JAMES
A. SIMPSON.
Winfield.
Kansas 1875 Census, Winfield Township,
Cowley County, March 1, 1875.
Name age sex color Place/birth
Where from
Jas. Simpson 27 m w
Ireland Missouri
WINFIELD 1878:
James A. Simpson, 28; spouse, E. E., 24.
WINFIELD 1880:
J. A. Simpson, 30; spouse, Esther E., 25.
FROM
THE NEWSPAPERS.
[COMMISSIONERS PROCEEDINGS OF JUNE 10,
11.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 19, 1873.
In regard to the Courthouse award, it was
ascertained that the county must pay its indebtedness in warrants, and that
bids for cash could not be legally considered and the whole proceedings were
set aside and an order made that sealed bids for erecting the Courthouse
according to the plans and specification on file in the Clerk’s office would be
received until 2 o’clock p.m., the 11th inst., and the County Attorney was
directed to inform the former builders of the order made.
Adjourned until 11th inst.
11th inst. Board met as per adjournment.
All present: proceeded to open bids for
Courthouse. Three bids were read, and the contract was awarded to Messrs.
Stewart & Simpson, at $9,000 in scrip, their’s being the lowest bid to give
bonds in double the amount of the bid, and the sureties to qualify in double
the amount of the bond or for $36,000.
Messrs. Stewart & Simpson returned
with their bond, and signed the contract. The sureties to the bond then
qualified in the sum of $75,000. Bond approved.
Board adjourned until regular meeting of
July 7th, 1873. FRANK COX, Chairman,
A.
A. JACKSON, County Clerk, Per J. P. SHORT, Deputy Clerk.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, July 10, 1873.
We take pleasure in noting the completion
of M. L. Read’s new bank building. The contractors, Messrs. Stewart &
Simpson, deserve every credit as experienced mechanics, as this piece of their
work will fully testify. The material used in the construction is an extra
quality of limestone rock for the foundation, and also used in the walls of
the basement. The main building is of brick structure, and exhibits as fine an
appearance exteriorly, as any brick block in the eastern States. The front has
iron columns to support it, and the window sills are of white limestone rock
and are capped with the same. The folding doors at the entrance are
magnificently constructed of fine material, and grained and finished in modern
style; while the large windows on each side of the door will be one solid
glass, French plate, 4½ feet in width and 9½ feet in height.
The appointments of the building consists
of basement full size of building, which is now occupied by Messrs. Miller
& Myers in the restaurant business. The second floor is exclusively
occupied by the bank, and has attached every convenience desired in a banking
house. The third floor is cut into rooms for office purposes, and is occupied
by Messrs. Scull & Michener, attorneys; Messrs. Pryor & Kager,
attorneys; J. F. Paul, Esq., County Recorder; John Curns, City Clerk; T. A.
Wilkinson, County Superintendent; and E. B. Kager, Esq., County Treasurer. The
building is completely occupied, and its interior, in point of finish and
adaption to the business for which it is used, is not excelled by a like
structure in any city.
The business energy and willing
disposition so liberally manifested by Mr. Read to invest money in our town
since he became a citizen, endows him with the respect and confidence of the
whole public.
[THE DISTRICT COURT: OCTOBER TERM.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 16, 1873.
The following cases will stand for trial
at the October term of the District Court of Cowley County and have been placed
upon the trial docket in the following order.
CIVIL
DOCKET. SECOND DAY.
State of Kansas Ex rel A. S. Williams,
Att’y Gen’l vs. Board of Co. Com. of Cowley Co. and Stewart & Simpson.
[PROCEEDINGS OF THE COWLEY COUNTY
DISTRICT COURT OCT. 29, 1873.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, October 30, 1873.
Proceedings of the Cowley County District
Court, to Oct. 29th, 1873, the Following Causes having Been Disposed of.
CIVIL
DOCKET.
State of Kansas Ex rel A. S. Williams,
Att’y Gen’l vs. Board of Co. Com. of Cowley Co. and Stewart & Simpson,
dismissed.
[EDITORIAL PAGE: MEETING OF THE
VETERANS.]
Winfield Courier, December 4, 1873.
A vote of thanks was also tendered to the
Winfield Silver Cornet Band [MISSING LINE]
services and also to Messrs. Stewart and
Simpson, contractors, for the use of the courtroom.
[EDITORIAL PAGE: THE NEW COURTHOUSE.]
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
JAMES
KELLY, EDITOR.
The Courthouse is now completed, and the
county officers assigned to their respective places. We think that a
description of this beautiful structure will not be altogether uninteresting,
at least, to the tax payers of the county; although we may say right here, that
no pen picture can give more than a crude idea of this splendid building.
