O. M. SEWARD.

Winfield.

Winfield Courier, July 13, 1876.

O. M. SEWARD, a recent graduate of Ann Arbor law school, and brother of E. C. Seward, of this place, has arrived in Winfield and may decide to permanently abide in the “province of Cowley.”

Winfield Courier, August 3, 1876.

COUNTY ATTORNEY PYBURN has formed a law partnership with O. M. SEWARD, late of the Ann Arbor law school. The office of the new firm will be over Green’s drug store. Mr. Pyburn is well known and needs no introduction. Mr. Seward is an active young lawyer and an accomplished gentleman, and we think the firm will succeed. Here’s luck to it anyway.

Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.

The following attorneys are in attendance at the present term of court: M. S. Adams, of Wichita; L. B. Kellogg, of Emporia; C. R. Mitchell, A. Walton, and James Christian, of Arkansas City; James McDermott, Dexter; Webb & Torrance, Hackney & McDonald, Pyburn & Seward, D. A. Millington, J. M. Alexander, Jennings & Buckman, A. H. Green,

Pryor, Kager & Pryor, A. B. Lemmon, and John E. Allen, of Winfield.

[EVENING STAR CLUB.]

Winfield Courier, October 19, 1876.

Frank Gallotti was appointed a committee of one on bylaws. Balloting was then had on the following candidates, resulting in their election to full membership: J. Wade McDonald, James Hill, Bert Crapster, Wilbur Dever, O. M. Seward, Fred Hunt, and Chas. Harter. The Club met last evening but we have not learned what additional business it transacted. We wish the association unlimited success, in its hitherto unoccupied field.

Winfield Courier, November 2, 1876.

MR. O. M. SEWARD, the junior member of the law firm of Pyburn & Seward, of this city, has been stumping it for Hayes and Wheeler and the grand old Republican party. He is, we are informed, one of the fairest talkers in the canvass; does not deal in personalities or abuse of political opponents, but simply takes the parties, compares their records and worthlessness and unreliability of the one, and the success and glorious achievements of the other. In Vernon Township his speech was applauded from beginning to end, and in some of the others was as equally well received. We bespeak for Mr. Seward success at the bar in this district in the near future.

Winfield Courier, December 14, 1876.

MESSRS. GALLOTTI, Pryor, Copeland, Roberts, Asp, Franklin, Baldwin, Geo. Robinson, Will Robinson, Ed. Holloway, Jennings, Buckman, and the writer, are on the popcorn committee.

LATER. Messrs. E. S. Torrance and O. M. Seward are on it too.

Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.

The first regular meeting of the Philomatic society of Winfield, will be held at the Courthouse on Tuesday evening, Feb. 20, 1877. F. S. JENNINGS, Pres. O. M. SEWARD, Secy.

Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.

Programme Of the Philomatic Society for Friday evening, March 16th, 1877.

Discussion, Resolved, “That what is, is right.” Affirmative: Messrs. Wood and Wilkinson. Negative: Rev. J. E. Platter and O. M. Seward.

F. S. JENNINGS, President. O. M. SEWARD, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, March 29, 1877.

BASE BALL. Attorneys vs. Businessmen. O. M. Seward, of the attorneys, did excellent playing behind the bat. The game was called at the close of the fifth inning, at 5 o’clock p.m.; duration of the game 2 hours and 15 minutes. Score given after article shows that Businessmen had 44 runs; Attorneys had 19 runs.

Winfield Courier, May 10, 1877.

The following are the attorneys in attendance at the Cowley County district court now in session: L. J. Webb, W. M. Boyer, J. E. Allen, D. A. Millington, Jennings & Buckman, E. S. Torrance, Hackney & McDonald, James McDermott, A. H. Green, Pyburn & Seward, J. M. Alexander, Pryor & Pryor, Henry E. Asp, Linus S. Webb, of Winfield; C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, Amos Walton, James Christian, and Col. McMullen, of Arkansas City; A. L. Redden, of Eldorado; Judge M. S. Adams, of Wichita; J. D. McBryan, of Sedan, Chautauqua County; J. M. White, of Howard City, Elk County.

Winfield Courier, May 24, 1877.

The lightning killed a mule belonging to Mr. Slemmons, at the Vernon schoolhouse Saturday night. Messrs. Millington, Jennings, Kelly, Seward, and railroad speakers from Arkansas City and Emporia were there. It’s kind of funny that the lightning selected that mule.

Winfield Courier, June 7, 1877.

Messrs. Kelly, Seward, Kinne, and Curns went over into Elk County last Tuesday. They have gone to meet the editor, who is still railroadin’.

Winfield Courier, June 14, 1877.

James Kelly and O. M. Seward returned from Elk County this morning. They say the bonds were defeated in that county by about forty majority last Tuesday.

Winfield Courier, June 21, 1877.

The Elk County folks speak in the highest terms of praise of the delegation sent by Winfield to assist in their bond election: Messrs. Manning, Seward, Kelly, Curns, and Kinne.

Winfield Courier, July 5, 1877.

Hon. O. M. Seward had quite a compliment paid him by the people of Longton, Elk County. They “unanimously” sent a carriage all the way to Winfield after him to deliver their 4th of July oration. They had heard Mr. Seward in the railroad campaign and were completely captivated with him.

[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.]

Winfield Courier, July 12, 1877.

Juror Fee: O. M. Seward, $2.50.

Winfield Courier, August 30, 1877.

The District Court commenced its session on Monday with a light docket, and it is to be hoped that it will be cleared up this week. The following members of the bar present: Hon. W. P. Campbell, Judge; E. S. Bedilion, Clerk; R. L. Walker, Sheriff; M. S. Adams, of Wichita, C. R. Mitchell, E. B. Kager, and A. Walton, of Arkansas City; J. McDermott, County Attorney, J. E. Allen, A. J. Pyburn, O. M. Seward, W. M. Boyer, L. J. Webb, W. P. Hackney, J. W. McDonald, E. S. Torrance, H. E. Asp, D. A. Millington, S. D. Pryor, J. D. Pryor, F. S. Jennings, G. H. Buckman, and A. H. Green, of Winfield, attorneys.

