Avenue on account of the business
blocks going up on the lots which he sold. He has purchased lots in the second
ward and has commenced the foundation. As soon as he gets his residence off,
Mr. Ross, the gentleman who purchased the corner lot, will commence the
erection of his bank building.
The following has new information about
T. D. Ross...
[VISIT TO COOLIDGE.]
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 12, 1887. From Thursday’s
Daily.
A REPUBLICAN representative, who has just
returned from Coolidge, Hamilton County, says: “Coolidge has some splendid
natural advantages and its prospects for the future are good. The town is
beautifully situated on the north side of the Arkansas river, about two and a
half miles from the Colorado line. It contains nearly a thousand inhabitants. A
$20,000 stone hotel, a $5,000 business house, and several residences are
building and will soon be completed. A $15,000 city building, a $12,000 schoolhouse,
and over a dozen residences are under contract. Beautiful building stone is
obtained at the quarry nearby, owned by S. T. Covey, formerly of Arkansas City.
Water can be gotten at the depth of twenty feet. The Santa Fe shops, containing
twenty-four stalls, are located there. In short, Coolidge will make rapid
progress during the coming summer, and will probably have what Kansas town so
prize—a boom. We had a pleasant time while we were there. We were happy to meet
some old acquaintances from Arkansas City, among whom were T. D. Ross, G. H.
Potter, Mr. McDonald, and Mr. Covey.
No clue as to what Ross family Laura C.
Ross came from...
Daily Calamity Howler, Saturday, October 17, 1891.
Marriage
Licenses.
John
M. Phillips and Laura C. Ross, both of Arkansas City.
No clue as to what Ross family the
following applies to...
Daily Calamity Howler, Wednesday, October 28, 1891.
The case of the state against Ross for
the robbery of J. D. Bright was tried today. The jury brought in a verdict of
guilty after remaining out only a few minutes.
Skipping down to the 1920s and the few
papers checked of Arkansas City Traveler, we find the following member of the
Ross family. Lord knows by this time there is no way to check from which Ross
family she came from...MAW
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, Tuesday, August 16, 1921.
THE
SCHOOL SEASON IS CLOSE.
Eighty-two
Teachers Hired Here this Year.
Sept. 5 Will See Two Thousand Four
Hundred Students Entering For Winter Grind.
Junior high school—E. A. Funk, principal;
Olive Ramage, English and history; Pearl Lock, English; Mary Hume, English;
Natila Darby, English; Lurine Skidmore, English; Esthelle Ireton, Eula Surber,
Gladys Ross, Elma Stewart, Elizabeth Sanders, Helen Sothern, Lora Ward,
mathematics; Eva Maloy, history; William Allman, general science; L. A.
Chaplin, manual training; H. G. Leet, mechanical drawing; Charles S. Huey,
manual training; Florence Harrison, cooking; Mary J. Skidmore, Latin; Gladys
Cusac, secretary.
[NOTE:
AT THIS POINT I QUIT CHECKING FOR “ROSS.” MAW]
RKW spent a lot of time checking on the
Ross and another family that was related to Judge T. B. Ross through marriage:
the Wallace Family.
From the Cowley County Biographical
Record of 1901 comes the following information on the Ross Family via John
Ross, his son.
JOHN ROSS is a highly respected citizen
and pioneer settler of Cowley County, Kansas, who came to this county with his
father in 1869. He resides upon the first claim taken in Walnut township,
comprising the southwest quarter of section 17, township 32, range 4, east. He
was born in August, 1844, in Cumberland County, Illinois, and is a son of Judge
T. B. and Nancy (Higgins) Ross.
Judge T. B. Ross was born in Georgia, in
1794, and was of Scotch-Irish extraction. When a young man he was married, in
Kentucky. His wife died in early life, after bearing her husband six
children,—one of whom was the mother of C. M. Wallace, who is connected with
the milling company of Winfield. Judge Ross was a soldier in the War of 1812,
and after its close received a warrant of land, which he took up in Cumberland
County, Illinois. He lived there until 1848 or 1849, when he removed to Knox
County, Illinois, where he took up 120 acres near the city of Peoria.
John Ross has a clear recollection of the
family going into that city, when no railroads entered it. The family resided
in the city during the first three years, during which time Judge Ross followed
his trade as a carpenter, but they lived in the county until 1868. In that year
they drove through from Illinois to Kansas, and first stopped at Cottonwood
Falls, Chase County, but in November they looked over the land in the vicinity
of the present city of Winfield. Being well pleased with it, they went back to
Cottonwood Falls on New Year’s day of 1869, and at once returned to Cowley
County with all their possessions. At that date there were no settlers between
here and Texas, on account of troublesome Indians, but nevertheless the Judge
preempted the southwest quarter of section 17, township 32, range 4 east, and
John Ross took up a claim nearer what is now the city.