The main building is 40 x 50 ft. The
foundation is of stone, rubbleworked, cut-stone water-table, door, and window
sills. The walls are 16 in. thick, and are of the best quality of brick. The
first story is 11 ft. high, and the second 15 ft. The roof is what is commonly denominated
double gable truss and heavily iron strapped, and bolted, with a tower 22 ft.
high, the foundation posts of which are 12 x 12 inch oak timbers extending
clear across the entire width of the building, the whole surmounted by a
beautiful weather-vane, constructed by Mr. C. R. Sipes of Arkansas City, and we
believe, a present to the county. A hall 8 ft. wide runs through the building,
from South to North, with heavy double panel doors at each end. The offices are
arranged on each side of the hall, six in number, and are 13 x 15 ft. sq. with two large 10 light windows in each room.
The Courtroom proper is on the second floor, and is 37 x 38 ft. in the clear.
On the north end, and on either side of the stair landing, are two jury rooms
each 12 ft. square, which open into the courtroom by folding doors. The inside
is painted both inside, and out, with three coats, and has three coats of
plaster, the last a plaster paris finish; and is, on the whole, one of the
best, prettiest, and most substantial buildings, of the kind—and certainly the
best for the money—in the state. Of the contractors,
STEWART
& SIMPSON
we need say but little: their work speaks
for them. The brick bank building of M. L. Read, and now the courthouse, will
stand as monuments of the skill, honesty, and integrity of Messrs. Stewart
& Simpson, long after they will have passed away. The sub-contractors,
Messrs. Rice & Ray, carpenters, also deserve special mention. But our space
will not permit us to say further than that they have shown themselves to be
master workmen, and have done the county a good, honest job.
We cannot close this imperfect sketch
without saying a word for our county Board, Frank Cox, O. C. Smith, and John D.
Maurer. They early saw that the building of good substantial buildings would be
a saving to the county every year. The history of our neighboring county,
Howard, is just now a case in point. Election after election has been held,
the county seat moved, to use a homely phrase, “from pillar to post.” Thousands
of dollars annually squandered in vain attempts to settle it. They, in common,
with all right thinking men, saw that in a short time the history of Cowley
would furnish but a parallel to the history of Howard, and that so long as the
county had no buildings of her own, the county seat was simply a bone of
contention, to be pulled hither and thither at the whim or caprice of any who
might take it into their heads to move it.
The Board of County Commissioners of
Cowley County have built a better courthouse, for less money, than can be found
in any other county in the state. No stealing, no jobbing, no trickery, of any
kind whatever, but honesty, faithfulness, a desire to do the very best for the
public have marked the history of the enterprise in an uncommon degree. The
Board of County Commissioners deserve the thanks of every taxpayer in Cowley
County.
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The Co. Commissioners at their last
meeting accepted the Courthouse. And the contractors, Messrs. Stewart &
Simpson, take this method to return thanks to their bondsmen, S. C. Smith,
Charley Black, R. B. Saffold, Hiram Silver, S. H. Myton, Rice & Ray, J. J.
Ellis, J. D. Cochran, M. L. Read, J. C. Blandin, John Lowry, and C. A. Bliss,
for the confidence reposed in them when they were entire strangers, and to say
that they are honorably discharged from any further obligation on account of
the Courthouse.
[GRAND MASONIC FESTIVAL.]
Winfield Courier, December 12, 1873.
The following is the list of the
committees appointed for the occasion.
SOLICITING COMMITTEE. A. T. Stewart, S.
H. Myton, I. Bing, A. T. Shenneman, J. A. Simpson, J. Swain, T. A. Blanchard,
R. B. Saffold, John Rhodes; Mrs. Flint, Mrs. McMasters, Mrs. A. H. Green, Mrs.
Brotherton, Mrs. Tousey, Mrs. Limbocker; Miss Jennie Stewart, Miss Lowry, W. W.
Limbocker.
TABLE COMMITTEE. A. T. Stewart, J. F.
Paul, T. A. Rice, W. M. Boyer, J. E. Saint, J. D. Cochran, J. C. Fuller, John
Swain, J. A. Simpson, A. T. Shenneman, A. S. Williams, J. P. Short, Mrs. J. P.
Short, Miss Read, Miss Mary Stewart, Mrs. Geo. Oakes, Mrs. J. F. Paul, Mrs. E.
Maris, Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mrs. W. M. Boyer, Mrs. L. R. Paul, Mrs. L. J. Webb,
Mrs. J. C. Weathers, Mrs. Newman, Mrs. Howland, Mrs. Hickok, Mrs. W. G. Graham,
Mrs. J. D. Cochran, Mrs. C. A. Bliss, Miss Parmelee, Miss Lizzie Graham, Miss
Yount.
Instrumental Music for the Day: J. W.
Johnston, J. A. Simpson, J. E. Saint.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 19, 1873.
Stewart & Simpson, last payment on
Courthouse: $4,390.00
Stewart & Simpson, extra work:
$131.00
Winfield Courier, January 9, 1874.