Winfield Courier, October 11, 1877.

Programme Of the Philomatic Society to be held at the Courthouse in Winfield, Friday evening, October 12th, 1877. Discussion of the question: Resolved, That our country owes its prosperity more to the civil law than to the Divine law. Affirmative: W. P. Hackney and O. M. Seward. Negative: J. L. Rushbridge and F. S. Jennings. C. M. WOOD, President. EMMA SAINT, Secretary.

Winfield Courier, October 18, 1877.

The Philomatic Society met last Friday evening with a very respectable attendance. The society elected M. G. Troup, President; J. E. Allen, Vice President; Kate Millington, Secretary; Fred Hunt, Treasurer. The music was excellent, and the debate was ably conducted by Messrs. Seward, Rushbridge, and Jennings.

Winfield Courier, December 13, 1877.

The coming winter bids fair to be the most pleasant, socially, that Winfieldians have ever experienced. Many changes have taken place in the circle of young folks since the good old frontier days. New and attractive young ladies and gentlemen have settled amongst us, giving to Winfield an air of city life and gaiety when they meet “in convention assembled.” The recent Thanksgiving ball was followed so closely by Miss Kate Millington’s “dancing party,” and both so largely attended, that the indications are that those “who look for pleasure can hope to find it here” this winter. The last mentioned party, to use a stereotyped expression, was a “brilliant success.” Probably of all the gay and charming gatherings that have “tripped the fantastic,” etc., in our city, this was the most pleasant. The music was excellent, the refreshments good, and the polite and attentive demeanor of the fair hostess most agreeable.

The following persons were fortunate enough to be present at this party: Judge W. P. Campbell, of Wichita; W. W. Walton, of Topeka; Herman Kiper, of Atchison; Fred C. Hunt, W. C. Walker, Bert Crapster, Ed. P. Greer, Charley Harter, J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. J. Holloway, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Harter, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Baird, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Earnest, Mr. and Mrs. James Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Thompson, Miss Inez Daniels, S. Suss, Josephine E. Mansfield, G. E. Walker, Mary McGaughy, M. B. Wallis, Fannie Wallis, Wilbur Dever, Maggie J. Dever, W. C. Root, Jennie Hahn, W. Gillelen, Mattie Coldwell, J. N. Harter, Carrie Olds, T. C. Copeland, Katie McGaughy, O. M. Seward, Nora Coldwell, Dr. Strong, Amie Bartlett.

Winfield Courier, April 25, 1878.

The engine and hook and ladder companies had a little race home last Friday, and if Jennings and Seward and fourteen buckets hadn’t lost hold and fallen by the wayside, victory never would have perched on the banners of the engine company.

Winfield Courier, May 9, 1878.

District Court Proceedings.

Monday, May 6th, 10 o’clock a.m. His Honor, W. P. Campbell, on the bench. Present: C. L. Harter, sheriff; E. S. Bedilion, clerk; Jas. McDermott, prosecuting attorney; attorneys C. Coldwell, W. P. Hackney, Henry E. Asp, J. E. Allen, D. C. Beach, E. S. Torrance, J. M. Alexander, A. J. Pyburn, N. C. Coldwell, Jas. Christian, G. H. Buckman, S. D. Pryor, J. Wade McDonald, C. R. Mitchell, J. D. Pryor, C. C. Black, R. C. Story, L. J. Webb, W. M. Boyer, F. S. Jennings, and D. A. Millington.

O. M. Seward is one of the Winfield attorneys in attendance on the court. Had we not omitted his name or some other in yesterday’s report, we should have made it too nearly correct for any use.

Winfield Courier, May 30, 1878.

S. Suss, B. F. Baldwin, O. M. Seward, and Geo. Walker are off on an excursion camping and hunting and raising Cain generally in the Indian Territory for the benefit of their health and for the fun of the thing. They have a colored gentleman along to protect them and manage the commissary department.

Winfield Courier, July 4, 1878.

R. C. Story, R. L. Rushbridge, O. M. Seward, H. E. Asp, and F. S. Jennings will spread the eagle at Floral.

Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.

Primary Convention met at the courthouse in pursuance to call of County Central Committee. On motion the chair appointed a committee of three to report names of delegates and alternates. S. M. Jarvis, E. P. Kinne, and W. M. Boyer appointed on such committee.

The committee reported the following named persons as delegates and alternates.

Delegates: R. L. Walker, W. P. Hackney, E. S. Torrance, F. S. Jennings, L. W. Spack, O. M. Seward, James Kelley, E. C. Manning, D. A. Millington.

Alternates: E. P. Kinne, W. M. Boyer, W. Q. Mansfield, G. H. Buckman, S. M. Jarvis, John Mentch, Sampson Johnson, Henry E. Asp, T. B. Myers.

Winfield Courier, October 10, 1878.

MARRIED. Married at the residence of the bride’s father, Mr. A. C. Finney, on Thursday evening, October 3rd, by Rev. E. P. Hickok, Mr. S. M. Ford, of Kansas City, to Miss Minnie H. Finney, of Winfield. The wedding was a quiet one, and passed off in the usual manner, Mr. and Mrs. Hickok, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mrs. Bixby, and Messrs. Suss and Seward being the only guests. The bride was attired in a dress of cream colored silk. Although Miss Finney has been with us but a short time, she has made many friends who will miss her bright face and pleasant manners. Mr. Ford, as a correspondent of the Kansas City Times, is known to all Kansas. He has made many visits to our little city during the past six months, and we were not surprised at his capturing one of our fairest young ladies. The happy pair started for their future home in Kansas City on Saturday morning, and the best wishes of the COURIER go with them.

[ATTORNEYS’ CARDS.]

Winfield Courier, Thursday, November 14, 1878. Front page.

O. M. SEWARD, ATTORNEY AT LAW, WILL PRACTICE IN THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS, AND PROMPTLY ATTEND TO ALL LEGAL BUSINESS ENTRUSTED TO HIS CARE. OFFICE OVER McCOMMON & HARTER’S DRUG STORE, WINFIELD, KANSAS.

Winfield Courier, November 28, 1878.