In the spring of 1869, C. M. Wood
established a trading post near the present site of the J. P. Baden Roller
Mills, in Winfield, but was driven away by Indians. The first house erected by
John Ross and his father was covered with clapboards and poles, as there was no
sawed lumber in the county at that date; but a few years later, when lumber
could be obtained, the house was raised, and finished with sawed lumber. The
present homestead, which borders on the river, contains a large amount of
natural timber, and consists of very fertile land. Of the original preemption,
John Ross owns 130 acres, and the land taken up by him was sold in October
1870. He has a two-acre orchard and the buildings on the place are all
first-class, and general farming, with some stock raising, has been his chief
pursuit for many years.
Judge Ross was a man of much influence in
this community, and his death in December 1879 was deeply deplored by his
family and many friends, who knew him to have lived an honorable and upright
life. He was buried January 1, 1880.
Judge Ross was a strong Democrat, in
politics, and his fellow citizens manifested their confidence in him by
electing him to various offices. He served as probate judge of Cowley County,
but was compelled to resign on account of poor health. While a resident of
Illinois he occupied the pulpits of various Methodist churches.
The mother of John Ross was a native of
North Carolina, and her ancestors came from Holland. Her parents moved to
Tennessee, where she was reared, and later went to Illinois, where she was
married to Judge Ross. She was the mother of the following six children:
F. H. B., who came to Kansas in 1870, and
moved to Caldwell, Kansas, in the following year, where he died in 1885.
John, who was never married.
Mary M. and Frank A., both of whom died
in Illinois, after they had attained their majority.
Mrs. Emma E. Bryant, who died in Kansas.
Miss M. J., who keeps house for her
brother, John.
Like his father, Mr. Ross strongly
advocates the principles of the Democratic party, although he has never aspired
to office. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted as a substitute, and
served nine months in Company D, 12th Reg., Ill. Vol. Inf., which
formed a part of the 15th Army Corps, under General Sherman. John
Ross is recognized as a good neighbor and loyal citizen, and enjoys a wide
acquaintance throughout the vicinity of his home.
-END
OF BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 1901, JOHN ROSS.-
RKW also corresponded with Mr. Darrell E.
Lakin, 402 Dorchester Pl., Apt. B-34, Sun City Ctr., Fl 33573, in 1996 before
he became too busy with Volume I to continue his research work, etc., and of
course never got back to it due to work involved with book and the early signs
of the cancer that killed him. He received a letter from Mr. Lakin, written May
4, 1996. MAW
Dear Kay,
I was most pleased with the packet of
information you sent on the Wallace family. It will be most helpful in my
writing of things that my grandchildren should know.
In answer to some of your questions—How
did I determine that Charles Wallace died in 1908? I have enclosed some
information of Cemetery records, etc. (Page labeled #1) that shows a Charles
Wallace, who died 2-23-1908. I have no idea who he was or of his parentage.
I am enclosing some cemetery records of
Bunyans in the Winfield cemeteries as well as some sheets of mine pertaining to
Essie Bunyan’s father and her husband, Loren Kizer, and their children.
I have recently been supplied some
information from a granddaughter of John Bunyan that clears up the parentage of
his second wife, which I thought was a sister of his first wife. His second
wife was not a Wallace. Charles M. Wallace’s second wife and John Bunyan’s
second wife were both called Jenny—Charles’s being Aunt Jenny and John’s being
Aunt Jennie.
I received a note from Nancy Tredway of
Winfield. She said she purchased the Wallace house from her Aunt Emma in 1968.
Aunt Emma was Josh’s wife and she is related to her and not the Wallace family.
I have several pictures of the house which I think would make an interesting
story with two Wallace Mayors living there in the early 1900s. Nadine Wallace
(for whom my wife was named) grew up in that house.
The information you sent on Judge Ross
was most interesting. Legend has been that the family was related to Betsy Ross
(which of course was not true). I recently spent some time reading of the life
of John Ross, the Cherokee Indian Chief, after finding out that the Judge was
born in the same area about the same time. I have been in this area of northern
Georgia many times in my life. Judge Ross was my wife’s 2nd great
grandfather. (From Ross to Wallace to Bunyan to Kizer.)
Your upcoming book interests me—I would
like to read it when it is finished. Please keep me informed.
Very truly yours, (Signed) Darrell E.
Lakin
[Note: Mr. Lakin enclosed with his letter
Family Sheets for the different families involved with Thomas Benton Ross’
family. MAW]
I believe that it was Mr. Lakin who also
sent the following recap on Thomas B. Ross to RKW.
THOMAS B. ROSS—
Born October 2, 1794, in Georgia. Died
December 31, 1879, at Winfield, Kansas, aged 86 years, 2 months and 29 days.
Raised to manhood in Kentucky. A soldier
of the war of 1812; was with Johnson’s Kentucky Riflemen when they killed old
Tecumseh on the Thaymes River in Canada. He was ordained a minister of the M.
E. Church, South. Was a Circuit Rider Preacher over several counties of
Illinois. His picture hangs on the wall of the State House at Springfield,
Illinois. Pioneer preacher alongside Peter Cartwright.