That weathervane again. And now comes
Stewart & Simpson and the Board of County Commissioners, who say that T. A.
Rice did not give, donate, or make the county a present of that vane, but that
the county paid for it as a part of the contract. Give us a rest.
[COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS.]
Winfield Courier, January 16, 1874.
Stewart
& Simpson, grading: $4.75.
Winfield Courier, March 20, 1874.
STEWART & SIMPSON are gong to burn
200,000 brick this Spring. Those who contemplate building will do well to send
in their orders early.
Winfield Courier, May 8, 1874.
Rev. James E. Platter has let the
contract for building his new residence to Messrs. Stewart & Simpson for
the sum of $3,700. Had Mr. Platter searched the country over he could not have
found more able, honest, and energetic men to build his house than the firm of
Stewart & Simpson. Life-long contractors and builders, they are just the
men to build quickly, cheaply, and well.
Winfield Courier, June 12, 1874.
Proceedings
of the Meeting held Monday, June 8th, to
Provide
for the Celebration of the 4th of July.
Public meeting of the citizens of
Winfield, was held last Monday evening at the office of Curns & Manser for
the purpose of preparing for a celebration of the 4th of July at Winfield.
On motion G. S. Manser was chosen
chairman and L. J. Webb, Esq., Secretary.
C. M. Wood offered the following, which
was adopted.
Resolved, By the citizens of Winfield and vicinity
that we celebrate the 4th of July at this place, and that we extend a cordial
invitation to the citizens of the county to participate with us in the
celebration.
N. H. Wood, James Simpson, and J. T. Hall
were appointed a committee to confer with the Soldier’s Association and invite
them to take part in the celebration.
On motion it was resolved that the
celebration be a basket picnic.
T. K. Johnston, Enoch Maris, and C. M.
Wood were appointed a finance committee.
M. L. Robinson, James Kelly, and J. T.
Hall were appointed a committee to procure speakers.
A. T. Stewart, Max Shoeb, and H. B. Lacy
were appointed a committee on grounds.
J. T. Hall, T. A. Wilkinson, Mr. and Mrs.
John Swain, Miss Mary Stewart, and Miss Baldwin were appointed a committee on
music.
H. B. Lacy, C. M. Wood, and J. P.
McMillen were appointed a committee on ice water.
J. P. McMillen, Wirt Walton, and L. J.
Webb were appointed a committee on fantastics and amusements.
L. J. Webb and James Kelly were appointed
a committee on artillery.
Captain R. L. Walker was appointed
Marshal of the day.
James Kelly offered the following
resolution, which was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That we extend a cordial invitation to
the several Granges of the county to attend and participate in the celebration.
The meeting then adjourned to meet Monday
evening June 15th at 8 o’clock P.M.
G.
S. MANSER, Chairman.
L. J. WEBB, Secretary.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1874.
Stewart and Simpson have now 100,000 good
brick for sale at $8.00 per thousand, and will have another lot of 100,000
ready inside of two weeks.
Winfield Courier, September 18, 1874.
Commissioners’
Proceedings.
Board met pursuant to adjournment.
Present: R. F. Burden and M. S. Roseberry.
The following bills were presented and
acted on as follows.
Stewart
& Simpson, courthouse repairs: $26.00.
Winfield Courier, October 2, 1874.
Stewart & Simpson have commenced
laying the brick on Sam Myton’s new building.
Winfield Plow and Anvil, November 19, 1874.
The contractors, Stewart & Simpson,
have completed the brick work on Myton’s new building. The building is two
stories in height—the first story 15 feet, the second 13 feet—and 25 x 60 feet
in size. The walls were carried up to the top 18 inches in thickness to stand
fire, and the front has cut block stone corners, and iron columns. It is a
credit to the owner, the builders, and the town.
[DISSOLUTION NOTICE: STEWART &
SIMPSON.]
Winfield Courier, December 17, 1874.
DISSOLUTION
NOTICE.
NOTICE is hereby given that the
co-partnership heretofore existing between James A. Simpson and John T. Stewart
under the firm name of Stewart & Simpson, is this day dissolved by mutual
consent. Mr. Simpson having purchased the interest of Mr. Stewart, will conduct
the business as heretofore. JOHN T. STEWART, JAS. A. SIMPSON.
“Archie” Stewart, younger brother of John
T. Stewart, remained in Winfield and later became a partner with James A.
Simpson.
Winfield, Kansas, Dec. 16th, 1874.
Winfield Courier, December 17, 1874.
Mr. John T. Stewart has gone east for an
extended visit.
Winfield Courier, April 8, 1875.