The partnership heretofore existing under the firm name of Drs. Black & Emerson has this day been dissolved by mutual consent. The accounts of the firm have been left in the hands of O. M. Seward for Collection. G. BLACK, GEORGE EMERSON.

Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.

District Court. Judge Campbell came down from Wichita on Monday and the session of court commenced. Present: His Honor Judge W. P. Campbell; C. L. Harter, sheriff; E. S. Bedilion, district clerk; J. McDermott, county attorney; and Messrs. J. E. Allen, C. C. Black, S. D. Pryor, A. J. Pyburn, J. M. Alexander, F. S. Jennings, C. R. Mitchell, L. J. Webb, E. S. Torrance, N. C. Coldwell, W. M. Boyer, W. P. Hackney, O. M. Seward, C. H. Payson, H. E. Asp, G. H. Buckman, J. D. Pryor, D. C. Beach, W. M. Boyer, C. Coldwell, M. G. Troup, S. M. Jarvis, A. H. Green, attorneys.

Winfield Courier, December 5, 1878.

Wooden Wedding.

On Friday of last week invitations were issued by Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Holloway to their many friends requesting their company on Monday evening, Dec. 2nd, to assist in celebrating the fifth anniversary of their marriage. Accordingly at the appointed time about 25 couples of our bravest and best assembled at their residence on the corner of 11th Avenue and Wood Street, and proceeded to make merry. The evening was spent in dancing and other amusements which enabled the guests to do justice to the ample refreshments provided by their kind hostess. Mr. and Mrs. Holloway, assisted by Miss W. Thomas, spared no pains to make the evening an enjoyable one. The party broke up at a late hour and all expressed themselves satisfied with their evenings entertainment. Some very pretty, elegant, and useful presents were received (although none were expected) of which the following is a partial list:

Carved cigar holder, Geo. and Will Robinson; fancy table for flowers, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Allison; pair brackets, Mrs. Bruner and Mrs. Kate Holloway; brackets and match safe, Wilbur and Maggie Dever; card basket, Mr. and Mrs. Buckman; wooden sugar scoops, Dr. and Mrs. Emerson; moulding board and match safe, Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Randall; wooden jewelry, Miss Minnie Bacon; spool box, J. F. Holloway; jumping jack, Justin Porter; tooth pick, O. M. Seward; child’s rocking chair, Mr. John Moffitt; large rocking chair, Messrs. Speed, Clisbee, Harris, Seward, Suss, Root, and Baldwin.

Winfield Courier, December 12, 1878.

MANNING’S OPERA HOUSE. Opening Benefit.

RECEPTION COMMITTEE: Winfield—J. B. Lynn and O. M. Seward.

Winfield Courier, January 2, 1879.

[This issue listed Courier advertisers.]

SEWARD, O. M., is a young lawyer of skill and reliability. He is an affable gentleman as well as a vigorous attorney. His reputation as an orator is very high.

Winfield Courier, January 30, 1879.

O. M. Seward is one of the persons appointed by the county commissioners to investigate the funds in charge of Tom Bryan.

Winfield Courier, March 20, 1879.

St. L., K. & A. R. R.

During the past few days the attention of our people has been called directly to this proposed extension of the Missouri Pacific railroad. The first of this week Messrs. D. R. Garrison and Melville C. Dey, of St. Louis, officers of the proposed road, arrived in the city. They spent a couple of days conferring with our people and on Tuesday evening met a goodly number of our most prominent citizens at the city council room for the purpose of discussing with them the advantages of the contemplated line of road. The meeting was organized by the election of Mr. C. A. Bliss, chairman, and O. M. Seward, secretary. After considerable speech-making, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Resolved, 1. That we have confidence in the stability of the St. Louis, Kansas & Arizona Railway company to building the proposed railroad into Southern and Southwestern Kansas.

Resolved, 2. That we believe that the construction of the proposed railroad would be of immense advantage to this part of the State by giving us the shortest and most direct route to an eastern market, and that when a reasonable proposition therefor is made, we shall contribute as we are able to do.

We trust that arrangements will be made to secure the construction of this important road to our town. It would forever settle the question of cheap freights.

Winfield Courier, April 3, 1879.

The election last Tuesday was very warm and excited, but everything went off pleasantly. The result was:

1st w. 2nd w.

CITY ATTORNEY.

O. M. Seward .................... 165 116

Chas. Payson .................... 99 122

The majorities stand as follows. Seward, 60 votes.

Winfield Courier, July 24, 1879.

O. M. Seward brought to our office Wednesday a pod of black-eyed peas, 23 inches long and containing 23 peas, and left it with the assurance that he could have raised them as high as telegraph poles had he commenced early enough. We were not aware that O. M. had gone into the pea business, but as he never does things half way, we suppose he will make a success of it.

[DISTRICT COURT CALENDAR - AUGUST TERM.]

Winfield Courier, August 21, 1879.

CIVIL DOCKET. FIFTH DAY. Daniel F. Kerr vs. City of Winfield. Attorneys, Hackney & McDonald; O. M. Seward, City Attorney.

Winfield Courier, September 18, 1879.

O. M. Seward is visiting his father, at Keene, Ohio. During his absence, Mr. Webb is acting city attorney.

Winfield Courier, October 9, 1879.

Our efficient city attorney, O. M. Seward, has returned from Iowa, where he has been for some weeks, having been called away by the death of his mother.

Winfield Courier, December 4, 1879.

On last Monday evening, Dec. 1st, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Holloway entertained their many friends at their pleasant residence in South Winfield, the occasion being the birthday of Mrs. Holloway. A most delightful evening was spent in dancing, social converse, and in partaking of the various good things prepared by their kind hostess. Among those present were Dr. and Mrs. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Jo. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Allison, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Root, Mrs. C. J. Adams; Misses Coldwell, Meech, Holmes, McCoy and Millington; Messrs. Harris, Robinson, Goldsmith, Seward, Bahntge, and Suss. All united in wishing Mrs. Holloway many happy returns of this most pleasant birthday.

Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.