[Note: Letter shows Thaymes River. RKW
showed Thames River. I do not know which is correct. MAW]
He came to Cowley County in January 1869,
the first preacher of the Gospel to settle in the county. He settled three
miles northwest of Winfield on the Walnut River. He was the first Probate Judge
of Cowley County; in fact, the only judge on all laws in 1870. His name is on
all deeds to lots issued from the government to individuals on the original
townsite of Winfield. He went to Augusta as officer from Cowley County, and
laid out the city of Winfield and Arkansas City. The Winfield delegation wanted
him to drive to Augusta to the land office on Sunday afternoon to be there
early Monday morning. He refused, but told them to drive to his claim three
miles northwest of Winfield at midnight, and one minute after twelve o’clock he
would go, and they arrived early Monday morning, ahead of the Arkansas City
delegation.
Judge Ross was 18 to 20 years old in the
Second War with Great Britain. He was one of Johnson’s picked 100 crack
riflemen. They are the ones that killed Tecumseh in Canada in 1813; they also
killed two British Generals, General Ross in 1814 at Baltimore and General
Packenham on January 8, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans was two weeks after the
Treaty of Ghent was signed ending the war. The Kentucky Riflemen and Tennessee
Riflemen ended the lives of two Generals and one Indian Chief; three lives
ended; the war was ended with Great Britain. Judge Ross was a major in the Black
Hawk war.
Judge Ross was grandfather of Charles M.
Wallace and Joshua N. Wallace, two ex-mayors of Winfield, Kansas.
The Winfield newspaper, Cowley County
Courant, November 17, 1881, had the following item from the Caldwell
Commercial. “Mr. T. H. B. Ross took in Winfield last Friday in the interest
of the school district. He says there has been many changes there, but few of
the old ‘boys’ are left, and Winfield does not appearn now as it did in
1870-74.”
A. B. Steinberger, publisher of the Courant,
responded.
“Well, that’s a fact; there have been a
good many changes in and around Winfield since those days. The old log store
has been reduced to ashes, and some of the boys who used to gather there
evenings to play ‘California Jack’ and speculate on the future price of corner
lots in Winfield, now take their wives and children to the theater in the fine
Opera house that has arisen on the site of the old store. Max Shoeb’s
blacksmith shop has given place to Read’s bank; the Walnut Valley House, as a
hotel, has passed away as well as the following firms: Manning & Baker, U. B. Warren & Co.,
Alexander & Saffold, Bliss & Middaugh, Hitch-cock & Boyle, Maris
& Hunt, Myton & Brotherton, Pickering & Benning. About the only one
that is left is S. H. Myton. Tisdale’s hack, which came in whenever the river
would permit, has given way to our two railroads; Tom Wright’s ferry, south of
town, has been replaced by a handsome iron bridge, and Bartlow’s mill and its
crew have disappeared.
“Every new building erected on Main
Street now is not, as then, dedicated with a dance, nor do married women attend
them with children in arms, nor do they deposit their kids in the laps of
blushing bachelors and join in all hands around. Our Justices of the Peace,
when about to unite a loving couple, don’t tell them to ‘stan’ up thar an’ I’ll
fix you.’ Our butchers, now, don’t go down behind Capt. Lowery’s house, shoot a
Texas steer, cut him up with an axe, and sell out the chunks before they are
done quivering. The writer does not, on nights like Thursday last, rise up from
his bed of prairie hay and water, in a little wall tent, and light out for the
log store to get out of the wet. All of that kind of fun has passed away and we
have had a new deal all around. Some of the men that in those days were frying
bacon and washing socks in their bachelor shanties, are now bankers,
postmasters, district judges, and palatial hotel keepers. The Vigilantes are
not now riding over the country every night making preparations to go to
Douglass and hang its principal citizens. The bad blood stirred up by the
memorable Manning-Norton contest for the Legislature has long since been
settled. Winfield and Arkansas City have buried the hatchet; Tisdale, ditto.
Our merchants don’t sell Missouri flour for $6 per sack, corn for $1.50 per
bushel, and bacon for 33-1/2 cents per pound. Bill Hackney (now the Hon. W. P.)
does not come up every week to defend Cobb for selling whiskey in Arkansas City
without a license. Patrick, the editor of the Censor (our first
newspaper), and Walt Smith, the proprietor of the ‘Big Horn ranch’ on Posey
Creek, have both gone west to grow up with the country. Fairbanks’ dug-out has
been in ruins for years. Dick Walker is still running conventions, but not
here. A. T. Stewart is no longer one of the boys. Speed, with his calico pony
and big spurs, is seen no more on the Baxter Springs trail. Jackson has laid
down the saw and plane and joined the ranks of the railroad monopolits. Colonel
Loomis has shed his soldier overcoat. Zimrie Stubbs has climbed the golden
stair, Nichols is married, Oak’s cat is dead: in fact, Bent, there is nothing
anymore like it used to was in Winfield.”