Some score or so of the young folks of
the city, in full mask, gathered at the residence of Captain John Lowery last
Thursday night to have a good time. We are not sufficiently versed in this
business to know who or what the masqueraders intended to represent. So perhaps
the less said in that direction the better. However, there were noticeably
three young ladies observed that we cannot pass without special mention. Their
plump, well rounded figures and elegant bearing were the envy alike of the
other ladies and the admiration of the men. So much so that a collision seemed
imminent at any time between the young men as to which would secure their
company for the evening. One, the tallest of the lovely trio, was
dressed—well—with a dress, and so were the others. These three perambulated up
and down the Captain’s elegant parlors, very queens of grace until the time to
unmask. Off came the head gear, when, lo and behold, there stood O. F. Boyle,
Frank Gallotti, and Jimmy Simpson, and the three graces had fled forever, to
the infinite disgust of the admiring young men.
Winfield Courier, July 1, 1875.
The following is a list of the names
registered at the Lagonda House, Saturday the 26th inst.
Jas.
A. Simpson, Arkansas City, Kansas.
Winfield Courier, August 12, 1875.
Jimmie Simpson came very near being
drowned while attempting to cross the Walnut River six miles above here last
Thursday.
Winfield Courier, August 12, 1875.
Thanks.
To Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Klingman and their
fair and accomplished daughter, Miss Allie, for their kind and generous treatment
and well appreciated hospitality to their visitors of last Tuesday evening:
Will S. Paul, Miss Kate Millington, A. B. Lemmon, Clara L. Flint, Jno. D.
Pryor, Jennie Greenlee, O. F. Boyle, Annie Melville, Will C. Robinson, Ella
Silvers, J. E. Saint, May Deming, D. Frank Baldwin, Ada Millington, James
Simpson, W. W. Walton, and Miss Dollie Morris. They desire to express their
sincere thanks. May they live long, enjoy life, and always be as happy as were
their visitors of last Tuesday evening, is the wish of their friends enumerated
above.
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
Jimmie Simpson is up at Douglass at work.
[ANNOUNCEMENT: FRANK GALLOTTI FOR COUNTY
TREASURER.]
Winfield Courier, September 16, 1875.
TO
THE VOTERS OF COWLEY COUNTY.
This is to certify that we, whose names
are hereto subscribed, do most heartily recommend for our next County
Treasurer, FRANK GALLOTTI, who has for the last year and a half faithfully and
satisfactorily performed the duties of said office while acting in the capacity
of Deputy; and we do hereby further certify that his character during that time
has been such as to fully entitle him to the recommendation. The records of
said office kept by him, bears ample testimony of his capability and
efficiency. We consider him well qualified to fulfill the duties of said
office, and therefore cheerfully recommend him to the voters of Cowley County
as well worth of their cordial support, and who, if elected, will most
faithfully and systematically perform the duties of said office.
James
A. Simpson.
Winfield Courier, September 23, 1875.
S. H. Myton this week forwarded to
Stewart, of the late firm of Stewart & Simpson, a photograph of his
beautiful new brick store building, which they erected here. The picture goes
to Champlain, Clinton County, New York.
Winfield Courier, December 30, 1875.
The following are the recently elected
officers of the Winfield Chapter of R. A. M.’s.
M. L. Read, H. P.; J. D. Pryor, K.; B. F.
Baldwin, S.; W. C. Robinson, Capt. H.; A. Howland, P. S.; W. G. Graham, R. A.
Capt.; J. W. Johnston, G. M. 3 y.; P. Hill, G. M. 2 y.; S. H. Myton, G. M. 1
y.; J. A. Simpson, Sec.; F. Gallotti, Treas.; N. C. McCulloch, M. Cro.
This is one of the thirty Royal Arch
Chapters of Masons in this State, and as a citizen of Winfield we are proud
that she, only a five year old, supports it.
Winfield Courier, January 6, 1876.
At their regular meeting last Friday
night, No. 282 of the A. G. J. S. Bazique, elected the following officers for
the ensuing year: J. D. Pryor, King; James Simpson, Grand Khedive; F. Gallotti,
Sir Scribe; J. Ex Saint, G. Master C.; W. W. Walton, G. Commander; B. F.
Baldwin, G. Generalissimo. After which work was done in the Marquis degree and
brother W. C. Robinson made Knight of the Red Hand. Refreshments were taken at
the St. Nicholas.
Winfield Courier, February 10, 1876.
James Simpson has contracted for the
mason work of the Presbyterian church.
VISIT
TO THE HOME OF DR. AND MRS. W. Q. MANSFIELD.
Winfield Courier, February 17, 1876.
Although not able to be present, on
account of other engagements, at Dr. and Mrs. Mansfield’s party, which took
place at their spacious residence last Monday evening, we learn that it was a
very fine affair and one of the most agreeable gatherings that has ever
assembled in Winfield. The day was the eighteenth anniversary of their wedding,
and was a formal opening of their finely furnished home to their friends.
We had the pleasure of looking through
the house a day or two since and were much gratified with the taste and
judgment displayed in its arrangement and finish. The plastering and moulding
was done by Messrs. Simpson and Stewart, the painting and paper hanging by
Capt. J. C. Monforte. The work is the finest we have seen in our town.