Suss, Seward, Troup, and several others went up the river last Sunday on the little steamboat. When about two miles up, they spied a lame duck with a broken wing, and immediately started in pursuit. The duck proved to be a good swimmer, and for over an hour the contest for possession on one hand and life and liberty on the other, was waged with unequaled fierceness. But the duck was captured, and that evening seven tired but brave souls were tucked away in seven little beds, with a duck feather ornamenting each headboard as a trophy of this glorious victory. They now think of joining the militia.

Winfield Courier, August 19, 1880.

We do not dispute the story of the Telegram concerning the doings of the Democratic crowd on the train when returning from their convention at Wichita. We presume they treated O. M. Seward in the manner stated and others in a similar way. We are told that the Telegram did not tell half the story; that they bamboozled strangers as well as friends, Democrats as well as Republicans. They even ruined the immaculate shirt front of their honored nominee for Congress, J. Wade, by throwing against it a large mass of watermelon slush. They turned everything upside down and made the car look worse than a stock car. We are told that the price of beer and such like beverages went up a hundred percent in Wichita before they left.

Seward ought to have known better than to be caught in a crowd of Democratic delegates. We were in Wichita the morning of the convention and guessed what was coming, so we “lit out” for home before they got up a full head of steam. Before we left we took J. Wade uptown and found a cane for him that he might defend himself, but it seems that it was not sufficient. We are for the amendment.

Note: The amendment referred in above item concerned being for or against prohibition—a heated controversy at this time in Cowley County.

Excerpts...

Winfield Courier, November 11, 1880.

The most fantastic and humorous performance that this city has ever witnessed took place last Saturday, at 2 o’clock p.m. The crowd of people assembled on the sidewalks, in the streets, in the windows of adjacent buildings, and on the awnings, was simply immense and the enthusiasm displayed was indescribable.

The procession was formed at the Brettun house in the following order: 1st. The Winfield Cornet Band. 2nd. The St. John Battery.

3rd. Hon. O. M. Seward, Chairman of the Republican Committee, on a fiery steed that looked as though he had just had a race of a hundred miles and distanced his competitor, bearing the legend: “This is the Maud S. that won the race;” and Hon. S. L. Gilbert, chair-man of the Democratic Committee, on a used up mule labeled, “This is the mule that beat us.”

Winfield Courier, December 23, 1880.

What’s the matter with our Cowley County girls? Here is leap year almost gone and several old bachelors still remain. It looks as if Charles Harter, O. M. Seward, Will Robinson, T. H. Soward, C. C. Harris, and a host of others will have to stand aside for another four years—and Tice says this will be an unusually cold winter.

Winfield Courier, January 20, 1881.

On Wednesday night there was a meeting held at council rooms, embracing a number of our prominent citizens, to secure, if possible, one of the two roads that Gould proposes building. All the gentlemen present were in favor of doing what was possible to secure this end. W. H. Smith, Col. Alexander, J. L. Horning, T. K. Johnson, Mayor Lynn, and M. L. Robinson were appointed as a committee to confer with the managers, and obtain from them, if possible, a proposition. Messrs. Myres, Read, and Seward were appointed a committee to defray expenses.

Winfield Courier, March 17, 1881.

By a petition presented me, I have been requested to call a meeting of the Republican voters of Second Ward, at the Opera House, on Saturday, March 19th, 1881, at 7:30 p.m., to put in nomination a candidate for member of the City Council, and member of the Board of Education for said ward, to be voted for at the coming city election. Also, to select a ward committee and elect twelve delegates to meet with the delegates of the First ward, at the Courthouse March 26th, 1881, at 7:30 p.m., to nominate candidates for the office of said city, common to both wards. O. M. SEWARD. March 15th.

Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.

A great many Republicans were not satisfied with the Republican nominations for city officers, and joined with the Democrats to nominate a citizens’ ticket. They met at the opera house on last Saturday evening and put in nomination J. B. Lynn for mayor, O. M. Seward for city attorney, T. R. Bryan for city treasurer, J. D. Pryor for treasurer of the board of education, W. E. Tansey for justice of the peace and police judge, John Moffitt and A. H. Doane for councilmen, N. L. Rigby and E. P. Kinne for members of the school board, and J. T. Quarles and B. McFadden for constables. Mr. Bryan was not present at the meeting, but it was understood that he would support the straight Republican ticket, having already accepted the nomination for city treasurer tendered him by the Republicans.

[ELECTION RETURNS.]

Winfield Courier, April 7, 1881.

FOR CITY ATTORNEY: L. H. WEBB, O. M. SEWARD.

SEWARD WON: MAJORITY 27.

Winfield Courier, April 14, 1881.

Conklin is immortalizing himself slowly but surely. His last paper was a marvel in its way—that of reading fellows out of the republican party. If he continues this policy, it is only a question of time until he will be the sole embodiment of the party in this county. He last week branded Mr. Tansey as a Judas Iscariot and no longer a republican, told Mr. Kretsinger that he could never have an office at the hands of the republican party, and informed O. M. Seward that he must step down and out of the chairmanship of the Republican Central committee. After having rid the party of the above gentlemen, he devotes enough space to the Democracy to call the editor of their organ a “cur” and advised them to get “A MAN” to edit their paper. Verily, this political giant controls Cowley County politics with an iron hand.

Winfield Courier, May 12, 1881.

Oscar Seward and Dr. Emerson are having their quarters renovated and repaired until the rooms look like parlors.

Winfield Courier, June 30, 1881.

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

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

County Attorney Jennings appeared for the State.

Winfield Courier, August 18, 1881.

The Republican Central Committee met in Winfield, at the office of O. M. Seward at 2 o’clock p.m. in accordance with the call of the chairman. The secretary called the roll and the following members answered to their names. Among members: O. M. Seward, 2^nd Ward, Winfield.

Winfield Courier, November 10, 1881.

Court is in session: the lambs and the lions are mingling together in harmony under the soothing influence of Judge Torrance’s presence. Among the lions we notice Henry H. Asp,

T. H. Soward, Frank Jennings, G. H. Buckman, D. C. Beach, O. M. Seward, J. E. Allen, Jas. O’Hare, S. D. Pryor, James McDermott, A. P. Johnson, A. H. Green, W. P. Hackney, A. B. Taylor, Lovell H. Webb, C. R. Mitchell, Joe Houston, Cal. Swarts, Charlie Eagan, and others. The list of lambs can be found in our Court docket of last week.

Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.

Walnut, Vernon, and the other townships outside of the city in old Winfield Township, have employed H. C. Sims, of Wichita, to look after their interests in the suit brought in the U. S. Court by the King Bridge company. The company has about $2,500 in scrip which was issued to pay for building the approaches to the south bridge. If necessary, City Attorney Seward will act for the city in the case. In our judgment the above suit should be added to the series of blunders committed in blotting out the old township, and the whole matter should be settled and paid with as little cost as possible.

Cowley County Courant, December 1, 1881.

Friday last was divorce day in District Court and of course the lawyers were all present. Judge Torrance takes particular pains in conducting cases of this nature, and is often distressingly careful to bring out all the facts surrounding, bearing upon, pertaining to, connected with, or being a part of the marriage ceremonies, the happiness of the honeymoon season, and family relations existing between the wishing to be separated parties. Or, in other words, he is simply immense in digging into matters pertaining to the merits and claims, ever trying to peep behind the returning veil. You see he has seen so much divorce business that he does not intend that anyone, no matter how much the desire may be to get unhitched, or get a bill of “split-blanket” through his court unless the cause is a purely laudable one, and the evidence is made plain as fact.

There were four cases tried in the forenoon, each couple having been married in Missouri, where matters of this degree are easily arranged, as no licenses are provided for by the code. They were all of a similar import, abuse and abandonment, until the fourth case was called.

In this the causes for asking a separation were of a much more serious nature, if the faces of the audience (his honor not excepted) were any indication of the feelings of those who were frightened into silence by the stern look of Sheriff Shenneman. This was the case of Malissa J. Kirby vs. Richard Kirby, O. M. Seward, appearing blushingly for the plaintiff. The reason set up for divorce was impotency, and the history of the married relations as shown by the evidence and papers in the case were about thus-wise; Malissa and Mr. Kirby, a gentleman who tipped the scale of time at about fifty years, were preliminarily married on the 8th day of August, 1872 (pretty warm weather), in the regular happy way, and they commenced living together from that time. The plaintiff now complains that notwithstanding she was in perfect good health, apt, fit, willing, able, and desirous of receiving the embraces of the defendant, returning them with interest and affection, and continued in such a state for days, weeks, months, and years, defendant showed no disposition or willingness to complete the marriage. The plaintiff further alleged that she remains and is still a virgin unknown to the defendant. After the evidence was received, and the court had asked the plaintiff a few modest questions and the answers returned satisfactorily, an anxious smile passed over many faces in the courtroom, and we could not keep back the thought that had the voluptuous attorney in the case here pending been the defendant from time of marriage, there would never have been any cause of an action of this kind.

The court [Judge Torrance] took up a book, opened it, read or looked through it a few minutes, and then granted the divorce, evidently wishing he could be permitted to give her two.

Winfield Courier, December 1, 1881.

Would it not be well to form an association for the encouragement of onion culture? Unless something is done, the crop will fall short of the demand. We wish to call the especial attention of Amasa Speed, Oscar Seward, and Charlie Harter to this matter.

Winfield Courier, March 23, 1882.

W. H. Smith, of this city, is summoned on the grand jury of the U. S. Circuit Court at Topeka, and O. M. Seward is on the petit jury.

Cowley County Courant, March 30, 1882.

A. D. Speed never will quit his fiendishness if he lives to be six hundred years old. Sunday morning, when everybody close was in bed, Speed took O. M. Seward’s law sign and put it up in front of Mrs. Page’s window, and several times during the day parties called to get information concerning an action for a divorce. It is now rumored that Speed will be arrested for trying to force a person to practice law who had not yet been admitted to the bar.

Cowley County Courant, March 30, 1882.

W. H. Smith, our boot and shoe man, and O. M. Seward, of this city, have been drawn as jurymen at the next term of the United States District Court.

Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor Troup presiding. Roll call, present: councilmen Read, Gary, and Mater; City Attorney Seward; Clerk Beach. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

Petition of A. T. Spotswood and 12 others for sidewalk of usual width and construction, along the east side of block 153 and along the west side of blocks 172, 171, and 170 was presented. On motion of Mr. Gary the prayer of the petition was granted and the attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance in accordance therewith. Ninety days from the passage of the ordinance to be allowed property owners to complete the same.

Cowley County Courant, April 6, 1882.

It is no indication that Mr. O. M. Seward is not popular in this city because he received twenty-four votes for constable yesterday. Had Messrs. Speed and Chapman brought him out a day or two sooner, he would have swept the field.

Winfield Courier, April 6, 1882.

The City election last Tuesday passed off pleasantly and quietly, but there was strenuous work done. As usual, the successful candidates are happy and the unsuccessful feel a little sore. There were no party nominations and the contest, so far as there was a contest, was mainly on the prohibition issue. The anti-prohibitionists on Monday evening made up a good strong ticket largely of prohibition candidates with the evident main object of beating Buckman for Justice, Siverd for Constable, and whoever might be nominated in the first ward for councilman by their opponents. The prohibitionists accepted their nominations so far as suited them, but substituted other names for five principal offices, as appears below, to make up a complete ticket. The long and short term candidates for school board happened to get reversed on the two tickets, which occasioned the votes for full term and vacancy for the same candidates. Every man on the prohibitionist’s ticket was elected by majorities ranging from 55 to 180. The average vote on contested candidates in the whole city was 245 prohibition to 145 anti, or 100 majority. This is the way we look at the matter, but others may view it differently. The following is the vote in full. Those names prefixed by * are elected.

CONSTABLES.

*H. H. SIVERD: 293; *FRANK W. FINCH: 239; Burt Covert: 97; S. J. Hepler: 104; Tom Wright: 58; O. M. Seward: 23; J. E. Allen: 1.

Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.

A couple of ladies were examining the pictures in McInturf’s show case the other day when a wag, whose name we will not divulge, pointed out to them O. M. Seward’s photo as that of Jesse James, when they both exclaimed, “Oh, my, he looks just like a robber!”