Everywhere in the selection, arrangement, and mounting of pictures, works of
art, embellishments, and decorations of the rooms, could be seen the
cultivated taste of Mrs. Mansfield. The furniture is new and of the most modern
style, and we believe the finest in Winfield.
James A. Simpson marries Hester Fowler...
Winfield Courier, April 6, 1876.
MARRIED.
SIMPSON - FOWLER. At the Presbyterian
church, by Rev. J. E. Platter, on Saturday evening, the 2nd inst., Mr. James A.
Simpson to Miss Hester Fowler.
The interesting ceremony of making two
hearts to beat as one was listened to by a large audience. As the gallant groom
walked out with his fair young bride, the wish that their lives might ever be
as happy as then, was on the lips of their many friends. Here’s luck to ye,
Jamie!
Cowley County Democrat, April 6, 1876.
MARRIED.
On Sabbath evening April 2nd at the
Presbyterian church, by Rev. J. E. Platter, Mr. James A. Simpson, to Miss
Hester E. Fowler, all of Cowley County.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1876.
City
Council Proceedings.
WINFIELD,
KAN., April 5, 1876.
City Council met in adjourned session,
March 21st, A. D. 1876.
Present: D. A. Millington, Mayor; N. M.
Powers, C. C. Black, and M. G. Troup, Councilmen; B. F. Baldwin, City Clerk.
The following bills were presented, read,
and allowed, and on motion of M. G. Troup, the Clerk was ordered to draw a
warrant on the Treasurer for the same.
J. M. Reed, clerk of city election, on
April 3rd, A. D. 1876, $2.00; J. F. Miller, Judge of city election, $2.00; C.
C. Black, Judge of city election, $2.00; M. Miller, padlock and nails for city,
85 cents; Simpson & Stewart, repairs on jail, $3.00.
On motion of N. M. Powers, the City Clerk
was instructed to make out and present to the County Commissioners a bill of
$8.00, amount paid to Simpson & Stewart for repairs on the jail.
Winfield Courier, May 4, 1876.
Our enterprising plasterer, J. Simpson,
has purchased the Palmer property and settled down for life.
Winfield Courier, September 28, 1876.
JIMMIE SIMPSON and ARCHIE STEWART were
“called up” this week. They occupy prominent positions on the COURIER brick
building. Their hourly cry has been “more hard brick!”
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
Jimmie Simpson drives a buggy that is
dazzling in its splendor. Who painted it?
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
Johnny Reed is the champion buggy painter
of the county. See J. Simpson’s just turned out.
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1876.
The Winfield Bazique club is scarcely
able to raise a quorum. Simpson, Boyle, and Holloway, “the three graces,” left
us, and now we have to chronicle the departure of another important officer,
whose name entitled him to all the privileges of a Saint.
Winfield Courier, December 28, 1876.
ADELPHI Lodge, No. 110, of A. F. and A.
M.’s of this city, elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Dr.
Graham, W. M.; Ex Saint, S. W.; M. G. Troup, J. W.; Frank Baldwin, Treas.; and
James Kelly, Secretary. The following appointments were then made: C. C. Black,
S. D.; J. C. Roberts, J. D.; Jas. Simpson, S. S.; N. C. McCulloch, J. S.; Wirt
W. Walton, Tyler.
James A. Simpson and Archie Stewart,
partners...
Winfield Courier, January 11, 1877.
Simpson and Stewart are standing round
with a brick and trowel of mortar in each hand and whenever the weather
moderates for a few minutes a few inches is added to the walls of the
Presbyterian church.
Winfield Courier, January 18, 1877.
STEWART & SIMPSON laid one course of
brick that warm morning, Monday.
Winfield Courier, January 25, 1877.
The following were the officers of
Winfield Chapter, No. 31, Royal Arch Masons, installed by P. H. P. Bennett, of
Emporia, assisted by P. H. Hargis, of Wichita.
John D. Pryor, High Priest; M. L. Read,
King; James A. Simpson, Scribe; W. C. Robinson, Captain of the Hosts; A.
Howland, Principle Sojourner; W. G. Graham, Royal Arch Captain; J. W. Johnston,
Commander of the 3rd Vail; Perry Hill, Commander of the 2nd Vail; S. H. Myton,
Commander of the 1st Vail; Frank Gallotti, Treasurer; N. C. McCulloch,
Sentinel.
After the installation P. H. P. Read was
presented with a fine lambskin apron and collar and a jewel of office, after
which the members, with their wives and ladies, repaired to the Central Hotel,
and partook of supper and refreshments prepared especially for the occasion.
The supper was gotten up in that good and tasteful style as only the cooks of a
first-class house can get up. It was undoubtedly the grandest supper ever given
in Winfield. The cakes were trimmed and mementoes with the different designs
and emblems of the Masonic order. Quite a number of members of the order from
Wichita, Arkansas City, and Lazette were present.
Winfield Courier, February 15, 1877.
Mr. Manning’s brick business house is now
completed and occupied. It cost five thousand dollars and is the largest, most
costly, and best finished business house in Winfield. The roof is of tin with
standing seam, and is the only tin roof in town that does not leak. Mr. J. F.
Hyskell, of this place, put it on. The carpenter work was principally done by
John Swain and is a creditable job. The plastering upstairs was done by Phenix
& Dewey, the lower story by Simpson & Stewart. Both parties did
excellent work. John Reed did the painting. A dozen different brick layers laid
the brick. Fred Kropp built the cellar. The building is a credit to the place.
We hope to see more and better ones built the coming season.
Winfield Courier, March 15, 1877.
James Simpson is raising his dwelling
house and making commendable improvements thereabouts.
Winfield Courier, August 23, 1877.
Messrs. Simpson and Stewart have the
contract to build the piers and abutments of the new iron bridges.
Winfield Courier, November 1, 1877.
SIMPSON & STEWART have finished the
abutments of the south bridge and have moved their derrick to the west bridge.
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1878.
Stewart & Simpson have the contract
for putting up the machine shop for Clarke & Dysert.
Winfield Courier, April 11, 1878.
James Simpson, Esq., brought into the
COURIER office on Saturday, April 6th, a bundle of red clover measuring 16
inches high. This is a luxuriant growth for any country at this time of the
year.
Winfield Courier, May 30, 1878.
E. C. Manning brought us on Monday a
stalk of corn grown this year in James Simpson’s garden, measuring five feet
seven inches in length. He also brought a single cluster of 21 Early Richmond
cherries.
Winfield Courier, August 8, 1878.
Brick layers and masons are wanted
immediately. Inquire of STEWART & SIMPSON.
[LIST OF NEW BUILDINGS ERECTED SINCE
1/1/1878.]
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 2, 1879.
The following is a list of new buildings
erected in the city of Winfield since January 1, 1878, with the name of owner
and cost of building.
J.
Simpson, residence, brick: $900.00.
J.
Simpson, residence, frame: $500.00.
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
Messrs. Simpson & Stewart, the
“pioneer” bricklayers of Cowley County, are pushing the Fahey building forward
rapidly. Their cries of “mort” and “more hard brick” are familiar sounds to the
older residents of Winfield, as they have had a hand in “raising” most of the
beautiful and substantial buildings of which we are so proud.
Winfield Courier, July 10, 1879.
Messrs. Stewart & Simpson have the
contract for the erection of the Popp building, the Jochems building, and the
Bahntge building; and are ready for any others that may come along.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1879.
James Simpson and G. A. Fowler are
building an elevator just north of the Santa Fe depot in this city. The lumber
is mostly on the ground and the large scales for weighing are on hand. The work
will be rushed through and completed in a short time.
[THE NEW ELEVATOR.]
Winfield Courier, November 13, 1879.
The new elevator of Messrs. Simpson &
Stewart, near the depot, is enclosed and roofed and will be ready for business
in about two weeks. The elevator will have a capacity of 600 bushels per hour,
and storage room for 15,000 bushels. The machinery will be heavy and put in
with a view of building an addition as soon as possible.
The grading for the side track to the
elevator is also about finished. The “dump,” for unloading the wheat, is made
of the heaviest timbers, and the building is substantially built
throughout. In connection with the
elevator is an immense pair of Fairbanks scales, which weigh horses, load, and
all at once. The building is being pushed forward as rapidly as possible, and
the proprietors expect to be able to handle most of the wheat on the market, in
about fifteen days.
[DEPOT JOTTINGS.]
Winfield Courier, December 4, 1879.
Agent Garvey and his assistants are
overrun with business.
Over fifteen cars of freight were
received at Winfield station, Saturday. This makes things very lively for the
freight men.
The company have just finished a new
tool-house, near the depot. A paying investment, considering the number of
unprotected tools in and around that place.
The water tank is at last finished, and
is a magnificent one; the water being forced from the river, a distance of over
200 yards, into the tank.
The increased business of the road
necessitates the putting down of more side-track, and a force are now employed
on that work.
The ticket office has just been furnished
with a handsome coupon ticket case, and travelers can now purchase through
tickets to any part of the U. S., at the Winfield station.
As a proof of the immense business being
done by the A., T. & S. F. Co. at this place, 45 car-loads of freight were
sent out last Saturday. Twenty of the cars were loaded with wheat, and
twenty-five with hogs. This isn’t such a bad business for a whistling station.
Business in and around the depot Monday
was exceedingly lively. Over 100 cars were standing on side-tracks, most of
them receiving or discharging freight, while the cries and bustle of the
freight men, draymen, and roustabouts helped to make the scene one of general
activity.