Cowley County Courant, April 20, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding. Present, Councilmen Read, Gary, Mater, and Hodges, City Attorney Seward, and Clerk Beach. The minutes of the regular meeting of April 3rd, and of the meeting of April 7th, to canvass the votes cast at the general election held April 8th, were read and approved. Col. J. C. McMullen and Mr. R. S. Wilson, Councilmen elect, being present, were then inducted into office; Messrs. Hodges and Mater, vacating their offices.

Petition of J. W. Curns and ten others, for sidewalk and street crossings, to begin at the southeast corner of lot No. 6, in block No. 87, and running thence south on the west side of Manning street to the southeast corner of lot No. 18, in block No. 89, in the city of Winfield, was read and on motion the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance in accordance therewith.

Petition of E. P. Hickok and ninety-seven others, asking that the Council cause to be removed the powder house in the south part of Winfield, between Main and Millington streets, was read, and on motion of Mr. McMullen was granted, and the Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance providing for its removal to as great a distance from the city as the general safety demands, and the laws of the state will permit.

On motion of Mr. Gary, the City Attorney was instructed to prepare an ordinance prohibiting the lariating of stock, so that they may obstruct any street or alley, by crossing the same; prohibiting the stacking of hay within the city limits, and prohibiting the use of barbed wire for fencing, within the city limits, unless the same shall be protected by a board above it.

The City Attorney was, on motion of Mr. Read, instructed to amend the ordinance relating to fire limits, so as to bring it within the provisions of the statute concerning the same.

Cowley County Courant, May 25, 1882.

The social party at the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Emerson Thursday evening was one of the most enjoyable affairs within the history of Winfield. The Dr. and his estimable wife seem to thoroughly understand the art of entertaining their guests, and on this particular occasion, they were at their best, as it were.

The guests present were Miss L. Curry, Miss Andrews, Miss I. Bard, Miss I. McDonald, the Misses Wallis, Miss F. Beeney, Miss Jennie Haine, Miss A. Scothorn, Miss I. Meech, Miss Sadie French, Miss Julia Smith, Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Will Robinson, Ivan Robinson, Harry Bahntge, Eugene Wallis, W. H. Smith, W. A. Smith of Wichita, E. C. Seward, O. M. Seward, C. Campbell, C. H. Connell, Sam Davis, Capt. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Baird, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Bedilion, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Bahntge, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Harter, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Harter, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Speed, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barclay, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hunt, W. A. Walton, and Henry Goldsmith.

Cowley County Courant, June 1, 1882.

We were truly sorry to be unable to attend the party at the residence of our young friend, Chas. Bahntge, Thursday evening, but those who attended enjoyed one of the most pleasant evenings spent in Winfield for some time. Mr. and Mrs. Bahntge have a large number of friends in Winfield, and those who were so royally entertained at their home Thursday evening think more of them now than ever before. The following is a list of those who were present: Misses McCoy, Jennie Hane, Amy Scothorn, Jessie Millington, Kate Millington, Margie Wallis, Lizzie Wallis, Roberts, Florence Beeny, Josie Bard, Mrs. French, Miss Smith, W. C. Robinson, Ivan Robinson, Lou. Zenor, Lovell Webb, H. Goldsmith, C. C. Harris, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Read, Mr. and Mrs. Spotswood, Mr. and Mrs. Hackney, Mr. and Mrs. Buckman, Mr. and Mrs. Soward, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Emerson, Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. George Whitney, of Sedgwick, Mrs. Carson, of Cherryvale, Mrs. Geo. Rhodes, W. H. Smith, Chas. Fuller, Jas. Lawton, Mr. Campbell, C. H. Connell, Sam Davis, Richard Bowles, Eugene Wallis, O. M. Seward.

Winfield Courier, April 27, 1882.

This is Court week and our lion-like attorneys are in clover. The following gentlemen are present: A. J. Pyburn of La Mars, Missouri; C. R. Mitchell, of Geuda Springs; Senator Hackney, Judge McDonald, Judge Tipton, Jas. O’Hare, Henry E. Asp, S. D. Pryor, J. F. McMullen, D. C. Beach, O. M. Seward, J. E. Allen, A. P. Johnson, James McDermott, P. H. Albright, T. H. Soward, Geo. H. Buckman, M. G. Troup, and County Attorney Jennings.

Winfield Courier, June 1, 1882.

The party given on last Thursday evening by Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Bahntge was one of the most enjoyable ever given here, and was looked forward to with pleasant anticipation for some time previous, for it is a well known society fact that Mrs. Bahntge’s charming little house with its merry occupants insure a lively time to their fortunate guests, and last Thursday evening was no exception to the rule. The evening was spent in dancing and other amusements, while a refreshing repast was served at a seasonable hour which was fully appreciated, and at a late hour the company dispersed, with hearty thanks to their kind host and hostess for the very pleasant evening spent. We append a list of those present.

Among the guest list: O. M. Seward.

[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]

Winfield Courier, September 28, 1882.

THE BABY SHOW. This was the biggest feature of the fair and was really enjoyed by the spectators. There were four entries for the Association purse—Alice Ethel Wright, Lula Wood, J. H. Daugherty, and Mable Kinzie. The babies were ranged along in a row and the three able-bodied judges, in the persons of Col. Loomis, Ben Cox, and O. M. Seward, appeared on the ground. After carefully hefting the babies, tickling them under the chin, and other amusing and interesting performances, the judges withdrew and after much vehement discussion awarded the premium to J. H. Daugherty, son of B. B. Daugherty. As the contesting babies filed off the floor, one of them was heard to remark that it didn’t want any more bald-headed men for judges.

The next thing in order was a free for all baby show on a $2.50 purse. There were eleven entries, and a lot of prettier, brighter babies were never gathered together. The judges realized this, and it was with great difficulty that they were enabled to make a decision. The babies competing for the prize were: Maud Lahr, Edward E. Thorpe, Ethel Wright, J. H. Daugherty, Lula Woods, Morris Brown, Belle Crawford, Mable Kinzie, Mamie Murphey, Eddie Weitzel, Gracie Crabtree. It was a trying hour for Messrs. Loomis, Cox, and Seward, and as they went from one baby to another, and the full measure of the task in hand dawned upon them, the perspiration stood out on their massive foreheads as prominent as points in a democratic platform. They finally awarded the prize to Edward E. Thorpe. The judges disappeared immediately after the decision was rendered. The Association had many disadvantages to work under. Starting without a cent, they had to run everything on the most economical basis, and make all the improvements temporary. The result has been in a measure satisfactory.

Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.

Council met in regular session, Mayor M. G. Troup presiding. Present: Councilmen Gary, Wilson, McMullen, and City Attorney Seward. In the absence of City Clerk, D. C. Beach, on motion of Gary, O. M. Seward was appointed City Clerk pro tem. Minutes of meetings of Sept. 4th and 18th, 1882, read and approved.

Winfield Courier, November 16, 1882.

Democratic Enthusiasm.

Last Saturday was set apart by the Democracy of Winfield for a grand love-feast. For twenty-five years they had been occupying a “cave of gloom,” cut off, politically speaking, from the good things of this world, and were in excellent shape to rejoice over a streak of sunshine, even if they couldn’t tell where it came from. So Saturday morning cannons were fired, bands were hired, and the decks cleared for action. The clerk of the weather did not seem to partake of their enthusiasm and gave them a cold, raw day. No exercises were held during the day, but in the evening several hundred gathered at the Opera House, when, after some excellent music by the Dexter and Courier Bands, the speaking began. The chairman, Mr. Chas. C. Black, after a neat little speech congratulating Democrats on their victory, introduced as the first orator, O. M. Seward, an alleged Republican. In respect to Mr. Seward, we pass over his remarks. They were disgusting alike to Republicans and Democrats and decidedly out of place in a ratification meeting. The audience seemed to realize the pitiful position in which he had placed himself and sat through his desultory and rambling address in painful silence. Its brevity only was commendable.

Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.

The following petition was circulated last week by Frank Manny, taken to Topeka, and presented by him to Senator Hackney.

HON. W. P. HACKNEY, State Senator, Topeka, Kansas.

Inasmuch as the Prohibition Amendment, as enforced, has always resulted in injury to the material development of our town—it having signally failed to accomplish the object sought, the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating drinks—we would respectfully urge upon you the necessity of so providing for the enforcement of the law that its application shall be uniform throughout the State. If this is impossible, don’t sacrifice our town on the altar of inordinate devotion to an impracticable principle.

Both E. C. Seward and O. M. Seward, brothers, signed the petition.

[CITY COUNCIL.]

Winfield Courier, May 10, 1883.

The council accepted the offer of O. M. Seward to provide a council room and police judge’s office at five ($5.00) dollars per month.

Winfield Courier, May 31, 1883.

By virtue of a previous call, the citizens met to devise ways and means for a 4th of July celebration at Winfield. Capt. J. S. Hunt was elected President, and O. M. Seward, Secretary.

[CITY PARLIAMENT.]

Winfield Courier, March 13, 1884.

O. M. Seward, Council Room rent for February: $5.00.

Winfield Courier, August 28, 1884.

O. M. SEWARD, ATTORNEY AT LAW, will practice in the State and Federal Courts, and promptly attend to all Legal Business entrusted to his care. Office over Harter’s Drug Store, Winfield.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 29, 1885.

The tranquility of last Sunday morning was broken by an accident that ushered the soul of Thos. Welch, with scarcely a moment’s warning, into that undiscovered country from whence no traveler returns. The victim of this unfortunate accident, with Charles Skinner, William Kelly, and Frank Harrod, occupied a room over Hudson Bros. Jewelry Store. They retired on Saturday night, leaving two large six-shooters, which had been in the room for several weeks, on a box in the center of the room. In the southeast corner of the room was a bed on which Welch and Kelly slept, and in the northeast corner one on which Skinner and Harrod slept. Skinner arose first, about 8 o’clock Sunday morning, and began to clean up the room. Harrod soon followed and while putting on his clothes, with his back to Skinner, the latter picked up the revolvers to move them onto another box against the wall. As he raised the one in his right hand, a huge 44-calibre, it mysteriously discharged, and simultaneous with the report, Welch, who was still in bed, though supposed to be awake, threw the cover off his head and exclaimed, “My God, you have shot me through the heart! I am killed!!” Skinner dropped both revolvers to the floor, turned white as a sheet, and advanced to the bedside of Welch. Kelly, who was lying on the back of the bed in a sleepy stupor, raised up and looking Welch in the face said, “You’re not shot, are you Tom!” but the lips were speechless and the spirit had flown. Skinner seemed terribly grief-stricken over the awful accident and gave himself into official custody. Coroner H. W. Marsh was summoned, a jury empaneled composed of Messrs. T. H. Soward, J. W. Arrowsmith, F. M. Pickens, C. M. Leavitt, A. B. Taylor and O. M. Seward, and an inquest held, developing the facts as given above and resulting in a verdict of accidental death. Drs. W. S. Mendenhall and S. R. Marsh examined the body and ascertained that the bullet entered the left side between the fourth and fifth ribs, severed several arteries just above the heart, crashed through the breast to the collar bone, and lodged in the base of the brain. It was one of the wickedest wounds, splintered the bones terribly, and it is supposed that the victim hardly realized what had struck him before life was extinct. The evidence as drawn from the witnesses by County Attorney Asp indicated that the revolver was laid on the box cocked, as neither was a self-actor and could not have discharged without the trigger drawn; but neither of the remaining occupants of the room could testify to having cocked it. Skinner and Welch ran the Palace lunch room, on West Main, for about two months; but about a month ago, they sold out to Kelly, though both still remained around the place as occasional assistants. No witness testified to knowledge of other than amicable feelings having ever existed between any of these parties.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 19, 1885.

Suit in Justice Court before G. H. Buckman, a Justice of the Peace in Winfield. Plaintiff, Daniel D. Miller. Defendant, C. W. Massle. To be heard February 2, 1885. O. M. Seward and Dalton & Madden, Attorneys for Plaintiff.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 19, 1885.

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

O. M. Seward juror fees: $1.00.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, March 26, 1885.

O. M. Seward will erect a neat law office on east Ninth Avenue, east of J. F. McMullen’s office.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 6, 1885.