Track-laying on the extension to Arkansas
City has commenced, and Monday afternoon the locomotive crossed the new
bridge. The company have a very large force of men at work, and it is their
intention to push the road right through to the city. At the present writing
the track is laid a mile and a half beyond the bridge, with force enough to lay
a mile per day.
The elevator of Messrs. Simpson &
Fowler, near the depot, is almost completed. The hopper scales, with a capacity
of 400 bushels, and a large patent dustless separator and grader, with a
capacity of 600 bushels per hour, are being put in place. The side track has
been put in by the railroad company, and everything is ready for operation as
soon as the machinery can be placed in position.
[ADELPHI LODGE, NO. 110: OFFICERS FOR
1880.]
Winfield Courier, December 18, 1879.
The officers of Adelphi Lodge, No. 110,
A. F. & A. M., for 1880, are
W. M.: James McDermott; S. W.: M. G.
Troup; J. W.: E. P. Kinne; Treas.: C. C. Black; Sec.: W. W. Perkins; S. D.: R.
C. Story; J. D.: James Simpson; S. S.: S. H. Myton; J. S.: J. C. Roberts; C.:
E. T. Trimble; T.: S. E. Berger.
Winfield Courier, January 15, 1880.
Simpson & Fowler have about completed
their elevator, and will be running at the rate of a car-load an hour in a
short time.
Winfield Courier, January 22, 1880.
Tuesday morning Simpson & Fowler
started up their elevator, and ran through two car-loads of wheat. They are now
ready to handle all the wheat that is brought to them.
[COWLEY DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, February 19, 1880.
The following is a list of cases that
will stand for trial at the adjourned December, A. D. 1879, term of the
district court of Cowley county, beginning on the 4th Monday, February 23, 1880,
and have been placed on the trial docket in the following order.
CIVIL
DOCKET. THIRD DAY.
Simpson
& Stewart vs. M. E. Church.
Note: There was a big gap in coverage
relative to Simpson & Stewart suit against M. E. Church. It makes one
wonder if James A. Simpson and Archie Stewart were on the “outs” with the Winfield
Courier. Could not find outcome of suit!
Winfield Courier, October 6, 1881.
Simpson, Fowler & Co., proprietors of
the elevator, have been doing a big business in wheat the past few weeks. On
Saturday the elevator was crowded with teams and wheat men.
Winfield Courier, July 27, 1882.
J. L. Horning has purchased the Simpson
& Fowler elevator and will go into the wheat market soon. J. L. will make
things boom in the grain business.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 30, 1882.
Mr. J. Simpson and family, of Winfield,
will shortly make their home in Arkansas City.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1882.
Messrs. Stewart & Simpson are kept
busy all the time building and plastering the new edifices that are looming up
all over town.
Winfield Courier, May 24, 1883.
Mrs. James Simpson, now of Arkansas City,
was visiting friends in this city last week.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 30, 1883.
Courier
Clips.
Mrs. James Simpson, now of Arkansas City,
was visiting friends in this city last week.
Mr. Archie Stewart was up from Arkansas
City last Thursday. He is running the Stewart Hotel in that city and keeps the
“boss hotel.” Besides he is contractor
for a large number of buildings all over the county.
Winfield Courier, July 26, 1883.
Mr. James Simpson has returned to
Winfield and is now occupying his home on Tenth Avenue.
Winfield Courier, April 24, 1884.
A
Novel Entertainment.
The gentlemen of the Presbyterian
congregation will give a “Leap-year Basket social” in lecture room of the
church, on Friday evening, April 25th. A good time is anticipated, and all are
invited. The following named gentlemen will compose the various committees.
Chief Cook: H. T. Silver.
2nd Cook: G. S. Manser.
Dish-washers: Messrs. S. S. Linn, A. T.
Spotswood, and T. J. Harris.
Baskets: Messrs. S. A. Cook and H. Beck.
Door: John Curns.
Checks: Hop Shivers.
Sundries: Dr. Kirkwood and J. Croco.
Waiters: Messrs. George Buckman, J. H.
Bullen, and M. G. Troup.
Reception and General oversight: Messrs.
A. E. Baird, Jas. Simpson, and T. B. Myers.
Winfield Courier, May 22, 1884.
Mr. James Simpson has put a large new
house on his quarter block on corner of Menor Street and Tenth Avenue. These
grounds, with their beautiful trees, shrubs, and grasses, are among the most
attractive in the city.
Winfield Courier, July 17, 1884.
Mrs. James Simpson left last week for a
lengthy visit with a sister in Harper County, leaving Jimmy to revel in the
entertaining pastime of “batching it.”
Winfield Courier, October 16, 1884.
James A. Simpson threw in some valuable
assistance during Monday’s rally with some fine music on the fife. Nothing so
enthuses the Old Soldier Republican as the music of the fife and drum.
Winfield Courier, October 30, 1884.
Lost. On Saturday last, a leather watch
guard with gold buckle and a key-stone, or masonic symbol, charm. Finder will
please return to James Simpson or leave at this office.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, June 4, 1885.
Jimmie Simpson left us a twig of Amsden
June peaches Thursday morning. It was twelve inches long and bore twenty
peaches. This will eclipse all other years in fruit production.
[Note: RKW typed up the following notes
years ago...MAW 3/5/2001.]
[From
Winfield Courier, Friday, December 11, 1906.]
James A. Simpson was one of Winfield’s pioneer contractor‑builders,
coming here in 1872 and spending the rest of his days in this community. In the
nearly three years of struggle and effort at settlement that preceded his
coming, the saw and ax had played the principal part in the building of the
town. When an enterprising and resolute firm (Read’s Bank) just founding here a
banking institution intended to be permanent, prepared to build a structure of
brick and stone to house their growing business, it found no competent
mechanics of the trowel and hammer class here to do the work.
Thus it was that Mr. Simpson and his
partner, “Archie” Stewart, were induced to come here to put up the first
building of masonry construction ever erected in Cowley County.
NOTE: “ARCHIE” STEWART IS INCORRECT. HIS
FIRST PARTNER WAS THE BROTHER OF ARCHIE STEWART, JOHN T. STEWART, WHO SOON
RETURNED TO NEW YORK.
In June of 1873, Stewart and Simpson were
awarded the contract and built the first county courthouse.
The July 10, 1874, Winfield Courier, had
the small news article, “Stewart and Simpson have now 100,000 good brick for
sale at $8.00 per thousand, and will have another lot of 100,000 ready inside
of two weeks.”
The subject of this sketch was born in Fermanaugh County, Ireland, in
the year 1846. At the age of twenty‑one, he came to this county going
from New York to Rutland, Vermont. Three years later he came to Carthage,
Missouri, where he remained, until he came here. In 1876 he married Miss Esther
Fowler of this city, a loving and faithful wife, who survives him.
He was brought up in the Episcopal church, but when he came here there
were none of that denomination in Winfield. Accordingly he joined the
Presbyterian church, being one of the charter members of the society at this
place. His whole life was consistently Christian, his conduct based on the
Golden Rule. He was kind and loving in his home, and honest and upright in all
his dealings.
The death occurred the night of Monday, November 12, 1906, from stomach
and bowel trouble. Everything that kind friends and loving hands could do was
done to alleviate his sufferings. The physicians thought an operation might
save him and he was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital. But it was too late, the
disease had ravaged too far, and gangrene had already set in.
When told that there was no longer any hope and hat he had but a short
time to live, he received the tidings with calmness and composure. He was
conscious to the last, and said many comforting things to his loved ones, before
the end came.
The funeral occurred at ten o’clock the forenoon of Thursday, November
15. His pastor, Rev. S. W. Stophlet, preached a very interesting and consoling
sermon from Matt. 11.26; “Even so, Father for so it seemed good in Thy sight.”
Several of his favorite hymns were sung: “When My Life Work is Ended,” “How
Firm a Foundation,” and the like. After the services at the church, the Masons
took charge and he was laid to rest in Union cemetery. The floral offerings
were especially fine.
The out of town kinfolk who
attended the funeral, were his sister, Mrs. Catherine Robinson, from Iowa; and
her daughter, Miss Etta Robinson; and George Fowler, a nephew, from Meade
County, Kansas. There are besides his wife and these named, another sister in
Iowa, and two brothers and a sister in Ireland, and a niece in Winfield.
Winfield Courier, November 17, 1906.
“Jimmy”
Simpson Dead.
James A. Simpson, known to all his
friends as “Jimmy,” died Monday night, November 12, at St. Mary’s hospital in
the fifty-sixth year of his age. He was sick but a few days, being taken
suddenly ill Saturday. Monday his physicians, one of whom had been summoned
from Wichita, decided that it was a case of but a few hours till his death, and
that an operation might save him. The examination disclosed that he had
gangrene of the bowels and all hope was given up.
Mr. Simpson was the pioneer brick mason
and building contractor of Winfield coming in 1872 with Archie [John T.]
Stewart to build Read’s bank, the first brick building in Cowley County. It is
now occupied by N. R. Frantz, and the telephone company. The next year Stewart
and Simpson built the courthouse. Jimmy’s last notable effort in Winfield was
the laying of the last course on the smoke stack at the light plant.
The Winfield Courier supplemental
edition of March 14, 1901, states:
“About (1872) Winfield was in her prime.
Messrs. Read and Robinson were arranging for their new bank on Main street,
being unable to find brick masons to do their work, they sent a covered wagon
overland to Carthage, for Mr. Simpson and his partner, Mr. John T. Stewart.
They came, built the bank, and have remained here ever since. Mr. Simpson,
being a thorough businessman, has accumulated quite a competency and is
considered one of the well to do and honorable men of the city.