Dr. Emerson and O. M. Seward went out Friday and spent the night with Ezra Meech. The Doctor says Ez. has been entirely unconscious ever since the accident. He only exhibits restlessness occasionally. The Doctor says the blow that caused the concussion was received on and just above the temple. His long unconsciousness, without a rally, makes his recovery very improbable. His father, in answer to a telegram, said he would start from Michigan immediately, and will probably arrive Sunday. Of course, it is impossible to remove Ez. from Dr. Emerson’s ranch, but he is receiving all the attention the people of that neighborhood and friends from here can give.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.

Dan Miller was before Judge Turner August 5^th, charged with using unbecoming language in “cussing” Hull Bixby. Dan fought long and strenuously, ably abetted by O. M. Seward; but O’Hare and Bixby got there, $19.25 worth. It was a little family difficulty.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 27, 1885.

CIVIL DOCKET. 2178. Hannah Smithey vs S B Smithey. O. M. Seward for plaintiff.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, September 24, 1885.

Our reporter had a long and pleasant talk Thursday with one of our prominent barbers, and in answer to his query why it was that a really good barber nearly always kept up a constant conversation while shaving a customer, he bit off the end of his cigar, thought a moment, then said, as an innocent smile played about his classic features: “The barber who doesn’t talk isn’t any good. He isn’t popular with the trade and he doesn’t make a good workman. You see, a man comes in and he gets into the chair and the barber commences shaving him without saying a word. The man who is being shaved has nothing to think about except himself and he immediately begins to kick about the razor. It pulls and hurts his face and nothing suits him and he goes away dissatisfied with the shop and the barber. Now one of those good-natured, talkative barbers would take that same man and commence talking politics and the weather, the police and the skating rink to him, and there would never be the slightest kick. No, sir, the barber could use his oldest and dullest razor, and the man would never think of complaining, and when the barber would finish combing his hair by telling him that he had hair just like President Cleveland or O. M. Seward, he’d get up and give him a cigar and go off feeling good-natured and swear that was the best shop in Winfield.”

Winfield Courier, Thursday, February 11, 1886.

The trial of Bill George and wife and Steve George, charged with stripping D. Berkey’s clothesline Monday night, was grinding at the Court House Friday before Judge Buckman and a big crowd of curious listeners. Chris Beavers, a youth of seventeen, who has been living at the George domicile, came forward and made a martyr of himself by confessing all—by lifting the guilt from the shoulders of the Georges and taking it on his own. He swore that he took the clothes alone, and that the Georges were mad because he took the clothes to their house and were going to make him take them away. He wandered around in the woods, he says, with nothing to eat and only a hay stack for a bunk till Wednesday, when he went back to George’s and told them he would protect the innocent and give himself up. He says he had no underwear and stole the male apparel for himself. The delicate array he stole in anticipation of matrimony at some distant day. Everything appears to point to the fact that the whole outfit were implicated, and the scheme for one fellow to take the punishment is a put up job. The evidence, however, let the George boys out and will let Beavers in—jail.

The Georges’ were acquitted and Beavers got 30 days in jail and until the costs of the suit, about $50, are paid. Joe O’Hare prosecuted the case and O. M. Seward defended.

Winfield Courier, Thursday, April 1, 1886.

With the court room crowded with anxious spectators, Judge Snow called, yesterday afternoon, the case of the Great State of Kansas vs. C. C. Sullivan and George McCurry, charging them with stealing one chicken of the value of 25 cents, from the henery of Joseph Bucher, in Rock township. The jury men were: W. B. Little, W. E. Augerman, G. D. Headrick, Bennett Pugh, S. Allison, H. C. Buford, Jno. Bobbitt, Wm. Hudson, C. McClung, Jno. Gill, Jas. Williams, and T. J. Harris. County Attorneys, Webb & Swarts, were there for the prosecution, and Judge McDonald and O. Seward for the defense. Judge McDonald, with becoming dignity, demurred to the charge; it was not specific enough—it didn’t state whether the chicken was a rooster, a hen, or a maiden pullet. His objection was overruled and Mr. Bucher took the stand and swore positively that he saw McCurry make a fowl attack on his hen roost under the bright rays of the beautiful moon, that he saw him walk off with a chicken, age, color, or sex unknown, under his left arm, and said chicken did squawk and make diverse other noises, and that the said C. C. Sullivan kept watch while the thievery was going on. Then the court took a rest to this morning, when the case went on. A dozen or two witnesses were examined on both sides, among them three or four women.

Just before noon today the case went to the jury, which discharged the prisoners, on the ground that there was no evidence proving that the chicken was carried off the place; nobody saw this part of the thievery. The main object of the whole suit was to stop numerous petit thieving that has been going on in that neighborhood and laid pretty surely at the door of these boys, who live in a dugout on the banks of the Walnut. This case will make a memorable record.

RKW found the following item in the July 20, 1922, issue of the Winfield Courier.

The poor house — its very name, to the ears of an independence-loving American, carries a strange note of dreadful fear, fear lest somewhere in life's course a trick of fate might send him to its doors, destitute, penniless, friendless. For failure, sorrow, trouble, and sickness it is a common synonym — the last place under heaven we want to go — hunger, hardships, and sometimes life itself, but last of all the poor farm. Yet the poor houses, could they speak, would tell unbelievable tales of once wealthy and prominent men and women brought within their doors.

A poet, a university graduate, and a bank director are numbered among inmates of the Cowley County Poor Farm — three men, once highly respected, prosperous citizens, leaders of bygone days, forced into the care of charity during their last days by the pitiless hand of fortune. Broken in body and spirit, all three are tramping far down the sunset trail which leads to the land where there are no poor houses — to that land of eternal mansions not built with hands for those who have kept the faith. Reluctantly they told their life stories to a reporter — stories of blasted hopes and shattered dreams — how they had achieved success, enjoyed friends, met with adversity, and sank to the charity of the county.

The first had been gifted with musical and literary talents; the second, with a university degree, had practiced law in Winfield, once being city attorney; and the third was the first resident of Arkansas City and later became a director of a bank in that city.

The second is named O. M. Seward.